She came home with a badge this past week.
‘Assistant Class Monitor’.
She was mighty proud.
Archive for June, 2009
Badged
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009So Where Were We?
Saturday, June 27th, 2009Oh that’s right. We were at the entrance of the Sabah Agriculture Park in Tenom.
Now normally I’d be taking a picture of everything I could, even around the lobby area. However, at this point, Hubsters nudged me to get on along with paying for our entrance fees.
So, we were three adults and four kids. The lady at the counter then asked for a breakdown of the ages of our little entourage. Okay. So that’s three adults, two school-going children and two pre-schoolers. Then the lady asked whether we had a senior citizen in the group. One of us was.
We got the Family Package, priced at RM28.
And Hubsters didn’t take any photos around the lobby.
“What? YOU had the camera!” said he.
Men.
Here’s where I’d like to tell everyone that please believe the information brochures and leaflets when they tell you to try and arrive at the Park in the morning, when the flowers and plants are fresh and dewy. With such a vast expanse of flora and vegetation, it was scorching hot when we arrived there at 1:30pm!
But the smell of Jasmine lightly scented the air. It was lovely!
We were told that we could catch the 2:30pm train ride to tour the Orchid Garden. Here’s our would-be ride.
But since it wasn’t time yet for our little tour, we walked around the place a bit, and my Mother-in-law and I kept telling each other about the loveliness of the scent of Jasmine in the air. Sigh.
And this caught my attention.
It’s the stretch that leads to Persiaran Perdana.
Beautiful stretch isn’t it?
And suddenly, out of nowhere, I saw this.
Aik?! Di sini pun ada tempat main bola?! (Football field?!)
Hey, have you ever seen PINK pineapples?
I haven’t! It was such a treat.
And sorry for the photo orientation. I was trying to keep a steady stance between holding my camera and an umbrella.
If you’re wondering where the Kids are at this point, they’re there. Running around wild and free. Glad to have such an extensive play area. Screaming “Daddy, I’m hottt. Where’s MY umbrella???”
We then moved on to this corner.
But first…
Well okay then.
And I’m falling a little behind here.
But I really wanted to read these first.
“Mommy! Are you coming?? You could get lost in here!”
It wasn’t from any of my Kids.
“Coming!” And I quickened my steps, catching this scene along the way.
I ran to catch up with my troop. Whenceforth I chanced upon my weary Husband.
In typical chinaman fashion of stating the obvious I called out, “Hot huh Darling?”
*no response*
These Chipmunks didn’t look weary…
Or maybe Spunky was.
This sent shudders down the Children’s backs, especially when my Darling Hubby explained to them that Carnivorous Plant meant the giant flower ate meat. “Wow, one of you could fit in there.” he said. And they ran far, far away.
I’m glad there are these amenities available in this woodland.
Oh hey, guess what. I think it’s about time we get on the train ride for our Orchid Garden tour.
But first, one more shot.
And look Mr Train Driver tells us we’re ready to go.
All aboard?
Let’s go!
Can We Have A Commercial Break err.. Please?
Friday, June 19th, 2009Did I say we were going to go into the Sabah Agriculture Park & Gardens TOMORROW/ TODAY?
I’m sorry.
You see, it’s Middle Sis’ birthday this weekend, so I’ll be away again. At my Mom’s house. For Middle Sis’ little BFF party. Where there’s no internet. Again.
I will leave you with a glimpse of what we found at the Park though.
Here.
Stay tuned!
Breaking News
Friday, June 19th, 2009We’re taking a break from all photos of sights and scenes to mourn the loss of our one month and 10 days old, dearly loved, carpet-chinchilla pet rabbit, Bengy.
*sniff*
I was going through my to-do list for Middle Sis’ birthday party when I heard a rustling commotion at our backyard. ‘Oh, those pesky cats.’ I thought. ‘Fighting in my backyard again!’
This time though the commotion was louder than usual and there was even some banging and things dropping. Then I heard cat hissing. ‘Oh come on!’ thought I. Then I heard a squeak. And a few more squeaks. And the Mama Cat that regularly hangs out at our place was hissing more fiercely.
*sniff, sniff*
So I looked at the direction she was intensely glaring at. And I saw the Male Cat that often was the instigator of cat brawl in my backyard, biting something by the neck firmly in his mouth. It was my poor Bengy!
I screamed at the cat and scuttled to find the keys to my backyard door grill, stepping the Mama Cat in the process. And I heard another squeak. ‘Poor bunny, poor bunny!’ I thought. ‘And he even looked at me with those beautiful round eyes!’
*sniff, sniff, sniff*
By the time I shot through the door however, the evil cat took off, our precious pet still hanging in his mouth by the neck. The freakin’ feline ran off like a bullet, leaving little ol’ me standing there, aghast.
I was silent for a while, trying to find my bearings. I finally got back into the house and called Hubs. And I recounted the scene to him between shocked pauses and breathless sobs.
*sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff*
Hubby said the next time he sees that cat, there won’t even be fur left behind.
The worst part was telling the Girls. I didn’t know how to do it. Hubs said it had to be done because they will come home from school to take Bengy out to play.
After picking them up from school, we parked and I gathered myself together to tell them. Just then, my phone rang and it was Hubby. He offered to tell them instead, so I put him on speaker phone. He began with “I’m sorry Children. Mommy and I have some bad news…”
The Older Two cried all the way home, Middle Sis falling asleep on the way, in tears. Spunky kept quiet right through. Upon reaching home, as if to find some closure, Big Sis went straight to Bengy’s cage, saw it empty and door ajar, and cried harder.
*sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff*
Hubby and I are still trying to figure how the killer cat was able to get the door of the cage to open and pounce on our pet.
Rest in peace Bengy. Or Benji. Or Ben-G. Whichever you prefer.
*BAWL*
The Long Road To The Garden Of Eden
Thursday, June 18th, 2009To get to Taman Pertanian Sabah (Sabah Agriculture Park and Gardens) in Tenom, you’ll need to drive down the long and straight Keningau stretch. Unlike getting to Tambunan, where you’ll feel refreshing cold mountain air and see luscious hills and serene valleys, the Keningau stretch is flat.
And long.
And straight.
Flat. Long. Straight.
See for yourself.
Flat.
Long.
Straight.
No monsters mountain in here. (Channel Sully of Monsters Inc.)
My Chief Executive Chauffeur that is my Husband couldn’t keep his eyes open on such a flat, long, straight, hot and humid drive. So we made a stop by the Keningau township and I found this adorable little package.
She just begs to be the object of my camera’s affection. She’s a Native and I could be wrong, but I’m guessing she’s Murut. Isn’t she just adorable?!
Ok. Now that we’ve had cold drinks and some Nescafe, time to move along people. It’s a long drive to smell Jasmine in the air.
Cross the Pegalan River.
Somewhere along the way this connects with the famous Padas. But I don’t know where. Hey, I’m doing this simultaneously with doing the laundry!
At this point, I will spare you the details of the long, but this time, winding road. At least what monotony we felt on the way here quickly disappeared as we neared the Station.
First there’s lots and lots of cultivation.
And what have you.
And look, we’re here!
Almost…
There it is!
Let’s go in.
Tomorrow.
By The Way
Wednesday, June 17th, 2009One cannot help but stop by this high point (geographically speaking) on a trip down to Tambunan.
Translated: Gold Mountain Highlands Resort. I don’t know why it’s called ‘Gold Mountain’.
I have to say though this used to be a highlight for me way back when, (during my single, foot-loose and fancy-free, travel to anywhere days) especially for its cold, cold mountain air and beautiful flora and fauna.
BUT I’m almost ashamed to see the state of this place now. Did something of catastrophic measure happen here? Someone should rectify it. Quick.
And I suppose all of us humanfolk are to be blamed for the thinning ozone layer which may be why this place is no longer THAT cold.
Sigh.
Then My Hubs said, “Let’s check out them ‘friends’ and see if they’re still here.”
And they were.
Hello old Friends!
Wassup?
Umm.. Watchu guys doing?
OOkaay… I see you missed a spot there huh?
Yeaaa.. You’re enjoying this aren’t you?
Here’s some of the family. The rest are jumping and scurrying around over at back eating ticks or something.
“Mommeee…! Looo…k!” Just a minute Baby, lemme take a picture of you and Nenek Po Po first.
Baby Bulou: “Hey Mama. Look at all these people. It’s like they haven’t seen a Bulou in their life or something!”
Mama Bulou: “They haven’t Hon.”
Kids! They just can’t keep still now can they? They HAVE to join the fun.
Bulou: “Got it! Woohoo!” (look closely at the guy furthest away to your right – that skinny little hand reaching for a piece of corn cob the kids just threw at him. he got it alright!)
Okay Baby, time to go.
“Waiii…t! I wanna take a thousand rocks down to Tambunan!”
Aiyaiyaiyaiyai….
Yes, and she came as well.
Where would we be without her in our lives?
Next – the long, long Keningau stretch. Stay tuned!
Early Morning Greeting
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009At the Homestay, we wake up to this sight in the morning. Suddenly all the hustle and bustle and ever increasing demands of city life seem so small.
No wonder the Girls didn’t want to leave.
I’ve Missed You Guys
Monday, June 15th, 2009Hard to believe I know.
But really, I did. I’d gone without internet access for three whole days and I felt deprived of the world! Well, not really on the deprived part.
Anyhoo. The Rugrats are back at school and I guess I should update you on our recent trip out of town.
See this thing?
Having passed through the Crocker Range and then down to the valley, its contents had a build up of pressure. My unsuspecting Middle Child opened its cap to use it just before digging into our stopover tea-time snack, after which a chunk of liquid splurted right into her eyes causing her stinging pain.
She screamed bloody murder.
This was her after a gargantuan splash of water over her eyes in the bathroom. See the wet spot on her shirt? She’s still reeling from the trauma of spurting germ-killing liquid. My poor baby. And stupid hand sanitizer.
And yes, I realise Spunky is rearranging utensils over at the Cashier Counter in the background. Oblivious to the drama surrounding her Sister.
Here’s my Brother-in-Law, whose Family Homestay we stayed in the few days we were there.
And here’s The Lady and Her Sons. One of whom is My Beloved.
And here’s the nice little Homestay that we lived in.
The Verandah, also known as The Bare Foot Zone according to the sign, which I totally didn’t remember to take a picture of.
But if you look closely you’ll see it above the pretty young lady that’s giving you the peace sign.
Here’s the Kitchenette.
And the Bathrooms.
They use Gravity Water. But they also have a Hot Water Pump. Hot gravity water shower!
And now you know!
The weather was cool. There was no sound of traffic. We were very comfortable. The Girls didn’t want to leave it!
See?
I don’t know why they HAD to do THIS instead of go sightseeing.
And yes, She came too.
I Was Lazy
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009Isn’t that what everyone around here says when they actually mean they don’t have the time?
“Haih. Malaslah sia.”
So I’m saying it today.
Between snapping at answering to the Kids’ inquiries 24/7, organising school-holiday activities, folding laundry, doing the dishes and keeping up with an upcoming Church event that Hubby and I are organising, I AM TOO LAZY TO GET TO THE BLOG.
It requires an extra ounce of effort to get to the computer which I don’t have for my already expended brain cells. To top it off, I’ve somehow managed to come up with a few post ideas that I’ve quickly saved into my drafts folder but which I just can’t get to completing because there will be one holler from at least one kid every one second. (How do those Superhero Moms do it?!) Now why do these ideas come on at the most inopportune times?? Oh, that’s right. Because life’s like that. Yup.
Tomorrow though, we are heading out to a town of approximately two hours away and spending a couple days there. For Hubby’s (I need to get him an online nickname! Something catchy. Quirky. And very Him.) work actually, but when he’s done with all the work, we thought we’d visit by his Brother and his Brother’s Family.
So depending on the Internet connection over there, I may post a picture or two of our out-of-town adventures, photojournalism style. (cewah!)
So see you when I do.
p.s A little bird tells me that Tune Store at 1B is closing down. See all those empty shelves with a sign that says ‘Sale’? Go figure.
A New Family Addition
Monday, June 8th, 2009
Please help us welcome one month and a week old, mixed bred male Chinchilla to our Home. His name is Bengy.
*one clap*
We got the little fella over the weekend. Of the many that were up for show at the Giant Kolombong Saturday Tamu, this guy seemed most at ease with us. So we took him home. The buck was only too happy to have a bigger home than the one he was in to move into.
The Girls are thrilled and The Hubby keeps forgetting that Bengy is not female.
That’s what we finally called the little lagomorph when we realise it wasn’t going to be Bella.
He’s Bengy. Or Benji. Or Ben-G. Whichever he prefers.
I'm Didi. Housewife and Mom of 3. Desperate sometimes. Most times blessed. 
