Monthly Archives: February 2009

What To Talk About

Good to know that Western Digital 1,500 may not be laid off after all. At least that could pretty much bring some relief for them at the moment.

   It’s really been difficult accessing my blog lately, especially with the line being down all the time. So in the mean time, I’ll prolly update my site offline. The Telekom people did came and check and could not find any problem with the line, and suspect my modem could be the problem. Which I find it hard to believe because, it always occurs between 10am to 7pm. Never the less, I guess it gives me more time to do something else, which I think it could be more beneficial.

   Anyway, so what will be my topic for today? Well, I think there are tons of things I would love to write about. The current economy which are happening at the moment. Or the current political issues that are happening at the moment. And you slowly find out about things you never knew behind the politician. No doubt they are also human, but I guess they’re not Superman or Superwoman. Somehow rather this guy pretty much sum up everything. But I’m not going to talk about that today, but rather something which I think it’s a sign of me really getting old.

   Just a few weeks ago, as I was walking from the shop to Star Cineplex to get the car. I couldn’t help but to over heard what 3 boys was talking about. From a distance I could already hear what their conversation was about.

Boy 1 : I sometime smoke at school, not all of the time but sometimes only.
Boy 2 : I always go to the waterfront and smoke, not in school.
Boy 3 : I smoke in my room, but then need to open up the window and have to spray the room with air freshener to clear the smell.

   Ok. The very first thing that came across my mind is probably, they are 14-15. And basically they are pretty much discussing their common interest of smoking. Again, I have nothing against smokers or people who smoke. Probably this is not seriously shocking as during my times, I’ve already had a few friends who already started drinking and smoking back then. But I guess, it’s pretty common nowadays to see teenagers engaging in topics such as this. Little do they know it, eventually smoking will kill them one day. Never the less, still it pretty much goes to show how teens are pretty much the same compared back when I was pretty much their age.

   Lately, school students are bringing their hand phone to school now. This is pretty much something I don’t really understand. If you have extra activity after school hours, is fine whereby probably you might want to call your parents to pick them up. But this is like school hours we’re talking here. It’s not like you’re gonna message your buddy who’s just sitting probably 3-4 tables just to borrow an eraser or probably ask to call him back after class. This is something I just don’t get it. What happened to the days when you pretty much pass notes around, and in the middle of the notes someone tends to be busybody and open it up before even sending it to the person you want to send. Or during halfway passing the teacher would probably catch you red handed, and read out loud the notes.

   Anyway, my kid neighbor who is currently 8 years old already owns a hand phone. When I asked him who do you call with your hand phone, he conveniently answer his parents. When I asked him does his friend owns one? He said yeah, all of them do. And someone I know who are still upset with his parents because his parents didn’t give him a phone. Because the whole world got a hand phone, so he speaks. Age? Well, he’s 13 and I still don’t get the equation here. Lol. They can’t bring it to school anyway, so what difference would that make ? I mean, when I was 8 we were busy playing “Jadi” or “Pepsi-Cola”, and also cops and robbers.

   So in conclusion, I guess I’m seriously old already. As I guess the terms they now used for children this age are so called “Kids of the 22nd Century”. Gone were the days, when we were being told that during my time we had to tap rubber so that you can get a good education now. Or even we eat more salt compared to you eat rice now. Esther has not turned into a teenager yet, so I’ve yet to experience all these things. But I hope she wouldn’t bring me so much trouble, and if she does. Well, I guess I have to get part of the blame because I wasn’t too good myself back then. Hehehe. Never the less, Deluxe is going through Your Child Essentials of Discipline by Dr. James Dobson now while taking care of Esther. Inside does have a lot of explanation on how to discipline a child. I remember back then it was legal for parents to whack a child using a rotan, but now the kids can sue the parents of child abuse. Anyway, let’s hope it wouldn’t end up that way. Hehehe. I think I have said enough, I’ll update again tomorrow as I’m needed for something later this evening.
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God Grants our Need Not our Greed

   Internet connections still screw up, and apparently no news from Telekom yet. Will call them up later. Been trying to access my blog for the past few days, apparently I couldn’t get online through it… Oh well…

   For the past few weeks, I’ve pretty much been working out in terms of our current financial situation considering the fact that the recession might affect the business in the near future. But from what I understand that the people in Kuching are still pretty much spending as if there’s nothing to worry about. Not to mention that 1,500 people would be out of work next month, really troubles me. What are the 1.5k people are going to do here in Kuching? Because 1.5k is kinda a lot I think, for Kuching alone to be jobless. Despite the fact from the reports that US recession has not hit Malaysian tourism industry, but most of the tourist purchasing power is not like they used to be. I remembered the first time when I started working in the shop, bout 4 years ago the tourist were more easy to deal with and they pretty much buy in bulks. Some even said after looking at one product, said “They Will Be Back”, they really will come back and buy from you. Today, the tourist nowadays are pretty much so called smart shoppers whereby they would walk from one end to the other end just to see the price. But eventually in the end not buying anything at all. My assumption is that, economy is bad nowadays so they spend less. But why are they here in the first place? Probably they purchased Air Asia or Malaysian Airlines ticket during the promotion time months in advance, and thought it would be a waste if they don’t even travel.

   Anyway, going back to the recession which pretty much shook me up last year as I was trying to work up on a backup plan to see alternative measures to think where can we go next from here. In case Plan A doesn’t work, Plan B needs to be in operation just to break the fall. So I started to work on a master plan to basically calculate the expenses that we are currently occurring, and the amount of income we are getting. No doubt we are still doing fine, but after the episode on what happened to Esther last year December, it pretty much took a bit from our unexpected expenses. As Deluxe and myself are not really big spenders in material things, we pretty much are happy with the things we have now.

Breaking News : Telekom people just arrived and checked my line. Said there’s NOTHING WRONG. -_-” Apparently they suspect is my modem, but I told them it only occurs between 10am to 7pm. After that it’s fine. But never the less, they’ll be getting someone else to come again, prolly the Internet technician, whereby he told me he was only the line technician. Oh well.. Better than nothing.

   But looking back on all the things we went through, I seriously thank God that He pretty much covered all our expenses when we needed the funds. Like for instance, my wedding as how God pretty much settled our bills when I myself thought it was kinda impossible for me to do it. Anyway, it was miraculous in a sense where God had lead us to meet the right people and places. In one case where we had our dinner reception which pretty much will burn a big hole in the pocket, but the guy only told us that we just need to pay for the deposit of only RM500 and the rest is to settle right after our reception. Which we thought that, it wasn’t too bad of a deal where we pretty much booked for 30 tables if I’m not mistaken. When I told this news to my parents, turns out to be a good friend of theirs and I shouldn’t really worried too much about it. Fortunately everyone was happy with the food, and guess it pretty much solved all our problem.

   We were indeed blessed with the arrival of Esther in October. We thank God that Esther, was doing ok and did not have to spend any extra days in the hospital. As a friend of ours did a calculation whereby to have a baby it cost at least RM10k. But for our case, Esther didn’t really have so much heavy major expenses. Plus most of the things were given by many people, and again we didn’t have to spend that much on so many other accessories. Lol..

Breaking News : Well, this is basically a follow up from yesterday when I wanted to complete this post. What actually happened was that, after the Internet was ok after a long day of fighting with it. Then all of a sudden black out -_-” It was from 6pm till 8pm. Was thinking of bringing Deluxe out for dinner. But apparently, we had a candlelight dinner instead. So it’s all good. Just got a call from Telekom to follow up on my case, quite surprise they have the time to follow up.

   Considering the fact that now is not a peak season, business here is a bit slow. But I guess by next month it would start to pick up again since school holidays are near. But I believe God does have his purpose in anything and everything. Just have to continue to trust Him in regardless of the situation. As for the past few weeks, despite not being a slow season for business here at Main Bazaar. But God has been making sure by sending the right people here, and things really is not that bad. So I praise God for everything He has been secretly working even though I don’t notice it. And for those who are going through difficult time now, just to let you know, “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” hehehe.. Thought this song might be appropriate to encourage you guys to stay strong, and positive. ;) Have a nice day..

Great, just when I’m about to post it the Internet suddenly become cacat again.. Haiz.. Oh well.. Life goes on :)


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For The Love Of God

Ok this is a response to Paran’s facebook which I thought it was interesting and funny. Turns out pretty cool.. Hahaha.. Anyway, not tagging anyone, if you interested to do one, do leave a comment and I’ll LOVE to check it out.. Hahaha…

RULES:

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 25 friends.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS ‘ARE YOU OKAY’ YOU SAY?
To Da River – Fighting Temptation

2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
I Started A Joke – Bee Gees

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Zombie – Cranberries ( X_X )

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
I’m Not A Girl – Britney Spears (Man, I should have taken out these songs)

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Always With Me, Always With You – Joe Satriani

6. WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO?
I’m Going Home – Chris Daughtry

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I’m My Own Grandpa – The Stupids

8. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Let It Be – The Beatles

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman

10. WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Windy – The Association

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
You Give Love A Bad Name – Bon Jovi (Lol.. Sorry man, not my fault ya..)

12. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Pretty Fly For A White Guy – The Offspring

13. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Dancing Queen – Abba (What the….)

14. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Na Shi Wa Wu Chi Pak Ban (If I have a million dollars) – Freddy Huang

15. WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Numb – Linkin Park

16. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Oh Happy Day – Sister Act 2 ( X_X )

17. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Booyaka 619 – POD ( Lol.. Close enough)

18. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Mary Had A Little Lamb – Stevie Ray Vaughan

19. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Sephia – Sheila On 7 ( I’m so getting in trouble for this. Lol )

20. WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW
Change The World – Eric Clapton (Aiseh. Seriously)

21. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Original Soundtrack TMNT

22. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
For The Love of God – Steve Vai
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Crappy Internet COnnection

I’ve been pretty much disconnected throughout the whole Internet world. Yes, it’s that bad. Let me explain my situation now. What actually is happening with my line. It pretty much get connected and disconnected at all times. Last week was still bearable whereby even disconnected for like 2 mins, I got connected back up again. And it would last for like 2-3 hours before the disconnection problem arise again. During the weekend, I couldn’t even get connected at all during the day time. And only night time still ok a bit, but having the same problem. On Monday, things got to even worst. What happened is that, I can get connected for like less than 10 seconds and things did not improve from there. This was after 10 am, and had that problem probably around 2 hours then things was ok already.

On Tuesday, just after 10 am problem came in. And I pretty much called up Telekom this time to see what’s up with them. They go through the normal procedure of check the modem, line, direct connection to the phone line, and asked if I installed any alarm or not. After doing that, they reset my port which didn’t help either. So instead of wasting time calling them again, I went and checked my splitters to see if they were working, and changed the phone cables. But that didn’t help either. Never the less, I play the waiting game again. This time I was back online only by 3pm. But yesterday was the worst, as after 10am, I couldn’t get back online till prolly about 5pm. And I only had 1 and a half hours before the problem occured again. During that time I just got back from my walk, and to see that it was working but only to kenak potong stim when it didn’t worked in the end. And towards the rest of the evening, I pretty much couldn’t access the Internet AT ALL! Up until now. Which is really sad.. Anyway, if this problem continue to persist again at 10am I’ll call Telekom straight away and ask them to get their technician here to check the lines. So wish me luck!
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3 Days Summary

Really having bad case of internet connection for the past few days. Especially on the weekends, which pretty much explains why I didn’t update much on this site. This is what you call Malaysian Broadband. Haiz… -_-”

   How did you spend your valentine’s day? Well, basically as every year 14th February draws near. Deluxe had already early, early warned me not to get anything due to the fact that it’s Valentine’s day, and everything tends to be more expensive. Plus business not really good so no need to spend unnecessary. Anyway, we’ve pretty much made a deal regarding Valentine’s day already to celebrate it “some other day”. As everyday can be valentine’s day, so everywhere could be fully booked and you won’t pretty much enjoy the place. Never the less, with Esther around I guess 3 of us can pretty much enjoy Valentine’s Day together. Anyway, the street of Main Bazaar here were not really filled with a lot of flower seller like 2-3 years ago. I remember, last year a lot of people sort of got caught because they had no license to sell there. But this year, apparently DBKU finally approved them and gave them permit to sell. But never the less, they were irritating and the flowers cost a bomb X_X. RM50 for 3 stalks, whereby I think I can get 6 of it for that kind of price. Oh well, it’s all good. But I got to give them credit as they were selling it up till over mid night as they were pretty much screaming on buying the flowers. Guess that’s how we spent Valentine’s day, at home. Lol. Which I think is good, rather than spending on over priced items which I think is ridiculous now, but instead spend time with the family. I guess that’s the best Valentine’s Day moment that one could ever asked for :)

   This so by happened to be my favorite photo for this month which I caught Esther during Dad In Law’s Birthday. Anyway, yesterday we went for the early morning service and pretty much stayed on until the English service just before the sermon started. As I had duty to perform, and after that we went off to Saberkas for lunch. Esther was having a fun time in her stroller that was bought by her Tai Pak. As it was easier for Deluxe as well, where she didn’t had to carry Esther most of the time. As we pretty much pushed her around, while she enjoyed the view especially when were at Cindy’s. Because of the bright lights and accessories. So I guess she might be a shopaholic after all, I hope not >.< Lol. After that, we went and got a few more things before we head back home. During the afternoon, I was contemplating on opening the shop. After I parked the car, I pretty much went around and see how was the market like. Apparently the whole street of Main Bazaar was pretty quiet, and at the waterfront were mostly locals just hanging out. So in conclusion, I didn't opened the store as I intend to but instead was at home trying to get some additional work done. As I'm now currently preparing more items to not only sell on eBay but other sites as well. Will intro some nice site, as I find it the people there are kinda warm. So you guys can have a go at it as well.

   Today was slightly quiet, but I do have to thank God that His provision is always sufficient for us. I guess it’s His own timing, He will bless you with want you need. And today God pretty much showed Himself to me that He’s still here and still watching over us. So despite the bad economy currently happening worldwide, just remember that God is in control and just surrender everything to Him. Once you do that, continue to work your butt off and you’ll be amazed with the returns :) Anyway, it’s dinner time already, and I think I need to see Esther already. Have a nice day.
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