Flowers for Breakfast, Cowdung No.5 and WAD 2009

Friday, 6th October 2009: So long and good luck, Baby Otis!

It was with a heavy heart that I brought Otis back to the SPCA for adoption on Friday, but I know that every good fosterer must have the courage to let their foster babies go, and to trust that the new parent would provide proper and adequate (if not sufficient) care for their adopted babies.

Otis had a crowd of admirers holding him and cooing at him almost as soon as he arrived. Well, at least he wouldn't be lonely there. He was friendly with the other kittens(a bit too bold, might I add) in the enclosure and affectionate and playful with the humans. What a classic dream cat Otis is. Who could resist his charms? He was adopted almost immediately. The couple who adopted him did not ask for a discount (of the adoption fee, which covers vaccination and neutering) and pledged to keep him indoors and provide for all his needs.

I was relieved that Otis did not have to stay at the shelter, sad to have to say goodbye and sorry for all the other kittens who did not get adopted. To take my mind off the turmoil of emotions I was going through, I resorted to hard labour. I informed Dr. Pushpa that I would be tickwashing all the dogs in Kennels E and F. I went into the Surgery, got the Tactik EC solution ready and hauled my dog-washing kit over to the Pound area.

Roli (The Kindest Man In The World) seemed pleased to see me on a weekday, and we chatted (shouted to, more like) with each other over the din of barking dogs. I leashed, shampooed, rinsed and tickwashed the dogs two-by-two, and treated wounds and sores with Woundsarex. Roli came to help me hold a few of the rowdier dogs so they wouldn't hurt themselves trying to escape.

Some of the pound and forgotten kennel dogs are absolutely sweet-natured and lovable, and I really hope that potential adopters would look beyond their non-pedigree status and adopt these pooches instead. I finished washing, grooming and tick-washing all 20 dogs by 1700h. I had half an hour left, so I cleaned and disinfected the Cattery and cat baskets while Reve cleaned the Front Area of the shelter.

I showered, changed and left the Shelter by 1800h to meet up with my dear buddies Patricia and Larnee at Swensons Ice Cream Parlour in SS2. The traffic was horrible and I came close to tearing my hair out in frustration. I texted Pat and asked them to start eating without me because I was still stuck in traffic behind buses that materialised in front of me out of the emergency lane. Where are the cops when you need them?

I finally arrived and we had a capital time catching up with each other over dinner. The service was appalling but on the bright side, it gave us the opportunity to spend more time together. I learned from this incident that the next time I go to an ice-cream parlour, it would only be for ice-cream. We should always have our dinner elsewhere.

We parted ways around 2200h. Pat gave me a gift of incredibly fragrant and delicious cream puffs from her talented son, Dan. I think our next dinner date should be at Pat's house, with a special order for 30 of Dan's cream puffs. Sure, I'd die fat, but at least I'd die happy. Bring it on, Dan!

Saturday, 3rd October - Sunday, 4th October 2009: Manure Madness and Flowers for Breakfast

Our Malaysian Nature Society Branch Committee decided to hold a Strategy Workshop-cum-retreat at Titi Eco Farm this year, to enable the Committee to work on a 3-year strategy plan for the Society. In retrospect, we chose the right venue. It was so dull and so devoid of distractions that we managed to get the Strategy Plan drafted in a little more than a day. If there had been, say, cable TV with the ESPN Sports Channel, or access to pubs and a snooker parlour, or even just a swimming pool, the Strategy Plan would be swimming with the fishes right now.



















In search of something to do outside the main lodge.



















Workshop in session: What would our conservation plan be?



















Working on the environmental education and awareness plan.




















From left: Me, Lili and Seng. There is a rather unsavoury story behind the tiffin carrier.




















A very odiferous walk through the vegetable garden. Everything smelled of manure for ages afterwards.



















A incriminating shot of Bernie with a long bean.




















Yadz demonstrating mad skillz on the rings... NOT!


























For the record: I did NOT make the papaya tree fall over. I found it that way.




















Can we, like, make the log swing go any faster?




















Dinner, with mosquitoes for company. The meals were prepared without sugar, salt or oil. Just the thing for a detention camp.




















Welcome to Lili and CovertOps's Retoxification Camp! We will reintroduce caffeine, alcohol, transfats, carbohydrates and salt into your bloodstream!



















Lili sliding down what looked like a stormwater drain when drunk at 0200h.



















Yoga poses while heavily inebriated at 0300h.





















A mind-numbingly healthy breakfast on Sunday morning. Somebody, tell me those flowers are to be put behind my ear?

Sunday, 4th October 2009: World Animal Day at the SPCA

The SPCA World Animal Day Celebrations last year were held at the KL Tower Terrace, thanks to the generosity and kind cooperation of City Hall and other corporate bodies. This year, however, we decided that a small-scale celebration at the SPCA shelter in Ampang Jaya would be just as meaningful.

The SPCA PR team sent out a request for ideas over a month ago, and I am pleased to report that my idea was selected. We would have a candlelight vigil, Volunteer Appreciation Awards, and a pledge ceremony. I drafted the pledge within 20 minutes of being requested to do so, and was surprised to find that it had been adopted verbatim.

I managed to stop by the Shelter on our way back from Titi Eco Farm, and was glad that I could join in the later half of the celebrations, even if I could not arrive in time to receive my appreciation award. I was gratified and touched to see the candles lit for the departed animals and the number of pledge cards signed and taken home.




















Candlelight vigil for departed animal companions. May we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.




















Sombre faces: Jacinta and I, after lighting our candles.

























Cindy signs her pledge on the World Animal Day banner, while TeckWyn and Cerys look on.



















Nicole was kept busy selling SPCA merchandise and collecting signatures for the UDAW Petition



















Pris registering applicants for free Klinik Kembiri spay/neuter vouchers. For more info on the low-cost spay/neuter clinic, please click here.

Please take the World Animal Day 2009 pledge!
1. I pledge to look after, protect and provide for all animals under my care; to arrange for alternative caregivers whenever I am away and to find solutions for boarding and rehoming should I find myself unable to care for my companion animals any longer.

2. I pledge to vaccinate and neuter my companion cats, dogs and and small animals (e.g. rabbits and hamsters) and to educate my family, friends and co-workers on the importance of vaccination, neutering and obtaining necessary licenses for one's companion animals.

3. I pledge to gently advise neighbours who fail to provide proper care for their companion animals, and write to zoos, circuses, theme parks and other facilities that keep animals, in the event I witness any acts of neglect, ill-treatment or cruelty. If my advice should fail to bring about positive change in the treatment of the animals, I pledge to report the matter to the SPCA or relevant authorities such as the Wildlife and National Parks Department.

4. I pledge to assist the SPCA and animal welfare groups in finding homes for the animals under their care and advise my family and friends to spay/neuter their existing pets and adopt from shelters and pounds, rather than purchase from pet stores.

5. I pledge to live simply that animals may simply live. I will reduce, reuse and recycle more and use less fossil fuels and chemicals. I will dispose of hazardous materials such as paint, needles and cans with sharp edges carefully. I will use fewer plastics bags, polystyrene products and other materials that may pose a danger to stray animals and wildlife.

6. I pledge to be a more careful driver that I may avoid harm to animals that share our roads and neighbourhoods. I will provide all the assistance I can to animals harmed by traffic and people.

7. I pledge to vote against animal cruelty with my money. I will purchase and use only products that are cruelty-free and which do not cause animal suffering. I will avoid products that are known to have been tested on animals.

8. I pledge not to give animals as gifts unless specifically requested and chosen by the recipient. If I do get an animal as a gift, I will ensure that it will be vaccinated, neutered and given proper care. I will adopt from shelters, pounds and animal rehomers rather than purchase from pet stores and breeders.

9. I pledge to join or support wildlife protection programmes, animal welfare organisations and environmental organisations to educate myself on ways to reduce harm to animals and protect wildlife that are vulnerable to exploitation. Our collective voice and votes can help to change harmful governmental and corporate policies.

10. I pledge to opt for vegetarian food whenever I can. I will go vegetarian at least once a week. I will also actively look for alternatives to leather, suede, fur, honey, silk and ivory.

Happy World Animal Day, from all creatures great and small!

My Week, In Pictures

Saturday, 26th September 2009: Visit to the One Utama Rooftop ‘Secret Garden’

My interest was piqued the day my blog buddy Keats did a write up on the One Utama Secret Garden , and I tried to persuade my parents to overcome their fear of contracting Influenza A to come and visit the Garden with me. The perfect opportunity came along when our Malaysian Nature Society Flora Group organised a visit to the Secret Garden. The parents did not need further persuasion. We had a lovely day learning about rooftop gardening, indigenous tropical plants, gardening techniques and natural history.



















Rangoon Creeper: It might sound like a serial violent crime perpetrator, but it’s really a very attractive plant!



















’Cos we all need, somebody, to lean on!



















Passionfruit flower: Its fragrance is intoxicating!



















Flowerbeds on horticultural carbon. Carbon is lighter, and therefore suitable for rooftop gardens. In addition, it provides aeration for root systems. However, it does not retain much moisture due to its porous nature.



















Covert Mum and I admiring the flowers during the guided walk.






















Covert Mum and Covert Dad taking a break.

Saturday, 26th September 2009: Mid Autumn Festival at One Utama




















An ersatz Chinatown in the concourse area of the One Utama Shopping Centre. How quaint!



















Mid-Autumn Festival is only a week away!



















Gorgeous lanterns to brighten up one’s night with.

Saturday, 26th September 2009: Early Mid Autumn Festival celebrations at the parental home



















Almost all the lanterns are up, oo-rah!



















Lanterns hanging from our garden hedge.



















A recent acquisition: Covert Twin and his girl bought me this fish lantern.



















I have had my panda lantern since 1989 – 1990.
The cellophane is now brittle and the lantern has been repaired and taped over a few times. I hope my panda lasts me another 20 years. Covert Dad was amazed that I am still keeping this, and was touched when I reminded him of the circumstances that led to him buying me this lantern. We had gone out to town and he had let Covert Twin and me choose a lantern each. Ever the thrifty one, I wanted the smallest lantern, because it was the cheapest. Covert Dad asked me not to merely choose the cheapest, but the one I liked best, because I had done well in my exams. I wanted the panda lantern most badly of all. And 19 years on, the panda lantern is still cherished, illuminated and displayed during Mid-Autumn each year.

Sunday, 27th September 2009: Beautiful Battletank























This is the most beautiful car in the world, and she’s mine.

Sunday, 27th September 2009: Cultural Performance at University Malaya

Alicia couldn’t make it to the Cultural Performance due to a pressing matter that she had to attend to, and so I brought my housemate Jess along with me. There was an excruciatingly long wait followed by an excruciatingly slow performance. The props and costumes were bright and cheery, but the performance was sophomoric (but in an endearing way, like watching a school play).



















Lion dance: The only element of my Chinese heritage that I have embraced with passion.



















University students of Kadazandusun ethnicity performing a traditional dance.



















A painfully slow lion dance drama with an obscure message. For a moment, I thought I was in a Kabuki theatre!



Thursday, 1st October 2009: Otis the Adorable Adoptable




















Isn’t he lovely?



















See how well his eye has healed!

It is now 0330h where I am. I will be at the SPCA on Friday (a day off for me) to help out, and to put my darling Otis up for adoption. I have no doubts whatsoever that he would find a good home quickly. I am glad I have had the opportunity to love him and care for him, and I want him to grow up strong, healthy and safe. I wish you all the best, with all my love, Otis!

Aidilfitri break and other matters

Newsflash: Tabitha has been adopted as of Wednesday, 23rd Sept. This means that all 3 Whisketeers have successfully found new homes. Thank you, everyone, for your support! The Whisketeers send their love.

The previous workweek had been a hectic one, but one filled with enjoyable social commitments nevertheless.

As is becoming a tradition in the Unit that I work in, we had a gathering on Thursday night, 17th September 2009, as an early farewell party for one of our interns. We adjourned to La Bodega after dinner to play Taboo. It was a raucous, fast-paced game, and there were clearly several players who are better than the others. Towards the end, we were so psyched up that we were all practically shouting the questions and answers. Even other patrons stood around to watch and cheer us on whenever anyone got a correct answer.

We left the place after midnight, hoarse from all the shouting. My team won by a large margin. I didn't want the interns to have to take cabs home due to the midnight surcharge, so I drove them all back to their respective apartments. It was around 0130h when I finally reached the BOQ, and 0300h when I finally finished the housework. Red Bull will be getting a lot of business from me the following day.

Friday was considerably more relaxed. Vegan Eugene and I went out to dinner at a vegan restaurant (not far from the St. Ignatius Church) that he had just discovered. A meal at the shop cost only RM2.00, and I surmised that it was more of a community kitchen than a profit-making enterprise. I pointed out that the restaurant's name, "Fo Guang", means "The Light of Buddha" and that the restaurant was probably run by a Buddhist association. The clientele was comfortingly multi-faith and multi-ethnic.

Fireworks, contraband but still widely available, illuminated the night sky as the midnight hour arrived. There were still 24 hours to go until Aidilfitri, but our 4-day weekend has begun.

Saturday, 19th September 2009:

Months ago, I had offered to deliver a presentation on "Setting Green Living Priorities and Practicing the 3Rs" to the Sunshine Ladies, a group of dedicated volunteers who work with the differently-abled. I learned of this group through its founder, my blog buddy Keats, and was inspired and touched by the good work they do. As Keats had expressed interest in my 3R talk, we managed to fix a date and she did her best rallying her friends and other interested parties to attend the talk.

The talk took place at the beautiful and massive home of one of Keats' friends. It was a warm morning but the ersatz rainforest in our gracious hostess' home provided a screen for the heat. The water in the swimming pool looked cool and inviting, but we had to set up the LCD projector and test out the videos and slides before I may look around.

The guests started trickling in at 1000h, ruddy-cheeked and cheerful from their morning exercise routines. I was surprised at the size of the crowd, and slightly awed by the fact that all of them belong to the upper stratum of society. Would they be willing to listen to what I had to say about the environmental cost of big homes, air travel and shopping expeditions?

Fortunately, they were! They were the nicest, most engaging and most participatory audience I have ever had. They all had ideas to contribute and stories to share, and I was glad because it showed that they were not bored. We played the 3R Game, went through the slides and video presentations, and had interactive discussion sessions. Although my talk typically lasts 2 hours, it went on for another hour on Saturday because all the participants had something important to contribute to the discussion. Most of them are involved in community work and many have instituted environmentally-friendly practices at home such as chemical-free cleaning and composting.

At the end of the talk, many of the participants came forward to purchase the Green Living booklets and get my contact information. Some made cash contributions to Green Living, although I didn't request it. We had a lovely tea party after the talk and I sampled everything. I chatted with my kind hostess and played with her dogs before going home with the pumpkin cake and jellies that she had packed for me.

I am grateful that the talk was well-received, and pleased to have made the acquaintance of new friends. I trust I shall be able to participate in some of the Sunshine Ladies' activities in future. The world is a good place, full of good people, if only you know where to look.

Sunday, 20th September 2009:

I gave the Rowdies a bath on Sunday morning before going to Ampang for my blog buddy Pak Idrus’ Hari Raya Open House for lunch. It took me a while to locate his lovely home. His garden plants created a sylvan veil for his gate, but I thought I recognised the green classic Volvo parked outside. I then heard a friendly voice calling my name and went in to salam with Pak Idrus and his dear wife. His daughter Lin was there with family friends as well. We sat in his plant-filled and tastefully-decorated verandah, enjoying the scrumptious food and company. More guests arrived and joined in the conversation, and we chatted about everything from cats to politics to dentists. We had homemade apple and walnut pie, courtesy of Lin, for dessert.






Photos borrowed from Pak Idrus' blog without permission, so please visit him here if you like what you see.

I thanked my host and hostesses and bade everyone goodbye after lunch. Pak Idrus' house is only 2 minutes away from the SPCA. I changed into my SPCA workclothes and started cleaning the cat cages in the Front Reception/Admin area. Tabitha was still there and I promised to bring her home by Thursday if she were not adopted by then.

Rose and I had wanted to wash the dogs but the weather was drizzly and unpredictable, and Dr. Pushpa didn't think it was a good idea. She did, however, assure us that the staff would tickwash the dogs on weekdays when the weather was better.

I cleaned the Cattery instead, scrubbing and disinfecting each cat basket and litter tray. I swabbed and washed the shelves, cages and floor and made sure all the cats had fresh bedding, food and water. Next, I cleaned the Maternity Kennels and Hospital. I took away the old newspapers and miscellaneous junk left on top of the cages. I then cleaned the Puppy Area and Front Office/Reception/Admin area and took out the trash. The washroom was in quite a state, as usual, and so I had to clean and disinfect it before I could shower and change in it.

I went to the night market and organic produce shop to pick up some things for Covert Mum and Covert Dad before going back to the BOQ to tidy up and feed and clean up after the Rowdies. Otis is recovering really well and you couldn't even tell that there had been injury to his left eye before. He taught himself to use the litter tray from the day he arrived and has been a fluffy bundle of joy since.

Started the drive back to the parental home around 2130h. Arrived to find a nasty shock (the parents didn't want to tell me as they were afraid that I would drive like a maniac to get home faster) -- Chocky had hindquarter paralysis and couldn't walk. It had happened very suddenly sometime around dinnertime.

I massaged Chocky and applied pressure to his back and legs but he did not flinch or show any signs that he was in any pain. I have only ever seen such a wobbly gait in dogs suffering from hip dysplasia or distemper. But Chocky has been vaccinated, is a mixed breed, and is too young to be suffering from hip problems. What was going on?

We let Chocky rest while I comforted the parents and tried to call up all the vets I know to fix an appointment. Covert Twin arrived a little later, confused and upset that his dog wasn't walking. It was a long night for all of us, and I know I wasn't the only one who came out to take a peek at Chocky that night to make sure that he was still with us.

Monday, 21st September - Tuesday, 22nd September 2009:

We rushed Chocky to the Gasing Animal Hospital as soon as it was open on Monday morning. Thankfully, we had 2 days of public holidays and did not have to go on emergency leave. Chocky was still weak and unable to stand. The vet gave him a thorough checkup but was unable to determine what was wrong. Chocky was given an antibiotic injection in case his ailment was caused by bacteria or a virus, and a steroid injection to reduce any inflammation. A blood sample was taken for testing. We were instructed to bring Chocky home to rest and to fast him for 12 hours for the x-ray the following day.

Chocky’s condition started to improve after the steroid jab. I did housework to take my mind off my fears for poor Chocky. I cleaned the Venetian blinds, some of the kitchen cabinets and the living room. I scrubbed the garden fountain and some of the flower pots. I gave Amber a bath and prepared food for Amber and Chocky. By evening, Chocky was walking again. The vet called at night and informed us that the blood test results were back, but it showed that Chocky’s condition wasn’t caused by an allergy or ingestion of toxins. We weren’t taking any chances. We will still take him to the hospital again in the morning.

Tuesday morning saw a very hungry and despondent Chocky enter the car. Once at the hospital again, however, Chocky’s mood improved after he made a new friend, a Spitz-cross who took an immediate liking to Chocky. Soon it was Chocky’s turn to see the vet. The vet did another examination of Chocky and decided that an x-ray would be unnecessary as Chocky’s problem was probably neurological in origin and an x-ray would not be helpful. We were sent off with 3 different kinds of medication for Chocky, who was by now back to his usual gregarious self. Chocky went home to a hero’s welcome. We all hope that his condition will not recur. Just to be on the safe side, we will be putting him on neurobion supplements from now on.

I spent the rest of the day spring cleaning the master bedroom, doing the laundry and mopping the floor. It’s good to have our old Chocky back, and I hope it lasts. He gave us such a scare, even Amber was worried and was not her usual self at all. She refused to go for her walks and wanted to keep Chocky within sight all the time. Something told her that Chocky wasn’t well and she was sensitive to it. I love Amber all the more for her protectiveness, and Chocky all the more for his vulnerability.

Loving something as fragile and ephemeral as animals leaves me with an exquisite pain, and it really is the heart that feels the pain. But it also fills me with a fierce, protective love and courage and makes me want to be a better person that I may be worthy of their love. And when I look into the eyes of my canine and feline children, I know I am fortunate beyond measure to be able to love them, and to be able to receive their love. I would not trade that for the world.

~Whiskey-Echo-Lima, out.~

Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay

Saturday. 12th September 2009: Connections

Went back to the parental home on Friday night and spent Saturday cleaning the parental home, spring cleaning the spare room, giving Amber a bath and washing Covert Mum and Covert Dad's cars.

This must be a rare week for reconnecting with old friends. When I was out taking Amber for a drive around the neighbourhood, I met my old school pal, Parames, who I haven't seen for years, and her baby boy, Manesh, on an evening stroll near her old home. I stopped the car and got out to greet and hug my old friend. Our brothers were best friends and had remained so, but due to the fact that Parames is younger than I am and had attended a different school, we drifted apart in our teenage years and only met up during the festive holidays. The last time I saw her was on Deepavali day in 1995. It was good to catch up again and exchange phone numbers and promises to add each other as friends on Facebook.

I felt so gratified that we had gotten back in touch. I really treasured her friendship and was sorry that we had been too busy to keep the friendship active and alive. My Saturday was much enriched for having made contact with yet another old friend.

Sunday, 13th September 2009: Meet Otis!

I had agreed to participate in the Kota Damansara Community Forest Lake Cleanup on Sunday morning, organised by the Eco Warriors Facebook group. However, Amber's skin sensitivities had flared up and she scratched herself almost to bits on Saturday night.
How could I go out cleaning lakes when Amber was in so much pain and discomfort? I took her to the vet whose services my parents rely on, Dr Peter, as soon as the clinic was open on Sunday morning. After the consultation, I took Amber back to the parental home so that I could administer medicine to her.

I left the parental home for the SPCA around noon, once I was confident that Amber is going to be okay. It was a busy day at the SPCA, and I was pleased to see a few animals adopted.

Tabitha was still there, and I was prepared to bring her home if she were not adopted by evening, but the vets informed me that they were fairly certain that she would be adopted soon, as she is a friendly and affectionate kitten and there has been many inquiries about her. It's just that many people didn't want to adopt before their festive vacation as they would then have to make boarding arrangements. It made practical and economic sense for them to adopt after the festive holidays, and the vets believe that Tabitha would be adopted by then. Tabitha is a well-adjusted and active kitten, and I trust she will find a good home soon.

There was another kitten at the SPCA, a grey quasi-Persian with unruly fluffy hair and a plaintive meow. He was a one-month-old stray that someone found wandering near the stalls, crying in pain. The tiny tomcat had wandered too close to a hot motorcycle exhaust pipe while in search of food and had burned his left eye. Not being aware of any alternatives, the passerby brought him to the SPCA.

I informed the vets that I could foster the kitten until he is strong and healthy enough to be rehomed. I know that Ilium Chloroint could be used safely on eye injuries as long as there is no ulceration (The steroid in Ilium products could delay the healing process in ulcers).

I prepared a carrier and informed the SPCA staff that I would be taking the kitten for a few weeks. I decided to name him "Otis", as in Otis Redding. (No prizes for guessing the inspiration for the title of this blogpost).

A gentle, reluctant drizzle fell the entire afternoon at the SPCA, and so Rose and I could not wash and groom the shelter dogs. I got to work cleaning the shelter instead. Reve assisted with the visitors and potential adopters, while I cleaned and disinfected the Cattery, Maternity Kennels, Puppy Kennels, Hospital and the Front Office/Admin/Reception area with biodegradable soap powder and Dettol.

Reve and I finished cleaning the shelter and led the dogs back into their enclosures at 1930h. I had a shower, put Otis in the cat carrier and drove him home to the BOQ.

(Update as at Monday, 14th September 2009: Otis' eye is healing nicely and he is the most delightful kitten ever. He never misses the litter tray, doesn't soil the pillowcase I've given him to sleep on, eats heartily, plays with the jingle ball and racing car I've given him and sleeps once he is full-bellied and tuckered out. I can't think of anyone not wanting to bring him home)

Stopped by the night market for fresh produce and food. Fed and cleaned up after the Rowdies, set up Otis' living quarters and cleaned up the BOQ.

I know Otis' path crossed with mine for a reason, and I won't let him down.






Otis meowing plaintively to be picked up and cuddled.



A close-up of Otis: You can see that the injury to his eye is healing nicely and his eyesight is intact.





Otis having a ball in the Battletank.





The vulnerable look is part of his appeal. Okay, I am a lousy photographer, so bite me!

Monday, 14th September 2009: The Battletank is back from her makeover!

Hey, did you happen to see the most beautiful car in the world?
And if you did, she happens to be mine...




Tuesday, 15th September 2009: Blood Donation




As I was keeping on top of my work and did not have to rush my lunch hour on Tuesday, I decided to give blood at the National Blood Bank at noon. I had originally wanted to do it on Covert Dad's birthday (20th August), but as it was then not yet three months since my last donation, I was unable to donate. I decided to defer it to September, and recite my Theravada transference of merit puja for Covert Dad after the deed.

It went, as usual, without a hitch. The blood bank is only an 8-minute drive away from my office. My haemoglobin count was 14.1, and I managed to fill up a 350ml bag within 2.58 minutes, which still did not surpass my personal best of 2.54 minutes.

The nurses gave me sandwiches, coffee, biscuits (the cream-filled ones which ruin my teeth), iron and folic acid pills and a souvenir mug as a token of appreciation, as it was my 29th whole blood donation.

Once I was in the Battletank, I recited the transference of merit puja and informed Covert Dad of it. It seemed a bit odd as it has been almost a month since his birthday.

At the rate I am going, I am convinced that I will be reborn as a cockroach or a slug. It seems to me that each time I consciously do anything that is of use and of good to another (or others), I recite the transference of merit prayers in favour of someone else - The living: Covert Dad and Covert Mum, or the departed: Granddad, Murphy, Pepsi, Walden, Chip, Shasta, the orange cat at the SPCA and the dogs that perished on Pulau Ketam.

I think I have depleted my supply of good karma so much that I really shouldn't expect to be anything more than a small, cold-blooded invertebrate of some sort in my next life. Oh well. I just hope that I don't get reborn as an axolotl, because they give me the creeps.

~Charlie Mike, Commando!~

Meme: Save Yvonne's Sight.

I've been tagged by Saya, and invited to tag myself by Ellen and Pat.

Yvonne's only 22, and losing her sight to neurofibromatosis, type II. It has also severely affected her hearing. I got to know Yvonne through a friend and banked in some money for her last surgery a few months ago (April? May? June? Sorry, I forgot!). I got to know later that despite her medical problems, big-hearted Yvonne and her mum have picked up and adopted a stray cats and dogs, mostly from the PJ Old Town area. Goes to show the kind of unselfish, kind, forward-looking person that she is.

I quote from Pat (and pretty much everyone else) here:

"She is scheduled for an operation between 1 and 4 December 2009. The cost of surgery is USD44,000 or RM54,770, and the cost of staying in hospital for two weeks is USD915 or RM3219.

She has raised about RM52,454.28 of this and is hoping to raise the rest by republishing her book I'm Not Sick; I'm Just a Bit Unwell in English and Chinese.'

You can read all about Yvonne and about how to get your hands on her book on her website (address provided below) - and also help her to make up the rest of the money she needs by donating to her fund.




You can help Yvonne by sending on this meme. If you do, simply follow these rules:


Create a blog entry titled “Meme: Save Yvonne’s Sight”
List three things you love to see. Add in the picture of Yvonne’s book cover.
The URL is http://www.yvonnefoong.com/images/banner/my-story.jpg3. End with the line, "Yvonne Foong is in danger of losing her eyesight thanks to neurofibromatosis (NF). Please find out how you can help her by visiting her blog at http://www.yvonnefoong.com".

Tag 5 blog friends. Be sure to copy the rules, OK?

If you have a Facebook account, please check out Ellen’s new invention, a “feme” pronounced FEEM, a meme designed for Facebook here. And if you want to blog about NF, that would be great too!


Three things I'd love to see:

One: All shelter animals rehomed.

Two: Amber cured of demodex/skin sensitivities.

Three: Aurora Borealis

I've not tagged anyone, but please be 'tagged' and pass this on if you're here now ;)

Please help Yvonne by visiting her blog, and contributing if you can, or simply
passing on her message to others who may be able to help. Also, if you are organising any public event, say, a Family Day Carnival or a staff club fundraiser or a neighbourhood potluck party, do try to pass the hat around. Yvonne's friends can be contacted via her blog and they can help to set up a booth and put up merchandise for sale.


Thank you.