Sunday, July 28, 2002

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Day: 221 (Sunday, 28th July 2002)
Time: 9:12 am
Status: End of Week # 4
Days without PS2: 14 day(s)
Days without Cube: 14 day(s)
Listening to: Chocolate - Faith
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What a crazy week it has been. If I told you I had to girls fighting over me, you might find it hard to believe. YES, I did have 2 girls fighting because of me, but you probably won't know the reasons. It all started earlier in the week when Mandy was checking the duty roster for the week. She was saying she wished she didn't have to finish late on Friday at 8:00 pm. She mentioned that she would like to switch shifts with someone, either me or Andrew (speaking of him, never seen him for a week now). Then come Thursday, Marlene came in and asked if I would like to switch with her on Friday. I said I didn't mind. That's when the "war" started. Mandy started complaining and throwing her tantrum and Marlene was telling her to calm down. Chris "Frodo Baggins" James thought it was amusing that the girls were fighting and I was the cause of it. In fact, he found it very funny and I saw this big grin on his face. After that, I thought I could ease the tension and I told Marlene that Mandy had indeed ask me first, earlier in the week and she asked why didn't I promise her. Later, Marlene told me she couldn't switch with me anyway because she was in the kitchen and of course, I don't know kitchen yet. I asked Mandy if she would still like to switch but she said she was alright. Then she started complaining about Marlene, saying she doesn't know why Marlene is "such a bitch", and seems to pick on her.

I seriously think that Mandy has lots of problems. Just found out this week that she's actually a New Zealander and she goes for therapy (psychiatrist?). On Friday morning, Marlene came in and was kind of surprised and asked why I didn't switch with Mandy. I said she didn't want to in the end. Then she commented "then why the hell did she throw her hissy-fits" or something like that. It was busy as usual. School kids all rushing in after school. The place was packed. I finished my shift and I heard alot of banging while I was changing. Came out to see what was going on. Mandy was order taking where the register is near the change rooms. I asked her if she was alright. She said she was alright but she said she hated that place. I told her to take care, said I'd see her next week and she came over to give me a hug.

Wasn't feeling well on Friday. Had a flu and a sore throat. When I got home, I felt worse. Developed a fever later on in the evening. Had a nap then woke up. Went to sleep around 10:00 pm but it was torture. Got up in the middle of the night to get a towel and some water just to put over my forehead. Woke up early on Saturday morning as well. There was nothing left to eat so I went out for breakfast at Macca's. Stopped by the hair salon to check what time they closed. Vince (the owner) was there so I told him I'd be back later. When I arrived at Macca's, Khanh and Tom saw me and told me I shouldn't be there since it was the weekend. I told them I had no more food at home. Samantha came out and asked if I was excited about next week. Then I remembered that Ben rostered me for an early finish on Friday so that I can go watch the Footy with them. I think Sam would be going too, she's another one of the big fans of the sport it seems. Honestly, I wasn't excited. I was more concerned about my health there and then. I felt like shit and I just wanted to get well as soon as possible. Just ordered my breakfast, got a paper and sat down to eat. After that, stopped by the ATM to withdraw some money, went to the pharmacy to get some Strepsils for my throat then went to Safeway to get my groceries.

When I got home, KA asked me if I would like to go to Chaper St. with them. I declined the invitation saying I wasn't feeling well. She then told me there was some medication and started searching the medicine drawer for me and gave me a bottle of pills saying they were very effective. Then she asked if I knew where the Virgin Superstore was. Of course I did and I just told her it was near Jam Factory. She said she was going there to get an autograph of someone for KC. I took a shower after that, then tried to get some sleep. Must have slept through most of the afternoon. Watched Smackdown at night, then after that, watched "From Hell" starring Johnny Depp and Heather Graham on DVD.

It's a good thing I'm feeling better now. No more fever, just a little cough and sneezing at times. I guess I'll be good to go tomorrow. Was worried that I might have to take a day or two off from work if I wasn't feeling better.

Another complaint about DT this week. I was having lunch on Wednesday afternoon at home because I had a 3:30 pm - 12:00 am shift. Before that, I saw some stuff in the basin, just a bowl, a mug and a spoon. Or something. Probably left in there by one of the girls. DT was there and he made some instant noodles for himself. When he finished, he washed his bowl, pot etc. When I finished with mine, I saw that he left the things that his sister(s) used in the basin untouched! Now, is that selfish or what? It was just 3 - 4 items and I thought "couldn't he have just washed them as well?". In the end, I washed them. (Well of course I did! What do you think?)

Well, another routine week has gone by. I think I'll stop here and lay some Smackdown on the PS2 after this while everyone's still asleep and the tv is available.

Saturday, July 20, 2002

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Day: 214 (Sunday, 21st July 2002)
Status: End of Week # 3
Days without PS2: 7 day(s)
Days without Cube: 7 day(s)
Listening to: Joe (feat. N*Sync) - I Believe In You
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It's been about a week since I last updated my journal. As far as I can tell, nothing really interesting happens during the week at work. Either that or I'm thinking that the week hasn't ended and therefore, would prefer to wait until the end to write everything down.

Nothing that interesting to talk about work. A couple of things to mention though.

1) The people at work seem to be hypocrites. Hrm ok, I have to check up the meaning of this word at www.dictionary.com. I think I've got it right, though. And here's the meaning:

hypocrite - one who puts on a mask and feigns himself to be what he is not

They seem to talk and gossip about others behind other people's backs. Especially Marlene and Janice.

2) Marlene likes to hit me alot. I don't know why I've been a punching bag for as long as I can remember. Of course, its all playful hitting. I'm strong...I'm macho...I can take the pain ! :p

3) Met a few people at work again. Like I said before, its like seeing new faces almost everyday. Met this new girl. Vietnamese I assume called Loan. Very small size. Kinda cute. Very young I think. Marlene was talking to me while Loan was there, and asked me how old I was. Loan thought I was 19. Hrm. Interesting.

As I've mentioned over and over again. Time really flies. It's already been 3 weeks at work. One more week and it's been a full month of full time work. First time ever. Next week's schedule is a killer. Have to days when I have to work at 7.30 am. And on Wednesday, I'm supposed to do close, lots of washing up to do I suppose. It means I finish at 12 midnight! It seems that all full timers will now get a close on at least one of their shifts.

Got this month's mobile bill. Killer. I think its the highest ever. About $ 215 including the payment for the monthly plan etc. I didn't know that 1 sec call back to Malaysia which didn't connect costs $ 0.40. Now I know. I actually paid of the bill the day it arrived, which was probably Thursday. Someone laid it out nicely on the kitchen counter in full view. I wonder who did it. Then the following night, DT came into my room carrying the bill with him, telling me that the bill was here. I assume he didn't know I saw it. I told him that I already transferred the money to KE, then he just turned around to leave, commenting " You really made many calls this month. ". I'm just wondering is it all really about money to him.

Another complaint I have about him this week. I was watching RAW on Tuesday night and he went out. At first I assumed he was going to KFC to get supper or something. Turns out that he drove all the way to Lygon Street to get Pearl Tea, at ML's request I suppose. He didn't even have the courtesy to ask if I wanted anything. I decided that I don't need to ask him if he wants anything the next time I go out to get something. Is there any point in me being considerate when he obviously isn't? Some people... pffttt.

As much as I try to budget, I just couldn't do it. I went out and bought an iron and an ironing board the other day and it cost me almost $ 85 in total. I didn't know ironing boards were so expensive. I guess its a necessity. All this while, I've been using DT's iron and board. When I first arrived in Melbourne, the ironing board was downstairs. Ironing wasn't a problem. After ML came back to Melbourne, it was moved upstairs into their room. I had to go upstairs whenever I wanted to use the iron. Now, they have turned the ironing board into an extra table which is so troublesome when I want to use it because they place clothes, books, cds and just about anything and everything that can fit! Now, with an iron in my own room, I don't have to go upstairs, clear everything off the table, do my ironing, put the table back and place everything back on it. It's just so much easier this way. At the moment, the ironing board is still in its plastic wrap, haven't even tried on the iron yet.

I've also been thinking of getting a small tv for my room. Then I can play my games anytime I want, no need to wait until the tv in the hall is available. But then again, there are so many things I want to buy. Now where's that "wishlist" of mine again. Might need to update it again soon. Want to import the "Freeloader" disc from the UK so that I can import Cube games and don't have to wait for months before they get a PAL release. But for that, I might need a credit card. Can't use the one that mum gave me, so I was thinking of applying for my own. Might need to wait until I get more news on my PR status. In the meantime if I really can't wait, might have to ask someone to buy it for me and I pay them back. Maybe RL would be the perfect candidate to help. Another thing I'll have to wait and see.

Been having weird dreams again. Mostly of old friends back home. Most recently dreamt of JS. Haven't seen her since....can't remember when. At least she did email me a few weeks back. Also managed to chat with her awhile then.

Considered getting my hair cut shorter. For the sake of work. Damn, I think my hair looks better when its longer, not short. Again, will have to see how it goes.

Life is so full of uncertainties.....

Sunday, July 14, 2002

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Day: 208 (Sunday, 14th July 2002)
Status: Week # 3
Days without PS2: 1 day(s)
Days without Cube: 1 day(s)
Listening to: Eagles - Hotel California
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Was up early this morning. A few minutes before 10 am, when my alarm was supposed to ring. Agreed to help RL move her things into her new place today. Everyone was up early. They were talking loudly. They always talk loud. By they, I meant all of them at home. The girls' ex- piano teacher is here for a holiday. At first when KE told me, I thought it was just the teacher who was coming cause I was told she was taking the same flight as KA. Then when they arrived yesterday afternoon, there was another person. I don't know if its the boyfriend or the fiance. I didn't ask. They're staying in the girls' room next door while the both of them are sleeping in the hall. They went to St.Kilda Beach today and then to Crown, I think.

Anyway, I guess I'm used to them talking loudly. Must've been really tired because I slept soundly, didn't even wake up once the entire night. Watched WWE Smackdown yesterday, then "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". It was in Mandarin with English subtitles. I always thought the dialogue was in Cantonese! Slept around 12.30 am after the movie. Guess that's enough of weird dreams for the time being. Had a couple more in the last week or so. Can't remember most of them, remember one of them which involved me being back in SMDJ, and saw some old faces there.

Anyway, helped RL to move all her boxes and things and my arms are aching now. Her apartment was on the 1st floor. So had to walk up 2 flights of stairs and then there was another 2 flights of stairs outside the building. Her cousin, Danny, who's a PR here and an Architect, managed to borrow a van from his friend and came to help with the moving. It was quite a big van, those normal store vans (with no seats behind) and the entire van was filled up with her things. It's a wonder how so many things could fit into a small room.

Anyway, Danny had to meet his wife and friends after that so he was rushing off while RL and me took a tram to the city. We had lunch at the newly renovated Dessert House. KE had mentioned before that the place was under renovation before this. It occupies 2 shoplots now (previously only one) but its still as packed as it always was. I wonder if the food or Japanese pancakes are really that good. They have a fair bit of variety but I normally have the same thing there everytime, which is the Lemongrass Grilled Pork Chop with Egg and rice. Today, I tried their Lemongrass Grilled Chicken with Pork Chop with Egg and rice. I guess some people might think chicken is a healthier choice. Meat is easier to chew and less fat. We talked, even discussed about going to T.G.I.Fs again! And we were just there last week! RL wanted to get some antennaes and decorations for her mobile phone. All the dangling thinggies that girls like to put on their phones so much. Went around a few shops looking for the stuff. I looked at some new handphones as well. The new Nokia 8910 is out. The new Samsung SGH-T100 doesn't look too bad either. I asked RL about her Telstra contract because she was affected by the One-Tel bankruptcy as well and she said that her contract is a 2 year contract. I guess mine's a 2 year contract too. I guess another 7 months or so before I can apply for a new line and get a new phone. By that time, I think there'll be more choices for me to choose from too.

We didn't go to T.G.I.Fs in the end. Guess I need to give my wallet a rest as well. Just because I'm earning abit of money doesn't mean I can go on spending it like there's no tomorrow. Come to think of it, what's the use of working so hard, if not for money to spend. I guess controlled-spending is ok. Just have to make sure I have enough money in the bank at all times. I think it shouldn't be too hard controlling my expenses. I hope it wouldn't. In 2 weeks time, I'd have completed ONE full month of full time work, earning my first monthly pay cheque. If I manage my expenses well, I should have about $ 400 or so per month. So much I can do with that. I must try to save some money. I must. Even if its just $ 100 - $ 200, it should be good enough. I'll just have to continue keeping track of my expenses to see.

Had to buy groceries yesterday. Noticed somethings. Since working full time, I eat less bread so I bought a smaller loaf instead of the usual Jumbo size. Had to get conditioner because the damn shampoo I got last week does not have conditioner and I'm running and shower gel/soap, because I'm running out as well. I also noticed that all the bottles of shampoos here are small. None of those "Super Value" packs like what we have back in Malaysia. They might be around but I can't seem to find it. Strange, but just an observation I made. I purposely went to Coles at Glenferrie Road so that I could get the Pura Chocolate milk but they sold out! I asked the guy putting out bottles of milk and the idiot said "we don't sell the big bottles". I didn't want to cause any trouble so I just said ok. While paying for my stuff, the person in front of me was complaining just because the cashier couldn't scan the price of the batteries of the person in front of him, saying "you should know the price of these things". When it was his turn to pay, he realised he didn't bring enough money so he had to take out 2 bottles of shampoo/conditioner/shower gel. The cashier, was staring daggers into his back as he walked away with his purchase. I noticed that too. I just asked her nicely about the chocolate milk and she replied nicely, saying it could've been sold out and that she served a customer who bought 2 bottles that day. Oh well, some other time then. The trouble I go through just to get some chocolate milk. The other thing is that Safeway doesn't seem to stock them. Either that or they sell out early because I can never seem to find the big bottles often there. PURA Classic Chocolate milk tastes THAT good ?!?!?!

I have also acquired a weird taste ( addiction?? ) to orange flavoured carbonated drinks these days. I guess it all started when I tried it for the first time with my KFC combo meal. Got it with Mirinda orange. And now at work, I've been drinking orange-flavoured Fanta as well.

Here's another website to share with you. It's a Flash game, a version of Super Monkey Ball which I have for the GameCube. Check it out, the movements seem to be a little jerky. Don't know if processor power has anything to do with it. But I think its less animation for the SEGA programmers. YES, I think its an official SEGA Flash game. Enjoy.

http://score.sega.com/games/supermonkeyball/contest/Monkeyball.swf

Guess this is all for tonight's update. It's 11.36 pm. Got to work at 10.30 am tomorrow morning. Another week has begun.

Friday, July 12, 2002

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Day: 206 (Friday, 12th July 2002)
Status: Week # 2
Days without PS2: 8 day(s)
Days without Cube: 13 day(s)
Listening to: Kenny G - In The Rain
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What a week it has been. Absolutely crazy at times during lunch hours which can be a rush. Mandy threw one of her tantrums again, and was crying again yesterday. I think she got told off by Janice because I think Mandy was taking out her frustrations on everything and everyone else. Or was it the day before. I can't remember now because time seems to fly by so quickly. We seem to be understaffed at certain times. I don't know what's going on but I try the best that I can. I guess now I can include in my resume "Able to work under pressure". A customer complaint that I was taking too long to serve him his order. Fucking old man. He said I was slow and I shouldn't be doing anything other than to serve him. What he didn't see because I was behind the machine was getting more fries to put into the vat. If I didn't do that, other customers wouldn't have enough fries. It was lunch hour during that time and there were so many customers. There's no point in me talking about it anymore because at Macca's, we have 2 rules.

Rule # 1: The customer is always right
Rule # 2: If the the customer is wrong, refer to Rule # 1.

Therefore, I had no choice but to bear with the fucking old man even though I felt like shouting back at him. The dining area looked like it was a war-zone. There were so many spills that day. The floors were splattered and sticky with Coke and other soft drink stains. And it was so busy, there was hardly time to clean it up.

Anyway, another week has gone by. Time flies quickly. I don't know how many times I've mentioned this now. RL called me at work today. I thought I had my phone on Silent-mode but I guess not. Luckily no one heard it or I'd have received a warning of sorts from Ben or Khanh. Anyway, it would be a friendly warning/ tease I suppose if they did hear it. Almost all the people are nice. Ben was saying he'll try to roster me early one day so that I can go to the football game with him and whoever else who wants to go. He told me before that he'll teach me about the game, during my first interview. I guess if I do go watch the game at the stadium, he'll be teaching me the game. Was talking to 2 female colleagues yesterday, in the evening, Samantha and Katherine, who seem to be big fans of the game. They were trying to explain it to me. And all the while, I thought Football and Rugby were the same thing. Well, it sure as hell looks like the same game to me!

I told RL that I was at work and I'd call her later tonight. I called her around 9.30 pm after my shower. She said she would call me later because she was eating. So I said fine. I hung up and I think I must have fallen asleep. Then about an hour later, DT just barged into my room. He said he thought I wasn't in because he said he messaged me and I didn't reply. Then I was thinking, if I WASN'T in, why did he come into my room for?

Anyway, I lazed around for a couple of minutes, picked up my phone and was about to call RL, then I received a call from her. Talked to her for awhile, asked her why she called in the afternoon. She said she was in the city, wanted to see if I was free. Then after that she told me that she will be moving to Southbank on Sunday and asked if I could help. I offered and she said she'll call me tomorrow night to confirm the time. I guess its better than doing nothing. Then I jokingly said as long as she spent a meal at TGIFs. She laughed and said no problem. Then she asked why I liked TGIFs so much. I told her its because I like Western-style food.

So I guess my plans for the weekend are set then, most probably getting some groceries tomorrow, then stay home at night to watch WWE Smackdown. The on Sunday, help RL move. I might even get to see her new place if there's space since her cousin borrowed a van from a friend to help move the things. Maybe can get in some game time this next couple of days. DT kept asking me to play games with him but I just kept telling him I've been tired.

Guess this is all for tonight. Don't know what to do next....

Monday, July 08, 2002

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Day: 202 (Monday, 8th July 2002)
Status: Week # 2
Days without PS2: 4 day(s)
Days without Cube: 9 day(s)
Listening to: Anastacia - One More Chance
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I don't know why is it I have problems sleeping everytime I have to wake up for work early in the morning. I got up around 3 am this morning and couldn't go back to sleep after that. Wanted to come online but the Net was unavailable because I think DT must've turned off the router or disconnected it some other way. Left the pc on and ended up listening to music, trying to fall asleep but was unsuccessful.

Nothing extraordinary happened at work. Same routine. Nothing to talk about I suppose.

Went out with RL yesterday. It was supposed to be a farewell of sorts but it was not to be. Her flight home has been delayed now. We planned to meet up at 12 pm but I left the house early to go to the pharmacy. Wanted to get hair nets. I'm in a dilemma now. I look weird with a hair net but my hair gets messy when I don't use one. Dilemma, dilemma. I just I'll have to wait a little longer and see what I decide later on.

I suggested that we go to TGIF's, and a movie at Jam Factory at Chapel Street in South Yarra. RL isn't the type that likes western food. But after some time, she finally gave in to me and agreed. She was glad that she decided to go there for lunch. We decided to have lunch when we arrived at South Yarra because we were already hungry. We shared a drink, November Seabreeze, Fried Calamari and Fried Mushrooms for starters, she had JD ribs while I had the JD steak for the main. After that, we shared a Mocha Mud Pie. Throughout the meal, we talked and she told me all about Ching Ching, her housemate who stole 2 of her handphones and wallet. RL told me her lost is estimated at about $ 2000. The thing is, Ching Ching is still supposed to stay with RL and their other housemate. She has gone back to Malaysia now, for a holiday.

We decided to go watch "Minority Report". The other choice was "Men In Black 2" but RL said that it was short, about 88 minutes or so. We checked out the screening times and decided to get the 6.15 pm tickets because RL wanted to walk around and have a look, possibly wanted to get something.

She wanted to come back with me to get a bottle of contact lens solution after the movie but we decided to postpone because it was late. I even forgot that the trams run at a later schedule on Sundays. It was past 10 pm when I got home, close to 11 pm I think. I was supposed to call her to see if I could find the small bottle of lens solution but I had to iron my uniform and was pretty tired by the time I finished with it.

I think this is all for tonight. Work tomorrow at 11.30 am.

Saturday, July 06, 2002

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Day: 200 (Saturday, 6th July 2002)
Status: End of Week # 1 of Full Time Employment
Days without PS2: 2 day(s)
Days without Cube: 7 day(s)
Listening to: Ja Rule (feat. Lil' Mo) - I Cry
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Some people have been asking why I haven't been updating my journal. The reason being that I've been really exhausted after work, not having much time to come online, let alone update my journal. Been having some problems with the net access the past couple of days as well because DT got a new router and has switched ISPs, using ADSL now.

I've survived a whole week of full time work. Some might think its easy standing around punching buttons on a register but its far from that. Others symphatize by saying "that's working life for you". The past week had its ups and downs. Most of the colleagues are nice. I seem to be seeing new faces everyday. I met this other girl at work who was really nice and friendly on Friday. But I can't remember her name. Hrmm.....typical of me. She kept smiling at me everytime I saw her. Of course I smiled back. Friday was different for me. I had to do order-taking in the drive-thru lane. I had to wear a head-set to communicate with the other person at the collection window. So all I basically did was to take a customer's order, key it in so that the person at the front could assemble it, and collect the customers' money. Most of the customers were alright. Except for 2 of them. First one was a taxi driver who seemed frustrated when I didn't get his order right the first time around. But he was alright after that. The other one was one big fat bitch who was complaining because she wanted to buy a Happy Meal toy but I couldn't show it to her because they were at the collection window. I told her she had to pay me if she wanted the toy but she didn't want to pay for something she couldn't choose. I told her she would have to park her car to come in and pay for her toy at the register if she didn't pay me there. She said she would check out the toys at the other window and drove off after she paid me for her order. I bet she was too lazy to get off her big fat ass to come in to purchase her toy. Don't even know if she took a toy and drove off with it, that fat bitch.

Other than that, work was alright. Ben was in a competitive mood that night. I was all alone in the cold part, at the back of the store where the 2nd window for drive-thru was. Ben came around and helped me make some cup-trays. He was racing with me, he managed to make 4 in the time it took me to make 1. And he kept saying "hurry up". I told him I was afraid of paper cuts. Which was true. Part of the work-related injuries sustained during work, and I get it alot because I work with alot of paper and plastic products which can be pretty sharp around the edges of the items. Mandy seems to have a short temper, seems to throw tantrums. I feel a little intimidated by her, even though she's like half my size. Everyone seems to be afraid of her, I know I am since her outburst the other day. Now everyone asks her "Mandy, are you alright?" whenever she seems to get irritated or pissed.

Seemed to be getting weird dreams lately. The other night, I had a dream which involved my old school and old school mates. I don't really know what it was about but some old friends of mine (whom I've known since primary school) seemed to be unhappy with the friends that I am keeping. I remember being in my old secondary school, taking a leak, then I saw CWL and CSW in the toilet. I had my back towards them while I was peeing, and I felt someone trying to open my backpack. I turned around and saw CWL trying to open my bag and we ended up in an argument. He was crying, shouting at me, saying that I've changed into someone else. Someone worse or bad or something. I shouted back at him, saying if I wanted to change, I'd have changed a long time ago. I was saying I was the same person, the same person that he knew since we were 9 or 10 years old. Just then, the ex-head prefect, CWH came in to the toilet. He took me out and then made an announcement to the whole school that I was the "Student Of The Year" or something like that. People started cheering and clapping. I don't even know what was going on.

Now, is that some crazy shit or what?

Anyway, I've just finished watching WWE Smackdown on tv. Was out from about 12 pm - 6 pm today. Stopped by the food court at Collin's St food court for lunch after going into this expensive looking watch store at Collin's St. I walked in and was looking around. This Asian guy asked me if I needed help. I asked for the price of the Tag Heuer Kirium F1 and he went to check. Comes up to AUS $ 3170 or thereabouts. I can't really remember. He asked me if I wanted it. I said I was just looking around. He told me to go back if I was interested in getting it and we could work something out. After that, I walked past this other store, saw the Seiko Kinetic that I've always thought was decent looking selling for about $ 800, after discount. Hrmm...looks like I've alot of saving to do if I want to get either of them.

Had to go see Lily Ong/ Mr. Ong to sign some documents between 2.00 pm - 2.30 pm. Mr. Ong forgot to tell me that they've moved to another location. I called him when I arrived at the old building and he said he'd come downstairs to open the glass doors for me. I waited about 5 minutes. After that, I received a call from him and he apologised saying that he forgot to inform me that they moved. I had to walk all the way back to the new premises, at the corner of Queen and Bourke Street. It seems that we're in the final stages of the application. They just need to send some forms off to the Malaysian Police to do a criminal record check for me and after that, I might get news about my application in 4 - 6 weeks, according to Lily. They said it would also depend on how long it takes for the Malaysian Police to do the checks.

After everything was settled at the office, I went on a shopping spree (again!). Stopped by at a computer shop at Elizabeth St to look at some stuff. Went to JB Hi-Fi, saw alot of CDs on special prices. Ended up walking out of the store with 2 All Saints albums, "All Saints" and "Saints & Sinners" (their first and second albums respectively) for $ 4.99 each and Anastacia's "Not That Kind" album for $ 12.99. Now is that a bargain or what? Went next door to the DVD Import store after that. Was looking at the Region 1 DVDs when the lady turned on a tape of Bruce Lee's "Fist of Fury" for a customer. I don't know where he's from but he saw me watching the video and he tapped my arm, asking me if I knew how to do the Bruce Lee gestures. He must've been a big fan or something.

After that, I went over to Toys R Us just to have a look. Cute Girl # 1 was working there today! I left my bag at the counter and just took walk around looking at some action figures before going to my usual Video Games section. Was just looking around and saw a release list for the GameCube which lists "Resident Evil" for a September release! I can't wait! Then I thought I'd just make up some reason to talk to Cute Girl # 1, so I went up to the counter, waited for the rest of customers in front of me to get their stuff before I gave her the card to claim my bag and talked to her. I asked her if it was possible to pre-order games and she explained that I might be able to do that for more popular games, but it would be about 1 month before they are released. Then she just asked me to keep an eye out for notice or signs. After that, I thanked her and she just stood there. I was looking at her and she looked confused. I told her she forgot to give me my bag, while pointing to it and she kind of gave an embarrased/shy smile before grabbing my bag.

Went off to Myer, stopped by the music department. Wanted to get the Ja Rule CD but it was no longer on sale! I should've got it the last time when it was selling for $ 20. It's now $ 23.95. Was sampling the disc but they didn't have the song "I Cry" which I heard when I saw Ja Rule in concert on Channel [V] the other day. Sounded nice. Looked at the singles and saw that they had a promotion, $ 4.95 for all singles and $ 9 for 2 singles from a selected range. I grabbed Ja Rule's "Livin' It Up" and "Always On Time" singles ("I Cry" is on the "Livin' It Up" single) and also P.Diddy's "I Need A Girl" single for $ 4.95. Stopped by at Starbucks to get a Mocha Frappacino before heading off home, where I met KE at the Flinders St tram stop.

Called RL to see if she can confirm plans tomorrow. Actually made plans to meet up tomorrow since I thought she was going to leave next weekend. I actually called her last night to see if she was still in Melbourne. Had a chat with her for about 30 minutes. It has been quite sometime since I last talked to her. And so many things I found out!

It seems that her housemate,Ching Ching stole 2 of her handphones! That's why they say you can never judge a book by its cover. In fact, I think you can't even judge a book by the first few pages either. I actually talked to her before and she seemed like a nice girl. Can't believe that she would actually turn out to be a thief. Makes me wonder if she lied about her family background etc to RL and her other housemates. Seems that Ching Ching actually drives a BMW 3-series back home in Malaysia. Either that all it was all a big lie. Hrm, guess I can't really judge someone I don't know, but I guess we really have to be careful who we are friends with.

I think I'll stop here now to call RL again as she was having dinner earlier on. She gave me a call while I was watching wrestling and I thought I heard my phone ring but didn't bother to check until after the show ended.

Need to re-Ghost the image file of my harddisk again so that I can re-install the damn DU Meter that DT wants to use to keep track of our net usage.

Thursday, July 04, 2002

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Day: 198 (Thursday, 4th July 2002)
Status: Full Time - Week # 1
Days without PS2: 0 day(s)
Days without Cube: 5 day(s)
Listening to: Milestone - I Care About You
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I just had a fucking nightmare. I know I haven't updated this journal for a few days now but I just thought I had to write about it (my nightmare) before I forgot about it. It's just that work has been a little hectic but nothing much of interest to write about. It's 5.22 am on Thursday morning.

In my dream, I went off with mum to go look at PS2 for Ryan. Earlier before that, Ryan hinted that he wanted one, by asking how much was the PS2 selling for. Even mum knew the price, which was $ 399. I decided to take mum to the shop to have a look while we told Daphne and Ryan to wait there for us.

I realise now that the dream occurred in Australia, perhaps to be more specific, in Melbourne. Because I saw trams at the end of the dream before I was awakened.

Me and mum walked some way to a complex, and had a look in the store. It was a weird store. Mum asked about the PS2 and the GameCube. The Asian guy at the shop showed us a weird-looking compact GameCube which was shaped like a oval lunchbox thinggy, with a built-in screen. It was a bulky looking thing. After browsing in the store, we went off, going back to where Ryan and Daphne were waiting. Along the way, I was trying to convince mum to get the PS2 for Ryan. He was earlier in tears because he mentioned that one of the Final Fantasy websites are no longer accessible. I remember thinking to myself that I would want to exchange the boxes with him if mum bought him the PS2. I remember thinking that I would want the plain, blue-coloured PS2 box and give him the one with Final Fantasy X in exchange. The funny thing is, I don't have a FFX-PS2 box. What I have is the GT3-PS2 box.

As we were going back to the spot where Daphne and Ryan were waiting, I heard someone crying. I listened harder and it sounded familiar. It was Ryan who was crying. There was a small crowd there, and I saw this Australian guy trying to talk to Ryan. Ryan was trying to move away from the guy. As me and mum approached closer, I heard the guy say "Where did they go? Up or down?". My first thought was that me and mum were gone for too long and people must have thought they were lost or something.

I remember saying to the guy "Thanks mate, it's alright. He's my brother." He mentioned something but I wasn't really paying attention. I was looking around for Daphne. Then I heard the guy mention "Jumped off". It was then I started paying attention to what he was saying. He then said again "She jumped off from the 4th floor." and pointed upwards. He was shaking his head and they walked away. I focused my sight to where he was pointing and I noticed that we were under a pedestrian bridge. I looked down and I saw Daphne lying there, on a road divider, laying in a crumpled heap. It looked as though her body was twisted and broken. I saw that her legs and hips were in positions that showed they were broken, 180 degrees from their original positions. I heard mum scream, Ryan was still crying. I screamed too. I shouted at Ryan to just stay put.

I wanted to rush over to check on her but the cars were speeding by. I looked to the right to see if there were more cars but the cars were just coming non-stop and I saw a green and yellow tram.

Then I woke up. I checked the time and it was 4.37 am. I tried to sleep but I couldn't. Tried to call PF but her phone is switched off. I just thought I needed to talk to someone. There's no one I can talk to at this hour. I know there might be people who won't mind, but I know it isn't very nice to wake them up from their sleep over something like this. Thought of calling CE but decided against it. She's probably sleeping and has to work today. Don't want to wake her.

Couldn't go back to sleep and I started thinking. All I can say is that the numbers, 4 and 7, seem to have some significance today. It is the 4th of July. 4th day of the 7th month. The time was 4.37 am. Take a look at the digits. 4(again), 3 and 7. Add the first two digits, 4 + 3, and you get 7 again. It's Thursday morning, 4th day of the week. It's all just too weird.

Whoever's reading this, maybe you ought to place bets on the numbers 4 and 7. Magnum 4D or TOTO back in Malaysia. Get 4747 or something.

It's 5.43 am. I can't post this now because DT has turned off his pc. He's mentioned before that he has to turn his pc off and not leave it on 24/7 as he normally does if he wants his harddisk to live longer. I think I should go back to get some more shut-eye. Have my alarm set for 8 am, to get ready for work at 10.30 am later on.

Monday, July 01, 2002

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Day: 195 (Monday, 1st July 2002)
Status: Week # 5
Days without PS2: 2 day(s)
Days without Cube: 1 day(s)
Listening to: Creed - My Sacrifice
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So many work-related injuries. Mostly paper cuts. Damn it, have to make sure I have no skin peeling around the finger nails everything I go to work from now on. The paper just gets between the skin and just slices through resulting in a stinging pain followed by bleeding.

The end of another day. It was quite a busy day. Started at 7.30 am and finished a few minutes past 4 pm. I seem to be meeting new people at work all the time. Just today, I met/see another 3 people.

1) Jonno -
Don't know what his name really is, but as you can see, it's shortened from something. Notice the trend, Jezza, Adsy etc. Didn't really get to talk to him.

2) Chris -
This guy is a new full timer. He's been working for 4 years at Macca's elsewhere then stopped, and now decided to work again. It was only much later, when I finished my shift and was having dinner when I noticed that this guy looks a little like Elijah Wood. I almost wanted to call him "Frodo Baggins" but I stopped myself. He was at front counter with me and seemed pretty friendly.

3) Audrey Yeap -
A very petite, Asian girl with long hair, past the middle of her back. At first, I couldn't see her face and from the back, I thought she was AL! Then I saw her talking to Andrew so I knew it couldn't be her. She ordered a Caramel Dream and went in. I was having my dinner at that time. After dinner, I went in to go see this girl and gave the excuse that I was going to check out tomorrow's roster. Saw her in the crew quarters checking out the roster as well and I talked to her abit before I left for home.

Seems like today's update doesn't seem terribly exciting so I'll write abit about the people (customers) I've encountered the past couple of days working at Macca's here.

Let's take for example last week. I served a small group of giggling school-girls. Obviously they can read because after I served them their order, they took it and said " Thank you, Roy " before going off. And the way they said it, sounded so flirtatious! I'd say they were about 12 years old or so. It's something you have to hear personally to know what I mean, unless you can imagine little 12 year old girls acting all flirty etc.

I've seen regular customers, even remember serving some of them before. Most of the people seem to be alright. Some customers are nice, they see my name-tag and then thank me by name.

Today though, I saw this man acting like a small child. His wife (I think) ordered from me and she wanted specially prepared Junior burgers (beef burger in Malaysia, cheeseburger without the cheese). She ordered 3 with just meat and tomato sauce and one with just meat along with a few other items. She apologised about the hassle but mentioned she had 3 kids and they all wanted different stuff. I could have swore I told Jonno the exact order, and I think he messed up somewhere. I can't blame him since he was the main guy working in the kitchen while everyone else was running around serving customers and at the drive-through counters. After a few minutes, he told me the grill was up. (Grill = special requests with certain ingredients added or removed). I only noticed 3 junior burgers when the lady asked for 4. As I packed it in the paper bag, I noticed some of them were really flat. I confirmed the order with the lady and she said it was all wrong. There were burger buns with mustard and no meat. I think Jonno really screwed that order up. Just then, a man came up and started raising his voice at her, saying that the children are restless and banging on the car etc. The woman almost shouted at him to tell him to shut up. It was as though he was throwing tantrums! She told him to go back to the car and treated him like a child. In fact, he acted like a child. After the order was settled, I apologised to the lady, telling her there was only one guy in the kitchen. She was smiling. Very nice of her to be so understanding. I watched as she got into her car and was reversing, on her way out. From where I stood, I could see the man complaining and the lady was driving. Really makes me wonder....

Here's an example of how I have to put in an order for a grill for reference into the register. I'll use the above order as an example:

Step # 1: Press "Junior Burger"
Step # 2: Press "Grill"
Step # 3: Press "Junior Burger" (to indicate the item with special order"
Step # 4: Press "With" or "Without"
Step # 5: Press "10:1 Meat" ( 10:1 meat is 10 patties to a pound, meaning smaller patties for burgers like cheeseburgers or junior
burgers, 4:1 meats are 4 patties to a pound meaning bigger patties used for Big Macs, Quarter Pounders and McOz)
Step # 6: Press "Tomato Sauce"

* Replace Steps # 1 and # 3 with meals or other burgers where applicable *

As you can see, it's pretty complicated. And the buttons on the cash register has multiple functions. It works like a "Shift" key on a standard keyboard for multi-functions. Since the buttons are so bloody small, I sometimes have to look really hard to find the particular ingredient that a customer wants or does not want. You'll probably guess I hate doing orders with grills. There is also a button for "No Meat Discount". Some customers order a burger without meat and as such, we have to give them a discount. It comes on ONE that we have to press. Once for "No 10:1" and twice for "No 4:1" or vice versa. I can't remember.

Also after that lady with the Junior Grills, there was a guy who ordered a Triple Cheeseburger. So, that means I had to press "Grill" and "10:1 meat" and "cheese". Protocol or standard is that I have to press 2 times for 2 meats and 2 cheese, but I just left it at that and shouted out the order to the kitchen.

Yes, I haven't mentioned this but I have to do alot of shouting in this job. When taking a product from the shelf, we have to shout out how many are left. When there are none when we need it, we have to shout out to ask the amount of time needed to prepare it. With people shouting, buzzers beeping, customers talking (kids are the worse because they don't talk, they shout and scream like the little shits that they are), it can be hell. Which was how it was last Friday.

Mandy was here early doing setup and breakfast and left early. Good thing, otherwise she'll throw another fit again. She's really pale and when I saw her crying last week, her face was all red around the eyes. It kind of looks scary. I could tell Ben was really stressed out today too. Alot of people were coming into the drive-through lane. After a few hours, I asked Ben if I could have a drink ( it's a must to ask for a manager's permission or we'll be considered stealing ). He told me to check that the dining room rubbish bins aren't full. I prepared myself a small cup of orange Fanta and before I could pick it up to have a drink, more customers came in. I swear I just don't stop moving. We're kept on our toes at all time. When it's not as busy, we might get to stand around, idling a little while we stock up on cups and lids and other items. Might be good in the long term for cardiovascular excercises, kind of like an aerobics workout. :รพ

Well, enough for tonight. Thank god I don't have to wake up so early tomorrow. Only starting at 11.30 am. I don't know what's wrong with me. When I have to be up early, I sleep early but I don't seem to get enough sleep. By the end of the day after work, I notice that my eyes are all bloodshot. I don't know if its due to the lack of sleep or it could be all the oil and other shit getting into my eyes at work. Need my rest.