Still Considering a Quick Jaunt to Singapore During the School Break

Holy Crow. I just looked at the discount site I use and the Carlton Hotel is USD1583 a night. I have stayed there several times and never came close to paying that amount. So, I went to the hotel site to see if perhaps the discount site had an error on the page. The hotel site offers the same room for $2000 a night.

What the heck? Have they lost their mind? Or perhaps been hacked by a happy hacker.

Holy Crow - it's June 1st!

We are very near half way through 2013. What happened?  It is very hard to gauge what day it is here - there are no seasons, so with it only being hot and hotter, or wet and wetter, one tends to not see the 'seasons' go by.

As for the protests in the country; they continue. Wednesday saw a crowd gather in numbers of 60,000 protesters. In spite of protesters being arrested, detained, and charged, the peaceful protest rallies continue.  There is very little news to read regarding these events, but interestingly, the two sides take two views of one story. On the incumbent side, they view US support for them because the president sent a congratulatory message. However, in support of  the opposition side; the congratulatory message came with a suggestion to clear fraud charges as soon as possible. I guess it all depends on which side of the fence one sits in order to determine the message. As a foreigner, I am not even close to the fence. It is not my decision. It is not my election. Interestingly, long after the big day, one can still see news coverage in newspapers worldwide. I am not sure that could be said about an election in my homeland. In fact, there was a provincial election there recently, and I had to contact friends to find out the outcome. You have to understand, I come from a country that always apologies and uses the good manners our mothers taught us. It is one of those descriptions of a Canuck that everyone understands. I'm sorry, eh......  immediately allows the outsider to know I am Canadian. As the rallies continue, coverage indicates that the people attending are asking for an outside eye in scrutinizing the election process of the recent election.  With arrests made and charges of sedition, these people continue on their protest, fearless of what can become their fate.  One has to applaud them for taking this stance, and one has to be appreciative of how these rallies remain peaceful. In a country with the population that exceeds my own country by staggering amounts per square kilometre, one has to look at those statistics and realize that peaceful rallies are a good indication of the well thought and well planned rallies to keep the participants under control. They are protesting what they believe is an injustice. Emotions can easily get out of control.  Imagine the numbers of people they gather and then imagine them keeping them constrained.  A population density here is 76.6 per square kilometre.  Back home it is 3.3 for the same area.  There we could need cell phones or carrier pigeons to keep in touch with each other at a rally; here just a nudge to the person jammed in beside you. Back home we actually get exercise going to visit a neighbour. Here, you just whisper over a wall.  Congratulations to everyone. For those who demonstrate their democratic right to protest, and to the country that allows this action.

More Intercultural Miscommunication

This is for me. Read if you wish. I am learning. Great deal about cultural communications and how each distinct group has their own way of dealing with messages all within this country. Leaving something ( by mistake) at a school the last day of classes, I quickly called a teacher there to ask her if she would pick it up in the room it was, take it to the office, tell them to hold on to it as I needed it again after the break. Done. Arriving there yesterday, I had to wait for the office to open after their break - u know cat away, mice will play. Finally someone returned. He knew about the calendar (item) but could not find it. He called the others - still out.  No English spoken so I had no idea of what was said. Comes back - no one knows where it is. Hmmm. I called the teacher. She began talking about things I did not know so I gave the phone to the office man. Again no English. He gave the phone back to me. Teacher says 'someone took it home - they like it.  They want it. '. I explain to the office man what I now know. He blushes. He says come back tomorrow. Maybe we get it'.

I did go back tomorrow ( today). It's  magically back in the office. All covered with various sticky stuff to hang it wherever it was taken.

What does this tell me?

One of the cultures has no problem lying straight to your face to avoid conflict or to save face.

Why does this bother me?

This was just a calendar. Not a valuable item or something posing threat to safety. But where does this stop? How does one know if a negotiation is honourable?
       
I am beginning to understand the 3 styles.
One will lie without remorse.
One will say 'it finished' to avoid admitting not understanding or unable to frame correctly, even if it means losing a sale.
One will say nothing and hope that you evaporate into thin air.

In any case, how will these three cultures fit into the global village with these tactics of communication?

I am hoping to find the middle one for my next round of talks with the university. Which has again gone silent. At least there is a possibility of negotiation.

Misty Air and Chirps and Squawks

The air is slightly cool before the sun beats down on us soon, the jungle insects chirp and call. The birds are still silent, probably listening for the direction to head to pick off an insect that is giving away location.  It is only 6:30, so daylight is just breaking.
As the sun begins to rise, I can see the thickness in the air - another day in the tropics. Even the air sweats here. Another day just like the last one. Or, in simple words, it is going to be hot today.

I think this is the day I go to JB to get some errands done. I am out of sparkling water, and that is my treat for daily hydration. I drank every perrier, soda water tin, and large bottle I had in my cache. I need to face the HP man yet again. And the list goes on. Nothing opens the doors for business before 10 or 11 AM, so I can continue on with the inventory of books until it is time to go.

Travelling Library will travel no more

I have spent the last two days checking the inventory of the books I have provided for the schools while I have been here. I gathered all the carts to sort them over the vacation and redistribute them after the break. I think I have decided they will go to one school. That is the only school that has used the books and looked after them. Other carts came back to me with shredded books, missing pages, bits of food and trash in the cart, and many, many books missing. I would like to look at this with a benevolent mind and believe someone wants the books to read over the break. In reality, they have probably been lost.  I need a break from this tedious task. Maybe a hairwash downtown will fix that.  Then back to the missing cat in the hat and other critters to write the new inventory.

FaceBook - My Nemesis

Well, I am trying to engage on that social network. I did post a comment about what is stated regarding my location. Somehow, my location is indicated as Solvang, California. I certainly did not add that. I dont even know where Solvang is.

This morning I got a few messages from people sent to my e-mail address, so moseyed over to the page to see what was said. All sorts of chatties came up and it turns out one of my friends lives in Solvang.

So,
for Frannie, I am mastering FB finally. somewhat

The Moon is Everywhere, and it is Beautiful......

I always told my kids when they were young and adventuresome (unlike their mother) that we would always be able to spend time with each other when there was a full moon, no matter where we were in the world. That moon is everyone's moon, so look at it and talk to me. I will also see it.  Not sure what they thought of that comment, but they never said I was daft. I have also sat at the seaside in Victoria and looked toward where Ryan was in the ocean and knew that maybe I touched the same water drops that touched him.

Well, enough of that blather. Here is a video that some clever person put together of one of those beautiful moons rising over the horizon.  I have a view of that moon when I put my head on my pillow here. It is breathtaking at full moon cycle. A harvest moon every cycle. Sadly, the brilliant red/orange colour is due to the pollution in the air. But it was lovely to look at just two nights ago.

New Zealand video

Another Day, Another Ringgit.......

Today I met with a tax accountant. We are getting shipped outa dodge at the end of September, and I am concerned about the taxes I file. Last filing I ended up paying even more tax to the coffers, after having taxes taken off through the year. Bad advice from the person who rushed me through, it turns out, but I think asking for a refund is like asking God to turn back time. I will likely have to let that one go, but I am concerned about the final day here and what the tax office thinks we owe over and above the amount we paid. How do we argue this point with a flight awaiting us, and freedom of home beckoning us there?  My new accountant said he can help, but he cannot do it the day we get paid, and leave the country.  I sure hope that the exit is smoother than that. No sense in thinking about it now. I have laid the foundation, now await the process.

I also went to my local travel agent, who happens to be just down the way from the accountant. Looking for something fun, cheap, and easy to travel to for the rest of this vacation.  I still have no further word from the university. Well, what am I thinking? How could they possibly get assignments marked in 6 days, when they could not do it in 4 and a half months?  So, to get them off my mind, I thought a vacation might help. I asked about trips to Australia, various places in Thailand, and then left it up to her to suggest. Nothing that said to me, said PICK ME.  So I came home and realized that I need to keep working on shutting down things here.  I talked with a friend back home who thinks I am insane. I could go to Sydney for about 300CAD return and stay in a **** hotel for about 50CAD a night. But why would I want to go to Sydney? It is a city. It is much like NA. I will be in NA in a few months.  I almost caved. After all, I know that once I am gone, it would be a nightmare going to Australia from where I am. But I never wanted to go to Australia when I lived there and know I wont when I get back. I would go to the big fat outback, but have not left enough time to plan that. I would go to South Korea in a blink, but my man of my life is not home, so not much use going there right now. I am curious about people who crave travelling. Is it to show off their passport and whine about having to get a new one because the old one is full? Do they like shopping in a different location? I know someone who loves to travel, goes as cheap as she can, and lives like a street person the entire time, finding everything free or as cheap as possible. I guess that is her idea of a holiday. Not mine. Or do they just like looking at other people?  I do like experiencing other cultures, but I think I have had that in spades this past 3 years. I really do not need another cultural experience right now - especially on my vacation. Save the ringgits to pay the tax man.  And get some work done. Oh ya, take the loser HP to JB again to see if they can drive their car over it - maybe that will make it work.

Now time to chase a little gecko out of my papers piled behind this desk. Good grief, I will not miss that bunch of little critters when I get home.

No Rain.............Yet

My first official day of vacation. While colleagues made up various needs to leave a week early, I am settling into my real vacation by putting things in order at home.  Maybe a quick trip to Singapore, just to rent a hotel room and have a bath, but nothing much more than that is planned. Not raining yet, but overcast, so not great hopes of a dry day either.  It does not matter, I am going to stay home and get the library accounted for to take back to my school after the break.  I might even gather up enough courage to remove the corpse from the lizard kitchen, but don't count on that.  I also have to keep an ear to the outdoors, listening for the trash man truck. I do not want another day of that 'valuable' assortment of yogurt and crap left by a colleague, who told me she spent RM150 on this stuff and wants it back.  I love how cheapskates inflate numbers when they want to make a point about their suffering and martyrdom. I think she was actually pondering taking it on her discount airline as carry on, but then realized the packaging was beyond the 50ml allowance.  It probably set her back about RM15-20.  Anyway. I do not want it choking up my fridges.  I love writing this sort of thing here. I know various colleagues read this blog, but never admit it.  But occasionally they slip up and mention something that they read here, that I know had not been stated face to face. It could be fun knowing that the dairy queen is reading and knowing that she is mentioned in the blog in a rather unattractive manner. Also, whoever else is reading, wondering which one of them it is. This bunch is a very gossipy lot.  Yikes, I do have a rather pathetic life, don't I.

I watched a very interesting movie last night. The Heineken Kidnapping.  It was based on a true event, but not sure if it followed the story accurately. It was good.  I recommend it. I had hoped to watch Lincoln, as I picked it up also at the pirate shop here, and it set me back RM10, instead of the normal RM5.  Bloody thing was blank. So, if I have the energy, I might just go back and demand my RM's back, even though these pirates never issue a receipt.

Sorry for such drivel. That is what is going on.  I am sure I will disappoint the 900 - 1000 readers that have accumulated lately.  I will try to experience something more interesting as the days unfold.

Update. My two buddies that work in JB and live in my taman had a chat with me before leaving for work. They are delightful, helpful, and interesting to talk with. Asking me about my feelings about the election and all, we realized we were going to talk a lot longer than time allowed. I guess there will be a patio visit with them some time after work this week. They both declined the yogurt etc. - which was on its way to the trash. I also had to go to the lizard kitchen to get the yogurt and EGAD, gecko corpse was gone. Not even bits of gecko crumbs. What does that mean? Was he actually sleeping off a hangover, or did something bigger come in and have a nosh?  No idea. I think I am just going to erase that memory as best I can. I am sure glad I did not gather him up and put him in a coffin last night. That could classify me as a murderer.

For Those Who Know Me, You Know What Now.....

I was going to do some laundry today. I still do wash my own linens and towels.  Not today.  I was in the lizard kitchen getting some ice for my glass of water, and just in front of the washing machine was a little guy who seemed to think he was in a pool doing the backstroke.  And not very quickly.  Those that know me are also aware of what I am now trying to think of how to get rid of him without touching him.  I am sure his mother told him a million times to not play on the ceiling.  I guess I will be donating another set of kitchen tongs to the trash can. But for now, the laundry can wait.  Cant face that right now.

update on 21 days

Finally something online that kind of explains this 21 day period.

Still not clear to me, so rather than trying to rewrite it. here is a copy and paste

PKR strategy director said a team of lawyers was currently drafting the elections petitions, which would be filed in stages.

“We are looking at filing 29 election petitions for parliamentary seats.

“We have also encountered evidence at the state assembly level which is also quite compelling, so there will be a few petitions filed there as well,” he added.

The director declined to name the constituencies but said all the petitions would be filed by June 10, two days before the deadline to file them.

The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday gazetted the official results of GE13 which was held on May 5.

Electoral candidates and political parties dissatisfied with the outcome have 21 days or until June 12 to file their objections or petitions.

Entertainment for Saturday and Jilly's Makan Spot

I picked up my laundry, stopped in at some shop to purchase drinking straws, bought a pizza for dinner (from Dominos).  In my travels I took photographs of what amused me. Maybe this does not trigger the same reaction in you, but I think if Jan were reading this she would understand.

I had to take a photograph of this house being built. It is in Taman Kota Jaya, a workingman's taman. Good, hardworking people who work hard, save their money, and buy a home. Mostly Chinese people, but there are a number of Tamil families there as well.  I am now wondering if I have financed the building of this home in that 'hood.  You need to see the person up on an upper balcony to get a perspective of how huge this place is.  It dwarfs everything around it. Maybe I should loiter next week and follow the family home after they close the dobi. I ponder this because the house began shortly after I began using the dobi.  Egad, if they are building this, maybe I need to change careers.

After the laundry pickup, I wiggled my way to the newest mall in KT, to pick up some drinking straws.  Why? Because I intended to pick up a pizza from Dominos too, and often have a tin of pepsi while I wait. They have no straws and only have styrofoam cups. I hate styrofoam cups. As I wiggled around that lot trying to get to the Dominos I noticed yet another Jalan Sehala sign.  What the heck?  I see Jalan Sehala all over town. How can it continue here and be somewhere else and then pop up again elsewhere?  I googled the word. The bloody sign is posted on a street sign (which is not often posted at all) But the term sehala is ONE WAY. Jeez, the street name is not a street name, it is like a traffic sign telling you this is a one way street.  But look on, this is a spanking new mall, maybe 4 months old. Nice new blacktop without potholes, and perfectly painted lane markers. Perfectly painted, but what is the meaning of them? I scratch my head every time I drive through, because I cannot undertstand the triangular painting of these lines. I have finally decided that whoever was dispatched to paint the lines here was also taking an art class on perspective. You know, painting a string of telephone poles and seeing them come to a point at the farthest end of the viewers perspective. If you have a better idea, post it here. I need help.

the narrow triangled area is meaningless, it just starts at the top of the road and dwindles

Leaving Dominos with the dinner, I spied a sign that Jilly would like to see. She was fascinated with the term Makan, learned from someone she knew who was Singapore. After I enlightened her, I think she likely quit wanting to find one.  Makan means eat. There are Makan Spots everywhere here. None that you would likely eat at.

if you click on the picture to enlarge it, and look at the signage on your left, you will see Makan Spot

And finally, on my way home, waiting at a main intersection, the boys on the bikes

as usual wiggle their way to the front of traffic and rev their little scooters constantly waiting for a green light. Amazing they wait, but then, the polis are just behind me today.  Then off they zoom at about 10 kmh in little swarms, just enough to entangle and annoy drivers of cars.  But they have to be first!

21 Days?

You cannot imagine how frustrating it is to try to figure out what the starting point is for the 21 day cut off for filing petitions regarding the election here.  Does it start the day after the election, once the dust has settled and votes were tallied? Does it start the day of the election?  Or does it start today, which is the day before 21 days after the election now? I ask the last one because anything I read in the mainstream media here the messages today in the print today is 21 days to file complaints, and the story goes on. So does that mean 21 days from 21 days after? Who knows? I have asked a few people, and when I do, they then look like I hit them with a 2x4.  They had never stopped to ponder that one. No, no, cannot know this, not so sure. That is the answer.  So, I guess I either wait and see chaos because the filing has been done, or ruling government rejoicing because it was not.  And so, I wait.

Another Reason to not Answer My Phone

As I began to gather up the clutter left behind by the traveller, I picked up a plastic bag from her excessive dairy shopping. About to stash it in my cache of trash bags, I realized there was something inside the bag. Eek and more Eeks. There inside was a spider or something akin, the size of a small turkey.  Hairy legs and body in place of feathers. Lucky for me, it was a plastic bag. I immediately tied it, ran to the door, out to the patio, and tossed it over my gate. There it sits. Litter, compliments of the foreigner. Don't care. I am not touching that thing again. I hope Monty finds it and eats it. Now cautiously looking at anything that moves, in case he had a friend that managed to escape from the bag.

Canada does look good, doesn't it?

Vacation Begins, colleague scatter, and I begin putting my life in order for next chapter

I swear, I do not understand how some people function on a daily basis. After an indulgent hair wash treat, after dropping off my laundry, I was heading home with a dvd I picked up - Lincoln; to snuggle up and watch in peace and quiet.  My phone began shriek at me while driving, so picked it up and hello'd.  A colleague from north of me was frantically nattering at me about being at another colleagues suite and did not have a key to get in and the person was away.  As she left today for vacation, I suggested she just get in her car, drive to the airport, PAY FOR PARKING, and stay in a hotel overnight. Whining, she mewled about the cost and could not afford. WTH. what kind of a person goes on vacation and cannot afford small costs as the pop up?  Mewling further, asking me if she can stay at my place. Yes.  There went my lovely evening.  Arriving, I could not believe what she carted into my home, her little car was packed to the rooftop. WTH again.  4 suitcases, 2 coolers, and about 6 carry bags.  Spread all over my living room she began her job of preparing to go on vacation. All the while, she is telling me how she is plotting her next vacation in August and how she plans on adding on a week so it is worthwhile.  Sure, why not.  Then went on to say she is going to have some arthroscopic knee surgery but although it was offered to be done now, she declined. Did not want to waste holiday time now or for the next vacation; she wants to take 2 weeks off for this during work.  And, what really gave me a chuckle, thought she would ask her boss to take her to hospital, pick her up, and take her back to his place to recover.  Wants to get it done here - she is a Yank, and over there it would cost a great deal, but here, with the wonderful healthcare system, she gets it done free.  Myself, I would be seeking another opinion before I agreed to any surgery here, and then likely not have it done anyway.  This is not a first world country. Ah, yes, the sacks of food she picked up. She is going for 2 weeks, and in she brought giant cartons of yogurt, cartons of milk, eggs, butter, cheese, and juices.  WTH again.  She has friends going with her from back home, and knew she had to feed them when they returned to My.  so bought all this crap so that it could rot before she came back. Offer to me?  Just use these and we can settle up later. WTH again.  Everyone here knows I do not eat the eggs, milk, yogurt or packaged juice.  Pay her?  Hmmm.  Then she suggested that I could sell them to a neighbour. I was pouring the carton of milk in the toilet at that point and she was near tears.  What really burns my bottom? Now gone, I noticed that I could not find the carton of eggs. I texted her, where are the eggs stashed? She cannot recall. I do not want to come across them by smelling they explode in my house.  WTH again.

Once she was clearly understanding that I would not drive her to the airport, or pick her up at the end of the trip, she then mewled about all her possessions she brought with her. Seems she thinks her baju karongs and other crap would be enticing to burglars breaking into her place, so she then stashed them into my spare room. I advised that I might not be here when she returns, and if they are stolen from my place I will not be responsible for the loss. Some gibberish about claim on my insurance. Not gonna happen chicky.  I am talking about a 50+ woman. Where is her own critical thinking, her sense of self respect, her sense of understanding that the world does not owe her anything, and her sense that if she wants to take a vacation, then be prepared to pay her own way.  Going out the door, "what little thing can I get for you, for your hospitality"?  Nothing. I dont need any tea or coffee and I am sure that is what it would be. Just pick up your stuff and go home.

Also getting frantic phone calls from a former colleague back in USA.  Dont take these calls. I finally sent a message and suggested once she got some professional help, we can talk.

All this after a week of doing the work of three because one colleague bolted a week early before vacation, another is seriously ill.  I do need this vacation. I have some communications needed to sort out concerning the university courses that I took in Jan- April that are still not marked. I reared my ugly head the other day and received feedback and marks for the first set of papers, but nothing more. My message that generated the quick reply went something like no more silver will cross your palm until I get some feedback and posting of my work done to date. Plus a request to know what to expect for turn around time for papers submitted and marks received; knowing from other students that they get theirs back within two weeks. To help you understand my mewling about colleagues that are given 2 weeks vacation but take 3 instead, understand, teachers everywhere are given more vacations than any other profession worldwide. We get these vacations too.  We signed a contract accepting the scheduled vacation for each year, and were also advised to not plan any trips for the first day of vacation in case we have a meeting that pops up. Those who bolted early this time used various excuses. My mother is gravely ill ( but waited until vacation time and took one extra week to travel home to see her on her death bed) Then told friends she was going early, seeing some man, and left family to understand that she would arrive on the first day of vacation.  Another, bolted early, arrived in this contract only six months ago, and wanted to see long lost family, so took an extra week. Another bolted early, has been somewhat estranged from wife back home - at least should be because he chases anything in a skirt over here, and needed more time to spend with family.  Another, is already plotting next vacation of 10 days to turn it into 2 weeks+ (and not let anyone know) but really wants to see Australia.  WTH again.  Looking at all this I can only think that these people are a mirror of the company and the company is a mirror of them.  You know - what you sow, so shall you reap.

And, disappointingly, Ry is still in SAT. Glad for him, he makes good money. Sad for me, because he will not be here during my vacation. But then, what the heck, others go on vacation whenever they feel like it, what about me?

Now to sort through the library I am donating to a school. The wonderful government here does not allow charitable tax receipts to defer taxes unless I donate to muslims.  Hmm, I guess I will just write up my inventory, donate to who I want to, and use the receipt in Canada to defer those taxes.  So, big job ahead, as many of the books I take to the schools have gone missing. But still many to account for in this receipt. That will be my holiday.

Oh, yes, all await the peaceful rally group who will be submitting their challenge to the recent election with allegations of fraud, corruption, and altered voter lists as well as illegal voters.  Should be an interesting weekend in that regard.

I dont think I will answer my phone either.

Go for Treats on May 31st....

I just got this message:

We're dedicating May 31st to you -- our valued client.

Enjoy refreshments with members of your local branch and community. Stop in to say hello and learn about our time-limited offers, reserved just for you.

I cannot think of a better way to thank these people than sending everyone I know, especially those with little children, to take advantage of their generosity. What the heck, find someone who is celebrating a child's birthday and have the party there. You might have to take your own candles.

Best of all, you are invited to ANY CIBC branch.  I can't get there myself, so enjoy the refreshments for me.

ps - if you don't know what a CIBC is, then this message is not for you

You have to chuckle over this comment...

I try my best to read what I can regarding the peaceful protests and everything going on here since the recent election. I come from a background of politics, so these events are interesting to me.

I was browsing some comments on one of the peaceful rallies where people were arrested and jailed without allowing any conference with lawyers. It did appear to be rather harsh, considering the group was not causing any problems. The comments were supportive except for one. That one is the chuckle generator.

It goes li dat:  "dear policeman... Catch these troublemakers and put them in jail. Let us live peacefully.... The trouble with people nowadays they do everything wrong in the name of  Human Rights......" End of quote.

OMG OMG. Does that "li dat fella" know what HUMAN RIGHTS is?  Me thinks not.  That is what made me laugh today.  But I also hope he gets a glimpse of human rights sometime in his life to know what it looks like. Clearly, he does not see the concept through his peepers right now. Did anyone else think of Archie Bunker right now?

Missed the Monsoon

I ended the week on a few good notes. I was solo for the professional development seminar. That went extremely well. My mentees all showed up; which is a coupe considering tonight is the night before a two week vacation. I told them we could leave early, but they stayed until 5 minutes before arranged end. Because they were so engaged. What a great note to end the week, seeing my mentees learning, enjoying the process, and participating enough to not want to look at their watches and find excuses to leave. Then home to a message from the university finally giving me my marks - sent by the dean of the college. Unfortunately, only the first assignments. But a start, right?  Then driving home without a monsoon spreading its water all the way. I guess when one looks for silver linings one can find them if they look hard enough. Now what would be perfect is to have Ry on my doorstep saying "lets go somewhere"!  Until then, my feet go up, I relax and do nothing tomorrow morning. Well, maybe a chinwag with the family.

Ooh La la, Chocolate Ganache

Sometimes good things happen.  I came upon one of those good things today.

Chocolate ganache from a bakery in JB.  And to protect the treats, they send you home with a special little insulated bag with a frozen pouch against the box of morsels.

                                                                                                           

Who Remembers Monty?

Guess what? Monty is still in the 'hood.  I came home today and turning into the road to my home, there beside my car was a rather ugly large monitor lizard. Not the size of those prehistoric looking ones down in my old school zones, but well on his way to getting there. I am sure it was Monty.  We locked eyes, and he stuck his lizardy pointed tongue out at me several times before he turned his back to me to begin slithering his fat belly elsewhere. Clearly, the banquet hall here is feeding him quite nicely.

For those who joined this information service late, Monty came to my home comfortably cushioned in my beautiful Singapore rattan sofa. For some reason, when it was delivered, I had an idea that I needed to take it all apart and check for lizards and whatnot. I was a wise lady to do that. Out jumped Monty and we had a merry chase around the house for several days before I finally captured him and swept him out.  Captured is a bit of a stretch. I did give chase on many occasions, but he was a quick little guy. Eventually, I found him in a pile of papers I was sorting to put into the new matching rattan desk I had delivered. He was not skittering around any longer. He was barely moving. Monitor lizards live on garbage. I am proud to say, I do not harbour garbage in my house, but sad to say he was starving. He was so out of sorts, he would try to hide under a piece of furniture that allowed me to easily see him. So, I grabbed my broom, opened the patio door screen and shot him out onto the patio. At that point I really did not care what happened to him. But an hour or so later, I noticed he was gone.

Today was a good reunion. No kisses, no hugs, in fact not much of anything other than another picture to add to my adventure.  Glad I was able to see that he has survived and equally glad to know that I will not be here to witness his adult size. OMG, that would give me nightmares. The ones down the way that I used meet up with could scare the crap out of a great dane.

To give you an idea of how big Monty is, the trough behind him is about 3 feet across.  So, he is still fairly short, but growing rather quickly.

Working in the education arena

I have always been drawn to Rabindranath Tagore and what he had to say.  One of the quotes that sets him apart from others in the education field goes like this:

The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. - Rabindranath Tagore

Welch's Grape Juice

Because this is my blog, I get to see who reads what. I don't actually see who exactly reads what but I get to see the stats of what interests everyone. Welch's grape juice is a very popular post. And I agree; that product is the nectar of the gods. However, as I plan my exit from Malaysia, I wonder how the justo and tesco will manage with the orders for the various products I strong armed   the suppliers to bring back. I wonder if they will end up with such a serious glut of these things because I am no longer here to buy them, that they will have to fire sale the entire lot when they see nothing moving. Yes, I could advise them a month or so before I leave. But really, think of how that conversation would go.  I think the only way I could get the message across to them and have it understood is to wiggle my right wrist in the air and announce while pointing at my chest - sorry miss, I finish; while bobbing my head side to side.

I Was Serenaded

While having my regular visit with my grandchildren in the bathtub via FaceTime, my granddaughter serenaded me with her latest acquisition of Ba Ba Black Sheep.  I love how children interpret the words they are taught and rearrange the message into how they can understand the meaning into their own lives.

Her repertoire (at this time)  goes as this:

Ba Ba Black Sheep

How are you today?

One for Jennifer

One for Nana too.........

Why would she give a bag of whatever is being given away to a master or dame? I am sure she has no idea of what a master or dame is. She would only give these things to her mom and nana.  And being the sweet little girl she is, always concerned about how everyone is, her first words as she approaches the sheep is to find out how the sheep is feeling.

Happy 2-4 Day Canada!

Victoria Day is a Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25. It honours Queen Victoria's birthday.

Victoria Day is also commonly called the May 2-4 weekend (as in May 24th) and it marks the unofficial start of the cottage season where cases of beer (as in 2-4 cases) are consumed by hard working Canadians.

How Governments Work - everywhere

Living where I do, I have witnessed this very event.  I have also seen it in my home country.  So, I guess there is an international agreement on protocol for such things. My current location could interchange the names of Elmer and Leroy to Faizal and Azrul.

How Government Works

A guy stopped at a local gas/petrol station & after filling his tank, he paid the bill and bought a soft drink. He stood by his car to drink his cola and watched a couple of men working along the roadside.

One man would dig a hole two or three feet deep and then move on.

The other man came along behind him and filled in the hole. While one was digging a new hole, the other was 25 feet behind filling in the hole.

The men worked right past the guy with the soft drink and went on down the road. "I can't stand this," said the man tossing the can into a trash container and heading down the road toward the men.

"Hold it, hold it," he said to the men. "Can you tell me what's going on here with all this digging and refilling?"

"Well, we work for the government and we're just doing our job," one of the men said. "But one of you is digging a hole and the other fills it up. You're not accomplishing anything. Aren't you wasting the taxpayers' money?"

"You don't understand, mister," one of the men said, leaning on his shovel and wiping his brow. "Normally there's three of us: me, Elmer and Leroy. I dig the hole, Elmer sticks in the tree, and Leroy here puts the dirt back.

Elmer's job's been cut... so now it's just me an' Leroy.

This is Brilliant

Someone sent me a youtube for Kmart advertisement.  It was delightful. A great way to start my day.  Apparently the video has gone viral, and I can see why.  There are those who say shame, shame, because they are stuffed shirts.  But the video is so popular it will begin a television campaign soon as well.

As I am preparing to ship things home, I wonder if I should contact Kmart to ship for me?

I am adding a link here of the ABC news story that covers this video for those who need a background of what happened.  The video is on the page, so just wait for the commercial to end and then watch and have a laugh.  The initial ad is very short, so just wait for the giggles.

viral shi* my pants -you listen and decide what you hear


Enjoy, it is funny.

Why You Answer, Where Your Fax Do?

I guess I have to add another event that I will not miss. He has changed his message - where your fax do?

My phone has been ringing off the base since I got home from work. I really should figure out what I could send these people - maybe I could make some decent money while I am here. Maybe I should buy a fax machine and find out what I can sell.

And in another direction - the university.  I have been begging for my marks since I submitted them. I received 2 of three course marks for the first assignments. Since then - nada. I have written, I have begged, I have ranted. Now the dufus bunch wants more money for the next semester. For a week now I have been explaining to them that no more silver shall cross their sweaty palms until I get some feedback from the previous courses.  Nothing.  Now I log into my account and it does not even list my previous courses or anything regarding them.  Another hot mail sent to the group and finally today they set some poor gofer onto me to ask if I wanted assistance choosing my new classes.  Poor thing learned the history.  She apparently cannot find the second assignments in my courses and, for that matter, nothing on any of the courses. Does not look good.  I will wait.  Culture? In spades. What did they do? Did they not understand my papers so just deleted the whole mess and now pretend they were never there? Did they never consider that I might just ask what my marks are? Do they think foreigners are made of money and just entertain themselves by spending money frivolously?

Teacher's Day performances

I spent yesterday attending teacher's day celebrations at schools. Of course, this means yet another day of non mentoring. However, the Tamil school was a delight to watch. Here is one photo of young students ready in the wings to perform on the stage. I will upload a few videos once I have time to download and put together. For now, here is one thing I will miss. Richly steeped in their culture, these students make sure their heritage is not lost.

Unlike in Canada, where we might see these same scenes, in Canada they are costumes. Here, they are clothing, which is worn for special occasions.  I will miss the richness of each distinct culture and how they continue with past rituals in present life.

waiting for computer repair......

While I wait, I am pondering what I will miss and what I will not miss when I leave.

Having written to any company I can find an address for, when I cannot find a product, I must admit, I did get another resolution to a problem I found very serious.  Coming back here from Canada I was prepared to await the new shipment of Schweppes tonic water which get depleted with the celebraters of Chinese New Year. But this year it was devastating. No Schweppes tonic water any longer. Some nasty bitter lemon  which could kill a mule.  I wrote to Schweppes. We again have tonic water. I now have g & t. - maybe not a good thing.

As for computer repairs, the bloody hp that I had to purchase when I arrived - even though the company had advised it would be provided, is still giving me grief.  It has spent more time in repairs than in my home. I have become first name basis with the manager of the repair centre. It is not his fault  I have a lemon. Tonight, he offered to do remote repair. I am not sure a computer company in NA would offer such a service. For that I am impressed. However, it stops short.  Nothing was resolved. After I installed the remote software, he began snooping around my computer, but deduced he could not do anything - internet connection is not strong enough. And so the story goes. Nothing much works here. I will be shocked when I return home to lightning speed connections and machines that work or are repaired in a flash.  But I am sure I will find things to grumble about just the same.

What I will really miss is one hour hair wash/scalp massage for a cost of about $4 CAD, TCM medicine therapies that work for about $8 CAD an hour, washing and pressing linen clothing for $3 CAD a piece (this is actually gouging for foreigners).  A group of other foreigners who I have met who are now my family.  Natives of Malaysia who are also my family.  Shopkeepers who are so appreciative of my purchases that they almost carry me out to my car. Teachers in schools who are not in my program seeking my help because they have heard about me - and they really actually want the service and apply what they learn from what I teach them. That last one is such a clear example of human nature. When something is given without expectations of any outcome (from the provider), the gift often is unappreciated. Not so when one wants it and has to work to get it.

What I will not miss is the drivers that appear to have a vacuum between their ears. I cannot think of any other reason why they drive as they do.  Those people are the morons who have to be FIRST at any cost and can frequently be seen in a driver's seat in a somewhat reclining position at the wheel with one foot on the dashboard - airing out the toe jam from the breeze coming through the open window. Idiots who never pull over to allow an ambulance right of way, and then try to run you over if you try to get back into the line of traffic when you do.  Idiots who do not know their colours yet - the ones who think a red light is a district they need to get out of quickly.  Idiots who will occasionally turn on their signal light (very likely in error) and leave it on the entire duration of their trip. They never use any kind of lights provided on their vehicle here - they might have to replace a bulb I guess. The rocket scientists who think I have ESP and know when they suddenly decide to change lanes while I am in that lane.  The frustration of every conversation that requires pictures, mimes, and whatnot to convey a message and then check to see if it was understood. And those conversations are with those considered to be higher level English speakers. I dont mind the charades with non English speakers, it is kind of fun, but with professionals - OMG it is frustrating.  Maybe the biggest thing I will NOT miss is seeing infants and toddlers standing in the passenger seat of the car their genius father is driving, as they hang out the window and wave at whatever they pass by.  I still do a double take - being a right side driver, these little gnomes look like they are the driver because that is the driver seat where I come from.  Yes it does look cute, amusing, entertaining. But I am sure many of those little people do not make it to their 2nd birthday, and many others are maimed because of the erratic driving and unexpected stops when their father crashes into another vehicle.  I heard on BBC news yesterday that statistics for Singapore are 1 person is killed in an auto collision every second day there. OMG again, Singapore actually follows traffic rules. Can you imagine the stats for Malaysia?  I think that is all for now. I am sure there are other things I will not miss, but maybe wont be aware of them until I am home again.

What I am looking forward to?  Appreciating being a Canadian again living on Canadian soil. I hope I dont become one who immediately goes back into grouse mode and complains about things there. I have lived the alternative.  I think I will be a it nervous driving in a country that has traffic rules, follows the rules to a degree, and expects me to do the same.

These decals are something that should be seen on the cars here. Everyone here loves decals. They plaster then all over the windows to the point that they cannot see out the window.  

AND LASTLY, FOR MY MENTEES - WHEN I TEACH
YOU GRAMMAR - TAKE NOTE.

As Leonard Cohen would say - Hallelujah

We had our usual violent thunderstorm today about 5 pm, but tonight, it forgot to stop. What a treat. The temperature has dropped about 10 degrees. And still raining. I think I might get a good night sleep tonight. It has been a long time since that happened. Everyone complains about never getting any sleep. It is just to darn hot, and then a/c makes it too darn cold.

As I work now to dismantle my life over here, I reflect on the changes...

The Malaysians can thank me or stone me - they now have Welch's Grape juice back on the shelves. They can buy hot air popcorn poppers, if they decide popcorn without sugar is delicious. And now, they can even get Scheppe's tonic water again, thanks to me. Why? I wrote to Scheppes and told them they had to put tonic water back on the shelves. Now, both big store carry it again.  It was funny, the first stock of tonic water was depleted in a second. Everyone wanted it, no one asked for it, except that crazy white foreigner.  I know what shoppers did. They saw it back, they grabbed every tin, and when home with their supply; fearing it would disappear again. But now, that it is restocked, there is a chance I can pick up a few tins and know I can have a delightful g&t at the end of the day. I still have the gin that Ry carefully carried to his old ma.  Now that is a son who deserves to be in the will. Maybe not such a good idea, the will is not very big on assets.  He'd be smart to look the other way and keep walking if he hears of my dimise. It would save him some money.

OOH, that was a bit morbid. Especially after the happy tonic water annoucement.

Rallies still abound, but the polis are getting to them. It is obvious. They keep treatening them to shut them down, but never do. But I am sure it does cause a bit of stomach upset wondering if 'this is the time they will'.

I am hammering this out on the stupid pc I was made to purchase when I arrived. It is a piece of junk. And now, it is acting like a typwriter. The lines of text are slowly fading. It must think; or maybe there is some little rodent inside the keyboard holding a ribbon of typewriter ink across the keys as I hit them. If he is there, I hope he finds a new supply of ink when I go to bed. Otherwise, I will have to just guess what I wrote. Like invisible ink when you were a kid, huh?

I think I have become a local in many ways.  With leaving here in a few months, I get an attack of OMG, what do I do with this stuff?  It makes grocery shopping easy. I try to nosh my way through all the various healthy tinned things I picked up along the way. Now is the time to consume them.  But there is a lot more than food that gives me angst.  So, what do I do?  I divert my attention to other things. That is what makes me a local.  No one does much of anything around here. Sitting under an awning, sipping sweet coloured water and watching the world go by is the norm. I stay home and drink sparkling water and do pretty much the same. 

Where did three years go?  Did the sky do a fast forward and sped up the days/nights recently? I am not finished. Now what? Did the fat lady sing?

Hopefully I will get my act together and figure out how to undo everything here more easily than it was to 'do'.  I still have to get some closeups of monkeys in the 'hood, and whever else Levi expects me to bring home. Maybe a pet monkey.

May 13th is a date with memories

May 13, 1969 was a day of riots in Malaysia all about races.Today is May 13th in Malaysia but I think the people here have overcome any racial issues, because the protesters are from all races and united with one belief.  They began the last protest rally with their leader, a Muslim greeting the crowd with Ni Hau Ma.  A Mandarin greeting which asks 'how are you'.  Let's hope they are not attacked as a group, but allowed to assemble for a common cause, in a democracy.

In Honour of Mothers - Why They Have Loud Voices

Happy Mother's Day, I hope you don't need your outdoor voices today!

Who needs a book to read....

I have been bookless for about a month. I am waiting for the release of the author of The KiteFlyer new book due this month. But I have had more than enough to read lately with the blogs, webpages that come and go and world views of the goings on in Malaysia. Some of the comments left are a good source of humour. I was reading some Singapore blog that was warning any Malaysians to watch themselves if they are students or otherwise in Singapore. There is a serious law in that place that has zero tolerance for protests and gatherings to oppose anything. One commenter made me laugh right out loud. He wrote " who says the USSR is gone - it is alive and well in Singapore". He
wrote it is USSR = UNION OF SINGAPORE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC

Lots of banter about the red bean army - but all in good fun.  A Malaysian writer replied that here a foreigner can protest, work, rob, and vote. So, I am keeping amused while awaiting the new book that should be available in a week or two.

xiao bai cai, gai lan and more

My feast at home - I didn't prepare a thing! xaio bai can, gai lag, ginger pork, and giant prawns!

My mother's day required my own injection of treats. Being far away from family, it was up to me to make my day special. It started with a spa treatment at the hair salon. It was a treat. Then, slipping over to a place that does make delightful cheesecakes, I took a piece that the clerk recommended. Now on to Pizza Hut to get a packet of their giant prawns, and then off to my favourite Chinese restaurant who taught me how to pronounce the local way of saying bok choy.  For months they would cook and send home with me takeout boxes of xaio bai cai until I finally purchased something to cook on at home. They always make me feel special when I arrive. Someone always comes and chats with me while I wait for my delightful morsels.

Today there was the usual chatter, but lots of activity. Clearly, the Chinese honour their mothers here on Mother's Day too. There were families dining, others picking up for take away, and a general flurry of active staff filling all our needs. Steeped richly in culture, I enjoy going to this restaurant. Here are a few shots I took while I waited.

A family honouring mom 

    you will always see one of these in a Chinese business here,
and the incense will lead your nose to the shop

Just beside the kitchen, you can watch the flurry of cooking
You will never find a cleaner kitchen anywhere here, I am
sure. I check them all.

 Looks like I was not the only mom dining alone. If you look at      
 her right hand, she is holding a bag. Coconut water in a  bag,
with a straw - a normal method of serving here.  You have to be
rather talented in order to hold a bag of liquid while dining
at the same time