ANOTHER THRILLING DAY

Just as one is published, another becomes due. An essay just published recently, COFFEE SHOP AT PARAMOUNT, somehow took more time than usual to complete and publish.

Or are the days losing its value by becoming shorter? There are several theories floating that each day made up of 24 hours or 1,440 minutes or 86,400 seconds, are actually losing it’s value in terms of time. Maybe, a couple of seconds or so, every 50 years… Whether these theories and studies have merit, is left to be seen.

I have mentioned this before. Maybe, we, as individual, ordinary people, cannot control the shortening or lengthening of time. But what we can control, is what we put into that given time.

I didn’t have a good enough sleep last night. I thought that since I was so tired, I would have been out like a lightbulb switched off. But I wasn’t. Toss and turned, got up several times, so, yeah not the best of nights. Night went and as usual, the next morning showed up as always, on the dot. Maybe, the night was too warm. I don’t know if it is just me, but the past few nights have been unusually warm. However, the early mornings become very cold. Same thing happened today. By time it was 8.30am – 9.00am, the temperatures started climbing and the humidity bringing with it – perspiration.

Ain’t nothing gonna spoil my day (not exactly the Queen’s English [have not heard the phrase “King’s English”. I wonder if it is referred to that as such]). We were about to leave for Amcorp Shopping Mall. I had a quick brekkie – had two vadai (one made from beans and the other, a donut [American spelt version of doughnut]) which we bought from Star Bhavan – the latest Indian restaurant craze of Subang Jaya.

I was not feeling all that “awake” , yet it was almost 10.00am. Yes, we were still at home. Our neighbourhood contractor, Mr. Teoh; had some of his men come to out house to help repair the fencing. We left for P.J. shortly after that but not to Amcorp Shopping Mall. We had to make a detour to the hospital first where Jeannie wanted to visit a close relative. By the time we got top Amcorp, it was close to 11.15am. We set our booth up within a short while.

The Hotwheel cars, key chains and fridge magnets were top on the list today, as people seemed to have a renewed interest in these items. The Batik Influencer was as usual, entertaining and enlightening people on the “Why Batik? ” – old times, current times and the future – in vogue, always.

I got the opportunity to meet with two other writers, one focusing on ladies’ fashion; the other on food. They are establishing a foothold in K.L. and P.J.. Both these cities are so vibrant, that it would take a very long lifetime to cover everything. Come to think of it, not really. It definitely will take more than a very long life time, as K.L. or Kuala Lumpur and P.J. or Petaling Jaya, are both vibrant cities where the landscape for food and fashion are continuously evolving.

Hmmm…This looks interesting; they were both, thinking to themselves.

Looking chic in batik.

Bond’s cars, Swatch watches, a incredibly uniquely, rare Parker Duofold laquered blue, ball point pen.

The evening arrived faster than we realised. I think it’s because we were having fun as usual. In fact, we did not have much time catching up with our friends who were running the other booths. We plan to do so tomorrow. We got back home after 7.00pm. Just in time to think up of something new for future essays.

LOCAL ELECTIONS, TUDOR STYLE

When you hear Tudor, what comes to mind? Tudor, England; houses with thatched leaf / hay / straw roofs; white walls with black lines drawn on them. The weather would be semi-gloomy to cool-cold, the roads (yes “roads”. Not “streets”. We are talking about England of Great Britain, not U.S.A.), narrow and winding, carved and dividing miles and miles of green countryside. Tudor USJ 4 – close.

Tudor USJ 4 is a small village of 224 households. Nestled in Subang Jaya, a bustling city of the state of Selangor, Malaysia; it is within a stone’s throw (you have to be strong to throw a stone to reach the destination you want) distance to reach your favourite makan-makan restaurants, cafes and grocery shops. A few minutes drive away will take you to the town centre where you are spoilt for choice when it comes to food. With this choice begs the question, “What do you want to eat?” Spoilt for choice causes confusion.

The Residents’ Association EXCO committee planned a gathering of residents today to hold Elections for new office bearers. This was to be the real local elections.

We had a couple of tents set up within the vicinity of Tudor homes. The area was surrounded by plants and it sort of gave us the feeling of being with nature. 😀

First to be there were the current committee. Then, the other residents started streaming / walking / strolling in. By 10.00am, we had a quorum to start the meeting.

The first of the residents to sign in.

The first item on the agenda was that we observed a minute’s silence for the late Alice Kang, who passed away when she became a victim of a fire that broke out in her house. Her husband, Peter; is recovering in hospital. The community was shocked by this fire incident and deeply saddened by Alice’s demise. We hope for Peter’s speedy recovery.

Residents going through the agenda, Minutes of our last AGM, the financial statements and other matters.

We, then proceeded with the other items on the agenda. The chairman, Deputy Chairman and the Secretary, took to the floor, and fielded questions mainly about our neighbourhood security and the need to continue to support the Residents’ Association by paying subscriptions on time. The treasurer took to the floor to state that subscriptions were collected to cover the cost of security and other items that aid in the security. Currently, there is a shortfall in collection due to 15% not paying and 26% not paying on time. Those on the floor, encouraged residents to help promote to their immediate neighbours the need to pay subscription fees and to pay them on time.

We soon came to the part where everybody was waiting for (I think😉). Elections of new office bearers for 2024 – 2025. The fun part was those nominating office bearers worked hard to convince the nominees why they should stand for elections and if elected, they should accept the positions. On the other hand, the nominees gave every reason in the book (and out of it) why they did not want to accept nomination.

With the democratic process firmly in place; a new team of office bearers were finally elected. Congratulations are in order for the new 2024 – 2025 EXCO team. It would be a challenge to continue from the high level of dedication and work set by the immediate past EXCO team and those before. The bar has been set and the new team has its work cut out for them.

With a smile like that, how not to be nominated and elected Chairman. He finally accepted, returning unopposed.

The most high tech, overly environmentally friendly, no batteries needed, especially the types found in E.V.s – the same type that damages the environment during its manufacturing process, no need for solar power; very simple white board, with multiple, countless use and re-use capabilities. On display, are the chosen ones for 2024 – 2025.