Journey of Mi[rna]

After my trip to Singapore, I needed to calm down. I reported this to my boss, informed our subdealer and the hospital. I hope the subdealer can negotiate this with hospital. I don’t want us getting USD 35,000 penalty while we didn’t make so much money from this project.

I checked and monitored the status of the shipment online. It turned out that it arrived at Singapore on Dec 24, 2006. Good! That means, I can pick them all around 27 Dec.
Christmas was on Monday, so must wait to book airplane ticket on Dec 26. This time I wanted everything was perfect!
Called Birkart Jakarta and Singapore, and called IndoExpress to provide the permit without GST. Nothing was left.
Because after arrived from Singapore, I and Hansen must straight away go to Purwokerto to submit the goods.

Oh yes, I reported the behaviour of Birkart’s Singapore staff to their Jakarta office. I didn’t ask her name, so it was difficult for them to report it to their head office. But Jakarta manager, Bu Yayu was really really upset hearing I was having a bad service.

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The important day. Went on Adam Air on Dec 27. They provided us a glass of mineral water and one Roti Boi. Gosh, kinda boring huh?

This time, I was able to use the free public phone! Yippie….. I stayed inside airport until I ensure everything was arranged nicely. Had some snacks, and watched CNN, then made more phone calls.
Oh God, what happened with the internet here? Changi has many internet workstation, free. I cannot login to my mail boxes, except Friendster. I need to check my e-mails!!!!!!!!

Oh well, bought a Burger King again. Went to Birkart’s office. Smiled to Rose, but not that Bi**h…. At first I wanted to ask her how the movie was, going sarcastic here, haha…………..But I decided not to greet her or talk to her, while everyone else was being nice to me.

I checked the goods: the ones from UK, the first shipment from US, and the second. Good, everything is here. I asked Rose to provide transportation for me and the goods to Changi airport.

Ooops, one small problem. Rose told me that one of the permit stated 2 boxes instead of only 1 box we had! Called IndoExpress and their permit agent. No good!
Then Rose tricked it. We opened the box, took out a part of the content and keep it in another box. Voila! we had two boxes now!

Got through the first custom at the freight area, I must get second chop from custom officers at Changi, otherwise they will consider me smuggling goods from Singapore. We don’t want that happen, do we?

It took 3 trolleys to carry all of the goods, and I was alone. Thanks to one of the truckers, he accompanied me and helped me to push the trolleys to Custom and to check in counter.
With all the troubles moving the trolleys and check the goods in, I can relax a bit.

Had my dinner on 2nd floor. Ummm….not too nice.

Checked my e-mails again. Still couldn’t access. Arrghhhhh………..what happened to the internet today?????

Had some rest on the plane. Hansen and Pak Jakri awaited me. We put all in the car and began our trip to Purwokerto.

You can imagine how tired I was. We got to hotel around 3 AM. Went to hospital at 8 AM, reported to the tender committe, and installed the machine.
Too bad dr. T was still in Hajj, otherwise we can start the training and test functions.

But…………………I felt relieved! My God…..it’s been a hard time for me. Took a lot of energy and time to accomplish this project.

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And….. When I checked the items, I realized that Integra forgot to include the suction tubes, 6 boxes! My, my…………
Must inform them to deliver it ASAP.

I will go back again to give a training to Dr. T and his team.

Later on I found out that there has been a problem with undersea fiber optic cable in Taiwan due to an earthquake. It caused interference  on Internet in SEA area.

I had to make decision to go to Singapore to pick up the equipments for Margono Hospital. Selvi and I have monitored the shipments for the whole week.
Integra has done some mistakes!
My concern now is that Christmas is coming, people and office will have their holiday.
Even IndoExpress, our freight forwarder is off on Friday, Jan 22. Another change of plan then.
I asked them to prepare things before their day off so when I’m in Singapore nothing’s gonna go wrong.

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So,

It’s time to go to Singapore, pick up the goods, and deliver them to  the hospital. I couldn’t sleep the whole week thinking what will happen during my trip.

Once I arrived at Changi, first thing to do was to call Birkart (our other forwarder), and check if everything is OK. I saw free public phones but (this is silly) I didn’t know  how to use it although I have read the instruction.

I went to exit door, found a seat, thinking what to do. Called Rose at Birkart, with my cell phone (I can imagine how much the figure on my next month bill).

I asked her the progress of the shipment. I and Selvi knew that we took a risk to come here, but I have pushed them for shipping it on time.

Rose told me that if I take the goods out of their office I must pay 5% GST. I was surprised, because my boss told me that he picked up Thermage machine from IndoExpress without paying the tax because it didn’t go out of airport area.

Rose said her office is not in Change airport area.

Decided to have my lunch first, bought Burger King, I forgot the name
but it was good. It has mushrooms in it. Then I took a taxi to go to
Birkart’s office.

It was far from airport, I thought it was in the same area. I see the situation now.

Arrived in Birkart office, looked for Rose. She was a nice lady, she’s malay.

The goods worthed around EUR 20,000. I didn’t have any money to pay 5% tax (although I can reclaim it at the airport). It wasn’t required so office didn’t give me much money.

Then I asked Rose to check status of the shipment, goods were still in Taiwan, . Yesterday night it was in Taiwan too, no progress????!!!!

Those were the most important goods I need.

While there were some disposable goods (small package) already arrived at IndoExpress office and have been delivered to Birkat office, Rose could not  release it as she didn’t know how to prepare the permit without me paying the GST. My goodness! I called IndoExpress in Indonesia, Rose called their Singapore office. No one there, it was 2.30 PM. All Birkart people has gone home, it was holiday season, it was Saturday. Only Rose and her colleague (she asked to) stayed.

I waited for any progress, seems nothing happened. Suddenly Rose’s colleague scolded me, asked me what my company wanted them to do, etc, and what didn’t make any sense that she had bought movie tickets and would be late because of me.

I was under HUGE pressure thinking about us failed to deliver, got scolded with some stupid reason given!

What the he** lady! You don’t talk like that to your customer! I’m your customer, and you gave me a selfish reason: you were late to watch your movie. What a

I work in a service business, I sacrifice my personal things for my clients!

I stared at her. Didn’t know what to say in English! I was sooo upset. Fortunately Rose was still  helpful, I felt bad because held her at work at this time. But we didn’t have any choice.

I called Selvi, said that we have done our best but we didn’t get any results today.

I really want to scream loudly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How come this can be happening? It’s like my nightmare come true.

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Went to Changi airport with a long face.

While waiting for my flight, I tried to enjoy Changi facilities and services.
Had some snack, yeah,….never forget my dear tummy
Took some pictures. They had a live music in the lobby of departure hall, playing Christmas carols.

My dinner was on 2nd floor, had Hainamese chicken and rice.

Flew home

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I went back to Jakarta empty handed. Must report to boss, to our partner, and to the hospital. We can’t afford to pay huge amount of penalty, USD 35,000! It doesn’t make any sense.
The key is to negotiate things.

I have been contacting my principal’s office in Andover, UK this week to monitor the shipment of our order.
Well…………. I feel there’s something sexy about their accent.
Even if the women speak….(no, I’m not lesbian, I’m normal, LOL).

No surprise, English actors has their charms:
Jude Law, Pierce Brosnan, Hugh Grant, Daniel Craig

Can you add more?

ALLAH loves my father. HE took him away on Friday, Dec 8, 2006, before azan shubuh.
HE relieved my father’s sufferings.
I saw my father struggled and I didn’t have the heart to watch him in pain.
It was the best way for all of us.
He’s in peace now. Probably he’ll meet his soulmate there, my mother.

I and my sister are orphans now.
We only have each other now.

=    =    =    =    =    =    =    =    =    =    =    =    =    =    =      

Monday, Dec 04, 2006

Went to office hesitantly. Met Adolf and Pak Djonny, informed them about what happened last night and asked the permission to go tomorrow.

Called my uncle to check on dad. He said dad will have CT-Scan examination today.
I can still speak with dad. He kept asking about my meeting with investor tonight.

I wasn’t worry at all of his condition.

Tuesday, Dec 5, 2006

Received text messages from Bu Tati. Oh, she stayed over to look after dad in the hospital. But her messages made me panic, she told me that dad had a fever.

Who told her that dad is in hospital.

Finished my meeting with Adolf and Pak Djonny and I got ready to go to airport. First went to pick up the documents at DHL in Slipi.

My plane got delay, I had sandwich for lunch because didn’t have time to look for another meal in the airport.

Called Bu Tati and informed her that I’m gonna be late. My dad had CT-Scan today, not yesterday.

Arrived in Medan around 7 pm, went to Eyang’s house, took a shower and waited for my uncle. Once he arrived home we went to hospital. My auntie and Bu Tati were there. I greeted dad, I asked him to open his eyes to see me. He tried but he couldn’t, then he just mumbled let me know that he knew I was there.

He was put catheter inside to help him eat liquid meals.

I held his right hand. I asked him to hold my hand back.

Then I and uncle went to Materna Hospital to pick up dad’s CT-Scan result.

I saw that his brain has shifted. Half of it is in dark color. Gosh, something happened but I don’t  know. I’m not a doctor, I can’t read the result.

We had dinner first before went back to hospital. My uncle told me all the things happened the last 3 days. I didn’t expect that things will be more complicated than I thought!

Wednesday, Dec 6, 2006

More medicine to buy.

His internist asked me to find out dad’s condition from the neurologist. He was very concerned and told me if my dad is better to move to ICU in other hospital.

I missed out the neurologist. I was really curious about his diagnose on my dad’s CT- Scan. Got his mobile number and called him. He said that there was a blockage from heart was loose and stuck in major brain artery. I asked if it needed to be operated, cos I know neurosurgeons in Medan. He said no need.

Then I called several of my friends who had experience with stroke that attacked their fathers. All of them told me that my dad didn’t need to go to ICU. Even Ela’s dad whose artery ruptured weren’t treated in ICU, only stayed at hospital in a longer time, 1 month.

My auntie was here to cover me. I visited Prof. Adril at his practice at night, too bad I didn’t bring dad’s CT, otherwise I can ask a second opinion from him. He said the hospital he’s in now doesn’t have proper equipments for his condition.

Dad’s friend called me and suggested to move him to Pirngadi’s ICU. I couldn’t make any decisions tonight! No one I can consult with. And how much will it cost?

Om Zul has reserved 1 bed in ICU for dad, but I said I didn’t know. I can only give him news tomorrow. Please Allah, tell me what to do.

Dad didn’t open his eyes, was not able to swallow and eat. His right hand was still moving though.

Thursday, Dec 7, 2006

No movements from my father. Last night, his right hand was still moving.

This day, he was only breathing, from his mouth. His neurologist talked to me and suggested that my father really needed to be moved to ICU at the general hospital as our current hospital doesn’t have adequate facility to treat him

I called his friends, who works at RS Adam Malik and also tried with RS Pirngadi.

Where should I move him? We preferred Pirngadi of course because of the distance.

Alhamdulillah, Om Zul called me that he had 1 ICU bedroom ready for my dad.

We rushed on ambulance to Pirngadi. Om Zul waited us there.

On the way to hospital, I cried. I saw my dad in the same condition with my mom on her last day. Will I loose him Allah? I’ll be strong and be brave.

He’s already been in pain. I was glad that my dad had a good treatment there.

I and my auntie got home, prepared things for sleep over at the hospital tonight. My auntie’s daughter joined us.

Once we were there, a nurse looked for us. She said that my father’s breathing was slowing down. They need to do some tests.

We saw him, we guided him, we whispered "Laa illa ha illallah" in his ears.

Friday, Dec 8, 2006

Passed away, 5 AM. ICU nurses has given him respiration assistance.

Called my sister, asked her to go to airport right away and change her plane schedule. I told her, not to be disappointed if she could not see dad for the last time.

Burried at Sukodono Cemetery, Helvetia.Not far from his father’s grave.

Good bye dad. Rest in peace.
Forever.

Sunday, Dec 03, 2006, 11 PM

I had a phone call from my uncle in Medan. He said my father was sick and they must send him to a hospital.
I was very very worried, what has happened to my dearest father?

My uncle said he probably got stroke.
They found him lying down on the floor, dirty, because he could not move at all, so he urinated  himself.

Ya Allah! How come?
We sent text message to each other on the night before. He was just arrived from Aceh.

My tears came down.
God, will I go through the same thing again?
Same thing with my late mother?

At 00.00, my uncle called again. I spoke to my dad, he was able to talk although wasn’t clear. But I was little bit relieved to hear his voice.

I booked airplane ticket online for Tuesday flight. Allah, please save my father.

Trip to KL: Nov 28 - Dec 1, 2006

Training: Nov 29-30, 2006

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My colleagues from Singapore, Yap KC, went to Capsule Endoscopy (CE) distributor meeting in Hamburg last September, after that we had an internal training for the updates of CE, done in head office, Kuala Lumpur.

November 28, 2006

Arrived in KLIA at noon, I and Susan went straight away to Concord Hotel, checked in, put our luggages in the room, then looked for lunch, Nasi Kandar stall located behind the hotel. Usually I’d go to office after checked in, but this time we didn’t have enough time. It was already 4 PM.

Called Jeonine to fix dinner appointment tonight at KLCC food court.
We’ll meet up at 7 PM. Great, we’d have time to take a nap

Yeny and Cynthia asked us to check out Vincci sandals at KLCC. While waiting for Jeonine, we checked out Vincci’s store. Crowded!

After met Jeonine, we went to 4th floor and started searching for our dinner menu.
Alicia joined us. I ordered Phat Thai Noodle, yummy! It’s halal. Big porsion.
I have been missing this since 2003. I tried this food for the first time at a training in Bangkok in 2003. But everytime I went to Bangkok, I didn’t order it because I was afraid it was not halal.
I also ordered Es Campur.
KC later on joined us after arrived from Singapore by bus.

Back to hotel with a full stomach.

November 29, 2006

I couldn’t wait to have breakfast at Melting Pot Restaurant in Concorde Hotel.

They have changed the lay out and got new furnitures. Love the food!

KC gave us interesting materials on CE updates.

Lunch provided: a big cheese burger and big glass of coke.

Alicia took us for dinner at KLCC, this time to Little Penang and it was on office! Yippie, can save the allowance.

I ordered Penang Laksa. I was still full thus thinking to order a light dish. To my surprise, came a very BIG bowl of Penang Laksa. From the picture, you’ll think  it was not that big.

Trust me, it’s a big bowl!

Then I went to Kinokinuya Book Store to buy Henry Wisnu’s order: Michigan TOEFL Book. Not to forget Vinnci again!

Still quiet difficult to find a right model, a right color, and the right size for me!

November 30, 2006

Breakfast again at Melting Pot. So many food to choose. From Chinese breakfast, Malay menu, and American Buffet.

Today lunch is on office again. Sany brought us to Madam Guan. Wow, the seats were full. But we managed to get a place for our group.

I ordered Rice and Chicken and Sagoo Malay for dessert. The rice was similar to Hainam Chicken Rice.

We were at the restaurant for several hours. CE discussion was moved, from office meeting room, to the lunch table.

We got back to the hotel early and went to Bukit Bintang. Susan wanted to find some dried food and stuffs. We”l meet Alicia later on who promised to bring us to Kedai Mamak. It’s like a food court, but serving more Indian food. We tried Roti Canai with Egg, Roti Tissue, Cheese Nan, etc. The unique thing was every dish was served with curry, same curry.

Cold tarik tea  was nice.

Oh, my father is on Aceh trip. We sent text messages to see how things were.

An urgent matter came up. Aesthetic Team needed us to pick up some goods ordered by their dermatologist.
Boss was upset, Paulus and Diana SMS us, asking for our help.

December 01, 2006

Our first plan was no need to go to office this morning. But due to the order, we had to pick it up. Then went to KLIA.

Wow, they have Wi-Fi connection at the lounge. Note: not boarding lounge, but the area where you can just sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
They’ve got World’s Best Airport Award!

I bought a box of chocolate filled with durian. Interesting.