Korea? Love the Music

Okay, Okay!!! I'm in the mood!!!

As a tribute to all things Kimchi, this whole month I will be belting out some of my favourite songs from Korea. The one you are listening to right now is a song by The Promise. Its called Fly To The Sky. Pretty sappy title huh?? But what the heck I like it.

I guess the Korean phenomenon really took the world by storm. Everyone's mad about them. Though, I have to confess that I've never really finised one single Korean drama. Errr....nobody kill me okie?

But still, I have to admit, whats not to like? Great looking babes, dashing guys (hehe....some are better looking/prettier than their female counterparts) and fastastic music. Just what the doctor ordered for a good time for the whole family.

But you really have to sit down and think about it. How did the Korean phenomenon get so big? The asnwer? Those friggin sappy love story script writers!!!! Without them, nobody would have heard of Bae Yong Joon and I'm sure nobody would have uttered the words sarang hae before. Korean should really put these guys on the padestial. I'm sure if you mesured it, these script writers have caused tonnes and litres of tears jerking out of love torn/sappy teenage girls all around the world. And thats not counting the tears shed by the Auntie Killer Bae Yong Joon. The amount of tears shed combined would put Hurricane Wilma to shame.

Still, I'm not complaining. As long as they can produce music like that, I'm all for Koreans!

Hmmm, with Koreans aside, today was really a relaxing day. I'd even manage to get a hair cut. Hmmmm, though until now I never seem to find a hair cut that really suits me. How nice if I can look as good as those Korean actors....one of them being my all time favourite, Jang Dong Gun. That fella really have class. I would likened him to the Korean James Bond. Super suave!

Thats me I guess. I really like the stereo-typical suave good guy. How I wish I can be like that. Look suave and good in a coat.

"Mum, when I grow up.....I wanna be like him!!!"

But I know, before that.....I need to lose all these KILOS!!!!! Ummmmm.....though my growing beer belly isn't helping *grins* Oh well.....till then...I'll just be Sonny Yong. =)

Formula for a good time

[Great company X (Tasty food)²] + Nice location = Good time

I love spontaneity. Just like the time me and Rena went for the foot massage and just like the late night supper I had with Cassie last night!

It was just one of those weeks where I am working morning and I was off on a Sunday. As usual, I mope around the idea of going home at 7pm on a Saturday night knowing I had nowhere to go and I was even off the next day! Sheesh!

I'm a young, working, single and financially stable guy spending his Saturday nights doing laundry and watching TV!!!!~ Errr....though....pay day isn't here yet and there isn't going to be alot of spending. hehehehe

Anyway, to my much distress, as I got off work, suddenly Cassie just casually asked if I wanna have supper, cos she might be cancelling her appointments with her friends. So I thought to myself, "what the heck, why not?"

So, I went home first, had myself a short nap, and later Cassie called me and we decided to meet up at Holland V. And from there on........my Saturday night was saved!!!!

I must say that eventhough it was just a simple supper without alot of fanfare, but I really did enjoy myself. We didn't need to go clubbing, we didn't need to spend riduculous amounts of money and we didn't need to have alot of people around......though too bad Jeo (Cassie's bf) couldnt join us, or else it would have been nice to have the usual gang.

However, halfway thru someone unexpected showed up right in front of us. It was JUSTIN!!!!!! Our former boss. He's now transferred to another Cluster in our department....but I really have to say this. Justin's one of the BEST managers anyone could EVER have. Serious. He's really one guy who has the perfect balance between play and work and is of course, nice to his staff. Justin was actually there at the same coffee shop having a birthday supper with his friends.

Later on, Justin was even nice enough to come over to join me and Cassie for a while. We chatted for almost a good 10 to 15 minutes before he left to join his friends again. After that, my respect for him grew even more. Really down to earth guy.

Not many managers would come over to spend some time with their staff; especially when you're out of office. I see it alot of managers wouldn't even be caught dead having drinks with their junior officers. In my office, the some managers are like that. They rarely spend time with staff at the ground level and only mingle among themselves. Talk about building rapport and ego!

After that, me and Cassie continued on with our food and drinks. I find that I really find it easy to talk to Cassie. We talked about work, life, relationships and office gossips!!! And before we knew it....it was already 3:15am!!

After the supper, finally I got home about 4am. I was kinda happy about it cos, in the past when I was back in Penang, I used to go home this late on Saturday nights. Me and my buddies would hang out at mamak stalls after playing countless hours of Counter-Strike at the cybercafe. Sometimes we would even strecth the night chit-chatting at the mamak stall until 5am.

Looking back, sometimes I think to myself...we really had alot of things to chat about! Every week without fail all of us would hang around until 4am or 5 am at the mamak stall. We never grew tired of it....we just basically enjoy each other's company.

Sigh,.......I kinda miss those days =) But hey.....having supper with a good friend like Cassie; is equally as enjoyable!

Noma Numa Yei!!!!!

Quite some time ago, I came across this really funky trailer of Chicken Little while catching a movie in the cinema.

My very first impression I got was, it was damn HILARIOUS!!!!!

With the facial expression like that and dancing to a song like that, it was simply unbearable.

Anyway, as for all of you that have read my previous blog entry, I know things seemed kinda down for a period of time. And I really took the time to reflect what I was truly feeling deep down inside and now I realize.....I was truly foolish.

I have been talking to a few friends for the past few days and I realized there are more things to life than what that was growing thru my mind. Important things.

Career, family, financial stability, my future and ALOT more things.

Also, when the setting and the tone of things are so low, its really kinda difficult to pick things up and start at a lighter note. From a sad entry posting, the negativity really affects everyone....even the readers.

I really didn't know what came over me that night. Hmmmm....maybe its the side effects of wearing a pink shirt!!!

Still, I think I have overcomed what I went thru that thing except for a few things that I guess I'll be able to sort out soon enough.

So I guess for the time being........mai-ia-hee, mai-ia-huu, mai-iahoo, mai-ia-HaHa!!!!

1:18AM

Just came back from work. It has definately been a long day after 12 and a half hours of taking calls and pacifying idiots.

But I guess the highlight of the day is when the company announced that all staff will be able to purchase 3G phones at subsidised rates. Under normal circumstances, I would be jumpin around. However......it doesn't really excite me.

Ladies and Gentlemen, its that time again. My regular ups and downs has hit a low period again.

Sigh....have no idea why I am feeling this way. Sometimes I think its self-inflicted. Or......deep down inside I DO know whats bothering me....just don't wanna to bring it up.

In office, as I watched the minute hand on the clock goes by, its somehow pretty peaceful around 12am. With only 5 to 6 officers in office, I was able to work at my own pace, take some time and reflect on my life and somehow; my heart is at ease.

Nobody bothering me, and most importantly my work distracts me.

Though, the moment I reach home.....my mind starts to wander. And all the shit come piling in. I need a break. I need a vacation. I need these things out of my head and out of my system. I need to get away.

The ironic part is that I told myself that I will never allow myself to feel this way again; but yet time and again and again and again and again and again and again.............

............................................................

Is anyone out there? I feel like shit.

Same ol' misty feeling....

Came back pretty early today. Don was on his way to Orchard, and he gave me a lift to town. From there on, I guess it was pretty near to get home.

As usual, whenever I come home early, its just another TV dinner. Was watching Blown Away while munchin on my Zinger burger. I've seen this old movie years ago, and I thought to myself....this is quite a good movie! They don't seem to make movies like this anymore.

After the movie, I started to do one of my favourite past times.....reading up on the lastest gadgets and......be a busy body and read people's blogs. Hey, sue me...like I've mention, if you don't have a life, you read about other people's life.

So, there I was....reading on people's blogs. But soon after reading a few blogs, I started to feel nostalgic. Almost everyone was blogging about how happy they are.......in their relationships. The way most of them describe it seems like they are in a fairy tale.

It was only today I read in the papers that singles in Singapore have it tough. This writer mentioned that normally during festive seasons like Raya and Deepavalli, the celebrants are usually granted to take their annual leave during this whole week of public holidays. Next, then priority is given to married couples as the government is encouranging procreation amongst couples. Go figure.

So, who is left to hold the fort? Singles. And this also means that......we, as singles don't get time to go clubbing, hangout with friends or socialize. Its the end of our love life. And to add salt to the wound, singles don't get any tax rebates from the government like childcare, education and ect. Hence, its like singles are being taxed to subsidize married couples. And further, in Chinese families, normally the unmarried son is assumed to have less obligations and commitments, hence he is expected to contribute to the parents more.

Though, all of the above is besides the point. I guess after reading all those lovey dovey blogs, I start to ask myself will I ever make any girl that happy. Will I ever be a good boyfriend? Or, am I even a good boyfriend material?

Sigh....when I ask those questions and reflect on my past, I'm afraid that all those questions will be answered with a resounding NO. I don't think I will be able to make a girl feel that way. When I see pics of couples together, they seemed so.....perfect. Happy. The smiles they exude is priceless. Its the epitome of hapiness.

I look thru my pics? Nothing in sight. Then again, I only took 1 or 2 pics with my ex despite being together for 2 years. Maybe now I know why.

Still, after all this while I still believe in the thing called love. Call me a hapless romantic anytime. Its just that my confidence level about love and romance have taken a plunge in recent months. Not that I'm complaining. Truth be told, its been a while now since I've even thought about relationships.

Also, another thing that sets me thingking is why do all the nice girls go for bad boys?!? Its true isn't it? I've seen alot of it, for a few exceptions of course. But my parents raised me to be a nice person and to be a gentlemen to the ladies. However, if I'd knew better, I'd smoke pot, drink and gamble to my hearts content when I was growing up. Then, I'll still be able to go home to a nice warm loving girlfriend/wife.

Hmmm....then again, I'll leave this topic for another time.

Victim of Circumstances

Rain.

Its been raining for the better part of the day and I haven't felt this cold for quite some time. No doubt that I was in office the whole day, but when I came back I really wanted to just hit the sack. The weather's just perfect to sleep through. Cooling....yet, warm and cozy. How nice if I have someone to snuggle and cuddle with......alas, I am brought to reality and realise that I live alone. So I guess for now, my pillow and bolster will suffice =)

Actually, alot has filled my mind today. There are a few things that has happened lately that I've come to realize how people can really take you for granted. I was really uncomfortable with one particular issue with one of my friends that is really starting to piss me off. A few of the things I hate the most are people that takes you for granted and also rude people. One classic example is people who literally pretend not to know you until when they need something from you; and all of a sudden they're your best friend and appears right in front of you. But when you try to contact them, they never seem to reply your calls or your SMSes.

Similar to this friend of mine. This person, from out of nowhere just SMSed me one fine day asking for a favour. I nearly had half the mind and just wanted to reply, "wow, now only I hear from you. Thought u were dead". But of course I didn't.

Still, even after agreeing to do the favour for this friend......there wasn't any thanks at all!!!! Sheesh!!! No simple, "thanks" or anything like that!!! Maybe I SHOULD shoot myself! In the head! TWICE!!!!!

Sigh.....then again, I tell myself not to get easily affected at things like that. After a while I'd just cool off and figure its not that big a deal. Some people are just like that. Just have to be aware of them and handle them accordingly.

On a seperate issue, work was kinda "unfortunate" as well. You see, there is this particular campaign in my office right now. Its called Sales Thru Service. Basically, as CSOs we have to upsell certain services to our customers whenever they call to our hotline; and there is a certain quota to be achieved.

The thing is, I have always tried my best to upsell those services whenever I had the chance. Never really complained about it. But however, today one of my managers did a side by side jacking and monitoring of my calls, and so happen, there were a few calls that came in that I felt that the situation didn't allow me to upsell those services.

Nonetheless, I was really dissapointed as I am kinda afraid that the manager thought I was one of those few CSOs that didn't want to upsell the promotional services. I have always tried my best, and also because I want to set an example to the new recruits.

Sigh,.......I guess I'm a vicim of circumstances. Its all about bad timing. Where was the manager when I manage to upsell those services?

Anyway, every cloud has its silver lining. Finally Alan and I has finished the "campaign" board that we have designed! It nearly took us 1 month to complete the board but I guess it could have been done faster if there weren't so many delays. Basically, me, Alan and a few other colleagues are in-charge of trying to improve the customer satisfaction level for callers of our hotline. We decided on a campaigned that would be called Hook, Line & Sinker.

Here's a chronology of the birth of the "Be Cool or Be Hooked" board!!

This is the initial design of the "thermometer". It might look like a simple design. But trust me, alot of time and thought was invested into that blasted thing!
So much tedious work were used with the glue gun, halfway thru I though I was getting high.

At this point in time, I thougt we had inadvertantly created just of big giant dildo.






And finally, after weeks of hardwork and brain-numbing design planning.....TA-DaaaAAaaaAaaah!!!! The fruit of our labour!

Itadakimas!!!!!

TGIF? How I wish.

To many of you, Saturdays seemed like a God-sent gift to the working class slave. However, not for me and my fellow colleagues.

Particularly for this week, my off days were on Thursday and Friday, hence this would only mean that I have to work on this weekend, all the way till mid next week. So, to many of you its the start of your weekend; but to me, its the beginning of my work week!

Still, both of my off days didn't pass by in vain. Funny how life seems to spring the best surprises. Life is TRULY indeed a box of chocolates. You'll never know what you're gonna get. Err....except if you bought a box of Cadberry's...or Royce....or...Van Houten's....err...oh, f*ck it. These days most of the time you DO know what you're gonna get when you buy a box of chocolates!!! Someone should shoot Forrest Gump. In the head. Twice.

Run, Forrest run!!! Moron.

Ok, back to the point. Anyway, I met up with Rena again for tea in the afternoon. Or shall I say coffee. As usual, we always have a good time chatting about life, the good ol' times and of course our future. One thing good about Rena and me, its that we share the same wavelenght. And obviously, she's also a great conversationalist! Never a dull moment. Though, the more we chatted, the more we found out that our past, school life and our background is vastly different.

Moving on, after a while we decided to do some window shopping in Heeren. And guess what? Rena somehow manages to "persuade" me into getting a PINK polo t-shirt!!!!! My very first PINK shirt. Let me repeat......PINK!!!!!

Oh, well, first time for everything I guess. Basically, my whole wardrobe is filled to the brim with shirts in prime colors. Blue, black, red, white, grey.....well, you can call it boring colors. Nothing too flashy.

According to Rena, it was kinda refreshing when I tried on the pink shirt. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and give it a try. I will be wearing it to work tomorrow and....wish me luck. I hope I don't single handedly cause an international fashion disaster!

Anyway, later on we went to Osahime!!!! One of our fav ala-carte buffet sashimi eating places. We met up with some colleagues and ex-colleagues and it was non-stop munchin action! Me and another colleague Alan practically devoured their entire stock of choka hotate (squid)!

By the time we finished, I was wondering how the restaurant owner felt. If we decided to make another visit to them....confirm close shop in 1 month!!!!!

Well, I guess that was yesterday and today's today. I actually just got back from work. Went to have dinner with my favourite god-sister Cassie!!! And of course, when the 2 of us get together. Lots of gossips and lots of sharing......eh, you people don't pass judgement ok?!?!!? Everyone gossips!!!!

Later on, I went to Clark Quay to meet up with my long time friend Mellisa. She's in Singapore for a short visit with some of her colleagues. Too bad I couldn't spend more time with them as I had to work for the next few days.

When I got there, apparently the guys had a facination for Hooters. We were having drinks there and I guess Hooters can only be known for 1 thing. For all those guys out there...don't pretend to act like you don't know!!!

But I only have one question.......where on earth do they fine all those super tight tops and shorts for the waitresses?!!?!?!

Err....not that I'm complaining.....

Better Day

Today seemed like a much, much better day.

Seeing that last night was one of the most ultra boring nights I had, I was kinda dreading the coming of the next 2 days as I will be off back to back.

I could hardly survived last night and I thought I would definately die from boredom within the next 2 days. Just imagine that.

Victim: Adult male, chinese

Age: 24 years of age

Estimated time of death: 72 hours ago

Cause of death: Severe boredom

But before you know it, there's a cloud in every silver lining!!! As it turns out, i DID have a plan today!!! I had a lunch appointment with a dear old friend, Rena!

Fresh back from the land of Kimchi, she really seemed like she enjoyed herself to the MAX!!! Still, I kinda sympathise with her as she didn't get to meet her long time beau, Kwon Sang Woo. Don't worry girl. I'm sure you'll meet him one day. And if not, I guess you meet him every night in your dreams anyway.

Author's note: This gal is mad about Kwon Sang Woo!!!!~

Anyway, after lunch (had lunch in Serangoon Gardens) we were feeling kinda spontaneous and decided to go for a foot reflexology massage! Well, it was kinda fun and relaxing actually as this is my first time having my feet massaged. Rena mentioned that if I started to feel sharp pains on my feet during the massage, it means that one of the organs/system in my body isn't exactly healthy. Apparently, there are some accute points in the human feet has a direct connection with each organ in our body. Still, I didn't feel any major pains for that 40 minutes of fats and flesh kneading.

Can you tell which one is my leg? I'll give you 2 hints. Hairy and Elephant size.

After that, we went to Bishan Junction 8 to do some window shopping. And the place has changed alot!!! The last time I was there was almost 1 and a half years ago. I could hardly recognise the place. Alot of improvement and very nicely done.

As we were walking around in Junction 8, then later on we bumped into something I couldn't resist not to take a pic of it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce to you......Singapore's Biggest Bae Yong Joon Memorabilia Collection!!! Fangirls in Singapore has taken Korean idolisation to a whole new level!! These people are mad! Talk about obsession.

Later on, Rena had to go and meet up with her real beau, James for dinner and I got home around 6pm. All in all, it was a really fun day...all thanks for my Boredome Savior Rena!

Oh well.....I know I shouldn't be saying this as off days are so precious; but.....now I have to survive 1 more day left.

Come what may. Let's see what happens tomorrow =)

Boredom

I'm bored. I'm utterly bored. I'm agonisingly bored. I'm boringly bored. I'm fantastically bored. I'm sickeningly bored. I'm freaking bored.

Simply.....I'm bored.

This is the downside of staying alone sometimes. Whenever I work morning shift, I come home early and thats it. I have no idea what to do and don't know where to go.

There's nothing to watch on TV and I have no idea what to surf on the net. The silence is deafening and the aimlessness is infuriating.

Ocassionally, I have thought to myself, if I have the drive and motivation in me to make it big, I'd use these "precious" time I have and make something out of it. Time is gold, as what people say. But what can I do? I can think of a few. I can attend courses, I can do some shopping or I can do some recreational activity like sports.

Yeah. Right.

In many ways, I think I'm just plain lazy. Of course, thats something I would prefer not to admit. But then again, think about it. I can attend courses, but I work in shifts. I can go shopping, but I'll feel lonely and I'd just waste money. And I can do sports.......err......let's not even go into that. Maybe you can say I'm giving myself excuses. And maybe you're right. Still, after a whole day's work, I rather be doing other things that what I've just mention.

The problem is, what else can I do?

So, after wasting hours sitting in front of the idiot box, I wasted a few more hours sorting out my CD collection. Then I spent a few more surfing the net aimlessly and reading other people's blog. Like my friend mentioned to me once. When you don't have a life, you read about other people's life.

That line is now getting seriously true by the minute. Its true. It seems like I don't have a life. Still, I'm sure the next time when I look back at this, I'm gonna tell myself, "God, I need more time!!! What on earth was I thinking wasting all that time away!!!?!?"

Yeah. Its gonna bite me in the ass. And its gonna hurt. Bad.

Pin Action!

I'm a bad, bad person. That's right.

Let's face it. Somethings people just have to know where to draw the line. And you may ask what I am referring to. In my current context; I'm referring to the Buddy System that I am attached to at work.

There is this particular new recruit that has been under me and a few seniors for quite some time now. And the thing is, we all know she has a good heart. But somehow personally, she's just not cut out to be a customer service officer. Still, she might not be a great customer service officer, but she can be a good one....with LOTS of polishing.

Today, I decided its time to be firm with her. I used to be pretty forgiving and always allowing her to pass calls that I would normally fail. But time and time again, she's been repeating the same mistake after numerous coaching. So, today I was very strict with her and showed her that I really mean business. Its about time she showed some progress.

Sigh....to be honest I feel really bad about it. But I figure, it was the only way for her to improve. She might dislike me as a senior. And she might even feel stressed about it. Still, I feel that her complacence is misdirected. Someone just have to be the bad guy.

Anyway, after a stressful day of monitoring her calls. I was off to bowling!!! Something which I have not done in a while. It was great to see all the fellow bowlers again. The feeling of exhilaration of getting a strike is always fantastic. Simply satisfying!

Personally, I didn't fared too well. Hit a high game of 162 and a low of 123, but I feel I could have done better. This is what happens when you were on a hiatus for 3 weeks!

Eventhough bowling might be an....expensive sport, but the atmosphere when everyone is around joking and having a friendly competition is really a destress session for me. No doubt that everytime I bowl I tend to psyche myself up mentally, but its good mental training I guess. The pressure, satisfaction and comadarie is something that I look forward to everytime. In some way, bowling is one of the few good things that I really enjoy in Singapore. However, its still an expensive hobbie.

When we're bowling, one of my managers always seem to crack the best jokes. Earlier on, there was this new bowler Michael who did really well initially. Then after a while, his game started to puncture. Immediately my manager yelled at him, "Michael!!!! Take out and use your strikes!! No need to keep for tomorrow wan!!!". Wahlan, I couldn't stop laughin when I heard it.

This if course is the master in action! My slut bro!!! One of the top bowlers in Team Hungry Turkey. He packs a mean hook and he has a bowling ball with a skull! Don't play play!!! When ever his hook ball hits a strike.....man, simply beau-teeeee-ful!!! The pin reaction is just awesome. How I wish I can bowl like that.

=) Anyway, I know I gotta UP my game. Will definately be looking forward to next week's training session again. So happy I'm on morning shift this 2 weeks!

Strike ah!!!!!!

I ♥ HARDWAREZONErs

Its really no secret where I work. That's right folks, I work in a call center in a local telco. I guess by now, many of you also have figured out which telco it is. Hence, many nights have I posted up entries bitchin about what kinda customers I get. Morons, imbeciles, idiots....you name it. I had them all. And most of them complaining about how "loyal" they have been to the telco and it always ends up in the same dispute. Money.

Its if about not paying their bills, its about freebies. Thats basically my job. Serving assholes.

HOWEVER.......once in a while there is a rainbow on the otherside of the clouds.

Recently, I have been reading up on Hardwarezone's forum. Occasionally I read the forums cos these people really know what they are talking about! Salutes!

Anyway, I came across this particular forum condemning...non-other than the company I work in. There it was....this guy. Complaining about how the telco cheats his money and how "loyal" he was over the years. Yeah.....noble, huh? The more I read it...the more pissed off I got. It is these idiots that I attend to everyday. Not only he wasn't shameful of having an outstanding amount of $300, but he made it sound like the telco owes him!!!

But wadya' know........I was genuinely "touched" by the respondents of that post. No doubt that not many were fans of my company; but most of them stood up against this fella. They, in returned started to condemn the fella for not paying his bills on time and how he argued his case! I like the part where this particular guy mentioned that its only right that the company suspended the fella's mobile line as he did not pay his bills. It is something owed and not something he did not use. Its just business.

Anyway, those of you reading this, might want to pay HardwareZone a visit. From a CSO's point of view....its definately a refreshing and motivating read. Its good to know you have supporters out there.

HardWareZone Forum-sters......you have my utmost respect!!!

Hungry Turkeys BBQ/Chalet 2005

Last night, the Hungry Turkeys had its BBQ night at the Pasir Ris Chalets. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Hungry Turkeys, or have not heard of the name before, it is actually the name of the bowling team in my my office (Don't ask me on how we got our name....but from a bowling perspective, Turkeys are always a good thing)

For the past 4 to 5 months, the Hungry Turkeys have taken part in the Rotary International League where corporate teams take part in a bowling competition on a weekly basis. Hence, the amusing thing was every time a bowler manages to bowl a turkey (3 strikes in a row for men and 2 strikes in a row for ladies), they win a chicken.

Yeah, you heard me right. Poultry. Chicken. Raw. Uncooked.

So, at the end of the league......the Hungry Turkeys manage to bag 13 CHICKENS!!!!!!!

And now here we are......BBQ-ing most of the chicken. And we even had enough for curry chicken as well.

Overall, we really had alot of fun last night. Its been a while since I stuffed myself silly. We had beehoon, satays, tonnes of otah, sweet potatoes, salad, stingray, satay rice balls and also a cabinet full of junk food.

Of course, I was dead tired through out the night. I went there straight after work and it has been a long long day for me. Working 5 days straight in a call center is really no joke. With inconsistent shift timings, I have to force my body to change its biological clock almost everyday. And not to mention the meal timings. Sometimes I will had lunch as early as 11.30pm, and the next day I will have lunch as late as 1.30pm.

So, you can imagine.....on one had I was so sleepy, and on another hand I was seriously hungry!!! I was thinking how nice if I could eat and sleep at the same time....hehehe.

Oh well, in the end of everything, the BOSS, Team Captain and our Hot-Shot bowler all gave a short speech to wrap things up. And later everybody moved into the chalet for some mahjong and tai-ti sessions. For me, I thought of going home......but then, one of my managers wanted to share a cab with me...but he wanted to finish his mahjong first.

Of course, I was fine with it. I got to play around with my video cam (with some incriminating footage!! Hahhahaha) and chat around with my other colleagues....which I have not done for quite sometime now.

Finally, I got home about 2am and..........I just woke up and its 4.30pm......and 10kg heavier *grins*

Women are Emotional, Men are Insensitive

Disclaimer: As usual, the ramblings of the author is purely based on the author's observations; if the following entry offends or hurt anyone's feelings.....just too bad la.

Well, that settles the formalities.

Lately, I have been taking notice of a few things. Long has man and women try to understand each other and for many eons, everybody has seemed to fail. Now, I'm not trying to say that I have solved this age old question that our fore-fathers couldn't; but I have realised that women in general are emotion and men are insensitive.

It is not that women and men are intentionally emotional and insenstive, but its just part of our genome/nature. I mean, think about it....I'm sure you'd agree when most women accuse men for being too insensitive (and I guess some women would even say men are incompetent.....but....errrrr.... lets not go into that) and men complain women are too emotional.

I have observed some women breaking down into tears for no good reason, or flaring up at the slightest instances. I have been a witness to such occurances. Trust me, I had front-row seats. Thats when it dawned upon me that women are emotional. No matter how ice-cold and un-warm they appear to be; deep down inside they are seriously emotional. But the thing is, some hide it well, some can't. In short...sometimes I think women are fragile. That's when men have to be abit.....tactful.

Then again..... this is the greatest irony of the century...men are insensitive; naturally.

And for myself, I am no exception. I have experienced this personally. I will not hide the fact that sometimes I can too...be insenstitive. However, the thing is...again, it is not intentional. Sometimes when I am too caught up with what I am doing, or when my mind is pre-occupied, I might end up saying the wrong things. Or worst....sometimes men just don't know "what" to say and..... ends up saying something insenstive....of course to women; this means we ended up saying something stupid.

Still, the whole jist of it is that never have men wanted to offend/hurt women's feelings intentionally. Basically.....men don't mean it.

Being insensitive might not be neccesary be a good nor bad thing. Neither is being emotional for women. Like I've said, its in our genes. But then again, I'm no psychologist or genetics sceintist.

So, the question is, what can we; as men and women do to something that has been around for centuries? We can't change over night, right?

I have only 2 things to say. Patience and TONNES of Understanding. If we can try to understand atleast the fact that - women are emotional and men are insensitive; then we would have much more tolerance for each others' flaws. I guess thats why men and women are not created equal and perfect. Nobody's to blame.

Anyway, this whole write up is only my 2¢ worth. I might be wrong....by a mile. But it's just something that crossed my mind and I'd like to share with everyone.

Peace, yar?

Wild, Wild World of Blogging

Been bloggin for almost a year now; I've only started to notice something recently about blogs. I was so occupied about with my work and all.....I now only started to notice how bloggin has taken the world by storm.

I guess as I am blogging this entry right now, there are millions doing the same as well. Just the thought of the sheer number of blogs out there is seriously stagerring.

Though, some blogs are good and some blogs are bad. But who am I to comment? Still, I also started to notice there are basically 2 types of bloggers out there.

One type is the type that writes what OTHERS want to read...for the sake of popularity I guess - its either that or they just wanna flex thier literary muscles; and of course the other type is the ones who just want to have a little piece of the world wide web to themselves - a keepsake you may call it. An online diary.

In recent months, I have been reading quite a few blogs. And everyone's having a blog these days. From celebrities like Bruce Willis to local Malaysian politicians (opposition party) like Lim Kit Siang. Yeah, I know......I had the same shock and awe expression when I heard it.....a politician?!?!

Anyway, back to the point. There are a few blogs out there that I read religiously at times. And one of them is Xiaxue's. She's basically quite a spunky and rebellious writer. Still sometimes as controversial her articles are....sometimes you just can't stop agreeing with her.

And of course, the other blog I read is Rockson's.

Hmmmm....what can I say about him? For starters, when his blog was first published....it was da BOMB. Everyone was talking about his choice of words. And it was a seriously fun read. And I must also admit, it was something...refreshing. I recommend people to go read his blog. However.....what really annoys me is that, in recent months, there has been other blogs like Rockson's blog appearing on the web like wild mushrooms. Everybody was trying to be vulgar just for the sake of being vulgar! That's the annoying part. They are just basically trying to leach off Rockson's popularity.

Sheesh....but I guess maybe these people are naturally vulgar in the beginning. Rockson just brought out the Ah Beng in them.

Lastly, the blog that I am reading enthusiastically these days is actually from a Malaysian blogger. Anyone ever heard of Kenny Sia?

He is SERIOUSLY funny!!!! Most of the time when I read his blogs I'll be rolling around with laughter! His sense of humour is spot-on and if I'm not mistaken he was awarded for some Asian Best Blog thingy (not too sure on this one). If anyone ever checks out his blog, you MUST check out the entry where he posted a semi-nude pic of himself referring to Sarong Party Girl's blog. Apparently, Sarong Party Gal made a big hoo-haa when she posted a nude pic of herself and was condemn for it. And being an controversial and bold blgger Kenny is........he did the same.

But maybe being a Malaysian myself, I really could relate to his tougue-in-cheek jokes and Malaysian cultural puns.

I hope he doesn't mind, but these are the pics that he has edited recently and posted up his blog. He is a big big fan of Hugo Weaving, but apparently he always confuse Hugo's role as Lord Elrond in Lord of the Rings, and Agent Smith in the Matrix trilogy.

And when I saw these pics.....it left me in stiches to the extent I had teary eyes! This is Kenny Sia's version if ever he is the script writer for Matrix and Lord of the Rings.

And this is the ULTIMATE one. Funny to the max!!!!

Rotten Cab Drivers!!!

Boy, it has been quite a day and things can't seem to get any better today.....

Woke up today feeling kinda groggy and flu-ish. Been sneezing like mad and my nose feelings like a tap that has sprung a leak!

Nevertheless, I presevered to work and from there on....it has been down hill.

OT today was seriously torturous. If someone ever ask you how it feels like to work 12 and a half hours in a Call Center? Just tell them to put their heads in a washing machine and let it rip......THEN you will feel about 10% from how it feels.

Sigh.

Then after work.....the "real" highlight of the day came. As I thought things couldn't get any lower....my trip home was delayed by my cab partner that was doing last minute follow up on some cases she had. So...there I was...sitting there...telling myself...."Never mind...I'm going home soon......*exhale*"

So at the end, about 30 minutes later...I was home. Thank God!!! BUT....it seems I have to act out one last drama before the day ended......

The taxi corporate card didn't worked. SHIT!!!!!

The stupid cab driver (Mercedez driver mind you!) claims he didn't have a Sales Draft and demanded I pay by cash. I explained to him that my company didn't allow for any cash reimbursments and for situations like this, he has to issue me a sales draft.

So, the idiotic cab driver started to get agitated and frustrated...he started grumbling. Immediately I just asked the asshole.."Hey....what are you so angry about??". He told me, "Time is money la!".

I took a deep breath and just told him calmly, "You think any of us wants this? Its 1AM and both me and you are tired. But nevertheless, we have to solve this prob."

Next, I called up City Cab and explained the prob to them. And you know what? The officer just told me...its a simple prob!!!! All the cab driver needs to do is take down the corporate card info and transfer it over to a Sales Draft when he has access to one!! &^%$%^#@@!!!!

The bugger was going to sucker me into paying by cash!!!! Then, I just confronted the asshole and just explained the situation to him. After that, he just exploded and said, "You go home and sleep la!! I will settle this with my company!"

Fine. I just left and went straight home. Stupid.

Sigh.....I mean....c'mon. Both of us have our problems and we have to deal with them maturely and sensibly. No point getting angry, right??? All I can say is....rude, rude, rude. And to think.....I should be the one screaming at him!! I am the customer!

Whatever it is, I have told myself a long long time ago.....since I've started this job, I will never be a pompous, arrogant and rude customer. If its warranted, everything can be settled in a civilised manner.

Anyway, on a seperate matter....I met up with and ol' ol' friend last night!! Rena!!! We basically met up for a dinner at a Russian restaurant she introduced to me....and let me tell you this...it was GOOD!!!!! The chicken shaslik (some sort of grilled chicken but served in a kebab style) and the borsch soup was excellent! Then later...we strolled around Serangoon Gardens as it was only my second time there. She intro-ed me to some uber cool al-fresco drinking and munchin places. REALLY NICE!!! Definately will want to try all of them out one day....hmmmm...just too bad the place is kinda inaccessable. Not really close to any MRT stations.

Finally, we settled down to have some light refreshments before we went home.

Though, as usual its good to see Rena again...always manage to chat alot of things non-stop.

She's flyin off to Seoul today for a holiday. Man, I'm green with envy. Always wanted to visit the Land of KIMCHI!!!! Enjoy yourself babe!!!

Night of Pure Magic

Simply magical.

Last night I attended Cirque Du Soleil's performance of Quidam. And all I can say is......sheer brilliance and spectacular.

For those of you that are not familiar with Quidam; it is basically a circus performance by a troupe from France called Cirque Du Soleil. Initially, I was really skeptical about the whole event and moreover it was the event that is replacing my company's D&D night. I have always loved D&Ds (but of course, i wasn't complaining about the free tix that was given to us. it actually cost $120 for the seats we got!). Still, the more I heard about Quidam, the more intrigue I was about it. Hence, I started to read up abit on Quidam and found out that it is of the most revered circus performance in the world! Circue Du Soleil is renowned for its other 2 performances called Allegria and Saltibanco.

And boy was the critics right! Quidam was absolutely awe inspiring and I couldnt believe my eyes when I was there.

Their performances were so nerve racking that audiences are left edging from their seats and were all speechless. People were clapping their hands non-stop and cheering on and on for a good 3 to 5 minutes when the show ended. And Quidam definately deserve the standing ovation at the end of it.

I will definately not forget Quidam for a long long time. Its just so difficult to describe the feeling of exhilaration when the stunts and acts were performed on stage.


Later on that evening, a few of my colleagues and I loitered around to take a few pics of the circus masks that were on sale there. And its really no joke.....the cheapest mask that were on sale were about $35 to $680!!!

The Unexpected Long Break and a surreal dream

Guess what? I have not been working for the past 5 days!!!!

Last Friday and Saturday were my off and rest days; and then I fell sick and took MC on Sunday and Monday. But little did I know, when I called my friend to check what time is my shift today....it turns out to be my off day today!!!

Hmmmm,.....I hope the people in office don't think I did it on purpose. Cos' these days its pretty dangerous to take MCs cos you would be accused of falsifying your sickness to extend your off days.

Sigh, but c'mon. I have no reason to take such a long break. Not as if I had anywhere to go and especially when I have so many pending projects at work. Oh well......I guess I just have to leave it at that.

Though, what I would really like to blog about today is a dream I had last night. I really can't remember the last time I had such a surreal dream which feels so realistic and a dream that affected me on an emotional level.

So....let me tell you all about this dream I had.

I dreamt that I was actually still sleeping. At home. And as I was really really tired and sleepy I could feel the morning sun shining on my face and I just refused to wake up. Then suddenly, I heard someone calling my name. And it was a girl's voice.

She kept on calling my name and pestering me to wake up. After that, as I was lying on left side of my body - ala foetus position, this girl's hand then came from behind and hugged me.

She was lying behind me hugging me and still pestering me to wake up. I was like....??????? Who on earth???

As I turned over, I remember I could recognise her as my girlfriend, but I could not really make out her face. And then I just said, "Huh? hey.....how did you get in???"

"How else?? Your dad let me in, silly", she said. Then I replied, "Oh....what time issit? I have to get to work".

Then she proceeded to tell me its getting late. I then got up and she told me she'll surf the Net while I get ready. Then both of us can go and get lunch before she sends me to work.

Shortly after that.......I woke up from my dream.

The dream really had an impact on me. I don't know why am I having such dreams....maybe I've been longing for a girlfriend, or maybe I'm getting desperate....or maybe its the stupid love movies I've been watchin g lately.

But one thing's for sure....in the dream, I felt loved. I felt as if someone really cared for me. Its a good feeling that I have not felt for a long time. And my guess is....most probably I won't be feeling this for some time; unless I have the same dream again. Though, I was smiling from cheek to cheek when I woke up.

Still, I could not make out or remember how the girl in my dream looked like. All I can remember that...she was beautiful. And she was wearing a white spagetti top, jeans and she has this really nice hair band that she was wearing around her wrist. Kinda specific huh? But that's all I could remember....... And of course, I could remember her warmth.....

Sigh.....I wonder when will I ever meet this girl in my dreams.

For now....dream on...dream on....

The Weekend...

It has been a good weekend.

No doubt that my body is now aching from head to toe; and I even have to report for MC; it has been a good weekend.

Some you of you might understand, most of you won't. But throughout this weekend, I have grown to understand myself on so many levels that you can never imagine.

Don't get me wrong, it has not all been a pleasant experience. But atleast at the end of it, things turn out of the better.

After all this, I am more aware of my actions and self-being. Things now are more clear than it ever was. Thanks to a friend, I never knew the consequences of my actions and what kind of a person I truly am. No doubt I have my flaws, nobody's perfect. Nobody's invulnerable. But yet, in some ways now atleast I am aware I do have certain flaws that I didn't knew existed.

Anyway, all this might sound confusing. Though, what I have personally went through this past weekend is something that I wish to keep to myself.

Talk about good timing

2 nights ago, my SIM card died on me. Not that I mind, but its a big hassle to go down to my company's customer service to get it fixed. Anyways, I don't receive much calls or SMSes.

Thankfully, I had a back up line where I manage to divert all my calls to that number. Still, I was kinda perplexed as why it stopped fucntioning. And I was suppose to be one of the many people in Singapore who knew these stuff. It was my job to know about SIM cards, GPRS, handphone features, bla bla bla.

It took me a whole night trying to figure out the possibilities (its a side effect of the job - thinking about possibilities and alternatives). But in the end, I resigned to fate and thought that either the SIM just died on me or there was a network error.

The next day, which co-incidentally happen to be my off day (%$#$@!!!! wasting my off day doin these stuff), I made a trip down to the customer service center to check if there was anything wrong with the SIM.

So.......

Before I left my house, I did a test to see if it was still not working. On my way there, I tested it again. Still not working. And when I finally got there, I took a queue number and sat down....and I tested it again; still not working.

THEN SUDDENLY........when my number was called up.....I tested my phone....and the friggin thing worked!!!!!!! &^%$#!!@#@!!!!

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

So, out of politeness....since I'm already there...I went over to the counter and told the gal the problem. And as any other CSO would do, she checked my line and everything was fine. Within seconds, I knew the words that were coming from her mouth were standard scripts. "Sir, your line seems to be fine. But if there were any service disruptions, it may be due to the.........". Right........

I could read it out back at her if I wanted to.

Oh well, sometimes thats why I said....life is ironic. Things may happen for a reason I guess. Cos actually on my way to Orchard, I spotted something I wanted to buy for a long time, but just couldn't find it. And so happen that I was forced to go down to Orchard yesterday and saw it there. Funny how things works out huh?

But seriously, at that moment in time when my phone started working, I was like.......huh???? Among all places and among all times.....when I just wanted to show the officer that my SIM card died on me...it ressurected itself. Sheesh.

Anyway, today is my rest day as well. I have back to back off days. To some of you, it might be something normal to have. But working in a call center, back to back off days is a luxury. But still.....I have been complaining awfully alot lately about not having off days on weekends....but now that I have it....I have nowhere to go or anyone to go out with. Sigh......

And the worse part? I thought that our pay cheque should be in by last night!!! ARRRGGG!!! So irritating! The only weekend that I have off......and its the weekend that I'm broke!!!!!

again........TALK ABOUT GOOD TIMING!!!!

Mid Autumm Festival?

Took a short stroll around my home today. It's been a while since I've gone out and just strolled around and see the hustle and bustle of the weekend crowd.

And as I got out, I start to notice that the Mid-Autumm festivities are at full swing; and its a full moon out tonight.

People are buying mooncakes, children are running around in lanterns, tourist taking snap shots at the locals...god knows why. And all this was happening at my very own doorstep. Good ol' Chinatown.

Deep down, I couldn't but feel a little bit nostalgic and....home sick. Its been almost coming to 3 years, and I thought that I was already over this.

No doubt that I like working in overseas, but it has its price. The public holidays and festivals are really a down time for me. I'd miss my friends and family back home. Even during this year's Mid-Autumm festival I find myself thinking should I? or shouldn't I celebrate the festival? Even the idea of buying a mooncake and eating it at home alone makes me feel kinda pathetic.

Everyone around me is having a blast.....celebrating with their families, boyfriends, girlfriends. And as for me?

I have to......work.

That's right. You heard it. I have to friggin work on the very day of a chinese festival. Sometimes I truly wonder, for the time I invested in my work.....would it be too big a price to pay. Missing out on what is more important in life. Being with your loved ones.

Anyway, it is something that I chose. And everything happens for a reason.

Now, time to brace myself for Christmas and the New Year.

Warning: Fanatic on the loose. Read at own risk

FUAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGG!!!!!

okie. let me say that again.

FUAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGG!!!!!

*ahem* let me catch my breath and pick up my jaw.

Last night, I managed to get my paws on a copy of the heavily anticipated Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (AC) CGI movie.

It was only released in Japan on the 14th Sept and I was lucky enough to have seen it last night. And for all those years that AC fanboys have been waiting for???

It was worth every single nano-second baby!!!!!!!!!! The movie is simply fantastic from minute 1 till the end. The action scenes were out of this world!! It was insane!!! To put it in better terms....it was....

AWESOME.

As I watched it last night, I really couldn't believe my eyes. And when I woke up today, it still feels like a dream!

I might sound like a young boy who've just watched some Disney cartoon for the first time. But for any anime fan out there, this is a definate must watch!

Oh.....just for the uninitiated, AC is basically a sequel to a crazily popular game Final Fantasy VII (if you haven't heard of FF, you have been living under a rock. If that's the case, go shoot yourself. In the head. Twice). Sounds weird right? A sequel? To a game? Well, I don't even care if its the prologue to a getai, but if the producers can make the film this good, I'm game for it.

Anyway, the story revolves around an anti-hero by the name of Cloud Strife. Basically, its about this dude going around saving lifes and bla bla bla.....hey, if the CG is this beautiful, who cares about the story line? I was clapping my hands and giving it a standing ovation at the end of the movie.

Errr.....hehe....sounds stupid right? Giving a standing ovation in the middle of the night in my room? Hmmmmmm......

All I can say is....to all my anime freaks out there.....go watch AC now!!!! I'd give this movie.......10 THUMBS way way way UP!!!!!!!

Voluntary Solitude

I must admit in recent days, my mood has kinda been rotten and low.

And things has been so infuriating, I find myself flaring up at the slightest unwelcomed event and I simply have no patience for anything.

I really can't explain why all I am feeling this way all of a sudden, but what I do know is that when I am feeling like this.....all I want is to be left alone.

I also find myself angry at so many things. Things which doesn't even involve me. I get cranky when I go to work, I get annoyed easily and I guess in many ways, the only time I find peace is when I'm all by myself or when I'm at home.

And...thats a good thing.

One bad habit about me, is that when I am in a bad mood; I try to calm myself down and try not to let my feelings affect me too much. But when I do that, I get very absent minded and sometimes I don't think too much of what I say to people. And hence, sometimes I offend people unintentionally.

Unknowingly, I just say things on the top of my head without thinking twice. I get so involved with myself that I don't even try to be polite at times and mught appear rude.

Sigh.....so I guess......when I'm feeling low and down; all I want to be is alone.

Time for some solidary confinement.

Ironic

God really have a really good sense of humour.

My life has been filled with ups, downs and in betweens that its getting a little bit too ironic.

What I have learned throughout the years is never to take anything for granted and nothing is absolute. Things can change in a matter of nano-seconds and what is white can be turned black and vice versa.

Greek tragedy?

I wish its as simple as that. At this point in my life, I feel that I have come to a crossroad that will very much determine what kind of a person I truly am.

To many of you out there, this might seem confusing or even down right screwed up. But then again, thats just it. I AM SCREWED UP.....and I'm confused. Inside and out. Through and through.

Oh well, but like I always tell myself, everything happens for a reason. There might be a great scheme or plan for me....in the future. Or simply, this might just be a test of life. But, right now....I just don't see it yet.

All I have to say is...this life is ironic.

Post Sleeping Headache *ouch*!!

SLEEP.

Thats the operative word for today. I've been doing nothing but sleep today. Though, I think the whole day of sleeping is giving me a splitting headache now. Sheesh......its times like these how I wish I have a girlfriend to take care of me.

Anyway, if you're talking about the 7 sins, I have already commited 2 of them today. Sloth and gluttony. I've been doing nothing but eating and sleeping today.

And....*burps*, boy did I had a meal today.

Woke up around 1PM today, and suddenly had an urge to have myself some cheeeeeee-ken! So, that was it, had myself KFC (finger lickin' good!!!) for lunch and slept the day through.

I've been so tired lately that whenever its my off day, I just don't want to do anything else. Not to mention that I'm already late for the article I'm suppose to submit for the company news letter. I guess, I really had it with the newsletter already.

First and foremost, it was them who approached me to write for the newsletter. But ever since them, I had nothing but criticisms thrown at me for the way I write. And what's worse, is that all my articles are cannibalized so it can be politically correct to those bereaucratic morons in higher management. From what is mine, became something totally foreign to me.

Still, I think I'll dish out another 2 to 3 articles for the next few months, after that I'm callin it quits.

Oh ya, other than sleeping and eating, I found some time to cut my hair too. Heheheheh......I kinda like the new cut. Definately much neater than before. But knowing guys, our hair grow like wild weed. Before I know it, I'll be making another trip to the hair stylist.

And as for last night, I finally manage to have dinner at Chomp Chomp! I've been in Singapore for 2 years now, and it was my first time there. Have to admit, the food there is quite good actually. Just too bad the place is quite inaccessible. However, the highlight of the night was actually getting to meet up with Rena, Siew Chi and Marcel.

Its been really a long time since we have met up, now that Rena and Siew Chi are working in different companies. It was really great to see them again. Had always enjoyed thier company and they have really been a fantastic bunch of friends to me since I came to Singapore.

Rationalising

I have been thinking alot about certain things lately. And do you know what I feel is the greatest mistake anyone can commit?

Its when they lie to themselves.

You can lie to your friends. You can lie to your family. You can lie to the bus driver. But never lie to yourself. That's the first thing a person should never do. Its best to be honest to your own true feelings. But once you lie to yourself....how can you ever know what you truly want. Its just plain denial if you say one thing and do another thing.

I have read before in an article that when people start lying to themselves, its because they are retionalising. According to a study, people tend to rationalise their actions. People tend to always find reasons and justification on what they have done and what they have said. And people tend to do this so much that they enjoy it. And the study did further mentioned that people enjoy rationalising so much that they enjoy it more than sex (yeah, yeah. I had the same reaction when I first read it. Hmmmm....imagine that......).

It kinda true, isn't? Everyday of our lives we always try to find reasons and justification on the things we do......even if it means lying to ourselves. When this happens, rather and being faced with the truth, we give ridiculous reasons to justify our actions.

As long as there's a reason, then you can do it.

Hence, back to the main topic. Never lie to yourself. Its a truly unforgivable act. If you can lie to your family and friends; and one fine day when the truth is out, maybe.....you can repent. But if ever a person lie's to her/himself.; then I guess there isn't much hope left.

We have to open our eyes and accept the real situation, be it good or bad. Justify our actions; Justify our thoughts. Justify them honestly.

Help Yourself

Man, oh man. What a week! You'll have a rough idea that its time to update your blog when an Ah Lian starts to complain that there hasn't been any updates!

Anyway, it HAS been a rough week. Been working 5 days straight (in a call center, that's asking alot!) and things has been so much of a rush....I've haven't looked back since.

Things at work has been....interesting. For starters; about a few days ago, there was a position opening in another newly established hotline - tech support hotline. Initially, I thought that it was my way out from the hell hole that I have been stuck in for the past 2 years.

As I was on the verge of submitting my transfer form....then I start to analyse what I have achieve and how far have I come to, in my current hotline. In retrospect, things have already changed alot. My managers trust me enough and gives me opportunities to take part in projects and nominates me for awards. Further, work hasn't been monotonous ever since I was selected to join the Buddy System (a small unit of the hotline that manages and train new recruits).

So, after much deliberating, I thought to myself......even so that both hotlines might be a dead end for me, but why not make it interesting. If ever I were to switch to the other hotline, I'll be back to square one and stare at PC's monitor blankly and wait for calls. And......anyway, my mum have already went to the temple and seek for divine advice. And the heavens have asked me to stay.

Still, stress levels are actually increasing these days with the Buddy System. Recently we had 3 new additions to the hotline - rookies. They were fresh out of the training center and it was part of my job to familiarise them to the inner workings of the call center.

Sigh......they have a long long long way to go. Their product knowledge is simply astounding. They know.....practically nothing!!!!!

I thought to myself, "How on earth did they pass training?!?!". Even basic procedures and information were all wrong. And one of them is seriously testing my patience. There was once I asked her, "So, do you have any questions?" She replied, "Nope". Then I pop-quized her on a related subject. And she looked at me with a HUGE question mark on her forehead and told me effortlessly......."I don't know".

What the?!?!?! She didn't even attempt to answer my question at all. I told her, "If you don't know, then why did you not ask in the first place when I ask if you had any questions???".

I really hate it when people have this helpless look on their faces. It annoys me to the max. Things are never helpless! Its up to you whether you want to help yourself or not. Its that blind emotionless stare that these people give. Its just damn.....infuriating. And the worse ones are the ones that manages to squeeze in an idiotic smile when they are staring at you blindly.

What the f*** are you smiling about?!?!?!!? Act cute ah!?!?!

Sigh......Oh well, I guess its my job in the Buddy System to be patient with these people.

Just have to take a deep breath and..........*exhale*

Seven Swords - Qi Jian

*yawns* ........I'm still recovering from the 3AM shift the other day.

Been feeling so shag that I was sleeping like a dead log even when my alarm clock was ringing on and on and on and on......you get the picture.

My whole schedule is so messed up that my internal clock can't tell the difference between day and night. Sheesh...

Anyway, despite of my fluctuating schedules, I manage to sqeeze in some time to catch the new movie; Seven Swords last night. And all I can say is......KICK ASS!!!!

I don't know, but it must be a guy thing. From the first minute till the last it was pure fun! There was gore, violence, drama, romance, sex and betrayal. And the fight scenes were simply superb! It really restore my faith in chinese movies again.

Inspired by the novel written by Liang Yu Sheng, the movie follows seven swordsmen and their exploits. Each having been bestowed an exquisite sword forged painstakingly by the martial arts doyen Reverend Hui Ming residing on Mt. Tianshan.

Each of these swordsmen all carry swords with even cooler names. There was the Heaven's Fall, the Dragon, the Star-Chasers, the Unlearnt, the Transient, the Deity and the Celestial Beam; all with its own unique design and speciality. Talk about creative names!!!!

While watching the movie, I can help to notice that the story line bears a similarity to the Akira Kurosawa classic, Seven Samurai. Its about these bunch of swordsmen saving a dilapidated village from the slaughter of the big bad military cum power/gold hungry maniacs. And from there on, then the movie takes a turn ala Lord of the Rings by the villagers evacuating their homes to find safe hiding in the mountain caves. Does Helm's Deep ring a bell?

Still, what adds the to glamour of the show is that it was helmed by director Tsui Hark. Futher, there was heavy weight actors such as Leon Lai, Charlie Young and one of my all time martial arts fav Donnie Yen.

Also, one of the best bits about the show, is that it showcase a Korean actress Kim So Yeon. Some of you might remember her from the Korean drama All About Eve. It was really a pleasant surprise to see her acting in the movie and of course, while watching the movie.....I find myself looking forward to the Korean dialogue between her and Donnie Yen. Can anyone say sarang heyo? hana seyo? shi-bai!!!!!!!!

All I can say is......for all you pop-corn-movie lovers out there, go watch this show. It might not appeal to everyone, but it sure damn appealed to me. And if you think anyone can come out with a fight scene? Check out the fight scene between Donnie Yen and big-bad-boss in a narrow corridor at the end of the movie.

Just remember to close your jaw after you see it. Fuuuuuuuarrrrrh!!!!!!!!

Graveyard shift

She says baby

It's 3am I must be lonely

When she says baby

Well I can't help but be scared of it all sometimes

And the rain's gonna wash away

I believe it

From the very words of Rob Thomas....its 3AM!!! And I'm still in office....and what am I doing here?

Well, this is the so-called "Scheduled OT" that was proposed by the management about a month back. And so it goes that I have to work until 3AM tonight.

Its a surreal feeling to be all alone in that part of the office. Nobody's around and I feel as if I am manning the entire call center by myself. In terms of call volume, there wasn't much calls as they trickle in one by one. But even that that hour, I had a few customers who calls in and starts to ask for handphone vouchers.

C'mon man!! Its 3AM!! Go to sleep! What on earth are these people thinking??? Apparently, freebie seekers does not know the meaning of day and night.

Anyway, when you're lonely and bored in office....you start to get creative with your camera phone.....errr.....and the photo-copying machine.

Here's one of me with my "ugly" (that's what a friend said anyway) looking headset. Does it look that bad????

But....sigh, whatever it is.....ANY headset is ungly if you have to wear it for job purposes......aka Operator. And for us in this customer service hotline? We're just a bunch of High Class Phone Operators. And put it in a nice way? We're Customer Care Consultants/Specialist. Sounds glam?

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiightt.

Oh well, I guess once in a while its good to experience what the night team goes through. And as to this graveyard shift?

I'm already 6 feet under.

Poverty Strikes Back

Went out for supper with a friend last night and came back kinda late.

On my way back, as I was walking home; I started to really notice something that I have always scoff off and placed it at the back of my mind.

Old Chinatown is largely populated by aging citizens that basically just pass thier time and days sitting around; watching the world go by and also playing chinese chess with the company of their peers.

In the day time, this might seem endearing and nostalgic. However, the night time is a totally different story.

What used to be benches that was a hangout of these old uncles and aunties, changed into what some would actually call a bed. Though.....I must admit he looks kinda comfortable, huh?

I do not know where these people spend their time during the day, but at night, there are almost 7 to 10 of them all making these benches into a make-shift bed and sleep there for the rest of the night.

Its really sad to see that there is really such a thing as poverty in Singapore. Distribution of income and wealth isn't as balanced as it seemed. And its even more depressing to think that the family and relatives of these derelict people are nowhere to be seen.

In many ways, no matter how a perfect nation can be, there is still much that needs to be done. And sometimes, it just can't be helped.

EXSA

EXSA. Has anyone head of that before?

I attended a seminar/workshop yesterday at Shenton Way called EXSA. The first time I heard about this particular term, I was dumbfounded. I was like...."EX wat?"

And the first thing that sprang to mind.....EXcessively Stupid Assholes.

But later on, I only found out, EXSA stands for EXcellent Service Award.

So, I told myself....what has EXSA has got anything to do with me?

Well....surprise, surprise. I don't know why, but I have a serious feeling someone might have messed up. Cos' a few of me and my colleagues were actually nominated for the Silver Award category! Imagine that......

Hmmmm, but in any case, I attedended the workshop yesterday and I must admit......its dead boring!!!!!! Sheesh. There were alot of people from different companies. Mostly from the retail sector. There were personnel from G2000, Giordano, Singtel, Royal Sporting House and even Ikea.

From the get go, I felt I was already out of place. I'm not too sure why, but it is very clear that very few are actually from the call center industry. Most of these people spoke of their experiences with customers from the retail sector. Which means, face to face interactions.

Still, in retrospect, I guess in the long run it is a good thing. Personally, I felt that after 2 years working and slaving thru my current job, this is the best thing that has happened to me. Its a huge booster for my resume and it is something that I can genuinely take away with me.

So, now that I have achieved the Silver Award for EXSA...whats next?

The world, baby. The world.

Ho Khua, Bo Ho Ciak!!!

It has been a seriously long day.

Today's SL has been exceptionally bad when there was a non-stop barrage of calls coming in one after another. Call after call, my patience was wearing thin. And to add salt to the wound, a customer rated me poor after I've given her a $10 waiver off her bill!!

Then finally, when it was time for me to leave....my manager came to me...."Do you want to stay back for OT today?" This is how it went.......

My mouth said, "Ummm, I'm really sorry. I have an appointment later. (which I really did)"
My heart said, " OVER MY DEAD BODY!!! I WOULDN'T STAY EVEN IF I DIDN'T HAVE AN APPOINTMENT!!!"

Anyway, as I was on my way home, I was pretty excited as I was going to meet up with an old friend of mine...Cheah Sin. He was on a business trip to Singapore and is staying at the Hilton. I must admit, even so he works like a dog, he's doing quite well for himself. Motorola has set him up at a executive suite at the Hilton, and has issued him an AMEX card with a USD 15k credit limit. Cool, huh? Sigh,.....I should have studied Engineering.

Still, I really happy to see all my friends made it. Me and Cheah Sin go wAaAAAAaAAaAaaaAAay back. I've known him for almost 15 to 18 years now.We practically grew up together. And I'm glad the friendship has never waivered over the years.

However, what made my day today was actually the taxi ride home. After taking Cheah Sin out for supper and sight-seeing around Singapore; I dropped him back at the hotel and proceeded home. On my way back, the taxi driver noticed earlier that I spoke in a perculiar Hokkien slang and immediately knew I was from Penang.

I didn't know why, but somehow I felt had an affinity with this cab driver and started talking to him alot. We chatted in hokkien and generally we poked fun at the Singaporean community.

He joked that from the way things are going, very soon Singaporeans will be going over to Malaysia to work instead! He says that Malaysia is a much better country, and standards of living there are cheaper. Then, he moved on to talk about Singapore's spoilt brats. He mention that, they are very "how lian" - arrogant-, and sometimes look down on his cab and only wanted to flag down a Merce cab.

Then later, he said this phrase that made me burst into laughter......"Singapore lang, ho khua, bo ho ciak!!"

Which just literally means, "Singapore people, nice to look at, but not nice to eat!"

It was really funny to hear him say that. Cos, I felt to a certain extent...it was true. Many young Singaporeans are really obsessed with pride and no matter how poor they are; they will wanna spend luxuriously and buy a nice car. But at the end of the day, they have to tighten their stomachs on other neccessaties in life. And according to the Taxi Uncle, he always notice that when these young pretencious guys goes to the petrol kiosk, they have to use credit cards....never cash. At the end of the day, they are stuck with loads of debts.

No doubt that the conversation was in Hokkien and we were practically talking cock, but I felt really relax and amused when chatting with the cab driver. I guess what he says is true.....in Singapore....alot of things are nothing but a facade.

People might seem rich and well-off; but you'll never know how much are they struggling....in more ways than one.

Couch-Potato-ism

Productivity 0%, Relax and Recuperation 100%.

Yes, folks. Thats the theme for today.

I'm gonna do obsolutely nothing but stuff myself silly with junkfood today and oogle at the idiot box. Ahhhh....sheer pleasure. No friggin imbeciles and intellect impared moron screaming in my ear. No cheapo customer ranting on for 40 minutes and on how "RIDICULOUS" it is to charge him $1.06 on roaming charges.

Its been quite a while now since I have turn on the couch-potato mode. I guess its the simple things in life that I enjoy best. Been meaning to watch again the movie I got quite sometime ago, Sin City. Damn its a good movie.

Anyway, on the way to work yesterday, I came across a surreal looking MRT cabin. As I entered the cabin, I was greeted by folliage!

The whole cabin was designed with leaves hanging around and the floor pasted with wallpapers that looked like rock ruins. Then only I realised that the whole cabin was an advertising gimmick by SilkAir. They were promoting their flights to Chengdu.

From a Marketing student's point of view....it was really creative!!! I'm not too sure if it will ever generate sales and revenue in the end, but it definately left an impression with the MRT commuters.

These days, I have been thinking of so many advertising ideas for different business industrys. Once in a while, I'd have this sudden strike of lighting and thinks of a marketing idea for this particular company.

Sigh.....how I wish I was doing Marketing instead of customer service. I have always loved Marketing more than Sales. My friends have always told me doing sales is better. But I never had an interest for it. I prefer Marketing, cos these are the guys that sits down and thinks of ways/methods to sell the product. Then it is only the Sales people that execute the idea.

Sigh.....I need a change of job.

Screwed Up World

Sheesh.......have been working pretty hard lately.

Taking one day at a time. And of course, taking one bull-shit customer at a time. Still, so far so good and things are pretty bearable.

These days, the only thing I look forward to is the weekly bowling sessions. I feel I'm really starting to enjoy the game and its a serious de-stress session for me. Not to mention, I feel I'm finally improving!

Anyway, today was an interesting day. My first call at work was a real tough customer. Eventhough it was challenging, I was kinda happy with the way I handled it. Here's how it went.....

Customer: I'm damn angry! (This happened even before I could say hello)
Me: I'm sorry sir. Is there anything I can do to assist you?
Customer: I have already told you all! I do not want to receive any wap push messages (promotional SMS) from your company!!!
Me: I'm sorry sir. But according to our records, you have only called in once to dispute on a GPRS charge for $1.75. And I believe the previous officer had already removed that service and gave you a $10 rebate off your bill. There was no request from your part to be excluded from our promotional SMSes.
Customer: I don't care. I'm a lecturer and whenever you send me a SMS, it disrupts my class! I WANT COMPENSATION!!
Me: But sir. If indeed you have requested to cancel all promotional sms from us, then I'll have to investigate it first. As the previous officer has already cancelled your GPRS services, you could not have accessed the wap message we sent you even if you wanted to. In any way, you were not charged for anything at all. I do not believe a compensation is warranted now. If indeed the mistake is on our part, then I'll be more than happy to arrange for some form of compensation.
Customer: What kind of customer service is this?!?!?! You all have to compensate me! Do you know the meaning of good customer service?!?!
Me: Yes I do know the meaning of good customer service. We are here to assist. But I do not think that the meaning to good customer service is to always solve problems with compensations. If this is not satisfactory, how do you suggest we solve this issue, sir?
Customer: Give me something free!! I don't care what it is.
Me: I'm so sorry sir. But I am not able to accede to that request. Because, I do not see that there is any loss incurred on your behalf.

Amazing? Whats with these morons???? If you receive a SMS that you don't want.....then DELETE THE FRIGGIN MESSAGE! Can you believe these people? They want compensation just because they receive a sms. I really wanted to ask him if he was traumatised by the SMS we've sent him. And did it cause him any emotional distress?

Bloody freebie seekers.

At the end of the call, I took and deep breath and.....

Well, thats about customer service these days. People now associate good customer service with freebies and rebates. Thats all customers sees. They don't see friendliness, politeness, and helpfulness. All they see is freebies. You can be rude to a customer, but if you give them a $10 rebate, they will be happy.

Of course, there is nothing I can gain. For all I care, I could give the bugger something free and avoid myself of any written complain or even a poor customer rating by the asshole.

But thats just me. It is these kinda trash talking idiots that I want to be stern with. They really need a good education. There are things that are right and wrong.

I believe what I did was the right thing, simply because it wasn't justified and it was the ethically sound thing to do.

So, did I give good customer service?

God, give me more time

Beautiful.....

Thats the one word I would describe this song I'm listening to; called "God, give me more time".

Everytime I listen to it.....its as if it touches the inner depths of my soul. It fills my heart with joy.....and sometimes sorrow. This is one song, I really want to share with everyone I know. I wish everyone can listen to it.

I really want to thank Joanne for introducing this song to me. Can never deny her taste in good music. Has always been one of the best.

The funny thing is....the other I just mentioned to a friend....I hope time is on my side. Cos there are certain things in my life right now...that I need time to sort out. Things which I have to wait for, something wonderful....and then comes this song.

Call it co-incidence maybe. But there's a reason for everything.

God, give me more time.....I know I need it.

Singapore and its richest and spoilt

Recently, I went clubbing (the first time in almost a year I think); at New Asia Bar (NAB).

I must admit, its been a while since I last club and I was kinda uncomfortable about it. I'm not too sure if I'm either getting old, or I'm just not interested in clubbing anymore.

Still, every time I go to NAB, the view from the top never cease to amaze me. I will always consider it one of the best scenic view in Singapore. And at night? Simply magical.

Hence there was, loud music, tonnes of people and a hell of a lot of drinking.....errr....not me...the patrons there. The funny thing about people is that....when they start drinking...their body starts to move in all directions...reacting to the beat of the music. Some would dance tastefully, and some would dance.....in a word....moronic. And the best part....when they finally realise that someone is looking at them....suddenly they act all cool and decided to tone down their movements.

But anyway,what made this partilar clubbing session different was.....the friends I went with, bumped into a couple of other friends that were already there drinking at the second floor of NAB. And of course....everyone knows that only VIPs are usually allowed on the second floor.

Minutes later, I then found myself on the second floor. Most unexpected.

So, there I was. At the VIP area of NAB. Somewhere I thought I would have never stepped foot on for a million years; amongst the top echelons of Singapore's richest and spoilt I guess.

And how did I feel? Not impressed.

No doubt there was a certain sense of grandeur on the second floor. To know that you have your own space and people there felt....untoucheable. you really can't blame them to feel that way. When I was there....everytime I looked down; anyone from below that looked up would just smile....thinking they would be invited to go up to the second floor.

But then again.....the people on the second floor seemed so....fake. The men there spent money like there was no tomorrow and acted like they owned the world.......but maybe its just me. I do enjoy the occasional spinning of the dollar. But not like this. And for the guys there at that age....I don't think the know the meaning of the word "hardship".

And next......no offense to the female gender; but the girls/women on the second floor where really......dumb blonds. As long as you have a gold-card or plenty of cash to play around with...they can be your best friend.....or even more.

The way the people there acted...was simply cheap and spoilt. Given the choice...I would prefer to be with the people down below any day. Or even, given the choice.....I would prefer to be at a roadside mamak stall with the company of good friends.

Anytime, any day.

The Poem and its beauty

Recently, I came about this really beautiful poem in the Internet. And I would like to post it up just to share it with everyone. Its called, How Do I Love Thee......

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace,

I love thee to the level of everyday's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints,-I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life!-and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning