Resolutions

This is the end of the journey I started two weeks ago: initially I had doubts about my ability to last the distance but I made it! Phew, sometimes it's good to pen down these thoughts and have a good laugh at it some time in the future; and it's some insight into one self for others. Just hope some of the things I've written wouldn't put off my so-called friends...just because it shows them how little they know me. Hey, everyone's entitled to their little secrets; not that I have bared myself naked. There are still some...

Anyway, I'll start off by recalling my 'moments' of 2007:

1. Resignation from my first and only job - 27January 2007
2. New job interview (first interview ma...) - 19 June 2007
3. New job - started 1 July 2007
4. Brush with death (water tubing) - 10 November 2007

Eh, that's all? How boring of me... Probably there were others, but none as 'momentous' as these. Still, it's quite boring isn't it?

So now for 2008. I don't actually make resolutions, because I have this tendency of not keeping to them. OK, that's maybe because I forget about them. Perhaps this year would be different? Maybe, since I'm writing it down tonight. Just have to wait for the end of 2008 to see how much I have achieved...

1. Read a different book once a month, more if possible
2. Go on a blaredy holiday...anywhere this year!
3. Learn to cook one other item, apart from eggs and instant noodles
4. Get to know ten new people, at least...
5. Exercise at least once a week (I know that's inadequate, but at least it's a start right?)
6. Think my car won't last till the end of the year - so perhaps a new one?
7. Time to get a new home!
8. And who knows...restart my walk with God...

Phew! That's it. Time to move on!

Reinvention

So it's only two days left to the new year; OK, it's just one day and one-half hour to go. I'll leave the New Year resolution part to tomorrow. Tonight I have been toying around with this idea of reinventing myself for the coming year. Why reinvent? I'm asking myself the same question at this time. No answers yet though...

Well, it's just a thought. Some I can do. Some I definitely won't. But it doesn't hurt to think now does it? Not too much lar... And at least it's penned down for posterity's sake; who knows, next year I'll be laughing at it - then at least it would have been good for something!

1. New hairstyle? But my hair's to sparse and short. Perhaps a different colour? Hmm...
2. A new face? Uh oh...plastic surgery's a bit too much for me!
3. New glasses - the thin-framed ones looks nice. Something to consider...
4. Stop putting on weight - diet and exercise is on the horizon
5. Out from under the shell! Gotta go out and meet new people. Hey, I'm getting goosebumps already!
6. Diff'rnt clothes - maybe those tight, body-hugging ones? Branded clothes? Ouch!
7. Accessorise! A chain and a watch perhaps?
8. Gotta get those sunglasses - really look cool leh!
9. Need new shoes...something more 'in'!
10. OK, my Iswara won't do me any good in getting the chicks/ducks - time for something new!
11. Gotta learn those one-liners...
12. Get my own place - freedom to do whatever I want...which includes, @&*...

They say necessity is the mother of invention. Although they never said anything about reinvention, I think it's the same. The need is strong in me...

Ready for the new me?

History

Just finished watching the much-awaited Patriots-Giants match. I think this is the first time ASTRO has shown a Patriots match the whole season, but I guess this is the best time to show it. After all it was to be a historic day for the Patriots. So the game lived up to the hype, with the Patriots breaking the four records they were after:

1. First undefeated team in the NFL regular season, 16-0, since the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
2. Most number of touchdown passes in the regular season: QB Tom Brady with 50
3. Most number of touchdown receptions in the regular season: RB Randy Moss with 22
4. Most number of points by a team in a single season: 589

Well, the Pats didn't have it all their way. I must say they were not that impressive - pressured all the way by the Giants. But a few minutes in the last quarter changed the whole complexion, when Brady hit Moss with a 65-yard touchdown reception; followed by an interception by Elis Hobbs and culminating in a Lawrence Marouney touchdown which effectively ended the game.

Now that this pressure is off their backs, they'll be odds-on favourites to reach the Conference finals, where their expected opponents are none other than last year Superbowl champs, Indianapolis Colts. That would be a cracker.

One Word

You know that familiar question: one word to describe yourself? I'll do it here. Maybe more than one word - but I think it'll sum me up pretty well. i'll mix the good and the bad together: I always believe you are the sum of your positives and negatives. no point only highlighting either - you are what you are!

Yeah, this is what I think of myself. Perhaps people who know me might care to add their thoughts? I appreciate it...

1. Sarcastic
2. Prudent
3. Lazy
4. Informed
5. Apathetic
6. Contented
7. Boring
8. Hesitant
9. Reserved
10. Altruistic
11. Reflective
12. Empathizing

Face-booked!

This is the newest, and probably hottest craze in the social-networking domain today. Well, people were talking about Friendster before; now they're talking about Facebook.

Not wanting to be left behind, I joined the bandwagon. Basically it's a site where individuals create their own profiles and invite others (friends) to join in an ever-expanding pool; it's a great way to look up old friends (only if they're into the Facebook craze of course). There's of course the basic messaging, picture and video uploading. But what sets Facebook apart from the rest is the number of applications available to brighten up your profile - you name it you've got it there. Games, virtual gifts, matchmaking, information etc. are all available. I myself have been carried away these last few days playing Scrabble and Boggle (named Scrabulous and Bogglific respectively) online with other users.

It's really addictive. Why join? I ask you: why not join?

P.S. Hey, even Lim Kit Siang has got his own Facebook profile...

Procrastination

Now who would have thought...but it's true! It's one of my greatest weakness, I have to admit. I don't look the type I know, but I do procrastinate quite a bit. Of course not in all things - important things are done promptly but, the less important ones are left behind. It's just so difficult to get myself to do those things; not because they are unimportant, but I guess I'm just too lazy to do them.

Let me give you a list, and you decide?


1. Haven't washed my car in two months - and yes it's dirty!
2. Just emptied the last clothing from my travel bag from Sabah two months ago.
3. Have not even started to clear items from my boxes of stuff from Sabah.
4. No new clothes last two Chinese New Year celebrations...
5. Car wipers are almost useless, but can still use mah!
6. Wanna see how deep the cavity in my wisdom tooth goes.
7. I actually still have RM 1 coins!

These are just some of the examples of my procrastinative behaviour. They may not be the best examples, but I think you get the drift. This was supposed to have been completed yesterday night - well you know why I'm still unfinished on Saturday morning. Perhaps a bit more concentration and willpower would help. Perhaps not...

Let me think about it...tomorrow :))))

Let's Remember!

Can't put this off any longer. I've always wanted to list down the significant events that has occurred in this country but never gotten down to doing it. So here it is. But this is not an exhaustive list - so there's always more. I'll keep adding to it as it comes to mind. And oh, there won't be any discussions because most of the stuff is available on public domain.

In no particular order...

1. NEP - New Economic Policy or Never Ending Policy?
2. May 13, 1969
3. Operasi Lalang
4. Judiciary Crisis, 1988
5. The Memali incident
6. Bank-Bumiputra scandal
7. Perwaja Steel scandal
8. Sacking of Anwar Ibrahim
9. MATRADE building fiasco
10. Naval offshore patrol boat fiasco
11. PKFZ white elephant
12. Annual mismanagement of public funds by civil servants
13. Causeway crooked bridge
14. Lingamgate scandal
15. Police force under criminal thumb
16. Government buildings falling apart
17. Leaky Parliament
18. Uncouth MPs
19. Istana Zakaria
20. Close one-eye MP
21. Sabah and Sarawak CM warlords
22. Keris-waving and seditious comments during UMNO General Assembly
23. BERSIH and HINDRAF rallies
24. Walk for Justice by Bar Council
25. Negarakuku
26. Islamic vs. Secular state
27. High-handedness of religious authorities
28. Religious persecution
29. Police lock-up nude squats
30. UMNO goons stealing flood aid

What's In Store?

I prefer not to think too much about the future. Better to live in the here and now. There's just so much permutations - trying to cater for almost every possibility would fry my tiny little human brain. However, that does not mean we can't plan ahead. Failing to plan is planning to fail, as they say.

1. Abode
Not really on the top of my list. Yeah, I probably would get a house some time in the future, but not just yet. It's a really big commitment, especially in terms of money. Staying at home is not too bad - get to enjoy home-cooked food, short travel distance, ability to look after my parents. Moving away just adds stress. Landed properties nowadays are so expensive; I'll be looking to apartments or condos. Easier on a single person.

2. Career
I'm happy with what I have, for now. This new job gives me a different experience and viewpoint compared to government service. Actually I'm glad that I took this job. How long would I be here? Who knows? After that I'd want to expand my horizons - perhaps by joining ICRC or Doctors Without Borders or similar organizations...

3. Family
I think I've made my views clear! Anyway that doesn't slam the door shut on the possibility of having a life partner. Well you never know. People change. But don't be surprised it's a family with a difference!

4. Car
My car is now approaching it's first decade. It has never given me much problems apart from the odd groan and creak here and there. The most severe problem I had was just the overheating incident few months back. What a good servant! Of course time will take it's toll... I am thinking of changing it, but car prices are still exorbitant for a medium-priced car like the Vios or City. think I'll just have to settle for something cheaper like the MyVi or Savvy, unless a windfall lands on me anytime soon...

5. Abroad
This has been playing on my mind for the last few months. Not so much for the lack of job opportunity, discrimination or the usual suspects, but for the change of environment. Having lived in this country my whole life, a broader view of the world would be good and refreshing. Perhaps not all that glitters is gold. Where to go? Still looking...

Think I will just leave it at that. Just thinking more gives me a headache!

I Wish...

Do wishes come true? I guess you can wish all you like, but you still have to make an effort in order to see it to fruition, either on your own accord, or on an angel's wings! Make no mistake about it, wishes do come true. Not only in fairytales or movies, but also in real life.

Anyway, these wishes are probably a little bit past me...but then again there are things I could work on and make them a reality. Who knows, next year may be the one! If not, then at least I can dream and wish, can't I?

1. I could play a musical instrument
I actually have a soft spot for music. To me it is one of the most beautiful of man's creations. Music has always have had a calming and invigorating effect on me. To listen and enjoy is one thing; to be able to play an instrument, to replicate the work or even to create a new work is another. I was always jealous of those who could play the piano or guitar. I tried learning the guitar, but didn't go very far. I admit that I don't get music, and I am very likely tone deaf. But still, perhaps it's worth another try?

2. I could ride a bike??
Uh, I'm not referring to a motorcycle FYI. Oh yeah, I'm one of those very rare individuals who haven't had the childhood experience of riding a bicycle. It's a bit of an embarrassment actually, but it's something easily achieved if I had wanted to. Sad to say since I've learnt to drive, cycling was not high on the priority list. Ssshh...

3. I had guts
Sometimes I just wanna let my guard down and do something wild and spontaneous. However rationality and fear are my greatest weaknesses. So I don't end up doing anything 'exciting'. Like getting stoned out boozing; walking up to a girl and chatting her up; getting laid. How boring my life is!!

4. I had more luck
Some people have all the luck, others like me don't. Not entirely no luck, but I don't think I'm getting my fair share. There's a saying that you make your own luck - to a certain extent probably that is true. But in others like buying 4D numbers, timing of stock market entry and the like, a little more luck will be helpful. Perhaps my luck will change for the better next year?

5. I could crack jokes
As an icebreaker of course! Everyone loves a funny man. Well, at least someone who can deliver a punchline properly. Unfortunately I am not that kind of person. Say, maybe I can work on first remembering the jokes first, and then on the delivery! Seriously, I suck at both... Too bad, because comedy pays!

6. I was less sensitive
Emotionally. Yeah I get put off, distraught and depressed when I get criticised. I always put the blame on me first (rather than pointing fingers at other people!) and end-up over-analysing myself. A friend of mine called me sensitive. I guess so. Need to be less sensitive about what people think about me, but more sensitive towards others around me. Hmm, I thought I already was...but there's always room for improvement.

7. I was more Chinese
Too bad I was brought up more Western than Chinese. I regret not being able to converse properly in the Chinese dialects, or read Chinese, or learn about my ancestral culture. It would have been a tremendous advantage in my field of work. Learn? Perhaps, once the desire becomes overwhelming. Tried to self-learn but fell flat! I need a hand...anyone?

8. I was more creative
I'm more of a right-brain person. That would explain my clunkiness in anything creative - arts, music, dance, writing etc. I do have a creative spark on and off, but only in writing though - not enough to make a living out of. I fancy playing around with words, but good ideas don't come around easily. How I wish that light bulb above my head would always be on 24/7...

9. I was more carefree
I'm not the the kind of 'do first, think later' person; more of the other way around. Don't you wish you could do things without thinking of the consequences first and handle it later? I wish I could do it once in a while. Try not to be too rational. Let my guard down a bit. Don't worry too much about the outcome. I'll have to work on this a bit more next year, and it'll probably do me a lot of good!

10. I was more of a handyman
It's great to know how to fix things without calling for professional assistance. Simple things around the house. Unfortunately I have never been good with my hands, so all these slip me by. Gotta learn about these things; it'll save you time and money. Now I need to go out and buy that DIY book...and practice!

11. I could cook
Another artistic trait that I lack. The only thing I can cook are instant noodles...and I'm good at it. Now if only I could expand my skills to the rest of the culinary world... There's always cookbooks and Google. But first I need to know my food ingredients. And that would be a lot of effort. No pain no gain, I guess!

12. I was computer savvy
By this I mean more than knowing the basics of computer hardware and software - to learn programming language, modifying the computer settings, building a computer from scratch, perhaps even a little hacking! But somehow I don't have the knack for it. Maybe I'm still young enough to be self-taught. If not then I have to for classes...

So many wishes, I'm almost embarrassed...so I think I'll pause here for now. Let's see how many of these wishes come true by the end of next year!

Uncle-hood

OK, so I do not plan to get a girl and get married. Doesn't mean I can't start training to take care of kids. There's always the Brangelina way...if eventually I decide to take up the responsibility in the future.

Meanwhile there's my nephew. He's now about 18 months old. Boy what a roller-coaster ride. Sure I don't have to really care for him, but I get involved too. I have too. Yeah, from making milk, changing nappies, cradling and calming, chasing after, teaching and disciplining. Yup, the whole gamut. It takes an emotional as well as physical toll.

I remember his first colic night. Wow, did it last long. Think I didn't sleep till 4.00 a.m. Not helped by my overanxious family members. I guess the first experience is the worst. They learn to adapt after that. Then there's the usual feeding and teething irritabilities - oh, what baby doesn't go through that. As a whole, he had a fairly uneventful infancy - really: minimal fevers, coughs and colds, and even diarrhoea. One lucky kid. Oh feeding became a chore - he was fussy and would almost always never finish his bottle of milk. Even when he could hold the bottle, he refuses to - we had to hold the bottle in order for him to feed. Wow, how manipulative can they be?

When we had his baby shower, everyone was commenting how slow he was at walking. At the time he could only crawl and walk a few steps. Naturally my mom was concerned. Don't need to worry though - a few days later, he became the devil on two feet. Of course there's the trips and falls - every cry would bring everyone running. Once he could stand, then every little object in the house became fair game - and another headache. At this age, discipline and conditioning becomes important. This is where I disagree with how his parents handle him. I'm old school - I believe pain is the way. Too much love and too little pain only gives the wrong impression. I could see how he manipulates his parents into getting what he wants. I smell trouble in the future.

My mom's worried about his speech. He only baby talks, and probably papa. No mama yet you know. Well not to worry I would say. You can see he's a bright kid - he follows instructions, plays and interacts normally, and basically a nuisance as a kid should be. He's learning to say yes and no - the speech would follow soon. And before you know it, I'll be putting ear plugs into my ears!! He's able to indicate that he has urinated, and even passed motion! Actually he tells he wants to urinate, but when we gets him his potty he doesn't do the business there and then - only a few moments later on the floor. Potty-training will have to take a while.

He's got a big appetite. He takes everything - edible or not. It's a handful looking after his every step - you just can't guess what he will put into his mouth next. Not to mention taking and grabbing everything he could get his hands on. Oh, he's got a temper too - he hits, slaps and throws tantrums, especially if we deny him anything he wants. Perhaps I'm a bit cruel, but I love to get him into those situations. My favourite form of punishment? The finger flick. Works like a charm every time. Of course after that I get looks from my mom and sister-in-law...

That's it for now. Have to go nephew-sit. Bye!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everybody! I hope everybody is into season of joy and giving...I certainly have. And I'm loving every moment of it...

To round up this Christmas period, I've got some pics of Christmas decor from the shopping complexes. Yeah I know it's a bit corny, but better than nothin'...

Megamall Concourse

The Gardens Concourse

The Gardens Concourse, view from the heavens

1 Utama Old Wing Concourse: Disney Theme

Close up of a tree

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

1 Utama New Wing: The Oval

Performance in motion

Little Drummer Boy

Little Drummer Boy: Close up - the face actually moves...

The Curve Concourse

Another heavenly view

Hanging from the ceiling

Traditional house?

Hi Mr. Snowman!

The Street

The best decorated Christmas tree I could find

Can you see the 'snow'?

Better view here...

Snowflakes a fallin'

Frolicking in the 'snow'

Our office had a Christmas/New Year gathering cum gift-exchange on Friday. Well, it's one of those yearly company tradition, so no issues there. Well, I got a Liverpool T-shirt and key-ring plus a wall clock. So touched by my boss' generosity - she went and got everybody extra gifts apart from the gift-exchange ones. Finally had to show the two Christmas cakes - they're so cute!

Needless to say neither the carolers, Christmas tree, Santa or snowman
lasted very long...

Let me end with this tune by Corbin Bleu (sounds familiar? yup, the frizzy-haired guy from High School Musical):

I wish you peace and joy this Christmas,
I want the light of love to shine,
I'm gonna say a prayer, that everywhere,
There's hope,
This Christmas time!!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

Well I loved this song when I first heard it in 2002...thanks to the time-delayed country I live in. Yeah, it was the ending-credits music for I'll Be Home for Christmas, starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas (hmm, what happened to him anyway?) and performed by N'Sync... But I've never come across the video, until today!

Anyway it's all nice music, and you can feast on JT back when he was still carefree...

P.S. This is my favourite Christmas song, and I play it without fail every year!!!

Food!

This year I did not intend to spend Christmas eve at home. So I managed to drag my friend out to dinner and movie. Well, getting to MidValley was a big bother - obviously due to the traffic snarls around Bangsar and at the MidValley area. Anyway we got there in good time although we spent nearly one hour from his place in Sentul to the mall.

Decided to try something different...perhaps not that cheap, but what we got at this joint was a whopper!

Din Tai Fung Restaurant: Lower Ground Floor, The Gardens

This place serves Chinese food: mainly of the bun and dumpling varieties as well as rice and mee. I've never heard of the place, but I was assured it was featured in the Star some time back!

A bit blurry, but think you get the picture?

Atmosphere was so-so...there was a crowd as expected, but it wasn't too noisy. Service was average but prompt, for the amount of diners around at the time. We ordered this small dumpling order (xiao long pao) with their signature dish of beef with lai mien for my learned friend. Me? I went for the shrimp udon mee.

Yummy xiao long pao

The xiao long pao was unique - pork fillings with a tiny amount of broth encased with the usual flour wrapping. Yummy... If only it was bigger. My friend told me that you are supposed count the number of folds on the dumpling surface; I counted 18 folds. Each dumpling was supposed to be prepared in that way. Wow, now that is refined dining!

My shrimp udon mee

One word: average. 'nuff said!

Signature dish

It actually looks much better than that. I didn't really taste it except for the beef: well, it was tender and nicely textured, so I guess it's good!

So what's the whopper part? The bill: which came up to RM 53.48. The service charge and tax came up to nearly RM 7. Oh well, Christmas comes once a year!

After that we went to the Signature for Warlords. Well at least they didn't censor any of the scenes, gory as it was. But as in all Chinese movies, there's that little bit of over-dramatization and dragginess. It was a good yarn, but nothing I would recommend.

So it's already Christmas day...gotta go and sleep now.

Joke

Need to release a bit of tension...

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.
___________________________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active?
WITNESS: No, I just lie there.
___________________________________________________________

Little Nancy was in the garden filling in a hole when her neighbor peered over the fence. Interested in what way, What are you up to, Nancy?

My goldfish died, replied Nancy tearfully, without looking up, and I've just buried him.

The neighbor commented, That's an awfully big hole for a goldfish, isn't it?

Nancy patted down the last heap of earth and then replied, That's because he's inside your damn cat.

Ha...ha...

For Hire

Entrepreneurship, Malaysian style!

This expose came out on NST online yesterday (no links, because NST online links break after a month):

KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of master's and PhD students are getting "professional thesis writers" to pen their theses.

The Higher Education Ministry said it was aware of this, but as educational institutions were not complaining about it, little could be done to put a stop to this shameful practice.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education Datuk Ong Tee Keat said it was the responsibility of the universities and colleges to investigate the matter as the thesis would land on the table of the professors.

"They are the front-liners who determine whether a thesis is original or not. These institutions of higher learning should check the theses that are handed to them.

"I have heard that some students are even placing notices at campuses requesting for the services of thesis writers.
"There are also those who offer their services by placing notices at the campuses.

"The institutions should immediately find out who these people are," he said when contacted by the New Straits Times.

Ong advised students not to resort to such unethical means to obtain their degrees as they were not only cheating themselves but also society.

He said his ministry was unable to take action as neither the students, the professional thesis writers nor the institutions of higher learning had come forward with complaints or information.

"We need evidence to begin investigations and so far, there are no cases or proof for us to work on."

The New Straits Times managed to talk to some students and professional thesis writers and found that such practices were found in some institutions of higher learning.

Jack, a 38-year-old human resource manager, signed up for a master's degree programme as a gateway to promotion and better pay but his work commitment made it difficult for him to complete his thesis.

Despite having attended the weekend tutorials, he found the going tough.

"That's when I found a small piece of paper glued on the wall of my college toilet, which read: 100 per cent guaranteed pass. For more information call Ben at XXX.

"Being desperate, I made the call and I was told that for RM8,000, I could get my thesis done. So I paid the amount and gave him a brief on my thesis.

"I have since obtained my master's."

According to Jack, Ben runs a company with writers specialising in various fields and there is understanding among them not to to reveal the names of the original writers.

"Ben told me so far he has done work for 35 clients."

Jack said he learnt from Ben that he had a 97 per cent pass rate, with one student having failed because the professor demanded last-minute changes to the thesis that could not be accommodated.

He said that occasionally, Ben declined assignments if the topic was difficult or needed extensive research.

Elena, meanwhile, said she once helped a master's student with his project paper.

"I don't even have a degree, but that person needed my help badly and accepted the fact I don't have the right qualification to do the paper.

"I had a tough time getting the materials together and did my best to help him out for a small fee," she said, adding that she charged him RM2,000.

People like Ben and Elena are seen as saviours by those who are unable to do their academic work due to various reasons.

Charlie's busy work schedule and having two young children forced him to "sub-contract" his academic work.

He paid RM3,000.

Sarah, whose time is taken up writing theses and doing assignments for others, said it was common for university and college students to get someone else to conduct their research for project papers and theses.

She described it as an "open secret" among the academic fraternity.

It was nothing unusual, she said, to hire others to distribute surveys and come up with tabulation of the findings that were used in the thesis.

"Most students do the thesis themselves. It is those who are busy or do not have the confidence to produce good work who depend on others."

I just wonder how many PhD/Masters/Undergraduate theses, as well as other forms of assessment papers are not the works of the authors. Is there going to be a stony silence from the Ministry of Higher Education, University Chancellors and the like? No wonder the standards of our institutes of higher learning are plummeting by the year...

But you have to give credit to the writers...I guess you have to make a living any way you can these days!

What Pisses Me Off?

Wanna try a different tack today. Have been thinking about the stuff that really pissed me off over the last year - a few things keep cropping up. There's also stuff that had an effect me in the past, and though it doesn't now, it surfaces on and off. I feel it would be appropriate to group them all together.

I am generally a happy and contented person. Hope this does not in any way damage your opinion of me!

1. Queue-cutters
Doesn't matter whether they occur: on the road, on the supermarket or in the canteen. Particularly drivers. Please-lah, show some respect and exercise some patience!

2. Double-parkers
My God, what are these people thinking of? I don't mind if they double-park for a short duration and have some form of situational awareness. But there are those who don't care the least if they are a nuisance. Worse are those which double-park in front of empty parking bays - words cannot describe such stupidity.

3. Late-comers
Somehow there is this Malaysian mentality to be late for almost any activity. 10 to 15 minutes delay is accepted as a norm. I hate these people - each second of delay is compounded. FYI, I am rarely late...

4. Show-offs
Some people think they have certain privileges over others, and they love to flaunt it in your face. Perhaps they were not taught better. To these people - life always balances things out - one day, you will get your just dues. Just wait...

5. Too many secrets
While I believe there are certain aspects of our lives we should keep to ourselves, there are some who go overboard with it. Opening up a little would be good. How to give you a gift during your birthday/Christmas/New Year then?

6. Learn to take no!
This goes out to all those telemarketers and sales people who have bugged me, still bugging, and will bug me in the future. Don't you get it? I'm not interested!!!!

7. Gluttons
Oh you'll see lots of these people at open houses. Not only adults, but kids too. Have a heart for others - if not, I hope you choke on that piece of chicken!!

8. No inches!
There's a saying: give an inch and they'll ask for a foot. I learned the hard way that it doesn't pay to be nice to most people. They will take advantage of you whenever they can. And if they think you're a friend or a pushover, they'll make unreasonable demands. I only shouted at a friend only once in my life - I don't think he'll even ask for an inch now.

9. Service means service
Ahh, the service industry. If you are to serve the people, please do it. Waiting is waiting, but exceedingly long waits are inexcusable. Not sit behind the counter chatting to each other or having tea in the pantry. And if you want people to use technology for your industry, please ensure that they're all in working order, up-to-date and easy to use.

10. Wastage
No prizes guessing what I am referring to. So much has been reported in the mainstream media and blogs it is mind boggling! There seems to be no end in sight. The worst part is tax-payers like you and I are the ones paying for it. Perhaps next year I'll decide not to pay taxes...

11. Crime
Is Malaysia the safe and peaceful country our media portray to be? If it was it is not anymore! And what on earth is the police doing? Fighting among themselves while Nurin and Sg. Buloh cop-killers remain at large. Everyday seems to bring about more news of crime...

12. Motorcyclists
Ooh...I'm just amazed at their disregard for life and limb on the road. Speeding, weaving, overtaking, you name it - on those tiny motorcycles. One knock is enough to send them into the next world. And I thought the strongest of human instincts in preservation of life...

13. Giving way
Malaysian drivers have no courtesy. I can put my indicator lights for minutes and still these people don't give way. Worse are those who cut in front of me without giving any sign of doing so. Of course those damned motorcyclists will weave in and out especially when you want to move into another lane - with or without noticing your indicator lights!

I'll stop here for now. Thinking of it makes me boil...

Different

This is taken at the new parking lot at Sunway Pyramid. Love those little red and green indicator lights - tells you instantly which parking bay is empty. Never seen those elsewhere before. Thumbs up for the idea and execution!

Money

Money: you can't live with it, you definitely can't live without it. Our lives are consumed by the mere thought of chasing after the printed rectangles. People would do anything for money. Even the unthinkable. Our daily lives revolve around money. I would rank it as one of humanity's best, and at the same time, worst invention.


One thing is for sure: you need money to survive. Food, shelter and clothing - the three basic necessities of life - all need money. All other activities which assist you in obtaining them also require money. But what is living without some entertainment, right? Yup, you need moolah there too. Not only do you need money, with each passing year you need ever increasing amount. This is just to maintain your current standards of living - and we haven't got around to the improvement part.

Have you wondered how much is enough? When I started off in government service eight years ago, my take home pay a month was about say RM 2,000.00 only. Oh yes, that is how bad it was. Yet, it was enough. I could still send home about 25% of my pay to my parents. Of course at the time, you had no life. You virtually lived in the hospital. Over the years, the pay package improved. I had the opportunity to make extra money by doing legal (and illegal) locums, and managed to build up some savings through careful planning, delayed gratification and investments. Early this year when I was about to leave the service, my take home pay was about RM 3,500.00 to RM 4,000.00. It was still enough for me, that is. Then again each individual's requirement is different. I cannot possibly project my scenario to another person's.

During my limbo period, I wondered whether I could get through without working. I mean dabbling a bit in the stock market just enough to meet my monthly requirements - but the answer was clear soon enough. My pockets were not deep enough to sustain me. Looking for a new job was never about the money. I could probably live with a pay of about RM 3,000.00 comfortably. But I had to have some safety net. One of the problems when I had doing my resume, was how much my expected salary would be. Not too much, and also not too little. Apparently, I must have sold myself cheap, hence the quick grab.

I don't mind spending money. Just not on myself. I'd rather spend money on friends. Serious money. Seeing that little sparkle really brightens up my day. I just wish I had a bit more friends to do it with. There has to be some limits of course, but generally I don't exceed them. Of course you have to have some prudency - you can never expect anything in similar in return. Every year I pick a friend to be the 'lucky recipient' of a gift; hopefully he/she appreciates it. Perhaps deep inside, I was hoping to be an example. Of what? Just watch Pay It Forward.

We Chinese are notorious when it comes to money; we work hard and then hoard all of it - for ourselves and future generations. Thus the impression of the rich, kiasu Chinese. To some extent it is necessary but some people go overboard. On the other extreme, there are those who are sacrificed at the altar of over-expenditure, and spend most of their lives just keeping afloat from paycheck to paycheck. Life is also a balance between these two extremes.

So, how much money is enough? In my opinion, enough for one to serve all his expenditure and debt, and some amount for savings and investments. Don't chase after the cash. You can't take it with you when you die. Spend a little, live a little. Make a difference in another person's life.

Post Office

Had to go to the post-office this morning to get my road-tax done. Rather than taking my chance at the crowded Kelana Jaya office, I decided to head towards the Kampung Tunku branch. Was I pleasantly surprised. They refurbished the place!! And it was empty. I was the only customer at the time, which was 9.00 a.m. in the morning.

Main entrance; Pos Malaysia logo

Classy and sophisticated

Usually I'm skeptical because there is a tendency in this country to have better looks than substance. I was proven wrong when they called me within one minute of getting my number!! Trust me, some banks don't call you even after five minutes of waiting although you may be the only one around. Yup, it was a pleasant change.

My only grouse is that they had some problem with their JPJ computerised system (apparently they haven't started it up yet!! I mean shouldn't one be ready once the doors are opened??) But it didn't take them too long to address the issue - it was all done in 15 minutes, which incidentally is the shortest duration of time I spent waiting at a post-office!

Again, classy and comfy; for added security, there's a guard too!

Haven't figured out what this empty booth is for - and I don't think they have either!

For once I needn't find a reason to complain!

Blind Eye

Whoa!!

I wonder whether the banks/credit card issuers and Bank Negara are in cahoots with each other: Most unaware of RM250 limited liability

If this Clause (and it probably is, whether it has been taken out of context is another thing though) is true, the question would be:

1. Why has Bank Negara failed to inform the public?
2. Why are the banks/CC issuers ignoring this clause?
3. Knowing that banks/CC issuers are ignoring the clause, what have they done about it?

To me this seems to be one of the worse forms of dereliction of duty!!! If Bank Negara cannot protect us even with such law in place who could? Certainly not the hitherto ignorant consumer!! Can the erstwhile 'cheated' consumer now sue both the government and bank/CC issuers for this? I hope so!

And this makes me wonder what other consumer rights we are still blissfully unaware of...

Love, Sex and Gayness

Now this is a prickly one!! But I just had to write something about it. People actually wonder why I have no interest in girls. Not that anyone had tried to matchmake me any time recently...but there was this one occasion six years back - it didn't turn out because I think I made an error in expressing feelings I didn't have. It was a painful lesson for the both of us.

Back to the issue at hand. Why don't I have interest in girls? Believe me I have explored this issue over and over. For one, time - I am usually so caught up with work that I rarely hang out with the opposite sex. Even those that I hang out with are 'booked'. I'm also generally shy and introverted, so I don't mix around easily; I also do not have a large social circle. Easy to solve you say? Not in my case. One of my friends assume that I'm a nerd and has no girl-attracting social skills; he could be right you know. How would I know if I turn a girl off? Is it my habits, my looks, my smell, or perhaps my choice of shoes? One thing I do know...it's definitely not because of money.

There's also the issue of whether I'm gay. Well...perhaps. Depends on how you define things. I like the company of guys but it doesn't mean that I am in love or willing to have sex with them!! In the simplistic way, I guess you can label me as gay. But it doesn't mean that I have no interest in girls. Just that guys turn me on more than girls do. Turn me on meaning everything short of sex. No way I'm gonna let any guy put anything in my butt or the other way around. Come to think of it, oral sex may be a different proposition altogether... Of course there is a need to release the built up sexual tension - so I've got this twice weekly thing (you know whatlah); unless of course I get turned on more than usual.

So comes the issue of sex. Friends always ask me whether I'm still a virgin or not. I usually do not entertain these questions - not that it is private, but it's irrelevant in my situation. I believe when the time comes (or has it come?) instinct will take over. No worries there. With my regular 'exercise', I'm sure performance is no problem. Satisfaction for both parties is another issue altogether. That requires practice - after all practice makes perfect!

So far I've got only one friend who is admittedly gay - though I don't think he has come out yet. Neither will I (if in the end I perceive myself to be gay), judging by the amount of discrimination the gay society receives for being 'different'. There's nothing wrong being gay; there's probably a lot more gay people out there than would be given credit for. It's just that they don't profess it openly. Just too bad: a little openess could be a good thing. I'm sure there are a lot of good, kind-hearted gay individuals out there, waiting to be found.

As for me, the question still remains. I'll give it some thought over the coming year and tell you the answer!

Religion

Now this is a very sensitive subject, especially in this country. But I am not here to talk about whether this country is an Islamic state or a secular one - that is for another day.

I am Taoist/Buddhist by proxy: that means you follow what you have been born into. When I was in Form Two, I was convinced by a few friends when I discussed religious issues with them (what on earth was I thinking at that age?), and eventually I accepted Jesus Christ into my life. I had to keep it a secret from my parents as they were dead set against the religion - I never knew why. Being a closet Christian was difficult - you can't really go to church on a regular basis, especially at that age; there were not much support from fellow friends or adults. Those first few years were trying; I remember I had someone help me with bible study - but we had to do it privately in a park in Section 14. There was the constant fear that my parents would find out. I wondered what would be worst: parents getting wind of things, or God's punishment. God was something nebulous and far away; your parents were next to you - and as a kid I guess you know the answer.

Things took a turn for the better when I entered uni. I was staying away from home most of the time, and had a car of my own. Not only was I going to church regularly, but eventually joined a cell group (CG). Being a CG member was probably the best time I've experienced in the Christian fraternity. But with time people (God too?) thought I was in for better things - I was promoted to being a CG leader. That was when I became disillusioned and despaired. I have never thought of myself as a leader of any sort - so when I grudgingly took up the position, I was under quite a lot of stress. I am no bible verse-spewing dictionary, and I'm no good spiritually. I always felt that I was forced into doing things I do not believe in. I am not an evangelistic kind of person - I find it hard to talk to other people about God and religion; I guess it is more of how you believe God had changed you, and how much of your success/failure is due to your own efforts or God's grace. And I'm not that good at sharing with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters. There's a lot of skeletons in my closet. How I muddled my way through that one year I did not know. I always wondered whether I did more harm than good then. In short I felt I was a failure as a CG leader.

When I moved to Sabah, there was less impetus for me to continue going to church. I lost all contact with the more 'spiritual' friends. Church-going grew more distant and eventually I stopped. Even after coming back to my hometown, I've not stepped into a church ground let alone a service. Why? The previous feelings, thoughts and experiences are still in my mind. I do not want to be forced to do something I do not want to do: like talking to someone about Christ or bringing potential converts to a evangelistic gathering. I'm still not that kind of person. Perhaps I can start off by going to a cell-group, but it would be odd if one joins a CG without going to church now wouldn't it?

On the flipside, I really do not feel God walking with me as He was previously. I put down all my problems and failures of the past few years to my broken-down relationship with God. It was all my fault and not God's whatsoever. I was waiting (and am still waiting) for some life-changing event to bring me back into God's arms. Perhaps He will or He won't. Perhaps by not doing anything to me, He's giving me a sign. I don't know. But I know He's still there. Waiting...

Disaster...Nearly!

OK, so the best laid plans can go awry!! Anyway my friend missed the movie - too busy being on-call helping out his colleagues. So I had to watch the movie without him; think he missed the point that I had bought the tickets yesterday, but let bygones be bygones. I am Legend was engaging in away, but the ending was a bit of a let down I guess. Guess this kind of movies don't suit Will Smith; perhaps a better choice would be Denzel Washington? I could be wrong. So my friend didn't miss much and he probably wouldn't have fancied it.

However I managed to get him out to dinner at Sungai Wang; had this poor choice of a chicken rice but I guess that's what you get for eating at a fancy place. After that he went shoe-shopping at Metrojaya; me? window-shopping lah. So I passed him the gift just as I dropped him off at the apartment. Believe me, he does not have a clue...

As I had anticipated, he called to want to give the gift back to me; hmmph...typical Chinaman response. I was hoping that he would be thanking me profusely and saying appreciative comments - err, isn't that what people tend to say when they get something they want? I told him bluntly to keep the gift - he can do what he wants with it except shoving it back in my hands, and hung up!!. Trust me this is the typical response - give a few days and he will accept the gift for what it is.

Phew, now I'm glad that's over!

The Gift

Finally I got it! After huffing and puffing for the last two weeks - I got the gift. Yup, it's the Lumix FX33: came with a carry case, mini tripod, 2GB SD card and screen protector. I must say it looks fantastic up-close; there was a plethora of features to play with too. I'm sure my friend would love it. Too bad Harvey Norman didn't have a gift-wrapping service. Too lazy to do it myself, so I paid five ringgit to have it gift-wrapped. Pricey but saves on the time and headache.

Tomorrow I'll be watching I Am Legend with the lucky guy at Cineleisure. Neither of us have been there - so it'll be interesting. We'll probably have dinner too, probably at Tony Roma's. It's about time he experienced some fine dining. Wondering when's the best time to pass the gift to him...I'd love to see the look on his face!!

Anyway that's tomorrow. It'll be a great day I hope!

Friends

You know, there is a difference between friends and acquaintances. Everyone is an acquaintance, but not anyone can be considered a friend. You need that close, trusting relationship to develop friendship. That is why I don't have that many people I would call friends. Acquaintances yes, friends not so easy.

Well I've always wondered why that is so. Seems easy enough: i'm not good-looking, i don't have any form of physique, i don't talk much, i don't go out much either, and i don't feel i belong in any particular activity. But I think it runs deeper than that. It's just I have this innate distrust of other people. It's how I view individuals I am new to. I have been betrayed by many 'friends' too many times in the past to ever let my guard down. Perhaps it's a kind of mental wall I build up subconsciously to protect myself. In a friendship, I tend to give more than I take - so if things go bad I am usually quite devastated. Well, friends who've known me long enough would know how I would react to such setback. It's not a pretty sight of course.

Another aspect of me: I am a loner - I guess I'm just like that, naturally seclusive, quiet, shy and disinterested. So it's either friends calling me out for yum cha, meals, trips etc. or nothing at all. I was surprisingly quite OK with the idea till very recently. I never really kept any contact with my friends - and we slowly drifted away. By the time I realised how quiet and lonely I was, my circle has shrunk quite a bit.

What a double whammy.

This past year I decided to do something about it. Perhaps more out of curiosity than anything else. I started looking up some of my old school and college mates - going for meals, drinks etc. Trips will have to wait for a while. I realised how much I have missed all this while in my comfortable shell. Safe as it was, it lacked the excitement traveling, falling in love, getting married, having kids, buying a house, and all those things one does in life brings. Sad isn't it? Time has passed me by but there is no turning back the clock now. I just have to get on with it.

Making friends does not come naturally to me. I try to open up but the wall keeps getting in the way. It's a slow process but it's something I have to do - for my own sake. I've been reading in forums and blogs about how to expand your circle of friends - perhaps it's worth a try. Clubs, societies, chat rooms, social gatherings - I just have to take the first step. A friend of mine tried to get me to go to a single's party on Monday, but you guessed it, the wall was in the way.

I guess I still have some way to go...