Food Day

Food is such an important part of the day :) Breakfast sets the tone, lunch perks the day up and dinner ends it all! Here's a snapshot of a pretty good day food-wise!

Excellent breakfast of fried bihun, yamcake and soy+cincau.



Lunch was pretty funky. Not sure what this is exactly but got it at this vegetarian place near KLCC.



Dinner was at an event launching at the Galeri Petronas. Good food is even better when free!

Moved, settled and satisfied

It's been a long long week but have finally moved and settled into my new place. Everything is where it should be and there's nothing left to do. Am relieved and happy and now look forward to making the place lived in :)

Legally though, still some obstacles left. Last few transactions still pending but am hopeful it will be resolved soon. There is just so many steps to take in buying property that it's a wonder how businesses even get started. Just one delay at one step of the process can wreck the whole timeline. I'm just glad at least the move is resolved!

New is good...

I've finally been to the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas! After years of wanting to, finally took the initiative (albeit motivated by free tickets) the Fri before last with Chun for an MPO performance (of which I dozed off a bit) and last Fri for a theatre performance. The theatre was a traditional Malay play done in Mek Mulung style. It was very very interesting and am glad I went. Am definitely looking forward to more!

I'm also finally moving into my new place. Will be off from Wed onwards to move. Started cleaning yesterday and begun assembling some DIY furniture I bought from Carrefour. I bought two units of a 3-door wardrobe for my humongous and mostly unused pile of clothes (which now literally is scattered in 2 rooms). It took me 3 hours just to completely assemble 1 of the wardrobes. Gosh... not looking forward to the next.

Lots of new projects at work too. With the college, just finished trialling a whole new workshop on learning approaches that used soap, eggs and root beer. Fun fun fun! And come May, I'll be kicking off a Science Scouts project!

So many new things... :) Feels like Christmas almost!

501

This is my 501st post... and it's one done in sombre reflection on the massacre at Virginia Tech. It's hard to fathom the depths to which people can sink in depression and it's frightening to see how minds can be distorted and disillusioned.

It's also a reminder on how life is unpredictable. Start the day right, live it well, and end it counting our blessings. There's really too much to be thankful for to let the inevitable hiccups ruin it all.

Must See

TOKITSUMUGI - The Grain of Strands From Some Moments
Bustle gallery
10 Apr 2007 - 13 May 2007

GALERI PETRONAS and the Japan Foundation proudly present TOKITSUMUGI - The Grain of Strands From Some Moments, an exhibition of kinetic sculptures by Japanese kinetic artist and 3-4 dimensional space designer Masato Tanaka . Showing for the 1st time ever in Malaysia from 10 April to 13 May 2007, the exhibition presents a unique display of 12 moving sculptures which combine art and technology to create free movement, dubbed a 'scenic movement presentation'.

GALERI PETRONAS and the Japan Foundation present this unique exhibition to the public in celebration of Malaysia's 50th Year of Independence and the Japan-Malaysia Friendship Year 2007.

Feeding Optimism

I've been quite in the dumps of late. Life has been beleaguered with challenges (sounds nicer than problems!) and I've been stressed more than I can remember. My mood has been bleak and I've been rather whiny at times.

An obvious 'challenge' is the house of which moving into seems to be a dangling carrot always beyond reach. Things should resolve within a month but the pessimist foresee more problems to come. Then there's issues with relationships of which a lot is left in limbo. Heart break and stress does tend to magnify things into a narrow perspective. Then there's work which has my workload quadrupling.

I've been so narrowly obsessed with these that life became for the first time in a long while, a chore. Until yesterday that is when I had a revelation again.

We had a gathering at work yesterday and a colleague whose dad recently passed away went up to stage (all new staff have to sing) to sing a song. I can't remember the title but it's something about smiling even though there's nothing to smile about. And it struck me I guess.

I have 'challenges' yes, but there are really good challenges! I have problems with a house but eventually, I will have one! I am able to afford one and no matter how difficult, it is a problem that I really should be thankful for. Relationship issues are always touchy but I've known love. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all! And work? For all the stress, I love my job and it pays me well. I can still remember the interview way back then when I was hoping so much to land it.

When things get tough it's easy to forget optimism. I am thankful that I remember to be thankful! Life isn't easy but thankfully my problems are not about paying bills, getting shelter or finding food even. I have really good problems and for all the crap I've yet to face, I'm thankful so bring it on!

Hmm...

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who have a split personality - cold as ice on the outside but hot as fire in the heart. In love, you feel the most alive when your partner is patient and never willing to give up on you. You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy. You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. Your ideal relationship is comforting. You crave a relationship where you always feel warmth and love. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage as something that will confine you. You are afraid of marriage. In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

F1 Fever? Nah...

F1 is back in town and those who know me will know I'm unfazed. Anyways, point of this is that right now at the KLCC Concourse, there's an F1 roadshow with lots of merchandise on sale and if any of you guys are planning to buy them, well, bring me along for discounts! I get 30% off BMW Sauber merchandise and 20% off Petronas F1 merchandise. You know how to reach me.

This is a public service announcement.

Finally!

It has been a long but interesting 6 months but finally, I'm confirmed :) Woohoo!

Ye Olde Comfort Zone, Closed

It's April and I've yet to move in to my house. I'm definitely not too happy about it as I've planned stuff such that by today I should be in my new place but there have been legal delays that I have no control over so moving in will not take place for another 2-4 weeks. Gah...

So I'm now living in a house with almost every thing in a box. And being me, I labelled none of the boxes so I've been buying stuff I already have because I'm too lazy to open up boxes to search.

Worse still, I was and still am feeling sick and malaise these past week. It's a terrible feeling and it just drains the energy levels. Am still adjusting to a lot of changes but thankfully have been meeting up with friends who have helped.

What capped it all was when I went to Borders yesterday, I flipped through Lillian Too's predictions for my Chinese sign this year and it said that for March, I should expect delays in projects and energy levels will run low due to poor health. My gawd, how on earth can she be right? Was compelled to buy the book but afraid to learn more. Did sneak a peek for April though and it's supposedly a great month where things will finally fall into place and energy levels will be up. So guess I'll definitely be moving soon!

Wonderment...

I had my company annual dinner last night at Shangri-La and my gawd, was it an eye opener! First of all, the theme was 'Bedtime Wonder' which is a fairly open-ended yet quite suggestive theme. I was actually quite surprised that they chose this theme considering the organisation but gosh, the people here are darn 'sporting'!

The event had beds and pillows on the stage and the foyer. The shows included girls in really skimpy lingerie prancing and dancing, and the host was just hilariously naughty! Some of my colleagues went in their sarong's and nothing else (no top even) and there was a point where the performing girls 'went down' on the guys on stage in an act. For a moment, I thought I was in Bangkok instead of KL!

Everyone had a lot of fun and the energy was high! Everyone didn't care about hierarchy as much and bosses mingled and buddied for photos and laughs throughout the night!

4 people in my department won best dressed awards in 3 categories. In the 'Young & Outrageous' category, both male and female were won by colleagues in my department, the guy in nothing but a bedsheet and the girl in pink boxers and a white men's shirt. In the 'Romance' category, a guy in my department won for his blue satin pyjamas that oozed 5-star luxury! And in the 'Out of This World' category, I WON! Woohoo! :) I wore a Spongebob t-shirt, Spongebob boxers (yes, boxers) and Spongebob slippers while carrying my stuffed Spongebob. It was great fun :)

Stuffed

The past week has seen all the gym effort go down the drain! I had workshops and training and it all inevitably ends up with great buffet lunches and endlessly sumptuous breaks and breakfasts!

It started last Saturday with a hi-tea at The Summit. Was invited to the VIP table (thanks to ex-colleagues) so had a pretty good meal including ice kacang!

Monday and Tuesday was at Maya Hotel, an amazing boutique hotel right opposite Zouk that I would recommend to everyone! The aesthetics is right up there and the food, my gawd! The quality is incredible and the choices will leave you literally breathless if you want to go try everything. But the best part of all is the dessert spread which includes Movenpick ice-cream... deliciously sinfully orgasmic (quoting the words of my colleague).

Then on Thursday, it was a remarkably classy buffet lunch at Mandarin Oriental. The spread is just so good and the service is top notch! It was a sumptuous and no one could work once we were back at the office.

Finally today (Saturday), it's another day long spread but this time at Hyatt Saujana. The landscaping and scenery is gorgeous and the food, not as great but good nevertheless.

I'm stuffed... and I'm off to Melaka from Monday to Wednesday so it's more buffets! Gosh...

Home Improvement

It's been a crazy month but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! Work on the house is reaching the end and I can't be more thankful. Been going crazy with shenanigans of odd-job workers and my gawd, everything costs serious money.

Anyways, here's a sneak peek before furniture comes in :)



The Kitchen!



The Hall



The 1st Floor



Doors to the rooms



The Master Bedroom



My bathroom sink!

Taggerama!

I have been tagged and to continue the honor of this game, I have tagged six people which can be found at the bottom of my list. The rules are as follows: Each person who gets tagged needs to write a blog post of their own 6 idiosyncrasies (abnormal behaviour, habits etc.) as well as clearly stating this rule. After you state your 6 weirdness you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their multiply id / blog names / nicknames at the bottom of your blog. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says "You’re tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog for information as to what it means."

Tagged by Kotakkosong

1. I need to sleep with 3 pillows. One for my head, one to hug, and one to rest my feet on.

2. I carry a torchlight wherever I go. One for every keychain, three in my car, two beside my bed, and a few all over my house. I am not really afraid of the dark but I feel secure having them!

3. I get grumpy when my hair is long. So I get a hair cut about once every 3-4 weeks.

4. I sit/stand at almost the same place every morning and evening on the LRT. Routine comforts me :)

5. If ASTRO or Streamyx is down, I don't know what to do.

6. I go speed crazy on the highway but I am usually so rule abiding I have personal conflicts about parking in a non-designated parking space.

Phew... that's over. But not before I tag YOU!

1. Jeremy
2. Jason
3. Meng

and sadly... I have no one to tag who's not been tagged!

Roadtrip

Am off to Ipoh from Monday to Wednesday. Any requests for Ipoh goodies? :) SMS me.

Moments that matter

I've been a little on edge lately and gosh, it's been quite a rollercoaster. Every day is filled with extreme emotions, peaking with really buoyant good times and then sinking really deep into depths of depression. I need to find balance again or I'm going nuts!

I don't like to categorise myself but I guess I'm a typical Libran. Without something (or someone) to keep me focussed and glued, I get twisted all over trying to find balance and to justify things. The new house for example is driving me nuts! Until the time when the house is legally mine (legal process still in motion), only then will I have peace of mind although there really isn't any reason for the process to be hijacked as everything so far has checked out.

I guess I just like things to be in its place and everything to function as it's supposed to. And I think it's worse still because it's a Wednesday. Unlike the other weekdays where I stay back late in the office, on Wednesdays I have to leave on time and hit the rush hour commute to be back in time for my Creative Writing classes. I have never yet been late and it's unlikely I'll ever be but just thinking of all the possible way things can go wrong (LRT breakdown, accidents, downpour, etc) drives me all the way up the stress ladder. And it's so strange considering the only adverse affect will be a bunch of kids having to wait a few more minutes for class.

I need to learn how to relax...

CNY Goodies

Meng as always served the best spread! Check out her table of goodies :) Yummy...

Post-CNY Blues

It's been a long while... more than 5 years to be exact... but I'm depressed again. Not utterly so but just enough to make days seem to drag and the littlest of things dredges up spills of emotional aftertaste.

Chinese New Year most definitely did not help. Although I did enjoy the festivities and the company of family and friends, it's just a little empty when you miss someone.

Anyways, if anyone's keen to view some of my CNY family photos, feel free to visit the online album!

Happy Chinese New Year!

I'm off to Melaka tomorrow onwards and for the most of next week. It's Chinese New Year! House renovations should finish by today (fingers crossed) and all's left to do is some rewiring and painting. I'm getting more optimistic that I will be moving (thought it was never going to happen) but for the next few days, all I'm going to do is just eat, sleep and see red!

So to everyone, have a good celebrations! For those travelling, do travel safe. Hope to catch up with some of you guys who are in town :)

Home Improvement

I was naive... I never imagined moving house to require so much work! It has been an exhausting experience so far and I've only just begun!

Minor renovations started yesterday and I do mean minor. Am just clearing up the back garden and modifying my bathroom and those two alone requires 2.5 truckloads of stuff! I never imagined you need so much sand, rocks, and bricks just to make a 24x5 feet wall.

And then I was sink hunting yesterday. Gosh, sinks are expensive! And the taps to boot. What I planned to have in my bathroom is a sink like this:



I originally wanted a square one but round ones are cheaper so had to go with round.

With so much more to do, I am getting overwhelmed. Although I'll be off for CNY the entire week, I think I'll have to cut my Melaka trip short this time to come back and settle the house. I've yet to buy the 12 tins of paint I need and the 15 lights for the entire house. Perhaps I shouldn't be so picky...

Gah...

Home is where the heart is?

I have finally got the keys to my new house and I'm a tad overwhelmed.

Been using the weekend to start clearing stuff at my current place. I really love my hall in particular, where my classes are held. Here's how it formerly looks like:



And after days spent clearing the walls of nails, tape, and a whole bunch of gunk, I'm left with:



It's just sad moving out of a place you love and though I'm sure I'll feel the same eventually with the new place, this house has just tonnes of memories.

Anyways, here's a sneak peek at my new place. Here's the hall:



And my favourite place in the house, the upstairs lounge:



With luck and good planning, I should have this place up and running by mid-March. :)

They did it!

They did it! What an amazing race it was too :) I was rooting for the girls but never thought they could pull through what with coming in close to last (and even last) almost throughout the race but they came in first when it counted!

I always love happy endings.

Home Alone

I've never in my life had to live alone. When I moved to Cyberjaya, I had Jin as a roommate for the longest of time (or so it felt? hehe). Then stayed with my aunt, then Saw, then with Rick and now, with the move to my new place and housemates all left, I've been all alone this past week.

And it's freaky...

My imagination has gone into overdrive and it takes an immense amount of rationalisation for me to get through the night! Having a colleague talk about his real-life encounters with the supernatural as well as how haunted my workplace is, I've been so-so-so edgy.

I hope the new house will be better as it's smaller. The current place is just way too big for one person, more so a person like me who will jump at his own shadow.

Chilling at the office...

It's a Saturday afternoon and a public holiday and here I am chilling very literally in the office. I really should know better than to wear a t-shirt in the tallest fridge in the world.

A pet project of mine has kicked off and I will likely find myself in the office over the next few weekends. I really don't mind it since I get to replace it with days off on weekdays. Commuting on weekends is a breeze and the office is so empty, it hardly feels like work in the first place!

Anyways, some of you may know what I'm up to. Basically, am inviting people over to the centre for a free visit before I interview them. It's always good to have new insights though repeating the interview the 100th or so time can be a tad tedious.

I also have a few other projects which have been given approval to kick off! I hope I'm not being too optimistic but as a colleague pointed out, now the company have no choice but to confirm me as the projects are entirely on my shoulders. :) I didn't thought of that but I guess the timing does work out!

So I'll find myself the next few months pretty occupied and busy, especially with the impending move of home. It will be another exciting year I foresee and I do not need Tarot cards for this prediction!

Constructive Feedback

I had quite an interesting experience last month at Kenny Rogers in Subang, and I use the word 'interesting' liberally. What happened in not so many words was that I brought my family there to celebrate my sister's birthday and after waiting for 5 mins (there was a 'Please wait to be seated' sign) and seeing many illiterate people just entering, I entered as well and then I was greeted and asked how many are there in my company. It remains a wonder why they did not greet the illiterate people who graciously seated themselves.

Anyways, I had a company of 7, myself including which upon a quick glance, could easily be accomodated by a quick move of tables. To my surprise however, the lady said there were no tables, and when I pointed out the empty ones, she said they were all booked. Booked perhaps by the illiterate self seating guests? Hmm...

So she told me in really not very nice words to go shopping and come back in 5 minutes. I told her if I leave I won't be coming back and she seemed pleased. Perhaps people who can read annoy her. Anyways, I left and found her colleague, probably the competent ones rushing out to tell me that tables are indeed available and please do let her seat us. Obviously I said no, it's a matter of principle, plus I don't really like Kenny Rogers anyways. It's always Nandos for me but then, it wasn't my birthday.

And that's the story in erm, well, a bit of words. I'm not sure how you guys will react but poor service gets to me really bad. So being me, I wrote in very many words a letter to the management and detailed the incident. I kicked myself for not taking down the name of little miss rude but my message went across as someone called from management and apologised profusely while I, in my best professional voice, expressed my shock and disappointment at the utterly depraved level of service at such a respectable establishment. Well, I just said it's ok but you get my point.

Anyways... yesterday, in my mailbox are neat little meal vouchers for Kenny Rogers and a belated birthday card for my sister. I didn't need them but it says a lot about their respect for customers. Nandos did the same before as well, vouchers with a personal touch. So Kenny Rogers, I accept your apology and yes, since it's on the house, I will come by and eat there again. And thank you for the card. It was indeed a nice touch.

There are days…

by Daniel

When time crawls still and seconds pause,

And the mind lingers just ever so,

When we find solace in that which was,

Remembering times not too long ago…

There are days when the heart aches in quiet,

As we fondly remember those,

That once meant the world, a love acquired,

A refuge from whines and woes…

While we sink in pillows on beds ever kind,

Emotions can flood the soul,

A touch, a caress, the words ‘do be mine’,

A love that could never grow old…

But old can love get, when distance is present,

When days away turn into months,

The heart will still try but the mind is persistent,

To live life filling needs and wants…

There will be days when old love is missed,

When the present seems all wrong,

On bad days, and lost days, when nothing is bliss,

And the past seems right all along…

On those days take heart for those days will be there,

Together with days that you’ll find,

New friends and new love, new memories to share,

And new souls who say ‘do be mine’…

In all of those days find some time to remember,

And perhaps share a moment or two,

To relive a love shared, a love never forgotten,

But one faded, a remembered few…

When I say I love you I know I always will,

But love can change over time,

Just remember the times shared, and know that I feel,

That forever, you will always be mine.

Foretelling the future...

I have a new role at the office... I am now the resident psychic for about 2 weeks now!

Every morning before work and evenings after work, there'll be colleagues lining up to get their Tarot cards reading. It's really amazing how many people are fascinated by it and the extent to which the readings affect them.

Although everyone knows it's mostly for fun, I can sense that for some, they're definitely taking it more seriously! It's a unique office-bonding activity and I've gotten to know some new colleagues and some old ones better by reading them :)

A new year beckons...

2007 is here and like any start of the year, it's always a time for reflection and ponderance on the past, the present, and the to be.

At this time last year, I remember feeling contented and blessed. And this year, I feel very much the same if not more! 2006 has truly been a year for the record books in the story of my life. Here are some highlights:

1. I was confirmed as Head of Academics in my previous company which also moved to a spanking new building. It was an incidental career path that I grew to love and definitely achieved more than what I expected.

2. CreativeKids really took off last year with full capacity for almost all classes and some enquiries even had to be turned down. A small homegrown project born out of necessity became in many ways a surprising success! At least in my books!

3. Bunnies in the backyard really became an integral part of my life what with adorable babies and sad deaths and losses. I had to see them all go in 2006 but I am glad to have had them in my life. To King Wombat, Wallaby Wallace the 4th, Biscuit, Dominose, Mocha, Caramel, Fudge, Biscotto, Biscotti, Cody, and Raisin... I will definitely miss you guys.

4. I cleared all outstanding debts on my credit cards and I enter the new year with no outstanding balances!

5. I've met some really good friends and rekindled old ones. You know who you are.

6. I managed to get the job of my dreams (at least my dreams for the moment!). Great company, good job scope, and excellent remuneration.

7. I bought a house! Yet to move in as lots more legalese to wade through but it's a done deal.

8. My home in Melaka is flooded but amidst the tragedy, the family found connection, strengthened bonds and truly recognised the blessings of having an extended family that cares, is supportive and are just truly wonderful people.

9. I went to the USA!

10. I am alive and well :)

To all my friends, thanks guys and gals for being there. I really should put more effort into keeping in touch but even in silence, I never forget the times shared :)

A toast to a great year for all of us!

Christmas underwater...

I was looking forward to a restful Christmas weekend but that's a dream now seeing as how my home in Melaka is underwater. Yes, underwater.

The insane flooding has reached Melaka and with my home being on low-lying land, flooding was inevitable. I tried to convey the urgency to my parents but they assumed it to be just 'another' flood (we had 4 in the past).

This time round however, the water came up to the waist almost! Damage is surreal and more so for stuff with sentimental value. We can always buy new stuff but will be hard replacing old photos and mementos. All I hope now is that the water stops rising.

I will be off to Melaka tomorrow, hopefully waters has receded some by then. Am feeling terribly sad for my parents. Got to be thankful for blessings though.

Please, please, please let there be no snakes in the house!

Ah... Christmas...

It's Christmas in only 5 days and even with the humongous KLCC tree, just not quite in the mood though am definitely relishing the extra day weekend! It's been crazy of late, what with the LRT acting up a bit and traffic heavy with all the rain but life is good :) And miraculously, I have yet to buy anything this Christmas sales!

JOY TO THE WEEKEND
sung to the tune of Joy to the World

Joy to the world, Christmas is soon to come!
Let alarms no longer ring,
Let every head, just lie in bed,
And dream of silly things,
And dream of silly things,
And dream, and dream of silly things.

Joy to the world, the weekend awaits!
Let men reign over the remote;
Watching old Lost shows, past episodes,
Repeat old rerun joys,
Repeat old rerun joys,
Repeat, repeat, old rerun joys.

No more to wait for the LRT,
No more parking space to find;
Just stay at home and eat Maggi,
Only 3 minutes to cook,
Only 3 minutes to cook,
Only, only, 3 minutes to cook.

Joy for the holidays, it's coming soon,
Don't forget, it's Christmas too,
The glories of the long weekend,
Makes me a happy boy,
Makes me a happy boy,
And makes, makes me a happy boy!

Home is where the heart is...

I've done it, or rather in the process of getting it done. After years of wishful thinking and a few 'almost' situations, I've finally committed to buying a house!

After a week of house viewing, I've found a property I actually can see myself living in. It's a cosy 1 1/2 storey structure that's actually facing a school (so lots of 'yang' energy). I've paid the earnest fee and it's now quite a drama dealing with the lawyers and the bank.

Am definitely excited and also a little trepidatious... it's a big commitment but probably an inevitable one. It's also on my little list of life goals so I can now tick off 'buying a house before the age of 30'.

Woohoo!

Tip-toeing on eggshells...

It's 3 months into my new job and it really feels like 3 years already! I've been uber productive (probably because I'm at work so early and leave so late) and there's been so much to do. Everything's pretty much great except for one unexpected aspect, the politics.

It's quite amazing to me to learn and notice the level and depth of office politics here! Then again, I've never really worked in such a humongous company before. I really do admire the players and the playing field though. And here I thought I was an experienced corporate ladder climber.

It's really not all bad though once you get the gist of it. I know some people who cannot fathom being in a working environment knee deep in political mush but I'm ok with it. Am not sure what that says about me but I find the constant need to be 'aware' and 'observant' a unique challenge. Sure beats crossword puzzles anyway!

Whatever the climate though, at the end of the day the work is all that matters and I definitely do love what I do. Heck, I'm even ok with the commute! The green tea must really be working. :)

Ah... life...

Life is all about perspective. What comes may, it's how you see the world and the context of your world that makes all the difference in the world!

Someone said to me at work that passion is all about our point of view. Passion on its own fades but if we are able to always find that right point of view given whatever vantage point we have, we will always fuel the fire. And I concur!

For those of you that remember, I was a grumpy grumpy boy back in MMU. What changed was the moment I realised I was not tied to my scholarship bond and had all the choices in the world! From that point on, even though life had its ups and downs, things were overall great :)

So, if I may offer a small token of advice, consider perspective. You know what they say, always look for the silver lining!

Days are a daze...

The loudspeakers blared the brain-imprinted tones and announcements to remind all bleary-eyed passengers what the next station is. All I remember hearing was ding-something then some 'blah blah' and then KL Sentral. Having been blissfully asleep, I shrugged off the sandman and then frightfully wondered whether am I on the way home or on the way to work.

Days are such a daze this days! I leave the house in the wee hours of the morning at around 6'ish and am at work in the frigid KLCC tower by 740am. Then it's work and stuff until I leave the office at 8pm to reach home after 9pm. Then I sleep at 10'ish and am up again at 6am!

It's such a tightly spaced cycle that come Friday, I'm hugging and kissing my calendar as I pass the day knowing that for the next two days I can wake up after the sun and be alone in my bed in solitary reward. Hoorah!

More photos!

Have finally uploaded most of the photos. The rest are really junk stuff like my hotel bed (which was incredibly comfortable and blissfully restful), random pictures from the conference and other stuff like my maggi all lined up! :)

Anyways, I have pictures of the Science Centres I visited. Pictures include the Louisville Science Centre, Boston Museum of Science, and the Acton Discovery Museums.

Then I have some pictures of art galleries and museums. I managed to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum (all about baseball!), Louisville Glassworks Museum, Louisville Arts and Crafts Gallery, and the Museum Hotel which is a functioning hotel with an excellent gallery for a lobby (see all the red penguins?).

In Boston, I managed to visit the New England Aquarium as well as the Harvard Museum of Natural History, both really excellent places to visit.

Have fun with the pictures!

Photos of Louisville, Kentucky and Harvard, Massachusettes.

Photos will be added slowly and not in chronological order.

First two up are photos of the city of Louisville in Kentucky and the Harvard campus grounds in Massachusettes.

More will be added soon!

Home sweet home...

I'm finally back! The trip has been quite an ordeal though there were good moments. It is such a relief though to be back home in my own bed after 30 hours of airports and airplanes on the way home.

Will post up pictures soon. It's just good to be back :)

Monday blues? You gotta be kidding!

It's the eve of Raya and driving to work is absolute bliss! Reached the Kelana LRT and parking lots were aplenty. Got a seat on the train and travelled in tune to my phone busting out The Corrs Irresistible twice.

I wondered for awhile the likelihood of my phone's random song selection engine to always select at least 2 songs by The Corrs from a playlist of 40 to be played during the 6-7 song length train ride to and from work daily. My phone must be psychic. Or everyone (and everything) loves The Corrs!

Arrived in KLCC to find a whole lot of people, even before 9am. Also noticed camera flashes everywhere! KLCC has been occupied by a whole bunch of foreign workers, which became more noticeable during lunch.

Office is amazingly quiet, except for a teeny radio beating out Hindi music. The office of 150+ people had only 4 today, myself including.

As I'm off to the USA come Thursday morning and with Tuesday and Wednesday a public holiday, I really have little to do today except of course to shop for travel stuff. Got my usual assortment of Panadol, charcoal tablets, motion sickness meds and 'asam'. I've never been a good long distance traveller and doubt it'll be any different this time around!

Just chilling and killing time today with some readings. My first Raya hols in KL is off to a good start :)

Mondays should always be like this.

Tearjerker...

If you have a couple of minutes to spare, check out the new PETRONAS ad for Raya. It is such a tearjerker... sigh.

Life in KLCC

My second week working in KLCC is about done and I must say, life has changed terribly! Going to work feels like going to another state at times :)

I do have a nice cubicle though with great neighbours.



Here's a shot of my desk area. More shots will come later. I love the 'natural' lighting. Plus windows everywhere means no glaring white fluorescent.

Life in KLCC has its quirks though. For example, lunch can be an adventure, though must say the food is good.



My favourite 'chap fan' combo is a tidy RM10. Definitely pricey but very very good.



But then, considering how much melons are, well...

Working here has its perks though. There's pretty good shopping, or at least window shopping. Office is really secure and there's always the 'wow' factor of having a KLCC Tower address on your business card.

Not to mention perks like the art gallery, MPO and similar.



It's a change :)

It's been a week!

A week has gone by since I've started work at my new job and it's been really good so far. I must admit that I was a nervous wreck last Sunday but am very glad that concerns are unfounded. Office is really such a welcoming place and with so much going on, the day really goes by quite quickly.

Commuting has been an effort so far. I do miss walking to work and waking up after sunrise but I guess it's a small price to pay. It was quite a drama though last Friday when the trains broke down. I guess I really need to evaluate alternatives to the LRT just in case it happens again!

Don't forget to buzz me for lunch if any of you guys are in KLCC! :)

Work or Play?

There's one of this in my office :) It's just SO cool!

Around the World in 12 Days

It's my first day at the new job and amazingly, spent the whole day in meetings, 5 altogether! It's good feeling somewhat 'productive' on Day 1 :) Kinda eases the nerves when there's ample information given. Knowledge is empowering.

Also attended a meeting to clarify a work trip I'll be taking. Come October 26, I will be travelling literally around the world!

First up, I'll be heading to the city of Louisville, Kentucky via KL - Stockholm - Newark, NY - Kentucky. I'll be there attending a 5 day conference which is not just fully paid for, but being the only guy, I get the entire hotel room to myself!

Then after about 7 days in Kentucky, I'll be heading down to Boston via Chicago. Boston's agenda is simple. Check out the competition :)I'll be in Boston for a grand 4 days with a day off to shop!

After Boston I'm off to LA for a short stopover before heading back to KL via Taipei through the other side of the globe. In total, I'll be away on travel for 12 days!

It's going to be a heck of a trip but it sure beats morning commute!

Passport Drama

I went to renew my passport this morning at the Immigration branch at the old Subang Airport. Heeding advice from friends, I left the house at 630am hoping to arrive by 7am and beat the crowd. I did arrive at the AREA at 7am but got lost and ended up at the queue at 8am.

It's amazing how I got lost though. In retrospect, it was so easy to find. But knowing me, probably unsurprising. Anyways, when I arrived, the place was almost full! However, service was darn quick. Even with the queue, I left by 9am, only an hour's wait.

So will be going again tomorrow morning to collect my passport. This time round, I don't plan to wake up so early. Will do that next week when I start my new job in KL. :)

Last Day

It's here. I'm packed. It's time to go.

I'll be leaving behind a lot of memories but come October, life will be very different. For the better or worse? I'll soon find out! :)

5th last day at work

The countdown has begun marking the last few days at my current workplace. When I resigned from my previous company, I remember the elation and relief as well as the excitement with the prospect of being released from the bonds of employment! This time round, I must say I am feeling quite sad. There's a lot I will miss but definitely not enough to make me stay but it's still very much an opposite of what I felt the last time!

I've packed all my things which surprisingly filled only 5 shoeboxes. Was expecting a whole lot more but guess my miniscule office limited my packrat nature. Come Friday I will be enjoying joblessness for a week before I am back again in the never ending rat race :)

Squeak squeak!

All my bags are packed...

I am melancholic... it's been a week of farewells and next week promises even more as I slowly uproot myself from the college and prepare for my new job come October.

It's terribly upsetting leaving a job you enjoy but it's also immensely exciting having the prospect of a job you could enjoy even more! Either way, it's bittersweet... and as much as I'm looking forward to be in KLCC, I'm going to miss the college, my colleagues, students and my desk.

Change is definitely the theme of the month. On top of a new job, I'm also looking at many other new things with a new house being on top of my mind. With certain circumstances, I feel like moving out. Too many memories in my place and I think it may be time to upgrade from a renter to an owner. It's a nagging thought and we'll see how it goes.

I've never been one to hold on to the past. Gawd knows I've hardly ever kept up contact with old friends... can't even remember my friends in secondary school. I have for the most lived in the present with an eye to the future but with age and experience, I have to say that all this moving forward stuff can be delusional. Sometimes, it would be nice to live in the past and remember where you came from and those who helped you through.

Melancholy in September never fails...

Happy Birthdays!

Aimo and Chun! Happy Birthday! Hope you guys have a blast with lots of cake, goodies and presents!

It's been ages since we celebrated birthdays ala MMU days. I can still remember the homemade cards and parties at the playground :)

Picket Fences

I've had an interesting week of neighbourly encounters. First up, I found in the backyard some broken branches from the insane tree that's growing. When I first moved in over 2 years ago, the tree was just a spindly shrub barely 1 feet high. It's now a towering 10 feet tree with beautiful umbrella like branches which unfortunately tend to extend into my neighbours 'delicate' back porch. Thus the broken tree branches left on my side of the backyard like Mafia style warnings.

So in the interest of neighbourly relations, I chopped the entire tree down and my frumpy grumpy neighbour is now all smiles. I guess the centimetre long invasion into the airspace by my tree threatened her sovereignity. People can be quite possesive at times (myself included) so like I said, in the best interest of everyone, a tree is now dead.

Then there's this other neighbour, the one with the biggest most renovated house on the block who wants to build gates at the entrances to the back road. Given the 'recent rise' in crime and the 'threat to safety and belongings', the gates are 'necessary' and since its in shared interest, we should all chip in.

I don't know about you guys but the only ones to gain here are the ones with most to lose. Given that, dividing the cost 'evenly' is practical but somewhat unjustified so I decided to pay nothing.

I do live in a nice neighbourhood but people with high walls and big gates do not nice neighbours make.

Grounded...

I have a problem. I am a shopaholic...

This Megasale has been great thus far, though for all the wrong reasons! I've hardly been to 3-4 malls but have been spending like crazy. It's fun most definitely but at the end of the day, the one having the most fun will be my banks :)

So I've grounded myself from any malls until the sale is over. At least on the upside, I hardly ever pay regular price. But flash that 70% sticker and out comes my credit cards in a flash!

It has been a great sale though I must admit. It won't be long to the year end though and we all know what that means :)

Bye bye furry friends...

It's now official... I am now bunny-free.

All the bunnies in my backyard have found new homes. It's a little sad seeing them go but with the career move, I just won't have time for them. Even at the moment, they're pretty much on their own, though occasionally they do come in useful as 'entertainment' for the kids.

I have learned something though. I no longer want a dog and I most definitely do not want children. I guess the idea of personal freedom is very crucial to me.

My parents will be severely disappointed I am sure but who knows, I may just adopt someday. Maybe at the age of 5 when they're housetrained and fully-teethed. :)

Nervous anticipation...

It's confirmed. I've tendered my resignation from the college. Signed the offer letter with my new employer. Stamped the agreement. And went for the medical checkup. So come October, I'll be working in KLCC!

It's a great career move. Very generous salary hike, great benefits, and the promise of challenges but it's definitely nerve wrecking. Moving out of a comfort zone is definitely scary, especially when it's a very nice comfort zone but some opportunities are rare and I don't want to regret not taking it later in life.

Will definitely miss life in the college. It will be sad to hand over CreativeKids to new teachers. And even rabbits have to go. And in the future, perhaps even a move out of USJ. It's a lot of change but I'm game for it :)

So wish me luck! For friends in KL, well, here I come!

Time For Change

Change is in the air! I've quit my job and am moving on to a more challenging undertaking but one that is more rewarding as well. Out of the 20 or so applications sent out, only 2 responded and I've managed to clinch one. Thankfully, of ALL the ones I've sent out and hoped to get, the job I did get is the one I truly wanted. I am definitely very lucky this year.

Will post more details later. Right now, am basking in rays of change and all pumped up. I am a happy boy.

ps: LOTS of vacancies for fulltime lecturers in multimedia, advertising, mass communications and similar... buzz if keen :)

Tis' the season to be spending... falalalala...

The Malaysian Megasale is back and gosh... am just so pumped. Went on a mini shopping marathon over the weekend and got myself a whole bunch of goodies.

I am such a shopaholic. Someone needs to take my credit cards away from me... all 8 of them.

A weekend to remember...

I have to say I had a GREAT weekend! Went up to Genting on Friday and had to admit, was a little trepidatious (is this a word?) as most of my trips uphill have ended in some form of trauma. (Flashback: - brakes failed while going downhill, - battery died and had to be jumpstarted, - got lost walking, - diarrhorea, etc.).

This time round however, everything went perfectly well! Checked in without delay, got great rooms with great views. Weather was blissful! All nice and clear while driving then suddenly all misty and cool when I've parked. Just perfect!

Throughout, did the whole Genting fanfare. Went on rides, watched movies, went for the Mysteria magic show, ate like a pig, and had a ball of a time!





I want to go again!

Gimme a 'H' 'O' 'L' 'I' 'D' 'A' 'Y' and what do you spell?

Am off and away! Will be on leave from tomorrow till the weekend. Going off to Melaka, then to Sunway Lagoon then off to Genting. Doubt it'll be 'relaxing' but it'll be fun!

HOORAH!

Muddled Monday

I am full of gibberish today. Not sure whether it's all the sleep I got on Sunday or the fact that I'm underdressed (in t-shirt instead of shirt) but today is one muddled Monday.

It has been ages since I have literally nothing to do and it's amazing that it's all tied up to my machine. My PC is in the shop being upgraded to XP and without it, I'm utterly useless. Furthermore, with this week being a mid-semester break, I have no classes to go to and no students are around for consultation.

Summary is... I'm bored.

To make matters worse, only 7 of my colleagues are around and from this 7, only 2-3 are about in the office. Having 14 people on leave certainly makes a huge difference to what is usually a lively office environment. It's just so dead today.

It's now 2pm and I've exhausted all possible time with emails... rearranged the pens and pencils... went to the bathroom almost every 30 minutes and ate lunch twice.

Thankfully, my machine will be back tomorrow and hopefully, life at work will keep me busy again. I like being useful.

Ooooooooooohhhh.......

My happy SpongeBob collection :)

SEGi Community Day (8/7)

If you are around the neighbourhood this Saturday (8/7), do drop by SEGi College Subang Jaya for an activity-filled day! With over 30+ external vendors, Futsal challenges, carnival games, computer games and lots of FOOD, the day promises to be full of fun!

Look me up for 'discounted' coupons :) Hope to see you guys there!

Introducing Raisin!

A new baby bunny has emerged from the burrow and it's Raisin!



Here's Raisin with his mom, Biscotti and dad, Fudge.

what a genius...

I've been having problems with my office email. Any email I send out with attachments get bounced back. So I emailed the IT guy and told him very clearly and slowly that my email works fine except when I send out one with an attachment of any file type and size to any email account. If I do, my email will bounce. Please advise.

His advice?

1. What file type did you attach?

And when I explained, he then asked:

2. Who did you send it to?

When I said both internal and external accounts, he then suggested:

3. Why don't you forward to me a sample of the file you are trying to send so I can test it out.

Hmm...

CreativeKids is 2 years old!

June marks the 2nd year anniversary of CreativeKids and there's definitely cause to celebrate! I started off CreativeKids 2 years ago with a big dream, 3 classes, and an average of 1.5 students a class. For the whole first year, I scraped by with barely 2-3 students a class, earning just enough to break even.

Right now, CreativeKids is at 95% capacity! Out of my 3 classes, I have 34 students from a maximum population of 36. For the first time, I have had to turn down parents and I even had to cancel a fourth class, not due to demand but due to my time constraints. It really feels great to have something you create be so successful :)

Sigh... I am contented, tired, but contented.

Not again...

The World Cup is back. Hoorah...

For the next few weeks it will be another annoying period of trying to explain to people why I don't know who won what or who played who and more importantly, why I don't care. After all, it's only football.

It irks me though why it's so hard to accept that different people like different things. And it's particularly gender bias when it is argued that men must like football although there are some really passionate women fans out there as well. It's human nature I guess to want the justification of others for your interests because I strongly suspect that not every 'fan' out there is really one. Perhaps peer pressure may be involved.

So be nice and don't ask me about football. Otherwise I may very well turn the tables and start discussing the science of Star Trek instead.

Hmm...

Your Personality Profile

You are sexy, powerful, and bold. You're full of passion and energy... Sometimes this passion has a dark side. You feel most alive when you're seducing someone. You never fail to get someone's attention. Quick minded, you're also quick to lose your temper!

The World's Shortest Personality Test

I am bored...

I am bored. Yes... bored.

I've been working at my current place for just over 2 years now and boredom has started to set in. It's quite interesting that I also lasted just 2 years at my previous company. Maybe 2 years is the max that my interest span can last. Hmm...

To be honest though, the job isn't too bad. There are highlights and there are perks. It's just, well, unchallenging, or rather challenging in mundane ways. It's hard to get excited about preparing documents for a regulatory inspection or checking on classes to make sure attendance is a'ok. I'm also bored (or rather fed-up) organising showcases and graduation events that ends up pretty much the same every time.

I need a change. A little disappointed that a scholarship I applied for didn't went through but there's a few more still being processed. Hopefully one works out. I also applied for a job with Google (although that's really a stretch). Then again, can't say I didn't try! :)

I blame Mondays for this.

X-Men 101

This is something you find in a bad horror movie... it is most definitely NOT Jean Grey.



THIS is Jean Grey aka Marvel Girl.

X-Men 3 - Spot your favourite mutant and watch it die a horrible death!

My gawd... Needless to say I've watched X-Men 3 and I feel so annoyed. The movie is such a let down and so terribly corny. Granted some scenes are pretty good but overall, the movie seems to feel like a montage of character clips. It's like the director is having a jolly good time introducing the characters (and then sadistically killing them off, bloody bugger).

(spoilers ahead)

First of all, the tease with the Sentinels is just plain mean. I think the whole movie could do with just the Sentinels. And Grey looks so darn old. And what with the metamorphosis into the Korean horror movie meanie whenever Phoenix (that's DARK Phoenix) takes hold?

I actually don't mind them killing off Cyclops (especially when it's James Marsden) but generally, don't quite see the rationale of the mass killing spree. Also it's quite a shaky X-Men lineup at the final confrontation and it's really quite amazing how 6 or so X-Men (some still seemingly in their underpants) can hold off a force of oh, 50-60 mutants?

Granted, it's a movie, and it's escapist fantasy but these characters form the bedrock for many a childhood's imagination. And you should not 'toy' with them like characters in a carnival shoot-out. Look at Juggernaut for example... a massive force of destruction turned into a bumbling wall wrecker.

I'm not a happy X-Fan.

Unearthed from ancient files of MMU days...

c__k: cool chill

kotakkosong: muahhahaaaa

kotakkosong: @_0

c__k: how goes everything?

c__k: BOB doing well?

kotakkosong: allllmoosssstttt done

c__k: heard a lot bout him

kotakkosong: alive and well

c__k: so how long have u known bob?

c__k: heard bout your problems wif him

c__k: things will work out between u two though

c__k: just wait and see

c__k: :)

kotakkosong: well

kotakkosong: bob is one of a kind

c__k: he sure is

kotakkosong: and one of these days i will kill him

c__k: wah

kotakkosong: NYAHAHAAAA!

c__k: things that bad?

c__k: sigh

c__k: u really need to get that temper in check

c__k: bobs kinda insecure right now and he needs u

kotakkosong: maybe we'll go see counsellor

c__k: i know a very good one

c__k: wait let me give u his number

c__k: 013630xxxx

kotakkosong: ah

kotakkosong: i got that one already

kotakkosong: no good

c__k: haha

c__k: issit?

c__k: u sure?

kotakkosong: he has all these wierd ideas

kotakkosong: and he always telss us his very weird dreams

c__k: thats y he's so good... he's unconventional

kotakkosong: hehhe

c__k: well, if u wan an old school doc

c__k: i have the number here... 013363xxxx

kotakkosong: ah

c__k: u can try calling.. but she's a little slow so speak clearly

kotakkosong: aah

kotakkosong: i...

kotakkosong: see....

c__k: uh huh... and she has rheumatoids and arthritis and haerrmorhoids... so well,... u get the idea

kotakkosong: maybe........

kotakkosong: not..........

kotakkosong: i heard she can do triple somersaults pretty well

kotakkosong: :)

c__k: but that was in her younger days

kotakkosong: ahah

kotakkosong: but u dont know her like i do

c__k: she's pretty much in the wheelchair now... with those baywatch hunks as her assistants

kotakkosong: she has a secret double life

c__k: sigh, u should hear the gossip

c__k: double life? u mean she has even 1?

kotakkosong: yeah

kotakkosong: and one of them she calls affectionately 'abang hensem'

kotakkosong: hehehe

c__k: ouch

c__k: touche

kotakkosong: hahahh

kotakkosong: eh.. i wanna keep this conversation

kotakkosong: save it!!

c__k: haha

kotakkosong: really

c__k: weird conversation of the week

kotakkosong: i closed the window

c__k: i havent

kotakkosong: send to me u hear

kotakkosong: :)

Erm...

Well, thanks to Saw, I feel compelled to do my bid to ensure the continuity of the 'tag' so here goes!

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Dan
2. Teacher Daniel
3. Sir

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. My voice (helps command attention)
2. My height (I like towering over most people, hehe)
3. My eternally serious expression

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. My receding hairline (woe!)
2. My weight (I need less of it)
3. My eyes (it's too tiny)

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. Chinese
2. Peranakan
3. Malaysian

THREE THINGS YOU CAN'T STAND:
1. People who like to complain but don't do anything about it
2. Racism
3. People who cannot seem to be on time

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Going blind.
2. Seeing a ghost
3. Losing my family

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SHOWS:
1. Star Trek
2. Simpsons
3. Charmed

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE JAPANESE ANIMES:
1. Gatekeepers
2. Digimon
3. Pokemon

THREE OF YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE SONGS:
1. Think of Me (Phantom of the Opera) - Sarah Brightman
2. Breathless - The Corrs
3. Walking After You - Foo Fighters

THREE MOVIES YOU CAN WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN:
1. Digimon The Movie
2. Bring It On
3. Finding Nemo

THREE MOVIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO WATCH:
1. X Men 3
2. Da Vinci Code
3. Harry Potter

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. Torchlight
2. Cellphone
3. Credit Cards

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Shorts
2. T-Shirt
3. Spectacles

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP:
1. Trust
2. Great sex
3. Someone who's happy to drive (I hate driving)

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE GENDER THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. Great body (I'm shallow)
2. Spiky hair
3. Nice lips

THREE BAD HABITS:
1. Am a control freak
2. I'm always right
3. Always playing Devil's advocate

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Reading
2. Watching TV
3. Eating out

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Buy a house
2. Fire some colleagues
3. Jump in bed

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING OR CURRENTLY PURSUING:
1. Educator
2. Educator
3. Educator

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. Australia
2. Holland
3. New Zealand

THREE KIDS' NAMES YOU LIKE:
1. I don't want children...
2. really...
3. never ever.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Get a PhD
2. Earn enough so my parents can quit working and live with me
3. Get a job in another country

THREE WAYS THAT YOU ARE STEREOTYPICALLY A GUY
1. Am always thinking about sex
2. Electronic gadgets fascinate me
3. I don't clean very well

INITIALS OF THREE CRUSHES:
1. S
2. E
3. R

THREE PEOPLE YOU TAG TO DO THE SURVEY:
1. MENG!
2. Zeke!
3. Aimo!

Graduation Showcase 2006

Sands of time

I'm getting older and the fact of it is really dawning on me in a big way.

I'm going to be 27 this year and although by many standards, that's still young, but there's a certain ominous feeling about age and how the years seem to be really zooming by.

Now, don't get me wrong, I've never had a problem with going old. Am dealing with a receding hairline and a growing paunch in good stead but there's just no helping the feeling that things will change, and in a big way.

Firstly, students now are really 'kids', not slightly younger peers. I am not as glued to the TV as much and current news affect me! I have to pay tax for the first time ever and worse still, there is a growing realisation that people around me will eventually not be around. It's an upsetting thought.

Age is definitely a concept that needs adjusting to. Too bad there isn't all that much time!

Malaysia is finally noticed... groan...

Noticed in Wired:

The World Record-Breaking Capital
The strongest hair! The youngest sumo wrestler! The longest pencil! In Malaysia, making your mark - any mark - is a matter of national pride.

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/capital.html

National pride? Err... yeah... ok...

I have graduated!

Sunday was my graduation for my Masters degree and finally, there's closure after 2 years of incredibly exhausting studying. It's a great feeling to be finish something and finish it well, moreso when you can share it with family and friends.

I was also honoured in being asked to give a speech on behalf of the 100 or so graduates. It was nerve wrecking, considering that most of the post-graduate degree recipients were quite senior but it went well and I'm pleased.

I'm going to enjoy the rest of the year but I do plan to continue studying again before 2007. The itch is hard to resist :)

M! The Opera

I went to watch a special screening of M! The Opera last night, courtesy of CIMB. RM120 tickets were going for only RM15 so it's a great bargain!

Anyways, M! The Opera is definitely, for the lack of a better word, interesting. It didn't leave me breathless nor was I wow'ed over but I was pleasantly entertained and there were some really great scenes.

Overall, I really wished the songs were easier to understand. Most times the vocals were quite muffled or lacked good intonation so trying to figure out what they were singing about can be challenging. And the story, my gosh... convulated and probably over-dramatic? Though then again, it's an opera.

For Malaysia's 'first' opera... not too bad. I wished it had a signature song though. Left the place with no tune to hum.

Just sooooo funny!

Children are the best medicine

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't eat children. What happened was that I was feeling really under the weather yesterday, with a scratchy throat and throbbing headache but after a 2 hour class with the CreativeKids kids, I felt immensely better. It's amazing really.

Though it could be an exceptional situation. I had a great class, great here meaning a well prepared well timed class with wonderful kids. The Tuesday bunch are highly intelligent and so naively funny that it makes you want to have kids. Then Thursday comes along and I'm reminded why I don't want kids. But I digress, being with children is theraupeutic, at least in keeping your mind off yourself and giving a more sensible perspective to life.

It's not always that you sing the Barney song, chant lines like "Leonard the table destroyer!" and run around in circles. I honestly wonder at times what these kids go home and tell their parents. And I wonder what the parents must think of me. If I were a parent, I think I'd worry when my kids teacher is insinuating ideas about how exams are stupid.

It's a great feeling being with them, and in some ways (I'm being hopeful), teaching them. So next time you're sick, don't waste time with the doctor. Drop by my place for two hours of drug free remedy to whatever ails you :) Just leave your adult sensibilities at the door.

The Itch

It's that time again... I'm restless, itching for something but can't quite place what it is that I'm itching for. There's a persistent gnawing thought that leads to restless sleep and fluctuating energy levels but can't quite place my finger on what is it that's bothering me, although there are many candidates. It's an incredibly annoying feeling, especially when it really shouldn't be there in the first place.

Work is work, and though it in many ways could be better, there really is little to complain. CreativeKids is doing good, and I have much to look forward to this year including my graduation coming up soon in which I have been honoured to give a speech on behalf of the graduates. So I suspect the gnawing irritation is something deeper and perhaps sinister. What I do know is that I really really want to get it out of my system!

Perhaps it's the thought that news of my scholarship application will be out soon. Though soon is a good 3 months away. I'm really torn about it, part of me wants it badly yet the other part is quite content to stay where I'm at.

There's also the possibility of wanderlust. I really would like to travel again though my family is keeping me quite anchored down. Don't know whether I could leave them for too long.

Or could it be something as simple as my car. I want a new one. It's as simple as that :)

Whatever it is, I hope the itching stops cause it really is getting to me! Maybe I need to learn to meditate. Hmm...

They're back!

The first three baby bunnies that were adopted are back! Adopted family couldn't cope so they asked if I would take them back and of course I would. They are after all, family.

So Biscotto, Biscotti, and Fudge are back in the backyard but this time in a cage. Am not going to risk death by exposure to the elements again. So playtime will be limited but at least they will be safe.

Here's a picture of Biscotti, the most glamorous of the lot!

Moving on

Colby has died, in my hands actually. It was quick and sudden and ends the bunny legacy in my backyard. Won't be finding new company anytime soon as I'm not quite sure available I will be throughout the year but I definitely will miss my rabbit company... Wallaby Wallace the Fourth, King Wombat, Biscuit, Dominose, Mocha, Caramel, Colby and the babies...

.................................................................................................................................

I attended my first ever formal Western dinner in Shangri La over the weekend. It was the Queen's University's alumni and college sponsored a table. It was a somewhat interesting though uncomfortable event (for me anyways). Eating with such formal etiquette can be unnerving for someone who likes finger foods. Luckily, I learned that one should use cutlery from the outside coming in from Princess Diaries (yes, I watched it). There was a slight argument among older colleagues regarding which water glass is yours to use. Googled and it's the right one, which makes perfect sense.

New experiences are always invigorating.

Hope lost...

It has been a tragic week in my backyard. Mocha, my beautiful she-bunny has passed away in her burrow, likely due to birthing complications leaving behind not just woeful Caramel but three babies, now sadly undernourished and unkept. I've brought the babies in for some tlc and hopefully, they will be able to start eating solids and build some strength. Caramel however is taking it real badly.

He has been refusing to eat, choosing to sit in the rain and tragically seeming to choose to die. And he will likely pass on by morning, as he now lies in the throes of final minutes. It is sad watching him go, eyes all teary and body limp with lost. But Mocha was his one true friend and in the bunny backyard, good friends are but one.

I will be sad for him and I hope that through the night, when he breathes his final breath, he will be all good. At least I got to say goodbye. Never had the same opportunity with Mocha, who just disappeared to the earth.

At least I have the babies to live on their memories. God bless Mocha, Caramel, and may the three new lives find strength amidst absence.

Accept or Except? Hmm...

Try it out, an English word quiz:

http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=14457200288064322170

My score:

English Genius
You scored 92% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 93% Advanced, and 80% Expert!
You did so extremely well, even I can't find a word to describe your excellence! You have the uncommon intelligence necessary to understand things that most people don't. You have an extensive vocabulary, and you're not afraid to use it properly! Way to go!

Post CNY Blues

Chinese New Year 2006 was great! It was a tad rushed to go back only a day before the eve but everything worked out beautifully. And the celebrations are more pronounced and festive when the extended family are united in full force. This time round, the roll call included:

Grandmothers: 2
Aunties: 9
Uncles: 9
First Cousins: 35
Cousin's kids: 10

Plus my immediate family, for the first 2 days there were about 70 people in my grandmother's house. The noise, chaos, and the whole communal experience is something I always miss and long for. And the best part, this is not even the whole family. Missing from the group will be about a few aunties and uncles and about 20 more cousins. It's a great feeling to be part of a huge family!



Didn't find much time to visit friends (too occupied with family and when push comes to shove, family comes first anyways). Did manage to visit Meng and HL a bit more though and of course their dogs! Temperamental but beautifully golden Bobbie is shown above and below, my favourite, Bandit the patch-eyed mongrel.



I so love Chinese New Year!

Gong Xi Gong Xi

It's that time of the year again :) and I tell you, I'm about to break into giggle'y fits any time! It's amazing how this time of year turns me into a slobbering wide-eyed shopaholic kid. Must be the red.

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

The first ever hamper I've won

I join contests somewhat regularly and I have had won quite a bit of prizes, including the whopper of a trip to LA for the Charlie's Angels II premiere. A few days ago, I received news of having won another contest, albeit the consolation. :) I got myself a hamper worth RM188 full of Pilsbury products, all for buying one cake mix. I'm in sweet-tooth heaven!

CreativeKids studio version 3

The touched up learning studio in mood lighting.



The resource centre with the new pink castle motif.

Kids say the darnest things...

Overheard in CreativeKids:

7 yr old boy: Boys don't cry, except when they're being scolded by their boss. Then they can cry.

Shamelessly in Celebration

Every year, after Chinese New Year, I promise myself to not be taken in by the commercial pull of the celebrations and spend like crazy on red plastic junk. But every year, come Chinese New Year, I willingly enter myself into credit card hell to deck my house shamelessly red with lanterns hanging everywhere. I have at last count 30+ lanterns in varying sizes to fit in a tiny single storey home. But oh, I so love it!

This year, I've went a tad overboard with peach curtains laced with bamboo motifs, striped yellow table cloths, bright orange table runner, more lanterns, dingly dangly stuff, and a whole bunch of plastic cherry blossoms. It's so much fun!

SEGI College, now open!

The past few weeks have been hectic, the past few days have been tumultuous but finally, things have settled enough and our doors are now open! I have to say, after being in dank and dingy Summit the past 2 years, a new building is really refreshing, even with the 'work in progress' status.

Here are some snapshots of the Faculty of Creative Arts and Design :)



Our Theatre.



One of two gallerias.



The performing arts studio.

I like new things. :)

New Year... again?

It's 2006 and it almost felt like yesterday that 2005 came into the picture. With the new year though come fresh expectations and renewed vigour... a strange affliction we all seem to have considering nothing has changed except our calendars. And on the topic of calendars, I really miss my old ones. Getting a new calendar is like going on a first date... there's some chemistry but you just don't know what to expect. Especially when you're like me and you scribble all over the calendar making it highly indispensable!

I had my first Digitalia themed CreativeKids class yesterday and it was not too bad. Kids were all hyped up and I foresee a good 4-5 months of on-time homework before the hype sizzles out. It's good fun though and we're having a photo-shoot next week so I can hang their potraits up on the wall. I also have been getting a steady stream of calls from parents out of USJ2 so it's a good sign. Maybe next year CreativeKids can go fulltime :)



College is a hive of busy'ness... moving campus is more complicated than expected. It's a great big mess but it should be over by this week. And Meng has joined the team so it's nice having friends on board. Will take photos of the actual campus and post them once things have settled down.

To everyone, all the best this new year and may dreams and ambitions be in closer reach!

From The Star:

LONG QUEUE: Hundreds of Mykad applicants forming a beeline as they wait their turn at the National Registration Department in Jalan Sultan on Thursday.

I just cannot figure out these people. You miss a three year grace period... then you are willing to queue from 5am for literally hours just to save some RM20... then you hurl abuses at the people working for being too slow. It's just embarrasing...

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Insurance

An old friend called out of the blue, needless to say, there's a hidden agenda. He has decided to venture into the ill-perceived world of insurance selling and needs me to help meet his sales goals for the month.

I know there are many insurance agents out there and many claim to have your interests in mind but I think it's such a false illusion. I would be so happy to meet an agent that can just say that this is their job, their interests are financial, and all they want to do is explain the product to you and leave you to decide. The hard sell is not as bad as phrases such as,

"As your friend, you can trust me."

"I want to help you."

"I'm only doing this for you, since you're my friend."

Come on. Just be real and say it as it is. Maybe there should be a life insurance showroom, where all the products are stacked up and compared side by side, like cars. But I suspect, the oligopolistic nature of the insurance companies work to prevent this. As it is, agents can only commit to one company. Where is the impartiality, given how difficult it is to get detailed product information without having to go through a smooth talking agent oozing all the niceties of a Care Bear.

I honestly feel sad that people use friendship as a leverage for self benefit. Even worse is that I buy into it. My friend will likely get his sale and as much as I don't like it, at the end of the day, I do need insurance. Darn the irony.