Venting

There's nothing more annoying when some idiot driver appears from behind you, inching ever so closely behind you, hoping you'd move onto the slow lane in case s/he just might end up hitting your car...only to find that that same idiot had to slow down either because the fast lane had a longer queue (than the slow one) or s/he missed the green light thus having to stop - anyway.

So to all you road bullies out there, including the driver of a certain black SUV : karma's a bitch!

What have I gotten myself into...this time?

Less than three days to go peeps..my panic slash stress level is gaining momentum though some might attest to seeing how 'cool, calm and collected' I still look....I work a pretty darned good facade don't I?

In the meantime, ever wonder what a snoring duck sounds like?

screwed

Ever had one of those days where everything seems to be out of place? Aside from my hard drive officially gone all haywired as of late last night, thus screwing me up BIG time this morning when I was told that the drive was nowhere near salvagable (ouch!), seems that my car has decided to gang up against me...which could only mean one thing: a huge drain in my purse!! So a lesson learned from all this, especially when your life is practically reliant on this thing we call a computer/laptop, ALWAYS BACK UP.

As for the car, I suppose it comes with the territory that costs would be incurred when owning a high-end car, particularly one that is almost a decade old and where parts become harder to find, not forgetting bloody expensive too!

YUCK!

I don't normally do this but saw this in today's papers, and again over at Yahoo!

Ladies and gents (Greenie, you might want to skip this), meet Beelzebufo Ampinga or the "devil frog" which is thought to be one nasty dude that may have eaten newborn dinosaurs like yonks ago, and I'm talking 65 to 70 million years ago! Now that's one big meanie...and an ugly-looking one too!

Human nature

On our way to Kiulap lunchtime, a heavy barrage of traffic appeared on the highway which caused myself and Miss G to slightly panic - mainly because Miss G had to make a quick pitstop to the bank and we only had 15-20 minutes to spare before the both of us had to go back to work. Fortunately that (our panic) turned out to be momentary simply 'cos the so-called traffic was a result of cars slowing down to catch up on the action on the other side of the road i.e. an accident.

I can never understand the reason behind people's fascination/curiosity where accidents are concerned. I can also never understand why people are so inclined to stop by and have a look knowing full well that there are other cars trailing behind. It's not as if they actually want to stop and give a hand..nooooo, all they want to do is LOOK!!?!! Which in our case, the accident was on the other side of the road/highway!!

'Nuff said.

Stop, look and..don't go?

What is it with our locals and their driving abilities that often pisses me off?? This week alone, I've witnessed people whizzing by zebra crossings (even as pedestrians were still crossing)to some idiot in a four-wheel drive failing to slow down to allow a van enter the Abdul Razak Complex/Excapade block just as I was exiting the area ..this after deciding the four-wheelie was a good 200 metres away.. only to find the three of us in a slight dilemma,and yours truly bumping slightly onto the van *yikesss*

Is it because they're running late for appointments? Worried about not finding spaces to park their cars? Or perhaps worried that they won't be able to spend their money??

Sadly it has something, no make that A LOT to do with our laissez-faire attitude..malas tah ku ingau, anyone? Such attitude is so embedded in our culture that it's hardly surprising people can easily get away with it. I admit I have adopted this attitude to some extent (very useful where office politics is concerned) but I'm still sensible enough to slow down upon approaching zebra crossings and even where such crossings aren't around.

So to those guilty persons out there..I know your cars including their numbers. The next time it happens, let's just say giving you dirty looks will be the least of your problems..

Delaying Dilemmas / Work Ethos

Thinking back to an incident at work recently, I was quite taken aback when upon calling on another professional in another similar section of work for some assistance, I was given quite a rude and nasty response.

This person;

a) demeaned me in view of supposedly - differences in rank.
b) was under the deluded impression that he/she could not be called upon for advice unless they were on acute 'standby'
c) just simply could not spare me the five minutes it took to consult and assist with an issue that he/she was obliged to answer to, especially given he/she was the only 'contactable' representative available at the time.

I don't know quite what to think...

Well, actually I do.

1. I think that the system is unfortunately filled with people like this, who feel that over time, they are entitled to misuse their position and influence (*ahem* One could so far as to argue that this is 'bullying' in the workplace as I doubt they would have generalised this response to all others, being selective and all in view of my 'lower rank').
2. Those who feel the only obligations left worth working hard towards are those regarding their own selves... and only sparing the very minimum of efforts for those involving others (i.e. Wants to finish own work on time at 4.30pm on the dot irregardless of other work obligations and the needs of the public).
3. People who can't be bothered to work hand in hand with others for the better good of the many, including their own and their peers - ironically. (i.e lack of teamwork and cooperation, courtesy and respect for other work colleagues- "Kau, kau... Aku, aku mentality." "Can't be bothered to help you").
4. People who've sadly... just stopped caring. Pitiful.

And the public wonders why it all goes wrong sometimes... Well there you have it, the dilemmas behind the delays.

Yet I know... responses such as these may simply be a reflection of the turmoil in their own minds - difficulties at home for instance, other work-related pressures.

But that doesn't excuse such behaviour.

That is what professionalism and work ethics is all about. Putting it all to one side.

Would it really be acceptable for such civil servants to dump their personal problems on their peers... what more the unsuspecting public, simply because they can't cope (or be bothered to learn how to cope) with their own lives and their own selves? Should others really have to pay this so-called 'price'?

And thinking further, if this was an acceptable course of action... than does that mean I have the equal right to do it back to others? After all, this is a form of 'role-modelling' behaviour for subordinates right? Seniors are meant to lead by example.

Perhaps I'm simply letting someone else's 'bad day' get to me...

Or maybe...

I think we should not have to condone this kind of mindset, which just serves as a hindrance in the workplace and promotes poor team-working.

Perhaps what these people really need is some training in appropriate ways of communicating with others, the need for teamwork (Hey, they are only one part of a bigger whole at the end of the day). Recognising the role it plays in ensuring we deliver our work 'targets' that are so expected of us all - not just by our superiors, but also by the public we serve.

But that's not all... lessons on coping skills with stress (including that which is work-related) is just as valuable - lest they just end up appearing and acting like complete and utter morons. Heaven forbid that should happen... Of course...

NB: (Post amended further after first posting it).

Life as a duckling

Sometimes being an underling/duckling/junior officer has its moments. Not only are we subjected to superiors who are at most times fickle, indecisive and impatient, we also have to bear the brunt of their behaviour and decisions. And do we get any credit or even a word of thanks? Not unless we live in Timbuktu!

So what is it that makes them difficult you ask? After all it's not as if these people had not been in our position before so surely they would understand, let alone appreciate, the endless number of phone calls we have to make or the extra hours put in (including working on our off days) to ensure everything from hotel accomodation to protocol is sorted out prior to departure. Hah! Only a fool would dare to think life as an duckling is easy. A naive fool that is.

Honestly, if you ask me, these people secretly thrive in making our lives miserable and difficult. No resting on our laurels. Not even for five minutes. Yet they whine, moan and grumble when, say their travel allowance doesn't get released on time despite, DESPITE, making changes three hours before departure! Er, hello?? Surely they jest! That is like expecting Santa Claus to drop by at the very last minute bearing gifts when their names have yet to be registered on his "list".

Such is life as a duckling *SIGH*

Just giving my two cents

Some random thoughts floating in my mind..

• Judging from last night's impressive turnout for the Cadaques Orchestra, it's pretty obvious that we do appreciate the arts and over the years, there has been an interesting presence of mini plays/stage shows/stage performances..which begs the question : why aren't we getting Mamma Mia the Musical? or the recent P Ramlee the Musical?

• The continued love-hate relationship between the locals and basement parking. Having seen the extent to which the locals avoid basement parkings, the authorities should see this as an opportunity to penalise these lazy idiots for irresponsible obstruction!?!

• Having bumped into an old friend awhile back, I noticed how this old friend treated me as if we'd never been friends before. Granted that this old friend is now happily married with two beautiful children (with another on the way..aww bless!), I can't seem to understand the reason behind the not-so-cordial treatment. Fear of wife's wrath? Fear that I might accidentally spill out his past? I prefer to call it selective amnesia..go figure.

Photos: Medulla

MIA?

It's a record!@! It's officially been 18 days since my last I-hate-Posh entry. No, my hatred for Her Royal Poutiness has not diminished (God forbid it should!)...plus it's not as if she has been keeping a low profile herself (when has she EVER?!?)

Currently 'busy' preparing for their forthcoming single - Headlines - the tabloids back in the UK have been churning out stories about she-who-shall-not-be-named along with the other Spices..and if we are to believe the Daily Mail, it would seem as if the so-called Spice Girls reunion could be shortlived (I'm betting on Geri leaving the group (again!) midway through the show..probably citing something along the lines of "I found my true calling and it doesn't involve the Spice Girls")

Note to Posh: Give it up. You can't sing. Let alone dance or act (I'm still undecided whether or not to watch you on Ugly Betty..) Stick to what you do best.

Now if only I knew what that is..

The art of idiocy

Continuing off from my last entry, more inductees into our Hall of Shame:

6. James Watson
Nobel prize winner whose latest comments that black people aren't as intelligent as white people has ruffled more than just a few feathers.

7. ** & *** ***
Proof that two egotistical people not only deserve one another but are made for each other!?!

8. Swindlers
As if chain letters and quick get-rich scams aren't enough, these idiots are resorting to using lottery scams in the name of well-known brands (Yahoo! anyone..?) to lure people to part with their money. It's called stealing!

Is vs. Are

I've heard people say that we're too spoilt by Astro to even bother watching our local station especially the news. Mum even accuses me of being both a snob and ignorant of the daily ins & outs of our country..and I couldn't agree more! Maybe it's the snob in me but try listening to the newsreaders including reporters/voiceovers and you'll understand where I'm coming from. Case in point: take tonight's English news bulletin. Not only did the reporter sound as if she was struggling to read her grammatically error-laden script, whoever wrote or edited the script needs to either retake basic English 101 classes or hire a proper English teacher to proof-read their scripts prior to going on air!?!

Ever come across a description of a (top-ranked) university described as 'paramount'? Know the difference between 'is' and 'are'?

'Nuff said.

Why is it so hard for ........?

Maybe I'm overly-sensitive but who else finds it annoying that some people don't seem to understand the concept of switching their mobile phones to 'silent' mode particularly in the cinemas, during meetings and official functions?

After all, it's not a difficult thing to do. There's also the 'vibrate' mode which can be used to alert someone of an incoming call. It's not like we are dealing with our brokers over at Wall Street...if the phone 'rings' or vibrates then by all means, answer the phone! The makers of these mobile phones didn't just include these functions for nothing..

Allez, I look forward to reading your comments..

I need to get a life

I just have to put this up even if it means doing this from the workplace! (ooops..) If you'd thought prancing around in a theme park was the highlight of my "I hate Posh" week, I'm sure you'd agree that this trumps everything else:

"Doing the school run can be stressful at the best of times - but Victoria Beckham makes even harder work of it by wearing her ever-present killer heels.

It's a wonder the Spice Girl manages to stay upright in the precariously high Christian Louboutin heels as she makes her way up a sloped path to drop son Cruz, 4, at a summer day camp at the school which will be attended by brothers Brooklyn and Romeo"

Read more here..

Either this woman doesn't give a crap about bunions 'cos she's too posh to be seen in sneakers, let alone flats or slip-ons..OR!! she's just..God, I can't think of anything possibly worst than that.

The things people say - Part 2

Why is it that when someone calls you 'controlling', people are quick to assume you must be a 'bitch'?

Why is it not possible to see this in a positive light - for example, when the person you're trying to allegedly 'control' is a lazy bum who requires tutoring in their final year whereas everyone else actually make use of their brains? Does that make the person bad?

My take on this? Pettiness. Narrow-mindedness. In complete denial that maybe, just maybe, that that they themselves are 'controlling' too!

"Stupid is as stupid does"

How's this for my idiot-of-the-week - ran through a red light yet (somehow) stopping briefly in the middle of the road (perhaps just realising how stupid the driver was!) just as the cars on both sides of the road were all set to go... whoever you were should either get your eyes checked, or better still, stay off the roads before you cause any danger to others!?!

"'ello there Guv"

By now some of you can already suss out my utter dislike for she-whom-I-refuse-to-say-her-name..infact I have this rather sickening if not embarassing habit of searching every known website for just about anything on this woman! Why, you ask, should I even bother in the first place when all I can do is simply ignore them just like I do whenever I come across anything concerning Camilla whatsherface?? It's hard to explain but let's just say it's the same kind of feeling you get when you discover your rival is not L'il Miss Perfect after all..

..so imagine the thrill I had when I came across this headline:

"Victoria Beckham teaches Tom Cruise to talk Posh"

Now whether this has any ounce of truth or not, don't you think this is an absolute riot??!!??

More uselessness from she-who-shall-not-be-named

Just when I thought the world would start the new week without Miss Stick Insect and her endless Hermes bags (yes I AM that envious..of the bag) making the news. On a more positive side, I am so glad none of her three boys inherited her blah genes..I'd feel sorry if any of them did!

Foot cream anyone?

Here's my idiot of the week..was searching for foot cream at one of the major department stores today when this salesgirl approached me. Asked what I was looking for so she took me to one part of the toiletries section despite my telling her that I'd already looked there and couldn't find what I was looking for. Still unsatisfied, she went to another part where - get this - she suggested that I use firming body lotion instead cos "it's the same thing" (as foot cream)...

Any guesses as to what I was thinking at that time??

Let's just say I left her with a huge grin on my face..something akin to Sylvester the cat finally getting to eat Tweety bird without anyone getting in his way. Have a good week everyone!

One of those days

Ever had one of those days where you wish you could tell some smartass to stop pretending being 'smart' without looking stupid and being an embarassment infront of the bosses?? Perhaps I'm just being cynical but asking a million and one questions as a way to impress the bosses does not MEAN you are smart..

By the way, "smartass" according to Urban Dictionary is defined as someone who enjoys giving flippant,sarcastic and/or rude answers to legitimate questions. Hmmm, I'd probably define it as "a person who enjoys 'playing' smart but the truth is that s/he knows crap s**t".. but whatever the case may be, a smartass is always going to be a smartass.