Keeper

Author Unknown

I grew up in the 1940s and 50s with practical parents. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a Name for it... A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.

Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a housedress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress are things we keep.

It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more.

But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more.

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away... never to return. So... while we have it... it's best we love it... and care for it... and fix it when it's broken... and heal it when it's sick.

This is true. For marriage... and old cars… and children with bad report cards... and dogs with bad hips... and aging parents... and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.

There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special... and so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone who thinks I am a 'keeper', so I've sent it to the people I think of in the same way… Now it's your turn to send this to those people that are "keepers" in your life.

Good friends are like stars... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. Keep them close!

TEN THINGS GOD WON'T ASK ON THAT DAY.

1... God won't ask what kind of car you drove. He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

2... God won't ask the square footage of your house. He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3... God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet. He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4... God won't ask what your highest salary was. He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5... God won't ask what your job title was. He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of our ability.

6... God won't ask how many friends you had. He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

7... God won't ask in what neighbourhood you lived. He'll ask how you treated your neighbours.

8... God won't ask about the colour of your skin, He'll ask about the content of your character.

9... God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation. He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

10... God won't have to ask how many people you forwarded this to. He already knows your decision.

On Motivation

"There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it." ~ Napoleon Hill

Don't hesitate, just say it!

There was a boy who I liked. He liked me, too. Well, that's what I was told... but one day I was walking to class and I heard someone call out my name and when I turned around he was there...

"Wait up!" he called.

I waited for a few seconds and let him catch up then once he did I started walking again.

"You need something?" I asked.

"Yea... a favour," he said.

"Sure what is it?" I asked.

"Go out with me," he said with a gleam in his eyes.

"OK... sure," I said, secretly jumping with joy in my mind.

He walked me to class and kissed me good bye... then the late bell rang and he sprung down the hall to get to class. He walked me to class every day and kissed me every day and he was with me every chance he got. Then days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months and months turned into a year and he still ran to catch up with me. It was the day of our one year anniversary and he walked me to class gave me a box and a kiss... then he whispered into my ear... "I love you."

Then he left. I opened the gift and it was a ring... a gorgeous ring. That night we were out at dinner to celebrate and all he surprised me... AGAIN...

"You know how I said that I loved you?" he asked.

"Yeah?" I got really nervous....

"I really do, you know. I love you."

I didn't say anything and I knew he wanted me to say it but I didn't want to seem stupid so I stuffed food in my mouth and he didn't say anything but I could tell he was disappointed. We got done eating and he was driving me home at the red light he turned and looked at me...

"Why won't you say you love me? Don't you love me like I love you?" he asked,

I didn't know what to say. I loved him more than I could imagine, but I just didn't know how or when to say it...

"I...I...lov...."

BOOM!!!!!!!!!! a truck had hit the driver's side and rammed us right into a lake.The next day I was in the hospital and all I could think about was if he was ok... so I got out of my bed and searched for him... but when I found him he was barely alive... seeing the one I loved near death made me drop to my knees and cry...

"I love you... I've loved you since the first day we met. I love you soooo much. Don't you leave me, please. Don't leave me, I need you here... I LOVE YOU!!!!"

With his very last breath he said...

"I love you too." Then he was gone.

A week later I was able to go home but I wasn't ready to face school yet and my mom understood. I went up to my room and I found a note inside the ring box...

"I hope you like this ring. It was my grandma's. She told me to give it to the one I love and, well, I love you. No matter what happens to me I will always love you. If I died today, I want to die knowing you love me... I won't leave this earth without knowing you love me. You're always in my heart forever until the day I die.

P.S. I love you now... I will love you forever."

Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice

forget about the mosquitoes

and death from malaria or dengue fever
be more concerned about typhoid, dysentry and pneumonia
there's no potable water, no sanitation, no food in Louisiana
it's a recipe for disaster
of the tallest order


Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice

Circle of Friends

Since its my birthday today, I want to share with you, my circle of friends, a few edifying words of wisdom:

Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart.

Anger is only one letter short of danger.

If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.

Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.

He who loses money, loses much;
He who loses a friend, loses much more;
He who loses faith, loses all.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.

Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Friends, you and me...
You brought another friend...
And then there were three...

We started our group...
Our circle of friends...
And like that circle...
There is no beginning or end...

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
That is why it is called the Present.

Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice

Tomorrow

If we might have a second chance
To live the days once more,
And rectify mistakes we've made
To even up the score.
If we might have a second chance
to use the knowledge gained,
Perhaps we might become at last
As fine as Allah ordained.
But though we can't retrace our steps,
However stands the score,
Tomorrow brings another chance
For us to try once more.

One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime...

An angel appeared and asked, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"

And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on Diet Coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart and she will do everything with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."

"But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?" asked the angel.

The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"

"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."

The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."

And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice

Politicians

Four surgeons are discussing who makes the best kind of patient to operate on.

The first surgeon says, "I like to see accountants on my operating table because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered."

The second surgeon responds, "Yeah, but you should try electricians! Everything inside them is colour coded."

The third surgeon says, "No, I really think librarians are the best; Everything inside them is in alphabetical order."

But the fourth surgeon shut them all up when he observed: "You're all wrong. Politicians are the easiest to operate on. There are no guts, no heart, no balls, no brains and no spine, and the head and the ass are interchangeable."

Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice

A tomato story

A jobless man applied for the position of office boy at Microsoft. The HR manager interviewed him then watched him cleaning the floor as a test.

"You are employed," he said. "Give me your e-mail address and I'll send you the application to fill in, as well as date when you may start."

The man replied "But I don't have a computer, neither an email."

"I'm sorry," said the HR manager. "If you don't have an email, that means you do not exist. And who doesn't exist, cannot have the job."

The man left with no hope at all. He did''t know what to do, with only $10 in his pocket. He then decided to go to the supermarket and buy a 10 kg tomato crate. He then sold the tomatoes in a door-to-door round. In less than two hours, he succeeded to double his capital. He repeated the operation three times, and returned home with $60.

The man realized that he can survive by this way, and started to go everyday earlier, and return late. Thus, his money doubled or tripled every day. Shortly, he bought a cart, then a truck, and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles.

Five years later, the man is one of the biggest food retailers in the US. He started to plan his family's future, and decided to have a life insurance policy. He called an insurance agent, and chose a protection plan. When the conversation was concluded the nsurance agent asked him for his email.

The man replied, "I don't have an email."

The insurance agent answered curiously, "You don't have an email, and yet have succeeded to build an empire. Can you imagine what you could have been if you had an e mail?"

The man thought for a while and replied, "Yes, I'd be an office boy at Microsoft!"

Moral of the story

1) Internet is not the solution to your life.
2) If you don't have internet, and work hard, you can be a millionaire.
3) If you received this message by email, you are closer to being an office boy/girl, than a millionaire... Have a great day!!!

P.S. Do not forward this email back to me, I am closing my email & going to sell tomatoes!!!

Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice

MAKING MOTOR INSURANCE CLAIMS

What are the considerations every motorist should be aware of? S. Gayathri takes a look.

Imagine this scenario: 18-year-old Chris has just obtained his probationary (P) driving licence. His father lets him borrow the car one day. Despite driving carefully, Chris meets with an accident. The car is badly damaged and needs to be towed. In a state of panic, he doesn't know who will pay for the damage.

Tow truck operators at the scene promise Chris speedy repair, hassle-free insurance claims processing and towing services -- without him having to pay a sen. But is that really the case?

The truth is, approval of motor accident claims are subject to terms and conditions that most of us overlook because we believe the insurance company will pay for everything.

"Motor insurance is for protection, but there are terms and conditions applicable to all policies, hence it's wrong to assume insurers will pay all damages and claims," says Fazan Ahmad, administration and insurance committee member of the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM).

Given that, it is pertinent for motorists to understand the two basic types of accident claims available and several general issues related to motor policies.

OWN DAMAGE (OD) CLAIMS
To some extent, the type of motor insurance policy you buy determines the kind of claim you can make. It also has a bearing on the processing and approval times.

According to Uni.Asia General Insurance Bhd, motorists with comprehensive policies usually have better claim options.

"Comprehensive policyholders who meet with accidents can make an Own Damage (OD) or even a third-party claim, depending on the nature of the accident and other applicable conditions," says Mohd Ariff Kassim, assistant general manager of Uni.Asia's claims department.

OD is available only for comprehensive policyholders-- it allows the insured to claim against his own policy for damage to his own vehicle.

"The distinct feature of an OD claim lies in the ease of the procedure. Because only the insured and his insurer are involved, claims are generally processed speedily and without much hassle," says Fadil Abdullah, assistant vice-president for general insurance claims at Malaysia National Insurance (MNI) Bhd.

In fact, completed OD claim forms with copies of supporting documents are usually assessed and approved within a few days to a week. However, note that OD claims usually result in the loss of your no claims discount (NCD).

"NCD on [policy] renewals are granted only if no claims are made under the policy. The insured’s OD claims and a third party's claim for injury and damage will affect the NCD during renewal," explains Uni.Asia's Mohd Ariff.

Whether you should make an OD claim depends on the outcome of police investigations into the accident. In Chris's case, if the accident was a hit and run, Chris's dad has no option but to file an OD claim to repair the damage -- provided he has a comprehensive cover and is willing to lose the NCD (if any), on renewal. If the car only has third-party coverage, Chris and his dad must bear the entire repair cost.

OD KNOCK-FOR-KNOCK
Unless you are willing to part with your hard-earned NCD -- which can reach 55% off your renewal premium -- and enjoy the fast-track claims settlement, OD claims may not be a good deal.

"The easiest way of preserving one's NCD is, of course, to remain a good driver for as long as you are a motorist. Admittedly, driving carefully doesn't stop accidents from happening. I can be a good driver but others may hit my car, it happens frequently," says Kong Shu Yin, general manager of operations, Kurnia Insurans (Malaysia) Bhd.

To safeguard the interest of drivers who are not at fault, there is now the OD knock-for-knock claims option.

Available only to comprehensive policyholders, it allows the insured to preserve and/or avoid losing his NCD while avoiding the delays often associated with making claims against a third party.

"This is for motorists involved in accidents that are not due to their own fault and are able to prove the claims, for example, with police findings," explains Giles Ward, president and CEO of AXA Affin Assurance Bhd.

Prior to the introduction of OD knock-for-knock claims, faultless motorists had to submit their claims to the third party (driver at fault)'s insurer and were subjected to delays that lasted for months.

According to the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), OD knock-for-knock claim is the result of cooperation among motor insurers to better manage third-party accident repair claims.

PIAM executive director and secretary Lim Chia Fook says the introduction of OD knock-for-knock claims has significantly reduced the time taken to process and approve third-party claims.

However, bear in mind that third-party motor policies exclude coverage for injury or damage suffered by the insured and his vehicle -- thus, holders of such policies cannot file OD and OD knock-for-knock claims.

PANEL WORKSHOPS
Now that the claims have been approved, what about the repairs to your vehicle?

"Prompt claims settlement aside, quality of repairs is equally important as it concerns the safety of the vehicle and driver. To ensure quality workmanship and right pricing for the repairs done, we introduced the concept of panel workshops," says Lim of PIAM.

Before appointing panel workshops, PIAM carefully monitors and evaluates repairers who meet the industry's general standard of quality and other requirements. If successful, the selected repairers are given "PIAM-approved workshop" status. Individual insurers in the motor industry are free to appoint to their panel any repairer from the large pool of PIAM-approved workshops. Currently, most insurers make it compulsory for their policyholders to send vehicles for repairs to the company's panel workshops. Failing which, claims can be rejected. However, because the appointment of panel workshop is not mandatory for insurers, companies like MNI Insurance do not have exclusive panel workshops for policyholders. Instead, the insured are allowed to send their vehicles to any of the PIAM-approved workshops because these repairers also meet the requirements set by the company. Other companies prefer to stick with their own panel of workshops. "Having our own panel of workshops is definitely good for policyholders because we are able to better monitor and control their workmanship quality."

"The workshops are required to provide guarantees for their workmanship quality," adds Ward of AXA Affin.

The panel workshops' warranty on workmanship, ranging from six months to a year from the date of repair, acts as added protection for the insured. Referring to panel workshops is also good for another reason -- the repairers are very familiar with the insurance company's claims procedure and would normally handle all claims-related matters on behalf of the insured.

PAYMENT OF CLAIMS
Although procedures related to the submission and approval of most accident claims are quite standard, it doesn't mean that the insurer will pay 100% of the amount claimed. In some instances, insurers may not approve the claim at all or require the insured to bear part of the repair cost.

"The biggest fault of motor policyholders is their failure to understand the terms and conditions of their policies. We've repeatedly advised all motorists, AAM members or otherwise, to pay attention to important aspects of motor policies because failure to understand these terms will only affect them in times of need," stresses Fazan of AAM.

Basically, issues like the sum insured and type of policy are crucial in determining the benefits.

Similarly, conditions on loss of NCD, excess payment, critical damage to vehicles and application of the betterment policy (see sidebar) are factors that may result in the insured having to pay part of the claim.

Fazan adds that although the sum insured for vehicles depreciate annually, motorists must ensure that vehicles are insured based on the current market value.

Claims of vehicles that are under-insured by more than the allowable 10% limit are penalised by the "average condition". For example, the insurer will only pay 60% of the claims if the car is under-insured by 40%: The insured has to bear the remaining 40% himself.

Damage claims of grossly under-insured vehicles are subjected to the average condition -- whereby the sum insured is multiplied by the loss amount and divided by the current market value, before claims are approved.

For instance, apply the formula in this context -- a car is insured for RM25,000 (sum insured) multiplied by total repair costs RM3,000 (loss amount) divided by current market value of the car RM40,000 and you will get RM1,875 as the final figure.

Average condition applies only for accident claims of vehicles that are under-insured, thus in the scenario above, only RM1,875 will be paid by the insurer as repair costs while the policyholder bears the balance of RM1,125 (total repair cost is RM3,000).

"Over-insuring is also not a good idea because naturally the premiums are higher but in the event of a claim, insurers will only pay the maximum of the sum insured or current market value, whichever is lower," comments Kong of Kurnia Insurans.

CONCLUSION
A basic comprehensive policy generally covers loss or damage sustained by the insured's vehicle and third party's property damage and injuries, thus, motorists are always encouraged to purchase a comprehensive cover for as long as they can.

Motorists also have the option of insuring vehicles for special perils like flood, passenger liability and windscreen protection; claims under these special packages do not affect the NCD.

Most accident claims procedures are standardised but to expedite claims approval, a few insurers offer niche services like express claims counters for on-the-spot OD settlement (Kurnia Express), free towing services (most insurers) or even a pre-approved OD claims limit that doesn't require an adjuster's report.

Ironically, there isn't an industry-wide timeline set for claims processing but most insurers declare that claims are processed within days, provided all supporting documents are submitted.

Make the effort to know the standard terms and conditions of motor policies and compare them against what you have now. It will come in handy when you make a claim, renew the policy or move on to another insurer.

BOX 1: WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT
1. Note the registration number of vehicles involved, place and time, and name and contact numbers of drivers and their insurers, if possible
2. Note the names and addresses of any witnesses, extent of damage and injuries to third parties
3. Do not attempt to place fault
4. Contact panel workshop/insurer for tow truck services if your car is not drivable;
5. If it is drivable, take your car to the nearest police station, lodge a report and allow the police to take pictures of your car
6. Drive or have your car towed to a panel workshop for safe keeping and repair
7. Inform insurer/agent of the accident and name of the workshop
8. The panel workshop will help with claims submission and gather supporting documents from you

BOX 2: WHAT'S NCD?
NO CLAIMS DISCOUNT (NCD) , or No Claims Bonus (NCB) , is a discount (in percentage) on premiums given to the insured if no claims -- either by the insured or third parties -- have been made under the policy. NCD is a reward for safe drivers, in appreciation of their good driving ethics. The rate of NCD for private cars range from 25% to 55%. Making own damage (OD) claims affect the insured's NCD, while OD knock-for-knock claims help preserve the NCD. The minus point under the current NCD system is that a single claim made against a policy results in the insured losing his entire savings on renewal premiums; a person enjoying the maximum 55% NCD for years will lose it.

BOX 3: COMPENSATION FOR ACTUAL REPAIR TIME
IT IS BAD ENOUGH that your car is damaged but you also need alternative transport while the vehicle is being repaired. However, you have a form of relief -- compensation. Compensation for actual repair time -- commonly known as loss of use claim -- is a third-party claim and is available to motorists who are not at fault.
The claim must be submitted to the third party's insurer with supporting documents, photographs of the damaged vehicle, police report and findings. The claim amount per day is pre-determined based on the vehicle's cylinder capacity, as set by Bank Negara. The amount is then multiplied by the reasonable number of days needed to repair the vehicle, as indicated by the adjuster.
Comprehensive policyholders claiming for own damage (OD) are not eligible for this compensation while OD knock-for-knock claimants must submit the loss of use claim to the third party’s insurer. Motorists with third-party insurance may also claim for this compensation.

BOX 4: WHAT IS EXCESS?
EXCESS IS THE AMOUNT an insured has to pay from his own pocket. This is imposed to deter motorists from making small claims on their policy. Motor policies for private vehicles are subjected to two types of excess. The compulsory excess -- a standard provision for all private motor policies-- amounting to RM400 is applicable if claims for damages are made in a situation where the driver: Is not named in the policy; Is below 21 years old; Holds a probationary driving licence; and/or Has less than two years' driving experience. The other excess is charged at the discretion of the insurer, based on certain business considerations. The flexible excess is often applied where vehicles are five years and older (which are considered high-risk in terms of being accident-prone), luxury cars and/or those that incur high costs of repair. Usually, insurers do not impose flexible excess on new vehicles sold in mass quantities (like Proton) and private cars below 2,000cc. It varies according to the insurer's underwriting policies but the amount charged is based on Bank Negara's guidelines.

BOX 5: BETTERMENT ON NEW PARTS & CRITICAL DAMAGES
ALTHOUGH COMPREHENSIVE covers offer better protection, they are also subject to terms and conditions that are often overlooked. Examples are the betterment on new parts policy and critical damages. Betterment on new parts policy applies strictly to private vehicles aged five years and older, in line with the principle of indemnity. As the principle states that the insurer will compensate for loss by putting the vehicle back into the same position it was just before the accident, the policy of betterment comes into play. In practice, betterment is executed only if damaged vehicles are repaired using brand new parts; this results in the cost of the new parts being apportioned between the insurer and policyholder. Also called "old-for-new," the betterment policy's proportioning of cost for new parts must be in accordance with Bank Negara's endorsed scale (according to age of vehicle) and ceiling rate (cost in percentage). Industry players say the application of betterment is left to the discretion of insurers although most of them have already adopted the policy. If the insured disagrees with the proportionate costs, cars aged five years and above will be repaired using second-hand parts of the same age -- giving rise to issues of compromised standard of parts used and overall vehicle safety. So, that's for older cars. But what about cars, old or new, that are involved in fatal accidents? Do insurers actually bear the entire cost of such claims? The answer is both yes and no: Decisions on these cases usually rest on the discretion of insurers. Badly damaged vehicles -- particularly those with repair costs that exceed 50% of the sum insured -- will most likely not be repaired. Two reasons are cited for this: Cost-effectiveness and roadworthiness of the repaired car. It is said that repair claims amounting to 50% or more of the sum insured are normally settled with strict adherence to industry guidelines -- insurers usually offer policyholders the total sum insured or the current market value of the vehicle, whichever is lower. If the settlement is accepted, the policy is written-off and the damaged vehicle belongs to the insurer. Otherwise, it is back to the drawing board and negotiations continue.

Of carrots, eggs and coffee beans

Think about this: A carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee... You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again!

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity... boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavour. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

Love

Love is not about finding the perfect person, but creating a perfect relationship by learning to love someone perfectly.
It's not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build right until the end.

"What is more important to you?
The love you share and the memories you have, or the lover?"

Give love a chance to swallow you up.

Don't just assume love will happen in an instant, it will surprise you before you know it, and it will be the most rewarding experience you will ever have.

Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice

Express your love daily

As you never know what tomorrow will bring, expressing your love daily with hugs, kind words, special notes, kisses and unselfish acts of kindness to those you care for is extremely important...

What if today was your last day alive?
Wouldn't you have wanted to thank that person for what he/she did for you?
Would you want to leave this world without telling that special person how much he/she means to you?

...and this goes for doing good deeds for strangers as well.

Make a difference in someone's life, a smile, a nice word, some help, as little as it may seem to you, could make a world of difference in the other person's life.

Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice

HUMOUR: Make me feel like a woman

The passengers on an airliner were shocked when the captain's voice announced that the plane was going to make a crash landing. One lady, upon hearing this dire news, ripped open her blouse and screamed to the man sitting next to her, "Make me feel like a woman!"

The man quickly ripped off his own shirt, handed it to her, and replied, "Okay, iron this!"

Infosys Narayana Murthy's speech

Mr Narayana Murthy is undoubtedly one of the most famous persons from Karnataka, India. He is known not just for building the biggest IT empire in India but also for his simplicity. Almost every important dignitary visits Infosys campus. He delivered an interesting speech during an employee session with another IT company in India. He is incidentally, one of the top 50 Influential people of Asia according to an Asiaweek publication and also the new IT Advisor to the Thai Prime Minister.

Extract of Mr Narayana Murthy's Speech during Mentor Session:

I know people who work 12 hours a day, six days a week, or more. Some people do so because of a work emergency where the long hours are only temporary. Other people I know have put in these hours for years. I don't know if they are working all these hours, but I do know they are in the office this long. Others put in long office hours because they are addicted to the workplace.

Whatever the reason for putting in overtime, working long hours over the long term is harmful to the person and to the organization. There are things managers can do to change this for everyone's benefit. Being in the office long hours, over long periods of time, makes way for potential errors. My colleagues who are in the office long hours frequently make mistakes caused by fatigue.

Correcting these mistakes requires their time as well as the time and energy of others. I have seen people work Tuesday through Friday to correct mistakes made after 5 pm on Monday. Another problem is that people who are in the office long hours are not pleasant company.

They often complain about other people (who aren't working as hard); they are irritable, or cranky, or even angry. Other people avoid them. Such behaviour poses problems, where work goes much better when people work together instead of avoiding one another.

As Managers, there are things we can do to help people leave the office. First and foremost is to set the example and go home ourselves. I work with a manager who chides people for working long hours. His words quickly lose their meaning when he sends these chiding group e-mails with a time-stamp of 2 am, Sunday. Second is to encourage people to put some balance in their lives.

For instance, here is a guideline I find helpful:

1) Wake up, eat a good breakfast, and go to work.

2) Work hard and smart for eight or nine hours.

3) Go home.

4) Read the books/comics, watch a funny movie, dig in the dirt, play with your kids, etc.

5) Eat well and sleep well.

This is called recreating. Doing Steps 1, 3, 4, and 5 enable Step 2. Working regular hours and recreating daily are simple concepts. They are hard for some of us because that requires 'personal change.' They are possible since we all have the power to choose to do them.

In considering the issue of overtime, I am reminded of my oldest son. When he was a toddler, if people were visiting the apartment, he would not fall asleep no matter how long the visit, and no matter what time of day it was. He would fight off sleep until the visitors left. It was as if he was afraid that he would miss something. Once our visitors' left, he would go to sleep. By this time, however, he was over tired and would scream through half the night with nightmares. He, my wife, and I, all paid the price for his fear of missing out. Perhaps some people put in such long hours because they don't want to miss anything when they leave the office. The trouble with this is that events will never stop happening.

That is life! Things happen 24 hours a day. Allowing for little rest is not ultimately practical. So, take a nap. Things will happen while you are asleep, but you will have the energy to catch up when you awaken. Hence...

"LOVE YOUR JOB, BUT NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR COMPANY
BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE COMPANY STOPS LOVING YOU"
-- Narayana Murthy

wih many thanks to Priya Menon for sharing this edifying piece.

Corporate Decision-Making

There was a Department Head who was told by the CEO that he had to get rid of at least one employee in his Department. So he narrowed the choice down to one of two new employees, Jack or Mary. He then decided to speak to each one privately, and let their reactions help guide his decision.

So he called in Jack, explained the situation and, of course, Jack said he didn't want to lose his job, but he understood the boss's situation.

Then he called in Mary, and said, 'Mary, I've got a problem: by the end of the day, I've got to lay you or Jack off...'

And Mary says, 'Then you're gonna have to jack off, buster, I've got a headache!'

Guided Imagery Closed Eye Exercise

A doctor told Jim that masturbating before sex often helped men last longer during the act.

Jim decided, "What the hell, I'll try it." He spent the rest of the day thinking about where to do it. He couldn't do it in his office. He thought about the restroom, but that was too open. He considered an alley, but figured that was too unsafe. Finally, he realized his solution.

On his way home, he pulled his truck over on the side of the highway. He got out and crawled underneath as if he was examining the truck. Satisfied with the privacy, he undid his pants and started to masturbate. He closed his eyes and thought of his lover and started fantasizing about her. As he grew closer to orgasm, he felt a quick tug at the bottom of his pants.

Not wanting to lose his mental fantasy or the orgasm, he kept his eyes shut and replied, "What?"

A voice said, "This is the police. What's going on down there?"

Jim replied, "I'm checking out the rear axle, it's busted."

"Well", said the cop, "you might as well check your brakes, too, while you're down there because your truck rolled down the hill five minutes ago."

The Perfect Scam

Australian Police have been unable to recommend a prosecution for the following scam:

A company takes out a newspaper advertisement claiming to be able to supply imported hard core pornographic videos. As their prices seem reasonable, people place orders and make payments via cheque.

After several weeks, the company writes back explaining that under the present law they are unable to supply the materials and do not wish to be prosecuted. So they return their customers' money in the form of a company cheque.

However, due to the name of the company, few people will present these checks to their banks.

The name of the company: "The Anal Sex and Fetish Perversion Company."

Jantung Manisku

Aku dan dia
Bak pinang dibelah dua
Semoga kami hidup bahagia
Seisi keluarga
Dengan anaknya

Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice

Car for Sale

Citreon Xantia 2.0i Automatic
1995 Model, WDU 3124
Dark Blue-Green colour
Very well-maintained with new engine, new fuel pump, refurnished hydraulic suspension
Highest offer above RM18,888 secures

To view, call Azlan Adnan
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Copyright 2003-2005 Azlan Adnan Legal Notice