18th September (afternoon)
FNAC was scheduled at 1pm in the afternoon whereas MRI scan was to be done at 5pm in the evening. So I drove to my sis’ house, and she accompanied me to do the FNAC.
The doctor asked me to lie on the bed and turn my head to the side so that he can poke the needle into me easily. All in all, I was made to endure 3 needles being poked into my face ! The first needle was not too painful, akin to being bitten by a little red ant. I heard the doctor said to the nurse, “Give me the black one”.
After withdrawing the needle, the contents were spread onto some specimen slides, which are then placed under the microscope for him to check whether he has enough sample for a biopsy.
However, he told me “We have to do this the 2nd time.” Then he told the nurse, “Give me the blue one”. This time, it was PAINFUL ! I told the doctor and he said it was because he retained the needle in my face slightly longer. Unfortunately, a 3rd time was required, and he used the “black” one again, which was not so painful. Luckily this time is the last one. My face was truly “blue-black” after the needles !
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Major Trouble - Part 6
18th September (evening)
We left the hospital after the FNAC and went back to my sis’ house. At 5pm, we were back in UM for my MRI scan. Unfortunately, because of the earlier FNAC, I was told that the MRI scan may reflect some dark spots due to blood flow from the FNAC procedure. However, I was still allowed to go ahead with the MRI scan.
The doctor then pokes a drip needle onto the back of my left hand. It was PAINFUL ! After a while, it began to swell up slightly. Again, a syringe filled with something was placed in the drip needle, and held with plaster. Then I was asked to change into the hospital gown.
Luckily I managed to change without requiring any help. Can you imagine how difficult it was, having to get out of a long sleeve top WITHOUT dislodging the needle and syringe ? It was quite a feat, I can tell you. I had to get my sis to tie up the gown at the back though. Can’t do it at all by myself.
Then I was asked to lie down on the MRI scan bed. I was asked to close my eyes, and if possible go to sleep. I was also told not to move AT ALL when the scan begins, otherwise they’d have to do it all over again. Easy for them to say !
Thank God I wasn’t claustrophobic because the machine gives you that feeling. Also, there are lots of banging and clanking and buzzing. It’s a very noisy machine. I can just fit the machine on the sides, it was that small. Whether there’s a lot of space in front of my face, I wouldn’t know, because my eyes were closed.
After about 20-30 minutes into the procedure, the radiologist came into the room and told me that he “had to adjust the space”. He also shot me with whatever that was in the syringe.
Then everything started over again. All in, I was there for slightly over an hour, but by the end of it, my left hand hurts, my head hurts because I had tied my hair and the knot was digging into the back of my head, yet I can’t move for fear or having to endure it another 30 minutes !
I was sweating because I ache all over the body having to stay in the same position for such a long time. Finally, I hear him come into the room and got me out of the MRI machine. He also pulled out the drip needle, and then asked me to go change.
So, at the end of the day, my face hurts from the FNAC procedure, my hand hurts from the drip needle, and worst thing is, my wallet hurts because I had to pay about RM1.4k for these 2 procedures !
We left the hospital after the FNAC and went back to my sis’ house. At 5pm, we were back in UM for my MRI scan. Unfortunately, because of the earlier FNAC, I was told that the MRI scan may reflect some dark spots due to blood flow from the FNAC procedure. However, I was still allowed to go ahead with the MRI scan.
The doctor then pokes a drip needle onto the back of my left hand. It was PAINFUL ! After a while, it began to swell up slightly. Again, a syringe filled with something was placed in the drip needle, and held with plaster. Then I was asked to change into the hospital gown.
Luckily I managed to change without requiring any help. Can you imagine how difficult it was, having to get out of a long sleeve top WITHOUT dislodging the needle and syringe ? It was quite a feat, I can tell you. I had to get my sis to tie up the gown at the back though. Can’t do it at all by myself.
Then I was asked to lie down on the MRI scan bed. I was asked to close my eyes, and if possible go to sleep. I was also told not to move AT ALL when the scan begins, otherwise they’d have to do it all over again. Easy for them to say !
Thank God I wasn’t claustrophobic because the machine gives you that feeling. Also, there are lots of banging and clanking and buzzing. It’s a very noisy machine. I can just fit the machine on the sides, it was that small. Whether there’s a lot of space in front of my face, I wouldn’t know, because my eyes were closed.
After about 20-30 minutes into the procedure, the radiologist came into the room and told me that he “had to adjust the space”. He also shot me with whatever that was in the syringe.
Then everything started over again. All in, I was there for slightly over an hour, but by the end of it, my left hand hurts, my head hurts because I had tied my hair and the knot was digging into the back of my head, yet I can’t move for fear or having to endure it another 30 minutes !
I was sweating because I ache all over the body having to stay in the same position for such a long time. Finally, I hear him come into the room and got me out of the MRI machine. He also pulled out the drip needle, and then asked me to go change.
So, at the end of the day, my face hurts from the FNAC procedure, my hand hurts from the drip needle, and worst thing is, my wallet hurts because I had to pay about RM1.4k for these 2 procedures !
Major Trouble - Part 7
26th September
This is the day that I’m supposed to collect my results of the FNAC from the Professor. Since UMSC opens only at 5pm, I took ½ day leave, and after having lunch with my colleagues, I went to Mid Valley by myself to kill time. The Gardens was opening on that day, with Isetan, Robinson and Marks & Spencer.
I left around 4pm and went to my sister’s place. She was accompanying me to collect the results. We reach there 5pm, and registered. But after waiting for an hour, we were still not called. Those who came later actually went in before we did. A check with the nurse revealed that they were hunting for my FNAC report.
Finally, they managed to locate the report, and the doctor said that 90 over percent it’s benign. He then asked me to go to UM again tomorrow morning at 9am to register under the Government sector and to get a date for the operation.
He also looked at the MRI scan and said that it was HUGE, one of the largest he had seen so far, but told me not to worry about it. My sister asked about the operation, and was told that I should expect to be warded for about 4 days, and after that I will have to rest for about 3 weeks.
Also, for the operation, they will be cutting from the neck under the ear, and run under the jawline to the chin. However, if necessary, they may also have to cut from the chin upwards to the lower lip, because it may be necessary for them to remove part of my jaw to take out the whole tumour.
Well, this means that I will become Scarface after the operation. Sigh…….
This is the day that I’m supposed to collect my results of the FNAC from the Professor. Since UMSC opens only at 5pm, I took ½ day leave, and after having lunch with my colleagues, I went to Mid Valley by myself to kill time. The Gardens was opening on that day, with Isetan, Robinson and Marks & Spencer.
I left around 4pm and went to my sister’s place. She was accompanying me to collect the results. We reach there 5pm, and registered. But after waiting for an hour, we were still not called. Those who came later actually went in before we did. A check with the nurse revealed that they were hunting for my FNAC report.
Finally, they managed to locate the report, and the doctor said that 90 over percent it’s benign. He then asked me to go to UM again tomorrow morning at 9am to register under the Government sector and to get a date for the operation.
He also looked at the MRI scan and said that it was HUGE, one of the largest he had seen so far, but told me not to worry about it. My sister asked about the operation, and was told that I should expect to be warded for about 4 days, and after that I will have to rest for about 3 weeks.
Also, for the operation, they will be cutting from the neck under the ear, and run under the jawline to the chin. However, if necessary, they may also have to cut from the chin upwards to the lower lip, because it may be necessary for them to remove part of my jaw to take out the whole tumour.
Well, this means that I will become Scarface after the operation. Sigh…….
Major Trouble - Part 8
27th September
I woke up early in the morning, as if going to work. My mom accompanied me this time. I left the house around 7:30am and was caught in the jam towards Jalan Templer. However, traffic after that was a breeze and I reached UM around 8:15am.
So I took a number for registration and then had to pay before seeing the doctor. They must be afraid of patient not paying after visiting the doctors, but then again, there were so many rooms with so many patients and doctors, it would be rather hard for them to keep track of anything.
When my number was called, it was 9:15am, and I was sent to a young doctor. I told him that I was supposed to have an appointment with Professor Preba, then he asked me to wait again outside while he pass the file to the Professor.
After another 20 minutes, I was called into the Professor’s consultation room. He said that he wants some of his colleagues to take a look at me, and whether I’d mind. I told him I wouldn’t mind, thinking it’ll probably only be one or two doctors. He also told me not to say anything.
SIX doctors came into that small room ! They are all the Professor’s students, and one by one, they felt my face to try and see the “lump”. Boy, talk about being at the centre of attention !
Then one young lady was asked to do the diagnosis, and the Professor kept on asking her what she would do, what she thinks it is, etc etc etc. Most of what she answered was correct. How’d I know ? Aiyah, it was similar to what was written in the reports from the CT Scan, MRI Scan and FNAC mah…….
Anyway, I was the lab rat of the day, and I can see that all of them were so excited. Dunno whether I should feel happy or be concerned ! Finally, after some discussion with his students while I sat there dumbly, I was told to follow Dr. Victor, who will give me a date for my operation.
After flipping through the “Major Op” book, he only managed to slot me in on 21st December 2007 for the operation. I will have to be admitted on the 20th morning. Hopefully it will be a successful operation without any complications. Unfortunately, it means that my Christmas Eve will be in the hospital, but hopefully I can be discharged on Christmas Day itself.
Also, there goes my New Year and birthday celebrations…… Sigh….. And it will also be the “Tong” Festival on 22nd December, but I don’t think I’d be able to eat my favourite “tong yuen” yet…. SIIIIGGHHHHH……………..
I woke up early in the morning, as if going to work. My mom accompanied me this time. I left the house around 7:30am and was caught in the jam towards Jalan Templer. However, traffic after that was a breeze and I reached UM around 8:15am.
So I took a number for registration and then had to pay before seeing the doctor. They must be afraid of patient not paying after visiting the doctors, but then again, there were so many rooms with so many patients and doctors, it would be rather hard for them to keep track of anything.
When my number was called, it was 9:15am, and I was sent to a young doctor. I told him that I was supposed to have an appointment with Professor Preba, then he asked me to wait again outside while he pass the file to the Professor.
After another 20 minutes, I was called into the Professor’s consultation room. He said that he wants some of his colleagues to take a look at me, and whether I’d mind. I told him I wouldn’t mind, thinking it’ll probably only be one or two doctors. He also told me not to say anything.
SIX doctors came into that small room ! They are all the Professor’s students, and one by one, they felt my face to try and see the “lump”. Boy, talk about being at the centre of attention !
Then one young lady was asked to do the diagnosis, and the Professor kept on asking her what she would do, what she thinks it is, etc etc etc. Most of what she answered was correct. How’d I know ? Aiyah, it was similar to what was written in the reports from the CT Scan, MRI Scan and FNAC mah…….
Anyway, I was the lab rat of the day, and I can see that all of them were so excited. Dunno whether I should feel happy or be concerned ! Finally, after some discussion with his students while I sat there dumbly, I was told to follow Dr. Victor, who will give me a date for my operation.
After flipping through the “Major Op” book, he only managed to slot me in on 21st December 2007 for the operation. I will have to be admitted on the 20th morning. Hopefully it will be a successful operation without any complications. Unfortunately, it means that my Christmas Eve will be in the hospital, but hopefully I can be discharged on Christmas Day itself.
Also, there goes my New Year and birthday celebrations…… Sigh….. And it will also be the “Tong” Festival on 22nd December, but I don’t think I’d be able to eat my favourite “tong yuen” yet…. SIIIIGGHHHHH……………..
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Gardens, Mid Valley
Went to The Gardens, Mid Valley yesterday as I was on 1/2 day's leave. It was raining rather heavily when I left the office. After parking my car, I started to look for directions to The Gardens. I assumed that there will either be a bridge of some sort, or a tunnel that will lead me there.
Boy, was I wrong. Turns out that we were supposed to go to The Gardens through the Boulevard. Although they had canopies setup to shelter shoppers from the rain, they however can't stop the rain water from turning into huge puddles under the canopies. It was quite difficult to navigate through dry patches while avoiding other shoppers.
My first stop was the new Robinsons. They took up 3 floors in The Gardens. Quite nice, with a number of new brands available there. Looks pricey though.
As I exit Robinsons towards the centre of the mall, this is whata I see. Very nice lights on the ceiling there were quite a number of small "bridges" for shoppers to move between the left and right shops.
Boy, was I wrong. Turns out that we were supposed to go to The Gardens through the Boulevard. Although they had canopies setup to shelter shoppers from the rain, they however can't stop the rain water from turning into huge puddles under the canopies. It was quite difficult to navigate through dry patches while avoiding other shoppers.
My first stop was the new Robinsons. They took up 3 floors in The Gardens. Quite nice, with a number of new brands available there. Looks pricey though.
As I exit Robinsons towards the centre of the mall, this is whata I see. Very nice lights on the ceiling there were quite a number of small "bridges" for shoppers to move between the left and right shops.
There are a few places where shoppers can sit and rest when they feel tired. The chairs have high backs and looked comfy.
Then I went to Marks & Spencer. Clothes there are slightly pricier, but are rather nice. Love the food section though. Was looking at all the available tea and coffee, and of course eyeing the biscuits and candy ! Didn't buy any though.
Isetan took up 4 floors, and also had some new brands as well. Outside the 4th floor of Isetan, I remember seeing a new Jap restaurant renovating and getting ready for business. Can't wait for it to open. May be expensive, but should probably try it once.
On the ground floor outside of Isetan, there is a nice cafe that I'd probably go next time to enjoy their coffee. Looks good eh....
Major Trouble - The Beginning
10th September
I woke up in the morning with a throat that had was stuck with a lot of phlegm. Even as I was brushing my teeth, I coughed up some, and it was a sickly greenish colour.
However, as I began work in office, it became slightly better. During the morning meeting, I drank some coffee, and by the time the meeting was over, I was having a slight sore throat and was coughing.
So after my lunch, around 2pm, I got a medical chit from Admin and went to SMC. When the GP saw my throat, he sent me to the ENT specialist, saying that my throat was swollen. I also told him about the “bump” in my face which my mom had been complaining forever, saying that it was swollen. He asked me to tell the ENT specialist about it.
Because of this, I had to go back to my Admin for a Guarantee Letter (GL) which is required before I can proceed further. Then I trot back down and passed them the GL, after which they took me to register at the specialist centre.
The ENT specialist was on the first floor of SMC. I sat and waited for my turn, and was thinking probably the GP was making a big fuss over my sore throat. When it was my turn, I told him about my throat and also about my “swollen” face. He poked around, then asked me to go do a CT Scan, saying that he just want to be sure, but it’s probably nothing.
So I went to the X-Ray department for my CT Scan. The nurse then asked me to change into the hospital gown, then poke a drip needle into my vein on the right hand. Then she placed a syringe in the drip and just held it with a plaster !
I was then asked to lie on the scan bed and they injected me with something, which made me feel a bit warm suddenly. Must be dye or something. Then CT scan then began. I didn’t know whether I was supposed to open or close my eyes, so I decided to close them, in case there are any rays that could blind me ! The radiologist told me that I am not supposed to move, not even swallow ! That was difficult !
But after about 15 – 20 minutes, the scan was done. I was asked to wait for a while, in case what they injected me with affected me somehow. The scan will be sent to the doctor tomorrow, whom I will be seeing again. It was already about 4:30pm when I finished everything and went back to my office.
I woke up in the morning with a throat that had was stuck with a lot of phlegm. Even as I was brushing my teeth, I coughed up some, and it was a sickly greenish colour.
However, as I began work in office, it became slightly better. During the morning meeting, I drank some coffee, and by the time the meeting was over, I was having a slight sore throat and was coughing.
So after my lunch, around 2pm, I got a medical chit from Admin and went to SMC. When the GP saw my throat, he sent me to the ENT specialist, saying that my throat was swollen. I also told him about the “bump” in my face which my mom had been complaining forever, saying that it was swollen. He asked me to tell the ENT specialist about it.
Because of this, I had to go back to my Admin for a Guarantee Letter (GL) which is required before I can proceed further. Then I trot back down and passed them the GL, after which they took me to register at the specialist centre.
The ENT specialist was on the first floor of SMC. I sat and waited for my turn, and was thinking probably the GP was making a big fuss over my sore throat. When it was my turn, I told him about my throat and also about my “swollen” face. He poked around, then asked me to go do a CT Scan, saying that he just want to be sure, but it’s probably nothing.
So I went to the X-Ray department for my CT Scan. The nurse then asked me to change into the hospital gown, then poke a drip needle into my vein on the right hand. Then she placed a syringe in the drip and just held it with a plaster !
I was then asked to lie on the scan bed and they injected me with something, which made me feel a bit warm suddenly. Must be dye or something. Then CT scan then began. I didn’t know whether I was supposed to open or close my eyes, so I decided to close them, in case there are any rays that could blind me ! The radiologist told me that I am not supposed to move, not even swallow ! That was difficult !
But after about 15 – 20 minutes, the scan was done. I was asked to wait for a while, in case what they injected me with affected me somehow. The scan will be sent to the doctor tomorrow, whom I will be seeing again. It was already about 4:30pm when I finished everything and went back to my office.
Major Trouble - Part 2
11th September
I went to work as usual, and went to SMC to see the specialist again at 10:00am. I was hoping that my scan would be ok, that it was because I always sleep on the right side of my face, thus one side is flat and the other bulging with fat only.
When the doctor saw me, he took my x-ray scans and then started his sentence with “Hmm… just like I suspected.” Okay, that doesn’t sound good. I waited for him to continue. He told me that I have a rather large tumour in my face, which is causing the bump to appear. It’s from the salivery glands, near what they call the deep lobe. Operation is required to remove it, and it’s going to be a rather difficult one because of its location. A few surgeons are required to be around for this operation.
But then he said he had to go consult the radiologist again, and when he came back, he said that the operation should be performed in one of the larger hospitals, like UM or HUKM or Hospital Selayang. The reason is that one of the surgeon required is from the dentistry, and probably a neurologist because of the number of facial nerves.
Then he pat me on the back, said everything should be ok, no need to worry, and sent me out the room, asking me to wait for his referral letter to the other hospitals. Yeah, right ! Everything ok !
After I got the letter, I went back to my office and MSN my sis the news. By evening, even my bro called me up from Australia and asked me about the matter. Sis asked me to immediately take leave on Thursday (13th September) so that I can go get a 2nd opinion from the ENT specialist in Hospital Pantai Cheras.
I went to work as usual, and went to SMC to see the specialist again at 10:00am. I was hoping that my scan would be ok, that it was because I always sleep on the right side of my face, thus one side is flat and the other bulging with fat only.
When the doctor saw me, he took my x-ray scans and then started his sentence with “Hmm… just like I suspected.” Okay, that doesn’t sound good. I waited for him to continue. He told me that I have a rather large tumour in my face, which is causing the bump to appear. It’s from the salivery glands, near what they call the deep lobe. Operation is required to remove it, and it’s going to be a rather difficult one because of its location. A few surgeons are required to be around for this operation.
But then he said he had to go consult the radiologist again, and when he came back, he said that the operation should be performed in one of the larger hospitals, like UM or HUKM or Hospital Selayang. The reason is that one of the surgeon required is from the dentistry, and probably a neurologist because of the number of facial nerves.
Then he pat me on the back, said everything should be ok, no need to worry, and sent me out the room, asking me to wait for his referral letter to the other hospitals. Yeah, right ! Everything ok !
After I got the letter, I went back to my office and MSN my sis the news. By evening, even my bro called me up from Australia and asked me about the matter. Sis asked me to immediately take leave on Thursday (13th September) so that I can go get a 2nd opinion from the ENT specialist in Hospital Pantai Cheras.
Major Trouble - Part 3
13th September (morning)
I got up in the morning and got ready to wait for my niece to come fetch me. She accompanied me to Pantai Cheras. We reached there around 9:40am in the morning and registered at the doctor’s clinic. Initially I thought the doctor was a lady, because the doctor was called “Vivian”, but turns out he’s a nice gentleman.
I walked into his consultation room, and before I even had a chance to sit down, he asked “Why your face bengkak ?”. Sigh…. Then he took a look at the scans and then asked me to sit on a chair while he turned my head this way and that, and prodded at the “lump”.
Then he asked me some questions, “Can you swallow ?” “Is it painful ?” “Can you breathe properly ?” “Has your voice changed in any way ?” to which I answered a resounding “No”.
The doctor started explaining that the “lump” in my face was a tumour, and it was kinda big. He also explained that it will be a major operation, and agreed with the doctor in SMC that it should be performed in large hospitals. The cost, if it’s done in private hospitals may be around RM20-50k, because of the number of doctors involved. If all goes well, the operation will take around 1-2 hours, but if they need to “saw open the jaw, remove the tumour, then putting a plate to hold the jaw back in place !”, the operation may take 5-6 hours.
Apparently it grew probably due to some sort of problem with the nerves. My niece that asked whether it’s a genetic thingy, and the doctor said “No.” Boy, was she relieved ! We were recommended to go to Universiti Malaya (UM) for this sort of operation.
I got up in the morning and got ready to wait for my niece to come fetch me. She accompanied me to Pantai Cheras. We reached there around 9:40am in the morning and registered at the doctor’s clinic. Initially I thought the doctor was a lady, because the doctor was called “Vivian”, but turns out he’s a nice gentleman.
I walked into his consultation room, and before I even had a chance to sit down, he asked “Why your face bengkak ?”. Sigh…. Then he took a look at the scans and then asked me to sit on a chair while he turned my head this way and that, and prodded at the “lump”.
Then he asked me some questions, “Can you swallow ?” “Is it painful ?” “Can you breathe properly ?” “Has your voice changed in any way ?” to which I answered a resounding “No”.
The doctor started explaining that the “lump” in my face was a tumour, and it was kinda big. He also explained that it will be a major operation, and agreed with the doctor in SMC that it should be performed in large hospitals. The cost, if it’s done in private hospitals may be around RM20-50k, because of the number of doctors involved. If all goes well, the operation will take around 1-2 hours, but if they need to “saw open the jaw, remove the tumour, then putting a plate to hold the jaw back in place !”, the operation may take 5-6 hours.
Apparently it grew probably due to some sort of problem with the nerves. My niece that asked whether it’s a genetic thingy, and the doctor said “No.” Boy, was she relieved ! We were recommended to go to Universiti Malaya (UM) for this sort of operation.
Major Trouble - Part 4
13th September (evening)
Right after the consultation from the Pantai doctor, sis called UM to try and make an appointment with the ENT specialist, and was told that we can go see Professor Preba at 5pm, at the UM Specialist Centre (UMSC).
So after a trip to Ikea with my niece, we went back to her house. My sis and niece then accompanied me to see the Professor at UMSC. We reached there around 5:50pm, and registration was a breeze ! All I had to do was give them my MyKad, and they stuck it into the reader and got the information from the smart chip. Barely 1 minute.
After about 10 minutes, we were called to the Professor’s consultation room. He had the same diagnosis for me, but he advised me to do a MRI scan to determine the actual size and location of the tumour, and also FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology), a sort of biopsy without actually having to “cut me up”, to determine whether it’s benign or malignant.
He also said that it will be a major operation, and that he will transfer me to the Government side for the operation instead of doing it under UMSC because the cost is lower, more doctors are on standby, and there will be many equipments and facilities available for them should they be required during my operation.
Seems that the tumour is growing up my head, and is now already at the base of the skull. And it is HUGE. Hey, no pain ma. How I know it's growing so big in there !??!!!
So I was to go back to UM on 18th September to do the FNAC and MRI, then on 26th September, I can collect the FNAC report when I go see the Professor again.
Right after the consultation from the Pantai doctor, sis called UM to try and make an appointment with the ENT specialist, and was told that we can go see Professor Preba at 5pm, at the UM Specialist Centre (UMSC).
So after a trip to Ikea with my niece, we went back to her house. My sis and niece then accompanied me to see the Professor at UMSC. We reached there around 5:50pm, and registration was a breeze ! All I had to do was give them my MyKad, and they stuck it into the reader and got the information from the smart chip. Barely 1 minute.
After about 10 minutes, we were called to the Professor’s consultation room. He had the same diagnosis for me, but he advised me to do a MRI scan to determine the actual size and location of the tumour, and also FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology), a sort of biopsy without actually having to “cut me up”, to determine whether it’s benign or malignant.
He also said that it will be a major operation, and that he will transfer me to the Government side for the operation instead of doing it under UMSC because the cost is lower, more doctors are on standby, and there will be many equipments and facilities available for them should they be required during my operation.
Seems that the tumour is growing up my head, and is now already at the base of the skull. And it is HUGE. Hey, no pain ma. How I know it's growing so big in there !??!!!
So I was to go back to UM on 18th September to do the FNAC and MRI, then on 26th September, I can collect the FNAC report when I go see the Professor again.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Malaysia International Fireworks Competition
Last Sunday (2nd September, 2007), sis took her family and both my mom and myself to Putrajaya International Convention Centre) to see the Grand Finale of the Fireworks competition held there.
My nieces bought the tickets for 9 person, each costing RM38.50, and also parking stickers for the 2 cars, each costing RM10. It was drizzling when we reach there around 8pm. After a visit to the loo, we went outside to the open area, where there were already hundreds of people waiting, some having their dinner there.
The food and drinks were a rip-off, because it was sold at such an expensive price ! My nieces started going around looking for chairs for all of us to sit. Almost all the chairs were already taken up, especially those nearest the open air balcony, where people actually sat in the drizzle with umbrellas, just to ensure they have a good view.
My nieces managed to secure 4 chairs, but there were 9 of us, so we had to look for more. Luckily, I managed to find another 4 chairs. Then we sat down and waited for the fireworks to begin. Mom was afraid that since we sat far away from the balcony, we won't be able to watch the fireworks. We assured her that fireworks are shot high into the sky, so wherever we sit, we should be able to see it clearly.
How wrong we were ! When the fireworks started at 10:30pm, we only HEARD them, but couldn't see anything ! Turns out, because the fireworks were fired from a low area, and with PICC situated on a hill, only those right at the balcony front can see the fireworks ! People began to stand up, and some even stood on their chairs, so the rest of us who are at the back were deprived of a good view.
We were still able to see SOME of the fireworks, when they were being shot higher into the sky. However, of the promised 30 minutes, I think we only saw about 10 minutes' worth of fireworks. Here are some of them, which I managed to capture.
My nieces bought the tickets for 9 person, each costing RM38.50, and also parking stickers for the 2 cars, each costing RM10. It was drizzling when we reach there around 8pm. After a visit to the loo, we went outside to the open area, where there were already hundreds of people waiting, some having their dinner there.
The food and drinks were a rip-off, because it was sold at such an expensive price ! My nieces started going around looking for chairs for all of us to sit. Almost all the chairs were already taken up, especially those nearest the open air balcony, where people actually sat in the drizzle with umbrellas, just to ensure they have a good view.
My nieces managed to secure 4 chairs, but there were 9 of us, so we had to look for more. Luckily, I managed to find another 4 chairs. Then we sat down and waited for the fireworks to begin. Mom was afraid that since we sat far away from the balcony, we won't be able to watch the fireworks. We assured her that fireworks are shot high into the sky, so wherever we sit, we should be able to see it clearly.
How wrong we were ! When the fireworks started at 10:30pm, we only HEARD them, but couldn't see anything ! Turns out, because the fireworks were fired from a low area, and with PICC situated on a hill, only those right at the balcony front can see the fireworks ! People began to stand up, and some even stood on their chairs, so the rest of us who are at the back were deprived of a good view.
We were still able to see SOME of the fireworks, when they were being shot higher into the sky. However, of the promised 30 minutes, I think we only saw about 10 minutes' worth of fireworks. Here are some of them, which I managed to capture.
After the fireworks, we waited around because everyone else were rushing towards the exit. So I went up to the balcony area and took a photo of the landscape below. It's really beautiful at night, and you can also see how high up we were, which is why we missed out on such a lot of the fireworks.
Those people below are at the main entrance of PICC. They probably had a better view of the fireworks than us !
We left around 11:15pm, and reach my sis' house around 12:30pm. By the time I reach home, it was already 1am in the morning, and I was supposed to wake up at 6:30am for work. For the whole of that Monday, I was in a daze.
Monday, September 3, 2007
The Merdeka Eve Incident
My kucilek (aka my Kancil larr......) broke down on the eve of Merdeka, and guess where .....
Where else but the busy Seremban Highway, where it was bumper-to-bumper because everyone else wanted to "balik kampung" !
I was on my way home and caught in the jam when suddenly I heard a "poooooof !" and saw white mist coming out from under my car ! Coincidentally, there was a huge bus next to me, and initially I thought the noise and mist came from it, but after looking at it for several more seconds, I realized that it's not from the bus.
Then I started looking the indicators in my car and saw that the meter for the radiator was 5mm away from the "H" ! I immediately new something was very wrong and started frantically to look for a place where I can stop my car.
I had to go from being extreme right and cross 5 lanes to reach a little small curve in the road to stop, so that at least I don't distrupt the traffic too much. The meter needle JUST reached "H" when I stopped the car totally.
I opened up the hood, and found that there was no more water in the plastic tank thingy ! Luckily I still had 1/2 a bottle of water with me, so I poured it into the tank, and started calling my friends to ask what I should do. They advised me to wait it out, to let the engine cool down before starting up again.
So I sat there, locked in the car, watching traffic pass by while waiting for the engine to cool down. I saw that a trailer had also broke down about 50 metres in front of me. After about 30 minutes, I saw that the needle had gone down halfway, and thought to myself, it should be enough for me to make my journey home.
I fired up the engine, and started slowly driving again, but barely 300 metres, the needle went all the way up to "H" again ! I had no choice but to stop my car immediately, and since I was on the left, the cars / bikes behind me had to slowly file pass me on the right.
I waited for another 20 mins, and quickly started the engine so that I can move another 200 metres more because, there is a turnoff to the SMART office beside the river where I can park my car away from the traffic. I just made it in the nick of time, because the needle went from 10 mm to "H" all the way up to the MAX ! But at least I am now away from the main traffic.
I looked around for water that I can pour into the water tank, because one of my friends said that lots of water is needed. There was this fella on a motor-bike that was looking at the river and I asked him whether he had any water to spare. He gave me his 1.5 litre mineral water bottle, and I took it, and poured almost 3/4 into the plastic tank.
Then I waited for the engine to cool down. A bike with 2 fella stopped and claimed they were mechanics, and asked to check the engine. I told them that I already put in water, and was waiting for it to cool down.
After about 30 mins, I tried starting the engine again, and saw that the needle is still near "H", and saw small vapours of mists coming out of the engine. I immediately stopped again, and this time, I wondered whether something else was wrong.
Another guy on a bike stopped, and asked about the engine. This time, I got out of the car and said I think I don't have enough water. He told me that he suspects the connectors to the engine is bust because he said it's a frequent problem with Kancil cars. By that time it was already 7pm, and starting to get dark. He took a light and was fiddling with all the pipes connecting to the engine, and showed me one that was hanging loose !
No wonder I heard the "poof". It must have been the sound made when the connecter went bust. He gave me his number, and said that he can change it for me for RM30, but I lied and told him I already called Kurnia for help. He said if I don't want to wait, I can give him a call.
So I called my SOS number (aka my sister and bro-in-law lar....) and told them what happened. Sis helped me call Kurnia and arranged for a tow-truck to come rescue me. Sis gave me an address of the workshop where I'm supposed to send my car, which is near her house. I also noticed a Perdana that broke down about 50 metres from my car, but it was on the outer side of the turn-off, so it was distrupting traffic flow. Because of the traffic jam, I had to wait until 8:30pm for the truck to arrive.
The tow truck operator told me that Kancil always have problems with the "T" and "H" connectors, and that there were quite a number of cars that broke down that day, due to all the jams. True enough, during the journey, we passed by about 5 other cars that broke down ! Finally I reach Sg. Way, and my bro-in-law was waiting to guide us to the workshop. Once we reached there and parked the car, I followed him home and had dinner at sis' house.
Where else but the busy Seremban Highway, where it was bumper-to-bumper because everyone else wanted to "balik kampung" !
I was on my way home and caught in the jam when suddenly I heard a "poooooof !" and saw white mist coming out from under my car ! Coincidentally, there was a huge bus next to me, and initially I thought the noise and mist came from it, but after looking at it for several more seconds, I realized that it's not from the bus.
Then I started looking the indicators in my car and saw that the meter for the radiator was 5mm away from the "H" ! I immediately new something was very wrong and started frantically to look for a place where I can stop my car.
I had to go from being extreme right and cross 5 lanes to reach a little small curve in the road to stop, so that at least I don't distrupt the traffic too much. The meter needle JUST reached "H" when I stopped the car totally.
I opened up the hood, and found that there was no more water in the plastic tank thingy ! Luckily I still had 1/2 a bottle of water with me, so I poured it into the tank, and started calling my friends to ask what I should do. They advised me to wait it out, to let the engine cool down before starting up again.
So I sat there, locked in the car, watching traffic pass by while waiting for the engine to cool down. I saw that a trailer had also broke down about 50 metres in front of me. After about 30 minutes, I saw that the needle had gone down halfway, and thought to myself, it should be enough for me to make my journey home.
I fired up the engine, and started slowly driving again, but barely 300 metres, the needle went all the way up to "H" again ! I had no choice but to stop my car immediately, and since I was on the left, the cars / bikes behind me had to slowly file pass me on the right.
I waited for another 20 mins, and quickly started the engine so that I can move another 200 metres more because, there is a turnoff to the SMART office beside the river where I can park my car away from the traffic. I just made it in the nick of time, because the needle went from 10 mm to "H" all the way up to the MAX ! But at least I am now away from the main traffic.
I looked around for water that I can pour into the water tank, because one of my friends said that lots of water is needed. There was this fella on a motor-bike that was looking at the river and I asked him whether he had any water to spare. He gave me his 1.5 litre mineral water bottle, and I took it, and poured almost 3/4 into the plastic tank.
Then I waited for the engine to cool down. A bike with 2 fella stopped and claimed they were mechanics, and asked to check the engine. I told them that I already put in water, and was waiting for it to cool down.
After about 30 mins, I tried starting the engine again, and saw that the needle is still near "H", and saw small vapours of mists coming out of the engine. I immediately stopped again, and this time, I wondered whether something else was wrong.
Another guy on a bike stopped, and asked about the engine. This time, I got out of the car and said I think I don't have enough water. He told me that he suspects the connectors to the engine is bust because he said it's a frequent problem with Kancil cars. By that time it was already 7pm, and starting to get dark. He took a light and was fiddling with all the pipes connecting to the engine, and showed me one that was hanging loose !
No wonder I heard the "poof". It must have been the sound made when the connecter went bust. He gave me his number, and said that he can change it for me for RM30, but I lied and told him I already called Kurnia for help. He said if I don't want to wait, I can give him a call.
So I called my SOS number (aka my sister and bro-in-law lar....) and told them what happened. Sis helped me call Kurnia and arranged for a tow-truck to come rescue me. Sis gave me an address of the workshop where I'm supposed to send my car, which is near her house. I also noticed a Perdana that broke down about 50 metres from my car, but it was on the outer side of the turn-off, so it was distrupting traffic flow. Because of the traffic jam, I had to wait until 8:30pm for the truck to arrive.
The tow truck operator told me that Kancil always have problems with the "T" and "H" connectors, and that there were quite a number of cars that broke down that day, due to all the jams. True enough, during the journey, we passed by about 5 other cars that broke down ! Finally I reach Sg. Way, and my bro-in-law was waiting to guide us to the workshop. Once we reached there and parked the car, I followed him home and had dinner at sis' house.
My poor kucilek being released by the tow truck
Then I drove my niece's car back home. Even though it was Merdeka day, the workshop was opened and I had my car fixed. I was lucky I stopped fast, because I was told, if I had forced the car to continue on and the engine died, I will have to change a whole new engine ! As it is now, all I had to do was just to change the connectors.
Phew ! I shudder to think what the cost would have been like if I had to change the engine !
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