1Malaysia Ain't Got Nothing On Me

Despite what people*WHOREN* may think, just because I have a conversation with someone that doesn't mean I've got the hots for them. What I've noticed, and I think I can attribute this to MamaTina, is that if you're nice to people then for the most part, they're nice to you. This is why I actually have conversations with people. Of course, once they've proven that they're incompetent at customer service, all bets are off.

The easiest and fastest way to put people at ease - as I've noticed - is to say simple things in their language. Like when I tapau from the auntie at the cafe behind my house I say things like thank you in Cantonese. I try to order in Cantonese and stuff like that as well. The first time she saw a Malay girl (nevermind that I'm half Chinese - she don't know that) speak Chinese she got so impressed and was immediately smiley and conversational. When I tapau from Indian vegetarian restaurants, a simple manakem and nandre does wonders. It elicits an immediate smile and, "Oh, you speak Indian ah?" and then BAM! life is much easier and happier for everyone involved.

But seriously - think about it. How often have you been so impressed by a gwailo who speaks some Malay? I mean, learning simple words and phrases in the language of the other races that make up Malaysia is all about what Malaysia is. I personally get pretty put off by expats who've lived in Malaysia for xx number of years and never bothered to learn a word of Malay or try Malaysian street food. Nevermind learning French, Italian or Japanese. Learn to be Malaysian.

All The Wrong Choices

I've just realised that I have this uncanny ability to make the wrong choices. Sure, most think that I have a great life and not much to complain about, which is essentially true - me complaining would be like ridiculous. I'm way too careful about the big decisions like career and stuff to make a mistake.

It's the other things that you think don't matter that get past you. Sure there's stuff like always choosing the wrong lane in traffic jams. And then there are the things like men and love, which TV and movies made me believe would "just happen" because "if it were meant to be, it's meant to be". That true love would never hurt and love means happily ever after. Bullshit.

In this case, my choices are always like getting caught in traffic. Whenever I switch lanes to one that I think will get me there faster, it stops moving. Whenever I stay my lane, people cut me off. I just want to stop and get off the road until there's no more traffic. And if it feels like home, then that's home.

Written on my Archos 5

Whaddup?

So I've just found an unlocked wireless network in the area. Awesome. I suspect it belongs to my cousin so it's not stealing.

It's day 4 of my between jobs break and I've been positively unproductive. Innit grand? But seriously, I'm feeling really lethargic so the next few days will be devoted to housework, light exercise and recipe trials. I know. It's like I'm friggin Martha Stewart right?

I've also signed up to retake my CFA in December so I suppose I should get some studying done. Or something. Whatever. Back to the tai-tai life.

Boobs out.

Written on my Archos 5