Oh nooo.... back to work! wwwwaaaaahhh..... (kinda feels like Monday tho, minus the traffic)

Raya break was pretty decent. Went visiting a colleague and had good Malay food. Wished I had more open houses to visit tho. I need ketupat and rendang!

Also got myself Magic the Gathering: Battlegrounds for PC! WOOHOO! YAY! Took me quite a while to search for it and so darn thrilled to find it. SADLY, my stupid PC cannot play it. Darn 3D requirements. So went to shop to realise that notebooks can barely be upgraded. GAH! You know, it just never occured to me that notebooks come as is with little upgradability. I just assume with all the advances in technology, how hard can it be to upgrade a notebook? GAH!!! Sigh...

Anyways, so I sneaked into the office the 2nd day of Raya to play the game on my office machine. After clearing my mails and finishing the long installation, I was all ready to start when who walks into the empty office on a holiday but MY BOSS!!! ARGH!!! Ended up working for a couple of hours involuntarily and quickly left. SOB SOB... I want to play my game!!! :(

And oh, I ate a whole Chocolate Top Sundae Cone from McD. Whole meaning the with paper thingy that they put the cone in. Didn't realise it was there. Figured it out when I found myself chewing awfully long. I hope it's non-toxic. :)

First up, Selamat Hari Raya to all muslim friends :) And to all the rest, HOLIDAYS!!!

This week is so bad for working. Totally demoralised and just dreaming of ketupat and rendang. Gonna just be visiting one colleague tomorrow, no one else seems to be doing an open house thingy. Darn...

Weekend has been laidback. Did some crafts and some other stuff. Played Magic the Gathering on PC. Love the game! Watched lots of TV as well. Such a pig I tell you. Oink Oink!

Tis a rambling blog but it's a rambling type day... lalala... which mall should I visit for lunch today... hmm.... (boss isn't around)....

I've either been asked, been subjected to in a conversation, or listened to this one singularly grating topic: marriage all in this past week. Everything so far revolves around:

1. We are getting older and need to consider getting married so we can have kids by 30.

2. You can't buy that car! How are you going to fit your future children in?

3. Marriage is inevitable what... we all have to do it.

Since when is marriage inevitable? Death yes lar, maybe even the cancellation of Charmed, but marriage? You know, I'm not a big proponent of anything forced and although marriage is all good and pretty, it's not something you do because you have to. It should be something you do because you want to! I mean, the world has changed so much, what is inevitable is the fact that the institution or concept of marriage needs some changing too.

This is all personal obviously, but I feel that marriage is an option. You can be as happy dating, single, playing the field all the way to your deathbed I am sure. And let's not even go at how 'happy' marriages can sometimes be.

All I'm saying is, when you meet people like me, who really couldn't be bothered to choose a car for future children or starts saving vigorously for a wedding, take a breather to understand why. :) Please don't force down age-old propaganda that marriage will make your life complete, just like you have to work very hard when you are young to enjoy life when you are old. (Why can't we enjoy in moderation everyday?)

Imposing principles on others is something that I have a tough time with I guess. Within acceptable limits, and especially if you do not hurt or endanger anyone else, I truly believe we should be able to do as we please.

Marriage... bah humbug.

I'm giving a 2 hour talk at The One Academy on December 6th. My talk will be about 'Getting Your Message Across The Internet:
E-Learning Approaches to Online Advertising'. A little nervous and slowly prepping up presentation slides but should be an interesting experience. I hope they allow public members to sit in so I can force all you people reading this to come and ease my nervousness. What on earth do I know about online advertising? ARGH!

Matrix seems to be a divided topic, people either love it or hate it, get it or don't. Personally, I wished I had my money back. Effects and all is really nothing to blah over now, since it's really something expected than out of the norm. Story wise tho, well, I believe in communicating a clear message. I have no idea who they are trying to target. Only die hard fans willing to sift through the metaphors and analogies can probably surmise a version of the story. Since hardly any versions are alike, who's to say what the heck the original story was? Well, coming from someone who enjoys low brow brainless romance comedies, (hehe), I guess the Matrix isn't something I easily appreciate. Movies that works best for me are the ones who play me out exactly, with feel good all over. :)

Oh no... I'm a... VAMPIRE????


You are Form 9, Vampire: The Undying.

"And The Vampire was all that remained on
the blood drowned creation. She attempted to
regrow life from the dead. But as she was
about to give the breath of life, she was
consumed in the flame of The Phoenix and the
cycle began again."

Some examples of the Vampire Form are Hades (Greek)
and Isis (Egyptian).
The Vampire is associated with the concept of
death, the number 9, and the element of fire.
Her sign is the eclipsed moon.

As a member of Form 9, you are a very realistic
individual. You may be a little idealistic,
but you are very grounded and down to earth.
You realize that not everything lasts, but you
savor every minute of the good times. While
you may sometimes find yourself lonely, you
have strong ties with people that will never be
broken. Vampires are the best friends to have
because they are sensible.


Which Mythological Form Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Monday morning... bluergh.

Weekend was good. Went back home and just chilled. Relaxing... :)

Landlordy got me a new fan! Yay! Now I don't have to freeze every morning since new fan can oscillate. Old one was so twisted out of shape that it falls if I oscillate it. :) Yay!

I'm leaving current company at end of January. Quite a way to go still and office dynamics has changed. 3 new staff today. Lots of new faces. Changes! At least my last few weeks will be intriguing :) Boss has kindly extended an offer to return to the company whenever I like to. Mighty nice of him but I hope that's one offer I won't have to take up. Please please please let there be another job for me! :)

Feeling way better now. No more nausea and diarrhorea, yippee... but allergies all a flaring. Couldn't resist a junk food session last week. Sigh... darn food chemicals. Grr...

Happy work week everyone.

Woohoo... Friday. :)

Back to work after a 2 day hiatus, thanks to the public holiday on Wednesday and sick leave yesterday. Got hit with another dizzy spell (thanks to some inner ear imbalance). Gone now thankfully. Doc said that if it doesn't go away with meds, he'll need to do a brainscan. Spooky.

Today in the office is rearranging tables day. 3 new staff coming in on Monday so got to make room for them. Bluergh... it also looks like I'll be leaving end of December instead of mid-January. Long story that but I guess it'll be good to go. Job hunting still in process, not too much success yet.

Gonna spend this weekend making lamps for colleague who's going away and sis birthday present. Anyone wants to order one? :) Cheap cheap... let me know :)

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Bluergh... I am unwell...

Stomach was crappy all through Monday so I took sick leave and spent the day finishing 'The Bear and The Dragon' by Tom Clancy. It's such a great book, and so compelling that I even forgot to take my nap. Hehe...

Thought all was well today until halfway through the journey to work I get overwhelmed by nausea. Thank goodness I don't eat breakfast until after I reach the office otherwise I'll be puking in the car. Bluergh... anyways, contemplating another sick leave but we'll see if this clears up.

I hope I'm not allergic to work! Muahahaha...

Let's say this together, FRIDAY! FRIDAY! FRIDAY!

Things sure are changing in the company. We have 3 new people coming in by mid-month. Lots of seating rearranging and transitions to do. And I will be passing on my workload slowly to the new staff. Changes man, and I'm somewhat excited with the prospect :)

Next 2-3 months will be somewhat different though. I'll probably be grounded to the office once new staff comes and I wonder how the dynamics of resigning staff and new staff will be like. I also wonder what my boss has told them about me and my reasons for leaving and what I should say should the new staff ask me? Hmm... will probably let it all glide. So Dan will be a grinning and a looking stupid until he leaves for CHINESE NEW YEAR for one LONG LONG BREAK! YAY!

Happy weekend everyone!

Woohoo! I am free! Free! Last day of work: January 20th 2004. YAY! Hooray!

(boss was so hyped about a new 'million' dollar proposal that he couldn't be bothered about my departure. works for me just fine.)

YAY!

(dan now available for employment. anyone out there wants me?)

Over the weekend:

1. Decided to resign from job. If I can't get another within my 3 months notice, so be it. HOLIDAY!

2. Had constant nightmares of boss. This is seriously neurotic. Decided to dream of the Charmed Ones instead... (bliss).

3. Craved food non-stop. Am (yet again) on a new diet. So far so good this time. Lost 3kg. For my sanity, don't mention food when you're with me.

4. Met an old friend. He said he suspect he's schizophrenic. He's been hearing voices. Darn my friends are weird.


And today:

1. Boss isn't here. Darn... gonna delay my notice giving ceremony. How am I supposed to reschedule the band? Sigh...

2. Contemplating dropping by Ikea during lunch. Need to get present for Dad. Calculating the time it will take. Hmm...

3. Can't wait for the weekend.

Woohoo... Friday :)

Well, thanks for the throwback everyone. It helps but like I said, this decision is mine. Being the stubborn, irritable, grumpy person I am, not to mention highly indecisive, I've kinda avoided committing to a decision but it's inevitable I guess. Although there are some concerns, mind is made up. To new shores I go.

But I'm going to play this safe and secure a job first. My work performance is sure as heck going to go down the drain but when you've set to leave, it's amazing how suddenly easy everything is. It feels mightily unfair and I'm really happier to give my notice now, but seeing how once you give your notice the boss treats you like dirt, well, I'm doing it only when I'm good and ready.

Lalalala... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! Watching Freaky Friday tonight. :)

I'm in such a headache... argh...

Past week or so has been spent contemplating resignation. And when I thought I had finally decided, boss called me in for a heart to heart. He said he noticed me being dour (eww...) and unhappy so he wanted to know why. Although boss has alleviated some concerns and made some promises (sincerity to be doubted), I feel like I do not have adequate investment in interest and passion to continue. Plus the fact that I'll drop this for a new job without a second thought gives me an indication that my notice is due.

So for the moment, I think I've decided to resign. But the compelling worry is that I fail to secure another job before I go. Since I have to give a cruelly long notice of 3 months, this means if I were to submit my notice now, I will need to find another job by February next year.

This is one decision that I have to make alone I know but just hoping to feel out you guys for brickbats and opinions. Not wanting to be whiny, but needing some reinforcement, one way or another.

:)

ENTJ - "Field Marshall". The basic driving force and need is to lead. Tend to seek a position of responsibility and enjoys being an executive. 1.8% of total population.

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Howdy...

It's been so long since I last blogged I almost forgot my password. Gah...

With so many people so busy and deprived of online access... blogging seems to be a little pointless. Simply because it is such a socially driven activity that without interaction, why even bother posting your thoughts right? Hmm... will probably be blogging on and off from now onwards...

A little lack lustre with work and with life in general. Life outside of work is fine, it's the 9 hours daily at the office that's a real morale killer. I'm sure (contrary to what everyone says) not all companies are the same, and I have to believe that some careers are worthwhile. It's looking for it that's tough. Hmm...

Long weekend coming up again. Let's all say YAY!

Acks... it's Monday.

Had a weekend spent at MVEC Megamall manning a booth during the Postgraduate Fair, supposedly the largest. It's really a no biggie and crowds were good but not massive. So not too much work, though throat is a little coarse from all the talking (and rendang). Glad it's over though.

Going to go up Penang again this weekend. Leaving Friday and back on Sunday. This time with family so shouldn't be too bad :) Let's hope rain stops and flood recedes by then.

It's been a little duller at work seeing how my yahoo kakis are all deprived of access. Hai...

The Story of The Boastful Elephant and The Slimy Green Frog

It was a clear sunny day in the lush green forest,
When a thump-thump suddenly thundered through,
It was the stomping of the Elephant, big and huge and gray,
And oh, he was a boastful one too...

And he thundered through the trees and the bushes and the grass,
And the birds went a shrieking skywards,
He thundered till he came to a pond with a frog,
A small slimy green creature with warts...

And the Elephant said,

'Oh you're so small, and ugly, and green, and slimy!'
'How I'm glad I'm not like you!'
'Because you're small, and ugly, and green, and slimy!'
'And oh, so icky too.'

And the Frog replied,

'Small may I be, and green that I am,'
'But ugly I disagree,'
'For though small and green and well, probably slimy'
'I could do things you have never seen.'

And the Elephant laughed.

'Ha ha HA! Ha ha HA! What can you do that I cannot?'
'For you're small and ugly, and oh green and slimy!'
'Whereas I'm big and strong, with a trunk that's long'
'I don't envy you but instead I pity!'

And the Frog shrank inside, his heart skipped a beat,
Disheartened though as he was,
He dismissed the boastful Elephant and sat quiet on his pond,
For he was content without an ego vast...

Amidst all the boasting, of the big gray elephant,
A fly came whistling by,
And the fly saw the huge ears, of the big gray elephant,
And thought, 'Shade from the sun! Oh my, oh my!'

So the fly whizzed round the Elephant, seeking promised shelter,
And in doing so caused much fear,
For the mighty Elephant could hear the loud whizzing,
And it was only the sound he could hear,

For the fly was too small and too fast to be seen,
And the Elephant was terrified!
And he thumped and he thumpered, with his ears flapping wild,
And the frog sat there mummified,

And the Frog wondered,

'Gawd this is strange, what a turn of events'
'I would laugh but it would be impolite,'
'Maybe I should help? Would the Elephant appreciate?'
'Maybe he'll see me in another light?'

So the Frog leapt in the air, with legs all aloft,
And streaked his tongue out like a whip,
With a split second dash, the fly met an end,
And the Frog had a decent midday treat,

But the Elephant had not noticed, so wild was his fear,
That he thump and thumpered so ever more,
And the Frog in midair, had to abide by the law,
Of gravity so down he soared,

From the safety of his pond, he landed on land,
In a bewildering looming shadow,
He briefly wondered, where the sun had gone,
But the Frog would see no tomorrow,

For under the feet of the big and gray Elephant,
Did the frog unfortunately land,
And after a minute, when silence echoed round,
Did the Elephant stopped his rant,

The Elephant said,

'Ah my might has prevailed! It is silent once again'
The threat must have scurried to cover!'
'For I'm big and strong, with a trunk that's long!'
'And no other can make me cower!'

And he stood in full boast, and looked at the pond,
At the spot where the Frog (now deceased) once sat,
'Oh Frog did you not see, how brave I was'
'OH FROG! Where are you now, you coward!'

And the Elephant said,

'Oh how rude was he, to leave me alone'
'A coward! But that is no surpise,'
'For he was small and ugly, and green and slimy,'
'And I'm a mighty Elephant, big and wise!'

So on a clear sunny day, in the lush green forest,
The boastful Elephant thump and thumpered through,
And the kind hearted Frog, laid splattered by the pond,
With nary a memory as the birds by flew.

Another colleague of mine has announced her resignation. That brings down the office staff by 40%. Gawd... we're out in JobStreet scouting about and hoping to be able to hire some people soon. Looks to me like everyone is joining my quitting bandwagon, except for me! Hahaha... I guess I'm still undecided and although some change will be good, there is also perks in seeing things through. Doors always kept open anyways.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I am officially not servicing my car at Proton Edar or any 'official' Proton centres anymore due to stupidity (theirs, not mine). Wanted to service the car yesterday, here's a quick dialogue snippet:

Proton: We're full until the 6th.
Me: (darn) Alright, I'll make an appointment for the 6th then.
Proton: Sure, leave your car number then come early to get your number otherwise you won't be able to get a service.
Me: Aren't I making an appointment already? Why do I need a number?
Proton: Our policy, first come first serve.
Me: If that's the case, why can't I just come early tomorrow?
Proton: Because you don't have an appointment.

(grr)

Me: Fine, anyways, how long will a 20k service take?
Proton: 20k is actually a big service, probably 2 hours. What's your mileage now?
Me: (duh) 20k.
Proton: You can actually wait until 21k since that's the actual mileage for a 20k service.
Me: Aren't you supposed to service it every 5000 km, irregardless of what it says in the meter? Since I did mine at 14,600, it's definitely due.
Proton: No, 20k service should be done at 21k.

(this guy is obviously confused. although we do service at the first 1000 km for new cars, the next service is at 5000 and every 5000 afterwards, so although in stupid math it may seem like 21, it's really actually 20)

Me: Fine, bye.

(proceeded to regular service centre for great service at a way cheaper cost PLUS it took them only 30 mins, AND they gave me back the extra engine oil).

At 24, just short of half a century past, my dad got married and had me a year later. With a pay cheque barely 200 a month and fresh from school, my mom and dad took the leap into marriagehood and subsequently parenthood at an age where we are all concerned about how we can buy the luxuries we want with our 'meagre' thousand over dollar salary. Whether I came into the picture by choice or circumstance, all I know is that for all of their younger years, I was in the picture in a life changing way for both of them.

I'm relating this because everywhere I go, I hear people complain. Look at the headlines, we are a nation of whiners. We whine, gripe, complain about everything under the sun but when push comes to shove, we take the road of complacency and expect problems to resolve on it's own. Everyone has problems, no matter rich or poor, lucky or otherwise. The best way however, I realise to deal with all the problems in life is a change of perspective. For example, as much as traffic jams bother me, it only does because I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford a car. Everything is about perspective and though it's great to aspire, don't forget to count the blessings along the way. And let us just stop the whining and try to become a nation united.

Through it all, the best rewards in life are truly the simplest things. Take a breather, think about the things you are truly thankful for and share it with everyone. I will look forward to reading the comments :)

First up, thank you everyone for the birthday well wishes :) It was appreciated.

I had a good weekend. Kicked off birthday celebrations by watching The League of Extraordinary Gentleman on Friday. Love the movie :) Realise that most serious reviewers were turned off for a myriad of reasons (including the usual not keeping true to the graphic novel) but heck, it was a fun watch. Who cares if super cool vampiress could stand in the sun and has a reflection. It was such a visually pretty movie and loads of eye candy that's really a no-brainer. Ending I could have done without though.

Went home to Melaka on Saturday and did massive shopping. It was also my grandma's, aunt's and cousin's birthday so we had an extended family dinner, primarily for grandma of course. I don't know why but I had to pay for everything in advance (dinner and gifts and etc.) to be reimbursed by the family fund later. Charged over a K to my card... (woohoo, points). Pretty good day but darn exhausting.

Sunday was shopping and lunch. Bought fruits by the kilos at Tesco seeing how cheap it was. My fridge is well stocked now. Hehe... also finally got myself a proper outdoor antennae. Pretty nifty one that can rotate itself via remote. Installed it just outside the door, much to the amusement of neighbours. Laugh all you want, I now have a clear snow free reception :) and whenever I rotate the antennae, I can just hear the oohs and aahs from outside. :)

All in all, good weekend. A little tired still but well worth it. Housemate Rick also had his birthday the same as mine so it was pretty fun. :)

Alas... all that's gone and done with... it's Monday now.... Grrr...