Come Next Year

Roadtax is going down a bit.

But here's the catch...

Fuel price is getting up. And not a bit at that.

Expect the worstttt...

Now, drum roll, followed by a suitable thrash metal song...

Ebay Temptations

I wanna try to use Ebay.

I have even applied for PayPal.

Problem is, I am a bit skeptical about the result.

Another problem is, I never used it before.

But it all seems so tempting.

If I am fortunate enough, I might get my dream camera the Panasonic FZ20, or a Nokia 9300, at quarter or even less of the retail price. Including shipping and handling.

I am still watching for the one-off bargains. See the links below for sample.

• Nokia 9300 communicator+1GB MMC+128 MMC+AD-46
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 Digital Camera / Extras

Maybe I'll just watch and watch, and not spend any money. Seems better for my financial conditions..

Shipping Is Expensive

Shipping costs is basically the most heart-wrenching cost of all international trade.

I tested the Basket feature of Mini Speed of UK once.

When I checked out the shipping cost for a Piper BP300 race camshaft, the cost for the cam is £65.

The camshaft is 2 kilograms in weight, so the shipping cost to Malaysia is quoted at £35.

After adding up to £452 of items totaling up to 9 kilograms, the shipping costs is around £85.

What a big difference!

So a good tip will be to accumulate all you can first, and then buy them.

And that means, saving up first.

Ouch! Some things can't seem to wait.

And this also means I can never order a 180kg Mini Turbo engine or something as heavy.

Our Coronation

Since the company I work in has no more so-called "department", I hereby "elected" myself and my colleagues to be Head of the particular departments they once work in.

MCK : Maintenance Manager
BAM : R & D Manager
FEMR : Quality Assurance Manager
ANM : Technical Manager

And not to forget, our temporary staffs.

SM: Finance and Administration Manager
AD : Services Manager
MAZ : General Manager

Mini Tsunamis

It's probably no more a secret to most of you anymore.

We are expecting our next baby.

It seems that the baby feels there is no more room. I could only imagine his size now.

He never stopped moving. As soon as my love wakes up, he wakes up too. Baby sensitivities.

And how he loves creating waves. I mean, ab ripples. Big ones too, imagine tsunami on the abdominals.

Muzaffar will definitely have to share birth month with this new baby, which is due probably in the fourth week of January.

Noise Makers

Sometimes I can't tolerate noise.

Since I define noise as anything mechanically loud such as RapidKL bus' gearbox whine, or physiologically loud such as my technician's snoring (he told me his resembles a ship Generator sound, or Gen Set), most of the time I will hear loud noises throughout my travelling time.

It almost seems like everyday that I hear them.

Bus gearbox whine
LRT track and wheel grind
Techno music from handphones
Passenger snores and chatters
And all other sorts of "noise"

The only personal remedy, since you can't really beat the noise, is a pair of earplugs.

It almost seems blissful to hear your own breathing instead of all the unnecessary din.

So, to anybody travelling and have similar problem, take my advice. Go to Ace Hardware, or any hardware store, and get some. But wear them only when you are sure there will be noise involved.

Recycling Blues

I usually bought Cincau drinks in cans.

And I felt bad about throwing it in the trash. I know I can do better.

Only thing is, I cannot help it. I cannot continue carrying the can around until I found a recycling bin. I cannot afford to have one hand immobile. It's sort of a travellers' dilemma.

But it surely gets me thinking though.

If the government are so serious in promoting recycling, up to the deemed 50 percent of all waste material, they should make the recycle bin as common as the trash bin.

I know most of us will want to get rid of certain recyclable material on the spot. Putting them beside the trash bin will be good enough.

It's as simple as this notion. To save 50 percent of waste, we need 50 percent of the bins to be there.

To save 50 percent, supply first 50 percent.

I anticipate the recyclable trash to be more of the water container type. So my idea for the bins is 20 percent for dry material, 30 percent for wets.

New Hobby

I think I have established a new hobby for me.

Besides all those "childlike" hobby I have like R/C car, playing catch with Muzaffar, playing corner with STELLAR, or others too numerous to mention, I finally do runarounds at housing estates to look for prospective houses that looks the part and possess the goods.

And I now regard this as a worthy hobby.

It seems calming to the soul, and soothes the heart too. Looking at a house, and imagining things you might put, renovations you might do, parks you grow, and the cars you park.

Anybody wants to help me out? I would love to know more about the housing estates around southern Kuala Lumpur or the areas in Selangor circling Putrajaya, if any.

My budget? 180k or less. That's all I can afford I would have to say.

Sweet Guitar

I have always been fascinated with the twin guitar sound.

Watch this guitar duel between Snowy White and Scott Gorham from Thin Lizzy.

This is in 1981.

And I tell you, those are enlightening guitar playing to say the least.

Pay attention to the duel at 2:05 and above.

Sweet music!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkQ5YWBsvrY

Sure Fever

TV3 can really get on your nerve sometimes.

The song "Let's Get Loud" by Jen Lo is very very overplayed. Yes the Sure Heboh/Jom Heboh supposed theme.

I wonder, do they realize how bad it can sound five or six time for every ad slot?

I got so hot, I feel like having fever.

Put several songs in for all you like. Or play the song in full, for five or six products altogether, without break seems okay too.

Stackup Panorama Property

I dream of a property idea last night.

It's that bad huh? Dreaming of owning a property is okay. But this is getting too far...

But here goes. This is really a novel idea for those people who loves a surround panorama of the city or something similar.

Presenting.... The one unit per floor hotel/apartment/condominium/penthouse.

I imagined it like this. Each unit is built up like a normal stackup unit. Only thing is, only one unit is put per floor.

All floor, or should I say, all unit, will have its own, surround glass.

It can be square or circular in shape, from top.

And the staircase or lift will be built in the middle. Access are with smart cards, and only one unit can use the lifts at a time.

It can be built from scratch, or build on existing buildings.

I don't know if it is original or not. I just dreamt about it, and never saw it being done before.

Multi-Thousand

A heart-fluttering quotation from a Segambut fellow

Lightening and balancing 1200
Porting and polishing 600
Exhaust 1000
Camshaft 1000
Big valve 400
Adjustable Cam Pulley 1000
1.5:1 Roller Rocker 1800

Total 7k

Arrrghh!!!!

The Detour

Went on a small detour to Pinggiran Putra last night, at the advice of dear lover.

Actually we went to see several unoccupied houses at Jalan Pinggiran Putra 3.

And my God, the non-built up land of some houses are considerably huge!

Imagine, a small size single-storey semi-detached house, with extra land of 150 percent.

Some have 200 percent extra land.

One of the houses even got a "guard dog", who immediately ran away from us. Lucky!

Only a few are cleared enough of all the tall grass, but most are having them, so we cannot really budget the land available. Only shows how long they have been built, with no occupants.

We already imagined the several cars we own or will own to fit in the vast amount of land.

A Mini. Or maybe two.

A Wira.

An X-Trail.

A Ferrari F50.

A .....

My wife imagined having a small theme park for our kids.

And I imagined a small shack for my drum set. Arrrghh I got pinched!

It costs around 250k or more, so I don't know whether to commit one way or the other...

Truck Woes

Driving a truck has made me appreciate cars more.

• Cars are more economical.
• Cars absorbs bumps better.
• Cars brake and handles better.
• Cars are easier to park and manoeuvre around tight spaces.

I wouldn't trade my STELLAR for anything twice as big, like the Mits Storm I drove to Johor today.

And I sure will try hard to keep the Wira too.

At least I feel lower, or should I say, more down-to-earth?

The Beast

666 is the Number of the BEAST

670 - Approximate number of the Beast

DCLXVI - Roman numeral of the Beast

666.0000000 - Number of the High Precision Beast

665.9999954 - Number of the Pentium Beast

0.666 - Number of the Millibeast

/666 - Beast Common Denominator

666 x sq. rt (-1) - Imaginary number of the Beast

1010011010 - Binary of the Beast 6

1-666 - Area code of the Beast

00666 - Zip code of the Beast

1-900-666-0666 - Live Beasts! One-on-one pacts! Call Now! Only $6.66/minute.

$665.95 - Retail price of the Beast

$699.25 - Price of the Beast plus 5% state sales tax

$769.95 - Price of the Beast with all accessories and replacement soul

$606.66 - Wal-Mart price of the Beast

$566.66 - Costco/Price Club price of the Beast

Phillips 666 - Gasoline of the Beast

Route 666 - Way of the Beast

666 F - Oven temperature for roast Beast

666k - Retirement plan of the Beast

666 mg - Recommended Minimum Daily Requirement of Beast

6.66 % - 5 year CD interest rate at First Beast of Hell National Bank, $666 -minimum deposit.

Lotus 6-6-6 - Spreadsheet of the Beast

Word 6.66 - Word Processor of the Beast

i66686 - CPU of the Beast

666i - BMW of the Beast

DSM-666 (revised) - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the Beast

668 - Next-door neighbor of the Beast

- Number of the Blonde Beast, uh... what was that number again?

STELLAR Fever

I am just fresh off the trip to Tanjung Pengelih, Johor Bahru. The warship my company maintained was stuck there, and the system needs damage rectifications.

The car we drove broke down again, and again.

All this made me remember STELLAR.

It's been two months since I last drove him.

I hope come next week, he's finished. I mean, fully ready to drive.

I miss him and his antics.

Bling Bling STELLAR

More and more rain come pouring down into KL.

And what most people should own is?

An SUV.

And a tall SUV at that.

We need things like, the Mits Airtrek and the Nissan X-Trail.

And you know what, I like the looks of the X-Trail. But the price is way out of my league.

That gives me an idea though. Put hydraulics into STELLAR so it can be raised higher.

Then I can endure the torrents called in Malay as "Air Melintas Di Jalan Raya"

So, the next thing, is to contact the Thai people who pimped their pickup trucks with the dancing-truck hydraulics.

Dream on, says Aerosmith...

Ih ih ih.

Several Pictures Scanned

Another Guy?

Mountain Schmountain Turtle Schmurtle

Just bought a Schwin bike.

Somehow I always knew this is not an original Schwin. It's too cheap at 300rm.

Nevertheless, I am gonna ride it anyway.

And the ride from Alamanda to P16 is tiring. Or is it just me, being absent from biking since 1995?

I knew I must get back into shape. Round is indeed a shape, so count that one out.

Got The Sickness

I rarely got time to blog nowadays.

Sometimes, when I got the time, and then I don't feel like writing.

Or is it because I hate writing? I don't know.

I know I love typing. But maybe I just need the pusher mood.

It's a bit hectic at the office, and the site travel sickens me.

But life has to go on.

Besides, the claims on manpower and lodging makes it all worth it.

Nyum nyum!

The Leak Needs A Flow Meter

I just got back from Kelantan.

The car assigned for us broke down big time. The travelling from site to KL saw us treating the car with umptenth liters of water, translating to more than ten stops to fill and refill the radiator.

The culprit? The waterpump. It leaks like a medium opened water tap.

I got so sick. I have to rest now.

Tat Taaa..

Dealing With It

I have always wondered why, American movies have so much gunfire in them?

Is it because they rely so much on firepower as a show of strength?

Is it because they feel more macho with each bullet, emitted in a rapid-fire fashion?

I always believe, the least amount of bullet dispensed, the better the effect.

Personally, single-shot kill from a revolver seems like the more effective way of using guns.

And it have the more classic feel to it. Does that remind you of a certain "Point Fifty Caliber" line in movies?

It's the skill that counts anyway.

Seat Sickness

Lately I felt some rather sharp pain somewhere while sitting on the awfully hard plastic chair of the RapidKL bus.

And it made me miss driving my Mini so dearly.

Only thing is, STELLAR was still in the ICU, and it's nearly two months already.

And Pak Syed just opened shop after his long Raya holiday, last night.

I Can't Decide..

I am being offered a classic Mini Cooper S, in exchange to my Clubman.

It almost seem like a dream come true.

Should first meet up with the offerer.

Now to decide.

Decisions, decisions.....

Wierd Dreams Lately

Last night, I dream a glorious dream.

I thought I changed the world hours later.

I am a Muslim preacher, given the opportunity to deliver a speech on BBC. Yes, the British Broadcasting Corp. I was clad in the African style preaching gear. And I thought I was a black Muslim leader.

The atmosphere was sort of, changed when I uttered a certain words. Though I cannot remember at all those words, I sure am feeling enthralled myself to utter such.

The program was broadcast all around the world. And I think, everybody was watching me.

Suddenly Islam was united.

And I believe we triumphed.

Wierd but wishful.

I Learnt...

These are a few things that I learnt in fasting month

• You will be very satisfied even when you break off your fast with half or less of your usual food serving.
• You will want to eat less when you sahur.
• After a few days of fasting, the hunger subsides.
• You will want to do fasting still long after fasting month ends

Salam Aidilfitri. Even though it's quite too late now.

Mini Mini

My radio-controlled Mini, or should I say, "mini Mini", which I have yet to name, have been exposed to the actual rally surface, the gravel-like road, of my kampong.

And I love looking at it in action.

I know I love car stunts, but I will not risk using my real Mini to do suchlike.

So I rather use my mini Mini to do it.

Only thing, it's electricals will or should not mix with rain, water or stuffs. So I still have things to avoid.

Other than that, it's been a delightful experience.

Escape From Weight

Measured my weight last night.

I lost nearly 6kg!!!

Nyum2!

Now looking forward to another 10-plus days, I might lose another 3 or 4.

Escaping Reality

Some of the realities to escape this few seasons....

• Debt, and more debt
  
• Weight, and I mean lotss
  
• Size, yes, I feel big
  
• Mobility, I am so not
• Boredom/Routines
  
• Sleeplessness, self explanatory

To escape, I need at least these few...

• My family
• My toy car
• My real car
• My diet plan
• My camera
• My bank manager
• My kinda music

Sure it seems superficial, but hey, whatever...

Groovy Music

My Playlist Of The Season

Guns 'N' Roses

• Welcome To The Jungle
• November Rain
  

Steve Gadd Band

• Praise
• Mez-Ga
• Things Are Not What They Used To Be
• Manhattan Update
  

Doobie Brothers

• What A Fool Believe
• Takin It To The Streets
  

Ultra

• Say Ya Do
• Say It Once

Warrant

• Big Talk
• Heaven

Morbid Angel

• Blessed Are The Sick
• Days Of Suffering

Dokken

• Breaking The Chains
• Mr. Scary

Enjoying myself...

Healthy Thoughts

"I wanna die healthy."

Those are my thoughts these few days. And I guess, those are my wish too.

You see, I heard once from a friend, about how the fear of being sickly is worse that the fear of death.

You feel sick when sickness happens.

On the contrary, you will not feel anything when death happened.

I feel very reluctant to burden anybody with my inability, or limitations, that resulted from my sickness.

Ohh you know, all those elderly illnesses.

And I feel like living healthy from today onwards.

Classicksss

It's very nostalgic what you can find on the Internet these few days.

I have been focused on looking for more and more videos from Youtube to view.

Some of the notable ones are classic videos from Doobie Brothers, Randy Rhoads footages, Def Leppard Live 1983, Toto Live 1979, Mercyful Fate Live 1983 and Warrant's DRFSR clips.

I could never imagined viewing any of those before. I almost thought I never will.

Guys, check out Youtube!

Ultra - Say You Do

I see ya, I want ya,

Hey, I'm cruising,
I'm just moving through,
Doing the things I do,
And it's kinda soothing
To be here viewing you,
Coz girl you look so good,
And I'm just approving of
How you're doing things,
You do them like you do,
Combat, it's a combat,
And I bet that you never knew that

I'm blown away, so far away,
You will always take me higher,
Higher
Do you hear what I've got to say?
And it's at times like this I know
I love you now

Chorus :-
Everytime I see ya, I want ya, I need ya,
I know you need me too,
Say ya, say ya, say ya, say ya do
Do you want somebody to please ya?
To squeeze ya?
To take your hand and to love and not leave ya?
Say ya, say ya, say ya, say ya do
Yes you do

This world we're using
And that we're moving through,
We're doing it two by two,
I am only human
And I'm pursuing you,
Coz you're making me
Feel so good

Are you disapproving of
How I'm moving?
I'm just getting through to you,
Combat, it's a combat,
And I bet that you never knew that

We Need Sincere Workers

Back to office today. But still within the holidaying mood. Imagine, nine days of not working will do to you.

And like always, the bus in Putrajaya is ever problematic.

It takes about 7 buses to finally pick me up to where I wanna go. And the first bus, which obviously didn't, arrives way late.

A usual Monday blues thing.

And I'm quite upset at all this.

Where is the love of the job? Be a bus driver all you want, and be prompt at that.

Besides, you are paid in full, not three quarter, not 2/5.

Imagine a world when what you do or did not do that makes you get what you deserved.

A Great Tune To Cover

I dreamt of a song idea last night.

I want to cover Sesame Street so badly.

Only thing is, it needs the rock edge.

And Mr. Producer has yet to respond to my SMS message. Methinks he's too tired after the sahur.

Happy fasting everybody!

Play Time

Just arrived at Seremban, from Cameron Highlands.

The drive was leisurely, apart from the occasional 200kph sprints courtesy of my impatient wife.

Yeah, I sure do miss him too!

When we saw him, he still has that sleepy look on his face as he peeks out the front door.

And he still seem sleepy, until he saw the airplane and Lightning McQueen toy we bought for him.

Boy he cannot leave them alone.

Playtime just started...

Pro Con

If the reverse of 'pro' is really 'con', then let's see whether these words really tally with its 'antiword'.

Progress - Congress
Protract - Contract
Protest - Contest
Profound - Confound
Prostitute - Constitute
Profess - Confess
Profuse - Confuse
Prosumer - Consumer
Product - Conduct

Pondering about it...

By the way, we went south today. First, entered Habu town, and steered into the road leading up to the Boh Plantation. And then, down to the lotus-laden lake nearby to shop.

And then, strolled around Tanah Rata, to shop.

Retail therapy, like they say.

Something's Amiss

These few days in Cameron without Muzaffar saw us seemingly having something amiss.

So since we missed him too much, we often blurt our his favorite lines and antics.

And this is four versions of how he would request for milk.

Mama nak shushu
Normal line, often heard anytime he wants it, and he seems or looks normal and a-ok.

Mama nak fufu
Naughty way of asking for milk.

Mama nak cucu
Usually when he wants it immediately, and usually asked sternly.

Mama nak yu
This one seldom appears, and he is usually melancholic when it happens.

So there..

Today's activity involved us going further north. We drove past Gunung Brinchang, which seems surprisingly clearer than last night. So unfortunate!

Stopped at the new Cameron Valley tea shop, and took a sip.

And then, went looking for the Blue Valley tea plantation, which we didn't find. And drove further until we saw a seemingly new road leading to Gua Musang.

Had a feel on that road, and there's no U-turn until about 10km later. Phew!

It's a really agonizing drive back up, with only second and third gear being useful.

Should Have Checked The Weather

Went up to Gunung Brinchang today.

And finally I worked up the courage to climb up the watchtower.

Only thing is, it's too foggy.

I should have checked the weather first.

And then, some shopping, or window shopping, of vegetables and some roses nearby Brinchang shops near Equatorial Hotel.

Cameron Highland Again?

Cameron Highlands here we are!

The cool weather immediately engulfs into the car once we opened our car windows as we near the Federal Rest House.

Today, only one thing matters after we arrived at 2pm, that is, we should get some sleep time.

Later tonight, might get some soup first.

Weighty Issues

I just got my weight checked at a 20sen machine.

I exceeded 70! Finally (negative tone).

To be exact, it's 72.

The last time I checked, the figure was around 68.

I hope by the end of the fasting month, I touched 63 or something.

And indeed, I look bloated too.

More Cleaning Up

Now that the PC at home is finally done, and me having more time to fiddle with it, it needs more cleansing up.

I did the cleansing halfway about two weeks ago I think. Too many entertainment files from the second hand HDD.

Most of them are Japanese and Indon artists, which my sister and brother digs.

Since I have nothing in common with them, I might as well delete them firsthand.

And then, those few more lame Western artists.

And then, continue rocking with MY SONGS!

But then again, I might leave some songs from a few certain Indon artists, which I think my wifelikes.

Intensive Care Unit

Since STELLAR develops the ever increasing tendency to weave ever so often, I recruited the venerable Pak Syed Ariffin once again, for the TLC package only currently seen done to the new BMW Minis.

With a significant budget, I will be hoping for a good looking him once again.

I shall list out some of the 20-plus tasks to be done to him. It includes, as far as I can remember....

• Bodykit reinforcements
• Meter cluster change
• Rear subframe troubleshooting
• Engine oil leak (it's always this one)
• Front rubber suspension replacement
• Air filter replacement
• Boot lock replacement

And God knows what else, I am so forgetful!

Almost A Song

I have finally listened to the almost done recording of our song Kali Pertama, courtesy of the producer and guitarist MRMR.

The drums a bit offbeat/offtempo at times, and my voice need LOTS of polishing.

Plus, it needs the rock guitar sound ever so badly.

And the bass is absent too, which I think he will sort out sooner or later.

It's almost finished, so I'll post the end product soon.

Today

Went to send my in law Ateh to the airport first thing in the morning. it was still dark when we arrived. and then at the airport, we did our Subuh prayers.

And then, without further rest, I was forced to play bowling by my ever dearest wife.

I got 96 marks on the first game, and 103 on the second. Not bad for a player just dusted off the shelf, who last played 3 years ago.

And then, the appetizing lunch. I loved the tangy black pepper beef the most, followed by the spicy prawn dish.

And guess what is best to follow a fortunely lunch? An afternoon nap!

Nyum nyum!

Tiny Shopper

This week, Muzaffar shops!

Muzaffar got himself 8 pairs of shirts, 3 pairs of pants, and a car seat!

Now his car seat can last for at least another 2 years. And judging by Muzaffar's on-the-petite size, I feel it can last for about 3 instead.

I think, the current child seat will be fitted in STELLAR. The new seat will be in the WIRA.

What Now?

Just when I thought of giving up Nescafe...

They now introduced this new product called Body Partner, complete with Dayang Nurfaizah as the ambassador for it.

And while I am not really attracted to Dayang, (or not at all), I think I am more seduced by this new coffee.

From the TV ad, I assume it will be much healthier. So I might try it out.

But I must make a mental note to only do coffee once a week.

Communicating...

I have too much idea for writing my blog.

But usually they ended up not being written, and got lost in space.

I must have a medium for writing. That is, to beat the rush of ideas. And I find that I can type better than writing on paper.

I am contemplating on getting a Nokia Communicator.

Which one? I am still thinking.

The 9210 looks like it had the ideal keyboard. But then it's too big.

The 9300 looks small enough, but alas, the keyboard is too.

Decisions, decisions...

Hope She Likes It

I want to put a set of alloy wheels to WIRA so badly.

But, instead of going to the bigger diameter direction like the majority, I would like to go the width direction instead. Yeah, the different me.

I am looking for a set of 6.5 x 13 or 7 x 13 wheels. Zero or a bit of positive offset will do.

At least the current Goodyear 175/70/R13 can still be used.

BSA has got some 6 x 13 wheels for about 600 or 700 for a set of 4. I asked them this question 4 years ago. So I guess 700 will be the optimistic current price.

Hopefully the car owner will like it.

Save Process Or Screen...

Been blogging offline ever since I'm at Kota Bharu.

This is my second week here.

My colleague feels too warm in the hotel room, and he always turns up the aircond. And it had this effect on me, that I got sinus every morning. Must restart taking my anti-histamine meds...

Meanwhile, the works is okay I think. The 2-years-0ld wiring needs full re-termination, and lots of panel assembly is required. And that's more or less what I do everyday.

I am looking forward to seeing this project getting done. And I want to witness the whole process of water treatment, in this very plant near Kampong Puteh.

Over And Out...

The Truth About Beauty

Here's some of those things that I learnt about beauty.

• Beauty is a bonus, and is only skin deep. What matters is the beauty inside.
• Gaudy and sexy attire fools the beholder into thinking positively about somebody.
  
• Bodies will grow and grow, and even easily at that.
• Skin blemish will add character. Some pimples really give the face some sweetness. Too clean a face is bland. (and I have got a bland face..)
  
• The dilating eyes are the most enchanting feature of the face, followed by a sincere smile.
• Clothes will not fit anymore sooner or later. But hands always fit in another's hands, and an arm always fits around another's waist.
  

By the way, my hair looks more and more like Richard Marx's.

So much for learning about the truth about beauty.

Am A Recording Artist, Sorta

Last Friday, we 2 out of 3 in the band went to studio to do some recording of our song.

My guitar player is to be the mixing engineer. So he had all these instrument jacked up to his PC one at a time, except the drums, which are recorded as ambient, with the vocal mic jacked up instead.

The setting up of the rigs consumed about a precious 25 minutes.

Using the clean guitar version he had done several months ago as a guide, I did the drumming and did several versions of the vocals, my way. He did several versions of his vocals too.

The drumming went quite well, apart from very few near misses (read: timing). It took quite a toll on my back too, from trying too hard to keep tempo.

The singing was okay I guess, but it ended up not getting recorded. We found out that the mic was not jacked into the PC properly. So there goes our 20 minutes.

In the car, we ended up recording the vocals into my MP3 recorder/player. Both of us sang our own versions. After several takes, I want to sing some more, but ended up laughing instead, since I persistently tried to clear my throat (it tickles my funny bone, and I don't quite know why).

The bass and lead guitar will be recorded in his home.

I hope we will re-record again. I don't feel the end product is good enough, yet.

One of these days, I must re-record my vocals, and do at least FIVE versions. With various emotions and feelings.

Hmmm...


PS: Have to go to site at Kelantan today.

The Learning Machine

Muzaffar have learnt most of the Arabic and Roman alphabets, and all the numbers from 0 to 9.

He has also learnt the names of most road vehicles. He love trucks the most.

A method of teaching involves the Etch-A-Sketch, which I regularly scribbled a letter or two and ask him what it is.

He has some problem recognizing the letter G, Q and J. All else is good though.

And he also has a new method of learning. By long-distance learning through the phone.

Since I expected him to pick up the phone at our house, I usually provoked him to talk by mentioning anything that interests him enough to repeat.

Dad: Kereta polis
Son: Kete bolis / Kete podis

Dad: Nasi lemak
Son: Nasi namak

Dad: Back Hoe
Son: Behho

Dad: Alif Asadun Singa Lion
Son: Alif Asadun Singe Nayon Ba Batton
Dad: Itik Duck

He will answer if you know how to, so it's important to know what provokes his mind.

The Problem Car

STELLAR's steering is fully fitted. So I would say it's feels more secure now.

Only thing is, I know that the rubber cone is not so well performing, as it's fully compressed already. The front side is too sagging already, STELLAR looks awfully low! So a pair needs replacing.

And the front hub ball joints needs replacement too.

And interestingly, it exhibits almost a crosswind effect to him. And boy I am afraid sometimes.

All these done, I hope the alignment will be flawless.

Some more, the bodykit is sagging. I need to tie it up with at least, a heavy duty cable tie or something.

The Greatest Supercar

I have liked the Lamborghini Diablo for quite a while. But the greater supercar, has to be the Lamborghini Countach.

I fell in love with the Countach for basically ages. I especially loved the futuristic looking QV version of the early to mid 1980s.

It may not be fast compared to current trends, but it sure looks that way. The more important thing is, everybody will immediately take notice of it.

It will catch anyone's eye faster than even a much-faster turbocharged Japanese machine like the 1000hp Toyota Supra, or a 600hp turbo Honda Civic can ever get any attention to.

I have seen one in the Taman Duta area. I want to stop in front of that mansion so badly just to look at it for a bit longer, but I think the car will stay there for a while. So I won't rush and sneak a peek just yet.

But imagine how much will the roadtax be? More than 10k I must say.

For sure, it will be of no big a deal on the few rich and the wealthy among us.

And I have got this feeling that, it will seem easier to start owning a Diablo instead of a Countach. I wonder why...

FM - Frozen Heart

Everybody thinks they know the right way
We were just the same
So how did we choose the wrong way
Can you tell me who's to blame
And everyone's saying that you changed me
I won't admit it's true
Telling me
I'm telling you

Things just haven't been the same girl
But I'm dealing with the pain
Everybody says you're not the only one
I couldn't face it all again
Telling me
I'm telling you

You left me with a frozen heart
Will I ever be the same girl
You left me with a frozen heart
A frozen heart

You could have been a little more discreet girl
But not even love's that blind
Always trying not to listen to the they say
It's getting harder all the time
They're telling me
I'm telling you

You left me with a frozen heart
Will I ever be the same girl
You left me with a frozen heart
Got no more left
No more left to feel girl
You left me with a frozen heart
Oh babe
Frozen heart

I know you're gone
You won't be back
I'm left here with this frozen heart
There's no way out
No place to go
I can't find the strength to carry on
I just can't carry on

You left me with a frozen heart
Will I ever be the same girl
You left me with a frozen heart
You left me with a frozen heart
Left me with a frozen heart
You left me with a frozen heart
And it's never gonna be the same
Never be the same again now baby
You left me with a frozen heart
Got no more left
No more left to feel girl
You left me with a frozen heart
Frozen heart


PS: This is a breaking-up song, albeit with more of a soothing-the-heart than breaking-the-heart feel, that it almost felt jovial. Just see the video and see Steve Overland's smile at second chorus. And my oh my, his vocals seems so sexy!
PS2: Find "FM Frozen Heart" at http://www.youtube.com, choose the Not-Original version, and take a listen.

Du'a For All Y'All

Occasionally, I will recite a general du'a.

It goes like this.

"O Allah, bestow upon all Muslim, Mukmins and Mujahideens success, triumph, etc in everything they do, victory in anything they fight against, triumph in all the things they want and need in life, as long as it follows Your only true path.

O Allah, bestow upon all Muslim, Mukmins and Mujahideens the convenience in all their undertaking, the easiness in work and business, the best of brotherhood, friendship and kinship, and the utmost understanding of what life is all about.

O Allah, bestow upon all Muslim, Mukmins and Mujahideens the world over, knowledge, information, strength, intelligence and the will to do all the things in Your cause."

That's it, sorta. It's only a part of what it used to be though.

I hope more people pray not just for themselves and their families, but for every Muslim, Mukmin and Mujahideen around us too. And making mine as an example would be nice too.

Small Time Indeed...

I have devised a small plan to pay up my ever increasing credit card bills.

And it will involve a duration of 5 months.

I hope I will get my small-time financial freedom just before Raya Fitrah commences.

I HOPE!

Notable Singers

Some singers that I noted for the past 5 years, and is worth a listen to are as below. And I don't usually listen to female singers lately, hence the singular candidate.

Tina Arena
Here is a somewhat raspy but soulful female singer. She was probably the one singer that resembles Siti Nurhaliza of Malaysia, and all Siti's vocal tricks are seemingly from her too. And why? Listen to Heaven Help My Heart, and there's some evidence of Siti here and there. And she did hers way earlier.
Notable songs:

• Heaven Help My Heart
• Be A Man
• Love Is The Answer

Steve Overland
I have never heard any other male vocalist that has a sexier voice than FM vocalist "Stiv". And I'm not talking lyrically. He has a voice that makes your hair stands on ends. And you want to listen to that same song for ten times, and it awes you more and more. And Frozen Heart can easily be the sexiest ballad of the '80s.
Notable songs

• Heart Of The Matter
• Frozen Heart
  
• Crying In The Dark

Steve Perry
Simply the legendary Journey vocalist. He popularizes the "rock falsetto" singing. It's simply using the falsetto voice to hit the high notes, but with a rock edge. And everybody else copies him afterwards. Quite a pioneer I would say.
Notable songs:

• Hopelessly In Love
• Don't Stop Believing
• Foolist Heart
  

Joseph Williams
The legendary Toto vocalist. He not only has a soulful voice, but a rocking voice too, to match the music played. And his live stint with Toto in 1987 are hair-raising, especially Till The End and Could This Be Love.
Notable song:

• Till The End
• Stop Loving You
• Pamela
  

My School Song

My primary school song (1984-1989)

Abadi sekolah dibina
Buktikan taat setia
Menuntut ilmu plajaran
majulah kehadapan

Hormat pada guru semua
Bersama ibu dan bapa
Kekallah dan dipelihara
Amanlah dan bahagia

Majulah sekolah kita
Berikan setinggi mulia
Hishamuddin sekolah kita
Majulah maju bersama

My version (until I know the real lyrics, circa 1988)

Abadi sekolah dibina
Mustika saat setia
Menonton ilmu plajaran
Majulah kehadapan

Hormat pada guru sama
Bersama ibu dan bapa
Sekarang dah tinggi hala
Amanlah dan bahagia

Majulah sekolah kita
Berikan sedikit mulia
Hishamuddin sekolah kita
Majulah maju bersama


PS: Felt so retro lately...

Music To My Ears Too

My current, and usual, play list is, and why:

Hard Rockers

Journey -

• Majestic (the guitars rules!)
• Too Late (the intro guitar-piano duel, the guitar solo, and the soaring vocals)
  
• Lovin' You Is Easy (the ultimate jazz-rock drumming, the guitars and a perfect rock vocals)

L.A. Guns -

• One More Reason (the guitars and bass combo at intro, and powerhouse drumming)
  

Lynch Mob -

• Sweet Sister Mercy (the jammability(?) and the guitars)

Poppers

Joseph Williams -

• Make Some Time (Alternative Version) (the hihat play, and the vocals)
  
• When You Look In My Eyes (the almost singable vocals, almostttt)
• One More Chance (dreamy ballad, where Joseph rules)
  

Toto -

• Till The End (Live Vienna 1987) (the intro soundtrack, the fast tempo, and Joseph Williams!)
• Could This Be Love (Live Vienna 1987) (the powerhouse backing vocals, and the soaring vocals of Joseph yet again)
  

Steely Dan -

• Aja (the drums, and the overall melody and classic feel)

FM -

• Heart Of The Matter (Live 1989) (Chris' stinging Scorpions-like guitars, the keyboards, and the soaring Steve Overland vocals)
• Everytime I Think Of You (Live 1989) (almost perfect ballad, and the vocals still rules)
  

Jay Graydon -

• Walk The Wire (Live) (the keys, and the vocal duo of Bill Champlin and Joseph Williams!)
  

Jazz

Jim Horn -

• Rio Sunrise (the Jeff Porcaro drumming, and the overall sunrise atmosphere)
  

Steve Gadd -

• Brick Lane (the ultimate paradiddle drumming)
• Gadd Groove (the ultimate drum solo, or is it?)
  

PS: So much of Joseph this time around eh?!

Driving STELLAR

I drive once a week now.

Last week it's on Friday. This week is probably the same too.

You know what? All the monotony of bus-hopping just disappeared, in one single day.

I founded out the cause of the cooling problem. It's the radiator cap. It's not protective enough anymore. I need to replace it, then see if it persists.

If it doesn't, then the problem is solved. Then I can go long distance again. To site, to holiday, to wherever.

Another thing is, the steering rack and hub ball joint needs attention too. I feel I must make a budget for those.

Or should I just swipe my Citibank? It seems all too easy short term, but in the end, Arrrrrghh!!!

800 Optimistic Kilometers

2pm.

The party's over. Obviously, I will have to head back home now.

I felt I just had to drive slowly this time.

It takes great patience to drive like this. 70kph all the way, with the occasional 60kph, and the even rarer 80kph.

I don't know whether the cars at the back was as patient as me. I don't quite care though. They can overtake the slow me anytime.

And why? I know you would ask.

It's the glorious feeling when you save fuel is why.

I have done 750km on an Iswara 1.3 with full tank of petrol. And around 700km with my wife's Wira.

I targeted 800km with the current driving behavior.

If I achieve that, I will target 850km next. On a full tank of petrol, calculated at around 40 to 45 liters consumption.

Next year will be nightmare coming true. I must prepare myself.

Gathering Of Old Friends

Just arrived to Telok Rubiah, Sri Manjung, from KL.

Everybody looks jovial here. Me too.

It's very nice to meet everybody again. It almost seems like 1992.

The place we stayed was good, only a bit hot. Probably it is always that way here.

Later in the evening, we had a brief football game. I think I am better off being the defense or goalie, not a striker/forward or midfield.

At night we had BBQ and karaoke session. I myself sang a few tunes too.

All Rawang friends, thanks for attending. I just hoped we all enjoy the stay here.

Should It Be Rapid-Something-Else?

Is KL The City "Rapid", Or The Bus? Or The LRT?

I tried the Putrajaya Central - KL Central bus route. It was okay, except for the traffic jam after the Sungai Besi Toll, that is. And the traffic jam is guaranteed to happen everyday. And KL Central is pleasing too.

Then I tried the Putrajaya Central - Kelana Jaya LRT bus route. It was okay, and the traffic was way better than the former.

And both have long queue lines to board the LRT.

It's just that, the LRT ride seems to double the time taken, when compared to boarding at KL Central.

I don't know, but I guess rotating route is okay.

Come Friday (hey, it's tomorrow), I will drive. All these public transportation business is way too monotonous.

Habits

Some of my habits

• Always playing with my beard.
• Always crack knuckles, knee joint and elbow joint, spine, collarbone etc
• Always reads newspaper from back pages first, excluding sports section.
• Always tapping my feet, nods my head, gritting my teeth, and hums, while listening or not listening to music
• Always adjusts hair when it gets messed by the wind, while driving.

That's all I can think of. Blurred at the moment.

Joke - New Fridge

Some guy bought a new fridge for his house. To get rid of his old fridge, he put it in his front yard and hung a sign on it saying "Free to good home, You want it you take it."

For three days the fridge sat there without even one person looking twice at it. He eventually decided that people were too un-trusting of this deal, looks to good to be true, so he changed the sign to read "Fridge for sale $5o". The next day someone stole it.

So Rapid

I think RapidKL's update on Klang Valley transportation is better than previously.

I have, though, some personal opinion on the drawbacks.

• I have to park further than before.
• The route used by the bus near TUDM is too prone to traffic-jam, which is observed to start as early as 7am.
• The seats are awkward, and are not comfortable for sleeping anymore.
• Mydin seems to be a cool spot already.
  

And I have the good points at hand too.

• The bus is more frequent. I hope this fact stays put.
  
• The transit between LRT and bus is nearer, and I am prone to do more window shopping.
• The surau is definitely better in KL Central than in Kotaraya Complex.
  
• The bus are positively separated from its private company peers Sri Indah, Metrobus and Maraliner.
• The buses are new. Yay!

I should try it in a week, and observe the consistency. And I will decide if I like it.

Constantly

STELLAR successfully got his oil changed.

Afterwards he runs with a consistent temperature, and relieved I am.

Now, to worry about the 350rm steering rack. I was quoted 40++ for the labour.

Where to find the dough?

Afternoon, headed to Seremban.

Epitome Of Fear

Watching Duel made me realize several things about driving.

There are road bullies long before most of us knew it.

And it made me ponder too, what if I'm involved in a similar predicament.

Let me think, do I have a car to handle a tough truck?

No. I don't have enough metal, obviously.

Will I be able to outrun its pace?

I am not sure. The truck in the movie tops out at 90mph, although I'm pretty sure it's pure nonsense. STELLAR tops out at 85mph. Fat chance.

Do I have enough speed to stay away?

Nope. Same as second ponder.

Do I have the cornering poise?

I think so. Any Minis can outcorner most things on the road. Fair chance.

And lastly, do I have enough guts to push my car to the limits?

Maybe. I dueled with a race Mini once thru Fraser's Hill, albeit with the slower SYCLONE.

And, we are talking about STELLAR here.

So it seems obvious that I should stay on the open roads, and not the highways.

I look forward...

... to the day I get to drive again.

I miss the sights, I miss the timeliness, I miss the freedom.

I miss the loud row the carburettor makes when the 'VTEC' kicks in.

And I miss the wind messing with my hair.

But now, priorities are priorities.

Classic Movie Rules!

I have watched some classic movies lately.

Batman vs The Green Hornet (1966)
Duel (1971)
The Big Boss (1971)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Black Belt Jones (1974)
The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Convoy (1978)
The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980)
The Gods Must Be Crazy II (1989)

I look forward to watching some more, namely:

The Car (1977)
Christine (1983)
The Cannonball Run 3 (1989)

As you can see, I am a fan of original movies. And I love most of them. And this is a way small summary for the actually large list.

You may notice two 1989 movies. Well who cares right? Classics are classics. Anything under 1990.

News Item

Monday, 8.34pm. Danau Point, Precinct 16.

Payday. Finally.

What a relief.

End of news.

Now for some shopping. As a lone ranger.

I think I'm liking this.

I know my love is anxious for some trolley action, but I think home is where she should be now.

And I'm sort of getting the hang of it too.

No problem.

Tat taa..

Hot Hearted

STELLAR will need servicing anytime soon.

The engine is way warmer, nearing to being hot.

I suspect the oil has thinned out to the point of expiration.

And it's been more than 4 month already since the last oil change.

So obviously...

Crazy About Cars

Not much mood to start writing actually. But here goes.

Watched Cars last Saturday at Sunway Pyramid.

To cut the story short, the biggest moral of the movie to me is, never neglect the small towns around you. and I have been believing in that for quite sometimes, ever since I started driving 11 years ago. Always avoid the highway, and appreciate the original roads around you.

And one more lesson I can relate to is, sometimes, you need to take a little drive just because you feel like it.

And boy, Muzaffar behaves very well that day too. I think he can relate to the movie.

Son: Kereta Kar (car)

Son: Lori Rak (truck)

Son: Lori Eler (trailer)

Son: Lori Pikap (pickup)

By the way, I've been thinking of giving up Nescafe for good. As heard, Nescafe is not good for long term health. And that's just the topic me and my family discussed over tea. So I have decided, once my current supply runs out, I will almost totally give it up. I will change my coffee to something else.

Besides, it seems to upset my stomach lately.

Anyone to suggest a good enough low cost coffee?

Isn't Everybody Unique?

Some of my colleague told me that I am different. Some even think my difference seems wierd.

I take it as more like commenting, or actually complaining.

I have only one thing to tell them. Shouldn't I? Am I entitled, at least, to be me?

OK, they may say such as I am of a different wavelength. And of course I admit.

I may not eat the things they eat. Eggs, durians, or whatever.

I may not listen to the music they delve in, be it '80s Malay male and female pop, or whatever.

I may not drive the "normal" cars like them. Protons, Peroduas et cetera.

I may not look at the same features of girls like they do.

I may not humiliate the bosses or colleagues like they always do. I always believe in reserving my comments about other people.

I may not chat much about football, or anything much that they chat about.

I may not accept certain aspects of things getting thrown at me like other people.

I may not appreciate or watch certain sports or certain TV programs like them, football included.

I may have different opinions on certain things, be it similar or different from them, but then again, I do think I am entitled to voice out.

I may not work at the office the same way they do. Although I do believe I need to work harder.

I may not dirty my lungs with cigarette smokes like they do.

I may not have the facial feature they like. Or they think I don't look friendly enough.

I may not have the same dreams of owning a house or driving hire-purchase cars like they do.

I may not mix much like all my colleagues. I may seem to love my cubicle, not like most that loves to move around.

Nevertheless, I did not tell them they are different.

I know people are unique. And they have all the rights to being that. I just appreciate the simple beauty of it.

I may not listen to Adam Ahmad every morning like somebody I know did. And I didn't pester people with my music (hence the headphone collection I have).

So, I thank the people that said I am. Thus I think, I am entitled to be just myself.

Isn't uniqueness interesting?

I Love Cat Too Though...

I just cannot understand why women love cats.

Cats are independent. They don't listen, they don't come in when you call, and they like to stay out all night.

They come home and expect to be fed and stroked, then they want to be left alone and sleep.

In other words, every quality that a woman hates in a man, she loves in a cat.


PS: A small article I got from a list.

Almost Power Steering

STELLAR's steering felt too light last night, I think I almost imagined him being too easy to crash somewhere.

Or I think I pumped in too much air into his tyres, I don't know. It's 31psi at the back, and about 34psi front.

Or, the steering felt heavy all these while, because of too few air in the tyres. And I just got used to the heavy steering feeling, when this happen.

I should get used to this new feeling, as it almost felt like power steering was added to him.

Next week will be my turn to drive people to Friday prayers. I am thinking of putting in some aircondition gas as well. Just for them hot moments. Just...

And for the steering, it will certainly need some attention someday.


Rest in no peace, STELLAR, for at any moment, you shall find yourself getting started again.

Joseph Williams - Make Some Time (Alternative Version)

Oh here I go
I fell in love
Baby maybe I'm wrong
But I can't get enough of you

One night of love
To me it was ecstasy
How can this be

So I'm on my way
But which way do I go
Baby it happens so fast
I just don't know

One night with you
And you got me hanging there
I just can't see

I should know it takes time
For passion
I should know it takes time
For love to come into your heart
I know it will


PS: I love Mark Towner Williams' hi-hat play in this version of the song.

Joseph Williams - One More Chance

Now I can see the lie
Written on your face and only for my eyes
Now have we gone too far
For a rescue of the heart to carry on

One more chance
Is all I ask
One more chance is all we get
To make it last

Soft are the arms of pain
You will never know the difference if I don't say
Love take these open arms
If you let me I'll never do you harm


PS: Joseph William should have been a star with this 1982 album

Mother-Son Bonding

Not enough sleep last night. And that makes me late for work.

I can only think of a few reasons why.

Muzaffar was not feeling well. There's this pain inside one of his ears. It's the discomfort that made him not being able to sleep well, and having us to stay up as well. And my God I am worried that some insect has made its way into his ear. Thank goodness it's only lots of wax.

Plus, he's feeling left out already, about the good news my family just got about the possibility of a new family member being on the way. Yes you read it right.

He suddenly seem to want to be so close to his mother, like he used to about a few months ago when my love wanted to stop his breastfeeding.

Muzaffar dear, you should never worry. Rest assured that you are always the very beloved son. And hope you will soon be a good brother as well.

An Article About Polygamy

I know this topic is very controversial. Nevertheless, since it's a big subject that may start a hot debate among the gender, I will post it anyway.

And if you ask me, I myself will reply in the positive. Yes you heard it right.

Click http://xil3x.blogspot.com/ for the article.

Happy reading!

Music To My Ears

My current, and usual, play list is, and why:

Hard Rockers

Journey -

• City Of The Angels (simplistic excellence)
• Stone In Love (the rhythm section at epilogue)
  
• Hopelessly In Love (a perfect song for me)
  

Def Leppard -

• Don't Shoot Shotgun (the ensemble at pre-chorus)
  
• Comin' Under Fire (the drums, Steve Clark's licks, and the arpeggio)
  
• Action Not Words (the drums and Steve Clark's licks)
  

Lynch Mob -

• Sweet Sister Mercy (the chorus and guitars)
  
• For A Million Years (the intro guitar)
  

Poppers

Joseph Williams

• I'd Rather Dance By Myself (still so melodic)
  
• Pretty Face (I'm so in love with the vocals)
  

Metalers

Forbidden -

• March Into Fire (the intergalactic riff)
  
• Off The Edge (the fast chord progression)
  

Mercyful Fate -

• Curse Of The Pharaohs (the guitars)
  
• Evil (the guitars)
  
• Nightmare (the bass and guitars)
  

Self Composed

Cruwy -

• Kali Pertama (a melodic ballad composition by the ever popular MRMR)
  

Just Back

Just arrived to office from Tanjung Gelang, Kuantan, after staying for another two days. Last week's was a dizzying three days.

The viruses are eliminated, and all seems good.

Hope the ship can sail without problem and hope it made its way back.


PS: Sweet Sister Mercyyyyyyy!

A Thousand Megabytes

I finally found an almost freedom for my photography.

It's in the form of a PenDrive 1GB SD Card.

I just bought it at Carrefour Alamanda Putrajaya for 120RM, which I think, is a steal!

Finally I can shoot anything at will. At least it can last for about 400 shots or more of 5-megapixel pictures.

And what will happen to the original Panasonic 256MB SD Card, you may ask? I may make it into a thumb drive, if ever I find a good-looking enough SD Card Reader to blend it with.

Brontok Alert!

All the panel PC at the Navy ship I maintained was infected with the Brontok virus.

So I guess I shall be quite busy at Tanjung Gelang, Kuantan for these few weeks.

And by golly, this virus is one trickster anybody should avoid.

Jump In

Nearly missed the bus this morning.

Lucky I asked my love while she's still half awake, about her brother wanting to use his own car today. So I jumped in STELLAR straight away.

And instinct told me to drive a bit faster too, albeit worried about the steering rack's looseness.

One tip from me to all bus catchers; always use only minimal electrics of your car, unless you want to end up draining your car battery over a forgotten switch!

Continental Car?

Apart from admiring most European classic cars, especially British gems like the Mini and Triumph TR6, I would say I still have some form of admiration for modern Continental cars as well.

After watching the French film Taxi quite a while ago, I am still deciding whether my next car might be a Peugeot 406.

I especially love its looks. And it's a large enough car for a family of 4, I imagined.

I have read a lot of positive reviews regarding its handling capabilities, exceptional comfort level, overall design charm et cetera. I am not to forget the bad points as well, such as extraordinarily heavy weight in relation to size, somewhat bad gas mileage, and so on.

I also liked the fact that it's a rare car to stumble upon, especially in Malaysia. For this month, I only had about 5 encounters with the Pug.

Well, who knows? I may buy a 7 year old Pug in 2008.

But then again, improving our current Wira by putting a MIVEC 4G92 engine isn't a bad an idea. And it's way cheaper too. So I'm leaving the options open.

Rounding The Petaling Street

I remember going to a hobby shop at the far spot in Petaling Street.

I decided to go there this evening, to find it.

I did not though, but I did find a stall selling camera tripods, which I planned to buy probably next week.

I must try again someday, to look for that shop. I remember the shop was having a blue Tamiya Mini body, which I must get.

And I need to find an upgrade motor too.

Snappy Galore

After reading my sister's Digital Camera Magazine, I was so fascinated with lots of the photography contest in it.

So today, I began sharpening my skills again in that.

I want to win. I snap to win!

But first, to find some subjects to snap on.

And to do just that, I just need to walk around this resort in Kuantan. While everybody else was sleeping still.

Aduh Muzaffar

Muzaffar loves Mawi so much. He loves the song Aduh Saliha too much. And that's the problem.

He kept asking us to repeat that particular song everytime we are using the Wira.

Imagine going to USJ or Seremban with the same song playing. Sure gets on your nerve after quite a while, and I soon felt like singing it myself.

Now imagine going to Kuantan for a holiday. It was repeated 11 times before Muzaffar lets the music flows. And I dare not touch any button, so I just let Mawi do his thing. I am lucky if he sings the other seven tracks in the CD. So relieving.

Since I have never stopped at Kuantan before, I plan to visit Kuantan as much for this two days holiday.

Other people joining includes my love, my son, my sister and my sister in-law.

Window Shopping

The last weekday of any week (read: Friday) will have me witnessing a very long jam, especially heading out of the city.

Since this almost always happens, I usually prepare myself before such trips. I will spend some time window-shopping anywhere near the bus stand, such as Petaling Street, Kotaraya, Mydin or maybe stopping early at LRT KLCC for the same purpose.

Afterwards, its Maghrib prayer time, and I usually performed at Masjid Jamik or Kotaraya's tiny musolla.

And then, off I hop on to the bus. The end for the day.

Def Leppard - Action Not Words

I'm sick and tired of the damn TV
I'm gonna make my own movie
I wanna star in a late night show
And all I need is my video

Shock me! Make it electric!
Shock me! Make it last

Curtain up let the camera roll
It's automatic it's in control
Got no script baby, ain't no lines
Just me and you and a real good time

Oh Shock me! Make it electric
Shock me! Make it last
Shock me! Gimme thunder'n'lightning
Shock me! Ooh babe I need it fast

Cause All I want is some
Action, Action, Action, not words
Gimme Action, Action, Action not words

C'mon and shock me, Let the cameras roll!

Oh! I'll be the hero, you be the star
With your wine and your caviar
No audition, a starring roll
I'll be your Bogart 'n' you be Monroe yeah

Shock me! Make it electric
Shock me! Oh bump and grind
Shock me! Make a night to remember
Shock me! Do it one more time

So cut me in on the action

Lights, camera, sound, I need action!


PS: Words fail to describe why I'm so in love with the Steve Clark solos and fills in this song.

Been Listening To...

My playlist :-

1. Forbidden's album Forbidden Evil
   
2. Lynch Mob's album Wicked Sensation
   
3. Def Leppard's albums On Through The Night and Pyromania
   
4. L.A. Guns's album L.A. Guns
   
5. Anuar Zain's song Sesucinya Cintamu (hihi)

PS: Number 5 is so out of place...

Me vs Timi Hansen

I was browsing at www.awfulplasticsurgery.com when it suddenly dawns to me that I had wished for a small makeover once myself.

I wished on a chubby face.

I actually got it in the year 2002 and 2003, naturally of course.

I hated it! I looked so fat!

I must say that my actual looks now, which is close to what I have before the "makeover", is way better. Personally I still love my Timi Hansen-like cheekbone. You were saying who? Look for him on the left of the picture. Errr, do I really have that face type?

Lesson learnt. Wishing for a chubby face is a big no-no! Haha...


PS: Actual lesson learnt, be careful what you wish for.

Against The Wave

Some people hated The Star for having all the excessive advertisements in it.

On the contrary, I am loving The Star for just the same reason.

It seems so worth the money I paid. What's 1.20rm for so much advert, compared to Motortrader which has lesser cars advertised.

You have adverts on mobile phones, cameras, jumble sales, even pictures of pretty girls showing their "aftermath slim bodies" too.

What more could you ask?

And with the major price hike on lots of things, you must make sure your money gets well spent.

But still, I only buy it when instinct tells me to.

Hmmm...

Warmed Up Way Too Much

Sometimes you stepped in a bus that has a faulty airconditioning.

I have for several times.

I feel like suing the bus company. (read: RapidKL)

Almost everytime, I would end up having runny nose the day after. It's that hot.

We are paying for airconditioned bus. So maintain them!


PS: Why are we, the customers, always seem to be on the losing side?

All Guns Blazing

Went to Defence Service Asia Exhibition at APAC Subang today.

I am not really sure of what to watch or try. And then come the guns section.

Ahha, try out the guns! My heart told me. So I did.

The first section wasn't so impressive, but in Hall A, is where all the gun-owner wannabees are around.

Of all the guns manufacturer, I find Steyr, Glock and Smith & Wesson booths as having the best range of weapons, especially the third. They have revolvers! Meanwhile, the many Turkish manufacturers have the most number of weapons displayed, including shotgun and pumpguns.

And all are holdable! Nyum-nyum!

And I guess I can acquaint myself with the weapons quite well too. I guess given any of these weapon, I can easily use it.

By the way, actually shooting it is something different altogether. That needs practice, which I have not had at all yet.

That day was 3 hours well spent. I hope to try out more weapons next year.


PS: If only I can get my hands on one of those Glocks...
PS2: Got a new, lighter drum sticks and a sticks bag as well.

Lost Impetus

After the two weeks absence of the Internet in the office, finally it is up again.

I've been blogging offline since then. But it's not the same.

I'm still searching for the long lost impetus.


...

...

Pondering Upon Improvement

Things I think I can improve in my life:-

• More devotion to my Almighty Allah
• More focus in anything I do
• More time for my family
• More money for my savings
• More hobby for my escapade
• More friends to keep in touch and care
• More time for my music
• More ways of making ends meet
• More selflessness in dealing with different people

Go Figure

"Veni Vedi Vici" - (I came, I saw, I conquered) - Julius Ceaser

"Veni Vedi Veni" - Hugh Hefner

"Veni Vedi Vedi" - The Texas Chainsaw Massacrerer

Nobody Home

My love will head to Kelantan today morning, for work. I suppose she'll be there until Friday.

I'm on standby too, for PGB Kerteh. So we agreed on sending Muzaffar to Seremban.

Gonna miss both of them!

Parental Discretion Advised

I have seen an article on mixing pure acetone in your car petrol for gas mileage.

It seems that, when 3 ounces (90 ml) is added to 10 American Gallon of petrol, the savings can mean almost 20 to 30 percent.

I'm still contemplating whether to really do this.

Now, to find 1 liter of pure acetone, and a durable-enough portable burette.


PS: Nope, I won't leave my RapidKL pass anytime soon, regardless of whether this works or not.

Investment Considerations

If I won One Million Ringgit, I would invest in :-

• A fixed-deposit account. Budget = 200k
• A 1-acre residential land in Selangor. Budget = 250k
• A 6-bedroom bungalow on that residential land. Budget = 150k
• A fuel-efficient mid-sized saloon car. Budget = 100k
• A 100 horsepower Mini. Budget = 20k
• A high-specification PC. Budget = 9k
• A jazz-inspired drum set. Budget = 3k
• An electric bass. Budget = 3k

Total = 735k
Balance = 265k


If I won 500 Thousand Ringgit, I would invest in :-

• A fixed-deposit account. Budget = 100k
• A 6000 square-foot residential land in Selangor. Budget = 80k
• A 4-bedroom bungalow on that residential land. Budget = 100k
• A fuel-efficient mid-sized saloon car. Budget = 70k
• A 80 horsepower Mini. Budget = 10k
• A medium-specification PC. Budget = 6k
• An medium-sized rock drum set. Budget = 2k
• An electric bass. Budget = 1k

Total = 369k
Balance = 131k


If I won 250 Thousand Ringgit, I would invest in :-

• A Tabung Haji account. Budget = 50k
• A 4-bedroom terrace house in Selangor. Budget = 100k
• A fuel-efficient small sized saloon car. Budget = 45k
• A 45 horsepower Mini. Budget = 7k
• A small PC. Budget = 2k
• A simple-sized drum set. Budget = 2k

Total = 206k
Balance = 44k


If I won 100 Thousand Ringgit, I would invest in :-

• A Tabung Haji account. Budget = 25k
• A second-hand fuel-efficient small sized car. Budget = 20k
• A second-hand 150cc to 250cc motorbike. Budget = 8k
• A repairment spree for car and motorbike. Budget = 10k
• A motorbike license package. Budget = 0.5k
• A small PC. Budget = 1k
• A used simple-sized drum set. Budget = 1.5k

Total = 66k
Balance = 34k


If I won 10 Thousand Ringgit, I would invest in :-

• A savings bank account. Budget = 6k
• A used small PC. Budget = 1k
• A used simple-sized drum set. Budget = 1k

Total = 8k
Balance = 2k


If I won 1 Thousand Ringgit, I would invest in :-

• A seasoned bare PC. Budget = 0.5k
• A beat-up simple-sized drum set. Budget = 0.5k

Total = 1k
Balance = 0k

In conclusion, I cannot get away from my PC and my drum set!


PS: What else to do with all the balances, anyone?

Joseph Williams - Pretty Face

I just stare
Your beauty jumps right out at me
And I can't believe it
How much I need it

Truth or dare
Cuz' either one would take me
Where I can't escape you
Or overtake you

Ooh baby
Watch out when you point that pretty face
Coz you're drivin' me wild
Ooh my baby
It's enough to make me lose my face (Oh)
You make me, make me so inspired

Look around
It's not just me that's fallin' for
The lines you're sayin'
The games you're playin'

Knock me down
I just get right back up again
Cuz' with your marks set
I'm an easy target

Ooh baby
Watch out when you point that pretty face
Oh you're drivin' me wild
Ooh my baby
That's enough to make me lose my face (Watch out girl)
Cuz' you make me, me so inspired (Oh yeah)

Ooh baby (Baby)
Watch out when you point that pretty face (Yea watch out girl)
Cuz' you're drivin' me wild (Oh yeah)
Ooh my baby
It's enough to make me lose my face (Watch out girl)
Cuz' you makes me so inspired (So satisfied)


PS: Lyricised this myself, yet again...

Boy Versus Mini

STELLAR's exhaust is knocking against the bodykit again!

It has a continuous rattling sound that will last the whole duration of the engine run.

Sooner or later, I will have to attend to it anyway.

So today, two other major things happen.

Muzaffar needs a pro-tem babysitter. Consensus (mine) decides that my parents will be it. I hope they can stand the supposedly weeklong accompaniment. And I hope we can stand the thoughts of missing him. I already misses his bite, and I was actually hoping that the shoulder bite scars would not heal, to remind me of his antics.

And, I got a new company as well. I added another hobby to my stable already. I bought a Tamiya Mini Cooper Monte-Carlo. It is an almost-exact replica of the Timo Makinen-Paul Easter rally-winning 60s Mini. I wished I had bought the blue one instead, but this one will do, until I have enough dough to buy the alternate body.

Back home, I was having fun already, albeit limited. But I did too much wheelspins already, even within the confined space.

Nyum2! Sooner or later, the house will not be big enough for the two of us (read: me and my Mini Mini).

Now, what to call my latest Mini huh? I have to find a name for him as well.


PS: Wonder what will be Muzaffar's reaction when he sees an actually moving-by-itself toy?


The new hobby of mine!

I Lost My Kneecap

It was so tiring today. Especially my knees.

We planned to go to the Book Fair at PWTC. And we expected the crowd to be crowded. And yes we are so right.

With Muzaffar's flaring temper tantrum, and ourselves getting more and more tired, it was no easy feat.

But we managed to find my sister-in-law's requested medical books. Well, at least we found 3 out of 5, which is good enough for us.

But we ended up buying just two, as the third one was a case of "not so sure that is the one". But later, we were told in the affirmative.

Well, we still have several more days. So we can still catch up that third book.

And I have yet to buy anything for myself. I only got a February 2006 PC.Com Magazine, for 2rm? Bargain or what? We got educational books for Muzaffar for 10rm for 4, and several nursery rhyme VCDs.

I did found two books on Minis, which sold for 140rm each. Not so bargain, so I may just photocopy it when I can borrow one.

One of these days, me gonna get me-type of books. One of the "only mine" days.

Long Confession

Thinking of doing a long ranting today.

Today is payday. Phewww, finally. By 12pm, nobody is in the office. Probably they are already enjoying their pay.

I love my mullet hair. I even felt like Macgyver sometimes. But my wife has been nagging me for close to a month to cut it short. I guess she's about right. It's high time to do just that. So that will be the first thing I do tonight, if the barber opens. I guess another round of waiting for a regrow is okay.

These few weeks, the whole office are crazy with Google Earth. They searched everywhere, their houses, each others house, their UK universities, just about any familiar and unfamiliar locations etc. And I am too, only I searched for accessible hilltops, accessible dam shorelines, difficult areas, rare and rural roads and other wierdos.

Since I'm probably a few of those that treats driving as my loving hobby (everybody else treats it as a half day work), I am still pondering on doing a once-a-month full-fledged driving. When will that day be? I would guess any day after payday.

Tomorrow I need to take leave, to take care of my son. Muzaffar's sitter is having eye sickness. In my mind, I already made plans for us for tomorrow. Probably a bus ride to town, just to show him the KL scene, or a ride with STELLAR to nearby locations in Putrajaya.

Another of my hobby includes collecting earphone and headphones. Now I have four headphones, and four earphones. Quite extreme you may say, but at least I overcame the boredom, and of having my ears feeling seemingly stuffed.

My song playlist in my MP3 player usually numbers in the 50s, the limitation of a 256MB storage capacity. But I usually end up listening to just a few. I guess sometimes I just got sick of listening to music. I already planned to put in a significant number of Quranic verses MP3 inside as well.

My current favorite tunes are by Joseph Williams, that is Pretty Face, Walk The Wire, I'd Rather Dance By Myself and Dirty Little War. He sung beautifully, simply said.

I felt like giving all gadget I own a name. I named my Mini already. So who's next? My mobile phone, my wallet, my camera, my watch, my MP3 player, etc etc. Like I have nothing better to do. Any suggestions for any of the above?

One more thought I've been thinking about is, when will my band do its next jamming session? Indeed, after payday again. Some things repeat viciously.

Felt like playing with Google Earth. I got some more hilltops to find.

Gotta go now.

MyTeam YourTeam

I am looking forward to seeing the live football match between MyTeam and Malaysian National Team on the 28th of May 2006. I am even willing to spend some dough on seeing it live at the stadium itself.

I hope to be there to see MyTeam gives them the much needed kick in the head.

If ever they win against Malaysia, I hope they will be granted the chance to represent Malaysia in the international levels.


PS: The war of words between Ibrahim Saat and Serbegeth Singh last night was uplifting indeed.

Surrendered A Gadget

Since I rarely used my Palm PDA, I finally surrendered it to somebody. Well, since I mention, that IS a somebody.

Since she might be using the PDA's power more than I will, I plan to fortify my own little "PDA", the Nokia 3120.

What is that I hear you say? Aha, put more games in it, and that's it.

And put more games I did. Check out a very helpful website for mobile phone games download at
GetJar.

PS: The large PDA's too heavy for my pocket.

Imitation Is...

I have always wanted to imitate these few drummers.

Steve Gadd
Vinnie Colaiuta
Steve Smith
Jeff Porcaro

But without a drum, I might as well settle with these ones first.

Rick Allen
Danny King
Mickey Curry
John Robinson


PS: Both Steve Gadd and Vinnie Colaiuta are a sight to behold!

So Very Rapid

Every morning at 6.30am, I started my car and drive it to the nearest bus stop where a RapidKL always pass through at 6.40am.

Usually there's a NadiPutra feeder, but I can't rely on it just yet.

Sometimes, it passed through at 6.30am. Sometimes 6.35am, sometimes 6.50am etc.

With the two latter happening, I won't make it to the 6.40 RapidKL passing time.

I will have to wait for another RapidKL, which may arrive from 7.20am to 7.50am

I desperately want to stop driving so much. But the inefficiency of the NadiPutra made me drive everyday.


PS: When is that one fine day when I can drive without worry?

Changing My Lifestyle

I really miss driving my Mini over long distance. It feels inadequate living without doing some endurance driving. But I guess life has to go on.

Anyway I have changed my style of life.

I stopped driving long distance and unnecessary short distances.

I ate 1 dollar breakfast for lunch, and brought my own breakfast material to work.

I use public transport all the time, especially for sightseeing and Friday prayers.

I seldom do shopping for myself anymore.

I saved all my claims instead of spending them.

I read free newspaper all the time, and reads past papers.

I stopped watching cinematic and satellite movies.

I prefer eating halfs rather than full lunches on some fine days.

I give extra thoughts when eating out.

I think of wholesale wet market all the time.

I spend as less time as possible to idle our car engine, and I dread thinking of starting my Mini.

I'd rather walk to Alamanda and the community center.

I treat the public transportation as my third home, after my true home, and office, and treat
shopping stopovers such as KL Sentral as a true window shopping haven.

I make full use of my 5-hour plus total travel time to find solace by doing some light reading, doing some sleeping, listening to my type of music, doing some thinking, and doing photography on anything I deem panoramic, sexy or beautiful.

A Week Of Public Transportation

It's been a week, and some, since I used the public transport. I can only say it's been good, apart from some drawbacks. RapidKL has not let me down just yet. And the LRT-Bus combo pass, is indeed useful.

Some advantage of using public transport:

• Able to take a nap on the bus.
  
• On the LRT, you will arrive there ON TIME, guaranteed.
• Able to wear as big a stereo headphone as possible, and not worry about cops flagging you down for not paying full attention to traffic.
• With a pass, you can go anywhere, and I mean, anywhere, in KL. And with no extra cost, you can literally bring no more money.
• Able to feast your eyes on anything panoramic, beautiful or sexy.

Some disadvantage of using public transport:

• Waking up too early is necessary.
  
• Have to be content with sharing spaces with lots of other occupants.
• Queueing and more queueing.
• Too many transits in between transportation.
• Double or triple time wastage in total per day.
• Extra time wasted while waiting for the bus.
• Exposure to natural and manmade elements, e.g., rain, sunlight, exhaust smog, etc.
• Inability to sing loudly anymore. You can only lip-sync.
  

Well, you cannot have everything.

I did though, find the chance to do my full-fledged karaoke singing, while walking the 5-minute transit between Sungai Besi LRT Station to the imaginary bus stop (no proper roofed and seated facility) beside the Sungai Besi Highway. That means belting out at least one song.

But I guess, I won't stop at Sungai Besi anymore. I found Salak Selatan LRT to be nearer to a bus stop where RapidKL 868 passes. The rain at 7.30 yesterday evening had me good.

Give A Child Coins...

... and everything becomes a piggy bank!

Muzaffar knows the fact that coins are not meant for the mouth. And so does other "tidbits" found around the house. Circular marbles, bits of papers, dry leaves, etc included.

Anyways, he likes to play with coins, and he have a milkbottle-shaped piggy bank at his disposal. So he can usually be seen inserting the coins one by one into the slot.

But sometimes, he strays away from doing that, and inserting the coins elsewhere instead. The book rack, the refrigerator, the sink, and under the carpet, even under the sofa cushion.

I think he wants to play find-the-missing-coins with us.

By the way, we finally bought him a single-bed today. Hopefully he had a good night's sleep on it, from tonight onwards.

Caught In A Mosh

I intend to attend the demonstration to protest the petrol price increment at KLCC today.

I felt like using my trusty FZ5 to capture the crowd. Even better, the police presence as well.

Let's hope nothing ugly happens there.

By the way, I am doing just fine with public transportation. Nothing untoward happens yet in the morning (read: being late for work), and I even managed to arrive home on time (read: managed to do my dusk prayer).

I guess I feel more relaxed now that I do not worry about pressing the stiffly clutch, or filling up the expensive petrol, or others anymore.

Won't See Much Of Road

As soon as I entered 7-Eleven at Projet Wangsa Maju this morning, it had already caught my eyes.

"Petrol Price Up 30 Sen."

Some people's instinct can be very accurate I guess. (read: mine)

It's very timely that I bought the Bus/LRT pass for March. It's priced at 125RM. I hope to use the pass for this whole year.

I have high hopes that the pass price won't increase another 18 percent like the petrol price. The LRT pass increased already late last year from 70RM to 90RM.

No words can describe what I feel about this. STELLAR won't see much of roads anymore.

And I can only see the roads from way above, when I ride the LRT of course.

Darling Is Back

Elo everybody!

Muzaffar is finally back home.

I'm going to enjoy this.


PS: I used Batu-Ulu Yam road to reach Rawang today. It's longer by distance, but relieving enough in traffic volume compared to Rawang-Templer Park road.

Hot Plate

As most say, Minis can never be perfect. Occasionally, something will break. (read: weekly)

As of last night, STELLAR suffered his worst clutch binding to date. In the rain. On Jalan Tun Razak. Big mistake. Heading towards Seremban Highway. Bigger mistake. Imagine that!

Being in a traffic jam with a modern car is relieving enough, compared to being in a Mini, with an increasingly hot and binding clutch. Add to that a pinch or two of stiff clutch pedal spring, and you will get a sore leg muscle in no time.

Fighting the pain, I had to hold on to the clutch while balancing the throttle, or the engine will die. If I shift into neutral gear, it will stuck there and not go into any gear anymore.

I learnt my lesson. The lesser I use the clutch, the lesser the chance of it to bind.

So today, I intend to avoid the morning traffic altogether. At 6.30am, I departed for work. It's simply a big treat for both of us.

Probably Wednesday next week, STELLAR will get its intensive rest. I may drive him sometimes to catch the intercity bus, twice a week.

And I vow never to pay another mechanic for at least 3 months. For that, he needs all the rest he can get.


PS: Missing Muzaffar so much! Been three weeks since our parenting sabbatical.

In Threes

Three weeks, three gaskets and three 200 dollar bills later, STELLAR finally made it on the road again.

I don't know how he will cope after the final repairs, but I have high hopes.

I felt like making up for lost time.

Three weeks of driving will do.

But I vowed to use the public transport come next month.

I guess one week will do then. Starting tomorrow.

Starting tomorrow....

First Rock Album

Now let me tell you a story.

In 1988, one new student at my school introduces me to a cassette tape, and ask me to take a listen to it at home. It was by Def Leppard, titled Hysteria. The cover was apt enough, an image of hysterical proportion.

Before this, I only listened to Alleycats my uncle gave me.

I took a listen, and coincidentally, the first track I listen to was the first of the second side, which is Gods Of War.

It blew me away, seriously! So this is rock, I say to myself.

That song, and a couple of nearby songs, became my staple favorite, since cassette needs rewinding, so I usually ejected the tape after Gods Of War and Don't Shoot Shotgun, to listen to Pour Some Sugar On Me and Armageddon It on the other side. And I kept listening to the same tracks over and over again, until it breaks. A new copy I bought broke again in around 1992, so I have in my hand a third copy, until now.

I told my friend about how I loved the feeling I have by listening to it, and he gave it to me straight away. I don't know for sure if he hated it, and only wanted to get rid of it, or maybe he have several copies, but I do like the decision he made.

At that era, only my dad has a cassette player, and I usually secretly take a listen to this album with it. And I got caught several times as well.

Those four tracks, including others such as Women and Hysteria, are my most frequently played tracks, up to now.

Now I tell you why all four songs mentioned still stood my test of time.

• Intriguing beginning and ending.
• Showcases of the obvious riffing contest of the twin guitarist.
• Contains soaring and stellar choruses
• Simple songs that contains perfect bits and pieces of fillings.
• Drenched rhythm section (bass and drum).
  
• They spell "FUN" and "SUSPENSE" with capitals.

Hysteria and Armageddon It are my band's jamming favorite. Both seems relaxing enough to be the easiest Def Leppard songs to jam.

This cassette was the only album I ever owned for four years, from 1988 up to 1992, until I bought the newly released Def Leppard album Adrenalize, on April 1992, a month after its release! From that point onwards, it escalates.

Hysteria has become my all-time favorite rock album. The CD is permanently put in our Proton Wira CD player or the in-car CD pocket. And the said tracks are still spectacular to me. I guess they have the future in mind when recording this album.

Get Stiff

After the badminton session with my office mates last night, with a stiff body I woke up, and a late one at that.

And I have to face the site at TLDM Kuantan to attend a ship maintenance with this body.

And with friends onboard the ship shaking hands with me, I felt my shoulder socket about to pop.

I guess the visitation is light enough though, and we get to retreat after three hours.

And the hot day on the highway doesn't help either. My eyes have to remain closed, so most of the time, I seem to look like doing the nap.

A long nap on a medium-soft bed could be the answer I am seeking.

Thrift Consideration

Been contemplating on using the public transport.

It might commence come next month, and lasts for a whole month.

At least I know that the fastest time to arrive at work is 8.05am, and the latest by 9.30am.

And I usually procrastinate when it comes to going back, even by using public transport. So I may arrive at around 9pm, or a bit earlier.

But I'd like to try out at least once before I do, how fast can I get home. It's more important than how fast I can get to work. Using just RapidKL and NadiPutra.

This is my planned route to work.

• NadiPutra from Precinct 16 to JPM Precinct 1
• RapidKL Bus 868 from JPM Precinct 1 to Central Market
• RapidKL PutraLine from Central Market to Wangsa Maju
• RapidKL Feeder Bus from Wangsa Maju to KLSC

This is my planned route to home.

• RapidKL Feeder Bus from KLSC to Wangsa Maju
• RapidKL PutraLine from Wangsa Maju to Masjid Jamik
• RapidKL StarLine from Masjid Jamik to Sungai Besi
• RapidKL Bus 868 from Sungai Besi to JPM Precinct 1
• NadiPutra from JPM Precinct 1 to Precinct 16

As I see it, the Mydin stop where the bus picks us up to Putrajaya may be overpacked. Thus the detour.

The cost, about 145rm. That should save me some bits.

Now to find one very fine day to time-track.

Hoping That He Stops

It's been nine days since Muzaffar stayed at Seremban with his mother's parents.

We hoped to have him stop breastfeeding this way.

But we missed him so much.

Will pay him a visit later today.

Myoclonus Or Not?

Was it a normal freezing? Was it merely a disruptive invisible creature that pin bodies?

I can't really tell what is plaguing my sleep all this while.

I read somewhere, that it's myoclonus, or muscle twitching while sleeping.

Even doctors acknowledge it's a musculatory problem, or symptom.

But personally, I do believe something out there pinned against my body while I sleep. In Malay, it's called "hantu himpit".

Personally, I have been pinned against, blown in the ear, pinned at certain parts of my body, and more I can't recall right now. The pinning was countless, and sometimes happens several times in a night.

Once, the so-called creature even took me flying when I pulled its hand, mistaking it for my wifes'. As soon as I took its hands, it took off like a Boeing passenger jet, complete with real jet engine sound, and an actual stagger that rocks my body so violently. The whole ground seem to shake with me. To me, this experience felt almost real.

Another one happens at just the right moment. Coincidentally, its hands was near mine, so I managed to grip both at the lower arms. In retaliation, its knee pinned a certain part of my body I dare not mention, and I have to release my grip. I dare say it's a female, since the arms feel rather soft, and its size close to my sister's.

Sometimes, I treat it like a message. The blowing to my ear happens probably because it wants me to go pray the Isha that I procrastinated. Thanks to him.

And sometimes, it's downright upsetting. It made me fear sleeping. It made me wildly imagine, what the heck is lingering in my bedroom at the moment?

Whatever it is, I think I am getting used to it already.

Disturbing Behavior

STELLAR got very hot today. I'm worried.

Headed to Bangi again. I hope the new gasket stays strong.

Maybe I neglected the radiator.

Maybe the engine oil's low.
Maybe the gasket's not tight enough.

Maybe the timing was out.

Maybe the carburettor's rich.

I can't imagine what STELLAR might be feeling right now.

But then again, I do think now, that maybe STELLAR's better off in the capable hands of Pak Syed Ariffin, the Mini mechanic, rather than somebody new from Bangi.