My glaucoma journey

Since 2003 when I was diagnosed having advanced close-angled glaucoma, my journey as a glaucoma sufferer is like a roller-coaster. My hope goes up and down depending on the result of my checkup. I felt good and confidence when I last saw my specialist. Looking at my visual field test she finds that my sight is not as bad as it looks by examination. My eye pressure was good and stable. But, last week when I went for check up again at the hospital, the glimmer of hope that I experienced evaporated when I was told that my eye pressure was higher that it should be. Again, the doctor talks about surgery which I am hoping it will not come to that. I am on maximum dose of eye drops (4) which I faithfully adhere to doctor's instruction. I know my sight is deteriorating, I can feel it.
I have done what I can and what I was advised to. I am also on homeopathy treatment and the doctor told me that my sight will not betray me as my nerve is still strong. I pray it's true. I am not asking for perfect vision which is impossible but please God let me be able to drive (at least short distance), read and enjoy the beauty around me. I wish to explore all the islands in Malaysia solo and write a book on the experience. My publisher would be happy to hear this. They have given up hope of publishing another book from me. I have checked out from writing books. But the wish to write a book is still burning inside me. I hope my eyes can take it.
I remember some time ago, I felt so hopeless about my sight and I was in great despair. I guess I got used to the highs and the lows of my situation. I don't despair and cry anymore. I suppose that is what acceptance is all about. I am calmer. My head is still full of plans of what I want to do.
I shall travel as usual. I want to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Korea and watch cormorant birds fishing in Li River, Guilin, trek the Silk Road route, and other places whenever I have the opportunity to go. Insyallah.

Banda Acheh

It's almost 10 years since tsunami devastated this country. I visited Banda Acheh with a small group of retired people, organised by Izan of AIZ Event Management for 4 days on 14-17 Jan 2014. BA has almost returned to normal with little traces of destruction brought by tsunami and earthquake on 26 Dec 2004. But everyone there seems has a story to tell about their experiences  and their loss. The photos of the catastrophy at the museums and at the mosques  could tear your heart away. Banda Acheh and the surrounding areas were like ' padang jarak padang tekukur' after tsunami hit.

Masjid Baiturrahim in Uleelheue, Banda Acheh, still under restoration.

The architectural design of Masjid Baiturrahim which is very near the sea in Ulee Lheue, Banda Acheh withstood the onslaught of tsunami and left it almost intact. It had saved many lives during the disaster. It is being restored but part of it is left as it is to remind people of the clamity.

Pristine beaches and calm sea at Acheh's beach.

The beaches and the sea are beautiful. White sand beach runs for mile and the sea is blue and calm, hiding the historical wrath of tsunami in 2004. Acheh is a beautiful country.
The Tsunami museum is impressive and informative, telling a lot of sad stories of the event. It opens the eyes of the people and the government to be alert of impending threats of tsunami, earthquack, landslides etc.  Escape buildings are built near the seaside area for nearby villagers to save their lives in case of such disaster happens again.
90% of Acheh population is Muslims and quite devout. It is advisable for Muslims to wear proper attire and women to cover their heads. It was no problem for me. Since Acheh still needs help to recover from the tsunami, donations are welcome in many places such as the mosques, tsunami landmarks, orphanage, mass graves etc. So it is a good idea to bring small denomination either in Indonesian Rupiah or Malaysian Ringgit for this purpose.

Siron Mass burial site. The green field ground is where 46,718 people were buried after the aftermath of tsunami.  

It is sad to visit the mass burial site at Siron where 46,718 people were buried in mass. There are many more mass burial sites like this and many still experience no closure where they couldn't find their love ones.
The Achenese are warm and friendly people.  There are no beggers, either adults or children who bug you everywhere you go.

At top deck of PLTD Apung weighing 2,600 tons transported by tsunami 5km into a village from where it was anchored. 

It's cheap to go to Banda Acheh and it takes only 1 hour 25 minutes flight from KL.I encourage anyone who is interested to go there to experience humility and understanding of human sufferings.

Selamat Tahun Baru 2014

2013 was a good year for me, alhamdulillah. I hope 2014 will also be kind to me and let me get on with life with .little hassle. 2014 opens with a little glimmer of hope for my eyes. My eye specialist told me that my visual field test showed that my glaucoma damage is not as bad as it looks with naked eyes. She's hopeful that my glaucoma doesn't progress to further deterioration and said I can still drive with care as I am doing now. My attempt to slow down the damage include homoepathy treatment with Dr. Mohammad in Kuching and taking organic bilberry juice which Maz bought from Mahnaz Food in Section 22, Shah Alam. On top of that I faithfully take vegetable juice which include spinach, carrot and beetroot, 2 or 3 times a week. So far I have not been careless about using the three eye drops prescribed for me. I just pray, Allah desn't take away my total sight yet and  give me time to enjoy most of the spectacular beauty He has created.

Rania in her new school uniform. 060114

Demure Rania welcoming the New Year.

Rania with adorable cousin Gabe.

Gorgeous Rania

On 6 January 2014, Rania went to a new playschool not far the house. Like any other children she is adjusting to new friends, teachers and environment and cried a bit for a day or two but she gets adjusted so fast as she has such lovely nature and smiling face.

Gabe knows no fear. Silverleaf monkeys are his friends. 311213

Haidi kena pujuk Nia tapi Gabe pakai rempuh je kat silverleaf tu.  

Rania berkepit dengan Pak Su, takut kat silverleaf monkeys.

Rania tak mahu pergi dekat silverleaf monkeys.

On 31 Dec 2013, Rania and Gabe went to Bukit Melawati to get acquinted with the silverleaf monkeys. Like in Kuala Gandah, Rania just enjoyed looking from far but Gabe was so curious he wanted to go, play and touch without any fear. Haidi's parents had to restrain him but he struggled. The silverleaf monkeys are gentle and non- aggressive. They are beautiful but overwhelming for Rania.

Battle of the Shades - Rania and Gabe with fashionable sunglasses. 311213

I promised Rania that she can sleep with me every Thursday night. Since both  her parents work late, sleeping on my bed has become a treat. A ritual has been established and it goes like this:
Selamat malam nenek
Jumpa esok
Mimpi manis
Nenek sayang Nia
Nia sayang nenek
Alfatihah...

and normally she sleeps so soundly until subuh. When she gets up, she will whisper in my ears ' Selamat pagi nenek'. Rania is priceless.
So welcome 2014 and please be good.

Lowering Cholesterol level

4 months ago when I went for my yearly blood test at the Clinic, I was shocked to learn that my cholesterol level was high, bordering danger. She wanted to put me on medication but I declined and promised that I would work hard to lower it naturally. She gave me 4-6 months to go back to normal reading ie. below 5. I did my research through internet and found a bunch of information on how to lower cholesterol level. I also learned that prescribed cholesterol medication has side effect such as decline in memory power. My memory is already not good and I didn't want to make it worse. So Cholesterol medication is out for me.
Today, I got my second blood test result and I was elated that it has gone down below 5. That was a big sigh of relief. This is what I do.

1. I take Kordel's Oat 35 twice a day mixed in fruit juice.
2. Ika bought me regular Organic rolled oats. My breakfast is a bowl of rolled oat mixed with hot Milo with Analin milk for calcium. To make it taste better, I add some raisins and some wolf-berry (for my eyes).
3. I eat eggplant/ brinjal regularly. I usually steam them with chicken or with salmon which I marinate in salt and pepper. I add a bit of olive oil and some sambal for taste. It's yummy!!!

 My steam chicken and brinjal in sambal cooked with olive oil.

4. Once in awhile, if I remember, I take a teaspoon of habatulsauda or blackseed oil at night.
5. I take a 45 minutes brisk walk about twice a week or whenever I can. I don't exercise regularly because of time constraint. But I exercise whenever I have the opportunity.
So, if you suffer from high cholesterol, you can help yourself and avoid taking prescribed drug which is not good for your body.
The above steps work for me. I hope it work for you too.

Similar but different - Lombok

At Scenic Bukit Malimbu, Senggigi

Lombok is developing into a tourist attraction next to Bali. Whereas the majoriy of Bali population is Hindu, Lombok is mostly Muslims. It boasts of pristine beaches, green landscapes, and intriguing culture. Visiting Lombok on 6-9 Dec2013, gave meaning to my Nusantara history lessons of yesteryear. The Hindu Kingdom of Majapahit and the role of Mataram in the spread of Islam vaguely surfaced in my memory. It gave meaning to what I've learned. The role of Patih Gajah Mada in the Malay Annal (Sejarah Melayu) and in the legend of Hang Tuah connected me to the place. Unfortunately there was no historical mark of Majapahit Kingdom except some familiar names.

At Sasak Traditional Village buying hand woven sarung from a Sasak lady.081213

Lombok indigenous people is called the Sasak. Though their religion is Islam, many have wavered and established their own sect like the Wetu Tiga. They pray 3 times a day, not the mandatory 5 times a day as required by Islam. Many of them are staunch Muslims but some mixed Islam with animism and Hinduism and practice mystical magic which is forbidden by Islam. Marriage is by 'curi' system, that is, a boy steals the girl he fancies and takes her to his house. After much negotiation by both parents, then they are married. There are a few cases where Malaysian Malay girls were stolen or kidnapped by their Lombok boyfriends to Lombok, causing so much heart ache and worry to their parents. Some are lucky to be rescued and brought back to Malaysia by the government.
Kendi Maling is a pot pottery designed to store water to cool without refrigeration. Water is poured at the bottom hole and poured out through the snout. I found this fascinating.

Sasak tarditional house.

The Sasak Traditional Village is an attraction by itself. The people maintain their traditional way of life strictly and intermarry among them. Their houses are made of bamboo with woven alang-alang grass (elephant grass) as their roof. The floor is made from mixture of cow-dung, clay and padi husk which keep the house cool. The women are involved in weaving. The men work in padi fields.

Group photo at Kuta beach, Lombok.

Lombok is an interesting place to be.

My Little Sumo Wrestler

Fantastic burning sky at PD 241113

Gorgeous sunset at PD from my apt. 241113

24 November 2013, Izrin, Haidi, Gabe, Maz and I stayed at my apartment in PD for easy travel to Tampin the next day to settle our kebun issue. Ika and Rania had to go back to PJ as Ika and Justin got to work on Monday.

Gabe watching cat video on his tablet. 241113

Cucu nenek manja - my Gabe 241113

Gabe 241113

Gabe

That night Izrin and Haidi left Gabe to me for the first time. Gabe has been quite clingy to his parents and leaving him will result in non-stop wailing. Gabe is so different from Rania. He is a BOY!! He is so independent and doesn't like to be cuddled or held too much. I always have to sneak behind him to steal a kiss or two. He is not really close to me or to Maz or Ika. So his parents were quite apprehensive leaving him for an hour or so to me and Maz for fear he would cry non-stop as he usually did.

My little Sumo wrestler 241113

But surprise, surprise, Gabe was such a happy little boy with not even a squeak for his parents. He was happy rolling on the sofa or watching a cat video on his tablet. This little angel is so adorable especially when he laughs or smiles then his dimples on both cheeks deepen. When he is in diaper and shirtless, his tough body looks so cute and chubby and resembles a mini Sumo wrestler.
Maz was good with Gabe, playing and entertaining him and Gabe loved the attention.

Rania proudly shows off her favourite Ariel the Mermaid dress bought by Nenek. 281113

Rania and Elephant Sanctuary

"Is today Thursday, Nenek?" That was the question Rania was asking everyday since we told  her that we were going to take her to the Elephant Sanctuary in Kuala Gandah on Thursday 21 November 2013. She was excited and eagerly climbed into Mak Yang's car, chattering with her endless questions.

Feeding the elephant with Rania looking on.

Rania singing a Mandarin song to the elephant

Rania enjoying bathing the elephant activity

Bathing the elephant at Elephant Sanctuary. Kuala Gandah, Pahang.

The elephants show 

Maz feeding the elephant 

It took more than 2 hours to reach the Sanctuary. Nia was restless when we were watching a video show about elephant relocation and kept on asking where the elephants were. At the elephant enclosure, she was in awe looking at them. We coaxed her to feed them but she refused, preferring to watch, no matter how much Maz and I encouraged her to. Finally, Maz suggested that she sing to the elephants in her Mandarin song 'Taa Siang...' Swaying her body and gesturing with her hands she sang as loudly as she could and we were so tickled to see that one elephant responded by swaying his body too. No, she didn't want to hold out the peanut or sugar cane to the elephant, instead she just watched them wide eyed.
Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary has undergone some changes. There are still construction and renovation going on. Entry is still free, a fact that boggles my mind, knowing that to upkeep the sanctuary costs money. I don't know why the Pahang government is practicing unplaced generosity when this place can generate some income to finance it.
The elephant ride was scrap off which I am glad they do, feeding the elephant is at arm length blocked by barriers for safety reason and bathing with the elephant was not included in the activity anymore. Elephant activities are opened at 2.30pm and the sanctuary closes at 4.30 pm. I still remember a few years back when Najidah and I visited the sanctuary we were able to have up close and personal contact with 2 baby elephants at that time, Bong and Siput. Both have grown into mature elephants and I couldn't recognize them anymore.

Rania enjoying the deer at Deerland, Kuala Gandah 

Admiring the little hedgehog 

Rania in awe at the deer with horn. 

Rania and the ferret with the help of a Deerland staff. 

Rania and the rabbit 

The python looking at Rania. 

On the way back we stopped at Deerland for Rania. Entry there is RM6.00 for adult and RM3.00 for children. Feeding the deer also was done behind the barrier. Some time back adults were allowed to go into the enclosure to feed the deer which I found so thrilling. Again Rania refused to feed the deer but was fascinated watching, laughing and smiling all the time. At the small animals section she touched the hedgehog, a rabbit, a ferret and almost touched the python.
It was an exciting day for this three and a half year old delightful little girl. An outing with her is always invigorating. She is so curious and so happy. I plan to take her to see the silverleaf monkeys one of these days. I hope she will grow up loving animals and nature.