Another proposal???

Too much to do and so much more pending... tak tau lah what I got myself into. Anyway, there's this proposal from a potential investor who wants to partner with us in KL. I'm leaving my options open since I've no idea what their proposal is at this point of time. I'm more concern over whether our plans to expand next year to the Middle East will take place or not. Can't wait to go to Dubai in Feb.

Because of all this, my plans to crop those pix in photoshop all terbengkalai. Hope I hv time to at least do some tonight. Sigh....

I need a PA

Ok!!! I'm well rested (er... I think lah) and once again my very interesting life is swarthing me with curtains (back logs yikes!) and shipping demons creating havoc. I'm suppose to be away in Bangkok this coming Thursday too. Can't believe that I'm still contemplating on continuing with the trip or not???!!!! (I've got the hotel and limo in Bangkok all booked) Mebbe I should go and spend a big hole in my pocket. Besides, Christmas is around the corner and I need an excuse to spend money. I'll just worry about the rest once I get back. And there is also the pictures that needs to be cropped from the Langkawi vacation. The kids were just sooooo adorable!!! I miss them so much! Must make it a point to post them in the blog!

There is also this nagging thing about me losing too much weight in the past 2 weeks. 4 kilos!!! That's way too fast! But, then again that's just me... I lose it fast, I can also gain them back in a jiffy! So, I might just remedy that tonight when I make myself a batch of my killer Tiramitsu. BTW, a cafe actually asked me to make them a sample! Hmmm... finally my answer to escaping the shipping demons? I might just make one for them and see what happens.

Last day.

Today's the last day for the Novena Prayers.... looking forward to some good company, good food and also good fellowship. We'll all be looking forward to a good rest after this. At least I am.

Do you know about the "Secret?"

I bought the book much earlier, read it and never really took it seriously. In fact, my verdict then was it was no more than a "feel good" book. Well, after the incident, I decided to take that book out and have a feel good session. But, this time I actually let myself immerse into the meanings and also the know how from that book. Last 3 days, after the prayer session, one of my friend was helping out with the dishes. He happened to take off his diamond ring when he did the dishes. Later that night, he was frantically looking for his ring and couldn't find it. Since there was easily 40 people in the house, anything could have happened. Anyway, I told him that I would look for it when everyone was gone. I searched every inch of the house and I couldn't find it. My verdict then was it was either in someone else's pocket or it could have gone down with the rest of the trash. I told my friend that I couldn't find it. From his tone, I knew he was sad because it is his favourite piece. That was when I remembered what I read and I concentrated on wanting to have back that ring. I seek and asked for it before I went to bed.

The very next day, just before the prayer session began, one guy came up to me and said, "Is this ring yours?" It was my friends diamond ring!!!! OMG!!!! I couldn't believe it!!!!! It actually worked!!! Scary? I didn't think so. I was so amazed!!!

Check out what "The Secret" is all about at http://www.thesecret.tv

Coming to terms and moving on.

It's been an emotional roller coaster ride of late. Losing someone dear so suddenly, picking up the pieces and trying to move on, work and other commitments have had me on wits end. At least we are still alive and life needs to move on.

On behalf of Beth's family, we would like to sincerely thank everyone for their personal assistance, words of comfort, prayers, guidance, and every little thing that slipped our minds during those period of bereavement. You guys are the greatest and no words can describe our most heartfelt appreciation. We'll miss her dearly but at least she's in a better place.

She's gone

She's gone...

A prayer needed - update 3

Phone calls in the middle of the night is always a nightmare. It's almost always never good news. I received a call at 3.30 am this morning. Lilibeth is on life support after her heart beat dropped drastically. For the first time, I cried after getting that phone call. I don't know what else to do but to pray and to seek for everyone to pray for her.

A prayer needed - update 2

Lilibeth is still in a coma when I visited her yesterday afternoon. It was her birthday. I wished her "Happy Birthday" and told her to keep on working on getting up. The doctor said that there is a high chance that she can hear us speak. She had a slight fever and her hands felt slightly cold. I did notice though that when they are held and lightly massaged, she seems more relaxed and her heart rate will slow down slightly.

Her hands and legs are have shown some slight involuntary muscle movements. We are taking that as a positive sign. No matter how small the improvement, we take it as positive as possible. She will be going through a small surgery to ease her breathing through her throat today. I feel sad for Aunty Maria for having to go through all this test. It breaks my heart to see her holding on to Beth's hands everytime and to see her eyes water when the other patients around moves out of the ICU unit into the regular wards. It's been 6 days. I'm really praying for a miracle to happen. I hope you all out there will pray for her to get well too.

A prayer needed - update 1

I rececived a call yesterday morning that Lilibeth has been transferred to KLGH for an emergency surgery to drain the fluids from her brain and to reduce the pressure. The surgery is a success and she's warded in the ICU unit for close monitoring. Praise the LORD and also the medical team from Kajang Hospital and KLGH for not giving up and working at such a speed. Now, we're just hoping that she will pull through this period and wake up from her coma by this week. I managed to drop by the neurology ICU ward in KLGH to see her. Her vital signs look good and I hope she gets lots of positive vibes.

Honestly, I didn't have very much faith with our govt. hospitals initially (can't blame me for that after seeing and hearing all the horror stories and long waiting periods there) but after seeing how they acted and took care of Lilibeth, I was indeed glad. I'm also very sure that a lot of these good things are happening because of your prayers and good wishes. I'd like to personally and humbly thank those who did. There's nothing more meaningful than a prayer in confidence for another person.

A prayer needed

I received a very sad news yesterday afternoon. A good friend of mine had a fit attack yesterday in her office and was rushed to the hospital. They did an MRI scan and found that she had a brain hemorrhage. It was something that had occured for quite a long time, it's just that she was not aware about it. Now she's in the Kajang Hospital ICU unit fighting for her life.

I need my dear friends and readers to pray for her health and to give her and her family strength to fight through this trial period. Every prayer counts and wish to thank you for doing so.

Reality of being a mature & responsible person

I was going through my bills last night and making payments out and realised that my overhead is actually damn high! I can't imagine that society's idea of being a responsible mature person means putting yourself into a huge pool of debts. I mean, think about it, here I am with a car loan, property loans, business loans, utility bills (at least 6 every month), car maintenance, credit card bills, insurance, gym membership, groceries, emergency cash, etc... wah!!!!! No wonder there is hardly any moolah at the end of the month for savings! It's kinda scary once we actually put everything out on the table. I tabik lah to those, after paying all the above and still have extra to spare for luxuries in life.

Indeed it is not cheap to live in KL anymore. Even if one is to compare the demography with other cities around the world like New York, London or Tokyo, one must not forget, we are only earning RM, not USD or Pound Sterling! So, compared dollar to dollar, so to speak, it is very, very expensive to live in KL.

So, here I am now mapping out on what options I have to reduce the overheads (which should be essentially short term), because nobody wants to alter their lifestyle too much, right? The next big thing is to try to pay up the property loans as fast as possible. Not easy, I know... but somehow this has to be done, especially when there is more than one to worry about.

Anyone want to hire part time???

At peace on Aidilfitri

Elow you alls!!! Firstly, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all my Muslim friends and readers. Minta maaf jika ada yang tersilap, tersingung and all the other "ter's' that you can think of lah. Hehehe... So, we start back zero-zero ok!!

Anyway, didn't do anything this Raya... no visiting, no merry making, nada!!! I packed my bags and went to an undisclosed place to recuperate from all the activities last 3 weeks (finishing up my client's house before Raya, entertaining the family from US, and generally from all the shit that life throw at me everyday). So, yes... it was a good three days of not doing anything except to vegetate, meditate, read, watch loads of DVDs and sleep.

Hope this euphoria wil last a lot longer than the previous one before I become this high strung, overworked, workoholic again. But at least I managed to do a lot of soul searching and also managed to map out what would make my life more meaningful. It's not easy to make peace with oneself for all the challenges that comes along in life. It's easy to get angry and blame all that shit at people, God and everything in general. But it's not so easy to forgive and to move on. Well, this 3 days thought me a lot about that. It taught me a lot about making peace with others, and more importantly, with myself. Now I am clear on how to move on with a clear head and without emotional baggages in tow. I have a lot of people to thank for that. More importantly, I have God to thank for showing me the way and by answering my prayers most of the time.

Well, enough of emo rantings.... I'll be posting pictures of the little circus troupes soon during our recent trip to Langkawi. They are a handful yet they are so adorable and I am already missing them terribly. Hope I'll be able to detach away from work next year to make a trip over to the States to celebrate one of the boy's birthday. So, watch out for this space soon.

Hiatus

Oli will be out of town for a few days. You guys be good ya! Muacks! Catch y'all next week!

Industrial Prostitutes

I know, I know.... lots of you out there have told me a zillion times that when we start a business, we have to take the good, the bad and the ugly. And trust me, after 5 years, I've seen lots of good bad and unfortunately, ugly (like Mdm W!!!! Ugghhh!!! Uweeekkkk!!!!!) What I can deduce out of the different portfolios I carry, there is this common trait I see which is quite disturbing. I'll call them industrial prostitutes. Why? Because there is this group of people who will make you do everything (and most of the time, more) and then complain that you've not one enough. Then, they will make sure that they squeeze you dry from any form of profit because they feel that no one in this world should make a profit out of them. And these people are unfortunately (and I'm very ashamed to say this) MALAYSIANS!!!! I've never encountered such issues with foreign clients. Be they for interior design consultancy or the freight forwarding business.

Case in point. I have this new client who have this urgent (take note, urgent!!!) cargo that is on it's way form Hong Kong via sea. They frantically was requesting for us to be their forwarding agent and they have no idea how to start. Fine. So, here we are trying our best to educate them, explaining to them the costs breakdown and what needs to be done and so on and so forth. Since it is an import cargo, we basically don't make anything except for a small agency fee. Guess what??? These jokers only want to pay us RM30 for all that running around, getting their import permits done, their tax cleared and their goods reach safely on their doorstep!!! GILER BABI WEH!!!!! Well, I told then that they can go shop around and the pricing is pretty much standard (of course, lah!!! Almost everything is charged back-to-back anyway!!) So, after haggling, and the shipment is almost reaching, these jokers start to panic and then said, fine, we will appoint you all. But MUST GIVE FURTHER DISCOUNT! Hapende lagi discount nak kasi if we are making a measly RM100 from this lot of shipment???? Clear from A-Z you know??? Not just clearing Delivery Order!!!! So stupeed!!!! Then, tell us that they want to apply for their import permit themselves (kononnya want to save money lah) Tak tau buat, pagi-pagi buta call people and disturb. Want free advice. Lepas tuh, bila dah buat salah, said want to charge me for the resubmission.

Is our Malaysian mentality of wanting freebies and haggling attitude getting out of control? If we are, then we should not be making fun of Singaporeans for being kiasu because I feel Malaysians have surpassed them on this matter. Malaysia Boleh!!! Yeah right! I shall quote Patric Teoh's blog on this matter that I feel really disgusted about our bad habits...NIAMAH!!!!

Buka puasa!

It's the time of the year again and it's always a welcoming sight to see so many stalls opened specifically catering for the breaking of fast. More so lah, for me who just can't resist a good ayam percik or the wide variety of kuih muih they sell out there.

Most eateries are also banking in on this season to start promoting their buffets as well. I've been out several times either to entertain customers or friends. By far, my fav places are still Mdm Kwan's, Nikko Hotel and Hilton PJ. The variety is great (too bad I don't take good pictures like Oliviasy) and the food's fantastic! As for the stalls, TTDI has a great variety of good food (not those selling for the sake of selling) as well. So, go out and try! You don't have to be "puasa"ing to enjoy these delicacies! Ayo.... all this talk about food is making me hungry.

The circus is coming in a weeks time!!!!

Geee..... how time flies!!!! Mom just called to remind me that 2nd sis, hubby and the circus will be arriving next Monday. So, we'll need the kickass truck to the rescue (Need to carry all that baggage mah). It's been like 4 years since we last seen each other face to face. More so, now with an additional 2 kiddies in tow from just one the last time we met. The entire 2 weeks agenda has been planned and I hope they will enjoy their holiday kaw kaw lah. Especially when she have to go through 23 hours of flight time with 3 screaming kids in a plane. That is certainly no fun, come to think about it. Well, we'll be off to Langkawi this time since 2nd sis has never been there. We'll be staying at the BonTon for a totally different experience. The last trip to KK (Sutera Harbour Resort) was a blast! And then, we'll figure out what other places we can bring them around, especially to keep the kiddies occupied. Any suggestions??? (besides Genting??? Urrghhh!!!) Those with kiddies? Your input please??? Shaz???

Kissed on the Ass!!!

Alright, my kickass truck was kissed on the butt a couple of days ago. To be specific, it was a kiss and blah. So, yeah, my car was officially molested. What I don't understand is, how can someone langgar my car in an empty parking lot??? To whoevah chicken shit yang langgar my car and ran away, I curse you with continuous diarrhea for 7 generations!!!!...Errmmm come to think of it, how to have 7 generations when you are constantly having diarrhea??? Hahahahaha!!! Anyway, constant diarrhea for 7 generation it is.

BTW, anyone know of any workshop who can knock out a chrome bumper?

High on Java

The mind is a wanderer today and it makes absolutely no meaning to be in the office trying to look focused and in control. I have decided not to be responsible today and resign to half a day of reckless caffeine and sugar indulgence. So, here I am at Starbucks, spending my daily meal ration on uncopious amount of coffee and patisseries. I'll relish my delights with recklessness and drown myself in a sea of drip brew Java. I will embrace the jitters of caffeine high like ecstacy. Ah....The love of Java. Thy shall immerse thyself in your aroma and envelope in a cocoon like blanket from your velvety flavors. I think I'll fly real high today....Wheeeeee!!!!!!!!!!

Dementors

Ever wonder why there are some people who are so negative??? These people will suck life out from everyone in a room the moment they enter. They are like dementors (these floating ghouls from Harry Potter) waiting to drain you out. Why are some people like that huh?

I happen to meet this "dementor" just now. Some supplier lah... He looks like he fits in the Adams family chart pretty well. When he speaks, OMG!!! The only thing my brain can register is,

"Can I get the hell out of this hell hole???!!!"

The whole experience is just MORBID!!!! Firstly, there's this lingering putrid stench of stale ciggie when he's around. Then, every word that comes out of his mouth is either F**k or M*c*uc*b*i. There is not a single positive tone in his voice and suggestions. After the meeting, I just felt like dropping everything and go home to mourn over my lost soul. Wonder how many of you people have experience these morbid dementors??? Eeeeeeeeeeee..... (Shudder)

Breaking down another wall...AGAIN!

The past 2 weeks was really an all expense paid trip to hell and back!!!! Not under MATTA fair summore! You see, I've this client who is so fickle minded that they have so far changed the entire structure of the house 5 times since we started working on it. Now that they have moved in, they have decided to pecah a few walls again!!!! Ayoooo!!!!!!!!! It's bad enough that they are rushing for Raya (which is impossible to achieve), now they want to demolish and rebuilt one section again!!!!! I mean, they are really nice people and they are willing to pay (which is a very very important factor). But still, I personally feel it's not worth the hassle of living in constant dust and noise (not to mention the risk of your valuables kena sapu by these workers) and you have to fork out lotsa $$$ for all these inconvenience. Anyway, my other projects are all delayed because of this massive home, which again is being broken down. I'm proud of my work here but I don't know when it will be finished with the rate we are going.

Next Year's Major Feat

After our "victorious feat" hiking up Sg Palas' tea plantation at Cameron Highlands, SP and I have this crazy idea to do the impossible (at least for sedentary people like me) :-P Actually, I should correct that sentence. It was MY crazy idea and I coaxed her into doing it with me. We will be climbing Mount Kinabalu early next year!!! Something I have to strike off my "List of things to do before I die" thingy, and it is also SP's spectacular goodbye trip before she head off to Toronto for the next 6 months (or possibly permanently) for her intense karnatic violin training. Some of you must be thinking, Cheh! Mt. Kinabalu only wat! So difficult meh??? For those who don't know me, well, um... if I have my way, I would not need to lift a finger to DO ANYTHING, let alone climb a mountain!!! So, yes, it will be one hellova feat for me. SP was so excited over this trip that she called another friend to join in. I pulak out of the excitement, gatal-gatal go and call this friend from the US and invited him for the trip. He said yes! So, there will be 4 of us trying to kill ourselves next year climbing up a mountain. One sedentary contractor Cina Apek, 2 forty plus women (who happen to be fitter than me) and an Ang Moh art curator who is a chain smoker. I can't imagine what's going to happen during that trip since we are such a motley crew.

Anyway, before we even GET THERE physically, we're all busy "training" at this moment. I've no qualms that SP will be in tip top condition since she power walks about 3 hours a day, couple with daily Yoga sessions. So is her other friend. Well, I started training last week by pledging to climb up and down the stairs of my condo (I live on the 15th floor) instead of using the lifts. I thought, ala... sure no problem lah doing this everyday. So, 2 days ago I started my so called training after work. It was late at night and I was dead tired. But nevertheless, the training have to start. So, I began climbing up the stairs from my basement 2 carpark all the way up to the 15th floor. At first it was ok until I reached the 8th floor, Suddenly, everything was a blur and all I could think off was Adibah Noor standing at the corridor with an Ogawa foot massager! "Macam diurut dengan tangan!" Bwahahahahaha!!!!! I did reach my floor that night but I was so out of breath and looked like some kangkung layu by the time I was at my front door. If 15 floors also want to die, how to go up 4000 plus meters lah.... hope Adibah Noor will be at the pit stop with her Ogawa foot massager at that time.

Budak budak 80's

I don't get these kids born during the 80's. What is it with these kids born during the era of Dynasty, shoulder pads and aeroplane hairdo that makes them so lazy and annoying??? You see, I used to have this young ciku as my sales who was a product of the 80's. He's so lazy to the point that he has excuses for every single task that is given to him. Things became worse when I found out that he would rather be sitting in the office yacking on the phone rather than be outside getting the business in. Talking to him requires one to brace him or herself because sooner or later , you will be wretching your guts out ala Regan McNiel from the Exorcist because he's just too stubborn to listen. Alang alang bodoh sombong nya lah. Anyway, the day he tendered his resignation, I was so elated that I almost called the caterers to celebrate. He thought that I would be dissapointed when he threw in his letter. Hah!! I was more than happy to ask him to pack his stuff and blah!

Now I've 2 young ladies, also from this twisted era. Same shit. They don't take the initiative to learn or even ask, if they don't understand. Then, they go bitching to the other staffs that they are not learning anything from this company.... yadayadayada.... Perhaps I may have been out of the circuit, but since when the hell has telepathy been the order of the day in our lives???? I can't read minds, period!!! You want something, ask! You don't understand something ask! Isk!!!! I hate babysitting these overgrown spoilt brats!!! If this continue, I'll probably be like this poor fella!!!

Out of spital

Ahhh... sis is finally out of the spital and that's good news. Even better news is that the surgeon managed to repair all the tendons on her fingers!!! It's so good to see her fingers move again even though she has to be in a cast for the next couple of weeks. Kudos to the doctor for doing a wonderful job!

Not so good news is while I was at the spital, my beautiful kick ass truck kena scratch liao!!! I don't know who is the stupid architect or contractor who design Pantai Hospital lah... the ramps at the car parks are so blardy narrow, it seems like every car that passes it would either scuff the front bumber or back wheel arch. @##$%%^%$!!!!! These architects must be die hard fans of tiny cars. I was already worried when I approach the ramp when I saw that it was seasonally stained with car scuffs. Nak reverse also cannot, because there was like a million cars behind me waiting to get their car scratched (breaking out in cold sweat during this time). So, no choice lah, my back wheel arch became the victim. BENCI!!!!! So today, my beloved truck kena masuk workshop to respray the scuffed part. Lucky thing the workshop people was nice enough to loan me their Kenari to move around.

Spital

Ayoooo!!!!! I've been so busy with a whole shit load of work, I'm going to be drowning pretty soon in either bales of curtains or paperwork from my shipping company!!! Thank God for this blog, otherwise, I can't seem to find any other alternative to release my tension (tak kan I go ranting my worries and frustrations to my staff, kan???)

Sis called yesterday and said that she's in K.L. I was kinda surprised over her unannounced trip. Anyway, she told me that she was here on emergency and she is in the hospital. Imagine my horror!!! She broke a tendon on her finger. Anyway, I was with her at the Radiology Dept. to wait for the MRI scan. Her right fingers are limp and she can't lift them anymore. Athritic Psoriasis can be such a terrible disease. She has already lost the feeling of 2 fingers. I hope they can save this third one. Her doctor said that she has to be referred to a hand surgeon and this blardy country only have 5!!! So much for Govt. incentives to curb our brain drain. Anyway, the doctor was based in another hospital so, we have to make separate appointments lah.

I called her today and asked how she was doing. She said that she was at the surgeon's office waiting for her X-rays to come out. The doctor wanted to analyse and see if he can salvage the entire hand rather than just repair the tendon. I'm really praying that some miracle can be done lah. She's been so damn strong over the entire 15 years or so ordeal. I just wish that there will be some medical breakthrough that will help her condition. There was this new medicine that was doing wonders to her but it's only considered preventive medicine and it requires self injection every couple of days (like diabetic insulin) and the cost is extremely high. She's very lucky that her company is picking up the tab. I cannot imagine how anyone who doesn't make a fantastic salary can afford the medication. There were some people who told me to seek for alternative medical remedies. But I don't know lah... can trust or not???

I hope she gets an appointment for the surgery soon. That means, next week I better keep myself free to ferry her as well as make sure all her makan minum in order during her recuperating period. Mom and dad will be away next week some more... pening... pening. Sob...sob....:-(

Something to reflect on

We definitely have it good... Idora, thanks for the ads.

My baby

Saw some idiot driving on the road ala Britney Spears, He was carrying a baby on his lap while driving. Stupid pig!!! To complete his "idiotness," he has another child next to him jumping the couch like Tom Cruise pulak!!!! If accident, I don't know lah how!!! Anyway, don't want to talk about orang-orang bodoh today. We'll leave them to the aliens to do anal prodding.

BTW, this is STEVE! He's our naughty little boy who keeps mom and dad busy and entertained. Isn't he CUTE!!! We adopted him from a neighbor, when her dog gave birth to a litter 4 years ago. Considering that he was born around my God son/ nephew's birthday, we've decided that he gets to celebrate his birthday on the same day as my god son. Steve's considered besar panjang already, as dogs age much faster than humans. If I'm not mistaken, the ratio is 1 human year : 7 dog years. So, Steve should be around 28 years old in dog years.

Despite being an "adult" kononnye lah, he is spoilt rotten and best of all, doesn't realises that he's a dog!!! His absolute favourite snack is keropok udang, especially those bought from Sekinchan (He sure know's his stuff!) Yep, he knows how to pilih some more!!! Well, he doesn't get to eat a lot of junk food, actually. We try not to give him because the salt's not good for the fur (Try telling that to dad. He feeds him everytime we're not looking.) But sometimes, those sad looking eyes are SOOOOOOO difficult to resist. And everytime after he gets his share, he will wipe his ass and blah! So much for suckers like us! On birthdays, he gets lamb chops from mom or a piece of juicy steak. Talk about luck! Steve doesn't need to work, sleeps off half the day, makes everyone scratch the back of his ears, have people bath him, feed him and comfort him during a thunder storm... hmm... being a dog isn't so bad after all, huh?

Pea brains are back

What I've found of late is there are quite a few motorcyclist who would rather risk their lives riding on the main road rather than the special bike lanes build for them (like those on Federal Highway). These imbeciles are growing by the day. I mean, JKR's been spending millions of your money to built these lanes, use them lah!!! Nih takde, they would rather zip around cars and risk kena lenyek from other vehicles. As it is, our Federal Highway is already congested nak mampos and these daredevils are not helping the situation at all. Just the other day, I saw one of these morons with a pillion rider happily scooting around cars from my rearview mirror. I was quite delighted since there was a motor patrol trooper in front of me. This one sure kena lah! But you know what happened? These 2 jokers on their 2 wheeler highway terror just zipped passed this traffic police and the traffic police buat dunno!!!!!! WTF????!!! I mean, this traffic police is actually scared of these 2 kapcai terror is it? His huge Honda trooper bike bought with our moolah is used for what? Show off ah? If I have my way, I would have mowed these two bugges down with my truck. Then, I'll mow down that stupid police man too for being to chicken to get that two idiots off the main highway.

No ASTRO??? So suaku one!!!!

Ok... I know technology kinda rule our lives, but is it such a crime that I do not have ASTRO??? Just a couple of days ago, I had this friend who keep on drooning about the fact that I do not have ASTRO!! To add salt to the wound, I own a very old 14" tv which I use to watch the news. It's so old that it doesn't even have a jack for a DVD player. So, as usual, I'm always the butt of the joke when it comes to TV tech. Sad, you think? I don't think so. I just don't see the need to own a plasma yet. I don't mind watching my movies via the laptop (not that I have time for them anyway).

Personally, having a book in hand is just so much more blissful. I can actually go on a book reading marathon if I want to. One thing good about not having a canggih manggih TV is, I won't be stuck on it 24-7. So, what I don't watch, I won't miss, so, that's a plus point. And then, I'm saving electricity, which is good for the environment. There is also other great points such as people will not want to hang out too much at your place because your tv sucks, there will be no rowdy marathon movie nights at your place because your tv sucks, and plenty more of *fill in the blanks* "because your tv sucks" reason lah. Good isn't it? Hahahaha!!!!

Well, I guess it's personal choice lah when it comes to all these stuff. Meanwhile I think I can still procrastinate on the plasma until mom makes so much noise because she can't follow up with her ASTRO soaps whenever she visits. Then, MAYBE I'll consider changing the TV...

Something old...something new....

Wah!!!! It's been a really really loooooooong time since I last put anything into this space. As usual, my ever unpredictable life is always as busy as ever. Just when I thought I can relax a bit, something else will crop up to make sure I'm back on my toes. At least I know how the Energizer Rabbit feels like (NOT in that manner, ok??? Hamsup you all!!!!). Well, the shipping side is suddenly on the rise and having an overseas office now seems to add on the workload. The ID side pulak is on high gear since everyone wants to complete their jobs before the Lunar 7th month (Ghost month mar). Even during Ghost month I would not be able to rest, since there is 2 Mat Salleh projects to get going during that period. So much for hoping for some breathing space during the pantang month.

The only thing exciting happening lately is that my brand new spanking kick ass truck is finally here!!! Yay!!!!!! Now, nobody can bully me on the road (except for 18 wheeler trailers lar). It took me a while to get used to the height and size but now I find it pretty ok to drive and I have improved my parking skills now. Hehehehehehehe!!! I really missed my old faithful at first, 7 years kamching, you know?!!! But I was told recently that she have a new owner oledi. Someone have bought her 1 week after I took the truck. So, I hope she will give the same joy and pleasure of driving to her new owner as she did for my entire 7 years.

Ayam bag

Ayam bag!!!! Ayam bag!!!! It's been a whirlwind trip but I guess all things happen for a reason. So, I guess the roller coaster ride starts here. You have no idea all the things that was going through my head when we were snipping the ribbon. Scared, overwhelmed, excited, dunno what the heck am I suddenly doing in Shenzen, all these feelings rolled into one. Alas, the party is over and the real work begins. Our first China office is officially opened and we have to kick off at high gear.

Breath, and take 2 steps back

OMG!!!! The past 1 week and for the next 3 weeks is HELL!!!!! I've never had so many things happening all at one time. Sei lor!!!! It really feels like the roof gave way and crashed over my head. My logistics company took a twist and suddenly there are some crucial decisions that needed to be made. That also means, I've to give a miss on one neighbor's wedding dinner because I'll be overseas at that time. Interior design side is also a big cramp in the stomach since everyone is trying to "kow tim" their projects before the "GHOST FESTIVAL"!!!! Ayo!!!!!!!

I actually woke up yesterday and had a panic attack. No joke!!! I hyperventilated like crazy and could not get out of bed. It took me half a day to actually come to terms and sort everything out. This is what I found out to be extremely effective when one is in the verge of a mental breakdown.

1. Stop whatever you are doing and BREATHE!!!
2. Pray if you are religious. It will help calm the nerves.
3. Start to list everything that needed to be done in black and white. It doesn't look so bad once it is taken out from your head. Also, cancel out one by one when it is accomplished.
4. We tend to get more negative news (via email or telephone) during this period. It only seen so because you are in a bad mood and tend to link everything to the root of the problem. DO NOT RESPOND to any email or calls before you take a step back and analyse. The "problematic" emails and calls may not seem so serious after you have re-read and analyse them.

I did just as the above and true enough, the problems seems to have lifted by itself and they were solved one by one. Although I had to work really late to accomplish that, I was really satisfied with the results and at least last night I had a good night sleep. So, let's hope in the next 3 weeks, I can be in control over the situation and they will not be as bad as they look. Wish me luck!

We know we are seeing trouble in the face...

1. When we put a person with an ego the size of a trailer truck in a Kancil.
2. When we put a sign saying "free samples" in a supermarket isle on a weekend sale.
3. When we decided to have dinner at an "Eat all you can" Japanese buffet restaurant.
4. When we give a despatch boy an urgent document and he has blood shot eyes and reeks of alcohol.
5. When we see the lady/man in front of you at the check out counter starts to contemplate which item she/he wants to buy and which she/he doesn't.
6. When the only table available at McD's is next to the one full of screaming kids squirting milkshake and ketchup at each other.
7. When the air stewardess' crowd around an ill passenger like she was a freak show instead of helping her.
8. When the foreign waiter doesn't understand anything you say and he is the only waiter available in the only restaurant in the place.
9. When what you thought you ordered turned out to be something gross like bull's testicles.
10. When everyone suddenly leaves a particular place and you find that you are alone in that place.

A new beginning

It is sad that despite all the achievements human kind have championed and gained, many more are stuck in a state of oppression. The American Black community fought long and hard during the 50's and 60's for their rights to live equally among the Whites. The Africans fought hard against the Apartheid for the simple right to live. We are seeing the same struggle now in our homeland when a woman fought for her rights to choose her own religion. It is quite sad that she was denied that choice simply because she was born a Muslim. As we know, there is this ruling in our country that prohibits a Muslim from converting to any other religion. However, how does one justify a person's religious status is permanent when he or she doesn't even practice it anymore? In the end, the Religious Department will only have a number. But how many are actually practicing is another story all together.

I'm sure many may may disagree with me on this just because it touches on a religious aspect, but I'm going to voice out my opinion anyway. I believe that for a nation to move forward and be progressive, the people must have a freedom of choice. Be it religion, education, job opportunity, etc... Otherwise, what's the point of forcing people to be what they are not? In the end, all you have is an impressive number. I know that this case will bring a change. It may take a long time, but someone started to question it's relevance. I'm sure many more will also step forward in the near future. Our people are better educated now and changes are inevitable. Perhaps one day, the laws will allow them the freedom of religion, just like how I wish, that one day I will have the equal rights and benefits as they do.

Back to basics

We live in this world full of gadgets, internet, broadband, etc... to make our lives "easier." They are suppose to make things more convenient, efficient and work faster. Now focus on the last word, "WORK FASTER." Don't everyone agree that we basically lost the sense of timing, especially now that we are relying so heavily on email and the internet? Gone are the days where we wait eagerly for the postman to receive that long hand letter. Now we only receive bills, statements and junk mail from the mailman. Gone are the time where one have a few days to think before they reply a mail or another person's inquiry. Nowadays, you are slow if you don't reply your email within 1 hour. Where have all the time gone? We are working 100 times more than we used to because of this "efficiency." Perhaps that's why our choice of words are no longer personal. We've instead, been introduced with standard, non descriptive and generic productions of forms and templates to reply mails or communicate with people. I'm not saying that working hard is bad but we are moving towards a lifestyle that may drive us to the grave earlier. We are working harder, yet we spend longer hours in the office. We spend less time with family and friends. We excercise less, we eat out most of the time.

Somehow, I feel that one day, something's gotta give. There's only so much a person can do, right? People always say, "find a balance in your life." It's easier said than done most of the time. How many times have I encountered massive "rush hour" traffic at 8.30pm???

Perhaps that's why mental breakdown cases, divorce cases and suicide cases are on the rise. Maybe all this technology and advancements are not that good for us after all.

Bliss is...

- Waking up on a rainy morning and finding out that it's not a working day.
- Curling up on the sofa with your favourite book.
- Having lunch with your best friends.
- When your phone did not ring the entire day.
- Smelling the fresh wet hair of the one you love.
- Eating roast duck with wine while discussing folk art.
- The sensation of warm brownies and cold vanilla ice cream in your mouth.
- Taking your time to check out the flea markets for interesting gifts.
- Savouring the cup of freshly brewed coffee in your hand.
- Taking long walks on a weekend evening in the park.

Selling ourselves short

I've always wondered what is so special about these Mat Sallehs, huh??? Why are some of us Asians looking up to them as if they are GOD??? They Agung agungkan these people like they are some celestially superior beings. I've the displeasure of meeting up with some assholes lately, who thinks that they are superior because they happen to work for some "International" company, i.e., Mat Salleh company lah. Come on lah, just because you work for the fucking American Embassy or some international movers, that doesn't make you a Mat Salleh, ok??? You are still AND WILL ALWAYS BE as yellow or brown , flat nosed, slit eyes as the day you were born from your very Asian parents!!! I hate how these Mat Salleh wanabes try to please these Mat Sallehs like some slave and then trample all over you like some dirt because you are not one. I guess this racist game has taken a new twist. Instead of marginalising another race, it is now all about hating your own kind, because it might just boost your broken ego that's hidden somewhere within. What a load of crap! No wonder these Mat Sallehs love to be here. They know that they have the privilege to be superior because some of us actually let them be by selling ourselves short.

Crash Boom Bang

Last night, some women crashed into the side of my car at the Giant open air parking lot. Talk about luck. She said that she didn't see my car. My car must have been really small or invisible. Sigh.... Anyways, she gave me her card and told me that she'll call me on Monday to arrange to have my car fixed at her workshop somewhere nearby. We shall see on Monday if she will call me or not. She better or else... Now my car REALLY look like a true contractor car! :-(

So Lame!!!

I think Mix FM has hit rock bottom by putting in the 3 Stooges (Pietro, Serena C and Ika) into the Breakfast Show!!!!! Ayo!!!! Can the topics for discussion get any lamer than the one before!!!??? Come one lar!!!! "Men doesn't know how to buy presents for women." What the fuck is that!!!??? And there will always be some stupid bitch calling in complaining that her husband buys her "CHEAP CUTE STUFF" instead of DIAMONDS!!!!!??? You know what? If I were the husband, I'd ask her to fuck off!!! How ungrateful can this bitch be??? And to make matter worse, half past six DJ's like Serena C will love to rub salt onto the wound. Please lah, you are no where NEAR Richard and Shazmin coz you are so fucking fake and bias with your comments.

Anyway, back to the main reason for this entry... The old Breakfast Show used to discuss REAL topics, topics picked out from the daily paper or even if it is not, it is always something sensible and lighthearted. Not some stupid lame topic that was racked out while you put on your headphones and having the producer counting down before you go on air. It used to gear me up in the morning and probably even make me ponder a thing or two from the topics in discussion. Now it's full of crap and worse, made up drama... like that one time this dude supposedly proposed to Serena C on Valentine's day? That was all made up, in case you didn't know. Same thing with the so called Dial the World segment where they were suppose to call people up around the world and interview them impromptu. That was all made up as well. I mean, why all the lies??? I've been an avid listener to the Breakfast Show for the longest time, since Richard and Shazmin's days. But it seems that the Breakfast Show might as well just get scrapped off the schedule and thrown into the bin with what's being installed lately. Hey, I've tried and given these nuts a chance since they took over from Richard and Shaz. But looks like they might as well flush it down the toilet. If I were them, I'd start looking for a new job. Heck, no more Mix Morning Breakfast for me anymore.

Macam-macam ada

Colorful characters I've encountered lately...

Scenario 1:

I was at a supermarket check out counter a couple of nights ago, getting some last minute groceries. There was this ancient looking Mat Salleh in front of of me buying a whole cart of gourmet cat food. The first thing that came to my mind was either it must be one hell of a life being his cat or he must be one lonely old soul with only a zillion cats to keep him company (though I must say that this normally applies to "lonely old women" *chuckles!). Anyway, he paid and I was getting ready to be served. Suddenly, out of the blue, this blond haired, tan looking, 40 something Asian woman just cut in front of me. She looked at the Mat Salleh and said, "Honey, this is the one I was looking for lah!" She purred with her fake Ang Mor accent, while brandishing a bottle of DOM in her hand. So, there goes my perception of a "lonely old soul" to one of a "dirty old man." Funny how one can change their perception of another person within seconds, huh? Anyway, this Sarong Party Girl (SPG) continued to hold the line by attempting to open the box and trying to find the price tag (which was so big on top of the box!!!) I hope the Mat Salleh will find the bottle useful, like smashing it and sticking it through her neck! She was so mengada-ngada that I felt like slapping her silly! And her dressing, OMG!!!! You should have seen her dressing!!!! She was wearing those hipster jeans with Rhine stones encrusted onto her flat butt... and her CRACK was showing!!!! It was one disgusting look! After much sighing and eyes rolling from the rest of the people held up on the line with her distasteful public affection, she finally bounced along happily with the Mat Salleh, like some puppy with a new toy. I guess they both deserve each other lah. One dirty old man, and the other gatal leech. Yucks!

Scenario 2:

I was again at the check out counter and there was this women packing her stuff into her shopping cart. The check out counter girl began scanning my groceries and suddenly, this woman exclaimed, "Eh, what is this ah???" She started pointing out at her receipt. I thought to myself, "Shit! Must be another over paying customer. Sure take very long one." But then, it turned out that she was complaining that the receipt was very small and blur! She kicked such a big fuss over it to that 2 check out girls. Come on lah!!! Like it is their fault! They are only working there lah. Besides, it's the same machine that was used by many supermarkets. Anyway, she kept on harping about the receipt while the girls took care of my groceries. While I walked away, I could still hear her complaining that the receipt was too small. What a nit wit! Malaysia, macam-macam ada!

Cabuting

It that time of the year again... I'll be travelling again soon. As much as I'm not looking forward to it, but business must go on. I'm expected to be away every month from now until probably end Oct. Which I will be away as well, with the rest of the family since sis and her circus troupes will be back for 2 weeks from the States. And come Nov., 'll be away again for my short break (Yay!!!). Dec, we'll see first if I can lari for Christmas.

Well, the entire year has been planned. Time to look at 2008 pulak. (Yikes!)

Thinking aloud

I've always wondered how our human mind develops. Why are some people so great, some are ultra nice and some...hmmmm just plain nasty?

You see, I've met a fairly diverse group of people and I must say that there can really extremes on either end. Some are extremely nice, and some are extremely horrible! Nice ones are great, but once you get a bad apple, it's like being forced to eat a pail of rotten oysters. Yucks!

I've the displeasure to bump into a very ugly and stupid Madam W, whom I've mentioned from my previous post. She kinda reminds me of a certain "fat, ugly, bitch" (FUB) in my residence complex. The sight of her greasy hair, pasty skin and bitter tongue sends shivers to ones spine.

Back to Madam W, I just finished her place yesterday and she must have been the worst client anyone can ever think of in the planet. I've never met anyone as cheap, kiasu and difficult to please as her. She will find every single detail to argue, and then insult you when you try to explain to her on her accusations. To date, she has said that I was blind, useless, lousy, and probably a lot more, except I have learnt to shut her out mentally, after 2 minutes from hearing her voice. To date, she have made my guys return to her house 6 times to fix a perfectly installed curtain rod just because her alarm system will go off when she draws her curtain. How stupid is that? Did she believe me when I said that her alarm system is too sensitive and needed too be tweaked down? No!!!!!! It has to be the curtain rods. I've changed 4 different types of brackets which she has refused to pay for, and changed 4 different rods (where all of them are the same type and refuse to pay for). So, yes, she is arguably, the mother of all bitches. In fact she is SO BAD that I hope her house will burn down. And while she runs out of the burning house, she gets run over by a garbage truck. And after she dies and goes to hell from that accident, she will get run over by more garbage trucks for all eternity.

In fact, lesser grade people like Madam W should be kept in quarantine, in fear of accidental or worse still, planned multiplication (Horror!!!!!) Actually, they should just put them to sleep, once identified. That will make this world a much better place to live in, don't you think? I'd look at it as another way to promote world peace. :-)

Mountains & valleys... and of course Bala's!

You guys do realised that I've been tormented and tortured by a string of numskulls of late. Funny to think that these people have peas for brains. Actually, I shouldn't be so mean. Perhaps some time back during the days of crop circles and UFOs, these poor creatures were abducted by aliens and had their brains switched with peas (and had their ass prodded, amongst other stuff). Alas, I took SP's offer to head up to Cameron Highlands before I go postal on my staff and loved ones.

I was actually quite excited over the trip since the last trip (actually, my ONLY trip) was when I was 4 years old. The only memory I had on that trip then was the barfing. It happened all the way up, and all the way down. I practically turned my intestines inside out from that trip. Perhaps that was the reason why I never went up again until now.

Anyway, we decided to take the road from Simpang Pulai, which is longer but the ascend was gradual and the road less winding. Least to say, we arrived with no casualties and certainly no intestines hanging out from the mouth. X)

We had made earlier reservations at this place called Bala's Holiday Chalets. Honestly, we took this place because it was within the price range and with such an unassuming name, we didn't have very high expectations. We saw Bala's signpost and turned into a narrow driveway leading up a hill slope. The property was away from the main road. Once we reached it's modest parking lot, we saw the most beautiful turn of the century Tudor styled cottage, complete with a lush English garden, ivy creepers and all the works! One would really thought that they have been transported to Devon shire, England. Imagine the delight that was in stored for us! We couldn't wait to explore the place. The only downside was I forgot to bring my digicam. I kicked myself and am still kicking myself for that. It turned out that Bala's Chalet was built at the turn of the century as a boarding school for the English planter's children who settled in Cameron Highlands. It was then called the Tanglin Boarding School. Mr Bala bought over the property 30 years ago and turned it into a guest house. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr Bala. He was a great guy and recommended several places since we told him that we wanted to hike and do some serious walking. About the property, he said that it was his dream to own this place (he was a local boy) and finally had the chance when the place was put up for sale. He even lives on a section of the main house with his family. His side of the house had the vistas of mountains and of course his glorious garden. I'm so jealous! The place was filled with European nick knacks and it was also one place with the most swings I've ever seen. Every corner has at least one swing. I guess with that kind of weather, everyone will want to be outdoors. We decided to soak in the "Englishness" of the place and ordered afternoon tea at the gardens. A steaming pot of highland tea and freshly baked scones were served with homemade jam and clotted cream. The meal was scrumptious and the garden setting was more that we can ask for. I actually think that Bala's garden is much better than the Ye Olde Smokehouse. We spent the day exploring it's library, sneaked into the other empty bedrooms (they will leave the vacant room doors open to air the rooms), and went up the attic to explore as well. It was truly a marvelous place to be in. The dining room even have a fireplace where Mr Bala will light up every night, indicating that dinner time is ready.

We rose early the next day from the crow of the resident ayams. The crisp air and clear sky was perfect for walking. We went to town for breakfast and decided to do the river trekking first. It was actually very short and we did the entire circle in less than 30 minutes. Upon Mr Bala's recommendation, we drove up to Brinchang to visit the Sungai Palas "BOH" plantation.

Sungai Palas tea plantation is one of the oldest and largest tea plantations in Malaysia. We saw the most spectacular view as we drove along the narrow roads that snaked around the tea bushes. We were quite amazed on how the tea leaf pickers actually reach the tea bushes since most of the plants were planted at almost 45 deg angles. We parked the car at the visitors car park and decided to "bush walk" to the visitor's centre and factory. The visitor's centre is quite new and it actually has a "hanging" terrace where visitors can sit and have tea, while enjoying the breathtaking view of the plantation. Sitting there with a steaming hot cuppa was divine! I felt like I've died and gone to heaven. We then joined the complementary tour of the tea processing plant. It was a pretty simple and and short process, actually. I would have imagined some super high tech machinery, but they were still using the same machines they had since the 1930's! Anyway, the tour was very informative and well planned. We found out that "BOH" is still owned by the same Mat Salleh family who started the plantation. The grand daughter, Caroline Russell is now the CEO of "BOH" Tea Plantations. We spent the rest of the day trekking into the plantation. I don't know how far we walked, but it must have been pretty far since we realised that we have walked for more than 3 hours non stop. The weather was excellent for trekking in Cameron Highlands. How I wish KL's weather was a little closer to this.

Anyway, the 2 days passed by quickly and like the saying, "all good things will come to an end," we found ourselves packing up the car and ready to leave this little paradise. Well, at least I know for sure that it won't take me another 20 years before I decide to visit Bala's and Sungai Palas again!

3pm on Good Friday

A highly dramatised segment of 2 hours of my life.
Warning: Long blog ahead. Read at your own perils.

She looked up again onto the long, naked glass window. Her beady eye's squinted and focused directly on top of the window frame, where the curtain brackets were fastened. Beads of sweat accumulated as they collided into each other on her folds of skin before dripping down on to the polished ash granite flooring with a silent splosh. Her eye's darted back and forth from one end of the window to the other, like an eagle looking for a prey.

Madam W is typical middle aged Straits Chinese women. She lives in a spacious semi-detached house, furnished according to her Feng Shui master's recommendation. Her some what opulent lifestyle was attributed mainly from her husband's rank and file success as a contractor. She was educated briefly at a primary Chinese medium school, before marrying the man of her family's choice at an early age. Naturally, her life was devoted to her husband, children and of course her home. Her home... it is the only world she knew apart from the fragmented stories she hears from her children and husband's conversation about the outside world. Of course, the other highly anticipated, but often sensationalised resource Madam W relies upon is the daily gossips she receives across the fence while putting out the laundry every morning. Her home was everything, and she was the boss. And she know it.

"How can this be?" Madam W hissed under her breath.

The brackets jutted out from the walls, sans track that was supposed to follow along it, like a miniature train track. But it's missing.

"How can they not fix the curtain track? I don't think I've been unreasonable to them. After all I've only requested them to change it 3 times." She thought to herself.

"Anyway, they must have made so much money out of me, I must make this worth while." Madam Wong's mind was reeling like a motion picture, thinking back on how she rejected almost every piece of curtain tracks just because it was not what she saw in Ikea.

She instinctively picked up her cellphone and began punching in the familiar number with her thick stubby fingers. She knew that number well. After all, it was one number she has dialed a thousand times for the past one week. The phone line connected with a dull beep and went until a familiar recording spoken in English, indicating the voice message. Madam Wong didn't know a single word of English but she knew it was the voice message system. A similar one that she has subscribed in Chinese.

"Damn! Why is he not picking up my call?" She muttered to herself.

She continued her dialing efforts while mumbling to herself.

The traffic on Jalan Kinabalu was peaking at it's worst at 1.30pm. Cars were inching bumper to bumper as the compulsory Friday prayer was about to begin. Cars were parked haphazardly along the curb and throngs of Muslim men were seen walking towards the National Mosque for their weekly absolution.

This has not been the best week for me as I jogged my memory on the recent events from work. Motorbikes were zig-zaging in between the lanes and I immediately erased that thought from my mind as I needed to focus on getting to St John's on time. I managed to squeeze in between a red Kancil and tourist bus at the back of me before exiting out towards Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad. All this while, the cell phone was buzzing quietly on the back seat like a fly on a hot pavement as it was on silent mode.

"Finally!" I sighed in relief as the traffic moved seamlessly all the way to the foot of Bukit Nenas. As the car climbed the hill, St Johns came into view with it's familiar twin bell towers rose from either side of the main entrance. The cathedral was at it's magnificent best on Good Friday since the exterior has been freshly painted, thanks to the generous donations from a rich patron. The building oozes authority with it's ornate art deco style, a typical design during the early 60's. The weather was extremely hot and arid. At 1.45pm, the sun shone directly above the cathedral's roof. The Indian terracotta roof tiles sucked on the heat greedily, like a baby nursing on a mother's breast and baked the interior.

Inside the church, most of the seats were already taken by 1pm, even though Good Friday service was only starting at 3pm. I walked towards the West wing entrance and scanned for J, since he was saving a seat for me. It didn't take long for me to spot him and sat myself down among the rest of the parishioners.

The service began promptly at 3pm, as I was about to doze off in the middle of the stiff ling heat. The fans were steadily blowing hot air around and being in a jam packed church on a Friday afternoon wasn't helping at all. I rose from my seat as the entrance hymn began. The service was followed by the Passion of the Cross and later by the sermon. By the time the sermon was being delivered, my mind was already struggling to keep focus as the heat steadily scrambled my brains and drained my body. The priest was belting out the Gospel according to Luke but my mind reduced the entire scripture to a monotonous drone. It was truly God's test. The fatigue, the heat, sweat building up in between the atmosphere of skin and cotton, the silent buzz of the cellphone in the pocket. It was all God's test. I pinched myself awake and kept at it. The phone was still buzzing the entire time. How annoying! I hope it is not an emergency at home or at the office. I prayed to the Lord for patience. Yet, the phone kept on buzzing. I finally relented and fished out the phone from my pocket. The number indicated a Madam W. Annoyed, I switched it off.

Thinking aloud

This week has not been a good week and everything that can go wrong, HAS gone wrong. I'm currently a proud owner of a flooded basement carpark, met the mother of all monster customers and had encountered a string of misfortune which I will not bother to bore anyone with. It is times like this that I really feel like throwing the towel and calling it quits. Yes, I am that vulnerable! Memories of the glorious past began to flood out from the deep archives of my long term memory. How I longed for those carefree days in college.

Yesterday, I called my ex again in the States. I must say that I've been calling her a lot lately. Talking to her was a great help and perhaps I needed that dosage of Western mentality that is straight forward with no hidden agenda. I'm just so tired of this mind twisting haggling that goes absolutely no where that Asians love. It's just full of bullcrap!!! I guess I just can't fit no matter how hard I try. Now I know how a jigsaw puzzle might feel like if it was jammed into a slot that doesn't fit. Not that a jigsaw puzzle can feel, but you know what I mean. My ex said that I needed to head back West. Perhaps she is right.

Jeremy emailed and announced that it has been 3 years as of Feb since he'd moved to London. He's fitting in fine and still misses LA a lot. I can imagine. After all, he did live there for 9 years after we graduated. Makes me always wonder where I would have ended up if I went against mom's word and stayed back in the States. Sigh.... no point thinking about it anymore because it's too late.

I need a break. The mind is clouded with my past and current problems. I don't think it's a good mix. SP called and asked me to follow her to Cameron Highlands. I think I'll take up the offer.

Ms E again!

If you've read my earlier posting about crazy Ms E, guess what??? She called again today!!!! She wants to meet up and discuss about this stupid project. I actually kinda told her off since today was her dateline and a one week extension is not gonna create miracles. Anyway, she said that she would still need to meet up. This better be worth it man! I've been getting a lot of nonsensical clients lately. Bah!

Me.... super artist!

This has got to be the most bizzare telephone conversation I've ever encountered today...

Phone ringing...

Me: Ginseng...
Ms E: Err...hello? Is this Mr Ginseng?
Me: Yes, this is he. May I know who is on the line?
Ms E: My name is E. May I know whether you do any 3D perspective drawings or not?
Me: Yes, we do have that service.
Ms E: Ok... I want to know how fast can you draw?
Me: ??? I'm sorry.... I didn't catch your question?
Ms E: I said, how fast can you draw a 3D perspective drawing if I give you a job?
Me: Well, it really depends on what you want us to draw and how detailed the drawing is. But before...
Ms E: I need you to draw an illustration of shoplots. Can you do it?
Me: Huh? May I know what is this about?
Ms E: I need you to draw and paint an illustration of shoplots...you know, like those on in the newspapers, with people and cars and trees one...
Me: We need to sit down and talk this over first, Ms E. We need to know the concept and what is the budget you are willing to work on, and also...
Ms E: No, no, no.... you don't understand!!! I want you to just draw a row of shoplots. You figure out the design and concept. My clients just want to test water on their piece of land with your drawing on our billboard and see if got anyone call for inquiry or not. So, how much do you charge for your drawings?
Me: Excuse me, we don't do artist impression services. We use computer softwares to do these, besides, we cannot just draw something for you like that. We are designers, not architects! What we design may not be architecturally viable. Also, I'm sure your client have an idea on what they want to built right?
Ms E: They want to built shoplots lah! I already said mah! I don't have very much time, I need the drawings by this Thursday.
Me: Thursday???!!!! I'm afraid I have to decline this job. It's too rush and if we are going to be doing a rush job, I'd rather not do it. I hope you understand.
Ms E: But..but.... you are the 4th person who is rejecting already. Please lah... I've a dateline this Thursday. I need you to draw for me.
Me: (Thinking.. I draw you lidi house with lots of orang lidi, then only you know! Siao wan!) Err... Ms E, I don't think you understand... there is no concept, no architectural drawing and also no approval for development for this piece of land. I think you should review your client's profile before taking this project. BTW, do you have the map of that piece of land?
Ms E: No wor.
Me: Have you seen that piece of land? Do you know how big is it?
Ms E: No.
Me: Exactly my point! Thanks but no thanks. I can't take this project. Have a nice day.
Ms E: But...but...

*click!.......

About the Love for Chocolates

OMG!!! My long lost sweet tooth which I've managed to keep deep down in the basement has emerged again!!! And this time it returned with a vengence!!! My girth is so going to suffer. Anyway, I did notice that this sudden craving for chocolates started when I began those 2 "mega' projects this year. It MUST be the stress. I believe my body must be crying out for those "sugar and spice & everything nice" chemical which cocoa beans stimulates in one's body to create a "happy state."

I've so far devoured half a tong of Celebrations in 2 days, made myself the most sinful ever batch of tiramisu and finished that in 2 sittings! I'm actually contemplating whether I should make a quick dash to 7 Eleven for another quick fix of Cadbury bar. Haih!!!! Die lah like that!!!! I think I'll worry about it later. I've to go get the Cadbury bar first...it's calling me... bye!

Criterias to successful career in the shipping industry

Here is a general guide line on the the essential criteria for those who are interested in exploring the wonderful world of shipping and logistics.

1. A general degree is not a must, but people with skills in extreme lying, pushing away responsibilities, and blurness to ones surrounding is essential.

2. You must be deaf (or at least appear to be one), since you are required to act oblivious to the phone ringing till it's off the hook.

3. You must be highly experienced in computer skills such as MSN messenger, porn search engines, and entering chat rooms.

4. Additional skills to look out for are ability to down alcoholic beverages like there's no tomorrow and start to cuss and annoy everyone around you before vomitting onto the girl's lap who is sitting next to you.

5. Personal attributes should include, extreme foul language (preferably in Hokkien), having annoying loud techno music as your ringtone, talking even louder on the handphone and every thing that does not equal to finess, poise and good manners.

6. Tardiness and frequent forgetfulness to appear for appointments will be highly regarded by your future employers.

7. It is ok to not want to learn the local network system since you are not expected to stay for more than 6 months in a particular company anyway.

If you fit the above dsecription, then CONGRATULATIONS! You have just found a new industry that will fit you like a glove.

Orang orang rumah teres

I've recently did a small study on my client demography and I realised one group of people I should avoid doing business with. They are called the "orang rumah teres." Why??? I'm sure you'll ask. This is why.

1. Bungalow clients - They have big budget and most of the time, discerning taste. Hence they are willing to pay. Fussy people but I can live with that. Especially if they give me carte blanc.

2. Apartment/ flat clients - They may not have very big budget most of the time. But they are honest about it and they tell you exactly how much they are willing to spend on their budget. This makes it very easy to give them the best quality they can afford.

3. Orang rumah teres clients - This group of people are really strange. They do not like to give you a budget and ask for the best of everything. After negotiating and requesting you to appear at their doorsteps for the 100th time, they finally tell you they want the house done up like a millionaire bungalow, WITH A FLAT BUDGET!!!

Orang rumah teres does not only suffer from low self esteem since they compare themselves all the time to their wealthier Semi-Dees and Bungalow comrades, but also suffer severely from Kiasu syndrom. They require such perfection on the stitching, that even Christian Dior's best seamstresses will to be put to shame. They also love to seek for freebies such as tiebelt hooks, expensive looking curtain ropes and even curtain rod rings because they think that they must get the most out of your services!!!! Apalah!!!!????

These orang rumah teres almost always will use the word bayar 5 kali or 10 kali when it comes to footing their bill. If you don't have the budget, don't over do lah!!! Alway confirm their orders and when it's time to deliver, they will have all kinds of story why they have to pay by installments. Blardy pundek! Hope your rumah teres all crumble and swallow you into the fiery pits of hell! Bah!

Substance versus quantity

Ah.... yet another year pass and it's time for the SPM results to be announced, yet again. I can hardly remember mine since it's been eons ago (14 years to be exact!). Anyway, I'm not gonna blurt about the excitement of getting one's results or the anxiety attacks one goes through before walking into the HM's room to collect the result slips. You guys out there would have already gone through all that.

What I DO realise is, the amount of subjects students are taking on their SPM compared to our time is like... makes us oldies seem kinda incompetent, no? Just today, The Star paper mentioned a certain lass's possibility of scoring 19 A1's! I remember having to take 9 subjects and I thought I was already taking one too many. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, despite all that additional subjects and all that A1's, it seems that our students still have a long way to go in terms of English efficiency (that goes for nearly all races, mind you!) and also independent thoughts. Of all the young 'uns I've met, almost everyone couldn't speak simple, proper English, and almost everyone is dependable on others to tell them what to do and when to do. I think our education system is training our youths to be followers, with no room for creative thinking. Think about it, I've interviewed so many graduates that seems very potential on paper. But when it comes to the actual work, they drown like a sinking weight. So, more A1's that 14 years ago? It may look good on paper, but I have my reservations lah.

I try lah....

Today is one heck of a trying day. God must really love me.

1. I tried to wake up but my body wouldn't listen to my synapses.
2. I tried to gulp down my coffee in a hurry and I burned my tongue.
3. I tried to avoid collision with that fucking moron who was committing suicide on the NKVE at 160 km/hr.
4. I tried to smile at the toll booth lady even though she gave me a look as if I owe her a living.
5. I tried to keep my composition and not pounce and murder my staff for causing yet another expensive istake.
6. I tried not to faint under the scorching hot sun looking for this new customer's office.
7. I tried to be patient with clueless clients who doesn't know where is the location of their new house.
8. I tried to convince my staff not to take any more leave after CNY.


Hence, I really, really try lay!!!! I'm leaving...Bye bye.

Full speed ahead!

Glad I squished that horrible flu and got rid of it. It wasn't the most fun thing to get, by the way. Especially when you get medication that lures you to la la land and pills that clogs your dearier. Enough said! Anyway, I'm fit as a fiddle and ready to get back into some self torture (read: work, travel and be a slave to my customers).

Guess this year will be quite interesting since whatever stalled plans and delayed projects are all starting this year and will be moving faster than I thought. Scary but I guess I've to get out of that nutshell and just do it lah!

Last Tuesday was quite glorious since my work was featured during one of my client's grand opening in a shopping mall in KL. I guess it's good for publicity lah. Hope this will widen my network. Anyway, back to work since my next big project just called and have confirmed a meeting for tomorrow. Kaching, kaching!!!!...hehehehehehehe!!!!

Power failure and a couple of sniffles

Dang!!! Thought that catching a stomach flu was bad enough. But a power failure at 6am??? Honestly, sometimes I think the Big Boss up in the Heavens just love to see me on my toes. This is not the first time too that my power fuse gave up on me. I'm not sure whether it's the main fuse this time coz my neighbour and the guard house had a blackout as well. Let' hope TNB is able to solve this by today since I'm not keen on my fridge not functioning for a long period of time.

About the flu bug, it hit me like a truck running over some road kill yesterday morning. I couldn't even get out of bed! Imagine the kind of energy I've to squeeze out to go to the toilet because there was an added bonus to this flu...diarrhea!!! Anyway, took my ORS, lots of drugs, got myself halucinating in no time and plopped back into la-la land by lunch time. I'm still kinda in a daze from those drugs the doctor prescribed me (dang!!! these pills are really strong lah! no JOKE!) But I'm glad that the diarrhea stopped. So, here I am in the office trying to look sane and have to get all that back logged work cleared out.

Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Gong Xi Ni!

Yay!!! The Lunar Nnew Year is fast approaching. As usual, I'm looking forward to it though I've done zilt preparations this year. So, I guess tomorrow night will be cleaning house ler. Well, to all you drivers out there, drive safely and those who are staying behind, enjoy safely and don't drink and drive. Peace out!

On the ball

Wow... I didn't know anyone could have a shitty day 4 days in a row! I MUST be having a ball BABY!!! Just yesterday, apart from all the crappy things I do called "work," my car got broken in during a quick lunch at ALAMANDA, Putrajaya!!! Now, ain't that pisses you off??? Only thing that probably saved my day was nothing got stolen. There was nothing worth to steal to begin with lah. So, now, I've got a broken key hole and a faulty window to fix. More $$$ flying out of the pocket before the Lunar New Year.

The only explanation I have for this is that since 2006 is not a good year for the Dragon, this is probably the last kopek of bad luck the year is trying to ooze out of me before the Boar is ushered in. Either that, my constalation is clashing with either Venus for being more fabulous and devine than her or I've probably angererd Neptune hence, all the prodding with His fork. So, I guess the Gods are angry with me. Tough luck cause you guys can prod and curse all you want but the year of the Boar is going to be a fabulous year for me. Nyeh, nyeh, nyeh!!! Eat your hearts out, bebbeh!!!

Think happy thoughts...

It's another shitty day. So, I'd like to recollect my happy thoughts to end it with a happy note. Here it goes...

1. I ate a bar of chocolates for lunch.
2. I saw pretty houses in Putrajaya.
3. I managed to solve 80% of the issues that propt out this morning.
4. My customer was very happy with the "kam" that I bought them this morning.
5. My begging worked with the shipping line after telling some really sad story to get some documents done for my client.
6. "Superwoman" did me a favour to send an urgent document to a VIP client.
7. There was no traffic jam today.
8. My phone stopped ringing after 6pm!
9. The office phone stopped ringing after 6.10pm!! :-)
10. I'm going home now! Yippee!!!

Ok, now I'm happy. Taa!

BTW, Desperate Housewives's back! THAT'S happy news.

Joe Jer & Zabrina, you make us proud!

The finale for The Amazing Race Asia finally ended recently and my favourite team won! I'm so happy Joe Jer and Zabrina snagged the big moolah because they have been the most level headed and non-controversial team so far. I guess modesty and brains work very well as a team.

Anyway, having said all that, I've always wondered how tough the entire race is, actually. I mean, do they actually race non-stop? Or do they get a week off at each pit stop and then start again? After all, all the contestants are human right? Mana boleh lari sini sana non-stop one, right??? Would be a great experience though to at least try though... any takers out there for season 2?

2 long days

Ahhh..... such bliss to have my ever Superwoman staff back in the office today! You see, in the name of improving staff's ability, I sent my trusty customer service for a 2 day intensive training. Never mind the reluctance from my staff or that it costs me a bomb. I persuaded her and told her that it was a once in a lifetime chance.

Anyway, she went, and that's when I was sent down to purgatory for 2 days. Honestly, it doesn't take too long for someone to forget all the tedious paper work of this industry when one has the luxury of very good staff to take care of them. Ahem.... I'm one of the guilty ones. :-P
For the past 2 days, things has been a chaos for me, trying to remember all the steps on how to release an import document, what was needed to release the haulage pick ups, so on and so forth. To make things short, I panicked. There were a few hiccups here and there but eventually, by the end of the first day, I managed to get out with minimal injuries. The 2nd day was just as busy, juggling all her work, while handling the phones. Also, not forgetting the prior appointments I made for myself! Again, it ended late and tiring. Nevertheless, everything was done when night falls.

I guess the actual person who ended up "in training" was me. It certainly took me by surprise and this "refresher course" made me appreciate Superwoman even more now. Ironic isn't it?

Another one of my rants

This new year hasn't really started off quite smoothly, as you've probably read my earlier postings. Today isn't any different (that's why I'm still in the freakin' office at 8:30pm!!!!) Anyway, I'm not going to let it bother me much longer cause it's late and I can't think straight anymore.

We've just passed half of this week and everyday has been a character building day. Just today, I've to send my trusty rusty to the workshop to get an oil change. And while the mechanics were at it, rusty needed it's timing belt changed, a new brake pump, several change of headlight bulbs, a lipo suction, botox jobs, a chemical peel, a nose reconstruction, etc... we did the whole works, we were just short of a boob job. Cost me a freakin' 600 bucks!

Then, I have to inch my way through our famous federal highway all the way from Shah Alam to KL and then waste another 30 mins looking for a blardy car park to get to my suppliers. Thought that I could just grab those curtains and pillow cases and cabut. Luckily I opened the bag. Found out that the pillow cases' trimming was done so badly, I had to reject the whole lot. The entire trip was futile. Kanineh! Have no choice but to inch my way back towards Shah Alam/ Klang and THAT'S why I'm still in the office.

Can't wait for this coming Saturday to rest since it is a public holiday...Wait!!!....There's the condo RA election and then later dinner at mom's since Sis is back home and a cousin is coming over to show off her brand new baby. Sigh.... I wonder how I can still keep my sanity intact.

Cold Feet

It's been two weeks into the New Year and I know that I've said that there are many things in store this year that will and is suppose to change my life this time round. But of late, I've suddenly been asking myself questions whether am I doing the right thing or not? I mean, chartering into new frontiers and new unfamiliar grounds seems quite scary at this moment. It's like going into a foreign land without knowing what is in store for you. That's when I got cold feet.

I'll probably kick myself in the derrier later, but I think I need to take one step back and fully analyse the entire situation before delving and commiting further into the "gold mine" in store for me. Something is telling that it's too good to be true. I've NEVER had anything come so easily in my life and don't think that it will ever happen. There has to be a catch somewhere. Someone out there please tell me what to do cause I'm at a lost at this moment and it's driving me crazy!

2007....and getting nostalgic

Happy New Year to all you readers out there!!! I have meant t0 post earlier but several things (including the recent earthquake in Taiwan which disrupted our broadband services) sort of delayed my first post for the year. Anyway, I hope there will be plenty of positive things to look out for everyone (I know for sure that this is going to be an exciting year for me!) this year.

I was clearing up the house the other day (and to take down that Christmas tree) and stumbled upon a photo album that was about 10 years old. In there were all the pictures I had taken when I was still in college in Illinois, USA. Flipping throught the pages, I went back to memory lane. I can vividly recall the good times and carefree moments I spent with all my friends during those 3 1/2 years. Those were the best moments of my life. It struck me that all these years of climbing the corporate ladder, I lost touch with most of them, one by one, even though we all have email addresses. So, I started a little project to trace back these friends of mine. You never know the power of the internet until you try it. I mean, I could have been a successful stalker if I want to! LOL.

I began my primary seach through google search, last know employment websites and the white pages for my American friends. I managed to get in touch with one of them, who is currently living in Munich. He's a Ph.D holder now. Through him, I managed to reconnect back with my other friends from Germany. I was on top of the world shooting emails back to these friends. I also found out that another good friend from South America married one of our German friends and now live in Frankfurt. Through her, I reconnected with friends who are now living in Equador, Mexico and our dear friend from Lesotho, who is doing her Ph.D as well in the UK. Before long, I managed to get almost everyone's email address from one person or the other. I've also received an invitation to a wedding in Birmingham in Aug! Air Asia X certainly came at the right time. :-)

This is indeed a great start for the new year! I've managed to reconnected with friends I've known 10 years ago. I do intend to keep in touch regularly this time round. You can't afford to loose a friend twice.