Saturday, 16 July 2005
There were 4 of us, myself (driver), Gloria (Young Woman), Kevin (Young Men Quorum Leader) and Billy (Young Man). We were going to investigate the suitability of the Soon Hup Villa, a mountain resort, for the Church's youth camp. Billy would guide us since the rest of us had never been there.
I was scare to drive in unfamiliar places, but for the sake of the youth, I would do it!! Never knew that it would turn out to be the most frightening driving experience in my 50 years' life! The other frightening ride was as a passenger, going up a winding road to Cameron Highlands in West Malaysia years ago.
It took about 25 km (on the main tarred road) from our church meeting house at Pujut 1 to the junction of the road leading to the Soon Hup Villa. It took another 6 km (not tarred yet) from there to reach the entrance of the resort.
The entrance of the resort was in the shape of a fish's mouth. Driving through the gate was like into the mouth of a big fish. And that reminded me of the story of Jonah in the Old Testament.
We came to a cleared flat area where a big house sat (which I understoood later as the reception, restaurant and also the first Soon Hup villa which has 10 twin-sharing rooms. We asked Billy whether we should disembark there and seek information.. He said "not yet, still a long way, see that slope, we have to follow it". It was a slope alright, like the slope at Taman Selera, going Tanjong Lobang. The road was made of earth and small stones and I could see the width was good enough for a big tourist bus only and it was one way!!
What frightened me was because, as I was gaining height I could not see what was in front of me. The surrounding sceneries were indeed beautiful and peaceful - green trees everywhere. Kevin took pictures when we stopped at some flat ground. I lost count of how many hills we had to drive up and down because I had my full attention (and energy) on the road. Gloria, who was sitting in front, felt the same. Both of us keep on asking Billy "where is the information centre" "why the roads like this?" Actually we had passed the information centre - the first villa. Billy coolly answered "we are going to visit the waterfall, this is the last hill". I look at the slope in front of me. It was the steepest amongst the ones that I have driven over!! I would think (or see, if my poor eyesight did not deceive me) that it was not 45 degrees slope but less than that. There was no turning back - one way!. There was no area for that unless you reverse all the way, up and down!!!! You either sit there and cry (wouldn't solve anything) or go. I am thankful to Heavenly Father that our Madza made it!!
We stopped at the parking space, leading to the waterfall, for a few mintues. Kevin, Gloria and Billy walked to the waterfall which is a few 100 yards away while I took the opportunity to talk to some people whose clothes were wet and getting change to leave in their trooper and saloon car. They told me they like to come often to the waterfall because it is clean and peaceful. They also told me that they have no problem driving the hilly road. They have gotten used to the road since they come often. I admired the mother of the family taking the wheels.
When Billy came back, I asked him whether there is another way back. "No", he said, "we have to go back the way we came". I was worried about encountering an oncoming car. The father of the family, whom I talked to, at the parking lot at the waterfall, said we have to adjust to the sides - that is frightening and dangerous. Both sides drop down into the valley!! Within the vicinity of the waterfall is another building which we drove past. All we wanted to do was to get out of the place. I did not have the mood to check it out and neither did Gloria or Kevin. I found out later that it was the 3rd villa, where there are 8 rooms (each room could accommodate up to 10 people or more) and 1 big hall. It was suitable for a youth camp but thinking about going there???????
Amazingly, I was not as tense driving back as I was going foward. Billy suggested I used the first gear when we were driving towards the waterfall. I did, driving very slowly because like I said earlier I could not see what is ahead. However, I had to the courage to use 2nd gear on returning and you could imagine what a relief it was for me to arrive at the 1st villa.
The Soon Hup resort has 3 villas, situated in different locations in the area. It is actually a nice place for a retrest, but when I think of the road leading from the 1st villa to the 3rd villa (waterfall) I don't know. From the 1st villa I could see the National Service camp and the participants doing some kind of activity. They look like ants!!
The big fish vomitted Jonah out to the dry land. We drove out of the fish's belly and out of his mouth!! I don't want to drive there again!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Lift Confusion!
Monday, 27 March 2000
On the 2nd floor of Api-Api apartments, I wanted to go to the 3rd floor to visit Elder/Sister Broadhead. When I was in the lift I forgot that I was still on the 2nd floor after visiting President/Sister Spencer and that I had to press "3" but instead I pressed "2". Of course the lift remained still! So I pressed "G" and the guide said the lift is working alright. I went in the lift again and press "2" again (and not "3"!!). Came out of the lift and walk towards the apartment which I thought to be Elder/Sister Broadhead. It looks different (I have been there many times, I know which turn to take, I know how it looked from the outside) - my head must be going crazy! I looked at the number - it read 2305 and only then I realised that I wanted 3305 and 3305 is on the 3rd floor!!
On the 2nd floor of Api-Api apartments, I wanted to go to the 3rd floor to visit Elder/Sister Broadhead. When I was in the lift I forgot that I was still on the 2nd floor after visiting President/Sister Spencer and that I had to press "3" but instead I pressed "2". Of course the lift remained still! So I pressed "G" and the guide said the lift is working alright. I went in the lift again and press "2" again (and not "3"!!). Came out of the lift and walk towards the apartment which I thought to be Elder/Sister Broadhead. It looks different (I have been there many times, I know which turn to take, I know how it looked from the outside) - my head must be going crazy! I looked at the number - it read 2305 and only then I realised that I wanted 3305 and 3305 is on the 3rd floor!!
Check your footwear!
Sunday, 17 July 2005
Here goes again!! Why was I in a hurry? I should be growing more graceful as I grow older!
I had the gate of my home opened and drove the car into the parking lot. Got out my purse, car key and handphone. There was something missing - the house key! I have left the house before my husband. Have I forgotten to take it out? How am I going to enter the house? I was about to use the handphone to call him (he has gone out) when I realised that if I have not taken out the house key, how could I have opened the gate and close the gate when I went out earlier? The main door key is ringed together with the gate key and the gate key could only be taken out only after the lock is in place!!! I have not close my gate yet!!
December 1993
My mother, my 2 children (12 and 7 years old) and myself were on holiday in Melbourne! My 2 nieces, Serena and Nicole, would be performing. We were all looking forward to the evening and we would be going in 2 cars. Their father would be driving one car and their mother (who is my sister) would be driving another. I don't remember which car I got in. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry, including myself. I, for one, love dancing, so I was really looking forward to seeing the girls dance. They were 11 and 8 years old respectively. So in I went to the car and off we went to the concert hall. It was when I was walking into the hall that I realised I was still using the furry-like house slippers on!!! I loved the slippers. It is so soft and cosy. In that moment of hurry and excitement, I have forgotten to change my footwear. And they were pink in colour!!. I felt so embarrassed even though they said nobody will look and nobody care. i felt like a clown. My little angel, Lyanne, saved me. She said "Mum, I use yours, you use mine". I cannot remember what type of footwear she had that night but it must be something that she has picked from the shoe rack and it fits me!!
Here goes again!! Why was I in a hurry? I should be growing more graceful as I grow older!
I had the gate of my home opened and drove the car into the parking lot. Got out my purse, car key and handphone. There was something missing - the house key! I have left the house before my husband. Have I forgotten to take it out? How am I going to enter the house? I was about to use the handphone to call him (he has gone out) when I realised that if I have not taken out the house key, how could I have opened the gate and close the gate when I went out earlier? The main door key is ringed together with the gate key and the gate key could only be taken out only after the lock is in place!!! I have not close my gate yet!!
December 1993
My mother, my 2 children (12 and 7 years old) and myself were on holiday in Melbourne! My 2 nieces, Serena and Nicole, would be performing. We were all looking forward to the evening and we would be going in 2 cars. Their father would be driving one car and their mother (who is my sister) would be driving another. I don't remember which car I got in. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry, including myself. I, for one, love dancing, so I was really looking forward to seeing the girls dance. They were 11 and 8 years old respectively. So in I went to the car and off we went to the concert hall. It was when I was walking into the hall that I realised I was still using the furry-like house slippers on!!! I loved the slippers. It is so soft and cosy. In that moment of hurry and excitement, I have forgotten to change my footwear. And they were pink in colour!!. I felt so embarrassed even though they said nobody will look and nobody care. i felt like a clown. My little angel, Lyanne, saved me. She said "Mum, I use yours, you use mine". I cannot remember what type of footwear she had that night but it must be something that she has picked from the shoe rack and it fits me!!
Sleep Walking in the daylight!
Friday, 15 July 2005
As usual, in the morning, after buying the newspaper from a sundry shop, I walked back. I have done this for the past 2 months so I know the road well and which juntion to turn to my home. However, on this particular morning, my mind was travelling far far away and it affected my sense of direction! I walked past my junction, the next junction until I reach the end of the road that curves and that is when I woke up!! Where am I? I only realised then I have missed my junction. No wonder when I passed the food stall (which has not opened for business yet) I thought this is new to me!!
As usual, in the morning, after buying the newspaper from a sundry shop, I walked back. I have done this for the past 2 months so I know the road well and which juntion to turn to my home. However, on this particular morning, my mind was travelling far far away and it affected my sense of direction! I walked past my junction, the next junction until I reach the end of the road that curves and that is when I woke up!! Where am I? I only realised then I have missed my junction. No wonder when I passed the food stall (which has not opened for business yet) I thought this is new to me!!
When you don't know, it is okay!
Tuesday, 28 June 2005
It is just over 5 weeks after my hysterectomy operation. This is the first time, after the operation, that I drove myself (my beloved daughter has been my driver since the operation). I had a nice flora-printed blouse on. Only if you look closely you would see the difference between the right and the wrong side. On this particular day, I had worn the blouse inside/out to the Madza workshop, the wet market and 2 of my friends' houses (one of which my dance teacher happened to be visiting), picked my daughter from her workplace at the Miri Crescent Kidney Dialysis Centre and drove to my mother's place in Lutong for dinner. That is when my youngest sister-in-law asked me whether I knew that I had worn the wrong side of the blouse!!!!
It is just over 5 weeks after my hysterectomy operation. This is the first time, after the operation, that I drove myself (my beloved daughter has been my driver since the operation). I had a nice flora-printed blouse on. Only if you look closely you would see the difference between the right and the wrong side. On this particular day, I had worn the blouse inside/out to the Madza workshop, the wet market and 2 of my friends' houses (one of which my dance teacher happened to be visiting), picked my daughter from her workplace at the Miri Crescent Kidney Dialysis Centre and drove to my mother's place in Lutong for dinner. That is when my youngest sister-in-law asked me whether I knew that I had worn the wrong side of the blouse!!!!
Mystery Angpow!
Tuesday, 19 December 2000, January 2001
My mum (Miri) had passed me angpows (Chinese New Yea Red Packets) of 20 MRinggit each for her maternal grandchildren, Lyanne and Anthony. Could not trace 1 angpow back at the hotel where my family has lodged. Supposed to be 4 angpows (2 from their grandma and 2 from their eldest maternal Aunty-in-law) but can only locate 3! Phoned grandma who said nothing was left behind. Next morning grandma gave me the missing angpow which she said was on the floor near her bedroom door! I was sure I had that in my bag and brought it back with me to Kota Kinabalu. However during the Chinese New Year 2001, I found only 3 angpows! It is gone again!
My mum (Miri) had passed me angpows (Chinese New Yea Red Packets) of 20 MRinggit each for her maternal grandchildren, Lyanne and Anthony. Could not trace 1 angpow back at the hotel where my family has lodged. Supposed to be 4 angpows (2 from their grandma and 2 from their eldest maternal Aunty-in-law) but can only locate 3! Phoned grandma who said nothing was left behind. Next morning grandma gave me the missing angpow which she said was on the floor near her bedroom door! I was sure I had that in my bag and brought it back with me to Kota Kinabalu. However during the Chinese New Year 2001, I found only 3 angpows! It is gone again!
Sun Block for the night?
Sometime in 2000
In my apartment, Beverly Hills, after bath one evening and after toning my face, instead of putting the night cream, I used the sun block instead!! I took the wrong tube and realised the mistake only after I had them on!!
In my apartment, Beverly Hills, after bath one evening and after toning my face, instead of putting the night cream, I used the sun block instead!! I took the wrong tube and realised the mistake only after I had them on!!
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