A Huge "Working" Question Mark

Dear pipsqueaks,

Having just had my yearly appraisal with le boss, I came out with a huge question mark above my head. As much as our discussions are open, I still feel that stubbornness in him as I, a fellow Leo, also possess.

Actually, this very topic had been butchered to death earlier last year when my ex-coworker was making her own path through chaos...

How should one's salary be set? What is it based on exactly?

Life of Pi

Dear pipsqueaks,

Spoiler alert: if you haven't watched the movie and you plan to, postpone reading this post until after!

An epic journey of a ignorant boy and a feisty Richard Parker filled with the most breath-taking scenes. I can't even begin to explain how much afterthought this movie had brought upon me. Then again, not everyone perceived the movie in the same way. Possibly because I've been taught and trained at school to be analytical about everything, every scene, and every word. It came across with one particular message that almost shouted out at me...

"I suppose in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go, but what always hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye."

Emergency Kit & Go Bag

Dear pipsqueaks,

After a quick phone call with le parents, I've been directed to prepare an "Emergency Kit" and a "Go Bag". Not that I believe the world is coming to an end- simply, I believe in being ready for whatever may happen. Be it this 21st of December or whenever. It's always better to be prepared.

It was quite a funny follow-up discussion with le sister. She was trying to coordinate a  meeting point for the family to meet should some disaster strike, and came to the conclusion that we shall meet in our Keelung home. What crossed my mind- obviously something she overlooked- was that I'm in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Should the world collapse, it will be more than a challenge to find them in Taiwan, let alone Keelung house. Then again, I wouldn't be on any schedule in particular, so to spend my life looking for them would be a life well spent in any case.

See But No Play in [Bangkok]: Day 8

Dear pipsqueaks,

Staying in a dorm always makes waking up early difficult, especially when all the beds were full. With the pick-up time set at 6:15, I woke up at 5:45 to quietly sneaked out to brush up and organize a locker to store all my junk until I get back. Even though I would have officially checked out by the time I return, the hostel provided locker service for 20thb and lent me a lock for free. The morning could almost be described like some dream where everything happened so automatically, and poof, I was on the bus circling the city picking up the rest. The next hour or so was a blur as I fell in and out of sleep...

Finally, we were officially on our way to the Floating Market around 8ish. For some reason, I've always been a car-ride sleeper; therefore, the worst candidate to be at shotgun as I will most likely fall asleep, epically failing to keep the driver in company for long hauls. Nonetheless, I appreciated the long drive, allowing me to do some catching up on sleep so I wouldn't look like a cast on The Walking Dead at the Floating Market (actually, technically it would be "The Floating Dead", just kidding). Anyway, we arrived at a dock where three busload of us hopped on long boats.

It felt a bit as if we're being taken to some sacred place, but soon that feeling had been painted with noise and fumes from a field of mechanically-run long boats. Chit-chats from both tourists and locals filled the air. Overdose. But I promised myself to give this place a chance, so I chance I shall give.

(We're finally here! Took us long enough...except we're on my worst element: water!) 

See But No Play in [Bangkok]: Day 7

Dear pipsqueaks,

For the oddest reason, now that I had the whole weekend to do whatever I wanted, I had nothing planned. At most, I have to check out of this hotel by noon and check in at the hostel by 1pm. That shouldn't be too difficult since it was only two stations away, and I was armed with a map! There was also a post office just by that station, so I could pick up some stamps on the way for my postcards! Great plan, until 1pm.

Before all that happened, I enjoyed my last buffet breakfast, finishing it up with a nice scoop of coconut ice-cream and a glass of carrot juice. Not sure why- possibly an influence of another friend- I've come to a pleasant addiction to fresh carrot juice. Supposedly, it's good for the eyes, and since I'm a rabbit in Chinese calendar terms, it isn't too weird that I love carrots. Even the attendant at the juice stand recognizes me, and by the 3rd day automatically prepare a glass of juice upon my arrival. Talk about great service :)

As I did a great job packing the absolute minimum for this trip, it wasn't too difficult to clean up the place for check out. All I needed was the essentials for another two days, and the rest can be stuffed into my luggage that shall be left in the keeps of my coworker who will be staying in the hotel. We were scheduled on the same shuttle to the airport, so I trust her not to lose my luggage before then.