Well, Christmas came and gone like a flash of light. Never knew that I did so much for that 1 day (actually, it was like a few hours). This is how a modern Christmas day is like.
23 Dec.
- Work till 8pm. Have a quick dinner and rush to the airport to pick up long lost friends from Melbourne. After that, send them to the hotel and rush back to the apartment to celebrate Tong Dzi with my neighbors. Alas, Tong Zhi is not meant to be because the flight was delayed for 4 hours. So, I spent Tong Zhi at the airport.
24 Dec.
- Was at the office till 11am. Mom called to emotionally blackmail me for not coming home for Tong Zhi. Further reprimanded me for not coming home because dear ol' sister is back in town. Ended up having to come home to show my face to the family. After dinner, rush back to the apartment and get ready for Midnight Mass. Reached the church late and had to sit outside since the church was already jammed packed. Reached home at 2 am.
25 Dec.
- Crawl out of bed at 10 am to get ready for Chistmas lunch cum gift exchange with some church people and long lost friends. I left at 4 pm to go back to prepare a small dinner for the family. What was meant to be a dinner for 5 ended up with a banquet for 15. Note to myself, never under estimate the power of a free dinner. Slept at 3 am after cleaning up all the mess in the apartment by myself. The family happily went back with a full stomach.
26 Dec.
- Have to work!!! Woke up on Boxing Day with aches all over. But still have to go into the office since there is a ship coming in that day. Worked till 9pm.
27 Dec.
- Pengsan till 11 am. Didn't bother to pick up the phone nor went into the office.
This is the most tiring Christmas yet. :-(
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
1st order of the day...Blame the public
We've yet again landed ourselves in the land of "Nevermind what I just said coz I'm really stupid." Honestly, I'm getting really worried lah. What type of people are we electing into our public offices!!! Today, some half baked deputy minister decided that it was his turn to point fingers at the public for the rising cases of snatched thefts. Why are we blaming the public for what is happening instead of really addressing the REAL issue??? Are they saying that the snatch thefts did no wrong?
So, as of today, if you get robbed or snatched because you're using your hard earned Prada or LV, then it's tai sei lor. Or, if you get hijacked because you are driving a brand spanking new Beemer, then, it's also your fault because you should not show off! Worse still, you or your loved one gets raped, all because she is wearing something in the form of a camisole or short skirt. So, should the women be blamed again for wearing revealing clothing that caused them to be raped!!!???
We have a serious problem that starts from the head (or the lack of it). By saying that it's the public's fault for snatch thefts, rape, incests, robbery, etc...instead of some insane person's action to satisfy a drug addiction or worse, some crazy sex fantasy is just low. I hope this doink gets mugged, raped and then repeated all over again. Then let's see who's fault is it then. Bah!
So, as of today, if you get robbed or snatched because you're using your hard earned Prada or LV, then it's tai sei lor. Or, if you get hijacked because you are driving a brand spanking new Beemer, then, it's also your fault because you should not show off! Worse still, you or your loved one gets raped, all because she is wearing something in the form of a camisole or short skirt. So, should the women be blamed again for wearing revealing clothing that caused them to be raped!!!???
We have a serious problem that starts from the head (or the lack of it). By saying that it's the public's fault for snatch thefts, rape, incests, robbery, etc...instead of some insane person's action to satisfy a drug addiction or worse, some crazy sex fantasy is just low. I hope this doink gets mugged, raped and then repeated all over again. Then let's see who's fault is it then. Bah!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Of all horrors!!!!
Picture Courtesy of The STAROMG!!! What is this world coming to!!!??? I read with greatest dismay over today's STAR article - "Dog loses jaw after cruel beating by BAVANI M." Apparently, JOY, a little black dog had to have his jaw surgically removed after he was almost beaten to death by some moronic doinks in the form of Indonesian construction workers. Now, how sick is that? What have this poor dog done to deserve to be beaten to the point of breaking his entire jaw?
What moved me to tears was, despite what was done to him, Joy still looks at people to be petted and loved. Even in his simplest form of understanding, he still knows love and still have so much of it to offer. Apparently, these bloody Indon dumbfucks were beating up Joy while repeatedly saying "haram, haram." Now, is beating up an innocent dog halal indeed? Why don't we all beat them dumbfucks till their jaws dangle from their chin, while chanting "pendatang haram?" Joy was probably being friendly and tried to approach these dumbfucks for some food or companionship. I've seen many of such dogs at construction sites. They are normally very friendly. I still remember one of my work assignments landed me at a construction site preparing to send some equipments back to New Zealand for a some Kiwis. They were sharing their lunch with one of those dogs when I arrived. The scenario was so different to this.
Though all is not lost when the news was highlighted, a certain "Dr Habeeb Rahman Ibramsa, a lecturer in Quran and Sunnah studies at the International Islamic University in Gombak, volunteered to give a talk to the foreign workers who were involved in the beating of Joy. But, to date, the owners of KIP Group (the Indon's employers) has refused to co-operate." So much for a bunch of caring Malaysians! I hope your company will go bankrupt for such inconsiderate attitude!
“I wish to end this ignorance. The Quran does not support violence against animals; I am willing to give lectures, presentations and screen videos that support what I am saying.
“I hope the public, Government officials, foreign workers and others who need to hear this truth will attend,” said Dr Habeeb.
Joy may have lost a jaw from a painful and life threatening ordeal, but he has the compassion to forgive and be delighted those who care to fuss over him.
For everyone's information, there will be a gathering held at the Canteen Restaurant in Plaza Damas by the Furry Friends Farm (FFF), to support Joy (May the Lord bless them, they are the very people who saved joy from this ordeal). Those interested in attending can also bring a little gift for him.
For details, call Yeap from FFF at 016-631 9018.
What moved me to tears was, despite what was done to him, Joy still looks at people to be petted and loved. Even in his simplest form of understanding, he still knows love and still have so much of it to offer. Apparently, these bloody Indon dumbfucks were beating up Joy while repeatedly saying "haram, haram." Now, is beating up an innocent dog halal indeed? Why don't we all beat them dumbfucks till their jaws dangle from their chin, while chanting "pendatang haram?" Joy was probably being friendly and tried to approach these dumbfucks for some food or companionship. I've seen many of such dogs at construction sites. They are normally very friendly. I still remember one of my work assignments landed me at a construction site preparing to send some equipments back to New Zealand for a some Kiwis. They were sharing their lunch with one of those dogs when I arrived. The scenario was so different to this.
Though all is not lost when the news was highlighted, a certain "Dr Habeeb Rahman Ibramsa, a lecturer in Quran and Sunnah studies at the International Islamic University in Gombak, volunteered to give a talk to the foreign workers who were involved in the beating of Joy. But, to date, the owners of KIP Group (the Indon's employers) has refused to co-operate." So much for a bunch of caring Malaysians! I hope your company will go bankrupt for such inconsiderate attitude!
“I wish to end this ignorance. The Quran does not support violence against animals; I am willing to give lectures, presentations and screen videos that support what I am saying.
“I hope the public, Government officials, foreign workers and others who need to hear this truth will attend,” said Dr Habeeb.
Joy may have lost a jaw from a painful and life threatening ordeal, but he has the compassion to forgive and be delighted those who care to fuss over him.
For everyone's information, there will be a gathering held at the Canteen Restaurant in Plaza Damas by the Furry Friends Farm (FFF), to support Joy (May the Lord bless them, they are the very people who saved joy from this ordeal). Those interested in attending can also bring a little gift for him.
For details, call Yeap from FFF at 016-631 9018.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
The forgotten celebration
Gosh!!!! There's so much going on with work, Christmas and all, I've totally forgotten about one celebration which I've never missed in my entire life... The Winter Solstice Celebration (Tong Yuen). If it wasn't because of a neighbor's kind invitation, I would have missed it in a blink of an eye!
Actually, it's not a huge celebration or anything, it's just that we've never failed to gather around to roll out colorful little balls of tong yuen (glutinous rice balls) for the celebration. It's more of a family gathering, chatting, and updating each other's lives while we churn out dainty little tong yuens ready for the boiling water. All these activities would be closely monitored under the watchful eyes of my mother. Occasionally, you will hear her yelling, "Who made this gigantic ball???", or "What's with the square one???" or "Who do you think can swallow these tong yuen." Well, it's quite obvious to get "innovative" tong yuen from a family of artistic kids. It's just too bad mom wasn't too keen on them. LOL! I'm sure this yearly commotion was passed on from Great grandma's time. I can just picture her in her sarong kebaya, fussing overe the wood fire stove while yelling the same old phrases to her grandkids as what my mom did.
I guess I may have to forego making tong yuen this year. It would have been fun. But then again, with both sisters across oceans, it would be a quite celebration anyway. Growing up sure takes out a lot of the fun, doesn't it? Anyway, Happy Winter Solstice to all you readers out there!
Actually, it's not a huge celebration or anything, it's just that we've never failed to gather around to roll out colorful little balls of tong yuen (glutinous rice balls) for the celebration. It's more of a family gathering, chatting, and updating each other's lives while we churn out dainty little tong yuens ready for the boiling water. All these activities would be closely monitored under the watchful eyes of my mother. Occasionally, you will hear her yelling, "Who made this gigantic ball???", or "What's with the square one???" or "Who do you think can swallow these tong yuen." Well, it's quite obvious to get "innovative" tong yuen from a family of artistic kids. It's just too bad mom wasn't too keen on them. LOL! I'm sure this yearly commotion was passed on from Great grandma's time. I can just picture her in her sarong kebaya, fussing overe the wood fire stove while yelling the same old phrases to her grandkids as what my mom did.
I guess I may have to forego making tong yuen this year. It would have been fun. But then again, with both sisters across oceans, it would be a quite celebration anyway. Growing up sure takes out a lot of the fun, doesn't it? Anyway, Happy Winter Solstice to all you readers out there!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Blank...
I'm not sure what happened last night when I was sleeping... but it really feels like someone just took a vacuum cleaner and sucked my brains clean. I feel like it's totally blank! I can't seem to remember what to do today. All I know is, there is a lot to do today but I just can't seem to remember them. Perhaps it was just stress that made me think I had a lot to do today? Maybe... But I still think that there is something that I need to do today and I don't remember what it is!!! Grrr.... this is annoying.... :-(
Monday, December 18, 2006
A New Year, A New Beginning
I know this is kinda early, since Christmas has not even gone by yet. But, I've been putting a lot of thought into what I've done with my life, especially on the direction on where my career is moving.
You see, I've been working very hard by building my networks as well as "fire exits" and options, in case one of the businesses do not work. I guess it's time to really start thinking on which one of these business I would want to concentrate on and let go the others... for good. To be honest, I've been toying around this idea for a year but with all the "excitements" last year, it wouldn't have been a smart move to do so. But I guess, it's time to let go of what is not so relevant and move on with a better concentration.
This coming 2007 has a lot to offer in terms of opportunity for me. I'm not going to delve into the details as yet, but a friend did tell me to live life a little and work a lot less. Life is too short. I guess she is right. And next year will be the right time to do just that. I'm looking forward to a phenominal change in my life and perhaps I'll be able to stop and smell the roses just little bit more. 2007, I welcome you with open arms!
You see, I've been working very hard by building my networks as well as "fire exits" and options, in case one of the businesses do not work. I guess it's time to really start thinking on which one of these business I would want to concentrate on and let go the others... for good. To be honest, I've been toying around this idea for a year but with all the "excitements" last year, it wouldn't have been a smart move to do so. But I guess, it's time to let go of what is not so relevant and move on with a better concentration.
This coming 2007 has a lot to offer in terms of opportunity for me. I'm not going to delve into the details as yet, but a friend did tell me to live life a little and work a lot less. Life is too short. I guess she is right. And next year will be the right time to do just that. I'm looking forward to a phenominal change in my life and perhaps I'll be able to stop and smell the roses just little bit more. 2007, I welcome you with open arms!
Friday, December 15, 2006
Pillow, I miss you!
Christmas is just around the corner and I've practically done nothing. Yep, nada... The past 1 month or so has been crazy with work and work and more work! It feels like there is no end to it.
One of the ways that I use to gauge if I'm overworked or not, is through how my body reacts and how quick my mind is working. For the past 2 days I was sleeping an average of 3-4 hours, so, my body was crying when it's time to get up in the morning. It's getting more and more difficult to crawl out of those sheets each day, I kid you not. This morning, the attempt to wake up took me more than 40 mins! LOL, now that's bad! My memory tends to get really bad as well, when I get too tired. I've been writing reminder notes for appointments, things to do, etc... of late, I need a reminder to read the reminders! :-P
I'm looking forward to Christmas.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
One of the ways that I use to gauge if I'm overworked or not, is through how my body reacts and how quick my mind is working. For the past 2 days I was sleeping an average of 3-4 hours, so, my body was crying when it's time to get up in the morning. It's getting more and more difficult to crawl out of those sheets each day, I kid you not. This morning, the attempt to wake up took me more than 40 mins! LOL, now that's bad! My memory tends to get really bad as well, when I get too tired. I've been writing reminder notes for appointments, things to do, etc... of late, I need a reminder to read the reminders! :-P
I'm looking forward to Christmas.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
What I want for Christmas...
Dear Santa,
I've been a very good...umm, pretty good....oklah, somewhat good person this year. Please consider my appended wish list for your kind perusal.
1. I would like to have uninterrupted 8 hours of quality sleep every night.
2. My laundry will be miraculously done and pressed every single day.
3. My fresh produce will be crisp & fresh in the fridge for 6 months instead of 3 days.
4. I would have a super duper house keeper that would clean up my place every single day for FREE (would be nice if she can cook too!)
5. My car would be maintenance free and doesn't need petrol refill for life.
6. My phone would produce and send high voltage electricity to whoever calling me after 11pm.
7. My plants will be healthy and insect free without any watering and pesticides.
8. My savings account interest rates will be compounded daily at 1,000,000%
9. Malaysia Airlines will always have a free 1st class ticket available for me to travel whenever I feel like it.
10. Repeat the above 9 items for the following year.
Thank you for your kind attention. Looking forward to the gifts above soon.
Rgds,
Ginseng
I've been a very good...umm, pretty good....oklah, somewhat good person this year. Please consider my appended wish list for your kind perusal.
1. I would like to have uninterrupted 8 hours of quality sleep every night.
2. My laundry will be miraculously done and pressed every single day.
3. My fresh produce will be crisp & fresh in the fridge for 6 months instead of 3 days.
4. I would have a super duper house keeper that would clean up my place every single day for FREE (would be nice if she can cook too!)
5. My car would be maintenance free and doesn't need petrol refill for life.
6. My phone would produce and send high voltage electricity to whoever calling me after 11pm.
7. My plants will be healthy and insect free without any watering and pesticides.
8. My savings account interest rates will be compounded daily at 1,000,000%
9. Malaysia Airlines will always have a free 1st class ticket available for me to travel whenever I feel like it.
10. Repeat the above 9 items for the following year.
Thank you for your kind attention. Looking forward to the gifts above soon.
Rgds,
Ginseng
Monday, December 04, 2006
Stupidus Maximus
Ok... Some may call me extreme, some may say it's typical manic Monday. I choose to call it Stupidus Maximus. I'm directing this to one particular staff who have no clue on what is going on around him to the point of giving everyone a heart attack.
How stupid can a person get? Is there a standard measurement to gauge stupidity??? Arrgghhhh!!!! This is one of the reason WHY I need to get out of Klang Valley, and SOON!!! I reckoned that I will probably die from a massive heart attack or a brain hemorrhage triggered by idiotic remarks and actions.
I am really at a lost when it comes to this chap. Perhaps it is another calling that I should just call it quits for this shipping business and move out of town (Think Langkawi...think Langkawi...)
How stupid can a person get? Is there a standard measurement to gauge stupidity??? Arrgghhhh!!!! This is one of the reason WHY I need to get out of Klang Valley, and SOON!!! I reckoned that I will probably die from a massive heart attack or a brain hemorrhage triggered by idiotic remarks and actions.
I am really at a lost when it comes to this chap. Perhaps it is another calling that I should just call it quits for this shipping business and move out of town (Think Langkawi...think Langkawi...)
Friday, December 01, 2006
Were-man
Woman...
Why are they so difficult????
Why are they so ill tempered???
Why are they so confusing???
Why are they so sensitive???
Why are they so fickle???
Why are they so evil???
Why are they so quick to judge???
Why? Why? Why?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why are they so difficult????
Why are they so ill tempered???
Why are they so confusing???
Why are they so sensitive???
Why are they so fickle???
Why are they so evil???
Why are they so quick to judge???
Why? Why? Why?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paradiso
The trip to Langkawi last week did wonders and I'm looking forward to packing my bags at the 13th hour and flying there again for another weekend escapade!!! Actually, I was there to attend a client's beach wedding (Except for the unpredictable showers, the wedding went on wonderfully).
One thing that caught me is how laid back and green Langkawi is! I didn't really take notice of this when I first stp foot to this island 5 years ago. Perhaps I was too busy getting drunk and being a tourist at that time. This time I took a car and took a leisure drive all around the island. I took in so much more this time. Before I knew it, I was in love with this little paradise. I love the laidback lifestyle, the greens, the beach, the people (for being so lepak and cool). The atmosphere and the entire package won my heart. I've decided that this is the place that I am going to move to. I'm not talking about retiring, I'm talking about moving there!!! Yep, move there, open a small coffee place and run the rest of my business from there. Sounds like a plan. At least I'm surrounded by beautiful places, people and cheap booze.
What made me think of taking such a drastic action? I've realised that I am not (and will never be happy living in KL). I can go on breaks upon breaks, feel refreshed and thought that I will come back and conquer the world. but alas, this feeling will only last 2-3 days. This trip's euphoria lasted only 1/2 a day. All this is telling me that I've got to get out of the Klang Valley.
Well, as scary as it sounds, I think I'll just go ahead and plan my options to move to Langkawi. it might take 6 months or 2 years. But, ultimately, I''m moving there.
One thing that caught me is how laid back and green Langkawi is! I didn't really take notice of this when I first stp foot to this island 5 years ago. Perhaps I was too busy getting drunk and being a tourist at that time. This time I took a car and took a leisure drive all around the island. I took in so much more this time. Before I knew it, I was in love with this little paradise. I love the laidback lifestyle, the greens, the beach, the people (for being so lepak and cool). The atmosphere and the entire package won my heart. I've decided that this is the place that I am going to move to. I'm not talking about retiring, I'm talking about moving there!!! Yep, move there, open a small coffee place and run the rest of my business from there. Sounds like a plan. At least I'm surrounded by beautiful places, people and cheap booze.
What made me think of taking such a drastic action? I've realised that I am not (and will never be happy living in KL). I can go on breaks upon breaks, feel refreshed and thought that I will come back and conquer the world. but alas, this feeling will only last 2-3 days. This trip's euphoria lasted only 1/2 a day. All this is telling me that I've got to get out of the Klang Valley.
Well, as scary as it sounds, I think I'll just go ahead and plan my options to move to Langkawi. it might take 6 months or 2 years. But, ultimately, I''m moving there.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Reflections...
This entire week has been one hell of a roller coaster ride for me. From KLFW to chasing containers ships, it's been a chaotic and character building week. I guess I can't complain much cause it has been a hell of a learning experience, especially from the KLFW stint. It certainly brings up my portfolio one notch up, not too mention the contacts that comes along with the shoulder rubbing sessions.
Now that all the craze has died down, it's time to reflect and ponder what and how we could have done better if such an opportunity arises again. It would be great if I can also incorporate some of the ideas I did to someone's home. There has been a steady stream of home projects coming in till the end of the month and early Dec. So, I guess I can kiss goodbye to my vacation lah. At this moment, we are already in the planning stage for a couple of homes that will only be ready by end next year.
My seamstresses have demanded for 2 whole days of rest after I turned the "battle station"' into a sweat shop for 2 whole weeks to cater for KLFW. They truly deserved the rest. Hope they won't run away when they see the other orders in hand....
Now that all the craze has died down, it's time to reflect and ponder what and how we could have done better if such an opportunity arises again. It would be great if I can also incorporate some of the ideas I did to someone's home. There has been a steady stream of home projects coming in till the end of the month and early Dec. So, I guess I can kiss goodbye to my vacation lah. At this moment, we are already in the planning stage for a couple of homes that will only be ready by end next year.
My seamstresses have demanded for 2 whole days of rest after I turned the "battle station"' into a sweat shop for 2 whole weeks to cater for KLFW. They truly deserved the rest. Hope they won't run away when they see the other orders in hand....
Monday, November 20, 2006
What I Learned from KLFW 06
Here are what I've learned from the recent KL Fashion Week:
1. NEVER believe a fashion designer when they say that the dateline is end of the month. It means tomorrow.
2. Always be prepared for unexpected twists in their requirements on a daily basis. Example: Designer's think that curtains can be shrunk today and miraculously grow in length tomorrow.
3. Designers are super fickle minded. Please refer to no. 2.
4. You can always use someone's writing table to add height to your inadequate ladder for those hard to reach places.
5. Photo shoots are done at night and and it is IMPARATIVE to hang every piece of curtain up before they start shooting. Otherwise, be prepared to wait for 4 hours before they decide to take a break so you can finish your job.
6. Lunch, tea and dinner do not exist in the fashion industry. No wonder the people here are super skinny. Please refer to no. 5.
7. Models CAN be nice and polite.
8. The job is NOT FINISHED until the show and party is over. They expect you to entertainment them on a daily basis.
9. Designers can be kiam siap and expects lotsa freebies to get their business. And then they charge thousands for their dresses.
10. You have to chase designers for your payment at clubs because they are nocturnal and do not rise during day time.
11. It only takes 1/4 of the time to remove what we have put up.
Will I do another KLFW? I'll make sure I get a good team the next round.
1. NEVER believe a fashion designer when they say that the dateline is end of the month. It means tomorrow.
2. Always be prepared for unexpected twists in their requirements on a daily basis. Example: Designer's think that curtains can be shrunk today and miraculously grow in length tomorrow.
3. Designers are super fickle minded. Please refer to no. 2.
4. You can always use someone's writing table to add height to your inadequate ladder for those hard to reach places.
5. Photo shoots are done at night and and it is IMPARATIVE to hang every piece of curtain up before they start shooting. Otherwise, be prepared to wait for 4 hours before they decide to take a break so you can finish your job.
6. Lunch, tea and dinner do not exist in the fashion industry. No wonder the people here are super skinny. Please refer to no. 5.
7. Models CAN be nice and polite.
8. The job is NOT FINISHED until the show and party is over. They expect you to entertainment them on a daily basis.
9. Designers can be kiam siap and expects lotsa freebies to get their business. And then they charge thousands for their dresses.
10. You have to chase designers for your payment at clubs because they are nocturnal and do not rise during day time.
11. It only takes 1/4 of the time to remove what we have put up.
Will I do another KLFW? I'll make sure I get a good team the next round.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
The story of a boy named Khairy
The name says it all. This is the name of a future leader. Rather, a future leader wanabe, that is. This young lad HAD a lot of potential. He won the hearts of many with his charismatic attitude, polished words and an education from a prestigious university to boot. He was the nouveau Malay. Someone whom we expected with enthusiasm who might lead with fresh ideas and forward thinking. But alas, he has succumbed to the dark side. For being too impatient, to climb up the ever colorful world of Malaysian politics.
It is of mind boggling wonder why a person with so much potential fall back to such cheap political games filled with chewy racial and controversial remarks? Was it due to the constant pressure of winning the lack luster votes and trust of the average (and below average) majority? But then again, for a person of his caliber, he should have known how to chew his words before delivering it in an effective manner to his intended audience. To put it one step further, he should have also thought of the consequences from his remarks. Then again, perhaps all this controversial remarks were intended to be there in the first place to win some publicity space with the media. There were just too many theories linked to his actions.
He is a magnet to controversies, from the Penang Malay issue right up to his involvement in a particular GLS. The most recent remark that would cause further furor is his recent speech in the recent party general assembly. His remarks with regards to the NEP as well as the ASLI reports leaves nothing to be desired, unless if you are one of the many millions of Bumiputeras living from cronyism hand-outs. Winning stars on his report card, you would say? Perhaps... but will it last? Don't forget, as much as we need the majority to win, it is the intellectuals as well as the cash cows that makes the winning possible. As much as I would hate to say it, but it's the ugly truth.
To those who are care enough to read through the speech, the depth of his words are pretty insulting to one's intelligence. There will be plenty of drama that is yet to unfold from the Khairy saga. But I doubt I can stomach the ending of his story.
It is of mind boggling wonder why a person with so much potential fall back to such cheap political games filled with chewy racial and controversial remarks? Was it due to the constant pressure of winning the lack luster votes and trust of the average (and below average) majority? But then again, for a person of his caliber, he should have known how to chew his words before delivering it in an effective manner to his intended audience. To put it one step further, he should have also thought of the consequences from his remarks. Then again, perhaps all this controversial remarks were intended to be there in the first place to win some publicity space with the media. There were just too many theories linked to his actions.
He is a magnet to controversies, from the Penang Malay issue right up to his involvement in a particular GLS. The most recent remark that would cause further furor is his recent speech in the recent party general assembly. His remarks with regards to the NEP as well as the ASLI reports leaves nothing to be desired, unless if you are one of the many millions of Bumiputeras living from cronyism hand-outs. Winning stars on his report card, you would say? Perhaps... but will it last? Don't forget, as much as we need the majority to win, it is the intellectuals as well as the cash cows that makes the winning possible. As much as I would hate to say it, but it's the ugly truth.
To those who are care enough to read through the speech, the depth of his words are pretty insulting to one's intelligence. There will be plenty of drama that is yet to unfold from the Khairy saga. But I doubt I can stomach the ending of his story.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Project Runway
OMG!!! Can't believe time is really running out and I'll probably be slaughtered alive at the sacrificial table from my already irritated customers (Singaporeans....ARRRRGGGHHHHH!!!!)
I never know how I get myself into all these mess!!! First, it was only a simple and innocent quote and supply for tracks to a new salon in a shopping centre. The next thing you know, there is 1001 things needed for the salon, to make in time for KL Fashion Week 2006!!! Stupid contractors always love to give people a heart attack! I didn't even know that the salon is going to be participating for the KL Fashion Week!!! So, for the past 1.5 weeks, I've been torturing my seamstresses with rolls and rolls of French velvet, chiffon and satin curtains and backdrops to be used for the photo shoots and deco. Tomorrow is going to be a living hell putting up all these material 14 feet high. Lets hope no one trips over all those cloth without falling over and breaking their neck. My guys have to be out of town to finish other projects that we intentionally delayed for this project. I guess it I would have to be doing all that solo tomorrow!!! Argghhhh!!!!!
I never know how I get myself into all these mess!!! First, it was only a simple and innocent quote and supply for tracks to a new salon in a shopping centre. The next thing you know, there is 1001 things needed for the salon, to make in time for KL Fashion Week 2006!!! Stupid contractors always love to give people a heart attack! I didn't even know that the salon is going to be participating for the KL Fashion Week!!! So, for the past 1.5 weeks, I've been torturing my seamstresses with rolls and rolls of French velvet, chiffon and satin curtains and backdrops to be used for the photo shoots and deco. Tomorrow is going to be a living hell putting up all these material 14 feet high. Lets hope no one trips over all those cloth without falling over and breaking their neck. My guys have to be out of town to finish other projects that we intentionally delayed for this project. I guess it I would have to be doing all that solo tomorrow!!! Argghhhh!!!!!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
We are equal...but we are not
Yesterdays news report from DPM clarifying the status of "Bangsa Malaysia" is just plain disturbing, dumb, stupid, etc... He said the term "Bangsa Malaysia" is solely a state of mind for all citizens of Malaysia but it will NEVER include the special quotas, rights, and assistance that were reserved for the Malays. If that is the case, why bother with having that term anyway? I'm expected to love, serve and die for my nation as a "step child?" Is this what our Govt. is trying to imply to all non-Bumis? Sounds like it. It's just that they don't have the balls to say it to our face. I'm a third generation Malaysian. My great grandfather made Malaya his home when he first set foot on these shores. After more than a century, I'm still an "outsider" in the eyes of our govt. Sad isn't it? Imagine if my great grandfather's ship went off course and landed in California instead. I would probably have the same rights as any other American today, regardless of my race and color. Not that I hadap sangat to be an American, but that would have been a pretty good example on what's lacking in this otherwise prosperous nation, isn't it?
The newspaper's full of surprises lately with these colourful comments and showing dirty politicians getting away scott free with their evil doings. I wonder what's next? All non-Bumi citizenships will be revoked? Hmm.... maybe that's not such a bad idea after all.
The newspaper's full of surprises lately with these colourful comments and showing dirty politicians getting away scott free with their evil doings. I wonder what's next? All non-Bumi citizenships will be revoked? Hmm.... maybe that's not such a bad idea after all.
Monday, November 06, 2006
The Parent Club
Have you ever lost friends after they get married or started to have kids? It normally starts of with the phone calls getting shorter, and the meetings getting lesser and lesser. Pretty soon, you guys just get on with each other's lives, oblivious about each other's existence. I can't help but immediately put a picture in my head on a couple of people whom I used to be rather close or hang out a lot with. I guess there is some truth in it, because once they get married, it is quite natural that they would want to spend more time with their spouse (otherwise, why get hitched, right?) And then there's the filial duties to the in-laws and the entire string of attached clauses and funtions that comes with this package called marriage. Like they say, when you get married, you marry the entire family. Hence, there is less time for us singletons.
When the little ones come along, the topic evolves into further complex discussions in the light of strollers, diapers and nappy rash. These topics will normally go on in full swing when a flock of parents happens to sit together in a party. Again, us singletons will be lost in this world of post procreation saga. As we have less and less things in common to talk about, it's quite natural that we grew further apart. It's a pity though, coz I remember how we used to have so much fun going out clubbing, or just hang out at each other's place watching movies, stuffing ourselves with junk food and puffing our lungs out. Now we can't even have a decent conversation for a minute before the little one starts to demonstrate how powerful her lungs are. But I guess, that's how we humans evolved once we pass a certain stage in our life. Well, until I am ready to cross over to that side of the world, I think I'm quite contented with the DVD player, my Cheezels and pack of smokes. Cheerios!
When the little ones come along, the topic evolves into further complex discussions in the light of strollers, diapers and nappy rash. These topics will normally go on in full swing when a flock of parents happens to sit together in a party. Again, us singletons will be lost in this world of post procreation saga. As we have less and less things in common to talk about, it's quite natural that we grew further apart. It's a pity though, coz I remember how we used to have so much fun going out clubbing, or just hang out at each other's place watching movies, stuffing ourselves with junk food and puffing our lungs out. Now we can't even have a decent conversation for a minute before the little one starts to demonstrate how powerful her lungs are. But I guess, that's how we humans evolved once we pass a certain stage in our life. Well, until I am ready to cross over to that side of the world, I think I'm quite contented with the DVD player, my Cheezels and pack of smokes. Cheerios!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Justice is served...FINALLY!!!
WOOOO HOOO!!!!!! There is a GOD!!!! Finally, we are able to see justice served in its full view and glory. I've been following intently on the illegal "Palace" that was built in Kampung Idaman, Pandamaran by the local town councillor. These are the people that I'd love to have a steam roller running over them. Scums who walk on the surface of earth and throwing their weight around using brute and force. They think that they will get away from all their wrong doings just because they have "strong connections?" Hello???!!!!! This is definitely the epitome of wake up calls too all you politician "bullies" who likes to publicly show your ill-gotten wealth and throw your fat ass weight around.
The article written by Wong Chun Wai (The Star, 30 October, 2006) could not have described my feelings (and I'm sure of many layman Malaysians as well) any better. Actually, the sad thing about this case is not how he has abused the power bequeathed upon him years ago, but how he actually managed to get away with it despite the public as well as the entire political circle knowing his true colors and horrendous personality!
"WHEN Datuk Z walked into the Bilik Mengadap, the audience room of the Istana Bukit Kayangan, for his meeting with the Sultan of Selangor, he must have noticed the newspaper clippings spread on a table. They were all about the controversial Port Klang assemblyman and Klang municipal councillor who had built his four-storey mansion without council approval..." This is only the tip of the iceberg.
"Others included his failure to pay assessment for his current house for 12 years as well as the non-payment of assessment of the Port Klang Umno office and the Kampung Idaman Umno branch buildings for at least 10 years..." And that's how you get the moolah to build a humongous mansion!!!
"He also wanted to know how the DZ Satay Restaurant belonging to Datuk Z was sitting on government land. Again, with no council approval..." It's easy when you are sitting at the top post isn't it?
From the excerpts of the newspaper article, it is clearly shown that this person has no respect for the law that he is suppose to be governing. No wonder Klang is such a cowboy town, filled with crime and lawbreakers!!! Like the Malay pepatah, "Bapa kencing berdiri, anak kencing berlari," he has definitely lived up to this saying. But then, are the people in Klang that blind to follow a person with such low mentality and exhuberates arrogance and rude behavior in public?
"The Ruler had another advice - bersopan santun and berbudi bahasa (be polite and courteous) - in an apparent reference to complaints that Datuk Z was rude and arrogant..." Hah! He didn't even bother to show up at the palace when he was first summoned by the Sultan!
Though all is not lost, his immediate boss has requested for his resignation by the 2nd week of Nov. Again, why only now? This man has been on his rampage for 6 years before anyone noticed his follies! Then again, let's not forget that he is one of many politicians who has years of experience in lacing their poison with sugar to the simple layman.
The truth is, all the tyranny are mere show of pomp and splendour. In actual fact, this guy's balls probably shrunk to the size of raisins when he was summoned to the palace by the Sultan. Even then, he ran away into hiding in pretext of being ill. How lame can his excuses be?
Lets also not forget about his cronies who happen to be his own son and daughter in-law. How ironic and coincidental can it be that both his next of kin be elected as Klang councillors, with him heading the circus? How stupid does he think the rakyat is? His days are numbered and if has any dignity left in him, he should leave his position, political career as well as public life gracefully.
"No Umno councillors contacted by the press were prepared to respond to the advice given to Datuk Z for fear that they would offend him. His reputation certainly precedes him..."
"The fact is Datuk Z has become a political liability, not just to Umno but the Barisan Nasional..."
"Datuk Z is no stranger to controversies. In 2000, he allegedly slapped Bandar Klang assemblyman at the state assembly building..."
"In 2001, Datuk Z was among 13 Umno members who were found guilty by the Umno disciplinary board for breaching party ethics during the party polls. He was issued with a warning..."
"On the local level, the people of Klang still cannot forget how a group of councillors, including Datuk Z, backed a RM10.4mil project, which has now been scrapped following public protests. The plan called for 1.2ha of a 10.3ha field to be developed into a complex with three to five storey buildings housing 60 units of offices and shop lots. Twenty per cent of these lots were reported to be given to the Klang Municipal Council (MPK)..."
"The Datuk Z case is no longer a local case but has gained national attention because ordinary Malaysians can no longer stomach such abuses..." Who would anyway??? It's just that we were not given the avenue to do so.
"They do not want to see civil servants and the people being bullied and intimidated by powerful war lords while some politicians prefer to "close one eye" for political expediency..." Again, who would want to be shoved around? There's a limit to every extreme you know?
"In this case, the apparent lack of strong political will at state level has led to the intervention of Sultan..." What would have happened if the Sultan didn't intervene? Would he have been let off scott free with a mere slap on the hand?
Whatever it is, I'm for one, glad that justice finally prevails. No doubt there are many more scumbags out there, at least this is a start. Lets see if this will serve as a lesson to all you dirty politicians out there who is milking the rakyat dry.
The article written by Wong Chun Wai (The Star, 30 October, 2006) could not have described my feelings (and I'm sure of many layman Malaysians as well) any better. Actually, the sad thing about this case is not how he has abused the power bequeathed upon him years ago, but how he actually managed to get away with it despite the public as well as the entire political circle knowing his true colors and horrendous personality!
"WHEN Datuk Z walked into the Bilik Mengadap, the audience room of the Istana Bukit Kayangan, for his meeting with the Sultan of Selangor, he must have noticed the newspaper clippings spread on a table. They were all about the controversial Port Klang assemblyman and Klang municipal councillor who had built his four-storey mansion without council approval..." This is only the tip of the iceberg.
"Others included his failure to pay assessment for his current house for 12 years as well as the non-payment of assessment of the Port Klang Umno office and the Kampung Idaman Umno branch buildings for at least 10 years..." And that's how you get the moolah to build a humongous mansion!!!
"He also wanted to know how the DZ Satay Restaurant belonging to Datuk Z was sitting on government land. Again, with no council approval..." It's easy when you are sitting at the top post isn't it?
From the excerpts of the newspaper article, it is clearly shown that this person has no respect for the law that he is suppose to be governing. No wonder Klang is such a cowboy town, filled with crime and lawbreakers!!! Like the Malay pepatah, "Bapa kencing berdiri, anak kencing berlari," he has definitely lived up to this saying. But then, are the people in Klang that blind to follow a person with such low mentality and exhuberates arrogance and rude behavior in public?
"The Ruler had another advice - bersopan santun and berbudi bahasa (be polite and courteous) - in an apparent reference to complaints that Datuk Z was rude and arrogant..." Hah! He didn't even bother to show up at the palace when he was first summoned by the Sultan!
Though all is not lost, his immediate boss has requested for his resignation by the 2nd week of Nov. Again, why only now? This man has been on his rampage for 6 years before anyone noticed his follies! Then again, let's not forget that he is one of many politicians who has years of experience in lacing their poison with sugar to the simple layman.
The truth is, all the tyranny are mere show of pomp and splendour. In actual fact, this guy's balls probably shrunk to the size of raisins when he was summoned to the palace by the Sultan. Even then, he ran away into hiding in pretext of being ill. How lame can his excuses be?
Lets also not forget about his cronies who happen to be his own son and daughter in-law. How ironic and coincidental can it be that both his next of kin be elected as Klang councillors, with him heading the circus? How stupid does he think the rakyat is? His days are numbered and if has any dignity left in him, he should leave his position, political career as well as public life gracefully.
"No Umno councillors contacted by the press were prepared to respond to the advice given to Datuk Z for fear that they would offend him. His reputation certainly precedes him..."
"The fact is Datuk Z has become a political liability, not just to Umno but the Barisan Nasional..."
"Datuk Z is no stranger to controversies. In 2000, he allegedly slapped Bandar Klang assemblyman at the state assembly building..."
"In 2001, Datuk Z was among 13 Umno members who were found guilty by the Umno disciplinary board for breaching party ethics during the party polls. He was issued with a warning..."
"On the local level, the people of Klang still cannot forget how a group of councillors, including Datuk Z, backed a RM10.4mil project, which has now been scrapped following public protests. The plan called for 1.2ha of a 10.3ha field to be developed into a complex with three to five storey buildings housing 60 units of offices and shop lots. Twenty per cent of these lots were reported to be given to the Klang Municipal Council (MPK)..."
"The Datuk Z case is no longer a local case but has gained national attention because ordinary Malaysians can no longer stomach such abuses..." Who would anyway??? It's just that we were not given the avenue to do so.
"They do not want to see civil servants and the people being bullied and intimidated by powerful war lords while some politicians prefer to "close one eye" for political expediency..." Again, who would want to be shoved around? There's a limit to every extreme you know?
"In this case, the apparent lack of strong political will at state level has led to the intervention of Sultan..." What would have happened if the Sultan didn't intervene? Would he have been let off scott free with a mere slap on the hand?
Whatever it is, I'm for one, glad that justice finally prevails. No doubt there are many more scumbags out there, at least this is a start. Lets see if this will serve as a lesson to all you dirty politicians out there who is milking the rakyat dry.
Monday, October 23, 2006
JINX!!!!
10:30am - Signing BLs and reminding L to pass all the documents that needs endorsements before I leave at 11.00am.
11:00am - Leave office, walk pass L and out of office.
11:05am - Reversing car...*ring..ring...* L on the phone, "Richard, can you sign this one document?" Grumble...grumble...
11:10am - Walk up 2 flight of staircase to sign document. Walk down again.
11:15am - Leave for Klang town to collect DO.
11:35am - Arrive at XYZ Shipping Line and proceed to 6th floor.
11:37am - Ring doorbell at XYZ Shipping Line.
11:39am - Still ringing doorbell. Grumble... grumble...
11:40am - Door finally open. Pass documents and cheque to DO clerk for clearance. Her face very black. Must be leave for Deepavali not approved. Better be nice to her.
11:50am - DO clerk came out and said, "Cannot release lah... this one not under telex release. Where is the original BL?"
Me: "It is under telex release. Can you please check again?"
DO clerk: "Check already, system doesn't show. I'll write to Vancouver office. But have to wait lah. It's at night now in Canada."
Me: "Oh... ok. So, cannot collect lah?"
DO clerk: "Cannot. U come back n Wednesday lah. I am working on that day."
Me: Grumble...grumble... "Ok lor."
12:10pm - Walk back to car without DO. Fish for car keys... Found them hanging in the ignition. Locked myself out of the car. #&^^%$&!!!!
12:15pm - Called G to help pick me up at Klang to go back to Kepong to get spare keys.
12:16pm - Called parents to tell them that keys got locked in the car and will be back to get the spare. Dad said to get the house keys from the neighbors coz they are going out to lunch with friends. Sigh....
12:35pm - G arrived and drove straight back to Kepong.
1:10pm - Got spare keys and rushed back to Klang.
2:00pm - Managed to open car door...sigh of relieve!
2:01pm - Car won't start... keys have been on ignition "on". $%!#%$*&^!!!!!
2:10pm - Car still won't start... got G to drive around looking for a car accesory shop to buy jump cables.
2:30pm - Found shop and bought jump cables.
2:45pm - Got back to car and jump start car.
2:50pm - Started driving back to office.
3:20pm - Got back to office. Started reviewing reports.
6:40pm - Finish reading and amending reports.
What a JINX day! Blek!!!!!
11:00am - Leave office, walk pass L and out of office.
11:05am - Reversing car...*ring..ring...* L on the phone, "Richard, can you sign this one document?" Grumble...grumble...
11:10am - Walk up 2 flight of staircase to sign document. Walk down again.
11:15am - Leave for Klang town to collect DO.
11:35am - Arrive at XYZ Shipping Line and proceed to 6th floor.
11:37am - Ring doorbell at XYZ Shipping Line.
11:39am - Still ringing doorbell. Grumble... grumble...
11:40am - Door finally open. Pass documents and cheque to DO clerk for clearance. Her face very black. Must be leave for Deepavali not approved. Better be nice to her.
11:50am - DO clerk came out and said, "Cannot release lah... this one not under telex release. Where is the original BL?"
Me: "It is under telex release. Can you please check again?"
DO clerk: "Check already, system doesn't show. I'll write to Vancouver office. But have to wait lah. It's at night now in Canada."
Me: "Oh... ok. So, cannot collect lah?"
DO clerk: "Cannot. U come back n Wednesday lah. I am working on that day."
Me: Grumble...grumble... "Ok lor."
12:10pm - Walk back to car without DO. Fish for car keys... Found them hanging in the ignition. Locked myself out of the car. #&^^%$&!!!!
12:15pm - Called G to help pick me up at Klang to go back to Kepong to get spare keys.
12:16pm - Called parents to tell them that keys got locked in the car and will be back to get the spare. Dad said to get the house keys from the neighbors coz they are going out to lunch with friends. Sigh....
12:35pm - G arrived and drove straight back to Kepong.
1:10pm - Got spare keys and rushed back to Klang.
2:00pm - Managed to open car door...sigh of relieve!
2:01pm - Car won't start... keys have been on ignition "on". $%!#%$*&^!!!!!
2:10pm - Car still won't start... got G to drive around looking for a car accesory shop to buy jump cables.
2:30pm - Found shop and bought jump cables.
2:45pm - Got back to car and jump start car.
2:50pm - Started driving back to office.
3:20pm - Got back to office. Started reviewing reports.
6:40pm - Finish reading and amending reports.
What a JINX day! Blek!!!!!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Transformers
I was caught up at a traffic junction on my way back from an appointment this morning. While waiting for the lights to turn green, I heard this really loud, growling sound. Sounded like a monster truck coming from behind. So, I looked up the rear view mirror and lo and behold, 4 "muscled up" Kancils stopped beside me. I looked with intense amusement over the details they added onto their little monsters. Full spoilers, skirtings, alloy sport rims, full black tinting and those "must have" tacky stickers with taglines that doesn't make sense to me. :-P Oh! Forgot about the stainless steel gigantic terowong type exhaust pipes. Otherwise, how to create monster truck sound, right?
Well, since this happened in Klang, seeing these cars zipping around and terrorising motorist is quite common lah. I guess the Ah Beng Syndrome is still very much in the hearts of many pure Klangites. XP
What I later found out, which further amuses me is that all the cosmetic make over on the car is well, cosmetics only. Most of the time, the engine is left untouched. Hence, no additional tuning or modification to make the car more powerful. Now, I know why I hear those loud noises, but I can still see the car crawling. I guess these Ah Bengs forgot that all the additional accesories and cosmetic face lifts also adds on weight to the car. So, with only 850 cc and 1.3 (for those Satria lovers), the car struggles to pick up speed lah! It looks really funny when you hear the engine revving so loudly but the car is crawling at snail speed!!! Hahahaha!
Another "must have" for these cars are lowered suspensions. They make the cars look really sporty and they're supposed to handle better too. More stable mah. That's what people tell me lah. But then, they also forget that Klang is the land of plenty. Plenty of potholes, that is. And also speed bumbs that can probably rival the Great Wall of China. I've trailed behind these lowered cars before and saw how stressful these drivers get trying to manouver past each speed bump so that the undercarriage (along with the skirtings and the terowong exhaust pipe) don't scrap on the speed bumps. Honestly, I really don't see the point of spending all that money to so call beef up the car and then later suffer on our wonderful roads in the Klang Valley.
One of my best friend went through a phase with his Ah Beng car as well. Added all that bling bling and of course lowered the car so low that the 16" sports rim is almost touching the wheel arch. After numerous repairs over muffler bocor and skirtings yanked off from the speed bumbs, the grand finale came in the form of a broken gear box. That was the last straw that broke the camel's back. He's now driving a Vios with all the original parts and accesories. Talk about an expensive lesson!
Anyway, to all "transformer" lovers out there, don't get angry over my musings ah! There is really nothing wrong with this passion or your need to express your individuality by having a modified car. But do it sensibly and more importantly, have safety for yourself AND others in mind. Cheers and Happy Deepavali!
Well, since this happened in Klang, seeing these cars zipping around and terrorising motorist is quite common lah. I guess the Ah Beng Syndrome is still very much in the hearts of many pure Klangites. XP
What I later found out, which further amuses me is that all the cosmetic make over on the car is well, cosmetics only. Most of the time, the engine is left untouched. Hence, no additional tuning or modification to make the car more powerful. Now, I know why I hear those loud noises, but I can still see the car crawling. I guess these Ah Bengs forgot that all the additional accesories and cosmetic face lifts also adds on weight to the car. So, with only 850 cc and 1.3 (for those Satria lovers), the car struggles to pick up speed lah! It looks really funny when you hear the engine revving so loudly but the car is crawling at snail speed!!! Hahahaha!
Another "must have" for these cars are lowered suspensions. They make the cars look really sporty and they're supposed to handle better too. More stable mah. That's what people tell me lah. But then, they also forget that Klang is the land of plenty. Plenty of potholes, that is. And also speed bumbs that can probably rival the Great Wall of China. I've trailed behind these lowered cars before and saw how stressful these drivers get trying to manouver past each speed bump so that the undercarriage (along with the skirtings and the terowong exhaust pipe) don't scrap on the speed bumps. Honestly, I really don't see the point of spending all that money to so call beef up the car and then later suffer on our wonderful roads in the Klang Valley.
One of my best friend went through a phase with his Ah Beng car as well. Added all that bling bling and of course lowered the car so low that the 16" sports rim is almost touching the wheel arch. After numerous repairs over muffler bocor and skirtings yanked off from the speed bumbs, the grand finale came in the form of a broken gear box. That was the last straw that broke the camel's back. He's now driving a Vios with all the original parts and accesories. Talk about an expensive lesson!
Anyway, to all "transformer" lovers out there, don't get angry over my musings ah! There is really nothing wrong with this passion or your need to express your individuality by having a modified car. But do it sensibly and more importantly, have safety for yourself AND others in mind. Cheers and Happy Deepavali!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Tis the season...
It's another round of holidays around the corner and many are busy with preparations to celebrate the coming Deepavali and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. With the festivals coming up within a couple of days, the streets and malls are bustling with people shopping for new clothes, cookies, treats and home decos. I'm sure lots of people are now busy sprucing up their homes, in time for their "open house."
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of preparations, I somewhat feel that our ways of celebrating festivities have changed quite a bit over the years. I remember as a kid, Hari Raya meant going out in a big group of classmates and visiting our class teacher and some of our friends who lived in kampung nearby (Unfortunately, there's hardly any kampungs as per se in KL anymore). Raya also meant home made ketupat (real ketupat with the leaves and all, ok!), rendang and fresh lemang cooked in front of their yards. Deepavali meant zipping around the city with the same big gang (we kids always travelled in groups :-P) from bus to bus (we were champions in remembering all the bus numbes and routes), visiting friends and enjoying all the putu mayams, dosa and mutton curry we can stuff ourselves with. Christmas was about making cards and gifts for friends and admiring the dainty Christmas trees at their homes with all the decos and cotton balls (for snow mah!). Of course, Chinese New Year morning will always be welcomed with the familiar smell of gun powder and red paper confetti from all the fire cracker blasting competitions the night before. Oh, and there is the angpao collections which we happily anticipated from friends, neighbours and even strangers!
Coming back to present days, these celebrations seem to have taken several twists and turn. Mostly, these festivals have been commercialised to cater for consumer spending. They no longer carry the original essence of what the celebration is all about. Rather, it is a celebration of shopping and more shopping. Gone are the days where most people welcome guests openly into their homes for a meal during open house. With the current rising crime rate, nobody in their right mind would do that unless you are looking forward to an open house cum robbery session. Most people have resorted to invitations and rsvp's for their open houses. Meals and goodies are no longer (or very rarely) home made. There is always the convenience of top standard caterers who's able to whip up any dishes you fancy. All you have to do is just pay for it. Gone are the days of ketupat and lemang cooking on the front yard. These are replaced by commercial "nasi himpit" nicely packed and sold in the supermarket. Don't even think about trying to cook lemang on your condo balcony or terrace house "garden" unless you want to be issued a summon for open burning and fire hazard! And there's also the famous commercial "home-made" cookies from factories in Puchong or Johor Baru to cater for all the "must have" kuih muih's lining our coffee tables. Christmas trees are no longer scrawny plastic stumps with paper "needles." And, God forbid... those cotton balls!!! No way!!! These are replaced with imported "designer" trees with models that resembles different pine species. Now, you can decorate your American Pine with Bohemian Christmas themed decos from Metrojaya. Or perhaps you may fancy Sparkling Crystals on an Austrian Fir? The choices are endless, thanks to our increased spending power.
However, it's not all that bad and not all is lost. There's also lots of cultural exchange from the years of assimilation. Now angpow giving, which were quite exclusively a Chinese practice, is widely practiced among the other races as well. Perhaps the color of the packets may not be red, but nevertheless, the practice is the same. We also see rendang or curries as a regular dish in non-Malay open houses. We all exchange gifts during Christmas and some of my non-Christian friends also joined the bandwagon to purchase a Christmas tree just to join in the festivities and fun.
So, I guess there are pros and cons out of everything. Perhaps I may no longer get to enjoy home made ketupat or hear firecrackers blasting openly, but I can certainly still enjoy the retail therapy at the malls and "absorb" the festivities while I'm there. Like they say, if you can beat them, join them! See you at the malls!
Amidst all the hustle and bustle of preparations, I somewhat feel that our ways of celebrating festivities have changed quite a bit over the years. I remember as a kid, Hari Raya meant going out in a big group of classmates and visiting our class teacher and some of our friends who lived in kampung nearby (Unfortunately, there's hardly any kampungs as per se in KL anymore). Raya also meant home made ketupat (real ketupat with the leaves and all, ok!), rendang and fresh lemang cooked in front of their yards. Deepavali meant zipping around the city with the same big gang (we kids always travelled in groups :-P) from bus to bus (we were champions in remembering all the bus numbes and routes), visiting friends and enjoying all the putu mayams, dosa and mutton curry we can stuff ourselves with. Christmas was about making cards and gifts for friends and admiring the dainty Christmas trees at their homes with all the decos and cotton balls (for snow mah!). Of course, Chinese New Year morning will always be welcomed with the familiar smell of gun powder and red paper confetti from all the fire cracker blasting competitions the night before. Oh, and there is the angpao collections which we happily anticipated from friends, neighbours and even strangers!
Coming back to present days, these celebrations seem to have taken several twists and turn. Mostly, these festivals have been commercialised to cater for consumer spending. They no longer carry the original essence of what the celebration is all about. Rather, it is a celebration of shopping and more shopping. Gone are the days where most people welcome guests openly into their homes for a meal during open house. With the current rising crime rate, nobody in their right mind would do that unless you are looking forward to an open house cum robbery session. Most people have resorted to invitations and rsvp's for their open houses. Meals and goodies are no longer (or very rarely) home made. There is always the convenience of top standard caterers who's able to whip up any dishes you fancy. All you have to do is just pay for it. Gone are the days of ketupat and lemang cooking on the front yard. These are replaced by commercial "nasi himpit" nicely packed and sold in the supermarket. Don't even think about trying to cook lemang on your condo balcony or terrace house "garden" unless you want to be issued a summon for open burning and fire hazard! And there's also the famous commercial "home-made" cookies from factories in Puchong or Johor Baru to cater for all the "must have" kuih muih's lining our coffee tables. Christmas trees are no longer scrawny plastic stumps with paper "needles." And, God forbid... those cotton balls!!! No way!!! These are replaced with imported "designer" trees with models that resembles different pine species. Now, you can decorate your American Pine with Bohemian Christmas themed decos from Metrojaya. Or perhaps you may fancy Sparkling Crystals on an Austrian Fir? The choices are endless, thanks to our increased spending power.
However, it's not all that bad and not all is lost. There's also lots of cultural exchange from the years of assimilation. Now angpow giving, which were quite exclusively a Chinese practice, is widely practiced among the other races as well. Perhaps the color of the packets may not be red, but nevertheless, the practice is the same. We also see rendang or curries as a regular dish in non-Malay open houses. We all exchange gifts during Christmas and some of my non-Christian friends also joined the bandwagon to purchase a Christmas tree just to join in the festivities and fun.
So, I guess there are pros and cons out of everything. Perhaps I may no longer get to enjoy home made ketupat or hear firecrackers blasting openly, but I can certainly still enjoy the retail therapy at the malls and "absorb" the festivities while I'm there. Like they say, if you can beat them, join them! See you at the malls!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Double standard
Nothing irks me more nowadays than to read about the ever growing prominence of double standards in this country. With the current public declaration of marginalising non-Bumi's and public outcry of racial remarks, I can't help but to feel that there is nothing left to be proud of in this country. The latest news stating that some State Chief Minister defending the rights that it is not wrong to implement that only Bumi companies are allowed to supply stationeries and photocopier rentals to the government has certainly cross the line of racial harmony. They're given everything from major govt. projects and highway concessions to discounts and priority on housing. All laid down on a silver platter. So, what's next? Why not adopt a further degrading and marginalising policy that will not allow non-Bumi's salary to be more than the Bumi's! Maybe, the Mat Rempit's despatch salary should be revised to say, RM15,000 per month to compensate their dangerous and death defying acts on the road, while we, non-bumi's will slog and work our ass off for our honest to goodness RM500 per month lah!
Honestly, I don't care if anyone would want to kill me for saying this. After all, this ARE my private thoughts. The policies in this country not only goes against human rights stipulated by the United Nation, but it gives out a signal of self mockery by advertising on how incapable these people are without the help of the govt. If there are going to be strong opposition to my statements, then WHY are the non-Bumi's faring much better even with little or no help from the govt? I used to abhor feelings like this and thought that I live in the best country ever because there were little we see in each other's race or religion. They were more of an excuse to celebrate each other's festivities. We had fun then. Now, we have Ulama's saying that it is against their religion to "celebrate" festivities together. Why don't they just pack their belongings and move into a cave or something??!!!
I was nurtured from young by my parents on not to rely on our govt for a helping hand, because I don't stand a chance on that piece of pie anyway. I didn't turn out the way I am from their teachings. Rather, I saw with my own eyes how disappointed my father was, as a govt servant, working hard for 29 years, and seeing his Bumi juniors climbing one after another over him with promotions just because they are of the "right" race.
My recent inquiry for a certain license required to run an extension of my business requires a 51% bumi quota. WTF??? I have to hire additional redundant staff of the "right" race just to meet the quota so that I can serve my customers better??? What a bunch of bull crap!
I dread to see the future nowadays. I weep for our future generations who are learning how to hate because some people are not of the right color, race or religion. They are learning this very moment from their parents, teachers and leaders. No wonder we are never near our neighboring country's progress despite all the money dumped in for infrastructure. If the govt is allowing this to happen, soon, segregation of race for schools, malls and even cinemas could be inevitable. Then, let's ALL live in the past of apartheid glory and unleash the Klu Klux Klan doctrine. I'm sure we will all prosper! BAH!!!
Honestly, I don't care if anyone would want to kill me for saying this. After all, this ARE my private thoughts. The policies in this country not only goes against human rights stipulated by the United Nation, but it gives out a signal of self mockery by advertising on how incapable these people are without the help of the govt. If there are going to be strong opposition to my statements, then WHY are the non-Bumi's faring much better even with little or no help from the govt? I used to abhor feelings like this and thought that I live in the best country ever because there were little we see in each other's race or religion. They were more of an excuse to celebrate each other's festivities. We had fun then. Now, we have Ulama's saying that it is against their religion to "celebrate" festivities together. Why don't they just pack their belongings and move into a cave or something??!!!
I was nurtured from young by my parents on not to rely on our govt for a helping hand, because I don't stand a chance on that piece of pie anyway. I didn't turn out the way I am from their teachings. Rather, I saw with my own eyes how disappointed my father was, as a govt servant, working hard for 29 years, and seeing his Bumi juniors climbing one after another over him with promotions just because they are of the "right" race.
My recent inquiry for a certain license required to run an extension of my business requires a 51% bumi quota. WTF??? I have to hire additional redundant staff of the "right" race just to meet the quota so that I can serve my customers better??? What a bunch of bull crap!
I dread to see the future nowadays. I weep for our future generations who are learning how to hate because some people are not of the right color, race or religion. They are learning this very moment from their parents, teachers and leaders. No wonder we are never near our neighboring country's progress despite all the money dumped in for infrastructure. If the govt is allowing this to happen, soon, segregation of race for schools, malls and even cinemas could be inevitable. Then, let's ALL live in the past of apartheid glory and unleash the Klu Klux Klan doctrine. I'm sure we will all prosper! BAH!!!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Refreshed!
Ahhhh... Yesterday's break really made my day. (Big thanks to Selangor for declaring it a holiday! :D) One should never under estimate what a days break can do to a person's mind and body. Now imagine repeating this for the next two weeks...Hehehehehehe!!! Ultimate bliss!
Most people would envision me vegetating all day yesterday. However, it was more of having the chance to clean up the pad, doing laundry and catching up on my reading. I even had the luxury of preparing a nice meal! This is such a far cry from my normal routine of rushing home from work and grabbing anything that is not rotting from the fridge and throwing it into the wok. All in the name of preparing some barely edible "home cooked" meal. LOL!
I was actually quite surprised that I couldn't sit still for more than 5 minutes at home, since I originally planned to do so. It seems what I really needed was a different role play from my normal routine at work. Since I spend most of my time at work, doing something different kind of made my day. It was nice to be able to do things that do not require my phone perpetually glued to my ears, or to run around attending meetings or preparing presentations. Not forgetting the "other job" where I work closely with my trusty measuring tape and bundles of samples. So, I guess yesterday really worked out fine for me.
Now that I am refreshed, I can go out and conquer the world again! Big bad world, here I come!!! **Puts on face mask before dashing out through the front door**
Most people would envision me vegetating all day yesterday. However, it was more of having the chance to clean up the pad, doing laundry and catching up on my reading. I even had the luxury of preparing a nice meal! This is such a far cry from my normal routine of rushing home from work and grabbing anything that is not rotting from the fridge and throwing it into the wok. All in the name of preparing some barely edible "home cooked" meal. LOL!
I was actually quite surprised that I couldn't sit still for more than 5 minutes at home, since I originally planned to do so. It seems what I really needed was a different role play from my normal routine at work. Since I spend most of my time at work, doing something different kind of made my day. It was nice to be able to do things that do not require my phone perpetually glued to my ears, or to run around attending meetings or preparing presentations. Not forgetting the "other job" where I work closely with my trusty measuring tape and bundles of samples. So, I guess yesterday really worked out fine for me.
Now that I am refreshed, I can go out and conquer the world again! Big bad world, here I come!!! **Puts on face mask before dashing out through the front door**
Monday, October 09, 2006
Silent
Have anyone of you had days where you just don't want to deal with anyone? You just don't want to talk to anyone? Even the first ring on the phone annoys the hell out of you? These are the days that you just silently walk into you office and close the door behind you and hope the day will end in a blink of an eye. Yep... one of those days.
I don't know... Is it the haze? (After all, IT IS by far the worst today!!!) Is it the lack of quality sleep lately? Is it because I really needed a break? I dunno...
I'm not angry with anyone. It's just that I don't want to talk to anyone today. Is this wrong? Am I rude? All I wanted is silence for the entire day. No phones ringing, no meetings, no appointments, no "to-do" list... nothing.
I think I need to get out of KL.
I don't know... Is it the haze? (After all, IT IS by far the worst today!!!) Is it the lack of quality sleep lately? Is it because I really needed a break? I dunno...
I'm not angry with anyone. It's just that I don't want to talk to anyone today. Is this wrong? Am I rude? All I wanted is silence for the entire day. No phones ringing, no meetings, no appointments, no "to-do" list... nothing.
I think I need to get out of KL.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Beautiful homes
Since it's the peak period for curtains and blinds this time of the year, I have the privilege to yet again, explore some of the most amazing homes while working (that's why I love this job!) To date, I have entered countless homes and have personally seen the gradual changes from pre-renovation till the final touches is being done. I've done little studio apartments to palatial mansions. Every job has it's own interesting character (as well as job hazards!!!). I remember having to balance precariously over a banister on the second floor trying to hang up a pair of curtains that were 2 storey high!!! Whatever difficulties we face though, the final results always gives me a safisfaction high, especially when a client's appreciation and satisfaction shows through their approving nods and smile.
It's also the owner's character of each home that makes the home interesting as well. I remember a pleasant surprise when the diva actress cooked dinner for our entire crew since we were installing curtains at her home till late at night. And I will never forget the covergirl model who partied so hard the night before that she forgot about our appointment in the morning. We knocked on her door for close to an hour before she got up from bed. She was nice enough to apologise though. Then there's the "cool" Pak Haji who wanted linen drapes to complement his modern zen art pieces. There were also the unusual requests from people insisting to do the impossible, in the name of wanting to be unique and different. Imagine, we had an order for denim curtains complete with pockets and zippers! There was also the lady who insisted on leopard and zebra prints for her drapes in the bedroom. KINKY!!! LOL!!!
I just got back from one assignment this afternoon. A double storey link house under major renovation and the interiors were done up in retro design. The owners were a young and trendy couple running a media business. It would be quite interesting sourcing for the right materials since we couldn't use conventional designs. I may be looking at materials for clothing instead.
Well, at least today was a good and productive day. Time to morph back to logistics man... have tonnes to do with all the shipments moving outbound.
It's also the owner's character of each home that makes the home interesting as well. I remember a pleasant surprise when the diva actress cooked dinner for our entire crew since we were installing curtains at her home till late at night. And I will never forget the covergirl model who partied so hard the night before that she forgot about our appointment in the morning. We knocked on her door for close to an hour before she got up from bed. She was nice enough to apologise though. Then there's the "cool" Pak Haji who wanted linen drapes to complement his modern zen art pieces. There were also the unusual requests from people insisting to do the impossible, in the name of wanting to be unique and different. Imagine, we had an order for denim curtains complete with pockets and zippers! There was also the lady who insisted on leopard and zebra prints for her drapes in the bedroom. KINKY!!! LOL!!!
I just got back from one assignment this afternoon. A double storey link house under major renovation and the interiors were done up in retro design. The owners were a young and trendy couple running a media business. It would be quite interesting sourcing for the right materials since we couldn't use conventional designs. I may be looking at materials for clothing instead.
Well, at least today was a good and productive day. Time to morph back to logistics man... have tonnes to do with all the shipments moving outbound.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Hocus Pocus
I was just talking to a client just now and she sort of mentioned that she needed to "mandi bunga", since her business wasn't doing too good lately. Out of curiosity, I asked her what do they do during these "mandi bunga" rituals? Well, according to this gal, she would normally call in advance and book a date and time with this "bomoh" in some far away kampung (So high class one!!! Must book in advance some more!!!). Apparently, this bomoh will need the time to enter deep into the jungles to collect several types of lime grown wild in the forest plus 11 herbs and spices for the ritual. :-D Ok, I made the last part up. It was some wild betelnut leaves and some flowers to fulfill the potion lah. Anyway, Mr. Bomoh have to go into trance and fast for dunno how many days before this ritual can be done. Come mandi day, she would have to mandi berkemban at the entrance of the Mr. Bomoh's house with the concoction made with all the original recipe made by Mr. Bomoh himself. Then, as a symbolic ritual, the batik used to cover herself has to be discarded (like getting rid of all the bad luck lah).
Anyway, I did ask her how effective is this ritual? She said that it works and she normally does it once in several months to buang sway. I personally wouldn't know lah. After all, the cost of each ritual was quite expensive when I asked. RM400-500 wor!!! To me, it's more of a psychological euphoria one gets from each ritual because you may think that since all the bad karma has been washed away during this cleansing ritual, you start with a fresh slate. Hence, you tend to perform better in your work. A simple way to explain is probably likening the effect with a relaxing vacation or a day at the spa.
Would I give it a try? I don't know...Nevertheless, my guess is many Malaysian's still strongly believe in this ritual, be they young or old. I guess it's no harm as long one need not be nude or have the bomoh handling your body in any ways lah. We've heard enough news published on bagus bomoh's raping ladies seeking their help. What do you think?
Mandi bunga = cleansing ritual
Kampung = village
Bomoh = witch doctor
Mandi = bath
Berkemban = to wrap oneself around with a piece of cloth, towel, etc...
Batik = local handprinted cloth
Buang sway = get rid of bad karma
Anyway, I did ask her how effective is this ritual? She said that it works and she normally does it once in several months to buang sway. I personally wouldn't know lah. After all, the cost of each ritual was quite expensive when I asked. RM400-500 wor!!! To me, it's more of a psychological euphoria one gets from each ritual because you may think that since all the bad karma has been washed away during this cleansing ritual, you start with a fresh slate. Hence, you tend to perform better in your work. A simple way to explain is probably likening the effect with a relaxing vacation or a day at the spa.
Would I give it a try? I don't know...Nevertheless, my guess is many Malaysian's still strongly believe in this ritual, be they young or old. I guess it's no harm as long one need not be nude or have the bomoh handling your body in any ways lah. We've heard enough news published on bagus bomoh's raping ladies seeking their help. What do you think?
Mandi bunga = cleansing ritual
Kampung = village
Bomoh = witch doctor
Mandi = bath
Berkemban = to wrap oneself around with a piece of cloth, towel, etc...
Batik = local handprinted cloth
Buang sway = get rid of bad karma
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Another day pass again.
Nothing spectacular happened or caught my attention today. I was bombarded with reports to read, reply and loads of paperwork. Good also lah. Today passed by like a whizz. Tomorrow will be a different story altogether. 4 more days till my new furniture arrives... hehehehehehe Chiao!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Burp.... skews me....
Yesterday was yet another gastronomical experience. No wonder my pants are getting extremely snug lately. xD
Last nite, SP was craving for some good food to reward herself over something she acomplished. (We're always finding reasons to reward ourselves with food...:PpPpPpP) Anyway, it has been a while since our roast duck and wine extravaganza, I thought, why not?
This time, we went to Anjappar's in Bangsar for some good Southern Indian food. It's really an eye opener for me when I flipped through the menu since the furthest I've ever ventured for Indian food is a roti canai (prata) or a dosa. Here, there were more than 20 types of rotis, idli's and dosa's and items that I've never heard before. I left the ordering to SP since she's the one who has all the relavant exposure from her stints in India. We ordered palak paneer (spinach with cottage cheese), gobi 65 (cauliflower deep friend in massala batter), a crispy dosa, some roti which I can't pronounce and a set of thin putus. The meals came with sambar (dhall curry), coconut chutney and a very spicy tomato chutney. All in all, my favourite was the palak paneer, gobi 65 and dosa. The spinach was creamed very well and the little cubes of paneer was delicious. It taste and has a texture similar to tau kua. Absolutely yummy! The gobi 65 was surprisingly crunchy and full of flavour. The dosa was very crispy and done very well. SP later told me that Anjappar's is actually one of many chain restaurants from Chennai. Even the staff they hired were from India, including the restaurant captain. We finished off the meal with a cup of delicious massala tea, which we have to tarik ourselves!!! That was some experience and kinda fun too!
After dinner, we walked towards the pasar malam nearby to look-see-look-see. We found the DVD shop along that row opened, so we thought that we could go in and pick out some good movies (pirated ones..hehehehehe) Halfway through selecting, suddenly there was this commotion and the next thing we knew, the shutters came down the front door and locked all of us in! Apparantly, the big bro of the shop said that the authorities are just around the corner. Since we were all trapped inside, we decided to continue selecting our DVD's lah. I guess these guys and their patrons are so used to this cause no one panicked at all. In fact, most customers just coolly sat on the chairs and waited till the coast is clear. After 1/2 an hour, we were "released" through the back door. That was some experience and we had such a good laugh over it. SP thought that it would have been a cool experience if we were all arrested and hauled up into the truck. Err... having my face splashed all over newspaper front pages in a round up??? I don't think so!
Anyway, we walked further up to make sure we arrive at Matthias on time before they closes. FYI, this is one place that sells the WORLD'S BEST GELATO!!!! I kid you not. Where in the entire Klang Valley can you find homemade gelato from a famous pastry chef for the price of RM5.50 for 2 scoops???!!!! I know that I am kiam siap, but at least I am kiam siap with class ok? Well, we decided to have Mascarpone and Rasberry this time. The combination was sinfully delicious! The taste of creamy mascarpone cheese in every bite works wonders when combined with the tangy sorbet-like rasberry gelato. We fought for the occasional chunks of rasberry. Guess who won? :-P All-in-all, it was a delactable experience.
It was indeed a fun 0uting, albeit over eating this time round. The indigestion at the later part wasn't that fun.
BTW, SP messaged me this morning to tell me that she would like to have another round of duck and wine before she leaves for India again next month. Keep this up and I'll be a fat rolly polly in no time!!!
Tau kua = firm tofu
Kiam siap = stingy, cheap
Last nite, SP was craving for some good food to reward herself over something she acomplished. (We're always finding reasons to reward ourselves with food...:PpPpPpP) Anyway, it has been a while since our roast duck and wine extravaganza, I thought, why not?
This time, we went to Anjappar's in Bangsar for some good Southern Indian food. It's really an eye opener for me when I flipped through the menu since the furthest I've ever ventured for Indian food is a roti canai (prata) or a dosa. Here, there were more than 20 types of rotis, idli's and dosa's and items that I've never heard before. I left the ordering to SP since she's the one who has all the relavant exposure from her stints in India. We ordered palak paneer (spinach with cottage cheese), gobi 65 (cauliflower deep friend in massala batter), a crispy dosa, some roti which I can't pronounce and a set of thin putus. The meals came with sambar (dhall curry), coconut chutney and a very spicy tomato chutney. All in all, my favourite was the palak paneer, gobi 65 and dosa. The spinach was creamed very well and the little cubes of paneer was delicious. It taste and has a texture similar to tau kua. Absolutely yummy! The gobi 65 was surprisingly crunchy and full of flavour. The dosa was very crispy and done very well. SP later told me that Anjappar's is actually one of many chain restaurants from Chennai. Even the staff they hired were from India, including the restaurant captain. We finished off the meal with a cup of delicious massala tea, which we have to tarik ourselves!!! That was some experience and kinda fun too!
After dinner, we walked towards the pasar malam nearby to look-see-look-see. We found the DVD shop along that row opened, so we thought that we could go in and pick out some good movies (pirated ones..hehehehehe) Halfway through selecting, suddenly there was this commotion and the next thing we knew, the shutters came down the front door and locked all of us in! Apparantly, the big bro of the shop said that the authorities are just around the corner. Since we were all trapped inside, we decided to continue selecting our DVD's lah. I guess these guys and their patrons are so used to this cause no one panicked at all. In fact, most customers just coolly sat on the chairs and waited till the coast is clear. After 1/2 an hour, we were "released" through the back door. That was some experience and we had such a good laugh over it. SP thought that it would have been a cool experience if we were all arrested and hauled up into the truck. Err... having my face splashed all over newspaper front pages in a round up??? I don't think so!
Anyway, we walked further up to make sure we arrive at Matthias on time before they closes. FYI, this is one place that sells the WORLD'S BEST GELATO!!!! I kid you not. Where in the entire Klang Valley can you find homemade gelato from a famous pastry chef for the price of RM5.50 for 2 scoops???!!!! I know that I am kiam siap, but at least I am kiam siap with class ok? Well, we decided to have Mascarpone and Rasberry this time. The combination was sinfully delicious! The taste of creamy mascarpone cheese in every bite works wonders when combined with the tangy sorbet-like rasberry gelato. We fought for the occasional chunks of rasberry. Guess who won? :-P All-in-all, it was a delactable experience.
It was indeed a fun 0uting, albeit over eating this time round. The indigestion at the later part wasn't that fun.
BTW, SP messaged me this morning to tell me that she would like to have another round of duck and wine before she leaves for India again next month. Keep this up and I'll be a fat rolly polly in no time!!!
Tau kua = firm tofu
Kiam siap = stingy, cheap
Friday, September 29, 2006
Kahwin
This week is certainly one heck of a character building week. God must really want to test my patience since I've always been seeking His guidance for patience. "Ask and you shall receive." I've never thought that this "test" would hit me like a truck.
As I've mentioned earlier, it started with the computer server. Then, it was the business management, staff issues and now this??? Alright, I really do not need THIS! In case you guys out there are looking dumbfounded on what the hell I'm talking about, it's the topic on marriage.
I knew this topic of me not beeing married is going to creep up sometime but I was expecting it from my immediate family or at least from my closest buddies. Not some ex-colleagues that I've not seen or kept in touch for like 6 years or so. This was really unexpected and to a certain extend, I felt that my privacy was invaded by these people.
It all started this morning amidst the chaos of phones ringing and trying to get urgent emails sent out from a semi-comatose server. I happened to receive a call from an ex-colleague which I've not seen or spoken for quite some time. Mind you, I've changed 4 different companies since we were last working together. Anyway, after exchanging "hello"s and updating each other, she asked,
"So, are you married?"
Naturally, I replied, "Nope." Like I usually do.
Then, it came... "Well, actually so and so from the accounts department was asking, when are you getting married?"and "So and so from this and that department was also asking when can they receive your wedding invitation?"
It turned out that this call was actually made specifically because the entire office was asking when I was going to get married! I was dumb founded for a while...And I kept on thinking why should anyone who has not seen me for 3/4 of a decade is pushing me to get married? I'm not sure whether it is just human nature to be kay po, or is it such a heinous crime that one should be thrown into fiery pits of fire from hell because he/she is not married?
I have no objections or anything against the sanctity of marriage. But, I believe that one should marry when he/ she is truly ready and commited to each other. At this moment, I'm not sure whether I am ready for this type of commitment. Pets and plants? Yes. But marriage??? That is such a BIG word! I do admit that I may have some commitment issues, but can you blame a person who has had past relationships that were traumatic enough to scar a person for life? At this moment, I am quite contented to be single. In fact, I kinda enjoy it. Lotsa people think that I'm wierd because I chose to be single for the moment. But again, is it a crime?
It seems like at my age, everyone is expecting me to be hitched or at least be a "serial dater." Come on!!! I mean, I've not reached the stage where people are so desperate that they would have to join reality shows that features 20 guys wooing 1 girl. That's what you call desperate!!!
To be honest, I do enjoy going out dating once in a while. It's sort of like making up for lost time during my teenage years since I was put in an all boys school and my parents were super strict about dating policies (that means no gf's when you are in school). But at this moment, I would like it to remain as just that.
So, to those of you who's thinking about asking me THAT question again? Don't bother cause I may just give out your number to a dating agency and let you have a feel what it's like to be in the broiler, OK??? Blek!!!
Alright, I've got work to do. Shoo!!! shoo!!!
As I've mentioned earlier, it started with the computer server. Then, it was the business management, staff issues and now this??? Alright, I really do not need THIS! In case you guys out there are looking dumbfounded on what the hell I'm talking about, it's the topic on marriage.
I knew this topic of me not beeing married is going to creep up sometime but I was expecting it from my immediate family or at least from my closest buddies. Not some ex-colleagues that I've not seen or kept in touch for like 6 years or so. This was really unexpected and to a certain extend, I felt that my privacy was invaded by these people.
It all started this morning amidst the chaos of phones ringing and trying to get urgent emails sent out from a semi-comatose server. I happened to receive a call from an ex-colleague which I've not seen or spoken for quite some time. Mind you, I've changed 4 different companies since we were last working together. Anyway, after exchanging "hello"s and updating each other, she asked,
"So, are you married?"
Naturally, I replied, "Nope." Like I usually do.
Then, it came... "Well, actually so and so from the accounts department was asking, when are you getting married?"and "So and so from this and that department was also asking when can they receive your wedding invitation?"
It turned out that this call was actually made specifically because the entire office was asking when I was going to get married! I was dumb founded for a while...And I kept on thinking why should anyone who has not seen me for 3/4 of a decade is pushing me to get married? I'm not sure whether it is just human nature to be kay po, or is it such a heinous crime that one should be thrown into fiery pits of fire from hell because he/she is not married?
I have no objections or anything against the sanctity of marriage. But, I believe that one should marry when he/ she is truly ready and commited to each other. At this moment, I'm not sure whether I am ready for this type of commitment. Pets and plants? Yes. But marriage??? That is such a BIG word! I do admit that I may have some commitment issues, but can you blame a person who has had past relationships that were traumatic enough to scar a person for life? At this moment, I am quite contented to be single. In fact, I kinda enjoy it. Lotsa people think that I'm wierd because I chose to be single for the moment. But again, is it a crime?
It seems like at my age, everyone is expecting me to be hitched or at least be a "serial dater." Come on!!! I mean, I've not reached the stage where people are so desperate that they would have to join reality shows that features 20 guys wooing 1 girl. That's what you call desperate!!!
To be honest, I do enjoy going out dating once in a while. It's sort of like making up for lost time during my teenage years since I was put in an all boys school and my parents were super strict about dating policies (that means no gf's when you are in school). But at this moment, I would like it to remain as just that.
So, to those of you who's thinking about asking me THAT question again? Don't bother cause I may just give out your number to a dating agency and let you have a feel what it's like to be in the broiler, OK??? Blek!!!
Alright, I've got work to do. Shoo!!! shoo!!!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Time management
Alright... I am in trouble!!! I've overbooked my schedule again! There's got to be a way to do this better. You see, running several business portfolio isn't exactly an easy feat.
Last weekend, I thought that I would be able to catch my breath with most issues taken care of. Come Monday, all hell break loose with system problems and indecisive client's wanting to do the impossibles within the constrains of local and international laws. To top it up I totally forgot that Ramadhan has started and that means, soft material and interior business is ON AGAIN!!! Now, I've to balance my time precariously on thin ice. One minute solving some logistical issues and the next, measuring windows and giving out opinion on what material looks good on them.
It's not the job that kills me, I love my job. It's just that sometimes, the distance on running around North to South and East to West in one day is taking the toll on my energy & sanity. Thank God my trusty "taxi" is able to take my battering all these 6 years. **muaks!!**
I hope that I can push along this month before losing my head. Happy pill, happy pill please!!!!!!!!!!
Last weekend, I thought that I would be able to catch my breath with most issues taken care of. Come Monday, all hell break loose with system problems and indecisive client's wanting to do the impossibles within the constrains of local and international laws. To top it up I totally forgot that Ramadhan has started and that means, soft material and interior business is ON AGAIN!!! Now, I've to balance my time precariously on thin ice. One minute solving some logistical issues and the next, measuring windows and giving out opinion on what material looks good on them.
It's not the job that kills me, I love my job. It's just that sometimes, the distance on running around North to South and East to West in one day is taking the toll on my energy & sanity. Thank God my trusty "taxi" is able to take my battering all these 6 years. **muaks!!**
I hope that I can push along this month before losing my head. Happy pill, happy pill please!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Watudu?
The office has gone chaotic again when the goddamn server kaput again. Sigh... this time it is the accounting system. Apparently the system was corrupted. Every now and then, the server will shut itself down like it has a life of its own. **Imagine** work...work...work... time for siesta...shut down....
It's been like this the whole month. Apparently, the software guy told me that it would be best not to share the accounting server with the internet server. Wah!!! I was just imagining more $$$ flying out as he was babbling in lightning speed using languages that I have never heard before. Anyway, I told him that I would think about it lah. Not that I knew very much what he was saying anyway. :-P
For the time being, my poor CS would have to prepare her invoicing manually first lah. I can see how "black" her face is right now but like I said, watudu??? I need to put in some serious thought before giving a go-a-head to buy another server. No need money one meh???
Ginseng too tired to think d... wanna go home and hibernate.
It's been like this the whole month. Apparently, the software guy told me that it would be best not to share the accounting server with the internet server. Wah!!! I was just imagining more $$$ flying out as he was babbling in lightning speed using languages that I have never heard before. Anyway, I told him that I would think about it lah. Not that I knew very much what he was saying anyway. :-P
For the time being, my poor CS would have to prepare her invoicing manually first lah. I can see how "black" her face is right now but like I said, watudu??? I need to put in some serious thought before giving a go-a-head to buy another server. No need money one meh???
Ginseng too tired to think d... wanna go home and hibernate.
Monday, September 25, 2006
One wedding and four stomachs
I'm back from Ipoh AND I survived!!! Nyeh, nyeh, nyeh......XD
The wedding reception was simple and... um, typical Chinese lah. Well, not so typical Chinese in the sense that we were already stuffing our fat little faces with chunks of roast piglet, then only the Bride and Groom made their grand entrance. The bride was late this time, Wuakakakakaka!!! The food couldn't wait and we happily ate first. We were already well into our 2nd dish when they did the "walk down the isle" (wedding march song at the background).
The dishes were generally much better than KL for the price they paid. I have to say that my Aunt did an excellent choice for the dishes, 5 season cold dish (with scallops, prawns and loads of different types of seafood, yummy!!!), roast piglet, steamed giant white pomfret, fried jumbo prawns, ginger chicken with rice wine, a wonderful platter of vegetable medley, fried rice and lin chee kan (with loads of lin chee, OK!!!) and Chinese pastries. They decided to forego sharks fins cause it's cruel and not worth the money **Thumbs up**. Too bad I don't have a digicam. Otherwise, I would have taken the pics of all the dishes. Hehehe.
Well, the big " when izzit your turn, ah?" question had to be asked by the entire people on my table (Gosh! The opponent size seems to get bigger every year. **sweat**) However, I think I did a good job and tai chi-ed the question pretty well lah. Lucky thing I still have quite a number of unmarried cousins (much older than me) that I can still run and hide for cover. AHAKS!
Apart from the wedding banquet, Ipoh was generally a big makansutra for me and my family. We arrived pretty early in Ipoh, around 10am. Upon arrival, my Aunt was already stuffing us with Ipoh hor fun, poh piah (2 types summore!), fried noodles, curry chicken, our famous family achar, lobak and God knows what lah! That was only breakfast, mind you!
We wobbled over to the car 2 hours later to go out for lunch. Famous ngou lam meen (beef soup noodles)!!! Ayo! So damn full man! On the way back, we had to stop over in Menglembu to to the kacang puteh factory to load the car with enough kacang puteh to feed the entire universe. Cheap, fresh and good wor! Can taste before you buy summore. Apparently, all the kacang puteh we buy on the street comes from this little sleepy hollow part in Ipoh. Facinating! I would definitely come back for more. Next stop, to the pomelo shop in downtown since mom wanted to get one or two. We ended up with 15!!! Sigh... women + shopping = beli lori!
Anyway, the eating part continued all night long even after the wedding dinner (yes, we were still eating at home after the dinner, coupled with booze). Slept for like 3 hours and repeated the eating frenzy in the morning. After gaining several tonnes, my Aunt gave a nod of approval and allowed us to roll ourselves into whatever space was available in the car (from all that shopping lor) so that we could make the journey back to KL.
Ah Yee, thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality. We love you! To my cousin and his beautiful wife, congratulations on you wedding! Muah muah!!!
The wedding reception was simple and... um, typical Chinese lah. Well, not so typical Chinese in the sense that we were already stuffing our fat little faces with chunks of roast piglet, then only the Bride and Groom made their grand entrance. The bride was late this time, Wuakakakakaka!!! The food couldn't wait and we happily ate first. We were already well into our 2nd dish when they did the "walk down the isle" (wedding march song at the background).
The dishes were generally much better than KL for the price they paid. I have to say that my Aunt did an excellent choice for the dishes, 5 season cold dish (with scallops, prawns and loads of different types of seafood, yummy!!!), roast piglet, steamed giant white pomfret, fried jumbo prawns, ginger chicken with rice wine, a wonderful platter of vegetable medley, fried rice and lin chee kan (with loads of lin chee, OK!!!) and Chinese pastries. They decided to forego sharks fins cause it's cruel and not worth the money **Thumbs up**. Too bad I don't have a digicam. Otherwise, I would have taken the pics of all the dishes. Hehehe.
Well, the big " when izzit your turn, ah?" question had to be asked by the entire people on my table (Gosh! The opponent size seems to get bigger every year. **sweat**) However, I think I did a good job and tai chi-ed the question pretty well lah. Lucky thing I still have quite a number of unmarried cousins (much older than me) that I can still run and hide for cover. AHAKS!
Apart from the wedding banquet, Ipoh was generally a big makansutra for me and my family. We arrived pretty early in Ipoh, around 10am. Upon arrival, my Aunt was already stuffing us with Ipoh hor fun, poh piah (2 types summore!), fried noodles, curry chicken, our famous family achar, lobak and God knows what lah! That was only breakfast, mind you!
We wobbled over to the car 2 hours later to go out for lunch. Famous ngou lam meen (beef soup noodles)!!! Ayo! So damn full man! On the way back, we had to stop over in Menglembu to to the kacang puteh factory to load the car with enough kacang puteh to feed the entire universe. Cheap, fresh and good wor! Can taste before you buy summore. Apparently, all the kacang puteh we buy on the street comes from this little sleepy hollow part in Ipoh. Facinating! I would definitely come back for more. Next stop, to the pomelo shop in downtown since mom wanted to get one or two. We ended up with 15!!! Sigh... women + shopping = beli lori!
Anyway, the eating part continued all night long even after the wedding dinner (yes, we were still eating at home after the dinner, coupled with booze). Slept for like 3 hours and repeated the eating frenzy in the morning. After gaining several tonnes, my Aunt gave a nod of approval and allowed us to roll ourselves into whatever space was available in the car (from all that shopping lor) so that we could make the journey back to KL.
Ah Yee, thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality. We love you! To my cousin and his beautiful wife, congratulations on you wedding! Muah muah!!!
Friday, September 22, 2006
Sniffles
I have to say that the bizarre weather lately in the Klang Valley have finally taken a toll on my health... **sniffles ** sniffles** snort***
I sensed it was coming last night whn my nose just wouldn't stop itching like crazy. This morning, it's stuffed and clogged. Sigh... (wonder if Oliviasy has passed her sickness over via the net or not??? Hehehehehehe...just joking my friend!)
Anyway, I'm going to drug myself tonite with codeine and hopefully sleep it off till tomorrow. I'll be leaving early in the morning for Ipoh with my family to attend yet another family wedding. You've no idea how I dread these functions especially when one's single and have loads of ye mah ku chehs popping that infamous question "When izzit your turn ah?"
Well, I'll leave that for another day lah. I so wanna tidur! ***Ahhh CHOOOO!!!!!***Sniffles***
ye mah ku chehs = Aunts and elder female relatives
I sensed it was coming last night whn my nose just wouldn't stop itching like crazy. This morning, it's stuffed and clogged. Sigh... (wonder if Oliviasy has passed her sickness over via the net or not??? Hehehehehehe...just joking my friend!)
Anyway, I'm going to drug myself tonite with codeine and hopefully sleep it off till tomorrow. I'll be leaving early in the morning for Ipoh with my family to attend yet another family wedding. You've no idea how I dread these functions especially when one's single and have loads of ye mah ku chehs popping that infamous question "When izzit your turn ah?"
Well, I'll leave that for another day lah. I so wanna tidur! ***Ahhh CHOOOO!!!!!***Sniffles***
ye mah ku chehs = Aunts and elder female relatives
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Customer is always right (or are they???)
IYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The broadband line has decided to mogok again. Now every single customer is calling to complain. However, this particular call from one CHIBAI tops the list.
Customer: "Why booking confirmation late ah?"
Me: "So sorry, the internet line is facing some problem. Can we fax a copy to you first?"
Customer: "Fax ah??? Very blur one... dowan!!! Please email now!"
Me: "But ma'am, the internet line is down. We can't email at this moment until the line is up.
Perhaps we can fax first and then email to you once the line is up?"
Customer: "But I WANT it in email format lah!"
Me: Bengang tone "Please understand ma'am, the internet line is down. In fact all lines in the area is down. We have made a report and TM people is fixing it now. Please be patient."
Customer: Shouting already "Then quickly fix it lah!!!! My customer in Timbaktu cannot wait you know??!!!"
Me: ................
Customer: "Hello???? Are you still there???"
Me: "Yes ma'am. I'm still listening. Now what do you recommend that we do?"
Customer: "I need it in email. Understand or not?"
Me: "Yes. I'll go out ask the TM people to move aside and I'll personally fix the internet line lah."
Customer: "See? You should have done that earlier lah. I wait for your email."
Me: ....................
Customer: "Thanks. ...bye." Hangs up
Me: "Machauhai????!!!!! Like that also can ah????" Bengang like mad now.
Mogok = on strike
Bengang = pissed off
Customer: "Why booking confirmation late ah?"
Me: "So sorry, the internet line is facing some problem. Can we fax a copy to you first?"
Customer: "Fax ah??? Very blur one... dowan!!! Please email now!"
Me: "But ma'am, the internet line is down. We can't email at this moment until the line is up.
Perhaps we can fax first and then email to you once the line is up?"
Customer: "But I WANT it in email format lah!"
Me: Bengang tone "Please understand ma'am, the internet line is down. In fact all lines in the area is down. We have made a report and TM people is fixing it now. Please be patient."
Customer: Shouting already "Then quickly fix it lah!!!! My customer in Timbaktu cannot wait you know??!!!"
Me: ................
Customer: "Hello???? Are you still there???"
Me: "Yes ma'am. I'm still listening. Now what do you recommend that we do?"
Customer: "I need it in email. Understand or not?"
Me: "Yes. I'll go out ask the TM people to move aside and I'll personally fix the internet line lah."
Customer: "See? You should have done that earlier lah. I wait for your email."
Me: ....................
Customer: "Thanks. ...bye." Hangs up
Me: "Machauhai????!!!!! Like that also can ah????" Bengang like mad now.
Mogok = on strike
Bengang = pissed off
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Is there a pause button somewhere???
Ayo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another issue breaks open after one is being closed. What is our world becoming lah??? I'm posting about the Pope's apology. And certain group of people are still not satisfied about his apology and wants His Papacy to apologise the way they wanted it. Some parties even want him tried in the international court. Come on people!!!! An apology is an apology. Let's get on with our lives for God's sake! Is it going to make your life any better if he apologises in the way one party wants? Wait, then the other party will not be happy and wants the Pope to apologise in another method. Soon, we will have another round of chaos & fighting on how the Pope should apologise. This is so rediculous! To those who can't wait to lambast me with negative comments, I am merely using this as the latest example on social unrest, ok? I don't care who's religion is right or wrong or who thinks who's is more superior. I just want world peace! Blek!
It's such a shame that we people are getting so super sensitive these days. Almost everything is used as an excuse for demonstration, social unrest and war. It would be good if everyone would just shut up and pause for a moment. Take a step back and reflect. What is this going to lead to? How is this going to effect my family, loved ones, country, economy? Why are we letting some lame politician with their personal agenda rule and ruin our lives because he/she hates another politician's guts and ideology? It's really time to stop and think lah...
Writer is extremely tired on lame news around the world. Gimme a happy pill!
It's such a shame that we people are getting so super sensitive these days. Almost everything is used as an excuse for demonstration, social unrest and war. It would be good if everyone would just shut up and pause for a moment. Take a step back and reflect. What is this going to lead to? How is this going to effect my family, loved ones, country, economy? Why are we letting some lame politician with their personal agenda rule and ruin our lives because he/she hates another politician's guts and ideology? It's really time to stop and think lah...
Writer is extremely tired on lame news around the world. Gimme a happy pill!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Good news or bad news?
We've been thrown into a world of chaos since we have this new agency in our portfolio. The biggest headache is of course, manpower lah! While we have no choice but to multi-task, I've the priviledge to do everyone's work (sigh!!!) & to look for a suitable candidate to sit in the much needed customer service position.
Come interview day, you'll see all sorts of people. People with super degrees and demanding salary higher than mine (makes me wanna whack their silly heads with they resume..toink!!!), people who have no idea what is a customer service (toink...toink again!!!!). To make things short, I've met up with the entire Barnum & Bailey's Circus lah! Then, came in this petite lady. Shy looking, but determined. After 30 minutes talking to her, I think I've found the right candidate.
So, here she comes in starting her training (thought that 3 weeks should be ok lah, since the office is so chaotic). I was pleasantly surprised to see that she picked up every single job effortlessly. She take notes and actually asked (compared to those bodoh sombong's that I've encountered in the past) whenever she wasn't sure. I give her A plus ler!!!!
She's so perfect (in terms of job ler... what are you ppl thinking of???). In fact, too perfect. She never did a single mistake since she came in. Call me a cynic but I've never seen someone like her before! Even Bree Van Dekamp makes mistakes, ok!!!! Loads of it some more! What I'm actually worried here is two things. That she may get big headed when she knows her job too well and secondly, she could use it against the company by trying to demand for the sky. I'm sure whoever is reading this at this point must be thinking that I am some jealous "has been" who just cannot stand to see fresh blood. But I'm really worried coz I've encountered numerous genuinely good staffs who ends up being liabilities because they used their expertise against the company when they can't get what they demanded. I do believe in rewarding good staff, but there are also limits on how much one can afford to reward. Sad thing here is, most staff would not understand that part.
Perhaps I am just being over recting. Maybe she's really good and do not have any hidden agenda. So, just enjoy her welcoming assistance and give yourself a breather lah Ginseng boi. Maybe she will make a silly mistake soon... happy Monday everyone!!!
Bodoh sombong = idiots who think they are smart.
Come interview day, you'll see all sorts of people. People with super degrees and demanding salary higher than mine (makes me wanna whack their silly heads with they resume..toink!!!), people who have no idea what is a customer service (toink...toink again!!!!). To make things short, I've met up with the entire Barnum & Bailey's Circus lah! Then, came in this petite lady. Shy looking, but determined. After 30 minutes talking to her, I think I've found the right candidate.
So, here she comes in starting her training (thought that 3 weeks should be ok lah, since the office is so chaotic). I was pleasantly surprised to see that she picked up every single job effortlessly. She take notes and actually asked (compared to those bodoh sombong's that I've encountered in the past) whenever she wasn't sure. I give her A plus ler!!!!
She's so perfect (in terms of job ler... what are you ppl thinking of???). In fact, too perfect. She never did a single mistake since she came in. Call me a cynic but I've never seen someone like her before! Even Bree Van Dekamp makes mistakes, ok!!!! Loads of it some more! What I'm actually worried here is two things. That she may get big headed when she knows her job too well and secondly, she could use it against the company by trying to demand for the sky. I'm sure whoever is reading this at this point must be thinking that I am some jealous "has been" who just cannot stand to see fresh blood. But I'm really worried coz I've encountered numerous genuinely good staffs who ends up being liabilities because they used their expertise against the company when they can't get what they demanded. I do believe in rewarding good staff, but there are also limits on how much one can afford to reward. Sad thing here is, most staff would not understand that part.
Perhaps I am just being over recting. Maybe she's really good and do not have any hidden agenda. So, just enjoy her welcoming assistance and give yourself a breather lah Ginseng boi. Maybe she will make a silly mistake soon... happy Monday everyone!!!
Bodoh sombong = idiots who think they are smart.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Saturday Blues
Hayo!!!! Saturday also have to work!!! I just do not understand how this half day thingy is going to make any difference in enriching the economy. Least to say, enriching our lives???!!!
Come on! Think about it, most of my clients insists that we open our offices on Saturdays "in case" they need our help. And the irony here is, most of them do not work on Saturdays! It's been a norm for our industry to kow tow to our clients because "customer's are always right", right? WRONG!!! I've worked overseas before and I've never had to come in on a Saturday. Not even once. I was in the car rental service some more!!! Even if there is any problems, there is always the telephone and internet right? Besides, if something did happen, and it would involve my agents overseas (particularly on the Western Hemisphere), do you think they would give 2 hoots about it? No!!! Because they DO NOT work on Saturdays either! The point here is, if some thing wrong has happened, it has happened. You can't turn it around and un"happen" it. :-P So, why can't we just solve the issues on Monday, leaving the weekends free with blissfully quality time for family and loved ones? I guess most Asians just do not know how to let go and have a little bit of fun. Or, perhaps my client's have sadistic tendency of deriving pleasure from making us come to work on Saturdays while they don't?
One more hour to go before 12pm... what a waste of time here... *sigh...* sob sob
kow tow = worship
Come on! Think about it, most of my clients insists that we open our offices on Saturdays "in case" they need our help. And the irony here is, most of them do not work on Saturdays! It's been a norm for our industry to kow tow to our clients because "customer's are always right", right? WRONG!!! I've worked overseas before and I've never had to come in on a Saturday. Not even once. I was in the car rental service some more!!! Even if there is any problems, there is always the telephone and internet right? Besides, if something did happen, and it would involve my agents overseas (particularly on the Western Hemisphere), do you think they would give 2 hoots about it? No!!! Because they DO NOT work on Saturdays either! The point here is, if some thing wrong has happened, it has happened. You can't turn it around and un"happen" it. :-P So, why can't we just solve the issues on Monday, leaving the weekends free with blissfully quality time for family and loved ones? I guess most Asians just do not know how to let go and have a little bit of fun. Or, perhaps my client's have sadistic tendency of deriving pleasure from making us come to work on Saturdays while they don't?
One more hour to go before 12pm... what a waste of time here... *sigh...* sob sob
kow tow = worship
Friday, September 15, 2006
Guest Blogging
I'm guest blogging in my Ginseng's blog. WUAKAKKAKAKAAKAKAKAKAK!!!!!
Ok, a little bit of info about me good self. I hibernate in my own blog located here. Ginseng boi here is one of my neighbours in another block. Did I just call him "boi"? WUAKAKAKAKA!!! XD
What's Ginseng like? Well, he sold me some bamboo blinds previously (which reminds me, gotta ask him how come the bamboo blinds macam grow little bits of fungus liddat). Ginseng's living the life of a free bachelor (yes ladies, he's still available *ahem*), has a nice house and stable (but often stressful, poor guy) career. Also, Ginseng's house is probably the only condo unit I know of that has a 2.5Hp squarish-office-looking air-con! I kid you not! It's the first thing you will see when you look at the ceiling :P Ginseng probably spends too much time under all these type of air-cons, hence probably took a liking to them.
That's all from me today! Cheerios! Blek!
I'm guest blogging in my Ginseng's blog. WUAKAKKAKAKAAKAKAKAKAK!!!!!
Ok, a little bit of info about me good self. I hibernate in my own blog located here. Ginseng boi here is one of my neighbours in another block. Did I just call him "boi"? WUAKAKAKAKA!!! XD
What's Ginseng like? Well, he sold me some bamboo blinds previously (which reminds me, gotta ask him how come the bamboo blinds macam grow little bits of fungus liddat). Ginseng's living the life of a free bachelor (yes ladies, he's still available *ahem*), has a nice house and stable (but often stressful, poor guy) career. Also, Ginseng's house is probably the only condo unit I know of that has a 2.5Hp squarish-office-looking air-con! I kid you not! It's the first thing you will see when you look at the ceiling :P Ginseng probably spends too much time under all these type of air-cons, hence probably took a liking to them.
That's all from me today! Cheerios! Blek!
El Stupido...
I read with amusement on Mary Schneider's musings from The Star about this supposedly miracle pill that can cure stupidity. Imagine what I'll do if I have that pill in my hand. In fact I can think right off my head on who needs the pill with immediate effect too. Here's the top 10 list of people who will be given foremost priority treatment.
1. MP's who bitchs and whimper in Parliment because he can't buy the michidis bens he wanted.
2. Politicians who implements ruling and spread all over the media and then overthrows them the next day.
3. Younger politician wannabe's who slurs racial remarks and then buat dunno and denied what they said.
4. Malaysian drivers who obtained their kopi "o" license and doesn't know that indicators exists in every car.
5. Mat rempits get 3 times dosage!!!
6. Utilities dept.'s customer service personnel who are just too dumb to read and process application forms.
7. Government service personnels who have turned into vegetables because their fat asses are permanently plonked in the staff canteen.
8. Lying elderly people who have nothing to do and trying to be politician wannabe's, terrorising their condo neighborhood.
9. Not so elderly people who have not enough grey matter to think on their own, supporting these elderly terrorist. (please refer to no. 8)
10. Customers who doesn't know that their 1 sen cannot by the world and make people kiss their feet.
Stupid people!!!!!! I'm not in a good mood. Blek!!!!
1. MP's who bitchs and whimper in Parliment because he can't buy the michidis bens he wanted.
2. Politicians who implements ruling and spread all over the media and then overthrows them the next day.
3. Younger politician wannabe's who slurs racial remarks and then buat dunno and denied what they said.
4. Malaysian drivers who obtained their kopi "o" license and doesn't know that indicators exists in every car.
5. Mat rempits get 3 times dosage!!!
6. Utilities dept.'s customer service personnel who are just too dumb to read and process application forms.
7. Government service personnels who have turned into vegetables because their fat asses are permanently plonked in the staff canteen.
8. Lying elderly people who have nothing to do and trying to be politician wannabe's, terrorising their condo neighborhood.
9. Not so elderly people who have not enough grey matter to think on their own, supporting these elderly terrorist. (please refer to no. 8)
10. Customers who doesn't know that their 1 sen cannot by the world and make people kiss their feet.
Stupid people!!!!!! I'm not in a good mood. Blek!!!!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Mong mong
THE HAZE IS BACK!!! This morning, I was greeted by a thick cloud like layer enveloping the entire Klang Valley. And this is after a heavy rain early in the morning some more! Hai... Why is it so that our goddamn &%$#^*&^^ neighbouring country cannot understand that open burning is environmentally hazardous???!!!
I can still remember those days when I was a little kid where such things do not exist. That was even before open burning in Malaysia was banned! And we didn't have haze at that time. Why now? Have our neighbors decided in recent years that by blazing down the entire island is going to make them a gadzillion times richer? Or is it that their own people's lives are so insignificant that if the fires get out of hand, then... too bad lah! Kanineh!!! Killing your own people is bad enough, why must they kill us as well with their polution.
I also read somewhere that the President of this particular country was one of the first to object in signing a global treaty against open burning. It clearly shows how much they care for themselves and little for the world. Sigh... I just do not understand how in the world can this moron get himself seated as president in the first place? Anyway, we'll save that topic for another day. Meanwhile, I'll just have to brave the haze and hope that a giant truck would not run me over because he has zero visibility. Where's my gas mask???!!!!!!!!!!!
I can still remember those days when I was a little kid where such things do not exist. That was even before open burning in Malaysia was banned! And we didn't have haze at that time. Why now? Have our neighbors decided in recent years that by blazing down the entire island is going to make them a gadzillion times richer? Or is it that their own people's lives are so insignificant that if the fires get out of hand, then... too bad lah! Kanineh!!! Killing your own people is bad enough, why must they kill us as well with their polution.
I also read somewhere that the President of this particular country was one of the first to object in signing a global treaty against open burning. It clearly shows how much they care for themselves and little for the world. Sigh... I just do not understand how in the world can this moron get himself seated as president in the first place? Anyway, we'll save that topic for another day. Meanwhile, I'll just have to brave the haze and hope that a giant truck would not run me over because he has zero visibility. Where's my gas mask???!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Priorities....Priorities
After all that months of slogging, (note: slave like labour...), I've finally been blessed with some durian runtuh. Ahhh... at least my hard work paid off a bit lah.
So, it's finally time to reward myself a bit. National Day was shopping day for me. I've decided to shop for furniture (hey, it's been long overdue to fill up my pad since I moved in ok?) Found this marvelous place in Puchong that sells a wide variety of teak wood furniture. From the glam glam Mak Datin type to the rustic old world designs. I personally like the old world designs and it would certainly fit in with my existing furniture. After scouring every inch of the shop, I finally purchased an Indian-Anglo style consol table with a huge mahogany wall mirror and a standing mirror which I am planning to use as a screen at my front entrance. I'm so liking the effect the new addition did to my apartment. So, I guess I'll be shopping for more again next month lah... Sigh.... Wish I can make $$$ as fast as I spend.
Glam glam = creole short form for glamour
Mak Datin = term used for high society women
Durian runtuh = receiving unexpected amount of wealth
So, it's finally time to reward myself a bit. National Day was shopping day for me. I've decided to shop for furniture (hey, it's been long overdue to fill up my pad since I moved in ok?) Found this marvelous place in Puchong that sells a wide variety of teak wood furniture. From the glam glam Mak Datin type to the rustic old world designs. I personally like the old world designs and it would certainly fit in with my existing furniture. After scouring every inch of the shop, I finally purchased an Indian-Anglo style consol table with a huge mahogany wall mirror and a standing mirror which I am planning to use as a screen at my front entrance. I'm so liking the effect the new addition did to my apartment. So, I guess I'll be shopping for more again next month lah... Sigh.... Wish I can make $$$ as fast as I spend.
Glam glam = creole short form for glamour
Mak Datin = term used for high society women
Durian runtuh = receiving unexpected amount of wealth
7th month
Gosh...it's been a long time since I posted anything up. Perhaps my neighbours' nickname for me, chat yiut* certainly fits the bill lah. :-P This is because I have been so engrossed with work and I've not been joining in the activities they had organised. It was only of late, that I happen to show up again at their gatherings...and it happened to be the inauspicious "Ghost month" in the Chinese calender. So, I am like the hungry ghost that was let loose from the gates of Hades, visiting the real world. Because of this, I am now stuck with the name "Chat yuit" lah!
Anyways, it is certainly a refreshing change to hang out (haunt them neighbours is more like it..BWAHAHAHAHA!!!) with them from the daily grill I'm subjecting myself to in the name of career and fortune. Sometimes I wonder whether is it worth all the slogging for the additional moolah or not. Sigh... got no money susah, wanna find more money, lagi susah... I guess life is like that. You want something, you've gotta slog for it. There is no short cut to it, unless someone is kind enough to burn a bus load of hell notes with all the afterworld luxuries to me lah (Ghost mah!!!)
Well, whatever it is, I definitely need to strike a balance in my life. Otherwise, this label would probably get stuck with me for evah! Peace!
* Cantonese for 7th month
Anyways, it is certainly a refreshing change to hang out (haunt them neighbours is more like it..BWAHAHAHAHA!!!) with them from the daily grill I'm subjecting myself to in the name of career and fortune. Sometimes I wonder whether is it worth all the slogging for the additional moolah or not. Sigh... got no money susah, wanna find more money, lagi susah... I guess life is like that. You want something, you've gotta slog for it. There is no short cut to it, unless someone is kind enough to burn a bus load of hell notes with all the afterworld luxuries to me lah (Ghost mah!!!)
Well, whatever it is, I definitely need to strike a balance in my life. Otherwise, this label would probably get stuck with me for evah! Peace!
* Cantonese for 7th month
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Building Castles in the air
Just recently, I was at a friend's place to help her fix something up and after that was done, we began talking about the usual stuff... our family, friends, and of course, work. Just like anybody else, we began bitching about our work like it's the end of the world. Nothing was spared, from office politics to dim wit bosses. We yacked away our sorrows.
That was when I mentioned that some time back, another friend from Indonesia recommended me to invest in a piece of land in East Java or Sulawesi and start a small resort or something. We immediately picked up the idea and thought that it would be a great idea to buy a couple of acres of cheap farm land by the seaside at a faraway land and finally be able to live the ultimate beach bum lifestyle. We began imagining details such as how the huts are going to look like, what sort of menus we are going to offer and even how are we going to market this place. Talk about getting it all out in pen and paper!
The next day, I checked on the net on what's available and true enough, there were several pieces of land that were on sale and indeed affordable to our standards (which isn't very high, really). Anyway, I'm keeping tab on all the background work as for now. Who knows? Maybe my "castle in the air" will come true someday...
That was when I mentioned that some time back, another friend from Indonesia recommended me to invest in a piece of land in East Java or Sulawesi and start a small resort or something. We immediately picked up the idea and thought that it would be a great idea to buy a couple of acres of cheap farm land by the seaside at a faraway land and finally be able to live the ultimate beach bum lifestyle. We began imagining details such as how the huts are going to look like, what sort of menus we are going to offer and even how are we going to market this place. Talk about getting it all out in pen and paper!
The next day, I checked on the net on what's available and true enough, there were several pieces of land that were on sale and indeed affordable to our standards (which isn't very high, really). Anyway, I'm keeping tab on all the background work as for now. Who knows? Maybe my "castle in the air" will come true someday...
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Water F**K???!!!!
AAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!! I can't believe that there is still no water at my apartment! How in God's name do they expect anyone to live? Before I go on lamenting about this whole issue, let me rewind back to yesterday morning. I was showerning and as I was finishing (Thank God!), I realised that the water pressure was waning. Before I knew it, there was hardly a trickle left, coming out from the shower rose. Nope, empty...zilt!
Anyway, got out, dressed and came out form my apartment and saw a couple of neighbors coming out with that same question in their faces. Anyway ,got back home at 7pm and found out that my taps were still dry. Checked my bills and found out that I had paid them... so, had to strike that possibility out. Anyway, I called the guard house (since our ever efficient management office closes at 5pm SHARP) and found out that there was a burst on the main pipe. Apparently, it was fixed and they had to wait for the glue to dry (Think about this.... glue, main water pipe... something's not right here). They said that water will be back on at 8pm. Some of my smarter neighbors had made earlier plans to go watch X-Men and then get back home on time to have their taps flowing again. Why didn't I think of that? Sigh...
Anyway, I've decided to have my satay dinner in front of the idiot box . After all, 8pm is only 40 minutes away. I could live with that.
8.15pm comes, and still no liquid out from the taps. Called the security people again. They said that it's been postponed to 10pm. Hmmm.. I spent a whole day at work, now I've sticky fingers from satay grease and NO WATER!!!!
At 10pm, security decided that it's to late for anyone to work, so too bad, no water till tomorrow. Now, being tired, uncomfortable and stuck with icky fingers did not help me out on my patients and mood. Slammed down the phone and decided that I will be taking a communal shower at the swimming pool changing rooms. Talk about COMMUNITY LIVING! This has got to be the epitome of gated lifestyle. At this moment, I also realised that my neighbor's plans backfired as well. Poor people!
Well, got the grim off and walked the entire green mile back to my "cell," hoping that my most basic luxury will be restored the next day.
Next morning, the taps were still dry! Nope, the management decided that we have to suffer a couple more hours. It's almost 7pm now.... and there is STILL NO WATER!!!! WATER F**K???!!! Are they trying to systematically kill all of us in our block????? AARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, got out, dressed and came out form my apartment and saw a couple of neighbors coming out with that same question in their faces. Anyway ,got back home at 7pm and found out that my taps were still dry. Checked my bills and found out that I had paid them... so, had to strike that possibility out. Anyway, I called the guard house (since our ever efficient management office closes at 5pm SHARP) and found out that there was a burst on the main pipe. Apparently, it was fixed and they had to wait for the glue to dry (Think about this.... glue, main water pipe... something's not right here). They said that water will be back on at 8pm. Some of my smarter neighbors had made earlier plans to go watch X-Men and then get back home on time to have their taps flowing again. Why didn't I think of that? Sigh...
Anyway, I've decided to have my satay dinner in front of the idiot box . After all, 8pm is only 40 minutes away. I could live with that.
8.15pm comes, and still no liquid out from the taps. Called the security people again. They said that it's been postponed to 10pm. Hmmm.. I spent a whole day at work, now I've sticky fingers from satay grease and NO WATER!!!!
At 10pm, security decided that it's to late for anyone to work, so too bad, no water till tomorrow. Now, being tired, uncomfortable and stuck with icky fingers did not help me out on my patients and mood. Slammed down the phone and decided that I will be taking a communal shower at the swimming pool changing rooms. Talk about COMMUNITY LIVING! This has got to be the epitome of gated lifestyle. At this moment, I also realised that my neighbor's plans backfired as well. Poor people!
Well, got the grim off and walked the entire green mile back to my "cell," hoping that my most basic luxury will be restored the next day.
Next morning, the taps were still dry! Nope, the management decided that we have to suffer a couple more hours. It's almost 7pm now.... and there is STILL NO WATER!!!! WATER F**K???!!! Are they trying to systematically kill all of us in our block????? AARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!
I'm a bloggin...
Well, well, well.... I guess I've always been a late bloomer. So, it's no surprise that it will take me this long to finally get my big fat B*TT off the couch and start penning down my toughts. Anyways, better late than never, right?
Just a "quickie" on who I am... I'm just another average 30 year old trapped in the rat race still trying to find his own identity. Yep, I'm an Average Joe with an average job and earning a below average pay... AND I'm proud of it! I'm amazed on how I could survived all these years with my meager salary. :-D
Anyways, it's good that I've finally started this, coz it's certainly not going to be my last posting. Stay tuned....
Just a "quickie" on who I am... I'm just another average 30 year old trapped in the rat race still trying to find his own identity. Yep, I'm an Average Joe with an average job and earning a below average pay... AND I'm proud of it! I'm amazed on how I could survived all these years with my meager salary. :-D
Anyways, it's good that I've finally started this, coz it's certainly not going to be my last posting. Stay tuned....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
