Weekend Dreams & Wishes

Some months back my brother was looking to upgrade his handphone (or handy as it is called in Germany). He did. That got me interested in finding out what models were there in the market today. The choices were so wide that I was left confused at the end of my search. Then, I realised this was all I needed in my handphone:

1. It has to function as a phone, obviously.

2. Text messaging functions - very important. My siblings in Malaysia rely on that function for quick messages. Cheaper than making phone calls. Also, they won't get stuck on the phone with me when I give them silly updates about my life over here. It is also very important for messaging Lady Patsy and Anne about some news - mainly about sizzling dudes who live around this area.

3. Camera. Do I really need it? I haven't used my phone to take any pictures since 2005. Then again, having a camera may be beneficial. After all, sometime last year, a lady used her mobile device to take a photo of a man 'yanking off' in the New York subway. Thoroughly offended with this lewd obscenity, she headed to the nearest police station, lodged a report and gave that short "movie clipping" of the man to the police, as evidence. He was later tracked down, apprehended and charged.

It is highly unlikely that I will come across some horny fellow but if I spot a nice looking dude, I could share that photo with my girlfriends. OK, so camera included.

That's it. That is all I need. Looking at my current phone which I have used since early 2004, I thought, "why waste money? My phone is still working fine. No need to change it now. I can wait till it kaputs on me."

Remember when most of us did not have to or need to carry a handphone? No one could track us down or leave irritating messages on our phone. Pagers were good devices. We could always tell the caller later, "no phone around to return call".

I tried, as long as I could, not to carry a handphone when I was working in Malaysia. I finally gave in when I was delayed one evening, for 3 hours, in a train from KL to Port Klang. "Masalah teknikal", the KTM conductor said. Sure, sure... the way it kept stopping every now and then, I wondered if they owed anything to Tenaga Nasional Berhad. Needless to say, mum was worried. There was no way I could get to a phone booth. Luckily, there was a nice Punjabi man who offered his handphone. That kind gentleman kept himself occupied throughout our stop and go journey by chatting up three Chinese girls standing near him. After 1.5 hours, the girls asked him if they could use his phone to call their parents. He agreed. I happened to be in the vicinity when he saw me looking longingly at his phone (not him!). That is how he extended the kind offer for me to call home.

I did not like carrying my first handphone. It was heavy and ugly. A device meant only to make and receive calls. No such thing as text messaging and taking photos. It took up a lot of my handbag's space. It was not long before I decided to get a bigger bag (good excuse to shop for a new one) so that I could throw in my travel companions too - a current novel and my most trusted folded umbrella - shelter when it rains; a weapon, if accosted (thankfully, I never needed to use it for this purpose). We have certainly come a long way with phones. My mobile device now fits in my palm.

On my previous trips back to Malaysia- in the past five years, I've noticed that Malaysians are just handphone-crazy. Practically everyone owns one... or two.. or three. Now, a ride in the train is not without the sounds of some handphone going off. There are hardly any classic ring tones being used today. We are now serenaded with tunes. As soon as the train heads closer to a main station, the phones come alive. Voices get louder with remarks such as "yah, it's me. I am in Subang oledy. Going to pick me up or not?" or "dei! I am in Klang. Where you standing? Near the machines ah?" Oh... and my favourite, "aiyoo, I miss my stop. You wait there, ok. I will take the next train back to where you are waiting. So tired lah today."

In Germany, I set my phone to play some classical music (lately, just a classic ring tone) . However, when I am in Malaysia, my phone is put to good use. So, when I am there, I change it to 'vibrate' mode, especially in public places like the trains, restaurants and cinemas. My phone goes on 'silent' when in church. Contrary to what some men think, the 'vibrate' mode is not a substitute for pleasure - it doesn't deliver enough punch! The only pleasure I get out of it is that no one knows when someone is trying to reach me on my phone.

Now let's talk about cars. I love cars. Sports cars give me pleasure. Smooth and sleek bodies with power-packed engines, fully loaded and raring to go. These are my dream cars:

Dream car No. 1:

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Dream car No. 2:

Maserati Grand Turismo

Most likely NOT to own any of them in this lifetime - that is why they are called 'dream cars' (it is obtainable in fantasy stories created by U. Lee, though). However, I can get back to reality and visit my friend, Anne, to take a spin in this beauty owned by her husband, Dennis:

Bolwell Mark 7

This is a limited edition with only 300 of its kind in this world. This baby does 0 to 100 km in less than 4 seconds. woo hoo! If this is too precious for Dennis to let go, maybe he will let me use this 400HP mean machine:

Mazda RX7

*sigh* ... I guess, I will just have to sleep in their garage with these 'babies':

On the far left, is Dennis' other car - a hand-built 1959 Mercedes 180D.

To Anne and Dennis, I will visit you both someday, for sure. Thanks for letting me have a peek at your cars and a promise that I can drive all of them. (sure or not?)

Dennis, wishing you a speedy recovery from your operation. This posting is dedicated to you.