Today is the last day of Anna's career with Tadika Honey Kindergarten. She had submitted her resignation letter last week and the principal had accepted her resignation. The school gave Anna her last pay checque. It was a post-dated checque payable on 12/02/05. Naturally Anna was not so pleased with the post-dated checque. Neverthless she still get paid albeit only next week.
After working for so long I guess it is time that Anna take a rest to enjoy her senior years.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Being thankful
Zera Villa BL 2-29. How wrong was I to think that I could complete amending the design and drawings within a day at the most! CYW took over this bungalow job from me during a time when he wanted me to focus full time on the TTDI 6D3 project. CY asked Khalid to prepare the construction drawings using the standard Zera Villa as a model.
Looking at the drawings this morning I was shocked that the structural arrangement drawings were far from complete and full of errors. You couldn't just use the standard Zera drawings to apply to any custom-designed Zera unit and expect it is conform to the architectural design.
Tomorrow 30/11/05 is the submission dateline. To complete amending the design I would require at least two week's of design and drawing time. There is no way that I could accomplish two week's work within one day. Besides I have the TTDI 6D3 project to attend to.
"What if I just update the key plans only and the beams and slabs to be revised at another time?" I asked myself. The only way to meet the drawing submission dateline of 30/11/05 is to update the structural arrangement drawings only. I would still submit the whole package including the beam and slab details to Comtrac tomorrow.
When I told Nelson about my plans, he quickly agreed. I am so thankful that the client agreed to accept such an arrangement. At least this will buy me some time to return to ongoing TTDI 6D3 project..
Looking at the drawings this morning I was shocked that the structural arrangement drawings were far from complete and full of errors. You couldn't just use the standard Zera drawings to apply to any custom-designed Zera unit and expect it is conform to the architectural design.
Tomorrow 30/11/05 is the submission dateline. To complete amending the design I would require at least two week's of design and drawing time. There is no way that I could accomplish two week's work within one day. Besides I have the TTDI 6D3 project to attend to.
"What if I just update the key plans only and the beams and slabs to be revised at another time?" I asked myself. The only way to meet the drawing submission dateline of 30/11/05 is to update the structural arrangement drawings only. I would still submit the whole package including the beam and slab details to Comtrac tomorrow.
When I told Nelson about my plans, he quickly agreed. I am so thankful that the client agreed to accept such an arrangement. At least this will buy me some time to return to ongoing TTDI 6D3 project..
Taking leave
I am thinking of taking 1 day annual leave on Mon. 12/05/05. However Anna suggested that I take leave on the following Mon 12/12/05. The reason? Sat 12/10/05 is David's convocation at Nikko Hotel and Mon 12/12/05 is a public holiday for Selangor.
What is the difference? Selangor public holidays has got nothing to do with me. Anyway I think I will just go ahead to take the leave as planned on 12/05/05.
What is the difference? Selangor public holidays has got nothing to do with me. Anyway I think I will just go ahead to take the leave as planned on 12/05/05.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
labour exploitation
Today Amy and Ah Seong attended a job interview at Citi Bank.
The terms of employment lean towards worker exploitation. Among the terms are:
a) Long working hours. 7.30am to 6.00pm
b) Working on Sat.
c) Required to do all types of work as directed by the employer.
d) No sick leave is allowed.
e) Must sign a contract of employment for at least 6 months.
f) No commitment on the salary despite the harsh working conditions.
g) No clear definition of job designation.
I am glad that both teenagers have the common sense to reject the terms of employment and will decline to take up employment even if they were offered the job.
The terms of employment lean towards worker exploitation. Among the terms are:
a) Long working hours. 7.30am to 6.00pm
b) Working on Sat.
c) Required to do all types of work as directed by the employer.
d) No sick leave is allowed.
e) Must sign a contract of employment for at least 6 months.
f) No commitment on the salary despite the harsh working conditions.
g) No clear definition of job designation.
I am glad that both teenagers have the common sense to reject the terms of employment and will decline to take up employment even if they were offered the job.
Phew! What an amazing day!
Today I am on 1 day medical leave. Today is such an amazing day of high anxiety and low tension!!
7.15am. Sent Amy to Richard's house in Cheras. She had arranged the day with Ah Seong to attend a job interview at Citi Bank in the morning.
8.30am. Rushed back to Kajang. Enjoyed a cup of hot coffee. Put together all the necessary papers for renewal of motor insurance and road tax.
10.00am. Left the house to make my way to MAA Kajang Branch. Within 1/2 hour settled the insurance fees by paying in cash.
11.00pm. parked the car at Metro kajang roof top car park then walked to the Kajang post office. Luckily there were only a few customers at the premises. Paid the JPJ about RM90.00 for the annual road tax renewal. At the same time bought 20 pieces of 30c stamps.
12.00pm. Returned to Kajang Metro Plaza. Registered both my hand phone and Anna's with Maxis under my name. Registration was free and involved filling up a form.
12.30pm. Bought vegetarian lunch for Anna and myself.
1.30pm. Picked up Anna at Tadika Kindergarten. Anna was pleasantly surprised that I bough lunch for both of us.
2.00pm. Called up Iris of Hwajing about the refund. Iris said to collect the checque from Hwajing at 6.00pm. On the phone she didn't sound so convincing and I was doubtful whether I would get the checque. Anyway I told her that I would be there.
As expected Anna was furious and threw a fit. She had expected Hhwajing to made good it's earlier promise to issue the checque.
2.30pm. With anna's help tore out the old road tax disc and replaced with the 2006 road disk.
3.30pm. Carvenzi delivery came to unload the furniture. There were two guys, the driver and his assistant. The bedside table delivered was not what we had ordered and we refused to accept the item. We deducted the cost of the bedside table from the final payment. The delivery man was reluctant to take the used furniture even though we gave him some pocket money. I could see that he was not satisfied with the RM15.00 that Anna gave him. After some persuasion he grudgingly loaded the used furniture into the truck. If the delivery man refused we would have to disposed off the used furniture ourselves.
4.00pm Amy called to ask me to fetch her at Richard's house while we were in the midst of arranging the new furniture and haggling over the price of token money. I could sense tension in the air.
The carvenzi delivery man was sullen, rude and uncooperative. This is the last time that we are going to buy any thing from Carvenzi.
4.30pm. The phone line went silent and unresponsive. The local telephone exchange must have malfunctioned. I had to call Amy on the hand phone.
4.45pm. Rushed to Cheras to fetch Amy.
5.30pm. Hwajing office. I was quite doubtful about receiving the checque as I and Amy approached the office. I was already thinking about an appropriate response if Hwajing dishonour it's word to pay up.
5.45pm. Finally Iris produced a checque and asked me to acknowledged delivery. Phew! What a relief!! All the anxiety suddenly vanished in the air and I was quite happy to receive the payment.
6.30pm. Returned home to Kajang. Anna complained that she could not contact Telekom using her hand phone. We had to call from a nearby pay phone. The call centre operator took down our particulars and promised to rectify the broken down line ASAP. Anna complained loudly while I gave only my hand phone number and excluded her's.
7.30pm. Dinner.
8.30pm. The phone connection as well as the internet access was restored. I was so glad that finally after such a trying time, all the problems were resolved by night time.
On hindsight I am glad that I took 1 day off from work, even though it is a medical leave. I don't know how I could have accomplished so many things if not for the 1 day medical leave.
7.15am. Sent Amy to Richard's house in Cheras. She had arranged the day with Ah Seong to attend a job interview at Citi Bank in the morning.
8.30am. Rushed back to Kajang. Enjoyed a cup of hot coffee. Put together all the necessary papers for renewal of motor insurance and road tax.
10.00am. Left the house to make my way to MAA Kajang Branch. Within 1/2 hour settled the insurance fees by paying in cash.
11.00pm. parked the car at Metro kajang roof top car park then walked to the Kajang post office. Luckily there were only a few customers at the premises. Paid the JPJ about RM90.00 for the annual road tax renewal. At the same time bought 20 pieces of 30c stamps.
12.00pm. Returned to Kajang Metro Plaza. Registered both my hand phone and Anna's with Maxis under my name. Registration was free and involved filling up a form.
12.30pm. Bought vegetarian lunch for Anna and myself.
1.30pm. Picked up Anna at Tadika Kindergarten. Anna was pleasantly surprised that I bough lunch for both of us.
2.00pm. Called up Iris of Hwajing about the refund. Iris said to collect the checque from Hwajing at 6.00pm. On the phone she didn't sound so convincing and I was doubtful whether I would get the checque. Anyway I told her that I would be there.
As expected Anna was furious and threw a fit. She had expected Hhwajing to made good it's earlier promise to issue the checque.
2.30pm. With anna's help tore out the old road tax disc and replaced with the 2006 road disk.
3.30pm. Carvenzi delivery came to unload the furniture. There were two guys, the driver and his assistant. The bedside table delivered was not what we had ordered and we refused to accept the item. We deducted the cost of the bedside table from the final payment. The delivery man was reluctant to take the used furniture even though we gave him some pocket money. I could see that he was not satisfied with the RM15.00 that Anna gave him. After some persuasion he grudgingly loaded the used furniture into the truck. If the delivery man refused we would have to disposed off the used furniture ourselves.
4.00pm Amy called to ask me to fetch her at Richard's house while we were in the midst of arranging the new furniture and haggling over the price of token money. I could sense tension in the air.
The carvenzi delivery man was sullen, rude and uncooperative. This is the last time that we are going to buy any thing from Carvenzi.
4.30pm. The phone line went silent and unresponsive. The local telephone exchange must have malfunctioned. I had to call Amy on the hand phone.
4.45pm. Rushed to Cheras to fetch Amy.
5.30pm. Hwajing office. I was quite doubtful about receiving the checque as I and Amy approached the office. I was already thinking about an appropriate response if Hwajing dishonour it's word to pay up.
5.45pm. Finally Iris produced a checque and asked me to acknowledged delivery. Phew! What a relief!! All the anxiety suddenly vanished in the air and I was quite happy to receive the payment.
6.30pm. Returned home to Kajang. Anna complained that she could not contact Telekom using her hand phone. We had to call from a nearby pay phone. The call centre operator took down our particulars and promised to rectify the broken down line ASAP. Anna complained loudly while I gave only my hand phone number and excluded her's.
7.30pm. Dinner.
8.30pm. The phone connection as well as the internet access was restored. I was so glad that finally after such a trying time, all the problems were resolved by night time.
On hindsight I am glad that I took 1 day off from work, even though it is a medical leave. I don't know how I could have accomplished so many things if not for the 1 day medical leave.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Old story replaying
At the CACM meeting at TTT site, the architect and the other parties are still talking about the m&e ducts at the staircase half landing. I thought everything has been resolved after I have amended the drawings. This time the architect is complaining about seeing a beam next to the brick wall. I have already pointed out this fact to them before but the architect said to live with it.
I am tired of dealing and entertaining stupid people. I am tired of hearing the same issue repeat many times.
And just this evening the M&E engineer said he wanted to have an opening near the half landing, long after I have amended my drawings. Why didn't he say so before I revised the drawings?
With all these last minute changes and the pressure piling it is hard to keep composed and tranquilly all the time. It is even harder to be compassionate towards others who cause so much suffering.
I am tired of dealing and entertaining stupid people. I am tired of hearing the same issue repeat many times.
And just this evening the M&E engineer said he wanted to have an opening near the half landing, long after I have amended my drawings. Why didn't he say so before I revised the drawings?
With all these last minute changes and the pressure piling it is hard to keep composed and tranquilly all the time. It is even harder to be compassionate towards others who cause so much suffering.
Money back
Anna said that Hwajing confirmed that they will issue a check for the return of my full payment for the aborted Langkawi tour by Wed 11/23/05. is it true? I'm neither optimistic nor pessimistic about getting back the booking fees. Hwajing has failed to honour it's words in the past. Let's wait and see. I am keeping my fingers crossed! I'll go to Hwajing on Wed to collect the checque.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Apartment living
I have been thinking of relocating from Kajang to KL but haven't got around to taking any firm action yet. I am tired of putting up with my bad neighbours and over the years, the place has turned into some sort of working class ghetto. The peace and quietness of the earlier years are gone. Where once it was a quiet neighborhood peopled by civic minded people, now the place is being occupied more and more by working class people and even foreign migrant workers.
During the family gathering at Richard's house, Angie suggested retiring to a apartment in our senior years. Anna which was always against living in apartments surprising agree to consider such an option.
I think it is a good idea. Terrace houses cost from RM200,00 onwards nowadays way beyond my financial capability. At my age banks are reluctant to loan me any money to buy property. I think our present property can fetch about RM100,000. I will be able to buy a apartment unit with the money earned from the sale of our property.
In any case since both of us are in our senior years with grown up children, we don't need to live in a large house. Thus with limited financial resources at our disposable apartment living in our golden years appear to be worth thinking about.
For the sake of peace and happiness, it is time to move out from our present neighborhood in Kajang.
During the family gathering at Richard's house, Angie suggested retiring to a apartment in our senior years. Anna which was always against living in apartments surprising agree to consider such an option.
I think it is a good idea. Terrace houses cost from RM200,00 onwards nowadays way beyond my financial capability. At my age banks are reluctant to loan me any money to buy property. I think our present property can fetch about RM100,000. I will be able to buy a apartment unit with the money earned from the sale of our property.
In any case since both of us are in our senior years with grown up children, we don't need to live in a large house. Thus with limited financial resources at our disposable apartment living in our golden years appear to be worth thinking about.
For the sake of peace and happiness, it is time to move out from our present neighborhood in Kajang.
Prospect of working with Citi Bank for Amy during the long holiday break
Amy is going with Ah Seong to attend a job interview at Citi Bank during the second week of Dec. Richard and Angie are happy to allow Amy to stay at their house in Cheras temporary until the new uni intake starts next year.
Change order
Visited the Belakong Carvenzi outlet with Anna in the morning. The store agreed to exchange the tv table for a bedside side table for the same price. Was pleasantly surprised that Carvenzi further reduced the price of the long back rocking chair which we ordered last Sun. I guest they are doing it out of goodwill.
The outlet will deliver the furniture to the house on Tue. Must organise some cash to pay them on delivery of the furniture.
The outlet will deliver the furniture to the house on Tue. Must organise some cash to pay them on delivery of the furniture.
Richard on the road to recovery
I and Anna visited Richard. Ah Meng and the Raub brother-in-law already there. Richard was lying in bed. He appeared to be in good spirits. He could not sit up or for long periods of time and he needed to walk about with a cane. He is receiving some Chinese traditional therapeutic massage treatment. He said that he is feeling better day by day.
In the afternoon Michael and Klang brother-in-laws with their family came to visit.
In the afternoon Michael and Klang brother-in-laws with their family came to visit.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
"Don't spend so much time on this bungalow job"
"Don't spend so much time on this bungalow job", the boss said as I was packing up to leave the office. "Concentrate on the TTDI mixed development project." the boss continued with his speech.
Easy said than done. The bungalow job is going out for tender next week. He is not the one who is going to deal with the client face to face.
Easy said than done. The bungalow job is going out for tender next week. He is not the one who is going to deal with the client face to face.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Ethnicity and private vs public medical care
What has race got to do with one's ability and professional standing? Is a Malay or Indian doctor always inferior to a Chinese one? Why is it so surprising to meet a Malay physician practicing in a private hospital? People always associate a Malay doctor with the cheap and working class public hospital and a Chinese one with a expensive and classy private hospital.
Another myth is that a high fee-paying private hospital always provide quality and excellent medical treatment than the free public hospital. Richard is now undergoing medical treatment at Pantai hospital, a private hospital in Cheras. Richard's treatment involve taking x-rays, bedrest, pain relief medication, and nothing else. You will get more or less the same type of treatment and medical care for accident injury in a public hospital for free! I guess the difference is in the comfort of one's stay. In a private hospital one is actually resting in a 3 star equivalent hotel and paying the type of fees that only the wealthy and the well heeled can afford.
Another myth is that a high fee-paying private hospital always provide quality and excellent medical treatment than the free public hospital. Richard is now undergoing medical treatment at Pantai hospital, a private hospital in Cheras. Richard's treatment involve taking x-rays, bedrest, pain relief medication, and nothing else. You will get more or less the same type of treatment and medical care for accident injury in a public hospital for free! I guess the difference is in the comfort of one's stay. In a private hospital one is actually resting in a 3 star equivalent hotel and paying the type of fees that only the wealthy and the well heeled can afford.
Consulting a medium to explain Richard's fall.
AN said that yesterday Richard experienced some breathing difficulty and needed medical assistance. Today Richard is still bedded down with his back injury in the hospital. Maybe he won't be going home any time soon.
AN, like so many other housewives always attribute an injury or illness that is not relieved by medical intervention within a few days to supernatural causes. In her mind AN insisted that an evil spirit had used the dog to cause Richard to fall down. The dog probably saw or sensed the spirit and reacted the way it did... Richard's wife actually asked her relative to consult a medium to find out the cause of the accident. Predictably, the medium confirmed that Richard had been assaulted by an evil spirit and prescribed some sort of charm to drive away the entity.
There is no evil spirit. Richard's injury was simply due to an accident. While jogging on the tarmac, he stepped on his own foot and fell down on his backside; he was trying to avoid colliding with a dog.
AN, like so many other housewives always attribute an injury or illness that is not relieved by medical intervention within a few days to supernatural causes. In her mind AN insisted that an evil spirit had used the dog to cause Richard to fall down. The dog probably saw or sensed the spirit and reacted the way it did... Richard's wife actually asked her relative to consult a medium to find out the cause of the accident. Predictably, the medium confirmed that Richard had been assaulted by an evil spirit and prescribed some sort of charm to drive away the entity.
There is no evil spirit. Richard's injury was simply due to an accident. While jogging on the tarmac, he stepped on his own foot and fell down on his backside; he was trying to avoid colliding with a dog.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Richard is discharging from hospital today.
AN's sister announced on the phone last night Sun 11/14/05 that Richard fell down trying to avoid a collision with a dog while out jogging on Sat morning. He landed on his backside and hurt his backbone. He couldn't get up by himself. Fortunately a passerby sent Richard home. He was then admitted to Pantai Hospital on the same day.
Richard's wife said that Richard would be discharged from hospital today. The doctor has advised him not to work but to rest for at least 6 months.
I wonder how he is coping with the injury? Together with AN we are going to visit Richard this coming Sat.
Richard's wife said that Richard would be discharged from hospital today. The doctor has advised him not to work but to rest for at least 6 months.
I wonder how he is coping with the injury? Together with AN we are going to visit Richard this coming Sat.
Project meeting
This bungalow project which I have put in the backburner for the past few months has come back on my horizon again. I have been avoiding any form of contact and skipping project meetings with the client as I am so busy with the current high-rise project in TTDI.
The first moment I stepped into the office the client called up personally to ask me to attend the meeting. I guess the client has gotten impatient with me. Looks like I have to squeeze some time to work on this project and I don't know how...
Anyway this morning's meeting was rather uneventful, a surprise for me as I expected to be grilled by the client.
The first moment I stepped into the office the client called up personally to ask me to attend the meeting. I guess the client has gotten impatient with me. Looks like I have to squeeze some time to work on this project and I don't know how...
Anyway this morning's meeting was rather uneventful, a surprise for me as I expected to be grilled by the client.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Cavenzi furniture
Together with AN. I bought RM828.00 worth of furniture from the Belakong Cavenzi furniture outlet. The items purchased were a Rozi queen-size bed, June highback rocking chair, small stool and a Lola tv cabinet. AN. was the one who picked all the furniture.
The tv cabinet is to be used as a coffee table.
Anyway some of our household furniture have worn out due to long use. Due to the 2-day weekend promotion we were getting the furniture at bargain prices. We are putting the money that we save from canceling the Lankawi tour to buy the furniture.
When I stepped into the store I thought that I had entered the wrong place as all the sales staff were Indians and Malays... didn't see a single Chinese face except for the customers.
Paid a deposit of RM250.00 by credit card to the store. The balance of RM578.00 is to be paid in cash on the day of the delivery. Cavenzi is to deliver the furniture on Fri. 11/23/05.
The tv cabinet is to be used as a coffee table.
Anyway some of our household furniture have worn out due to long use. Due to the 2-day weekend promotion we were getting the furniture at bargain prices. We are putting the money that we save from canceling the Lankawi tour to buy the furniture.
When I stepped into the store I thought that I had entered the wrong place as all the sales staff were Indians and Malays... didn't see a single Chinese face except for the customers.
Paid a deposit of RM250.00 by credit card to the store. The balance of RM578.00 is to be paid in cash on the day of the delivery. Cavenzi is to deliver the furniture on Fri. 11/23/05.
Auto air cond vacuum malfunctioning
Sent my car to Kong Car Care Centre for routine maintenance servicing. Changed the engine oil, oil filter, spark plugs including engine flush and engine tuning, all these for RM101.00. Very reasonable charge compared to what Proton service Centre are charging their customers. For the same type of service I will probably have to pay the Proton service centre about RM150.00 to RM170.00.
This is the first time that I sent the car to Kong Car Care Centre (KCCC) for servicing. It occupies two lots and it is located along Jln Semenyih, next to the Mobile Station. It operates from 9.00am to 7.00pm Mon to Sat and from 9am to 4.00pm on Sun.
The mechanic told me that the air-cond vacuum unit is faulty and needs to be replaced. During idling time, the vacuum is not drawing fuel into the carburetor, thus the cause of excessive engine vibration. When I turned off the air cond, the engine run normal without any vibration.
After Kong Service Centre, drove to the nearest air-cond shop to inspect the vacuum unit. After testing the unit, the mechanic confirmed that the vacuum is indeed malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. The name of the shop is Kajang Auto Accessories & Air-Cond (KAAA). He asked me to return the car on Mon for servicing as he could not get his supplier to supply the vacuum unit today.
The mechanic appears to be a nice guy with a boyish look. His name is Joe Soh and he is probably the proprietor of the shop.
I remember not very long ago, this guy fixed the faulty lock mechanism of one of the door of my Proton for only RM5.00. I couldn't open and lock all the 4 car door with my keys at the same time. It was this guy who said the problem was due to a broken plastic lever that operates the locking mechanism of the door.
This is the first time that I sent the car to Kong Car Care Centre (KCCC) for servicing. It occupies two lots and it is located along Jln Semenyih, next to the Mobile Station. It operates from 9.00am to 7.00pm Mon to Sat and from 9am to 4.00pm on Sun.
The mechanic told me that the air-cond vacuum unit is faulty and needs to be replaced. During idling time, the vacuum is not drawing fuel into the carburetor, thus the cause of excessive engine vibration. When I turned off the air cond, the engine run normal without any vibration.
After Kong Service Centre, drove to the nearest air-cond shop to inspect the vacuum unit. After testing the unit, the mechanic confirmed that the vacuum is indeed malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. The name of the shop is Kajang Auto Accessories & Air-Cond (KAAA). He asked me to return the car on Mon for servicing as he could not get his supplier to supply the vacuum unit today.
The mechanic appears to be a nice guy with a boyish look. His name is Joe Soh and he is probably the proprietor of the shop.
I remember not very long ago, this guy fixed the faulty lock mechanism of one of the door of my Proton for only RM5.00. I couldn't open and lock all the 4 car door with my keys at the same time. It was this guy who said the problem was due to a broken plastic lever that operates the locking mechanism of the door.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Looking for a digital camera
Lately I have been scouring the advertisements in The Star for digital camera promotions. It's time I get a camera for taking snap shots. After all I am taking a holiday with Anna in Dec and want to capture our holiday on film.
The camera must be reliable, functional and capable of taking decent pictures, yet friendly on the wallet. I am eying a middle range type of 3 to 5 megapixel capacity in the price range of under RM1000.00.
I never thought that there are so many brands of digicams awailable in the market until I started to look for one... a bewildered array of choices for the consumer to choose.
I have narrowed down my choice to three brands ie Kodak Easyshare C330, Olympus FE-100 and Samsung Digimax A402. All the three are 4.0 megapixel models and cost about the same price. This morning I saw an ad on the Sanyo Xacti VPC-S5. At 5.0 megapixel model and selling for RM600.00, it is definitely the best buy compared to the other three brands.
However other members of the clan don't appear to share my enthusiasm for the Sanyo camera...their rational: Sanyo is not known as a camera manufacturer and their products can't be comparable to the other established makes, thus the cheap price.
The camera must be reliable, functional and capable of taking decent pictures, yet friendly on the wallet. I am eying a middle range type of 3 to 5 megapixel capacity in the price range of under RM1000.00.
I never thought that there are so many brands of digicams awailable in the market until I started to look for one... a bewildered array of choices for the consumer to choose.
I have narrowed down my choice to three brands ie Kodak Easyshare C330, Olympus FE-100 and Samsung Digimax A402. All the three are 4.0 megapixel models and cost about the same price. This morning I saw an ad on the Sanyo Xacti VPC-S5. At 5.0 megapixel model and selling for RM600.00, it is definitely the best buy compared to the other three brands.
However other members of the clan don't appear to share my enthusiasm for the Sanyo camera...their rational: Sanyo is not known as a camera manufacturer and their products can't be comparable to the other established makes, thus the cheap price.
Hwajing to refund the full payment of the tour package
Went down to Hwajing office at UE3 in the morning. Told Iris that I wouldn't accept Hwajing's offer to reschedule the Langkawi tour to another date and want a full refund of my payment. After checking with the senior management, Iris confirmed that Hwajing will refund the full payment of RM1278.00. Asked Hwajing to write me a checque instead of crediting the money into my credit card account. Told her to ready the checque for my collection by next Sat 19/11/05.
Although they didn't say, due to the LIMA event I think the hotels and airlines are charging Hwajing more than the amount that the company had originally priced in the tour package that I bought in Sep. Since they have accepted my payment, they should absorb any cost increases and stick to the agreed tour dates. Instead, they want to recoup the loss by offering to reschedule the tour to after 13th Dec.
I'm prepare to settle the issue by recovering all my payment. On the other hand, I have every right to ask the company for compensation. This is the last time that I am going to do business with Hwajing.
Will Hwajing honor it's words by issuing the checque to me next Sat? We shall see...
Although they didn't say, due to the LIMA event I think the hotels and airlines are charging Hwajing more than the amount that the company had originally priced in the tour package that I bought in Sep. Since they have accepted my payment, they should absorb any cost increases and stick to the agreed tour dates. Instead, they want to recoup the loss by offering to reschedule the tour to after 13th Dec.
I'm prepare to settle the issue by recovering all my payment. On the other hand, I have every right to ask the company for compensation. This is the last time that I am going to do business with Hwajing.
Will Hwajing honor it's words by issuing the checque to me next Sat? We shall see...
Friday, November 11, 2005
Langkawi holiday off
Iris of Hwajing called to say that due to the LIMA celebrations, the company is unable to host the tour package that I bought for the duration of 4 Dec to 6 Dec. Not quite sure whether Iris meant that (a) there are no flights available, (b) no hotel accommodations, (c) or both when she spoke on the phone.
I was a little annoyed and disappointed when Iris suggested to postpone the trip to after 13th Dec. How can such a thing happen? Afterall I made the full payment for the tour in Sep. Surely there is plenty of time to confirm the air travel and hotel arrangements. Even if there is a problem Hwajing should have informed me in Sep and not now, which is hardly three weeks from the scheduled departure day... Told her that I would decide by Sat whether I want to postpone the trip to a later date.
As expected Anna was furious when I told her the news.
I am going to cancel the tour. I am going down to the tour operator's office tomorrow to ask them for a proper explanation and also a full refund.
I was a little annoyed and disappointed when Iris suggested to postpone the trip to after 13th Dec. How can such a thing happen? Afterall I made the full payment for the tour in Sep. Surely there is plenty of time to confirm the air travel and hotel arrangements. Even if there is a problem Hwajing should have informed me in Sep and not now, which is hardly three weeks from the scheduled departure day... Told her that I would decide by Sat whether I want to postpone the trip to a later date.
As expected Anna was furious when I told her the news.
I am going to cancel the tour. I am going down to the tour operator's office tomorrow to ask them for a proper explanation and also a full refund.
The Star Power of 9 Contest : Week 1
Prizes
(a)cash prizes:RM99,999 (Weeks 1 to 9) and RM199,999 (Super 9 week)
(b)Weekly special prizes and 9 special prizes of RM3,999 cash each.
My first entry for Week 1
My first entry for week 1 (7th -11th Nov 2005)... Pasted the two part entry form on each side of a manila card with a 30c stamp affixed on it. Am going to drop the card in the post box tomorrow. Week 1 special prize is the Nokia N90 cell phone; there are 9 units of Nokia phone to be contested.
This is the first time in many many years that I have ever entered for a contest organized by a newspaper. Must be the attractive prizes that caught my attention... Or have I become more obsessed with making money?
(a)cash prizes:RM99,999 (Weeks 1 to 9) and RM199,999 (Super 9 week)
(b)Weekly special prizes and 9 special prizes of RM3,999 cash each.
My first entry for Week 1
My first entry for week 1 (7th -11th Nov 2005)... Pasted the two part entry form on each side of a manila card with a 30c stamp affixed on it. Am going to drop the card in the post box tomorrow. Week 1 special prize is the Nokia N90 cell phone; there are 9 units of Nokia phone to be contested.
This is the first time in many many years that I have ever entered for a contest organized by a newspaper. Must be the attractive prizes that caught my attention... Or have I become more obsessed with making money?
David' job interview
David is going to attend the second job interview in two days. David's friend who is currently working in an accounting firm in Semenyih told her boss about David. David called up the boss from his office and he was told to attend an interview at the accountant's office in the evening on 11/11/05.
I hope that he will be successful in getting hired. In his present job, he complained that there was nothing much for him to do; his days were spent in such mundane chores like issuing checques.
As a university graduate he is over-qualified to work as an ordinary accounts clerk in his present company. And certainly wasting much time and energy doing work beneath your qualification.
I hope that he will be successful in getting hired. In his present job, he complained that there was nothing much for him to do; his days were spent in such mundane chores like issuing checques.
As a university graduate he is over-qualified to work as an ordinary accounts clerk in his present company. And certainly wasting much time and energy doing work beneath your qualification.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Aikido class on a rainy night
As usual, I went to the MAA HQ dojo in the evening after work. By the time I got there light rain was pouring down from the overcast sky. After opening the dojo, and switching on the lights I adjourned to the nearby mamak stall for my customary coffee and snacks. After returning to the dojo, the downpour had intensified and gotten heavier.
Glancing at the wall the clock showed the time of 8.00pm. "Who is going to come to the dojo to train in such heavy downpour?", the thought raced through my mind as I was preparing to leave. Just as I was about to exit from the dojo Low and INTI student Wu Fan stepped into the dojo. Surprise! Of all people I never expect to see Wu Fan. Before the semester holidays I thought he was joking when he told me that he wanted to train in MAA HQ throughout Nov and Dec. He said he wasn't returning to China during the Nov and Dec holidays. Just as we were settling down with warm-up exercises, in came Stanley Wong. Again, I never expect to see him coming in the rain.
We practiced mainly the three 5th kyu katate tori attacks and defense and some self defense applications during the class.
Glancing at the wall the clock showed the time of 8.00pm. "Who is going to come to the dojo to train in such heavy downpour?", the thought raced through my mind as I was preparing to leave. Just as I was about to exit from the dojo Low and INTI student Wu Fan stepped into the dojo. Surprise! Of all people I never expect to see Wu Fan. Before the semester holidays I thought he was joking when he told me that he wanted to train in MAA HQ throughout Nov and Dec. He said he wasn't returning to China during the Nov and Dec holidays. Just as we were settling down with warm-up exercises, in came Stanley Wong. Again, I never expect to see him coming in the rain.
We practiced mainly the three 5th kyu katate tori attacks and defense and some self defense applications during the class.
Feeling under the weather
Woke up with a running nose and feeling slightly under the weather. Found myself sneezing uncontrollably a few times. The office work stress that I have been enduring for the past few months must have affected my immunity somewhat. Sometimes I wonder how long I am going to take all these work related stress before succumbing to a nervous breakdown.
What is there to do but to press on? Got to work to make a living in order to support the family.
What is there to do but to press on? Got to work to make a living in order to support the family.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
My first Posting, Amy's STPM exam and David's job interview
On this day I signed up with Blogger.com and am creating "spacious moments" my personal blog. And this is my first posting in this blog. As I continue to post my thoughts I hope to be able to understand the real potentials of blogging in the net.
Today also marks the first day of Amy's STPM exam. She sat for her first paper in the morning. In the evening, when I enquired about the Biology paper which she sat in the morning, she appeared not to be too concerned about her performance. I guest she was quietly confident of her performance in the Biology exam.
Today David took the day off to attend a job interview at a MNC in Bangi. During the interview, David was asked many personal questions and was asked to sit for a IQ test. From the looks in his face, David didn't appear to be confident of his chance of landing the job. I guess he must have had a hard time answering the questions thrown at him and also expressing himself confidently in English
Today also marks the first day of Amy's STPM exam. She sat for her first paper in the morning. In the evening, when I enquired about the Biology paper which she sat in the morning, she appeared not to be too concerned about her performance. I guest she was quietly confident of her performance in the Biology exam.
Today David took the day off to attend a job interview at a MNC in Bangi. During the interview, David was asked many personal questions and was asked to sit for a IQ test. From the looks in his face, David didn't appear to be confident of his chance of landing the job. I guess he must have had a hard time answering the questions thrown at him and also expressing himself confidently in English
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