Eternal Non-Sunshine of the Whacked Mind

Quick note
The marathon yesterday was erm, in my own words, slackish. Of the 5 marathons I did this year ( I was wrong before - prev. post), this had got to be the slackiest run I've done. I walked for a good 10 minutes or so. However, IF my timing was accurate (I hadnt a watch with me yesterday), I managed to complete it within 1 hour or 1 hour 10 mins. The organiser did not predict that the total no. of male runners exceed female and had us testorone almost breathless, hearts still palpitating and muscles beginning to sore queue for our ... I don't even remember what it was for. The queue was just a little unprecendented and the record time of our arrival is definitely screwed. But, we had a good breakfast whichr eally was the best part ;)

........................................


Where I work, it is inevitable to see the people who work around you because it is afterall retail. And, where I work, it is also inevitable to see HOW people work and HOW people behave.

This morning, I have finally decided to jot down the list of songs that my "funny" neighbour likes to blast off in the morning after the mall is opened - for a good 10 - 15 minutes, and a good same amount of time (sometime more *eyes rolling*), before the mall closes.

Everyday. Without. Fail.

So, the list of songs that he would always play:

1. Eternal Flames - variation; could be by The Bangles or some disbanded Boy Band from Europe
2. I will Survive - the original
3. Superwoman - again, a variation of either Karen Whites or Gary Chaw 
4. Nothing Compares 2u - the original by Sinead O' Connor
5. I feel Good - James Brown
6. You're Beautiful - James Blunt 
7. Sappy Chinese songs circa 1980s and 1990s ... sometimes, 1960s; the late Theresa Teng will be proud and my ma will love him, but, gosh, that is entirely a different story.
   
8. God knows what else!

If I could analyse the list of songs he plays, see above, I think this person who can be quite friendly across to where I work is ...

• Sentimental. 
• Sappy. 
• Emo ahem, Queen
• Dramatic
• Loves Attention (clue: the loud music)
• Gentle (clue: mostly female singers)

I feel, too, you can sort of make a story out of the songs he constantly plays. He could be emotionally unhappy about his last relationship. See, Eternal Flames and Nothing compares to you followed by I will survive? That says a lot, no? I dont wanna know if I'm his colleagues and how it would be like. I know every morning (or evening), I am being tortured with sappy music of a heartbroken man. 

PS: I am sorry if you happened to like some of the songs above and I have inadvertently categorised you as above (bullet list part two). But, that is ... ;)

God, actually

Goodbye June, May, April, March, Feb and Jan 2008.

And, Hello July.

Yes. 6 months had passed in a blink. In a blink, literally. All that had taken place in the last 6 months had been fruitful and I am happy of what I had achieved so far - blessed even. I may not be closed to God as some might say, but I know that each day if you continued to believe in yourself, God will be by your side.

I know. I'm talking about God, actually.

Fast forward to just a week before, I had this interesting conversation with, no, not God. With a friend about God, Alfie.

Alf: Someone quoted something about God today at the office.

Me: Hmmph?

Alf: Yes, I know. Hmmph, huh? It was astonishing at first how that came about but when he, my senior colleague aka DQ*, started lecturing me on sales and how to succeed like he did, err, like 20 effing years ago, I started seeing stars and somehow his face turned hairy, and I thought I saw him started scratching himself all over. And, still successfully whined on until...

Alf rolled his eyes.

Me: Hahaha... Oh, you are talking about TK. TK the DQ and the DK.

Alf: Yes, Donkey Kong slassh Drama Queen.

We laughed out loud at Old Town cafe whilst sipping our "cham" ice.

Alf continued, "Yes I was saying, until he started quoted God. He said there are individuals who are smart, articulate, hardworking but if God is not on their side, their work is not blessed. On the other hand, there are individuals who not necessary hardworking nor intelligent but if God is on their side, their work is blessed. So, Alf, life is NOT fair.

Me: What the EFF.

Alf: Yes, what the ALF! Just what does this drama queen thinks he is? Playing God now?

Alf started pretending like a chimpanzee and starting scratching himself all over.

Me: Sigh. How can he assumed that you are not blessed, right?

Alf: God, actually!

Basketfull of Reasons

Top 20 Reasons to be Late for Work/Not come to work: -

1. My grandfather passed away I cannot come to work, sir
2. My grandfather's kitten was run over by my neighbour's small little tricycle, sir! So angry!
3. My car got smashed yesterday so I've to make police report. (Sure. Police report takes the entire day)
4. My son/daughter very sick lah sir. I've to take care of them.
5. My auntie's husband's daughter's son got accident. He broke his leg, sir.
6. The bus broke down lah.
7. The bus never come on time, aijor.
8. The LRT broke down!
9. The LRT got problem with the computer!
10. The LRT got too many people I also dunno why!
11. My working shirt not chet dry sir!
12. My husband's car got accident (no battery/died on the road)!
13. My uncle passed away.
14. My motorcycle broke down sir.
15. My motorcycle got stolen! Serious! Cilaka dunno who go steal man!
16. My mother wants to use the car so I've to take public transport (WTF)
17. Yesterday I slept over at my friend's place so I come late.
18. My aunty passed away.
19. Public holiday cannot find transport.
20. Today the police man road block including the bus! The polis ah went inside the bus and checked EVERYBODY'S IC, sir!

Have you got a "terrific" version that you'd like to share?

I design Who?

It was SUPPOSED to be a perfect day today. I had a damn sinful breakfast - nasi lemak biasa tambah telur goreng with kuah sotong. And teh tarik.

fyi, I was not supposed to consume any beverages that contained caffeine (or nicotine :)) because it gives me Anxiety Attack. Yes, it has been confirmed because I did a self-experiement a couple of days before. I went cold-turkey and those two days had been ..... aggravating. Hey! I had to quit coffee, man! It wasnt easy but it proved a point. Just so you know, AA is not something you or we should take it lightly because it can lead to a lot of other illnesses. One such is depression or Bipolar Disorder. An excellent example is Ms. Spears.

But, I digress.

So, it was a perfect day with me doing a lot of planning at work and anticipating for a photo shoot later in the afternoon. Boy, I must admit the photo shoot of me is NOT easy! I was all nerves! Yes, that coming from someone who likes to shoot other people! I was a little self-conscious and the stylist and reporter thought I was DARN stiff! I guess I was damn self-conscious of my zits on my upper lip - yeah, of ALL places, kan? Damn malu, ok.

60 over shots and 25 minutes later, we wrapped up the photo shoot and I sighed with a huge relief! I much prefer interview because I love to talk heheee.... The interview that ensued didn't exactly went so smoothly especially when the reporter asked me this one particular question:


So who is the ultimate Interior Designer that you like? Anyone in this world.

Uh oh. I stumbled for an asnwer because I swear I did not have a favourite. Oprah Winfrey's ID, Nick? That Casa Impian Dude? (Shit I was fucking kidding!) ... she got me there. I really do not have one particular favorite designer. Is that wrong?


I struggled for a while and then I remembered the amazingly talented Muslim lady. She is of course, more famous for her architectural work/designs than that of an Interior Designer.

So I said it. That Muslim lady. I even fucking forgot her name! (the reporter was oh-so-nice-lady that she deserves a treat when the article is out. She said I can email to her later). Ouch.

If you must know, she is none other than Zaha M. Hadid. The ZAHA M. HADID!

You know the funniest thing is, I didn't make that up just so to get over the interview or pretend that I really like architecture or interior design for that matter. I really like Zaha's work except that I totally humiliated myself for forgetting her name (I think it must have been the tea this morning). Her work is an artpiece and she makes forms more fun with functions being the ... O-K I am not going to further embarass myself. I just like her.

I don't have to pretend. I know. The reporter asked Interior Designer. Zaha is a famous architect.

Damn the tea!

All images were obtained from http://zahahadidblog.com/

To F*&% or not to F*&^

Do you ever have a co-worker/s or classmate/s that is flirty with the opposite sex, like, all the time? How do you handle such situations? Do you let him or her be simply because it doesn't affect you? Or, it affects you but in Malaysia, nobody tells anybody anything about anyone's behaviour because we are all nice people. We juust bitch behind their backs. Like, how the govt dept could approve a RM200++ screwdriver sets - the most embarassing news ever. And, nothing has been done.

So, back to flirty. How do you tell a co-worker that you cannot or should not or MUST NOT flirt in the work place? With other co-workers, supplier/s, and even clients?


A. Tell him/her straight to his/her face that he/she is flirting and in this co, we do not encourage such behavior. Period.

B. Tell him/her that it is essential to be friendly but do not cross the line (to being flirty).

C. Tell him/her nothing. Just keep the mouth shut. Because that person is closing a big fat account for the co?

D. Tell him/her they are doing a great job! Because they usually are the most efficient people in this earth, no?

E. Do step C, then step D and follow by step B.


How? And, is Flirty a dirty word, like, in a work place?

Busy Busy

I have been SUPERBZ since starting work on Tuesday and will continue to be until I am satisfied with the shop. Hmmph. Teething problems are inevitable but I spose I've got to be patient. Meanwhile, my colleagues are SUPER fun (so far). Let's hope we can create "history".

Promise to post my Cameron Highlands pictures soon.

shalom!

The Aftermath

Change, is not always a good thing. Nor it is a bad thing.

Fast forward to a few weeks back. A friend had referred me to a company that is looking for a senior executive position to run it's first outlet in this country; my interest was piqued except that I do have some reservations about this company - The older you get, the more cynical you will be, trust me. Nevertheless, I took the challenge and went for a shopping spree for my interview "attire" (excuse for shopping). It wasn't easy to decide - 1. The offer that eventually sit on my lap; and 2. The attire that I want to represent to these guys - Ad can attest to that :p

Of cos, I settled for smart casual because that is more me than suit and tie. Thankfully, the interviewers were pretty casual and it was quite pleasant sitting through the interview. A couple of days later, I received the phone call from the head-hunting agent that I have been considered for the position. I told her I need time to consider the offer.

I took time. A loooooong time! Damn "poh mah", I tell you. I accepted the offer, eventually, after many restless nights; afterall, I have been working in the current company for coming to 5th year and my relationship with my boss isn't too bad, too. A bit sentimental :p But, I need challenges. I need to further push myself and attempt different things. The decision wasn't the easiest to make but I'd made it.

Quoting King Whitney jr. (President of Personnel Laboratory Inc. from Wallstreet Journal) ,

"Change has considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better. Obviously, then, one’s character and frame of mind determine how readily he brings about change and how he reacts to change that is imposed on him."

If I say I am not fearful, then, I am in denial. But, I am ready for the challenges (tho' my personal life may be slightly affected) :)

Carpe Diem!

I've finally done it.

Made that "life-altering" decision. And. And....

Suddenly, I feel quite religious.....Hmmmm. Anyways, I will leave it to my strong will and determination to that "life-altering" move I'd made. They say Taurus is tenacious, hardworking and stubborn.

Quite right.

On an unrelated note, I watched the debut eposide of "Project Runway: Malaysia" and this is how I'd judge it: -

"Designers" Originality: 7/10
- Mak Cik did a damn good job in ....explaining her inspiration. LOL. Poor lady didn't understand Bernice's question, I think. Hope to see more originality next week.

Host: 9.5/10
- Bernice misses 0.5 simply cos she is not Heidi Klum; but she's a great host.

Judges: 7.5/10
- I think I cringed when Datuk Bernard Chandran speaks Malay. It is not at all bad but he speaks like that Indian classmate who used to sit next to me in high school. Very "street". The others are .... well, like that lor.

Setting (incl. runway): 10/10
- Good job. I guess they've got to live up the standards.

Models: 7/10
- Bad, bad walk! Diva Jaslene from ANTM cycle 8 can do a better job.

Direction: 6/10
- Extremely bad camera angles. Dizzying even especially when they juggled from the contestants' faces and the model on the runway.

So, did it score? A good effort, I must say. I like that they have a bitchy person in the show aka Alwyn. They probably paid him to say all the nasty things. And, do I have a favorite at the moment? Not really but I definitely will follow the show till finale.

Reality. Suck much

I was sold out by a colleague today. And, the funny thing is I was not angry. On normal circumstances, I would be boiling inside, cursing her, and wish she'd roll over and drop dead. But, nothing of the above.

Even I found it peculiar. This was what happened.

2 months ago: Commitment

We took up a project to do up a client's office. She led the project and I assisted in overseeing the project by following her instructions - we were basically assigned to do up the interior fit-out of the office (2 rooms only) and not the interior design. I sent out the orders for furniture, lightings, and soft furnishing. We even did some shopping of accessories.

I was given the task to do up one small room and the outcome was stunning. The client was very pleased, more so, the person who is using the room in the future. Whilst the room done up by her turned out pretty good except that she screwed up a table (size). "Nevermind we could alter the arrangement," she said. So we did as per her plan.

Today: Rearrangement

The client requested us to rearrange the furniture because she does not like the current arrangement. My colleague had to do it and came out with a plan. I was given the instructions to follow the plan and while we were at site, I overheard her saying to the clients that what we are doing (the new arrangment) today is SUPPOSED to be the initial plan.

I continued to do my work with my staff although I was quite hurt by her remark. I was not angry. I was hurt because the first time I did the arrangement with my staff, it was as according to her plan. When the client complained, she did some damage control, came out with a new plan, and changed it today. She took the credit and inadvertently, I became the "stupid" or "incompetent" person.

I reckon people are selfish. More so if the person wants to "save face" rather than saving the integrity of his/her staff or colleagues. I am actually quite disgusted and utterly disappointed.

Quoting Calvin (from Calvin and Hobbes), "Reality continues to ruin my life."

It won't be soon before long (Continuation)

...that I will change my blog's layout (again)
...that I will be so bogged down in shopping for other people
...that I will be dancing the night away in a swanky club
...that I will be owning a new Nikon D40x
...that I will be sun bathing next to a hot aussie in Langkawi
...that I will be listening to Maroon 5's new album
...that I will be wearing my brand spanking new shoe :p
...that I will be sipping my favorite martini in Sky Bar
...that I will be listening to my favorite music on my new iPod (preferably Feist new lp)
...that I am only really bragging. Seriously.

I have been super busy, I am kinda enjoying it. I think I'm sick.

If anything, it won't be soon before long that I will be so worn out that I think nothing else matters....maybe a massage.

Live from Bkk: part deux

I am sitting in this super massive cafe slash cyber cafe slash mobile communication store slash camera store in Siam Paragon at this very moment.

Just about 15 minutes ago, I was right across the street desperately seeking for a massage parlour cos I was aching all over from the walking and gyming for the past 48 hours. Yes, i could go to Silom street, where i get to select the various massage parlours that offer "alternative" services but i figured shopping is more worthwhile the money and also, i have bought a ticket to watch "Sunshine".

(Yes, I am watching the movie alone cos i am a good boy :) )

Alas, all the massage parlours (fyi, there is only one in Siam Square which came as a HUGE surprise to me) are closed. So disappointed I was, I had to think of what else I could do with the extra one hour I have before the show. I should go to the book store since I need to do some research about an upcoming project until ...

I came across "True Cafe" located just next to kinokuniya. On an ordinary day, I would've given this place a pass but tonite is an exception cos I needed to kill time. Perfect location I thought cos of the super funky, loungey chairs in different designs (copies of cos) and shapes, 24" (i think) computer screen and the head-banging house music. What more can i asked for? Hmm, maybe a cute boy massaging my back. No. I need to go back KL in one piece *grin sheepishly*

Sitting on the Coconut chair, my favorite lounge chair, upholstered in leather, it really confirmed that Bangkok is a great city for young, creative people. The young people here compete to outdo each other in the creativity department and everyone, one way or another, is doing their own business. I suppose that is great because by utilising the many resources available in this country not to mention the cheap materials available here, they have managed to come up with mind blowing concepts in the area of F&B, architecture, fashion, and tourism.

I really like the high-ceiling shops or cafes in most of the major shopping malls because it really makes the shop looks bigger and customers would feel less claustraphobic shopping or dining in it. I wish Malaysian architects or contractors should pay attention more to that although I know it is not for them to decide.

I think I want to pick up Thai language because I have made some friends with the locals here. Sawadee.

To be continued...

ps: big, wide computer screen is soooo not my thing.

psst: Muse Studio new range of bags is hot, hot, hot! We hope to bring more fun in the upcoming week, guys. Give us a buzzz for more info.

Live fronm bkk

It is rather hot in Bangkok right now....

dambn tghuis key boardius so hard to use! Andto imaginei opaid RM10.00 for a mere 20 minutes. Maybve itis a better a idea togym instead.

Busy is good

busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good busy is good

I reckon I need to take "Mentality Leaves" soon.

Away

It has been a while since the last time I've gone for a biz trip. I am quite looking forward to it cos this time it will be different from before. I hope it brings lots of inspirations.

Will be back Monday!

xoxo