The Helper

The Cash Register and the Computer

Going around I observe the present business scenario requires a cash register and at times a computer indicating inventory status. Perhaps even more impending is the need to have someone to manage the equipment.

At a local coffee outlet in Muar where I usually frequent with my parents , I noticed that the old couple who used to man the business not there to attend to our order, In place is a new combination; an old man and a young man. The old one did the coffee making while the younger one saw to the taking of order but more importantly registering the sale. It looks as if the business cannot go on without the lad because of the new business requirement on GST. The ill -equipped without computer knowledge has an uphill challenge.

Next, the noodle stall which caters to many for breakfast and lunch which was once manned by an industrious lady is now manned by a refreshing group of younger ones; her sons, daughters and in laws. Now, I have been told she only sees to baby sitting duties. I suspect it could be related to the new regulation too. Every sale of drink and noodles is registered. This would be too much for her to manage. So, the young computer savvy ones will have to take over; other wise it is another closure story.

Back in Subang Jaya, I was delighted to see an ex-student managing the cash register to help his parents. Casually, I mentioned to the parents that they were fortunate to have a son who now helps manage the business. The father looked into my eyes and reiterated that he would quit without him. That is was too much for him to handle stock and register. Another young lad coming to the aid of the older generation.

The reliable abacus

Have you ever seen this? The abacus.

Ha. Stories from ancient days, My father is good with figures chiefly because he has been trained by this equipment. The Chinese back in my father's days were taught to add and multiply with it, It's speed is commendable. But I have never learnt how it is operated. My father is an expert at it but when it comes to the computer, he gave up. Truly his spirit is willing but his flesh is weak. 

At the bottom line, business has to be aided with technology known only to the literate and right language. It's taking a toll on the not so savvy ones and it is quite sad to see small, quaint businesses closing down to avoid going against the law. Well, that's part of progress, I suppose.

It's just a reflection on the changes in life.

 

Little Happenings

The evening walks.

The only form of exercise that I do when in Muar is either walking up flights of stairs or scouring the town on legs. To be honest, I love the latter as it gives me pleasure to see the changes in the town of my childhood. 

I am delighted to notice the names of the streets explained with its history; how the name of the street came about and for what reason. So this is something new I observe. Walking around in the evenings force me to open my eyes and observe.

 It is not uncommon to land up along Jalan Junid and my eyes instantly roved to this little hut. Oh the memories that came with it, I remember how we girls would hang around this place after school for drinks, food, papers and ice cream. The little grocery shop is famous among us and I recalled the funny Indian national that transpired business here. He was a hard worker with no day off. Sometimes he grated coconut for his customers and the many tit bits attracted a lot of us. 

I wonder where that store keeper is at the moment; has he gone back to India or is he still around? How has the GST affected him? How is he handling his business? Maybe he has left?

 My eyes naturally roamed to the gate opposite the store. Yes, that was the famous gate where much transpired. It is the little gateway to freedom from school. No, we girls are not so naughty as boys. We still observe our school rules dutifully unlike some real naughty fellas in school these days. Why do boys so boldly walk out of the school gate without qualms? Parents do teach and admonish I believe; yet the boys are so recalcitrant. I hate to think of whatever is happening in school; the many acts of defiance and ill discipline, Surely sparing the rod is not helping the situation but yet the law protects the minors and cause heartaches among teachers.

My Alma mater , I cannot forget. It was here that values and friendship were developed and retained. Schools are such important institutions; it is there sons and daughters are  nurtured and churned. I have been a good daughter of my Alma mater and have done her proud. I want to say thank her for the learning and guidance that I received throughout my teenage years. I have developed leadership skills through the many activities and opportunities given. 

SMK Sultan Abu Bakar (Per) has given me fond memories that I can cherish for life.

Walking in the evening also saw me looking at the quaint traditional houses dotted along the promontory of the town. The houses are uniquely built and comfortably created. One look at them will cause you to love them. However, many have been pulled down and new ones with modern architecture are constructed in their place. It's a sad thing to see the replacement.

The houses have a ground floor which is airy and cool. 

Families will gather here for round table talks and have fun together.

I believe it is here that babies and children play and grow up.

In the town where trees are as old as ancient times, the price of land has sky rocketed too. A call to an agent shocked me to the core when I was informed that a sq foot fetch a figure as high as RM 200.00 That's a figure for a small town. Perhaps I am behind times too. That my understanding and perception of the place is too naive. Oh, the change that has surely taken place.

Today I finally had the opportunity to taste chicken at this outlet.

Why was  I so delighted? I had a chance to eat at Chicken Delight.

This outlet was known to both dad and I during our dating days more than 3 decades away. Many a time I tried to come here but the doors were not opened.

Back then when KFC was unknown, having a meal at this outlet was heavenly. We wondered if the chicken was as good as before. Honestly, we have forgotten how it tasted so we longed for a re-visitation.

That was the spring chicken presented to us.

Yes, the chicken is small and not fat. Perhaps that's the niche. Small and fatless.

Ask me how it tasted.

It was plain but crunchy. It lacked spices and marination. The crunchiness did the trick. Otherwise, it would have been a futile trip. 

The delight thus was only short-lived. No more craving.

Arriving at mum's condo was nice. The sea breeze is obvious and pleasant. On top of that, the place is clean and makes living comfortable.

 Even potted plants can grow to the size of trees.

Do you notice the mango tree?

At this height, the tree has bore fruits. We have consumed some of them. Some trees on ground do not even fruit. So, thumbs up for my mum's green fingers.

But a greater and more fantastic discovery is the existence of a bee hive on the tree. Quietly, left on its own the bees spindled a hive with honey in it. This is the first time I had such a close look. Amazing. I wonder what is going to happen to the whole story. Can honey be actually harvested? 

I really wonder.

So the story has to end here for the week as I make my way back to Subang Jaya again.

A Last Resort

Sara's Pet.

When she was a little girl, she used to received furry stuff; kangaroos, teddy bears, cats, dogs and the list. But you will grow out of them and soon they will be stored away. A stuffed toy tucked away for more than 2 decades is hard to find but eureka we still have one of them. What do we do with some of them? Recycle? Give away? We found a new use.

Dad's outdoor ceiling is high; he loves the tropical feel and would not agree to anything less. It's difficult to convince him about buildings and looks and I have given up long ago. I know where my strengths are and my weaknesses too. So, we learn to keep quiet when the forte is not there.

His high ceiling does provide a challenge though. 

What is the challenge you may ask?

No, not the cleaning part only.

Guess it.

Bird droppings.

The birds chirp beautifully in the mornings but they leave behind droppings that are detestable. It's not fun to have to get rid of them each day. The birds get bolder by the day. 

So, what do we do with them?

I know in Muar some homes face the same problem because I have seen residents hanging used cds to scare away the birds.

Yes, to scare them away. 

Sometimes dad's memory is good when a need arises.

Where is Sara's pet cat?

We dug it out !

It looks real, doesn't it?

There the perfect scare.

The watchdog of the house.

Not afraid of the rain and sun.

What a good use.

But the best news.

No droppings this morning.

That's why I am sharing with you the good news.

Try it, friends.

Learning Again

 What to do?

 Perhaps the most painful thing after retirement is not knowing what exactly to embark on.

I know my days ahead will be quite a handful as I await patiently for the arrival of a new born.

Yet, the days here right now have to be spent well. It is difficult to digest the fact that I am of no economic value anymore. Days of the past were associated with a routine and even holidays are paid ones. It is not easy to accept that I am now no longer able to be on a regular job. But why do I have to work again? A silly question but nevertheless a relevant one. So, I am looking for things to do.

 As I unpacked my things, I looked at this school bag of mine with much nostalgia. This bag had accompanied me for many years; it carried my files, tupperwares of food and drink and I have never left home for school without it. It had served me well. It was with many memories as I tucked it aside in the store.

Then I saw this photo; a reminder that I have actually retired.

The memory was good.

 It was a tremendous 60th birthday celebration. I must thank my country for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and retire in the best possible way. I had so many friends and loved ones around me on my birthday. How to thank everyone ?

At a quiet dinner at home where my children surrounded me, I was pampered with a home-made cake by Sara. Look at the detailing of the cake. Can you guess the names of the images? Grace, Esther, Sara?

An evening of unbelief. I am finally 60.

But the best is to be with the lot ... they call themselves The Golden Girls. Yes, I need to look for that lot! The retirees. The first thing to do is to be in touch with old friends and be part of the group. The meeting was conducted in a mall over breakfast. Do you know any of them? Pn Looi cheekily commented; " so nice, no need to take instructions from you "...hahahahahaha. 

By the way it is really nice not to give instructions !

So, the latest information went around and it is indeed good to be in touch again. 

When one retires, the first thing to do is to be in touch with all again. It is sad to be alone. 

So, organize parties, call your friends and stay relevant.

The first lesson; do not be a hermit.