1 Rice Bowl

Adapted Copied from Maybank National Day advertisement

 

 

O, rice, tell us your secret; how do you get on so well with anyone?

One moment you’re mingling with a fiery mutton varuval. The next, you’re with slices of succulent Ipoh chicken.

And every morning, you never miss meeting up with ikan bilis, sambal and egg for breakfast.

At our big celebrations, you are always there celebrating right along with us.

For Raya, you join your friends to bring us ketupat and lemang.

Deepavali won’t be the same if you didn’t put on your brightest colors to make the kolam.

And every Chinese New Year’s eve, you help to bring home family from far and wide.

As for Gawai and Kaamatan, you’re the reason everyone is celebrating.

Perhaps you’re secret is that you don’t choose – it doesn’t matter if we use chopsticks, fork and spoon, or hands. You’re just happy to share a meal with us.

Today, as we sit down to share a meal with our families, we’ll be thinking of just how blessed the last 52 years have been.

And you’ll be right there reminding us, once again, about the true secret of our country.

That we all share 1 rice bowl – the one filled, grain by grain, by the sacrifice, hard work and unity of those who came before us.

And we share 1 responsibility – to continue filling it, together, for those who will come after.

We are Neighbours

I got a surprised visit from a guest today. She appeared at the door of my office this afternoon. She has such a familiar sweet face that I spent a few seconds trying to fit a name to that face. O shucks… That’s Dr Hani, my neighbour. It had been 3 weeks I moved into Slim River quarters and we met at the punch card zone, only a few days ago. ‘So, we finally meet.’ Yeah, after the issues concerning Meow Meow.

To what do I owe the honor today?

She helped herself in as I gave her a surprised ‘Hello’.

Dr Hani took a chair in a friendly and approachable manner, and got down to business. She spoke to me about toilet cleaning in our clinics. O yea, the medical clinic and the dental clinic is a joint centre, thus Polyclinic Slim River. As she was speaking, I duly noted that the topic of our conversation was truly… unexpected. Toilet cleaning? Anyway, I nodded periodically.

‘So how are you staying around here?’ Dr Hani changed topic.

Huh? I gave her some polite and politically correct answers.

‘You know, I was working in Terengganu before this. The town there was way smaller, and I stayed in a quarter that is EVEN BIGGER than this one in Slim River. And I was staying alone, so I understand how you feel.’ She volunteered.

We were exchanging little talks. Just trying to be friendly, and didn’t expect much.
Until she said.

‘I think you should have my number.’ Caught by surprise, I literally fumbled to retrieve my handphone.

Dr Hani stood up to leave. ‘You know, if there is anything, you can just come over to my family-my house. No need to be shy. We are neighbours.’

Wow. I am quite speechless. I deem myself as a fair conversationalist, but this time I honestly don’t remember much of my own gibberish, but remember almost sentence Dr Hani said. Dr Hani, a malay muslim just extended friendship and muhibbahness to a lonely neighbour Chinese Christian. If I should come up with a 1Malaysia example, this is it.

Trust or No Trust

Talk about a Roha, a staff nurse in my clinic.
She made the very first impression on my very first day of my work in Slim River even before I punched in. She called in early in the morning to tell me that she would be taking the day off. Ah, come one. Day offs are workers’ right, I wouldn’t deny what belongs to her.

Roha is a person who speaks with courtesy. In fact, sometimes I have the impression that she is intimidated by me, because she will stutter when she speaks to me. When she asks favor from me. Or rather, could it be that she stutters because she’s not speaking of the whole truth?

She got a transfer to another state. So, we were working together for half a month. Something I am quite thankful for, because she had brought quite an unfair share of issues to me in such a short time. To quote some, she took many leaves to settle her car acquisition. She left some unfinished business for her fellow staff nurses. Actually, she came to me with her unfinished business, but other senior nurses protected me and covered her. Her colleagues have to do what she left, and worse, redo what she had done wrong. No… Roha is not a bad person. I am trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. She even came to me, stuttering (no, she does not normally stutter!), asking me as a boss, to certify that she is a staff nurse, for her car loan. I just did, I was kind.

But dang it all, her transfer is delayed for another half a month. Good. Finish your own jobs and pass them properly to the next person. Then came another personal problem of hers. Her car loan was rejected. Now, she needs me to certify her papers for another bank this time. She might have questionable financial strength, and I gave her a mini financial lecture in my room, not really sure if she needs it. Probably she really does. The thing that I wasn’t comfortable with is, why do I have to certify her as my staff when she is leaving next week? I wanted to pass the buck to headquarters. Because there is a question mark regarding her integrity. However, being the kind and trusting person I am, I don’t want to put her through the hassle of going to and fro HQ with menial papers. It might take days to process. So, I certified her and swallowed the responsibilities.

And I hope deep in my heart that she won’t surface again with many weird requests and favors from me. Stutter or not. (Yikes, as I am typing this in the office, Roha just appeared with the time-off book!). In some ways I am trying draw a clear line between being helpful and being manipulated.

No… I don’t think she is a bad person. Just some mismanagement here and there. Oh yea, I forgot to explain she has a split personality, under medication. The reason of my entry today is to trust or not to trust. Because right here, on my table is a container of curry vegetable which Roha had cooked and thoughtfully packed for me. I am humbly appreciative. But I can’t get rid of the devilish thought wondering if the food had been tampered with!! I honestly wonder if it is safe for me to consume. What if after eating it, tomorrow I am signing cheques for her? Lolz… God forgive me.
I choose to trust her. And deep in my heart, sincerely wish her well in her life in a new place, even though I am not comfortable with her and her pesky requests… I will give thanks for the added dish, and eat them tonight with rice.

Chinese finally Appeared

After working in Slim River for 3 weeks, I do wonder, where are the Chinese? I’ve met a fair share of Malays and Indians, but where are the Chinese? And I thought I heard someone told me that Chinese are predominant in Slim River.

Over the last weekends (which I spent in KL, which was awesome), I did some thinking and searching and deciding and surrendering. Part of the quarter life crisis questions were still left unanswered, but best surrendered to the great One up there. Whatever is there in Slim River for me, so be it.

Previously, I already judged it as a dead and boring town. My life revolves, sadly, only around work, and weekends. After work, there is no life. Until the next day, when I will go to work again. Until Friday, I would be exceptionally happy and prepare to cruise the highway to go somewhere to live life.
So over the weekend, I am being reminded of being ineffective and unfruitful. Like I am an oxygen taker in this earth and give nothing back in return. So, what about the many well-wishings ?

‘Alexis, you’ll be alright there.’ Dr Christina, a colleague.
‘Go kick some ass in Slim River.’ Vern
‘You’ll make a difference wherever you will go.’
‘People in Slim River are just so lucky to have you…’

Come to think of all these words of encouragement, there is a big drop of sweat breaking from my forehead. And a wary smile. Is that so…? Then what am I doing here?
Isn’t life bigger than just merely working?

You gotta be passionate about that.
mmm… I haven’t been exactly passionate about the people in Slim River who called me Dr. I should, for not only they are fellow Malaysians like me, they are God’s people too. Alright Big Man, use me to impact Slim River then.

So today is an Outpatient day. And the Fasting Month Ramadhan began last Saturday. As natural trend, patients count dropped significantly. Those who came are mostly…. Yes, you guessed it, Chinese.

To be able to meet Chinese patients consecutively and able to communicate their comfy language made me felt good. From their faces, seems like they are really glad to find a doctor who understands them, and whom they can understand. Initially I put on the work-mode. Soon realizing a slow traffic and the positive respond (I have nothing against people of another race, but seeing some Chinese after so long, made me feel like home) I get from them, without realizing it, I changed mode.

I spoke to them and ask them non-dental questions.
And they shared their stories to me. They shared information with me.
It felt good. Slim River, I am coming.

Denture Day

At Slim River, Fridays are Denture Days. Which means it is a day of wax and fire, impression and trimmings. And also a day whereby my patients are mostly old folks. Today is my official first denture day in Slim River. Old folks have different ways to teach us a thing or two, and also humorous in their own ways.

Makcik

When I returned from the long Friday lunch break, this makcik was the first patient, and we called her into the treatment room around 3pm.
After doing what I need to do for her, she finally requested something I felt that she had kept in her heart for quite some time.

‘May I transfer my case to Tanjung Malim?’

‘Huh, why?’

‘It is very far for me to come to Slim River here…’ said she, like an old lady with glistening eyes that you just can’t refuse a request.

‘But, makcik, is Tanjung Malim nearer?’ I probed.

‘Yes, I passed by Tanjung Malim before I reached here.’ What! Tanjung Malim is about half an hour drive away from Slim River. Makcik continued ‘I left my house around 9 am this morning to catch a bus. I traveled for hours, passed Tanjung Malim and finally reached Slim River at about 12 noon. Then because of the long lunch break, I just waited in the clinic lobby for another 2 hours plus, til you call me into the treatment room.’

All this for dentures? I can’t believe it. This is so wrong, she definitely needed to be referred to a nearer clinic. Good gracious, how can one traveled high and far for two rows of fake teeth! We haven’t even calculate the time she needed to travel back. It’s already one whole day. And not to forget the fact that it takes a few more visits before she can finally take home a completed constructed pair of dentures.

‘Tapi doktor…. If I continue at Tanjung Malim, the next appointment is in November, isn’t it?’

‘About right. That is some 2-3 months from now.’

‘And if I proceed at Slim River?’ huh, and the journey?

‘Ah, we’ll call u next month. By November, your dentures should be ready… but you still need to travel?’

Makcik was thoughtful for a moment. She was really weighting the opportunity costs she has to pay, equalized by really strong incentive. Or perhaps she desires the dentures much more.

‘I will travel. I’d really like to have the dentures soon. I will travel.’

An old makcik, frail and poor. Positive and determined.
I want that dentures no matter what it takes of me! If I have to be steamed in a bus for hours, so be it. If I have to scale through milesss, so be it. How many young people gave up easily even for more important issues in life?

Dr Alexis, you better make a pair of damn good dentures for this makcik.

Another patient Auntee.

This Chinese lady is here to try-in her dentures, still under construction. She is not used to the position of artificial teeth set-up. She wanted an edge to edge front bite.

‘Aunty, you see ar. Normally human teeth ar, the upper row is in front of the down row.’
To make my point, I pulled down my face mask and flashed her my signature smile.

To which she said
‘Wah !!! Your dentures so nice one !!!!’

Storm is Coming

The sky flashes very brightly for a moment. I saw the sharp arrowhead hitting the grass ground right outside of my doors.
In a split second’s time, a deaftening BOOOOOOM was heard, shaking the house.

My ears temporarily went deaf… hontorii
And the pace maker in my cardiac forgot how to function properly. It went fast and slow, skipped a beat, slow, fast and slow…. hontorii

I love rain.
But not the thunder.
Looks like a storm is coming.

Selena’s Convo

Selena had given me, out of everyone in this whole wide world, her precious invitation to enter the convocation hall with her, when she was to receive her Law degree. Each graduate is entitled to only two. Last year, I gave my tickets to mom and dad each, never occurred to me to give them to anyone else.

‘I am truly glad that you’re the one who witness me… to get the scroll. You’re the one supporting me throughout my university years.. More than my family honestly… Thank you for being in my life.’

It’s a truly humbling honor, which I know I cannot say No to.

Beautiful Friday morning, I was carrying a load of smartly dressed lawyers in my car. After sending Selena, Wilsen, Sook Yan and Xiao Min to the gathering hall, I cruised slowly around the compound of University of Malaya, my own alma mater. I have about an hour before I should be inside the Dewan Tuanku Cancelor.

I found a strategic parking space, wound down the window and gunned down the car. Chilling inside the car parked on a field, early in the morning was quite my idea of a great morning. My favourite book was beside me. I flipped to where I last left it.Deuteronomy. Instructions to the people about to enter the Promised land.

Before long, half an hour slipped by. The air was still cool, and the sun was still somewhere beyond the horizon, rising. Time to walk towards DTC. The stalls were already up and selling. I noticed the busiest stall is the flower stall, as a lot of patrons doing the last minute purchase of convocation flowers. I bought fish balls elsewhere, to simply fill the tummy.

Here we are, DTC.
Excellent atmosphere. Somewhat leaving people in awe, and respect. Thankfully I was dressed to the occasion. Slacks and formal top, held a coat in my hand. The ushers were formal, courteous with a ready smile. Totally opposite to the UM guards who just pissed me off 2 days ago.

I handed the invitation card that Selena gave me the night before, to the usher.
‘May I keep it as souvenir please?’ I have to ask.
‘Sure!’

Due to the H1N1 scare, the ushers went the extra mile and prepared evaporating hand washes. Hm… a lot of guests are wearing masks too. I had been asking myself since I can’t remember, does face masks really work? Funny I actually think hand washing is an effective prevention tho.

So I crossed the wing and entered the main hall…

I was here just last year, as one of the person wearing the convocation robe and the square hat. Seated among my graduating classmates, and chattering away. And I knew my parents were seated probably somewhere here last year, where I am sitting today.

Everyone who was in the hall today is proud of someone. Really proud.

Soon enough, the ceremony began.
A grand procession of lecturers and professors marched in. Followed by dean, VIPS and royal dignitaries. They were all wearing robes and hats too. I got a close view of them, because I happened to sit near the path of procession. Honestly, they looked like professors from Harry Potter movies, making an entrance and headed towards the stage for the Welcoming Feast. Faces beaming with pride, robes gently flapping behind them, as they marched in, to the eyes and the stares of many people. It sparked a momentary interest in me to be an academician.
Law students, I must say, reminded me of my own batchmates. I later told Selena as a compliment ‘People of smart faculties, they make a lot of noises, like poorly controlled discipline.’ The law graduates cheered and whistles when their lecturers and professors robed in blue, entered the hall. Other faculties were quieter by far.

After a speech by the Pro-Cancellor, she resumed the convocation ceremony. Selena’s session involved the presentation of scrolls to about 750 graduates, which begun without much ado. They were really time effective with this, as the whole 2009 UM Convocation ceremony is a stretch of 7 days over more than 10 sessions and a total of 6000 plus scrolls recipients.

In a jiffy and much efficacy, lady pro-cancellor had presented to 300 graduates. Graduates lined up below the side of the stage, checked the smart card, trotted up to the side of the stage, waited for their names to be announced, trotted towards pro-cancellor, bowed, take the scroll with both hands, and trotted down the other side of the stage. All in all, stage time per graduate is less than 10 seconds. Meaning, they are calling names in less than 10 seconds interval.

Law graduates are the last faculty to receive their scrolls this session, and Selena being recipient number #708. Honestly, come to think of it now, it was quite a long wait. But at that moment, I can’t help but caught a glimpse of how my parents must have felt when they were here witnessing me last year.

Truth is, I don’t feel that 707 recipients before Selena is a long wait. With each passing recipient, I was patiently anticipating for her turn to be on stage. Don’t mind at all! Took leave, traveled miles, spent days in PJ, just to witness the 10 seconds of my dear sister on the stage receiving the scroll and then marched down. Yes, we used to joke Walla, studied 4/5 years with all blood, sweat and tears… just for this 10 seconds on the stage!

My mom and dad flew across the South China Sea, forgoing a few days of business, booked hotel, and other hoo-has just to see me on the stage for 10 seconds. And with that, swollen with pride too.

I believe today was a great and happy day for all graduates. I felt excellent too.

I thanked Selena again, for asking me to be her witness in such a life-turning event. Basically to thank her for allowing me to be part of her life.

Then I miss my parents. I can’t help but give thanks to God for wonderful mom and dad. Thank you, memek and babee. I love you both.

Good bye, buddy.

I tiptoed over Meow Meow, my dog, trying not to wake him in his nap. I tied him at the back of the house, because unfortunately, he can’t be seen in this malay community. Looking closely at Meow Meow’s head and face, I realized that I put him in a mosquitoes infested area. Mosquitoes were flying around his head, as his ears twitched subconsciously.

 

I reached for Meow Meow’s feeding bowl. I don’t normally give him a hearty lunch, but today I will. The gentle steps of my feet stirred him anyway. He stretched and slowly came towards me, with the tail wagging.

 

He’s a puppy who needed attention. Although I noticed him, I pretended not to. I took his bowl into the house and pour a rimful of dog bites for him. There will be no need to save the food for him.

 

‘Dr Soo. I need to speak to you. It’s regarding your pet….’ O my gosh. Is Meow Meow such an issue that it finally reached the attention of my boss?! And my boss is about 50 miles away from Slim River. Somebody reported.

 

I opened the back door, and slid the bowl under the door grill. The bowl landed right in front of Meow Meow. Dig in, baby! But he didn’t, to my surprise. He stuck his head in between the grills, cocked it sideways and looked at me with his dark black eyes. Totally ignoring the food at his feet.

 

Aw, come on. He wants a company. He wants to play more than he wants to eat. Or maybe he knows that he has to go away. Like usual, Meow Meow doesn’t make much sound. It’s hard to figure what he’s feeling. I held my hand in front of him, he licked it, as if finding my hand more delicious than the lamb flavored bites.

 

‘Bye Meow Meow…’ I’m going to be alone again. Although you had been with me for only a week. You’re a friend. You made me get out of my bed early (to feed you), return home during lunch times (to feed you again), get home from work on the dot (to feed you again), reduced my appetite (because you share my dinner), waiting for night fall so I can release you from the chains for a while. And oh yes, you love to run at high speed, darting to and fro, slicing the side of my feet and I was sure one day, you’re going to accidentally ram on my legs. You love the open air, I know, and that is something you won’t be able to get back in Ipoh.

 

Don’t ignore the food. I took some of the bites on my palm and held it in front of Meow Meow, which he ate slowly. Soon, he diverted his attention and slowly chew on the food at his foot. He kept looking up at me. I think he wishes to play with me more than enjoying the food I had for him.

 

I am not too good a master. I backed away into the house slowly, keeping the door ajar. After a few seconds, I peered out and found Meow Meow sitting still, looking at me, food at his feet.

 

Aw, come on, darling.

I closed the back door for good. As usual, he didn’t make a sound.

 

Solituding at Slim

Right now, I am exhausted. Freshly out of the bathroom, I slumped on the new poshy fur chair and after a few minutes, found myself difficult to get up from that magnetic chair.

I just came back from Hospital Slim River at 9pm. Yeah… I am on call. Just as I was ready to release Meow Meow and play with him, the phone rang, summoning me to the Accident and Emergency department.

Let’s talk about food. Susah nak cari makan at Slim River. Literally hard to find a simple pack of food. For example yesterday. I put on a simple T and shorts, and I drove out to hunt for any Chinese shops nearby. I’d like to have Chinese food on my first day. Slim River is just a main road. Imagine my quarters is in the middle. I went left and drove slowly. Most of the Chinese shops are closed. Just when I would consider to settling for Muslim mamak, I realized that my pants are hot. This little dingy town might not be used to such sights. So, I must find a Chinese shop! Partly because I don’t believe that one single Chinese restaurant is so damn hard to come by in Slim River. I went too far to the left. So I made a U-Turn, passed my quarters and started to hunt at the right zone. Finally, one open restaurant !!

‘What have you got here?’ Before the shop owner reply, I already decided to have it anyway.

And oh, did I mention that Slim River food is SO expensive?

Claypot chicken rice = RM 6 (Ipoh = RM 4.50)
Chicken rice = RM 3.50 (Ipoh = RM 2.80 – RM 3.50 max)
Economy rice = RM 6 (Ipoh = RM 3.00)
Nasi goring Kampung = RM 4.70 (Ipoh = RM 3.50)

Aw come on, for goodness’ sake, Slim River is such a small town! I swear I finished exploring it in less than an hour. Just because it’s closer to KL, it doesn’t warrant them to charge like KL. How come? Earn little, spend a lot, saves zero. Inflation?

Let’s talk about Meow Meow. Meow2 is my dog. Yeah… Like Vern said, I am giving him an identity crisis. Meow2 is just a puppy, a little big for its age tho. So about a week ago, I picked Chayro up from Aunty Agnes’ place. I put him inside a box and locked him inside the bonnet.
We reached Cempaka (my Ipoh house) uneventful. I popped the bonnet, and looked at Chayro properly for the first time. He’s a handsome puppy. All through the journey, he never made a sound, only peed a little. I let him down on the ground, he was afraid to move about, and even refused to enter our Cempaka front porch. Dumb dog.

My housemate then, Poh Tee, came out and played with him. Like puppies, Chayro was excited and playful. After a few minutes, Poh Tee asked me a Million Dollar Question.
‘Erm… Is your dog dumb? He never barks.’

Like lightning zapped my mind with temporary blinding lights, it suddenly occurred to me. Chayro is not just a dumb dog, he is a DUMB dog! A muted mutt. Indeed, I never heard him bark!

As I delayed answering Poh Tee and pondering on the possibility that he is really really dumb, Poh Tee asked ‘Did he bark when you put him in the bonnet, and drove all the way here?’

That’s the thing…. No, he didn’t bark. For a moment, my liking towards Chayro turned to disliking. A.K.U… Anjing Kurang Upaya. I took home an imperfect puppy. The imperfect puppy looked at me with its beautiful dark innocent eyes, and I wonder if he felt what went on in my mind. If he is dumb (dumb as in unable to bark), God made him dumb and it isn’t a mistake. I decided to keep him, whatever. Being alone in Slim River, it is better to have a friend. Man’s best friend.

Poh Tee and I tried to irritate Chayro and make him bark. Soon, Pik San came to join us. None of us have ever encounter a dumb dog in our lives. So it was hard to accept initially, Poh Tee and Pik San believe Chayro can bark. Pik San even spoke to him ‘Guppie, bark quick. Other wise your owner thinks you are dumb!’

Alrighty Chayro is so tricky to pronounce anyway. Henceforth, you are going to be Meow Meow. You won’t bark, it’s alright. Hopefully as I keep calling you Meow2, you might actually start to meow and get us both on TV, making us millionaires.

You and I, Meow2. Off to Slim River, we go!

Solituding at Slim River

I am no longer a FYDO anymore.
I’m a senior officer, posted to Slim River. Given the task to shoulder the responsibilities as an in-charge, more known as Yang Menjaga aka Boss.

The past few days were a flash. I took a long weekend from Thursday, to pack, say Goodbye to Ipoh, move to Slim River. Mom and dad flew over to help. In terms of physical energy, getting their hands dirty, and more significantly, financially.

Parents.
I told them not to come. I appreciate their intention but still… Hello, I am 26 already. They were there when on the first day of kindergarten. They were there when I entered primary school. I remember mom peering from the window. Dad came with me when I started Form 6 in Malacca High. They both came and checked-in University Malaya with me. They both came when I reported to duty a year ago, on my first day of work as Dr Alexis in Ipoh. And now, moving to Slim River, who am I kidding, they are still here to walk me through. Perhaps in the sight of parents, the daughter is always 6, entering kindergarten.
They didn’t do the same thing to my brothers!

Sometimes I wish they would haunt my brothers more, and leave me a few moments for myself. I could never forget dad telling us a story about uncle.
“Poor thing uncle. Raised his son and hoped in him. Uncle went to Penang to visit him and the son said ‘I will only accompany you for this cup of tea. After that, I am busy.’”
Dad never knew I remember this story, and made a permanent mental note not to do the same thing.
Well, it hurts me also when they think I am not able to get things done on my own. Thing is, when they come to see Ryan and Peter, they are comfortably honest to tell mom and dad that they are not free. Why can’t I do the same?

‘Aw dad, I need to work. There’s an important project going on, due next week.’ Ryan
‘Ha? I got Kara-oke o… Soli soli.’ Peter

Although I am 100% that Ryan and Peter’s method of message deliverance is smoother than the hurtful retort of our cousin.
This time, again for the umpteenth time, mom and dad booked tickets without confirming the dates with me. Who cares? The daughter always drops everything and come to them. Enough lar….
Mom booked a family trip to Macau without asking if the dates are OK with me. Well no! It clashes with Hope Convention and LifeGame 25th Anniversary, the 2 events that I really don’t wanna miss. In my heart, I really wanna throw the Macau tickets to their faces. Not because I don’t want to go, it is because my own life or opinion does not matter. As long as they step in, my life is fine? But after deliberation and thoughts, I still choose to go along to Macau. Torn. I rather hurt myself than to hurt them. But I’m letting mom know this is a difficult decision, and to me, a sacrifice.

And now, here they are again. Katak yin! Sticky people.
(As I am typing this, I do wonder why am I upset over a blessing)

Last Saturday, when I managed to steal 1 hour and 24 minutes of precious hours for myself, I just wanted to be alone. I miss God and I miss myself. There were teardrops on the guitar.

After the gentle hidden let-out, time to put on the face and draw some more strength from God.

One of the main factor I dread their visit this time is this. Mom and dad, especially dad, thinks that I am an idiot when it comes to (not) spending. Because he thinks that I don’t like to spend, when I am actually practicing prudence. They bought fridge, carpets, IKEA coffee tables (mind the S), vacuum cleaner, cooker, 2 mops costing RM 35 each (who would buy 2 mops?!), and etc. Like I am going to stay in Slim River forever!
O yes, these are luxury and for my comfort, yes I know, thank you. But still.
Again, my opinion was rarely taken into consideration. OK fine, I’ll just enjoy what your cash can do. They need a course on Love Language. Mine is acts of service. Finally, to move everything into my new quarters, it involved 3 car loads, 1 mini lorry to send further furniture, and another loadful of car for new supermarket items.

I havent’s finish ranting, but I am so tired, I’m gonna leave this as it is, and crash to my (thank God) old mattress.