Travelz And Eatz!: 2022

January - Will the year begin on an exciting note or humdrum? I can't predict the future but all I can do is wait for the year's adventure to unfold. True enough, the opportunity for excitement came in the form of an invitation for a paintball match, organised by DAPSY, a week before CNY. First time playing in teams and it was quite exciting as I managed a 'kill'. Got blasted in the next match though. The impact from the paintball is quite an experience and it would be wise of you to wear eye protection.

February - Although mum is no longer with us as she left last July, a trip to my hometown Malacca is still in the program. To meet up with relatives and exchanging money packets, an annual cultural celebration, which the kids will always look forward to. Likewise, when I was a kid, this was the only time in the year when I get more pocket money but somehow, the money will just be saved in the bank. Parents have inculcated a good habit in us, to always save money for the future.

March - A drive down to Mersing, where we took a boat to Tioman island. It was our diving practical and exam, for my kid and me. At 14 years old, I thought it was a good chance for us to have a father-son activity and for my son to learn a new skill. Exposure to the nature's beauty underwater will hopefully generate a sense of appreciation and protect earth's treasure. Two weeks later, it was time to carry out Ching Ming rites for my late mum, her first. Nirvana's package is convenient.

April - Since father was having difficulty eating, we started the process of getting him a set of dentures and thus, began the first process of tooth extractions. He obediently complied and subjected himself to the will of the dentist. In the week that followed, attended a DAP dinner, my first. It's a great feeling to be having a meal with fellow party members, Found time to explore a swamp nearby and that's how I ended up on the low branch of the mangrove tree.

May - Bought myself a new phone, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G to replace the 4 years old Redmi Note 6 Pro. Continued my photography adventure with my new toy. Helped father to make a replacement ATM card because he had forgotten the PIN. He's forgetful, at 77 years old, and I had to guide him although he'd forget in no time. Father's new dentures were completed but it would take a year before he'd finally put it on as he always claimed he needed time to get used to it.

June - We had planned and paid for our climb up Mount Kinabalu and the time has arrived for us to take a flight to Sabah and proceed with our climb. It was challenging and I had thought of giving up after about 3,000 km into the hike. Struggled and prodded on, I did, with encouragement from the other team members. Didn't reach the peak although I reached 4,000 ft. The sharp rock in the background, is the design at the back of our RM100 currency note. It was freezing and I was fortunate that my family had bought a good windbreaker to protect against the cold winds as we climbed to the mountain top. I may have suffered rhapdomyolysis due to intense exercise and it was frightening to see coffee coloured urine. I requested to be carried down.

July - This would be mum's death anniversary month, so a visit to the columbarium was arranged. A simple process of prayers chanting by a monk, with food offering and a gathering of immediate family members. During an event organised by MPP Zone 12, my Nikon D90 mirror suffered a lock-up and that's it for my beloved camera. Need to send it for servicing and revive it one day. It had served me faithfully over 14 years and I had taken care of it well enough but there's always a lifespan.

August - There's a whole long list of items in my bucket list. One of it is gym membership. So, I signed on for a 3-months term and paid about RM900 for it. It's 24 hours although I only went for my 1 hour gym sessions while waiting to fetch my kids from tuition class. Created my own regime across the various equipments - leg extension, pectoral machine, shoulder press, upper back, arm curl, rotary torso, leg raise, leg press, weight pull, bench curl, bench press, row, kneeling leg curl, seated dip and cable xover. Torturous indeed. Next, joined MPP Zone 12 for a drive up north to Baling to hand donated stuff to victims of the flood that ravaged the low-lying areas.

September - It's my birthday month and I had my two good friends come down from Singapore for a visit. They had no idea that it's my birthday when I invited them over. Received them at KLIA2 and we had toddy on our first foodie stop. Nested in a palm oil tree farm, this licensed outlet also serves good monitor lizard and mutton curry. Checked into a BnB apartment for a good night's rest after dinner, followed by ATV fun the next morning. A happy foodie and adventure trip for them.

October - Late mum had left behind a memoir written by her and after the discovery, scanned and let father read her story. That's her legacy. Happy to know that she wrote it, after I requested her to do it. Shaved my head bald by the barber in August but shaved it myself in October. Not too difficult. Parliament was dissolved on 10.10.22 and the entire country prepared for elections. Celebrated our wedding anniversary at Pulse Grande Hotel, Putrajaya. A nice, quiet place with a big garden for strolls.

November - General Elections was held on 19.11.22 and I dutifully volunteered as Polling Agent Counting Agent (PACA). Roped in a few more volunteers and they were both happy and grateful for that experience. Putting my vote for Harapan, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (DSAI) was appointed the 10th Prime Minister on 24.11.22 after 5 days of negotiations and suspense, which ended in a unity government cobbled with the King's consent. After 24 years, our wish for DSAI to become PM materialised. The country rejoiced and was relieved.

December - With the country on the road to economic recovery after both share price and currency appreciation, this calls for a celebration. A ride to Temerloh, Pahang was planned and executed. To eat ikan patin tempoyak and to visit elephants at the sanctuary in Kuala Gandah. 3 weeks later, I had my first solo ride to Penang, for the annual family gathering (late mum's side). A 800 km round trip, truly enjoyable and relaxing. Happy to see everyone and getting updates on each other's activities. If you haven't planned a family gathering, go ahead and do it.

So, the year has concluded, today being the last day. I've had a fruitful and enjoyable year. Hope you've had your fun too. I can't predict the future, again I'll say it but at least have a plan to roll through yet another year with activities and fulfillment. I'm planning on learning golf (started at the driving range this month) and doing a bit of rock climbing next year. Most certainly, will add to the list as I think of more things to do. Don't wait till you're lying on the bed, full of regrets. Carpe diem.