My Electric Kettle was the Main Contributor for Electric Cut-Off

Update on **24 & 25 December 2016**

In the early morning, while I filled the electric kettle with water, plugged in, switched on and then a couple of seconds, the electricity suddenly cut off.

The desk lamps were gone, the hopes for hot piping water seemed more like a dream, the hot shower become useless. I couldn’t write the articles as the battery of the computer didn’t lasted for long hours.

Perhaps it’s the Buddha’s idea to let me resting. LOL

Dorm room neighbor knocked the door and discussed to solve this problem. We wanted to turn on the electrical phases but no idea about it.

We both came out the solution-calling one of the campus departments to notify them.

They promised technicians came very soon to examine the electricity problem. Soon? I was so skeptical. I didn’t put high hopes on their promise. But, I still hoped they not paid the lip service.

In 10 minutes times, two technicians showed up at my door. Then, they did some checking on big switches boxes at the corner of the dorm rooms and turned on the electrical phases.

Eventually, the electricity was restored. This time the technicians did the amazing job-fast in response the problems.

On the next day, electric supply is cut off again when I turned on the electric kettle. Since I was desperately for hot water, I shifted to the pantry for boiling the water.  Similarly, the electric was gone.

I quickly called yesterday’s department. Two technicians came within the short times. They first examined other dorm rooms in different rows.

They wanted to confirm whether there was electric supply. Then, I told them the same problem for my row too.

They walked in puzzled to the ground floor for turning on the certain switches on the big switches boxes.

I explained to them I faced the similar problem yesterday. I even shared with them my electric kettle switched on story.

They assumed the main source could be the electric kettle. Electric kettle was “powerful” to influence the entire row’s electricity???

So, I demonstrated to them in switching on the electric kettle. The electric supply in my room suddenly turned off. The next dorm room’s electric power also affected.

The technicians advised me not to use this faulty electric kettle. Some components of the electric kettle had been stopped working until affected electricity.

Before he left, he thanked me in helping to find the main source of the electric cut off. I thanked them at the same times, because their great attitudes in solving the problems.

And this was my first times in handling such faulty electric kettle. Never ever again in my life! What a shame!

Hahahaha.

However, this incident also made me learned to be extra careful to the electric appliances that would cause power cut off in the future. Accidents could happen at any times and any days.

And also I wished to extend the sincere thanks for next dorm neighbor that never blamed me in contributing the power cut off. We always helped each other-hardcore spirit in the dorm room!

 Kettle, kettle, kettle, why you accompany for 1 year only? I did hope you've longer life span!

Black one-are't you caused electric cut-off?

Life Must Going On!

**1 December 2016**

Tang Hun was called as Su Un in Peninsular Malaysia

Whereas, Sweet leaf vegetables/Mani Cai (Mandarin)/Sayur Cangkuk Manis (Malay) was Asin -Asin. Northern part of Peninsular Malaysia usually cooked it with coconut milk based soup 

**2 December 2016**

Reading an article recommended by a Dayre friend titled “A Harvard professor reveals a strategy that can help you stop worrying”

This article quite reasoned with me.

Here’s the summary about the strategy on how to stop worrying:

• You are not your thoughts. Sometimes they’re downright ridiculous. Just because you think it, doesn’t make it true
• Observe, don’t judge. Acknowledge the thoughts, but let them float by. Don’t wrestle with them.
• Don’t distract, immerse. Don’t check your mail for 400^th times. Take in the world around you. Turn to your senses. That’s real. Your thoughts and stories you tell yourself about the world aren’t.
• Note or label intrusive thoughts. Yeah, the thoughts fight back. Acknowledge them. Give the intrusive one the funny names
• Return to the senses. Really pay attention to the world around you.

All these 5 points I understood very well but hard to do so and really tough for me. There’s a saying “said is easier than done”. However, they still served as the reminder for me. 

**3 December 2016**

In Yseali Unified’s talk: futuring youths through entrepreneurship. One of the speaker, Ganesh really amazed me when he shared his ideas, inspiration and dreams to provide the clean water. I remembered so vividly his passion for clean water till he invented the water filter and eventually changed this world. 

Most importantly, his passions also improved certain rural areas of Sarawak in getting the clean water. Their life also dramatically changed as water is the crucial basic necessities in the life. As a Sarawakian, it touched me the most. At least he strived for improving people’s life like he said in the video “even one day I become a beggar, I still want to improve people’s life”

**4 December 2016**

Evening walk with the neighbors. I then discovered the wonderful evening views. 

Great evening sunshine turned the grasses and trees in yellow colors. 

A moment of peace

Seeing the playful side of this horse, Speedy

I had been passed these places for hundreds of times, but didn’t give them a glance. It was only when I stopped with the neighbors and shifted the attentions on them. And they were so beautiful. Neighbors had brought a little brightness into my life.

Never forget life was always beautiful!

**8 December 2016**

Dinner was lontong, a dish with rice cakes, anchovy sauces and coconut milk based soup with vegetables (e.g carrots, beans and potatoes)

I liked the rice cakes and anchovy sauces instead of strong coconut milk based soup. I can’t accept the yucky coconut milk smells soup.

I wondered if I’m the one disliked it in northern part of Peninsular Malaysia.  Northern parts people had deep affections for all the coconut milk based related dishes, which addressed as “gulai”. 

Second dinner were rice, curry dahl and curry potatoes. It was the Sri Lanka cuisine that was given by the Sri Lanka neighbor. As it was not so spicy, I managed to finish all. Not oily at all. 

**9 December 2016**

Seeing degree students in the campus reminded how wonderful my degree students life. Everything was good. Friends were nice because we were same age, similar conversation topics and same fashions tastes.

When it came to Phd life, everything was completely different. I had to mix with the peers that were 10 or 15 older than me. Age gaps contributed different perceptions, values and conversation topics. Mingled with some of them seemed with the awkward working adults. Uncomfortable, angry and sad.

One thing I learned was didn’t reveal too much personal information, opinions and negative feelings to prevent backfire. Must think twice before saying because everything I say left an impression. 

**10 December 2016**

Accompanying a friend to Padang Besar/Arked Niaga, a border town located at Perlis.

It was like the morning or night markets with tidbits, junk foods, clothes, fruits and kitchen utensils.

wide varieties of fruits 

Tidbits & junk foods 

I observed it had 3 sections, lower, middle and upper levels.

Lower- tidbits & junk foods

Middle- tidbits & junk foods & fruits & restaurants

Upper-majority clothes stalls. But all the clothes were Malay styles.

Prices were negotiable. After surveying the prices among all the levels, lower level offered the cheapest prices.

Be aware, the restaurants charged the higher prices!

In fact, above Thailand's products were widely seen in UUM and Changlun. 

1. Thailand "hand brand" green tea-Jasmine flavor green tea, but contained more coloring. And it served better with condensed milk.

2. Thailand Tom Yam (with Jawi words on the label) paste-I heard it offered authentic Tom Yam. 

3. Thailand Instant Noodles-This brand of noodles was the main ingredients of Kerabu Maggi Thailand.

4. Thailand coffee soaps(Nescafe flavors) -it's effectively removed some of my scars. My skin then turned smoother, soft and clean.

Grabbing this type of top with handmade sewing

**11 December 2016**

If you want light to come into your life, you have to stand where It's shining #quoteoftheday #latergram #tnbuum @nadirajanadari

A photo posted by Tay Lee Chin (@tayleechin) on Dec 11, 2016 at 3:40am PST

TNB Festa. So happening with the Malay singers, sorts of food stalls relative to previous year.

falling in love with this top in the first sight❤❤❤. It didn't matter whether there was a sale because I could shop at any times and any days at the year

At first, I doubted whether this top like Malay style. I consulted little sister, Mickey-fashion consultant and she reassured me by matching with jeans. This was the biggest benefits having a sister. 

**12 December 2016**

#uumanjungtamu #photooftheday #uumsintok #artgallery @ciksafiah90

A photo posted by Tay Lee Chin (@tayleechin) on Dec 10, 2016 at 7:06pm PST

Welcome center, UUM 

 Displayed great photos about the beauty in the UUM. 

"Keep this love in the photograph
made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Our hearts were never broken
And time's forever frozen still"
-Photographs, Ed Sheeran

Wow, route A of the campus like the paradise!

"Have I been there?"-the common question while I notice the views that hardly seen before. Actually, I stepped my foot over there. The wonderful photo make me couldn't recognize. 

"Photo indeed captured the good times"

 That's all!

It's Times for Appreciating the Nature

Update on **4 December 2016**

A great afternoon spent with green shuttle for enjoying nice ambiance of the flora and fauna in UUM. Honestly, I was super excited.

A bunch of dorm room neighbors and we're ready to depart!

After few minutes, I heard “Why they don’t bring us to see peacocks and ducks?”

“It’s not necessary, if you want I’ll bring you to go there. Don’t worry!”

LOL. We had visited them frequently during the evening walk because these attractions were nearby dorm rooms.

Then again, we proceeded to see “Pokok Tiga Beradik” (three siblings’ trees)- one of the well-known attraction

I had been heard this name for so many times but didn’t where it’s and how to go there. And today one of the dreams was realized.

In fact, green shuttle only parked at the gate. So, it was necessary to walk extra steps in order to see “Pokok Tiga Beradik” (three siblings’ trees).

Along the way, there were several types of trees species (depicted in below).  It felt like an educational tour!

#1

 #2

#3

 #4

#5

This journey filled with laughter and fun. We joked, talked and took photos like the tourists although we had been stayed there more than 2 years

This path leaded me to my dream trees

This was one of the “Pokok Tiga Beradik” (three siblings’ trees). Well, I had no idea which was the first, second and third siblings! And the ages too. Wasn't same age with me?

But they shared the similar characteristics, which was giant, tall and big. I believed in order to circle the tree, it was about 6 of us with arms outstretched 

While I looked at these giant trees, I remembered Mama's spooky story-old trees usually had spirits. It gave me a goosebumps. 

This feeling was gone when the neighbors continuously requested for photo shooting.  Night times was not advisable to visit there. 

So tiny when standing under this giant, biggest and tallest tree. #pokokadiktigaberadik #tetramelesnudiflora #uumsintok #relaxtime #friendbonding #uumgrenshuttlebus #uumgreenforestuniversity

A photo posted by Tay Lee Chin (@tayleechin) on Dec 4, 2016 at 1:54am PST

Another “Pokok Tiga Beradik” (three siblings’ trees)

The big roots demonstrated it was the other “Pokok Tiga Beradik” (three siblings’ trees) 

Realizing “Pokok Tiga Beradik” (three siblings’ trees) had river while visiting UUM welcome center after that. But I never noticed about that. 

Before we left the “Pokok Tiga Beradik” (three siblings’ trees), next dorm room neighbors reminded all of us to shake our entire body to away from the leeches. 

I did but a leech managed to attach in my right foot. Half an hour later, I found a black worm (which I can't recognize) had fallen off from my shoes.

I quickly confirmed with the neighbors and the confirmation was correct. The black worm was leech. At the same times, the bite area of right foot was bleeding. It just like ordinary wounds or cuts. 

They further told me the leech had sucked adequate amount of my bloods, so it fall down. Also, the leech turned fat after drinking my blood. 

In order to prevent infection, I soaked my right foot in the salt water to kill the germs and applied antibiotic cream on the bite area. 

Fortunately, nothing happened on the bite area after next few days.

Well maintained golf club

Deer park. So easy to feed them as pulled the grass for them.  Zero cost at all. 

Last but not least, this video also featured how great the university was surrounded by lush green forest. Enjoy!

I ended this post with Mr Soo Ewe Jin's meaningful quote:

"life is much like that, worries and cares build up, often without us being conscious of the strain they placed on us. We need to have stream of living water run through our lives regularly to cleanse our souls. When the dust and grime of life has been washed away, and our emotional tanks are refilled and spirits are revived, we are able to face day-to-day challenges squarely once more".

Till the next update, guys!

Long Goodbye, Mr Soo Ewe Jin

Update on **5 December 2016**

I wished to read “Sunday Starters” that written by Mr Soo Ewe Jin. Likewise, I discovered writers were Kevin Soo and Timothy Soo instead Mr Soo Ewe Jin.

To my shock, Mr Soo Ewe Jin had passed away on November 17, 2016. His death also confirmed in other article titled “farewell, my dear friend Ewe Jin”

Suddenly, sadness overwhelmed me. I couldn’t read his encouraging and motivating words. His name never ever appeared in the Star newspaper.  “Sunday Starters” might abolish too as well.

I knew him through writing. From the writing, he turns from a completely strangers to a friend for me.

In fact, I had been followed his “Sunday Starters” on 2011. Nearly 6 years I consistently read his “Sunday Starters”.

His “Sunday Starters” was easy to understand and comprehend because the contents mainly about the simple life and motivating stories. Politics, economics, social issues were not being focused.

Believe me, ordinary people will be understood in a single reading about his articles. Well, his writing style also won my heart. Well-structured, clear sentences and all the ideas were fully explained.

The titles of each articles, sayings and quotes brought high dose of positivity and optimism. Most importantly, I learned a lot from his articles.

He taught a pleasure to see this world with the heart on 23 October 2016.

He reminded friends need to treasure as they were priceless on 30 October 2016

He showed lived life to the fullest as every day was the bonus on 10 May 2015

He demonstrated taking positive actions to make the differences for the society rather than talking on 6 December 2015

He advised it’s possible to go through the darkness when having the hope on 21 December 2014

He explained sowing the good seeds because it became a good tree eventually. Meanwhile, bad seeds resulted in not-so-good trees on 1 December 2013

He mentioned love was around us by looking the ordinary people did extraordinary things every day on 17 February 2013.

He indicated to learn from the humble hero because they had left extraordinary legacy on 2 September 2012

He illustrated to share the joy and sorrow in our life because life was not about the bed of roses on 3 June 2012

Besides that, I learned that he had been battled for several types of cancer almost 25 years (1991-2016). The cancer relapsed between these 25 years.

He is with God now at peace. Part of me also truly happy for him as he was no longer suffering. I shouldn’t ask for anything more. 

Sleep well, Mr Soo Ewe Jin. You will be forever missed. 

Ipoh Indeed a Foods Paradise

Update on **18-21 November 2016**

 First meal in Ipoh was Nasi Vanggey aka Nasi Ganja at Restaurant Nasi Vanggey as suggested by travel companion.  

A plate of white rice with flavorful curry sauces, chicken cubes, long beans and sambal (RM 6.60). 

Yes, It’s nasi kandar but different with I had in UUM. It’s more “lemak “and spicy. Fortunately, a cold lemon drink was by my side.

I liked sambal the most, a perfect combination with few slices of cucumbers. 

Then, I checked-in at Chariton Hotel, a quiet and deserted budget hotel. Therefore, it’s not advisable if you didn’t have transport.

However, there were few points I liked this hotel:

1.    The guest room was very clean with adequate towels and other amenities

2.    Free, safe and ample parking spaces

3.    Friendly and helpful staff

 AEON Kinta City Mall.

“Wow, this shopping mall in Ipoh quite big”

 Without hesitation, I grabbed 1 once I saw Hokkaido baked cheese tart outlets. Japanese foods should not too bad, right?

It's beyond my expectations. The cheese tart so crispy, fragrance, creamy and melt in mouth 

Moreover, all the buns and cakes in the AEON bakery were very attractive and interesting.

 This one, tom yam chicken donut (I never had that before)

And this too, chicken toasts and egg 

Travel companion’s car. 

There’s pro and cons while travelling with our own car! The good side was more convenient and comfortable.

Yay, I didn’t have to walk. I could listen to the radio during the journey. It’s the prettiest and enjoyable thing in this world for me. 

I enjoyed Lite Fm very much throughout the journey. All the English really 听出耳油

But the negative side was necessary to consider hotel’s parking issue. Well, lower ground parking spaces which symbolized darkness were strictly prohibited by the travel companion. 

And not to forget the parking spaces that must pay should thought twice and carefully. 

Simple and satisfying breakfast-black coffee and tom yam chicken donut. This overnight tom yam chicken donut extremely soft and fluffy. 

 Lunch at Heritage Hotel, Ipoh has Chinese, Malay and western cuisines combinations. Honestly, I had wonderful lunch times at there. 

 My favorite was Vermicelli salads. It's very appetizing

Every spoonful of this sweet corn soups reminds Mama, 100% similarity like Mama's version 

 The dinner venue was STG Tea House. Almost full house while we reached there. Surprisingly, all the patrons were Chinese.

My travel companion didn’t feel disgusting at all.

This time I successfully met the “modern” type of Malay-more open minded in selecting the restaurant. So, I could tried more foods that I wished. 

 I ordered Hainan Chicken Rice (RM 24).

 On the other hand, travel companion had grilled duck with spaghetti 

Spritzer Pop water could be found here. Each RM 4

Take nothing but picture, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but times, keep nothing but memories #stgteahouseipoh #travelinipoh #ipohtravels

Overall, I'm satisfied with the good services of STG Tea House. The waiters demonstrated quick services in clearing the tables and plates. Also, the foods are served within 5 minutes. 

Besides that, they remain cheerful when serving the customers. One of the waiter that served us even answered my questions and further explained with patiently. 

This was mainly due to I was so curious when seeing Sabah Tea widely displayed in this restaurant. So I wondered the owner could be Sabahans. In fact, STG Tea House was belong to Red Eagle Oil company. Sabah Tea and Spritzer were another subsidiaries of the Red Eagle Oil company. 

The environment or ambiances of STG Tea House also very peaceful, serene, cozy and warm.  

Taking photo in the toilet happily. Sound so crazy with the travel companion!

It's unbelievable that Christmas just around the corner. Year 2016 will end very soon!

After that, I passed by MacDonald and tapau for tomorrow’s breakfast-New McChicken.

How lucky am I able to step foot in this first, oldest and unique colonial style building McDonald in Perak before it closes down at the end of November. #luckyme #ipohfood #ipoholdtown #ipohmcdonald

A photo posted by Tay Lee Chin (@tayleechin) on Nov 19, 2016 at 6:26am PST

The night views that near to our hotel 

I ended this entry with our final group photo. Hopefully this wouldn't be the last.