Happy Anniversary Darling!

Yesterday was 5th Year i was married. I took leave so i could celebrate it with wifey. What more, my mum was around and it usually meant she would be happy to help take care of the kids.

My mum or Ah Ma, as i would call her (and my mum in law will be "mum", so when i say Ma, you know i am talking about my mother and mum meant my MIL) were pretty surprised when i walk downstairs in shorts.

"Nope ma'am, not working! On leave. Today is my 5th year married to Aileen", i said.

She instantly told us to go do whatever we wanted.

Ma knows best.

So, we send Ryan and my cousin to school. It is such joy to see Ryan saying bye bye and giving you the flying kiss. This boy is a charmer. He took his shoes off at school, bring it in and placed it at the place he was supposed to leave them. Put his bag at a corner and proceed to join the class.

We send Ryan to a pre-school. Something to keep him occupied from 0830 to 1230 every Tuesday to Friday. It is also for him to socialise with the kids and learn to live in a community.

I've seen kids anti-social enough to know that kids nowadays are brought up differently from even as recent as my generation.

Back then, when i was growing up, we were allowed to go and play outside and mingle. But that was when the society were safer. No kidnapping. No crazy drivers speeding down the residential area. I can't take changes now that i am a father and what more, i have a crazy ah beng neighbour that speed up and down the road.

Leaving Ryan at the play school, myself and wifey proceed to have our Anni Breakfast.

We went to Dim Sum place at Damansara Utama. Morning weekday crowd there were more workers than patrons. Was irritated that they keep asking me what tea i wanted. But decided that we just wanted the day to go on stress-free, i put that behind me.



It was a rare occasion where the shrimp dumplings and the shrimp rolls remainedon the table and into the tummy without need to run after Ryan, or having Nadia screaming to eat it.

After breakfast, we went home to play with Nadia and i had MOVIE in my mind. Heckler gave me some movie pass, but what was limited to his company's screening. Did not want to watch gory stuff but Heckler offered to give some other pass from other company. I told him that movie is tentative. I would not want to take what i won't use. Afterall, i owe him loads for the previous passes and movie goodies! Thank you bro!

We headed to 1Utama (hey, did Najib go to 1Utama that often that he call it 1Malaysia and 1World now???) and renewed my roadtax. My Soccer mum car is now 4 years old. The post office in 1Utama was empty except us and another old man. But i hope after this posting, it would not have 101 people waiting to do transaction there!

At 1Utama, i went to the Nike shop to try to exchange for the Sportsband. I was questioned by the store worker and was refused any exchange because i did not buy it there, apparently. They called up the contact in Nike and i managed to sort it out later with Nike. Thank you Nike Wong. Guess my days of getting seeding stuff from Nike are numbered (or already expired!)

Wifey then bought some stuff for her friend's birthday and we continued to walk about 1Utama.

By then, it was already 1100 and we decided to have early lunch. Off we go to Taman Bukit Mas. But before that, we took a complete detour and ended up at Haus Depot. That hardware store in Pelangi Damansara. We ended up buying a ladder for Wifey's shop and gotten some supply for the shops too. Then it was off to the makan place.

Menu : CRAB.

You all have no idea how hard it is to eat crabs and allow your hands to be all dirty and slimy with those gravy and not worried about the kids running about. BLISS.



Oh those buttery crab on those soft toasted mantao! not forgetting the Mantis Prawns kung pou style.

We left back home and see Ryan sleeping with his backside up ala frog style. Nadia was being her usual self running about and sweating from head to toe. Ma was her usual calm self despite three children at home with her.

Wifey had a suprise for me and the next destination was to Solaris. It is a place i have never landed my feet on.

We left for Solaris but dropped by Selangor Club to exchange our membership card from temporary member to ordinary member. My God. The process to get to be a member of this 125 years old club was pretty lengthy and with tradition. We were temp member for almost 8 months before being shortlisted and have to go through two interviews to be finally member. very reason why we joined the club was because it was affordable and also it was almost like being a member of two clubs (KL and Kiara) for the price of one. What more, the location of the KL HQ is where most races are held and i get to park so right next to Dataran Merdeka!

We head on to Solaris. As we were early, we went into Cold Storage at Solaris. The place is like some angmoh place. A local would look pretty out of place there. At a minimum, you have to be a SPG if you are local. We looked like immigrant in our own country.

So, we head on from there to this place called Amante.

HOLY MACARONI. Manicure?


yes darling, what kaler you wan?

I was excited and anxious. Look. I am ticklish. I have never had anyone except Ma cutting my toe nails. Wait, i've never used a clipper to cut my toenail. I've always used the RM1 foldable scissor. My Ma has always used that, even now to cut Ryan and Nadia's nails.

I opted for the normal Pedicure. I don't think i need any manicure. I was thanking my lucky star that my toes do not look horrible. Wifey opted for Pedi and Mani and nail extension on her toe that the nail fell off after Seimens run.



I was, without having to say, very uncomfortable as someone is cleaning and scrubbing my feet, with them so close to their face. I do not know how you girls does it. But i was afraid i would offend the woman doing it. However, chickening out might even offend her and her vocation more. So, i relaxed and enjoyed the experience.

My legs were scrubbed, my nails were trimmed, the dry skin filed off and the nail buffed.



No complains here, only how come it ended that fast (about 45minutes). Wifey's session was longer as she did nail extension for the toe. I was very impressed how it was done. I was under the impression it would be those stick on faux nail like seen in "to wong foo, thanks for everything".


Patrick - Rest In Peace

The fake nail was made from a mix of epoxy and powder. It dries up and looked like nail! The pedicurist filed and buffed the nail and colored and like magic...



Went home happy and it was a touch and go to Dinner!

We decided for meat for Dinner and previous experience in San Fran were more memorable than say, Victoria Station, Ship or even Jake's.


BBQ Rib


Ribeye and Honey

We went for one last errand of the day.

Groceries shopping.

And that capped the day, which we both called our Ye5ar Anniversary.

I've decided to bring wifey to get a ring. Perhaps consider to change our wedding band with a new set. We intend to keep the first five year band and give to Ryan and his future bride when he get married. And subsequent second set to Nadia. Not confirmed yet, but i do want to get Wifey something worhty to remember the 5th Year.

Thank you Ma, for making the day possible, and no less, to Wifey, for the wonderful date we had yesterday. Love you all for that.

Read More

Of Health, Family and Overly Defensive.

Hi all. I've been leaving this blog in limbo since i've found the joy of updating my status via FB on mobile. No excuses for that apart from that i've not been training as much, and thus, has not been able to write or update about my training regime, towards the coming races such as Powerman 09 and IM 10.

It seems that my health are not exactly at it's peak. But it is not that i am not healthy. I am just well, healthy but with issues. I've gotten loads of encouragement from others asking about me.

To be very frank, i am in denial. While some might see this as a "worse case scenario" with their (medical) diagnosis (Yes Doc Hisyam, i know), i am simply in denial.

"I am 33, and i am young. What could go wrong?"

A Lot Apparently.

Anyway, i am low on iron. Something really simple but it causes much havoc in my system. Read about it here : Iron Deficiency

I have all the symptom and an extra headache which seems to come from behind my right eye. There seems to be something trying to PUSH my eye ball out. Not funny. There seems to be a knot on my right temple that could move from the front to the top portion of my right ear. Pressing it give instant pleasure and gratification (no, not the type you think it is).



I've asked Doc to get me an appointment with the a physician and determine if i need a colon scope and/or upper GI scope. I asked him to thrown in an MRI or CAT for the head too, just in case.

On Family - My sis, Ee-Von, just got married and now enjoying time off with her husband in Bali. It must had been stressful wedding for them. There were a few things that made me think about what is happening or has happened. I know this will be like washing dirty linen in public, but i tried very hard to not speak of it openly.

You see, there were a rift between my family (myself, my sis, my parents) with my mum's family (easier said, my Dad's in law la!).

Believe this, my granma disowned my mum. Embarassing isn't it?

Reasons for this? Oh well, apparently there were a lot of reasons given by my granma. But we aren't sure if she was the one that started it but my aunts (my mum's sisters) and my uncles (my mum's brothers) for reason only known to them.

This has gotten my mum really riled up and stressed up to the extend she needed sleeping pills to sleep at night. But she has resorted to religion, listening to Puja to calm her mind and soul. It apparently worked for her.

Despite all that, my mum has never given up and has not "disown" her own mum. Week in and week out, she goes to my granma's place to beg for her forgiveness (and to check how she was - because it seems, all her other childrens are not even there everytime she and my dad visit!).

The extended family that stays at the other 2 houses knows of my mum's situation and they too, take and do whatever they could to help eliviate her worries. In short, if it wasn't for them, my mum would had been mental.

Again, WHY did my granma, which i grown up to know as very loving, did this?

Apparently, MONEY is one of the reason. I have a very rich aunt. So rich that she could buy off my uncle's debt and forever make him indebted to her. She is so rich she could sell off a Merc at below market value to an aunt's husband, and that too, make them "close" because this uncle is now "same level, so to speak" as this rich aunt.

My mum is not the first child disowned by my granma. My eldest uncle and his family were all disowned. My late second uncle family, also disowned.

All for reasons only known to my granma (and her cronies).

F up, isn't it?

And the best thing is, my mum's family preaches and laugh at others for not valuing their family. Growing up, they often pride themselves as one strong unit. I never deny that as i am very close to my mum's family. But the take home message were loud and clear when my mum's cousin loudly mentioned during the wedding dinner that "They only know how to judge people, but they aren't any better at all" - refering to the next table where my mum's family were sitting.

Going back a week in timeline. My mum managed to convince her family to show up for the Sunday do and the Monday tea ceremony. I've not seen my mum so happy, as she seems to think that the family has accepted her back again.

But reality quickly sank in when the food she catered for her family were unconsumed.

They did not show up except my granma, the rich aunt and an uncle with his wife (this uncle is cool, but he too, is reliant on my rich aunt for kick back).

The family has about 50 people. None of them showed up except the four above.

Food down the drain. Money down the drain. The only one happy are the caterer.

On the other hand, my dad's family, which are all 120% vegetarian, showed up (except the youngest brother, which by the way, are so queen controlled, that i think he can't change his underwear without the wife's permission). They came, knowing that food will be limited. They came, and make do with whatever they could eat.

The next day, on the wedding day itself. We all know the chinese pride themselves with their tea ceremony. You know what? My mum's family not only came late (and delayed to process), but only my granma and the rich aunt showed up!

It is like putting salt to my mum's wound. But i remained calm.

Then came the dinner, and the six tables allocated to the bride's family went haywire because my mum's family decided that they do not want to sit with some of the extended (and disowned) families. Myself, Wifey and my in laws were all misplaced elsewhere! Saving grace were, again, my dad's aunt (my late granpa's sister), which not only represented my dad's family (vegetarian dinner conducted last month, it was ceremoniously and well attended by them from dad's side), they showed the rest of the mum's family how it should be done.

I was very sad. Angry. Coupled with my pale appearance and pounding headache, it made matter worse. The aunts and uncles showed up for the wedding dinner with my granma and rich aunt. There were so much hostility as if they were forced to come.

Anyway, the dinner went well later and i decided to be courteous. Mum too, decided to try to close rank - but failed. Too much resistance from the others! I can't believe that!

And this morning, just this morning, the daughter of one of my uncle (which also play a part in disowning my mum), greeted me at the office lift lobby. I did not know she was working in the same building as i am. I am happy that she did that. She proved to me that there is still hope, at least for my generation in the family.

There. Linen washed. But i believe this will stay dirty for a long time to come.

Lastly, on being overly defensive.

I am under a lot of stress and pressure at work. Which also explained the scarce update in this blog.

I will write on this the least as i am aware that my writing are being monitored.

Lets just say that i have my responsibilities running the program and there is a reason why it only takes me 2 years to be where i am now. I am not saying that i am "that good", but it has to be something else why am i here running the program to start with?

I clocked in the equal amount of time everyday like it is an Ironman race for me. I push myself through without fear or favour and lets just say at this point of time, i am not a favourite with management outside of Malaysia or Asia.

I can't believe a group of people with more than 15 years of working experience individually gets riled up by someone that is 33 years old with less than 10 years of working experience and has to be overly defensive with every single thing i brought up.

Either what i said hits the nail right at the center or they think what i said are just BS.

If it is BS, then remove me and replace me with someone that could do the work better (and can suck up to all of you as well).

I can always ply my trade somewhere else and now i start to regret (eventhough i told myself i shouldn't be) when the client (two different department) tried to pinch me over 5 months ago.

I got to go get a life, or at least get back what i've lost over the past 2 years.

Read More

Congrats Ebengy and Ee-Von

My lil sister that is younger by 4 years got married yesterday, 21st September.

It is really a different experience for the family as this is the second marriage that happened and from a totally different perspective where my parents are "sending" off their daughter.

I was made MC designate for the wedding reception and was a bit jittery to begin with. Actually, i shouldn't be, since i can't stop talking.

The day started on Sunday, which coincidently was my parents' 34th Wedding anniversary.

There were a small eating session, which my mum over-catered for families, only to see them not showing up. It was really sad to see the wastages. Not helping with the holiday season where a lot of people either had made plans much earlier and has RSVP-ed out of courtesy or the typical Malaysia Tak-Apa attitude.

But we chose not to see the down side of it and just enjoy the company of those that made it.



Everything was geared towards the big day on 21st.

As usual, the chinese wedding would not be completed without the "torturing" session. My mum sort of helped his future son-in-law by giving the convoy the house key! Cheeky!


Heng Tai(brother) to Groom : If they make us eat those bird eye chillis again, you're on your own, ok?

But it was all fun and good end of the morning session. The compulsory tea ceremony went as expected with me taking place after my parents to recieve the tea.

It was new for me and Wifey. I guess there are priviledge being the eldest.


I can't imagine the day she get married and how i will be feeling

The bride and groom then next went back to the groom's house where there is another waiting party and tea ceremony to attend to.

For me, this session was particularly significant because the traditional top that was worn by my sister belongs to wifey, and it was worn by two other friends before as well. It is not easy to find something this traditional and not the cliche Cheongsam.



I hope this Kua will be worn by my youngest sis, then by either Ryan's wife or Nadia when they get married. I know it is really too far of some thinking, but at the rate the kids are growing up, it makes you wonder if i will be 50 tomorrow and they getting hitched (at 18???) Never say never, i guess.

The rest of the day was spent resting at home and me going through the reception flow and writing the transcript while sitting on the toilet bowl and later, lying down trying to appease the head-thumping-ache and racing heart.

It is my sister's wedding. I must do it. I will. I must.

I left early to the venue and left Wifey and the kids to come later with my MIL and SIL. Part of the plan is to lessen the exposure time for Ryan before he turns uncontrollable again. It is embarrassing sometimes, and you can imagine that i am already quite thick skin - just how more embarrassing it could be when Ryan starts to be tyRyant!

There were a little hiccup with the seating arrangement but nothing the families and fantastic helpers (friends mostly) could not solve. The show went on and i was MC designate.

Practice make perfect, but i was jittery. The main aim, i told myself, was not to embarass myself or the newlywed. So i kept to the minimal.

It worked fine until somewhere between the first course and second Ryan turned tyRyant.

No choice. Wifey decided to pack them up and goes back home. Sacrifices she has to make. Love you darling.

The rest of the evening went much smoother as the hungry stomachs were fed.

Then came the toast. I am speaking in English when the crowd are 85% chinese educated.

This is like selling medicine in English to a crowd of Swahili speaking natives.

Somehow, the food must had been good that the crowd did not really noticed what i've even said.

The toast went on well with the customary YAM SENG!



Brig. Jen. Goh (groom's dad) and Ben, the groom went on to give their speeches and all wells, ends well!

Congrats again to the both of you, my sister, Ee-Von and my new addition to the family, Ben. We only hope and wish that your marriage will be blessed and would be filled with all things hot(like the chillies), all things bitter (like the freshly made bittergourd drinks), all things flavorful (that yellow liquid, i am not even sure what was that!) and all things sweet (like the peanut butter).

My sister is not a hard person to please, i've spent a big part of my life growing up with her, arguing and had our spats of "no talking period". But essentially, we are all a family, and family stick by you, and stand up for you in whatever you do.

Welcome to the family and i wish both of you nothing but the best in offsprings,health and wealth!!!

Read More

Not Been Too Well

I was down with food poisoning on Monday, despite only eating items available at home. The only variable was the nasi lemak that wifey bought after her run on Sunday.

But that would been too long of a period for any bacteria to gestate before it became full blown food poisoning, no?

I was frequenting the toilet bowl every other hour on Monday, less on Tuesday, even lesser on Wednesday and only twice yesterday.

Today, i found my appetite to eat again.

Along those days of this week, i had to battle gastric as i can't take in much solids, let alone energy beverages such as Milo.

And two days ago, i had this nauseating feeling with my head pounding and heart racing with cold sweat breaking. Going up the stairs was a chore, i had to lie down for fear of blacking out.

Waking up from sleep was fine until i stood up and start feeling dizzy again.

Low blood pressure?

Low Sugar?

Today, or rather, 10 minutes ago, after much persuasion (and not very happy one at that) by mum and wifey, i decided to go to the panel clinic to check.

The doctor, which i saw like just a week ago, was surpised to see me all pale.

He compared his palms with mine. I was shocked myself.

Pressure 120/60. Normal.
Heartrate 76bpm. This is at least 16bpm higher than my resting heartrate, and at least 26bpm compared to what i wakes up with.

He had me laid down. Took my blood sample.

I know how my blood looked like in volume and i was pretty shocked to see them so....watery. It is usually thicker. This one, watery, but red. But not dark red.

He say he will call when the lab get back to him.

He told me to go home, rest. If i am driving, consider to get my wife to pick me up.

I walk.

I walked back to office, and now I am typing this, I can feel my heartbeat on my head. It feels like i did a good interval run, minus warm sweat, but cold sweat.

A colleague asked me how come i don't look as tan, and if i've not been training.

I told her about the food poisoning and the visit to the doctor and she says no wonder why i looked so pale, and tired.

What is happening?

I am not sure. I am waiting for the doc to call me once the blood results comes back.

Read More

The Moon. The Moon.

Nikon D90 + 70-300G.
ISO100, 300mm, F9 at 1/640.

I love the moon.



And then i pimp it up a bit more, and add a corny line.



I think i've managed to capture it, the way i want to see it, finally.

Read More

LIMF - LeTuang Impossible Mission Force : Mission 4th Floor

This entry got nothing to do with anyone dead or alive, famous or otherwise. Any resemblences are highly regretted.

We figured out, as part of our plan to take over the country, going in to the 4th Floor dressed as Taliban might not be a very good choice.

Some of the members that has accepted the challenge to "do the country a big favour" has decided to dress up as the Premier's wife.

This should allow at least one of them to get passed the security (and also Toll Keeper KJ).

But the question remain - WHO?

Your pick, please.

1. Puan Sri Dr. Azlia


2. Puan Sri Dr. XXXXXX
Removed as he will be involved in a real covert operation. His status is now unknown. Elevated to higher position in the team.

3. Puan Sri Dr. Shazliza


4. Puan Sri Dr. Eevana


5. Puan Sri Dr. Kharisa


6. Puan Sri Dr. Rafiqah



It will be a dangerous mission and we could possible strap/pack ourselves with enough C4 to "get into the shape" and mimic Puan Sri Dr.

Whoever that managed to do the above and success, will be made a matyr.

Vote now.

Read More

Negaraku.

Joke on LeTuang Taliban aside.

I love my country, and i know you all, do too (minus the politicians, of course)



And we don't need bigots parading body-less animals or idiots that strikes fear into people.

Read More

Batu 18 - Perez - Tekala - Batu 18

Back to business. The previous post was really a way to laugh silly with some great handiwork from Le Jason. His photoshop skill is damn kaw cinya good (i can't find anymore superlative anymore).

Must credit him for that la. I know as i am typing this, he is up to something else, putting someone's face into someone else's body. It would be hilarious.

OK. It has been a month since i felt like shit. With overworked body and stressed out mind and soul. Now with gastric/GERD/Not sure (as i have no guts to go check), life has been pretty challenging at work and at training.

I've not been myself Some say i've been too hard even. Perhaps so. Maybe i did. I know why i reacted that way - it was because i had too much drive and too much passion. When pushed to the edge, they are often looked as a thin fine line between over reacting and meeting personal expectation.

Today, i was as happy as a 5 years old getting a new bicycle. No, i did not get a new bike. But i had my Colnago Dream fixed. The previous owner modified the hub to take in 10sp when it could only take 9, which explained why the cassete dislodged from the hub. After the sports massage at Equal, i felt much lighter in my steps.

As Heckler would say, 2 times fail, 3rd time for sure Charm!

He was right.

I rode the route as per title with Ironman Adeline today. Only the two of us. I have fear that i will bonk again as i reach the T-Junction of Perez - Tekala. I have fear that i will fail again.

It was very real. I am not dramatising it a bit. OK, maybe by writing it here now, it is. But you get my drift.

We started off at Batu 18 by 8am. I could feel the gastric coming. Unlike me, i bought two pau from the kopitiam and ate it hoping it will keep the gastric at bay. it did. We spin lightly towards the junction. 10km of very gentle climb towards the T-Junction. Took us about 30minutes.

I felt fine. Stopped for a while to drink up and proceed to climb Perez (actually it is known as Genting Peras, but Perez sounded more...impressive).

Heartrate would had been a constant 160bpm with a steady cadence of 50 to 60rpm. I was on granny - 39-25. Adeline still has 2 gears to be used. 39-23 she was on. Slowly, she pulled away and pushing cautiously, i tried to keep up.

I felt my Perez legs returning. I used to climb this 10km uphill within 30minutes. The last two times took me 90 - i might as well walk.


Eating Ade's dust


And following her shadow

I was relieved when i finally see the signboard which denotes we reached the top of the climb. I felt great, but i felt light headed too. Decided to lie down on the road. Something that i've been doing for the past 2 rides. I felt like blacking out. The blue sky turned monochrome.


Drama la


and have to roll over to keep a lookout for vehicle coming

I was glad the feeling was over as in two minutes. We made out way down Perez and on towards Tekala.

Not expecting that any stalls would be opened during this fasting month, the usual joint suprised us by being in business. I've never eaten mid ride, and today, was another exception. Nasi Lemak and Coke. Potent. Every burp has a tinge of chili in them.


Orang Asli boys accompanying us after nasi lemak

The return ride sees me and Ade together for all 5 minutes. Then she went dissappearing through the horizon. She was that fast.


Last i saw her

The return journey was done alone. Ade was fast. I tried catching, but it was futile. I only saw her 500m to the carpark. That too, she had to slow down for someone learning how to drive.

It was a good ride for me. Good enough to bring back some sunshine and confidence.

Distance : 10+10+10+15+15+10 = 70km
Total time: 0800-1130 = 3.5hours.
*TCSS time : 0.5hours
Net Calorie burned : Zero. The Pau, Nasi Lemak and Coke would had allowed me enough energy to run a marathon.


*Talk Cock Sing Song

Read More

Selamat Hari Merdeka!

From LeTuang's Tabligh Gang.

Merdeka inclusion - This came in late after the LeTuang Iftar session at Al Ketua's place. Apparently request has been made to include one more curcial component to complete the army.

If the Emporers in China has those eunuch to that "test" the Emperors' food and drinks, the the LeTuang Taliban has their food taster extrordinaire. This personnel claims to have a worm in his stomach that prevents him from putting weight (hence, making it easier to slip through those metal detectors at airport, literally), little did he know, he is his own biggest worm.


Yusran Ben Osama - Food Technologist cum Interpreter. Gets turned on by Italian chics, which explains the language mastery

Lastest Recruits : Due to previous experience manning different portfolios, some of the new comers below were upgraded automatically to higher position. The circle of terror is now complete.


Mat Jasin Mat Top - Master Of Disguise. Often mistaken for the much hunted Noordin Mat Top. He is currently seen walking with a mualaf in Ipoh and showing up at Taman Megah Food Court spreading his teaching


Geoff Ben Kroni - Chief Ragger. This master of pain has enough tattoo to covers each brothers. Lets not go to the piercing part yet.


Azmar Ben Rock - Chief Reliability Officer. If there are things to be done. Azmar will be the one there, to sees it through. 3rd In command


Al Ben Ishsal - The oldest in the group. Second in Command. Willing to bend over, to get things done


Kam Ben Laden - P.I.M.P or Progressive Intellegence Master Planner. His day job allows him to do market research and better profile potential target. Girls mostly.


Nizar Ben Laden - Unknown. He is special operative. Going undercover, not even sure of he is on the brotherhood side, or the other side



Rashed Ben Robo - Master Spy. Currently deployed as a runner under an american company to spy on possibly starting a branch at Mt. Hook, Oregon. He will run to the Coast of Pacific to continue to spread the teaching

\
Update: New recruits just joined the fray. We are getting stronger.


Barath Ben Ayam - Demolition and biological warfare (using organic chicken dropping) Expert


Upiq Ben Laden - Financier cum Field Marshall


Budin Ben Laden - Aircraft Engineer cum Hijacker (he is known to have two names, other being Jamal Ben Ludin)

On a same topic, apparently the Quartermaster wasn't happy with his post and has threathen to leave the brotherhood by turning into an Amish.


Rabbi Bandit Ari Sharaga

After much coaxing from the mahaguru and with the blessing of the Al Ketua, he has return to the correct path and has since been promoted from Quartermaster to a more important post (see below).

The LeTuang Merdeka Talibans are still waiting for new members, this list will be updated as new members are initiated.

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

Arif Ben Laden - Physical Training Officer

Luvis Ben Laden - Weapon Expert (He has made application to be included as Chief Investigaror, specialising in opening and revealing burqas


Shazly Ben Khan - Al Ketua


Tuan Haji Senang Besar - Cook


Tok Stupe - Mahaguru


Azly Ben Bandit - QuartermasterInfidel Relationship Officer

Read More

Putrajaya Night Marathon 2010

Sick and tired of SCKLM?

I heard it through the grapevine that a Putrajaya Night Marathon will happen next year.



Stick around this blog for more updates, if the person decides to "whisper" more to me la!

Read More

You Do The Crime, You Pay For It.

AMPANG JAYA: A suspected robber is fighting for his life in a hospital after he was attacked by an angry crowd in Pandan Indah here, yesterday morning.

The man and his accomplice were earlier spotted by a victim who alerted the police and several tow-truck operators.

The suspects, who were in a car, tried to escape but they were cornered after a 30-minute chase.

The drama began about 8am when a workshop owner spotted the two just as he was about to leave for work.


Ten days earlier, they had snatched a RM4,000 gold chain belonging to the workshop owner while he was out jogging.

The workshop owner decided to follow the suspects' car but he soon lost sight of it.

He then contacted several tow-truck operators and told them to look out for the suspects' vehicle. He also contacted the police.

Later, the suspects' car was spotted in the Ampang Jaya area and the message was relayed to the tow-truck operators and police.

"By this time, the suspects noticed the convoy of vehicles following them and they panicked.

"They tried to lose the chasing party and in the process, drove dangerously against the flow of traffic," said a police source.

"They also rammed into several cars as they tried to escape."

The two suspects were finally cornered near a petrol station in Pandan Indah.

Policemen surrounded the car and drew out their guns while ordering the suspects out of their vehicle.


"The two were stubborn and refused to come out. The driver kept revving the engine and the policemen were forced to break the car windows to drag them out," the source added.

"The suspects put up a fight as they were being dragged out before trying to make a run for it.

"By this time, a group of people had gathered at the scene and some of them attacked the suspects."

By the time the police rescued them, one was badly injured while the other suffered cuts and bruises.

They were sent to a private hospital and later transferred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

Initial investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to a string of robberies and break-ins in the area.

Ampang police chief Assistant Commissioner Abdul Jalil Hassan confirmed the incident but declined to elaborate as investigations were ongoing.

And this was found in YouTube, thanks to some contact in an online forum.



Crime doesn't pay. Let this be a reminder for all the IT literate robbers.

Update in response to how we should be dealing with criminals. Interesting points and discussion had taken place elsewhere and also in this blog entry where the hammering were condemned. Point taken. Below is the news clip from today, with regards to how a suspect tried to escape by jumping down. Crime do not pay, really. if you think you are innocent, either drive to the police station is someone is tailing you, or just open the door.

Published: Tuesday September 1, 2009 MYT 12:40:00 PM
Snatch thief jumps from 5th floor and breaks his arm and leg


KUALA LUMPUR: A couple of men snatched a woman’s bag early in the morning, unaware that their victim had determinedly followed them to their hideout and tipped off the police.

When police knocked on the door of a flat on the fifth floor of Seri Jati flats in Jalan Puchong, its occupants refused to open the door.

Brickfields police chief ACP Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said that a commotion was heard and they later found a man, believed to be one of the snatch thieves, sprawled behind the flats with severe head injuries and a broken leg and arm.

The man was taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for treatment. He said initial investigations found that the man had a previous record for snatch theft in Klang four years ago.

Following a search on the house, two men and a woman, aged between 25 and 28, were arrested.

"We also seized four mobile phones, one which belonged to the complainant," he said, adding that the suspects had been remanded to facilitate investigation under Section 395 of the Penal Code for gang robbery.

Read More

GoodYear DuraPlus

Goodyear has recently released a new set of tires called DuraPlus. The main selling point of this tire is that it could last or "durable" for up to 100,000km.

That is a big number for a tires and i would say it is designed for high mileage drivers (someone that could use up 100K km within 3 years, perhaps?).

I recently purchased a set of 4 of these tires and has since driven close to 1500km with it, with two outstation trip and one on a long winding stretch across Genting Peras to Klawang, and back.



My Matrix is shod with 185/65/R14 DuraPlus and one noticable differences would be the plush ride. When i took the delivery of the tire, the sidewall "softness" was the first thing i noticed. I guess that might had translated to the more than plush feel to it.

This also meant that the handling suffers a bit. But i am driving a soccermum car, so it is not some performance car that is badly matched with a set of inappropriate rubber.

However, last weekend ride to "resque" a fellow cyclist brought me up and down the infamous batu 18-klawang road. Those that plies this road, or driven on this interstate trunk road would know what kind of road condition this is. Genting looked easy compared to this.

I was suprised that the tires held really well, despite the heavy rain and the amount of water it displaces as i ran over a few puddle might be good indication that the water dispersion ability of this tire.

I have no complains, more so when i got it off for a bargain.

However, because Paul Tan of paultan.org have a competition to win a set of these tires, i don't mind trying. More so because Wifey's car tires (Goodyear Ducaro, which claims to last up to 70k km) are due for replacement.

It would be cool to have both husband AND wifey's car shod in the same type of tires...it is like those couple going out wearing the same t-shirt, no?

Read More

2 Years, 1 Day, And Counting

Yesterday mark my second year in my current job.

Looking back, it was days filled with uncertainties as i do not know what to expect working in a bigger organisation with a proper structure and benefits.

I came in with a pay cut as i got much to prove. I was a field engineer, doing field work, away from family for months to end. Travelling the country and arriving at places i couldn't even find on the map.

Two years on, how things has changed. I now find myself stuck in middle management. I am still not used to be refered as a "country manager" for the program that i am handling. I am not used to be called "boss" by the other field engineer - i simply ain't a boss - i don't pay any of you!

I find myself in peculiar position, having multiple line to report to; to the country operational management and to the program operational management. I had the chance to deal with a whole bunch of expats colleagues, some never travelled out of their own country and some that might think Malaysia is just an extension of Singapore.

In these two years, my training went from 120% to 30%. I spend more time in the office working, than on the road, training. But that is the sacrifice i have to make. There are bills to pay, family to support and a career to look forward to.

I am still trying hard to balance life. Play, Family, Work has since been reprioratized to Family, Work, Play. Though family and work seems to be at a loggerhead sometimes. Not helping i spend more than 12 hours in the office. Going home only to have dinner and sleep.

Weekends are precious, but dilemma for play comes in.

All these affected myself. I do not perform anymore in sports - it has been a struggle. This blog was started with a "sports" theme and now it is reduced to something less that that.

I no longer inspire. I am passe. Time to move on.

So, today, after 365days X 2 plus 1 day leap year and 1 day after 20th August 2009, here i am.

Ready to take on bigger role, regionally.

But will it happen?

We see what happen in a year's time. Never know if i will still be here, working. Never know, if priorities changes again.

I live for today, but i have to constantly plan for the future, using the past as a lesson.

Bring them all on.

Read More

Merdeka : What It Meant To You?

This will be a short post. Those of you that had watch Gadoh, what do you think?

The Komas production with my Sister in law and her business partner's production (Big Picture) sure hit the nail. My SIl has always been an activist. I have my differences with her on the understanding and beliefs, but i guess as with everything in life, we can't always agrees with each other 100%. However, she managed to translate what it was needed.

I got hold of the DVD, but had to return it upon finish watching it. However, someone was kind enough to upload all the videos into Youtube.

You can watch it here. Apologies if it jam up your bandwidth, but i thought this is worth sharing.

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Part 4


Part 5


Part 6


Part 7


Part 8



What do you all think after watching the whole movie? I thought the message were clear.

Kamu melayu. Kamu malas. Kamu Cina Babi. Kamu pandai tipu orang. Kamu keling. Kamu tak guna.

As a friend said, everyone is someone's nigger - Rafai Rahman.

Now, as we gear towards our nation 52nd Independence and the upcoming Hari Malaysia, enjoy something from 15Malaysia.com

Now, i am sure all of you heard about 15Malaysia. I think this is more wholesome, or potentially would be more wholesome compared to someone's 1Malaysia's vision. 1 sounded so...selfish, but perhaps, it was meant to be that way.

Here is the first installment from the 15Malaysia. They promise to release 1 clip every 2 days and your all time favourite Rempit King will be featured in one of the clip.

Here is Namawee of the Negarakuku fame. He is cut out for comedy, i must say.

Read More

Ironman to Lembekman

I went for a sports massage today. Hoping this will spring me back to the road of recovery. I've been under stress and under pressure at work, add that to stiffen up muscle and non-performing races.

I always thought i am tough. I used to laugh at those that has to go for recovery massage, those that do a little and end up justifying it with something bigger. I guess i approach the sports wrongly moons ago. Infact, this year was my worse ever year when it comes to sports.

I can still do the 10km run, no doubt. I can even play around going back and forth and still clock in good timing. However, from Ironman this year till Desaru last week, it was in a state of bad decline.

I needed help.

After asking around, i was refered to this place that does sports massage. No doubt there are a lot of different massages out there; those that range from massage for post pregnancy to massage with "happy ending".

This is my first time going through a massage. I am ticklish. Which was my biggest worry before i decided that i needed one.

But the pain and stiffness i have to bear someone blocked off the ticklishness, if ever that exist now.

I made an appointment at 10am, but reached only at 10.30am, half of the reason was because i do not know where the place was. KL Sentral was easy to find, but Sooka Sentral - who in the world name a building SOOKA?

I walked into the place on the 3rd floor. Equal Fitness. OK, doesn't looked like some hanky panky place, what more, they pride themselves since 1995 to be "official supplier of masseus for the Commonwealth Games".

I signed up for the whole body massage at RM120. I was lead to a small room, with a bed that has a hole, which i supposed for the face to go through. I was asked to change/strip.

I went wearing a thighs, as i do not know what to expect, only to be told to strip to my undies. I wasn't wearing undies dude.

The towering figure, which was nicknamed as Giant told me it is ok. Yes, they assigned a huge fler to take care of me. he was easily 4 inches taller than me with biceps way bigger than mine. I figured out i will be in good hands, literally.

The massage started with the calfs, then to the thighs. Right left, left leg. Generous amount of oil was used.

"bang, jangan lawan, relaks", Giant said, asking me to relaxs and not stiffen my muscle.

I did not stiffen my muscle, i am that stiff.

From then on, i was grimacing as he untied all the knots from the achilles heels, calf, quads, hamstrings, inner thighs.

Tears rolled down my eyes. Luckily it was hidden.

Giant said that i am so stiff, it is a wonder i could still walk up and down a stairs.

Ouch.

With legs done, i had my back worked on. More pain. More tears. My upper back was as hard as a piece of iron - still flexible, but with difficulty in moment. I would had imagine Giant grimacing as he tries to pry those shoulder blades and arms open.

"Tulang ke?", i asked as he rubbed my shoulder blade, thinking what he was massaging was my bones.

"bukan la bos, muskle dengan lactic acid", He told me it was muscle and lactic acid build up.

Damn.

What transpire after that was like an re-enactment of a scene from the American Hottest Pursuit as he twist my arms backwards while trying to free up the knots from my shoulder to the end of my fingers.

But he was still gentle, in his own ways.

I found out that Giant recently just graduated from sports science from a local university, and he is one of the permanent staff at Equal. They have 3 male and 4 female consultant ready to deal with any people coming in feeling like they were bunched up like a ball.



After what seems to be double arrest with both my hands being tied behind my back, he asked me to turn over. And my legs were worked on again. This time, with much stronger force. I swear i felt my quads splitting into four with each individual quads being forced open and lactic acid being drained out.

Only this time, i don't get to hide my face and the tears.

I tried moving my legs. It was dead.

I had my chest massaged as well. Swimming had tighten up my pecs. I had my neck and shoulder contorted in such funny position, but it ended up giving me so much relief.

I felt rejuvenated. But i felt like a bunch of seaweeds being pushed around by waves.

The massaged lastest more than 60 minutes. Which was a big bonus.

Giant did what he had to do, and he did it well.

I paid and staggered away, light headed, with body felt so much more less stiff.

Good thing i took the LRT.

This was my first sports massage, and it won't be my last. They have package, 3 for RM200, valid for three months and up to 10 massages for RM800, valid for 12 months. Else, it is RM120/hour for full body and different charges for different bodyparts.

Check them out at their website.

There were mixed review of the place, but i guess massage is very subjective. For me, it was good enough, and an enlightenment. I will certainly make it a point to go for more, especially after major long races.

To my fellow buddies with same wavelength training hard, don't wait up, carry on what you are doing.

I will catch up, soon.



That bad eh?

Read More

Burned Out

A triathlete turned adventure racer cum super mountain biker sent me this meeting notification today.



I am admitting this. I am burned out. Both work and play.

Back to basic. For now.

I will be back.

Read More

Desaru Long Distance Tri 2009 - Report

I will keep this short.

Swim: 40minutes. Swim course was shorter than last year but the current and waves were as vicious. the two motion sickness pills i pop in 30 minutes before race start did nothing. I vomitted the nasi lemak i had for breakfast (2 hours before race) upon exiting the sea.





Bike: 3H 22Mins. Felt that bike was extremely slow. At 38km, the front tyre starts to wobble and i know it meant trouble. At the U-turn at KM40, i decided to stop and check. Tubular tire has a tear. Beyond repair. I know this will happen. More so when i forgot to bring the CO2 canisters and had to rely on one small Puny pump, which happens to be in the car. Lost a good 20minutes there. Happy to see so many caring racers asking if i am alright and wishing me luck with the technical glitch.





Run: 3H 30Mins. It was a walk. I only managed to walk the first 10km in 1:30 and the subsequent 11km was a crawl. I had Wifey pulled me along the last 5km of the walk and literally so up that small freaking !@#$ hill. I told her my battery was out and she thought i meant the Ipod.



No, it was me. I ran out of battery. I ran out of reserves energy even.

I crossed the line in a record 7Hours 45Mins. I keep "improving every year". Improving as in my time INCREASES every year. Sign of old age.

There is no drama apart from me having some internal disagreement with myself. I was fighting myself. The evil part won. If was wifey's good part that pulled me to the line.

I shed tears at KM12 of the walk when i saw Zabrina waiting for Ishsal. I told her i just want to go home. I gave up and yet, i convince myself to finish it.



I've been feeling down for months. I know a lot of friends told me that i am better off than many people, having a family that loves me and look up to me. That is all that matters.

I never deny that. But somehow, deep within myself, i know i am made for more than just that. I have far better expectation of myself. I am not someone that gives up. I never do. I never did until after IronMan Langkawi 09.

The injury i sustained was just a perfect excuse. The fact of the matter was, i lost it. I've bitten my tongue through worse injuries to finish any races beating evil self.

Could it be work?

Perhaps. I've not been the same since i was given a new direct report. I found myself battling against the current. At times, i emerged a winner, but most of the time, i lose. I do not feel in control the way i used to be. I feel...bleh.

Could it be my training?

Perhaps. What training? It was non-existence. The only thing i did was to convince myself that i still "have it" and i will emerge unscathed time and time again. Only to find myself falling harder every race and every training. What used to be a breeze has since turned into an ordeal of some sort. What used to be an ordeal has now became a torture.

Torture.

Torture.

I had difficulty sleeping this morning, despite being knackered and all burned out from the Saturday race. I was up till 3am. My staff asked me why i sleep so late and still in Facebook. And this morning, i talked myself to sleep, justifying all my worries at work to "virtual" management and clients that i will get all the work done and delivered.

Family, as they say, are always there, that is the only thing i have now and i am making it a point to leave office by 7.30pm everyday. I will not stay longer.

I need to regain back some balance in life. And i think i am burning out.

Read More