I hired Mr. CoW to help with this PUB project, the same project that encountered problem at the major expressway. So far he MIA-ed at the 3 critical stages of the repairs. First was when excavation exposed the pipelines. Second when the cutting shield was retrieved exposing the damaged pipes. The 3rd was last Saturday when the damaged pipe was finally repaired and backfilling commenced.

So why wasn't he around this time?

He was given 3 days MC.

What for?

Ahh... here's where I''ll backtrack...

The whole of last week was one accident after another for him. On Monday, he told me he was coughing blood. Later found out what he meant there was slight blood tint in his phlegm (I hope no one's eating while reading this!) What a drama king!

Came back the next morning and couldn't wait to show me his MC. He pretended he couldn't read what the doctor wrote, which I'm sure the doctor has explained to him. Anyway the word was "bronchitis". I told him to take the day off to rest. But he insisted he's ok and he's worried about the projects and since I was so nice to him, he felt responsible to make sure work progress ok. He's trying to make me feel guilty. Not working!

On Wednesday, his finger got caught when the van's door slid shut. He ended up with a blue-black finger nail. Again he couldn't wait to show me. Again told him to take the day off. Again he refused, citing reasons as above. I was quite exasperated and told him I've handled my projects without him for the last 20 years. I was pretty sure I could manage without him for the next couple of days. He just wouldn't listen.

On Thursday, he went to Holland V to collect a cheque for my clerk and walked right into a glass door. He ended up with a huge lump on his forehead. He called back and said he was going to A&E at SGH to check in case he had concussion...hmm.... He was given 3 days MC.

This morning he appeared at office with a huge bump on his forehead just above the eye. He's now walking around the office wearing his shades.

I don't know whether to laugh or to sympathise with him.

I know I may sound mean. But even my very good-natured clerk came to me saying she understands why I always get very agitated when I talk to him. You got to meet him in person and you too will know why.