A visit to veterinar

29th October 2013

I was on medical leave yesterday due to '"tendinitis" that caused me a miserable fever. After taking appropriate medicine prescribed by the doctor and maybe due to the MC, I was well enough to tag along with Hubby and Syahirah taking the cats for regular check-up at University Putra Malaysia Veterinary Hospital in Serdang.  

Lady veterinarian inspecting Phoenix tails passionately

Phoenix and Kayla gave full cooperation when Syahirah put them inside their carrier, whilst Tottie stiffened his body, refusing to enter. Syahirah had to push him hard before she can locked the carrier into safety. Tottie has been acting strangely ever since Lola passed away on 3rd October 2013. He was on and off rushes everywhere looking for Lola to the extend of waiting by the gate and calling for Lola's return. I was the one who found Lola's dead body on the road just outside neighbor's gate that morning. Haunted for few days with the sight of her laying peacefully "as if she was on sleeping position" made me praying that she be in heaven with my beloved parents (both were cat lovers). I was feeling relief while imagining her running around care-freely on the green grass by the streams of river under my late parent supervision. How idle was my thinking :(:(

Tottie had to be force into the carrier unlike Phoenix & Kayla

Few days after Lola's burial, I came to know from Syahirah that some religious scholar's quoted that, cats, rather animals, becoming ashes once they died, provided that they were in a good behavior categories. For bad animals, they will be reborn and received punishments from other dominant animals among their species should they behave badly in previous life. Paused: this is what the Hinduism beliefs. In the meantime, let's take a look how Tottie behave during a 15 minutes drive to the veterinary.

Tottie during travelling, Kayla & Phoenix chose to stay inside 

My husband whenever he can usually takes the cats for a ride in his 4-wheel drive as according to him, our beloved cats must be bored staying indoors all the time. In truth, we shall not let any of them out from the gate after the sad episode of our previous cats, i.e Kitty (hit and run case), Billy (missing), Tommy (missing), Maya (hit & run), Roger (missing), Micky (infected with disease from mixing with stray cats) and Lola (hit & run). Our pains are too much to bear. We sometimes let Phoenix and Tottie stays outdoor within the house boundary but Kayla is strictly indoor as we caught her few times outside the gate.  

There were many patients (mostly cats and dogs) at the waiting area of the hospital. We had to wait a while. Syahirah open the carrier door for them to mingle with others. Phoenix and Kayla opted to stay inside but Tottie, straightaway jumped and roaming at the clinic hall. It was not his first time but it's time to register Phoenix and Kayla since they came to stay with us in August 2013. 

Checking previous records with the doctor

We were very happy with the services offered by the university's veterinary hospital. The veterinary physician are very experience and trusted with the consultations. 3 physicians attended to our cats at the same time. First, they weighing the cat for a monitoring record, inserted the temperature measurement scale inside the buttocks, inspected animals physical body, including both ears and mouth, performed yearly vaccination if the cat is in good health and lastly given advice about their diets. 

Waiting for thorough inspection

The doctor was very happy with Tottie except for fleas found in his body. They applied flea protection behind his backbone. According to the physician, the cat flea "ctenocephalides felis" is one of the most abundant and widespread species of flea on Earth. Therefore, it's important to make sure that their breeding spot at home must be cleared too as the 3 months intensive flea protection will not work effectively if the breeding place was not treated properly. Hence, we were advised to clean and vacuum all of the cats favourite spots at home including taking them out under a hot sun to kill and clean the flea from spreading.

Doctor: Good, Tottie's have a healthy teeth but the acne on his chin can be clean using a prescribe medicine

We were informed that the cat flea coming in 3 different types attacking not only on the body but inside the eardrum too. The flea is a small, sucking insect of the order "Siphonoptera', it's adults range from 1-2mm long and usually a reddish brown color, others are compressed laterally resulting in an extremely thin insect that can be quite hard to find in animal coats. Human can be bitten, though a long term population of cat fleas cannot be sustained and infest people. Kayla is the most infected by flea as compared to Tottie and Phoenix.

Screening sample from Tottie's ear to check the amount of flea

As for Kayla, his weight is a quite worrisome, 3.2kg. After listening to Syahirah's story of what happened during feeding time (she has to wait for Tottie and Phoenix to finish their meals before can enjoy hers), the physician advised us to separate her meals from the other dominant cat. Being a minor, she must be feeling stressful to really enjoy her food. Hmm.. she's being abuse all this while!!

Checking Kayla's body temperature, 38.9C, found to be normal

Kayla's behaving well during a Vaccination jab

Both Kayla and Tottie did not make any sound during injection time but given a hard time for the physician vet to place the tablet into their mouth. Tottie spilled it out 3 times and Kayla 4 times. What a challenge at home thereafter to finish a week flue tablet medication for Tottie.

Phoenix weighted at 3.65kg (we are not happy as Tottie's weight is 5.8kg)

I was worried sick about Phoenix when I found few spots on his bodies thought initially as skin infection. Few times I bath and clean the black spots found on his mouth but to no avail. Though I pestered everyone to bring him to the vet, they were too busy to entertain my request. Only yesterday he was properly investigated by the vet and be assured by 3 of them that Phoenix had to heal from all infection found inside his mouth before he can be vaccinated though it was due in October this year.

Ulcer's and infection found inside Phoenix's mouth

The lady veterinary physician was very passionate in consulting Phoenix cases. She told us not to worry so much about his condition. She gave further advice and tips not to let Phoenix mixes with stray cat as many cases found that cuts and wounds while mixing with stray cats can infected our domestic cats to serious illness such as FIV (similar to HIV) and leukemia. We are most Lucky as Phoenix are easy to take medicine and definitely never again crossed the gate. We hope Phoenix will recover soon to take his due vaccination.

Phoenix, last out from the examination hall

After a long hour of medication, we were happy when it was time to pay the bills and collected the medicines from the dispensary counters. It's time to go home. 

Collecting medicines from Dispensary Counter

Thanks for reading our story :)

Don't you dare to disturb me Kakak.... at 2pm

Back to School

Registration day : 24th October 2013

A year ago, I was seeking guidance from the Almighty to take away pains from my heart. That pain was due to work obsession. My works was once my everything, hence, forgetting that a person has to detach sometimes to see how beautiful life has to offer, I became a miserable person. I wrote a note "what I do & where live now" that day, i.e. 11 November 2012. On the last part of the entry, I've listed 6 things that I wishes to pursue. 

Eager and excited to start a new chapter

After a year gone by, I'm proud to say that I am indeed very serious about blogging though in my broken languages. More than 200 entries thus far, mostly on travelogue was written since January 2013. In addition, I have registered for a second degree in Law from a renown university somewhere in April. On 16th August 2013 (happen to be my birthday), they responded saying that my application was successful. It was the second achievement out of 6 listed in my entry written last year. Not bad for my taste.  

Learned people in law subject

At the onset, I was looking for a Master Degree programme from other locals university including the University where I was graduated from. After given a further thoughts of what I really wanted to be at the end of my career life, I chose having a second degree in Law via external programme @ Bachelor in Jurisprudence (External). Hence, the question that I once posed to myself in "will I be good at teaching?" has an answer. Reading law must be from the best law faculty in the nation, i.e. University Malaya.

Dean of the Faculty of Law, UM in 1969, the late Prof has written and co-author at least 20 books

Stepping inside the faculty for the first time as a student on 24th October 2013 brought so much joy and happiness. I have another determination to achieve the 2nd degree before the age of 50. Will I make it within 3 years? We really have to wait for end of 2016 for an answer. I'm equally excited and anxious as I knew deep within that the challenge that I now facing wont be that easy.

Books majority published by UM on sale during registration day

To my surprise, there are altogether 160 new students in 2013/2014 intake, ranging from a  younger looking face to all white hair looking face. The oldest I met was 61 formerly from land office, currently doing free lancing works. My batch intakes are from different industries, there are doctors, bankers, economist, teachers, property dealer etc etc. Surprisingly that I am not the only one pursuing Law degree here (jokes of the year).

The present Dean, Associates Professor Dr Johan Shamsuddin

160 of us waited at the Auditorium while waiting to be called at the Student Centre for registration and collected the modules. After a refreshment break, we gathered for course briefing and introductory by the Dean and the LEEP (Legal Education Extension Programme) coordinator regarding short courses offered for external student to help them in passing the exams. As we will not have a professional year unlike a full time LLB student, Bsc Jurisprudence graduates are required to obtain CLP (Certificate Legal Practice) from CLP Board followed with 9 months chambering should they choose to practice Law as a career.

Anand, a banker sharing his experience being a 4th year external programme student

Before proceeding with briefing on comprehensive university's subject and Library, we break for lunch at the faculty cafe, adjacently located to the library. The food serves at the cafe is not bad at all. 

Passageway to Faculty Cafeteria - Beautiful

Food shall be no worry if I were to spend times in the library

Later that day I entered the library, said to be the best in the nation for the first time. The smells of book is to my taste, no matter what people said, I love books. Law is said to be the subject of reading. I have no problem at all as "my hobby is reading" but the problem is how to read all 17 modules in 3 years? Will I capable to do it is still a big questioan mark. The coordinator had informed that there are only about 3 or 5 external programme students managed to graduate within 3 years but 66 graduates (from different intakes) during the last convocation. Will I be in that list of 3 @ 5? I was really stressed out that night thinking the NO possibility.

1 of the best law library in the nation

The next day, on 25th October 2013, we attended a full day class on introduction to legal method by Professor Dr Farah Nini, a full time lecturer attached with the faculty since 2007. She was graduated from University of Cardiff and majoring in Criminal, Contract and Child law. Her class carries justice to her passion as all of us glued to our sit from 9am till 4.45pm. Who said law is a boring subject?

During the 6 hours of lectures, Dr Farah shared the story of 1 of her amazing students, a doctor who managed to complete the external programme within 3 years despite a busy schedule in an emergency units. Dr Farah is specialise and passionate on the subject of child law. She gave out numerous advice on how to manage times, improve passion in the subject, how to read case law and important of all the students are expected to be good both in English and Bahasa Malaysia as the house of courts use both languages. I sense trouble :( :(    

Interesting old book on ADAT found in the library can literally expand my limited knowledge

The faculty of law, University Malaya was established in 1972 with the first batch of law students graduated in 1976. The external programme was initiated in 1996 and over 500 students had successfully graduated since inception in the span of 17 years. University Malaya is Malaysia's oldest university established on 8th October 1949 (before Independence) with the merger of the King Edward VII College of Medicine (founded in 1905) and Raffles College (founded in 1928). 

Government Gazette dated 18th August 1966, 2 days after I was born, how interesting!!

The University is listed at number 33 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asian University Ranking 2013. Meanwhile, in the QS World Ranking, UM was spotted at 156th and aiming to be in the top 100 ranking by 2015. For those who are interested to know more of the 17 faculties and research centres available may click the website, University Malaya.

Dr Farah Nini, about to start her lecture

During Q&A session

Nadeera's wedding

Wedding Reception date: 19th October 2013

Nadeera & Hilmi, beautiful couple

A proper Malay wedding is a community project done in the "gotong-royong" (do it together) spirit of the Malays. A lot of work has to be done before the grand feast such as setting up temporary camps, kitchen shed, nuptial chamber, bunga telur, the dais, decorations etc. It was similar to Nadeera's case. Her family and close relatives works hard to prepare her big day in a grand and lavish style.

Young usherer in 2 tones color combination attire, Malay traditional costume "Baju Melayu" 

Nadeera is an office colleague, an IJM scholar, currently attached in Anne's department. She's graduated a year ago and now working under IJM per scholarship contract and enrolled into IJM's Young Talent Programme. Nadeera is sweet, pretty, intelligent and very humble girl. She wedded her long time boyfriend, 11 years together (big WOW) on Friday, 18th October 2013. The solemnization was successfully held at her family house in Bangi.

The Bride received the Groom's delegation and walked to the isle

Traditionally, the first stage is 3 nights before the wedding in which only families participate discussing the checklist and final preparation. The next night, come other relatives, close friends and neighbours for the second stage where the solemnization takes place and the couple wed according to Muslim's law by the Kadi (an imam authorised to perform the wedding). The final stage was on the wedding day itself, rather wedding reception where all the invited guests takes part. I roughly estimate that there were more than a thousand people were invited during the grand ceremony on the 19th. 

2nd Pelamin @ isle for reception day

Being devoted Muslims, Malays of course, solemnize their marriages according to the Islamic laws. A Kadi and two witnesses of the bride inspect the expenses, dowry and gifts from the groom. The Kadi also gives a sermont on marital responsibilities before shaking the groom's hand and utters: "Aku nikahkan dikau (bride's name to be mentioned) dengan mas kahwin (the amount according to the state law).. tunai". To which the groom is expected to respond: "Aku terima nikahnya...( repeats after the Kadi)". The witnesses have to be satisfied that the groom said it loud and clear. Otherwise, the groom has to repeat his line. (I can imagine how nervous a groom can be under such circumstances).

Wedding gifts to the bride decorated in fresh flowers

This is followed by a prayer, then groom puts a ring on his bride's finger and they shake hands (not the western style) but the Malay style, bersalaman (hold hand, the bride kiss the groom's hand and the groom's kiss the bride's forehead). Now, they are officially husband and wife. However, they are still spending the nights separately in different houses as they have to wait until the marriage ceremony, called "hari bersanding".The marriage ceremony is actually held twice, first at the bride's residence then the groom's. The former occasion is grander because this is where the new couple sits together on a dais.

The 1st Pelamin @ Isle for solemnization. Isk, me & Ane were feeling pretty too, hence, the photo shot

Usually, the groom arrives with his throng beating kompang drums and parading bunga manggar. He is welcomed by a shower of beras kunyit (as in Hindu's style) and a performance of Malay martial art "Silat". The groom does not forget his main intention, i.e. to claim his bride. However, he has to bargain with with the ladies of the house to let her go. After paying a price , the groom is allowed to sit on the dais (pelamin) with his bride. At the end of the feast, the couples greet the elders with respectful shake hands, involving both of their parents, relatives and guests. Instead of cakes, the guests to a Malay wedding receive bunga telur.

Did you shed a tears Nad?

It was slightly different for Nad's case. As Malay's inheritance and customs follows a lot of Hinduism and Javanese, modern Malays chose to adapt the Islamic ways by having Marhabban and salawat instead. There is also a western style in between with the Candy Corner and Guest Corner, which was not practiced those days.

Candy Corner

Guest Corner

Coincidentally Iskmahani (our office mate) happened to arrive at the same time with us, so, after we finished with the foods, desserts and ice-cream, we went inside the house to see the place where the solemnization took place a night before. It was beautiful as beautiful as the couple. I cant help it but dreaming some of the things for my daughter.

Argh.. The 2 of us had a feeling of being pretty for a day

Entrance spot before heading back, last photo with the ladies

Fresh flower bouquet at the entrance Tent

We pray an eternal happiness to Nadeera and her husband, Mr H. May they have a wonderful journey together till death do them apart. Amen.

30 Years of Distinction & Pride, IJM Annual Diner

Event date: 21st September 2013

20 years of service awards

June this year was my 6th working years in IJM. Looking back, not even a tiny of regrets that I had when joining 1 of the largest and renown construction company in Malaysia. I may consider it as the last company before deciding when to retire (p/s: definitely not before the project that I'm working with right now is completed). The other day, I received a call from a head hunter and she was suggesting that I should try shifting to another ship. It took me only half a day thinking about it and cleared the idea off from my head.

Registration part

The company started off 30 years ago by merging 3 companies (I=IGB, J=Jurutama, M=Mudajaya) under 1 umbrella and this year we well celebrated our 30 years of distinction and pride. Coming so far by achieving so much in track records, majority in the country as well as abroad, everyone were showing their happy faces in this year annual dinner. You may check our company's information in our website should you keen to find out more what we offer, http://www.ijm.com

Dancers for opening gambit

Registration was open to all as early as 6.30pm where the staffs gathered with each other from all over from the headquarters, scattered project sites in northern, central and southern Malaysia as well as from abroad and East Malaysia. It's a yearly meeting event. The theme was "Back in Time". Most of the staff (me exclude) were very sporting coming in with their suited attire. I'm sharing their colorful photos below.

The theme, Back in Time - Indian Staffs group

The Chinese Staffs group

The Malay staffs group

The official diner started slightly late than previous years, but after the opening gambit and the speech by our Group CEO & Managing Director, the food presentation was presented by the Sunway Hotel & Resort. By the way, our annual diner was held in Sunway.  

The foods

There was a cut cutting ceremony by a special guest, the 1st Chairman of the group (in wheel chair) with the senior directors. Our most kind hearted CEO & Managing Director was holding a long sword to start the ceremony, and all of us raised our glasses in cheering in below photo.

Cutting cake ceremony by group founder & genius with the 1st IJM's chairman in wheel chair

For the first time too, we have invited a special entertainer who managed to lift up the whole audience spirit by stand up and cheering loudly the Company's name and motto. You may see how the whole floor was responded to his call. Such an entertaining night.

The entertainer, Hilmi the gimmick

She danced away with Hilmi, how entertaining

Crowds follows the cheers "in IJM, We Deliver"

It was a success event and memorable night when the diner was announced as close after the last lucky draw to Bora Bora Island was called. The dance floor was open to all staff to dance their night away for those who opted to continue with the party up till 2am. I left at around 11pm and took below photo with our colleague from K-Euro just to show Deepika what I was wearing that night. 

As for me, I chose a traditional and conventional dress