Disconnected

Working away on my computer, i did a search for one of my send quotation which i don't seems to be able to locate in hard copy anywhere.

Ahh.. Microsoft Outlook. Such a wonderful program, with it's search functions and all other organising features. The Internet bloomed and spread itself so much that we love being connected and the ease of communications via email is inevitable.

So simple la, click a name, type some words and off it goes, squeezing itself through the fibre optic cables, making it way to the recipient. I clicked on forward and off the quotation went, awaiting another potential order.

Then it happen. My outlook crash.





I was totally lost, seriously, i did not need to use the outlook every minute, but my dependence on it seems humongous at this point. I freaked out and totally emptied my brain. I have no idea what to do next. Neither have i any idea what is to be done. And i don't mean how to repair the email. But i clean forgot the stuffs to be done for the day!

Haha. It was really crazy. Honestly i felt a bit scared and it felt funny why i should at all.
I know it can be revived, but tomorrow seems so far away.

Mr Neo -offline-

My Birthday!

Birthday Eve Celebration

25th July 2008. Not my birthday, yet it's celebrated like it is.

Walking into office late (again), everyone started saying Happy Birthday to me. All the smiles and all was awesome. We don't get a lot of warmth here.

They decided to lunch out. Li Eng & Shirley paid for lunch. To celebrate my birthday they say. But i guess it's abit for Nolita's farewell too. Anyhow, we had a great Indonesian lunch at parkway. The food sucks. I say great because the mood was great.

And of course i had cakes too. I choose Chozs's Mango Creme Cake. A small one cas we had it right after lunch. Sweet Jocelyn brought my favourite coke and some tibits. And like i say, nobody like coke and the 2pet bottles was left with a stunning 1.5bottle. Imagine we, 9 ppl only drank half a bottle

What's worst?

What can be worst then lying?

It's telling a lie and being found out.

Belda's 27th Birthday

Today, we celebrated Belda's birthday. The usual cake and birthday song, with the so called surprise is inevitable.

Still out of office at 4pm and having another appointment at 5pm, i knew the whole office is waiting for me to get back so that they all can start. Driving down Kembangan, i zipped into Esso to grab some drinks. It seems like i have been getting drinks for the last 2 birthday girls and should i not do it this round, everyone will be wondering why. So heck! It's not alot of money anyway, just to make everyone happy, i thought to myself.

Walking briskly into the kiosk, i grabbed 2 pet bottles of rootbeer, paid up quickly and left. Yes, i din't take coke zero even though i love it cas nobody in office likes it. No point making myself happy only.

Heading towards my car, i felt a pull on my left foot. I had a "pull", sort of a twist, but not that serious, however still painful. I must be walking too fast.

Immediatly i thought; "wana be good to her also cannot ah?".

Fate?



Getting back to office, i gathered everyone (using great efforts again... As everyone seems glued to their seats, as usual) and so on goes the out of pitch song (yes, i sang too) and the wish before blowing out the candle.

Belda wanted to say out her wish.

Mr Neo: "No, don't say, i know you want increment, we can't do it. It won't happen"
Belda: "Noo.. I thought of a wish, i want to say it out"
Mr Neo: "Ohhh no, don't say it's a wish"
Belda: "Why? Why can't you let me say?"

*In my heart i bet she's going to say those crap, seriously. If you wish it to happen, do you have to tell the world? Lame lor. So fake! You live with a mask on ya face, the inner me shouted."

So she went ahead and ..

Belda: "I wish everyone can be happy working here.. I wish we can bring in more sales, so that china plant can do well also.. Blahblahblah.. Yup that's it"
Everyone: "Wahh so great, that's such a wonderful wish"
Mr Neo: "Okay, cme cut cake liao lor. I going appointment liao."

Is it me? I really wonder.
But it's so lame. Why does anyone have to say such a "touching" wish?

If i were to say i will surely say.. I wish to have a increment now!

Straight from my heart.
Honest, upright and proud to voice out.
That's me. Love me or hate me.

Most people may choose the latter.

..... Tomorrow they celebrating my birthday, hope they buy coke zero for me .....

Unexpected Findings

Unexpectedly, i was editing some entries in html today to include a youtube file, i clicked on the manage post link.

I glanced down and realised.
Hey! Someone left a comment in one of my entries! I was really amazed.

Amazaed by what i really don't know. But just amazed. Haha. It's Shuben!

Seeing Leo online, i told him about it and asked him how come there's no prompt to let me know when someone leaves a comment. He says there is an option and that he left a comment before too!

Logging off my PC, i can't help it but check all my posts via my handphone and finally found more comments. I've been missing them like forever.

So blur sia.

Present Shopping

Today i just felt like pampering myself. To buy myself a present.
I considered and the first thing that came to my mind was "Prosport Guages".

It's just a piece of useless junk, i really don't know why i even want it.
Maybe it looks high tech, will make my cabin look more electronic (messy). Will make my car look as if it will go faster.

Unable to hold back my excitement. I took off from office at 5.20pm.
Zoom to the workshop and asked the price and all... They would need an hour to fix.
So i told them.. okay, i'll come back. (I've to go fetch Mrs Neo, long time never do that ler).

So i went off, no present for myself. Now i am home, i wonder if i really need it.
Just 2 guages will cost me $220. It's not even the full set of at least 3. I just want 2.

Maybe i should just get something else? So confused.

Klang Ba Kut Teh - Part 2

Bringing back a packet of ba kut teh from Klang duringmy last visit, Mum decides to give it a go today.

The smell was heavenly! Just like what i had in the shop. Opening the lid, i can't help but say "gime a bowl of rice, big one".

A second look made me realise that the color seems abit too light, but i mean the smell was there what, who care's? I just blame it on our inability to stew it for "n" hours.

Laddling up a bowlful, my eager taste buds salivate I took a sip.

Yee.. Why no taste one. My confused mind automatically took a deep breath. The aroma was right leh. A second sip.

Mr Neo: "Mum, no taste one leh"
Mum: "Really? I think next time i must put the full pack of ingredients, this round i put half pack only"
Mr Neo: "This big pot only half pack?"
Mum: "Ya.. I scared too thick la"
Mr Neo: "Ohhh..."

Birthday Week

Not to my suprise, my birthday is coming again.
28 already. Fast approaching the 30's makes me feel unaccomplised. Maybe i took a wrong turn in life? Maybe that turn was for the better? Doesn't really matter now.

Since the start of May, work had been hectic. 11 to 12hours working days are common.
So much that i have nothing to blog about. Life zips pass like a flash off the photocopying machine. Plain monotone, even when i close projects, i get numb. The happiness does not even last more then 10minutes. Do i hate my job or not? I am so mixed up.

Today i noticed that "Natas Fair" is here again. For the past years, this is the period i would plan for my year end trip. This year however, i will not be going. I'm saving up for a 2009 with a Bang! Taiwan in Feb'09 and Maldives in the later half of the year. Short escapes this year are however, inevitable. Heehee.

Another year old soon, i must learn to save money 了. With the flat coming up and plans to have kids soon, having cash on hand is never a bad thing.

Crocs-ster

Mrs Neo's new Crocs Capri in fushia & white.

My Neighbour's Hobby

I admit i care very much about my car. Washing it so very often is nothing i boast of.

But polishing it once every 2weeks is extreme in my humble point of view. Yes, yes. I previously used to do it once a week.

I've slacken abit.

But it's recommended to polish your vehical twice a year. So still i rate myself "siao on"already for my hard work.

Today, i went on my normal routine and drove to the MSCP to start off the cleaning session. Here's how i do it.

1) Vaccum the interior
2) Clean and nourish up the leather seats and accessories
3) Wipe the interior windows clean
*This 3 steps will take around 45mins
4) Shampoo the car
5) Clay the paintwork to remove excessive stubborn dirt and grim
6) Rinse off the shampoo and dry throughly
7) Slap on the sealant and leave to a haze
8) Polish off the sealant and feel accomplished
*Usually will end around 2hrs 30mins from starting time.

Yet today, when i arrive at the MSCP, there was a blue Rex already there and he was there till i was done washing his car. I estimate he used around 3hours!

Still! It was nothing compared to another neighbour. I saw him washing his car when i drove to the MSCP (he was washing in the open air CP). I came back he was still washing! I went home. Shower. 2hrs later, he still at it, slapping on some Turtle Wax (from that distinctive green bottle on his car).

I estimate he used at least 5hrs30mins! And in between that time, while i was at the MSCP, it rained for 1hr plus. According to Mum, he continued to wash in the rain, drenched.

Are all these people crazy? I thought i was insane..... But it looks like i am the sane one around.

Interior Finishings of our dream home

Got this off the forum. The interior finishes of our flat.
Especially love the bathroom wall tiles.

Robbed!

Seeing a change in nick for one of my friend's msn, i clicked to see the new shoutout.

It says "ohh yeah! My house exterior got robbed". What a shoutout i thought and messaged him to see if everything's alright. Personally i thought he lost a bicycle or something.

His reply "ya.. That burglar stole my "ti gong lor!""

A small step for human, a leap for mankind

Fencing up the entire work site, with a mixer driving around


Top view overlooking other development projects (Fernvale Vista)


Some unidentified items lying around

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!! They are blocking up the plot of land!

Nobody can play football at my neighbourhood already! According to statistics, they will be able to complete the project in 2.5years upon starting on the job site.

Every process is so intresting. I simply cannot express the joy, but to say i am thrilled to see developments. To witness the process of building up my future home is priceless.

Of course if i can witness the process of builing my semi-D will be better, but HDB will do for now.

Mixed Feelings

Crusing down ECP(Changi Airport) at 6.20pm, i can't help but feel happy that the glaring sun is still setting, with my sunglasses on, music at the up tempo setting, i drove on the fastest lane with clear traffic. Heading towards loyang to pick up Mrs Neo. Its been so long since i knock off so early.

Being a safe driver, i checked the rear view mirror just to make sure i was not holding anyone back on the lane.

Empty. I look forward again. In that split second, the corner of my eyes saw a unmistakable red and blue flash. No reasons, but my heart skip a beat. It's TP! I ask myself i kan cheong for what?

But uncontrollably, i check my speedo, 90km. Safe. Check that my seat belt is on. Put both hands on the steering as he zooms in at top speed on me. I was doing nothing wrong! But crusing on the fastest lane, alone, with all the BMW, Subarus all on my left being overtaken by me and a TP on my tail really makes me wonder what is happening.

All of a sudden the TP high beam me. The headlight of his 2000cc bike glare down at me. I stoned... A second flash. I guess he must have wanted to overtake me, for what reason he high beam me, i don't know. Immediatly i flick the signal to move left. Miraculously, with a TP around, nobody horn me, but all reduced their speed significantly to allow me a space to enter their lane.

The TP sped pass me, i took a glance at him (both hands on the steering wheel). He looked at me, no smile, nothing. As he open throttle and cruised pass. I went back to the right lane after his bike went by.

After 3seconds. A feeling rush over, i felt bullied.

My first rally

Freedom of speech is not as much as the average person may presume.

During my visit to KL, we happen to bump into a preplanned rally demostration in KL for the recent price hike. The statement of gathering a million people to rally against this seems a powerful force, one that even the police trys to stop or delay. Our long taxi ride up to Klang saw a series of road block just like the ones in the picture.

Is it deterance of just routine checks? For a person living in Singapore, i do not know. However the courage to gather and fight for rights is extremely important. We do not have that in Singapore are well "disciplined" and basically live the "change again? Ok i can live with that" mentally.

I just hope its a peaceful demostrations and nobody got hurt.

Kuala Lumpur Escape (4th July - 6th July '08)

Finally had time to sit down and recall all the happenings for this short trip.
From planning to the actual trip, it was hell break loose.

I really wonder why everyone seems so confused over such a simple thing?
The kids & infant is my guess. They tend to worry so much about this and that which in turns makes everything slow down. The final details went something like this:

Japan Airline Flight Detail:
Friday, 4 July 2008
Outbound : JL721 (19:50 - 20:50)
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Inbound: JL 722 (21:35 - 22:50)

Boulevard Hotel
Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra 59200
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel : 6 03 2295 8000
Direct Line : 6 03 2295 8111
Fax : 6 03 2287 8775
Direct Fax : 6 03 2287 9551
Email : resvn2kul@blvhotel.com
Website : http://www.blvhotel.com/

---

Happenings of this trip:
1) Staying in beautiful Boulevard
2) Great breakfast everyday with a ever changing spread of gourmet
3) Mid Valley Shopping Centre with tons of shops and food joints & resturants that can easily confuse you of a sane mind.
4) Klang Ba Kut Teh experience, the fact that part of this trip was planned in view of trying the local delicacy made it exciting, so much so that i din't even think twice when the cab fare offer for one way was RM70 (Meter on taxi only showed RM30 when we reach).
5) Swimming with the kids and basically bringing them on their first ever trip overseas on a plane.
6) Seeing my sister fall and lose 5 teeths (most unfortunate happening for this trip, but guess it's a blessing in diguise, as it might be my nephew breaking his head!)
7) Taking the airplane and going to my favourite Changi Airport.

Guess this will be the start to a series of "Family Get-Away Trip".
I now pity those tour guides and tour leaders. It's really not easy for them to co-ordinate so much things and to make people listen to them.

But for now, my next long distance trip will still be to visit Amazing Taiwan!
Other then that, in between short trips cannot be avoided. Heehee

巴生原味肉骨茶 的 讲评。

Date: 5th July 2008
Place of departure: Mid Valley, Boulevard Hotel
Single way Taxi Trip to Klang: RM70 (exchage rate @ 2.38)
Duration of ride: 45minutes

---

好不容易坐了的士，千里迢迢到了狮兄说的 Klang 的 Jusco, 不是 Bukit Tinggi 的 Jusco．
人生地不熟。等在购物中心外，突然有一种不祥的预兆。

终于等到狮兄和亲密爱人的到来，还架着一辆超干净的迷你休闲五门式跑车。心情开朗了许多。

一路上，以地主之谊相带的狮兄，边驾边说这一路上的景观，似乎导游一般。
抵达了今天到访的目的地。大红的古老招牌说着某某的故事。

挑了最安全的菊花茶, shuben 说到必吃的 ”小骨肉" - 它比较软。
接着，狮兄和亲密爱人就开始问我们要吃什么？
看着大家都要吃 shuben 大力推荐的小骨，我拼了老命也不可以吃一样的嘛，就随便点了“五花骨“

五人在吃肉骨茶，四人吃小骨肉，一人吃五花骨，那一种比较好吃？
当然是小骨啦！

小骨的肉，比较嫩。滑滑的。比起来，五花肉，咬起来，比较有劲。
个人喜好，都会有不同。
每碗肉骨茶里的汤，喝起来就象，熬制七七四十九天的无敌药材汤。贴心的小店还可以无收费的添加肉骨汤。（for a moment i thought i was running out of soup!）

其实各有千秋。但如果，只能吃下一碗。

巴生的　（小骨）　肉骨茶，必吃。
超猛。

Boulevard Hotel - Kuala Lumpur

I've decided that i will start a review on all the hotels i visit from today onwards.

Currently i am in Kuala Lumpur. Mid Valley.

Hotel: Boulevard Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Star: 4
Feels like: 4

Pros:
Big room, spacious layout with beds that knocks you out easily like 10shots of whiskey.
Toilet full of everything. It has this big sprinker head, easily 40cm in diameter. Round, powerful sprays of water. According to Mrs Neo it makes her wanna sing "I'm singing in the rain".
Full of surprise everytime you pull a drawer. Lots of "ehhh.. they have this too"

Cons:
Internet is not free. RM60 for 24hours. No late check out. Strict 12noon.

Overall. It's pretty sweet. Not the best that i stayed in.
I rate it 7 out of 10

The Quitting Season

Had a phone conversation with John after work, checking things out. But obviously, he's not feeling great.

John: Hey bro, so how are you feeling today?
Mr Neo: The same, f*"ked up. But kinda better, cause i trashed it out during a morning meeting.
John: Ahhh shit man, you did it? You are forever like that man. You just gotta do it.
Mr Neo: Ya la, it's so me what. I can't hold back my natural self. So wassup?
John: Ohhh... Today's my turn to feel f*-ked up. I got an email from my boss's boss to ask us to leave for sales, get moving, out of office at 9.30am. Nobody to be in office.
Mr Neo: Haha. Thats crap man. How do you make sales call then? How to make appointment?
John: I can't, so i go out for breakfast then call from outside lor.
Mr Neo: That's dumb.
John: Ya! I am so fed up when i see that email that i wanted to reply to him and cc all in *sensitive-company-name* and ask them to go ahead and earn all the damn money they want! I don't give a damn, cause i quit! F**k them!
Mr Neo: Hahaha! That's way extreme man.

*sensitive-company-name* is a big MNC.

你为什么要“底”我？

他妈的B...

真的要玩 showhand 吗？
我非常不喜欢那种被逼的感觉。我也没必要留下来忍气吞生。

要玩吗？好啊，我就玩到底！

别给我等到机会，我就会像小青蛙，逃之夭夭.

铁齿梁上。