THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

This classic carol was part of me when I was growing up. I particularly like the part when Ms. Piggy sang "Five Gold Rings" not sure why, but instantaneously propelled me to my childhood days. Perhaps I was the generation that grew up with Sesame Street, so it kinda holds some sentimental value when I listen to this.

I guess, I'm getting a bit sentimental during this part of the year when so many things happen and one can really get caught up with the moods of this season.

TIS' THE SEASON TO BE SWINDLED

Today must be THE day for swindlers to act! Why do I say this? Well, this afternoon, I received a call which number was on the "withheld" status.


Usually, such calls will be either from overseas or from these Insurance or Credit Card companies trying to sell their products. I had the choice of not responding to it but what if it was from one of my friends overseas? So, in good faith, I answered the call and from the end of the voice, it was a Mandarin speaking girl. Before, you could even say "Jericho", I've already figured out what this girl wanted. I had the thought that perhaps that maybe she is trying to tell me that I'm the lucky one and all I need was to give her my bank account number and they would deposit my winnings into it.


However, this call was different from the previous one. This one actually started with telling me that they were from this company and they were going to hold a party next Saturday at one of the shopping malls in the city. I thought, why not, entertain a bit and find out more about this scheme.

what a day...!

Mind you, all the conversation was uttered in the Mandarin dialect.

Girl: "How are you sir, I'm representing company so and so and would like to invite you to our party this coming Saturday at this mall". "Have you heard of this event and even our company?"


Me: "No, as a matter of fact, I have not heard of it"


Girl: "Oh we are very new in the market and one of the ways for us to advertise is to get you invited to our events where there will be performances, food and also lucky draws!"

Me: "Well, I will attend if I have the time"

Girl: "Sir, you must come, please do make a point to attend as we have lots of activities that day" "By the way, what's your name?"

At this juncture, I felt a bit suspicious as my understanding is, if you know my cell phone number, definitely you will know whom you are calling.

Me: "Don't you know my name? If you have my number, I would think that you would have already got it from a source that would have included in a name?"

Immediately, the girl went into hyper drive. She was speaking so fast, that there were certain words that I could not understand.

Girl: "Don't worry sir, we got your number from a reliable source and we did not source out additional information. I would just like to your surname since there would be a lot of people attending that day and I would like to register your name for the gifts"

Me: "Didn't you hear me the first time? I said that I would attend if I have the time"

Girl (sounding emotional): "Why must you be so difficult? I just want to know your surname and that you also do not want to tell me? What kind of guy are you? You good for nothing...."

The rest of the conversation from here ended in a lot of swear words and before you knew it, like the SHINKANSEN, she sped off and cut me off!

u stupid bitch!

What nerve that bitch has to call me names and swear off like that. I didn't even have the chance to reply my swear words in Mandarin!! Anyway, this was the first time, I have received such a call, mostly it was the AF calls and they spoke in Indonesian.

So, in future, you guys also receive such calls, I guess the best policy is not to entertain them as there are so many swindlers out there.

Oh, before I forget, I also got an interesting mail from a swindler and of all places from facebook! Yes, I got the most lame-st email ever. Its about this brother and sister from Ivory Coast, whose fortune that they must take out of the country. They need an account to deposit this huge sum of money and have asked the reader, that is ME, to provide them. Apart from my generosity of providing them that facility, they would also pay me 10% of their inheritance money as a token of gratitude to me!


Two swindlers in one day, how lucky can one get? Luckily, its not a stormy night with thunder & lightning!!

SIESTA

slipping to the dreamy state...

What's good about having to work half a day and taking the other half of it off, sure makes a person feel much happier and also less stressful. Well, I'm on a half day leave today, just to clear off my leave and go figure, I'm actually putting this here. Anyway, I do not mind to do so as it gives me some private time for myself to do the things that I want to do.

As I look outside, the rain has just stopped and knowing me, I might want to get my power nap, perhaps one or two hours. Some people can have a power nap for about half an hour and, after it, they will feel so refreshed. Actually, I'm a true believer in power naps, naps that do not take the whole entire day or half a day, but usually confined to about one hour the most.

making sure not sleeping too excessively...

I usually have power naps when I'm not doing anything and this will always take place in the afternoons around 3 plus. As most people will drive into slumber and then take longer than they should, I would usually condition myself to only take half an hour or the most one hour. The reason being, is that I will not want to feel lethargic after my nap.

The whole point is to feel refreshed and cheat the body that you have rested enough, and strangely, body will respond to that lie. Its only if you are really tired, then this will not work. But, if you need that extra storage of energy to be flushed out, why not take a power nap soon?

wanna sleep with me?

As for me, guess, what, after this, I'm going to head to my bed and get my much needed "siesta"...

much stronger after the rest!

DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY...

thank goodness for competent colleagues...

Finally, the last piece of my Christmas decoration has been put up. Nothing to shout about but this involves placing running lights on the garland outside my house. To me, it was a finalization of what I have ever imagined to have it done and since now, I have already done it, I'm feeling a bit contended.

Yes, the joyous celebrations of all will be celebrated in about 2 weeks time and during this time, one begins to ponder, should I start doing my Christmas shopping now?

Another finalization of my other project to organize for the Christmas party in the office also paid well. I guess choosing able colleagues to be in my committee and getting them to help me on this has also blossomed. As I was on leave on Friday, these same people did all the calling and also managed to cut down the price while not sacrificing the quality and the number of food served, we managed to stay within the budget, hurray!

So as I came back to work, the first thing they came to report to me is to give me the price list and the dishes they have ordered. The final figure was something that I did not anticipate and moreover, they are also providing two waiters to serve us, free of charge!

what shall I buy...?

However, I found out that there is something else I have not done and that is to get my Christmas pressie ready. Since its a holiday today, I will go to the malls after my gym and shop for the presents and also maybe do a bit of personal shopping too, who knows, someone special will get a present placed under my tree?

WHERE SHALL I GO?

There's so much of discounts lately in the air fares and I feel compelled to book some and just get off for a few days just to hang loose. With budget airlines like AirAsia and soon, Tiger Airways hitting our airspace next year, I think I will have more choice in terms of choosing my point of destination. I've got to do some homework but if I'm going to a place which I'm already familiar with, I think I will just get the tickets and book my rooms online.

Travelling alone is good for me, and if I were to travel in a group, I prefer not a big one, because logistically speaking, we need to wait for each other and this would be very cumbersome. I have organized such groups before but frankly speaking, if I were to take them out, I will have to understand their likes and dislikes, hence, it will be quite a fair bit for me, as after all, I'm out for a break, not to work again.

come away with me...??

So, with the end of the year coming and the new year approaches, I have in mind to go to several places but have not made up my mind as yet. I may end up in a new place but knowing me, I might end up in another familiar place which I might have gone before!

WHAT BLISS...

what a blissful day...

What can I say about this day, except it was blissful and not stressful at all. Yes, when I woke up, what greeted me was a gloomy day without the sun, and suddenly I felt like it was winter again. The sun was out, the air was crisp and here I was lying in my warm bed, feeling as if suddenly what I wished for to happen in Malaysia, might just come true? That it would be winter here...instead of rain, we get snow?

Well, it was just a wish, and nothing more to it. I woke up at the pace I wanted to, and did not have to rush off to work like what I do each and every morning! I took things in my stride for it was my day off, and I was going to maximize this day to the maximum. As I looked out to the window, I notice that a soft rain began to fall and before you know it, its already making feel sleepy once again, and my thoughts were only aimed at my bed and my pillow. But, I had an appointment for the car, so I went to the service center, had my car serviced and then came back home, did some stuff and then headed out for gym and also tea with my friends, who happened not to be working too.

wish everyday was like today...

As I decided to go to MidValley for gym, I noticed that the malls are all decked in their best and certainly the atmosphere really feels 'Christamasy'. If a first time visitor thought that this country was a Christian majority, they are so wrong. As most malls will use this period (since its also the end of the year) to cash in on sales, and commercialization has remain the center point instead of what we are supposed to celebrate.

Anyway, I'm really impressed with this year's theme and also decorations in Mid Valley. The whole concept I thought that it had a warm feeling, ahhh, in short, its a blissful day today! I really hope every day is like this too.

WHAT A DAY!

This evening, I had to rush out of the office for my choir practice. As I was on leave the next day, I wanted to finish as many tasks. However, as I about to leave the office, THE BOSS called me and asked me to update him and the CFO on one our on-going case. So, grudgingly, I dragged myself to the CFO's room to update him (although I have already updated him via the e-mail).


After all the repeating, which I found myself stupid to do so, CFO began to mumble something to me about something on how to approach this problem and how I did my job, blah, blah and began to give me a lecture. I was like WTF, I don't want this, I need to get out of the office right now, but no, this CFO was holding me from what I wanted to do. He began to analyze my strategy dealing with this problem and how I could improve on it. Halfway around, my mind began to slip into my dream state mode and began to actually hum the parts for the songs that we were suppose to sing. I began to day dream until something hit me back to reality...

hey u...get me out of here!

The CFO gave me valuable inputs but could not work in this case! (confirmation given by THE BOSS after my meeting with the CFO) After what looked like hours, CFO finally relents and allows me out of the room. I charged over to my place, ready to pack up, shut down my pc and head out when my subordinate, Slinky Selma came up to me and presented another problem for me to help her solve.



God Have mercy!! I need to get out now, I'm pressed for time! But, like all calm creature, I attended to her without showing my inner feelings and then, calmly waited for her to talk to me about her problems. Luckily for me, this was a small problem and before she could finish, I finished her sentence and told her how to face it. Slinky thought it over for a while and agreed with my proposal.


Finally, it was all over. I quickly began to shut down my system, packed my things and got out of the office finally. By the time, I reached the choir area, I could see that the members were all seated and the best part of it, they did not start yet. I began to slip into my seat immediately and then began to practice with the rest.


As I began to type this out now, I began to wonder what a day I had. I've noticed that whenever you are pressed for time, all such things will fall into place and disrupt all the perfectly laid out plans you had for the day. Perfectionist as I am, I know the day will never go along as how you had planned it, that is why contingency plans are always needed and a cool mind and head needs to be in place!

just keep cool and smile...

About the choir, it went well, the children sang such beautifully, like little angels!

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

I've been tasked to take care of the Christmas party in my office and naturally, being a planner, I have so much fun bringing new ideas to it. Of course, being the only PLU in the department, it means that I'm also oozing with creativity from the gift exchanges right up to the food served that evening.



Naturally, one of the horrifying thing that comes up to mind is BUDGET! Yes, I'm allowed to spend this amount of money, but I need to ensure I do not go overboard on it. I'm pretty sure that things will flow naturally as this is not the first time I have organized a party like this.

ho ho ho...

Anyway, as they say, there is strength in numbers, so the first thing I did was send an email to all in my office (which comprised of 4 different departments) and enquired if they were interested to join in. After getting the actual numbers, I then work closely with the secretaries and enquired how much each of their bosses will fork out for the gathering. The more money we have, the more we can cater to get good food, but knowing how stingy the department heads are, well, I shall leave it to tomorrow as I will be talking to the CFO and getting the right amount for our party.

so many ideas, but money is a concern...

So, coming back to the party itself, I think I will form a little committee to overlook on the gifts, food and also decorations. As the natural born leader (thank you, thank you), I shall direct and ensure that all these little committee members do their part and make sure we excel in it, because, sad to say, I'm such a perfectionist when it comes to a task!



That could be my forte' and also my worst enemy!

DON'T LOOK DOWN ON THEM

What is the politically correct reference to those who are deaf and dumb? Do we call them physically challenged persons? In my case, these group of physically challenged guys attend Cali. Gym and truth to be told, I'm really impressed by their ability to overcome all challenges to look good.

These group of them actually attends the gym most days and some times weekends too, working out on their core muscle groups. As their community is rather a small one, they know each other and their numbers are like about 10. So, each time, whenever they attend gym in the evenings, I will notice these group of them always working together and supporting each other.

we work hard to look good...

It's their esprit De corps that has attracted me to them. Each time, by way of communication, their hands and fingers will go all over the place and each time they do such gestures, one can tell whether they are arguing or sharing a joke, or perhaps bitchin' about some cute guy in the gym? From my observation, I've noticed that they actually do have a body language deciphering the things that is happening, and from what I notice after a long time, I can tell whether they are happy or sad. Perhaps the easiest way is to note their face and expression, so in their case, eye contact is very important.

I've studied sign language once a upon a time ago while I was in Uni. doing some community welfare work that involved physically challenged impaired children. The type of sign language I studied was the International English one and I was quite fluent in its gestures (if I may say so). However, after I left Uni. so many years and not being able to practice it with anyone, I found that I could not remember most of it. Some of the common ones, yes I can still pick up but the others which is a bit complicated, well, I have given back.


So, it was good to see these group of physically challenged impaired persons communicating as it brought me back to my memories of my sign language but, there were several gestures which I did not understand and I guess it must be in the Malay Language (which is different in style with the English one).


One thing that also attracted my attention to them was that, these group of special people are also PLUs, and how I got to know it, well, lets just say, its all in the hands! If you do drop by to Cali. in MSC (Menara StanChart) one of the mid-week evenings, you will notice these cute guys using their hands to communicate.

IT'S APPROVED!

Just some updates on what happened on my annual leave application, well, The Boss said it was entirely his mistake of not approving it in the system and since he had already approved my planned leave much earlier, there was a mistake when the GM cancelled my leave.



According to him, the flow system of our leave application goes like this. From us to The Boss and should stop there. However, if The Boss forgets to approve it and for a number of days, that leave application will then be escalated to the next level, and that will be The Boss's Head (and you think there is no bureaucracy in the private sector?)



So, according to The Boss, it was the month end, and his excuse was that he did not have time to read my application online (even though an email will prompt him to do so). So, that period lapsed and the next thing, it flowed to the next level.

So, are you going to approve my leave...?

Anyway, I looked at him and smiled, and what do you expect me to do here? Go over and pat him on his shoulders and say, "Awww, you poor thing, too much work huh?" Nope, didn't do that, in effect, I did not do anything that was stupendous, just smiled and when he said that it was ok to resubmit again, I did it right away. And , true to his words, he immediately approved it.


Well, at least The Boss is a man of his words, he does have balls after all!


** Can't believe I'm bitchin' about him behind his back**

CHOIR PRACTICE

hitting the high note!

Just back from my choir practice, and after so many years not participating in it, I find myself a bit lost of my parts but thankfully, the members were supportive and encouraged me all the way. The singing of the parts are the ones that is really difficult at times because we are so used to the harmony and the melodies that at times, I find myself slipping back to it rather than follow my part strictly.

watch me sing...?

Anyway, there will still be practices and I know that from the days onwards, I will improve on it. In addition to this, I'm enjoying what I'm doing so, this is going to be something that I will look forward to it.

Wish me luck!

THE SEASON OF ADVENT.

Today is the 1st Sunday of Advent in the Christian calendar. The season of Advent or the name of it was taken from Latin, "adventus" meaning to say that this is the season whereby preparations are made to celebrate Christmas.

During this season, the color used will be purple but strangely, on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, the color pink or rose is instead used. Here, one can see that the priest will be robed in pink / rose color and will come out to greet his congregation. The color pink in the church signifies anticipation of wait with joy!

Therefore, as one lights up the advent candles (which has four incidentally for the four Sundays in December), there are 3 purple ones and the last one is pink. That is why, the church is rich in its symbolism and that translates it into the faith that one holds. However, sadly not many live up the expectation to live up according to what has been taught and this brings upon the ire of those who does not share the same faith as us.

I AM SO HIT!

take off your pants...

HITMAN the game used to very popular and also at the same time attracted numerous controversial as being one of the more gory featured themes, had me mesmerized last night when I went for it a the newly opened GSC in Pavilion. Although not a fan of it when it came out as a game form, I knew something about it as most of my friends were playing it. I felt a bit strange looking at them randomly killing and also the way, the victim was being shot and in addition to that, the number of times it featured violence as its central theme.

Nonetheless, I still made my way to the movie after watching the preview and also wanted to catch more of the main actor, Timothy Olyphant (strange surname). The show is predictably fast paced and the way it portrays is almost exactly as how one is playing the game. But, what really set my eyes toward this movie is Timothy, oh, how hawttt he is! I'm also amazed that all hit men must be properly attired and this was what set me ogling at his impeccable dressing and yet, dangerous.

make my day...

I guess there is a little in me that is into dressing and immaculately dressed dangerous characters. No doubt he was dangerous, but yet, he still kept his cool and had a heart, oh, how much I wish I could just grab him away from that whore Nika! And, the way he spoke, almost totally made me come in orgasmic reactions time after time, and speaking of which, since that is a new cinema and new seats, I think I was pretty much in control!



A quick check on Timothy later revealed that he was born in 1968 and he is married (oh shucks!) but still looks so desirable! His entire package is really to shout out about and I guess, that is why, working hard in the gym really pays off when you reach older, because as we can see from all this living examples, it is good to put some effort in exercise!



So, that's why I'm saying, I'm so hit by this movie not only by the sexy actor Timothy (dressing and the way he speaks) but also the way he took good care of his body! I'm really impressed and make me want to go way out to take really good care of myself!

I WANT MY RIGHTS!

I want my RIGHTS upheld!

I want my rights!!! Yes, I'm shouting this at top of my voice for some rights here. You see what happens in most companies during this time of the year is that most of us employees are asked to clear our annual leaves. As for the practice in my company, we are allowed to bring forward one year of leave but for the leave which is not taken for the previous year, we have to take it or it might be forfeited. (since the company is so 'Kiam Siap' (stingy in the Fujian dialect) not wanting to reimburse us on it)

For example, if I have 2006 leave still not taken and I have left about 6 days, I'm asked by my HR Dept. to clear them by December 2007; bear in mind, the leave for 2007 is untouched! So like good employees and after doing our leave planning for the month of December, dutifully, I logged into the website and then applied for my leave, subject to my Manager's approval. And, since we have already got his consent on it, as there will be people taking over our duties during our absence and also mind you, its not even a stretch of days, like one or two day in between the holidays and also half days, I clicked on the send button to my Manager.

Lo and behold! for not only it was rejected, it was rejected by my GM and of all persons, why should he get involved in my leave application here? Since this is the case and this did not involve only me but several of my colleagues, we have decided to meet up with the Manager right on Monday morning and discuss on what is really going on here? I mean I want to know my rights here, first, you say that I have to clear my leave, then now you reject it, so what is going on here? Besides, I'm open to the idea that if they do not allow me to take leave just because its the year end, then compensate me of the forfeited leave or maybe come up with a compromise to allow me to bring forward also this 2006 leave to 2008 in addition to the 2007 not taken!

If all else fail, perhaps a complaint to the MOM (Ministry of Manpower) should be forwarded! I want to exercise my RIGHTS!

EARTHQUAKE IN BUKIT TINGGI, MALAYSIA.

Just now, I caught up the news on TV3 and one of the headlines is that an earthquake occurred in Bukit Tinggi. For those whose geography is pretty bad, this particular Bukit Tinggi is located on the way to Genting Highlands.

It seems that there were 3 earthquakes and the MET (Meteorological) Dept. is going to keep tab on it and in an official statement, telling people not to worry about it.

Hmm, seems like the earthquake fever has now officially shifted to Malaysia. From what I know, Malaysia lies away from the ring of fire, where Indonesia is situated but looking at things now, the truth about Malaysia moving towards the Indian Ocean is true?

Geez, perhaps we must all learn how to survive in the event a major shock like this affects KL! Makes you wonder too, if the world is indeed ending soon....?