To ASSUME is to make an ASS out of U and ME

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Dining out

Ok, alright, I'll admit that I haven't been devoted to my blog lately. I'm sure everyone, by now, would've noticed the time lag between this post and my previous post. Well, I'm just gonna blame life for that. Boring, repetitive and nothing to write home about -- need I say more?

Anyway, that aside, let's divert our attention somewhere less...somber.

So, as though sucked into a wormhole and out, I've been in the NS Section for close to six months now and things are still exciting as ever. From putting up with the prehistoric creature, Auntiesaurus, to the countless ordeals with some major 'S.O.B.s', every single day is like a brand new chapter of an adventure novel filled with surprises and...more surprises.

However, none of the surprises were much of a surprise when compared to this -- a treat to a buffet dinner at the Pan Pacific Hotel after our superior, Mdm Tan, saw a 44% off ad on the newspapers. Immediately after she suggested this, we spent our lunch time on Monday researching on the hotel and its restaurants. Practically drooling over the menu offered in the restaurants and its alluring promotions, Mdm Tan proceeded to ring up the hotel for a reservation. To her dismay, most restaurants' 44% promotion were fully booked out and all that's left for us to choose from was the Global Kitchen, an international buffet restaurant. After much consideration and thorough calculation, we thought why not just give it a shot and take it as some sort of cohesion gathering. Without much dates left to pick from, we settled for August 27 at 1830 hrs.

Looking nice on this picture but not so much in actuality

After much awaiting, August 27 -- today, finally came and when the clock struck 1730hrs, we secretly put our plan in motion since the notorious Auntiesaurus wasn't invited. Well, no elaboration required there since no one likes her. Fortunately, she left before us and we drove directly to the hotel. Since we arrived there earlier than Mdm Tan, who went home to drop off her 'baggage', we seated ourselves down first.

Does this resemble a spaceship command center to anyone?

Checkin' in! Reservation for seven!

Then, after we were done hunting for food from the buffet table, Mdm Tan arrived with her husband. We chomped down on the vast selection of food for approximately 2 hours before moving to attack the dessert corner and heck, there were so much to choose from. I, myself, had some chocolate-coated marshmallows and strawberries from the chocolate fountain while my 'dessert-malnourished' friend/colleague, Desmond, took on every single one of the cakes. He basically took a slice of everything, which I guess is because they are all bite-sized. Or he could be really really craving for some desserts.

The desserts prepare to attack...or be attacked...

'Chomp chomp, your cream puff comrade is delicious...'

The Great Wall of Desserts being targeted

The cruelty of a battlefield

'You're going down, brownie survivor!'

After desserts, we were all filled and satisfied but surprisingly, Mdm Tan and her husband were still scouring the place for more stuff to sink their teeth into. So, we stayed and chatted about funny people and events at the office.

'Dang, how'd he manage to devour all the cakes?'

Carried on chatting for an hour or so before we went to the dessert corner again for some ice-cream and damn, those ice-cream were ice-hard. Trying to get a scoop out of the tub was like mining for coals in the mine. After that, while the lovely couple proceeded to the dessert corner to try out the desserts, we carried on with our talk.

'I scream , you scream, we all scream for ice-hard ice-cream'

'I'll scoop you out no matter what'

Anyway, since we managed to get a group shot, might as well introduce y'all to the members of NS Section, starting from the most senior. On the very left of the photo is Mdm Tan, our superior. She's right above the Auntiesaurus in terms of ranks but is less annoying than her, though she can still bug us to a level. Don't see eye to eye with the Auntiesaurus but still plays along as they have to work together. Extremely calculative, both in life and in work. Next, we have my upper-study, Mr Vadi (Indian guy) aka. the Dark Knight. Got the nickname of 'Dark Knight' from his ex-colleague due to his skin tone and his character of trying to set everything straight. Knowledgeable and is the famed upper-study of everyone currently in NS Section. Hates the Auntiesaurus after the suffering she made him go through. Refers to her as 'the clown'. Completed his service in June but signed on for a year as our supervisor. Next in line, we have Cher How (striped polo beside Vadi), who succeeded Mr Vadi's previous position and is the leader of our pack in NS Section. Loathes the things he has to do but still does it so that he can dump it in the face of the Auntiesaurus. Funny and goofy guy but holds the busiest position in NS Section. Up next, we have Mason (black polo), our medical clerk. Funny guy with a good sense of humor, albeit a little sarcastic and lame at times. Loves calling Vadi 'black' and all things black 'Vadi', to make fun of him. Very responsible despite being easily stressed. Hates the Auntiesaurus more than any one else, referring to her as 'bitch'. Last but not least, we have the newcomer Desmond (extreme right), who will be leaving in January with Cher How but is considered my junior. He was downgraded from his previous vocation and came to our section 3 months ago. Studied a little under Vadi, followed by our ex-colleague Alvin but I ended up teaching him most of everything, based on what I've learnt myself. Easily stressed and annoyed by the Auntiesaurus, leading him to absolutely detest her and following me in calling her 'monster'. Always targeted by both Cher How and Mason, who always jokingly makes fun of him for being a bit slow despite graduating from Catholic Junior College. A little naive and childish at times.

Group shot!

[L-R: Mdm Tan, Mr Tan, Mason, Cher How, Vadi, Desmond]

Back on topic, alas, all things have to come to an end and we left at 2210, 20 min before the restaurant closes. Took a ride back on Mdm Tan's minivan but was given the back seat, which feels and looks more like a cage than anything else. Since she was nice enough to give me a ride back, I shan't disclose more on her ride.

Though I seriously wished we could have done something else after we left, it's just too bad that we had to work tomorrow and everyone's worn out after a hard day's work. Well, I certainly hope that this will not be our last dinner outing since it's simply kick-ass and even better without the Auntiesaurus around.

For now, I'll just have to look forward to our next event on September 1, which is our sports day. Till then, fingers crossed and hoping that it'll be fun. Signing out!

Last Updated @ 9:11 AM

Signed: Whoever was here...