Just being plain rude

The plan today was for me to finish up my work and then meet up with my Wife in KK. This was because the electrician will be arriving at 11AM to fix the switch panel which was supposed to be fixed two weeks ago. Unfortunately, due to some unforseen events, I arrived late, about 1230 in the afternoon.

But the electrician did not come.

Luckily, on my way here, I bought a packet of Nasi Ambang for her. Halfway through her meal, he came. And me being not up to date with the Home Ministry, I asked if her was here to fix the Air-con.

What he answered was; "Do I look like the Air-con guy?". I let it go at that, not because he was an unsmiling 6 footer but because he has not fixed the switch yet.

And so, we waited for him to fix the switch, something which should have been done long ago. Why, I do not know. This is the switch we're using to install a water pump and also, another nearby switch for a light-bulb in the attic. My Wife told me he had come before, and was not in a smiling mood either. And after half an hour, with us helping him to switch the supply on and off, he said he will come back later as the switch was faulty. So, when my Wife asks him to commit to a time, he got all defensive and started to go at her.

1. He kept saying that this was my Wife's problem because he showed up at 10-something when clearly, it was 11Am. It did not help when my Wife was late as the girls were sick. (So, if he came and there was no one, why did he not call his Boss and get the matter sorted out with my Wife?)

2. The switch had a problem. Which is OK with us as we would gladly wait for him to come back o n the same day to get it done. But no, he has 100's of other jobs to do and he's alone doing all the crap. Monday is not a good time as my Wife told him she had to work. And we need to get it done before Tuesday before the pump comes. So, after a few to and fro, he lost him temper and started to avoid us. (I mean, why did he not bring two or more switches with him?) This is where I caould not stand it and threw the book I was reading on the table. This incensed him and he started to confront me. Right in my own house. As my Wife was there in between, I just bit my tongue while he ranted on and on, saying it was my Wife's fault and the switch's fault over and over again.

3. As he walked away, he threw the switch onto his van in disgust and I shouted at him which he got pissed off; "I am throwing this rubbish in my car, what's your problem? Tiu Lei Lo Mou!". That's when I was looking for a weapon to rush out, 6 foot or not, but well, Wife was there. So I really had to let it pass for the moment.

Later on, two hours later, he did not return and so we called his Boss, in a very nice but tersed voice saying that the job was not done. The Boss knew what happened even without asking and so, he sent another guy over, who did it in less than 5 minutes, even without having to cut the power supply off. And his PR skills was 1000 time much better.

But the time I came back he was leaving. Yes, I had to leave the place in case he came back and neither of us could not control ourselves. The second guy told us that this guy had problems with his temper. He once ran his own company but because of his temper, it was not successful. So, he now ends up working for other people. And he still has problems in the PR Department.

As for the switch, he is puzzled how it could be faulty. But then, I know the answer because I was like this first guy years ago... Right now, I do not feel any anger towards him anymore, but pity. Pity because Life and the Heavens did not show him how to change his attitude (or maybe he could not see the signs) while I had plenty of second chances...

At the moment, I will not name the shop because well, I just do not want to. Secretly, I am hoping you would be unfortunately enough to engage their services and then we can compare notes.

The kitchen people have completed the kitchen and also polished the tiles. This also means that the whole place is covered with dust.

After all the fiasco, luckily the Nasi Ambang was on the table, which sort of salved the anger a bit.

Man, I really love this Nasi Ambang.

So, while we're cleaning, we just stopped, took a bite and continued. Eventually, we had to sit down to eat it all.

Next problem was the girls's new discovery, which is the tie-wrap cables. Unfortunately, Kristine pulled too hard which tightened Kaelynn's wrist and her hand looks like its loosing colour. While we're panicking, she looked calm and bewildered.

So, while still panicking, and at the same time looking for a pair of scissors which has no sharp corners, does not contain lead, has stainless steel blades, safe for children and is ergonomically designed. Yeah, and the blade was right next to me, which I was so tempted to use it. But knowing my shaking hands under pressure, this act could result in another serious casualty.

Do you see the irony in this picture?

Dinner at the Clownhouse before we call it a night at Grandma's house.

Introducing Sabrina and Barbie...

Grandma bought more fishes for the girls and this time, each has their own mini aquariums. Suffice to say, after a few days of interest, I was the one who made sure they are fed and their tanks cleaned. So, one day, I made sure that these responsibilities are theirs and theirs alone.

Come to think of it, having pets for them is also another way of making sure they understand responsibility and also, the cause & effects of their actions. Way to go, Mum. Ha ha ha ha ha!

Left is Sabrina (Kaelynn's) and right is Barbie (Kristine's)

Seeking shelter the SMART way

Just experienced a very heavy downpour and minutes later, it was all Sun, Sun, Sun. So now, its no Fun.

No image manipulation here, just the effect of rain water coming down the windshield.

iCP07A

I got this from the website called iCircuit Technologies. This, I believe, comes from somewhere in Puchong, which, incidentally, is very close to my office but they do not believe in self-collect. I don't know where I got the info but it could be from their Facebook (no more aledi, la). Anyway, the reason I got this was because I was trying out the PIC12F629 and sometimes, using the prototype board is really demotivating when I want to try out a circuit fast. I do not want to spend what precious time I have, trouble shooting if the circuit or the programming was faulty.

So, the answer comes in this little board which you can plug in straight to your little prototype board.

With features such as 300mA I/O, a voltage regulator plus ICSP connections, it is really difficult for me to say no...

Or maybe their address was from here? Too late. its binned.

I bought two sets and each set comes with the board plus three connectors for you to solder. iCircuit also gives yo the choice of PIC chip when you order; PIC12F615, PIC12F629, PIC12F675, PIC12F683 and PIC12F1840 and the price difference is not much either.

Yes, I could design the board myself and all, but what am I going to do with the rest of the few hundred extra boards? Remember, there is a MOQ when I design  PCBs of these qualities. I mean, you cannot ask a bread manufacturer for just one loaf...

[Update: 02052012]
Since they're so 'tiny' I actually misplaced them. But don't fret, once I get them back, I am going to try with ICSP. Heh Heh.

Some eating place in Mid-Valley

We were quite hungry while at Mid-Valley. And the Food Court is a few levels too high for us even by using escalators. The lifts are out as people going in and out of them non-stop as if they live in there. And, so, since the Basement Level Food Court is nearer, we decided to go there. But I have warned the girls ahead that we're not going into the Chicken Rice shop. Because, IMO for such a humble Chinese dish, it is too costly. Every time I was there, I felt as if there was a con going on.

And so, after looking at the other shops, we felt this one needed our attention. The only problem is that I am writing this months later and so, a lot of details have been forgotten; I forgot the name of the shop and what we ate.

There was a lot of waiting, that one I remembered and also, most of the dishes were not compatible with the girls's taste buds

This is what I ordered. And after looking at it, despite its taste which I forgot, I think I liked it. Just that the thing in the middle reminds you of something else.

Now, this is colourful and nice...

...which both girls agreed. I liked it mainly because of the mango.

Girls's meal, which is Kampung fried rice

Mommy wanted to try this

And it was delicious! Pricey but delicious!

Don't ask me why I forgot too.

Boring night

Boring night.

The usual.

Girls learning origami while I ponder polygamy...

The look on their face as I look at their face...

Bye.

Survival Science Comics

Because Kristine's mastery of the Bahasa is weak, I decided to get her some locally translated comic book since I noticed that she like to read books and ones with pictures. What I got her was the Survival Science Series, which has been translated from Korean. This edutainment combine science facts with comics so that its easier for children to learn stuff. I think the series is still being taken up with the company, Gempak Starz but it still very hard to get them

This is the problem with them as when you need to get some books, there are the usual problems I faced:

1) Availability

I need to scour/hunt/ a lot of 7-11 shops, Popular stores and those mamak bookshops before I can find anything. And when I do, its always...

2) Two Languages

Most of the titles come in either Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese or in English (they usually come out later, or not at all because I cannot find them). I like to ready them in English because a sudden change in language is a real mindfuck.

So, because I want to get a title, I have to choose between English or Bahasa and if I want to get both in a set, I have to choose any title. Which is very difficult as my main aim is for Kristine to read the page and then use the other book as a rough translation. A very bad idea since the Bahasa version tend is not the standard I expected.

In the end, it was Kaelynn who hungrily pored over them

This was the only title I could get that comes in two languages

See the differences in the translation?

18060211 Going to the Sb. Buloh Nursery

Ultra HM has decided that today is a good day to... get some green thumb stuffs.

And so, when Ultra HM says so, Ultra HM said so.

Everyone has to 'Make it so'.

This is the place where the operators are required to move out because its unsafe. Right. All the while, they were safe for 17 years. You can Google for information and make your own mind. Politics for me, is boring.

It is also the place where you can get a lot of plants and flowers for your gardening needs. Its like (OK, what the normal Politicians would say) the Flower HUB of Malaysia

For the girls, its like a flowery wonderland.

This is just me, testing out the Panorama software, shot from my Nokia n8

The girls were literally running up and down looking at all the flowers and we had to keep them in check because of the traffic and also, potential insect bites, which are not commonly found at home.

Man, this is going to be fun...

Kaelynn with an impromtu puppet show

After that, it was lunch in Kepong. Unfortunately, being slightly after lunch hour, and on a Saturday, its not easy to look for food. And no, we do not want KFC or Pizza Hut or MacDonalds.

05112012 Trip to Amcorp Mall

Not being content with infecting only a handful to ICW, I decided to try for a larger crowd and where better than Amcorp Mall. Alas, I should not have gone there because there is nothing interesting and my Flu has gone. Awww......

They have erected an Automatic Ticket machine instead of the normal pay as you exit booths

And here are Laurel & Hardy, standing by, eager to help in case customers have problems with their tickets.

Eww.... was I gone that long?

I haz der something from ICW

Its a quick rush to ICW then, while my medication is still working. I wanted to drop by there and also, at the same time, spread my flu to them. Please don't see me as being heartless for I believe that if they caught the flu, then when the actual flu round comes, they would be immune to it. But then again, if they're already having flu when I was there, then its a matter of seeing whose flu is stronger...

These are Photo-etched rotary blades which you can attach to your rotary tool for well, some power cutting, jobs, I suppose.

Wanted to get this a long time ago but most of the shops are out of it and so, luckily, ICW still have them. They can be used for any situation, from a 1/100 hatch to a 1/18 petrol cover and so on. Or even a 1/1 model for a 1/100 hatch...

I haz der Flu

OK, I don't feel so well today. And this is not a good sign. Weeks ago, most of the staff in the office had flu and just as everyone is healing up, its my turn...

With phlegms and boogers this colour, you can bet that its not a normal cold. Ok, don't try using them as glue because I just found out some paper that I had glued only have yellowish stains for my troubles.

RM65.00 for some cough pills, a vapor rub and paracetamols. This is the reason why I do not like going to the Doctors. I am paying them to tell me what I needed to do earlier, except that this one comes with certainty.

Hours later, the medication seems to work wonders (except when it wears off). You can tell by this booger being semi-solid and not runny. Quick, its time to salvage whatever's left of this beautiful Saturday.

Of morning breakfasts and heavy bags

With Kristine's morning routine of waking up so early in the morning, sometimes Kaelynn wakes up as well so she can join her sister for breakfast. Why, I am not sure but she cares a lot for her elder sister, which is quite obvious. Kristine on the other hand, pfft.

But its not easy to get the both of them to eat something for breakfast, though

Still, Kristine being the eldest, she is my prime target in my mission to get the food eaten and once that is done, Kaelynn will follow suit.

Another thing, despite her timetable, I am a bit worried about the increasing bulge in her bag. Its getting heavier too.

And most of them are exercise books....

Sleeping on the Floor again

And after some long chats and a bit of work from the office, its time to go to sleep. I find that it is very easy to go back to my old habit of sleeping late even though I have promised my Wife many years ago. But I just can't seem to break this habit nor worry about work. And then, there is always the Internet. Anyway, I made up my mind to go to sleep early tonight...

OK, Kaelynn is fast asleep but where is Kristine? Did she wander off to Grandma's room?

Oh, there she is. OK, I have to sleep on the floor tonight, no point waking her up and I am not in the mood to carry a 16Kg girl in the middle of the night. Neighbours might talk.

Chilied La-Las

OK, I am also a fan of chicken rice chilies. Not the rice but the chili sauce. This is because they have garlic in them and not only that, they used garlic on the chilies. So, with garlic here and there, I am hooked.

Add some chicken rice garlic chilies to the La-Las and its wonderful

Spicy macaroni & Fish

There is one malay stall in Wisma Cosway which I like to frequent when I was working in the old company. This was because they cook a mean spicy macaroni and some other tid-bits (chili potatoes, chili tempeis and so on) which I loved. So, whenever I was there, I would go for their stall. But ever since I lunched at Wagons... its Mee Jawa all the way too...

As a special treat today, I got some fish too

Don't ask me what kind of fish it is. All I know is that its cooked and its delicious.