The End of 2013

Gone were the party days... Gone were the countdowns...

Apart from having this day as the last one for the year and never to return, it passes of as just another day. If there are dinners, they can happen any other day. If there are gifts, they can be given any other day. If there are fireworks, they can happen any other day too. At this point in life, a certain understanding has come to light. A celebration does not have to be on a particular day or time. It can happen anytime, any where.

Amidst the stillness of the night, coupled with a drink and jazz music, it is a time for reflection. A time for resolutions.

All throughout the day, friends have been posting up statements of what the year has been for them. Well, for me, it is not so much as to what I've did or did not do. It's more of what I've learned from circumstances that came along. How did I dealt with them. How did they affected me. How did they changed me. I could be better.

Am grateful of what the past year has brought me. It was a blessing to have walked through it all. Both the ups and downs. Looking back, I can afford a smile.

We shall see what is in store for 2014. I shall strive to have more courage to set out my plans. Fingers crossed.

I especially liked this quote which I got off the net,

Tomorrow is the 1st blank page of a 365 page book. 

Write a good one!

Happy New Year 2014!

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Busted!

It didn't last very long. In just over a year. Some say it was expected. Some say it was a wrong move.

Perhaps the signs were obvious from the very start. It was all there, laid out in front. Everyone else saw them. All but me. Too blinded by pride. Too blinded by ignorance. Too soon did the issues crept up. Too little was done. Too inexperienced.

But I say, it was a lesson well learned. Among others:

• Always listen to your own instincts and stand your ground. Never let others influenced you, no matter how convincing they can be.
• Understand the winds of change in market trends. Catch the wind while it still blows. 
•  Don't jump into a decision without in depth facts and statistics. Real extent.
•  Never let someone inexperienced to dominate and pull the strings. Never ever.
• Make sure all the talk is being walked. Or else tell them to shut the hell up.
• Remove all incompetent shareholders from operations the soonest possible. They are best just being "sleeping".

Looking back, perhaps things could be a little different had the above been addressed sooner. There is no such thing as "let's wait and see" or "it would get better". Waiting in business means losing. Losing out on competition. Losing out on opportunities. Losing out on cash. That's one thing that ought to be kept in mind.

I would still say it was a good try. It brought new insights. It changed my perception of people. I believe I still have much to learn.

Although it didn't turn out favorably, at least I gave it a shot.

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Let It Go

Wasn't aware of the resemblance until it was pointed out. This was supposed to be just another Disney movie. Hadn't noticed it either even when I was watching it.

But this particular song, when listened carefully, "It reflects you. Very much."

Let it go. Run into an ice castle. Turn away. Slam the door. No fear. No rules. Leave the perfect girl. 

But I'm no princess. I don't have magical powers. And I definitely do not live in Disney.

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The donkeys

Being friends is a funny thing. You managed to cling together after all the differences.

Yes, there are times you have been an asshole. There are times you annoy too much. There are times you have been a total pain. There are times you have caused troubles. There are times where we wanted to scream at you. So much so that we have to put up with you.

But despite it all, we still managed to enjoy the company we have. We still managed to laugh it off and somehow be there for one another.

I looked at these pictures and shake my head. How on earth did I ended up with them?

 

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Enough said...

Thank you.....

for just being there....

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Hong Kong, once more

 I returned, after a good 5 years.

It came most suddenly. Suddenly, there were these cravings for dim sum. Suddenly, there was this need for a break from work. Suddenly, there was this extended invitation to tag along for a short escapade. And so, in less than 3 weeks later, I found myself surrounded with the familiar sights and sounds of this buzzling island.

Things weren't all planned out, this time around. We've decided to take it easy, no rush. There was no itinerary. We planned as we go. Fortunately for us, we had friends to guide us. So it kind of saved us a lot of hassle and a lot of time in getting around. And by the way, it was a pleasure in meeting the few of you :)  The trip couldn't have been more adventurous.

This was, in no doubt, one of the most tiring trip ever. Unlike being chauffeured on most of my other trips, we had actually skip those and went on board almost every single mode of transportation that is available on the island. The MTR for commuting around the city, ferry to the outer islands, cabs to places where the MTR doesn't reach, trams for the fun of it, mini buses to specific locations, and we even rode on bicycles. If the weather hadn't been poor, we would have hopped onto the cable car too. And of course, there is the most basic form of transportation - the feet.

Perhaps a more memorable adventure was the visit to Cheung Chau island, one of the fishing villages of Hong Kong.

We weren't there just for sight seeing, but also to find a message left hidden on one of the huts on top the hills. Made me felt like Sherlock. And so, off we went on our rented bikes, riding around the island, searching for that specific stair well that would lead us right to that specific hut. Along the way, we immersed ourselves with the beaches and delicacies offered, taking in the setting and the daily ongoing of the locals. We got lost halfway through, and while we were trying to regain our bearings, we were attacked by a swarm of lethal mosquitoes, which left their mark on my legs till this day still. With the attack and the warnings signs of a downpour, we had to abandon the quest and head back. It was regretful, not only we won't know the contents of the message but we've also missed one of the spectacular views from atop the hills.

In was from this visit that I saw a different side of Hong Kong, I experienced a different side of her. Standing on the streets of Central, waiting in line a long queue, among the dense high rise buildings, squashed in between the sea of people, with the blazing hons of vehicles and the beeping sounds of the traffic lights, the metropolitan side of her has taken effect. Everything and everyone was a rush. It was a rush to finish off a meal. It was a rush to catch the train. It was a rush to cross the street. It was a rush to get off the elevator. It was a rush to snap pictures. If you move a tad slower, be sure to be left behind. And not to mention, be taunted, at times. It sure was stressful, even being a tourist.

Tourist aside, however, there was also a time where we caught a glimpse of the lives of a regular Hongkie. We visited the home of our friend who lives out of the city, To Kwa Wan, where no MTR would reach and required an extensive amount of walking. As with what was shown on television, the space in which they had to live in was indeed tiny. There was barely enough space to walk or to sit in. The corridors could only fit 1 person at a time. I had to see it for myself to actually believe it. My wardrobe alone would not fit into the space which they called a bedroom. It was all cramped and walled up. It felt suffocating. I would definitely wouldn't have lasted long there.

And then there were the eateries. Hong Kong wouldn't be Hong Kong without its food. It was said that theirs tastes better. Dim sum, egg tarts, tong sui, buns, char siew etc. I, for one, wouldn't think so. Lets just say that there are differences in flavours. Perhaps the Malaysian cooking methods are disparate from the Hong Kong ones. Or perhaps the ingredients used are different. A dish which could be found in both places do taste different. Both dishes do bring out their own local essence. They are unique in their own special way.

As the trip came to an end, I was reluctant to leave, but I was also glad to leave all the same. How contradictory. I would have wanted the holiday to be extended further. Who wouldn't like to continue having fun and forget about work? But at the same time I was pleased to get out of this hustling city. Not really my ideal spot for a relaxing holiday.

So, Hong Kong, "thank you" for the hospitality once again. I shall see you in another 5 years time. That is if I have run out of further places to visit.

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Invisible

There are times when this felt like the perfect escape.

To live in the wilderness. To live off grid. Away from the stresses of the city. Away from the hipocrites. Away from the microscopic lenses of society. Away from unnecessary burdens. Away from irrelevant worries. Away from having to explain whatever decision and action.

Just me and mother nature. Doing what ever I please, whenever I please.

To be invisible, will it only be a dream?

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My Coffee Art

Wasn't really much of a coffee junkie. In fact, coffee seldom crossed my mind apart from the once a week buy-one-free-one San Francisco Extreme drink series with my "San Fran" buddy back then. After leaving to work in another organization, I lost touch with my buy-one-free-one extreme latte and got introduced to this new thing called Irish latte instead. New for me that is.

It was like a drug that got me hooked at the very instant and had me going back for more. Up to a point where it aroused my curiosity and had me wondering what lies inside that cup of espresso or latte or cappuccino. I began to develop an interest in coffee which I never thought I would have. And so I started looking out for coffee joints, to satisfy that craving and that certain curiosity.

It was from a few of these places that I discovered these cute little illustrations that they put on top of your coffee drink. Hearts, ferns, spider webs, leaves, bears, rabbits and anything which you can think of. It was just adorable. And it became an "in" thing. All of a sudden people are talking about them. The more I looked at them, the more interested I got. If someone is able to create them, well I bet I would be able to do so too. So after a little digging, I found out that they are called coffee art.

Coffee arts

There weren't many places that offered such classes. Most would require you to take up a basic barista course first. However, I finally did manage to find this place, which offers coffee appreciation, latte art and various other coffee related workshops, run by 2 fun loving coffee enthusiasts. 

And so I went on to sign up for a latte art workshop and got a crash course about it. All in a span of 2 hours, I was introduced to terms like milk frosting, etching, tilting. And I got to watch out for boiling temperatures and to measure in ounces and how to tell if the coffee is freshly brewed. For someone who doesn't really cook, god knows how I survived that 2 hours. Hate to say this, but most of the time I got through with lucky guesses. Hah!

my teacher monitoring my pouring

some of the failed attempts

managed to get a "heart" right

a few more tries

"tilt it more"....like this...

and finally....ta-daa...

yes, I did it!

Actually they were not the patterns that I had initially wanted to make. Albeit not really perfect but I still managed to create something reasonable out of it. Kudos to my teachers! 

So what's next? Practice more and perfect the art!

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Little Heritage House

Found another recommendation from a magazine and I wasted no time in heading over. Yet another nyonya cuisine, from Penang this time. It was their decorations that got me attracted, as usual. Turns out that the tastes were rather exquisite as well.   

The owners (which I presumed them to be) are pretty warm and friendly, introducing specialty dishes and taking us a tour of the place. Nice chaps. 

We were there rather early, so we were the first ones in again. Got ushered to a table in the middle, which enabled us to absorb the ornaments all around. Most of the patrons were regular ones, having booked their tables first before walking in in big groups. I guess the elderly would be more in favour of the eatery.

What surprises me was that they cater for wedding ceremonies too. Well, apart from the wedding banquet, they provide for the Chinese tea ceremonies, which I think would look great in this setting compared to having it at home. 

The pictures will describe the place further. Pardon the poor photography skills. It's something I shall need to further work on.

View of the entrance, from the inside

The "bar"

At a corner...

View in from the entrance

The initial owners, perhaps?

At another corner...

Tea ceremony setting

Upstairs...

"Reception"

Main table

Another tea ceremony setting

Displays

Lunch....

Will be bringing my parents over the next time around!

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Limablas

Funny that it's spelt Limablas instead of Lima Belas. Or is this how it was spelt back in those days? Well, it's the number 15 in Malay. And it's the name of a nyonya restaurant. 

Read a food review about this place in a local magazine. What caught my interest was really its interior decorations. If you don't already know, I have a thing for diners which are out of the ordinary. Spare me those 5-stars fine dining places. They are a bore.

So we went down to the place last Saturday evening and it turned out that they were not opened for business yet. We were early. Since I was so eager to get a taste of what they had to offer, we decided to wait. For a whole hour. It was the first time I did something like this. The owner had thanked us for our patience when we finally walked in.  :)

Obviously we were the first customers in. Lucky that we were there early, as there was only one available table left, with all the rest reserved. Gosh! Are they that good?

I shall let the pictures tell you how the interior looks like. And the food, you just got to head over to try it yourself.

The main entrance. 

A little unit in the middle of all the sky scrappers. With no obvious sign, just the number 15. It took us a while to figure out the place. 

As you walk in....

The main counter. Simple decorations.

Some wall ornaments.

The view inside out.

We figured that he's probably the owner's dad.

Our allocated table

Handmade lamp

Some wall ornaments again

Pie tees. Now this is good. It tastes different from those that I've tried

The dinner

Oh, and there is the recommended drink - the ginger ale with mint. Nothing tastes like it elsewhere.

So most of the stuffs in the place are old and rusted. But in a nice way. I've read they are the owner's own. Kept and brought down the generation. Probably came from the 60's or the 70's. Brings back a certain wave of nostalgia. It some how feels like having dinner at your grandparents' home. A huge family having a simple dinner amidst all the peripherals of the past......

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We have turned 1!

Oh yes we have.

Planet Popcorn Paradigm Mall turns one year old today!

Looking forward to many more years to come. :)

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The many faces of co-workers

Having worked in the commercial sector for a few years now, I've come to deduce the different personalities of those working in the same office. Some are a pain in the a**. Some are just too amusing to watch.

Here are the 'must haves' of each office:

1. The MC queen

 

Just as the name suggests, the person takes medical leaves very often. The excuse, "I've got a genetic migrain that can't be cured according to the doctors. It's something that runs in the family." Right. That migrain and that MC only comes every Monday.

2. Mr Not-My-Job

The entire office is to participate in a compulsory briefing, all but A, for some reason.

Z : As you know, the floor will be empty for an hour for the briefing. Could you please tend the door when the bell rings? We are expecting an urgent delivery for today.
A : I'm not hired to tend doors.   
Z : Can you please assist for an hour?
A :  The delivery guy can wait an hour then.

3. Mr Know-It-All

If you asks this person if he is able to perform certain tasks, he will answer, "Of course! It can be done. Just leave it to me." A few minutes later, he'll be asking the person in the next cubicle, "Psst! Do have any idea how to work the required? Mind to give me a hand?"

4.The Deny-ier

X : Where is the document I gave you? It's due for submission today.
P : What document?? I didn't receive any documents from you!
T : The one which I saw X handling it over to you yesterday.
P : No such thing! You saw wrong! Don't start blaming me for something that is due.
X : But you've signed receipt of that document in this log book.
P : *Silence* I'll check and get back to you.

5. Ms Bureaucracy

S : I'd like to request for stationery. Here is the request form.
G : *Takes a look* The AM's approval is insufficient. It has to be approved by your manager. Then the HOD will have to approve. Then HR, VP and then CEO. When it reaches the Admin dept, my manager will have to approve before I can issue it to you. *Hands the form back*
S : But I'm only asking for a pen.
G : It's company's policy.

6.The Fickle Minded Boss

 T : Please explain the impact of the deal in the report.
Y : *Impact explained as required and submitted*
T : Why is the explanation so lengthy? Cut it short.
Y: *Report amended and re-submitted*
T : Why did you insert the impact into the report? Remove it!
Y : But you told me to insert it in.
T : I don't want it now. Remove it!
Y : *Impact removed and re-submitted*
T : Where is the impact I required? Don't you ever listen to me?
Y : I inserted it but you told me to remove it.
T : Please use some common sense! How can you present a report like this?
Y : *Impact re-inserted and re-submitted*
T : Why is the impact such a brief one? How can you present a report like this? Please use some brain and write me a more detailed impact.

You get the idea.

7. The Puppet 

In conversations:
"CEO wants this parcel to reach the recipient today."
"This is the agreement the CEO wants me to hand to you."

"CEO says the washroom is out of hand towels. CEO wants to have them replenished."

In emails:
"CEO requests for this report. Kindly forward CEO a copy."
"CEO explains that this is not required. CEO wants it amended."
"CEO has given authorization for this. CEO wants action to be taken accordingly."

8. The "Aunty" Syndrome or The Complainer

"That boy is not being professional. How can he answer my questions half-heartedly?"
"Why is the washroom so wet? Where is the cleaner? Why isn't she doing her job?"
"Why weren't my claims reimbursed? I've put in the proper forms an hour ago."
"That girl is hogging up the sink for such a long time! How inconsiderate!"
"Why can't we get more quality pens? I can't write a proper report with this."

9. The Sycophant

I guess no descriptions are required for these types. They are just too easy to spot. You surely can't miss them in the bosses' room armed with gifts and praises. Some do get what they yearned for. Others might not be too lucky. Perhaps it depends on what type of gifts and what type of praises one sings.

10. The "Taichi" Master

In general terms, a taichi master would be a guru in Chinese martial arts. But look at the body movements of the person in the picture. Imagine the person in a business suit with the exact same pose. He stands firm on the ground, points his finger at others and push away all the "dirt" that comes his way. You get the picture. 

I've long come to realize that these are people who would always be there in any organization. You can't get rid of them. You sort of "need" them to balance up the good vibes around. They spice things up a little to the somewhat routine and dull tasks at work.

From my stand, so long as they don't mess with me, they are at liberty to do what they do "best".

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