An Ode to a Year's End
by Dan
I sit in quiet to think about,
This day one year ago,
To recollect the months gone by,
As the endless minutes flow,
I think about the joys and triumphs,
Of life's little precious gifts,
New babies, new mornings, new friends and old,
New dreams in mind they drift...
I cherish the moments of happiness,
And remember most peaceful times,
And bask in warmth of love and family,
And days of song and rhyme,
I treasure life and all its beauty,
Its colours bright and true,
Though bleak may be some days, some mornings,
The light will always burst through,
Amidst all this thanks, and gratitude,
I pause for a single breath,
To say a prayer and mark reflection,
For those that the year brought death,
It has been a time when wars were fought,
In the irony of global peace,
When tragedy and disasters struck,
And to many promised grief,
But through this all, the pain and loss,
The human spirit must prevail,
For life is ever eternal,
And goodwill we all must hail,
So as the year come to an end,
Let's bid a final adieu,
To the past distant but always remembered,
And welcome the coming new,
To one and all, to friend and foe,
I wish you happiness dear,
And the blessings of love and kindness,
A very happy new year.
Monday, December 29, 2003
I wonder why my alarm clock seem to ring ever so loud and ever so ominous on Monday mornings.
Oh what a blissful 4 day weekend. It was so much fun I've decided to take leave again this coming Friday. This will mean that I won't have very much leave days to spare for Chinese New Year but what the heck. I think anticipating and gearing for Chinese New Year is a heck more fun than the day itself. Granted I've had enough of paint and brooms but getting spruced up for the fesitivities and doing it as a family is very rewarding, aches and pains aside.
I think I'm a little pampered with 3 day work weeks. Gawd knows how I'll ever cope with normal work weeks come January 2004. And ack! School is reopening! With the NKVE out of whacks for another 7 months, it's going to be a grueling 3 weeks before I can kiss corporate life goodbye (at least for a while).
Job hunting is kinda stalling. Nothing really stands out and at this point, I'm just going to hinge my next working life episode on tutorship at my former university (whenever they reply). If that doesn't work out, I'm going to venture into something different. That's definitely decided. 20,000 + people died just overnight recently and that got me thinking that life is way too short to not take some chances.
On other news, boss is returning Wednesday and have sent in anticipation an email asking for reports. If he thinks the office is working on full steam when he's away, he is definitely intoxicated.
Looking forward to the new year! Woohoo! :)
Oh what a blissful 4 day weekend. It was so much fun I've decided to take leave again this coming Friday. This will mean that I won't have very much leave days to spare for Chinese New Year but what the heck. I think anticipating and gearing for Chinese New Year is a heck more fun than the day itself. Granted I've had enough of paint and brooms but getting spruced up for the fesitivities and doing it as a family is very rewarding, aches and pains aside.
I think I'm a little pampered with 3 day work weeks. Gawd knows how I'll ever cope with normal work weeks come January 2004. And ack! School is reopening! With the NKVE out of whacks for another 7 months, it's going to be a grueling 3 weeks before I can kiss corporate life goodbye (at least for a while).
Job hunting is kinda stalling. Nothing really stands out and at this point, I'm just going to hinge my next working life episode on tutorship at my former university (whenever they reply). If that doesn't work out, I'm going to venture into something different. That's definitely decided. 20,000 + people died just overnight recently and that got me thinking that life is way too short to not take some chances.
On other news, boss is returning Wednesday and have sent in anticipation an email asking for reports. If he thinks the office is working on full steam when he's away, he is definitely intoxicated.
Looking forward to the new year! Woohoo! :)
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Monday, December 22, 2003
*YAWNS*
Sleepy Monday mornings are such a chore... zzz... type type... zzz...
~
Return of The King: Final Instalment of the LOTR Trilogy
Watched the movie last Friday night. Wasn't as hyped as I thought I would be, probably because I was mostly sleepy. Watching the endless stream of trailers before the movie didn't quite help either. Honestly, I was very intrigued with Prisoner of Azkaban and Torque, then ROTK. Some trailers can really just blow you away.
Anyways, movie was as expected :) Highly entertaining, great story telling. Granted there were some artistic licenses but a great movie nevertheless. Fitting ending for a superb epic. Although once again, I really could have done with less of Frodo's wide eyed drugged looks. Gandalf and his spotlight staff is a little more macho as well. But the hero of the movie for me is definitely Eowyn. Fuwah, that girl rocks!
I really wonder what would happen if the trilogy was undertaken by a Malaysian studio. We probably would have a rock song, Arwen will be played by Erra Fazira and Gollum would be someone from Scenario. Hmm...
~
A little belated but Happy Birthday Beng! :) Been somewhat of a hectic week or so for you but hope things have settled.
~
Decided at the last minute to take Friday off for an extended weekend. Got house painting to do. Every door, grill and gate is now orange, thanks to Dad's choice of colour. It's really a little erm, bright, but definitely won't have any problems giving people directions to my house now. Hahaha...
Enjoy the week ahead and a Merry Christmas in advance.
Sleepy Monday mornings are such a chore... zzz... type type... zzz...
~
Return of The King: Final Instalment of the LOTR Trilogy
Watched the movie last Friday night. Wasn't as hyped as I thought I would be, probably because I was mostly sleepy. Watching the endless stream of trailers before the movie didn't quite help either. Honestly, I was very intrigued with Prisoner of Azkaban and Torque, then ROTK. Some trailers can really just blow you away.
Anyways, movie was as expected :) Highly entertaining, great story telling. Granted there were some artistic licenses but a great movie nevertheless. Fitting ending for a superb epic. Although once again, I really could have done with less of Frodo's wide eyed drugged looks. Gandalf and his spotlight staff is a little more macho as well. But the hero of the movie for me is definitely Eowyn. Fuwah, that girl rocks!
I really wonder what would happen if the trilogy was undertaken by a Malaysian studio. We probably would have a rock song, Arwen will be played by Erra Fazira and Gollum would be someone from Scenario. Hmm...
~
A little belated but Happy Birthday Beng! :) Been somewhat of a hectic week or so for you but hope things have settled.
~
Decided at the last minute to take Friday off for an extended weekend. Got house painting to do. Every door, grill and gate is now orange, thanks to Dad's choice of colour. It's really a little erm, bright, but definitely won't have any problems giving people directions to my house now. Hahaha...
Enjoy the week ahead and a Merry Christmas in advance.
Friday, December 19, 2003
I have just sent off my gazillionth job application. Not to say I'm desperate, yet, but nothing has clicked so far. This might be of some interest to some of you but I've also applied for a tutorship position at our 'favourite' university. Felt like a change of pace and it's a good reason to do a Masters. Hmm...
Some good news though, you are now looking at the new part-time lecturer (contracted for 1 semester) at The One Academy. :) I won't tell you what subject I'm taking on, just that it's a minor and it's unexpected. Should be fun though.
Will be watching Return of The King tonight. All hail THX! I just hope I won't fall asleep (yawns) or have an achy back. (I am looking forward to see Eowyn take on a Nazgul). :)
On other news, newbies in the office is driving me nuts, especially a mutual friend of ours. You should never work with a coursemate you never liked AND be his superior. Been very nice so far but almost came to a shouting blow. I've honestly never felt the need to shout at someone so strongly. Some people don't seem to take hints very well.
Anyways, Christmas is coming, so's the New Year. Best to stay in the positive and bask in the glow of goodwill :) And may the Watermelon Monster go to Singapore this year. (hehehe).
Some good news though, you are now looking at the new part-time lecturer (contracted for 1 semester) at The One Academy. :) I won't tell you what subject I'm taking on, just that it's a minor and it's unexpected. Should be fun though.
Will be watching Return of The King tonight. All hail THX! I just hope I won't fall asleep (yawns) or have an achy back. (I am looking forward to see Eowyn take on a Nazgul). :)
On other news, newbies in the office is driving me nuts, especially a mutual friend of ours. You should never work with a coursemate you never liked AND be his superior. Been very nice so far but almost came to a shouting blow. I've honestly never felt the need to shout at someone so strongly. Some people don't seem to take hints very well.
Anyways, Christmas is coming, so's the New Year. Best to stay in the positive and bask in the glow of goodwill :) And may the Watermelon Monster go to Singapore this year. (hehehe).
Monday, December 15, 2003
Goodbye weekend, sob sob, till we meet again. Oh, Monday, it's you...
Welcome back Saw and Chun! I gathered Bali was great :) Tell us all about it once you've slept it off!
Had a great dream last night. I was on the Starship Enterprise (with a twist). Am not going to bore you non-trekkie fans with a dream narative, but let's just say it was great fun! :)
LOTR:ROTK this Wednesday. Probably catching a Friday show. Not much hype since everyone knows what it's about and it's bound to be visually pretty as before. Just need closure I guess! After Revolutions however, I'm sure this will be more entertaining.
WOOHOO!!! Survivor 7 Finale tonight! :) WOOHOO!!!
Welcome back Saw and Chun! I gathered Bali was great :) Tell us all about it once you've slept it off!
Had a great dream last night. I was on the Starship Enterprise (with a twist). Am not going to bore you non-trekkie fans with a dream narative, but let's just say it was great fun! :)
LOTR:ROTK this Wednesday. Probably catching a Friday show. Not much hype since everyone knows what it's about and it's bound to be visually pretty as before. Just need closure I guess! After Revolutions however, I'm sure this will be more entertaining.
WOOHOO!!! Survivor 7 Finale tonight! :) WOOHOO!!!
Friday, December 12, 2003
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
I love the INTERNET!!! :)
This past week or so, I've:
~ Sent Christmas cards to my US cousins using Hallmark.com for USD 3 a card. That equates to RM 12, including a great card, personalised note and posting. If I were to buy a similar Hallmark card here, it will already set me back RM 12 minus the post. (plus with Hallmark.com, it'll get to them within 3 days :) )
~ Bought a book, Red Rabbit by Tom Clancy that I've been wanting to read for USD 0.75. Shipped it to aunt at marginal cost of USD 3 and she'll bring it down to me during Chinese New Year. RM 16 for a book? Woohoo...
~ Did the usual stuff of managing my online banking accounts, checking my online credit card applications and etc. Bliss...
~ Tried to buy ties from Amazon.com priced at USD ZERO. Only eligible for one tie per customer so wasn't worth it. (I tried to buy 50).
I wish Malaysia catch up with this trend. It's a hassle shopping online with Malaysian sites.
This past week or so, I've:
~ Sent Christmas cards to my US cousins using Hallmark.com for USD 3 a card. That equates to RM 12, including a great card, personalised note and posting. If I were to buy a similar Hallmark card here, it will already set me back RM 12 minus the post. (plus with Hallmark.com, it'll get to them within 3 days :) )
~ Bought a book, Red Rabbit by Tom Clancy that I've been wanting to read for USD 0.75. Shipped it to aunt at marginal cost of USD 3 and she'll bring it down to me during Chinese New Year. RM 16 for a book? Woohoo...
~ Did the usual stuff of managing my online banking accounts, checking my online credit card applications and etc. Bliss...
~ Tried to buy ties from Amazon.com priced at USD ZERO. Only eligible for one tie per customer so wasn't worth it. (I tried to buy 50).
I wish Malaysia catch up with this trend. It's a hassle shopping online with Malaysian sites.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
It's Tuesday and for the 2nd time this week, I'm at the office by 7.30am. Why you may ask? Two reasons really...
1. By leaving the house 20 mins earlier, I cut my travelling time by half. Instead of the usual 40 mins, it's only 20 mins to get to work. :) Of course the only drawback is the psychological barrier of waking up before 7, but it's only for 2 months and then I'm off to new shores (hopefully closer ones).
2. By reaching the office at 730'ish, I get to sneak into the nearby parking area free of charge since parking attendant guy comes in only at 745. Hehehe, this way, it saves me a long walk to the car and speeds up my going home time by 5 mins.
Weird part is, by the time everyone starts coming in the office, I feel like I've been here forever. Too bad I can't go home dramatically earlier as well.
1. By leaving the house 20 mins earlier, I cut my travelling time by half. Instead of the usual 40 mins, it's only 20 mins to get to work. :) Of course the only drawback is the psychological barrier of waking up before 7, but it's only for 2 months and then I'm off to new shores (hopefully closer ones).
2. By reaching the office at 730'ish, I get to sneak into the nearby parking area free of charge since parking attendant guy comes in only at 745. Hehehe, this way, it saves me a long walk to the car and speeds up my going home time by 5 mins.
Weird part is, by the time everyone starts coming in the office, I feel like I've been here forever. Too bad I can't go home dramatically earlier as well.
Monday, December 08, 2003
Wah... Monday again...
Weekend was like living life in slow motion. If I wasn't sleeping, I'd be watching TV. And that's about it. Really took it easy. Did a lot of thinking however, so it wasn't a total waste! Hehe...
Spent 2 hours on Saturday talking to college kids at One Academy on online advertising. Very receptive crowd and my worries about not being able to talk so long was unfounded. Had to reduce my slides to two thirds otherwise I'll probably take 3 hours instead! Went generally well, I hope they call me back :)
Have a good week ahead.
Weekend was like living life in slow motion. If I wasn't sleeping, I'd be watching TV. And that's about it. Really took it easy. Did a lot of thinking however, so it wasn't a total waste! Hehe...
Spent 2 hours on Saturday talking to college kids at One Academy on online advertising. Very receptive crowd and my worries about not being able to talk so long was unfounded. Had to reduce my slides to two thirds otherwise I'll probably take 3 hours instead! Went generally well, I hope they call me back :)
Have a good week ahead.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Oh my gawd...
Power Rangers Movie!
What movie Do you Belong in?(many different outcomes!)
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Power Rangers Movie!
What movie Do you Belong in?(many different outcomes!)
brought to you by Quizilla
Traffic is hell again. Ah well... looking forward to when GPS technology come to our shores.
Read a report yesterday about fuel lasting only 50 years or so. I would assume a lot of that will be reserved for the military and aviation so we're looking at consumer fuel for 3 decades or so? Kinda makes buying a car a pointless affair. Should save up for hybrid vehicles. Hmm...
You are Google. You are always on a quest for more
knowledge, a hunt for more connections. You are
intelligent and driven, and don't forget your
sense of fun from time to time (love those
holiday logos!) Just try not to let your quest
for knowledge get in the way of your friends...
take some time to just ... be.
If you don't get the reference, check yourself out
at http://www.google.com/
What Internet phenomenon are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Read a report yesterday about fuel lasting only 50 years or so. I would assume a lot of that will be reserved for the military and aviation so we're looking at consumer fuel for 3 decades or so? Kinda makes buying a car a pointless affair. Should save up for hybrid vehicles. Hmm...
You are Google. You are always on a quest for more
knowledge, a hunt for more connections. You are
intelligent and driven, and don't forget your
sense of fun from time to time (love those
holiday logos!) Just try not to let your quest
for knowledge get in the way of your friends...
take some time to just ... be.
If you don't get the reference, check yourself out
at http://www.google.com/
What Internet phenomenon are you?
brought to you by Quizilla