Recurve or Compound ?

To the uninitiated, the above statement might have come from advance maths. Actually, the terms refer to types of bow used in archery. Why archery? Coz its part of my try-a-thing-once in a lifetime philosophy.

Hunting instincts have always been ingrained in humans. We’ve come a long way from the Stone Age hunter-gatherer to the sophisticated hunter with equipment that could scope out preys from miles away. Some might say that the hunt itself is more satisfying than getting the prey. Which made me think, how does our forefathers hunt with only some crude equipment? How does one progress from sticks and stones to spears and come out with the initial design of the bow and arrows?

Anyway, I’ve always been fascinated by bow and arrows. I could remember doing one during my childhood. It was a very crude design, with a piece of bent wood and a chord tied across it. And we would have grand time playing hunters or cowboys and Indians. Oh, and there were arrows with suction pads as the point and it would stick to most flat surface. Alas, as one grows up, these are soon forgotten and tucked away in the annals of our memory. Until recently…

A group of friends has arranged an indoor archery session and I gladly accept. As I know nothing about competition archery, the session has been an eye opener. I’ve done target shooting with revolvers before (without earmuffs as those are for wussies ;-) ) hence I found that the techniques of aiming and releasing are similar. But nothing beats the stealth offered by the arrows. Once you’ve drawn your arrow and released the chord, the whoosh sound of your arrow whizzing away and the thud on the scoreboard really makes you feel alive. No wonder they say that the hunt is more thrilling than the kill.

For the beginner, they normally suggest that you take up a compound bow initially as its friendlier to use. It takes a while to get accustomed to the equipment, and using a public bow means that your have to suit your draw-length to the equipment. The sights on public bows are also crude, with draw strength about 25 lbs. This is really light compared to the pros as they are doing 35-55 lbs, but being new to this it feels very heavy. For the pros, their bow is suited only for them, hence you can't pick any of their expensive bows and have a go. Also a word of warning, no DRY FIRING of the bow, meaning shooting without any arrows in place as it might damage the equipment.

So how did I fare that day? Suffice to say that beginners luck really do exists. After a few tries, I manage to get the hang of it and beginning to finish my arrows in the yellow section of the target ( 9 & 10 points ). Then my left arm than starts to feel the strain of holding the drawn bow and it went downhill from there. So my dream of packing it up and starts a new career as Robin Hood or William Tell will sadly, not become true.

Archery for Dummies

Modern day Robin Hood in the making

Not bad for the first try eh!

Serasi Bersama - Nurul & Ajai

semakin hari aku rasalah kita macam makin serasi
kau rasa tak???

semakin hari semakin serasi
bagai pagi dengan sinar matahari
bagai malam dengan kerdipan bintang yang berseri

terlintas saja hati belum ku luahkan
kau dah pun tahu bagai tiada lagi rahsia
antara diri kita berdua

semakin hari semakin serasi
bagai gelora dan laut air dan tasik
tak dicemari bagai puncak dan lembah lereng dan titi

terguris saja hati belum ku tangis ku
dah kau belai seperti sakit ku ini
kau yang terasa jiwa kita serupa

kita bagai satu permata
terbelah bercantum semula hingga langsung tiada terlihat garisnya
pemisah halus rambut dibelah halus

kita bagai satu jiwa
yang bercerai terpatri kembali hingga langsung tiada terlihat lainnya
di dalam hanya ada kekasih hati

ooo kekasih hati ku ooo

Most Compatible Coupe - Pasangan Paling Serasi

What makes a couple compatible? Do they need to be the similar in their appearance, finishing other sentences and dress alike? Of they have their own set of quirks, that complemented each other?

Anyway, attended one dinner with the family where they had this Most Compatible Couple game for couples, meaning they’re drawing names from a box and the ‘lucky’ couple has to be tested for compatibility by providing the same answers to questions asked in public. Lo and behold, our names were called up as the last couple to complete the group. (I believed it was a setup from the beginning)

Up to the stage I went, with dry throat, sweaty palms and pounding heart. This is a game where it could make or break the couple and wrong answers could be devastating for the husband. The wives got the easy end of the deal, as they just wrote their responses on a piece of paper and us, the husbands are expected to get it right. The husbands are expected to respond to the questions asked to the whole floor.

The questions asked, along with my response and the ‘correct’ answer :

Q : What is your wife’s toothbrush colour ?

Me : Orange

A : Purple

Argghhh…I got it wrong for the first q, and would expect to hear about this all my life.

Q : When is your weeding date?

Me : 13 February 1999

A : 13 February 1999

Ok! that was a life saver. Now onto the next question,

Q : What is your favourite food?

Me : Nasi Lemak Sambal Sotong

A : Char Kuey Teow

Dang, got it wrong again. How embarrassing to answer wrongly in front of the crowd.

Q : Where was your first date?

Me : C*******e

A : C*******e

Whooppee…got that one right again. At least I’m better than some of the husbands. Now the final question :

Q : What is the most annoying thing that your husband does ?

Me : Sleeping

A : Getting back late from work

Now that all the answers have been given, we were asked to go back to our places while they tally up scores, and surprise, surprise we are voted as the Most Compatible Couple w.r.t. to the others. At least the win have spared me from constant grilling about wrong answers, but I was still not let off by the first question.

So to the love of my life, from now on I will take note of the colour of your toothbrush.

Return of The King

The King has made his reappearance again. After a long hiatus, The King has finally made his way back to the public. Years ago you could time the appearance of The King by the month, but now The King sets his own schedule. The King is known by many monikers, but to me the names do not matter. What matters is that once he appears, he would strike me in awe.

I wonder what sets this obsession to The King, maybe since I was small I was exposed to his presence. The sight of The King always made me wonder, how something so humble and simple could be so majestic. Just one look at him would make you know that he’s a different breed than the rest. It use to be that only the privileged and connected could have a sitting with The King, but nowadays he’s approachable by all. You simply have to set aside your time and he’s always willing to accommodate.

If you have a private audience with him, you could see why he’s different from the rest. Underneath his crown and deep green robe, you could see the royal yellowish flesh. But the thing that you would notice immediately is his scent. The scent would slowly waft to you stealthily, before tantalizing your senses and made you want to bow in respect to him. The King is not much as a talker, but once you get him to open up he would never shut up. They say that The King would help you keep the cold away, as you would always be warm after an audience with him and I would vouch personally about this. But beware, too much of a good thing would also be detrimental to your health. With The King, one should remember that moderation is the key.

I could not say for how long he would stay this time around. Maybe a month, maybe two, but one thing for sure, his presence would be savored and enjoyed. Welcome back, The King of Fruits.

Angels - Robbie Williams

I sit and wait
does an angel contemplate my fate
and do they know
the places where we go
when we´re grey and old
´cos I´ve been told
that salvation lets their wings unfold
so when I’m lying in my bed
thoughts running through my head
and I feel that love is dead
I’m loving angels instead

and through it all she offers me protection
a lot of love and affection
whether I’m right or wrong
and down the waterfall
wherever it may take me
I know that life wont break me
when I come to call she wont forsake me
I’m loving angels instead

when I’m feeling weak
and my pain walks down a one way street
I look above
and I know ill always be blessed with love
and as the feeling grows
she breathes flesh to my bones
and when love is dead
I’m loving angels instead

and through it all she offers me protection
a lot of love and affection
whether I’m right or wrong
and down the waterfall
wherever it may take me
I know that life wont break me
when I come to call she wont forsake me
I’m loving angels instead

Na na na na na, 'ganu kite!

Map Of Terengganu

Part of my new portfolio was to keep track of performance of equipment installed nationwide. Hence when a problem crop up in Terengganu, I’ve to arrange a visit to the site affected. Also they need to conduct a ‘due deligence’ study on another site, hence I could kill two birds with one stone.

But I’m having problem securing accommodation for the visit, as every place that I called was fully booked up, some up to the end of the month (school vacation coming up next weeks for two weeks). Luckily I could find a room only for a night in some obscure place and decided that I could find accommodation for another night when I’m there.

The journey starts from home at around 7.30 am, after giving Aiman a send off to school. Reached KT around 2.30 pm with lunch in Marang. Managed to secure another night in an off the beaten path chalet in Marang, and also booked a quick trip to Pulau Kapas for snorkeling when the work is over.

Decided to do the ‘tourist’ thing by visiting a batik factory and seeing them manufacture batik. For those of you who don’t know what batik is, here’s a link to help you. Terengganu and Kelantan are major producers of handcrafted batik. In Malaysia, batik is considered a formal wear. The process starts off with djanting, drawing the pattern with the hot wax by hand or stamping, using a mould to draw the wax onto a white sheet of cloth. The pattern is then filled with selected colour and the fabric treated. It is then made into clothing. Browsed through their factory shop, but nothing caught my attention (also the price is a bit steep). I couldn’t remember the whole process but for consolation, I did it during my form three art class.

Noor Arfa Batik Factory

Batik Demonstration Area

Mek 'ganu using djanting technique

Abe 'ganu using the stamping technique

After the batik factory visit, I went to find the motel where I’m supposed to stay in for the night. KT is not really a hard place to drive in but you could get lost in it. Managed to find it only to find that the room is not ready yet. Decided to go to Pasar Payang to find some batik for my nearest and dearest. Managed to find one that fits the criteria – ‘deep and rich color’ and unique (well at least to my untrained eye it met the criteria) plus I’m paying so it shouldn’t matter much.

From previous visits, food in KT has always been off-the-mark for me, so prior to the trip, I’ve asked a few friends for pointers as what to do and where to avoid. For dinner managed to find somewhere decent near Gong Badak, where the catch of the day truly lives up to its name. Somehow my confidence in KT food is slowly regaining.

After spending the next day to work, have decided to take time off myself and enjoy what nature has to offer in Terengganu. Terengganu is blessed with pristine coastline, but being on the East Coastand facing the open sea, the beaches are somewhat more hazardous than the ones on the west coast. But they do have several Islands renowned for their snorkeling and scuba diving site and some of it have been gazetted as marine parks.

So far I’ve never tried snorkeling at any of the islands, but I’m taking the plunge today. So after a hearty breakfast at Marang Jetty, I set off to Pulau Kapas by a speed boat. I was somewhat surprised to see that there's lots of people heading towards Pulau Kapas, only to find out later that they're having an independence day celebration kick-off in Terengganu by a display of underwater unveiling of Jalur Gemilang.

When I got to the snorkelling spot, I was alone in the area. According to the boat driver, it's not yet the holidays and I might spend the whole day alone there. Also, there were loads of jellyfish in the area, hence he tried to persuade me to go to the other side of the island where the jetty was and have a swim there. But, I decided to have a go there and arranged for pickup about two hours later.

The secluded spot - all to myself

Gem Island Resort

Outline of a black tip shark - 10 feet from the water's edge

Fishes, big juicy fishes, - gollum, gollum

Friendly fishes not afraid of human contact, some even bit me

View of Pulau Kapas from the jetty

The dreaded jellyfish, appeared in throngs after a 4 year hiatus

For me the visit is worth the time spent. There you could see the beauty of nature in it's glory. But, from what I could gather, two other snorkelling spot was spoilt due to human's indefference attitude when snorkelling. The last spot was still ok, but way far from its previous glory. Steps have been taken such as banning flippers when snorkelling, but somehow I think more effort should be made to preserve the gift of nature for our future generation.

Of Mentors and Mentees

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve always had some subordinate under me, the ones that I could orders around and have them scurry with their tasks (evil laugh). But as much that I would like to see them suffer under all the work loaded up to them, I would also like to impart some knowledge and let them build good foundation for their career.

Some of them are under the impression that they’ve achieved well academically, they’re equipped to enter the work environment. With the 3.7++ CGPA’s, they think that they simply would have a meteoric rise once working. Wrong!!! University does not equip you to manage people and emotions. They do not teach emotional intelligence at uni which I personally think they should.

Hence as a mentor I would like my ‘padawan’ to develop the sense of wanting to learn and establish :

1. Good and Sound Technical foundation for running Daily Operations
2. Better Interpersonal Skill

So the two of you, don’t fret when you’re being scolded by your techs, customers or even your superiors. Take it as character building and build up your EQ. Even if your position warrants respect, you still have to EARN your respect.

To those things that I’ve asked you to do :

1. fence that I’ve asked you to climb (even thought there’s an opening nearby)
2. the tower wagon that I asked you all to climb
3. the endless switching and restoration
4. arrangements of gensets
5. fault locating, repairs and testing
6. attending meetings especially with local MP
7. handling complaints
8. endless questions about ratings, equipment, work methods
9. face a grieving family

are part of character building and should be taken as such.

At this stage, you need to cover the grounds quickly and keep the experience. You will draw a lot on your experience as you progress in life. You’re lucky that somebody wants to help and nuture, not like some old skool mentor where you’re thrown into the deep end and left to swim or sink. Even though I’ve lost in sudoku (ONCE! – I demand a rematch), couldn’t score in futsal or sing to save my life, I hope that I’ve set an example that you could utilize. To Z**d And A**e, all the best in your future undertaking and I know you could be one of the better execs.

Busy at work carrying out tasks ( or pretending to do work ? )

Master of All but King Of None

Firstly I would like to say ‘Alhamdullillah’ as I’ve been promoted to a more senior level management, hence my new job title would allow me to use the ‘Senior’ designation. So far in my working life I’ve been entrusted to be a manager, whereas there has always been some subordinates, ranging from 30 to 120. With this promotion, I’ve been pulled out of Operations and more into setting of policy for my division. But with the new portfolio, the task is expanded to nationwide whereas the number of subordinate become none, zilch, nada, kosong, big fat zero.

For the first time in my working life there’s nobody reporting to me…my realm has been expanded nationwide but I have to rule it alone. I feel so ‘alone’ in the sense that nobody for me to give orders to.

In my last post, I’ve been given two new execs to groom to my liking, plus about 120 of technical staff to manage. Hence I could just my orders have them executed, whether they like it or not. Granted that I still have a boss to report to (even now), the smaller units have their own leader to handle the daily operations but nothing beats the sense of power that you have over them. J. Now even though I’ve gotten a promotion, but in my new place I’m the second lowest ranking officer around. Even the clerks yield more power than me. I remember one Senior GM remarked that his PA is even busier than him as she was always MIA and he couldn’t do a thing about it.

So far I’ve been coping with it although there’s still no signs of PDS ( Power Deficiency Syndrome ), but along with the moves there’s some benefit especially on the family front. For the last year and a half, I’ve been commuting almost 100km daily to and fro the workplace, hence it was a 7am-8pm job. That does not include emergency where you’ll be called out in the middle of the night or on your day off. Now it’s only about 10 km trip to the new office. It’s great to have more time to spend with the family esp. the lil ‘un is growing rapidly everyday.

Happy Birthday Abah !

Had a birthday do for Abah last Wednesday...Happy 60th Birthday Abah!

Imagine what it must feel like reaching that number. It's going to be 28 years more for me. By then I hoped to lived up life as much as my father had. Great to see the family around, except for my youngest sister. She's gone off to 'Dunia Baru' doing TESL. (frankly speaking she should be doing japanese as that's the most material in her IPOD).

A bit about dad ... born on the 2nd August 1946 at Kg Baru, Kuala Lumpur. Had his primary schooling in Kg Baru while his secondary schooling at St John's Institution, where he was the sepak takraw captain & band member, a talent that none of his off spring inherited. Was fortunate to be sent to ole blighty for his degree in Mechanical Engineering, stayed somewhere in stratford but the house couldn't be located anymore, believe me we've looked for it quite a few times.

Favourite activities was doing the down the memory lane trip especially after some night out in KL. (even did that in the UK). Now still working as cannot stay still at home. Has two cats as pets ( but one was sadly being thrown out of the house as its committed the 'ultimate sin').

Anyway all the best to the greatest father on the planet, Hj Shamuri Amat Waridi. (p.s. not the Hj Samuri of Satay Kajang fame).

pics will be uploaded soon so for the time being just imagine some pics of people blowing candles on a cake just about here.

Our Sabah Holiday - May 2006 - Part 1

Sabah..negeri dibawah bayu. It all started with the "now everyone can fly" airline promo, where the tickets are f.o.c and you only pay for the airport tax. Managed to secure the dates and upon checking the price, it came to RM80/person, total RM240 for the 3 of us. SWEET.... so KK here we come....

The itinerary was as follows :
1 st night - stay in KK & had dinner with CJ & Ustaz
2 nd day - went to Tenom, where BIL stays- he's a teacher there
3rd day - Back to KK
4th day - made way to Kota Belud & Kundasang
5th day - Kundasang, Ranau & Poring
6th day - KK and flight home

Seafood Galore

For our first night in KK, our friend CJ & Ustaz took us out for dinner at this place called Atlantis. It was a nice place to dine in plus the seafood selection there was superb. Had 1 kg of live tiger prawns (half cooked/half boiled), 1 lobster abt 1.3 kg (very big), 1 coral trout plus sayur sabah. It was our first me trying out sayur sabah and instantly we're hooked. really had a great meal so much so that the little 'un declared that he wants lobster every day ( botaklah kepala bapak dia kalau macam tu )...thanks CJ & Ustaz, we owe you a treat when you're coming over. of course the seafood wont be the same but we still owe u nonetheless.

Tenom

We rented a car when we are there as we like to dictate our own place and like to stop in off-the-beaten-path places. Here's a view after Gunung Emas on our way to Tenom. The road leads up to the Crocker Range and this is at the top of the hill before we make our way down to Tambunan. The mountainous terrain really did our rented car ( Wira 1.5A) a challenge. The most that I could make of it is 60 kmh.


The view on the drivw up the Crocker Range was nothing but breathtaking. The winding roads soon made way to a lovely view at the top. After stopping to take some piccies, we made our way down to Tambunan, where we had our lunch.

Tenom's claim to fame was their Borneo Railway, their Agriculture Park in Lagud Seberang and their coffee. Do stop at one of the coffee factory and have a taste. Its simply superb, so much so that I started drinking coffee again. We took about 8 packets of various coffee mix home.



We truly enjoy the visit to the Agriculture Park. Aiman had all the space in the world that he could run until he ran out of steam. Khairy, being the ever gracious host proved to be a well known personality in town. There was never a minute that passes without anybody honking or greeting him. That's the advantage of being a teacher in TENOM.

Below are some pics from the Agriculture park in Tenom.

A rafflesia bud.
Maybe takes another 7 months to bloom. Once bloomed, will last only around 5 days.

Now Listening : Dealova by Once

aku ingin menjadi mimpi indah dalam tidurmu

aku ingin menjadi sesuatu yang mungkin bisa kau rindu

karena langkah merapuh tanpa dirimu

oh karena hati tlah letih

aku ingin menjadi sesuatu yang selalu bisa kau sentuh

aku ingin kau tahu bahwa ku selalu memujamu

tanpamu sepinya waktu merantai hati

oh bayangmu seakan-akan

Chorus :

kau seperti nyanyian dalam hatiku

yang memanggil rinduku padamu

seperti udara yang kuhela kau selalu ada

hanya dirimu yang bisa membuatku tenang

tanpa dirimu aku merasa hilang

dan sepi, dan sepi

repeat chorus [2x]

31st of the month…time to INDULGE into PASSION…

I used to wait for the 31^st of the month with abated breath. But for the last few years things have been hectic and priorities start to change. But it all changed yesterday, where the flame is rekindled again. Saw her in the news and couldn’t wait to be with her again.

Had to be away from the office for the day and been thinking about it on the outward flight. Managed to sneak in a few minutes online and hope to meet after the return flight. Rushed to the specified rendezvous point and there she was…so delectable after all these years. Still hadn’t changed a bit. Could still remember the smooth silky complexion, the icy cold stare but the touch that could melt away your sorrows.

The choice of place was understandable, public so no scene could be created. Wanted to be alone but after all these years, things are bound not to be the same again. Been watching from the corner to see whether things are what they used to be before deciding to pick up the courage to meet. Hard to make of things in the midst of all the chaos, so the reunion was not as what I expected it to be. Finally, managed to convince that it would be better to continue in the confines of my humble abode, away from prying eyes.

Didn’t speak at all on the way back, as my heart starts to thump and my throat feels dry, anyway it was only a short drive home. Upon reaching home, the feelings that have been contained all these years was flooding out of me, my senses have been lost in my LUST. To touch, to taste, to savour the moment as if none in the world have ever experienced before. She’s wearing her work standard issue uniform and it wasn’t long before it was removed. There it were, succulent and creamy mounds. The touch to the lips brings my raging lust into overdrive. There’s definitely touching, licking, things that are blurry to me then. I’m lost in my own sensation until the reality hit me, OMG what have I done? What have you made me do? Only then that I saw my wife and my son staring at me. What have you turned me into? I don’t want to lose them to you and I also don’t want to lose you. I had to make a choice now but you are soooooo gooooodd and I could have you anywhere, not just to the confines of my bedroom.

I have to set things straight with my family. I confessed that I still loved them but my heart is divided now. I can’t seem to let you go but I have to. Sharing the man she loved must have been a heartbreaking moment for my wife. But she impose that sharing has to be done to maintain our matrimony vows. You came out behind me, sheepishly smiling at my wife and son. In your ravaged and almost spent state. My shame has been to the moon and back. The secret is out in the open and I have to live with it. It must have been hard for them, but they accepted the fact that I have to be share. With a heavy heart, I……….

shared with the family my tub of Baskin Robbins.