A year older again

Today I turn 36. Year by year by past so fast that with a blink of an eye I'm now a year older again.

Today is just like any normal day. Few of my close friends who remember my birthday, sms me during midnight. When I woke up in the morning, I was happy to see their messages.

As usual, I went to church for Mass this morning and pray for God's blessing be upon me for this day and for the coming days. My family members' , few aunty and close relatives gave me Ang Pow (red packets) and some gifts.

This afternoon I went to Christmas Carolling with my Eden Centre staffs' at Island Plaza Mall. I was quiet disappointed no one remember my birthday. I can't blame them as everyone was so busy with this Christmas Carolling fund raising project. I spent 3 hours with my friends at the mall singing christmas carols for our centre fun raising project. This year I only help them in carrying the donation box. I didn't go up the stage.

I was happy that only 1 person wish me Happy Birthday and he is the person I most cared for. I thought he has forgotten, but I was really glad he remembered. That's the most important for me!



P/S: Sorry there is no photo.

Party at Sheraton Hotel

Merdeka Day - 31st August, Sheraton Hotel organised a party for few disabled centres eg: Cheshire Home, Boys Ophanage and Eden Handicap Service Centre. When I saw the programmers' which was fax to us by the person in-charge of the function. We were quiet disappointed because all the was programmers were for children. Anyhow I went, never know it turned out to be I had the nicest time with my friends.

When we all arrived, we gather together outside the ballroom which was on the 1st floor. We waited for nearly half an hour before all of us got to go inside. It was nice that all my wheelchair friends' and I had a table to ourselves at the corner.

The party started with serving of food. Since our table was quite far from the front, we could only hear what the MC was talking. Since we couldn't see much was happening, we just enjoy each other company. We talked, laughed and crack jokes. I can feel the warm between us all.

Later, after lunch there was a magic show, It didn't interest any of us. So what we did was talk among each other. The party ended around 2pm. I really enjoy the time with my friends.

Back to Eden Centre

Since I stopped working at Copthorne Hotel, I told myself I need to find a job. Baggers cannot choose, so I decide to asked for my old job at Eden Centre again. Before I left Copthorne Hotel, I asked Bertie if there is a place for me back in the office, but he didn't answer me (as I wrote an email to him). Later in middle of June, he called me in to his office and had a talk with me. He offered me my job back, but I have to take it slow. Because before I left for Copthorne Hotel, I did a lot of mistakes in my database. I was really sad that I didn't improve at all in my working states.

Beginning of July I start work. I was thankful that Bertie gave me a second chance. I promise myself to do my best, with God's help. I can say that I'm happy with my work and my friends around me.

Down Hill

Since I came back from Kuala Lumpur a month ago, I was infected with urinary infection. I had never had with this problem before until last month. Since I was still on leave, I asked Mum to take me to the General Hospital for check-up. I went to the out-patient section where I waited only about half an hour. When I went in, the doctor asked me a few questions and asked me for a urinanry test. Later, when I came back the young lady doctor told me my urine was not clear and prescribe Antibotics and few other medicines.

I never realise that the Antibotics was a heavy dose until the second day after taking it my whole body slowly become weaken and weakan and my spasm attack me very severely that it made me couldn't do anything at all. The past 3 weeks was the most frustrating time I have ever had since sometime back. What I could do was rest.

It had been one month since I took the Antibotic, the feeling of going down has been very easy but picking up is terribly hard. That the most frustating thing I face. This month had been really bad. I hope in months to come will be better for me!

My last day

I never knew, my probation lasted only 2 months. After getting to know how to deal with the switch board and all the things I have learned. Also all the people I have met, 31st May was my last day of work. Though there were many calls came in, I thought I handled well in time to come. I did make some mistake and people complain about me. And I thought I was slowly doing my best, but it seemed my best wasn't good enough.

When my boss Mr Ong asked to see my dad a week before I resigned, I knew something was wrong. I was quiet annoyed with Mr. Ong as he didn't want to see me personally, but instead he wanted to talk to my dad alone. What I have guess came true, my boss told my dad that I couldn't cope with the job as there were too much stress. Actually, I could do it, only that the calls keep coming in and my fingers wasn't fast enough to catch all the calls. That was why I press the wrong buttons and send to the wrong department . This is why I had some complains.

I was quiet disappointed on losing such a good job. I feel like a loser as I have this great oppotunitely to work in a hotel yet I couldn't cope with the job given to me. What can I do except to accept it.

God gave me 2 only months of experience of working outside. To know how's outside work was like and an eye opener for me and the job wasn't that easy as I think. Sometimes, I wonder why God opens the door, then close it back. There is a reason for it. What I learnt from that 2 months was money cannot buy happiness!

Copthorne Hotel, here I come Pt 2.

In the beginning, the people there were quiet "cool" towards me. I can understand that because I'm the only disabled working there. As time past, I got to know their name and make friends with them. It's really hard to minggle with other staff during lunch time as my time is short, only 45mins. Going to the toilet already taken 10mins of my time. And I had to wheel up to the 9th floor where the staff canteen is. That already take some of my time, but if I meet with some staff who is going for lunch, they will help wheel me. So, I have to eat fast and go back to work. How do I have the chance to make friends with any of them?

When I'm in difficulty wheeling my chair, some of the staff will come to my aid, but some see me like an "alien". I had one experience, when I enter into the lift going uo 9th floor for lunch. I was in the lift with another guy staff, when the lift opened, he rushed out as if he saw a "ghost". I don't blame him as I know he has never been near to any disabled before.

Most of the staff are helpful, when they see that I have difficulty to take food the will come to help. But most of the time, Kakak Devi who is incharge of the staff canteen will help to take food and make drink for me. She is a really nice lady.

Most of the front office staff (receptionists') are good, kind and patient with me especially the older staff. Rajes is the one who teaches me all operating things because she was the operator before for many years. Few others, are quiet impatient with me. They didn't want to teach me instead they do it themselves. I believe that's call human!

Copthorne Hotel, here I come Pt 1.

I left Eden Handicap Service Centre since middle of March after working there for nearly 2 years. I was happy working there until I found a new job at Copthorne Orchid Hotel.

I really thought that this job was given to me by God, as I never search for it. It came to me all in a sudden. I started working there on the 20th March, as a Guest Relation Officer (GRO). I had many things to learn, on how to handle the switch board. Other than that is accepting outside calls and incoming calls too. I also have to take down messages from guests, put calls through for staff who want to make outside calls, I had to remember all the extension number to all the staff phone lines and many other things.

The first 2 weeks was really tough, not for my work, but going to the toilet, because they renovated the toilet door unitl even my small wheelchair cannot get in. But I told myself I cannot give up. Some of the staff wasn't willing to help and that I have expected! Only a kind staff Rajes who was working there for the past 20 years willing to help me to the toilet. But I couldn't depend on her all the time because her work shiff were not the same all the time.

Later, they remove the sliding door and fix it slightly inside. That way, only my small wheelchair can go in. No other wheelchairs can get it as I have tried another bigger wheelchair. It could get in but the door couldn't close. So I imagine how can other people who use wheelchair get into that toilet? When I get into the toilet, it exactly get thru and when the door is close I could hardly have space to move. Only a slight space to transfer myself over to the toilet bowl.

To be continue

A tryout

One afternoon during Chinese New Year, Annah gave me a call me saying that she me a Public Relation Office, Ms. Sally Lai in the Tanjung Bungah market asking her whether will be interested in working for their hotel as an operator. Annah told her she couldn't take the job because she has a committment with present job, so she asked me whether I'm interested in the job.

At that moment when Annah told me I wasn't excited. I felt nothing. As two months back in December I failed in getting a job Gleneagles Hospital. Annah keep persuade me to give it a try. For myself, I always love challenges.

The next day when I met Annah in the shopping mall, she gave me the contact number of Ms. Sally Lai (the PR Manager) and immediately we called her. I talk to her and she told me about the job and the working time is from 9am-5pm and my salary is RM600 and other things as well. She took down my phone number and said she will called me back in few days. I didn't take her seriously because most of the things people said I consider it as a joke. But few days later, she really called me to set a appointment date for my interview.

Mr Ong Hock Lee, the Human Resource Manager interviewed me. He gave me all the conditions about my job. Mr he seem serious in taking me as a staff. But I told him I need few days to try out the job. Since the hotel has no disabled toilet, he promise to renovated the toilet for me.

The following week, I took 2 days off and went for my training. The first day I was really frighten as whether I could cope with it. My heart beats really fast while on way to the hotel. The work was for me alright for me as they give time to learn. But the main problem was the toilet where there is no disabled toilet. So I struggled myself through that 2 days with the help of the staff.

(Ps: There are no photos)

Happy Birthday, Dad!

My dad turns 70 today, we suggested to take dad out either for lunch or dinner but he didn't to. He prefer to have the celebration at home so we bought all the food back to eat.

Early this morning, Janice bought "Tim Sam" (chinese food) for breakfast, I had a little. In the afternoon during lunch time Janice and family including Aunty Ai Chin came for lunch. Janice brought dad a birthday cake. I wasn't in the house so I didn't know what was happening. When I came back the cake were already cut and everyone has gone home.

And in the evening we have dinner at home where dad went to buy western food for all. Dad never like big celebration, he is happy just to have dinner with his family and grandchildren. Just as simple as that.

I didn't buy dad anything because he never appreciate it so i just wish him "Happy Birthday".

Luncheon at Victoria Station

This afternoon, around 60 disabled friends and staff from Eden Centre were treated to a luncheon at Victoria Station in Bayan Baru. Our car which consisted of 4 people were the last to arrive because we lost our way. When I arrived and went inside, the whole place were already full with our friends and staff.

The environment in the restaurant were very nice as there soft were soft music being played. Everyone were chit-chatting while waiting for the food to arrived, but I, myself were enjoying the music. It was really nice to see everyone gathered around and enjoying themselves. And each of us were given an Ang Pow

Every Chinese New Year since the year 2000, this kind onwer has been treating Eden disabled friends and staff to luncheon. This is my 2nd time there other than last Chinese New Year.

I ask the good Lord to bless this kind lady onwer and may her restaurants be prosperous.

Better days to come

Starting this year, I don't consider it to be not that good year. As the past 4 weeks I have been sick. Only this week it self, I have taken 4 days medical leave which I haven't taken such a long medical leave. Maybe my body say "I need a rest". That is where my sickness attacks and that's where I have to rest

I have seen to 2 different doctors last week and it frighten me when I see the medications that the doctors gave me. I have a fobia of taking medication as most of the time when I take the medicine, it will weaken my body. That's why I hate taking them.

It's only a week away before Chinese New Year, I hope and pray to get well soon as possible as I want to enjoy the festive season. But I hope in the coming months, I will get better and stronger.

Up, up in the air

Having cough for the past 3 weeks and the cough develops into flu. The body completely weakened, the mind couldn't fuction well, the eyes cannot open and the feeling is like floating in the air. This feeling is terrible.

That is how I feel for the past 3 weeks. What more when taking my usually dosege of medication (of spasms), it makes me more more drowsy. Some days, after the end of the day's work, I feel like jumping into bed and never get up.

I know this is a common sickness, but to ordinary peop.le, but for me is different. I can hardly get sick because my body resistance is very low and when I take any medication it get me lower. When anyone who has common sickness come near me, it frighten me. As the moment I get sick, it very hard for me to pick again. I never like this feeling, but anyhow it has to come and go. We cannot advoid it.

This is why I haven't been writing for the past 2 weeks. My heart desire to write but my brain couldn't function. The past weeks wasn't that bad as terrible as this few days, the movement in my body limb are very slow. I get frustrated when I have difficulty doing my daily chores and work. But this time, I have to take things slow, until I pick up again.

Dadicated to all my close friends

Thank you to all my friends who was with me in 2005. Thanks for your friendship, support, encourangment and a listening ear and be there for me when I was alone. Thanks for all your emails and sms.

Kuan Aw
Dispite I knew you long ago, only this few years that I get closer to you. Thank you so much for willing to understand, encourage, support and give me a listening ear. I'm really proud to have you as my good friend. You have taught me a lot of things especiallly to fight for our disabled right. Without your encouragement and teaching I wouldn't be who I am right now. I'm saying all this from my heart and I like to say a big THANK YOU to you.

Philip
We have know each other for 3 years and 3 months now. When I first wrote and I never knew that our friendship could last this long. We have been through many obstacles and with all the ups and down it make our friendship stronger. I'm trully sorry for all the things I've said to hurt you. Please forgive me. Even so, you never get mad with me. It's marvellous of you in this way. You never know, but you have improve a lot in your English since the first time you wrote me. I will still be here to help in whatever you need. I hope our friendship will last as long as we live.

Annah
Thanks a lot for keep me company when we go shopping. It's always a pleasure going out you. Without your friendship or company, I don't think I would be going shopping or to movies myself.

Valarie
You are the few able body friend who visited and invited me out for dinner everytime you come out to Penang. You are really a true friend as you always listen to my problem and giving me good advice. I really treasure your frienship and thanks for sharing many things with.

Chee Hoong / Chin Kit
Thanks for keeping in touch with me. Be good boys ok. I know both of you will not read this. I hope to meet you both again if I get choose for the Paralympic. Take good care

Gooybye 2005, Hello 2006 pt 2

Though there were some months when I faced with sickness and my body resistance was down. Thanks to our good GOD that I picked up quite fast and nothing serious happen to me.

I know that I didn't improve much in Eden Centre as I don't have ideas on how to imporve on my work. But thanks to Berite, Madelene and Ah Kok for giving me the change to improved myself and learned new things in seling handicaft things. Dispite I knew I have problem in caculation and handling money yet I still on taken this challenge. I know it would be difficult, but I know in time to come I will be able to handle all the handicaft things. If someone would have given you the oppotunity, you must grabbed hold of it. It's a golden oppotunitely!

In the middle of June, John(my cousin) got married. My whole family attended his wedding service in the church of Our Lady of Sorrow. At lunch time, we adjourned to their house for tea ceremony and lunch. We attended his dinner reception at Gurney Hotel until midnight. The band/singers who played and sing good and lively songs the whole night that we didn't want to leave to place until it ended.

We have few visitor in our house in month of May, Sept, Oct and Nov 05.

Felicty and Mark (my cousin from Australia) came to Penang for their honeymoon in May 05. They spend more than 2 week here and they stayed in a hotel, but they come down everyday as they wanted to visit places. My family and relatives took them around to where they wanted to visit.

Aunty Elsie spent time with us for a week. It was great to see again since her last visit iin 2003. Despite she has gone thru many sickness and operations, yet she is still as strong and health as the last time.

In Oct, dad's old friend Uncle Choong and family came out for 3 days 2 nights. We spent time with them at Sri Sayang Apartment. Unfortunately, it was raining the whole time when they around. We couldn't take them out anywhere except the first night when we took them to the nearby coffee house for dinner. When we were about to finish our dinner, the rain poured so heavily. We took shelter under the CD shop until the rain stopped. Luckily we could go out the next day to Parkroyal Hotel and we took a walk to the next door Golden Sand Hotel. Tina, uncle Choong daughter was a great company to me during our stay there. It was fun having her around.

In middle of Nov, Aunty Nijole and Timothy came out for holiday for more than 10 days. Aunty Nijole stayed with us while Timothy stayed with uncle Hock. All the relatives took turns to them out. I surely believe they had a great time.

In early Dec 05, I went for an interview Gleaneagle Hospital. I asked a friend of mine who is working there whether there were any job vancancy. She didn't reply me so forgot about whole thing until another friend (Anne Choon) suddenly called me by surprise one morning. She told me there was an interview for telephonist job and asked me to go for it. I went, but it was a short interview. After they saw I wrote things quite slow, they asked me to come for a day try out. A week later, I asked Anne C. to make an appointment with them. Believe it on not, on that very day they inteviewed me they already intended not to take me in but yet they lead me to falsed hope. How I knew it, it was Anne C. who asked them to called me. Later she shared the whole story with me. I wasn't disappoited as I knew it wasn't GOD's will for me to work there.

In Dec 05, our Centre had a Christmas Carolling Project. We went to about 20 places eg: shopping malls, hotels and old forks home. we sang 7 to 8 songs or more in one place. Though it was really tiring, but I enjoyed myself as I have never been to some of the places before like few hotels.

I almost forgot the most important thing which is I'm learning to walk now with a walker. With God's help and grace that I will not give up or discourage when things get tough. It's really an efford to take a step forword.

I'm really happy in what I have achived in 2005. It was a good year for me. I really hope in this year 2006 will be a better year for me. I don't expect too much good things to happen. I have to take one day at the time. I pray that GOD will continue be by my side leading me on as what HE wants me to.

Happy 2006 to all who read my blog. May God bless you wherever you may be.

All the photos were taken in the year 2005.

Goodbye 2005, Hello 2006!

2005 flies extremely fast. Before I knew it, it's the last day of the year. This year has been a good year for me, though there were some months when I was sick and down.

I was really happy that I got the chance to visit Kuala Lumpur 3 times this year. That was the best time for me, though this 3 trips was very tiring for me.

The first time was in 22-23 April 05 when I went with my expupil friends from Spastic Centre. We spend 2 days and 1 night at Hotel Maluri. We went down by a tour bus a there were 40 of us, (disabled friends, family memebers, teachers and volunteers). The places we visited were Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) shopping mall, Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Science Centre and a drive to Putrajaya.

At Petronas Twin Tower, we went up until 44th floor, where the bridge was. The view from the bridge was absolutely beautiful. I never imagine myself up there till that very day. Everything was so thiny when I looked down. After caming down, we went to KLCC shopping mall. The things were very expensive, what we could do was window shopping. At night we visited KL Tower which we went up to the 88th floor (at the very top) The beautiful scenery of KL city lights was amazing! The next day we visited the Science Centre and before we leave for Penang, we took a drive to Putrajaya.

My 2nd trip to KL was in 22-30 July 05 for nine days for Boccia training and a friendly tournement with Hong Kong team which consists of 6 disabled friends, all on wheelchairs. Boccia is similar as Lawn Ball, but Boccia is a sport for Cerebral Palsy (disabled friends) who are on wheelchairs and can cordinate with hands and our mind. Recently Boccia sport open a category for non Cerebral Palsy, that is why I was choosen to enter this sport. I didn't regret or disappointed for not winning any medals, but I was happy that I gain more experience from the training and friendship KL, Johor and Hong Kong disabled friends.

My third trip was with my Faith & Light friends. We went down for the weekend on the 29-30 Oct 05 for a church Pilgrimage at St. Jude in Rawang. 6 friends and I went down by van (5 disabled friends and 2 able body friends). . The reason we went to KL was to joint with Petaling Jaya and Cheras community for the Pilgrimate. After the Pilgrimate, all of us adjourned to Templer's Park for a picnic. Both KL community cooked the food for that afternoon. There was a stream of river by the side where we were have our picnic. Some of our disabled friends and able body friends went down for a smim as it was a very hot day.

In the evening after dinner, few of my disabled friends requested to go to KLCC as they had never been there before. My friends wish was granted so all of us together with some KL friends. Inspite of my tiring body, I enjoyed the evening outing.

Even though all this outing maybe nothing to some people, but it was really a special time for me as I met and make new friends. I had a wonderful time. If it's GOD's will, I hope in 2006 I may able to go further than Kuala Lumpur. I love to travel and see places. The advanture is out there!

P/S : The photos were taken during Boccia training/competition and the Pilgrimate.

To be continue...

A beautiful dream came true

Mr. Sasaki dropped us off at the departure hall. It was a very sad time when we had to say to goodbye to him and I thank him for everything that one week and gave him a hug before we left. We check into the counter one hour before boarding the plane and the. I went to the rest room before we checked into the plane. You cannot imagine how modern the disabled rest room was? It was really big and clean and there was 2 buttons at the wall to open and close the door. The buttons was not only inside the toilet but outside too. I was really amazed when see it. Ai Na took me round the airport as there was still time. Mum took a rest. When we heard them calling my name, we rushed to check in. It took us at least half an hour before the rest of the passengers board the plane.

Our plan was TG641 and it took off about 12.15pm. When I was in the plane I felt very sad as my beautiful dream has come to an end and I had to say goodbye to beautiful Japan. Tears nearly flow out my eyes, but luckily it didn’t or else it would be embarrassing to the people there. It took 7 hours to reach Singapore, but when we arrived Singapore airport, we couldn’t land as there was a heavy rain so our plane had to go round in the air for few times before landing At last we landed, but we were one hour late so rush down to catch our plane from Singapore. We were in such a rush when we left the plane that we forget to take my pillow along and left in on the seat. Luckily I had got some minutes to go to the rest room before boarding the plane to Penang. We let other passengers went in first so I was the last to get in. Our plane was SQ997 landed at Penang airport safely about 9.30pm. Denis came to fetched us home. We thank Ai Na for all her help during our stay there.

We arrived home about 10pm. I was really happy we reached home safely as I was very tired of the whole day’s trip. I really thank God for this wonderful trip I had experience. I have never been happier before in my entire life. I enjoyed the company of all the kind people, had lots of good food and enjoyed the Autumn season. I thank God for all these people who sponsor us for this trip and made this a memorable time that I may never forget.

The End....

A sad morning

Day 6 - 6th Oct 03 - Goodbye Japan

It was a very sad day as we were going back. Mum and I got up early that morning as we prepared and got me ready and we have to arrive at Narita Airport by 10am. Our plane was to board at 12 noon. We had quick breakfast at the hotel café. After got everything ready Mr. Sasaki came to fetched us after dropping the Thai group at the airport. It was quite sad that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye to Non and the rest of the Thai group. I thought we were going to airport at the same time, but later I knew that their plane left an hour earlier.

The Korean group went together with us as their plane was an hour later than us. Narita airport was only less than 10mins drive from Excel Hotel. Since Narita Airport was very big, we went into the first terminal instead of the second. Then we realise it was the wrong one and rushed to the other terminal.

To be continue...

A great day

I believe everyone felt very tired and not me alone. The hotel which we stayed for that night was near to Disneyland and Narita Airport. It was called Excel Hotel. While waiting to check into our rooms, I saw many air stewards and stewardess came into the hotel with their baggages. So I knew they must be spending their nights there while on duty.

To my surprise, our room was big with two queen size bed and couch for guest to rest. The most disappointing thing was their toilet was as small and narrow like the two previous hotels. I thought since the hotel was much bigger and nicer, their toilet must be bigger but it was the same. Anyhow, it was only one night so we had to bear with it.

To be continue...

A day that I will never forget

Many people were already queuing up near the garden to see the lights’ parade. We were luckily that we go the front row. I believe some of the disabled friends from Korea couldn’t see much as their wheelchairs were behind me. The lights’ parade started within 20mins. One by one, the car came out with beautiful decorated Disney animated animals. It was very beautiful! I never imagine myself watching the parade or even enter the Disneyland.

Before we left Disneyland we took our last group photos. At that time I was very tired and my back was killing me. When we walked back to the car park Ai Na had to tilted my wheelchair while wheeling me.

It was such a wonderful and remembrance day at Disneyland that when Ai Na turned me back to see the last glance. I wish I would get the chance to go back again. The bus took a while to enter the car park as there were still a lot of cars. I couldn’t sit anymore at that time as my back was aching and my body was very stiff due to sitting the whole day.

To be continue...

A breeze evening

We were supposed to go back after seeing Mickey’s House, but Mr. Sasaki decided to let us stay on as there was a parade at night. So we all had some time before dinner and everyone went their own way as were yet many things to see. We were to meet at certain time for dinner. The air was very cold and fresh that evening. The breeze kept coming towards us and I had such a nice feeling. I have never felt such weather before in my entire life. Ai Na took mum and I round another side of the place where it was very beautiful. By 5.30pm, it was already getting dark. We went to see the trademark of Disneyland and other beautiful statues’ and took many photos.

After seeing all the many beautiful things, we went back to our meeting place where and we had our dinner restaurant. It was such a beautiful restaurant with many people inside. Luckily, there was still couple of tables’ left, so we filled in the place. While ordering our food, mum and I made a call home and but no one answer, so we called Janice’s house and luckily she was in. We talked for a while and told her about our flight the next day.

When we came back, the food was served at our table. We had to have a quick dinner as we wanted to watch the parade. When we went out, the lights all over the place was so beautiful. Since we still have some time, Ai Na and Mr. Hee took me for a walk to the nearby shops and I bought a few soveniour. You cannot imagine there were so many people inside the small shops.

To be continue...