Something is Brewing

I was at IKANO just before the CNY break and I didn’t remember there was much change to the lower ground floor. Today, Anita wanted me to drive her to IKEA after work and I was surprise to see that the whole floor had been closed for refurbishment when I was walking around looking for dinner.

All the shops, including the small stalls lining the corridor were no where in sight. Instead there were covered by placards saying somebody “Swede” was taking over. And that could only be one thing .... IKEA was taking over IKANO!

Or at least the lower ground floor.

I was not sure how long the shops would be closed. And once it was opened, how it would be like. Or whether it would be IKEA after all. So, watch this space ...

IKEA

One thing I hate about IKEA was the long checkout queue. I ended up either just browsing, or go there on a morning in off. Going during weekends was a definite no no.

Idlan had been pestering me to get him some furnitures for his room. And he specifically mentioned IKEA. Reluctantly I had to go there. Since they were still in their holidays, I though going on a week might would be a stroll in the park.

Wrong.

It was packed last evening at the store, and I ended up just browsing. It also seemed that they were doing a bit of renovation. Part of the showroom were closed and the flow had to be diverted. And I felt that the number of items on show was lesser than usual. Maybe they were in the midst of changing their catalogue. Anyway, we ended up having the meatballs at the cafe after some looking around.

We had a few ideas but Idlan's room at the apartment was rather small. With the built-in cabinet and his bed and TV, fitting in a big table would be a tight squeeze. We had to get the measurement just right then.

And finally .... meatballsBack to the drawing board. But the meatballs were heavenly though.... That alone was worth the trip. ‎

The New Table

After the search for the study table last Thursday, I finally had it liveried to the apartment. By IKEA. I paid for it to be assembled as well since I imagined it would be hard work, especially when I won ld be on call this weekend and next. They came over just before noon, and I was still in clinic then. Puan Anita was at the apartment then, so she was the one arranging the delivery.

My table was finally installed, so when I arrived after my afternoon round to see the table, I was surprised that it was assembled the wrong way around. I bought a table, and paid extra for an extension on the left hand end. Instead, the extension was installed to the right side, causing the arrangement in the room with all the other planned furniture going to pots.

I couldn't be bothered to wait for the installer to come back - they had another delivery to do next weekend - and took it upon myself to dismantle and reassemble the table. So, the drills came out, and half an hour later, all was well.

When I arranged for the delivery, I made sure that the staff they understood the configuration I wanted since the table was part of a system which you could mix and match. I suspect that the message did not get thorough to the installers who came to the apartment today. At least they got all the parts across, as it would have been a disaster otherwise.

Am I happy with the table? Well, it could be better, but at least I know that the table could be dismantled in the future when we move out. The chair was also very comfortable. Next, I would need to buy a convertible bed as the study would also be the guest room. The wiring and next the computer and printers would also need to be sorted out. That would be next month ....

Double Standards

Singaporean had been feeling the heat of their general attitude of looking up to foreigners, especially from mainland China and of course the West. This was illustrated clearly during the recent 4 am accident involving a Ferrari driven by a Chinaman, and a local Singaporean cabby, resulting in multiple death. To everybody's disgust, the local media portrayed the culprit driving the Ferrari as a saint, and put the blame squarely on the cabby. The matter was put to bed when a video of the incident was released on YouTube a few days later. A rather stunning u-turn happened.

Now, I feel that this idolisation of these foreigners, especially Caucasian gwai loh must stop. I was on my day off today, and on two separate occasions, I was discriminated against.

The first was at IKEA this morning. It took me more than 10 minutes to get help despite the place was practically empty - the problem being the staff was occupied by a foreigner and staff from another department insisted on me waiting for her. The sad thing was, I was wanted to check on availability and to check on measurements. I was dead certain to splash RM2500 on all these goods.

The staff then disappeared, and I had to wait for a further 10 minutes. I was fuming! But I still had to go through this as I took the day off just to sort out my study, and I had no time to sulk.

The second episode happened in the late afternoon, at Marks and Spencer, Suria KLCC. Again, it was a challenge to get the attention of the salesperson. But I understood that it was rather busy. After picking up what I wanted, I went to the check-out, where to my surprise, my shoes were bundled into a green plastic bag, and I was sent my merry way. Then I saw a gwai loh actually had his shoes tucked nicely into a box. I turned around and asked the lady behind the counter, "Adis, kenapa Mat Salleh tu dapat kotak, tapi saya tak dapat?" Sigh! Maybe he paid twice the amount I paid for his shoes then.

The girl replied, "saya tak tahu Abang nak kotak sekali." Facepalm! That's it, we should propose that the government impose a 50% sales tax to foreigners. They can then enjoy a superior service to us poor locals 1Malaysians.

Day Off Tomorrow

I have decided to take a day off tomorrow while sorting out some personal matters, but I realised that there were plenty of things were still on my plate. But looking at the whole picture, I should take the day off since my other colleagues would be away next week, and I would be very busy then.

So, what shall I be doing then? Puan Anita wanted me to sort out my study at the apartment. I could do with a table and chair so that, rather than use the dining table to do my paper work, I should be using that instead. But, I don't really fancy going to IKEA during school holidays. We might end up going to VIVA Home Center instead then.

We could also go to watch "Avenger" instead. Hmm! Decisions. Decisions.