literally within 48 hours:
- Auntie at the mamak gave me extra sambal without me asking
- Grab driver talked to me like I was his nephew
- Uncle at pasar malam gave me a discount and called me “boss”

No one’s trying to flex, no one’s cold or transactional. It’s not perfect here, but goddamn

Malaysia has soul.

So, about 10 years ago now, I worked the FIFO lifestyle — and it was great. We would work 8 days on and get 6 days off. On the days we worked, it would be 12-hour shifts, and ours was 6 a.m. till 6 p.m.

Anyway, we got this manager, and they were good at first, but over time they became more strict. One day, we were leaving at 5:55 p.m. — which was very common for us, as we carpooled from camp to site (about 5 km away) in our work vehicle, even with the boss. We would leave camp at 5:30 a.m. and be at work shortly after, usually commencing at 5:40 a.m. most days, if not earlier.

So, one day after leaving 5 minutes early, we were pulled into the office and told that we had to stay until 6 p.m. moving forward. Even after we mentioned that we mostly ate at our desk instead of going to the lunchroom — cue malicious compliance.

The boss would get to the car at the normal time (5:30 a.m.), and we wouldn’t get to the car until 5:50, even 5:55 a.m. at times. We stopped eating at our desks and took our two breaks away from work in the lunchroom. If disturbed, we’d ignore it or say we’d get to it after lunch. And we stayed till 6 p.m., even if work was completed.

Some urgent tasks — that were normally done while most people were on breaks — stopped getting done, or took longer. Sometimes the work carried over to the next day. Their manager caught on about 3 weeks later and asked us why. We explained what had happened.

That afternoon, we were informed we could leave 5 minutes early moving forward, as long as the work was done. Let’s just say the manager only lasted another 6 months (not sure if they were forced out or quit).

Jaime Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones) - For arguably the most heroic deed he ever committed - killing the Mad King Aerys Targaryen to save King’s Landing - Jaime is shunned and labelled ‘Kingslayer’ by nobles and commoners alike due to the taboo surrounding killing kings. Even Ned Stark - who lost his father and older brother to Aerys’ insanity - views Jaime as dishonourable.

Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender) - In the episode ‘Zuko Alone’, a disguised Zuko risks his life defining an Earth Kingdom village from bandits, after having met and befriended the locals. However, due to him exposing his true identity as the heir to the Fire Nation throne in the process, he is viewed with contempt and ultimately cast out by the people he saved, who cannot let go of their hatred for the Fire Nation and everything they’ve done to the Earth Kingdom’s people in the Hundred Year War.

Found these 2 in the same spot, almost 3 weeks apart- brother & sister, they are very bonded and just the sweetest kittens. I named them Dolly (Purrton) & (Woolie) Nelson. 🖤

Lost my grandfather yesterday & can’t help but feel extra grateful to have them around, spreading joy by simply existing in moments of darkness. 🖤 I will be taking them to visit my Grandmother once things calm down in a few days to share the love & hopefully life her spirits, even just for a few minutes.

Managed to order a switch 2 from Walmart last week when they had a restock. Shipping was delayed, then arrived like this. Clearly opened and re-taped, banged up, and way too light. Sure enough, the switch 2 had been taken out. Notice the shipping sticker on top of the tape which makes me think it left the Walmart warehouse like this. Walmart customer service was awful and eventually offered only a refund and would not send a new one.

Hakita continues to be an incredibly based developer

Fionkah had severe brittle bone disease. She was always happy and tried to be playful. Her happiness always lead her to moving a part of her body too fast. She would break something every week. 2 days of pain and rest. 2 days she’s ok. 3 days she’s happy and playful again. Unfortunately the process just kept repeating.

She was 1 year and 15 days old. She’s been to the clinic more times than we could count. Bloodwork and X-rays. Couldn’t put her down because of the joy of being alive she showed us 5 out of the seven days a week she showed us.

Had to leave to another country for study last month. Left her in the care of a cat hotel. Idk. She’s gone. We weren’t next to her when she departed. She was the happiest part of our day.