Dumpling and Soccer

Weekend activity: Dumpling and Soccer.

Went to a Chinese colleague's house on Saturday, and was having some kitchen chat with her.
We were supposed to made dumpling together, but my skill was so bad, she ended up making all of it. And my responsibility was to finish those dumplings.

It tasted real good, and I came home with an over-fed stomach.

I intended to keep the Sunday open, so that I could do some window shopping in the shopping mall. So I pushed away the frisbee game with other colleagues, rejected the lunch with some fellow Malaysians in the sushi restaurant.

I woke up late, had a good chat with CX in Derby on the MSN. Didn't know the built in webcam in my new laptop actually comes with built in microphone as well. Awesome. So we both gave each other a house tour by carrying the laptop around.

By the time we are done, it is already 2pm, and if I didn't leave the house by then, it wouldn't worth going to the shopping mall any later. So I drove out... as I was about 3 miles away from the shopping mall, I received a sms from Mr. Techno, asking if I would like to join them for the soccer game -- Manchester United vs. Kansas Wizards.

I longed for that game since before the World Cup, but reckoned that I couldn't find anyone to go with me, nor do I know how to get the tickets. So I gave up and never thought about it.

When his sms came in, it didn't sink into me, that it is this weekend that the Man-U is playing. I continued driving for a while, and finally realised that I should probably join them. Made a U-turn 1 mile away from the shopping mall, made a phone call to Techno and I was there 1 hours before the game starts.

Didn't bring any camera, the lousy phone could take picture, but couldn't download it.

Half way in the second half, the football went to the audience seats, someone threw a beach ball back to the field instead.

Lots of people brought their Vuvuzela, I thought that was plain annoying.

The game was pretty disappointing, Man-U players seemed to have totally drenched themselves in their own sweat, running very slowly. We decided to leave early, it was 15 mins before the game ends, MU 1 - KW 2. It was an embarrassing match in my opinion.

Generally, I think it is a good experience -- watching live football definitely feels different than watching it in front of the TV.

Ironic enough, I rooted for the Royals last week for the baseball game, they lost. I rooted for the Manchester United this week, they lost. I guess next time I shall root for the opposite side instead.

New Laptop with Window 7

Bought a new laptop recently, out of necessity.

I think the last time I owned a laptop, I was running some simulation, and burnt the hard disk while the computer were working overnight.

Since then I switched to desktop, and carried that desktop all the way from UK back to Malaysia. It has served me well for more than 5 years, and still running. I didn't bring it with me when coming to USA.

I came here with the company laptop, and have been surviving with it until I have this new laptop. This Dell Inspiron is the basic model, I was struggling between a netbook and a proper laptop. Since I brought along the drawing tablet, I feared that the netbook would not be able to cope with the drawing.

Anyway, the Inspiron arrived my house shortly after lunch today. It is pretty sleek, and it is larger than I expected. The only thing I dislike, is the glossy finish body -- It is covered with my finger prints now.

Window 7 is a brand new experience. I dislike the fact that they are mimicking Apple OS, and I couldn't access the C:\ drive. Will try to find my way round it.

Though my old Corel Painter Essential is no longer supported by Window 7, it is compensated with a better Paint -- with some basic brushes to choose from. I like the fact that the interface between the drawing tablet and the Window7 has improved, writing is feeling much more natural now.

Haven't fully explored the laptop and the softwares yet. My guess is, it shouldn't be too different from the Window principles we have gathered over the decades. Let's see...

Aircraft and Baseball

Received a flyer about a month ago, in the apartment mail room, regarding an aircraft expo and open house organised by the Commemorative Air Force - Heart of America Wing, at Olathe Century Air Center. The flyer was buried by piles of paperwork on my dining table, I totally forgotten about it. It mysteriously came out yesterday -- the day of the expo, when I was having my breakfast.

So I drove to the venue, and had some fun looking at those military vehicles and aircraft display. Managed to climb into one of the small little one (yes, the one in the picture). It is a really small two person aircraft. It is made of wood and canvas, very light weight.


Saw the Spooky (gunship) and Sea Horse (chopper) that served the Vietnam war (still have bullet holes), I am too lazy to upload the photos. There were many other aircrafts on display, one guy even flew one of the plane, which was amateur made. On the open ground, there were also some antique cars which we saw on those old English show. There was a band performance in the warehouse, some indoor activities for families and kids, and some indoor display of other stuffs. I typically fond of these:

There are a few other, larger guns on display, again, I am too lazy to upload them here. My affection towards guns started when I had my first shooting with my colleagues, I was thoroughly thrilled by the smell of gun powder, and the power that comes out from such small little thing. It is an engineering piece, that turns into art and requires a huge amount of respect.

That was my Saturday activity highlight. On Sunday, I went to a baseball game.

I got the tickets on Thursday evening from my colleague -- two seasonal tickets, with free car park. She and her husband couldn't go, because her brother in law is visiting on Sunday. I could turn it down, because I know if I did, I would regret it. The next problem then becomes how to find someone to go with me. I knew Mr. Techno would love the game, but I didn't want to create any misunderstanding; I tried asking a Malaysian colleague, who is 10 years younger than me, guess what? The misunderstanding I tried to avoid with Mr. Techno, now appears between me and this Malaysian colleague. What could I say? I guess the social etiquette just sucks.

So eventually, I asked this intern girl, who stays in the same apartment community as me. She was feeling extremely bored the moment the game started, while I was shouting and cheering.

The Royals' performance was not as good as I thought, may be their opponent, the Oakland Athletics, were too strong?

Some of the mini games that interacts with the audience and kids are pretty funny, I typically love the running competitions organised by Heinz. They had three kids from the audience dressed up like sausages, one tomato sausage (red), one mustard (yellow) and one relish (green). Had them run for about 1 mile. When the kids were running, they sausage costume looks funny, as it would "nod" along the way. Mustard took the lead, followed by ketchup and relish.

I generally love the baseball game, it is a relaxing outing with family and friends. Though the weather was extremely hot, the crowd didn't mind at all. I hope I get to go to another baseball game again, and this time, with someone who knows baseball and enjoys it.

Those who has my facebook, I have uploaded the pictures there. The blogspot uploading simply takes too long, and I keep having to get into html mode to move the pictures to the right place, that's why I get lazy uploading pictures here.

Problem solving

There was three vibration problems reported yesterday alone.
One was solved, the reaming two we requested for more information.

I was very excited when vibration issues are reported. Of course I can't show my smiley face in front of everyone, but I can't stop smiling. So I went to toilet, locked myself in the cubical, smile and laugh (mute laugh) all I might, and come out with the cool Vinegar, ready for the discusssions.

I guess everyone in the team are genuinely interested to solve any engineering issues, and are, to certain extend have some sense of success when the problem is solved. But guys are generally cool and don't show much of expression, if not frowning when focused. So it would be strange for me to appear so joyous.

It is no good to show a smiley face when the problem rises, because whenever there are any engineering problems, someone out there is splitting their hairs, getting scolded, and having headache to pull together the evidence, not only to find out the causes but also to find out whose fault, in order to lay the bill to that party. The project/sales/warranty departments would be all stressed up. So it is very inconsiderate for me to be happy over someone's, or many others' misery.

But one thing I learned, is to face the problem head on, take responsibilities and be prepared for unforeseen mistakes, due to one's lack of experiences. I learned the lesson the hard way, when everyone was pushing the responsibilities away, I find it hard to overcome my thoughts -- why do I have to take responsibilities of something that has nothing to do with me? The fact is, as long as you are involved in the project, everything in the project has something to do with you. As long as you start facing your responsibilities head on, you would be the one that is giving commands and determine the sail direction. Then suddenly, everything just falls into the places.

This is one thing I really appreciate for the colleagues in the headquarter, because all of them take responsibilities of their work. Not only that, they even extend their responsibilities to checking each other's work, without being asked. And pointed out their comments when they found mistakes, and people seem to be able to swallow the comments well.

I wonder if I could bring this culture back home?

British food

Sigh, after seaching for 3 months, I have finally come to know that THERE IS NO FREAKING MARMITE IN USA!!!!

I am so sad.

As I surfed online for alternative Marmite supply chains, I have come to know that Marmite is a British stuff. Man, I used to hate British food, because they are plain, the only seasoning would be salt and pepper... BUT, I have finally realised that I have been taking things for granted, they have the ebony elixir -- Marmite!

The worst thing is, as I browsed, I found out more things that I missed... like the Bisto gravy. I used to love having Christmas turkey with lots of gravy. Even having beef with gravy. I would make the meat swim in the pool of gravy.

But in Kansas, though the beef tasted good, there is no gravy! The only sauce most people use here, is the BBQ sauce. How disappointing.

Sigh, I used to complain about British food so much, but now I am craving for their Marmite and thick brown viscous gravy.

It is sad that the Americans don't even know what they have missed.

Journey to be a woman

I have lived my life much like a man so far, except I wear bra, though without having breasts. (There are lots of men who has huge dangling breasts and don't wear any supports...)

Anyway, back to the topic.

The main reason I made up my mind to be a woman, is because I hope that I could be prettier, by putting more effort onto myself. I have never been pretty before, so I wish to at least smell the taste of being a little nicer looking. And I hope it would help me getting some confidence in myself.

The reason I lived like a guy over the years, was mainly out of convenience. The working conditions didn't permit me to wear any make up, or jewelleries, or pretty clothes -- and I am a workaholic, i.e. no life after work, so these things aren't necessary. It was also a safety cover to me -- no guys would be interested in a butch, right? Right? No. (Don't ask me how I know.)

So, why bother?

While I am crawling my way from the butch end, I don't expect myself turning into a total femme. Let's just face the fact -- a flat chest, elephant legs, huge round flat face and dark skins... I already know how far, or near(?), I could go, but at least I tried.

Don't even try to persuade me with -- "Oh, no one has perfect body." Because that's just lame when one said it as the person that has the things, that the others don't have.

I guess my lesson 101 to be a woman should also include -- effective communication with b!tches.

Lake of Ozark on 4th July

Went to Lake of Ozark in Missouri over the long weekend. With some Malaysian friends, there is also a Singaporean and a Thai couple among us.

Each of us was responsible for specific tasks, mine was non-alcoholic drinks. I have to say the Thai couple did an amazing job by preparing all the kick-ass meals. The Singaporean guy was trying hard to shake away his Singaporean male traits, but I guess he was trying too hard. He rode with me to the lake.

I guess I was making people uncomfortable too... I was told in various occassions, that I have seen many things beyond them. And when I speak, the whole table kinda become quiet. I don't know if those were compliments or tease, I don't know if they were listening with attention or were just thinking I was boasting, and can't wait for me to finish. Based on my experience, it is almost always turned out to be the latter case. That's why I prefer to hide myself, so that I won't need to put myself under the spotlight.

Don't think I have seen many things, because there are many people who have more intriguing stories out there, and there are still a lot of things I don't know. I also find it hard to get a balance, as in, when to expose yourself, and when to keep quiet. I feel uncomfortable to expose, because I felt that people will then feel pressurised being with me. But people here kept encouraging me to be open and be myself. I guess I have not been myself often enough, it is hard to expose with tact and finesse.

We didn't see much of Ozark, mostly just chilling at the cheap lodging by the lake, drinking and playing some games. The drinking card games were really silly and funny. I wished I have seen more of the Ozark area.

On our way to the lake, I had a minor incident -- It was a sharp turn, with high speed, under a sudden decision by my passenger. So the vehicle was drifting, tyre was squeeking a little, but luckily there wasn't any car coming in any direction, and thanks to the flatness of Missouri, I didn't get any damage, drew a few lines on the highway and the rocky shoulders. I was then told by my passenger, that I should have stepped on the brake pedal and taught me how I could do it better. I was pretty offended, because I was trying my best to take control of the vehicle, due to his sudden change of mind, and myself didn't stood up to my judgement (not to turn in there). And I was later asked if I should consider letting him drive instead -- "because guys has better control of the machines". Hell no, I don't think he could do it better than myself under the same circumstances, and I don't like arrogant male touching my hot-rod.

Well, back to the trip. There is an outlet mall in Ozark, which according to the girls, is the only place in the midwest area, that has a Coach outlet. We went in there, I didn't find anything fancy, except one little green pouch. But didn't get it, because it is not something I would use often enough to spend so much -- it is way too over priced. There were lots of women grabbing those handbags as if it was free, men were sitting by the window, with prams and sulky faces. Somehow, these handbags look good with every woman, except when I slung it over my shoulder -- I don't seem sophisticated enough to carry the handbags. Sigh......

The trip to lake of Ozark has also given me some chance to see the native midwestern American lifestyle. It seems that most of them spent their holidays by the lakes -- drinking and chilling. We met a few Americans, who don't even know what is Stella Artois, they have been drinking Bud Lite all these while. I am not a good drinker, in a sense that my face turn red quickly and have low alcohol tolerance, but I am picky on the alcohol. In my humble opinion, Bacardi breezer, Leffe (blonde and brunette), Stella Artois, Heineken and Guinness are way better.

On the return trip, the same passenger rode with me, again asked to take over the wheel. I blatantly replied "I don't like people driving my car."

*Extra: I forgot to mention that the passenger was fiddling around with my navigation system, trying to make it shut up, so that he could have some quiet moments. That was how he got to become the "navigator" and led to certain "accident" I mentioned above. Not to mention that he had failed to lead us to the destination, despite proudly pronuncing that he knows his ways.

Stalker at Nelson-Atkins

Went back to the Nelson-Atkins Museum over the weekend, because the Egypt exhibition will end this month, so that was the last chance for me to take a peek, before they pack everything away.

It was really pack, and I couldn't really enjoy the whole exhibition much, because of the crowd, and because of a stalker.

Anyway, managed to see a male mummy, wrapped. I am curious to open up the bandage, but of course, that's not what every museum would like to display.

So, my visit started in the Egypt chamber, which is where I started notice this man with olive green singlet, and washed-out navy green three quarter pants, and a cap with dirty blood red colour. He is pretty short, about my height, with a beer belly.

I then moved onto the Greek and Roman Catholic chamber, which displayed a lot of naked men sculptures, with their shafts mysteriously broken away. I always admire these three-dimensional arts, because it is so real, that you wonder how much effort was put into the sculpture, and how much more failures had the artist made before making such breathtaking sculptures...

Anyway, I guess it was a wrong image, to have a single lady staring at naked men sculptures for longer than certain time. Aparently, not long after I leave the Roman chamber and entered the Gothic chamber, this guy came to me, "How are you today?" I replied with a nod and smile and walked away.

As I was enjoying myself looking at the largest wood painting in that chamber, this man came to me and asked abruptly, "Do you think I could call you some time? Can I have your phone number?" I gazed at him, and said, "No, sorry." and continue looking at the painting. He walked away.

I didn't know how I did it, but I wasn't as surprised as last time. Anyway, as I strolled across chamber to chamber, this man was aways within my vicinity. So I decided to leave when I finished the English pottery chamber, and it was before the closing time.

As I walked across the sculpture garden, the man was behind me too. I tried to walk on my pace, without feeling worried. And waited at the traffic junction for the pedestrian crossing light to turn green. I was pretty scared, and I don't want this man to realise that, so I called my friend, asking if he has arrived in Kansas.* This man was at the edge of the garden while I was at the junction, we both stopped. Knowing that he won't follow too close, I crossed the street slowly, so that by the time I was at the other end, the pedestrian light is no longer green.

I dashed to my car, and started the engine, without my GPS. As I pulled to the exit junction, I saw him rushing towards my car. I quickly entered the main road, and drive away. I didn't know how to go home from there, but decided to drive far enough then only switch on the GPS, and let it picks up the satelite signal as I continued driving along.

That was quite an experience.

*My friend paid me a surprise visit on Saturday night, he called me in the morning telling me he will be arriving around dinner time. But as I talked to him over the phone, he said he would be late.

Anyway, it was a very relaxing weekend, to have a friend to chit chat all day long. I felt that my silent moments in Kansas has all been equalised by chatting so much over his one day stay.