Hi again one and all... after a month long hiatus off work and a good 3 weeks from the blog, it's somewhat good to be back (and working). :) Office setup is till ongoing so until I get my own machine, this blog will be short and sweet. (just like the 10 min drive to work).
Short story is, moi am back! And with some of you receiving my sms'es, there's a lot of stuff I have planned for year 2004! :)
Monday, February 09, 2004
WOOHOO!
Woke up this morning, tuned in to Mix.FM, heard the horrendous traffic report, then snuggled back to sleep while laughing ever so contentedly. I am so relishing my month off work.
Got back from Cambodia last Friday. It was a great trip. Needless to say that the temples are breathtaking. Having two pretty good guides helped. Very fascinating and eye-opening, though having everything in US dollars make for a somewhat pricey event. Have photos with me so do drop by and visit moi to view them. (let's not consider putting them online considering i'm now using a dreadful dialup).
Have found a job and will be starting in March. Did some test drives and it takes me 5 minutes to get to work now :) Distance from home of 3km. WOOHOO! Dan will no longer be complaining of traffic. Hooray!
Woke up this morning, tuned in to Mix.FM, heard the horrendous traffic report, then snuggled back to sleep while laughing ever so contentedly. I am so relishing my month off work.
Got back from Cambodia last Friday. It was a great trip. Needless to say that the temples are breathtaking. Having two pretty good guides helped. Very fascinating and eye-opening, though having everything in US dollars make for a somewhat pricey event. Have photos with me so do drop by and visit moi to view them. (let's not consider putting them online considering i'm now using a dreadful dialup).
Have found a job and will be starting in March. Did some test drives and it takes me 5 minutes to get to work now :) Distance from home of 3km. WOOHOO! Dan will no longer be complaining of traffic. Hooray!
Thursday, January 29, 2004
My desk is 80% cleared of my personal belongings.
My computer has been wiped clean of any traces of personal usage and work folders streamlined.
I should be getting my final paycheque today and will be surrendering my pc to replacement staff for file familiarisation.
Woohoo! Second last day of work and I'm already doing the dance of joy. :)
AND I'm going on a trip next week :) Heading for a short 3 day tour to Cambodia. Woohoo!
My computer has been wiped clean of any traces of personal usage and work folders streamlined.
I should be getting my final paycheque today and will be surrendering my pc to replacement staff for file familiarisation.
Woohoo! Second last day of work and I'm already doing the dance of joy. :)
AND I'm going on a trip next week :) Heading for a short 3 day tour to Cambodia. Woohoo!
Monday, January 26, 2004
Back to work on an inauspicious Monday (according to Feng Shui). I'm bored and tired after a week long celebration with family and friends. Coming back to work after a long holiday is really such a bummer. Especially when there's only one other person in the office and everyone else is still away. Oh well...
Friday, January 16, 2004
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Oh... The Joys of Commuting to Work.
During the school holidays:
Time of departure: 7.00am
Time of arrival: 7.30am
Last week (the first week of school):
Time of departure: 6.50am
Time of arrival: 7.45 - 8.00am
This Monday:
Time of departure: 6.50am
Time of arrival: Freaking 8.35am
Yesterday:
Time of departure: 6.50am
Time of arrival: 8.00am
Today:
Time of departure: 6.30am
Time of arrival: 6.45am
*bangs head on wall*
Also, this has to be the funniest stuff ever on the web! HILARIOUS!!! Check it out >>>
During the school holidays:
Time of departure: 7.00am
Time of arrival: 7.30am
Last week (the first week of school):
Time of departure: 6.50am
Time of arrival: 7.45 - 8.00am
This Monday:
Time of departure: 6.50am
Time of arrival: Freaking 8.35am
Yesterday:
Time of departure: 6.50am
Time of arrival: 8.00am
Today:
Time of departure: 6.30am
Time of arrival: 6.45am
*bangs head on wall*
Also, this has to be the funniest stuff ever on the web! HILARIOUS!!! Check it out >>>
Monday, January 12, 2004
If I could, I scream profanities right about now. 90 minutes of travelling for a distance of 15 km. That's an average of 10 kmp/h. I could have walked to work and be earlier. Grrrr.... Traffic is just ludicrous... don't see how much earlier I can leave than my current 650am... Cool cool cool...
On other things, my tutorship application met with no immediate success. Something about lack of funds or mismatch of needs. I think it has more to do with my company doing business with the university, so potential conflicts of interest maybe. Whatever it is, somewhat disappointing considering I had my heart set on working in education. Ah well...
First class at The One went very well. This must be the first time people clap after class, even AFTER I gave assignments! Hahaha... very rewarding... not to bask, but I like to think I did alright. But darnit, those kids should really learn to dress. Had this bunch of girls in super short pants sitting right in front. Wonder if that's on purpose? Hmm...
Also, my new year poem (few blogs down) won me a CD from Mix.FM. If I ever did win the GSC stuff (no news yet from them), this will be my second contest win for the new year, and it's only January. Cool...
Anyways, gonna be flooding the job market with my CV's. Wish me luck! Can't wait for Chinese New Year as well! :)
ps: If you see a rampaging Satria on the roads tomorrow morning, you'll know who it is. Muahahaha!
On other things, my tutorship application met with no immediate success. Something about lack of funds or mismatch of needs. I think it has more to do with my company doing business with the university, so potential conflicts of interest maybe. Whatever it is, somewhat disappointing considering I had my heart set on working in education. Ah well...
First class at The One went very well. This must be the first time people clap after class, even AFTER I gave assignments! Hahaha... very rewarding... not to bask, but I like to think I did alright. But darnit, those kids should really learn to dress. Had this bunch of girls in super short pants sitting right in front. Wonder if that's on purpose? Hmm...
Also, my new year poem (few blogs down) won me a CD from Mix.FM. If I ever did win the GSC stuff (no news yet from them), this will be my second contest win for the new year, and it's only January. Cool...
Anyways, gonna be flooding the job market with my CV's. Wish me luck! Can't wait for Chinese New Year as well! :)
ps: If you see a rampaging Satria on the roads tomorrow morning, you'll know who it is. Muahahaha!
Friday, January 09, 2004
Yohoho... was on sick leave yesterday. Don't worry, wasn't too sick (uh hum). Needed a day off and had no more leave, so well, there's that. Irony is, I am a little under the weather TODAY. Can't quite take sick leave now since I conned one yesterday. Sigh... I hope no one uses the toilet much today. Never eat stale salads (especially when the dressing is dubious).
From www.gsc.com.my:
WINNERS
20 x Special prize
Limited edition LOTR: ROTK T-shirt
4 GSC Complimentary passes
My name is on the Winners List!!! Woohoo... outside of the fact that it could be someone else with the same name, and that GSC has not called with how to collect the prizes, let me naively be thrilled for the moment :)
Anyways, a little over a week before Chinese New Year. Hoorah! Did some CNY shopping yesterday and ended up with a large piece of artwork at a really good price. It was a Horse oriented piece, mass produced type, that had weakened resale value considering it's the Year of the Monkey coming up (though gawd knows who wants to hang monkeys on their walls). Since my mom, dad, and bro are Horses and Dad just loves Chinese art pieces, thought it was a good buy. Shopping can be fun. :)
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
From www.gsc.com.my:
WINNERS
20 x Special prize
Limited edition LOTR: ROTK T-shirt
4 GSC Complimentary passes
My name is on the Winners List!!! Woohoo... outside of the fact that it could be someone else with the same name, and that GSC has not called with how to collect the prizes, let me naively be thrilled for the moment :)
Anyways, a little over a week before Chinese New Year. Hoorah! Did some CNY shopping yesterday and ended up with a large piece of artwork at a really good price. It was a Horse oriented piece, mass produced type, that had weakened resale value considering it's the Year of the Monkey coming up (though gawd knows who wants to hang monkeys on their walls). Since my mom, dad, and bro are Horses and Dad just loves Chinese art pieces, thought it was a good buy. Shopping can be fun. :)
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
Monday, January 05, 2004
Yawns... back to work again after yet another blissfully long weekend. First day of school today as well and gawd, traffic was a killer. Sigh... hope things settle down after a few days.
Am excited with the prospect of the year. First up, by the end of this month, I'm leaving my current company! Woohoo... will be a big change seeing how the past 2 years of my life have been spent here. Also, this Friday will be my first real teaching class at The One Academy. Mighty nervous but thrilled. Gonna be an interesting year. :)
Made some resolutions as well, among them being more open with friends. Talked with some friends and in some ways it does help to limit interpersonal walls. Life is really too short to be too caught up with short sighted maladies.
Anyways, thanks for all the new year wishes and a great year to everyone! :) And to quote Batbabe, let's all wish for world peace!
Am excited with the prospect of the year. First up, by the end of this month, I'm leaving my current company! Woohoo... will be a big change seeing how the past 2 years of my life have been spent here. Also, this Friday will be my first real teaching class at The One Academy. Mighty nervous but thrilled. Gonna be an interesting year. :)
Made some resolutions as well, among them being more open with friends. Talked with some friends and in some ways it does help to limit interpersonal walls. Life is really too short to be too caught up with short sighted maladies.
Anyways, thanks for all the new year wishes and a great year to everyone! :) And to quote Batbabe, let's all wish for world peace!
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
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.
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.