Not so long ago, I rejected a job offer to work as a Japanese Translator for an automotive company in Barrie, which is about 2 hrs north of Toronto, simply because I was not so sure about moving there and live a lonely life without friends in the city (again).
Then I was given this opportunity to work as a manager for a health institution in Toronto, and since I was always interested in having my own business in future, this one appeared and sounded excellent to me.
As each day passed by, I learned more about the company, and more I became suspicious re: how the company ran the business. The fact how they refused to issue a contract agreement when I requested for one was a first sign to begin with. They did also refuse to pay 1.5 times my hourly rate, when they asked me to work approx. 50 hrs/week. I basically learned so many shady/unrespected ways of their operation (that I do not want to even bother write here) that I made a decision to just get out from this company before I get into a huge trouble.
Informing my boss of my wish to leave was stressful.
He asked me why. I basically told him my honest opinion and reasons.
On the next day, he called and asked me to work until the end of the month.
I said: "how would you assure me that you are going to pay me properly?"
He: silence.
He: "Well, I guess I have to respect your decision then". and he was going to hang up on me.
So I said: "How can you pay for the days that I worked for you?"
He: "Oh, I thought you made you decision being prepared in case you would not get paid".
I: "I think you know that I have worked very hard and more than you demanded me. And therefore, I believe I deserve to get paid".
He: "I will tell my wife to write you a cheque then".
There is no need for me to express how I felt.
I just want to cut off this negative energy that affected me physically, mentally and emotionally already.
Please wish me good luck so that the cheque that I plan on getting this weekend covers all the hours that I worked for.
Fucking basterds who take advantage of others. I have no respect for such people in this universe.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Another stressful incidence
Well, I was woken up by a scream thru my mobile last nite. It was my youngest sister freaking out and very upset with what I have done re: kids cheating in tests/exams in her summer course that she is enrolled in. In that instant, it triggered me to have a flashback (since I was asleep and have not gained consciousness) was another story, but yes, let's just go on with her story first.
My sister has been studying really hard for this course with her tutor for the past month and told me that it was not fair how more than half of the students have been cheating with our techy devices that are available (mobile/digi cam/calculator).
So I wrote an email addressed to those in authority asking for a confidential investigation and proper punishment on those kids-noting that this needs to be handled very carefully and in confidence because of my sister's privacy. I also wrote in the mail to contact me if he/she has any questions and not my sister.
Guess what?!!
Apparently, the principal came into her class, asked her to come into his room DURING the class, and then on the same day coming into the class for an emergent meeting with all the students and teacher re: cheating.
Who is stupid enough to not know it was my sister who exposed the truth?!!!!
My sister now is so very upset that she has turned the rest of students as her enermy, and feels emotionally, mentally and physically threatened by the anger by those kids who cheated.
I called the principal today asking him what he has done, and telling him that there has been many other ways he could have done differenly (instead of coming to the class immediately like an emotionally retarted child, he could have simply asked the teacher to give her a note asking her to come to his room while no one is watching).
Because of the way how the principal failed to investigate the matter in a discreet manner, it made it obvious that it was my sister who spilled the truth.
Anyway, my sister is really upset now.
I feel like an ass now causing this drama now.
But I did not want her to get bad grade while knowing she has been studying really hard, you know? Basically I had two options. Either I do not do anything about it or fight for my sister's rights.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The principal promised me that he would talk to my sister after her last class and give me a call, but he did not. So I called him. He sounded like a useless and irresponsible ass hole.
I talked to my sister how he communicated with her when she told him how hurt she felt.
He basically told her that there was nothing he could do since the course was over.
He simply suggested her to go and talk to a counselor if any problem rises in September (physical threats and emotional abuse by the cheaters).
But what about all the emotional and verbal abuse that she already received from the cheaters in the class??
I am furious, and I want to fight for my sister and my rights and will report this case to the school disctrict hoping that some proper discipline on this ass hole will be made. It will make my day if he will get fired, but I doubt it. Sometime, I wonder how unfairly people climbed to the level of authority in any insitution/organization. I guess those who are very passionate about teaching and dealing with kids will stay forever as teachers.... Hey Tatsu, if you were reading this, please share your input on this matter. Thanks :)
My sister has been studying really hard for this course with her tutor for the past month and told me that it was not fair how more than half of the students have been cheating with our techy devices that are available (mobile/digi cam/calculator).
So I wrote an email addressed to those in authority asking for a confidential investigation and proper punishment on those kids-noting that this needs to be handled very carefully and in confidence because of my sister's privacy. I also wrote in the mail to contact me if he/she has any questions and not my sister.
Guess what?!!
Apparently, the principal came into her class, asked her to come into his room DURING the class, and then on the same day coming into the class for an emergent meeting with all the students and teacher re: cheating.
Who is stupid enough to not know it was my sister who exposed the truth?!!!!
My sister now is so very upset that she has turned the rest of students as her enermy, and feels emotionally, mentally and physically threatened by the anger by those kids who cheated.
I called the principal today asking him what he has done, and telling him that there has been many other ways he could have done differenly (instead of coming to the class immediately like an emotionally retarted child, he could have simply asked the teacher to give her a note asking her to come to his room while no one is watching).
Because of the way how the principal failed to investigate the matter in a discreet manner, it made it obvious that it was my sister who spilled the truth.
Anyway, my sister is really upset now.
I feel like an ass now causing this drama now.
But I did not want her to get bad grade while knowing she has been studying really hard, you know? Basically I had two options. Either I do not do anything about it or fight for my sister's rights.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The principal promised me that he would talk to my sister after her last class and give me a call, but he did not. So I called him. He sounded like a useless and irresponsible ass hole.
I talked to my sister how he communicated with her when she told him how hurt she felt.
He basically told her that there was nothing he could do since the course was over.
He simply suggested her to go and talk to a counselor if any problem rises in September (physical threats and emotional abuse by the cheaters).
But what about all the emotional and verbal abuse that she already received from the cheaters in the class??
I am furious, and I want to fight for my sister and my rights and will report this case to the school disctrict hoping that some proper discipline on this ass hole will be made. It will make my day if he will get fired, but I doubt it. Sometime, I wonder how unfairly people climbed to the level of authority in any insitution/organization. I guess those who are very passionate about teaching and dealing with kids will stay forever as teachers.... Hey Tatsu, if you were reading this, please share your input on this matter. Thanks :)
Monday, August 08, 2005
THE BEST DELI PERSON EVARRRR
So after work, I stopped by at Dominion to buy some meat and fish products...lately, I have been super busy that I do not get to sit and enjoy my breakfast as I used to...no time for an omelette or crepes from in the morning, but it is important to have a good balanced breakfast to start off my day, so the sandwich meat has been quite handy (making sandwiches or place ham and cheese on crackers for snack).
The deli section of the grocery store was super busy, so I must have waited like 10 minutes before the deli person, a mid 50s old gentleman who looked like a type that would be seen in Harry Potter stories, was able to assist me.
He finally came at front of me and goes: "thank you for your patience and how may I assist with you today?"
I: "Can I get 100 gram of Havarti cheese sliced?"
He sliced the cheese and weighed it in the scale, and the scaled showing "154 gram".
He took the cheese off the scale, and punched *-54* and then placed the cheese back on the scale. Bingo! now that the scale was showing "100 gram", exactly what I asked for.
He put the sticker on the envelop containing 154 gram of Havarti cheese and said: "Thank you for stopping over at the deli section of Dominion. You have a great evening, madam".
He actually helped me with my cooked smoked chicken as well (putting a sticker saying 150 gram on my 180 gram of chicken").. I thought this was very amusing as hell. Did not know what to think of it. He probably did not want to put the sliced meat or cheese back in the fridge cause it goes into the garbage or get rotten having nobody want to buy such slice after someone else anyway, you know? So yeah, it indeed was very smart and generous of him to scam the system and provide me what I exactly ask for. LOL
I tell my dad the same thing when prepring dishes at his restaurant. Since the appearance of each dish is important, we can not overdo things. But if it does not go over the boundary, I (and my grandma) encourage my dad to put more carp sashimi fish on a dish, if we know that it will go into his stomach or someone else's (imagine or not, sometime, our crow pet even gets to eat left over carp fish. LOL).
Anyway, he made my dad :D
The deli section of the grocery store was super busy, so I must have waited like 10 minutes before the deli person, a mid 50s old gentleman who looked like a type that would be seen in Harry Potter stories, was able to assist me.
He finally came at front of me and goes: "thank you for your patience and how may I assist with you today?"
I: "Can I get 100 gram of Havarti cheese sliced?"
He sliced the cheese and weighed it in the scale, and the scaled showing "154 gram".
He took the cheese off the scale, and punched *-54* and then placed the cheese back on the scale. Bingo! now that the scale was showing "100 gram", exactly what I asked for.
He put the sticker on the envelop containing 154 gram of Havarti cheese and said: "Thank you for stopping over at the deli section of Dominion. You have a great evening, madam".
He actually helped me with my cooked smoked chicken as well (putting a sticker saying 150 gram on my 180 gram of chicken").. I thought this was very amusing as hell. Did not know what to think of it. He probably did not want to put the sliced meat or cheese back in the fridge cause it goes into the garbage or get rotten having nobody want to buy such slice after someone else anyway, you know? So yeah, it indeed was very smart and generous of him to scam the system and provide me what I exactly ask for. LOL
I tell my dad the same thing when prepring dishes at his restaurant. Since the appearance of each dish is important, we can not overdo things. But if it does not go over the boundary, I (and my grandma) encourage my dad to put more carp sashimi fish on a dish, if we know that it will go into his stomach or someone else's (imagine or not, sometime, our crow pet even gets to eat left over carp fish. LOL).
Anyway, he made my dad :D
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
My friend, Tomo is the BEST!!
So yesterday, I passed out after chatting with the superintendent of my apartment for about 15 minutes under such humid and hot weather.
I knew that I started feeling a bit weird and sick, but did not think it was much of a big deal, so I kept on talking with him, only to realize that I felt like falling on the ground. LOL (well, may be not that funny..haha)
So I excused myself and walked towards the entrance of the apartment. The superintendent was kind enought to escort me into the apartment and asked me to give him a call if I ever needed him.
I closed th door, and just passed out in the living room area not knowing what just happened.
What a hell did just happened? I had no clue. But I knew that I just passed out. LOL
Then I rushed into the washroom and vomitted (eww).
And the person I saw in the mirror was very pale and had some cold sweat all over her top.
Wow, I think I am really ill then!
So I went to the bed to relax and told myself that I should just forget about all these things that I wanted to do today and just concentrate on Taking It Easy, that's right, people. Kumi needs to take it easy. LOL
I do not necessary mean to always work the whole time always engaging in some productive work doing things mentally and physically, but yes, this incidence made me realize that I really do need to have a good balance of working hard and enjoying relaxation big time.
Thinking back, while I was in Japan, I had less resposibilities and had such a flexible schedule, so I think I was able to manage my stress all right. And I did not really think that returning here in Toronto had much of stress on me, you know? It's true that I was stressed out and concerned about my return here, but once I got here, things got sorted out day after another, while meeting and uniting many wonderful people here, so I was really enjoying my new life here in Toronto making most out of the given moment of time with friends.
On a different perspective, it's also true that this past week has been a first week since I am living my life alone for the past 8 months now, so subconsciously, it had some stress on me.....
----
So I slept until 7pm! and woke up wanting to take care of my laundry. So I got up, brought my laundry to the nearest laundry place (had no change to use the laundry room in the apartment building), and then I basically cleaned my place. I love cleaning, whenever I need to feel refreshed, because I feel as though I am able to let the positive energy come into the cleaned space. :) So I cleansed my space and thought about making some sushi for my lunch the next day.
Then my friend, Tomo called saying that she made me something to eat!
What a sweet offer. She said she was just on her way here, and came here less than 15 minutes after her call. She brought me Japanese congee, okayu and an organic salad.
The Japanese congee was sooooooooo tasty.
The word can not describe how soulfully warm this congee was.
You know, I cook for myself all the time. So whenever someone cooks for me, I can almost (and always) feel the warmth that the person who prepared puts in the food (during the process of preparing). Afterall, we all say that meals with love and caring thoughts always taste warm and hearty. It is soo very true! So I felt like crying while eating this okayu made with Tomo's love and care.
She hanged around at my place for a bit chatting for a while, and then I made her a roll of california and salmon roll (you get 2 kinds in 1 roll) before she left for her home.
I was very touched by her thoughtfulness and wanted to feed myself with her warmth the next day, so I kept the okayu in the fridge for my breakfast the next day and slept.
:) thank you very much, Tomo for your thougthfulness and care. You are the best!! :)
I knew that I started feeling a bit weird and sick, but did not think it was much of a big deal, so I kept on talking with him, only to realize that I felt like falling on the ground. LOL (well, may be not that funny..haha)
So I excused myself and walked towards the entrance of the apartment. The superintendent was kind enought to escort me into the apartment and asked me to give him a call if I ever needed him.
I closed th door, and just passed out in the living room area not knowing what just happened.
What a hell did just happened? I had no clue. But I knew that I just passed out. LOL
Then I rushed into the washroom and vomitted (eww).
And the person I saw in the mirror was very pale and had some cold sweat all over her top.
Wow, I think I am really ill then!
So I went to the bed to relax and told myself that I should just forget about all these things that I wanted to do today and just concentrate on Taking It Easy, that's right, people. Kumi needs to take it easy. LOL
I do not necessary mean to always work the whole time always engaging in some productive work doing things mentally and physically, but yes, this incidence made me realize that I really do need to have a good balance of working hard and enjoying relaxation big time.
Thinking back, while I was in Japan, I had less resposibilities and had such a flexible schedule, so I think I was able to manage my stress all right. And I did not really think that returning here in Toronto had much of stress on me, you know? It's true that I was stressed out and concerned about my return here, but once I got here, things got sorted out day after another, while meeting and uniting many wonderful people here, so I was really enjoying my new life here in Toronto making most out of the given moment of time with friends.
On a different perspective, it's also true that this past week has been a first week since I am living my life alone for the past 8 months now, so subconsciously, it had some stress on me.....
----
So I slept until 7pm! and woke up wanting to take care of my laundry. So I got up, brought my laundry to the nearest laundry place (had no change to use the laundry room in the apartment building), and then I basically cleaned my place. I love cleaning, whenever I need to feel refreshed, because I feel as though I am able to let the positive energy come into the cleaned space. :) So I cleansed my space and thought about making some sushi for my lunch the next day.
Then my friend, Tomo called saying that she made me something to eat!
What a sweet offer. She said she was just on her way here, and came here less than 15 minutes after her call. She brought me Japanese congee, okayu and an organic salad.
The Japanese congee was sooooooooo tasty.
The word can not describe how soulfully warm this congee was.
You know, I cook for myself all the time. So whenever someone cooks for me, I can almost (and always) feel the warmth that the person who prepared puts in the food (during the process of preparing). Afterall, we all say that meals with love and caring thoughts always taste warm and hearty. It is soo very true! So I felt like crying while eating this okayu made with Tomo's love and care.
She hanged around at my place for a bit chatting for a while, and then I made her a roll of california and salmon roll (you get 2 kinds in 1 roll) before she left for her home.
I was very touched by her thoughtfulness and wanted to feed myself with her warmth the next day, so I kept the okayu in the fridge for my breakfast the next day and slept.
:) thank you very much, Tomo for your thougthfulness and care. You are the best!! :)
Saturday, July 30, 2005
dubtribe sound system ~ farewell tour ~
after eight years, DUBTRIBE SOUND SYSTEM announces their long-anticipated return to toronto for a final live performance of beautiful and organic, deep, funky house grooves. during the height of the underground party movement of the 90's, dubtribe helped define the era with favourites such as "equitoreal" "do it now", and "sunshine's theme", while boasting releases on top labels such as bmg, jive electro + defected, as well as their own imprint, imperial dub recordings. this loving san francisco duo is world-renowned, attracting caravans from far and wide to witness their awe-inspiring and infectious live sets that spread the message of goodwill, peace and love. please join us as we celebrate their farewell performance and share one more dance together in the beautiful and historic steamwhistle brewery.
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So I arrived at the steamwhistle brewery just around 11:30pm (my bike ride allowed me to get there in 15 minutes! yes!!!! LOL) to check out this show. By the time I got there, Hali was at the deck already mixing for his set.
I was supposed to meet a frind, Charles there, so I looked for him, only bumping into so many of my great old buddies there. I was especially so very happy to see Melanie.
This girl has such a warm and truly sweet smile. The words can not describe the way this girl smiles. One thing that I can tell ya is that she is REAL. She is so honest with her feelings and she is a very strong gal. I love and admire such part of her, and it makes me feel great whenever I see her smile, cause I know she is not faking it, but being true to her feelings, ya know??????
She was hanging around with Matt and Pete, a couple other music lovers and musically talented individuals, whom I have known since I first moved here in the year of 2000. It was absolutely wicked how I got to share a little bit of my life update with them. I felt like blushing after I shared what I had to say (because Mel, Matt and Pete surrounded me and just quietly listened to what I had to share with them when there is great music playing and dance flor to bust your moves!! LOL), but it was very very touching how they shared their time listening to my story and engaging in a talk with me.
You know, I never dislike the idea of going to the club or party for the sake of socializing with others. I go there to listen and feel the music and gain positive energy from the experience and apply the gained elements and energy into my own life (inspiration/insightful/nurturing/fulfilling/manifesting/new creative ideas, you name it, being a part of wonderful music performance is my passion, as it has always reminded me to be true to who I am). So if I encounter a soul that gives me great vibe, I am happy for such treasure, but not something that I expect, knowing the nature of clubbing business and how people tend to use the venue to get off their negative energy in such openly and sometime reluctant manner.
Anyway, my point was that, I was very glad that after years of partying, these people that I met from the online music community, tribe are kind of individuals who are there for the music and all about sharing the great vibes, because just like my another friend, Norm puts it, "there is no meaning in life if there is no music". ;) So enuff of my rants about my great buddies here in Toronto (i just wanted to express how thankful I am to have them here!!)
The show It was one of the most touching, inspiring, insightful, beautiful, deep, and soulfully and musically wonderful live PA I have ever experienced in my life. I experienced so many different emotions during their performance: excitement, craziness, funkiness, deep, insightful, touching, sadness, appreciation, wishful, hopeful, fulfilled and thankful… A couple moments and at the end of the show, I could not help but let my tears fall off my eyes. I am very thankful that Hali (the poundhouse crew) made this happen and bringing them to Toronto for their farewell tour. All I want to say to DSS is "thank you" for all the love and positive will that they have shared and spread thru their wonderful music. I feel that whenever I remember this show, I will get to remind myself to be always true to myself and be loving and friendly to all around me and all we have in our life :)
One of my favorite dubtribe songs: "Do it now"
You say you're lonely
Don't care anymore
Emptiness abounds
and love surrounds
the hole besides your heart
You're feeling so sad,
And it's never been this bad before
Don't wanna change the world
But I'm gonna change your mind
I'll only say that if you stay
Love is what you'll find
But you're gone... 'cause love takes so long
You say you're empty
Don't feel anymore
Loneliness abounds
And the music pounds around and around and around...
You're moving way too fast
Like nothing ever lasts
Just keep on ... pushing
Could be anything you want
Could do anything you feel
Love is all around you
but you don't believe it's real
Just be fearless
Baby be fearless...
Do it now.
Do it now.
Do it now.
Do it now.
All my life I sit and wonder
Why you put yourself down
What's so bad, what's so bad, what's so bad, what's so bad
About what we have now?
Raise your hands... in the twilight
Raise your hands... to the sky
and say "I love you"
No fear anymore
Happiness is found
Let love come down
and shine inside your heart
You're beautiful inside
I'm in love with your mind and your heart and your soul and your eyes
Could be anything you want
Could do anything you feel
Love is all around you
but you don't believe it's real
Open up your mind
Listen to your heart
Leave loneliness behind
Come on, come on, come on
Do it now.
Do it now.
Do it now.
Do it now... :)
Friday, July 29, 2005
Have not seen me so dark like this!
So before get going for my day, I decided to take a snap photo of myself (yeah, I got the nokia phone that comes with the photo/video audio tools installed) , only to realize how tanned I am after 3 visits to the beaches/lakes this year. Pretty impressive I thought (as I was always known as a pale-looking girl), so here they are: the tanned Kumi-let me know what u think~~~
;)
;)
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
A great drawing of me by Vincenzo
My Great (new) friend, Vincenzo kindly did this amazing drawing of me (from a childhood photo)...I am amazed at this work. Wow!!!! I feel super special. Vince, I would love to return you a great favour!!!! Thank you very much for your time and your great work!!!SWEET!
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