FAMILY: 86+91=1

June 17, 2023June 17, 2023 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

What is the greatest number of all the digits in the numerical range? Let’s rephrase that question: What is your favourite number? To many Chinese, this could be 8, 18 ,188, 888. The digit, “8” symbolizes luck and good fortune. We will not go into the meaning behind various numbers as that is a whole topic in itself.

For an aunt of mine, it is 37. She has been 37 years of age for the past 43 years and has begun her 44th. Yes, you – Aunty Val. It goes without saying that things are the same old, same old; back here in Petaling Jaya – Subang Jaya – Klang.

I think the greatest number of all numbers is the number: “1“, One, Numero Uno (Italian), Yat (Cantonese), Satu (Bahasa Malaysia, Onnu (Tamil). Why I say this is because it represents, or seem to represent all numbers.

One of the occasions you see the number “1” as a representation is “birthdays”. On birthday cakes, regardless of age; a lone birthday cake candle is lighted, to symbolize the person’s age. I think, in that regards; the number “1” is timeless.

My mum just turned 86 years of age three days ago (June 14th). On top of her birthday cake, there was a single birthday candle, lighted to symbolize life. We don’t need big numbers to do that. The lighted candle, providing light on her journey which she has experienced throughout her life. …The same lighted candle becomes “a beacon of light”, lighting up her pathway towards the many more wonderful years ahead.

MY SON. In this picture, I was probably at age 4 years old. My mother was around 25 years.
I was in the comfort and safety of my mother. I looked secure.
My mother’s facial caption, “My son”.
*Picture prop: Fiat 1200 Grand Luce.*

Resilient, strong character, yet gentle; the 4th youngest of 17 children (including 3 from her father’s first wife); a Convent Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur student. Barely out of school when she married an army officer.

This young army officer, used to visit his parents and siblings, who so happened to live next door to the family of this Convent Bukit Nanas student in Lorong Hicks, Kuala Lumpur. The army officer and family were originally from Ipoh, Perak.

As the story goes, this Convent Bukit Nanas student came from the locally well-known Gomes family, well known as musicians, music teachers and singers. Her father (my grandfather), was said to be amongst the first to bring and start up an orchestra in then Malaya (now Malaysia). Amongst the singers in this family, this 4th youngest child of the family, the Convent Bukit Nanas student, Philomena Clara Gomes; could sing; too.

The army officer, Eustace Anthony Atkinson sings bass; and Philomena sings contralto. So, you add 2 + 3 together and you get wedding bells on June 16, 1956.

Then, we, their children; came along…

Siblings with mum and dad. I found this photo amongst the thousands of photographs we have. No idea when it was taken. But it must have been years ago.
Left to Right: Terence (No. 4), the late Jennifer (No.1), mum, dad, Malcolm (No.5), myself (No. 2), the late Nigel (No.3).

Yesterday was their 67th wedding anniversary. They have taken the less travelled road, the roller coaster ride with the ups and downs, sharp left and right turns causing “G” force pulls. Mum still bakes the best butter cakes and dad, at 91; still drives out for groceries.

Here’s wishing mum many, many more great birthdays.

Here’s wishing mum and dad many, many more wedding anniversaries. Together, they are the power of “1”.

STUCK AT BEING 37

June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

The lady who turned 37, 43 years ago; is into her 44th year of being 37. She still is up to speed with her antics. What can we, her family, say? She keeps us in stitches with her humor. Though there was a time, she used nails…yes those that your hammer into walls and things like wood.

Aunty Val as she is known to us, her nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces and our generation of friends; and her late husband, Uncle Jeff (Jeffrey Surin); were quite the pair. They could probably run circles around Mr. Bean. He wouldn’t know whether he was coming or going.

on one occasion in the 1970s, they dropped by at Aunty Maureen’s house. It was a Saturday afternoon. Aunty Maureen, Uncle Alex (the late Alex Harding) and family, were not in. Their house was as usual – unlocked. Aunty Val and Uncle Jeff, got in to the compound, and went round to the back of the house, where they found several durian fruit.

These pranksters helped themselves to all the fruit. Then then put the seeds back in the fruit and nailed the shell shut (as though they were unopened). The Hardings got a surprise when Uncle Alex unsuspectingly, tried to open the durian fruit and found it frustrating, trying to get the fruit opened. He managed to get them opened after a while, only to find the fruit was opened but the seeds were left behind. These “Charlie Browns” (referring to the Peanuts character), referring to Uncle Jeff and Aunty Val; and everyone had a great laugh.

*Some of the fruit and dried fruits on the table for snacking.*

We had Aunty Val, Aunty Maureen, Uncle Ronnie, Aunty Maryjane, some of the cousins and Malcolm over for dinner, recently, a couple of Friday evenings ago. Aunty Val and Aunty Maureen were both garlanded as lady guests of honor for being in the 80s. Jeannie, Laura and I thought it was a great opportunity to have them over before Aunty Val heads back to Perth, Australia.

The gathering was not so much about the food. Well, truth be told; food had a “drawing factor” reason for the gathering, too. Isn’t that an everyday story when it comes to Malaysians – food plays an integral part of most gatherings.

For simple food, we had quite a spread on offer. Famed, yet quiet about his culinary skills; Chef Neil whipped up a fire-breathing hot curry chicken kapitan, with generous offerings of chicken and potatoes in it. The spice level – I cannot really gauge: everyone was profusely perspiring after eating some of this curry, and that, with both the hall air-conditioners set at maximum cold.

*The Roti Jala on the top left of the picture. Next to it is the amazing curry chicken kapitan.*

Chef Neil also made “roti Jala” that was to compliment the curry chicken kapitan. For those of you who would like to engage Chef Neil for your functions, you can email us your requests and details.

We also had KFC’s Hot & Spicy chicken, one of Aunty Val’s many favourites, pizza and roti canai with two types of curry.

For snacks and after dinner food, there were mangosteens, large kampong steamed bananas, water jambu (jambu air), guava, pickled mango, nutmeg and a variety of different dried fruits (another of Aunty Val’s favourites).

*Here, Aunty Val is at her element; playing with some of the fruit.* *Darren and Elaine were amused. And Aunty Maureen: lost for words.*

Food aside, we had a wonderful evening, recollecting many wonderful memories and talking about family. We were brought up to speed with news Of Uncle Al, Uncle Pat, Uncle Bob and their families; all of whom are in Perth Australia. It is interesting to note that half our family are in Australia, while the rest of us are here. Uncle Pat was the first to emigrate there. The half that are in Australia live the Aussie Mat Salleh way of life, with some managing to blend bits of their Asian heritage and culture in this way of life.

As Aunty Val makes her way back to Australia, we continue to wish her the very best for the coming years. Yes, her “age-o-meter” will continue to stay stuck at 37. Who’s counting?

37 Years Old For The Last 43 Years

May 24, 2023October 25, 2024 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

She’s down. She’s back in Malaysia. The one who has been 37 years old for the last 43 years. Yes, it is her – Aunty Val.

Wow! 80 and onto her 81st! These are just numbers as I can’t remember her ever changing! She is the same as when she was 20, 40, 60, 80. Always been there for all of us. I betcha she will be the same in the next 20.

“She is the same as always” means just that. One can never tell when she is serious or pulling a fast one. Her coming to Malaysia this time around was anyone’s guess. Dad and mum believed her when she told them that she was not. They gathered from our sibling and family discussions that she was indeed, making a trip to this side of the globe.

Dad called her using the Messenger app, and asked her once again, if the news of her impending trip was true. Mum, spoke with her, too. She told them no way was she going to travel with all “this covid virus strains and what have you”, making its rounds.

Mum called me on the phone and asked, “who said Aunty Val will be coming down (more like up. They are down under) to Malaysia? Dad just called her and she told him that she definitely was not making a trip this time.” She, too; fell for Aunty Val’s fib – “hook, line and sinker” (as dad would always say).

Little did Dad and mum know that Aunty Val was talking to them from the comforts of Aunty Maureen’s (dad, Aunty Maureen and Aunty Val are siblings) house. Aunty Val, the youngest of six brothers and sisters; had arrived in Malaysia that morning. She wanted to surprise dad on his 91st birthday (May 10th) by showing up at his doorstep.

On dad’s birthday, she was at the door to surprise both dad and mum. It was a good get together, where Aunty Maureen was there, too. Neil and Francis (Aunty Maureen’s sons, my cousins), and I; had planned this evening. We were in the thick of things as we were in the know of Aunty Val’s trip.

I think to keep the sanity of this world or what we can make out of the little of it, intact; none of her (Aunty Val’s) sons; or us, her nephews and nieces; followed in this prankster’s footsteps.😂

My brother, Malcolm and his wife Uma; hosted a gathering at their home with uncles, aunties, siblings, nephews and nieces last Saturday (May 20th); to celebrate Aunty Val’s 80th birthday (May 7th).

*Seated from left to right: Aunty Val, Aunty Maureen and Jeannie.*

*No, the guy standing is not Louis Litt from the Netflix series | Suits.*

*Uncle Ronnie, praying over the food just before he serves himself as almost all of it looked fiery hot, super pedas!*

*No, this is not a prayer session.*😏 *The power of togetherness: Ray, leading everyone in magic. “Concentrate everyone”, as he says the mantra: “ab-ra-ke-de-be-ra” : transforming the orchids into a birthday cake for Aunty Val.*

*Here, Ray is at it again, trying out his magic skills. Aunty Val is saying, “Come on Ray; you can do it!”*

*Here, Aunty Maryjane is caught texting on her smartphone. It’s the latest design in smartphones, an all time favorite – a coffee cup.*

*Out of the orchid, came a birthday cake for Aunty Val. It is accomplished. She was pleased.*

*Let’s see now who’s in the picture. There is **Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen**…*

From left to right: Forefront: Darren Atkinson, Malcolm Atkinson, Shirley Atkinson nee Foo.
Second row: Mabel Atkinson (Terence’s wife), Terence Atkinson, Audra Yew nee Atkinson,
Aunty Maryjane Atkinson (Uncle Ronnie’s wife), Ben Harding and Elizabeth
Harding (Neil’s children).
Third row: Laura Atkinson (Jeannie’s & my daughter), Stephanie Harding (Francis’s wife),
Uma Atkinson (Malcolm’s wife), Ashley Atkinson (Terence’s & Mabel’s
daughter).
Fourth row: Self, Neil Harding, Francis Harding, Emilia Harding (Francis’ & Stephanie’s
daughter), Aunty Val Surin nee Atkinson, Uncle Ronnie Atkinson, Aunty
Maureen Harding nee Atkinson, Jeannie Atkinson nee Ong, Raymond
Arnold (Jennifer Atkinson-Arnold’s [the late] husband), Uma Atkinson
(Malcolm’s wife).
Fifth row: Anthony Yew (Audra’s husband), Sarah Atkinson (Shirley’s & Nigel Atkinson’s
[the late] daughter), Alana (Terence’s & Mabel’s daughter).

*Siblings – Atkinson seniors: Aunty Val, Uncle Ronnie, Aunty Maureen*

*Daughter in conference with her parents.*

*The eldest and the youngest of the sibling children, Alana and Laura. Looks like they are planning something exciting.*

*“Awww, go on, Aunty Val!”, says Steph; as Aunty Val pulls another fast one. Aunty Maureen, “Really?”*

The evening drew to a close with everyone having had a great time. The food was excellent. There was a wide variety available. I decided not to talk about the food as it, in itself, could be a whole article.

To get all of us to come together was pretty special. Aunty Val, here’s wishing you the very best in your next 20. Another 20 years of being 37.

Cik Ani Sayang’s 90th Birthday Celebration

October 18, 2022 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

The time: slightly after 4pm. It was a breezy, slightly warm Saturday afternoon in Cyberjaya. The sun was out but there were clouds that provided some nice shade.

We were greeted by this sign, “Happy 90th Birthday, Cik Ani Sayang; 15th October, 2022” at the front of world renowned celebrity Chef Wan’s residence.

There were many guests of all ages, which mainly made up his family members, friends, business partners and work colleagues.

*The birthday girl –* Cik Ani Sayang was given prayer blessings just before cutting her birthday “cake” – a traditional Malay pulut (yellow glutinous rice) dish, with fish floss, beef rendang and chicken floss – rich, savoury side dishes.

*Jeannie, with Chef Wan. Many, many years of wonderful friendship.*

Chef Wan was his usual self – entertainer extraordinaire. Datuk Redzuawan Bin Ismail, better known as Chef Wan, is a world-renowned chef.

Jeannie got to meet with many she knows in the food industry, many of whom she had worked with in tv production shows and commercials.

*Jeannie, with the lady of the hour – Cik Ani Sayang.*

Chef Wan, admiring the handicraft that Jeannie made for him.

*Right to Left: Cik Ani Sayang, Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom D.K., Ushera*

*Jeannie, with the birthday “cake”* *– a traditional Malay pulut (yellow glutinous rice) dish, with fish floss, beef rendang and chicken floss – rich, savoury side dishes.*

*The widespread of pastries did not just look good. They tasted simply delicious!*

Ushera was not just singing or entertained the crowd. She reached out to them. She was simply captivating! She has a beautiful voice.

*Cik Ani Sayang, surrounded with her family.*

*Right to Left: Jeannie, Cik Ani Sayang, HRH Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom D.K., Ushera*

Cik Ani is 90 years old. Yes. But it sure didn’t stop her from getting on the dance floor and dance with all the other ladies to many of the songs sung by Ushera.

*These three “ladies” behind Chef Wan and Cik Ani Sayang, thrilled the crowd with their performances.*

This is a typical Malay twist song, with those electric guitars. Reminisce of the the 1960s P. Ramli and Saloma days.

Che Wan up to his funny antics. HaHa😂

Cik Ani, Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom D.K., Jeannie, Sally, Florence and other ladies dancing to beautiful, lively songs sung by Ushera.

The very regal Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom D.K., the Sultanah of Pahang; helped lead the way on the dance floor, too. She showed the ladies some smooth moves.

Ushera

I had to taste these pastries.

Chef Wan was the perfect host. He went around making sure that the food, was displayed attractively, was made to his highest standards and there were no empty serving plates, that the food was replenished even before the plates were empty. Chef was was assisted by his son, Chef Nazri.

I did not over-eat. Without a doubt, the food was excellent!

Everyone had immense enjoyment – the evidence was the smiles on people’s faces, laughter that could be heard everywhere in the house, the enormous spread of good food…I can go on and on. We can all agree this event was “Signature Chef Wan”. Fantastico!

Happy 90th Birthday, Cik Ani Sayang.

Uncle Gerald – Member of The Gomes Kids of Lorong Hicks Road.

September 20, 2022September 20, 2022 / Alan Atkinson / 2 Comments

How can you give when you’ve given all you’ve got?

You’re giving is not a bottomless pit, or an overflowing endless waterfall, though it may seem like that it is one.

During that time of giving, you did not spend much time in replenishing your giving, all that was out.

It was Uncle Gerald’s (mum’s brother) birthday yesterday, September 19th. Jeannie and I paid him a visit. As we got near the home, we actually overshot it by a few doors. I think it was because the familiar sign “No visitors allowed” was not up any longer.

We were told by one of the caregiver’s to go in straight to his room. This is a fairly new term to me – “caregiver”. I was first introduced to this term when dad came out of hospital after the accident he had over a year and a half ago, where he slipped, fell and injured his leg. The hospital had a metal plate bolted on him with screws, I think.

Sorry, I took a short ice-cream break – I had a Magnum “Belgian Chocolate Luxe” – Magnum’s best ice-cream with rich, dark chocolate ice-cream inside. The outside is Magnum’s signature chocolate body. This one is dotted with crisp rice pops. I love it! The dark chocolate ice-cream is supposed to be the consoling part – dark chocolate…healthier than normal chocolate. Whatever…! It was madnessly sweet.

It just so happened that I passed by a mirror after finishing the Magnum “Belgian Chocolate Luxe”. Deng! Deng! Deng! For a few what seemed like very long milliseconds, I could only see my stomach. Like an after thought, the rest of me followed. I am trying not to feel too guilty here. Like most days. I skipped breakfast and lunch, went for my brisk 10km walk (clocked a favourable time), weighed in at 72kg (1.5kg overweight), picked Jeannie up from work and had two roti canai with some fried chicken at The Taj Curry House. So, it should be good, right?

Uncle Gerald was so happy to see us. He told us that my brother Malcolm, our cousin’s son, William; and a few others had visited him. He also had many calls come in, even while we were there.

At 87, he had resigned himself to a small room with his bed, a 2-door wardrobe for his clothes, and a small sort of cupboard for his valuable and other belongings. He had a small Samsung Tablet and his smartphone to keep him in touch with the world; just like his father, Oli Papa, my grandfather on my mother’s side.

Oli Papa had been blind for about 50 years. Everyday, he would sit by his PIE radio and tune in to the radio stations around the world to keep him abreast with the latest that was going on in the world.

*I remember seeing a radio that was Oli Papa’s everyday companion; quite similar to this PYE radio. Oli Papa also smoked a cigar a day and had a glass of neat brandy. He knew how to live life.*

Uncle Gerald donated his big house to the church, sold whatever he could sell and donated that money away. Now, confined to his room, he spends time on his tablet. I wonder if he stays in his room because there are quite a few eligible ladies staying in that house with him. I am sure they may want to share more than a few bible verses with him. Uncle Gerald never married. So, here’s his chance to go dating.

A teacher before, he still applies that method of explanation for most things. He throws in a few metaphors here and there. His diction of the English language, the Queen’s English, i.e.; is at its best, as usual.

Uncle Gerald longs for all his nephews, nieces, other family members and friends to visit him. He welcomes all visitors and will scratch off all his scheduled plans for the day, just to spend time with those who visit him. His mind and memory are still sharp so he will know you are when you visit him.

Should he have gone to stay in a home? I don’t think he should have thrown in the towel just yet. He probably did not explore all avenues before he did so. This is only my view. I may not have delved deeply into the underlying factors as to why the old folks home. There may be a fair maiden there, we never know. He may just pull a rabbit out of the hat.

NOTES:
Founding Member of “The Gomes Kids Of Lorong Hicks Road” – 1930s, Japanese Occupation of Malaya: WW2, 1950s

REMEMBERING JEN

July 6, 2022 / Alan Atkinson / 2 Comments

Birthday: July 6th. Jennifer always enjoyed her birthdays.

Believed in LIFE. Lived life to the fullest.

WALK OF LIFE AT 85, MUM

June 14, 2022June 14, 2022 / Alan Atkinson / 1 Comment

Mum turns 85 years old today, June 14th. Woo hoo hoo! And Dad just turned 90 last month. Bee bup a lula…

We, (mum’s children in case you may be wondering who the “we” are. Not the French meaning for “yes’😉) that is Terence and his wife Mabel, and their daughter, Ashley; Malcolm and his wife Uma; our sister, Jennifer’s (deceased) husband, Ray; our brother Nigel’s (deceased) wife, Shirley and their daughter, Sarah; me and my wife, Jeannie; gathered (better word than “assembled”😏) last Saturday (June 11th) with dad and mum in Klang; to have an early birthday celebration for mum. As for the rest of the family – Laura is in the U.S. (She will be calling mum today to wish her); Alana, Tim and Jay were working.

While dad potters around with things to do and looks for every (I could be overly dramatic here) excuse…reason… to run on an errand, no matter how small it may be; mum busies herself with cake making – the lady that makes the best butter cake in the world; umpteenth year running 🏆💖. Woo hoo hoo…Do the walk…

Mum quite often reminisces her younger days, especially when she was very young and a few years later, in school.

When she was around 5 years old, the Japanese defeated the British in Malaya, who at that time occupied Malaya (part of the British empire) which is current day Peninsula Malaysia. Thus, they, the Japanese; took over occupying Malaya. This was the period during World War 2 (WW2). Mum, together with her elder brothers and sisters, and their neighbourhood friends; were the kids of Lorong Hicks Road.

They used to play in the street. When the air raid sirens sounded; all the kids would run to the nearby Bukit Nanas hill forest, jump into the dug-out trenches and stay there until the air raid sirens stopped. She said the braver boys would run up to the top of the hill to watch the British bomber planes (aeroplanes / airplanes) bomb parts of KL (Kuala Lumpur) which presumably would have been where the Japanese military army were and perhaps the railway station and tracks in Bangsar, and also the railway yard in Sentul.

Mum remembered how the Japanese soldiers would come to their house, as well as other houses in the neighbourhood; looking for girls to take away to fulfil the lust and other unimaginable deeds of these said soldiers. Her late father (“Oli Papa”, my grandfather), would hide her and her sisters under his king-size bed, and cover the bed whenever the Japanese soldiers came to their house. Oli Papa’s bed was one of those beds which was quite high off the ground.

At the end of WW2, the British recaptured Malaya from the grasp of the Japanese occupation when the Japanese surrendered. Mum said the same Japanese officers and soldiers that used to terrorize them, were made to cut grass with small scissors by the British soldiers.

Mum was a student of the famed Bukit Nanas Girls’ school, which was near her house. She, her sisters and friends used to walk to and from school. Over the many years since leaving school; she had managed to connect with some of her classmates. Her most recent connection is one, Ms Stephanie Pinto. “Recent” means, August 2020.

“Hi Alan, tq for your prompt reply. I was going to call Mum, but glad I waited a while. Now I have more news to share with her. Yes I knew Mum’s birthday was on Sunday, 14th June and that she just turned 83. I will be 84 in August and Mum never fails to call me on my birthday. Your Mum always was and is a very sweet lady and a dear friend. Mum was a very good dancer and had many, many friends, but Dad was the lucky chosen one. We had many good times together and we laughed and a lot. Those were the days when we were so carefree, happy and enjoyed innocent fun.” ~ Whatsapp message from Aunty Stephanie; June 17, 2020.

There will definitely be more wonderful memories and stories from mum to come soon.

All of us, her family, wish mum a very happy 85th birthday; with God’s choicest blessings on her. We love you mum💖.

NOTES:
KL Sentral which is in today’s Bangsar; is the central hub where the various main forms of land transport converge and connect to the rest of Peninsula Malaysia. The Kuala Lumpur railway station is very nearby to KL Sentral, but it has lost its importance as a centre for railway transport activity.
The railway yard in Sentul, still plays a very role for the railway.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May the peoples of this world strive to be at peace with each other always.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The photographs of yester-year is courtesy of dad.

“Goooddd times!”

May 1, 2022May 2, 2022 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

“Alan, don’t send the stuff yet bcos the nurse said I can go home for the rest of my quarantine and that op will be done by Jabatan Kesihatan (1) near me.”

Ok.

“I was told that since mine was Stage 1, I had to go home to make room for those who were in Stage 4 or 5.

So, the only problem is how am I to go back with the pink bracelet on? The nurse suggested that someone drive my car to the hospital and leave the keys at the reception. They will send the keys up to me. Then, that someone could follow my car till I reached home.”

I called Shirley and asked her to get his car ready. I would be over in half an hour to pick it up.

I was kind of nervous as to how to deal with this matter when I got to the hospital. On one hand, I did not quite like the idea of handing the car keys to a stranger at the hospital reception. On the other hand, I only had my 1st vaccine jab; my second was over a month and a half away. I did not want to have direct contact and be exposed to the virus myself and possibly spread it to others that I come in contact with.

I parked his car as close to the designated entrance / exit for covid-19 as possible. I left the car keys on the top of the car and waited for him.

As he came out of the exit, which was like a side door or rear of the hospital (this section of the hospital was specially cordoned off as a unit to receive and discharge patients in relation to the treatment of Covid-19); I was happy to see him. We kept a distance of about 5 metres apart and talked for a bit. “I am getting a ride back from Ganesan, (who was parked a couple of cars away). We will follow you back to Subang Jaya to ensure you get home safely, I told him.”

All this took place on July 29th, 2021 – the second last time I would see him. At this time, he was sporting a pink hand band; not by choice but a requirement to identify people with Covid-19.

A few days later, I realized that the Discharge Note from the hospital was still with me. I texted him to let him know that it was with me.

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021; was pink-band removal day. Mid-morning, I get a phone call. “I am at the KMM (3) centre in Shah Alam. They want the hospital Discharge Note as proof of when I was discharged from the hospital.” He sounded quite irritated. I told him that I was at home, that he could come over to pick up the Discharge Note.

He was at my gate in twenty minutes. I put the Discharge Note in an envelope and placed the envelope on the top of the gate’s pillar. Then, I stepped back from the pillar. I did not hand it to him directly as we were maintaining a safe distance between us. He took the envelope, showing his irritation that he had to wait quite a while at the centre before he was attended to; then to be told that he needed to provide this Discharge Note before he could have the pink band officially cut off.

As I watched him walked to his car and get in, I noticed that he grimaced with pain. As he drove off, I never would have guessed that it would be the last time I would see him…ever.

Celebrating his birthday last Sunday (April 24th) in a small way, was special for Jeannie and me. Nigel loved family gatherings, and he loved simple food with a condition – it had to be local and savoury. So, we celebrated his birthday at Tokyo Secret, a restaurant in Mid-Valley Shopping Mall in Kuala Lumpur (5).

Tokyo Secret is known for their Hanjuku cheese tarts. I deliberately did not use that phrase “people say that it is …ok ok, I will say it “famous”. Who are these “people”? I did not think much of the cheese tart, but that is just me. Nigel would have liked it, after he had his nasi lemak.

Happy Birthday, Nigel! We can hear you say “Goooddd times!” We celebrate this occasion with one of your favourite songs.

NOTES:

Jabatan Kesihatan is Bahasa Malaysia for Health Ministry in Malaysia.
Part of this article was written at the motor workshop while waiting for my e46 engine to be repaired. Something about another coil konking out, having replaced 2 coils earlier on. This time it was #2 coil.
“Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia” is Bahasa Malaysia for Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
Subang Jaya and Shah Alam are cities in the state of Selangor, Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur city is the capital of Malaysia.

I DREAM OF JEANNIE

January 19, 2022January 19, 2022 / Alan Atkinson / Leave a comment

28 years ago (actually, a day to 28 years); on January 19th, 1994; I was in Subang Jaya and I called up this lady / girl / gal and told her I was nearby her office, just around the corner. Her office was then in MUI Plaza, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur. As those of you who are familiar with Subang Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, know that the distance between them – definitely not a stone’s throw away. But heck, I wanted to get a date with this lady. I asked her out for lunch and she said, “yes”!

Now, I was in a bit of a fix. It was about an hour to her lunchtime and I had to maneuver through what Kuala Lumpur was notorious for: it’s massive traffic jams.

Somehow; this lady had magical powers

I Dream of Jeannie Bottle, Genie Bottle, Handpainted 1964 Jim Beam Bottle | #310123100

as I managed to get to her office in time that was thinner than a strand of hair. No coincidence that her name was Jeannie. I don’t believe in coincidences.

By the way, lunch was at Macdonald’s at The Weld, which was the building just next door to MUI Plaza. We had prosperity burgers (Chinese New Year, ma! Got to throw in a few “ma”s and “meh”s to flavorize the sentences – Chinese style). I still remember the dress she wore that day.

Though I knew a lot about things at that time (I was a life insurance agent and was supposed to know just about everything. The truth is I didn’t, and still don’t. I am trying to figure out how an atom is formed [nah! At one time maybe, no longer now]); I didn’t know it was her birthday. And, she didn’t tell me until I found out several days later.

Jeannie and I started dating and the rest as “they” (not sure who they are) say, is history.

*Here is Jeannie with me; my cousin, Richard Harding; Keith Ganesan and colleagues from the life insurance industry*

*On the white sandy beaches of Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.*

*Glamourous with Spongebob Squarepants style shades.*

*Laura’s Christening, two months after she was born.*

Cake-cutting, celebrating Laura’s christening. Left to Right: Me; my cousin and Laura’s Godfather, Dato Seri Jeffrey Raymond; Laura’s Godmother, Datin Seri Joyce Raymond; Jeannie; the star – Laura, in Jeannie’s arms; my nieces Ashley and Alana Atkinson.

*Laura’s third birthday. Alright, alright… I counted the candles.*

As you can see, our lives are surrounded by family and the many celebrations like birthdays.

*This was in Makati, Manila, The Philippines.*

Jeannie has always had the Jeannie’s touch with people – with family and friends; with people from the world over. She is very approachable and adapts and assimilate with the cultures very easily.

As you may have guessed by now, it is Jeannie’s birthday 🎂 today. Laura video-called from the U.S., 3 minutes before midnight of today, to bring in and start the celebrations. She and I, together with our families; have been blessed with Jeannie in our lives. May Jeannie be blessed with God’s choicest blessings🙏 today and many, many more awe-inspiring years to come.

leatherpotato

The future is now. Live it!

#birthday