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!