I’ve mentioned before that I was interested in getting a hi-fi set for my new place. But after much consideration, I decided I would still be okay living with a stereo since I like to keep most of my music in MP3 format.
However, an opportunity has come for me to buy an amplifier from my Uncle Patrick’s contact at a good price. My uncle is the Malaysian Book of Records holder for having the most CDs in Malaysia and is deep into hi-fi stuff (he has like 3 sets of speakers for different types of music). So when he says this amp is a good one, I trust his word.
Over the weekend, my dad, KS and I tested with various speakers and now I’m very tempted to get the amp. BUT! I am not too happy with the speakers. Or could the poor sound be due to the cables? Or the old CD player we were using?
So let’s say I get the amp. Then I’d need to go search for my perfect speakers, which could be very much affected by the type of cable. And oh, I should get a good CD player because it would be no point to get the whole system with a crappy player.
I liken this to getting a DSLR starter tool kit. It’s cheap but I won’t be happy unless I upgrade into nicer lenses. So what did I do? I stuck to my prosumer point & shoot. I’m still fairly happy with my photos plus it’s not as large as a DSLR. Successfully managed to kill that desire every time I see a sale sign at one of the photo shops.
Is this the same thing? Do I go down a rabbit hole that I know will lead to me striving for that perfection?
Sigh. Maybe if I don’t get the U2 Perth December tickets then it’s a definite yes I’ll get this.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Monday, August 02, 2010
One Year Ago...
Has it already been one year that we were preparing to go London to watch U2? I have a couple of friends who are there in London now and just by looking at their photos, the longing to go back is so deep, it's weird. We only spent 8 days there yet I'm missing London?
Anyway, this year we had planned to go Canada and USA this month. However, with our home renovations coming to its end, we had to postpone the trip. Currently scheduled for October, I am still not sure if we can make it with shifting and settling into our new place coming up this month and next. Absolutely no mood to do research on where to stay in NY, plan our flights, do our travel documents... Plus I'm told October would be cold! Sigh. Thoughts of postponing it further to April next year is running through my mind.
But the stress of renovations, chasing suppliers to meet the proper timing etc is all getting to me. I want a holiday now. NAO.
Anyway, this year we had planned to go Canada and USA this month. However, with our home renovations coming to its end, we had to postpone the trip. Currently scheduled for October, I am still not sure if we can make it with shifting and settling into our new place coming up this month and next. Absolutely no mood to do research on where to stay in NY, plan our flights, do our travel documents... Plus I'm told October would be cold! Sigh. Thoughts of postponing it further to April next year is running through my mind.
But the stress of renovations, chasing suppliers to meet the proper timing etc is all getting to me. I want a holiday now. NAO.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Bad Customer Experience
I’m so bloody frustrated I need to get this out of my system. NOW.
We bought a Lebensstil cooker hood and hob, Benova (M) Sdn Bhd during one of those home exhibitions many months back and now the time has come for them to do the installation. The price included coring the wall for the flexible pipe.
I called to set the appointment and gave specific instructions as to what I wanted them to do, via phone and SMS. Basically, I just wanted them to:
1. Core the hole on the wall
2. Attach the flexible pipe.
The installation of the hood would come in later once the kitchen cabinets have come in.
In return, I was told:
1. I had to pay RM50 for the second trip
2. Prepare the cheque for the full payment of the hood and hob
I got my Dad to assist in overseeing this and gave him all the details. However, when the installer came, he wanted:
1. To see our kitchen drawings. We’re already telling him where to core the hole and to give us a longer pipe so that it can be cut down to size upon installation. He couldn’t give a clear explanation on why he needed to see the kitchen drawings.
2. RM100 to core the hole “because it is hitting a beam”. Nowhere in their conversations with me or on the receipt did they say they were going to charge extra if it “hits a beam”.
3. He would refuse to do the job until he got the two things above.
Fuming, I called the company and the lady just said, “We already told you it will cost RM100 if it hits the beam”. I really don’t remember hearing or agreeing to anything like that. Plus it’s not stated in my receipt of this condition. So to clarify when she told me, she said, "When the installer was coring the hole, he told your father."
Let me just be clear. RM100 is nothing. It’s the fact that they weren’t upfront with me and held me ransom as they are doing the job. I hate being cornered! What if it was RM1,000? Did I have a choice?
So I raised my voice, “FINE! I’ll pay the RM100 but you can be sure I’ll tell the world through Facebook, my blog and Twitter never to use your company! Now can you please just install the flexible pipe?”
She also raised her voice back and said, “IT’S NOT THAT HE DOESN’T WANT TO INSTALL. HE’S ALREADY HALFWAY DOING IT!”
Then why the hell was he still asking for the kitchen drawings before he proceeded? In the end, she just kept saying she will ask her installer to call me. Which he didn’t.
My dad had to run to my house to get the drawings (which I hope he got the latest version since there are a few versions to it) to show him. I shudder to think what happens if he got the wrong drawings.
And now they are asking me to pay full for everything, including the payment for the 2nd trip. Can I trust them to turn up later? Worse, if they were to produce more hidden costs? Hell.
********************************
Service recovery after I contacted them again this morning:
They've offered to give me a slow cooker when they next come for the final installation. Anyone wants a slow cooker?
We bought a Lebensstil cooker hood and hob, Benova (M) Sdn Bhd during one of those home exhibitions many months back and now the time has come for them to do the installation. The price included coring the wall for the flexible pipe.
I called to set the appointment and gave specific instructions as to what I wanted them to do, via phone and SMS. Basically, I just wanted them to:
1. Core the hole on the wall
2. Attach the flexible pipe.
The installation of the hood would come in later once the kitchen cabinets have come in.
In return, I was told:
1. I had to pay RM50 for the second trip
2. Prepare the cheque for the full payment of the hood and hob
I got my Dad to assist in overseeing this and gave him all the details. However, when the installer came, he wanted:
1. To see our kitchen drawings. We’re already telling him where to core the hole and to give us a longer pipe so that it can be cut down to size upon installation. He couldn’t give a clear explanation on why he needed to see the kitchen drawings.
2. RM100 to core the hole “because it is hitting a beam”. Nowhere in their conversations with me or on the receipt did they say they were going to charge extra if it “hits a beam”.
3. He would refuse to do the job until he got the two things above.
Fuming, I called the company and the lady just said, “We already told you it will cost RM100 if it hits the beam”. I really don’t remember hearing or agreeing to anything like that. Plus it’s not stated in my receipt of this condition. So to clarify when she told me, she said, "When the installer was coring the hole, he told your father."
Let me just be clear. RM100 is nothing. It’s the fact that they weren’t upfront with me and held me ransom as they are doing the job. I hate being cornered! What if it was RM1,000? Did I have a choice?
So I raised my voice, “FINE! I’ll pay the RM100 but you can be sure I’ll tell the world through Facebook, my blog and Twitter never to use your company! Now can you please just install the flexible pipe?”
She also raised her voice back and said, “IT’S NOT THAT HE DOESN’T WANT TO INSTALL. HE’S ALREADY HALFWAY DOING IT!”
Then why the hell was he still asking for the kitchen drawings before he proceeded? In the end, she just kept saying she will ask her installer to call me. Which he didn’t.
My dad had to run to my house to get the drawings (which I hope he got the latest version since there are a few versions to it) to show him. I shudder to think what happens if he got the wrong drawings.
And now they are asking me to pay full for everything, including the payment for the 2nd trip. Can I trust them to turn up later? Worse, if they were to produce more hidden costs? Hell.
********************************
Service recovery after I contacted them again this morning:
They've offered to give me a slow cooker when they next come for the final installation. Anyone wants a slow cooker?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Drinking Sessions
For the past few weeks, I have had many firsts in alcohol consumption. Yes, I'm almost in my mid thirties but I have yet to consume all these until now.
So the first one was my first beer, a whole pint of Hoegaarden. Sure I've tasted beer before but I have never ordered one for myself. Usually it's just a sip from someone else just to taste what it is. The bitter taste needs getting used to but the Hoegaarden was surprisingly drinkable. Still, I didn't manage to finish that pint!
Then last week we had a farewell for my colleague and we went to a bar with a live band after karaoke. My boss ordered rounds and rounds of shots and I managed to escape with just two shots. My first was the Jagerbomb. It tasted like cough mixture! Yuks! And the Red Bull must have kept me awake later that night as I tried to sleep at 2am.
And here's how to serve a Jagerbomb. Sorry for being sua ku but the serving of the shot was more fascinating than the drink itself. Note: no flash for video so it's a bit dark.
Thereafter, I was given a Blow Job shot. However I didn't want to be taking more photos and look more kampung than I already was so here's how it looks like (except my shot glass didn't look like that!). I now realize there's a special way to drink it sans hands but I didn't know then.
Anyway, it was actually quite nice, way better than the Jagerbomb. Oh well, maybe it's because I'm familiar with Kahlua and Baileys.
Later, as the night drew on, my colleague ordered shots after shots, with bomb names and Graveyard. Oh, here's my colleague's farewell drink by her boss, the Flaming Asshole.
All in all, while fascinating, I can't say I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Definitely not something I would beg to repeat.
*********************************
And oh! How could I forget the small unassuming Mojita I had last week which cost me more than my main meal. The room spun just a little when I stood up after the drink.
*********************************
And oh! How could I forget the small unassuming Mojita I had last week which cost me more than my main meal. The room spun just a little when I stood up after the drink.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Never Ask Favors From Designers
You probably have received this email in circulation. I find it so funny because I have had similar experiences with various designers.
One incident I remember clearly was when my boss asked the designer to create a Chinese New Year greeting card during the year of the Dragon. He created a beautifully simple card sans the Dragon. My boss was appalled that the celestial creature isn't featured and insisted upon making the Dragon the hero of the card.
After much heated arguments, the designer decided to give her what she wanted; a dragon claw holding on to a fiery ball sticking out at the corner of the card. As there wasn't enough time for further arguments, my boss had no choice but to use those cards. Sparingly.
**************************************
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster
Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.
This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and! is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.
From:David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news.
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster
yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
I never said I don't like cats. Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: R e: Re: Poster
yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, ! I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don't come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
S! ubject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww
Dear Shannon,
I don't have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend's cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter. I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww
That’s not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww
I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?" you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
Regards, David.
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Please just use the photo I gave you.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to! make photocopies of it.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Fine. That will have to do.
One incident I remember clearly was when my boss asked the designer to create a Chinese New Year greeting card during the year of the Dragon. He created a beautifully simple card sans the Dragon. My boss was appalled that the celestial creature isn't featured and insisted upon making the Dragon the hero of the card.
After much heated arguments, the designer decided to give her what she wanted; a dragon claw holding on to a fiery ball sticking out at the corner of the card. As there wasn't enough time for further arguments, my boss had no choice but to use those cards. Sparingly.
**************************************
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster
Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.
This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and! is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.
From:David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news.
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.
Regards, David.
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster
yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
I never said I don't like cats. Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.
From: Shannon Walkley
Date:! Monday 21 June 2010 10.24amTo: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: R e: Re: Poster
yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, ! I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don't come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59amTo: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
S! ubject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21amTo: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww
Dear Shannon,
I don't have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend's cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter. I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww
That’s not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww
I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?" you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
Regards, David.
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Please just use the photo I gave you.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to! make photocopies of it.
From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Fine. That will have to do.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Short Singapore Trip
I had a fantastic time in Singapore. Although the trip was very short (only 2 days), we managed to catch up with Jan, KS’ Auntie Jancey and go shopping! It’s good to see everyone looking well and happy, especially Jan who looked pretty hollowed and stressed before she left her old workplace. Moving to this job has made a great and positive change on her.
She also has been staying with Auntie Jancey and Uncle B frequently. She knows her way around the house and how to get to work from their place. I’m very grateful they have opened up their house and allowed Jan to make it her getaway home especially since she’s far from home. Have I ever mentioned how much I love my extended family? They’re an amazing bunch.
We were also taken to this Thai-German restaurant where they had a live band. Jan has been there before and Auntie Jancey encouraged her to sing with the band on the stage, which she did! So during our dinner, the singer recognized Jan and asked her to come up to sing again. Don’t know of any place in KL we can do this.
We also got to play around with the 3 lovely girls Sherry, Georgia and Datin whom we last saw 3 years ago in Perth. Here's how they look now:
Datin was a bit more shy than before. Sherry had her hair clipped short so she now looks like a wallaby, so cute! And Miss G looks as gorgeous as ever, except for putting on a bit of weight during a recent holiday of pampering.
The other thing I enjoyed was a full day of uninterrupted shopping with KS. For once there was no one calling him, no emails he needed to attend to, no SMS-es he needed to reply. Just strolling along the shops with his full attention was bliss. Sigh. He told me not to get too used to it though. I’ll just take what I can, dear. :P
The Great Singapore Sale wasn’t as expected. I guess I was hoping for really cheap items but perhaps I went to the wrong shops which didn’t offer much discounts. Although I ended up with a heck load of things (I haven’t shopped like this in the longest time!), two of my purchases was due to the persuasion of the sales girls. One was a blouse which I bought to get the sales girl off my back and the other was an expensive face mask after heavy selling from the sales girl. Still, I am happy with my purchases and will certainly be using them.
Can't wait to go back again.
She also has been staying with Auntie Jancey and Uncle B frequently. She knows her way around the house and how to get to work from their place. I’m very grateful they have opened up their house and allowed Jan to make it her getaway home especially since she’s far from home. Have I ever mentioned how much I love my extended family? They’re an amazing bunch.
We were also taken to this Thai-German restaurant where they had a live band. Jan has been there before and Auntie Jancey encouraged her to sing with the band on the stage, which she did! So during our dinner, the singer recognized Jan and asked her to come up to sing again. Don’t know of any place in KL we can do this.
We also got to play around with the 3 lovely girls Sherry, Georgia and Datin whom we last saw 3 years ago in Perth. Here's how they look now:
Datin was a bit more shy than before. Sherry had her hair clipped short so she now looks like a wallaby, so cute! And Miss G looks as gorgeous as ever, except for putting on a bit of weight during a recent holiday of pampering.
The other thing I enjoyed was a full day of uninterrupted shopping with KS. For once there was no one calling him, no emails he needed to attend to, no SMS-es he needed to reply. Just strolling along the shops with his full attention was bliss. Sigh. He told me not to get too used to it though. I’ll just take what I can, dear. :P
The Great Singapore Sale wasn’t as expected. I guess I was hoping for really cheap items but perhaps I went to the wrong shops which didn’t offer much discounts. Although I ended up with a heck load of things (I haven’t shopped like this in the longest time!), two of my purchases was due to the persuasion of the sales girls. One was a blouse which I bought to get the sales girl off my back and the other was an expensive face mask after heavy selling from the sales girl. Still, I am happy with my purchases and will certainly be using them.
Can't wait to go back again.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Selling Air
When KS went to Mount Fuji, he said they sold the mountain air in a can. I laughed and thought, "What a scam!"
Then just this week, I kind of encountered two instances whereby this selling of air is not uncommon after all.
Case #1
We had McDonald's for breakfast last Sunday and I ordered the Big Breakfast Meal while KS ordered the Sausage McMuffin with Egg Meal.
When I was about to consume my food, I realised the only difference between our meals was:
1. My egg was scrambled while his was fried.
2. My ingredients were separated on a polystyrene plate, waiting for me to assemble my burger.
3. My meal cost me a couple of bucks more.
So there you have it, add air into the egg and then charge me more.
Okay, okay. Mum argued that the scrambled egg needed more work, more milk and butter etc. But for a couple more bucks? Hmm...
Anyway, I'll move on to Case #2.
My colleague just came back from overseas and brought us two bars of the latest offerings from Cadbury. It's called Bubbly.
Inside, it's the usual little rectangles of chocolate. When you bite into it, the centre is filled with, yup, you guessed it, bubbles. Air bubbles.
This is what I reckoned went on at the Cadbury's HQ:
"Everyone, cost is rising. We need to come up inventive ways of creating new offerings"
And some smart Alec who probably sold ice to Eskimos before says, "I know! Let's fill the chocolate bars with air and continue to charge customers the same price as a solid bar!"
Others would be skeptical and probably sneer, "And who would buy that?"
Well, not only is it being sold, my colleague insists the chocolate gives her a different sensation. Now THAT'S successful marketing.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Farewell, Coconut Tree
Sometime last month, when I just arrived at my parents place and saw some activity going on outside. My dad finally chopped down their coconut tree!
Soon, it got too tall and Dad was climbing higher and higher on his ladder to reach the fruits. He started talking about how expensive it was to get someone to chop it down. So when I saw the remnants of the tree lying and waiting to be carted off, I felt sad for the loss of the fruit and tree but glad that my Dad need not risk his life unnecessarily.
So, here's some photos (blogspot photo arranging is irritating me with the alignment) of the felled tree, the coconut we threw, how the back of the house looks bare without it and the last batch of its fruit.
When they first bought the house, the coconut tree wasn't fruiting. Then, when we had a house blessing, Pastor Foo prayed over the tree to bear fruit. After a few weeks, it started to flower and has been us a steady stream of coconuts since. It was one of the most obvious successes of the house blessing and the story of the prayed for coconut tree has gone around amongst our church friends.
Dad has been the one chopping the fruit down and I had always taken it for granted until one day I decided to go see how he did it. To my horror, he would precariously balance his ladder on unstable ground, sometimes wedging it with bits of spare plank and stand almost to the top of the ladder while he sawed away at the branch. Even when I helped him that day, I was sweating profusely, trying to pull a branch away so that he could get to the fruit. And I was SOO worried he might just fall off the ladder!
Soon, it got too tall and Dad was climbing higher and higher on his ladder to reach the fruits. He started talking about how expensive it was to get someone to chop it down. So when I saw the remnants of the tree lying and waiting to be carted off, I felt sad for the loss of the fruit and tree but glad that my Dad need not risk his life unnecessarily.
So, here's some photos (blogspot photo arranging is irritating me with the alignment) of the felled tree, the coconut we threw, how the back of the house looks bare without it and the last batch of its fruit.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Fukuya Japanese Restaurant
Right before my trip to Gopeng, I organized an event and I must say it was quite a successful one at that. Held at a Japanese restaurant, Fukuya, housed in a bungalow in KL, we hosted over 40 guests. Despite being thrown last minute requests, I'm proud to say the team came together and made it all happen.
The people I liaised with at Fukuya were also very accommodating. Another highly recommended place. The food was good and many guests left happy, some were overheard saying they would come back on their own some other time.
Unfortunately, I didn't manage to take photos of the food but they were served in small helpings, teasing your tastebuds with different types of dishes. This is where I had my first (and last) taste of duck liver served on a huge fresh scallop. I will bring KS there one day, minus the duck liver.
My contribution in this photo is the place setting which I thought was pretty simply and cool :) Learnt it from Le Petit Prince restaurant in Paris.
The people I liaised with at Fukuya were also very accommodating. Another highly recommended place. The food was good and many guests left happy, some were overheard saying they would come back on their own some other time.
Unfortunately, I didn't manage to take photos of the food but they were served in small helpings, teasing your tastebuds with different types of dishes. This is where I had my first (and last) taste of duck liver served on a huge fresh scallop. I will bring KS there one day, minus the duck liver.
My contribution in this photo is the place setting which I thought was pretty simply and cool :) Learnt it from Le Petit Prince restaurant in Paris.
The Great Outdoors
In the course of 3 weeks, we trekked two jungles and waterfalls. The first one was at Templers Park. We went with 20 over adults and 9 kids.
The trek was easy, and in less than the expected time, we arrived at a clearing which was suitable for us to set up "camp" for lunch and played some games.
The waters were quite clear and gentle. A real family place.
I bought a new pair of slippers for this hike and in anticipation of the next trek. KS and I still ended up tired as a result of this mild trek.
Then the next one was a trip to Gopeng with the Youth Leaders last weekend. We stayed at this lovely place called Adeline's Villa. Adeline also owns and runs the Rumah Rehat Adeline which is a basic place of stay, wooden huts with mattresses spread out on the floor.
For comfort, we upgraded to the Villa which was a 5 minute walk from Rumah Rehat Adeline. This is where I stayed:
Isn't it gorgeous? They currently have two dorms that can fit about 10 people per dorm and it looks like this:
Now, Adeline is also well-known for her cooking and we can all testify to this. The food beats the hotel food we had during last year's Youth Leader's retreat.
Activities we did during that weekend was white water rafting, which unfortunately I don't have a photo of since we would be soaking wet. The grade was merely 1-3 but even so, I managed to fall into the rapids twice and inhaled a lot of river water. I did think I was going to drown but even though my nostril was filled with water, thankfully, my mouth was still able to gasp in much needed air. Not for someone who isn't confident in water. Oh well, I'm still alive.
The second day we were supposed to jungle trek to see Rafflesia. However, there were none blooming in our near vicinity, only a "kobis" at about 2 hours worth of Orang Asli trekking (for normal people, it could mean more than 5 hours worth of trekking).
Instead, we took a jungle trek to the nearby waterfall. Even with this simple trek of about 20-30 minutes of uphill walking at the start, I was nearly wiped out. So unfit! Still, the waterfall was really something.
See the height of the waterfall? We stood beneath it and allowed the icy coolness massage our backs.
Oh and another interesting part of the excursion was that we were transported via standing behind trucks and lorries. We had to duck low hanging branches and tried in vain to reach for durians and bananas as we passed.
Speaking of durians, since it is durian season, we managed to grab several durians that fell off the many durian trees. Bliss!
Will definitely recommend this place to anyone for team building and outdoor activities. They have many other activities like paint ball, abseiling down that waterfall etc. Go check it out!
The trek was easy, and in less than the expected time, we arrived at a clearing which was suitable for us to set up "camp" for lunch and played some games.
The waters were quite clear and gentle. A real family place.
I bought a new pair of slippers for this hike and in anticipation of the next trek. KS and I still ended up tired as a result of this mild trek.
Then the next one was a trip to Gopeng with the Youth Leaders last weekend. We stayed at this lovely place called Adeline's Villa. Adeline also owns and runs the Rumah Rehat Adeline which is a basic place of stay, wooden huts with mattresses spread out on the floor.
For comfort, we upgraded to the Villa which was a 5 minute walk from Rumah Rehat Adeline. This is where I stayed:
Isn't it gorgeous? They currently have two dorms that can fit about 10 people per dorm and it looks like this:
Now, Adeline is also well-known for her cooking and we can all testify to this. The food beats the hotel food we had during last year's Youth Leader's retreat.
Activities we did during that weekend was white water rafting, which unfortunately I don't have a photo of since we would be soaking wet. The grade was merely 1-3 but even so, I managed to fall into the rapids twice and inhaled a lot of river water. I did think I was going to drown but even though my nostril was filled with water, thankfully, my mouth was still able to gasp in much needed air. Not for someone who isn't confident in water. Oh well, I'm still alive.
The second day we were supposed to jungle trek to see Rafflesia. However, there were none blooming in our near vicinity, only a "kobis" at about 2 hours worth of Orang Asli trekking (for normal people, it could mean more than 5 hours worth of trekking).
Instead, we took a jungle trek to the nearby waterfall. Even with this simple trek of about 20-30 minutes of uphill walking at the start, I was nearly wiped out. So unfit! Still, the waterfall was really something.
See the height of the waterfall? We stood beneath it and allowed the icy coolness massage our backs.
Oh and another interesting part of the excursion was that we were transported via standing behind trucks and lorries. We had to duck low hanging branches and tried in vain to reach for durians and bananas as we passed.
Speaking of durians, since it is durian season, we managed to grab several durians that fell off the many durian trees. Bliss!
Will definitely recommend this place to anyone for team building and outdoor activities. They have many other activities like paint ball, abseiling down that waterfall etc. Go check it out!
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