Monthly Archives: June 2009

Playing Music To A Cow

对牛弹琴  As the saying goes, customers are always right.  But what if, the customer is really wrong.  What should you do?  Anyway, after working here in the shop for quite some time already.  You tend to develop a behavior or instinct that you can pretty much tell which customer is worth taking your time, and which one is not.

  But in this story, what actually happened was that I guess it was due to we were very free, we’ve pretty much attend to someone who was not worth attending to.  You see, there are people who thinks that they have all the money in the world, but in actual fact just because they have a credit card doesn’t necessary means that they are rich.  (I know this because his excuse for not purchasing souvenirs from another shop is due to the fact they don’t accept credit cards).  As much as I know this is very wrong, I seriously don’t want to continue writing this.  Anyway, just for curiosity sake for people who wants to know how this Chinese Idiom can take place in this shop.  Let’s just say that this is a perfect place for people to find out how you can actually get “HolaN”.

All of the items are from Sung Dynasty except for the Ewer which is from Ming  As you all might know by now that I’m currently running a shop which is selling Sarawak Souvenirs as well as Antiques.  But there are some people who just don’t understand the actual value of these things.  As I mentioned earlier in this post, over the years you can tell who is really serious into this, and who is not.  For the people who are serious, are normally they just come and walk in and have a look.  Before they ask you to open up the cabinet, they first will ask for the price followed by negotiating the price.  Once they confirmed then they will ask to have a look at the item, and when they are satisfied they will end up most of the time 95% paying in CASH.

Normally the victims of the non serious buyers. Sometimes ended up damaged  Let me tell you who are the not so serious buyers, who pretty much will make your life difficult and especially when there are no one around.  Firstly, they will come in and look around.  If they have friends, they would be yapping very loudly talking this and that.  They will first look at the souvenirs and ask for ridiculous offers, like for instance offer I’m selling a wooden box at RM18, and they are asking for only RM5. -_-”  Mind you that these people did not purchase anything from other shops, and if you meet these type of people, you pretty much know they are not serious already.  So these are the people who come in and just touch everything they see, wear anything they can find, and mess up anything they can put their hands on.  And when they break something especially the bracelets, they will act as if nothing happen and just put it back into the box. But when you approach them, they will always say “Lousy bracelets.  Haven’t wear already broken.”  That’s their normal excuse, but when you tell them it’s due to rough handling, they’ll give you 101 reason just to not pay RM2.50 or RM3.50.  So these are normally for the souvenirs areas.

   As for the antiques, they will go to the back and demand you to open up the cabinet and have a look at it.  So when you open it up and let them evaluate the item, when they saw the price they will pretty much scream at you asking “Why is this so expensive?”.  Then you will continue to explain to them that these are antiques, and not the reproductions which are cheaper.  The next few things that would probably come out from their mouth is that :-

1. It looks so new, doesn’t look like an antiques.
2. I have 200 of these things at home, why sell so expensive.
3. I’m currently using this plate at home to feed my dogs.

Wooden boxes to store practically anything  And the list pretty much continues.  So normally, when they ask to see the other items.  That’s when I pretty much will let them know the price already. And if they still insist of me opening it, I will have to verify with them are you serious in purchasing this item.  Their normal response is, if I don’t see it how can I purchase the item.  So finally when I go and open the thing and give the item to them to see, they will say it’s too expensive.  In the first place I’ve already told you the price of the item already and when you finally touch it, they say too expensive.  Then after that, I would ask them how much are they willing to pay for it.  And their asking price is 10% of the actual value of the item, this is then I pretty much put on my sour mask on and wouldn’t be too courteous anymore.  So whatever the person say, I’ll just keep quiet.  Normally by then these people would pretty much get the picture that I won’t be entertaining them anymore, and they’ll just leave on their own.  Some, not wanting to lose saying thatI seriously want to buy but you are not telling me anything about it.  The problem is, if we explain you will still not understand.  So basically it’s like playing music to a cow.

  Anyway, whenever you go shopping next time.  Please respect the people who are working there as well.  Don’t think that it’s all about customer’s right, but you are not considered a customer until you purchase something.  And please don’t make life difficult for people, if you don’t have interests in purchasing a product.  Plus don’t make any offer if you don’t intend to keep, that’s very bad.  Trust me, what goes around comes around.  There I said it, and I feel better already.  So there!

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A(H1N1) Has Arrived In Kuching

A(H1N1) VirusBeen very busy with other things as of late, that’s why I have been MIA for a while.  Anyway, current news is that the dreaded A(H1N1) has finally reach the shores of Kuching via MH2504 that arrived on the 19th June 2009.  I first saw the news this morning via The Malaysian Insider, and was wondering these past few days there were people who were coughing and sneezing in and out of the shop.  Were they affected as well.  Anyway, we’ve pretty much decided not to bring Esther out for a while.  And also not to lepak way too much down here at the shop. Even though she enjoy most of the time having both mummy and daddy around.  But we have been pretty much taken our own preventive measure, whenever someone comes into the shop it will be either myself or Deluxe quickly rush Esther back to the top floor.  I guess that’s the only preventive measure we have for now.  And also made it a point to wash our hands and face before carrying her.  Now I’m wondering when will we receive an SMS asking us to take green beans for protective measure.  Lol.

 
  I’m still finding it difficult to understand why the ministry is having a hard time tracing these people down.  Instead of publishing it through the media asking these people to contact a certain number, why don’t they just call the passenger directly.  I thought whenever a person made a booking via online or through counter they are required to place their contact numbers.  Why are they not getting the numbers from the MAS or AirAsia.  AirAsia has been giving out my number to insurance company asking me to buy Personal Accidents Insurance.  I don’t see why are they are not willing to release it to the government, whereby this is a matter of life and death.  Probably not death, but still.  You get the picture.  Anyway, hopefully the rest of the passengers are not affected those who were in the same flight.  Got to go now, will update more tomorrow.  For your pleasure reading, let me know what you think about this article. Just how serious are we about A(H1N1)?

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Father's Day

Happy Father's Day To All Daddy Around The World

  Was suppose to do this yesterday, but something came up so I kinda delay the post by today.  Anyway, Deluxe didn’t give up but insisted that I still celebrate my birthday yesterday in conjunction with Father’s Day as well.  Lol.  But I’ll post about that tomorrow as I’m still currently editing my pictures.

  It’s kinda weird celebrating Father’s day for the very first time.  But never the less, I guess I got to get used to it since I’ll be doing it again next year. Lol.  Anyway, since my birthday is so strategically close to Father’s day I guess it will be a double celebration for me next time.  Lol.

  Anyway, back to the story on what I witness yesterday that pretty much reminded me of someone whom I know.  He’s kinda big and muscular fella who has beautiful arts marked on his body for life.  This person, who was carrying his daughter as well around the place explaining every little things around the surrounding to her.  And he was very gentle when speaking while carrying her, one must have thought there was no way there is a heart under the thick and thorny skin.

Everyone deserve a second chance

  Well, he kinda reminded me of this person whom I know many years ago.  No doubt that he indeed was someone whom you may not be proud of to call a dad, but this person was probably misunderstood by everyone.  And the reason why he had to do these things was basically well, it’s his job I suppose.  Just because he didn’t had an opportunity in life, he basically needs to “fight” in order for him to survive in this world.  So basically he’ll do those things, which you pretty much see on TV.  Just to cut long story short, in the end he gave himself in and started a new life.

  The main reason he did that, was because of his children.  No doubt he may be what you think a heartless person, but deep down inside there were still compassion in him.  He wanted his children to have a father of whom they can be proud of.  I remember an incident he went and called me up because there was a problem with the nursery school computer where his children were attending.  Because of his outer appearance he dropped me off in front of the gate and asked me to give him a call once I’ve done fixing the problem.  I guess he didn’t want the other children to see him, so he pretty much went to a nearby coffee shop to wait for me to fix the computer.

Children are a gift from God. Cherish them always.

  After I completed the task,  and the principal wanted to pay me for the repairs but I told him my friend had paid for it already.  It’s kinda sad when these group of people kinda shy away from society when they want to do something good.  Because of their outer appearance people kinda judge them for who they are, without knowing their background in the first place.  And the reason why the reason why they do these sort of things was because well, they just never had that opportunity in life.  Everyone deserve a second chance in life, it’s only a matter if we are willing to give them that chance.

  But one thing amaze me about him is that, he love his children very much.  It’s been a while since I last saw him.  The last time we met, was just before he left for Melbourne to be a chef.  Just a few years ago he was back in Miri for a short trip, basically wanting to show everyone that he’s pretty much changed already.  But my friend told me that time, he’s kinda thin already and didn’t look too well.  He even joked to the friend of mine stated that his time is nearly up, and he’s paying the price of what he did in his previous life.

  He gave me a call just before he head back to Melbourne to pretty much go back to his family there.  No doubt he has regrets regarding the life he went through, but if he was given a second chance to start all over again.  He wouldn’t mind going through the same thing over again, because throughout the years living without having an earthly father.  He managed to found a heavenly one who was able to love him and accept him for who he was.  And he was grateful that the heavenly Father found him in the end.  Happy Father’s day to all of you and God Bless.

When God Ran

Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror, and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run

CHORUS:
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run

And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees
When God ran – I saw Him run to me

BRIDGE:
I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day

I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again

He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”, He called me Son
He said, “Son do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him
When God ran

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So It's My Birthday

To The Love Of My LifeSo today is my birthday.  Anything special happened today?  Despite Deluxe being busy with Esther.  She made it a point to try and celebrate my birthday today.  The things she would do for me, really touches my heart.  I’m very fortunate to have someone like her in my life.  Considering that I couldn’t do much for her birthday last month apart from getting her a cake and KFC for dinner.  I pretty much understand the difficulty in terms of preparations.  Never the less it’s all good.  Especially with the latest addition to the family Esther, that came and added colors to our walk in life together.

  Anyway, she got up kinda early and quickly made me red eggs.  As I believe it’s a must for every birthday, and she went and gotten me noodles for breakfast.  As it is believed that it will lengthen our life span here on earth.  Lol.  Thank you so much dear for doing this for me. I really appreciate the effort you put in just to make today special for me.  I love you ^_^

A must have for birthday, Red Eggs!  Anyway, been kinda slacking off today in a sense whereby I didn’t do anything much productive today.  Lol.  I guess it’s a day off for me.  Hehehe.  Been working some pictures that I took of Esther last week, will post it up tomorrow in conjunction of Father’s Day.  I received an SMS from a good friend of mine wishing me Happy Father’s day.  Right after my birthday, and with that greeting I suddenly realise I’m kinda old already.  Lol.  Since my father in law is around probably will go somewhere and celebrate after church.

  It has been about 8 months already ever since I became a father.  To be honest, I kinda went through a stress period before Esther came into this world.  Where as most of the time I would always be concern about our financial situation.  Will we make enought to support Esther especially for the future.  Plus having a child is not cheap nowadays, but Deluxe has always been there to support me in everything that I do.  And she has always been the one to calm me down whenever I go through this “period” of stress.  Lol.  But I guess it’s normal, because almost everyone has it, just that they all deny the fact that it actually occurred to them.

God carried me through in times of difficulty and all I need to do is put my faith in Him  Life have been great especially with Esther in our lives.  Despite the fact we had to sleep early, as well as waking up as early in the wee hours of the morning.  But it was all worth it.  One way or another, God has been seeing us through, throughout this whole season.  I was just recalling back today when the flood hit Kuching, some how our shop was not effected unlike the one that occurred in India Street as well some areas just a few shops down our block here.  If it weren’t for God’s grace, I don’t think I would be able to look back and say that God was not there when I needed Him.  He was there ALL the time, whenever I needed Him the most.

  In terms of Esther’s education for the future, I must indeed thank God as well for providing me a way to pretty much settle for her education fees.  It’s kinda like a investment saving bond, which I think I’ll post it up in another day or two.  So God kinda work in misterious ways, even though I must admit I’m still suprise by His intervention as I would put it. God carried me through in times of difficulty and all I need to do is put my faith in Him that everything will go well.  Even at times I stubbornly tried to do it my way, but in the end God had to correct me once in a while just to let me know He’s still there watching over me and I wouldn’t need to worry.

  So today is my birthday. Do I feel another year older?  Well, I still feel the same deep down inside.  But in terms of physically I starting to get a feel of it a bit.  Though I haven’t hit the 30 yet, but somehow I kinda get tired easily nowadays even with 9 hours of sleep.  Lol.  Probably what I’m lack of is exercise, which I have stop doing for a very long time already.  Oh well, it has been good while it lasted.  Now I’m even considering in lifting weights because I have 2 dumb bells at home which is pretty much sitting there doing nothing.  Hehehe.  We shall see how it goes, but one thing for certain is that I must not procrastinate.

Being a father taught me so many things which I never could understand before  Do I feel wiser?  To be honest, I don’t think so.  Probably it could be due to the numerous hours I spent in front of the laptop.  And that’s why I feel dumber, and dumber each day.  Lol.  Speaking of which, my Desktop died a few days ago.  Not too sure what was wrong with it, but I doubt I’ll consider bringing it alive.  As much as I want to, but I don’t think I have the time to find out what is wrong with it. I’ve tried changing the display card as well as the processor.  But that didn’t do any much good, so probably it could be the RAM, which I doubt as well.  Either that it could have been struck by lighting, but if that were to happen my modem would also be a gone case too.

  Being a father taught me so many things which I never could understand before when I was young.  When my parents had to punish me whenever I do wrong, or probably felt that they never care when they did that to me.  But in actual fact, they do love and care for me.  Esther taught me something that no matter what person I’ll be in the future, someone who could be succesful in life or someone who is a failure (which I hope I wouldn’t be).  That I know she’ll love me no matter what, and I’ll do my best to try and provide the best for her.  And that, she’ll know that both Deluxe and I will love her unconditionally no matter what happen in the future.  But we’ll leave that to God’s hand, as we believe He brought us through till today.  I’m certain He’ll take care of Esther as much as how He had watched over us throughout the years.

  I guess I’ll stop here for now.  Getting headache already because of the lack of sleep last night.  Esther went and woke us up at 4.30 am.  The joys of being a parents.  Hehehe.  You guys have a good weekend.  Will post the pictures tomorrow right after I complete editing them.

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Win A Free Nokia N97!

Nokia N97

 

  I’m no kidding on how to win a  Nokia N97.  I believe the contest is still on till tomorrow.  So hurry on over here and start making your own widget to win this fabulous phone for FREE.

  What you need to do is basically kinda simple actually.  Firstly you need to decide what you want your widget to do.  For my case, I’ve been comparing to get either a Samsung Phone or a HTC phone.  So what I did was compare these both phones, and the widget below showed whichever phone got mentioned more basically is the winner.  As much as I would love to win this phone, but if I don’t then my next option will prolly be a Samsung ;)

  After you created your widget, you’re suppose to add this widget on your website.  So basically that’s how the whole thing works.  Anyway, hurry and do this before the contest is over.  Good luck!

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