Of a burglar, fallen guava tree and plaster ceiling with cornice
I don’t know how it happened. Perhaps it is because of termites. Perhaps the ground was too hard but my guava tree toppled down. Before this, I had suspected something wrong as it transformed from a healthy tree to a sickly tree. We had eaten less than twenty fruits from this tree. When it fruited, we would wrap it with newspapers so it would not be ‘disturbed’ by birds or insects. Now it is gone.
Notice the thin foliage. It is amazingly light. Mrs Bengbeng said it is a sign that I must plant vegetables at the spot as it has sacrificed itself for the family’s finances 
I got someone to replace me at the workplace today ( traded duty days ) and stayed home for my stint as hard labor. These are the plaster work tools we used.
Basically all I did was to hold the plaster sheets in place while standing on a ladder while the skilled contractor screwed it in place on the metal framework.
After blogging and lunch ( I have been given until 12.45 ), I will do the same but this time it is to put up the cornice. Everything has its price, value and worth. All I do is hold things in place and I have helped a lot. Without my hands there, he cannot do his job. This is what is called unskilled labor. I asked the contractor what he would pay me if I were looking for a job.
He said, “Tauke woh, I cannot afford to employ you. But if you were seriously looking for a job in this field you would be worth RM18.00 a day as hard labor 
” Not bad, huh?
Just for the record, last night I had an intruder in my compound. I haven’t told Mrs Bengbeng yet. Due to the renovations, the curtains are down and I could see him clearly. it was about 3.00 a.m. and I was still awake. I first heard sounds from the back window. My dog Oopi didn’t make a single sound. I peeked at Oopi. Deep, deep, deep sleep. Which is to me very unnatural. She is usually very alert.
It was weird. I could see him so clearly but he could not see me as the ground floor has had its light fixtures removed. He was dressed quite decently. Like someone who had just come back from supper at a coffee shop. He was wearing running shoes, a tight dark t-shirt and dark jeans. Maybe in his late twenties or early thirties. When he tried the kitchen door, I turned on the light in the toilet and made sounds like I was using the toilet. I flushed the toilet and turned on the tap. There was immediate silence. I looked out again after that. After the initial sound of movement, it was like he had never come. I finally went to sleep at 5.00 this morning.
I believe it is due to this new fence. Any intruder who comes in will be hidden from open view of the neighbors. It so happened I couldn’t sleep and thought of coming down to blog or i wouldn’t even have been aware of this visit.
I have nothing to steal. Perhaps he was on his way to other neighbors’ houses.
He must have come over using this way. My neighbor’s house is also under renovation.
Disturbed mosquito netting.
Haiyor, intruder alert and you still so cool about it!
Lillian i am safe inside the house. First priority is to keep Mrs Bengbeng and Benghui safe and upstairs in the room. no need to frighten them or the thief. if agitated he might come back for revenge or watever..
Did I read that right…$18rm per day for unskilled labor??
i don’t know if he is serious
But times it by maybe 25 working days shud b about RM450.00 a month
You sleep so late one huh?
I normally cannot do much until Benghui is asleep only then can I do something
It is very scary when we know intruder is trying to get into our house or our neighbor’s house. Suddenly I feel my house is so vulnerable. More so when nobody’s home. Tell you a story later.
Yes, post the story. If they want to enter, there is nothing to stop them.
Woah! Rm18 per day just to do ‘holding’???!!! I think u better stay alert until ur renovation is finished! Burgery is in the increase! People no money! Marry x-mas & happy new year!
Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
u should’ve called the cops or something.. or beat the person up mannnn!!
Make no enemies. It is not the first time. Call the cops?
You didn’t say fat or not…but since he’s in his 20s or 30s, then it couldn’t possibly be me lah!!! LOL!! BTW, was the area around ur tree flooded? Some plants die after a flood…and some because of termites that have a feast on the soggy roots.
P.S.: Make ur house nice-nice, ya? Then I will go during Chinese New Year, bring big angpow for Benghui. Right, Benghui??? U welcome Uncle suituapui or not? He he he he he he!!!
Benghui: I want. How big is my ang pow?
Bengbeng: Merry Christmas. I grieve for my tree rather than the burglar thingy. After all I lost nothing. Yes, the area was flooded. Previously many years ago a mango tree toppled in the same place.. It could be termites also. Tonight still no lights
My house cannot be nice-nice. it is jus an old old house. Just updating it and making it more comfortable. To b honest, I have been feeling so tired doing all this stuff. Mrs BB still wants to do more. So far, I have said NO
Bengbeng, stay alert during the period of renovation.
i have installed a temporary light. thanks
Glad you were awake and scared him.
Glad you are safe. I think you were smart and did the right thing.
In the US, we can have guns, and myself I would have used the Glock 9mm or shotgun and made him leave, politely, but at a threat of being shot. I think not being able to have weapons makes crime worse in Malaysia.
If you look at the real statistics, pro-gun laws show little crime, while they try to assert the opposite. The problem is criminals have guns anyway, or like in Malaysia, they will out number you, and you have no defense.
my only thought is to make him leave with no lasting impression. i wouldnt want him to come back with thoughts of revenge
your tree died of collar rot, a kind of fungal disease affecting the tree trunk at ground level. but then I’m only guessing lah…put electric fence around the house to keep intruders out!
wat will happen if Benghui touches it..some more in the house oso we got no money
that’s pretty scary .. not a very good day in the neighborhood
Oh Gosh thats scary. Fortunately he went off when he heard sounds. Must have been a petty thief but its still scary.
Anyway, I just came by to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year 2008. May you have a very good year ahead. Cheers!