I've been trying to figure out the reason for blogging. As much fun it is reading other blogs, maintaining 'jumbuck' has been quite challenging of late. Not so much for reasons of time but rather trying to decide what to share.
It used to be easy sharing life stories but in retrospect, it's probably way too revealing than I'm comfortable with now. It appears that most of us do tend to be quite loose with the sharing online, like effects of virtual alcohol. Way back then when the community started with mostly MMU'ians... it was highly therapeutic seeing how teenage angst still persists and the stress of jobs and bills came into play. But I guess now, most of us have settled down somewhat and it likely seems that there's nothing much to share that will be of interest to the rest.
My social bubble has changed quite a bit. I've lost touch with many uni friends and high school friends are geographically distant and basically out of mind. My social connections and lifestyle has changed and I feel that it may be disjointed from what my blogger friends can connect with.
For example, it's hard to relate now to Kotakkosong's rants and raves on capoeira and dance for example. It's her passion but I find it hard to emphatise. And seeing how it's pointless writing to an audience of none, I guess maybe this 'life stories' blogging thing may be running its course.
Furthermore, being in the public domain, well, anyone with enough determination can find you out and basically take a part of your life whether you like it or not. And since I don't believe in self-censorship, it seems ridiculous to have to consider what I say and what I put here.
Anyways, like many other post, this is just a rant. But things considering, probably the last rant for quite a while.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
The Biscuit Legacy
I had my Creative Writing class with the youngest kids last night and I made the mistake of telling them about Biscuit in the beginning of the class. The usually rowdy class turned sombre and two girls started crying. They then had a barrage of questions including:
1. Why don't I quit work and stay at home with the rabbits?
2. What did the cat look like?
3. Why don't you go kill the cat?
4. Why don't we kill all cats?
It's definitely heart warming to see them being so involved and touched by Biscuit, even though they see him only once a week. Worse still is that my other 3 rabbits are in depressive mourning, refusing to eat very much and even declining treats. Biscuit the Brave definitely made a mark during his lifetime.
1. Why don't I quit work and stay at home with the rabbits?
2. What did the cat look like?
3. Why don't you go kill the cat?
4. Why don't we kill all cats?
It's definitely heart warming to see them being so involved and touched by Biscuit, even though they see him only once a week. Worse still is that my other 3 rabbits are in depressive mourning, refusing to eat very much and even declining treats. Biscuit the Brave definitely made a mark during his lifetime.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Biscuit the Brave, you will be missed...
On Saturday, July 30 2005, Biscuit, my dear brown bunny died after suffering fatal injuries. Although Biscuit has been with me for only over a year, he has done more for me than any other bunnies I've had.
Biscuit and Dominose was bought to keep my rabbit King Wombat company, after Wombat's brother, Wallaby Wallace the Fourth had to be put to sleep due to a degenerative muscle disease. The meeting between Biscuit, Dominose and Wombat was fraught with challenges. Wombat was in deep depression and the three male rabbits ended up fighting constantly. Biscuit being the biggest was immediately to blame for Wombat's wounds but only after Biscuit was taken out, and the wounds persisted did the real culprit was found, Dominose.
When the three of them were brought up to USJ where they had a bigger run in the backyard, Biscuit aggressively protected Wombat from Dominose, chasing him and even attacking him, while keeping Wombat safe. Sadly though, the severely depressed Wombat never recovered and he soon died from a flu infection.
Biscuit lived an interesting life as a free-roaming outdoor bunny who was very well fed as well as the unofficial mascot of CreativeKids. Every one of the 20+ kids knew Biscuit well. They played with him, asked about him, and he in turn rewarded them by posing quietly for pictures and enjoyed being stroked tremendously. Biscuit may not be very personable with people but he appreciated company and never declined a back rub.
When a friend had two rabbits to give up, I took them in and instantly, Mocha and Caramel became Biscuit's new friends. He took them under his wing, made them comfortable in the new environment and he even shared his meals. Mocha and Caramel, who were very fidgety and stressed from their previous ownership, became bunnies again and the three brown rabbits could always be seen together. After time, the bunny bond strengthened and Mocha and Biscuit became lovers and inseparable in my tiny backyard.
The last week, I suspected that Mocha was due to give birth, as she had ballooned out a bit and was keeping to herself. Plus, Mocha had created a nest for the future babies and even Biscuit was not his usual self.
On Saturday morning, when I went down to feed them, it felt strange that no one came out to greet me. Dominose stood soberly in a corner with the rest all huddled in another. I laid the food out and went towards Biscuit, for his daily morning pat. When I approached him, I knew something was wrong. He was breathing heavily and when I lifted him, he cringed. I've seen the injuries before and I knew he must have fell or jumped too high. Beside him, keeping him company was Mocha and Caramel, faithful to Biscuit till the end. I was still uncertain over the cause of injury but Biscuit was too shocked to be moved, so I patted him one last time, carried him to a more comfortable place and drove to Melaka.
That night, my housemate came home and by then Biscuit had died. But not just that, there was a cat in the backyard as well. Biscuit laid in the middle of the yard, in front on the nest Mocha made. I believed that even with his initial injury, likely due from a cat fight as well, Biscuit braved himself to protect the babies he borned with Mocha. He gave up his life for new life, which unfortunately, was also at the mercy of the cat.
No one will really know what happened or how it happened but I like to believe that Biscuit died fighting. Cats have came in before but the rabbits are too big to be a meal so over the past year and a half, nothing has happened. However, there were never babies before, and the empty abandoned nest which Mocha now stays away from says it all.
I feel in some way, a sense of pride that Biscuit took it upon himself to challenge the cat, and save all the others from danger. He never went to hide or run but stood and fought. None of the other smaller rabbits had any injury, so I know that they were not the reason the cat came. It really is sad that the babies did not survive but I can imagine Biscuit rising against the feline predator and with all his might, doing something very against his rabbit natural instincts and fighting for his family and bunny friends.
I am sure, like me, Mocha and Caramel, and maybe even Dominose will truly miss and fondly remember Biscuit the Brave. He has been buried right beside King Wombat, and maybe in death would they rekindle the friendship they had.
Oh Biscuit... I miss you.
Biscuit and Dominose was bought to keep my rabbit King Wombat company, after Wombat's brother, Wallaby Wallace the Fourth had to be put to sleep due to a degenerative muscle disease. The meeting between Biscuit, Dominose and Wombat was fraught with challenges. Wombat was in deep depression and the three male rabbits ended up fighting constantly. Biscuit being the biggest was immediately to blame for Wombat's wounds but only after Biscuit was taken out, and the wounds persisted did the real culprit was found, Dominose.
When the three of them were brought up to USJ where they had a bigger run in the backyard, Biscuit aggressively protected Wombat from Dominose, chasing him and even attacking him, while keeping Wombat safe. Sadly though, the severely depressed Wombat never recovered and he soon died from a flu infection.
Biscuit lived an interesting life as a free-roaming outdoor bunny who was very well fed as well as the unofficial mascot of CreativeKids. Every one of the 20+ kids knew Biscuit well. They played with him, asked about him, and he in turn rewarded them by posing quietly for pictures and enjoyed being stroked tremendously. Biscuit may not be very personable with people but he appreciated company and never declined a back rub.
When a friend had two rabbits to give up, I took them in and instantly, Mocha and Caramel became Biscuit's new friends. He took them under his wing, made them comfortable in the new environment and he even shared his meals. Mocha and Caramel, who were very fidgety and stressed from their previous ownership, became bunnies again and the three brown rabbits could always be seen together. After time, the bunny bond strengthened and Mocha and Biscuit became lovers and inseparable in my tiny backyard.
The last week, I suspected that Mocha was due to give birth, as she had ballooned out a bit and was keeping to herself. Plus, Mocha had created a nest for the future babies and even Biscuit was not his usual self.
On Saturday morning, when I went down to feed them, it felt strange that no one came out to greet me. Dominose stood soberly in a corner with the rest all huddled in another. I laid the food out and went towards Biscuit, for his daily morning pat. When I approached him, I knew something was wrong. He was breathing heavily and when I lifted him, he cringed. I've seen the injuries before and I knew he must have fell or jumped too high. Beside him, keeping him company was Mocha and Caramel, faithful to Biscuit till the end. I was still uncertain over the cause of injury but Biscuit was too shocked to be moved, so I patted him one last time, carried him to a more comfortable place and drove to Melaka.
That night, my housemate came home and by then Biscuit had died. But not just that, there was a cat in the backyard as well. Biscuit laid in the middle of the yard, in front on the nest Mocha made. I believed that even with his initial injury, likely due from a cat fight as well, Biscuit braved himself to protect the babies he borned with Mocha. He gave up his life for new life, which unfortunately, was also at the mercy of the cat.
No one will really know what happened or how it happened but I like to believe that Biscuit died fighting. Cats have came in before but the rabbits are too big to be a meal so over the past year and a half, nothing has happened. However, there were never babies before, and the empty abandoned nest which Mocha now stays away from says it all.
I feel in some way, a sense of pride that Biscuit took it upon himself to challenge the cat, and save all the others from danger. He never went to hide or run but stood and fought. None of the other smaller rabbits had any injury, so I know that they were not the reason the cat came. It really is sad that the babies did not survive but I can imagine Biscuit rising against the feline predator and with all his might, doing something very against his rabbit natural instincts and fighting for his family and bunny friends.
I am sure, like me, Mocha and Caramel, and maybe even Dominose will truly miss and fondly remember Biscuit the Brave. He has been buried right beside King Wombat, and maybe in death would they rekindle the friendship they had.
Oh Biscuit... I miss you.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Graduate showcase
As most of you know, the Multimedia and Advertising departments in my college had a graduation showcase for the final semester students. It wasn't a big pomp event but it was well received, neatly done, and served more than what it intended to do, which was to provide an avenue for the students to showcase their works to family and friends and for the industry at large to drop by.
Sharon and Zeke were the assessors and they did intimidate the students quite effectively! It was also great to have a handful of people from the industry coming over, a result of me spamming all the ad and design agencies in the country. Better still, their feedback was quite positive, so overall, it was pretty good.
Here are some photos of the launching ceremony with our internal VIP's on an escorted tour of the works.
Sharon and Zeke were the assessors and they did intimidate the students quite effectively! It was also great to have a handful of people from the industry coming over, a result of me spamming all the ad and design agencies in the country. Better still, their feedback was quite positive, so overall, it was pretty good.
Here are some photos of the launching ceremony with our internal VIP's on an escorted tour of the works.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Customer Service? What a misnomer...
I have had it up to here with dealing with TM Net's customer service. There was some service interruptions with a few Australian servers and since my studies require me access to those sites, it was quite urgent for me to get it resolved. My first call resulted in being told that it's a local problem (even though I told her that every other of my friends here in Malaysia cannot access the site) and was asked to stupidly clear my cache and recreate my dialler.
Anyways, got peeved so followed up with an email (which usually leads to better feedback since it's verbally expressed and recorded) but it's all a bunch of gibberish. Can you make any sense of the following emails?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyways, got peeved so followed up with an email (which usually leads to better feedback since it's verbally expressed and recorded) but it's all a bunch of gibberish. Can you make any sense of the following emails?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does the following paragraph register any logic with any of you?
Referring to the above, kindly note that currently there is a problem in
accessing Australian websites but it has been confirmed if the problem
is on the Australian server with the Streamyx IP or vice versa.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just don't get this. Who on earth will be my server administrator? My problem is
with the darn ISP :P
Referring to your e-mail, kindly be advised to consult with your server
administrator for further assistance. On behalf of TM Net, we apologise
for the inconveniences caused.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have to say, being polite with these people is pointless. I am just so embarassed
that this company is Malaysian.
Tragedy!!!
Wedding Bells for Sandra Bullock and Jesse James!
July 18, 2005
July 18, 2005
Movie sweetheart
Monday, July 11, 2005
My name is Daniel and I am a...
SHOPAHOLIC! It is quite impossible for me to step into any mall and not buy loads of stuff. It's an illness I tell you. Went to Ikea/Ikano over the weekend to get a couple of chairs and ended up with RM500 worth of goodies. I have no willpower... either that or my credit cards have the ability to possess me.
However, it was 'happy' purchases :) which means no lingering doubt or regret. Got another table for CreativeKids to allow for a slight student expansion for the full classes and two more lamps. I have such a softspot for lights. Just love to have them about the house.
Another soft spot will be books. I can't stop buying them. I now forcibly not left myself wander into PayLess or Popular unless I really really have to. Argh...
However, it was 'happy' purchases :) which means no lingering doubt or regret. Got another table for CreativeKids to allow for a slight student expansion for the full classes and two more lamps. I have such a softspot for lights. Just love to have them about the house.
Another soft spot will be books. I can't stop buying them. I now forcibly not left myself wander into PayLess or Popular unless I really really have to. Argh...
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Post-mortem
Phew, charity event is finally over... months of drama, escalating tension, shouted arguments, boycotting and a whole lot of mess is finally at an end. I have to say though that the event itself was disappointing to many parties (too few booths and poorly promoted) but for the staff and students, pretty fun. We ended up buying most of the stuff anyways and I frequented this dessert stall so often I got a discount on Day 2. :)
One thing I couldn't understand is that if the total amount of crafts to be sold = X amount and if X amount brings in Y profit, and if Y profit does not equal Z target collection, how can anyone expect the fund raising goals to be met? Were they planning to sell invisible stuff? Perplexing...
..........
On another note, end of semester evaluations are about done and information so far affirms what most of us have suspected. It's going to be disciplinary week plus a fair bit of part-time lecturers are seeing the boot. And lucky me, I get to be the one exercising it. Grumbles...
One thing I couldn't understand is that if the total amount of crafts to be sold = X amount and if X amount brings in Y profit, and if Y profit does not equal Z target collection, how can anyone expect the fund raising goals to be met? Were they planning to sell invisible stuff? Perplexing...
..........
On another note, end of semester evaluations are about done and information so far affirms what most of us have suspected. It's going to be disciplinary week plus a fair bit of part-time lecturers are seeing the boot. And lucky me, I get to be the one exercising it. Grumbles...
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Art with a Heart Charity Bazaar 2005
My college is organising an arts and crafts charity bazaar themed Art with a Heart this weekend at The Summit USJ. It will kick off tomorrow and end on Sunday, open from 10am - 10pm. Lots of trinkets and stuff to buy plus games to play so if anyone's free, welcome to drop by :)
All proceeds will go towards Rumah Kebajian Orang Tua dan Kanak-Kanak and Charis Home Community Point.
All proceeds will go towards Rumah Kebajian Orang Tua dan Kanak-Kanak and Charis Home Community Point.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Managing people
Reality of the job struck me today when I had to confront a colleague and address the person based on certain issues arising. Very awkward, very nerve wrecking but had to be done. Feels strange, and it's definitely a steep learning curve but am coping. Am also stepping on many toes along the way. I can't help it I guess... too many things need changing. Hope I don't become like one of those eager-beaver managers my Dad describes as just wanting to change things because they can. Hmm...
Monday, June 20, 2005
Meaning in life
I have a problem, I tend to over-think things and what people say really gets to me. Maybe it's over-sensitivity at work or innate Libran characteristics coming to fore but I'm just really peeved about how easily I'm affected by things around me.
Which is why I just hate watching 'charity' themed shows that are designed to milk sympathy because I will be so guilt-ridden and on the opposite scale, shows on holidays and escapades because then I'll be inclined to spend. Having to stop and think about what you really want and what truly makes you happy is definitely an insightful personal challenge and probably one most of us can never quite figure out.
Way too much thinking for a Monday... groan...
Which is why I just hate watching 'charity' themed shows that are designed to milk sympathy because I will be so guilt-ridden and on the opposite scale, shows on holidays and escapades because then I'll be inclined to spend. Having to stop and think about what you really want and what truly makes you happy is definitely an insightful personal challenge and probably one most of us can never quite figure out.
Way too much thinking for a Monday... groan...
Friday, June 17, 2005
From The Star
The real Michael Soosai
THE picture used in our front-page story entitled 'Cops Under Probe' on Thursday was not of fugitive Michael Soosai, who is alleged to have faked his death.
The Soosai whose picture was used on the front page is currently under restricted residence in Johor under the Emergency Ordinance.
Pictured is the Michael Soosai referred to in our report. We apologise for the error and any embarrassment caused.
> Can you imagine how life must be like for the guy innocently splashed on the front page yesterday? Talk about journalistic integrity...
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Relief!!!
Finally... after slogging through a record 20,000 words spread out over no less than 7 reports AND the development of a fully functional online learning environment, I've finished the semester! Phew... I am totally burnt out and am glad for the 1 month reprieve before... groan... it starts all over again BUT for the last time! I only have one more semester to go before I am eligible for degree award. :)
My masters is a 8 unit program meaning 8 modules in all and they use a 7-point CGPA system so variances in grade are more pronounced. I've done 6 and have had results for 5 and up to this point, my CGPA is... PERFECT! Muahahahaha... It will be broken by my crappy 6th module but hopefully the next 2 will be great. I am so aiming for the Dean's award...
(and oh... Jakarta trip is cancelled... hoorah! no worries of bomb threats and kidnappings)
My masters is a 8 unit program meaning 8 modules in all and they use a 7-point CGPA system so variances in grade are more pronounced. I've done 6 and have had results for 5 and up to this point, my CGPA is... PERFECT! Muahahahaha... It will be broken by my crappy 6th module but hopefully the next 2 will be great. I am so aiming for the Dean's award...
(and oh... Jakarta trip is cancelled... hoorah! no worries of bomb threats and kidnappings)
Monday, June 13, 2005
Fun! Fun! Fun!
Fajar is having a mini toy sale and here's what I got:
Another de-stress'ing option from dealing with escalating office politics.
Another de-stress'ing option from dealing with escalating office politics.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Climbing the corporate ladder
I've moved up one rung in my corporations ladder and for the first time in my working life, I have my own office! It's a decent sized one but the best part is I have space for all my stuff and privacy. A little lonely, since my previous desk was in an open plan environment but should be good. :)
Also, for the first time in my life, I have a sizeable number of people answerable to me. Work has always been with equal colleagues but right now, the entire academic faculty is my responsibility. A little nerve wrecking but a challenge that I'm game for!
Still riding the 'promotion' high but need to ride out the 3 month probation though. It's good though to be able to make your intentions count and actually take action on it. :)
Also, for the first time in my life, I have a sizeable number of people answerable to me. Work has always been with equal colleagues but right now, the entire academic faculty is my responsibility. A little nerve wrecking but a challenge that I'm game for!
Still riding the 'promotion' high but need to ride out the 3 month probation though. It's good though to be able to make your intentions count and actually take action on it. :)
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Personality Test
| Global Personality Test Results |
| Stability (18%) low which suggests you are very worrying, insecure, emotional, and anxious. Orderliness (56%) moderately high which suggests you are, at times, overly organized, reliable, neat, and hard working at the expense of flexibility, efficiency, spontaneity, and fun. Extraversion (31%) moderately low which suggests you are reclusive, quiet, unassertive, and secretive. |
personality tests by similarminds.com
trait snapshot:
introverted, irritable, feels invisible, observer, depressed, does not enjoy leadership, reveals little about self, dislikes large parties, feels undesirable, does not like to stand out, submissive, suspicious, emotionally sensitive, not a thrill seeker, solitude loving, likes silence, fragile, second guesses self, negative, unadventurous, fearful, weird, focuses on people's hidden motives, paranoid, phobic, dependent, cautious, avoidant, semi intellectual
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Jakarta here I come...
I am going off to Jakarta next week, amidst a flurry of sound words from my parents regarding the country's state of affairs plus the impending bomb threats. It is quite nerve wrecking, especially when you read the travel advisories online but not something I have a choice in though. There's an education exhibition where we're hoping to tap into the lucrative student market there.
I'm going to have to brush up on my Bahasa and hope it'll get me through the 2 full days of student counselling. Groan...
And on other stuff, my phone line went dead again... 3rd time this year. I am so peeved with Telekoms. Rebranding my %&*@#!!!
I'm going to have to brush up on my Bahasa and hope it'll get me through the 2 full days of student counselling. Groan...
And on other stuff, my phone line went dead again... 3rd time this year. I am so peeved with Telekoms. Rebranding my %&*@#!!!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Star What? Luke who?
Discovery Channel is showing a series of immensely interesting documentaries about the Science of Star Wars and their everyday interpretations in today's technology. However, the subtitlers Astro hires must be from the prehistoric age... when Darth Maul was mentioned in a scene, the Bahasa Malaysia 'equivalent' is:
"Gloth Moore"
Once again, I really have to say, some people are stupid.
(And I thought TV3's subtitling mistake of calling Apocalypse of the X-Men 'Foker Lips' was stupid enough).
"Gloth Moore"
Once again, I really have to say, some people are stupid.
(And I thought TV3's subtitling mistake of calling Apocalypse of the X-Men 'Foker Lips' was stupid enough).
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Energizer Bunnies running on empty...
For those not aware, at last count, I have 4 bunnies in my backyard. Like most other bunnies, they are quite souped up and is always hopping and mucking about (interspersed with naps and breaks). They hate being held and will only come to you when they're hungry.
What's strange this morning was when I went out to feed them, they did not crowd around my feet like they always do. Instead I saw them laying out all over the backyard, looking quite spent. Picking them up one by one, they looked and felt ok, but they were just lethargic (or exhausted).
I thought about it a bit and came to the conclusion that last night must have been a bunny orgy fest. (That or a cat came in and chased them about silly, but unlikely since cats will probably eat one up). So bunny orgy fest it is. It must be good to be bunnies sometimes...
What's strange this morning was when I went out to feed them, they did not crowd around my feet like they always do. Instead I saw them laying out all over the backyard, looking quite spent. Picking them up one by one, they looked and felt ok, but they were just lethargic (or exhausted).
I thought about it a bit and came to the conclusion that last night must have been a bunny orgy fest. (That or a cat came in and chased them about silly, but unlikely since cats will probably eat one up). So bunny orgy fest it is. It must be good to be bunnies sometimes...