Monday Blues

I'm knackered!

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.*

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!!!

Updates!

After soo long!

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.

"Happiness does not mean that everything is perfect. It means overseeing the Imperfections and cherishing what you already have."

There IS Justice in the World!

*Yay!*


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

Always Be My Baby

I am in love -


with David Cook's version of Mariah Carey's "Always be my Baby". It keeps playin' in mah head, over & over!

We were as one, Baby

For a moment in time

And it seemed everlasting

That you would always be mine

Now, you wanna be free (yeah)

So, I'm letting you fly

'Cause I know in my heart, Babe

Our love will never die, No...

You'll always be a part of me

I'm part of you indefinitely

Girl, don't you know you can't escape me

Ooh, Darling, 'cause you'll always be my Baby

And we'll linger on

Time can't erase a feeling this strong

No way, you're never gonna shake me

Ooh, Darling, 'cause you'll always be my Baby...

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.

These China Con Ladies Don't Give Up, Do They?

*Laughs out Loud*

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?

Life!

Time flies!

It's already May - almost half the year gone!

Is it me or does it seem like this month, the time speeds by?

My little Nathan's turning 1 this 12th. Aww, how fast! It seemed like not long ago he came into this world.

Oh, my exam's coming up, too!

I can't wait to get my ACCA over with. I do not mind the hard work at all. At least I know it's for something worth.

But I certainly loathe being ordered and treated like a slave. I mean, who doesn't?

Arrggghh~! I do not wish to grumble more, but my workload's really getting heavier. I'm expected to do works of like 3 or 4 people. It's fine if I'm paid well, but I am not! And there's shortage in staff.

How smart of these typical bosses. They want to recruit people with good qualification, but they don't want to pay more. Still dare to ask if I have graduate friends to work for 'em. *Laugh out loud* I believe my friends can do better.

American Idol Season 7

This season's American Idol is, by far, the best, I must say!

I love the way the finalists improvise from their song choices. It just gets better and better each week, overall.

My favourite Americon Idol finalist would have to be DAVID COOK. This guy rocks, literally!

He is what I call pure talent - Jack of all trades (in musical genres). Great vocals. Love the way he could make an extremely classical pop song rock - and his versions always sound goood. Wait, they do not sound good. They sound Great, yes, even when they are not rock.

Simon was right. If this competition is based purely on talent, and not popularity, David Cook could have won the whole thing. *Applaud & Respect*

However, there are some parts of the competition (at this part) which I just do not get. Namely, Jason Castro, Brooke White ; and -I know alotta die-hard fans out there will boo me hard for this one, but I really do not get this - David Archuleta. No, really. These three can sing. Problems are:

• 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.

Love & Security

Thanks, Lynn & Anthony, for dropping your thoughtful comments for my previous post.


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.

Will you stay?

This is interesting.

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.

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.

Reminiscence

I know I say this alot, but I am going to say it again. So, for the umpteenth time, I miss England - Manchester, especially.

Despite the cold freezing winds and unpredictable English weather, I love being able to throw on layers of clothes - I get to mix and match and experiment with different styles without worrying about being a laughing stock. People there dress up!

I love walking the distance without getting tired easily - because of the weather and then running into buildings to hide from the cold. At least, there was reason, or rather, 'excuse' to go dining, shopping or catch a movie. That was literally what we did back in Manchester.

I remember The Printworks. Will and I would often 'hide' there, most of the time ending up at Nando's, Hard Rock Cafe, Yum Yum Buffet or ODEON Cinema. We could watch more than one movie in a day 'cause tickets were cheap. I got student ID, so I got discounts. *Silly Grin* Life was gooood (Not that it's bad now. If I get the chance, I'd love to re-experience it all over again, with my son, Nathan, abroad).

I miss walking the streets of Manchester and London, even alone (I did that alot). Love the convenience in using the public transportation offered. On a typical day in London, with not much tasks at hand, I would take the underground tube to places as far as in Zone 3. I remember taking the Central Line to Bond Street and exploring Selfridges, or the Piccadilly Line to Knightsbridge and paying a 'visit' to Harrods. I still remember the one glass of ice-cream which cost us a good 15 quid - Yes, $terling pounds! We took a photo of it, but dang, we lost it.

Summer in London was great! (Why London? 'Cause it's much warmer for a longer period of time compared to other places in the UK). Who could blame us for craving the sun and warmth after being in the freezing cold for at most, 10 months a year? I know we get sun in Southeast Asia, but here, it is humid and leaves you sticky-icky and awfully sunburnt by the end of the day. There, you get warmth (or heat during heatwaves), but dry and constant cool breeze.

I miss 'playing tourists' in London with friends.
On the double-decker London Tour Bus during Summer 2006.

Experiencing the World Cup 2006 Fever.

I remember the streets of London, especially Leicester Square, when Italy won the World Cup. I swear it felt like we were in Italy, not England. Italians and Italian fans were everywhere, jumping with joy, parading with their flags and those driving, were sounding their car horns.

Tired from the summer heat and long-day tour, but happily contented.

London is perfect for tour and holidays and shopping only if you are loaded - with $Money$, of course!

I miss Manchester more. I miss Aunt Bibi. She is a cool aunt who cooks great curry and makes great salad, and is a great shopping companion and a friend you can talk your problems out with, like a peer buddy.

I miss going to Trafford Centre. Awesome shopping and dining place with beautiful cruiseship-like interior design.

I miss matches at Old Trafford - the place, the atmosphere (What a blast!) and the bonus part - getting to meet Manchester United players!

Park Ji Sung!

Alan Smith! (Oh my! Notice how round I was!)

I miss chilling out and going for drinks with friends. Love the varieties of drinks available for selection. (Here in Brunei, alcoholic drinks can only be consumed in the privacy of one's home. Public places are forbidden from selling and allowing the comsumption of alcohol. Extrreeeemme! Tsk Tsk Tsk)

I miss life as a university student abroad - the huge lecture halls where students (and even non-students) of different age groups attend; the libraries and IT facilities; Student Union; the parties we had at student accommodation. All we had to worry about were assignments and exams.

Look at the pretty birthday cake a friend baked for my 18th! Gee, how time flies! I feel old.

Treated like a 'princess' on my 18th. An advantage for being the youngest in group, huh?

This may sound absurd, but I do miss working in England - at Vina Noodle Bar & Karaoke & with REED Employment, UK. There were RIGHTS and pay was goood.

I miss GREGGS. I miss SUBWAY. I miss PRET A MANGER. I miss Frankie & Benny's. Ooh! I learnt that KRISPY KREME Doughnuts has arrived in the UK. Dammit! I missed that!

I miss hitting the gym at LA Fitness - the indoor pool, the steam and sauna rooms after workout.

Ah! I need a vacation, or better, a re-location!

Reality bites

Sorry, Peeps. Blog's rather out-dated. Hadn't been able to put up new posts. Have been rather caught up with work & studies, and not forgetting, Motherhood.

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!

Rights

Just another day at work. Spending my lunch break of an hour and a half in the office, as usual.

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. =)

Touch My Body

NOT 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!

Some Things That Most People Don't Know

Okay, let's start with some which have gotten the attention of most people already.

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing. (I think it meant the eyeballs, to be precise)

Hmm...Let's see & compare...

Okay...Proven.

It is physically impossible for you to lick your own elbow.

Women blink nearly twice as much as men. (Now, now, we ain't fluttering at you, 'kay?)

And here are some I have discovered along the way...

Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient in keeping you awake. (Try it! Especially Green Apples. I used to always bite one when doing revision or reading at nights.)

The number '98,765,432' multiplied by '9' gives you '888,888,888'.

And here are some listed, but haven't gotten to my attention before.

King of Hearts is the only king without a moustache. (Card 'pros' should have known or noticed this, ey?)

A snail can sleep for 3 years. (Oh my! Imagine being squashed while sleeping!)

An ant can survive for up to 2 weeks underwater. (No wonder this pest keeps appearing even after you (think) you've washed 'em away. Arrghh!)

A duck's quack does not echo and no one knows why.

Now, English, English, People!

The only word in English with all the vowels in reverse is 'Subcontinental'.

'Dreamt' is the only word in English that ends with '-mt'.

Words that don't ryhme in the English language are the popular 3 colours: 'Orange, Purple & Silver'; and the word 'Month'.

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.)

And...

Most of you reading this would have tried licking your elbow.

Oops!

Tell Me What YOU think

" If you cannot fight rape, better lay down and enjoy it."

If you haven't heard, these are quoted words from the mouth of Kota Kinabalu UMNO pro tem head, Haji Roselan Johar Mohamed.

Source: Bornet Post & Women in Politics, May 2004

http://www.onlinewomeninpolitics.org/archives/04_0524_my_vaw.htm

It disgusts me!

Oh, wasn't he born off a woman?! How 'bout his wife or daughter(s)?! Does he not have any respect or care?!

Roselan did later apologise.

"Please accept my humblest apology. My best intention had been misconstructed and misinterepreted," he said in a statement, as reported.

He later explained that the particular phrase was a proverb he took from Confucius.

Look, we don't give a damn about what-blardy Confucius proverb. Well-intended or ill-intended, he should have known better or perhaps, tried rephrasing it so it meant well.

Okay, so he mentioned his best intention had been misconstructed and misinterpreted. Exactly, what 'best intention', if I shall ask?

I won't deny I haven't heard or read of such tactic in order to save yourself from being murdered later by lunatic rapists con serial killer, one shall boldly pretend and act accordingly in the 'play'. Should Roselan had meant what he said this way, I think he should go for effective communication and presentation courses. Will do him good in his future public speech and presentation.

So many elections going on this year.

Heck, politics. It's a whole lotta covered-up 'mess'. When do you see politicians do a great big deal of good deeds? Especially when the elections are comin' up. Exactly.

What can I say? Be alert! ...and vote wisely.

Cons and Scams

Are the cons these days getting stupider or it's just the public getting smarter?

I got an sms coupla weeks ago.

TAHNIAH. Simcard Anda Memenangi hadiah Cek Tunai BND$9000 Dari KONTES DANGDUT TPI (KDI) Sila hub:

006285215453999

Terimakasih.

Translation:

CONGRATULATIONS. Your Sim Card has won a cash cheque of BND$9000 from the TPI DANGDUT CONTEST. Pls contact:

006285215453999

Thank You.

Scams like this are RIDICULOUS! Nontheless, annoying, VERY.

This Indonesian scam has been going on for months or perhaps years in Brunei and had only come to the public attention recently.

Here's the catch. You contact them at the number given and you'll be asked to send an amount of money first to their account in Indonesia in order to obtain the gift money.Exactly, which fool would fall for that? Sadly, there were many. Remittance have even warned these poor victims of the notorious con account. Some believed and thanked them whilst some greedy ones still hoped for the better and insisted on sending their money, which obviously 'disappeared' with no fruitful return.

The case appeared in the Borneo Bulletion, however, with one of the victims reportedly claiming that it was the remittance company who took their money.

How pathetic!

I immediately replied to the SMS:

Gila! Sejak bila aku suka dangdut? Nak tipu pun tak pandai guna otak! Apakan? Ku perlu kirim uang dulu baru dapat hadiah, ya? Nanti. Ku lapor polisi dulu,k?

Then there's this other scam from China. These cons obviously work in teams and they've hacked into the telecommunication systems. Our company had just registered for two new numbers, yet, before anyone was informed, we got LONG DISTANCE calls (Our phones have Caller ID).

Oh, man! I tell you. You should listen to these China girls with their high-pitched and squeeky 'cartoony' voice. I feel like putting my hands through the handset (if only I could) and give 'em a good slap on the face or just choke 'em dead! Hehe...DON'T mess with me.

And they'd start asking for your name, your particulars, and tell you all sorts of rubbish. There was one claiming they're calling from Singapore, then another from Kuala Lumpur and claimed that they were going to open a hotel in Brunei and need our support and names yada yada yada... My brother-in-law got some calls on his mobile phone telling him that he'd won a cash prize of hundreds of thousands, but he'd need to send an amount of money first in order to get it.

Dang! It's even annoying when you tell them you're busy and they go

"Ok, it'll only take 3 minutes of your time."

"No, I'm sorry. I'm really busy"

"Ok, how bout 2 minutes."

And when I said "I'm sorry. I'm not so fluent in Mandarin", they went

"It's alright. I'll speak slowww-ly."

---____---"

First of all, if they don't know you, WHY did they call in the first place?! Don't they have any respect for one's privacy?! Besides, if they could hack into the system, they should have already gotten the details and particulars of the specific person/company registered with the telephone numbers.

ARRGGHHH!! I tell you. RACISM happens not simply mainly because of people's shallow minds and arrogance, but because of what the discriminated race does which triggers such hatred and discrimination.

My China friend in UK, who truly loves and would be honoured to serve his country for life said this.

"The Westerns are racist especially towards the Chinese because of what the Chinese themselves do."

It's true. Chinese do black markets; they enter and stay in other people's country without valid visas; they issue fake ceritificates; and note this: Where there are Chinese, there are gangsterism.

Period.

Food For Thought

Check this out.

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.

Watch your Thoughts

They become Words

Watch your Words

They become Actions

Watch your Actions

They become Habits

Watch your Habits

They become Attitude

Watch your Attitude

It becomes your Destiny...

Watch Out! Be Aware...

Happy 2008!

Another year has come to an end.

Seems like the world is welcoming the new year, 2008 with wide open arms.

It's said to be a good year (We hope).

Well, we'll see.

For now, *Cheers* to everybody!

Here's a toast to 2008!