Jarod’s Den

Being Neighbourly

Last Sunday I drove out to get lunch. I was only out for a couple hours when I came back and noticed my parking lot was taken by someone else. The lot next to mine was empty but by principle I don’t park at other’s parking lot. So I started blasting my horn.

After what seemed like eternity under the noon sun, I gave up and drove out to the apartment security house and complained. The guard came with me and he recognised the car. Telling me to wait, he went to look for the owner. A few minutes later, he came down and said that the car owner’s parking lot is just next to mine. Earlier someone else took his spot so he conveniently parked at mine. Now he’s asking me to park at his lot temporarily.

I don’t know what came over me that day but I was furious. Not because he asked me to park at his spot but because he saw it convenient to just take my spot. I told the poor guard that I wanted my parking lot back. I don’t care if the entire parking lot is empty. I want my car on my own lot which was allocated to my contractually when I bought the apartment. The guard paused for a moment as if contemplating what I just said, then went back up to get the car owner.

The car owner came down. Turns out he’s my neighbour who lives directly opposite my unit. I was still furious. He grudgingly moved his car then waited for me to park my car. Instead of apologising, the first words that came out of his mouth were,

“Is it that difficult for you to park your car here? As neighbours we should give and take.”

Of course he said it in a not-so-polite tone. I looked straight at him and replied, “Is it wrong for me to park at my own parking lot? You parked at my spot. You were wrong first. Don’t justify.” With that I walked off.

I was fuming all the way up to my apartment unit. I just can’t believe the audacity of some people who have the guts to justify their wrong doings right in your face. I was so mad that I posted the incident in a public forum asking for others’ opinion. Guess I needed to be assured if I’d overreacted. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised that all, that’s everyone of them, supported me. Mainly, their argument is that if I don’t make my stand with my neighbour, they will go a step further the next time.

I’m glad I did what I did. No regrets there.

Tags: furious, neighbour, parking lot

Back Home, Back to Work

I’m back home and back to work after a week in Ipoh for my grandma’s funeral. Somehow, things seem different. I can’t really place what it is but it’s just a feeling. I’m aware I was moody this morning but I tried my best to be cheerful at the office. I find myself trying to get occupied cause I’ll start getting all emotional if my thoughts wanders to my grandma. Didn’t know I missed her that much.

I’m really glad I got to spend an entire week in Ipoh with the family. In the past I always go back home for short visits. Usually not more than a couple of days. This time I got to spend more time with my grandpa. He’s really sad and will cry every now and then whenever he thinks of grandma. I got to spend time with my brother, uncles and aunts too. But most importantly I got to spend the entire week with my dad. Dad has been away ever since he and mum divorced. I only see him when he comes back a few years once.

I’m also glad that I got to know my cousins better. Now that they’ve all in their teens, it’s easier to have decent conversations with them. Okay, not really decent conversations since we made fun and bullied each other most of the time but we had fun. I went to support my cousin, Joshua, at his school music variety show organised by the school band to raise funds. He plays the trumpet (I think that’s what it’s called), the glockenspiel and the keyboard. Yes, he is talented. And cheeky. By the way, my brother and I are alumni of the school. I’m really proud at how far the school band has progressed. When I left school, it was only a small band of not more than 20 with the dorky blue uniform. Now they are a military class band with a Power Rangers-like uniform. It looks cool. Believe me.

I got to know that Joanna, Joshua’s sister has a blog! This girl has talents for writing. She sure knows how to express herself in writing. I got tagged by her and I have to blog about my perfect dream girl. How on earth am I gonna do that? I have such low expectations… ahem… Anyway, that’s another story for another day.

Somehow, grandma’s death has brought the family together closer. I believe everyone felt supported and loved. Perhaps it’s grandma overlooking us and guiding us. Thanks grandma.

Tags: @Home, blog, cousin, family

I will miss her

She loves roses.

Grandma passed on on 19 June 2006. She has returned home to the Lord.

She leaves behind a loving husband, 4 devoted children, 7 grown grandchildren and 10 siblings.

Grandma has always been strong in character and a very responsible mother, grandmother and loyal friend. She will be missed by all.

Goodbye Grandma. I love you.

Tags: grandma, love, passed on

Fire at Siemens Building

I was attending a workshop at Siemens early this week when the fire alarm went off during the session. At first, everybody just looked at each other then we continue with whatever we’re doing. When the second alarm sounded, we got irritated and wondered whose practical joke was that. Someone did mention that maybe it was a fire alarm. We pondered for a while and then go ‘Nah…‘

When an announcement through the PA system informed us of a fire and asking us to evacuate in an orderly fashion, we immediately paid attention. Then we started beaming with excitement. A real fire! Oh Boy!

Someone from Siemens who is incharge of evacuation came to our room and asked us to leave. I hesitated to leave my notebook and coffee behind. I have no insurance for my notebook and the pantry has cleaned up the coffee jug. Oh well, maybe my life is worth something. Let’s go.

We made our way out of the building in an orderly fashion. There were excitement and amusement in everybody’s conversation. Outside the building, we were herded to an open space next to the building. Quite a big crowd there.

As you can see from the picture above, some were worried while others seem pretty cheery. Maybe because they got to skip work. We were not allowed to leave the compound because the authorities needed to ensure everyone is accounted for.

I haven’t seen or smell any fire or smoke while inside and outside the building. But when I looked up, this is what I saw.

Dark brown smoke was coming out of the 3rd or 4th floor window. Since it didn’t smell anything like barbecue smoke, I assumed no one was caught in the fire.

More smoke coming out. By this time, the crowd got really excited. Wonder why. Maybe they’ve never seen a building on fire before; which explains this guy…

You have to admit. This is a good opportunity to take pictures. Maybe he’s taking it for his blog. Or maybe he thought of selling it to the newspapers. But then again, The Star Papers head office is just next door…

Others called friends and family to inform them of the event. I even noticed some started to light up their cigarettes. If they need to smoke, can’t they just go in there and inhale all they want? It’s free and kills their lungs the same way anyway.

The ambulance was there. Not sure if anybody got hurt. But since it’s just parked there, I would assume it’s precautionary.

There were 2 firetrucks and the ground was all wet. And of course you have the complimentary spectators hanging around.

The whole thing lasted for around an hour. All this while I was regretting not taking my notebook out with me. I could have hopped over to the next building and gone online while waiting it out. I’ve got lots of blogs to read you know.

We finally got back into the building. My notebook and coffee is still there but the coffee is now cold. Dammit. All those fire failed to keep it warm. All these reports of fire burning things up is highly exaggerated if you ask me.

We continue on with our workshop as if nothing happened. Then another guy came in and congratulate us on a job well done.

“Thank you for participating in our fire drill.”

One of these days, someone is gonna burn that building down for real… @#$%$@

Tags: Add new tag, alarm, drill, evacuate, fire, firemen

Vacuum Cleaner

Ever seen a vacuum cleaner that needs vacuuming?

Was at a friend’s house last night. It was a typical bachelor house. However, things were mostly clean especially the floor. But I guess he missed out this spot.

I also discovered that he is hiding an ancient relic that he dug out of one of the pyramids in Egypt.

Behold! An ancient telecommunication system. These relics must’ve cost a fortune. Look at the layer of dusts.

Tags: clean, dust, vacuum cleaner