10 hours to another New Year........

Roughly 10 hours from now comes the new year 2010!! Tonight will be a night where people gather with family members, relatives and friends to usher the new year. It is also a time to enjoy to our fullest as it's the last day of 2009, which is........

As the clock ticks its way to 12 midnight, let us treasure the remaining hours of 2009 and look forward to a new year full of happiness, joys, prosperity, love, peace and most of all good health!!

"God Bless Us Always!!"

A Very HAPPY & BLESSED Christmas!

It is this season of the year again, and here's me wishing you all.........

"Time really waits for no man", it's really passing through so fast! This old photo of my daughter taken during Christmas doesn't seem that long ago though, but calculation shows that it's nearly 20 years ago...... wow!!

I am also sending you all my heartfelt wishes with love, peace & joys that is ever flowing & never ending.

"Merry Christmas & God Bless Us All!"

A very rare opportunity to experience!

Back to the days where this two songs and films "Saturday Night Fever" & "Grease is the word" is being made popular, many dancing kings and queens are seen enjoying themselves at most of Kuching's favourite dancing spots. As far as I can recall, Green Dragon Coffee House & Supersonic Coffee House are the two most full-house spots especially during the weekends.

When going to such a place, it's either in groups or couples, but have you ever come across a situation where the whole family which comprises of grands, parents & children enjoying themselves on the dance floor??????

It is indeed an enjoyable night to remember as such an opportunity is really rare and our 'Kuek' family of three generations are considered real lucky to have the chance to drink, laugh, joke, enjoy, take photos, clap, sing & most of all 'dance to the music'. Indeed, it's "A very rare opportunity to experience!"

It's just unbelievable!!!

It's just unbelievable to come to get to realise that my last blog is a month ago!!! Goodness gracious!!! How time really flies!!!!!!!!!

With the rushing up and down, preparing for the big day of Alex & Choulyee......... at last everything is now over!! 'A Big Sigh!! Phew!!!'

With relatives coming over from Singapore ,Hongkong & London it's always nights of great food at well known restaurants around Kuching City. At the end of the day...... we need to go vegetarian for a while in order to rid off our body's high cholesterol or uric acid level - haha!! No joke, it's true!!

The month of December has been a month full of birthday celebrants for our Kuek's family. Here's some photos to endorse it...........

The birthday boys & girls: Carol, Jessica, Jonathan, Karen & Aaron
Photo top (left) Everyone smiling in front of their birthday cakes
Top (right) The birthday celebrants making their wishes
Bottom: All get an equal opportunity to cut their birthday cake

A Big 'HELLO' to all........

No matter how busy life can be, I'll try my level best not to miss this special day without saying

to all the great & wonderful people out there......... be they friends or strangers, near or far, young or old! Well...... well..... 21st November is

I sincerely hope that this warm Hello of mine will brighten up your day as well as throughout your whole life. Here's also wishing you all a blessed & enjoyable weekend........ Cheers!!!

The season for feasting & celebration.........

Without much realisation, the season of great feasting & celebration is just round the corner.......... Have been rather busy preparing and gearing up for an upcoming family celebration, next the much look forward festive season 'CHRISTMAS' and the 'NEW YEAR 2010'. As I've mentioned before, I really look forward to this season of the year, especially enjoying listening to Christmas songs which are soothing to the ears; the Christmas decorations in all shopping malls to gear us up for the celebration; setting up of our home Christmas Tree to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus and off course finally to welcome the New Year - another year full of blessings, hopes, love, peace, happiness, joys, success, prosperity and.... and..... for us all to dwell into.

See what I mean????? "The best are always save for the last!" This is why I always love this season of the year!!!

As we all look forward to this best season of the year, I wish God's Blessings be always upon all of you and your family.........

May God give you all..........
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer!

Three years ago.........

Three years ago, on the morning of 31st October, I have almost finished packing up and ready to go forward in welcoming this huge change of my life!!!!!

Being in this working life for 25 years and 8 months, rushing to get ready for work before sun rise and rushing to get back home before the sun sets is something which I've experienced looooong enough. Each time when I reflect back those old days it really brings chills from the tip of my toe to the edges of my ear!!!

Making this decision of quitting my job have been a big step for me, which I believe many don't have that opportunity. I still remember meeting some ex-colleagues after I left working where they really envy me for being able to do so. They also mentioned how they wish they could be like me so they won't have to face so much work pressures and get so stress out each day. A big 'thank you' to my employer for their 'drastic-wronged' actions during that time, which makes me build up and later pluck up my courage and confidence to leave the company without any regret!!! I am indeed glad, for with their 'unjust' decisions comes this 'big-step' which makes me a happy, healthy, content, peaceful person enjoying a stress-free life!!!

Here's some photos worth sharing to keep afresh with the old days.........

(Above) At the old store office at Jalan Pending

(Left) Our 2nd store office, next to the old store at Jalan Pending
(Right) At an annual PAKAT Dinner (Sept 1984)

(Left) An Exhibition at Civic Center for World Telecommunication's Day
(Right) A group photo of Payphone's colleague at 4th Floor, Jalan Simpang Tiga

(Above) Photos taken at Call Center, Jalan Were during my last day of work

Before I end this blog, I have here a meaningful song lyric shared by my daughter during her school days which I often use it while attending international seminars, trainings or workshops as a final presentation on behalf of our group. Though it is only the song lyric with no music, hope you all treasure the meaning of those words. God bless you all & take care!!!

Sayonara, sayonara, sampai berjumpa lagi (2x)
Buat apa susah, buat apa susah, susah itu tiada gunanya (2x)
Ingat ingat itu, remember
Jangan lupa itu, don't forget
Saya sayang kamu, I love you
Hanya engkau, Only you!

An Adventurous Dinner!!

Many a times we experience the food which we've ordered either came late or even up to the extent of not being delivered!!! This is common especially during peak or busy hours, either during breakfast, lunch or dinner.

This evening we've come across a new experience while having dinner at one of the very popular fast food outlet. As usual, after ordering our food we waited patiently for it to arrive. The first portion of our food came and we were enjoying munching it slowly as there's nothing important that we have to catch up tonight, and even intend to go shopping after our meal. Soon we finish the first portion of the food and is waiting for the other portion. Being a patient & considerate customer, we waited and waited without making any comments. As we chat, talk & laugh away, half an hour seem to pass by, still being patient we tell ourself that maybe there are many customers having their meals there, so again we waited!

It was only till much later that a lady came over to apologise and inform us that the other portion of food which we've ordered were wrongly sent out through their 'home delivery' service. As apologies they give us another jug of free cola & a bowl of free salad for the mistake that they've made.

It is indeed 'An Adventurous Dinner' whereby not only the three of us have been taken for a long ride but also our ordered food - I wonder whether anyone have ever experienced such a situation before????

The build-up of my passion for singing............

It is true that most people loves to hum and sing short verses of their favourite songs while in the process of doing things such as, sweeping and moping the floor, gardening, cooking, washing the car and most of all when having their shower!!!

This proves that singing has been a passion for most people, it is just a matter of fact whether they intend to pursue further with it or not. Through songs there comes music, which I believe is a must in our lives. Without the sound of music around us is like living in a place far, far away and is alone!!! How devastated, lonely and meaningless live would be, if it is such a situation!!!!

"Life without music would be a mistake"
~ Friedrich Nietzsche ~

"Music is the universal language of mankind"
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~

"Music is harmony, harmony is perfection, perfection is our dream, and our dream is heaven"
~ Amiel ~

With my passion and love for singing, I never let any opportunity slip by without trying a hand on it. I build up my singing guts during my school days, either singing in a group or solo during teacher's day and also entering School Talentine Competition. Though I didn't win any place in the competition it never makes me loose hope & confidence. Instead I continue to build confidence by practicing on my own at home. It was in the mid 70's that I went for an audition at Radio Malaysia Sarawak (RMS). I was accepted and I sang for a 'Christmas Show' with two songs 'White Christmas' and 'Devoted to you'. Before the show there are several practices with the Live Band from Radio Malaysia Sarawak 'Combo RMS'. I continue singing in a few more shows with RMS and my final one is aired in a program called 'Local Entertainers'. At that time I was being interviewed by a local press and was published in a local Malay newspaper. After I left schooling I didnt continue pursuing singing in RMS which later changed to RTM (Radio Television Malaysia). Whatever it is, I never let go of my passion for singing but I continue to pursue it even during my working and family life.

Will continue to share in my up-coming blog, ......... so do watch out!!

Almost 'UNBELIEVABLE!'

If you happen to wake up one fine morning, getting ready for work, and suddenly you found out that your car is MISSING!!!! What will be your reaction then?????? SHOCK will be the exact word to describe such a situation!!!!

The next thing is to fix yourself into thinking........ did I park my car here??? I can be perfectly sure that I parked it here....... When did I last use my car????? Did I lock it properly????? and so on, and so on........ That's enough to increase the flow of adrenalin in the body in that short period of time!!

Finally, you come to your senses that "My car is stollen! What should I do??? Oh! No! I need to get to work!!!!" Then you start calling your office informing of the situation and maybe getting a day leave and calling your family members to get useful tips on what to do next..........

There are many scenarios in such a situation........ If the car is parked in the car porch of our very own home, then it's perfectly clear that it's been stolen. In small city like Kuching, situations can be more simple, but it is not such for big city like in Kuala Lumpur. Situations are not as simple and easy as it seems, especially for those who are staying at high rise homes such as Condominiums, Apartments or Flats. Parking space has been a major problem. I remember a friend & ex-colleague of mine who stays in a Flat and needs to park her car some distance away from her place of stay. Even owning a vehicle doesn't seem to be that convenient, the owner still need to walk to and from the place of stay to the place where the car is parked. Another serious problem which we need to look into if you are new with the surrounding is also to be careful, as you might be parking in an illegal space and your vehicle might be towed!

At any time and place, we should not be too complacent and never assume that what is practiced in our own town or city is the same as in any other towns or cities in Malaysia. We must always remember that each have their own authorities and have their own sets of rules & regulations which might differ from one to the other, so always be aware and careful!

The related story in para 1,2 & 3 above is a real happening. My son has just moved in to the new Condominium, and with the limited car parking space, he have his car parked somewhere outside the condominium area. As a new occupant he is not aware of the rules of the area, so his car was left parking there after 8 on Monday morning and was towed by the authority concerned. He only get to know that his car is not stolen after he spoke to the Security Guard of the condominium and gave a call to the authority confirming that his car is with them and needs to pay a fine of RM150.00 to reclaim. It is indeed a great relief to get the news that everything is fine and it is just a little misunderstanding!! Praise The Lord, Alleluia!!

"Keep Smiling & Be Happy!"

My passion for Singing

Since at a young age, I have been having great passion for singing. As far as I can recall, I will try to get the lyrics of those song which I love listening, copied it in my 'personal' song book - why I consider it personal cos' it is hand written! Whenever I am free after school, especially in the afternoon when homework are done, I'll open my precious song book then sing the song aloud. If my dad is around, he will join in playing his guitar or organ while I sing along.

Last week while I was karaokeing at home, somehow playing the disc of my one time favourite singer 'Agnes Chan', I then come to recall that she has been my greatest passion for singing!!! Her cute childish sharp voice simply makes me love her and her songs. I also remember singing her first recorded song entitled 'Circle Games' during a singing competition in Secondary School. When this song was recorded and released a year later in 1971 as a single, it became a smash hit which makes Agnes's record became number one song in all four TV and FM station in Hongkong and she was nick named 'Hong Kong Queen'. In the same year she also received an award for the best Asian Singer Prize as well as chosen to be one of "Hongkong's Ten Top Stars". All through her life she have been devouting a great part to charity, today she continues her work as an author, singer and TV personality along with her charity works and her work as Unicef Ambassador.

Guess, there must be many out there who doesn't know her, but here's some old photos to share, who knows when you get to look at it you'll tend to recall.........

She married in December 1985 to Mr. Tsutomu Kaneko, who had been her Manager and is blessed with two sons and a daughter. For information, she will be turning 55 on 20th August 2010.

Another new day to get going........

Wake Up! Wake Up! It's another new day to get going with schools for the children, work for all parents and young adults, and not forgetting those who are not working - the housewives......... people like me!!!

To get going with our new day, guess....... the most important of all is a cup of 'hot' newly brewed coffee!!

Wow! the coffee sure looks tempting to get the morning started - it's a real good 'starter' though! It might not be the favourite of some, but not to worry cos' there are still other choices of tea, milo or milk.

Lately there are several more new places where we can enjoy a good breakfast with good coffee........ yum! yum! Ipoh Town at Jalan Song, Old Time at Jalan Petanak, Kaya & Toast have their several outlets and another two new ones coming up side by side with Ipoh Town. Apart from breakfast, these are popular spots for afternoon tea or even lunches as they also serve rice & mee. So, do get the opportunity to try out at these new food outlets in Kuching City! Enjoy your meal!!

Strong wind gushes across Kuching City!!

Off late, there have been strong wind and heavy rain in Kuching City every afternoon approximately about 3-4pm. Experiencing such change of weather seems to be something normal as it happens almost every afternoon within that period of time.

I was surprised by a telephone call from my son in KL in the evening, inquiring on the strong wind which gushes across Kuching City!!!! My first reply was....... "well, that's normal as we are experiencing strong wind and heavy rain almost every afternoon!" But, after giving it a thought, it seems like there is a difference in today's wind! I recall our 'Green' Rubbish Bin outside was even blown down with a big 'bang', as well as our flower pots blown off the rack and one of it broke.

Anyway, it's now the month of October, its normal for us to experience more rainfall as the so called 'Landas Season' or the wet season is just round the corner. Again, it is this time of the year whereby those living in the low-lying areas are worried about the flood water. Hoping and praying that this year's wet season will be fine so that people won't need to worry!

Just to say 'Hello'

Since I haven't been updating my blog off late, so I'm just popping in to say 'Hello!' With so much to think, arrange and settle for a grand family celebration coming up end of this year........ well, it's enough to keep me occupied!! Whatever it is, I'll still be dropping in to write a few words in my blog as and when I've got something to update. Till then, take care my online friends and I am sending you all a bunch of SMILEY to get us all in a happy mood.......

A Chinese Festival on 15th Day of the Eighth Month

Each year, on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Calendar, the Chinese are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival. On this night, the moon is supposedly at its fullest and roundest.

Back in the old days when we are young, carrying of lanterns is something which we never miss on the night of this festival. Mooncakes of different varieties are also being served together with tea. Some families still practiced the old style of having a family get together outside under the bright moon light and enjoying the beautifully, brightly lighted lanterns around them.

Today, how many still do that???? To be frank, there are not many people who really bothers to carry on with this Chinese festival, custom and culture. Personally for me, since I don't have any small children, so to let this festival, custom & culture stay alive for my family, I usually buy few paper lanterns & light them on this special night. It is through this way that enables us to remember the festival.

Here's to wish all celebrants out there 'A Very Happy Mooncake Festival 2009' and have an enjoyable time eating mooncakes under the bright moon light'.

These are my lanterns..........

D' Family-Musical Group of the 70's

Recently I manage to get hold of two very old photo albums, which are in the 'very safe custody' of my mum, so get to borrow it home, view through & scan using my BenQ (an average quality scanner)........ and there I found a group photo of my family, each holding a musical instrument owned by my late father.

As I've said in my earlier blog, my dad is a 'musical talent' in a sense, as he can play any musical instruments that he could get hold of. Not only that, he can even come up with a musical instrument made out of wood or even coconut shells. I still recall when he make himself the Erhu, a Chinese Violin or chinese two-stringed bowed instrument which he later enjoyed playing with it, especially after his tiring day's work in the hospital.

Let me share with you some of the old photos which are in black & white and though it's not that clear but the sweet memories of each photo are the things that matters most..........

My younger brother with the guitar (Left)
Me & my dad with his electric guitar (Right)

D' Family-Musical Group of the 70's
My dad with his Piano Accordion, brothers each with a guitar, my sister another of dad's wind musical instrument & me with the violin

My mum & me [in action]..........

Dog included when planning for a holiday.......

For our family whenever we plan to go off for a holiday, we also need an extra plan for our pet dog 'Darkie'. To dog lovers, you'll understand, but for those who don't have a pet dog at home, you must be thinking that I talk nonsense!!

This morning I pay a visit to one of Kuching's Pet Shop 'Amazing Pet' situated at Rock Road to enquire on the boarding services which they provide for all kinds of home pets. Guess what I saw????? Different kinds of cute dogs include Hush Puppy, cats & rabbit, just to name a few. Each time we take a break for a holiday we will send our dog for boarding, at Verterinary Clinic or Pet Shop which cater for such a service. Meaning to say, whenever we take a vacation our pet dog gets to have the opportunity for a special stay at some pet's hotel..........

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made".

~ Roger Caras ~

Another special day for the 'grands.....'

It's September 13th, another grand day for all grandparents! Here's a short, meaningful poem to share with all........

"The history of grandparents is remembered not with rose petals but in the laughter and tears of their children and their children's children. It is unto us that the lives of grandparents have gone. It is in us that their history becomes a future".

~ Charles & Ann Morse ~

"Always Think Positive"

No matter how rough and winding our road of life are, we must never allow those negative forces to over-rule our minds, hearts, thoughts and most of all our precious life!! Having a strong determination to continue pursuing to reach our goals and objectives can only make situations possible for us. When making a serious decisions in life, we really need to think positively so as to make a wise decision, a decision which we'll never regret throughout our life. The right to make a personal self decision lies in our own hands, so I strongly believe that what other people think is not important. As long as we've made a right, worthy decision for our self and always think positive, then it's considered reaching our dreams..........

Today is Positive Thinking Day, so if you've not been thinking positively then why not give it a start and I assure you that you'll never regret.

"The happiest person is the person who thinks the most interesting thought"
~ Timothy Dwight ~


"Have a nice day"

5 Simple Rules To Be Happy!

To be happy is everyone's intention, so why not just try out these five simple rules, after all there is nothing to loose!

"Happiness consists of living each day as if it were the first day of your honeymoon and the last day of your vacation"

Through the pages of my working life......... [Part 4]

I really have indeed spent three quarters of my working life in this so called place 'Store' which then change its name to Warehouse Operation & Materials Management...... finally to Malaysian Logistics.

Here's to recall some moments and memories which I've not captured in my earlier Blog, both in words & old photos to be shared with all friends & readers........

Attending courses or trainings in relation to our scope of duty is a requirement for all staffs. In the early years, most of the specific courses are conducted in the Training Centre in Kuala Lumpur, which is Jalan Gurney. I remember attending a course there during the landas season, and due to the non-stop heavy downpour the training centre was flooded. Water gushes into the lifts which leads to our hostel (as the hostel area is low lying), and goodness me, I have to climb 19 floor up and down each day. I still recall at one evening the flood water was so high that we can't even cross over to the canteen to have our dinner. Being so hungry and inhaling the smell of nice foods surrounding us........ oh! it's an experience which I cannot forget!! In actual fact the water doesn't subside, luckily some good samaritan men get some tables, over-turn it to make boats, so we, the ladies climb onto it and they pull us over to the other side which is the higher ground, to get our food and then back again to our hostel after dinner - May God Bless them all!

Another bitter moment which I'll never forget is moving our store materials from the existing place to another building few yards away using a Wheelbarrow!! Surprise right?? Though we have our company's vehicle but during peak time when the vehicle is out, the only available thing for us to use is wheelbarrow. And just to elaborate, our materials are not put in one place but all over the different parts of the building and worst is the new place is double-storey, meaning to say, we need to carry some of the materials up to the 1st floor! Thinking about it really makes my bones and body feel aching!!

Later, the whole store was moved to Bintawa and being surrounded by Fertilizer Plants just can't imagine how we all suffered during those period of time - the horrible smell and small particles drifting all over........ I remember at one time I get this problem of hair-dropping, so have to put on a hat whenever I go outside, I wonder anyone remember the lady with the 'big-red' hat!!! Another unavoidable problem I face at that time is the throat & skin allergy.

- Taken at the canteen of the training centre in KL in 1990
- I always remember the blue plastic plate with many compartments & the blue cup
- All the 3 meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) are being served there






Taken at Dewan Suarah "Majlis Makan Malam" on 18/12/1989
(Left) A group singing
(Right) My colleagues & I smiling away......


- Taken in 1990 at Holiday Inn Pool Side
- Atur Vendors' Night
- Duet with Nancy & the band members from Telekom








(Top Left) Me & my colleague (Mr. William) doing Stock Taking at Limbang Store
(Top Right) "Action" in the office of Angela Bine Bari
(Bottom) Group photo with the In-Charge & colleagues from Limbang Store