Why Would I Write

Category: Random

  • Tales from Tangerang

    Tales from Tangerang

    I can’t believe it’s been almost 3 weeks since I left KL for the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Jakarta. Tomorrow is the last day of the sale before we start the whole tear down – something we all dread since it’s not exactly fun. But hey, overall, it’s been a great trip.

    Firstly, the sale isn’t even in Jakarta. It’s actually in a city called Tangerang, 25 kilometers away from Jakarta. Something I only discovered after landing. Not that it really mattered – people from all over Indonesia attended the sale anyway. Also, BBW Tangerang doesn’t really roll off the tongue.

    Tangerang is a pretty nice city. It’s not too different from KL, so I didn’t really feel homesick (not that I feel homesick often anyway). However I do miss people and Snuggles, so I’m looking forward to going back home.

    I’ve come to appreciate the efficiency of Malaysian cashiers. They are really miles ahead when it comes to efficiency. I’ve never waited so long for a McDonald’s meal before.

    Counting in Rupiah is challenging. Maybe I’m just mentally challenged but shit, the number of zeroes they have to deal with. Why not just remove three zeroes since the lowest denomination they have is 1000 anyway? I have no idea. But stuff here is generally cheaper than back home. And even the pop up restaurants outside the event didn’t cost an arm and a leg for a drink.

    My command of Malay is terrible – and despite Indonesian being pretty similar, there are quite a number of words which don’t carry over. I definitely had trouble communicating sometimes. Fortunately I have Google Translate to help. Download your dictionaries for offline use – it seriously helps.

    The sale has been tiring. On the plus side, I feel like I can lift heavier shit. No idea if I’ve been this strong all along or I’ve gradually gotten stronger over the past few months. I’m also better at using a pallet jack than I was a few months ago. Nicked myself with a cutter earlier today – only injury I’ve had so far. Saw this one dude with a hugeassmotherfucking water blister on his toe. They call it ‘kapalan’ over here. Something to do with a ship because there’s water inside the blister.

    I also learnt some important words – the Indonesian word for masturbate is apparently a word that sounds like ‘cholly’.

    Also discovered a new band which I’m digging a lot – The 1975 (thanks Pam! btw do check out her paper craft, it’s insane) here’s one of my favorite tracks from them:

    They remind me of California Wives. Good shit.

    Other than them, Cigarettes After Sex and Lil Dicky has been my playlist for the trip.

    I saw a man wash his hands with the water from a urinal. I’m not sure if that’s better than the plethora of dudes who don’t wash their hands at all.

    Also, eating food that’s 12+ hours old can give you a tummy ache.

    I made plenty of new friends and even managed to meet some old ones.

    It’s been a good trip. See you again, you crazy, crazy book hungry people.

    bb

  • Hurry go on ahead, good things won’t let you wait.

    Diary-like post? Diary-like post.

    I dreamed about work again. Funny. Can’t recall what exactly happened, but I know it had something to do with working at the Big Bad Wolf Sale.

    This week has been good to me. While the past 3 weeks have been spent working everyday, this week I actually managed find time to perform at two gigs. I also got to hang out with my friends for dinner and desserts – something I haven’t done in a while.

    Also caught up to the second last episode of Better Call Saul for this season – looking forward to the finale next week. I’m sad that it’s going to be the last episode until the following year, but also kinda happy it’s over since I’ll be away for the next few weeks so Milin and I won’t be tortured waiting for me to get back to watch it together.

    Na’Vi actually made it to the Starladder Invitational grand final which will take place later tonight. I’m glad they’ve managed to find their form. Will be rooting for them! R.I.P. OG for the early exit. Hopefully they stick together and improve.

    I went shopping for some socks earlier today. Man, those things are expensive – or I’ve been shopping at the wrong places. RM11 for a pair of plain white ankle socks, did they always cost that much?

    Used Uber to get around today because I didn’t want to deal with Mid Valley parking. Encountered two nice gentlemen who were newbies. One of them even forgot to start the trip until halfway which resulted in a cheaper ride for me (kek). Didn’t get any threatening looks from taxi drivers.

    Also got my passport photo done. Those things sure aren’t cheap. Fortunately I don’t have to get them made too often. I think.

    I’m sitting at Doiffee, drinking coffee, vaping and typing this nonsense out. Gonna just chill out and not do much this week. I think I deserve it.

    Next week will be the first time I set foot in Indonesia. Will be there for work. Should be interesting. Also, it’s been a while since I’ve left the country. I’m gonna miss my family. And Snuggles. But I’ll probably be too busy to miss them too much. Any recommendations for what I should/could do there during any down time?

    I’ll probably write. And play games on my tablet or laptop. If I’m not too tired.

    Anyway, until then, sampai ketemu lagi!

  • Pavlov’s Coffee

    I’ve unknowingly conditioned myself to work better when I’m out of my home, drinking coffee and smoking.

    It all started a couple of years ago, when i left work early and decided to do some work at a cafe instead of heading back home. At the cafe, I ordered a cup of long black and drank while I slaved away at my laptop. Little did I know, this was just the beginning.

    When I was done with my work later that evening, I realized that I finished a lot of work in such a short time span. My mind told me, ‘it must have been the coffee, keeping me awake and focused!’ Plus when I’m not home, I actually have a reason to focus on work, since I can’t do anything else. At home, I’d just be distracted by my computer games, guitar or my bed.

    After that day, I continued doing the same thing whenever I had the opportunity. Cup of coffee, cigarette and laptop open. In fact, tonight, I’m doing the same thing.

    I didn’t really think about it until about 10 minutes ago when I was thinking about excuses, and why people use them and realized that I’ve been using excuses myself. Sure, I’m away from my distractions when I’m not at home – but I know people who can work from home just fine. They know how to compartmentalize their time well. Why can’t I?

    I’m probably just not trying hard enough, and now, I’m a victim of conditioning. I can’t work at home at all and I take every opportunity to get out of the house if I want to work. Sure, I get my shit done, but I’m also running away from the problem of self-discipline instead of fixing it.

    Just some food for thought on a Friday night.