Entries Tagged 'Ramblings' ↓

I had a bad start to the morning:-

• Waited for 20 minutes at Poslaju where only 1 counter was operational at 9.30am! Crazy! Are they all out eating curry puffs or something?! I thought Pos Malaysia was privatised… or perhaps corporate culture there is so relaxed its like working in a Government office?
• Had a motorcycle rider honk and hurl abuses at me because HE WAS GOING THE WRONG WAY ON A ONE WAY ROAD! Crazy bugger.

But everything was forgiven when my sis called me just a short while ago:-

PE: Eh, I can’t log into Gmail Chat.

PB: I keep pinging you but you never respond!

PE: Me too! Are you dead or am I dead?

PB: I think you’re dead.

PE: I’m dead?!!!!!

PB: Yes, FA pinged me and it was ok. So, it must be you.

PE: Damn! I’m dead!! Let me reboot.

Yes, that’s how we talk. Isn’t it a hoot?! lol…

Well, not yet….

I spent the whole of Sunday with a professional photographer picking up whatever tips he deigned to throw my way about taking portrait shots. He had a swanky Nikon DLSR with giant telephoto lenses while I had my dinky little point and shoot Canon 860 IS.

He was actually shooting my sister’s pre-wedding photographs and I was roped in as driver cum assistant cum “dress fluffer”. The latter assignment so named because I had to make sure the line of her dress looked good, and the best way was to pick up the train and “fluff” it out. Who better to know anything about fluff than Paris B?! hehe…

The weather wasn’t bright and sunny but the rains held until all the important photos were taken. Anyway, there were loads of photos taken and I was so tired at the end of the day. But PE and J looked so good in the photos I can’t wait to see the finished product when the photographer rolls it out!

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Not “sex” and the “city” lah… Sex and the City - the hit tv series and now, the Movie. “Sex” and the “city” will be another story altogether won’t it?!

All beauty blogs and fashion blogs and girly girly blogs were all a buzz in the middle of the month about the premiere of the Sex and the City movie.

All except this one you would have noticed.

This site and all my other related sites have been bereft of all mention of Sex and the City whether in movie or tv series form. The answer is simple.

I’ve never watched Sex and the City.

And I have no desire to.

I read the book - I have it in my book shelf - and I wasn’t all that taken by it. I read it and promptly forgot what its about. Was there sex in the city? Don’t ask me! I have no idea!

I’d actually rather go and watch Kungfu Panda.

Now, what does that say about me?

With this latest fuel price increase have you considered what lifestyle changes you have to make other than counting the pennies and tightening your belt?

I’m working on the belt tightening. But before I do, there was one budget busting item I had to get, and then I’m done with the spending money like water for a while. There are a couple of things I’m working on that need the money more than mere frivolities.

Behold!

Eeks! Yes, I know I was asking about a Lumix previously. I went and made many enquiries about the various Lumix models until I was so sure I was about to buy one.

Then I saw this one and suddenly all thoughts of a Lumix flew out of my head. I’m so fickle! I knew it was a Canon for me. Never mind that my first and only digicam thus far was a Canon that died on me. I knew after testing it that it was “the one”.

So, I’m all gadgeted out now. But at least I know I’ll now have better looking photos instead of having to rely solely on the phone camera!

Speaking of lifestyle changes, I’d like to steal a question off the evening news. With this present price incease in fuel to RM2.70 per litre of petrol, are you prepared to take the public transport instead of drive?

My answer is simple.

Even with the price incease, and even if it means pinching a penny till it squeaks, I will not take the public transportation because:-

1. Public transportation is non existent. The buses are never on time and bus stops are never properly designated. The buses stop anywhere that someone sticks their hand out. Trains (in KL city) are a nightmare. Not all lines service every part of the city and all the lines do not intersect at any point. If I were to take the trains, I’d have to change 3 times for what would be an 8km drive to work.  Taxis aren’t an option for me because (see reason 2)
2. Security. I’m paranoid about personal safety on the public transport and while going to the requisite stop. Some bus stops are isolated and walking to the bus or train stop may prove to be dangerous. While on the bus or train, you have to watch out for pickpockets or people with octopus arms. In a taxi its even worse - strange car + stranger = disaster.  I’m not saying all taxis are bad. I just can’t feel comfortable enough to ride in one alone.
3. Wasted Time. With the uncertain timetables of our public transport system I’d probably need 2 hours to get to work when I can drive there in 10 minutes. I guess at the end of the day, it is how much that time saved is worth vs the money  spent on petrol.

And so, public transport is just not an option for me. I know I’m polluting the environment with my single occupier vehicle, and that driving is eating into my monthly income. But I’d rather have the security, peace of mind, mobility, convenience and time saved by driving myself places.

Would you consider switching your car for the public transport to save money?

With this point to ponder, here’s wishing everyone a happy weekend!

Late yesterday evening, the announcement was made after much speculation, that petrol prices in Malaysia were being increased by a hefty 78 sen. That takes us up from RM1.92 to RM2.70 per litre. RM2.70! I remember when a plate of wantan mee was RM2.70.
That’s a very substantial increase and the biggest ever price hike in the country’s history. You know you are (a) old and (b) bitter when you can recall petrol prices of RM1.10 as a kid. This price increase comes hot on the heels of the denial and statement by the Minister of Domestic Trade just 2 days ago that fuel prices will only be increased in August 2008.

This is also a typical case of “Esok Tak Ada” which were the immortal words of the Prime Minister just a day before Parliament was dissolved to pave way for the General Elections.  If there was a compilation of the most oxymoronic phrases uttered by our leaders, this “Esok Tak Ada” would go down in history right on top at No. 1. (Note to all government agents reading this: Please look up the word oxymoron in the dictionary before arresting me for sedition yes? )

So, with only this amount of petrol left in my car fuel tank

I grudgingly hauled my butt over to the nearest petrol station to fill ‘er up at the never to be seen again price of RM1.92 per litre of petrol.

All in all, it took me an hour to get to the pump, fill up to full tank and drive back home. Was it worth it? I think so. At an increase of 41%  I saved RM23 last night as opposed to pumping my car today.

The man in the car before me was drastic enough to tilt up and lift up the hose of the pump to make sure that every single drop of petrol flowed from the pump into his car tank. Some people looked like they had been sitting in a jam for hours as the first thing they did when they reached the pump was to run for the toilets. Others stood around griping and sharing their misery with other like minded consumers. Interesting how it is in times of adversity such as this that the people will bond.

With the price of fuel going up, so too are the electricity tarrifs effective July 1. Expect your chicken rice to similar rise in price as well as every other consumer good out there. Inflation will soon hit an all time high, I predict, looking into my foggy crystal ball.

It looks like hard times ahead.