Merdeka!

Wooo, it's the 52nd Merdeka [Independence Day] tomorrow, on 31st Aug, 2009. Where has all the time go? I know, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I have spent the past 100 +/- days nursing Snoopy. While he is not getting from bad to worse, he isn't showing any signs of recovering and from that I mean regaining his ability to walk. Tough, life is tough, for the patient and his caregiver as well.

A friend posed a question to me just now. He said that if Malaysia was a human, she would be 52 years old already. And while a 52 year old country is quite mature, he asked if the citizens of Malaysia have a mature mentality. Or are we still really having a third world mentality like we are always accused of having?

In any case, this Merdeka will be a low key affair as we are besieged with the A(H1N1) threat. WHO said that Malaysians are not aware of the severity of A(H1N1) and are still taking the flu virus lightly. In view of this, we should avoid crowded places, particularly Merdeka countdown crowds and Merdeka sales at shopping malls. I know I definitely would stay away, even if I did not have to care for Snoopy.

Holiday Dreams

So I asked my mother if there is a place that she would like to visit since she and my father would be married for thirty years already next year and my siblings and I are thinking of gifting them a tour package but I have no idea where they would like to visit.

My mother said she would like to visit Disney World. I was most surprised. I thought she would choose a more traditional place like China. I think she must have been influenced after seeing all the photos my sister sent her of her recent orlando vacations. Or maybe that is an excuse to be in the US to visit her daughter.

I'll have to discuss with my brother and sister first but of course, if we could afford it, we would surely let her have what she wants. Next year, it would have been nine years since she saw my sister. I believe she misses her much.

Missing My Dose of Movies & Dramas

Since Snoopy fell ill, I have stopped watching movies and dramas. That is because taking care of Snoopy, I don't have a chance to sit still at all and it would spoil my show with all the pausing. I miss watching because that is like my only form of entertainment, cheap entertainment.

Of course, now I have Facebook games to replace my idle time, if any. At least with playing those games on Facebook, I just have the browser open and click my mouse once or twice when I have the chance to sit in front of the computer.

When my hard disk was damaged and had to be replaced, causing time to lose many of my movie and drama downloads because they could not be retrieved, i didn't even miss them. I know that if Snoopy is not so ill that I have to take care of him day and night around the clock, I would have made a big fuss. Now, I guess I know what the more important things in life are. Certainly not downloads because they could be downloaded again.

Moving To KL

Much as I like the laid back lifestyle in Ipoh, I am thinking that I should settle down in Kuala Lumpur once I am done with taking care of Snoopy. I am lucky that I could take my job wherever I am so I would like to travel the whole of Malaysia once I have found a place to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Actually, I don't plan to take along too many personal effects. Some clothes and a laptop would do. I don't need the services of long distance movers, just some help from friends.

Right now, I don't have concrete plans yet and I need to remember that with all the traveling that I intend to do, I would not have much of a chance to work which means that my income would drop. Also, the cost of living in the capital city would be a lot higher. We shall see when the time comes.

Dr. Chua Soi Lek Sacked From MCA

If you have followed my blog when Dr. Chua Soi Lek's sex scandal broke out while he was still the Minister of Health of Malaysia, you would know what I think of the whole scandal.

I think that no man should be let off for cheating on his wife, let alone a Minister and being caught on tape too. I know many men do that but they are not using tax payers' money, they don't hold public office and they don't get caught with their pants down. However, I think that Dr. Chua Soi Lek has already took his punishment like a gentleman with his resignations from all posts.

I feel pity for him that his old sex scandal is again dug up and he is crucified for the second time. I know this scandal will haunt him forever but isn't it too obvious that the top brass of MCA has personal vendetta against him?

Dr. Chua Soi Lek may be a doctor but he doesn't seem like a smart man at all. See how he went to Katrina Hotel like his own condo. See how he went back to MCA to contest for Deputy Presidency post knowing full well that he has enemies within. I would be surprised if his enemies do not bring up the scandal over and over again. I am imagining Dr. Chua Soi Lek as an embattled fly, being thwarted again and again each time it struggles to get up.

Dr. Chua Soi Lek should have left politics when his sex scandal broke out and he admitted to be the man in the video. I believe after some time has passed, he could jolly well pull some cables with the PM and get a government appointment with some corporate set up like many of our retired politicians.

Fasting In The Month Of Ramadan

All my Muslim friends are fasting during the month of Ramadan, as usual. The unusual thing is that some of my non-Muslim friends are doing so too!

I haven't tried fasting before but I have gone on a vegetarian diet for two long months. It was for religious purpose. I don't know if I lost any weight like my friends who are fasting. A friend says that if she doesn't go on a month of fasting, she may need the help of Fastin to lose weight!

According to these friends who are also fasting, they say that this isn't a religious obligation like the Muslims but they picked this up while in college and now that they are working in a multi-racial company, fasting alongside their Muslim colleagues make it easier during meal times.

Wet Weather Season

The wet weather is here and it's been raining cats and dogs almost daily and for long hours too! I am glad that I am indoors most of the time. It's not that I don't like rain. It's just that I don't like the hassle of being in the rain.

When it rains, I kind of miss Dino. No, I don't miss his heavy panting and heart palpitation but lightning and thunderstorms remind me of him. Oh, it's so hard to imagine that Dino has left us 14+ months already. My friend says that Dino will always be in my heart. SIGH, it's true. Dino was a part of me for 13.5 years. That's a long time.

If I thought that taking care of Dino was a heavy task, with his bouts of cluster seizures that make him like a walking time bomb, taking care of Snoopy is a whole lot more difficult. Of course, even as I suffer now, I have to remember that Snoopy is suffering a hundred times more than I. Taking care of Snoopy when he was young was a breeze. It's like an accumulation of work that I have to do now all at once. My poor Snoopy.

Energy Booster

My friends used to laugh at me that I need to take an afternoon nap everyday. Of course, if I have to rush off some work, I wouldn't sleep. I think it's more a bad habit than a need. Now that I am carrying for Snoopy, I have missed many afternoon naps. In fact, I don't get a full night's rest as well since he became ill.

Because of my care giving duties, I have lost weight. My aunt was pretty concerned though the funny thing is that she does not know that I am taking care of Snoopy in my room 24/7. She could see that I look tired and suggested that I try Acai Berry Energy Supplements. I have no idea if these would give me the much needed energy boost. I am someone who would rather find such benefits from natural food.

Whether they work is another matter. At this point, I wouldn't even remember to take them on a daily basis if I have bought them. Yes, I am that forgetful already!

Hungry Ghosts

According to Chinese legend, the Gates of Hell opens on the first day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Phew, what a mouthful! This year, the first day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar falls on 20th August, 2009.

As a superstitious Chinese, although I would normally still go about life as usual but would try to be indoors before sunset, this year is exceptional. I haven't been out of the house at all. So I guess this year, I do not have to worry about bumping into hungry ghosts having a party by the road side.

Some of my non-superstitious, though Chinese, friends, would laugh at me for my fear of bumping into these spirits. Well, it really is no laughing matter. I know they have their own world and we have ours but why take the chance? I don't know if anyone realize, there seem to be more deaths in the week just before the Gates of Hell opens. A friend told me that his aunt passed away. See!

Driving Me Crazy

I know, when I was watching TVB's Moonlight Resonance, I actually loved listening to the sub-theme by Raymond Lam called Love Not Enough. I even looped it on my player and listened to it over and over again. But what is currently driving me crazy is that my neighbour, a college going boy who learns the organ is currently learning this piece and every evening, he would be practising it on his organ and plays it over and over again.

No doubt, this is a lovely piece of music but when he plays segments of it well and then hits a bad note and then start it the song from the beginning again, and going on and on again for hours until his bedtime, THIS is what drives me crazy.

It is one thing to listen to a perfect song fully over and over again but another to listen to a broken record. This one just plays on the organ! Amazing isn't it, that someone who has been learning the organ for so many years now could still get his notes wrong. Arghh someone, please ask him to stop!

Shopping For Snoopy’s Medical Essentials

As you know, amazingly, I have not stepped out of my house for the past 13 weeks. Well, that's not entirely true. I do take Snoopy to the veterinarian clinic off and on when necessary and make trips to the vet to pick up his medication, supplements, vet prescribed diet which are not available at the pet store and I also make trips to the pharmacy to pick up his medical supplies like incontinence pads and antiseptic powder if other family members are not able to do so.

If I could help it, I wouldn't even want to leave Snoopy alone at home. I am very comfortable with shopping online at secure online stores and I would certainly shop for these items online if there is an online pharmacy here like Allegro Medical.

At Allegro Medical, they do sell all these things that Snoopy requires and more. You could find weight vests, wheelchairs and even power scooters. Best of all, they sometimes provide free shipping for web orders. This means that we have more money to spend on the essentials. Just what I like!

Stress

I told a friend that with all the stress I have taking care of Snoopy 24/7 where I could not sleep or work, where I can't even answer nature's call in peace because Snoopy would be in my room banging away and I would have to come out and help him, I could feel that I am going to die early.

Not sleeping is one thing. Having to carry him, support him and help him to pee by depressing his bladder are other things that would cause me more stress. And then there are the costs of maintaining him from his medical fees and supplies to special diet and supplements.

My friend told me that stress actually makes us live longer. He cited an example in Dr. M. I was surprised since as far as I am concerned, he doesn't have anything that would cause him to be stressful. Bad example, isn't it??

Free Disposable Masks

Even though Ipoh is not on red alert for A(H1N1), and even though I have not left my house for 13 weeks now because of care giving duties, my parents and brother, who are living life as normal, tell me that many people are masked especially in crowded areas like shopping malls.

I think that malls, post offices, and hospitals especially, should give out free disposal masks. Although many people wear one, not every does. And my family tells me that it looks like a lot of those who wore were recycling their masks or have worn the same one for a long time. Of course this is a cost factor. I think it would do the government good not to control the prices of face masks but to give them away for free.

Quickbooks Accounting Firm

A friend, who rakes in revenue from his website big time, told me that his accountant has been trying to help him to reduce his income tax. Yet, this friend still has to pay his taxes in advance in twelve monthly installments. According to his accountant, high income earners have to do that because their taxes are so high, the IRS is afraid that such people would default on their taxes.

I told this friend that perhaps, if he had the services of a Las Vegas Quickbooks Accounting Firm, he may not have to pay as much taxes. LOL Who knows, right? In any case, although my friend is not happy with the amount he has to pay the IRS, he is still satisfied with the services of his current accountant.

Freedom

My friend, a guy, told me that Carol Chu, Andy Lau's girlfriend, is really stupid to tag along with him for so many years without a status as wife. While I think that they are already legally married, who really cares when it's a relationship between two consenting adults, right?

I do feel pity that they are not able to be more open about their relationship as husband and wife if at all they are already married. And I know that Andy Lau fears that his popularity will drop if he comes out publicly about his marriage or many some crazed Japanese girl fan would kill herself upon hearing the news.

My friend, on the other hand, thinks that they are not married and that Andy Lau doesn't want to be married because he wants freedom. I told him that a man's marital status makes no difference on the freedom that he has. It all boils down to an individual. If his heart is not at home, it is not. Would he care that he is married already or still single? No, right?

Also, I told my friend that most of the guys that he meets for a beer at night, his 'gang', are already married. Does that make a difference to them? No, right?

Personalized Flame Cut Steel Gifts

Even though I have tried to avoid a friend for many months now, he managed to get in touch with me a couple of days ago. Well, he knows my number and even where I live! The reason I tried to avoid him is that his birthday is coming up soon and he made me promise at his birthday last year to celebrate it with him this year too. I can't now because I am taking care of my invalid dog 24/7 but he doesn't know.

Anyway, now that I am again obligated to treat him to a birthday meal (because I never know how to say NO), I have to crack my head coming up with a birthday gift. Buying a gift for this guy is exceptionally difficult because he is wealthy and there isn't anything that he needs that he hasn't already bought. I think he is one of the few people who don't have a wish list.

I got to know of an online gift store that sells personalized flame cut steel gifts. I love the idea of personalized gifts. A personalized gift is one of a kind and it shows that I have put some thought into getting the gift. It doesn't really need to be something large or expensive. Last year, I bought him a set of engraved pens so I couldn't get him the same even if it's the perfect gift for someone who is not that close to me but a good friend nonetheless.

I guess NOW that I have an idea what to get for his birthday, I will have to decide on the most useful gift for him.

Dino Could Walk!

I had a weird dream this morning. Well, all my dreams are weird, aren't they? Although I did not sleep much last night, having to wake up every half an hour to attend to the very difficult invalid patient by the name of Snoopy, I still managed to dream.

And then I dreamt of Dino, walking towards me. In the dream, I suddenly realized that Dino could walk. I asked my brother if Dino walked by himself and he said he did. My brother never helps the dogs, anyway.

Dino came and sat next to me. I was squatting down in the dream, I don't know why but it was a lot like what I am doing now having to be at the same level as Snoopy. And then it struck me that Dino walked and I was so happy. I patted his head and asked him why he did not walk for the past three months. Why did he REFUSE to walk?

I was so happy, I woke up. And then I realized that it isn't Dino who could not walk this past three months. It is Snoopy! Yerrrrrr!!!!!

New Car Like Wife

My friend, Ross, bought a new car. You KNOW how envious I am! I had plans to buy a used car and then Snoopy was ailing and I had to stick around to help him and now he is totally invalid and not only do I have to stick around, and unable to move, my savings for the car has gone into installing the cars of my vet!

Ross was complaining, though, after giving his friends a ride, that they are not taking care of his car. I wonder how does one expect others to care for something when they did not fork out the money to buy it, right?

But Ross can take some of the worry away the next time he goes on a joy ride if he buys cargo liners. These are very easy to maintain and clean up. They certain require no vacuuming! When I have my car, I would certainly use these. They would help me avoid heartaches!

Three Months

It has been three months taking care of Snoopy. My poor Snoopy may have suffered but still, I am not going to put him to sleep. Putting him to sleep and sending him to dog heaven may end his and my misery but that is not a way out of this for us. His demise has to be natural. It has to be God's will.

This past three months, I have been through a lot; through Snoopy's incessant crying for three long weeks, through Snoopy's passing of pus, urinating blood, through his pressure sores with a gaping hole which I am still dressing and cleaning three to four times a day, through the weakness of his bladder muscles which makes him incapable of pissing on his own and I have to apply pressure on his bladder, through infections and medication and special diet.

Seriously, I do not know how I coped and how I will cope. There has been too much cussing and swearing, not at Snoopy but at the situation, at the time I have lost, at my inability to concentrate on work, if any gets done at all.

All I seem to do for these past three months has revolved around Snoopy and sleep in between, work in between and fitting trips to the vet in between. And the time that I could spend in front of the computer is just to play Mafia Wars and other no-brainer games on Facebook just because I can't sit long enough to string a coherent sentence. BUT what doesn't kill me will only make me stronger.

Money Options

A friend is always looking for ways to earn money. It's not that he needs it since he draws a huge pay check already but he says he loves the challenge since he's putting money on the line. I take my hat off to him that he has the time, patience and brains to learn new ways to make money by asking friends, doing research online, reading and most important of all, making full use of tools that are available online to help him make the best analysis.

After learning how to use the new BrokerLink with options express by Power Options, he said he would now be able to guide me should I need help. I don't have a Power Options account yet though. I don't think I am ready for the challenges yet! Perhaps one day, when I am financially more stable.

Canine Pressure Sores

After three months caring for Snoopy, I am almost at the point of surrendering already. Snoopy is at the moment suffering from pressure sores which I am not surprised since he could only lie down one one side. In fact, even when he was still able to walk, albeit weakly, he could only lie on one side too and there were already two spots on his thighs which were roughened out.

Now, one of the spots is a big gaping hole since Saturday. I wanted to take Snoopy to the vet on Monday and in fact has already made an appointment but my father said that it's not necessary. He said that hole will dry and close up by applying antibiotic powder.

So we are doing that and we shall see. It's very unsightly, though and I wince in pain when dressing him even when I am not the one with the wound! I hope that this will work and it will not be infested with maggots. That would be so much harder to treat. Gives me nightmares as my previous dog, Bobby, died of this!

It's PC Fair Weekend!

Yes, it's PC Fair this weekend in Ipoh starting on Friday, this morning at 11am, and ending on Sunday, 10pm. Can you believe that I totally forgot about it until my father reminded me? And to think that I wrote a post on this event not too long ago right here on my blog! Isn't it freaky how time slips by, along with my memory too!

Even though I have replaced my hard disk and computer monitor, I was still looking forward to PC Fair as I would like to pick up a laser printer. I know I have been looking for a mono laser printer for a long time now but then there was no urgency earlier. Now, when I needed it, I am not able to go shop for one because I have to stay with Snoopy. SIGH!

One more time, this is something that has to wait. There will be another PC Fair in December. Would I be able to walk away then?

Eekkk My Father Wants A Notebook Too

I can't believe my father told me that he would like to have a notebook computer. Sure, he travels occasionally and having a notebook would be very handy but then he is not computer savvy and has trouble most times using a desktop computer. I believe he would have a tougher time using a notebook. On top of that, he wouldn't be comfortable with a smaller screen.

However, I told my father that when I have bought a netbook, he could take my notebook along when he travels. Without a netbook as backup, I wouldn't dare allow anyone to take away my notebook even if it's just for a day. I know, I do have a desktop computer but I don't trust it! Isn't that ridiculous? LOL

Thinking back, I wonder how I survived all these years with a desktop computer with a 14in CRT screen years ago. And you cannot even imagine how happy I was that I had a COMPUTER!

H1N1 Concerns

My friends with young children tell me that due to worries of H1N1 and to avoid having them infected, even if it's "just" flu, they are trying their best to keep the kids at home. This brings back awful memories of JE and SARS, doesn't it?

I guess that it is a blessing in disguise that I am forced to stay indoors because I have to care for Snoopy indoors. Otherwise, I would be out and about and that would worry me, even though so far, Ipoh is still relatively safe from H1N1 infection. Masks here have already sold out!

Although there are more than 40 people who have died from H1N1 in Malaysia already, it looks like there is no cure in sight. It is still going to be up to us to protect ourselves by avoiding crowded places and to wear a mask if are forced to be in a crowd. There is no choice.

Cheap No-Frills Air Travel

Thomas, my friend, told me that he bought two return air tickets to two Asian destinations and because they are so heap, he is thinking of a third destination already. Travel will be in six months' time, at least, and he said that there's plenty of time to plan should I wish to join him. He plans to explore the two cities by himself but would welcome company if I or another friend could make it.

Air travel is so cheap now I am so tempted to let go of everything, commitments, and responsibilities; just everything and go on a trip. Of course, at the rate I worked, I surely deserve the best of Las Vegas vacations but being the stingy me, I wouldn't mind paying just a pittance and still get to go on an international flight, even if it's just nearby.

But then every time I think about Snoopy, I just can't move. In fact, I am so rooted because of him that I didn't even step out of the house in the past eleven months. Tell me then, how could I think about going on vacation?

Selfishness

I told my friend Andrew that Snoopy's condition is causing me to be very unhappy. I guess no one understands the pain that I am feeling, caring for Snoopy in this condition when I was the one who brought him up since he was three weeks old.

Andrew says that it is time for me to let him go, which means that he suggests that i put him to sleep. I can never do that because I am not going to play God. Andrew says that sometimes it is not something that we want to do but something that we must do. Surely I don't want to see Snoopy continues to suffer?

Of course I don't want him to suffer and in fact, I pray that if this is the end for him then let it be quick. I have always been afraid that Snoopy and Dino will drag on in pain at the end of life, especially as they advance in age. But to see Snoopy like this, not exactly in tremendous pain, not exactly terminally ill, is so difficult for me to give the go ahead to the vet.

Andrew says that the time has come to do it for the good of everyone. You know how I hate it when people say that I should put Dino and Snoopy to sleep. I know best if that is the ONLY option and right now, that is not an option at all.

I told Andrew that if I were to have Snoopy killed just because I am suffering taking care of him, just to free up my responsibility towards Snoopy and so that i could move on in life, that would be extremely selfish of me. I can't do that. How could I abandon him like that?

Bedroom Wash Basin

My friends used to be envious of me that I have my very own wash basin in my room. Yeah, how many homes have this IN EVERY BEDROOM? LOL I have to take my hat off to my father for his foresight. Having a wash basin in the room is actually very convenient. Sometimes, we just need to wash our hands, right? That beats having to walk all the way to the bathroom or kitchen.

Now, with Snoopy invalid and sharing my room, there's lots of cleaning to be done. I've never been so thankful for the convenience I have from the wash basin, even though it's just an ordinary, white porcelain sink!

Ultimate, I would like to replace it with a copper sink. I have seen from interior design magazines how copper sinks could beautify a room. I'd love to install a vessel sink even though it doesn't look too practical to me but it does add a touch of charm to the room.

Of course, right now, with Snoopy like this, I can't bring in workmen. You know, I have lots of decorating ideas in my head which I probably will turn into reality one day, especially WHEN I have my own home.

My Father's Birthday

Tomorrow, 13th August, is my father's birthday. My friend sent me a text message earlier this afternoon asking if I'm buying my father any birthday present. Well, frankly, since Snoopy fell ill eleven weeks ago, I see no reason to celebrate any occasion.

Besides the fact that I do not feel like spending any extra money, I am in no state of mind or even physically to think of anything else besides caring for Snoopy around the clock. I don't think anyone appreciates what a tough situation I am in. They think that I am "just" Snoopy's caregiver.

I would love to buy my father a Motorola handphone since he has been asking for one but he is so fussy he only wants Motorola. I understand that Motorolas are not easy to find anymore because of the closure of the plant in Malaysia or something like that.

Unfortunately, for the past eleven weeks, I have not stepped out of the house except to take Snoopy to the vet's and to purchase a handphone really needs some groundwork in checking and comparing, which I am unable to do right now. I guess this will have to wait.

Bare Floors

One thing about keeping pets in the house, we are not able to have fancy carpeting. I'm sure you'd think that it would not be a problem. We have watch TV programs, especially sitcoms, where families would keep pets at home and like most Western homes, their homes are carpeted, right?

My parents wouldn't allow that because of allergens and they are afraid that we would suffer from breathing problems or lung infection. With Snoopy and Dino around in the house, we have to do with bare flooring.

Of course, things will change once Snoopy is no longer with us. I asked a friend if it's too much trouble having the whole room carpeted but she said that if I install a central vacuum motor, it would not be too difficult keeping the carpet clean and dust free. She should know since all her rooms are laid with fancy carpets. Oh, I'm so envious!

Chasing For Payment

Looks like I'll have to do what I hate to do; chasing for payment. From two places! One has delayed payment for months and when I reached out to them, they promise to send and that was a month ago.

Another one has delayed for a week already and I think that I have given them ample time. The amount isn't much but then when the money is mine, I'd love to see it in my bank account, understand what I mean? In fact, these delays made me lose out on bank interest. One may say that bank interests are too low to be bothered and even Amanah Saham is more worthy but money is money, even if it's just a Ringgit or two.

I'd hate to seem to make as if I am desperate for the money when in fact I am not. I'd just like to get things over and done with so that there would be closure on these matters and I could MOVE ON.

But like I always say, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Even if she hates it.

Destination Weddings

My friend, I shall refer to her as Mrs. X here, still complains today that she did not have a proper wedding. That was almost ten years ago already and they had a very quiet wedding only among close family members to keep the cost low. It's understandable that they didn't want to start off their married life in debt.

Each time she tells me this same story, I would suggest that they make up for it. Now they surely could afford to go on a luxurious honeymoon. Or perhaps they could hold a wedding too! That's an awesome idea, don’t you think so? And it would be even more meaningful now that they have two children to witness their wedding.

Destination weddings are very popular now and what destination weddings could be more romantic than on the Mexican Riviera Maya? It would be even more beautiful than the wedding of a friend which took place in Guam!

Bedtime

I thought that my bedtime is topsy turvy and can no longer be righted since I only get to go to bed "early" in the morning. Not too long ago, I would make up for my lack of sleep by catching 40 winks in the afternoon but sine Snoopy fell ill, I no longer have that privilege.

Like I said, I thought that my body clock was very bad already until I chatted with a friend whose timing is worst that mine! Sure, he gets to be in bed for six hours straight and that's better than what I get but he'd be awake from 3pm onwards and not go to bed until he comes back from work in the evening the following day. And that's longer than 24 hours without sleeping.

I told him that's not good and he needs help and he knows it but certainly, changing a bad habit is really not easy. At least mine is not a habit but out of necessity. Previously, I was working odd hours and now I'm Snoopy's primary caregiver. If I have a choice, I would surely love to bed in bed at more normal hours!

Growing The Family

If you are a social gamer, you would understand how important it is to have as many of your friends play the same games as you do. The larger your family is, or crew or band or clan as you wish, the stronger your game character is.

As you know, I am quite actively playing all these free games on Facebook mainly to kill time while I care for Snoopy. Since I am unable to concentrate on any work, this is the best way to destress.

Well, I've been playing Mafia Wars for 1.5 months already and am currently at level 143 and moving up really fast since I play it every opportunity I have. I am wondering if I should start adding as friends, Facebook Mafia Wars players who are not friends but who are also actively playing the game and are looking to grow their Mafia Wars family.

When I first set up an account on Facebook, I wanted it to be really pure. I was very particular on whom to add and whom not to. Now, for the sake of these games I wonder if I should compromise my principles and start adding all sorts of strangers from around the world. We know nuts about each other except that we all love playing Mafia Wars (or insert whatever social game here).

Picking Up A Beauty Skill

Compared to my friends, I always feel like I have a lot of catching up to do. Of course, I no longer can catch up academically but I am keen to pick up a skill. I have thought of studying dog grooming or take up a beauty course. My sister advised that if I were to join her, I would need to study cosmetology or something like that.

I'm not familiar with the course but I do know that I could easily look for a beauty school on the web that offers the course that I would be interested in. Of course, cosmetology is more than just learning to make up.

From the website of Find A Beauty School, I could look up cosmetology schools in Tennessee where my sister is. I guess I should also check out cosmetology schools in kansas or some other cities in case they have better courses to offer.

Funfactory's Smartball

A friend sent me a text message a couple of days ago asking me if it's possible to help him purchase Funfactory's Smartball. I have helped him make purchases from online merchants before because he does not have a PayPal account or credit card.

This guy is a paintball enthusiast so I thought that he wanted some paintball stuff from the United States that perhaps is not available yet here in Malaysia or perhaps even after factoring in the costs of shipping, handling and insurance is still way cheaper than what is sold at local stores.

So I sort of agreed that I could buy the item on his behalf and told him to send me instructions of what he wants through email. He gave me the URL of the merchant and I was dismayed to find out that Smartball is actually a sex toy!

Arghhh do people even know that sex toys are illegal in Malaysia? Sure, we are still able to find them around but that's under the hood. There may be people travelling in and out of the country who have hand carried sex toys into the country, for example. But to BUY it and have it shipped to us, we risk confiscation because all incoming packages are inspected by Customs.

And to pay for something illegal with credit card, we risk getting the card blocked as well. But it's OK to pay via PayPal. teehee!

Is It Halloween Already?

Of course it is not! Imagine my surprise when my sister told me that she is already starting to plan her office's Halloween party. The place where my sister works is now smaller no thanks to the weak economy where the boss had to let go some of her staff but they are always having one activity or another, which the lady boss believes help build a good rapport between workers.

My sister says that because it is still too early, she plans the groundwork only and will only be sending out Halloween invitations to loyal customers closer to Halloween. I joked that if she did send out her invitations so early, half the people would not even remember about the party!

How Long Can I Last?

My friend, Andie, wondered aloud how long I could last, taking care of Snoopy around the clock without much help from others in the household. Keeping a pet is, should be, a shared responsibility but not here in my household. Well, I have taken care of Dino and Snoopy almost single-handedly and it doesn't look like things are going to change now.

Sometimes I feel so tired, I feel as if I am going to collapse. Of course, if I do collapse, I wonder who is going to care for Snoopy so I steel myself. I can't let anything happen to me and in the process to him.

And then there are times I get so short tempered for lack of sleep and feeling torn between caring for Snoopy and having some personal time to do my work that I spew profanity and feel like giving Snoopy a big slap across his face because he is giving me such a hard time and feeling the pressure of trying to earn enough for the month despite the lack of time or attention to support Snoopy's medical bills, special diet and other expenses.

I can't help but wonder when all these will end. I hope that by then, my parents do not give me other problems due to their own poor health. Arghh I hate this, man!

Who Needs To Go On Diet?

Many of my friends are unhappy with their body shape and yet they try to take the short cut out by popping pills instead of exercising, changing their lifestyle and worst of all, changing their diet. It's not wrong to pop pills but experimenting and searching for the best diet pills could be a time consuming experience.

I have a surefire way to lose weight and it is to be a caregiver. I remember losing 5kg taking care of Dino who also could not walk for two months and now, I have lost weight as well. How much exactly, I have no idea but I am oh so tempted to try on my old pair of jeans, the pair that I could no longer fit no thanks to my parents for stuffing me non stop as if they have a hidden agenda!

Anyway, I am sure no one wants to participate in my kind of weight loss program though I'd gladly pass the caregiving duties to someone, anyone!

The Teoh Beng Hock (TBH) Inquest

I guess the whole of Malaysia is following with bated breathe the inquest of Teoh Beng Hock, the guy who was called in to MACC for an "interview" and then found dead, fallen out the window to his death.

The inquest may have a narrow scope and we are sure that is not what the family wanted seeing the tragic circumstances of TBH's death but even with a narrow scope, we actually want to watch the "drama".

People say life is like a stage. When it comes to politics, this is a stage larger than life. Everyone involved has a role to play. It does not matter which side of the political divide one stands on, everyone seems to have a scripted role. They do what they are told to do, say what they are told to say.

For the rest of us who KNOW that politics is a very dirty game and stay away from it except to try to make our votes count every 4.5 years, dramas like these make good reminders of where our vote should go in the next General Elections.

Supper

My foreign friends are very surprised when I tell them that we have supper and it is a way of life for most of us Malaysians. I have had supper almost my whole life, which means that I have at least four meals daily but most days I also have brunch and tea but those are just light stuff.

These friends keep reminding me that late night supper is bad for health and I would grow a belly if I hop into bed as soon as I had supper. They say that at this rate, I would need weight loss supplements to help me regain a svelte figure.

LOL Even if I grow fat, it really is difficult to avoid food as I live with my parents and they take every opportunity to stuff me through the day. Scary, right?

Overloaded With Social Games

You know you're spending too much time on PC games when you have created a bookmark folder for these game pages like I did for all the Facebook games that I play daily. You know you are overloaded with social games on Facebook when Facebook pinks you thinking that you're a spammer. While some people may say that these are not real games, let me know what they are, then, when people PLAY them.

There are eight games that I play throughout the day. Of course, some of the games, I log in the whole day while for some of them, I only access the game page when I have the time or feel like it but I make sure that I play these games at least once a day to level up.

With eight games I totally feel like I am playing games the WHOLE day. My friends are surprised at how quickly I level up since I play some of them later than they did. Not only do I play day and night, I also play in the afternoon and the wee house of the morning when Snoopy doesn't allow me to sleep.

Oh well, once my care giving duties are over, I gather I will have a more normal lifestyle where I actually WORK and not play one mindless game after another.

Brewing Coffee At Home

My mother loves coffee and I can tell that she is a little addicted to caffeine since she must have her cup of coffee daily otherwise she would get cranky. HEHEHE. Although she would drink any kind of coffee, she says that those at home are not as good as commercial coffee from places like Ipoh White Coffee.

Well, I don't know since I do not drink as much as her but I know that coffee from coffee houses are getting more and more expensive. it may just be ten or twenty cents but percentage wise, it is a steep increment!

I am thinking of buying a Nespresso coffee maker for her so that she could brew her own coffee at home. Sure, drinking coffee at home will be different as it does not have the ambiance of a cafe but then think about it, she could drink her favorite coffee whenever she feels like it! Cool, huh?

PC Fair Ipoh (August 2009)

PC Fair will be in Ipoh this month from 14th to 17th August, 2009. It is one of the last venues since it started in Kuala Lumpur at the end of July. it irks me that even places like Taiping had their PC Fair first before us here in Ipoh! Hey, we are a larger city, OK?

This time, PC Fair will be held at the usual venue, Stadium Indera Mulia. It is very convenient for me and I would love to give it a visit as I still have yet to purchase a laser printer. I couldn't wait with the LCD but I could wait for PC Fair with the printer. They do offer a discount for laser printers and free gifts as well.

However, I think that I wouldn't be able to make it this time around what with caring for Snoopy around the clock without any respite. And you know, to shop at PC Fairs, you just can't do it quickly without visiting all the stores and comparing what each has to offer. So yeah, I'll have to give this a miss, unfortunately.

I'm Snoopy's Insurance

My mother always insists that I get the receipt from the pet even if it's just for the purchase of a couple of tins of dog food. I don't understand why because it is not as if Snoopy has pet insurance, as if it's available here, and since I am supporting Snoopy, as long as I make a record of his expenditure, I don't need receipts. It would be different if I could make insurance claims with them!

I wish that there is pet insurance her, not just any insurance, mind you, but one that's as comprehensive as those offered by Blue Cross North Carolina. I would surely have bought insurance for Snoopy and also Dino. Health is getting more and more expensive not only for human but also for animals. It is indeed worrisome.

Totally Digging My New LCD

It's kind of ironic that I have a new LCD screen for my desktop computer at this time when I am least productive. I can now view three or four web browsers at the same time comfortably, finally, yet, I am unable to get work done because I am not able to sit at the computer long enough to gather my thoughts because Snoopy needs attention every other minute.

Since buying this Samsung LCD on Monday, I haven't even felt the need to turn on my laptop. Perhaps a spanking new hard disk contributes to a better user experience as well. At least, I no longer felt like my computer lags. And there I thought that it was because my computer lacks memory!

I love my new LCD so much, I may just dig out my old dramas and rewatch them, this time on a 20in wide screen LCD! Well, have to rewatch because I lost a lot of dramas when my hard disk was damaged and the files could not be recovered. SIGH!

But in the meantime, it is also great to play games on. Yes, I am still playing ‘em Facebook games. When will I get a grip and stop? LOL

Getting Some Work Done

Finally, I am able to sit down and get some blogs updated while my Snoopy is asleep. You know, after my computer was brought home with a new hard disk, I spent a few days installing my favourite programs and configuring my preferences for all the programs. Just when I thought that I have everything done nicely to the way I like them to work, the monitor of my other computer conked out.

After much price comparison over the phone among local PC shops, I decided on a 20-inch Samsung LCD. I as told that 20 inch screens are standard these days. I don't know but Samsung was my top choice because I have been using Samsung all these while and they never gave me problems before.

So now, here I am, blogging with a 20 inch Samsung LCD screen, comfortably browsing three windows simultaneously. My previous Samsung 17 inch SyncMaster CRT monitor has been moved to the other PC replacing the monitor that burnt due to age.

Actually, I wanted to buy the same Samsung SyncMaster but the shop told me that they are no longer being manufactured. LOL I wanted to get it due to my tight budget and at this point, I really don't feel like spending unnecessarily. And really, although looking at three browsers at the same time on a 17in screen is a tad crowded, I have no issues with it. Oh well, technology has forced me to keep up with times. Oh yes, by the way, just for record's sake, I bought it for RM435. Maybe this LCD screen may be a little cheaper but I couldn't wait for PC Fair even if it's coming to Ipoh in 2 weeks' time.

Netbook For Ultra Portability

My friend, Warren, asked me to help him decide if he should get himself a netbook for ultra portability or a high performance notebook. Warren already has a notebook but is new to netbooks.

I told him to get a netbook with higher specification so that he wouldn't regret his purchase a few months down the line. Even with my suggestion, he is still in two minds as his friend told him that netbooks are only for people who are under twenty and Warren is twice that age.

Netbooks are certainly not for the young only. I would certainly be buying a netbook once I am done with my care giving task. IOt would provide me with the portability I need when I travel, minus the weight of my notebook! I just HOPE that by the time I purchase one, the price of high-end netbooks will be a little more budget-friendly.

Pinked By Facebook

You know you've been spending way too much time Facebookking when you get the pink system message! Yes, that was what hit me, twice, a couple of days ago. It's either because I have been adding too many friends in a short interval of time or writing too many messages on the Wall or sending out too many private messages.

Whatever it is, I don't really know except that if my activities continue, my account may be banned. Of course I wouldn't want that to happen so I have been keeping quite since then and just continue to play those free Facebook games in the background.

I searched the web and of course I am not the only one experiencing this. Some say that it would be a bug with Facebook's anti-spamming script and it triggers too many false positives but whatever it is, I hope not to trigger it again and get banned. I want my Facebook account to play games! LOL

Reentering The Employment Market

A lady friend told me that she is planning to look for work and reenter the employment market; yes, despite the poor economy right now! Her husband lost his job and they have already exhausted their savings. I think they are lucky that theirs is a small family with only one son to support!

I think that if I ever find myself in a financial bind like that, I would want to sell insurance. I could do it in my free time and my income would depend on how hardworking I am. This is not ideal would be a great motivation to me.

I told this friend that she could sell home, auto or disability insurance for a start and see how she likes it. Of course, her family and friends would have to support her so that whatever sales that she gets now would encourage her to put in more effort in her new job.

So Little Time!

Yet there is so much to do! Gosh, can you believe that it's already August? Where has my time gone? I just know that I am crazily busy doing everything but nothing. My days are so unproductive and I get so frustrated I just wish that I have an escape route from the kind of life I am going through right now.

I know I am busy but at the end of the day, I just spent three quarters taking care of Snoopy. I don't even have time for myself. 2009 has been a really bad year for me in terms of productivity and goal achievement.

Yet, in spite of all these, I wish that Snoopy would not leave me. Of course, he would have to be the healthy Snoopy that I knew previously, not this! I can't help but wonder how long will this last? How long can I last??

House For Sale

My neighbor is putting up his house for sale. It's just next door and it would be ideal if we could buy it so that we could own two homes side by side. However, he's asking way too high a price for that old house, even if it's located in a supposedly prime neighborhood in Ipoh.

The house would require a lot of work done on it for the new owner since my neighbor has never maintained it; probably due to financial constraints. They did renovate the house once and extended the kitchen but that was thirty years ago!

Also, I think that if I do buy it, I would love to make the house uniquely different from what we currently see in the neighborhood. I'd probably install metal tiles or something like that and that would certainly make people's head turn!

However, another thing that's stopping me from considering this purchase further is that it really would make no difference to me or my freedom if I were to continue living with my parents or next door!