For the past weeks, I have been on the receiving end of some 'silly' phone statments by people calling up to enquire on a property. I wonder if these people ever thought about keeping the conversation to simple statements and how ridiculous they sound when put on paper. Here are some examples:
Caller 1: "Hello, I'm calling up to enquire about your Preview sale? What is the exact location?"
Me: "It's No. XX, ABC road" (after all, he requested for an exact location)
Caller 1: "Is that near XYZ road?"
Me: "No, that's an entirely different road from ABC"
Caller 2: "This got facilities or not?"
Me: "it's an apartment with a pool, no other condo facilities"
Caller2: "So, which condo facilities it does not have?"
Me: "all except a pool"
Caller2: That means it has a pool lah, so what else it doesn't have?"
Caller 3: "The TOP is end of the year, that means is the building there?"
Me: "Of course, or there is no way the TOP is 6mths away"
Caller 3: "If building there can see what?"
Me: "No, it's not cleared for people to walk in and out freely"
I really don't know how these people survived living in an English-speaking medium, when they are so unclear about expression. Perhaps that is the general problem here. People are not explicit when in conversation. They do not spend time listening to themselves speak, therefore they think they are communicating in standard English, which really isn't.
It's no wonder, they have problems in their relationships. The very basis of any relationship, be it work or social, is in the communication skill. How we express ourselves clearly.
It's pointless trying to sound 'uptown' yet actually looking silly - I guess people think that whoever's picking up the phone is probably some low-life who's a broker - after all, why would a "paper-laden" person be a broker?
AND, they never spoke naturally - They were speaking to me in a twang that raises blood pressure...*jeez, I wonder if that would help them get a better price!
April 30, 2007
April 27, 2007
The Male Ego
It is frustrating when dealing with the male ego (ME).
For one, it needs to be constantly fanned. When the ME feels threatened, it will react in extremes.
Secondly, it has to always be in a 'feel good' mode or the rest of us, will have to endure it's 'lecturing, lamenting tone'. The ME is prone to dropping hints about having done this and that, eventhough whatever's done hardly pushed up the marker.
Thirdly, it needs to know its in control of the situation. When some other force takes control, the ME will step aside and pretend that he's doing it for the betterment of humanity.
Fourthly, it must be assured that it's knowledge supercedes all others' experience. If another person displays more brain power, this ME will just agree like it knew the answer all along.
Fifthly, when the ME clashes with feminine success, it's always because the lady got her way because she's in the skirt, and never because she's actually better at the job.
I could never think of the ME as a positive trait to have, because issues never get dealt with in totality, hence allowing them to re-surface again later. If a person was sensitive to comments, the person is sensitive - dealing with the person simply means reconstructing the comment to include more encouraging words. BUT when a person is loaded with ego, then no matter how you reconstruct your criticism, the result would be a retaliation of the ME.
The male population commonly head organisations and families, yet, they are really not the stronger gender per se. Perhaps, society accepts that it's the XY who should be the leader, because the rest of the people would try to accommodate them, not because of a great respect, but because of their ME, which automatically 'commands' special treatment, which over time, has been mistaken for 'a great respect for their ability'.
For one, it needs to be constantly fanned. When the ME feels threatened, it will react in extremes.
Secondly, it has to always be in a 'feel good' mode or the rest of us, will have to endure it's 'lecturing, lamenting tone'. The ME is prone to dropping hints about having done this and that, eventhough whatever's done hardly pushed up the marker.
Thirdly, it needs to know its in control of the situation. When some other force takes control, the ME will step aside and pretend that he's doing it for the betterment of humanity.
Fourthly, it must be assured that it's knowledge supercedes all others' experience. If another person displays more brain power, this ME will just agree like it knew the answer all along.
Fifthly, when the ME clashes with feminine success, it's always because the lady got her way because she's in the skirt, and never because she's actually better at the job.
I could never think of the ME as a positive trait to have, because issues never get dealt with in totality, hence allowing them to re-surface again later. If a person was sensitive to comments, the person is sensitive - dealing with the person simply means reconstructing the comment to include more encouraging words. BUT when a person is loaded with ego, then no matter how you reconstruct your criticism, the result would be a retaliation of the ME.
The male population commonly head organisations and families, yet, they are really not the stronger gender per se. Perhaps, society accepts that it's the XY who should be the leader, because the rest of the people would try to accommodate them, not because of a great respect, but because of their ME, which automatically 'commands' special treatment, which over time, has been mistaken for 'a great respect for their ability'.
April 26, 2007
Disappointing as a Person
I think the worst thing that could happen to a person is when after half your life, you have nothing to show except that you're disappointing as a person.
We have 70 years before we permanently retire, and by the time we hit the mid-way marker, we should have some acceptable measure of skills. And when we are approaching the last quarter, our skills should be ripe for the picking.
Someone was complaining at being slapped with a fine for late submission of company accounts - my question was simple - examine how the situation came about then conclude if the fault is with the tax-collector or not.
What disgusts me are:
1) People who do not readily admit that they caused the error
2) People who sweep problems under the mat
3) People who speak without relevance
4) People who take others for granted
5) People who create a problem then expect others to fix it
6) People who think having power is the ultimate conclusion
7) People who never say Sorry or Thank you or Please
If you look at these 7 basics, you will see that either in great or lesser extent, we have that covered when we began our journey in life.
I think that's the subtle difference between a person who has evolved and another who thinks he has evolved only because he has added years to either his age or his experience.
It used to bother me but keeping in tandem with my goal, I have decided to let people think what they want to think, because it's not my life and it won't be my mistake, and it isn't my problem.
It isn't easy to get me behaving like this - because I believe in a greater good - but let's face it, I'm not giving free lessons.
We have 70 years before we permanently retire, and by the time we hit the mid-way marker, we should have some acceptable measure of skills. And when we are approaching the last quarter, our skills should be ripe for the picking.
Someone was complaining at being slapped with a fine for late submission of company accounts - my question was simple - examine how the situation came about then conclude if the fault is with the tax-collector or not.
What disgusts me are:
1) People who do not readily admit that they caused the error
2) People who sweep problems under the mat
3) People who speak without relevance
4) People who take others for granted
5) People who create a problem then expect others to fix it
6) People who think having power is the ultimate conclusion
7) People who never say Sorry or Thank you or Please
If you look at these 7 basics, you will see that either in great or lesser extent, we have that covered when we began our journey in life.
I think that's the subtle difference between a person who has evolved and another who thinks he has evolved only because he has added years to either his age or his experience.
It used to bother me but keeping in tandem with my goal, I have decided to let people think what they want to think, because it's not my life and it won't be my mistake, and it isn't my problem.
It isn't easy to get me behaving like this - because I believe in a greater good - but let's face it, I'm not giving free lessons.
April 25, 2007
So much Time?
When planning for a vacation which will include a gamer who is also a teenager, it's tough. Only people who are a parent to such teenagers can and will appreciate the trouble it entails. It's not about finding airlines who have a good deal, but also hotels with broadband internet access.
I have been plagued by this glitch for weeks.
There are people who backpack, those who stay at B & B's, those who travel very light, those who do not need breakfast or room service and those who are able to stomach 4 hours on a budget flight! I am not any of the above, because when on vacation, my son's comfort is priority. When he's bored, my vacation will be ruined.
Therefore, whenever I plan to take a trip with him, I spend weeks just making enquiries by phone, email and reading up on the location, etc. My son is not a shopper, therefore, when on vacation, I do not expect him to accompany me on my flea market walks! I will never leave him behind with just the TV in the room, or his Nintendo gadget without being assured that the hotel is secure. Therefore, we live in 5-star hotels - and it's mainly in these hotels that you will find broadband access in the rooms. That would keep him busy for a couple of hours and me, happily browsing the nearby street stalls. This is tough at some destinations, because the shopping street is not always near these hotels.
And as I'm filling any spare moment I have with this task, someone comments that I have so much time.
Actually, I don't have much time and I'm not that free. BUT that's the difference - I will squeeze in the time because my son's comfort is important enough for me - if it keeps me up at night, I will do it. I am annoyed, but then, why should I be, since the person who commented, couldn't plan a day's schedule to save his own life!
I have been plagued by this glitch for weeks.
There are people who backpack, those who stay at B & B's, those who travel very light, those who do not need breakfast or room service and those who are able to stomach 4 hours on a budget flight! I am not any of the above, because when on vacation, my son's comfort is priority. When he's bored, my vacation will be ruined.
Therefore, whenever I plan to take a trip with him, I spend weeks just making enquiries by phone, email and reading up on the location, etc. My son is not a shopper, therefore, when on vacation, I do not expect him to accompany me on my flea market walks! I will never leave him behind with just the TV in the room, or his Nintendo gadget without being assured that the hotel is secure. Therefore, we live in 5-star hotels - and it's mainly in these hotels that you will find broadband access in the rooms. That would keep him busy for a couple of hours and me, happily browsing the nearby street stalls. This is tough at some destinations, because the shopping street is not always near these hotels.
And as I'm filling any spare moment I have with this task, someone comments that I have so much time.
Actually, I don't have much time and I'm not that free. BUT that's the difference - I will squeeze in the time because my son's comfort is important enough for me - if it keeps me up at night, I will do it. I am annoyed, but then, why should I be, since the person who commented, couldn't plan a day's schedule to save his own life!
April 24, 2007
Just Do As Instructed
I think the person I report to is lame and spineless.
This is the email I received this morning pertaining to a brainless matter actually.
When we represent a client, it is our job to ensure that the interest of our client is the priority. That's why some of us have repeat clients and/or clients by referral and others are always looking for new clients.
My boss expects me to involve my client in a transaction that preceeded the completion of his purchase. AND when I told him the legality of it all, he said JUST DO AS INSTRUCTED.
I guess that's the difference between why he's in the company for so long and still cannot command a price. How does anyone else be interested in putting a value onto a person who sways with the wind, doesn't know law and behaves like he's a huge Nappy.....i.e. full of shit
Lucky me I have made plans to move forward and change of scene.
If we are all to Do As Instructed, then we are not worth an animal's life either - Even animals give thought to instinct, which is to survive first - why would an animal put itself in danger deliberately? It's a food chain out there and I'm sure even the antelope wishes to be on top of the food chain instead of where it is right now.
I may not be on top of the food chain in my office, but that doesn't mean I do not prefer the view from the top. So, if this chain link doesn't work for me, we are in a free society, I will move to another food chain where I decide what I should eat, say and do.
This is the email I received this morning pertaining to a brainless matter actually.
When we represent a client, it is our job to ensure that the interest of our client is the priority. That's why some of us have repeat clients and/or clients by referral and others are always looking for new clients.
My boss expects me to involve my client in a transaction that preceeded the completion of his purchase. AND when I told him the legality of it all, he said JUST DO AS INSTRUCTED.
I guess that's the difference between why he's in the company for so long and still cannot command a price. How does anyone else be interested in putting a value onto a person who sways with the wind, doesn't know law and behaves like he's a huge Nappy.....i.e. full of shit
Lucky me I have made plans to move forward and change of scene.
If we are all to Do As Instructed, then we are not worth an animal's life either - Even animals give thought to instinct, which is to survive first - why would an animal put itself in danger deliberately? It's a food chain out there and I'm sure even the antelope wishes to be on top of the food chain instead of where it is right now.
I may not be on top of the food chain in my office, but that doesn't mean I do not prefer the view from the top. So, if this chain link doesn't work for me, we are in a free society, I will move to another food chain where I decide what I should eat, say and do.
April 23, 2007
Vacation Destination
How does one plan for a short vacation? You would assume that most would plan to get away from this tropical heat, and head for cooler pastures. Yes and No.
For a non-beach person like me, I'm most at home in any city. Never mind the traffic, fumes and crowd. I am a stickler for convenience and browsing is my preferred activity besides reading a good book, when I'm on a break.
BUT heading to a beach resort is apparently quite a chenge for me...I mean, I get to go in shorts and flip-flops, hair in a peg and be disorganised for a bit. BUT the heat...the sun is always warmer on the beach, on a sunny day. Although I love the sound of waves lapping up the shore, I am not a beach person at all. The sand would be all over my feet and I wouldn't have much to entertain me except beach, and more beach.
I am so wanting to just head south this July, to get a breath of winter. Never mind if there isn't much to do, because I'm on vacation, and I do not wish to engage myself in anything planned. Then, there is the internet access. One wonders, why this necessity if we are on vacation. Well, it's a vacation, not a retreat.
So, while I have decided which airline to fly, I haven't decided on where to stay.
Perhaps, when planning a vacation, we should take lessons from backpackers. Just fly out, land and decide. After all, we're not visiting a third world country....and English is the spoken language.
I don't know if everyone is strange like me - I research, plan and research more....I guess, it's not just being a potato on vacation, it's making sure that on that first trip there, I need to know that I got the info together, and I'm ready to just walk the streets without getting lost.
For a non-beach person like me, I'm most at home in any city. Never mind the traffic, fumes and crowd. I am a stickler for convenience and browsing is my preferred activity besides reading a good book, when I'm on a break.
BUT heading to a beach resort is apparently quite a chenge for me...I mean, I get to go in shorts and flip-flops, hair in a peg and be disorganised for a bit. BUT the heat...the sun is always warmer on the beach, on a sunny day. Although I love the sound of waves lapping up the shore, I am not a beach person at all. The sand would be all over my feet and I wouldn't have much to entertain me except beach, and more beach.
I am so wanting to just head south this July, to get a breath of winter. Never mind if there isn't much to do, because I'm on vacation, and I do not wish to engage myself in anything planned. Then, there is the internet access. One wonders, why this necessity if we are on vacation. Well, it's a vacation, not a retreat.
So, while I have decided which airline to fly, I haven't decided on where to stay.
Perhaps, when planning a vacation, we should take lessons from backpackers. Just fly out, land and decide. After all, we're not visiting a third world country....and English is the spoken language.
I don't know if everyone is strange like me - I research, plan and research more....I guess, it's not just being a potato on vacation, it's making sure that on that first trip there, I need to know that I got the info together, and I'm ready to just walk the streets without getting lost.
April 20, 2007
Believe it or Not
The brutal truth about anything is frightening. There is a distinction between truth and honesty. Honesty is required simply because we are not a primitive society. Truth is a different ball-play.
If we were told about a possibility of something happening, and it happens, against all odds, how would anyone react?
Recently, I was told clearly, yet in no certain time-frame of an event happening. And when it did, the people I shared this info with were obviously jerked out of slumber. How do we handle stuff like that?
Fortune telling is accepted in Asian culture, yet, there are the bad apples who spoil the 'trade'. So when truth is told, do we believe it or do we not? I think the trick here is to cope with the new information and manage it. We do not need to bend so that the outcome is as predicted. It doesn't require us to change anything. When told of a bad event, we work to cope with avoiding it or minimising the impact. When told of a good event, most wouldn't bother, since good things are what we all seek.
Therefore, the best option would be to simply have an open mind. The purpose of such mediums is not to give us a new life - we are given just one life to manage - no way to change that. There were reports of people who believe that if they did this or that, their life would alter etc etc etc.....Our lives would alter if we do enough penance for the bad that we have done...it's karma all over again. There is no way out in paying back for our wrong-doings. For Catholics, they go for confession, say a round of prayers and they are done - only when they make-up their minds not to repeat it.
As a believer of karma, I say, when we know, we should just keep at improving our spiritual life, because only that could bring us peace in the long run. It doesn't matter what people will say, or what they will do, because as long as they have wronged someone gravely, then it will be their debt, no one elses. AND if it's their karma to do bad, then so be it...the equation will balance out.
Bad can never overcome the good - it only seems to have on a temporary basis. The actual story will always play out and the good will always be right.
If we were told about a possibility of something happening, and it happens, against all odds, how would anyone react?
Recently, I was told clearly, yet in no certain time-frame of an event happening. And when it did, the people I shared this info with were obviously jerked out of slumber. How do we handle stuff like that?
Fortune telling is accepted in Asian culture, yet, there are the bad apples who spoil the 'trade'. So when truth is told, do we believe it or do we not? I think the trick here is to cope with the new information and manage it. We do not need to bend so that the outcome is as predicted. It doesn't require us to change anything. When told of a bad event, we work to cope with avoiding it or minimising the impact. When told of a good event, most wouldn't bother, since good things are what we all seek.
Therefore, the best option would be to simply have an open mind. The purpose of such mediums is not to give us a new life - we are given just one life to manage - no way to change that. There were reports of people who believe that if they did this or that, their life would alter etc etc etc.....Our lives would alter if we do enough penance for the bad that we have done...it's karma all over again. There is no way out in paying back for our wrong-doings. For Catholics, they go for confession, say a round of prayers and they are done - only when they make-up their minds not to repeat it.
As a believer of karma, I say, when we know, we should just keep at improving our spiritual life, because only that could bring us peace in the long run. It doesn't matter what people will say, or what they will do, because as long as they have wronged someone gravely, then it will be their debt, no one elses. AND if it's their karma to do bad, then so be it...the equation will balance out.
Bad can never overcome the good - it only seems to have on a temporary basis. The actual story will always play out and the good will always be right.
April 19, 2007
How time flies.......
In a wink of an eye, we're almost at the mid-year of 2007. It's amazing how time flies, eventhough we seem to be plodding like cows on some days.
I found a new formula to ensure that time zips by :
Chart time according to weekdays - just keep track of when the work-week ends, and before you know it - THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!, then it's 2-days away from the office workdesk before we start on a fresh chart again.
Having been rather annoyed lately, I found myself in better spirits, the past couple of days, probably because mid-year means vacation time for me.
I'm not really high on travelling - I'm just into getting away from people and having some quiet time from my cellphone. I have given up living out of a suitcase long ago. Gone are the days when I will zip in and out of aircrafts like a bus...now, I just stroll in and out of planes twice a year at the bare minimum.
I'm glad that we're halfway through the year - because I cannot wait for the next chapter of my life to begin - fair enough, we mustn't rush to get things done, and that things will happen in good time - yet, when there is 'clutter' to get rid of, fast is never fast enough.
I found a new formula to ensure that time zips by :
Chart time according to weekdays - just keep track of when the work-week ends, and before you know it - THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!, then it's 2-days away from the office workdesk before we start on a fresh chart again.
Having been rather annoyed lately, I found myself in better spirits, the past couple of days, probably because mid-year means vacation time for me.
I'm not really high on travelling - I'm just into getting away from people and having some quiet time from my cellphone. I have given up living out of a suitcase long ago. Gone are the days when I will zip in and out of aircrafts like a bus...now, I just stroll in and out of planes twice a year at the bare minimum.
I'm glad that we're halfway through the year - because I cannot wait for the next chapter of my life to begin - fair enough, we mustn't rush to get things done, and that things will happen in good time - yet, when there is 'clutter' to get rid of, fast is never fast enough.
April 17, 2007
Travel
For a person who detests travelling and living out of a suitcase, albeit for a few days, most would say that I travel quite a bit. For me, it's a quarterly thing - it doesn't matter where. Going outstation is my way of getting some peace and quiet. It's my way of telling myself that I may place the cellphone in the safe and forget about it for a couple of days - with no guilt.
I have arrived at yet another junction, where I have to decide where to go for my break. Most people cannot begin to understand how I could even plan a 3-day vacation, to a destination further than Bangkok without batting an eyelid.
I guess, for me, it's simply having a change of scene. It's not the sightseeing or shopping - National Geographic does the trick for me, and seriously, with highly developed lenses, pictures are usually as good as the real stuff. Shopping is not a draw for me either - because if I want something badly, I'll just pay for it - no imitations, no good fakes - I don't even buy $4 shoes from Hatyai - because it's not me - I'd rather pay $80 for a decent pair of work shoes that keeps my feet comfortable.
So travelling for me means, really taking a break - getting away from the air here and just having a change of scene - to refresh my eyes -
It doesn't do anything more except to give me something to work for - cost of the air-ticket - and a time to just be away from everyone. Selfish, nope, just the need to be in a different place for a little bit.
I have arrived at yet another junction, where I have to decide where to go for my break. Most people cannot begin to understand how I could even plan a 3-day vacation, to a destination further than Bangkok without batting an eyelid.
I guess, for me, it's simply having a change of scene. It's not the sightseeing or shopping - National Geographic does the trick for me, and seriously, with highly developed lenses, pictures are usually as good as the real stuff. Shopping is not a draw for me either - because if I want something badly, I'll just pay for it - no imitations, no good fakes - I don't even buy $4 shoes from Hatyai - because it's not me - I'd rather pay $80 for a decent pair of work shoes that keeps my feet comfortable.
So travelling for me means, really taking a break - getting away from the air here and just having a change of scene - to refresh my eyes -
It doesn't do anything more except to give me something to work for - cost of the air-ticket - and a time to just be away from everyone. Selfish, nope, just the need to be in a different place for a little bit.
April 16, 2007
What happens when work becomes a drag?
There are moments when work becomes a drag. It's not necessarily bad, because most times, we 'go with the flow' and loose track of the objective - so wake up calls are necessary.
Such wake up calls could either, get us back on track, or we could dwell on the situation without a solution indefinately.
The few key things to remember when caught in this mess is:
*Wake up in the morning, telling yourself, a permanent solution is not too far away
*Focus on creating pathways so that we may have other options
*Cross out dates on the calendar to comfort oneself that the days are passing by
I have this rule of thumb that says, opportunities come once BUT if you miss it, then it may never come by again.
If we are too focused on the task at hand, we may miss such opportunities - and end up a workhorse with not finish line. So being in a draggy situation isn't always bad. I thought it was bad, until I reset my objectives. That gave me a way out - sure, it wasn't instant gratification, but it got me out of a sloppy mood.
Therefore, bottom line is :
The situation has no solution, because we think it.
If we took off our rose-tinted lenses, we will see that whatever it is that's making us unhappy is steering us in the direction, where there will be more smiles for us.
Long shot? perhaps, but then most successful people didn't just get there on pure luck. For them, initial failure was just a postponed success.
Such wake up calls could either, get us back on track, or we could dwell on the situation without a solution indefinately.
The few key things to remember when caught in this mess is:
*Wake up in the morning, telling yourself, a permanent solution is not too far away
*Focus on creating pathways so that we may have other options
*Cross out dates on the calendar to comfort oneself that the days are passing by
I have this rule of thumb that says, opportunities come once BUT if you miss it, then it may never come by again.
If we are too focused on the task at hand, we may miss such opportunities - and end up a workhorse with not finish line. So being in a draggy situation isn't always bad. I thought it was bad, until I reset my objectives. That gave me a way out - sure, it wasn't instant gratification, but it got me out of a sloppy mood.
Therefore, bottom line is :
The situation has no solution, because we think it.
If we took off our rose-tinted lenses, we will see that whatever it is that's making us unhappy is steering us in the direction, where there will be more smiles for us.
Long shot? perhaps, but then most successful people didn't just get there on pure luck. For them, initial failure was just a postponed success.
April 15, 2007
Dinner and Shisha
I had dinner at my long time (over 15yrs) gf's place Saturday and it was there that I found a new toy - Shisha. Of course it was always good to have her cook a meal - it's been too long. For the past 15over years, I've been busy, she's been busy and we met at weddings and funerals, with little time to catch up. BUT at the last funeral wake, we decided to make it a point to spend time as life is short. AND so we did....
The first few meets were still rushed, as we had our own commitments but we managed to catch up in a rush - the first thing that struck us all was, the fact that all of us, are just older versions of ourselves from years ago - enjoying the same stuff, eating like gluts, having a good cup of coffee and laughing at all the silly things we encountered during this time apart. That's what friendship is about - that we could go our separate ways, and still come back together, the same, only older with more aches and pains.
After dinner, her daughter who is in her early 20s, brought out this really interesting looking contraption - a shisha.
Now, being unlike her, I have not patronised any kind of joint for sometime - whilst she, went on to go clubbing - at belly dancing joints too. I'm sure a lot of people know about this, but for me, it was new, very new. It was a water pipe thingie, which we could smoke, with fresh mint leaves without the tobacco smell of ciggies....and the best part of it all, it could be a conversational piece of furniture!
AND so, just when I thought I knew everything about smoking, a non-smoker just introduced me to shisha....My ignorance really caused everyone to just crack up because they've not seen me so confused at how this mechanism works and looks.
In any case, after shisha, I forgot about what a wonderful dinner she cooked up - but she was great, she packed lots for me to bring home - knowing very well that I missed her cooking.
I'm going to get myself one - because eventhough cleaning it would be troublesome, it would look great in on a table.
The first few meets were still rushed, as we had our own commitments but we managed to catch up in a rush - the first thing that struck us all was, the fact that all of us, are just older versions of ourselves from years ago - enjoying the same stuff, eating like gluts, having a good cup of coffee and laughing at all the silly things we encountered during this time apart. That's what friendship is about - that we could go our separate ways, and still come back together, the same, only older with more aches and pains.
After dinner, her daughter who is in her early 20s, brought out this really interesting looking contraption - a shisha.
Now, being unlike her, I have not patronised any kind of joint for sometime - whilst she, went on to go clubbing - at belly dancing joints too. I'm sure a lot of people know about this, but for me, it was new, very new. It was a water pipe thingie, which we could smoke, with fresh mint leaves without the tobacco smell of ciggies....and the best part of it all, it could be a conversational piece of furniture!
AND so, just when I thought I knew everything about smoking, a non-smoker just introduced me to shisha....My ignorance really caused everyone to just crack up because they've not seen me so confused at how this mechanism works and looks.
In any case, after shisha, I forgot about what a wonderful dinner she cooked up - but she was great, she packed lots for me to bring home - knowing very well that I missed her cooking.
I'm going to get myself one - because eventhough cleaning it would be troublesome, it would look great in on a table.
April 13, 2007
corporate life
To almost everyone of my friends, they have encountered at least one person in their work life, who simply fall short of what they have been hired to do.
My next question is : Given a society high on meritocracy - how did this happen?
I work for an MNC, yet it falls very short on corporate policies being carried out. Sometimes, I'm mistaken and think that I'm working for some 'family' business where each policy varies according to which favoured member you are.
Perhaps that's why I never really stayed and made a career out of being just another headcount.
For those who are laid-back and not high on delivery, it probably would work out. I have experienced situations when an employee was made almost like a punching bag (not in the literal sense) yet that chap did not even think about leaving. Looking at his performance, he well-deserved whatever shelling that was dished out each time, so he figured he got it coming and as long as he's not being fired, he would just cruise along and bear with it.
Such people don't deserve to even have this extended opportunity, yet year after year, they are still on the payroll, albeit with no increments. It's appalling.
Point is, MNCs are too large to micromanage, but that is across the board. It's in their inability to hire the correct people to run the different offices worldwide. If you flip the newspapers in the recruitment section, you would see agencies seeking individuals with such and such a credential. Sure, we need some kind of education to carry out the work, but there are other individuals who do not have paper qualifications, yet able to deliver the same results, if not better.
Perhaps, it's time MNCs hire on Ability, not having a Masters' etc. I work with a Master's degree holder - most of the time, he's a Master at none of the appointed tasks.
My next question is : Given a society high on meritocracy - how did this happen?
I work for an MNC, yet it falls very short on corporate policies being carried out. Sometimes, I'm mistaken and think that I'm working for some 'family' business where each policy varies according to which favoured member you are.
Perhaps that's why I never really stayed and made a career out of being just another headcount.
For those who are laid-back and not high on delivery, it probably would work out. I have experienced situations when an employee was made almost like a punching bag (not in the literal sense) yet that chap did not even think about leaving. Looking at his performance, he well-deserved whatever shelling that was dished out each time, so he figured he got it coming and as long as he's not being fired, he would just cruise along and bear with it.
Such people don't deserve to even have this extended opportunity, yet year after year, they are still on the payroll, albeit with no increments. It's appalling.
Point is, MNCs are too large to micromanage, but that is across the board. It's in their inability to hire the correct people to run the different offices worldwide. If you flip the newspapers in the recruitment section, you would see agencies seeking individuals with such and such a credential. Sure, we need some kind of education to carry out the work, but there are other individuals who do not have paper qualifications, yet able to deliver the same results, if not better.
Perhaps, it's time MNCs hire on Ability, not having a Masters' etc. I work with a Master's degree holder - most of the time, he's a Master at none of the appointed tasks.
April 11, 2007
Clearing Pathways
I have taken my shovel out and been busy clearing the pathway to the next stage of my life. I guess when things happen, there IS a reason, and if all this didn't happen, I wouldn't have taken my shovel out. This is the very reason why my colleague left last year. She was right to say then, that where I am, there is zero direction and we'll all be running around in circles just because the designated person is not doing his job.
Therefore, instead of wasting any more time on trying to save the world, I have since admitted that it's time for shovelling.
Everytime this happens, I feel obliged to stick around. This time was once too often.
I have a never-say-die attitude therefore I tend to get used when all I wanted to do was help.
How did society get so selfish? Taking advantage of people is so low it's shocking.
There can be no answers now but in time, the answers will come along - for most low-lifes, it would be too late - but who am I to bother?
I'm busy shovelling my pathway - so that I may move forward and prove it to everyone, that living a life fuelled by principles IS THE ONLY WAY to live.
Therefore, instead of wasting any more time on trying to save the world, I have since admitted that it's time for shovelling.
Everytime this happens, I feel obliged to stick around. This time was once too often.
I have a never-say-die attitude therefore I tend to get used when all I wanted to do was help.
How did society get so selfish? Taking advantage of people is so low it's shocking.
There can be no answers now but in time, the answers will come along - for most low-lifes, it would be too late - but who am I to bother?
I'm busy shovelling my pathway - so that I may move forward and prove it to everyone, that living a life fuelled by principles IS THE ONLY WAY to live.
April 10, 2007
Destination
It never dawned on me, how miles and miles of looking at cluster housing was tiring. I set off today, eager and excited to locate a huge development for my client across the causeway....when I was halfway there, I almost gave up, because of the heat, a bitumin-laden road, cutting across forestry with no idea of where my destination is. I think that's what that KILLS, the ignorance of just how long more....
See, when we say, we drive to KL, we somehow mentally prepare ourselves for a 3hour drive, and as we get near KL, we find the energy to recharge our batteries. BUT travelling this morning was a chore.
The banners did not help much, since each precinct had a different name, and they do not lay directional signs like over here.......it's just too vast an area!
My point is : we need to know where our end point is. Some may call it ambition, others call it a dream. Whatever it is called, it gives us direction and keeps us on track. I didn't get lost this morning, since I have a very good sense of direction, but the not-knowing how far more, tired me out...and in that state, I still had to focus on the task at hand i.e. survey. I was on track, but it was labourious simply because I didn't know how long it will take and when the job will be done.
It's not that we cannot live our life without some plan. It's just not the ideal thing to do.
See, when we say, we drive to KL, we somehow mentally prepare ourselves for a 3hour drive, and as we get near KL, we find the energy to recharge our batteries. BUT travelling this morning was a chore.
The banners did not help much, since each precinct had a different name, and they do not lay directional signs like over here.......it's just too vast an area!
My point is : we need to know where our end point is. Some may call it ambition, others call it a dream. Whatever it is called, it gives us direction and keeps us on track. I didn't get lost this morning, since I have a very good sense of direction, but the not-knowing how far more, tired me out...and in that state, I still had to focus on the task at hand i.e. survey. I was on track, but it was labourious simply because I didn't know how long it will take and when the job will be done.
It's not that we cannot live our life without some plan. It's just not the ideal thing to do.
April 09, 2007
The last laugh
After 2 weeks of lardiness, if there is such a word, I am having the last laugh. I uncovered schemes, lies, deceit and desperation and through it all, I just gave more rope. Most must have thought I was silly to be so principled. Well, for those who didn't understand and still don't, will never. That is because they never were this expensive to maintain in the first place.
Money can buy us a lot, but if that included our principles, then we might as well sell ourselves to the devil.
Right now, we have this talk going on about paying politicians top dollar, to retain good people and make sure they remain honest. Well, I agree about retaining good people, but as for honesty, I think it cannot be bought. The not too recent NKF saga was proof enough. The man paid himself too much, lived a life of luxury with 'public money' yet came up with more dishonest schemes. The average man, could not live half that high life. What happened? Greed got the better of him.
So, if you never had expensive principles to begin with, you could never understand this paradox. What is my job, and monthly salary, if my principles could be altered with a few thousand bucks? My job then becomes a joke and myself, a drowning, pathetic low life - who is no better than sludge.
I think the idea of being scum is so distasteful to me that I'd rather seem 'poor' than try to scrub all that goo off me with an expensive bar of soap!
My hands are not dirty, yet I'm having the last laugh - because lard is essentially unhealthy, and will always remain so - and that with the Polar Caps melting, even animals will have no use for them!
Money can buy us a lot, but if that included our principles, then we might as well sell ourselves to the devil.
Right now, we have this talk going on about paying politicians top dollar, to retain good people and make sure they remain honest. Well, I agree about retaining good people, but as for honesty, I think it cannot be bought. The not too recent NKF saga was proof enough. The man paid himself too much, lived a life of luxury with 'public money' yet came up with more dishonest schemes. The average man, could not live half that high life. What happened? Greed got the better of him.
So, if you never had expensive principles to begin with, you could never understand this paradox. What is my job, and monthly salary, if my principles could be altered with a few thousand bucks? My job then becomes a joke and myself, a drowning, pathetic low life - who is no better than sludge.
I think the idea of being scum is so distasteful to me that I'd rather seem 'poor' than try to scrub all that goo off me with an expensive bar of soap!
My hands are not dirty, yet I'm having the last laugh - because lard is essentially unhealthy, and will always remain so - and that with the Polar Caps melting, even animals will have no use for them!
April 05, 2007
Fungi of a different kind
I was pacing up and down outside my girlfriend's sprawling yard when I came across this strange looking fungi. At first glance, I thought it was some crappy piece of paper or rotting apple of some sort. But upon closer inspection, I found that it was rooted to the ground.....this was the smaller one..there was a larger piece.
After heavy rains and sunshine, we find the common fungi, usually white/off-white with the regular bell head - which was strangely out of sight. I found them to be cute so I looked for them just so I could admire the scattering of white.
Few things surprise me. And having read Biology - Plant & Animal before Uni didn't help coz, I didn't remember this fungi.
I took a snapshot - just so I can remember it.
Beautiful brown mushroom - just growing wild like grass - no one put it there, but it got there...
April 04, 2007
Long weekends & holidays
I finally managed to get reservations for dinner after trying for 3 weekends. I think I found the trick - pick a long weekend, when most people are outstation! I was supposed to travel this weekend too, but decided to stay home and keep house.
The last time I dined there was like 3 months ago? Jeez, that's long, considering, I joined the club for inexpensive, gourmet dining. Not to mention, that I have not even dipped a toe into their pool. Perhaps I'll finally have the opportunity to do that this weekend after chores.
I used to be able to finish a book in a week - but after almost 2 years of working weekends, it took me some 6 vacations, 2 work trips to complete a paperback. That is so sad.
When on vacation, I got distracted shopping - and when on a work trip - I just wanted to get the task completed - it's an embarassment.
Next problem - now that I have finished the book, I need to pick up another - which brings me to another hurdle - there are no bookshops that I know of, within walking distance of my office - therefore, I'm not on vacation and I do not have a book in hand.
Moral of the Story - curling up with a good book and a cuppa is an illusion for me.
The last time I dined there was like 3 months ago? Jeez, that's long, considering, I joined the club for inexpensive, gourmet dining. Not to mention, that I have not even dipped a toe into their pool. Perhaps I'll finally have the opportunity to do that this weekend after chores.
I used to be able to finish a book in a week - but after almost 2 years of working weekends, it took me some 6 vacations, 2 work trips to complete a paperback. That is so sad.
When on vacation, I got distracted shopping - and when on a work trip - I just wanted to get the task completed - it's an embarassment.
Next problem - now that I have finished the book, I need to pick up another - which brings me to another hurdle - there are no bookshops that I know of, within walking distance of my office - therefore, I'm not on vacation and I do not have a book in hand.
Moral of the Story - curling up with a good book and a cuppa is an illusion for me.
April 03, 2007
New Year by culture
Yesterday we were having a discussion about festivals. I cannot remember how that came up, but we couldn't agree on which constitutes New Years for the Hindus. Some mentioned Deepavali, which is actually the Festival of Lights - different from New Year. Then an interesting question popped up - Deepavali is not THE new year, then how is it, there is no extra public holiday on the calendar?
Imagine that, we, a supposedly multi-cultural society, has been reduced to recognition of tradition by the days we do not work!
See, that's the reason why I do not celebrate commercialised occasions. Gone are the days when we get excited about buying new clothes, sleeping in new pjs, to welcome the Lunar New Year.
Is that the price we pay for economic success?
I still have to confirm this argument, since I am not a Hindu - although I do have friends who observe the Hindu customs. My colleagues know Thaipusam, Deepavali and I am sure, when my other gf mentioned the 'indian' new year, she didn't mean either of these.
So the next obvious question will be:
Why is this New Year so low key?
Imagine that, we, a supposedly multi-cultural society, has been reduced to recognition of tradition by the days we do not work!
See, that's the reason why I do not celebrate commercialised occasions. Gone are the days when we get excited about buying new clothes, sleeping in new pjs, to welcome the Lunar New Year.
Is that the price we pay for economic success?
I still have to confirm this argument, since I am not a Hindu - although I do have friends who observe the Hindu customs. My colleagues know Thaipusam, Deepavali and I am sure, when my other gf mentioned the 'indian' new year, she didn't mean either of these.
So the next obvious question will be:
Why is this New Year so low key?
April 02, 2007
bias and fat logic
What do we do about people who just shoot their mouths off when it suits them? Let me cite an example:
When my ex-colleague left, this embarassment to human kind didn't have anything good to say behind her back!
Now when I stood up to her, she decided that she didn't have anything good to say about me either.
Frankly, I couldn't care less, because these people are so lagging in self-worth are are so biased, that they go around slamming people when it suits their purpose.
I guess she really needed to score somewhere and obviously didn't care at whose cost.
She forgot some incidences where it clearly illustrated her failure in her job.
The last staff that left their company, who was under her charge, left because she was biased and complained to the bigger boss.
She also forgot that one singaporean family felt that she was so arrogant, they took back their booking fee and decided to skip buying a unit from her.
She agreed to do repairs for her agent friends' buyer, but only half the repair for another agent whom she disliked.
In another case, she side-stepped some agency and they sent her a legal letter - when it was resolved, she took it so personally, she by-passed this same person when the renewal came up for their client.
You know what's the problem with such people?
They forget that there are people out there keeping tabs on them.
Bias is written all over her face that she's bloated like a water-logged decomposing body.
Sometimes it bothers me, but it doesn't disturb me because although you cannot judge a book by it's cover, it certainly gives you an idea about where the story will take you.
Figure this : If a person eats without limits - obviously they are greedy. It no longer has anything to do with hunger. Give it years and you get extra body mass. Give it more years and it becomes part of their character - NO LIMITS.
Everything is about control.
Everything is about moderation.
BUT for such people, it's preference or bias.
Everything they do is over-done.
How's that for fat logic.
When my ex-colleague left, this embarassment to human kind didn't have anything good to say behind her back!
Now when I stood up to her, she decided that she didn't have anything good to say about me either.
Frankly, I couldn't care less, because these people are so lagging in self-worth are are so biased, that they go around slamming people when it suits their purpose.
I guess she really needed to score somewhere and obviously didn't care at whose cost.
She forgot some incidences where it clearly illustrated her failure in her job.
The last staff that left their company, who was under her charge, left because she was biased and complained to the bigger boss.
She also forgot that one singaporean family felt that she was so arrogant, they took back their booking fee and decided to skip buying a unit from her.
She agreed to do repairs for her agent friends' buyer, but only half the repair for another agent whom she disliked.
In another case, she side-stepped some agency and they sent her a legal letter - when it was resolved, she took it so personally, she by-passed this same person when the renewal came up for their client.
You know what's the problem with such people?
They forget that there are people out there keeping tabs on them.
Bias is written all over her face that she's bloated like a water-logged decomposing body.
Sometimes it bothers me, but it doesn't disturb me because although you cannot judge a book by it's cover, it certainly gives you an idea about where the story will take you.
Figure this : If a person eats without limits - obviously they are greedy. It no longer has anything to do with hunger. Give it years and you get extra body mass. Give it more years and it becomes part of their character - NO LIMITS.
Everything is about control.
Everything is about moderation.
BUT for such people, it's preference or bias.
Everything they do is over-done.
How's that for fat logic.
Holy Week
I was told that during Holy Week, events will culminate, not necessarily good yet it is. For example, going back into the Holy Bible, this was the week, Jesus was hailed etc and at the same time, was being plotted against.
Although He knew what was going to happen, he didn't stop it - but chose to go along for our greater good. After all, He died for our salvation.
So, when I reflect, I tend to agree that no matter how far back Christ's time was, it's as good as it is here now.
Emily Rose was aired on cable over the weekend, and again, there was reference made to the 'witching' hour of 3am, the flip-side of the time Christ died on the cross, at 3pm. I cannot remember which other movie had this 3am thing in it.
I believe in that since some years back, my friends and I got into a spinning accident just about 3am in Malaysia. The car never struck anything on the road, but went into a spin. We were saved by a solitary tree - otherwise, it was into the river of darkness.
Once, few of us intruded into some haunting space and for a week, all of us were waking up at 3am - although we lived in different houses.
It's not the Sunday dress that brings me to GOD - it's the close shaves with the unknown that would otherwise be a hit on target that makes all of Catholic history believeable.
Although He knew what was going to happen, he didn't stop it - but chose to go along for our greater good. After all, He died for our salvation.
So, when I reflect, I tend to agree that no matter how far back Christ's time was, it's as good as it is here now.
Emily Rose was aired on cable over the weekend, and again, there was reference made to the 'witching' hour of 3am, the flip-side of the time Christ died on the cross, at 3pm. I cannot remember which other movie had this 3am thing in it.
I believe in that since some years back, my friends and I got into a spinning accident just about 3am in Malaysia. The car never struck anything on the road, but went into a spin. We were saved by a solitary tree - otherwise, it was into the river of darkness.
Once, few of us intruded into some haunting space and for a week, all of us were waking up at 3am - although we lived in different houses.
It's not the Sunday dress that brings me to GOD - it's the close shaves with the unknown that would otherwise be a hit on target that makes all of Catholic history believeable.
April 01, 2007
Envy beyond reason?
Do you believe that there is such a thing as envy beyond reason? Well, I'm sure there are times we wished we had something - doesn't have to be material...it could be as basic as about being trim and slim - by society's standards of what that means.
In the past 2 weeks, I have heard real experiences from friends, who have had this 'envy beyond reason' event going on in their lives, from people who tip the scales, pun intended. When I heard it more than twice, from 2 sets of people, in unconnected circles, I started to think, because weight aside, such shared this common need to 'collect' and 'feel important'.
Before last week, Blubber is important to keep the polar bear warm....this week, Lard kills your heart!
Most became this way because of a lack of control. If they could do this in the food department, it surely makes me think about other departments as well. It's either you are in control or you are not.
It's also true that such people consume, when feeling under the weather - again, a lack of control. This is different from planning a nite out just to get pissed drunk - that is a plan, different from a compulsion.
Envy beyond reason, is because of a lack of control - because if there was control, it wouldn't be envy anymore but an occasion for congratulations.
Thankfully, most of us are in control - if anything, it's because of vanity - but that is now the lesser evil when compared to being envious.
In the past 2 weeks, I have heard real experiences from friends, who have had this 'envy beyond reason' event going on in their lives, from people who tip the scales, pun intended. When I heard it more than twice, from 2 sets of people, in unconnected circles, I started to think, because weight aside, such shared this common need to 'collect' and 'feel important'.
Before last week, Blubber is important to keep the polar bear warm....this week, Lard kills your heart!
Most became this way because of a lack of control. If they could do this in the food department, it surely makes me think about other departments as well. It's either you are in control or you are not.
It's also true that such people consume, when feeling under the weather - again, a lack of control. This is different from planning a nite out just to get pissed drunk - that is a plan, different from a compulsion.
Envy beyond reason, is because of a lack of control - because if there was control, it wouldn't be envy anymore but an occasion for congratulations.
Thankfully, most of us are in control - if anything, it's because of vanity - but that is now the lesser evil when compared to being envious.
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