‘Please’ is such a simple and unobtrusive word, when it comes to negotiations, and I couldn’t have realised the power and weight that it carried until my Dad threw it on me this afternoon.

In a good way of course.

I’ll get to that story in a while, but first let me reiterate its most common usage and that is within the service industry, such as one that I’m in.

I print stuffs, and occasionally have the opportunity some creatives and on-site events or advertising installations, with plenty of communications and miscommunications to go.

Not surprisingly a huge chunk of my time is spent negotiating, renegotiating and killing off a dead negotiation.

So I deal with customers on topics such as time and costs, applications or installations, effectiveness, and validity, and the actual list that I negotiate daily, can probably be quite lengthy, and whatever the topic may be, and case in point — I negotiate a lot.

So much so that I use the word ‘please’ in obscene amounts, and most probably in trying to come off as polite and unobtrusive but mostly in trying to win the customer’s agreement by appearing subtle and inviting when I begin conversations with that word.

I was quite wrong actually, because I realise that utlising please in such a construction is like begging for attention.

And beggers are usually the ire of society, and when you’re begging, you lose authority.

BUT, use it correctly, and it transforms from mere begging, into an authoritarium ultimatum that is wrapped in firm persuasion yet inviting at the same time.

Case in point, where my Dad used the word at the end of a question for the first time, after bugging me with ‘Will you follow us to Tioman Island during March’s holiday?’ for the last few days.

You see my Dad don’t use that word so often with me (All Dad’s don’t beg with their children right? They like to appear strong, and my dad, he is a little bit brash, stubborn, defensive and strongheaded, but in fact he’s one of the most polite and gamely gentleman that I have the pleasure of ever knowing.) and it hit me unexpectedly when he used it on me earlier this afternoon.

I didn’t have any intentions of going to Tioman Islands, at all, ‘cos I didn’t want to spend 3 days commuting in a rush within a foreign land with limited internet access, but most importantly of all, I didn’t want to be spending at all on leisure activities.

I’m currently on a self-imposed budget-appreciation mode at the moment. Something that I’ve picked up from playing plenty of Poker games, where I learn that with cards that you’re dealt with in life, you gotta learn when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.

And I was prepared to fold 99% when it comes to a Tioman trip, but from 99% of not wanting to go, it became 99% of I had to go, simply because my Dad said this: “Follow us, this once. Please?”

Mere words, but so provocative.

I would have declined his invitations had he used the ‘Please’ at the start of every invitations, but something about using it just once during this whole episode makes me feel like I’ll be turning down a great cause if I didn’t go, and that it carried for more weight and persuasion than it should have.

The usage of that word came off authoritarian yet mildly inviting.

I wouldn’t have expected it, but I’m going to Tioman in 2 weeks time, when just days back I would vehemently decline any invitations at all — which I actually declined when Dad initially posed them to me many times, days earlier.

My Dad used it sparringly, and I definitely could take heed in that during my ‘negotiations’ at work.

Where I used to bend and submit to customers’ demands and requests, I’ve slowly growned into someone who’s taking control of situations at work, and controlling them instead of the other way around when I first started out.

I’ll probably still use ‘Please’ at the start of conversations with newer customers, but I’m definitely going to use it less often now.

And when I’m losing control of the situation, perhaps I’ll employ it as a last ditch effort to tilt negotiations in my favour.

So long story short, moral of the story is that ‘Please’ can be a massive gravitational pull in your favour.

To all Dads, if you’re in a protracted negotiation with your sons (and daughters), then instead of appearing to beg with ‘Please’ at the beginning of statements or questions, try using it sparringly.

Will you? Please?

It felt good to be running around the artificial grass, ladened with black plastic pips of some sorts, ones that tend to sneak into your socks and boots when you’re not looking, especially when it’s after midnight at FICO sports hall.

The cool, mysterious night air and the soft caressing windy backdrop there helps a lot in stroking your appetite for a good game of late night soccer — and a good game I had.

Earlier I bought a pair of pink (don’t ask why) goalkeeper gloves from Mustafa Centre especially for tonight’s session since I wanted to make some dramatic/acrobatic goalkeeping saves.

And maybe break a few bones in the process and get a long term MC too.

Just kidding.

Anyway, the turnout unfortunately wasn’t as great as our group usually were, so it was surprising and disappointing.

It’s just enough to make 2 teams, but I guess the good is that everyone gets to play for the whole session.

Turns out to be money well paid, cos there’s no time spend waiting for your team’s turn to enter the pitch.

I reiterate, that it felt extremely good to be running again after nearly 2 weeks of non-activity.

Before this it felt sucky, and everytime I wake for work, I get all mushy with my pillow and blanket as I contemplate not getting up.

Do you sometimes feel like your whole body is lethargy, lazy, aching all over, tired or exhausted sometimes?

Especially when you stop exercising.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I get aches all over my body, and yawn continuously when I don’t have any physical exercise going on.

Like the CNY holidays that just passed us by, I’d sleep around 3 to 4am and I’d end up waking around 1 to 2pm the next day, and though waking up late compensated for the extended waking hour, I’d get sleepy again after just a few hours.

By about 4 to 5pm (same day), I’d get all drowsy, even if all I did before it was to watch TV, surfing the web or reading a book, and as the holidays accumulate, my lethargic levels hit sky high.

I guess it’s something like in the case of violence brings more violence, or kindness begets kindness kind of thing, and not exercising will only bring about a more lazy you.

When was the last time you jogged, or went up and down, say 2 levels of staircases consecutively huh?

You lazy bum.. = )

Oh my, thought you’d never ask.

www.TEEDOJO.com

The now defunct MTTBWY has given way to TeeDojo, and I’m actually quite satisfied with everything that’s come out so far, even if I’ve not reaped my first $Million in sales, or even if I never reach that figure at all~

Just seeing that shopfront there, after many hours of labour, it’s just.. wow.

I know, I know, it’s just a small and simple set up, and that there really isn’t that much to look at, but I like it.

And with our government pumping $5.5 Billion into the economy, I’ve barely even scratched the surface of that treasure bag with this.

Now that this project is more or less settling down, time to look for a new one — considering now I have more time ever since Avatar (3D) isn’t showing that much at nearby local theatres.

Yup, I’m still reeling from that movie about cat-like, blue-bodied humanoids that rides on bad-ass birds.

Maybe I’ll start drawing and doodling.

Hmmmmmmnaaaaahh. Maybe I better not. = )

TeeDojo, butt-kicking tees!

What’s up with that dude at the counter at FICO sports hub tonight?

I mean, he could have left one of the lights on, instead of leaving the players in pitch darkness, whom were still packing their stuffs and trying to go back.

It’s just poor service, if you ask me. Like what’s wrong with leaving one light on for visibility’s sake?

If that fella was an animal, I’m betting that he’d be a tiger, all jumpy and snaring and just not friendly, for a service staff that is.

Maybe it’s his New Year holidays and he’s having to work?

Nevertheless pouncing upon us vulnerable players, whom actually PREPAID the courts for usage, and enveloping us in the dark is just not acceptable.

I guess, if he really was a tiger, he’d be an extinct one.

Anyway, earlier in the day, I kind of woke earlier than expected, and after a few days of procrastinating, got to see Avatar (3D) again.

And boy was I shocked to see the reception at the ticket counter, the theatres are almost full, and this for a movie that’s into it’s 9th week of running.

This was the ticketing response for the 1pm slot at Shaw Lido, and this snapshot was taken at 11am!

Must be the CNY holidays that’s triggering this response.

This was the response for the 3pm slot.

And this was for the 8pm slot.

I got the 1pm slot, so that by late afternoon I’d be free to wander around the area, perhaps to search for the elusive belt or new pair of socks.

And boy was the theatre packed then, not with locals, but Koreans, Japanese, Ang Mohs and other nationalities that made up a quite a portion of the crowd.

Judging by their response during in-show scenes, they definitely weren’t repeat customers like I was, cos they gasped, ooh-ed, sighed and got amused generously — which goes to show that it was their first intake of the Avatar experience.

As for me, nothing surprising anymore, maybe ‘cos I managed to soak all the emotions within. Tough guy image here huh~

I’m not surprised that it’s taken them 9 weeks to see it for themselves, and with the Oscars coming up, I bet that many more might be tempted to give Avatar (3D) a go, since it’s one of the forerunners in the race for Best Picture.

Though I’m still surprised that there are many articles that’s taking a dig at Jame’s Cameron’s showpiece, and as if the Billions of dollar don’t already tell enough, these detractors (in the minority) of the movie just won’t rest until it gets the Oscar snub.

But will AMPAS snub Avatar?

If you asked me, I’m betting that they won’t. Maybe I’m just feeling tigerish but the odds are pretty good. = )

DOTA and MTG used to fix me up pretty good, after a day of work, but it’s been a loooong time since I’ve had a sniff at them.

It’s not like I’ve quitted DOTA or MTG entirely (in fact I view with a queer eye at anyone who proclaims to ‘quit’ these social games, as if the gesture merits itself as a laudable life event), but ever since Bangau and Han’s self-imposed relocation, I’ve yet to indulge in one game, and I say it with pride simply because there’s not been a stretch of days that I can recall of not playing the game, ever since Bangau and Han got back (here).

Or maybe I’m just busy with Zynga Poker on facebook.

Nevertheless I do still have plenty of interests and desire to DOTA/TG, but this time I know that it’s not going to be the same anymore.

When us 3 were around, every game was an adventure, or should I categorise it as a misadventure? Lol.

Add the occasional visits of Max1983, Sid & Heider, and other unexpected arrivals, things do get pretty over the top, but never out of control of course..

Do I miss them? Haha. Damn right I do. Missing every bit of the nonsense that only the 3 of us are capable of conjuring.

So where do i get my fix these days?

Strangely, it’s being overtaken by work, and coincidentally, workload picked up just as the duo shifted away.

It’s just getting chaotic at work, and this despite the frequent complaints of how the new year has been greatly affected by the ripples of the world’s economic crisis.

Thankfully, Dils is around the vicinity to pull my sanity back down to earth, and this since.. half her age ago!

She’s turning 26 this Saturday, so that’d make it 13 years of wonderful friendship — You’re getting old liao!

All grown up now, and she’s never been chattier than ever!

Met her up on Wednesday night, talked till way past her usual bedtime, but only because I didn’t knew it flew by, just like that.

So what present do you get for a 26year old perky gal, who’s already pampered herself with a Toscano handbag?

In any case, wishing you well for your dreams, up in the air.

The way I see people, there are 3 types, in the context of inspiration

Type 1 — People who inspire others.

Type 2 — People who gets inspired.

Type 3 — People who are simply uninspired, or in other words — hopeless.

And this, ahem, is pure inspiration.

I’m inspired.

What are you?

Everything is backwards now.

The days are beginning to blur and it’s like I don’t know who I am anymore.

Like out there is the real world, and in here, in this moment, in this room is the dream.

All I wanted was to find something that’s worth fighting for.

I can do this.

I was born to do this.

I guess I better go now, I don’t want to be late.

It’s my birthday after all.

Mawe Tsmutkan’ya.

It’s interesting how a movie could move anyone at all, not just on the surface, but as a person and as a character. Avatar came out and hit me like a lump of unobtanium, lifting me to heights I’ve never experienced before, in anticipation of my birthday month, that was last January. It’s February and every viewing of the movie is just as captivating as the first. Friends and family don’t get it, like how we don’t get why girls go head over heels with prancing flower boys, like how they don’t get it why football fans hate rival fans so much, and like why men advancing towards their 40s prefer to spend time playing golf. Avatar’s message to me is simple, to find something to fight for. It’s a symbol of living our life, away from routine, away from comfort zones and away from oppressions and such.

Do you have something worth fighting for? If yes, then good for you. I’m still searching for one. I lost mine, 8 years ago, on my birthday. Where most celebrate on reaching 21, circumstances presented a funeral procession. God loved her more, and I had to learn to let go. It hurts when she left, but the agony I faced is mere fractions of her daily visits on the thresholds of pain. What is more painful than seeing the one you’ve ever loved writhing? Anyway, just like that, 8 years have gone, and indeed everything is a blur.

There’s a strange welcoming calmness today, even though I’m made to twist and turn in bed, irregular bowel movements in the wee hours of the morning, and vomitted just hours ago. There really isn’t any point in living life on routine, it’s an adventure that’s waiting to be discovered, though I’m filled with great sadness that I’m bound, much like a paraplegic, to this routine I’m in. I call it, work. In reality, there may be no ‘Avatars’ to escape with or flying Great Banshees to ride, but before my energy is used up, I know that there’s a whole lot more that needs to be done.

No more procrastination, and I’m not going to bother about reading these back and editing my words. It’s all get go for now. So first, to start paying the bills. =)

He puts his face close to hers. She rubs her cheek against his. He kisses her on the mouth. They explore each other.

Then she pulls back, eyes sparkling.

NEYTIRI
Kissing is very good. But we have something better.

She pulls him down until they are kneeling, facing each other on the faintly glowing moss.

Neytiri takes the end of her queue and raises it. Jake does the same, with trembling anticipation. The tendrils at the ends move with a life of their own, straining to be joined.

MACRO SHOT — The tendrils INTERTWINE with gentle undulations.

JAKE rocks with the direct contact between his nervous system and hers. The ultimate intimacy.

They come together into a kiss and sink down on the bed of moss, and ripples of light spread out around them.

THE WILLOWS sway, without wind, and the night is alive with pulsing energy as we DISSOLVE TO –

LATER. She is collapsed across his chest. Spent. He strokes her face tenderly.

JAKE
Neytiri, you know my real body is far away, sleeping.

She raises up, placing her fingertips to his chest –

NEYTIRI
This body is real.
(she touches his forehead)
This spirit is real.

Her eyes are luminous, honest, infinitely deep.

———- Page90. Off the script of Jame’s Cameron’s Avatar. (Unseen/Removed scene from local theatres).———-

Wow. Just mere words yet I sense the abysmal sorrow, re-reading the script, as Jake mentions the location of his real body, not his Avatar body.

I’m enlightened and warmed by the embracing spirit of an Alien race, that early on so despises the humans, with natural instinct to kill on sight. Strangely its humane.

Granted, experiencing the movie itself was a mesmerising and unprecedented experience, but reading the script has given me much more insight into the character’s developments and the story overall.

It’s unfortunate that some scenes were removed from the theatres, but the script bares all.

It’s an uber excellent read, and especially so if you’re a fan of sci-mance (sci-fi + romance).

With trembling anticipation, I ended the passage of text.

I hear people saying the story is unoriginal, well I’d say that its a classic love story very well told.

Bah.

It’s my Sis’ birthday and Dad and Ma organised a chalet for her.

Nothing beats celebrating a joyous occasion, like a 21st birthday, than having a BBQ with friends and family.

So how do you hold  a BBQ?

Step 1: Pick a venue.

Done, PA Chalet at Pasir Ris.

Cheap apartments, plenty of parking, but for someone who resides in the western end of the country (on bike), a half hour journey to the eastern end is pretty daunting.

Imagine having to come and go for 4 days and 3 nights straight, and transport costs (especially if you take taxi) is huge.

Step 2: Pick a pit.

Pick a pit within a nearby Pavilion, where possible, in case it rains or there’s plenty of guests around.

The roof and seats will be greatly welcomed.

Usually it’s first come first serve, but if you pick a chalet like PA Chalet at Pasir Ris, there’s a huge chance that you’ll have the Pavilion all to yourselves.

Step 3: Ensure the fire is hot.

Have you played that wooden block game, Jengga?

Setting up a BBQ fire is like playing a game of Jengga, except that it’s hollow in the middle, where you throw the firestarter in to kickstart the whole thing.

You don’t have to chant  ’Jengga… Jengga’, but no one can stop you from doing it though.

So once you’ve thrown the firestarter (lighted) in, pile more charcoal until it becomes a seductive stack that’s beckoning for a gigantic flame.

Step 4: Setup The Pit.

Spread out the charcoal once the stack is engulfed in a fiery concert of flames.

Place the wire mesh or grill over it, and waste no time in preparing your feast.

And remember, thaw your food early, and not just before starting the fires, otherwise it’ll look like this:

Yep, great fire, deliciously looking bunch of satay, chicken wings and hotdogs, but unfortunately they weren’t thawed early enough for the BBQ.

Frozen satay is not nice to eat for a BBQ.

It’s quite hard to bite.

But when you gotta eat, you gotta eat.

At least now I know the next time I have a BBQ, I’ll thaw my food much earlier.

How coincidence is that of 1% of the population that’s in this so-called group of thinkers, the Masterminds, that Dils and I are in the same boat.

Well I took a Jung Typology test, only because Dils insisted me to, and it turns out that I’m an ‘Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging’ person, and if you’re just as confused as I am, here’s some enlightenment.

Much like how the fortune teller seeked to entertain my afternoon, taking the test served to be much more entertaining, although not of the action-packed kind, if not the same.

Reading through it’s narrative comments of the ’suggested’ characteristics of mine, it somehow widened the tunnel vision of my recent disenchantments, and perhaps allowing me to understand a little better now as to why I’m constantly unsettled with possessing that sense of  comfort and the thought of being average.

And then the tests lists a few career choice for Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging’ persons, and it happens to be some of the stuffs that I would certainly enjoy making a career out of, such as a computer programmer, among others.

Very geeky, I know, but it just feels good to know that I’m a geek that’s among the 1% of the populaton.

But I know very well that all these are a little bit of fun stuffs, other than analytical profiling, that really means nothing if one doesn’t work hard and grabs the opportunities that knock on their door.

Oh well, so I quote Morpheus’ words to Neo, in the Matrix — ‘Now that the door is shown, it is up to you to walk through it.’ (I think that’s what he said right? Right?)

Anyway, go take the test, and find out what person you are.