Of the good times & the bad, the laughter & the tears, the hopes & the fears, the whatever-nots, & the newfound Faith
Monday, December 22, 2008
Twilight Fever
I was completely not in the thrill or excitement & I did not even get what the craze was all about, until I agreed to go on a movie date with my girlfriends from work last Friday night.
Since then, I'm hooked...
I've always been fascinated with Vampires, but there's something special which sets this movie apart from any other vampire movies I've watched.
I thought it'd be another soapy, cheesy teenage love story, but somehow, either the casts are good actors and actresses or they really connected, I could actually feel the intensity and chemistry.
Bram Stoke's Count Dracula, where Count died in the arms of a female human he loved, was sweet and all, but it did not touch me as much as this one does.
There was just something about Edward Cullen...(I only like the character)
Sad that such man only appears on the silver screen.
Sadder still is the fact that he isn't even human. *LOL*
Okay, I won't spoil the rest of the movie for those who haven't watched.
I can't wait to have my own collections of all the 4 books! It's sold out, twice!
Friday, November 14, 2008
What Will You Be In Your Next Life?
This crazy topic just popped up during our conversation among colleagues in the office.
Say, if you have the choice (or chance), would you like to remain your original gender or become the other?
All the males opted to stay males, of course - as usual, due the pride and ego in being the more dominating sex, stereotypically, that is. There may be exceptions for special case(s), though.
Most females, including me, chose to stick to our feminine side.
"But, why? Females are the ones who suffer more in life!" we were asked - what with the most famous, monthly cycle thingy; having to bear children and give birth; the limitation in things we can do; and always the victim and preys in gender discrimination, sexual molestations, and the list goes on.
I'll tell you why. Yes, we may be generally and biologically, the weaker sex. Despite all these limitations, we are proud to be able to achieve what we have achieved, as women, throughout the human evolution and revolution - and we're still working hard and achieving more goals which would seem impossible and absurd for women to ever achieve, especially in the olden days.
Why work so hard?
One lecturer said, "Wanna be rich? Easy la. Just marry a rich man and enjoy life."
I said "No. So what if I ever marry a rich man? The wealth isn't mine, and I may not end up happy. I only find self-satisfaction from achieving my goals on my own effort."
He said "Good. I like the way you think."
During my job interview, my General Manager asked,
"So, you're married. Why do you want to work? Bruneians are well-off."
One, correction, not all the Bruneians are rich. They're only lucky they have a rich sultanate and do not have to pay taxes.
Two, (my answer) "I personally, am not the type who sits home and wait for my husband to feed me or the family. I want to work and cater to myself and my family as well."
I got the job I love. *Grin*
It's important for women to be able to stand on their own two feet.
Hell, yeah! We're singin'
"...If I wanted the rock you're wearing, I bought it. The house I live in, I bought it. The car I'm driving, I bought it, 'cause I depend on me..."
Yes, we may have to endure the monthly menstruation and ovulation cycle, but having to have that lets us know that our bodies are actually functioning well, the way we are created and as God intended for us.
Pregnancy and birth? Nauseas, cramps, spider veins, stretch marks... Sound familiar, Mummys?
Well, the wonder in discovering what your body can go through and produce really pays off, and Oh, the joy in holding your baby(ies) in your arms, and watch them grow! - Indescribable in words.
We may seem the weaker ones who suffer from most harms and prone to more danger. So, it's important how we carry and protect ourselves.
Oh, for the other few who opted to become males in their next lives, one gave the reason that she's tired of all the sufferings and heartbreaks she as a female, has to go through.
Another said she'd have to be a handsome male in her next life - reason being handsome men get all the chicks. Haha!
Hmm... I'd love to be a handsome man for a while, provided that all the unfaithful and ungrateful playboys become helpless females first. Time to taste your own medicine. *Evil grin*
LOL!
Friday, November 07, 2008
Congratulations, Obama!
However, I can see great expectations and hope coming from the Americans and the world.
Come on, give it time. I am positive it's all turning out well. I know one aspect has already, but for the time being, that'd be up to time to disclose to the world.
I think people should eliminate whatever racial and negative thoughts and perceptions they have towards this potential leader. The world has changed. Let's give Obama a chance to prove to the world what he can do.
Congratulations, Democrats!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
November 4th, 2008
November 4th, 2008, today, is the date for the scheduled 56th consecutive quadrennial United States presidential election.
I really hope Barack Obama wins. It's high time US have yet another Democrat to cater for their economic needs since the wise Clinton - especially at a time of bad recession (one closest to the 1929 Depression) like this. Hasn't US learnt from their mistake - twice? Besides, from his high spirits and capabilities, I believe that Obama has the sincere will and power to help change the world - for the better. (I am currently on his book, The Audacity of Hope.)I have followed, as much as I could, the debates between Obama and McCain. To be a great leader, and especially a world leader, one requires the ability to stand up front and grasp every one of the audience's attention by merely saying a word - I can tell you that people with such ability are very rare. More importantly, he needs to ensure that his audiences are interested and motivated to continue listening. Apparently, I see all these qualities in Obama.
I like the way Obama stands up for his points made and still respects the opposition when shot back. McCain may be old and experienced, but it disappoints me every time his points are being questioned, he fails to find reasons to, at least, support them. Instead, he changes the topic - all the time! - and tries to 'attack' his opposition again and again. Yes, I've read that you think straight talk is a DO, but, in order to be respected, please respect first.
If Democrat were to win, it'll be the first time in history that an African American - a great and influential one - runs for president.
Likewise, if Republican were to win this election, it'll be historic, for there was never a female who achieved this, but, really, Sarah Heath Palin for vice president? No offense, but, What?!
Seriously, an aging ruler with a fashion mannequin who needs to learn to acquire more tact are a good combination? Not.
Another reason to be excited about the month, November? More friends will be back from their studies oversea. My sis-in-law, one of them.
And...
It's the month of my birthday - all the more reason to love it!
Oh, and it's another month closer to the end of the year - which include my approaching upcoming exams (Yikes!) and Christmas + New Year (Yay!).
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Paulo Coelho
I am, once again, addicted to reading Paulo Coelho's books.
The first I finished 2 years back was The Zahir - interesting reflections on life, love and happiness - before I got too busy with my own life for anymore books.
Was searching for the bestselling 'The Alchemist' - finally found it at a bookstore nearby my current workplace. Finished that. Brilliant. It mentioned and applied 'The Secret', very much alike the one I mentioned in one of my previous posts.
"When you really aspire for something, all the power in the Universe will conspire to help you achieve your Destiny."
Now, I'm on The Witch of Portobello. Beguiling - That's how all Paulo Coelho's books are. You can't wait to read on and know what happens next. The amazing thing about his writings is that he bases them on true life experiences which apply and reflect upon the lives of many others.
I don't know about other readers. Reading Coelho's books always puts me in a position where I start to ponder about my own life. His ability to put almost anything most people would never discover or perhaps have, but never let emanate from their hearts, into words, is just... simply intriguing.
An influential author - in all the good ways.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Oh Gawd! I'm a Movie Freak!
And no, it isn't what you're thinking. No, we didn't watch Butterfly Lovers...-_-"
I know the craze - what Wu Chun, local Brunei-bred artiste - first time starring in an international movie, yada yada yada - it was in the national papers. Yes, I've read.
Count.me.out. They say he's really that good-looking, alright. Not my cup of tea. He's more of a pretty boy to me, and boys like that don't last long in (my) interest, no offense. I prefer men a lil on the rough edge, a lil on the bad side - dark looks - but with brains. Need I say more?
Okay. This might sound cheesy at first, but we watched
Haha! Yeah, it's good, with Adam Sandler as one of the producers - starring Anna Faris (Scary Movie; Hot Chick; Bestfriend; My Super Ex-Girlfriend), Kat Dennings (Raise Your Voice; Big Momma House 2; The 40-Year-Old Virgin), Katharine McPhee (from one of the previous American Idol).
It's hilarious - with blonde moments, and Anna Faris pulled 'em off nice. It's sexy - Playboy bunnies & geeky girls-turned-hot. It seems Anna Faris worked out for the movie. She's looking so ever H-O-T! So are the rest of the girls. Emma Stone looks great, too. Katharine McPhee's gorgeous, as ever (though pregnant in her character). I've always loved Kat Denning's looks - punk, but sexy.
Toned and curvy are the real sexy!
It's reality-related - sorority campus rivalries. Mean girls - What I'd call the group(s) of 'Plastics' - so-called perfectionists who go for looks, status, popularity.
Typical. I don't see why certain cliques should exist. Why? Everyone should be his/herself. An individual. Anyone can be friends or be part of a group, a society, a community.
Looks may fade in time, but what's inside remains.
Meaningful.
So, we had good laughs and actually enjoyed the movie.
Hmm... what next? Blimey! Movie's one of the very few source of entertainment here!
We need a vacation, a goood getaway, out from this country! I haven't flown anywhere for over a year now!
Help!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Eagle Eye
AWESOME - In Caps & Bold!
Shia LaBeouf & Michelle Monaghan were fantastic! So was Billy Bob Thornton.
And, (Oh My), has Shia LaBeouf transformed since Transformer!
Yeah, yeah, I'm a sucker for men with dark looks...
*Looking at my husband* (Hmmm...Point proven?)
Ha ha ha! Well, Will thinks LaBeaouf looks great, too! Macho
As usual, I won't be giving the storyline away. So, no spoilers for those who haven't watched the movie.
All I can say is it's absolutely worth the wait. :D
The action, the suspense, the stunts - Double thumbs up!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday Blues
Yeah, there went the weekends. Come to think of it, I didn't have the 'weekends'. Won't be having any this coming Saturday and Sunday either.
I was and will be attending Tax classes during the weekends for 14 hrs each! The lecturer's a 'flown-in' and she's great, but I was fighting to keep myself awake halfway through. It's interesting, but I was just exhausted! It's like working for 14 days straight! *Shudders*
Oh, wells, it's for what's best. So, I shall be keen with what I'm doing. I want my ACCA, as fast as I can! I'm glad I passed my last 2 papers, and I'm still amazed I scored the highest in the 1 everyone claims to be the hardest. (But I like Costing & Management!)
Anyhoo, Praise the Lord!
Ah! Another week to endure...
*It's okay. It'll be over before I even know it. I'm good.*
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Mama Mia!
If you are into musical/ theatrical movies, MAMA MIA! is a Must-watch. Totally love the songs - The Best of ABBA which made up the story of the entire movie.
Meryl Streep (Donna) is excellent - as always. Amanda Seyfried (Sophie) - fresh new talent! Also in the cast are the famous Bond (formerly)- Pierce Brosnan (Sam), Colin Firth (Harry), the legendary Julie Walters (Rosie) and Christine Baranski (Tanya).
Beautiful island, brilliant cast, and great music and singing!
*Darn! Should've watched the real theatrical in London*
Next movie - I can't wait till Eagle Eye is out!!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Updates!
Loads have happened, and it's all goood. Wait, it hasn't only been good, but it has been AWESOME!
Exam was fine. Result's coming out soon. Very soon.
Career wise, it has never been better! I am actually doing a job I really enjoy, finally! - no toilet-cleaning and all those sh*ts. HAH! And my former Boss told me (when they asked me to stay on with them) :
"There's no way your salary will be increased. Even if you get out there, you won't be able to get such high pay. You're still young, still a student, still inexperienced."
Damn right I've proven you wrong!
I've learned something. Something so simple, yet so effective and real.
Always Think Positive. You can be what you think you ought to be, really.
It's all in the Law of Attraction.
For those who haven't heard of this featured film/ documentary, "The Secret", I highly recommend watching it. Truly inspiring and motivational.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
There IS Justice in the World!
Few days back, I have quietly wished for a sign.
"If there is any justice in the world, (Please please please! *Fingers crossed*) David Cook will win American Idol AND Manchester United FC will win against Chelsea in the Champions League."
Guess what.
I got a positive sign!
David Cook is indeed 2008's American Idol! He has won the kiddo, David Archuleta by 12 million votes!!! Yes, TWELVE MILLION! HAH! I hope this is enough to shut those teeny-booper fans of David Archuleta's up! I disliked David Archuleta for being boring, but the fans are wayy too annoying and immature that it made me hate David Archuleta. I do not see why those shallow supporters of his think he would make it far. Do they even know the market and customers' demands worldwide? 12 MILLION more votes only in America is a HUGE number. They have forgotten that David Cook has more fans who do not vote in American Idol, worldwide! And I am one of them. (:And Yesss, Manchester United FC has proven that they are Champions! Champion in Premier League 2008 & Champion in Champions League 2008 when they beat Chelsea (in both leagues to claim their titles). Nah-uh! Eventhough they won the Champions League through penalty kicks, that is no pure luck. Also, thanks to goalie Edwin van der Sar for saving one of the penalty shootout to give Manchester United a 6-5 win over Chelsea after they tied at a 1-1 draw in the first all-English Champions League final.
CELEBRATE!!!
So, there is Justice in the world, afterall.
WooooHooooooo~!
I hope Justice is on my side for my upcoming exams! :S
Friday, May 09, 2008
Always Be My Baby
with David Cook's version of Mariah Carey's "Always be my Baby". It keeps playin' in mah head, over & over!
He totally rocked it! Randy said, more than anyone on the show, Cook is ready to make his own album. Simon said it was like sort of coming out of karaoke hell...into a breath of fresh air! Paula said it could be a movie sound track. Well, who knows, it just may be. :)
Well, he has got tons of amazing performances like Happy Together, Eleanor Rigby and the improvised version of Michael Jackson's Billy Jean (reinvented version originally by Chris Cornell, but even Chris Cornell, himself, was flattered by Cook's performance. http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/03/chris-cornell-s.html) - to name a few.
David Cook is awesome because he has the ability to turn any less popular and less heard of song into something amazing, likeable, and most importantly, something fresh. Originality & the Courage to take risks. I like the way he makes a classic and extremely pop song rock. For example, this classic Lionel Richie's "Hello"
I so want Cook to win, though *fingers crossed*, sadly, it's expected that David Archuleta would win, instead. Look at the kid's fans! (mostly consisting of little kids as well)
Figure, even if David Cook does not win American Idol, he will make it big. Someone with such talent will break it through, internationally. So what if David Archuleta wins? He will be any temporary craze which will die down soon enough. Preferably, he may resolve to High School Musical or something like that.
David Cook is way too cool for American Idol.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
These China Con Ladies Don't Give Up, Do They?
I got a 'Long Distance' call yesterday at work. I picked up to hear a recorded voice message (with perfect English, more to that of a White's):
"This is an automated voice message from Brunei High Court. You have a hearing on the 28th of April at 10am. Your 2nd hearing will be on the 12th of May at 2pm. For more information, please press '9'"
Out of curiosity (since it is to do with something legal from the high court & having heard the word "hearing" which supposingly indicates something serious), I pressed 9, only to be greeted with:
Con : Herlo, May I herlp you?
Me : Yes, I just got an automated voice message saying I have a hearing at the court.
What is it a- (I was interrupted before I even finished my sentence)
Con : Yea yea yea, thiz is the Bruney High Courrd. Can I harve your name, pleas?
Me : *Smug-smilling* (Knowing that it's just another scam) Let me guess, you are from China,
riiight?
Con :*Excited* (She's prolly forgotten about her initial plan) Yea yea yea! Arr you from China?
Me : No, I'm not, (Thank God).
Con : Are you from Sing-gaporh?
Me : No.
Con : Whear are you from?
Me : It doesn't matter. May I know which company you're from and where you're calling
from?
Con : Yea yea. I am from the Bruney High Courrd. May I hav your name & IC numberh?
Me : *Trying to keep calm* Well, I know people from Brunei High Court and they certainly do
not sound like you.
Con : (I can hear she was abit pissed. Haha!) Yea yea yea. I am try-yin to checkh forr you
which message-h you receiv. Can you girv me your name & IC numberh?
Me : My name does not matter. This is a company you're calling.
Con : Owh. This ish your com-pahny phone? Yea yea yea, I am try-yin to herlp you. Can I hav
your name & IC numberh?
Me : My name doesn't matter. Wait, you were the one who sent me the message! I should be
asking who you are!
Con : Yea yea yea. I am try-yin to herlp you to checkh forr you whed-ther the message-h was
sen-t to who. (Shouting already) So, can you se-pell out yourr name one by one?!
Me : (Getting rather pissed, too) Why should I give you my name?! Look, I'm very busy here.
(Constantly being interrupted) Can we just treat it as a wrong message wrongly sent?!
Con : (Yada yada yada) Oh-kay! Bai Bai!
Me : Yes, thank you. BYE! *Slam phone*
What is with this China scam thingy?! It happened soo many times before. It has stopped for a good few months. Now it's back and Eng-gelish-speakin'. Hahaha! Why? Were they spending the quiet few months searching for some China ladies who has goooood Eng-gelish (supposingly)?
This is silly. It's hilarious! And needless to say, it's embarrasing to the Chinese race!
It's enough that you, Chinese escorts have 'monopolised' the hotel business in the country. It's sad and frustrating at the same time. Frustrating because any normal (clean) Asian ladies walking into a typical hotel with their men could easily be mistaken as an escort!
Now, this? They just don't know how to keep a low and respectable profile, huh?
And don't they know the right way to communicate? It's soo rude to keep interrupting!
It's over-the-top annoying! I wish I have the authority to 'throw' 'em out of this country!
Puh-leeese! Using the Brunei High Court's name to target some poor-gullible people? Sorry you came across someone who isn't so gullible nor dumb! Besides, the Brunei High Court consists of locals, and mostly, Malays. Haha!
Now, really, are the cons getting stupid-er of the public getting smarter?
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Life!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
American Idol Season 7
- Jason Castro - He is nothing more than a pretty face, or so they say. What immediately comes to my mind when I see Jason is, a college guy who is good with his guitar - which he plays alot on in his dorm - and could easily pull off a sweet song to melt some typical college chics' hearts.
- Brooke White - I actually think she looks better and better each week. She is more of a singer-songwriter who could play the piano and guitar. She knows her range of vocals and has wisely chosen to stick within that range, which is good. Her performance this week was 'labelled' worst, yet, she stays.
- David Archuleta - he is young, very young and charming. Do not get me wrong. This kid has got the vocals, but honestly, if he were to debut an album or single, I will not purchase any. His style stays the same that I lose the thrill of watching him perform whenever he goes on stage - no, really, I do, no offence. His songs are too 'sissy-ly' pop. It gets boring.
This week, Carly Smithson was voted out. I see this coming - she has one of the most powerful vocals among the few, but lacks innovation and 'retro' in the way a Hollywood Superstar should dress and look. The only thing that shocked me was it (Carly's elimination) came too soon (sooner than Jason Castro got voted off), and worst of all, she was in the bottom two, together with Syesha Mercado, when both these girls were the best performers for the week!
Carly was all smiles that I think she was one of the happiest contestants ever for being eliminated. On the contrary, she really needs not worry. As Simon said, she could walk away with her head held high.Syesha Mercado. She has portrayed interesting personality during her latest performance. Randy called it her best performance to date. Paula said she had brought the house down from the very beginning. Simon thought it was very sexy and it was!
I like this girl. I think she has got the talents and looks to be a star. Despite showing improvement, I really cannot comprehend why she ended up in the 'bottom seat' a number of times. I am glad, though, she stays.
Now it really makes me wonder if those who watch and vote on American Idol are a bunch of super-sissy and shallow people. Either that, or the voters are a bunch of kids - majority, teenage and little girls, perhaps.
Oh well, this is what happens when you get the public to vote for a winner. It is almost always unfair - taking into consideration the fact that most cool fans of musical genres other than pop could not be bothered to watch American Idol; or the fact that some potential 'smart-judging' voters do not have the time to catch the show or vote at all; or the fact that some contestants were initially much more popular, with a larger fan base to begin with, compared to the others.
At this stage, it is rather predictable who the next American Idol will be. I am not surprised at all if it turns out to be David Archuleta.
Even if potential stars like David Cook or Syesha Mercado were to walk away next, they will always be true Hollywood celebrities to me.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Love & Security
Will I stay, knowing that I have no love for the person I am with, but only a sense of security?
My answer will have to go with Anthony's, which is, No. I will leave.
It is true. Why should one be selfish enough to just 'make use' of the significant other for security and a sense of belonging?
Put yourself in the other's shoes. Say, would you be happy to find out that your other half only sticks with you because he/she feels secure, not because he/she loves you still? I know I cannot accept that. I would be devastated. I would feel so, so used.
Besides, there is really no point of staying. Would you be happy having to eat, drink, breathe, or perhaps, spend the rest of your life with one you feel no affection nor love for?
There is no doubt one feels great knowing he/she is being loved. I can tell you it feels even greater to know that you love as much as being loved. This is Life. It is not right to only receive, but to give as well.
Lynn did mention about commitment. Now, this is another issue.
Why and when does one commit?
Men, please. Ditch the belief that women are the kind who jump into commitment or get crazeeey about marriage. It is a Myth!
Truth is, women (these days) do fear marriage. Well, not marriage as it is, but a marriage gone wrong i.e. marrying the Wrong One.
Definitely, we do not simply commit to another.
Divorce seems to be a common matter nowadays. Why? Most would go with the popular reason - being "Irreconcilable Differences".
Is it really because these couples were not meant for each other, or that they believe they have fallen out of love with each other?
Is it really possible or probable to fall out of love with someone, at all?
Or is it simply because their marriage has just gone stale? Perhaps, they have not spent enough quality time together or shown enough affection. They need to constantly remind themselves the reason they fell in love with each other in the very first place, and most importantly, the reason they decided to be each others' soulmates and tie the knot.
Unless they married for security instead of love, their marriage could have really ended badly.
It is not unusual for people to mistaken the sense of belonging and security for being with the other, as a sign that he/she is ready to commit to the significant other.
So, how does one know that the one he/she is with is the Right One?
There is really no right or wrong answer to this question. The 'requirements' to be the Right One for oneself may and shall never be similar to another's expectations.
Let's put it this way. You will know when the Right One comes. Only you can tell.
So, marry your Right One, for Love and Security, with Commitment.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Will you stay?
I heard on the radio today. The DJ was asking the question:
"Say, knowing that you are no longer in love with the person you are with, would you still stay because you feel secure, or would you leave?"
Much to the surprise of the DJ & myself, most of the callers, male and female, answered "I'll stay", some believing that with security, in time, they'll learn to fall back in love with the person they're with.
How about you?
Me? I'll post my answer later. Please post your comments and answers. Thank you.
As for now, I need to run. I'm off work & I've got a class to attend in less than an hour.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Crappy Connection!
Soo sorry for the reeeallyyy long-due post.
Was gonna complete it & then publish, but the crappy internet connection wouldn't allow me!
The whole Brunei's internet connection was down for 2 days last week, and it only recovered by the end of the week, which was the weekend.
Anyhoo, I'll put up a new post.
Apologies.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Reminiscence
On the double-decker London Tour Bus during Summer 2006.
I miss matches at Old Trafford - the place, the atmosphere (What a blast!) and the bonus part - getting to meet Manchester United players!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Reality bites
Speaking about work, my workloads are getting heavier these days. There are more upcoming projects, meaning more things for me and my colleague to handle, more sales to do, more things to put up in our advertisement (I design them), more customers (existing & new ones) to come. For being a developing & management company, I would say we are expected to do works of a contractor office. Dammit! What is wrong with management?!
It sucks, purely. With this, I am referring to most typical traditional-thinking Asian bosses' management. Question is, do they really know how to manage, the right way? I hate the fact that they like to deal with business and things through relations. I despise the fact that they think older employees with (what They call) better & more experience deserve higher pays and better benefits for being older, (so-called wiser) and experienced. Look, the world is changing.
It makes me wonder what we, the younger generation, are studying so much for, if we are only being underestimated by these typical older bosses who claim 'Young People' (Hau Se Kias) know nothing.
Man, I seriously feel underpaid. Wait, I am underpaid. I am expected to do the same works done by the manager, only more. Tell me if I'm cursed. Why is it that most jobs I've done include me having to be the one cleaning the toilets? *Screeeamming already* I am expected to keep the toilets clean and vacuum the office. Hold on, what do I do again? As far as I'm concerned, I'm the one dealing with sales, answering calls and greeting walk-in customers. I do most of the paperworks, because for obvious reasons, Good English matters here. (Not that I want to brag, but I seriously find adequate knowledge, if not full education; Good English; Computer literacy & knowledge; & the right management skills do matter, especially in today's businesses, period.)
A friend asked, "Just out of curiosity, what is your actual 'designation' (in the company)?"
Oh! *Laughs out Loud* Non-existent. I came in with no specified title. It's a small-scaled company, no doubt. Was told I shall help around, as an assistant. It was fine, at first. Pay was acceptable for the little workloads. However, as months pass, what do i get? I haven't even had my first paid annual leave. There was little increment in salary, I'm grateful. Come to think of it, the starting pay should not have been acceptable when I'm expected to do the jobs of 'bulls and horses' (Juo Niu, Juo Ma/ Cho Gu, Cho Be).
Reality is, it has become a norm among private companies and firms in Southeast Asia, especially. Wages and salaries have been lowered and made acceptable to most good qualifications and skills, which should really deserve and by law, entitled to higher pay.
Another thing - Delegation. Having studied and fallen in love with Management, I shall safely say, most existing management I see are...Piles of Sh*t! Just because you have become your own boss (by whatever means) does not give you the right to throw all the burdens and workloads and blames (regardless of whether it was the bosses' mistakes in the first place or not) to your fellow subordinates and employees mainly because they work under you. Work delegation happens only when you have already mastered and know pretty well everything that is going on from the operating core level up to your management level and would like to enrich your own job specification. So, you leave the job you already know to your trusted subordinates.
It's sad that what really happens is, without knowing a thing about how the most basic operations work, these bosses leave all the work and responsibilities to you, expecting you to produce them what they want, with no further instructions. You shall not ask questions to do with obtaining additional relevant information because according to them, it is now your task and responsibility to acquire them from sources which shall be looked up by you as well. And when things go wrong or missing, even if it was the bosses' fault, we, as employees, shall 'be honoured' to receive all blames and accusations, again, because they're the Boss(es) and they say so.
Another thing I'm truly against is 'Black Market'. I know it is common among Asian to do illegal business. To them, it may not matter how they climb up to the top of the 'Get Rich ladder', as long as they get up there. To me, I find it foolish and pointless. Why? Even if and when you do get rich, are you at par with other world class' businessmen or tycoons? Will you find the honour to call and label yourself successful? How will you respond in interviews or just any social gathering or meeting with any other true successful businessmen or entrepreneurs when asked about your secret and strategy to 'success'? Name me which famous and world-ranked billionaires achieve what they have achieved through illegal activities. Such shall not even be called 'Famous'. Let me introduce you to a word called 'Notorious'.
I can give you an endless list of complaints and dissatisfying facts, but I guess these shall be enough to make you see why I wish to get out of here ASAP!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Rights
The office phone can't stop ringing and it's pissing me off! It's not the first time this happens. Don't Bruneians (or perhaps, most Southeast Asians) know of the "Lunch Break Hour(s)"? It's fine if it has just slipped your mind that the clock reads 12pm++ OR you're trying your luck just in case our office is open whole day.
Come on! Any sensible person will think "Oh, between 12 to 1 pm, if no one answers after my first or second call, they must be out for lunch." I know I do, but Noooo, hell NO for Bruneians. They won't give up. They'll keep calling and let your phones ring till it's going to explode! It's worse if you use your personal mobile phone to SMS some existing customers because they don't answer after NUMEROUS calls (for some reasons, either they're super busy to give a damn about answering their phones or they just don't know the purpose of having a mobile phone), there goes your weekends and off days. SERIOUS!
Some of these customers (I shall not specify nor name which 'group' or race, but you should have guessed or known better) will keep calling you up in the early mornings on your weekends and off days or SMS you a long-due reply in the wee hours at night.
Customers, I understand you are fellow consumers in this commmunity. So am I. You are fellow employees/employers. So am I. We work. We have our rights to have our lunch breaks when it is time for lunch break. We have rights to have off days because we need these time off from work and enjoy other things that life can offer.
So, please. Don't give me shits like "Oh, but we only have free time during your lunch break. How arh?" *Screeammming inside* I tell you, just because I'm partly doing sales and answering your calls, I (try to) keep my cool.
Let me share with you of a Mr. Bastard. He called on a typical work day, but it was off office hour by half-an-hour, but I was in the office, and I answered his call.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.
Me : A* Property, Good afternoon.
Mr. Bastard : Hello. Are you the boss or the worker?
Me : I work here.
Mr. Bastard : Oh, you work here. Who's your boss? What's your boss' name?
Me : My boss? You want her full name? Well, she's known as Anne*.
Mr. Bastard : Ok, I'm looking for a piece of property at Gadong. I need to ask your boss.
Me : Gadong? You mean a piece of land?
Mr. Bastard : No, a piece of property. Terrace at Gadong.I want to ask your boss if you have.
Me : We do have terrace at Gadong. 3-storey.
Mr. Bastard : Oh, you do? How much is it?
Me : Uhm, Corner plots are sold at B$###K & the Intermediate ones r B$###K each.
Mr. Bastard : Oh. Are you Philippino or Chinese?
Me : I'm... Chinese. Why?
Mr. Bastard : The way you speak... you speak verryyy sloowww.. & u like to drag your words.
You sound very arrogant. Is this the way you speak normally?
Me : What?? Arrogant? No, I don't normally speak this way.
(Was gonna tell him I had flu & was sick, but he interrupted)
Mr. Bastard : Yeah, you speak slow..like you're going to sleep & u like to drag your words.
You sound arrogant. And you speak with a slang.
Me : What slang? I wasn't 'slang-ing'!
Mr. Bastard : Yea, you slang all the while.
Me : This is how I speak. I mean the English. How else do you want me to speak?!
Mr. Bastard : (I swear he was smilling. I could hear frm his tone & voice) Ok, I'll get back to
you.
Me :*Slams phone*
Look. I haven't charged him extra for attending his call after office hour! (Yes, we charge! Kidding.) Then, I was already taken aback by his ill-mannered question "Are you the boss or the worker?" Even if I am the boss, u don't ask like that! Worker?!
And then he underestimated me, thought I didn't know which property we have. Sir, I am trained to remember all our available properties and know how and what to answer when anonymous customers call! I have 'em all listed in my head that my boss has to ask me sometimes.
And I was working with the AUTOCAD (an architectural & design program) on the computer & of course I had to think of precisely which property you were asking & give u the correct answer. Sorry if I sounded like I dragged my words, and pardon the flu. If you had asked properly for an explanation, you could have gotten a good apology, instead of the name "Mr. Bastard" now! Now, my boss knows of you & it pissed her off, too. She thinks you're just another jealous broker/developer calling to pick on us. (It's a country without much existing rights. So, yes, we do get these alot. Even plagerism of building plans!)
Slang? Which slang, please specify 'cause as far as I'm concerned, you spoke with a slang, too, a typical old-chinese-busybody-kopitiam-uncle-Slang. I don't speak with a 'slang'. People who 'slang' usually try hard. I wasn't even trying & OK, I admit, was half-paying attention since I was working on another thing at the same time. If you consider this slang, I don't know how else to speak normal. It's called PRO-NOUN-CI-A-TION, Misterrr.
I'm anticipating your call, Mr. Bastard. We have your number (Thank Goodness for Caller ID). I won't scream at you, but I could taste that vengeance will be sweet. =)
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Touch My Body
Have you guys checked out Mariah Carey's new video? Yes, that's the title of the song.
It's funny. Credits, especially to the NERD. He's a great actor! LOL.
Check it out.
Man, I'd say Mariah's still HOT HOTT HOTTT for her age!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Some Things That Most People Don't Know
Women blink nearly twice as much as men. (Now, now, we ain't fluttering at you, 'kay?)
And the Bonus(es)...
Try this. When you see a friend hiccups, ask him/her if he has already eaten. The person must answer "Yes, I'm full." without thinking about anything else. Before you know it, hiccups are gone. (Don't give me that look. I can't explain why either.My husband did this to me once before and ever since then, it has worked wonders.)
Most of you reading this would have tried licking your elbow.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tell Me What YOU think
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Cons and Scams
I got an sms coupla weeks ago.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Food For Thought
It's written on the wall of one of our office washrooms, right in front of you when you sit on the toilet seat, doing your business. Haha! Yeah, like a Reminder, but I find it interesting. And it's written by the Boss...I know 'cause below was drawn a cartoon guy who resembles him.