Though I woke up later than intended, I bumped into Joshua in FB and the big guy always manages to cheer me up, even if he doesn't know it. It's probably the fact that I can act like an idiot in front of him. We go way back (sorta) so he expects it of me! (lol)
On a sadder note, he won't be coming back to KL for either Christmas or Easter break. Consolation: I still get Daryl from Oz for Christmas break. We're going to down mojitos, swap stories and paint the town red!
Before I could get started on work this morning, my father snatched me from home to have breakfast together (a first in n number of years!) in Amcorp Mall, where the Big Bad Book Sale is being held. At half past nine, we were having a cheap breakfast of half-boiled eggs and kaya butter toast in the middle of stores that had yet to be opened. I had doubts that the book sale had started yet and wondered if I had come too early.
45 minutes past nine, my father and I climbed the three flights of escalators (following another couple like lemmings) and discovered that we were not alone (cue X-files theme music). My father started laughing as my jaw dropped. I quickly sent a text message to my third (and favourite) wife, who was working as cashier for the book sale.
From: Terry
To: Honey
Hey Ming, there is a ginormous line in front. Am I at the right place? Is there like a limit as to how many ppl can enter at once?
From: Honey
To: Terry
If really too many people then we limit. The crowd is the right place. Scary, right?
Yes, it was very scary. The last time I witnessed such a large crowd was when I went to Kinokuniya on the day Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was set to release. I had woken up late, gone to KLCC with Su, only to give up upon seeing the line that had snaked its way across the entire floor, starting from the bookstore.
The crowd in front of the empty warehouse lot set-up for the book sale was similar, if not scarier. As the gate opened, I leaned back and took a video as the people pushed in; a fierce Indian lady screaming at people who deigned to cut in as they did so.
Several people were thanking, congratulating and patting the Indian lady on the back for keeping the order.
All of these people were Chinese =3.
At that point, I had pretty much given up on getting inside and told my Honey so, until Martin (my Honey's little brother) phoned me up, saying that he was in the queue with the rest of the family and asked if I would like to join them.
Yes. I would love to, indeed XD.
Once I was in, I couldn't believe I was. I consulted Martin for the map that my Honey drew of the place (yes, they actually had a map to help navigate around the book sale!) and tried to find my way to the design section to no avail. When I finally did, I realised that most of the good stuff had probably been taken yesterday, because all I found were titles like Making Clay Models, Draw Manga, Tips for Scrapbooking, Watercolour Techniques, etc.
I must've weirded out a few people because I kept wheezing for breath as I squeezed through boxes, baskets, trolleys and suitcases (yep. These people came prepared! A couple of people were even wearing gloves!), and to my utmost horror, failing to avoid touching the general public. I think I have accidentally accosted at least three people in my attempt to browse through the towers of books, and not all of them were beautiful or young. *clears throat*
At one point, I kept asking to be excused, pardoned and forgiven, that I assimilated "M'sorry" and "Excuse me" to "M'scuse me", which made no sense at all to whoever who even bothered to listen instead of sticking their butts way out far as they bent over to reach for books.
Martin was a walking library/bookstore. Slung around his shoulder was a sports bag filled to the brim with Horrible Science/History books ("I am so coming over for a reading spree!) and in his arms was a box filled with books his mother had picked out. About 2 out of every 5 person in the joint were hoisting boxes filled with ridiculously cheap books.
How cheap is cheap, you ask?
Well, Tokyopop manga for RM5 ($1.50).
And novels ranging from RM5 to RM12.
No wonder the people went crazy.
After I completed my run and got my books, I said goodbye to my Honey, who was working at the credit card counter. She was so busy that we could only afford a long distance hug goodbye. I hope she doesn't get too exhausted today because apparently, yesterday had been havoc. Pushing, scuffling, jumping in lines and yelling. I'm glad I wasn't there. (O___O)
Before jumping into the car, my father bought me some Starbucks (which is disgusting, but still coffee, so meh).
So, my wonderful morning is made out of thus: IM with Josh, momentous breakfast with father, seeing my Honey, getting cheap books and (bad) coffee.
Thank you for your blessings, Father. I am cheered up^^
