Cont. from where i left off... Took awhile to get this on Word, but at least its up.
As the store employees left the shop one by one, Tanaka is counting his earnings for the day. 'What a lousy day it was... One of my worst, only 15 bentos were sold.'
'Goodbye Mr Tanaka, I will be leaving for home now.' Mr Dohmoto said as he wears his coat and walk towards the store front. 'Arh yes... Bye Mr Dohmoto, please send my regards to Mrs Dohmoto, hope she gets well soon.'
'I will, thanks for your concern.' Concern... Concern... Actually Tanaka is more concerned about his business than Mrs Dohmoto. Not that he does not care about her, but the business is not the same anymore. Business has gone from bad to worse. After Mr Dohmoto came as the substitute, the bento business have not been good. He knew what was the problem. The main problem; Mr Dohmoto.
Mr Dohmoto have been taking the counter since the day he was the substitute for his wife. It was a good idea and it solves Tanaka's manpower problem. But another hidden problem erupted without him knowing it. Mr Dohmoto was used to the corporate working life. Life inside a room with his desk, roller chair, computer, printer and a cabinet full of files and folders. In a day, he may not see any of his colleagues at all. He is trapped in that little room of his, coming out only to get a cuppa or to ease that call of nature. That is the corporate life for Mr Dohmoto.
Now at Tanaka's Bento store, things are different. He wakes up early but wears casual winter wear now, not a business suit. He carries a packed lunch in a paper bag, not a briefcase of files. He now walks to work, not take the local train to the office. He would be the second person that reports to work everyday. As he takes off his coat and scarf, he dons on the apron for work. The rest of the employees would prepare the ingredients for the day. He would stand at the counter, behind the cash register. Perfectly still and stern. Not a smile on the face. The store is ready for the first customer of the day. Students who are going for school will get a bento or two for their lunch break. Three girls stroll into the store, giggling about the boy from the class next door.
'That Kiyomaro from 3-4 is soooo cute. Yesterday, while walking back from the library. Our eyes met... And he smiled at me!!' Proclaimed one of the girls. 'Really?? The other day he was at the vending machine. I was going to buy a drink but he did not have enough coins. So i gave him some and he smiled and said thanks to me... I just cannot forget that smile, those mesmerising eyes, the hair... ' Replied the other. When they walked towards the counter, three pairs of innocent school girl eyes met with a stern and serious eyes of Mr Dohmoto. Their mind of the handsome Kiyomaro have dissappeared. Infront of them now, is a face so serious, so stern that they began to feel fear in them. 'Good morning, children. What would you like to order today?' Mr Dohmoto greeted them like an army officer greeting his soldiers, serious and firm. Not showing any smile at all. Immediately, the girls started walk backwards and head for the door. They would rather go hungry in school today than buy from this new guy that looks so freaky.
For the rest of the morning, he has been driving customers out of the store. Not that he drove the customers out of the store, but his face jus scares the customers out. Business for the morning would at least sell 10 to 20 bentos, that morning the store sold only five. Two of them being sold to Shiori and his fiance. When Atchara reports to work in the afternoon, she was shocked to see that Mr Tanaka was sleeping at one corner of the kitchen. She walks over to Shiori, wanting to know what happened in the morning. 'So clean, everything. Mr Tanaka sick also?'
'Nothing is wrong with Mr Tanaka. This morning we had little sale. Only sold three bentos. I hope that later would be better.'
Too bad she did not 'hope' harder enough. The rest of the day was as mundane as morning. Customers are afraid to step into the store. If Mr Dohmoto was working as an army officer, the troopers would follow orders seriously. Customers that saw his expression would shun from the store and walk away from it. He was not rude either, he just did not smile. Not a single laughter. He just did his job. At the evening time, Atchara would report to her language lesson and she would bring along a bento for dinner afterwards. As the shop closes, all the employees would return home. He counted that day's earnings. 32 bentos were sold today compared to an average of 60 per day. What a day... He is a business owner, so the ups and downs of owning a business is something that he cannot help. Well... As he closes the day's accounts, he prays that tomorrow will be a better day.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Thursday, July 13, 2006
How do I live?
How You Life Your Life |
![]() You tend to deprive yourself of things you crave, for your own good. You're laid back and chill, but sometimes you care too much about what others think. Your friends tend to be a as quirky as you are - which is saying a lot! Some of your past dreams have disappointed you, but you don't let it get you down. |
Sunday, July 02, 2006
The Replacement Helper: Part 4
Cont. from the last post
The next day, Mr Dohmoto went to Tanaka's shop. Tanaka was surprised to see Mr Dohmoto. 'Morning, Mr Dohmoto. What brings you to my lovely food store today? How's your wife? Hope she is feeling fine.' Asked Tanaka with a slightly low tone than usual. Mr Dohmoto stared at Tanaka. Immediately a shot of fear entered Tanaka's mind. The towering build of Mr Dohmoto plus the fear-inducing eyes. All plays a part of the blame on the fear inflicted.
Before he came to the store, Mr Dohmoto woke up early to prepare for work. But he is not wearing his business suit, silk tie and leather shoes. He wears a pair of loose trousers, a sweater knitted by Mrs Dohmoto two winters ago and a jacket to keep himself warm. Mrs Dohmoto wakes up before he leaves home, saw that he is wearing so casual can't help herself but ask, 'Where are you going today? Don't you need to work?'
'My dear, i got good and bad news for you . Bad news is that i have been retrenched. They gave me three months of salary, medical benefits and a reccomendation letter.'
What? You have been retrenched? Oh my god...' As Mrs Dohmoto gathers herself, she continues her sentence. 'Okie, that is indeed a bad news. And im sick. Who would provide income for our family right now? Sigh... So what is the good news?'
'Since i have all the time in the world, i am thinking of going to substitue you as a helper in Tanaka's store. At least for the time being... Im sure Tanaka would not mind right?'
'What?!?!' Mrs Dohmoto was shocked. 'Im not very sure about this. But i guess it should not be a problem. Just don't be a nuisace to him alright?' After finishing the last sentence, she kissed him lightly on the cheek and put weak smile appeared on her face.
'Morning to you Mr Tanaka. I have come to replaced my wife. Since she is sick, i will be taking over all her duties from today onwards. I hope you will guide me throughout my time here with you.' As he finished the sentence, he gave a 90 degrees bow to Tanaka and said, 'Please guide me and thank you for your guidance.' Tanaka is taken surprised, very surprised. The cat has indeed got his tongue this time. 'Ah... Eh... You welcome, Mr Dohmoto...' He wonders what can he do in this tiny store of his. Well, Mrs Dohmoto is in-charge of the cashier, he might as well take charge of it today.
After a crash course through the cash register, Mr Dohmoto is ready for his first day at the store. Wearing an apron and a small chef's hat, he still looks rather menacing with his towering looks and stern looking face. Throughout the entire morning, there has not been a single order. Tanaka was wondering what is happening. Even the morning aunties that goes grocery shopping would pop in to buy a box or two. So he step out of his kitchen to see what is happening. Nothing was wrong, everything was fine. Except that he did not notice this tiny little problem.
Customers were afraid of Mr Dohmoto, his stern and serious appearance cast scares to all who entered the store. Furthermore, he did not smile or look cheerful. It was the same serious face that he brought to his previous workplace. Tanaka just didn't see this problem. He returned back to his kitchen believing that its a small problem. A hiccup in doing business is natural. Or so as he thought...
The next day, Mr Dohmoto went to Tanaka's shop. Tanaka was surprised to see Mr Dohmoto. 'Morning, Mr Dohmoto. What brings you to my lovely food store today? How's your wife? Hope she is feeling fine.' Asked Tanaka with a slightly low tone than usual. Mr Dohmoto stared at Tanaka. Immediately a shot of fear entered Tanaka's mind. The towering build of Mr Dohmoto plus the fear-inducing eyes. All plays a part of the blame on the fear inflicted.
Before he came to the store, Mr Dohmoto woke up early to prepare for work. But he is not wearing his business suit, silk tie and leather shoes. He wears a pair of loose trousers, a sweater knitted by Mrs Dohmoto two winters ago and a jacket to keep himself warm. Mrs Dohmoto wakes up before he leaves home, saw that he is wearing so casual can't help herself but ask, 'Where are you going today? Don't you need to work?'
'My dear, i got good and bad news for you . Bad news is that i have been retrenched. They gave me three months of salary, medical benefits and a reccomendation letter.'
What? You have been retrenched? Oh my god...' As Mrs Dohmoto gathers herself, she continues her sentence. 'Okie, that is indeed a bad news. And im sick. Who would provide income for our family right now? Sigh... So what is the good news?'
'Since i have all the time in the world, i am thinking of going to substitue you as a helper in Tanaka's store. At least for the time being... Im sure Tanaka would not mind right?'
'What?!?!' Mrs Dohmoto was shocked. 'Im not very sure about this. But i guess it should not be a problem. Just don't be a nuisace to him alright?' After finishing the last sentence, she kissed him lightly on the cheek and put weak smile appeared on her face.
'Morning to you Mr Tanaka. I have come to replaced my wife. Since she is sick, i will be taking over all her duties from today onwards. I hope you will guide me throughout my time here with you.' As he finished the sentence, he gave a 90 degrees bow to Tanaka and said, 'Please guide me and thank you for your guidance.' Tanaka is taken surprised, very surprised. The cat has indeed got his tongue this time. 'Ah... Eh... You welcome, Mr Dohmoto...' He wonders what can he do in this tiny store of his. Well, Mrs Dohmoto is in-charge of the cashier, he might as well take charge of it today.
After a crash course through the cash register, Mr Dohmoto is ready for his first day at the store. Wearing an apron and a small chef's hat, he still looks rather menacing with his towering looks and stern looking face. Throughout the entire morning, there has not been a single order. Tanaka was wondering what is happening. Even the morning aunties that goes grocery shopping would pop in to buy a box or two. So he step out of his kitchen to see what is happening. Nothing was wrong, everything was fine. Except that he did not notice this tiny little problem.
Customers were afraid of Mr Dohmoto, his stern and serious appearance cast scares to all who entered the store. Furthermore, he did not smile or look cheerful. It was the same serious face that he brought to his previous workplace. Tanaka just didn't see this problem. He returned back to his kitchen believing that its a small problem. A hiccup in doing business is natural. Or so as he thought...
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
The Replacement Helper: Part 3
Cont. from last post...
Mrs Dohmoto returns home after a visit to the family doctor. 'Mrs Dohmoto, rest good okay? Wear clothes more and don't anyhow go out okay? I got time I find you. Bye bye,' said Atchara as she struggles with what is comprehensible to Mrs Dohmoto in Japanese. After that, she takes her leave and closes the door behind her. Mrs Dohmoto returns to her bed and lies down to rest. 'Doctor Philip's medicine always makes me so drowsy...'
Evening has come to the Dohmoto household. The Dohmoto family includes Mr Dohmoto and his wife; their children are studying overseas in America. So both husband and wife are currently living by themselves. Mrs Dohmoto is sleeping soundly, covered by the thick, warm blankets. As the main door knob is turn and the door pushed open, Mr Dohmoto shouts, 'Honey, I'm home. Honey?' 'Yes, my dear. Im right here. No need to shout...' Replied Mrs Dohmoto, awakened by his shouting. 'Honey, are you well? You don't seem very well to me.'
'I have caught a mild flu. Went to see Doctor Philip in the afternoon before coming home. After taking the medicine he gave me, I fell asleep fast. Are you hungry? Do you want me to cook dinner for you?'
'No no... You are sick, you should rest more. I will settle dinner by myself. Go back to sleep if you want. If there is anything you need just let me know.' Nodding her head, she went back to her bed.
Mr Dohmoto is a man who takes things seriously. His job as a senior accountant in a huge company explains his personality, follow the rules and nothing will go wrong. Those junior staff under him seldom question him or defies his order. One look at him and all you have is fear for him. He is very strict on the rules set, never bending them or giving leeway. Most people do not see Mr Dohmoto smiling, that's why they always regard him as unfriendly, uptight and even, menacing. Even his wedding photos taken 20 years ago do not see him smiling. His physical appearance is appalling, with his dark skin, towering height, broad shoulders and large square shaped face. It was rumoured that he once was a bodybuilder. But the truth only lies in himself and his wife.
Mr Dohmoto changed into some loose clothing and went out again. He is out to purchase his dinner. While walking down to the convenience store, events from his workplace jolt back to his mind. Two weeks ago, the human resource department says that they are downsizing the entire company, including the accounting department. To those who worked more than 5 years in the company will be given compensation of their contribution to the company. Two weeks from then, Mr Dohmoto received the letter that he is retrenched. He is given three months of salary, six months of free medical consultation and a recommendation letter from the finance director. Mr Dohmoto was sad that he has to leave the company but he had to accept the retrenchment. It was time for him to move on...
Inside the convenience store, Mr Dohmoto grabs a cold bento and asked the counter staff to heat it up for him. As he pays for the bento, he ponders on how is he going to support the family? Who is going to pay for the bills? How about his children's expenses? Worse of all, how is he going to break the news to Mrs Dohmoto? As he strolls back to his home, he thought of a great idea. At least for the time being... He would break both the bad news and the good news to her. Hoping that she would support him for his idea... His crazy idea...
Mrs Dohmoto returns home after a visit to the family doctor. 'Mrs Dohmoto, rest good okay? Wear clothes more and don't anyhow go out okay? I got time I find you. Bye bye,' said Atchara as she struggles with what is comprehensible to Mrs Dohmoto in Japanese. After that, she takes her leave and closes the door behind her. Mrs Dohmoto returns to her bed and lies down to rest. 'Doctor Philip's medicine always makes me so drowsy...'
Evening has come to the Dohmoto household. The Dohmoto family includes Mr Dohmoto and his wife; their children are studying overseas in America. So both husband and wife are currently living by themselves. Mrs Dohmoto is sleeping soundly, covered by the thick, warm blankets. As the main door knob is turn and the door pushed open, Mr Dohmoto shouts, 'Honey, I'm home. Honey?' 'Yes, my dear. Im right here. No need to shout...' Replied Mrs Dohmoto, awakened by his shouting. 'Honey, are you well? You don't seem very well to me.'
'I have caught a mild flu. Went to see Doctor Philip in the afternoon before coming home. After taking the medicine he gave me, I fell asleep fast. Are you hungry? Do you want me to cook dinner for you?'
'No no... You are sick, you should rest more. I will settle dinner by myself. Go back to sleep if you want. If there is anything you need just let me know.' Nodding her head, she went back to her bed.
Mr Dohmoto is a man who takes things seriously. His job as a senior accountant in a huge company explains his personality, follow the rules and nothing will go wrong. Those junior staff under him seldom question him or defies his order. One look at him and all you have is fear for him. He is very strict on the rules set, never bending them or giving leeway. Most people do not see Mr Dohmoto smiling, that's why they always regard him as unfriendly, uptight and even, menacing. Even his wedding photos taken 20 years ago do not see him smiling. His physical appearance is appalling, with his dark skin, towering height, broad shoulders and large square shaped face. It was rumoured that he once was a bodybuilder. But the truth only lies in himself and his wife.
Mr Dohmoto changed into some loose clothing and went out again. He is out to purchase his dinner. While walking down to the convenience store, events from his workplace jolt back to his mind. Two weeks ago, the human resource department says that they are downsizing the entire company, including the accounting department. To those who worked more than 5 years in the company will be given compensation of their contribution to the company. Two weeks from then, Mr Dohmoto received the letter that he is retrenched. He is given three months of salary, six months of free medical consultation and a recommendation letter from the finance director. Mr Dohmoto was sad that he has to leave the company but he had to accept the retrenchment. It was time for him to move on...
Inside the convenience store, Mr Dohmoto grabs a cold bento and asked the counter staff to heat it up for him. As he pays for the bento, he ponders on how is he going to support the family? Who is going to pay for the bills? How about his children's expenses? Worse of all, how is he going to break the news to Mrs Dohmoto? As he strolls back to his home, he thought of a great idea. At least for the time being... He would break both the bad news and the good news to her. Hoping that she would support him for his idea... His crazy idea...
Monday, June 26, 2006
The Replacement Helper: Part 2
Cont. from the last post...
It is the sixth day of winter. Everywhere on the streets you can see people wearing their winter clothing with their scarves, gloves and hats or caps. It does not snow in this town but the cold winds more than covers up for it. Rain or shine, warm or cold. Tanaka would open his store for business unless it's a rest day or in the event of weather disasters. Once he was stuck at home with a category three thunderstorm. When he came back, the store glass was shattered and almost all the things inside were destroyed. If it wasn't covered by the insurance company, Tanaka would declare bankrupt the next day.
Mrs Dohmoto as usual reports to work. She does not seem alright today. She is caught sneezing badly by Tanaka. 'Mrs Dohmo, if you are unwell take the day off and go back rest. Shiori can cover your duties for today.'
'I'm alright, just a little flu. Nothing much will happen to me. Thank you Mr Tanaka,' was her reply.
Tanaka just merely smiled and replied, 'if you feel that it is getting worse please let any of us know and I get a taxi to send you home. Here.' Tanaka pass a cup of hot green tea to Mrs Dohmoto, 'finish this and keep your body warm. It's another cold day today.' 'Thanks Mr Tanaka, I will.' She takes the cup of tea from Tanaka and takes small sips from the cup.
Mornings are usually not crowded as people seldom buy bentos as breakfast. Most of the customers in the morning are students who are late for school or late for their exams. They would than proceed to school on bus or train while eating the bento to settle their hunger. Mrs Dohmoto is hanging on to her flu while serving the stores' customers. Customers are able to see that she is sick but the smile and friendliness is still present.
When Atchara comes in for the afternoon shift, she sees Mrs Dohmoto sick like a dog. She is trying to stay strong and greeted Atchara with a weak smile. 'Mrs Dohmoto, are you okay? You forehead hot. Very very hot. Mr Tanakaaa!' She screamed. 'Mrs Dohmoto head hot. You touch,' she grabs Tanaka's hand and places it on top of Mrs Dohmoto forehead. Tanaka is caught unaware of the hot forehead and quickly takes away his hand. 'Mrs Dohmoto, you are burning up! Please go home and rest. Shiori today will take care of your duties. Atchara.' He passes a couple of cash notes from his pocket to her. 'Get Mrs Dohmoto a cab and makes sure she gets home safely. Need be, follow her to the doctor. Thank you Atchara.' 'Okay, I bring Mrs Dohmoto home. I come back later.'
Tanaka gave a sigh and moved back to his kitchen. He was worried about his business, who would take the cash register now that Mrs Dohmoto is sick. Oniji and Shiori are too shy and they do not know how to operate the cash register. Atchara is still struggling with her Japanese, who would take the counter...
It is the sixth day of winter. Everywhere on the streets you can see people wearing their winter clothing with their scarves, gloves and hats or caps. It does not snow in this town but the cold winds more than covers up for it. Rain or shine, warm or cold. Tanaka would open his store for business unless it's a rest day or in the event of weather disasters. Once he was stuck at home with a category three thunderstorm. When he came back, the store glass was shattered and almost all the things inside were destroyed. If it wasn't covered by the insurance company, Tanaka would declare bankrupt the next day.
Mrs Dohmoto as usual reports to work. She does not seem alright today. She is caught sneezing badly by Tanaka. 'Mrs Dohmo, if you are unwell take the day off and go back rest. Shiori can cover your duties for today.'
'I'm alright, just a little flu. Nothing much will happen to me. Thank you Mr Tanaka,' was her reply.
Tanaka just merely smiled and replied, 'if you feel that it is getting worse please let any of us know and I get a taxi to send you home. Here.' Tanaka pass a cup of hot green tea to Mrs Dohmoto, 'finish this and keep your body warm. It's another cold day today.' 'Thanks Mr Tanaka, I will.' She takes the cup of tea from Tanaka and takes small sips from the cup.
Mornings are usually not crowded as people seldom buy bentos as breakfast. Most of the customers in the morning are students who are late for school or late for their exams. They would than proceed to school on bus or train while eating the bento to settle their hunger. Mrs Dohmoto is hanging on to her flu while serving the stores' customers. Customers are able to see that she is sick but the smile and friendliness is still present.
When Atchara comes in for the afternoon shift, she sees Mrs Dohmoto sick like a dog. She is trying to stay strong and greeted Atchara with a weak smile. 'Mrs Dohmoto, are you okay? You forehead hot. Very very hot. Mr Tanakaaa!' She screamed. 'Mrs Dohmoto head hot. You touch,' she grabs Tanaka's hand and places it on top of Mrs Dohmoto forehead. Tanaka is caught unaware of the hot forehead and quickly takes away his hand. 'Mrs Dohmoto, you are burning up! Please go home and rest. Shiori today will take care of your duties. Atchara.' He passes a couple of cash notes from his pocket to her. 'Get Mrs Dohmoto a cab and makes sure she gets home safely. Need be, follow her to the doctor. Thank you Atchara.' 'Okay, I bring Mrs Dohmoto home. I come back later.'
Tanaka gave a sigh and moved back to his kitchen. He was worried about his business, who would take the cash register now that Mrs Dohmoto is sick. Oniji and Shiori are too shy and they do not know how to operate the cash register. Atchara is still struggling with her Japanese, who would take the counter...
The Replacement Helper
Tanaka is an owner of a boxed meal(bento) store. A hard working man but has a soft side in him. 'A customer retained is better than getting a new customer.' He lived by that motto ever since he started this bento store. He would wake up early and start his business way before any of the other shops open for business. He is a of small build with spectacles. Unlike those big boss who treats his employees with an iron hand, Tanaka treats them like his family, sometimes too close to even reprimand them. Such is the soft side in him. It's kinda sad that Tanaka is not married, his cooking can be compared to those big name chefs working in hotels and restaurants. Any lady who is married to him will definitely enjoy his wonderful cooking.
There are a total of four people working there. Tanaka himself as the head chef of the bento store. Mrs Oniji and Ms Shiori, the former wife of Mr Oniji and the latter their daugther, are both his kitchen helpers. They help Tanaka with his preparation of the ingredients of all his bentos. Then there is Mrs Dohmoto, a friendly and lovable person who mans the counter of the store. She is in-charge of the cash register since Tanaka trusts her the most. But its not just the trust that Tanaka has for her, its her smile and friendliness that brings in customers daily. Customers always comment on her friendly approach and her smiles to everyone, it makes them feel good to buy from her. As business is picking up, Tanaka decides to hire one more helper just to assist him in the lunch hour orders. He puts up a sign outside his store, 'Part-timer Wanted'.
Ms Atchara, a young girl of 21 years. A rounded face with almond eyes and a nice tanned skin tone. She is a foreign student from India, she arrived in Japan to study. But her family is poor and her school fees are paid by some company that will hire her on a 10-year contract when she finishes her studies. If not, she have to pay a fine for breaking the contract. So for monthly expenses she decided to take up a part-time job in the district near her place. She ate at Tanaka's place once and decided to work there, due to his amazing fried chicken bento. So morning she will have her classes at the university, during afternoon she helps out at Tanaka's bento shop. When evening comes, she buys a dinner bento and proceeds to her Japanese language class. Sometimes she works at the pub to serve drinks during the weekends. What a hardworking girl she is...
Everyday Tanaka would open the store, his employees would arrive later and they will start to make bentos of all kinds. In the afternoon, Atchara would come and help out in the kitchen. The afternoons are always chaotic with people lining up his store to purchase those tasty bentos he makes. The cash register would ring non-stop with cash going in and change going out. At the kitchen, sounds of pot and pans clanging, water running from the tap to wash used utensils, sizzling sounds from the oil on the pans and the frying of prawns, chicken patties and other things fills the kitchen. When evening comes, a special bento is made for Atchara and she leaves the shop for her language class. As for the rest, they help Tanaka to pack up his store before heading home to prepare dinner for their family. Tanaka would be the last to leave, he counts his daily earnings and inspect the kitchenwares before locking up everything and heads for home. His dinner is simple, a packed bento cooked by himself. Life is simple for Tanaka. So as he thought when chains of events assualt him faster than he can react...
There are a total of four people working there. Tanaka himself as the head chef of the bento store. Mrs Oniji and Ms Shiori, the former wife of Mr Oniji and the latter their daugther, are both his kitchen helpers. They help Tanaka with his preparation of the ingredients of all his bentos. Then there is Mrs Dohmoto, a friendly and lovable person who mans the counter of the store. She is in-charge of the cash register since Tanaka trusts her the most. But its not just the trust that Tanaka has for her, its her smile and friendliness that brings in customers daily. Customers always comment on her friendly approach and her smiles to everyone, it makes them feel good to buy from her. As business is picking up, Tanaka decides to hire one more helper just to assist him in the lunch hour orders. He puts up a sign outside his store, 'Part-timer Wanted'.
Ms Atchara, a young girl of 21 years. A rounded face with almond eyes and a nice tanned skin tone. She is a foreign student from India, she arrived in Japan to study. But her family is poor and her school fees are paid by some company that will hire her on a 10-year contract when she finishes her studies. If not, she have to pay a fine for breaking the contract. So for monthly expenses she decided to take up a part-time job in the district near her place. She ate at Tanaka's place once and decided to work there, due to his amazing fried chicken bento. So morning she will have her classes at the university, during afternoon she helps out at Tanaka's bento shop. When evening comes, she buys a dinner bento and proceeds to her Japanese language class. Sometimes she works at the pub to serve drinks during the weekends. What a hardworking girl she is...
Everyday Tanaka would open the store, his employees would arrive later and they will start to make bentos of all kinds. In the afternoon, Atchara would come and help out in the kitchen. The afternoons are always chaotic with people lining up his store to purchase those tasty bentos he makes. The cash register would ring non-stop with cash going in and change going out. At the kitchen, sounds of pot and pans clanging, water running from the tap to wash used utensils, sizzling sounds from the oil on the pans and the frying of prawns, chicken patties and other things fills the kitchen. When evening comes, a special bento is made for Atchara and she leaves the shop for her language class. As for the rest, they help Tanaka to pack up his store before heading home to prepare dinner for their family. Tanaka would be the last to leave, he counts his daily earnings and inspect the kitchenwares before locking up everything and heads for home. His dinner is simple, a packed bento cooked by himself. Life is simple for Tanaka. So as he thought when chains of events assualt him faster than he can react...
Sunday, June 25, 2006
The Missing Rib
In the Bible, it was said that God saw that Adam was lonely. So during his sleep; God took one of Adam's rib and created Eve.
Every man has been searching for his missing rib, only when you find the woman of your life; you'll no longer feel the lingering ache in your heart.
In life, everybody wants to find their perfect love. That is what i believe and possibly what everybody does the same. The man would want to find that missing rib in to cure the ligering ache in the heart. While the woman would want to be matchin missing rib of the man he loves. Together they will be whole... That is, what is suppose to be believed...
But... How many do really have that perfect love? The world haved changed from the natural world to the material world. Love have changed in meaning through time. Even though the word in the dictionary says warm liking or affection, it has changed to 5Cs and tai tai life. Two centuries ago, love means when your partner(wife) dies, i(husband) will build a castle made entirely of marble for you. Two centuries after that, love means when you(husband) die, i(wife) will inherit all your cars, your bangalows, your business, etc.
This is what is portrayed as love in this age and era. Sometimes i do hope that i was born in two centuries ago. Not that i dislike the future, but people in the past have less worries and more smiles. And love is a most beautiful thing to happen between two people of the opposite sex. But reality always slap me back to the present age. So i guess im pretty stuck here unless i build a time machine, which i guess will never happen...
Monday, June 19, 2006
I have returned...
Finally... After two months of strenous training, im back to my normal life again. Actually not so normal if you get what i mean... But at least the end of the course marks my one year aniversary of my army life. Finally, i have been finished up half my liability. Now as i sit and use my computer, i realise that i need to plan my next move...
Applied for a degree at Monash and i wondered if i really wanted to go there or just want the degree. Having second thoughts... But what the heck, i guess i just take it when it comes. Maybe going back to school to study might be sudden change to my life. Hope i can revert back to student life easily. But i guess the most important thing is that how am i going to be financially self-supported again? My parents are going to give me monthly allowance again, but i doubt im gonna get what i receive from my army pay. Guess i will take up tuition jobs to curb my spending. Haha...
Applied for a degree at Monash and i wondered if i really wanted to go there or just want the degree. Having second thoughts... But what the heck, i guess i just take it when it comes. Maybe going back to school to study might be sudden change to my life. Hope i can revert back to student life easily. But i guess the most important thing is that how am i going to be financially self-supported again? My parents are going to give me monthly allowance again, but i doubt im gonna get what i receive from my army pay. Guess i will take up tuition jobs to curb my spending. Haha...
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Rhythm of Life
Life is not always ever changing. Sometimes, our past experiences would reoccur whether good or bad, it still would. This is why we should be always ready for whatever that is going to happen in future as there is a rhythm to life.
Life is also full of ups and downs. Happiness exists in everyone’s life and it coexists with sadness as no one is happy of everything. However, it is only when one feels happy can one truly feel sad because happiness is taken away to be replaced with sadness and likewise for sadness. Life is limited as no can live forever. It is closely connected to time because as time pasts so does life.
Life has a routine to it. We all wake up after sleep and go to where we are needed daily and return home to sleep and wake up tomorrow and repeat the process. Occasionally, the routine gets broken whenever a different situation pops-up. Things start to go on differently for a change, we go about to accomplish different tasks compared to the usual. Then, a new routine starts until another change occurs. This in the long-run has formed a rhythm to it.
This rhythm never changes. It can only end when life ends. Rhythm is a pattern where by regular events or movements occur. The rhythm of life is the recurrence of changes to the routine of life where by we have to go through. We should all look far and prepare to adapt to changes to keep up with the rhythm of life.
Life is also full of ups and downs. Happiness exists in everyone’s life and it coexists with sadness as no one is happy of everything. However, it is only when one feels happy can one truly feel sad because happiness is taken away to be replaced with sadness and likewise for sadness. Life is limited as no can live forever. It is closely connected to time because as time pasts so does life.
Life has a routine to it. We all wake up after sleep and go to where we are needed daily and return home to sleep and wake up tomorrow and repeat the process. Occasionally, the routine gets broken whenever a different situation pops-up. Things start to go on differently for a change, we go about to accomplish different tasks compared to the usual. Then, a new routine starts until another change occurs. This in the long-run has formed a rhythm to it.
This rhythm never changes. It can only end when life ends. Rhythm is a pattern where by regular events or movements occur. The rhythm of life is the recurrence of changes to the routine of life where by we have to go through. We should all look far and prepare to adapt to changes to keep up with the rhythm of life.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Recce Commander Course
Im currently on course right now, so my free time is reduced greatly... Well, that means i have to follow a set of timetable and cannot do things as and when as i like. It also means that i have limited free time which restricts me to do certain things and prioritize them like the last half of the year. Haizz... I do hate trainee life...
Today had nothing much to do as i wanted to rest my aching body after a week of training. I rented a Korean movie to watch, reccomended by the shop owner. Quite a nice movie i should say. It's about a not so popular gal falling in love with two guys. One of them is rich playboy, changes girlfriend every other week and is man of the every high school girl's dream. The other, a small time hooligan who bumped into her and starts calling her 'sister'. It is logically correct as the girl is older in age with the 2nd guy but they are blood related as they share the same father. The girl does not know about her father's 2nd marriage and her step-brother. So this unpopular girl suddenly becomes popular with the rest of her class or even the entire school. And the entire story is about how this two guys fought over who should be her boyfriend. It touches on how this girl falls in love with the playboy yet cares for his new found brother. His brother who lost both his mother and grandmother to a hereditary diesease that he is the only one left. Alone in this world, he turns to his sister for comfort and seeks the empty love in his heart he craves so much for. An overal romance-comedy that i suggest would be a couple-type of movie to watch in the cinema.
It was a rather long story and would require some time to explain. What i would suggest is renting the movie and watch it yourself. It's worth the price and time. The one thing that i took from the movie was falling in love with your sibling. Does it really happen? Does a long lost sister invokes such deep feelings for the other that he actually falls in love? I have known my god-sister for almost eight years. I even stayed with her for long periods of time. We share our joys and pains with each other. But somehow... I do not think i would fall in love with her. No matter what... All the things i do, all the words i say would always feel like an elder brother to a younger sister. I guess im just different. It does brings me to wonder why is the situation different from the movie. I guess the answer lies in the that pair of eyes i see whenever i call for her.
Today had nothing much to do as i wanted to rest my aching body after a week of training. I rented a Korean movie to watch, reccomended by the shop owner. Quite a nice movie i should say. It's about a not so popular gal falling in love with two guys. One of them is rich playboy, changes girlfriend every other week and is man of the every high school girl's dream. The other, a small time hooligan who bumped into her and starts calling her 'sister'. It is logically correct as the girl is older in age with the 2nd guy but they are blood related as they share the same father. The girl does not know about her father's 2nd marriage and her step-brother. So this unpopular girl suddenly becomes popular with the rest of her class or even the entire school. And the entire story is about how this two guys fought over who should be her boyfriend. It touches on how this girl falls in love with the playboy yet cares for his new found brother. His brother who lost both his mother and grandmother to a hereditary diesease that he is the only one left. Alone in this world, he turns to his sister for comfort and seeks the empty love in his heart he craves so much for. An overal romance-comedy that i suggest would be a couple-type of movie to watch in the cinema.
It was a rather long story and would require some time to explain. What i would suggest is renting the movie and watch it yourself. It's worth the price and time. The one thing that i took from the movie was falling in love with your sibling. Does it really happen? Does a long lost sister invokes such deep feelings for the other that he actually falls in love? I have known my god-sister for almost eight years. I even stayed with her for long periods of time. We share our joys and pains with each other. But somehow... I do not think i would fall in love with her. No matter what... All the things i do, all the words i say would always feel like an elder brother to a younger sister. I guess im just different. It does brings me to wonder why is the situation different from the movie. I guess the answer lies in the that pair of eyes i see whenever i call for her.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Where's the Baby??
My uncle who was living in Australia told me this story, till date i can never believe its real.
One day while he was shopping in the city, he saw this lady with her blouse unbuttoned and her left breast exposed. So he walked up to the lady and said, 'Mdm, do you know that your left breast is being exposed? You could be arrested for indecent exposure by the officer!' The lady looked a little dazed at my uncle. Than she freaked out and screamed, 'Oh God! I left the baby in the bus again!!'
Weird eh...
One day while he was shopping in the city, he saw this lady with her blouse unbuttoned and her left breast exposed. So he walked up to the lady and said, 'Mdm, do you know that your left breast is being exposed? You could be arrested for indecent exposure by the officer!' The lady looked a little dazed at my uncle. Than she freaked out and screamed, 'Oh God! I left the baby in the bus again!!'
Weird eh...
Monday, April 03, 2006
Management Experiment
I recalled a survery i read about management in the business world. Should be something like this...
Put eight monkeys in a room. In the middle of the room is a ladder, leading to a bunch of bananas hanging from a hook on the ceiling. Each time a monkey tries to climb the ladder, all the monkeys are sprayed with ice water, which makes them miserable. Soon enough, whenever a monkey attempts to climb the ladder, all of the other monkeys, not wanting to be sprayed, set upon him and beat him up. Soon, none of the eight monkeys ever attempts to climb the ladder.
One of the original monkeys is then removed, and a new monkey is put in the room. Seeing the bananas and the ladder, he wonders why none of the other monkeys are doing obvious. But undaunted, he immediately begins to climb the ladder. All the other monkeys fall upon him and beat him silly. He has no idea why.
However, he no longer attempts to climb the ladder. A second original monkey is removed and replaced. The newcomer again attempts to climb the ladder, but all the other monkeys hammer the crap out of him. This includes the previous new monkey, who, grateful that he's not on the receiving end this time, participates in the beating because all the other monkeys are doing it. However, he has no idea why he's attacking the new monkey.
One by one, all the original monkeys are replaced. Eight new monkeys are now in the room. None of them have ever been sprayed by ice water. None of them attempt to climb the ladder. All of them will enthusiastically beat up any new monkey who tries, without having any idea why. This is how any company's policies get Established.
Weird eh...
Put eight monkeys in a room. In the middle of the room is a ladder, leading to a bunch of bananas hanging from a hook on the ceiling. Each time a monkey tries to climb the ladder, all the monkeys are sprayed with ice water, which makes them miserable. Soon enough, whenever a monkey attempts to climb the ladder, all of the other monkeys, not wanting to be sprayed, set upon him and beat him up. Soon, none of the eight monkeys ever attempts to climb the ladder.
One of the original monkeys is then removed, and a new monkey is put in the room. Seeing the bananas and the ladder, he wonders why none of the other monkeys are doing obvious. But undaunted, he immediately begins to climb the ladder. All the other monkeys fall upon him and beat him silly. He has no idea why.
However, he no longer attempts to climb the ladder. A second original monkey is removed and replaced. The newcomer again attempts to climb the ladder, but all the other monkeys hammer the crap out of him. This includes the previous new monkey, who, grateful that he's not on the receiving end this time, participates in the beating because all the other monkeys are doing it. However, he has no idea why he's attacking the new monkey.
One by one, all the original monkeys are replaced. Eight new monkeys are now in the room. None of them have ever been sprayed by ice water. None of them attempt to climb the ladder. All of them will enthusiastically beat up any new monkey who tries, without having any idea why. This is how any company's policies get Established.
Weird eh...
Friday, March 31, 2006
The Engineer and the Princess
An engineer was driving along the road when he heard screams of help... So he stopped and looked around. Than he realised it was a frog that spoke to him.
'Im a beautiful princess, kiss me and i will let u do anything to me for a week,' says the frog.
The engineer upon hearing this, picked up the frog and place it in the pocket. He got back to his car and continue driving.
Awhile later, the frog spoke up again and said, 'Hey... 'Im a beautiful princess, kiss me and i will let u do anything to me for a week.'
The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled and put it back into his pocket.
After a long while, the frog got frustrated. It finally asked, 'What's wrong with you? I told u that 'Im a beautiful princess, kiss me and i will let u do anything to me for a week. Why don't you kiss me?!?!'
The engineer replied, 'Im an engineer. I do have have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog... That's cool.'
Weird eh...
'Im a beautiful princess, kiss me and i will let u do anything to me for a week,' says the frog.
The engineer upon hearing this, picked up the frog and place it in the pocket. He got back to his car and continue driving.
Awhile later, the frog spoke up again and said, 'Hey... 'Im a beautiful princess, kiss me and i will let u do anything to me for a week.'
The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled and put it back into his pocket.
After a long while, the frog got frustrated. It finally asked, 'What's wrong with you? I told u that 'Im a beautiful princess, kiss me and i will let u do anything to me for a week. Why don't you kiss me?!?!'
The engineer replied, 'Im an engineer. I do have have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog... That's cool.'
Weird eh...
Monday, March 27, 2006
Cruelty to Animals
I am supporting a webby to discourage animal cruelty. Below is a link to the webby where u can sign your name against animal cruelty. I've done it, now its your turn.
Vote against Animal Cruelty
Vote against Animal Cruelty
Sunday, March 26, 2006
The Horny Bastard
Thinking of one of my past pub visits alone reminds me of this conversation i had with this man. He must be honoured as i paid for him the drinks that night.
His attire was like going for a wedding dinner. Sitting at the pub table crying when i approach the bartender. So i chatted up with him.
Me: Hey, what's up man? What's so sad? Your wife left ya?? Haha...
Guy: Nay... Im not married and its worse than that.
Me: Oh... So what happened?
Guy: There is this new girl that just came to our company about two weeks ago. She was the most beautiful girl i have ever seen. She have this angelic face and a body any woman would die to have it. The clothes she wears shows her body so well, that i get an erection everytime i see her.
Me: !!! (Almost choking on my vodka)
Guy: Yeah, she was that hot and sexy. I know... Im weak. So three days ago, i plucked up my courage and asked her out on a date. That date was today.
Me: Wow!! A date with a hot girl, so what happened? She dumped ya?
Guy: Nay... She never dumped me. I was afraid that i would get an erection whenever i see her. So i taped my... man-thing, to my right thigh. That would prevent it from buldging out when i see her.
Me: Okie, Not a bad idea. And then?
Guy: It was kinda uncomfortable but i soon got used to it. So as agreed with her, i drove to her place to pick her up. Parked my car, got the bunch of roses and chocolates ready and i pressed the doorbell.
Me: Than?
Guy: She opened the door. And there she was, standing behind the door, infront of me. She was wearing the skimpiest, sexiest and most revealing outfit any girl would shun away for a first date.
Me: (Imagining a hot girl with less than enough clothes, okie... Its Michelle Chong.) So what happen next? You screwed up at the dinner?
Guy: We did not proceed for dinner... A split second after my eyes was laid on her body, i gave her the hardest kick in the face with my right leg.
Me: ?!?!?!?!?!
Weird eh...
His attire was like going for a wedding dinner. Sitting at the pub table crying when i approach the bartender. So i chatted up with him.
Me: Hey, what's up man? What's so sad? Your wife left ya?? Haha...
Guy: Nay... Im not married and its worse than that.
Me: Oh... So what happened?
Guy: There is this new girl that just came to our company about two weeks ago. She was the most beautiful girl i have ever seen. She have this angelic face and a body any woman would die to have it. The clothes she wears shows her body so well, that i get an erection everytime i see her.
Me: !!! (Almost choking on my vodka)
Guy: Yeah, she was that hot and sexy. I know... Im weak. So three days ago, i plucked up my courage and asked her out on a date. That date was today.
Me: Wow!! A date with a hot girl, so what happened? She dumped ya?
Guy: Nay... She never dumped me. I was afraid that i would get an erection whenever i see her. So i taped my... man-thing, to my right thigh. That would prevent it from buldging out when i see her.
Me: Okie, Not a bad idea. And then?
Guy: It was kinda uncomfortable but i soon got used to it. So as agreed with her, i drove to her place to pick her up. Parked my car, got the bunch of roses and chocolates ready and i pressed the doorbell.
Me: Than?
Guy: She opened the door. And there she was, standing behind the door, infront of me. She was wearing the skimpiest, sexiest and most revealing outfit any girl would shun away for a first date.
Me: (Imagining a hot girl with less than enough clothes, okie... Its Michelle Chong.) So what happen next? You screwed up at the dinner?
Guy: We did not proceed for dinner... A split second after my eyes was laid on her body, i gave her the hardest kick in the face with my right leg.
Me: ?!?!?!?!?!
Weird eh...
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
The Smart Mother(And Daughter)
I overheard this conversation when im a little kid...
Mother: 'Teacher, I assure my daughter is too smart for her class right now. She can do what those normal kids can't do.'
Teacher: 'Okie... So tell me, what special ability of her's that she is better than the other kids.'
Mother: 'She can spell her name backwards. I don't think any of her classmates are able to do that.'
Teacher(looking amazed): 'Okie... So tell me, what is her name?'
Mother: 'Anna.'
Weird eh...
Mother: 'Teacher, I assure my daughter is too smart for her class right now. She can do what those normal kids can't do.'
Teacher: 'Okie... So tell me, what special ability of her's that she is better than the other kids.'
Mother: 'She can spell her name backwards. I don't think any of her classmates are able to do that.'
Teacher(looking amazed): 'Okie... So tell me, what is her name?'
Mother: 'Anna.'
Weird eh...
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
The Replacement Rooster
My uncle loved the outdoors like me. So during the weekends, he will take a short drive around the countryside and enjoy the scenery. One day, while driving down the road, he knocked down a rooster. Stepping out of his car, he analyzed the damage. The rooster was gone. So he picked the carcass and walked towards the farmer. 'I'm terribly sorry about your rooster. Im ready to replace him,' said my uncle. The farmer, looked at the carcass which is on my uncles' hands and said, 'Okie... The crowing happens 3 times a day, the food pen is on the right and the hen coop is at the back.'
Weird eh...
Weird eh...
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Total Diffrent Ball Game
A survey was carried out in a organization. The question was what type of sport to you prefer to play. When the results were tabulated, this is what they got... The lower end workers loved basketball. The mid-level workers played bowling. The middle manangement liked the game of soccer. The higher management like tennis as their type of sport. Finally, the top management prefer a game of golf to anything else. A simple conclusion to the entire survey; 'The higher you climb up the corporate ladder, the smaller the balls you prefer to play.'
Weird eh...
Weird eh...
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Some Updating to be done
Its been more than a month since my last entry. I was sort of busy with my job. The past month was training to ride a motorbike. It was fun and kinda like a getaway from my usual work. Well, its at the east side so i stayed at my Grandmother's place.
At her place, it's like staying in camp. The only entertainment i have there is the television. That just happened to me every night i went back home. Watched TV and slack. Slowly, four weeks have passed and im now back to my usual place. Back to slacking and sleeping in the office.
Last weekend, i attended my juniors' ADD. Adding this to my ADD list, i have attended a total of three dinners. I must say that the best is still the one that i had helped plan for. It was so unusual to have a Muslim dinner course. Feels so much like attending a Malay wedding. The dinner was kinda short... Must be due to the late start. It started an hour late. So the dinner felt kinda fast. In the end, i just ate and went back home. A couple of photos were taken and i enjoyed myself. The only regret i have coming for the dinner is that Chew Ling paid for my ticket in advance. I was suppose to pay her on that day, but she request that i do after the dinner ended. In the end... Haizz... I forgot all about it, she forgot all about it. Felt so bad...
At her place, it's like staying in camp. The only entertainment i have there is the television. That just happened to me every night i went back home. Watched TV and slack. Slowly, four weeks have passed and im now back to my usual place. Back to slacking and sleeping in the office.
Last weekend, i attended my juniors' ADD. Adding this to my ADD list, i have attended a total of three dinners. I must say that the best is still the one that i had helped plan for. It was so unusual to have a Muslim dinner course. Feels so much like attending a Malay wedding. The dinner was kinda short... Must be due to the late start. It started an hour late. So the dinner felt kinda fast. In the end, i just ate and went back home. A couple of photos were taken and i enjoyed myself. The only regret i have coming for the dinner is that Chew Ling paid for my ticket in advance. I was suppose to pay her on that day, but she request that i do after the dinner ended. In the end... Haizz... I forgot all about it, she forgot all about it. Felt so bad...
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