Travelz And Eatz!: December 2023

On the eve of every new year, we would always ponder and worry what the future might hold for us. The future is something which we can't view or have any inkling about. We can only imagine or generate good thoughts, to motivate ourselves to face the coming days and months of yet another year to come. Take a moment to express a feeling of gratitude, that we're still alive to experience more things to come, good or bad. I don't create new year resolutions any more. Let's see what 2023 gave me.

January Father had been resting on the lazy chair (the classic one with coloured plastic strings) since he has an incontinence problem. Bought him an inflatable bed, to deal with the excess bodily fluid. My Nikon D90 had suffered a mirror-lock problem, after serving me for 14 years. Bought a Nikon Z30 mirrorless camera to replace it. Paid it with the bonus money from the insurance endowment plan which had matured after 20 years. Joined a tour to the newly opened mosque in Kota Kemuning. Quite insightful.

February A month where CNY usually resides. Decided to accept an invite to a gathering of former secondary schoolmates. Having not met them for 32 years, it was certainly good to see them again. We had been keeping touch in Whatsapp group chats since I found them again about 10 years ago. Time really flies but I'm glad we could just continue from where we left off. Bought an electric guitar from Shopee for about RM400 (lifetime checklist checked off). A session at the shooting gallery with the MPP Zone 12 members, where we had fun with pistols (real ones, not toys).

March Will the months ahead continue to be filled with activities? The company organised a teambuilding and annual dinner at Eagle Ranch, Port Dickson. The ropes obstacle course at 8 metres height, made my knees weak but we all went through it. The next day, as we made our way home, noticed this Army Exhibition and decided to check out the various weapons and armory equipment that our soldiers will use to defend the country. A huge array of 'toys' that we got to touch and carry. Respect them for their sacrifice, the training, isolation and all.

April Received an e-mail from DOE to notify that I've passed the CePSWaM competency examination. I had obtained the CePIETSO competency the year before. Another item added to my curriculum vitae. Celebrated with a family trip to Ipoh where we stayed at a homestay. Brought my 78 years old father along. It's not easy but we accommodated his physical challenges. The following week, a friend invited me to try out this new game which he had created, using recycled shuttlecocks. He calls it Shootle. Target shooting with shuttlecocks. A day trip to Kuala Selangor Nature Park follows and witnessed the beautiful 'Blue Tears' phenomenon during the boat ride. Amazing nature.

May Read about the Parliament open house and we went to visit on 7.5.23. It's a rare opportunity to step into the August house and the grounds because it's normally out of bounds for the public. As we walked through this historical building, I was caught by the Bernama reporters and had my interview which was later broadcasted. Good experience. As Raya was around the corner, ADUN organised a feast for the community. I was invited to a Harumi chicken cooking demo held in Rimbayu. From the brochures, it's a good product for cooking. Go try it. Father obliged to a hair cut, after mum passed away 2 years ago. Glad that he decided to do away with the disheveled look.

June Joined my friends for a motorcycle ride to Lenggong, Perak on 3.6.23. A slow ride with plenty of stops as they were riding kapchais while I was riding my Yamaha MT-09 with a bigger fuel tank capacity. Daughter scored 6As for her SPM results. Councillor requested me to submit my resume to apply for a Councillor's post but nothing came out of it. Homestay at Scarletz KLCC. Tried the teeth scaling session at MAHSA University and brought the story back to the Kota Kemuning folks. Took part as committee member of the local elections.

July Continue my experience at MAHSA University with a tooth extraction. My first, since primary school. Put in place 2 incisors 'enamels'. I look better and can smile with confidence now. I used to smile with a smirk, trying not to open my mouth as I had a gap at the incisors. Enjoyed the Disney on Ice show at Skyworlds, Genting Highlands, with the family. Visited the new outdoors theme park for the first time. Father signed the property transfer documents, part of the process since mum didn't leave a will. The outgoing ADUN introduced me to the incoming ADUN. We need to work with politicians for the community.

August The gate was left unlocked and father wandered away by himself. He really created a panic because he is forgetful. Fortunately, a resident had sent him to the Pondok Polis and we picked him up from there. Thanks to the community. State Elections was held on 12.8.23 and I carried out my duty as PACA lead for one voting centre. Doing my part to ensure free and fair elections. Went to court for the Distribution Order hearing. My first court experience. Merdeka Day celebration was held at KK Lakeside with a flags distribution activity.

September I'm officially 50 years of age and at the middle century part of Life. Wifey arranged a family lunch gathering, with a surprise appearance by close friends. I totally didn't expect this. Thanks for coming. Attended a Lantern Festival celebration at Kemuning Bayu, organised by the residents. Another good opportunity to mingle with the local community. My former housemates in Singapore dropped by and I brought them around, with ATV & food amongst the activities planned.

October The Smart Meter was installed by TNB. The electricity bills didn't change much since then. Stayed at Santa Grand and had a good Swedish dinner not far away, to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. Attended an uncle's son's wedding and saw my cousins for the first time. Received my new IC Berlin spectacles, in time for a family gathering trip to Kuala Kurau, Perak on 14.10.23. APOSHO37 was held on 23.10.23 where I volunteered to help out the MSOSH organising committee. It's a good experience, hosting an international event. Nephew came down from Singapore and I introduced him to the ATV ride through a multi-terrain oil palm estate nearby.

November Son participated in the 5 km Nitro Night Run organised by Puma, held at Putrajaya. A fellow rider friend, Zachary Lee, passed away. Received the appointment letter as Hospital Visitors Board member and attended our first meeting on 29.11.23. We had carpark lots reserved for us, without which it would be almost impossible to find a carpark at the busy Shah Alam Hospital. Daughter experienced her first driving test and I took a day off to accompany her. Father signed his Will. I'm grateful to be assisted and given good advice by the lawyer.

December Reaching the year's end, activities seem to never end. Celebrated son's birthday with a roller skate session, which brought back memories of my childhood. Cousin sister Melinda's (A-List Academy) wedding dinner was held on 10.12.23, where Steven Ng (Amverton Developer), who was also at the dinner, came by to say hi. Joined a Hainanese Circle Whatsapp group, invited by a fellow Hainanese who saw my FB post where I revealed that I was a Hainanese, while reviewing Mie Mie Lai Hainanese Lambpot restaurant. Rode to Seremban for breakfast with a close friend. To monitor father at home, I added 2 more CCTVs for the house. Celebrated mother-in-law's birthday with a homestay in Kajang. The next day, visited the Comic Fiesta 2023, held at KLCC Convention Centre.

So, that's a summary of some of my activities for the year 2023. It was a fun year and I've learnt a lot too. Life had been good to me and I look forward to another activity filled year ahead. Don't let 2024 slip past without doing anything meaningful for yourself. Yes, Life is all about Yourself. Take Care of your mind and soul, so that we may help others in return and by cultivating a good attitude with associated social skills, hope to make new friends and acquitances.