I remember an article during Earth Day about consumerism. The article gave suggestions on cutting down on buying and gave alternatives for going green. One example was to buy music from reputable online stores so that less resources are used on producing and shipping CDs.
But it made me wonder, won't this result in unemployment?
Taking an example of not buying CDs. If this happens, there will be shops that will be forced to close. Lets just say a store closes due to falling sales. A typical shop would have at least 2 sales staff, and when you factor in the relief staff, each store has about 3 staff. If the shop closes, these 3 staff will be out of job. And this is not including those who are also affected by falling sales, eg the printer and the delivery company.
Yes, we shouldn't get what we don't need. But sometimes, there are things we do, sometimes in following fads, sometimes in true belief, which ends up hurting others.
So do i save the earth or do i save your job?
sigh...
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Staff treat
Today was the quarterly staff makan. Frankly i've no idea where it is in the contract clause, but ok lor, i organise. But being practical me, i organised packeted food for all the first time round and for today, had Popeyes chicken and a goodie bag comprising a 1kg packet of rice and some chocolates. My logic is that i want all to have the same amount, so that the last person is still assured of the same amount of food as the first. If a buffet style, there's no guarantee that the last person won't be left with rice and gravy and nothing else, as one of the EMI staff told me was what faced her the last quarter at 3B.
Of course, 3B had to go all the works. I was reprimanded by the CEO today for not organising it to the same scale. My answer? I don't have someone to organise it for me. He volunteered 3B. I told him my guys prefer this style as we don't want to have to guard the food so that the last will have food. Also, told him we don't have performers as i don't believe in asking my guys to perform for their food. His reply? 'Its only once in a quarter, is it so difficult for the staff to give up their lunch?' He totally missed the point! They may appreciate the free food, but they still want their rest! He has no idea how tiring it is to be on your feet the whole day!
In the end, he sent an email to both 3B and myself, reprimanding us for the difference in organised lunch and instructing us to have the same style the next time, and even told us to alternate the style if we have to. Showed S the email and told him that i will still go for this same style the next time round. Unless it is D&D, otherwise i don't believe in making people listen to you sing or watch you perform.
But oh well, i asked the cleaners if they prefer the individual portions or if they want buffet style, and they said they prefer this manner. I suppose so; both times they had more than enough food and they could even bring the extra packets back home! And for today, there's rice! Even though its only a 1kg packet, it can still last a family of 4, 3 to 4 days, i think. So which is more practical?
One thing amusing (to me at least) happened. When i paid at Popeyes yesterday, i asked the manager to give me more Heinz strawberry jam -- i love this jam! In fact, its one of the few strawberry stuff that i will eat --when he sends the food to the office. So when the food came in the morning, all i had were some extra jam packets, which i happily kept aside for my own use. This manager was on night shift, so when he sent the food over, Ken came back to me and placed a whole tray -- 75 packets!!! -- on my table, saying he has no idea why the manager gave this carton! I was so happy!!! Of course i kept the whole carton and gave the loose packets to Ken. Heehee!!! :9
Of course, 3B had to go all the works. I was reprimanded by the CEO today for not organising it to the same scale. My answer? I don't have someone to organise it for me. He volunteered 3B. I told him my guys prefer this style as we don't want to have to guard the food so that the last will have food. Also, told him we don't have performers as i don't believe in asking my guys to perform for their food. His reply? 'Its only once in a quarter, is it so difficult for the staff to give up their lunch?' He totally missed the point! They may appreciate the free food, but they still want their rest! He has no idea how tiring it is to be on your feet the whole day!
In the end, he sent an email to both 3B and myself, reprimanding us for the difference in organised lunch and instructing us to have the same style the next time, and even told us to alternate the style if we have to. Showed S the email and told him that i will still go for this same style the next time round. Unless it is D&D, otherwise i don't believe in making people listen to you sing or watch you perform.
But oh well, i asked the cleaners if they prefer the individual portions or if they want buffet style, and they said they prefer this manner. I suppose so; both times they had more than enough food and they could even bring the extra packets back home! And for today, there's rice! Even though its only a 1kg packet, it can still last a family of 4, 3 to 4 days, i think. So which is more practical?
One thing amusing (to me at least) happened. When i paid at Popeyes yesterday, i asked the manager to give me more Heinz strawberry jam -- i love this jam! In fact, its one of the few strawberry stuff that i will eat --when he sends the food to the office. So when the food came in the morning, all i had were some extra jam packets, which i happily kept aside for my own use. This manager was on night shift, so when he sent the food over, Ken came back to me and placed a whole tray -- 75 packets!!! -- on my table, saying he has no idea why the manager gave this carton! I was so happy!!! Of course i kept the whole carton and gave the loose packets to Ken. Heehee!!! :9
mine! All mine!!! muahahaha...
Pretty bag
Saw a bag two weeks ago at Far East Plaza on the way back from the aqua aerobics class but didn't have time to check it out. We ended quite early today -- probably cos there weren't many people in the class -- so S8 suggested we go see the bag. Tempt me only! In the end, bought 3 for myself, big seed and little plum. Not sure if they will use it, but its quite a nifty size. Will definitely replace my scruffy bag at office now.
One thing i like is that the shop gave a very pretty and retro looking carrier for it. I know, i should have not taken the plastic bag, but as S8 can testify, my 3 bags today were already bursting at the seams. So cannot don't take lor...
so retro, right? :)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Its over!
Finally the official opening is over. So many months of preparation, so many last minute cleaning works, so many touch up, so much overtime by the staff all for 1 hour of event. sigh. anyway, its not the first such event i've been involved in, and the last 4 times it was worse with royalty and other foreign dignitaries. So this? ok lor. sup sup soy la! :P
Other than my immediate client, there are also other management staff above her. And last Friday, i saw how the event organiser views the cleaners. As the lowest of the low. Imagine, to do all the cleaning and dirty work she barks at us. At the end of the event, when there was extra catered food, the crew were asked to eat as the food would otherwise be wasted. So the guys were all happily eating when the event organiser came over, looked over the top of their heads and said, "Stop eating! We have to clean up now!"
That's not the way to treat people, even if they may be lowly educated and at the bottom of the social ladder. Frankly, i'm disgusted with her. And then when they -- the event organisers -- wanted to take photos at the stage, the cleaners were the ones made to clean up the area fast. In the first place, these idiots are the ones to decide to have confetti! And without informing us! So how in the world would we be expected to clean these small items up fast if we were not told to expect it???
At least Ms Wong was nice enough to approach me later to thank my team for their work. Even if it is just words which can't be used to buy rice, at least there was an effort on her part to make the staff feel happy, not like that Jan who just told the guys to stop eating, as if they were beggars!
Its not as if i have to eat the food. Well, my personal stand has always been not to eat the food if i'm working at such events, though i would get a drink at the end. And after such treatment, i'm glad i didn't take the food.
Other than my immediate client, there are also other management staff above her. And last Friday, i saw how the event organiser views the cleaners. As the lowest of the low. Imagine, to do all the cleaning and dirty work she barks at us. At the end of the event, when there was extra catered food, the crew were asked to eat as the food would otherwise be wasted. So the guys were all happily eating when the event organiser came over, looked over the top of their heads and said, "Stop eating! We have to clean up now!"
That's not the way to treat people, even if they may be lowly educated and at the bottom of the social ladder. Frankly, i'm disgusted with her. And then when they -- the event organisers -- wanted to take photos at the stage, the cleaners were the ones made to clean up the area fast. In the first place, these idiots are the ones to decide to have confetti! And without informing us! So how in the world would we be expected to clean these small items up fast if we were not told to expect it???
At least Ms Wong was nice enough to approach me later to thank my team for their work. Even if it is just words which can't be used to buy rice, at least there was an effort on her part to make the staff feel happy, not like that Jan who just told the guys to stop eating, as if they were beggars!
Its not as if i have to eat the food. Well, my personal stand has always been not to eat the food if i'm working at such events, though i would get a drink at the end. And after such treatment, i'm glad i didn't take the food.
Another cooking attempt
Decided to make another go at cooking. This time round it was tau suan, it being one of dear's favourite desserts. Asked mummy how to cook it last week and actually intended to cook it last weekend, but mil beat me to it and gave us 2 big bowls of tau suan. So decided to wait till today.
Soaked the beans last night then got up early, intending to cook. Bought the pandan leaves and you tiao, then called mummy if the AMC pot could be used to steam the beans. Actually i'm quite terrified of the AMC pot as its rather expensive and no matter what type of flame i use, i end up always having to scrub and polish the interior! I wonder if the interior will ever be polished away? hmm...
Anyway, mummy assured me the pot could be used for steaming so i proceeded to steam the beans. Waited 1 hour after switching off the flame before daring to open the cover cos the bloody needle doesn't seem to go down! Luckily the beans were soft and so i poured them all into the starch syrup. Hmm, not a bad first attempt! At least the beans were soft lor. Had a bowl of tau suan last night with slight chewy beans.
The only problem was, the beans were a bit sparse. Next week will be another attempt. This time round with more beans and i'll be asking mummy again how to make the syrup not so cloudy. :)
Soaked the beans last night then got up early, intending to cook. Bought the pandan leaves and you tiao, then called mummy if the AMC pot could be used to steam the beans. Actually i'm quite terrified of the AMC pot as its rather expensive and no matter what type of flame i use, i end up always having to scrub and polish the interior! I wonder if the interior will ever be polished away? hmm...
Anyway, mummy assured me the pot could be used for steaming so i proceeded to steam the beans. Waited 1 hour after switching off the flame before daring to open the cover cos the bloody needle doesn't seem to go down! Luckily the beans were soft and so i poured them all into the starch syrup. Hmm, not a bad first attempt! At least the beans were soft lor. Had a bowl of tau suan last night with slight chewy beans.
The only problem was, the beans were a bit sparse. Next week will be another attempt. This time round with more beans and i'll be asking mummy again how to make the syrup not so cloudy. :)
my first tau suan attempt. not bad, ok!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
Read about the book in the papers, and right now i'm only at the first few chapters. Its a book by Dee Brown that is now made into a film.
I've always been fascinated by Indians, or should i say Native Americans? Though to me the word Indians should be more accurate as to call someone native makes me feel like they are barbaric. Reading all the historical novels, it seems they are painted out to be half savages or half breeds. It sounds so rude! Would you like to be called savage or half breed?
To the point i am now, i'm very disappointed in the depiction of the Europeans. Promises made are broken, so does it this make them men of no honour? Or does it make it that as long as you are native, you can be abused? Look at all those countries colonized by the Europeans. How many of those were left alone? How many of the people were made to follow the steps of the Europeans? Or is it that just because they do not believe in the Europeans' God -- can you blame people who do not know about Him for not accepting Him? -- all these are heathens and so can be treated as rubbish? In one of the accounts, the Indians told the agent that they are hungry. The agent then said that if they are hungry, they are to eat grass or their own dung.
The NLB has the book. reading it makes me sad and angry. sigh...
I've always been fascinated by Indians, or should i say Native Americans? Though to me the word Indians should be more accurate as to call someone native makes me feel like they are barbaric. Reading all the historical novels, it seems they are painted out to be half savages or half breeds. It sounds so rude! Would you like to be called savage or half breed?
To the point i am now, i'm very disappointed in the depiction of the Europeans. Promises made are broken, so does it this make them men of no honour? Or does it make it that as long as you are native, you can be abused? Look at all those countries colonized by the Europeans. How many of those were left alone? How many of the people were made to follow the steps of the Europeans? Or is it that just because they do not believe in the Europeans' God -- can you blame people who do not know about Him for not accepting Him? -- all these are heathens and so can be treated as rubbish? In one of the accounts, the Indians told the agent that they are hungry. The agent then said that if they are hungry, they are to eat grass or their own dung.
The NLB has the book. reading it makes me sad and angry. sigh...
Bread conversation
Went to the bakery on Monday to buy bread as i was quite tired of the normal loaf and wanted to taste the bread that mil is raving over. At the bakery, i was looking at the raisin bread and their expiry date. A very friendly sales girl -- really girl -- who was stocking the cookies beside me then asked if she could help. Wow! That's good service! :)
Salesgirl: Hi, can i helpchu?
Me: Yes, i want to get the raisin bread. How come all of them expire on 23 Jul?
Oh, our bread only 3 days. Today bake, so tomorrow then Wednesday must finish already.
Hah? So fast? How to finish? Here got 12 slices leh. I can't eat 6 slices every day lor.
Oh, ok. I helpchu find expiry 24 Jul one ok? *search search* ok, here it is.
Oh, thank you very much! *beams* bye!
Welcome! *beams* bye!
Then on the way back, it suddenly hit me. I'm so gullible! Somehow i managed to buy bread that was to be baked the next day!
I don't blame the girl. She probably didn't know the implication too! Same as blur me lor... :P
Salesgirl: Hi, can i helpchu?
Me: Yes, i want to get the raisin bread. How come all of them expire on 23 Jul?
Oh, our bread only 3 days. Today bake, so tomorrow then Wednesday must finish already.
Hah? So fast? How to finish? Here got 12 slices leh. I can't eat 6 slices every day lor.
Oh, ok. I helpchu find expiry 24 Jul one ok? *search search* ok, here it is.
Oh, thank you very much! *beams* bye!
Welcome! *beams* bye!
Then on the way back, it suddenly hit me. I'm so gullible! Somehow i managed to buy bread that was to be baked the next day!
I don't blame the girl. She probably didn't know the implication too! Same as blur me lor... :P
Saturday, July 19, 2008
How much is that doggy in the window?
Reading the article on the ruling of the sale of Horizon Towers and also a reader's comments in today's issue via the online version. The comment by the reader brought this scenario to mind.
How much is the doggy in the window? The required percentage of the pet shop owners think they can sell the doggy for $x, inclusive of all the TLC for the doggy that was a criteria set by the parent holding. The sales staff are aware of the $x price tag on the doggy's head. So people come, people go and one day, a buyer comes! He offers $x + all the necessary TLC for the doggy and so it is accepted. While processing the sales etc, another potential carrot head comes along and told one of the shop owners that he was thinking of paying $x+1 for the doggy. So this guy is now not happy and said they should have accepted the 2nd buyer or that the parent holding should have stepped in and commented that they should have known the doggy can fetch $x+1 and so reject the sale.
Now, who is to blame? The shop owner? The parent holding? The sales staff? The criteria was to meet the reserve price of $x + all necessary TLC. The first buyer is willing to do so and had met the criteria for the TLC for the doggy. So was the shop wrong to sell?
I think ultimately the decision to sell is that of the pet shop. The fact that they failed to obtain a higher selling price is a cost that should not be pushed to the parent holding. The parent holding's only criteria was to obtain the necessary majority agreement for the sale and also for the TLC. If the parent holding is also required to keep holding out for the price to increase, then the doggy would never be sold.
I think what the parent holding has done is sufficient. They have established the minimum criteria and so the decision to release at the price is something the pet shop has to be responsible for.
Are we a nation of children? Why do we always seem to need to have someone to blame? Just because i can't get the price i wish for, so now i need to push the blame to someone else? Using the commentary's illustration, if i get the offer of $7m while the committee gets an offer of $5m, then can the sale proceed at $5m cos that's STB's ruling? In the first place, i would be STUPID not to let the committee know that i managed to get a sale price of $7m!!! Just because i'm shy to voice out, so now it is STB's fault for not asking around if there is anyone who is willing to pay more?
The logic of Singaporeans sometimes really defies logic!
How much is the doggy in the window? The required percentage of the pet shop owners think they can sell the doggy for $x, inclusive of all the TLC for the doggy that was a criteria set by the parent holding. The sales staff are aware of the $x price tag on the doggy's head. So people come, people go and one day, a buyer comes! He offers $x + all the necessary TLC for the doggy and so it is accepted. While processing the sales etc, another potential carrot head comes along and told one of the shop owners that he was thinking of paying $x+1 for the doggy. So this guy is now not happy and said they should have accepted the 2nd buyer or that the parent holding should have stepped in and commented that they should have known the doggy can fetch $x+1 and so reject the sale.
Now, who is to blame? The shop owner? The parent holding? The sales staff? The criteria was to meet the reserve price of $x + all necessary TLC. The first buyer is willing to do so and had met the criteria for the TLC for the doggy. So was the shop wrong to sell?
I think ultimately the decision to sell is that of the pet shop. The fact that they failed to obtain a higher selling price is a cost that should not be pushed to the parent holding. The parent holding's only criteria was to obtain the necessary majority agreement for the sale and also for the TLC. If the parent holding is also required to keep holding out for the price to increase, then the doggy would never be sold.
I think what the parent holding has done is sufficient. They have established the minimum criteria and so the decision to release at the price is something the pet shop has to be responsible for.
Are we a nation of children? Why do we always seem to need to have someone to blame? Just because i can't get the price i wish for, so now i need to push the blame to someone else? Using the commentary's illustration, if i get the offer of $7m while the committee gets an offer of $5m, then can the sale proceed at $5m cos that's STB's ruling? In the first place, i would be STUPID not to let the committee know that i managed to get a sale price of $7m!!! Just because i'm shy to voice out, so now it is STB's fault for not asking around if there is anyone who is willing to pay more?
The logic of Singaporeans sometimes really defies logic!
It ain't over...
... till the fat lady sings.
Apparently this line came about -- i've no idea from which person or film or book ie i don't know the source! -- and is used to signify the end. Read somewhere that in opera, by the time the soprano comes out to sing again, its usually at the end of the whole performance. And since sopranos are somehow quite generously built, that's how the line came about. I don't mean to offend any plump women! Hey, i'm one too!
Well, the fat lady has apparently sang for a couple i know. I only knew the version from the man's view, so it probably is heavily tinged with rose-tinted glasses. But who am i to judge, huh? And i'm not about to poke my muzzle into where it doesn't belong. I only hope that they will be happy. Remaining friends? Only if they had an amicable split, which i heard wasn't.
sigh. so sad. Yet in a way, its good that the break was done. Drastic though it is, sometimes an amputation is necessary to save a life. or two.
Apparently this line came about -- i've no idea from which person or film or book ie i don't know the source! -- and is used to signify the end. Read somewhere that in opera, by the time the soprano comes out to sing again, its usually at the end of the whole performance. And since sopranos are somehow quite generously built, that's how the line came about. I don't mean to offend any plump women! Hey, i'm one too!
Well, the fat lady has apparently sang for a couple i know. I only knew the version from the man's view, so it probably is heavily tinged with rose-tinted glasses. But who am i to judge, huh? And i'm not about to poke my muzzle into where it doesn't belong. I only hope that they will be happy. Remaining friends? Only if they had an amicable split, which i heard wasn't.
sigh. so sad. Yet in a way, its good that the break was done. Drastic though it is, sometimes an amputation is necessary to save a life. or two.
Vectors
Sometimes i wonder what vectors are for. I mean, at least i can say that parasites though unpleasant, sometimes are of natural use as they may have a symbiotic relationship with their host. But vectors?
I remember dear's puzzled look the first time i mentioned vectors. Think he had an impression of maths, angles and calculation! But no lor, vectors are pests that carry and spread diseases and so are worse than pests. For example, ants are pests but spread no diseases. Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, rats and fleas are examples of diseases spreading pests aka vectors. And since i dislike vectors in school, makes sense indeed that i can't stand vectors also. haha!
Sometimes i wonder, what are vectors for? Just so you can marvel at the tenacity of cockroaches? Use the blood in mosquitoes trapped in amber for genetic engineering (as in the premise from Jurassic Park)? sigh...
I remember dear's puzzled look the first time i mentioned vectors. Think he had an impression of maths, angles and calculation! But no lor, vectors are pests that carry and spread diseases and so are worse than pests. For example, ants are pests but spread no diseases. Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, rats and fleas are examples of diseases spreading pests aka vectors. And since i dislike vectors in school, makes sense indeed that i can't stand vectors also. haha!
Sometimes i wonder, what are vectors for? Just so you can marvel at the tenacity of cockroaches? Use the blood in mosquitoes trapped in amber for genetic engineering (as in the premise from Jurassic Park)? sigh...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
In a perfect world...
... cleaners are only needed to sweep up daily dust and natural refuse like dried leaves.
... policemen are only needed to direct traffic at traffic lights (which, in a perfect world would not fail!).
... hospitals are only needed for happy reasons.
... there will be no abandoned pets or abused animals.
... defenceless animals will be loved and taken care of.
... there will be no mosquitoes, cockroaches and vectors.
... any little animals without owners will find good food everyday and shelter when it rains.
... cats will not be bullied.
... families remain intact.
... love never dies.
... policemen are only needed to direct traffic at traffic lights (which, in a perfect world would not fail!).
... hospitals are only needed for happy reasons.
... there will be no abandoned pets or abused animals.
... defenceless animals will be loved and taken care of.
... there will be no mosquitoes, cockroaches and vectors.
... any little animals without owners will find good food everyday and shelter when it rains.
... cats will not be bullied.
... families remain intact.
... love never dies.
Aqua Aerobics
Went to my first aqua aerobics class last night with S8. Actually it would have been my 2nd class but i didn't go last week. S8 wanted to join but when i called the CC, we were told that the class is full. So i told S8 to just 'hiong' it and see if the teacher is willing to take gatecrashers (or is it pool-crashers? haha). In the end the teacher took her in. But the class was full...
It was tiring. So much resistance! Not from my aching muscles, but from the water. Felt warm after a while, so i suppose it really works?
One thing i found though; somehow my coordination, which is never too good no land anyway, became worse in water. It looks so simple and i suppose i could do some of the acrobatics the teacher demonstrated on land -- less the grace of course! and it is really acrobatics to me lor... -- but when it came to me in the water, it was 'chiu kana kar, kar kana chiu'. There was one move, a basic and so darned simple move, that just had left arm right leg, right arm left leg, but in a slight hopping manner. That's simple enough, right? Imagine walking and your arms are swinging, but doing it in a slight hopping manner. I'm sure anyone with all 4 appendages can do it! Well, i started off fine. After a while, when i thought back to my arms and legs, i realized that i was doing left arm left leg, right arm right leg! Somehow the water just made everything different. sigh!
The class is fun and located in town. haha! at Far East Apartments, so at least there weren't many gawkers, although i wonder how many of the tourists and rich people are laughing at us from their windows. Probably i may ask the teacher if she has swimming class and this time round, will ask S8 if she's interested. I only got to the basics but never put the whole front crawl/freestyle thing together the last time round as i had a bad allergy which resulted in the skin of my hand being cracked.
S8 had an interesting post...
It was tiring. So much resistance! Not from my aching muscles, but from the water. Felt warm after a while, so i suppose it really works?
One thing i found though; somehow my coordination, which is never too good no land anyway, became worse in water. It looks so simple and i suppose i could do some of the acrobatics the teacher demonstrated on land -- less the grace of course! and it is really acrobatics to me lor... -- but when it came to me in the water, it was 'chiu kana kar, kar kana chiu'. There was one move, a basic and so darned simple move, that just had left arm right leg, right arm left leg, but in a slight hopping manner. That's simple enough, right? Imagine walking and your arms are swinging, but doing it in a slight hopping manner. I'm sure anyone with all 4 appendages can do it! Well, i started off fine. After a while, when i thought back to my arms and legs, i realized that i was doing left arm left leg, right arm right leg! Somehow the water just made everything different. sigh!
The class is fun and located in town. haha! at Far East Apartments, so at least there weren't many gawkers, although i wonder how many of the tourists and rich people are laughing at us from their windows. Probably i may ask the teacher if she has swimming class and this time round, will ask S8 if she's interested. I only got to the basics but never put the whole front crawl/freestyle thing together the last time round as i had a bad allergy which resulted in the skin of my hand being cracked.
S8 had an interesting post...
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Dinner at GP
Went to Gelang Patah last night for crab cos had a crab craving. The jam to 2nd link was horrendous! The bikes took up 2 of the 3 lanes about 200m from the start of the bridge, and we were in the jam for 1 hour. Actually, i thought the car jam was not so bad as i had expected to be stuck for 2 hours. I pity the bikes though. At the rate, i think they can clear only after 3 to 4 hours. :(
Anyway, as we reached Tian Lai, we saw some stalls selling durians at RM2 for 1 kg. So cheap! After we parked, we saw some of the Tian Lai staff eating durians, so we commented to the lao ban niang that it smells good. She smiled and told us that we can have some if we want, so we ordered 3 kg. Actually it was only 2 fruits. I think it is wild durians; the seeds were rather large and it didn't have the uniform taste and texture you get nowadays from the durian stalls. But it was good!
Dear ordered crab but tried their version of chilli crab. The Malaysian chilli crab is vastly different from ours. Our version is more ketchup and tomato while theirs is really chilli. And Tian Lai's chilli crab has 'heh bi' inside. I only wanted black pepper, so we ordered 3 crabs (seems 1 crab isn't enough to cok 1 style), veg and 'moon light river'. That's just hor fun with a raw egg cracked over the steaming hot noodles.
Yum yum! In the end our damage was RM123.70 (rounded to RM123). That's just S$52.05!
Crabs -- RM83 (S$34.93)
Veg -- RM6 (S$2.52)
Noodles -- RM5.70 (S$2.40)
Durians -- RM15 (S$6.31)
Keropok -- RM14 (S$5.89)
Our next outing is on 8 Aug. got to wait...
Anyway, as we reached Tian Lai, we saw some stalls selling durians at RM2 for 1 kg. So cheap! After we parked, we saw some of the Tian Lai staff eating durians, so we commented to the lao ban niang that it smells good. She smiled and told us that we can have some if we want, so we ordered 3 kg. Actually it was only 2 fruits. I think it is wild durians; the seeds were rather large and it didn't have the uniform taste and texture you get nowadays from the durian stalls. But it was good!
Dear ordered crab but tried their version of chilli crab. The Malaysian chilli crab is vastly different from ours. Our version is more ketchup and tomato while theirs is really chilli. And Tian Lai's chilli crab has 'heh bi' inside. I only wanted black pepper, so we ordered 3 crabs (seems 1 crab isn't enough to cok 1 style), veg and 'moon light river'. That's just hor fun with a raw egg cracked over the steaming hot noodles.
Yum yum! In the end our damage was RM123.70 (rounded to RM123). That's just S$52.05!
Crabs -- RM83 (S$34.93)
Veg -- RM6 (S$2.52)
Noodles -- RM5.70 (S$2.40)
Durians -- RM15 (S$6.31)
Keropok -- RM14 (S$5.89)
Our next outing is on 8 Aug. got to wait...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Getting across
Just heard one staff letting go in the pantry just now. No, not the physical diarrhoea but the nagging type. She started it since she came in at about 1pm and is still going on. sigh.
I can't seem to get across to her. She calls office constantly to request to speak to the supervisor or ask for materials, yet i can't get her to understand that if she calls the supervisor on handphone and the supervisor were to answer and be caught by the client, it is LD for both parties. And knowing the client, they will use all the clauses they can find and add it all up.
It is just so irritating to have to answer the calls and it is all her calls. Yes, i suppose she should be praised for being conscientious, but surely if she doesn't have enough chemicals -- and it is at the start of her shift! How she goes through a 5 litre bottle in 2 hours defeats my imagination -- she can always go to next door and shout out for the male cleaner to pass her the chemical. Either that or she can wait as the supervisor comes every 2 hours.
Sigh. HELP!!! So pek chek lor. nag nag nag nag. grrrr...
I can't seem to get across to her. She calls office constantly to request to speak to the supervisor or ask for materials, yet i can't get her to understand that if she calls the supervisor on handphone and the supervisor were to answer and be caught by the client, it is LD for both parties. And knowing the client, they will use all the clauses they can find and add it all up.
It is just so irritating to have to answer the calls and it is all her calls. Yes, i suppose she should be praised for being conscientious, but surely if she doesn't have enough chemicals -- and it is at the start of her shift! How she goes through a 5 litre bottle in 2 hours defeats my imagination -- she can always go to next door and shout out for the male cleaner to pass her the chemical. Either that or she can wait as the supervisor comes every 2 hours.
Sigh. HELP!!! So pek chek lor. nag nag nag nag. grrrr...
Verbal diarrhoea
I realize and know that i have a serious case of verbal diarrhoea. And like all diarrhoea, it is excessive in volume and smells to high heaven. haha! *faint*
Hope those who read the very long winded posts or comments won't feel offended lor. :) Just my 5 cents worth.
Hope those who read the very long winded posts or comments won't feel offended lor. :) Just my 5 cents worth.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Comments
The new WHSO came to my room late last week. Then i was already extremely irritated with the group of staff and i suppose my mood was discernible. He came in and, i don't know if he's familiar just because we were NUS classmates, started to snap his fingers at me and commenting about that group.
I glared at him and then told him off for snapping his fingers while talking to me. That's just so rude! Imagine someone snapping his fingers in your face while talking to you. I held on to my hands cos i really felt like slapping him then and shouting at him to stop it. In the end i only told him that i hate people who snap fingers at me, and he pretended to be contrite and said that he was sorry, he thought that we were classmates and that he never did it before etc. What crap! He had that habit from those days in class. Such a pest!
Next, he commented on the group, asking me why i put up with them etc, and basically making himself as very great, being educated and all. He even asked me to consider leaving as "you will always be at this level, dealing with this kind of mentality." I was HOT liao!!! I just gave him a disgusted look and told him that if not for these kind of people, he wouldn't be paid. And neither would i!
Sometimes, i really wonder at the mentality of these people in the management. Just because they are at the top, does it make them greater than the ones below them? If not for the ah peks and ah mms who spend their time cleaning the toilets and sweeping the floor, would i have this job and pay? So who do i rely on for my pay? Similarly, if not for them, would this weevil of a WHSO have his job?
Looking at him, i pity him. I'm judging him i suppose, but he gives me the impression of those who would litter the area because someone will clean up after him. But the someone is a person too, and he or she could be someone's grandma or grandpa. Just because he has an education, does it give him the right to look down on others? There are so many reasons why people do not have a high education. One of my guys is little plum's age yet is a cleaner due to his simple mentality. Is it his fault? But it is clean money; money hard earned and not stolen or ill gotten gains.
I don't have good vibes about this WHSO. And i'm finding it hard to find any scrap of respect for him.
I glared at him and then told him off for snapping his fingers while talking to me. That's just so rude! Imagine someone snapping his fingers in your face while talking to you. I held on to my hands cos i really felt like slapping him then and shouting at him to stop it. In the end i only told him that i hate people who snap fingers at me, and he pretended to be contrite and said that he was sorry, he thought that we were classmates and that he never did it before etc. What crap! He had that habit from those days in class. Such a pest!
Next, he commented on the group, asking me why i put up with them etc, and basically making himself as very great, being educated and all. He even asked me to consider leaving as "you will always be at this level, dealing with this kind of mentality." I was HOT liao!!! I just gave him a disgusted look and told him that if not for these kind of people, he wouldn't be paid. And neither would i!
Sometimes, i really wonder at the mentality of these people in the management. Just because they are at the top, does it make them greater than the ones below them? If not for the ah peks and ah mms who spend their time cleaning the toilets and sweeping the floor, would i have this job and pay? So who do i rely on for my pay? Similarly, if not for them, would this weevil of a WHSO have his job?
Looking at him, i pity him. I'm judging him i suppose, but he gives me the impression of those who would litter the area because someone will clean up after him. But the someone is a person too, and he or she could be someone's grandma or grandpa. Just because he has an education, does it give him the right to look down on others? There are so many reasons why people do not have a high education. One of my guys is little plum's age yet is a cleaner due to his simple mentality. Is it his fault? But it is clean money; money hard earned and not stolen or ill gotten gains.
I don't have good vibes about this WHSO. And i'm finding it hard to find any scrap of respect for him.
Attitude
The group of people in my staff just refuse to hear what they don't want to hear. Actually, if they had not all gone off to HQ to demand their "rights" and in effect, go on strike, i would not have held back their confirmation. Despite explaining to them why i'm withholding their confirmation, and even getting H to explain, they insist on comparing to the second group, saying that they are all the same, in the same company and should be confirmed together. My reply was they are different as they did not go on strike. I even told them that if they insist on being treated the same, then watever warning letters anyone in their group receives should be also issued to this first group, to which they then said they are different!
Really, their attitude leaves much to be desired. And they insist on being confirmed? In the end the snr sup told them to just keep quiet and do their work if they want to be confirmed fast. Ha!
At times i pity them. Their working hours are terrible, but then so are the Malaysians. Why don't they think before coming? Instead they come over then compare and kick up a big fuss over issues such as working hours, salary etc when these should be already agreed upon before coming over. How can you blame your employer when you were briefed on these by your agent in your home country? Shouldn't they blame themselves?
Dealing with them drains me so much that sometimes i just ignore them totally. To be fair though, not all of them are the same. I do have some, 5 out of 29 of them, who are quiet and work without giving me trouble. So looking at the numbers, just having 1 of them disturbing me daily is enough to run through all the working days in a month. sigh...
Really, their attitude leaves much to be desired. And they insist on being confirmed? In the end the snr sup told them to just keep quiet and do their work if they want to be confirmed fast. Ha!
At times i pity them. Their working hours are terrible, but then so are the Malaysians. Why don't they think before coming? Instead they come over then compare and kick up a big fuss over issues such as working hours, salary etc when these should be already agreed upon before coming over. How can you blame your employer when you were briefed on these by your agent in your home country? Shouldn't they blame themselves?
Dealing with them drains me so much that sometimes i just ignore them totally. To be fair though, not all of them are the same. I do have some, 5 out of 29 of them, who are quiet and work without giving me trouble. So looking at the numbers, just having 1 of them disturbing me daily is enough to run through all the working days in a month. sigh...
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Thank you!
Thanks everyone for your concern! I'm much better now, and trying to wonder and remember what not to do. And i've found out that H is very helpful in handling her countrymen, cos she's so fierce! Haha! I've found out too that they do leave me alone once i start to snap at them. Hmm, that should be done every now and then.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Advertisement
I saw an advertisement on cable TV, promoting a football channel. In it, there is a simulated divorce proceeding, where the wife said that the husband cheated on her twice, didn't bring her out etc. The husband only commented that she constantly interrupted his football. The judge then decreed that the entire property goes to the husband.
Although it is an advertisement and probably is meant to be taken tongue-in-cheek, i think it trivialises faithfulness. The husband can have an affair and yet interrupting his football is more serious than that? Frankly i am quite disgusted.
Although it is an advertisement and probably is meant to be taken tongue-in-cheek, i think it trivialises faithfulness. The husband can have an affair and yet interrupting his football is more serious than that? Frankly i am quite disgusted.
Lunch with S8
Met S8 for lunch today. Went to her building and had Mac. Hmm, S8 didn't know that pass holders get either a free sundae or apple pie for every EVM. Well, previously we had 10% discount, which i felt was better than a free dessert.
Grumbled a bit to her -- thanks for listening, S8! -- then went for a spot of wandering with her at L2. Saw the same cabuchon cut citrine at SK. Its so big and beautiful. Not sure if there's still a discount, but the last time there was, it would have cost about $300, with the original price at $599.
Saw another pair of earrings too, with a cluster of citrine, peridot and pearls. $129 before 5% staff discount. Hmm... But i recently bought a sapphire pendant at my building, and so i can't make myself buy another. Anyway, retail therapy doesn't really work for me. Yes, it may be fun looking at the items and wondering which to get, but after that it feels empty. So no point getting more, right? The only retail therapy i don't regret are my M&S purchases, and of course that pendant.
I told S8 how i got the discount for the pendant. There was a sale, so it was on a 40% discount. But as i have the shop's loyalty card, there was an additional 10% discount. However, the price after discount came to $436. So i commented to H, who went with me and bought a $1300 pendant and chain, that i would buy it if it costs less than $400. On our next trip up, she told the salesperson to lower the price so that i will buy it. The price then came down to $420+, then $404, after which H told the guy to just take away the $4 so that its within my budget. After some consideration, the guy agreed. So that's how i bought my $400 sapphire pendant. haha! :)
Oh well, no more major purchases for me for this month. it doesn't work, so why should i spend in such a manner?
sigh...
Grumbled a bit to her -- thanks for listening, S8! -- then went for a spot of wandering with her at L2. Saw the same cabuchon cut citrine at SK. Its so big and beautiful. Not sure if there's still a discount, but the last time there was, it would have cost about $300, with the original price at $599.
Saw another pair of earrings too, with a cluster of citrine, peridot and pearls. $129 before 5% staff discount. Hmm... But i recently bought a sapphire pendant at my building, and so i can't make myself buy another. Anyway, retail therapy doesn't really work for me. Yes, it may be fun looking at the items and wondering which to get, but after that it feels empty. So no point getting more, right? The only retail therapy i don't regret are my M&S purchases, and of course that pendant.
I told S8 how i got the discount for the pendant. There was a sale, so it was on a 40% discount. But as i have the shop's loyalty card, there was an additional 10% discount. However, the price after discount came to $436. So i commented to H, who went with me and bought a $1300 pendant and chain, that i would buy it if it costs less than $400. On our next trip up, she told the salesperson to lower the price so that i will buy it. The price then came down to $420+, then $404, after which H told the guy to just take away the $4 so that its within my budget. After some consideration, the guy agreed. So that's how i bought my $400 sapphire pendant. haha! :)
Oh well, no more major purchases for me for this month. it doesn't work, so why should i spend in such a manner?
sigh...
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Retail therapy
Went to M&S (again) cos been feeling frustrated recently. Saw a pretty T-shirt that costs $79. Sigh! So walked around again, and came upon another top that i've been eyeing. More discounts! In the end, i bought a dress and the top and another underpants. It came up to $85, from the original cost of $192. So i'll wear the top tomorrow to work -- join me at T3 anybody? -- and keep the dress and underpants for next CNY. Heehee!
Hmm... it really does make sense to buy from M&S during their sale if you can find the stuff you originally wanted and in your size.
Went over to Robinsons and bought my eye cream. As usual, after opening the box(es), my eye cream was only about 10% of the box size! Talk about real over packaging.
After that, i figured i did enough damage. So went back home. But still depressed and frustrated.
Sometimes i think between friends, family and animal companions, animal companions are still better. They don't have to work, so they are always available to hug or to talk to. And they don't talk back! Or put words in your mouth!
*sob sob*
Hmm... it really does make sense to buy from M&S during their sale if you can find the stuff you originally wanted and in your size.
Went over to Robinsons and bought my eye cream. As usual, after opening the box(es), my eye cream was only about 10% of the box size! Talk about real over packaging.
After that, i figured i did enough damage. So went back home. But still depressed and frustrated.
Sometimes i think between friends, family and animal companions, animal companions are still better. They don't have to work, so they are always available to hug or to talk to. And they don't talk back! Or put words in your mouth!
*sob sob*
Coincidence?
I was recently ill again and took the cough pills -- i think RMG has some fantastic medicine! -- and also did the superstitious thing. I don't know if its the medication that worked, or is it a coincidence that the red underpants thing worked. Whatever it is, i suppose i'll be wearing that -- sigh -- till next LNY. SIGH... but i suppose if it works and keeps me semi healthy, just too bad lor. :P
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