I hate washing cloths. I hate wiping the floor. I hate cleaning the toilet. I hate folding my cloths. I hate keeping my bed...In short, I hate doing my chores. I once told my friend about this. He suggested, "that's why you need to find a girlfriend and get married so she can clean the house, cook for you and wash your cloths, etc."
"Well," I replied, "if I need someone to clean the house and cook for me, I might as well get a maid- it's cheaper that way and I don't have to be stuck in bed with her for the rest of my life if she has bad breath..."
So when do I clean my house and tuck in my unwashed socks under my bed? Well, when I have a visitor or two coming to my house. Why? Because I don't want them to see/think that I'm such a pig (single, lonely, sad, lazy, pathetic...if that makes any sense) and that I'm still 'reading' FHM mag (a legacy from Singapore). After all, I'm a Singapore-educated person and working for UN! (I like the sound of the words 'Singapore' and 'UN').
When my former housemate told me that his friends would be coming for his wedding this week and asked me if I could let them sleep in my house for a couple of days, I knew what I had to do. Yeah! Cleaning the house! I hate it but this is one of rare occasions that force me to clean my house.
So if you are planning to visit me, do inform me in advance.
Monday, March 31, 2008
"Odd Couples"
Few "Odd Couples" have been identified for my documentary. Yeah! They are a government officer and a sex worker, a Vietnamese man and an English woman, a couple with disabilities, an old widower and a young girl, a Lao man and Hmong girl, a very young teenager couple...
What types of people do you consider 'odd'?
What types of people do you consider 'odd'?
Friday, February 22, 2008
Tuesday Production House
Setting up a production house, anyone?
Sony DSR-PD150= US$3000
15" MacBook Pro= US$2000 (?)
LaCie 120 GB External Hard Drive= US$150 (?)
Final Cut Pro 4= US$1000 (?)
DVD Recorder= US$180 (?)
VCD Recorder= US$120 (?)
CD Cover Printer= US$200 (?)
Nikon CoolPix= US$280
Total= 6930
What else are needed for starting up?
Sony DSR-PD150= US$3000
15" MacBook Pro= US$2000 (?)
LaCie 120 GB External Hard Drive= US$150 (?)
Final Cut Pro 4= US$1000 (?)
DVD Recorder= US$180 (?)
VCD Recorder= US$120 (?)
CD Cover Printer= US$200 (?)
Nikon CoolPix= US$280
Total= 6930
What else are needed for starting up?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Movies I wanna watch.
Good movies are the ones that you like watching.
1. Atonement
2. There will be blood
3. Sweeney Todd
4. The diving bell & the butterfly
5. Cloverfied
6. Alvin and the chipmunks
7. Breath (by Kim Ki Duk)
8. The assassination of Jesse James...
9. My Blueberry Night (by Wong Kar Wai)
10. Ratatouille
11. Elizaberth: the golden age
12. Bangkok Time (Thai movie)
13. Sabaidee Luangprabang (Lao movie)
14. The Simpsons Movie
15. Bridge to Terabithia
16. Shortbus
17. The kite runner
18. I'm not there
19. Le Labyrinthe Depan (???)
20. Rain dogs
21. A scanner darkly
22. Mystic River
1. Atonement
2. There will be blood
3. Sweeney Todd
4. The diving bell & the butterfly
5. Cloverfied
6. Alvin and the chipmunks
7. Breath (by Kim Ki Duk)
8. The assassination of Jesse James...
9. My Blueberry Night (by Wong Kar Wai)
10. Ratatouille
11. Elizaberth: the golden age
12. Bangkok Time (Thai movie)
13. Sabaidee Luangprabang (Lao movie)
14. The Simpsons Movie
15. Bridge to Terabithia
16. Shortbus
17. The kite runner
18. I'm not there
19. Le Labyrinthe Depan (???)
20. Rain dogs
21. A scanner darkly
22. Mystic River
Play that song again, Sam
Listening to 'Bubbly' by Colbie Caillat and it reminds me of Hanoi. We (me, Yas, LY and June) were in a hotel room watching MTV with this song being shown, the night before I left Hanoi for Bangkok. The following day while sitting inside a cab heading to Hanoi Airport, this song was playing again. And for the first time, I started to miss those left behind in the hotel. This song will forever remind me of Hanoi and the time spent traveling with friends there.
I'm sure you have songs that remind you or bring back memories of things, places, emotions or people you have come into contact with or experienced in your life.
Here are mine:
- 'Music' (Madonna), 'I Wanna Be with You' (Mandy Moore), 'Only Love' (Trademark) and 'Come on Over (Christina Aguilera) remind me of the time I had in King Edward VII Hall, NUS, Singapore. These songs were popular then. I would always hear these songs on my radio set. I didn't have a computer; the only source of entertainment and information when I was in my room was from a radio.
- 'Around the World' by Aqua reminds me of NUS and its Central Library. I remember the first time I stepped out of a shuttle bus and walked into the vicinity of Central Library, there was some event happening below the library (I can't remember what it was called. It was the event to mark the opening of a new academic year where students brought stuff and food to sell and put up some performances), this song was playing so loudly there. After that encounter, this song stuck in my head and it grew on me.
- 'All I Ask of You' (The Phantom of the Opera) and 'Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin' (The Moon represents my heart) remind me of the singing class I took as an elective subject in my 3rd year in NTU. These were two songs that we had to practice singing. I performed one of these songs in front of my classmates. I was shaking and very nervous at that time. I never manage to finish the song.
- 'Electric Storm' (U2) and 'Game of Love' (Santana Ft. Michelle Branch). When I was staying at Hall 2, Jeremy and Daryl were my neighbors. Jeremy liked to introduce new hit songs to people he knew. These two songs were introduced by him. I liked Michelle Branch. And soon these two songs became regular in my WMP's playing list.
- 'One Last Cry' (Brian McKnight). I sometimes get emotional when I hear this song. Camile Velasco performed this song on American Idol. And I have been in love with her ever since. I will get married anytime soon if I find someone like her.
-Besides 'Bubbly', 'Clumsy' (Fergie) reminds me of Hanoi too.
How about yours?
I'm sure you have songs that remind you or bring back memories of things, places, emotions or people you have come into contact with or experienced in your life.
Here are mine:
- 'Music' (Madonna), 'I Wanna Be with You' (Mandy Moore), 'Only Love' (Trademark) and 'Come on Over (Christina Aguilera) remind me of the time I had in King Edward VII Hall, NUS, Singapore. These songs were popular then. I would always hear these songs on my radio set. I didn't have a computer; the only source of entertainment and information when I was in my room was from a radio.
- 'Around the World' by Aqua reminds me of NUS and its Central Library. I remember the first time I stepped out of a shuttle bus and walked into the vicinity of Central Library, there was some event happening below the library (I can't remember what it was called. It was the event to mark the opening of a new academic year where students brought stuff and food to sell and put up some performances), this song was playing so loudly there. After that encounter, this song stuck in my head and it grew on me.
- 'All I Ask of You' (The Phantom of the Opera) and 'Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin' (The Moon represents my heart) remind me of the singing class I took as an elective subject in my 3rd year in NTU. These were two songs that we had to practice singing. I performed one of these songs in front of my classmates. I was shaking and very nervous at that time. I never manage to finish the song.
- 'Electric Storm' (U2) and 'Game of Love' (Santana Ft. Michelle Branch). When I was staying at Hall 2, Jeremy and Daryl were my neighbors. Jeremy liked to introduce new hit songs to people he knew. These two songs were introduced by him. I liked Michelle Branch. And soon these two songs became regular in my WMP's playing list.
- 'One Last Cry' (Brian McKnight). I sometimes get emotional when I hear this song. Camile Velasco performed this song on American Idol. And I have been in love with her ever since. I will get married anytime soon if I find someone like her.
-Besides 'Bubbly', 'Clumsy' (Fergie) reminds me of Hanoi too.
How about yours?
Sunday, January 20, 2008
I don't want to sleep alone
A girl and a man are on the phone talking to each other. After the very long conversation, this is how it ends:
A man: I hate to sleep alone again tonight.
A girl: If you don't want to sleep alone, come and pick me up.
A man (paused with a shock): Hmmm...Serious? Hey, my phone is running out of money. Bye!
Phew!
A man: I hate to sleep alone again tonight.
A girl: If you don't want to sleep alone, come and pick me up.
A man (paused with a shock): Hmmm...Serious? Hey, my phone is running out of money. Bye!
Phew!
My friends have been claimed!
This is going to be a busy and joyous year for some of my friends. Why? Because they are getting married!
Next week, Nong will be the first person among us (Singapore-educated people) to get married. Her wedding is my very first friend's wedding I will have attended. And guess what, I am her cameraman for the day. Of all people in the world, she has chosen me to take video and photo of her wedding. I am very honored indeed. (Please don't say 'that because I don't charge for the service, that's why she has chosen me'. I am good. Ok?)
Next, my former secondary school classmate, one of my closest friends, is getting married in my hometown, Seno, this March. He would kill me if I didn't go. Wow! I am important and special. :)
Next in the line it will be my house mate. At the moment, he still can't quite decide whom he should marry. Damn good-looking people. They can choose. Whoever he chooses to marry, I am invited to his wedding.
And before year end, two of my dear friends in Singapore are tying the knot. And of course I am going to be there.
Who's next? Need a cameraman, anyone?
Next week, Nong will be the first person among us (Singapore-educated people) to get married. Her wedding is my very first friend's wedding I will have attended. And guess what, I am her cameraman for the day. Of all people in the world, she has chosen me to take video and photo of her wedding. I am very honored indeed. (Please don't say 'that because I don't charge for the service, that's why she has chosen me'. I am good. Ok?)
Next, my former secondary school classmate, one of my closest friends, is getting married in my hometown, Seno, this March. He would kill me if I didn't go. Wow! I am important and special. :)
Next in the line it will be my house mate. At the moment, he still can't quite decide whom he should marry. Damn good-looking people. They can choose. Whoever he chooses to marry, I am invited to his wedding.
And before year end, two of my dear friends in Singapore are tying the knot. And of course I am going to be there.
Who's next? Need a cameraman, anyone?
Learning to love yourself?
Is that easy? Then teach me how.
I know it ain't healthy. But lately, I didn't like myself very much. It is scary. There are so many 'should have' popping up in my head. I should have achieved this. I should have done that. I should have had those. I should have been treated better by others...These things keep me awake at night. And I can't concentrate at work.
I hope this is not a mid-life crisis.
I need to go walking.
I know it ain't healthy. But lately, I didn't like myself very much. It is scary. There are so many 'should have' popping up in my head. I should have achieved this. I should have done that. I should have had those. I should have been treated better by others...These things keep me awake at night. And I can't concentrate at work.
I hope this is not a mid-life crisis.
I need to go walking.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Lao Movie Update
"Sabaidee Luangprabang", the first feature film in
Anyway, 'Sabaidee Luangprabang' is co-produced by Lao Art Media and Thai companies, including Ananda EVERINGHAM after the companies not being able to afford to pay him to star in the movie.
The leading man and lady are Ananda Everingham, Lao-Australian actor, and Khamly Philavong, a resident of Xiengkhouang province, respectively. That's right, she lives in Xiengkhouang. And she is my driver's cousin. You see, if you are famous, everyone wants to be associated with you. I always tell other people when they ask about the movie, "You know, the actress is my driver's cousin and she lives right here in Xiengkhouang!?”
The initial plot: "The plot centres on a man of Lao and Australian parentage who visits his father’s former home town of
During his travels, the young man meets and falls in love with a beautiful girl, who seems to him to embody the character and spirit representative of Lao women, which is different from those of the where country he grew up..."
Read more about the movie here.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
It's just another day in Xiengkhouang
Cold, cold, cold...
It's almost 9 am, but the whole town is still shrouded in mist. People driving or riding on the road have to keep their vehicle's lights on.
Odd Couples
See if it will work for a documentary.
What is considered 'odd' or ' normal'?
Is love not enough?
Isn't love supposed to be wonderful thing?
Is it wrong if I'm a man to love another man?
Is it wrong if I'm a prostitute to love someone and to be loved?
Is it wrong if I'm an old lady to love a young boy?
Is it strange/odd if I'm physically disabled to love someone and to be loved?
Is it strange/odd if I'm Chinese to love a Malay girl?
Is it wrong/strange/odd.....?
On the way home one day, I saw one of my acquaintance, working at the department where my project is situated, speaking to a girl. I asked my driver (not exactly my driver; he's a project driver but he picks me up in the morning and transports me home after work. Yeah, well, I like to call him my driver): "Is that girl his girlfriend".
"Not his girlfriend; she's his wife," he replied.
"His wife!?" I asked with a surprise. "Since when have they been married?"
"Hmmm..." he hesitated. "They are not married; they just live together. You know, a girl is a prostitute."
"Are you serious?" I asked with more surprises.
"Yup. Everyone in the department knows about it but has been told to keep the mouth shut," he continued. "And he has been kicked out of the department's house because of this. He's been ordered not to bring a girl anywhere near the office or he will be sacked."
"How could that happen, I mean, how did they get together?" I asked innocently.
"Well, he was first her regular client. I guess, he was impressed with her service and got hooked...But she has given up her 'career' since they have been together," he chuckled.
The following day I came to the office and asked his co-workers about this 'odd' affair. Apparently, they have been making fun of him and his wife. He doesn't seem to care very much. This guy is ready to give up everything just to be with this girl whom 'the right mind' person would think twice to be associated with. He knows he would not be given any promotion for his job. He knows his friends will pester him non-stop. He knows his family will shun him. He knows society will not accept this. Yet he chooses to follow his heart or for whatever reason. I, for one, respect him for that.
Isn't love not enough? Who should/should not have a right or be entitled/worth to love or to be loved?
I have two friends who are 'disabled' just got married last year. Their first child was just born last month.
If I make a documentary about 'odd couples' as mentioned above (man-man, an old woman-a young boy, a government officer-a prostitute...), you think it will be interesting?
I will make one anyway- when I have equipment and 'subjects', of course.
What is considered 'odd' or ' normal'?
Is love not enough?
Isn't love supposed to be wonderful thing?
Is it wrong if I'm a man to love another man?
Is it wrong if I'm a prostitute to love someone and to be loved?
Is it wrong if I'm an old lady to love a young boy?
Is it strange/odd if I'm physically disabled to love someone and to be loved?
Is it strange/odd if I'm Chinese to love a Malay girl?
Is it wrong/strange/odd.....?
On the way home one day, I saw one of my acquaintance, working at the department where my project is situated, speaking to a girl. I asked my driver (not exactly my driver; he's a project driver but he picks me up in the morning and transports me home after work. Yeah, well, I like to call him my driver): "Is that girl his girlfriend".
"Not his girlfriend; she's his wife," he replied.
"His wife!?" I asked with a surprise. "Since when have they been married?"
"Hmmm..." he hesitated. "They are not married; they just live together. You know, a girl is a prostitute."
"Are you serious?" I asked with more surprises.
"Yup. Everyone in the department knows about it but has been told to keep the mouth shut," he continued. "And he has been kicked out of the department's house because of this. He's been ordered not to bring a girl anywhere near the office or he will be sacked."
"How could that happen, I mean, how did they get together?" I asked innocently.
"Well, he was first her regular client. I guess, he was impressed with her service and got hooked...But she has given up her 'career' since they have been together," he chuckled.
The following day I came to the office and asked his co-workers about this 'odd' affair. Apparently, they have been making fun of him and his wife. He doesn't seem to care very much. This guy is ready to give up everything just to be with this girl whom 'the right mind' person would think twice to be associated with. He knows he would not be given any promotion for his job. He knows his friends will pester him non-stop. He knows his family will shun him. He knows society will not accept this. Yet he chooses to follow his heart or for whatever reason. I, for one, respect him for that.
Isn't love not enough? Who should/should not have a right or be entitled/worth to love or to be loved?
I have two friends who are 'disabled' just got married last year. Their first child was just born last month.
If I make a documentary about 'odd couples' as mentioned above (man-man, an old woman-a young boy, a government officer-a prostitute...), you think it will be interesting?
I will make one anyway- when I have equipment and 'subjects', of course.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Laos is Indochina's next hot spot!
The 53 places to go in 2008. Laos is the top on the list. How cool!
The New York Times has named Laos as number one destination to visit in 2008.
Links
Come quick before this place is over-crowded by farangs!
The New York Times has named Laos as number one destination to visit in 2008.
Links
Come quick before this place is over-crowded by farangs!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Sex, Beer Lao, and Lottery
Socializing or mangling with acquaintances these days has been awkward and sometimes a pain in the neck. I call them 'acquaintances' because I will never feel connected to them as 'friends'. Every time I try to have conversation with them, it always goes like this:
Person A: You have to check out that whore (prostitute, sex worker, bitch or whatever you address them) at so and so. She is new here and hot. I can bring you there tonight or now (while we are having lunch).
Person B: Have you tried (f***ed) that girl? She has big tits. I've already slept with her few times. And every time, I did more than one. You should try.
Person C: Xai, you should not torture yourself, just go and make some donation (sperm and money) to those girls.
Person D: Xai, you don't dare to sleep with a prostitute, do you? Are you gay?
Person E: Blah blah blah...sex...blah blah blah...prostitute...
And what do they do when they gather, drinking Beer Lao. Apparently, not being able to drink is socially unacceptable. If you can't drink, your colleagues or so-called friends are not likely to invite you to join them. And sometimes they will think you are not man enough for not drinking beer. "Pepsi is so for a girl,'' they would say. I'm sick of trying to explain to them how badly my liver has been damaged by this alcohol and that I can't drink it. It rarely works. Can we have fun and good conversation without influence of alcohol? I'm sure we can.
The other thing that always occupies the conversation they have is lottery. Anything under the sun and in their dreams can be translated into numbers. I don't know how they do it.
Person A: You have to check out that whore (prostitute, sex worker, bitch or whatever you address them) at so and so. She is new here and hot. I can bring you there tonight or now (while we are having lunch).
Person B: Have you tried (f***ed) that girl? She has big tits. I've already slept with her few times. And every time, I did more than one. You should try.
Person C: Xai, you should not torture yourself, just go and make some donation (sperm and money) to those girls.
Person D: Xai, you don't dare to sleep with a prostitute, do you? Are you gay?
Person E: Blah blah blah...sex...blah blah blah...prostitute...
And what do they do when they gather, drinking Beer Lao. Apparently, not being able to drink is socially unacceptable. If you can't drink, your colleagues or so-called friends are not likely to invite you to join them. And sometimes they will think you are not man enough for not drinking beer. "Pepsi is so for a girl,'' they would say. I'm sick of trying to explain to them how badly my liver has been damaged by this alcohol and that I can't drink it. It rarely works. Can we have fun and good conversation without influence of alcohol? I'm sure we can.
The other thing that always occupies the conversation they have is lottery. Anything under the sun and in their dreams can be translated into numbers. I don't know how they do it.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
My New Year's resolutions and plans for 2008
I can't remember what the old ones were. Anyway, as always, I like to make New Year's resolutions and plans. The following are my new 'New Year's Resolutions':
*Study IELTS for AusAid- I'm applying for Filmmaking course!
*Write a short-film script- about a Lao construction worker who falls in love with a Chinese masseuse but he can't speak a word of Chinese...Ah!
*Save money and visit friends in Singapore- see you all in Singapore in November!
*Help my sister to build her house
*Write more emails to my host family and old friends- I feel so bad for not keeping in touch with them.
*Consume less Pepsi, Coke, Beer Lao, Lao whisky...
*Exercise more- I have only one body; if I don't take care of it, no body will. And if I'm sick, I won't be able to do anything.
*Read more books-Thai, Lao and English books- I need to keep my brain stimulated.
*Keep updating my blog- I hate writing but I want to be good at it.
*Have my teeth whitened
*Go for injection- my liver needs to be well taken care of.
*Visit my family- at the end of the day, sisters and brothers are the ones who love and care for me the most.
*Make new friends-when you are old, it's hard to meet new friends-they are already paired up.
*Have my hair grown- I want to feel my head full of hair again.
*Finish my food-always think about those African kids who are starving.
*Learn to make my own t-shirt.
What are yours?
........................................................................................
*Study IELTS for AusAid- I'm applying for Filmmaking course!
*Write a short-film script- about a Lao construction worker who falls in love with a Chinese masseuse but he can't speak a word of Chinese...Ah!
*Save money and visit friends in Singapore- see you all in Singapore in November!
*Help my sister to build her house
*Write more emails to my host family and old friends- I feel so bad for not keeping in touch with them.
*Consume less Pepsi, Coke, Beer Lao, Lao whisky...
*Exercise more- I have only one body; if I don't take care of it, no body will. And if I'm sick, I won't be able to do anything.
*Read more books-Thai, Lao and English books- I need to keep my brain stimulated.
*Keep updating my blog- I hate writing but I want to be good at it.
*Have my teeth whitened
*Go for injection- my liver needs to be well taken care of.
*Visit my family- at the end of the day, sisters and brothers are the ones who love and care for me the most.
*Make new friends-when you are old, it's hard to meet new friends-they are already paired up.
*Have my hair grown- I want to feel my head full of hair again.
*Finish my food-always think about those African kids who are starving.
*Learn to make my own t-shirt.
What are yours?
........................................................................................
Friday, December 21, 2007
Beautiful, rich and famous people who were born on 18th December
Of course it's not me. I wanna be like one, though, not beautiful bit, but rich and famous.
Steven Spielberg born on December 18, 1946
Brad Pitt born on December 18, 1963
Katie Holmes born on December 18, 1978
Christina Aguilera born on December 18, 1980
http://www.celebrity-link.com/birthday_day-18_month-12.html
Steven Spielberg born on December 18, 1946
Brad Pitt born on December 18, 1963
Katie Holmes born on December 18, 1978
Christina Aguilera born on December 18, 1980
http://www.celebrity-link.com/birthday_day-18_month-12.html
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
I ain't (Ful)bright after all. Damn it!
Blame it on my poor university results.
I did well in the Screening Test, or so I was told. So I had a reason to be happy and to believe that I would advance to the next round, an oral interview, to realise my "American Dream". I had patiently been waiting for the news. Everytime my phone rang, my heart would beat faster than normal, thinking and hoping that someone from American Embassy was calling to inform me about the interview. One week passed. Two weeks passed... with nothing to cheer about. I messaged my friend to ask. "My application didn't pass coz' I didn't do very well for my uni," came the reply. Impatiently, I called American Embassy to check on mine. "Sorry sir, your application didn't pass because you didn't even have a degree," explained the guy. "But I've obtained my degree with honour from S'pore," I insisted. " Why don't you fax your certificate to us and we will re-consider it?" So I did. One week passed with no news from him. Today I decided to call again. "Oh, sorry sir your university results were not very good in comparision with other candidates. So..." Classic!
My shattered dreams and broken heart are mending on the shelf...Now I miss Camile Valasco.
I did well in the Screening Test, or so I was told. So I had a reason to be happy and to believe that I would advance to the next round, an oral interview, to realise my "American Dream". I had patiently been waiting for the news. Everytime my phone rang, my heart would beat faster than normal, thinking and hoping that someone from American Embassy was calling to inform me about the interview. One week passed. Two weeks passed... with nothing to cheer about. I messaged my friend to ask. "My application didn't pass coz' I didn't do very well for my uni," came the reply. Impatiently, I called American Embassy to check on mine. "Sorry sir, your application didn't pass because you didn't even have a degree," explained the guy. "But I've obtained my degree with honour from S'pore," I insisted. " Why don't you fax your certificate to us and we will re-consider it?" So I did. One week passed with no news from him. Today I decided to call again. "Oh, sorry sir your university results were not very good in comparision with other candidates. So..." Classic!
My shattered dreams and broken heart are mending on the shelf...Now I miss Camile Valasco.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
I hate feeling I'm hated.
I can’t please everyone, of course, but at least I should not make anyone loathe me, if I can avoid.
I’ve been busy for the past few weeks with constant travel to and fro Khoun district where our community radio station being established, for training. Our office is located in a town of Xiengkhouang. Few days ago my colleague called to inform me that a provincial post office had sent a notice letter to me to collect a package from Singapore within 7 days by yourself or authorizing someone to do so for you.
Having to work 8 to 5, Mon-Sat, for the past weeks, I decided draft an authorization letter authorizing my younger brother to collect that mysterious package (I was not sure whom this would be from. It could be from my former boss because I asked him to send me a certificate of employment. Or it could be from my Tuesday Group’s friends, especially Wee Liang who has sent 8 Days mags to me several times before.) with my passport.
When I returned home, I asked my brother excitedly what the package was. To my unpleasant surprise, I was told that a postman (woman, to be precise) refused to give the package to my brother; she wasn’t convinced that my brother and I were biologically related since the evidence he showed to her was an authorization letter with my genuine signature and original passport and his own identity card. She told my brother that I should be the one to collect the package myself although after being told by brother that I was away and busy, and that he should have a family book with clear photos showing that my brother and I were family.
The following day, I went to the post office having memorized some curse and swear words to shout at her. I was extremely angry. She was late. Before long I walked over to the counter after she entered. “Was it you whom my brother approached for the package?” I asked. “Yes,” she replied. “Why on earth you refused to keep my brother that package? Which part of evidence does not proof that I am not an owner of that package? I’ve written an authorization letter indicating the person being authorized with his ic number; I’ve also signed and accompanied the letter with my very own passport. Isn’t that enough?” I shouted at her although she was trying to explain. Other customers in the office were staring at me but I didn’t care; I was so out of control. “Passport is only used when you go overseas,” was her reason, “all we need to proof that you are the real owner of the package is your family recorded book with your photos and your brother’s. I didn’t keep the package out to your brother because I was afraid that later on you would come to us and ask from us again.” I was stunned with her response. How could that be possible? First of all, I’ve written an authorization letter and duly signed on it; the letter has indicated that my brother with his IC is authorized to collect the package on behalf of me. Second, I’ve given my passport book to my brother. Together with his identity card, he has presented an authorization letter and my passport book to her. And third, in order to get my passport, I must already possess an identity card; in order to get an identity card, I must already have a family recorded book. Therefore, having a passport book is much higher than having a family book. In other word, if I have a passport it means I already have a family recorded book and IC. It makes no sense to me at all that she rejected my passport over a family book.
Anyway, after my few shouts, she succumbed, or so I thought. I started to feel terrible for her and myself. She went to a kept room to get the package for me. Awhile later, she brought a big yellow envelope with her. I recognized that neat handwriting; it’s Eek’s. After long silent, I was thinking to myself I should probably apologize to her for shouting at her like that although she was absolutely ignorant about passport-family-book thing. Just when she handed the package to me, she said, “You don’t have to shout at me like this. I didn’t give the package to your brother because he didn’t have a family book to show…” And just like that, I took the envelope from her and walked away without even looking at her or saying ‘thanks’.
I left that place feeling provoked angrily. Why should I be so angry? Who is she and why should I care? She was just ignorant. I wasn’t wrong. Why should I feel guilty and sorry? Maybe, I shouldn’t think about it. Damn it.
I’ve been busy for the past few weeks with constant travel to and fro Khoun district where our community radio station being established, for training. Our office is located in a town of Xiengkhouang. Few days ago my colleague called to inform me that a provincial post office had sent a notice letter to me to collect a package from Singapore within 7 days by yourself or authorizing someone to do so for you.
Having to work 8 to 5, Mon-Sat, for the past weeks, I decided draft an authorization letter authorizing my younger brother to collect that mysterious package (I was not sure whom this would be from. It could be from my former boss because I asked him to send me a certificate of employment. Or it could be from my Tuesday Group’s friends, especially Wee Liang who has sent 8 Days mags to me several times before.) with my passport.
When I returned home, I asked my brother excitedly what the package was. To my unpleasant surprise, I was told that a postman (woman, to be precise) refused to give the package to my brother; she wasn’t convinced that my brother and I were biologically related since the evidence he showed to her was an authorization letter with my genuine signature and original passport and his own identity card. She told my brother that I should be the one to collect the package myself although after being told by brother that I was away and busy, and that he should have a family book with clear photos showing that my brother and I were family.
The following day, I went to the post office having memorized some curse and swear words to shout at her. I was extremely angry. She was late. Before long I walked over to the counter after she entered. “Was it you whom my brother approached for the package?” I asked. “Yes,” she replied. “Why on earth you refused to keep my brother that package? Which part of evidence does not proof that I am not an owner of that package? I’ve written an authorization letter indicating the person being authorized with his ic number; I’ve also signed and accompanied the letter with my very own passport. Isn’t that enough?” I shouted at her although she was trying to explain. Other customers in the office were staring at me but I didn’t care; I was so out of control. “Passport is only used when you go overseas,” was her reason, “all we need to proof that you are the real owner of the package is your family recorded book with your photos and your brother’s. I didn’t keep the package out to your brother because I was afraid that later on you would come to us and ask from us again.” I was stunned with her response. How could that be possible? First of all, I’ve written an authorization letter and duly signed on it; the letter has indicated that my brother with his IC is authorized to collect the package on behalf of me. Second, I’ve given my passport book to my brother. Together with his identity card, he has presented an authorization letter and my passport book to her. And third, in order to get my passport, I must already possess an identity card; in order to get an identity card, I must already have a family recorded book. Therefore, having a passport book is much higher than having a family book. In other word, if I have a passport it means I already have a family recorded book and IC. It makes no sense to me at all that she rejected my passport over a family book.
Anyway, after my few shouts, she succumbed, or so I thought. I started to feel terrible for her and myself. She went to a kept room to get the package for me. Awhile later, she brought a big yellow envelope with her. I recognized that neat handwriting; it’s Eek’s. After long silent, I was thinking to myself I should probably apologize to her for shouting at her like that although she was absolutely ignorant about passport-family-book thing. Just when she handed the package to me, she said, “You don’t have to shout at me like this. I didn’t give the package to your brother because he didn’t have a family book to show…” And just like that, I took the envelope from her and walked away without even looking at her or saying ‘thanks’.
I left that place feeling provoked angrily. Why should I be so angry? Who is she and why should I care? She was just ignorant. I wasn’t wrong. Why should I feel guilty and sorry? Maybe, I shouldn’t think about it. Damn it.
Friday, June 29, 2007
You can't bring me down today.
I am on top of the world. I can't remember when was the last time I am so excited like this?
My friend who sat for the same Fulbright Scholarship's Screening Test as mine a couple weeks ago messaged me," hey xai I got to the next round! how abt you? you need to call them and ask." I was happy for my friend, at the same time, my heart shrank and was filled with mix emotions both excited and nervous. I wanted to know so badly if I got in but I was also afraid what if I didn't get in. Although I said to my housemate, " It doesn't matter if I didn't pass this Screening Test. I just wanted to try," of course deep inside, it does matter to me. Hey I was a scholar and graduated from Singapore, a lion city, you know. Nervous and scared I might be, I couldn't bear waiting for the results any longer. I decided to call. " How do you think you did, sir?" a person on the other end of the phone asked. " I did my best. So how did I do?" I asked. " Hmm you got 131 points (out of 150)," he responded. "Yeah? Was it good?" I asked excitedly and almost jumped inside a toilet. " Yeah pretty high," said he. " Really? It means...?" I asked for confirmation.Yes! I got into the next round for Fulbright Scholarship, you know, the scholarship for the brightest people on earth. The next round is an oral interview.Nah I don't expect too high. After all, I am not that so bright. I am just going to give by best shot and see how it goes. As the say goes " Hope for the best but expect the worst." I bear that in mind.
My friend who sat for the same Fulbright Scholarship's Screening Test as mine a couple weeks ago messaged me," hey xai I got to the next round! how abt you? you need to call them and ask." I was happy for my friend, at the same time, my heart shrank and was filled with mix emotions both excited and nervous. I wanted to know so badly if I got in but I was also afraid what if I didn't get in. Although I said to my housemate, " It doesn't matter if I didn't pass this Screening Test. I just wanted to try," of course deep inside, it does matter to me. Hey I was a scholar and graduated from Singapore, a lion city, you know. Nervous and scared I might be, I couldn't bear waiting for the results any longer. I decided to call. " How do you think you did, sir?" a person on the other end of the phone asked. " I did my best. So how did I do?" I asked. " Hmm you got 131 points (out of 150)," he responded. "Yeah? Was it good?" I asked excitedly and almost jumped inside a toilet. " Yeah pretty high," said he. " Really? It means...?" I asked for confirmation.Yes! I got into the next round for Fulbright Scholarship, you know, the scholarship for the brightest people on earth. The next round is an oral interview.Nah I don't expect too high. After all, I am not that so bright. I am just going to give by best shot and see how it goes. As the say goes " Hope for the best but expect the worst." I bear that in mind.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Why the sky is cloudy today?
Blame it on the rain. Blame it on melting ice. Blame it on uncollected rubish. Blame it on motion sickness. Blame it on workload. Blame it on...I get agitated easily and I start to worry about it. I get angry and annoyed all the time and I don't know why. And my emotions always get the best of me. I couldn't find the key and shouted angrily at the guy who was supposed to have it for me to open the studio for training. I got annoyed with my brother when he forgot to deposite rubish in front of our house for collection. I got agitated by my driver when he was late to pick me up. Where does this mood swing come from? From heat? From long journey I took? From tragic news I received about friend who raped and killed his girl? From my family members whom I sent money to but scolded at me for letting my other family members know about it? From my failure of getting accepted from AusAid Scholarship?....I can't concentrate with my work. I can't eat. I can't sleep. I can't interact with the world...I avoid my family members. I avoid my housemate. I avoid my friends....This is bad.
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