30th November 2022 Wednesday - pushy

 

L1. Block A

skim coated soffit of slab and beams

setting out of metal door frames

morning tea

29th November 2022 Tuesday - slow molasses

 November seems to move like slow molasses in winter, we have logged in so many miles already and we are still in the same month. 

Last night, we had dinner with Robyn who arrived about a week ago, the others were there as well. When I observe from a distance, it felt like all of us were slightly drifting apart; all preoccupied with our life battles and worries (work, aging parents, health, children). I would like to have a quiet dinner with the Lims one of these days, I don't see them as often as the architects. 

Tonight also seem to close a chapter of another relationship. I should make more of an effort but I don't feel inclined. It takes too much work and I am tired, and also aware that too much effort makes it forced (and fake) doesn't it?. Last week we met with Brian in KL to catch up after three years, after which we wanted to make the next appointment to catch up again. There was so much to talk about - there was little effort needed.

28th November 2022 Monday - Public Holiday

 

Today is a public holiday, declared so by the new Prime Minister after he was elected. Despite this, some of us arrived to work; Fiona, LH, Sean, Leong, and SL and George in KL. 

Penghui was busy meeting new clients in Puchong and I was in to tidy up pieces; and again got into a complicated discussion with SL - who had her point of view which did not jive exactly with mine. It is time consuming, but I tell myself that this is good for the office because it takes different folks to make things work. 

In the midst of our phone conversation, she said; ...I am not arguing but...( I reminded myself to tell her that I didn't mind her arguing, I encourage it). I should find the right time to tell her. Perhaps when she come to stay over this week.

We had a lunch date with Solomon and his wife, KK who was articulate and very pleasant. She seemed to me like a no-nonsense type who would do as she says and not cut corners (listening to her stories about collecting her daughter from school). She is from Kl and shared some common memories with Sam. She also shared a observation about her husband who was a little long winded and lo-so.

27th November 2022 Sunday - rest day

 

26th November 2022 Saturday - building plans

 

25th November 2022 Friday - Once a prisoner, now the 10th prime minister of Malaysia

 

24th November 2022 Thursday - rushing for work

Folks in the office were working late tonight, including Sean; we are preparing for a meeting with Rewi tomorrow. He likes to have a projects update once in a while, we have 6 with him. 

1. There is a condominium project in Sibu, every unit has a garden/outdoor terrace attached to it. We agreed to have planning submission ready before Christmas. (above)

2.There is a housing project with an Australian architect, we have submitted that for a building permit - we will brief the Australian architect next week as a matter of courtesy. 

3.We also have a housing scheme in Matang for bumiputras; a practical and well thought through scheme - we submit for building permit in December. 

4.We are also building a showroom and offices we are working with SML on this one from years ago, we should note that some projects can take years to get build; meaning cash flow can be slow.

5. Last week, we were given 44 units of affordable housing; I will work on the with Sherlin - good training for everyone. 

6. Lastly, we have the office park development which has been submitted for a planning permit. We are now developing the scheme for a building permit. 

 

He seemed excited about the meeting; preparing small bites and coffee to sustain us - I briefed initially, then Leong and Sean took over for Sibu and later still, Fiona took over for the office park with the engineers. As they briefed him, I got up and served coffee and sandwiches - how I wished someone took a photo of me doing that.