The One With The One Month Back

So, it's been over a month since I returned to Malaysia.

I've gotten a good kuarters (housing for government employees).

It's on the 13th floor of a 15 floor building (although there are also units on the Lower Ground L1).

It's got 1 master bedroom and 2 guest bedrooms.

The bathrooms (2 of them) are so incredibly small, it can probably only fit 4 of me at once (if we take out the toilet and the sink).

The 13th, 14th and 15th floors only have 3 units per floor, so I'm not surrounded by noisy or nosy neighbours.

But the thing that made me like that apartment most, is the view from my balcony and all 3 bedrooms. 

It sees over most of Putrajaya, especially the avenue with most of the government buildings, the lake, the two mosques and lots of greens and houses.

At nights, this view is amazing.

The winds blowing into the apartment is nice and breezy, hence the lack of need for an air-condition.

I got me a small robot doohickey that vacuums the floors every 80 minutes twice a day.

I just let it do its own work, and after the 80 minutes are up, it'll go find its charger (called "the nest) to recharge the battery on its own.  

It's been quite the little helper.

I shall call it Babette (after Disney's Beauty and Beast's character of the featherduster).

My apartment is starting to shape up into an IKEA showroom.

Sofa (different red and black covers), tv bench, small coffee table and the bed and mattress are from IKEA.

Not to mention the kitchen trolley, the bathroom portable storage thing, and many other small items.

Electrical appliances are from SenHeng/SenQ.

Fridge, microwave (which I heart alot) and the 40 inch flat screen tv.

Next on the list is the washing machine (front load only).

In the meantime, I make weekly visits to my parents home to do the laundry.

I also make it an excuse to go visit my mom.

My things from Argentina have yet to even leave the ports of Buenos Aires.

The barbaric customs of that government has yet to release my things.

It's been over a month and I am entirely not happy with it.

Work wise, 

I shall refrain from making any comments.

Just suffice for me to note that some bosses in this agency do not walk the walk but tend to talk the talk.

I was especially pissed at one certain boss who criticized ME on my usage of the English language in my correspondences. 

ME?

Where the English language has become my mother tongue and the language I am most comfortable with.

He even had the audacity to tell me that to him "writing is an art". 

What art?  

Neanderthal paintings?

It sure seems as such, when you read HIS writings.

Especially, considering that this certain person (an old person at a middle management post) gets so many (bad) remarks about his own writings

(ie: spelling mistakes, usage of words and phrases, etc.)

Again, I shall refrain from making further detail remarks.

Car dealer (HONDA) called me last week to inform that my car would most probably be ready by 2 weeks.

Faster than initial 1 month he gave.

Yeah, me!

The One With My Two Cents Worth

Yesterday, my boss said something to me that made me re-rethink about the establishment that I represent.

My boss found one small article in the sole local English language newspapers (distributed only within the capital city) about the President of this fine country.  The article made the front page, but it was a mere three paragraphs.  To me, the article was not a big deal, because it sounded more like the President's attempt to garner sympathy from the peoples (ps: No matter what the United Nations say, peoples is NOT a word!).  The President has less than 25 percent poll ratings and thus badly needed the support.

Anyway, so my boss told me to send a report to Headquarters about the small article.  I rebutted saying my piece of mind regarding the article but he would hear nothing of it.  He coyly said to me:

"(Headquarters) don't want quality, they want quantity."

I went dumbstruck for a while.

My boss, it seems, is more keen on making sure that I send lots of reports to Headquarters, albeit the lack of substance and quality to them.  He is more keen on having more in hand, then making sure the reports are of benefit to us and our political masters.

This goes so well with what is currently going on within the Headquarters, what with the calling back of our PR in Vienna over the whole IAEA voting scandal.

Press Statement December 5th, 2009

People in Malaysia are now saying that we should allow others from the private sector or "intellectuals" (do such people still exist in Malaysia?) to be Malaysian Ambassadors in the international arena.  They want more "quality" people to be the diplomats of Malaysia.

To me, the quality of Malaysia's diplomats and Ambassadors vary between individuals.  The generation of "quality" diplomats are slowing diminishing due to the course of time (ie. retirement).  Their protégées, meanwhile, are stuck doing administrative work or too burden with substantive matters that others don't seem to care about.

And the new generation of diplomats (albeit the training they have been given) go out in the world with an attitude of self-righteousness that, to many, look outright haughty or snobbish.  I know of a colleague who began her first time as a diplomat in charge of the Embassy because the former Ambassador of that Embassy had just retired and the new one has yet to arrive.  Said colleague went for many months telling people she is the acting Ambassador (which is false - we have a term for the title and it does not imply "Ambassadorship"). Even worse, after the new Ambassador arrived, said colleague still went around telling she is still the acting Ambassador because the new one has yet to present the credentials.  And that's just a recent and geographically close example.

So, in the end, it seems that Headquarters really is doing what my boss said.  They're more concerned about making sure the numbers are met, rather than making the quality of work (and people) are up to notch.  The few of us who know our "station in life" (a popular saying in Headquarters) and who know exactly how to represent our fine nation are being seen rotten by the few apples that stink the barrel.

Sigh.

The One With The Radio Interview

The producers of the radio show finally put up the interview on their blog.

http://thetypicalmistake.com/

Of course, they HAD to misspell my name, despite me giving them my name card.

Go figure!

I sound like a complete dunce!

Hey, I was nervous . . .

http://thetypicalmistake.com/Malaysia.mp3

As momma always say, we learn from our mistakes.

Just don't hold this against me.

The One With The First Week Back In KL

Today marks one week since I've arrived in Kuala Lumpur for my holidays. After being out of this country for over 2 years and 4 months (last I was here was back in April 2007), I noticed a few things.

In no particular order:

Drivers

Malaysian drivers are still "signal-turning-challenged" . . . meaning, that their hands are handicapped, and that they lack the proper appendages to flick that stick to indicate their turn - left or right. They STILL tailgate, despite knowing that the driver in the middle lane is driving at the appropriate speed and if that tailgater WANTS to go all F1 on a 80km/h road, they can do so on the right side of the road.

Women

Despite wearing tudungs / hijjabs and having a "holier than thou" attitude towards other non-tudung wearing Muslim women, these females of the species are far from being lady-like. Again, it's not to all, but a broad generalization. They push and shove in crowded areas. They like to shout what they demand from others. And they are not apologetic about showing all that. And all the while, they say bad things of other Muslim women who wear shorts or dont cover their heads as they do.

Oh, and the women nowadays seem to be vicious when they see a potential male that they like . . . tudungs or no tudungs. Malaysian women have come a long way since their "innocent anak dara kampung" (virgin country maiden) ways. They scare me.

Road Signs

I would have imagined that by now, the geniuses behind road planning would have figured out that placing road signs BEHIND trees on the sides of the roads are NOT beneficial to the drivers. Also, placing road signs to indicate the destinations at crossroads AFTER the crossroads will cause people to be CONFUSED!

Manglish

I should consider it fortunate that Malaysians can comprehend and converse moderatly well in the English language. But, I constantly find myself smiling upon hearing the many colourful ways the Manglish language is used in this country. Try sitting and just listening to how people talk . . . It'll brighten up your day.

Being a Foreigner In Your Own Country

So, last week I had to do some business stuff out of the way. Met several people to get things done and whenever first introductions were made, they would automatically speak English to me. And as such, I would reply back to them in English - in my accent(s) that come and go. Then, when they'd ask for my passport as a proof of identification, I'd give them my Malaysian Identity Card, and they'd be left dumbstruck. One, the picture in my ID resembles a younger Kim Jong-il (minus the glasses). And two, when I asked why they assumed I was a foreigner, they said it was on account of my accent and that I dont look like a Malaysian. The latter part intriqued me. And majority of them that I asked back, said it was because I dont have the normal "body and face" of a Malaysian. Yes, I'm just as confused.

Fat Malaysians and Malaysian Food

I suppose, it was the fact that MANY Malaysians remain to be out of shape plays a part in these people labeling me as "a foreigner". I can't help it if I choose to want to want to keep healthy. One MAJOR flaw in Malaysia being such a haven for food and all things food oriented is that the people tend to eat so much and lack in health wellness. The other day, I ordered a salad and mineral water and the waiter had to double check bacause, according to him, people dont order "water" anymore. It's always soft drinks or some sort of fruit juice.

Aside from that, I also noticed that my body can no longer . . . stomach . . . spicy Malaysian foods. Which irritates me, because I love spicy foods. So, now I end up eating so much spicy foods and then having to "visit the loo" on account of the purging. Eat and eat and purge and purge. On a plus side, I have lost weight. YAY!

Oh, and sorry to my friends, but yes . . . the older you got, the fatter you have become. Seems like I am growing on the opposite spectrum of the rainbow. When we were younger, I was the fat one, but as we aged, seems like they grew fatter, instead. So, please don't hate me for that or give me a weird look if the sleeves of my shirt happen to bulge more. I choose to live a healthy lifestyle. You can too.

The One With The First Day Back In KL

Ok . . .

So after almost a 24-hour flight

I'm FINALLY back in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

And all I can say is . . .

IT'S SO HOT!

I need the cold winter days of Buenos Aires again.

First day I got here, my main objective was to sleep.

I wasn't able to sleep as much as I wanted to on board, despite being in the spacious Business Class (used up all my Enrich points AND added some Dollars to it . . . no thanks to the "The Powers That Be" and their discreet wish washy policy changes).

So, now it's 140am Malaysia time and jet lag has set in.

And the next day, I got tons to do and some people to meet.

Sigh . . .

I am still excited about going to one of the many Pasar Ramadhans coz I have missed the Malaysian food that are found plentiful during the fasting month.

All that work out in Buenos Aires will so go down the drain . . .

Sigh . . .

The One With The Bee En Downfall Parody

This is too good
To let go unsaid

Someone had too much time on their hands
And decided to do this parody
Of the current situation
Of the Government of MALASia

I have no idea
What is being said
But the parody lies in the subtitles
It's so funny

Got it from
Kav's Kollage

The One With The Name Entered For CLEO 50 Most Eligible Bachelors 2009

During a one-on-one photo commenting session of one of her photos in her facebook, Zatil made a suggestion about entering me in an "eligible bachelor" competition (just because I could pose with my body slanted sideways). At first I just joked it with her, but little did I know how serious she was.

Next thing I knew, she had messaged me on YAHOO! Messenger giving me the following link:

The CLEO (Malaysia) 50 Most Eligible Bachelors 2009

I was like, Fine. Go ahead and put my name in the hat. But "seriously play2 onli ah . . ."

So, imagine my surprise when she started sending me all these messages via Facebook asking some info about me (read: Favorite hangout? Starbucks in Suria KLCC). Apparently, Ayoi was busy filling in the form for me (despite him supposed to be doing his paper and studying for exams). Then, I got even more dumbfounded, when Ayoi told me the nomination had been submitted.

"Thank you for sharing the hidden hotties out there. Good stuff are meant to be shared. We hope they would be one of The 50 Most Eligible Bachelors 2008!

>This is your nomination confirmation. You've been nominated by ayoi."

Wait! 2008? I thought it was for 2009. Ok, now I'm confused. But, makes me wonder . . . What DID those two write in the "What Makes Him Eligible" section of the name submittal form?

Regardless, my current favorite blogging couple IN THE WHOLE WORLD, Ayoi and Zatil (aka Mister Ayah and Missus Mama) sure made my week with this effort on their part. Thanks guys. And IF I do get in, I'll be sure to put your names in the first line of my thank you speech.

There's a saying in the Malay language (roughly translated):
Lifting one's own basket

Nuff said.

The One With The Flip Flopping in Malaysia (Malay language)

Secara jujur lah, kekawan . . . bak kata beberapa orang yang I kenal:
"Mak tak kuasa ko, nyah!"

Apa nyer tak . . .
Negara kita sekarang ni
Macam-macam berlaku

Mengalahkan telenovela South America
Tapi masih tak leh nak kalahkan telenovela Hindustani
Kalo nak kalahkan tu, kena ada banyak sesi menari dan menyanyi
ps: I perasan beberapa blogger friends this week cam tulis about Hindi films.
Nostalgic ke abang / akak?

Ingat tak ari tu, Pak Lah kita buat statement
Kata kakitangan, badan, kepalaotak gomen
Akan dapat gaji dalam dua pembayaran setiap bulan
Tetiba sekarang kata takde pulak.

FLIP FLOP

The Star Online

Kalo korang baca the last line
Terasa cam nak mencarut tahap dewa

"The government has to consider all aspects. . ." tu KSN kita yg cakap tu
Abis tu, masa Pak Lah kita buat statement
Dia tak "consider all aspects" ke?
Just curious . . .

Ni kira "add fuel to fire" yang dulu
Dia buat statement ttg orang asing
Kena bayar lebih untuk petrol
Dan rakyat Malaysia bayar tahap rendah
Tapi, lepas tu, SEMUA kena bayar tahap yang tinggi

FLIP FLOP

Skrg ada cite ttg seorang Penyiasat Persendirian (Pee Eye)
Yang buat akuan sumpah kata beberapa VVIP Malaysia
Memang terlibat ngan kes pembunuhan seorang model asing
Siap buat press conference kat pejabat PKR ngan de-facto leader dorang lagi
"Don prey prey . . ."

And kerana tu, ramai VVIP (read: ahli politik)
Terpaksa (or dipaksa or kiss-assing memaksa diri sendiri)
Buat statements kata benda tu karut dan fitnah tahap bencana dewa

Tetiba, keesokan ari
Pee Eye tu buat ANOTHER press conference
(kali ni kat a major hotel in KL - sapa agaknyer sponsor tu eh?)
Pee Eye tu kali ni kata semua yg dia initially bagitau
Semua tak betul

FLIP FLOP

Pak Lah kita lagi best
Dia buat statement ttg
Fitnah Bermaharajalela

Tapi baca barisan terakhir article tu:
"Kerajaan sedang berjalan, pentadbiran berjalan malah pelaksanaan pojek akan dan sedang berjalan,” katanya.
Jalan satu hal
Tapi kalo dah sesat, takkan mau jalan lagi?
Eh, cam bunyi flip flop lah pulak
Kira berjalan lah tu kot?

Jalan jalan cari makan leh tak?
I kat negara asing ni sangat lah kepunan
Pelbagai makanan berlemak Mesia

Tu belum lagi cite ttg tuduhan
Seorang budak 23 tahun
Terhadap Anwar Ibrahim
Bak kata orang (Ayoi, mana lah 'orang' tu?)
"History repeats itself"

First2,
TPM kita kata dia tak pernah jumpa budak tu
June 30, 2008
Last2,
Dia kata mmg dorang pernah berjumpa
July 3, 2008

FLIP FLOP


Tapi ada benda lain berlaku
Secara kebetulan atau disengajakan
Terpulang kepada pihak yang membaca

Malaysian stock exchange suspends trading due to computer glitch

Entahlah kekawan
Nak cakap apa lagi?
Macam budak2 jer main politik
Kalah high school drama
Kira cam Fofular Kids Group A lawan Fofular Kids Group B
Last2 bukannyer ada sesapa yg menang pun

Ok, so . ..
One last time

Say it loud, say it proud:
FLIP FLOP

flip-flop

2 a: a backward handspring b: a sudden reversal (as of policy or strategy)
3: a usually electronic device or a circuit (as in a computer) capable of assuming either of two stable states
4: a rubber sandal loosely fastened to the foot by a thong

— flip–flop intransitive verb

1: the sound or motion of something flapping loosely