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 :)