Clipart: E.T. Hand-HEILAND STARK / Magic Wand-JHNRI4 /
Rana01-Architetto-Franc-03r & Rana03-Architetto-Franc03r-ANONYMOUS
Cartoon Frog-ROLAND81 / AL Hands Up-CYBERGEDEON
"I am free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally" - W. C. FIELDS
March 19, 2011
March 18, 2011
My Second Daughter
IT has been some time since Nek Yong last wrote a post in NFM. It’s the weather. It’s making my bones go clickety clack day and night.
But this evening, my bones are giving me a break. They seem to be on best behaviour. So I’m taking a few minutes to rush off a post to NFM.
Nek Yong has written several posts in the past and they are mostly about the brat of the house – the elder daughter. Tonight’s post is on the younger daughter, who came home from work today extraordinarily early.
Usually, she doesn’t finish work till after 9pm or the early hours of the morning because of the nature of her job. The minute she steps into the office by 10am she would be in-front of her computer till it is time to close for the day, whatever time that may be.
When the doorbell rang Nek Yong ran out to see who it was. Expecting a guest, I was surprised to find her instead. As is expected of a mother, I started fussing over her, shooting panicky questions: “Are you ok?”, “What’s wrong?”, “You ill again?”
She had that wicked grin. It was pretty obvious she was enjoying watching me panic, as always.
Nek Yong worries about this daughter a lot. Not because she is not capable of looking after herself. She is, on the contrary, a very independent woman. The issue with her is that she often gets sudden bouts of dizziness. And when she does, it can get real bad. Like the whole house will just spin and she starts vomiting and going pale as death.
We’ve been to the doctors for thorough check-ups and every time we come home with a negative – she’s not ill, which is positive news, really.
Nek Yong’s biggest scare happened when this daughter was about 12 years old. Remember that time when Malaysia was experiencing the haze? That was such a traumatic period for both of us.
The baby of the house who is always behaving more like the big sis was badly affected by the haze. Even when she wore the mask to school and whenever she was outdoors, the haze hit her hard.
At odd hours of the day she would choke so badly that it appeared someone was strangling the life out of her. There were times when I had to take emergency leaves or rushed home from the office, speeding like a mad bullet on the highway to get to her for fear that that one choke would be the last I saw of her.
The haze gave her excessive phlegm in her chest and despite the regular checks at the doctors and the medications given it took very long to clear. The choking was always aggravated at night, probably because of the cold.
One of the worse things about the infection she got from the haze was that there wasn’t any warning when it attacked. When the phlegm thickened in the chest she would just suddenly choke and she would turn blue all of a sudden.
Can you imagine a mum’s fear when suddenly in the middle of the night while we were both asleep you just suddenly hear a gasping voice trying to call out to you for help? And when I got up I’d see her struggling from bed, grabbing anything and everything she could hold on to as she fought hard to reach me, who happened to be just nearby.
Nek Yong was then a struggling single mother fighting hard to raise her two girls well. And I feel most blessed that I now see them as career ladies with a mind of their own.
My girls, they are my life. The very thought of me going through this life without them kills me instantaneously. If God were to make anyone ill, let it be me, not them. That’s Nek Yong’s constant prayer.
And yes, we got through those obstacles, those difficult most trying moments. And looking at her now as she sat at the dinner table making fun of my obsession with a sparkling clean house, it brought me tears inside knowing God has been kind to me and has allowed my girl to still be around when I’m almost turning into a grandma.
To my girls who are my pillars of strength, I hope I am a great mum, if not the best ;)
But this evening, my bones are giving me a break. They seem to be on best behaviour. So I’m taking a few minutes to rush off a post to NFM.
Nek Yong has written several posts in the past and they are mostly about the brat of the house – the elder daughter. Tonight’s post is on the younger daughter, who came home from work today extraordinarily early.
Usually, she doesn’t finish work till after 9pm or the early hours of the morning because of the nature of her job. The minute she steps into the office by 10am she would be in-front of her computer till it is time to close for the day, whatever time that may be.
When the doorbell rang Nek Yong ran out to see who it was. Expecting a guest, I was surprised to find her instead. As is expected of a mother, I started fussing over her, shooting panicky questions: “Are you ok?”, “What’s wrong?”, “You ill again?”
She had that wicked grin. It was pretty obvious she was enjoying watching me panic, as always.
Nek Yong worries about this daughter a lot. Not because she is not capable of looking after herself. She is, on the contrary, a very independent woman. The issue with her is that she often gets sudden bouts of dizziness. And when she does, it can get real bad. Like the whole house will just spin and she starts vomiting and going pale as death.
We’ve been to the doctors for thorough check-ups and every time we come home with a negative – she’s not ill, which is positive news, really.
Nek Yong’s biggest scare happened when this daughter was about 12 years old. Remember that time when Malaysia was experiencing the haze? That was such a traumatic period for both of us.
Clipart: Mom & Child - ARTFAVOR
The baby of the house who is always behaving more like the big sis was badly affected by the haze. Even when she wore the mask to school and whenever she was outdoors, the haze hit her hard.
At odd hours of the day she would choke so badly that it appeared someone was strangling the life out of her. There were times when I had to take emergency leaves or rushed home from the office, speeding like a mad bullet on the highway to get to her for fear that that one choke would be the last I saw of her.
The haze gave her excessive phlegm in her chest and despite the regular checks at the doctors and the medications given it took very long to clear. The choking was always aggravated at night, probably because of the cold.
One of the worse things about the infection she got from the haze was that there wasn’t any warning when it attacked. When the phlegm thickened in the chest she would just suddenly choke and she would turn blue all of a sudden.
Can you imagine a mum’s fear when suddenly in the middle of the night while we were both asleep you just suddenly hear a gasping voice trying to call out to you for help? And when I got up I’d see her struggling from bed, grabbing anything and everything she could hold on to as she fought hard to reach me, who happened to be just nearby.
Nek Yong was then a struggling single mother fighting hard to raise her two girls well. And I feel most blessed that I now see them as career ladies with a mind of their own.
My girls, they are my life. The very thought of me going through this life without them kills me instantaneously. If God were to make anyone ill, let it be me, not them. That’s Nek Yong’s constant prayer.
To my girls who are my pillars of strength, I hope I am a great mum, if not the best ;)
With loving care - Nek Yong
Quote for Day 75
Clipart: Kite - MACHHOVKA
"Telling the truth to people who misunderstand you is generally promoting a falsehood, isn't it?" - Anonymous
Tame Leopard Shot Dead!
I CAME across this news early this morning and got terribly upset that an innocent animal had been shot dead simply because his “animal instincts” got the better of it!
The news was featured on Yahoo! News, my regular source of information on what goes on around the world: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/38/20110317/twl-tame-leapoard-kills-tv-crew-member-6ae0455.html
The leopard, known for its “gentle nature” was often used by the German television company for various filming sessions. Crew members have in the past experienced close contact with the leopard without getting into any harm as the animal is said to be “docile”.
However, while on location at Namibia recently, the animal somehow went on the aggressive on the day of the shoot and attacked one of the crew members.
Immediately after the attack the leopard was shot DEAD! Can you believe that?
This is an animal that was supposed to be left in the wild and if there is anyone who should be taking precautions, no matter how gentle the animal is said to be, it should be the television crew!
How can anyone take for granted that a wild animal such as the leopard can easily be controlled? Safety measures should have been taken into serious considerations and the crew should have been prepared for any untoward accidents that could take place. Wouldn’t a gun loaded with tranquilisers be a better option?
Why KILL the animal when it is very clear that it is us humans who miscalculated. The leopard is a wild beast. No matter how much it is tamed it will always have its killer instincts buried deep inside. And, on a bad day, anything can happen.
They used the leopard to serve their purpose, the least they could do was to take extreme care of the animal and its unpredictable instincts.
An accurate shot is all it takes to snuff the animal’s life out but isn’t that going beyond cruelty?
While I pity the victim I pity the animal more because it didn’t have a choice. We humans put him there!
The news was featured on Yahoo! News, my regular source of information on what goes on around the world: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/38/20110317/twl-tame-leapoard-kills-tv-crew-member-6ae0455.html
The leopard, known for its “gentle nature” was often used by the German television company for various filming sessions. Crew members have in the past experienced close contact with the leopard without getting into any harm as the animal is said to be “docile”.
However, while on location at Namibia recently, the animal somehow went on the aggressive on the day of the shoot and attacked one of the crew members.
Immediately after the attack the leopard was shot DEAD! Can you believe that?
This is an animal that was supposed to be left in the wild and if there is anyone who should be taking precautions, no matter how gentle the animal is said to be, it should be the television crew!
The news reported on http://uk.news.yahoo.com/
How can anyone take for granted that a wild animal such as the leopard can easily be controlled? Safety measures should have been taken into serious considerations and the crew should have been prepared for any untoward accidents that could take place. Wouldn’t a gun loaded with tranquilisers be a better option?
Why KILL the animal when it is very clear that it is us humans who miscalculated. The leopard is a wild beast. No matter how much it is tamed it will always have its killer instincts buried deep inside. And, on a bad day, anything can happen.
They used the leopard to serve their purpose, the least they could do was to take extreme care of the animal and its unpredictable instincts.
An accurate shot is all it takes to snuff the animal’s life out but isn’t that going beyond cruelty?
While I pity the victim I pity the animal more because it didn’t have a choice. We humans put him there!
March 17, 2011
Curvy Beauties Go With Flow
ON March 15 I ran an announcement on the opening of Flow, the latest boutique owned by the Valiram Group catering to full-figured women.
If you’ve Googled you might have come across several other Flow brands abroad, which I don’t think are in any way associated to Flow in Kuala Lumpur.
The launch of this new fashion label was a grand affair, held at Teeque Brassiere in Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur.
There were several full-figured women at the event, anxious and excited to discover the brand’s Spring Summer 2011 collection.
The brand has this tagline “You got curves?” Provocative? Maybe but what attracts me more is the idea of bringing more trendy stuffs for our more voluptuous girlfriends. And all these while I thought only skinny women have problems looking for the right fit.
The boutique opened on Tuesday, March 15. I’ve not been there but would love to check it out. Looking at the selections featured on launch day I bet Joanne Kam and several other sexy lady friends of mine would love to get a few pieces from the brand.
A collection of contemporary, casual, career and evening wear are available at the boutique and the collections do not stop there. Accessories come in all sorts of designs and styles so the boutique is basically a complete fashion house. I'm not sure if footwear is already in the collection but if they are not let’s see whether they will in the future.
This season’s collection carries the themes Urban Resort and Concrete Jungle. So there’s a combination of nice muted tones to go along with the bright colours.
There’s already a possibility that Flow will penetrate markets outside of Malaysia and the brand is already planning its second and third boutiques. Well, let’s see how it rates in popularity with its first.
And it already has a website but last I checked, a few hours ago, it’s not up and running yet. So for now, do enjoy the images posted her. If you like it then go shopping at the boutique this weekend.
Flow is at Lot 135B, First Floor, Suria KLCC.
If you’ve Googled you might have come across several other Flow brands abroad, which I don’t think are in any way associated to Flow in Kuala Lumpur.
The launch of this new fashion label was a grand affair, held at Teeque Brassiere in Lot 10, Kuala Lumpur.
There were several full-figured women at the event, anxious and excited to discover the brand’s Spring Summer 2011 collection.
The brand has this tagline “You got curves?” Provocative? Maybe but what attracts me more is the idea of bringing more trendy stuffs for our more voluptuous girlfriends. And all these while I thought only skinny women have problems looking for the right fit.
 |
This season’s collection carries the themes Urban Resort and Concrete Jungle. So there’s a combination of nice muted tones to go along with the bright colours.
There’s already a possibility that Flow will penetrate markets outside of Malaysia and the brand is already planning its second and third boutiques. Well, let’s see how it rates in popularity with its first.
And it already has a website but last I checked, a few hours ago, it’s not up and running yet. So for now, do enjoy the images posted her. If you like it then go shopping at the boutique this weekend.
Flow is at Lot 135B, First Floor, Suria KLCC.
Quote for Day 74
Clipart: Comic Characters-Rolled - NICUBUNU
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that fool you. He really is an idiot" - Groucho Marx
March 16, 2011
Quote for Day 73
Image: Mask - janosik0
http://www.sxc.hu/profile/janosik0
http://www.sxc.hu/profile/janosik0
"Life has many faces. This is mine" - Anon
March 15, 2011
New-Age Pets Have Rights
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| Image: Parrot-BUGDOG http://www.sxc.hu/profile/bugdog |
The residents aren't happy that the management has not taken action against residents who keep pets in their condo units. That goes for cats and dogs and whatever else have you. But is this ruling really practical in this time and age based on today's cost of living?
With the exorbitant price of landed properties many city dwellers are turning to hi-rise living. And although we understand this "no pets allowed" ruling practised in hi-rise dwellings (apartments and condominiums) it is not necessarily a practical thing.
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| Hey, I have a right to be here! Image: Guinea Pig-ISTALRI http://www.sxc.hu/profile/Istalri |
I know many friends who live in hi-rise buildings keep pets, mainly cats and dogs. But due to this ruling, many hide their pets, away from nosy neighbours who might report them to the building management.
Is it fair that these owners have to resort to "lying" for the sake of their pets' safety or risk the possibility of their pets being "removed"? A colleague at work asked me this question once: What do you think of the "no pets allowed" ruling for hi-rise dwellers?
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| Hey man, buzz off! I'm having a lazy day today. Image: Shar pei-FRENCENZ http://www.sxc.hu/profile/frencenz |
I will not discourage residents from complaining if something is amiss, such as a dog that barks incessantly throughout the day and sometimes at nights (but babies do that as well), the sound of a pet bird suddenly breaking the peaceful silence mid-day (rowdy youngsters having fun at the swimming pools are known to do that often), the constant meowing of Tom cats during the mating season (I know men who are pissed drunk make twice that noise)...and the list goes on.
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| I'd love to taste a city life than just eatin' grass. Image: Rabbit 1-HOTTABOX http://www.sxc.hu/profile/hottabox |
Although I have never kept any pets in my condo unit I do know that if I were to then I would want to have the freedom to be seen with my pets at any time and anywhere within the premises. And I believe that the worse condo dwellers are the residents, not the pets.
Let’s face it. A majority of hi-rise dwellers are so uncivilised they don’t even know how to keep clean. Ever seen a soiled sanitary pad on your balcony? Well, that came from someone’s toilet upstairs and I sure know it’s not some pets throwing them out the window.
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| Here, read my mind! Image: A Cat 3 - OLKAPRILL http://www.sxc.hu/profile/olkaprill |
We should not take the “no pets allowed” ruling in hi-rise dwellings so literally because at the end of the day it’s about how the owners take care of their pets. Do you know that I once had a beautiful Tom cat I raised since he was three-days old who did his business in the toilet bowl? In fact he is smarter at using the toilet bowl than any human can.
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| Pets RULE!!! Image: Molly-JEFF DUTTON http://www.sxc.hu/profile/jeffdutton |
And pet owners it may be good for you to know that a well-trained pet wins the adoration of many. And that a well-trained, well-loved pet can be more civilised than humans.
But as far as I’m concerned, I’d rather listen to the macaws than an annoying neighbour shouting murder to their kids over the slightest thing. And believe me. If you are a seasoned hi-rise dweller like me you will know why I appreciate the animals rather than the humans.
Quote for Day 72
Image: Lonely Place - EPER AGI
"Fear not when love's light has dimmed. Tomorrow promises many things and there will be many more seats to fill" - Anon
Go with the Flow
Hi all...
Check this out. Flow boutique, which stocks clothes for bigger sized women is officially opened for business today. If you wear a size above 20 or 22 you might want to have a look at the selections avaible at its outlet at Suria KLCC. NFM will be featuring a post on this newly launched brand anytime soon. Enjoy your shopping!!!
Check this out. Flow boutique, which stocks clothes for bigger sized women is officially opened for business today. If you wear a size above 20 or 22 you might want to have a look at the selections avaible at its outlet at Suria KLCC. NFM will be featuring a post on this newly launched brand anytime soon. Enjoy your shopping!!!
March 14, 2011
Quote for Day 71
Images:
Hands 4_BROKENARTS (http://www.broken-arts.com)
Kissing Horses 1_SUE R B (http://www.sxc.hu/profile/sue_r_b)
March 13, 2011
How To Sit On A Chair
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| Image: Sitting - KATAQACI http://www.sxc.hu/profile/katagaci |
Most foreigners find our habit hilarious. Our seating style has created a lot of interests among many. Time and again it becomes the subject of discussions in many magazines and newspapers.
The habit of bringing our legs up when we sit on a chair comes so naturally that we don't even bat an eye doing it.
Some of us sit cross-legged on a chair, some prop ourselves comfortably in a chair with both legs folded under our body while many of us love bringing one leg up and propping it against our chest while the other feet is left dangling.
So why do we sit this way although we know it is bad manners to do what we do, especially at the dinner table?
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| A chair is just that - a chair so learn how to sit on it right. |
Image: KARSTENKNEESE
A friend of mine used to say that if we do not know how to sit with both legs on the floor then we shouldn't be seating on chairs.
I'm a lot more flexible. I think it's fine IF we are within the comfort of our home but it should be avoided if we are in public places. We might get away with it at a casual cafe where we are just lazing about but to do it in a restaurant is not acceptable.
Until today, no matter how furnished my house is, I still prop my legs up when seating on a chair, not just at the dinner table but my office chair as well.
I know it's bad for the back because my physio told me this many times over but I still do it. This is one bad habit that gives me so much comfort!
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| The correct way to sit on a chair - with both legs on the ground. |
Image: Wedding Ready - REUBEN4EVA
Whenever I go home to my Mum's, I see the same thing. Mum sits cross-legged on the chair. And my sisters, highly educated souls they are, sit with one leg propped against their chest.
Everyone does it so in our eyes it's normal but not to a third person looking in.
In another post I will tell you about the lifestyle in a kampung (village) and how my aunts used to roll out the mengkuang mat (screw-pines mat) because there is no such thing as a chair. Well, at least in those days there aren't.
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