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.