Post #0272 - Chanting "It's all about teamwork.. it's all about teamwork"

Dear Earthlings, 

We have returned the 7 months maid balik kampung. 

It started because of this one sms, coming from the maid's cousin. Knew her during the maid's first outing in KL.CC.

Followed by conversations between the maid and my mother. 

According to my mother, the maid plan to balik kampung in July. She texted me when I was in the office (3 days later after I received the above sms)

Why another month? 

Basically because she needs pocket money. For the past 6 months she's working she withdrew all her salary (every month) and mostly spent on reload/top up. Ironically she rarely contact her husband, but spent most of her time texting her friends here. 

Two weeks before everything started to mess up, she woke up late for almost a week though we'd already given her alarm clock etc. She goes to bed before 10 every night. So I expect her to be ready by 6 am. Most of the time latter than 6.45am. If it wasn't me who woke her up, I don't know what time she got up.

I was the one who knocked the door to wake her up, which pretty sick and tiring for me. That time GadgetGeek was on business trip, leaving me stressed up alone. Upon his return, we discussed how to go about this, seeing that the maid is planning to run away. 

Why I believe that she plans to run away?

She is one talkative person. But that whole week she was not being her. More of being silent. Previously, she always shared to me her working experience. 

There was one story when she was working in Manila. She told her Employer that she wants to balik kampung, but ended she went to work with the Employer's neighbour. 

Another story, one of her friends ("N" - refer to the above sms) ranaway from the Employer. So I told her not to do that to us. She replied, "don't worry Madame. I will not do that. I will tell you that I want to balik kampung".

Fastforward. 

Come Sunday, her outing day (or should I say her pre-plan lari day). 

GadgetGeek blurted to her that she cannot go outing because we cannot get on hold the Agent. (We paid the Agent to process permit etc. Surrendered the maid's passport back in November last year). It turned out that our Agent misrepresented the (registered) Agency and is a conman.

Can't wait no more, we seek for friends advices. A friend advised to send the maid straight to depoh. Some advised to send to the Embassy etc. 

Cut the story short. 

FRIDAY (2 days earlier)

I went to immigration to check on the Employer status whether there was any submission for permit under our name. - Negative. 

Then I went to immigration (Enforcement Department). Been advised by the Officer in charge. 

Later that evening GadgetGeek went to the police station to lodge report. Storied from A-Z. Almost 2 pages long I think. 

SATURDAY - King's Holiday

SUNDAY 

GadgetGeek break the news to the maid and asked her to pack up. 

The maid insisted on going for outing.

But we re-advised her to pack and her outing is cancelled.

The maid gave excuse that she needs to buy suitcase to pack. (Still want to go for outing)

We didn't allowed but gave her one large suitcase instead.

And of course, her handphone rang like hell. Received call every other minute. 

Can you just imagine?

Later that evening, we went to my parent's place for dinner and she had the nerve to say to my father "My Employer don't want me anymore".

Like, whatdehell?? 

Her work performance is degrading, woke up late, always on the phone.. U think??

Even though she gave us hardtime, we still took her for some shopping and Putrajaya sightseeing.

MONDAY

1) Took her to the Embassy to process her travel document.

Thought of leaving her at the Embassy but the Embassy said that it is not their problem. Have to deal with the Immigration.
And getting a travel document is not that hard. They don't even bother to look at our police report and it was ready in 3 hours. VERY EFFICIENT.

2) Afternoon to the Malaysia Immigration (Enforcement). The other officer-in-charge advised how to apply the 6P Programme. 

(Employer to prepare letter addressed to the Immigration, attach the yellow form & letter from the Embassy, flight ticket)

3) Went back home, bought one way ticket, drafted the letter and we went off to the Immigration again. 

4) The Immigration did the process and the maid was thumb print registered. 

Later the Immigration issued the release travel document.

OK. 

What is 6P Programme. 

Program Pem.utihan for PA.TI.

Little that we know to have maid from Philipines, we have to use calling visa unlike from Indonesia. (We thought only from Cambodia use calling visa).

So since the period of stay has lapsed and has no passport she is considered a PA.TI. Pendatang Asing Tanpa Izin.

Having a PA.TI inside our house, we can easily be fine up to RM30,000 in total. RM5,000 per head if I'm not mistaken. Imprisonment included. That was advised by the Immigration Officer to us. 

However, there is a fine line when you are deporting a PA.TI. 

He/She cannot enter our country for the next five years.Anyways, we just want to get over and done with.

Cost incurred by us. 

Travel document from Embassy RM115.50

(Both of our cars kena saman dekat Embassy. There was no parking lot, parked by the roadside) $$$

Penalty from Malaysia Immigration RM400.00 (kalau tak, kena RM3000.00. Nasib baik 6P still on)

Flight ticket (Cebu Air)(KL-Manila-Zamboanga) RM800 (inclusive meal & baggage allowance)

We also paid her full salary for the month.RMxxxx (duit titik peluh orang kerja kena bayar in full)

Despite that we had to fork out our money, the maid questioned us :

1) Why we took the very next day flight for her? Why not wait until the end of stay period? (The Embassy gave 3 months extension of stay)

Simple - we do not want to take any risk.

2) Why travel document only? Why did not request for passport?

OK. 

YOUR travel document cost us for RM115. And can you answer why we do not want to spend more on your passport? To apply passport is RM600++
According to her it only cost her 2000 peso (approx RM200) to get passport in her home country. So I told her to apply for it once she's home.

For these reasons, I now understand why the Employer just let go the maid if the maid lari. Obviously because of these unnecessary expenses!!

We could have just deduct from her current month salary. Tapi kesian. 

Sebab dari keluarga susah. Rumah atas air. Kerja hari-hari basuh baju dapat upah 100 peso sehari (RM10). 

At the airport, I forwarded ALL her money and asked her to write the total she received. We are lucky because we documented every single cent in and out, and her monthly salary is bank-in in separate account.

My father reminded us to make sure that we give all of the maid's money. Kalau ajal dah sampai, mana nak cari maid ni nak pulang hak duit dia. Tak perlu nak buat deduction untuk flight ticket ke.. apa ke. Anggap je tak ada rezeki and things happened for a reason.

What to bring to the Airport.
1) Air flight ticket
2) Travel document (yellow paper from Embassy)
3) Release letter from Malaysia Immigration

Ni lah orang kata, bagi betis nak peha. 

Dah layan elok, still tak syukur. Takpelah. Bukan rezeki kitaorang nak ada maid, and bukan rezeki dia untuk kerja dengan kitaorang.

Rumah pakai washer & dryer, kids go to school full day, all she needs to do cuma sort out the laundry and cleaning. She is free to use handphone as long as she completes her chores. 

That's all. Yang tu pun susah sangat ke?

Too bad. We really liked her.

On the next day, she rang me to inform that she has reached home. Even her mother spoke to my mom, thanking for taking care of her daughter.
Too bad that she has decided not to work with us. We even planned to give her RAYA Bonus next month.
What ever it is, life goes on. We wish her best of luck in whatever things that she is doing. 

ps - "Madame, later I add you on my facebook ok".

Haaa... boleh???
Rasanya maid kitaorang ni culture shock.

Now playing : -

Post #0270 - Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?

Dear Earthlings, 

If you watched Rush Hour, I bet you know what I'm talking about.  

Now playing : -

Post #0267 - Vote Wisely

Dear Earthlings,

I believe many was ignorant (including me) on the policital issues in our country before this. And surprisingly 5 May 2013 marked another history for Malaysia whereby almost 80% have casted their vote for the next term government. 

Casted my vote later in the afternoon together with my friend 'Skyfall' for 1.5 hours.Terkejut sorang sorang sebab pakai earphone.

"Dik, calit cantik-cantik eh",

and I got this :P

Seriously. The mark is still there after I washed it. 

Those who can wipe it off easily, I believe they wiped it immediately before casting their vote. I think laa. If salah mintak maap.

Now playing : -

Post #0265 - Until we meet again my dear clutchy

Dear Earthlings, 

In my earlier entry I told that I can never wear this clutch (yet) because it is too expensive for me. Guilty conscious moment. 

Recently, I finally had the guts to use it for the BlueCompany dinner. 

This is the only picture I have with the clutch on. 

Not liking it, because I was not ready at all!

Now playing : -

Post #0264 - False Alarm

Dear Earthlings, 

WARNING : Lengthy story

Today marked the sixth month our helper is with us. Of course there are hiccups here and there, but I can't get the best of everything isn't it? So I have to be thankful regardless. 

We normally send the helper to her cousin house for her outing days. Until one fine day, she told me that she wanted to go lepak downtown meeting her friends. FYI, this happened about two months ago. 

On that particular morning, GadgetGeek was already out for meeting. So I  had to sort out the outing. On our way to her cousin house, the helper told that she wants to go to downtown. Seriously, I really hate last minute change of plan. 

Since the two Youngsters were with me, I had no choice but to ask the helper to go by cab. To make things easy,  I hailed the cab for her. Called her every 15 minutes to make sure that she reached her destination. 30 - 40 minutes later she reached down town. 

I reminded her that I will pick up at the last spot around 5pm that evening. 

At 4.30pm, I called her but the call went to the voicemail. 

And it goes on until 5.30pm. 

I waited and searched at the pick up point, but couldn't see her whereabout. 

So I went to the cousin's house. Had no clue, so I asked the people around the area. Surprisingly, that person was the cousin's landlord. According to her the cousin has not been paying the rental for 2-3 months already and rarely come back to the house. 

Only God knows what has been crossing my mind when I heard the news. 

I just conclude.. "Oh, shit. My maid run away".

You see, everything is A okay until you get a maid. 

This is when you get spoilt! Pfft.

The maid do the chores. You sit down and look pretty. (don't take this literally)

So now I understand why some people (including me, now) cannot live without maid. 

Arrggghhh...!

Okay. Back to my story. 

Called up GadgetGeek,  and he asked me to return home. 

At home, I called up the cousin, asked for few numbers.. and I ended rang up the whole clan. Everybody (the helper's friends which I don't even know them) was in the state of panic looking for her.

We determined that if she cannot be found, we are going to make a police report.

One of the calls I made, I spoke to one of her friends that she met up earlier that day. According to her, they split up around 4pm because my maid needs to be at the pick up point at 5. 

Then it hit us. 

What if the taxi driver kidnapped her? Kidnap, rape and kill?
Afterall, she is not familiar with the streets in KL. Very scary indeed!

In the midst of chaos, I went to the kitchen and washed the dishes. 

Don't ask me why. But that is what I do best when I got stressed up. I do chores!

We continued calling her number but same answer - Voicemail.

Right after maghrib, GadgetGeek drove out to the pick up point while me, waited at the house with kids. 

15 minutes later, GadgetGeek called me up saying that he has found her. 

Where?

Around the pick up point.

The maid walked to his car and told that she waited for us since 5pm. Her phone was running out of batt. (She has been using her old phone from her hometown)

She told that she couldn't see my car because there are so many white cars.
Eleh. Blame for my massive production car some more.

Later that night, GadgetGeek took her to the mobile shop to get a new phone. As a gift, for the sake of her safety. 

Anyhow, what's important I thank God she is safe and sound!

And yes, GadgetGeek still making fun of me doing the dishes when the maid gone missing.

Haha. V.e.r.y.   f.u.n.n.y.
NOT!

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Post #0263 - Gonna be a tough one

Dear Earthlings, 

I have to admit that I am an observer since 12 years ago. 

Passed my right (two times to be exacted), didn't register at all. Unlike, GadgetGeek who is .. err.. so patriotic.

Anyways, I may practise my right to vote this year.

1. Went to Kelantan during the Candidate Selection Day and saw green Moon conquering the streets.   

2. Picked up few souvenirs for my Boss. She is one die hard fan of Blue.

3. Was curious about these small flags near our neighbourhood until I posted in FB. (That is where you get the latest answer/info/enquiry nowadays)

Received few comments. 

Some say, it's the Candy Crush game colour. 

Some say, it's Cup Cake Party.

Until a friend commented, that it is an Urban Intervention, a coordinated effort planted by individuals to show support to the opposition, MALAYSIAN SPRING.

Which ever party who wins this coming election, I hope they serve the best for  Rakyat.  

Happy voting everyone!

 Now playing : Train - Soul Sister

Post #0262 - In training

Dear Earthlings, 

Saw couple of mugs Orla Kiely inspired in Parkson. Bought a pair as they are too cheap to pass. One selling for RM6.90 I think. 

Strolled through their Home Department and saw these jewelleries boxes selling half price (RM29.90 & RM24.90). (They have many kind).  Also angkut jugak. Great to store Youngster #1 accesories yang tak seberapa tu.

After check out, she didn't waste any time. Quickly she asked wet tissue from me. Wanted to wipe off the dust (if any) which I can't see any of 'em.

It doesn't stop there. 

At home, she continued wiping. This time wet tissue + (her)  Johnson cologne.

Day by day, I can see that Youngster #1 is becoming more like my BigSis. VERY picky with her attire, knows how to take care of her things and most importantly she's becoming one heck of OCD. 

If this goes on, well.. I'm in BIG trouble.. because mak dia suka sepah!

Sure dapat lecture from her. Kompem!

Now playing : Nikki Minaj - Starship

Post #0260 - Potty train & Wean off. Done!

Dear Earthlings, 

Youngster #2 is now off-diaper! Definitely it is a BIG thing and yeay for me!

Not only that, we also have weaned him off and he is on sippie cup / sports bottle. No more milk bottle. wuhuu!!

We started on Chinese New Year holiday, about 3 weeks ago.

I woke up one morning and decided to potty train him, since it was a long break. Getting tired of buying diapers already, and it's not cheap! We had to spare RM150-RM200 per month for diaper. Isn't it a waste?

First thing first. 

Roll & keep the carpets in safe place, because for the first 4 days, shee-shee and poo-poo every where, though we have reminded him every second. 

I think that was the stress part. 

Previously we took him to the toilet every 30 minutes. But seeing that he always peed in the pants, the toilet trip was changed to every 15-20 minutes. Regardless he wants to pee or not. 

Since it was a new experience for him, we let him pee on the toilet floor. After two-three days when we trust that he is comfortable peeing, we start to teach him to sit on toilet seat. 

Pardon me, but I don't believe in potty training kid using this.

Satu kerja nak kena mengutip

We use this instead.
* flush *

I have to admit that it was a bit difficult for him to adjust with the new situation, but you.. yourself have to support and continuously train (and force!) him.  I think he started to poo using toilet seat after almost a week of training.

Night time, get him to pee before sleep. When he is already asleep, I put on the diaper. But at the very next morning, as soon as he wakes up, I immediately take him to the toilet. 

Yes, for the first few nights you will get a wet diaper, but eventually the kid will stop to pee.

After monitoring him for 3 continuous night of wet-free diaper, I stop the night diaper and bought changing mat, to place under the bedsheet. (Just in case)

Bought for RM17 (or was it RM27) in Tesco (Pic.googled)

Alhamdulillah, no wet bed has been found todate. 

When travel or jalan-jalan, we still take him for toilet trip. A bit hassle, but the show must goes on. During our last visit to PD, Youngster #2 was on potty train. So we put on the diaper for the road trip.  Tak nak la dapat extra kerja dalam kereta pulak kan, kena cuci and all. But surprisingly, dia did not wet the diaper. Good news, weeehooo!! Good news laa kan sebab dapat control for 3 hours. Check in je, terus bawak masuk toilet.

Nowadays dah confident sikit tak pakai diaper dalam kereta. So far alhamdulillah. Ask him to go to the toilet first before we leave the house for school. Upon reaching school, another toilet trip. We also asked the teachers to coorporate in training him. 

At first, some teachers support our effort, others were sceptical. Blaming us on starting potty train too early on Youngster #2. To us, when the kid knows the different between pee and poo and also already know how to talk, we should train them. If we were want to wait until the kid is ready.. hmm.. can you tell me how long we have to wait for that?

So,

In weaning off.. seriously, to buy bottle nipple is not cheap, and I had to change it every 2-3 months because Youngster #2 loves to bite. So, I bought a straw bottle, the one that doesn't leak and have no-straw, only the spout. (pic below)

It only lasted him for one night. He gets tired of biting the spout (then only the milk flow). 

So I use this one instead.  (Bought 2 years ago. But not in use, because Youngster #1 not like it)

Same goes to Youngster #2. 

So we pass.

Then we tried this one. Both bottles are from Tommee Tippee. Belongs to Youngster #1 which I bought sometime 4 years ago. I believe they do not produce this type anymore.

The spout can be folded. 

So far he is loving it :)  (Buang duit je beli Nuby!)

It's not that I am depriving the Youngsters from milk. They still drink milk, but  just in a cup instead of milk bottle.

At the age of 30 months, no more diaper and milk bottle. 

I am one happy mom. 

Now playing : Bruno Mars - If I were your man.

Post #0258 - February Trip & Tips : Port Dickson

Dear Earthlings,

We went to Port Dickson last weekend. Thought of going for a day trip, but later decided to spend a night there. Since this is the first time ever we brought the maid for a trip (she has been working with us for 3 months already), we decided to stay in an apartment (with 2 or 3 rooms).

Not familiar with PD accomodation except for Thistle and Avillion, we stopped at AnCasa, located near the public beach (less than 5 minutes driving distance). We also enquired Klana Beach Resort PD, but was fully booked.

Lobby

The place consist of 3 blocks altogether. Ours was on the second block (the lobby block). For two rooms, the price quoted RM400++, while three rooms RM500++ (or was it near to RM500. Can't remember).

Our unit located at the seventh floor, facing the garden and side sea? Something like that lah. Not really nice though.

We opted for 3 bedrooms (1 queen sized bed and 2 rooms for twin bed)

The facilities, I'd say not bad. 

They have tennis court, swimming pool and they also cater for events (wedding, reunion etc).

But the bathroom. 

It was disaster! (and yucky)

Anyways, 

on the very next morning, we took a 10 minutes drive to the Blue Lagoon, PD. According to the local, this is the best public beach they have in PD. Quite wide beach compared to the one near Klana & Ancasa beach.

Frankly speaking I'm not so keen looking at the color of their sand.

Despite the color, the sands are actually quite soft.

Forget the color. As long as the kids can play sand.

But, more pebbles instead of sand near the water.

Behind this beach located Permaisuri Resort. 

Looked around the area and enquire the price. 

The rate is a little higher than AnCasa, but very close to the beach.

If we happen to be in PD next time, we may opt for this apartment. 

 Now playing : -

Post #0257 - Guilty as charged

Dear Earthlings, 

I kid you not when I say "it is an impulsive buy".
I have to admit that I do have fickle minded. However, I thankful that my fickle minded is absent on anything about my marriage (*pat on the back*)

Aaaaanywayyyss...
I went twice to the studio to pick a clutch. 

The first time, I picked this one. 
A ready made clutch.

Few hours later, I canceled my order.  

Ironically, I return to the studio on the following week.
Picked the songket and leather color.
Paid the deposit. 
A week later, something got into my mind saying that I DO NOT NEED a clutch.
What more with the price, it is definitely gonna be a waste of money.

Too late to cancel..
5 days later I received the package. 

And the unforgettable price is, 
One.Three.Five.Zero. 
RM1350-00 for a clutch made by one talented local designer. 

I shall cease myself from buying anything. I repeat, no more shopping for me until end of the year. 
I still cannot digest how the heck I fall for this one. 

Other people could have this chunk of money as their monthly salary and pay off their debt etc. And I? Lavishly spend for a clutch, which I think it is not right (?)

To tell you the truth, the clutch is still in its dust bag and I do not dare to open it.
Too much and too expensive. I feel like I do not deserve it. 
Feel so guilty spending that much.


Now playing : Shania Twain - From this moment

Post #0256 - October Trip & Tips : Singapore

Dear Earthlings,

We went to Singapore last October and I'm not going to list down what we did, but more on the hotel as we stayed at Marriott near Orchard.

Located next to the Tangs Orchard Road & Orchard MRT, everything is walking distance. Love the room interior & service.

 

The room -

The light through the mirror illuminates bright and clear lighting.

What impresses me the most was this corner dressing table. Who would have thought it is nice to have one in the bathroom itself? very practical indeed. What more with the lighting and all. Yes, provided you have one large bathroom.

Views in Singapore at night - The light show starts at 8pm.

 

Evening turndown service.
Really make our kids' day when we got back to the Hotel.

Now playing : Chicago - Will you still love me