Saturday, January 30, 2010

This is what we call QUALITY ASSURANCE..







I couldnt believe my eyes when I saw the cheque. All this while, I thought they were just gonna send me a letter with the outcome of their investigation. But to my surprise, there was a cheque enclosed with the letter. One thing about these international companies, they really do their best in gaining the customer's confidence back whenever there's a complaint and they really see to it that the customers are satisfied before they close their file. They dont, unlike most local companies blame the customers or blame the natural surroundings for whatever the fault was. I really am touched by what Waitrose did and surely would visit their store when I'm in the neighbourhood.

Anyway, here's a little something to laugh about...(the chrono of my complaint)

I would like to lodge a complaint regarding your toffee which I bought from your store a week ago. Its a pack of assorted toffees (with wrappers in green, gold, silver and orange). The toffee in silver tastes aweful. I'm not satisfied with the product and I want a refund or a new pack of toffee. I'm currently residing in Malaysia.


Thank you for your e-mail, which we are currently investigating. Should you need to contact my team further about this matter please do so at the e-mail address above or telephone 0800 188 884.


Thank you for your e-mail.
I was sorry to learn of the problems you experienced with one of our products recently, and I hope you will accept my sincere apologies for this.
We would like to carry out a full investigation into this matter.If you could please reply with the following information:
- Your full address (including post code)
- Product barcode / Product name
- Cost of the product
- Use by/best before date (if applicable)
- Packer's code/batch code
- Which branch purchased from
We can then pass this matter onto our Merchandise Laboratory for investigation and respond to you by letter giving you the details of our findings.
I look forward to your reply and once again, I hope you will accept my apologies.


Thank you for your prompt response.
My full address is Flora Damansara.................
Product Bar Code/Name is Assorted Toffees (5 000169 129449)
Cost of the Product : I can't really remember because I bought a few stuff
besides this
Use by/best before date (if applicable) : 29 04 2010
Packer's code/batch code : Where can I find this?
Which branch purchased from : Can't really recall because I went to a few
stores. Probably in Edgware Road.
I hope the information is enough for you to conduct further investigation.
Kindly contact me if you need further information


Thank you for your return e-mail.
Our Merchandise Laboratory are now investigating. Once this process is complete we will write with a full explanation or update you on progress within 21 days.
Once again please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused.


Can I know the status of my complaint?
This is taking too long. I cannot accept it!!!
It shows that your service is lousy.
I will be on Christmas leave soon and I expect to hear from you latest by
today (malaysian time)
Anyway, have a good Christmas and Happy New Year.


Thank you for your e-mail.
Please accept our apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
Our lab have now finished their investigation and a letter with their findings will be sent to you in the next you in the next few days.

And then came the cheque...Hahahaha

Express Lunch with a BUDGET

Well, I was supposed to write this story weeks ago but I couldnt find the time. So since I'm very free right now, celebrating V-Day alone in Athens, coz I didnt want to disturb my friend's V-Day with her hubby, I finally decided to write about these 4 wonderful pictures. Well, nothing special, just food. Food such as Mushroom Soup, Nasi Goreng Kampung and Kan Sao Fish with Rice...Sounds good, doesn't it? Actually, there is a special story behind these 4 pictures and let me relate to you now.

It was the end of January, where the pockets are dry, wallets thinning, and the bank account looking dim, with just RM60 in the purse, me and my good friend were sent to help out in completing a task in TTDI. The night before, we had both arranged for breakfast the next day and even decided on where to have lunch that day, our favourite Kazee Corner. So here I was in TTDI that very morning, all alone on 17th Floor, looking for my friend who has seemed to disappear. So, I called her on the cell and she told me she was at the bank and that her ATM card has been swallowed by the machine. I felt bad that day. I mean, how bad can it be to experience this at the wee hours of the morning? So, I told her to come up and we'll talk it out. So, she came up and there was hoo haas at first, she called the bank to block her card and so on, and we headed for breakfast. She did ask me if I could borrow her some money and obviously, I didn't mind. I mean, she's a good friend and I don't mind giving her a treat as well.

So, lets jump to lunch time. As promised, we headed to Kazee Corner for lunch at 1.30pm. With just RM60 in the wallet, we both ordered our food. I could see from her eyes that she wanted Lamb Chop and I even encouraged her to order the food, but at the end of the day, she ordered Nasi Goreng Kampung. I felt bad that day that she didnt get what she wanted because of the inssuficient amount of money I've brought that day. But, hey, we both still managed to laugh it over at the end of the day.

So, how bad did it go? Well, not bad at all. Not bad at all.




White Roses.





Someone had asked me last week, "Why white roses?"

James has been my best friend ever since the first day we met. We clicked instantly and ever since, we've been together. Most of his friends even thought I was his wife at some point as our relationship were so close, more to husband and wife. Yes, we were the closest of friends who trusted each other, who loved each other and who cared for one another. I love James. I love him with all my heart. He meant the world to me. I dare say that I'm closer to James than to my fiance. I feel that James completes me and is able to give me what Brian couldn't. But like I said, we do not have any intention to commit to one another. We just want to be friends, friends who would be there for each other in times of trouble and triumph. But some people wouldn't understand or they find it hard to understand. Some say that this is such a messy relationship. It isn't actually. Its a simple one. We call each other up once in a while, we text each other every night before we sleep, we say good morning when we wake up, we meet every year and we travel. What is so hard to understand about my friendship with James?

Moreover, I believe white brings out the sense of purity in James. What can I say? James is pure at heart. He doesn't lie, cheat or steal from you and he doesnt expect anything in return. But one thing is that he likes to give. He likes to help people around him and he trusts them. Well, I can say that trusting someone, especially a stranger is something pure but at times, it can hit you back. Basically, you can't read the other person's mind. Who knows what his intention was? But above all that, James didn't care. He didn't care if they had bad intentions towards him or if they planned to give him a million dollars afterwards. He didn't care at all. Just as long as he helped that person overcome his pain and misery, he's more satisfied than ever. It still bothers me that James was killed (3) days before his trip to Haiti. I still can't get over the fact that he's gone, just like that, in a jiffy. I didn't even get to say goodbye. How can GOD be this cruel to me? How can he leave me alone to struggle in this cruel cruel world? I still can't let it go. I still can't.

Besides this, James has always been my shoulder to cry on. He was always there for me. Always ready to listen to me. Always ready to cry with me and laugh with me. Or to celebrate with me. He was the only friend I could count on. He was the MAN. He plays a big role in my life, as a friend, a partner, a travel companion, a teacher and sometimes a love counsellor. He's been the backbone to my relationship with Brian. He was the one who had encouraged me to give Brian a second chance. He even tried to play matchmaker in this relationship once but it backfired. But still, he never gave up on us. He wanted me to be happy. At least that's what he told me. A man so true and pure in his heart is just one in a million. I dont think anyone can take his place in my heart because our bond is so strong that it will never break, even if we were a million miles apart.

Now, everytime I go through my phone book and sees James's number, I am tempted to just dial the number. I had hoped for miracles to happen. I had hoped that I could hear his voice when I dial his number. To know that he is safe makes my day. But now,everytime I dial his number, it goes to his voicemail. My friends had advised me to delete his number so that I can move on from here but WHY SHOULD I? I'm still waiting for this miracle to happen. I mean, who knows he might call me one day to tell me that he's fine. Maybe this is just crazy. Maybe I'm just crazy to be hoping for this miracle. But who knows, miracles may happen ...

Obviously it hurts me now that he's gone. Like I've mentioned in my earlier posting, I'm like a bird who has lost part of its wings. I am alone now. All alone.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

I Pray For Your Safety..Even In The After Life


Monday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel scourging, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, especially that soul which is nearest to its entrance into Thy glory, that it may soon begin to praise and bless Thee for ever. Amen.


Tuesday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus that was shed in His bitter crowning with thorns, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, particularly that soul which is in the greatest need of our prayers, in order that it may not long be delayed in praising Thee in Thy glory and blessing Thee for ever. Amen.


Wednesday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus that was shed in the streets of Jerusalem whilst He carried on His sacred shoulders the heavy burden of the Cross, deliver the souls in purgatory and especially that one which is richest in merits in Thy sight, so that, having soon attained the high place in glory to which it is destined, it may praise Thee triumphantly and bless Thee for ever. Amen.


Thursday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Body and Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus, which He Himself on the night before His Passion gave as meat and drink to His beloved Apostles and bequeathed to His Holy Church to be the perpetual Sacrifice and life-giving nourishment of His faithful people, deliver the souls in purgatory, but most of all, that soul which was most devoted to this Mystery of infinite love, in order that it may praise Thee therefore, together with Thy divine Son and the Holy Spirit in Thy glory for ever. Amen.


Friday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood which Jesus Thy divine Son did shed this day upon the tree of the Cross, especially from His sacred Hands and Feet, deliver the souls in purgatory, and particularly that soul for whom I am most bound to pray, in order that I may not be the cause which hinders Thee from admitting it quickly to the possession of Thy glory where it may praise Thee and bless Thee for evermore. Amen.


Saturday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood which gushed forth from the sacred Side of Thy divine Son Jesus in the presence and to the great sorrow of His most holy Mother, deliver the souls in purgatory and among them all especially that soul which has been most devout to this noble Lady, that it may come quickly into Thy glory, there to praise Thee in her, and her in Thee through all the ages. Amen.


Sunday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood, which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in the Garden, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that one which is the most forsaken of all, and bring it into Thy glory, where it may praise and bless Thee for ever. Amen.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

If Tomorrow Never Comes (will you know how much I love you)


Have you ever loved someone so dearly that you wouldn’t dare pour your heart out to him? Have you thought that perhaps you would find time to tell him one day? One fine day? When you can find the perfect moment and the perfect hour, minute and second of the day? But have you also thought about what if you could not find the right time to tell him how much you really really love him? What if tomorrow never comes...what if you thought the moment was coming for you to be able to shower him with love but all of a sudden, he leaves you. He leaves you all alone in this ruthless world, struggling with yourself and others. This is a mistake that many others have made over the past years and people being people, they don’t learn from their mistakes. Or do they?

I’m speaking based on my experience over the past 26 years. But yet, I did not learn from the past. I should have but I did not. Perhaps, I was too stubborn or too arrogant to look back at the past or could it be that I just wanted to leave the past behind so quickly that I just had to let it go.

First was the passing of my grandmother. Well, I wasn’t by her side during the last few moments and during those times when she cooked, cleaned and taught me, I can honestly tell you that I wasn’t the most obedient person you can think of. I was mean. Yup, I said it. When I was younger, perhaps schooling years, I was a mean person. I would kick, yell and fight just for the simplest mistakes. But of course during those times, I never thought that I would look back many years later and regret what I did. I mean, not to say that I regret on my actions way back but I just regretted not being able to tell her how much I had loved her during those times. When she was still here, she would take care of me without complaining a bit, so much that I was so fond of her. She was really my saviour at that time, especially when my parents hit me for no apparent reason. She would rather be the one who was hit and all those years, I let her take it without feeling sorry. Was I that cruel way back then? Was I? Perhaps I was stupid when young. I didn’t care about others around me. Just as long as someone was willing to be the scape goat, I was happy. Yeah, that was me way back then. My grandma was a smoker when she was alive. She would buy boxes of cigarettes and stock them in her drawer before my mum finds out. Otherwise, she would hit her again. At that time, I didn’t understand. I didn’t understand why granny was being hit just for buying a pack of cigarette. I didn’t bother to protect her at that time because I had a very arrogant attitude then. But as years go by, by the time I graduated from high school and completed my A-Levels, my grandma begged me to study in KL. She advised me to go as far as I could. Leave this family, pursue my dreams and to look for my biological parents. But she reminded me to bring her along one day when I’m already successful in life. I had wanted to bring her to KL after graduation in 2007 but she didn’t make it. But the one thing I regret most is that I didn’t have the chance to tell her I was sorry and that I love her. I really love my grandma and I really wished she was here with me right now though I think of her all the time. She’s really close to my heart. She was more than a grandma to me. She was like a mother to me. All the love and things she had given to me. How can I ever repay her for this? By being a better person in life?

I thought that after this incident, I would repent. I would learn from my mistake. I would be more open to people. I should tell them how much I love and appreciate them when they are still around but I guess I never did...

Second was the passing of my favourite uncle just a few weeks ago. It came as a shock to me actually. This uncle was the husband to my 5th aunt and my close cousin. I was really close to them. My cousin would sleep over my home whenever she’s in Penang and we would talk and talk and talk till the cows come home or at least until my mum comes knocking on the door because we were too noisy. And when I first set foot in KL, she was the one who took me around. But when I left the family and after my grandma’s passing, we have never contacted one another. Not until years later, when my another cousin buzz me on msn to inform me that this uncle was sick and diagnosed with cancer and that he was in SJMC. She had urged me to visit him but excuses after excuses were given by me in order to turn down the offer. Its not that I don’t intend to visit him but its just that I was afraid I would run into my old family. I just didn’t want to see them at that time. I guess my anger is still there. And I’m pretty sure that they wouldn’t want to see me as well, now that I have found my biological parents in Perlis. But I did call my aunt and cousin to ask about my uncle then. But still, it came as a shocker that he had suddenly passed. See, another dumb decision made by me. If only I had forced myself to the hospital a month ago, I would have seen him. I would have the opportunity to care for him or at least thanked him for everything he had done for me.

And I thought after another incident, I would have woken up by now. I would have called everyone in my phone book to tell them that I loved them and that I appreciate what they did for me and so on...but I guess...sigh

Third and final one happened yesterday, Saturday, 23rd January 2010. The passing of my best friend and my one and only travel companion, James McCarthy Jr. This was really unexpected and the biggest shocker of all! I almost passed out when I heard the news. I didn’t want to believe it. I didn’t want to accept the fact that he was gone forever. And I don’t think I can ever accept the truth that GOD has taken my best friend away from me. I mean, I just spent the last Christmas with James and the last time I saw him was in Brussels, just before I took a flight back to KL. And the last time I spoke to him was on Wednesday, when he told me that he will be following the volunteers at UNICEF to Haiti, to help the children of the quake. And I still remembered saying that he was such an angel and we both laughed at it. At that time he sounded right. He sounded healthy and cheerful. He even told me not to worry about my med check up next month and that everything will be fine. He even joked about our year end trip to Capri and Venice and that we would get married and have kids one day. I never took him seriously and I never knew if he meant what he said. And I guess I will never know for sure if he had a thing for me. James, you’re secret is safely buried with you. But he would never have thought that I actually had feelings for him as well. Yes I have feelings for James. I love his bubbly personality, his charisma and upbringing. I like the way he carries himself and for once, we both share the same passion, which is travelling. He used to advise me on my relationship with Brian. He told me that I should give him a second chance. And that if it didn’t work out, I can come look for him and marry him. Then we would be caught laughing like mad cows. What about now? Who will advise me now? Who am I supposed to look for now? I love him. I really do love him. And I missed him. But now, he will never know how much I loved and missed him. And why? Because I made yet another silly mistake. I didn’t have the courage to tell him when I had the chance. I thought that time will come when it does, I will tell him. But now, time had passed. I am too late. And the photos remain as memories of me and him. The trip to Zurich was our last together. I didn’t predict neither did I want this to happen. 31/12/09 @ 10am – that was the last time I woke up beside him. 11am – that was the last time I had breakfast with him and 02/01/10 – that was the last time I saw him. I missed my friend so very much. I missed everything about him. The times we’ve shared, the joy and laughter and sorrow and tears, pain and glory. We were the perfect couple. But now, I’m like a bird with a broken wing. Helpless. I feel vulnerable again. But no matter what, I know James will protect me from where he is right now.

My dear James, RIP. You’ll always be in my heart. I will always love you....

Monday, January 18, 2010

Copper & Clay


"There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, "May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful." As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke.

"You don't understand," it said. "I haven't always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red and I was clay. "My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, "let me alone", but he only smiled, "Not yet."

"Then I was placed on a spinning wheel," the teacup said, "and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I'm getting dizzy!" I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet”.

Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as He shook his head, "Not yet”.

Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. "There, that's better," I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. "Stop it, stop it!" I cried. He only nodded, "Not yet."

Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, "Not yet."

Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, "Look at yourself." And I did. I said, "That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful.”

"I want you to remember, then," he said, "I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked.

I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life. And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you."

Saturday, January 16, 2010

A Love Song to Cherish & Remember...

This is one of my all time favourite song. Been listening to it since school. And there are different versions as well. Well, of course the original singer was Lionel Richie and then there came Diana Ross, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and many more artists. Even performers have their own version of this song. But the version that I liked most is by Danny Gokey, the American Idol Season 8 contestant. Though he didn’t win, but he should know that he’s already a winner. He has such a romantic voice, my gosh, I cry when I listen to him sing. He has it all and his voice says it all. And besides, this was the song Marc, Christie, June and Alicia chose for me during my engagement last year. I actually danced to this song. (although part of the lyrics need amendment...)

My love,
There's only you in my life
The only thing that's right

My first love, (yeah)
You're every breath that I take
You're every step I make

And I
I want to share
All my love with you
No one else will do...
And your eyes
Your eyes, your eyes
They tell me how much you care
Ooh yes, you will always be
My endless love

Two hearts,
Two hearts that beat as one
Our lives have just begun

And Forever
I'll hold you close in my arms
I can't resist your charms

And love
and, love
I'll be a fool
For you,
I'm sure
You know I don't mind
Oh, you know I don't mind

'Cause baby you,
You mean the world to me
Oh I know
I've found in you
My endless love

Oooh, and love
Oh, love
I'll be that fool
For you,
I'm sure
That You know I don't mind
Oh you know-
I don't mind

And, YES
You'll be the only one
'Cause no one no one can deny
This love I have inside
And I'll give it all to you
My love
My love, my love
My endless love

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Greece - Here I Come!!


It seemed like I just went for a vacation 2 weeks ago and here I am, planning for another vacation yet. Well, usually I only take my leave in December, so some of you may have thought that I am planning for December 2010’s vacation. You’re so dead wrong!! I am planning for a vacation but the vacation is this February, during the CNY break. Since I have quite a number of days left in my AL and since we have 3 days break for CNY this year, so all in all I have like 10 days break that week, I shall be leaving for Athens, Greece to visit my dearest penpal, Irene Apolostoki. I got to know her from my school friend, Audrey, actually, Irene was her penpal before me. And that was like 10 years ago. So, Irene had wanted more friends from Malaysia and that was when Audrey passed my address to her. And so the friendship begins. From letters to e-mails to text messages and to phone calls, this is merely to show the advancement of technology. Yup, we’re still friends after 10 years. Irene, well, was married 2 years back. She did send me the invitation card but I couldn’t make it back then. But then, 2 years later, here I am, going to Greece to see her, at last!! I actually can’t wait to be there, to taste the finest pastries and chocolates, to learn about the Greek culture and to visit the land of the GODS and Goddesses. You know when people say that you’re a Greek Goddess.


And guess who is accompanying me on my trip? Well, its none other than my beloved fiancĂ©, Brian Anthony. Its no joke. I spoke to him after my Swiss trip and he agreed to tag along with me to Athens. Perhaps, this should be the time for us to rekindle our relationship and look back at 2009 and plan the future together. Whether we would be together or not depends very much on this trip. I must say, my feelings for him is still there and of course, I still want him back. Perhaps, I should give him another chance. But that doesn’t mean that he will forgive me right? But who knows, he might and things might just work out well. I know, it will !!


Bought my ticket yesterday after searching for it for quite a few days. Damn MAS for not flying to Athens. So, I had to fly with Emirates. The ticket costs us RM4145 each, return of course. Will be leaving from KL to Dubai on 13/02 and would have a stopover for 5 hours in Dubai before my flight to Athens. I really don’t mind stopping in Dubai, since I can buy loads of duty free stuff there. Its better than CHENNAI!! And besides, I have lots of friends in that place. I can contact Erin, a stewardess with Emirates or even Ajantha, my ex. But I rather not, since I’m with my fiancĂ©. Haha..I’m just afraid that I may still have feelings for Ajantha and this may be unfair to Brian.


Brian booked the hotel last night. We were online last night till 3am arguing on the choices of hotels. In the end, we settled for Hilton Athens, since I have the Hnors Loyalty card and can redeem for 2 nights stay. We just had to pay for 5 nights stay which amounted to around 800 Euros. Not bad huh?


So basically, everything is done and we’re just waiting for the time to come. Or at least I’m waiting anxiously for this trip. So is Irene and Matt (her hubby). He had always wanted to meet his wife’s dearest penpal from Malaysia, me!