Here's to another great year!
Thursday, August 19, 2004
TGIF? No... it's TGI-HOLIDAY!!!
As the title indicates, am ecstatic because I have a long weekend coming up. Took leave so can rest, hangout, and spend time with family members who are coming up for a visit. Also need some time to finish another Master's assignment but not going to dwell on that for now.
Family from the States might come down but with standby tickets no one really knows whether they will make it or not. Keeping fingers crossed though and hope they do. Will be nice to meet them again :)
Was late for work yesterday because a stupid squirrel ran into the house and didn't know how to get out. Jumped on furniture, pulled on curtains and ended up in the downstairs room. I was kinda afraid to enter (afraid it will jump on me and gouge my eyes out or something) so I did the next best thing. I send Biscuit in. Hehe... I kinda see Biscuit like a dog. He's just too burly and aggressive to be a bunny. Anyways, he didn't do much but hopped a bit and went back to the garden. Took me awhile but with a broom and a pillow (for a shield), managed to chase the poor rodent out of the house and then rushed off to work (on foot).
Anyways, am on half day leave today, leave tomorrow and another half day on Monday! WOOHOO! Holiday, holiday, holiday...
As the title indicates, am ecstatic because I have a long weekend coming up. Took leave so can rest, hangout, and spend time with family members who are coming up for a visit. Also need some time to finish another Master's assignment but not going to dwell on that for now.
Family from the States might come down but with standby tickets no one really knows whether they will make it or not. Keeping fingers crossed though and hope they do. Will be nice to meet them again :)
Was late for work yesterday because a stupid squirrel ran into the house and didn't know how to get out. Jumped on furniture, pulled on curtains and ended up in the downstairs room. I was kinda afraid to enter (afraid it will jump on me and gouge my eyes out or something) so I did the next best thing. I send Biscuit in. Hehe... I kinda see Biscuit like a dog. He's just too burly and aggressive to be a bunny. Anyways, he didn't do much but hopped a bit and went back to the garden. Took me awhile but with a broom and a pillow (for a shield), managed to chase the poor rodent out of the house and then rushed off to work (on foot).
Anyways, am on half day leave today, leave tomorrow and another half day on Monday! WOOHOO! Holiday, holiday, holiday...
Monday, August 16, 2004
Reflections
Been having some soul searching of late. A few incidents prompted it. One was the realisation that I've spent 6 months at my current job! And it just whizzed by. I can remember how every month at my previous job was so slow coming. Thinking about things like this prompted a flashback (which is always good to have to keep you grounded and forward).
10 months ago:
- Seemingly pointless job and zero career path made me turn in my resignation. Also prompted by boss who never kept his word. Promises should always be kept.
8 months ago:
- Began job hunting in earnest. Offered a part-time teaching position at The One for Business Management. Never taught before and was intimidated as I really know nothing about Business Management but jumped into it and enjoyed it.
7 months ago:
- Job hunting was not going well, probably because I wasn't keen on most of the prospects. Decided to change tack and apply for lecturing positions.
- Feb 2004 was both a blissful relaxing month but also stressful as after 3 months of job hunting, no jobs were forthcoming. Finally got my current job 2 days before I took a break to go to Cambodia.
6 months ago:
- Kicked off new job and had a whole new lease on life. Amazing how perspective can change so much so quickly.
5 months ago:
- A last minute decision made me rent an entire house which will have cost me half my salary. Jumped into it with eyes closed and started CreativeKids. Realised that if I didn't commit, my hopes for a side business will never materialise so commit I did. No students = no money to pay rent = unthinkable.
4 months ago:
- CreativeKids kicked off with 2 students in the first week. House has also been done up and things seem positive.
2 months ago:
- Student numbers reached the 10 student mark! A target I thought will take half a year to achieve, not 2 months. Although am working harder than ever before, it's very rewarding to be in control of your life.
1 month ago:
- Signed up for a Masters in Online Education. Realised that after working full-time and with CreativeKids, I still have time to spare so didn't want to waste it. Am going to do all I can now to achieve goals before I hit 30.
Today:
- Bike is stolen but inconsequential. In 10 months, I've moved from being grumpy, directionless, and lethargic, to being driven, positive, and pumped. It's an amazing experience and all it took was the decision to quit. Risks must always be taken for rewards to come to play. Never believed in that (always played it safe) until now.
:)
Been having some soul searching of late. A few incidents prompted it. One was the realisation that I've spent 6 months at my current job! And it just whizzed by. I can remember how every month at my previous job was so slow coming. Thinking about things like this prompted a flashback (which is always good to have to keep you grounded and forward).
10 months ago:
- Seemingly pointless job and zero career path made me turn in my resignation. Also prompted by boss who never kept his word. Promises should always be kept.
8 months ago:
- Began job hunting in earnest. Offered a part-time teaching position at The One for Business Management. Never taught before and was intimidated as I really know nothing about Business Management but jumped into it and enjoyed it.
7 months ago:
- Job hunting was not going well, probably because I wasn't keen on most of the prospects. Decided to change tack and apply for lecturing positions.
- Feb 2004 was both a blissful relaxing month but also stressful as after 3 months of job hunting, no jobs were forthcoming. Finally got my current job 2 days before I took a break to go to Cambodia.
6 months ago:
- Kicked off new job and had a whole new lease on life. Amazing how perspective can change so much so quickly.
5 months ago:
- A last minute decision made me rent an entire house which will have cost me half my salary. Jumped into it with eyes closed and started CreativeKids. Realised that if I didn't commit, my hopes for a side business will never materialise so commit I did. No students = no money to pay rent = unthinkable.
4 months ago:
- CreativeKids kicked off with 2 students in the first week. House has also been done up and things seem positive.
2 months ago:
- Student numbers reached the 10 student mark! A target I thought will take half a year to achieve, not 2 months. Although am working harder than ever before, it's very rewarding to be in control of your life.
1 month ago:
- Signed up for a Masters in Online Education. Realised that after working full-time and with CreativeKids, I still have time to spare so didn't want to waste it. Am going to do all I can now to achieve goals before I hit 30.
Today:
- Bike is stolen but inconsequential. In 10 months, I've moved from being grumpy, directionless, and lethargic, to being driven, positive, and pumped. It's an amazing experience and all it took was the decision to quit. Risks must always be taken for rewards to come to play. Never believed in that (always played it safe) until now.
:)
Monday, August 09, 2004
Mulling over a monday
Yawns... woke up this morning thinking that I had no job (flashback to when I quit) and it felt both exhilirating and scary. Then realised I had a job and became tired all over again. Hahahahaha... weird.
Had a good weekend with family. Spent time chilling out and doing some shopping. Ikea was fun as usual. Had 15 meatballs, a hotdog, and a currypuff for lunch. Burp... Every weekend with family around I tend to overeat. Argh... lethargic...
Two assignments for Masters due end of this week. Argh... and I have an evening class every Monday now till 8pm. Double argh...
Yawns...
Yawns... woke up this morning thinking that I had no job (flashback to when I quit) and it felt both exhilirating and scary. Then realised I had a job and became tired all over again. Hahahahaha... weird.
Had a good weekend with family. Spent time chilling out and doing some shopping. Ikea was fun as usual. Had 15 meatballs, a hotdog, and a currypuff for lunch. Burp... Every weekend with family around I tend to overeat. Argh... lethargic...
Two assignments for Masters due end of this week. Argh... and I have an evening class every Monday now till 8pm. Double argh...
Yawns...
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Monday, August 02, 2004
You light up my life
Weekend was a blast, albeit unproductive. After the talk at The One, which was admittedly mediocre, I rushed off to Ikea to find the roads clear, and Ikea as empty as a weekday. Deduced it to be due to the deluge of traffic heading towards the Hush Puppies and Diethelm warehouse sales. Hehe... couldn't be happier :)
Ikea was great! Sale's on so stuff is cheap. Got me a lot of knick knacks. My living area or CreativeKids hub now has 10 lamps! I so love lights. Can go from classroom lights to romantic to soft with a few switch clicks. And removed all fluorescent tubes. Homes should not have fluorescent tubes. Too bad I don't own the place or I'll remove everyone! My room itself has 5 lighting options :)
On another note, ground floor tenant has moved out. I'm thrilled. More space, more privacy and more freedom! Woohoo! Plus no more icky baby smell. It just makes me feel like I'm at my grandma's place. Not what I want to smell at home. Bluergh.
Recent flyer exercise has been pretty good. Netted potentially 6-7 students. They're doing the free trials now but hope they stay. If they do, I'll be earning almost half my current salary. Very cool. Although, my current take home earnings (creativekids including) is not even equal to what I was earning at my last job! But now I'm enjoying a much greater spending power and doing a whole lot more. Goes to show it's not how much you earn but what you do with it. :)
Working hours at work has changed to 930 - 6. This means I could sleep as late as 9am if I wanted to. BLISS! :)
Weekend was a blast, albeit unproductive. After the talk at The One, which was admittedly mediocre, I rushed off to Ikea to find the roads clear, and Ikea as empty as a weekday. Deduced it to be due to the deluge of traffic heading towards the Hush Puppies and Diethelm warehouse sales. Hehe... couldn't be happier :)
Ikea was great! Sale's on so stuff is cheap. Got me a lot of knick knacks. My living area or CreativeKids hub now has 10 lamps! I so love lights. Can go from classroom lights to romantic to soft with a few switch clicks. And removed all fluorescent tubes. Homes should not have fluorescent tubes. Too bad I don't own the place or I'll remove everyone! My room itself has 5 lighting options :)
On another note, ground floor tenant has moved out. I'm thrilled. More space, more privacy and more freedom! Woohoo! Plus no more icky baby smell. It just makes me feel like I'm at my grandma's place. Not what I want to smell at home. Bluergh.
Recent flyer exercise has been pretty good. Netted potentially 6-7 students. They're doing the free trials now but hope they stay. If they do, I'll be earning almost half my current salary. Very cool. Although, my current take home earnings (creativekids including) is not even equal to what I was earning at my last job! But now I'm enjoying a much greater spending power and doing a whole lot more. Goes to show it's not how much you earn but what you do with it. :)
Working hours at work has changed to 930 - 6. This means I could sleep as late as 9am if I wanted to. BLISS! :)
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Incoherent babbling
This week hasn't been too great class wise. Have been resorting to more incoherent babbling than usual! Wonder why though since I'm feeling pretty good with August on it's way. Maybe it's all the late night studying. Derailing my trains of thought. Hmm...
Doing the Masters online is a pretty novel affair. Taking 2 classes, one with 77 students and the other with 46, and they come from everywhere though the majority is Australia. It's actually quite fun (if you disregard the assignments). :)
Streamyx has been up and running for the second week now and already I can't imagine life without it. Streamyx (and Astro) are my two best friends. Life is just so much more fun with them around :)
With the help of students (or rather part-time workers since I paid them), I have distributed 2000 flyers around the neighbourhood. Am hoping this will help jumpstart some numbers for CreativeKids. Really too bad that no other classes are running except for mine. Might have to resort to hiring outside teachers if I want to get the place up and running.
It's Tuesday with 3 days to the weekend. Giving a talk at One Academy on Saturday. Yay! Talks there are fun to do. Lots of eye candy :) (slaps self for shallow, but true, remark).
This week hasn't been too great class wise. Have been resorting to more incoherent babbling than usual! Wonder why though since I'm feeling pretty good with August on it's way. Maybe it's all the late night studying. Derailing my trains of thought. Hmm...
Doing the Masters online is a pretty novel affair. Taking 2 classes, one with 77 students and the other with 46, and they come from everywhere though the majority is Australia. It's actually quite fun (if you disregard the assignments). :)
Streamyx has been up and running for the second week now and already I can't imagine life without it. Streamyx (and Astro) are my two best friends. Life is just so much more fun with them around :)
With the help of students (or rather part-time workers since I paid them), I have distributed 2000 flyers around the neighbourhood. Am hoping this will help jumpstart some numbers for CreativeKids. Really too bad that no other classes are running except for mine. Might have to resort to hiring outside teachers if I want to get the place up and running.
It's Tuesday with 3 days to the weekend. Giving a talk at One Academy on Saturday. Yay! Talks there are fun to do. Lots of eye candy :) (slaps self for shallow, but true, remark).
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Blushing and burping
Am finding it a tad difficult to concentrate at work when colleagues and students are cultivating the fancies of a group of female students who erm, find me 'cool' and have asked about my availability and weirdly my starsign in less than direct means. Tsk tsk... students nowadays... must stop my face turning red though, kinda hard to be stern and strict while blushing. One plus point is that I have higher than usual intakes for my department :) Hehe...
Had such a good lunch. Great 'nasi goreng cendawan' with a dessert of dried mangoes and chocolates. Sweet tooth very satisfied. Nyam...
On another note, have started a new blog as a study journal record for my masters. Those inclined are welcomed to drop by :)
Am finding it a tad difficult to concentrate at work when colleagues and students are cultivating the fancies of a group of female students who erm, find me 'cool' and have asked about my availability and weirdly my starsign in less than direct means. Tsk tsk... students nowadays... must stop my face turning red though, kinda hard to be stern and strict while blushing. One plus point is that I have higher than usual intakes for my department :) Hehe...
Had such a good lunch. Great 'nasi goreng cendawan' with a dessert of dried mangoes and chocolates. Sweet tooth very satisfied. Nyam...
On another note, have started a new blog as a study journal record for my masters. Those inclined are welcomed to drop by :)
Monday, July 19, 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HL!
First up, a big birthday greeting to HL who celebrated his 25th birthday last Saturday :) And with that done, well, where's the cake?
..........
Had a good weekend back home, doing usual home stuff like eating and tv. Did somewhat of a bigger than usual pigging out session simply because from today onwards, I'll be majorly swamped. Outside of work, my Master program has started so homework and studying will have to take some priority. Am also giving a two-day talk at The One come the end of the month so there's also that to prepare for. Plus two new CreativeKids classes kicking off in August so that's another to do on my list. Not forgetting the current Creative Writing classes. I hope I'm not being too ambitious but if I get grumpy and more reserved than usual, you'll know why!
Have to postpone board meeting to maybe August or later, simply because of the above. Will have to settle the talk and the new classes first before I have a better measure of my time. But will be good to catch up with Jacq and Aimo. Let me know when you guys are free :)
.........
Had an orientation program for new students today. One of my Multimedia students didn't know how to spell 'multimedia'. How promising...
First up, a big birthday greeting to HL who celebrated his 25th birthday last Saturday :) And with that done, well, where's the cake?
..........
Had a good weekend back home, doing usual home stuff like eating and tv. Did somewhat of a bigger than usual pigging out session simply because from today onwards, I'll be majorly swamped. Outside of work, my Master program has started so homework and studying will have to take some priority. Am also giving a two-day talk at The One come the end of the month so there's also that to prepare for. Plus two new CreativeKids classes kicking off in August so that's another to do on my list. Not forgetting the current Creative Writing classes. I hope I'm not being too ambitious but if I get grumpy and more reserved than usual, you'll know why!
Have to postpone board meeting to maybe August or later, simply because of the above. Will have to settle the talk and the new classes first before I have a better measure of my time. But will be good to catch up with Jacq and Aimo. Let me know when you guys are free :)
.........
Had an orientation program for new students today. One of my Multimedia students didn't know how to spell 'multimedia'. How promising...
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Board games, themeparks, and rabbits
Finally got my board games I ordered from Amazon. Arrived in mint condition and quickly took them out for some play action. Here's the verdict.
1. Vampire Hunter:
A unique game where you play in the dark. Game board comes with a built in light that switches from night to day revealing different things on the board. Basically when blue light is on, all blue toned images become invisible and vice versa with red. Takes 30 mins for first time set up and 10 mins to finish. Needless to say, stupidly designed game, albeit with a neat concept.
2. Roller Coaster Tycoon:
Looks exactly like the computer version. Fun game, objective being to 'buy' as many attractions and see who gets the most guests. Very cool, very fun. Although a tad quick. Game ends in less than an hour.
3. Nascar Pictionary
Your standard Pictionary but Nascar themed. Made the mistake of assuming that the theme extended only to the board design. Apparently, everything is Nascar themed so words such as 'brakes', 'harness', 'speed zone' are common. TOUGH!
Should be an interesting board meeting :)
~~~~~~~~~~
Genting was alright. Weather was gorgeous. The first time I go to Genting without a camera and they have this awesome weather and just amazing cloud formations. First time I've seen a rainbow ringed cloud. Really spectacular. Everything else is just the usual. Genting fails to excite after the 8th or so visit within 3 years.
~~~~~~~~~
Woke up this morning to realise that Dominose is ill. Has an open wound which is badly infected. Very gross, very disgusting. He's now in the vet undergoing a minor surgery to clean the wound, suture, and undergo antibiotic treatment. Biscuit and myself to be blamed. Biscuit for biting him and me for not getting someone to come over when I was away. Paying the price of pet neglect. Sigh....
~~~~~~~~~~
Have a good day ahead everyone!
Finally got my board games I ordered from Amazon. Arrived in mint condition and quickly took them out for some play action. Here's the verdict.
1. Vampire Hunter:
A unique game where you play in the dark. Game board comes with a built in light that switches from night to day revealing different things on the board. Basically when blue light is on, all blue toned images become invisible and vice versa with red. Takes 30 mins for first time set up and 10 mins to finish. Needless to say, stupidly designed game, albeit with a neat concept.
2. Roller Coaster Tycoon:
Looks exactly like the computer version. Fun game, objective being to 'buy' as many attractions and see who gets the most guests. Very cool, very fun. Although a tad quick. Game ends in less than an hour.
3. Nascar Pictionary
Your standard Pictionary but Nascar themed. Made the mistake of assuming that the theme extended only to the board design. Apparently, everything is Nascar themed so words such as 'brakes', 'harness', 'speed zone' are common. TOUGH!
Should be an interesting board meeting :)
~~~~~~~~~~
Genting was alright. Weather was gorgeous. The first time I go to Genting without a camera and they have this awesome weather and just amazing cloud formations. First time I've seen a rainbow ringed cloud. Really spectacular. Everything else is just the usual. Genting fails to excite after the 8th or so visit within 3 years.
~~~~~~~~~
Woke up this morning to realise that Dominose is ill. Has an open wound which is badly infected. Very gross, very disgusting. He's now in the vet undergoing a minor surgery to clean the wound, suture, and undergo antibiotic treatment. Biscuit and myself to be blamed. Biscuit for biting him and me for not getting someone to come over when I was away. Paying the price of pet neglect. Sigh....
~~~~~~~~~~
Have a good day ahead everyone!
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Holiday beckons!
Next week is the mid-semester break for the college so I can finally take leave! Academic staff can only go leave during semester breaks, a little sucky but we get 20 days annually. So am off for three days and going to go spend time in Genting come Monday! WOOHOO!!! Genting, here I come!
ps: Genting mega savings room rates mean one night only costs RM18. El cheapo!
Next week is the mid-semester break for the college so I can finally take leave! Academic staff can only go leave during semester breaks, a little sucky but we get 20 days annually. So am off for three days and going to go spend time in Genting come Monday! WOOHOO!!! Genting, here I come!
ps: Genting mega savings room rates mean one night only costs RM18. El cheapo!
Friday, July 09, 2004
Thursday, July 08, 2004
The morning after...
Yawns... sleepy and cold on a slow moving Thursday evening. Reeling from the after effects of Wednesday TV night. Spent the entire evening/night glued to the TV. Here's what I watched:
6:30pm - Justice League
7:00pm - Playhouse Disney Channel
7:30pm - Just Shoot Me
8:00pm - The Amazing Race 5 Pilot
9:30pm - The Practice (midway)
10:00pm - CSI
11:00pm - Random channel surfing
11:30pm - Charmed
Finally got to bed at 12:30am... yawns... for me that's late. Am usually in bed by 11pm, except for Wed TV night of course. :)
----------
Love the weather of late. Beautiful crisp mornings. Nice cool evenings. Perfect! Times like this, I'm glad I'm able to take in the morning sun, rather than having to rush off at 6am to get to work like before.
----------
Masters kicking off soon. Getting a tad nervous. Also a little weird to be on the receiving end of e-learning :) Am so used being the one on the other side of the LMS, and now lecturing rather than studying. But am keen to start. Already making friends with a whole lot of Aussie folks. Unfortunately, I seem to be the baby of the bunch. Everyone else seems to be in late thirties onwards, very professional people with tonnes of experience. Daunting...
---------
Friday tomorrow! Hoorah!!!
Yawns... sleepy and cold on a slow moving Thursday evening. Reeling from the after effects of Wednesday TV night. Spent the entire evening/night glued to the TV. Here's what I watched:
6:30pm - Justice League
7:00pm - Playhouse Disney Channel
7:30pm - Just Shoot Me
8:00pm - The Amazing Race 5 Pilot
9:30pm - The Practice (midway)
10:00pm - CSI
11:00pm - Random channel surfing
11:30pm - Charmed
Finally got to bed at 12:30am... yawns... for me that's late. Am usually in bed by 11pm, except for Wed TV night of course. :)
----------
Love the weather of late. Beautiful crisp mornings. Nice cool evenings. Perfect! Times like this, I'm glad I'm able to take in the morning sun, rather than having to rush off at 6am to get to work like before.
----------
Masters kicking off soon. Getting a tad nervous. Also a little weird to be on the receiving end of e-learning :) Am so used being the one on the other side of the LMS, and now lecturing rather than studying. But am keen to start. Already making friends with a whole lot of Aussie folks. Unfortunately, I seem to be the baby of the bunch. Everyone else seems to be in late thirties onwards, very professional people with tonnes of experience. Daunting...
---------
Friday tomorrow! Hoorah!!!
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Bringing out the Simon in you
Had another review class for the final semester Multimedia Design students this morning. Really would like to be supportive and encouraging but always end up emulating America's infamous critic. Among phrases I repeatedly use:
'That's just normal, where's the creative concept?'
'Speak in English, I can't understand you.'
'And when are you going to finish?'
'Did you start sketching yesterday?'
'How are you going to pass?'
Needless to say I'm not exactly the most popular lecturer around. Hehehe, not here to win a popularity contest however. So out with the niceties, in with the whip. *LASH*
In a similar vein, anyone out there in the Multimedia industry who will like to be an external moderator for my department? Give me a buzz, there's a small honorarium (money) but you must be a competent multimedia professional. Very little work one, no worries. Buzz me :)
Had another review class for the final semester Multimedia Design students this morning. Really would like to be supportive and encouraging but always end up emulating America's infamous critic. Among phrases I repeatedly use:
'That's just normal, where's the creative concept?'
'Speak in English, I can't understand you.'
'And when are you going to finish?'
'Did you start sketching yesterday?'
'How are you going to pass?'
Needless to say I'm not exactly the most popular lecturer around. Hehehe, not here to win a popularity contest however. So out with the niceties, in with the whip. *LASH*
In a similar vein, anyone out there in the Multimedia industry who will like to be an external moderator for my department? Give me a buzz, there's a small honorarium (money) but you must be a competent multimedia professional. Very little work one, no worries. Buzz me :)
Monday, July 05, 2004
Berbahasa
Selepas menimbangkan cadangan rakan kita Kotakkosong, saya memutuskan untuk menggunakan Bahasa Melayu untuk paparan 'blog' saya pada hari Isnin yang biru ini. *menguap*
Seperti yang biasa, hari Isnin sememangnya tidak dialu-alukan. Kalaulah dapat tidur 5-6 jam lagi, barulah kepuasan lebih berimpak. Malangnya, tiada apa yang dapat kita lakukan. Sedihnya.
Hujung minggu saya yang lalu hanya sederhana. Bergotong royong di pejabat pada hari Sabtu, mengosongkan bilik setor. Selepas itu, saya pergi menonton 'orang labah-labah kedua' pada malam hari. Tersangat bagus, penggunaan kesan-kesan istimewa dan cara lakonan sungguh menakjubkan! Tiada terasa pun betapa kelakarnya nama 'Tobey', pelakon utama tayangan itu.
Pada hari Ahad, saya membantu rakan saya memulakan kelas bimbingan matematiknya di 'Studio Budak-budak Kreatif'. Saya terpegun dengan kadar harge kelas itu. Pada RM35 sejam, dengan 4 jam seminggu, rakan saya mampu mengaut keuntungan yang bersamaan dengan apa yang diraut saya dengan hanya 11 murid! Bidang kerja ini sememangya mampu membawa untung! *bermimpi*
Sebelum DBP datang menyaman saya kerana merosakkan bahasa Melayu, baik saya menamatkan paparan ini untuk seketika. Semoga hari Isnin yang biru ini membawa kegembiraan kepada rakan-rakan sekalian!
(cubaan berbahasa saya sememangnya sedih....)
Selepas menimbangkan cadangan rakan kita Kotakkosong, saya memutuskan untuk menggunakan Bahasa Melayu untuk paparan 'blog' saya pada hari Isnin yang biru ini. *menguap*
Seperti yang biasa, hari Isnin sememangnya tidak dialu-alukan. Kalaulah dapat tidur 5-6 jam lagi, barulah kepuasan lebih berimpak. Malangnya, tiada apa yang dapat kita lakukan. Sedihnya.
Hujung minggu saya yang lalu hanya sederhana. Bergotong royong di pejabat pada hari Sabtu, mengosongkan bilik setor. Selepas itu, saya pergi menonton 'orang labah-labah kedua' pada malam hari. Tersangat bagus, penggunaan kesan-kesan istimewa dan cara lakonan sungguh menakjubkan! Tiada terasa pun betapa kelakarnya nama 'Tobey', pelakon utama tayangan itu.
Pada hari Ahad, saya membantu rakan saya memulakan kelas bimbingan matematiknya di 'Studio Budak-budak Kreatif'. Saya terpegun dengan kadar harge kelas itu. Pada RM35 sejam, dengan 4 jam seminggu, rakan saya mampu mengaut keuntungan yang bersamaan dengan apa yang diraut saya dengan hanya 11 murid! Bidang kerja ini sememangya mampu membawa untung! *bermimpi*
Sebelum DBP datang menyaman saya kerana merosakkan bahasa Melayu, baik saya menamatkan paparan ini untuk seketika. Semoga hari Isnin yang biru ini membawa kegembiraan kepada rakan-rakan sekalian!
(cubaan berbahasa saya sememangnya sedih....)
Monday, June 28, 2004
Oh Mandy...
Yawns... weekend was full and tiring. As per usual, had to clean the house on weekends and considering that the house is relatively large, and I'm doing it alone, it's quite an effort. Plus there's the garden to tend, house plants to take care, aquariums to clean, and rabbits to baby. Gosh... I have the utmost respect for mothers the world over.
Was also busy with designing logos for a competition. Very tough considering that the logo is for the Board of Engineers and I had no idea what to depict. Took the entire weekend and a week of sketching before that to come out with two mediocre work. Sigh... hope I win maybe consolation.
Also took time to distribute flyers. It's really amazing how humbling it can be. People give weird looks to people who distribute flyers. Must be what garbagemen and all those other jobs the general population relatively look down upon, be like. Was uncomfortable for awhile but couldn't be bothered after. The only thing that bothers me a lot though is the dogs. Argh... hate having a dog bounding towards you and you rushing to get the flyer in and buck out. Dogs terrify me (though I still love the nice ones).
And oh, had weird but strangely pleasant dream last night :) First up, met Donald Duck. So cute but weird meeting a blabbing incoherent duck in sailor uniform. AND I met WESTLIFE! Hahaha... not like I'm a fan but well, t'was interesting :)!
Yawns... weekend was full and tiring. As per usual, had to clean the house on weekends and considering that the house is relatively large, and I'm doing it alone, it's quite an effort. Plus there's the garden to tend, house plants to take care, aquariums to clean, and rabbits to baby. Gosh... I have the utmost respect for mothers the world over.
Was also busy with designing logos for a competition. Very tough considering that the logo is for the Board of Engineers and I had no idea what to depict. Took the entire weekend and a week of sketching before that to come out with two mediocre work. Sigh... hope I win maybe consolation.
Also took time to distribute flyers. It's really amazing how humbling it can be. People give weird looks to people who distribute flyers. Must be what garbagemen and all those other jobs the general population relatively look down upon, be like. Was uncomfortable for awhile but couldn't be bothered after. The only thing that bothers me a lot though is the dogs. Argh... hate having a dog bounding towards you and you rushing to get the flyer in and buck out. Dogs terrify me (though I still love the nice ones).
And oh, had weird but strangely pleasant dream last night :) First up, met Donald Duck. So cute but weird meeting a blabbing incoherent duck in sailor uniform. AND I met WESTLIFE! Hahaha... not like I'm a fan but well, t'was interesting :)!
Friday, June 25, 2004
Bunny Battle Royale
Wombat is now in USJ with me :) Decided that I have enough space in the backyard to cope with three bunnies. They did try to fight a bit but they've all somewhat settled in their own spaces. Don't know why but from being good bunny friends, the three of them now are aggresively territorial. Maybe it's the hormones...
So glad it's a Friday. Has been a very lethargic and tiring week. Don't quite know why though, probably a mental event. What with evicting tenants and deciding on a Masters. Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow. Hoorah!
Tenant making it difficult, pleaded for me to reconsider. I will not. People who open unopened biscuit tins and take your biscuit are downright rude and annoying. So OUT they go. Giving a reminder letter to them today, very the harsh but what to do.
Anyone free this weekend to lend me a hand distributing more flyers? Dinner treat on me! :) Let me know yeah!
Wombat is now in USJ with me :) Decided that I have enough space in the backyard to cope with three bunnies. They did try to fight a bit but they've all somewhat settled in their own spaces. Don't know why but from being good bunny friends, the three of them now are aggresively territorial. Maybe it's the hormones...
So glad it's a Friday. Has been a very lethargic and tiring week. Don't quite know why though, probably a mental event. What with evicting tenants and deciding on a Masters. Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow. Hoorah!
Tenant making it difficult, pleaded for me to reconsider. I will not. People who open unopened biscuit tins and take your biscuit are downright rude and annoying. So OUT they go. Giving a reminder letter to them today, very the harsh but what to do.
Anyone free this weekend to lend me a hand distributing more flyers? Dinner treat on me! :) Let me know yeah!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Getting seasick in choppy waters
It seems like change is the theme for this year! Getting a little nauseated with all the tumult but moving ever onwards.
First up, plan to do my Masters. Don't want to put it off anymore. Since I'm quite comfortable being in education, a Masters will definitely be useful. Planning to do a Masters in Online Education. Seems to be more relevant (and a little more fun) than an MBA.
Also evicted my ground floor tenant. A little scary in the sense that budget will be tighter but I don't plan to give up CreativeKids anytime soon. Instead hoping to double student numbers by year end. And AIMO! Where forth art thou? Back in USJ yet?
Anyways, tenant made a pretty emotional plea for continuing his tenancy. Apparently his wife is 7 months into term. Now, if I had known that, I wouldn't have wanted him renting in the first place. No place for a baby in my home. So notice has been given. Have to put my needs before sympathy. Plus I've had enough of pilfered food.
And oh, thanks Meng for the chang! Nyam... love them except for the Chinese one. Didn't quite fancy that but Rick liked it. Thanks!
Board games coming by end of month. Will let you guys know when the next board meeting is :)
It seems like change is the theme for this year! Getting a little nauseated with all the tumult but moving ever onwards.
First up, plan to do my Masters. Don't want to put it off anymore. Since I'm quite comfortable being in education, a Masters will definitely be useful. Planning to do a Masters in Online Education. Seems to be more relevant (and a little more fun) than an MBA.
Also evicted my ground floor tenant. A little scary in the sense that budget will be tighter but I don't plan to give up CreativeKids anytime soon. Instead hoping to double student numbers by year end. And AIMO! Where forth art thou? Back in USJ yet?
Anyways, tenant made a pretty emotional plea for continuing his tenancy. Apparently his wife is 7 months into term. Now, if I had known that, I wouldn't have wanted him renting in the first place. No place for a baby in my home. So notice has been given. Have to put my needs before sympathy. Plus I've had enough of pilfered food.
And oh, thanks Meng for the chang! Nyam... love them except for the Chinese one. Didn't quite fancy that but Rick liked it. Thanks!
Board games coming by end of month. Will let you guys know when the next board meeting is :)
Friday, June 18, 2004
It's a Friday! Oh joy!
Weeks seem to be zooming by very quickly lately. Possibly because days are much fuller. Unlike my previous job, where work comes in unpredictable bits, teaching in a college is somewhat more predictable, although very time consuming. There are always lesson plans to prepare, students to entertain, classes to go to, and papers to mark, and on top of that, being the Head of Department also means working with the part-timers and a lot of forms to fill and sign. And then at nights, there's CreativeKids :) Now, there's a real challenge!
Have a new student who the parent proudly mentioned as having completed one of those kiddy franchise language programs. Don't know how to break it to the mom though but her son is the slowest in the class. He can write well enough but seems to be unable to think on his own. Says a lot about franchise programs. Tsk tsk...
The boy is also a troublemaker. You could see everyone's eyes suddenly got bigger when I raised my voice, stood to full stature and sent someone to a corner. Muahahahahaha...
It's such a challenge though... you need to be both educating and entertaining. Very rewarding learning experience. Reinforces my decision that having kids is something you have to think twice over, and then twice over again. I think I'll just get a dog.
Am also considering taking up an MBA. Anyone keen? Hoping to get a buddy to get in the program with me :)
Weeks seem to be zooming by very quickly lately. Possibly because days are much fuller. Unlike my previous job, where work comes in unpredictable bits, teaching in a college is somewhat more predictable, although very time consuming. There are always lesson plans to prepare, students to entertain, classes to go to, and papers to mark, and on top of that, being the Head of Department also means working with the part-timers and a lot of forms to fill and sign. And then at nights, there's CreativeKids :) Now, there's a real challenge!
Have a new student who the parent proudly mentioned as having completed one of those kiddy franchise language programs. Don't know how to break it to the mom though but her son is the slowest in the class. He can write well enough but seems to be unable to think on his own. Says a lot about franchise programs. Tsk tsk...
The boy is also a troublemaker. You could see everyone's eyes suddenly got bigger when I raised my voice, stood to full stature and sent someone to a corner. Muahahahahaha...
It's such a challenge though... you need to be both educating and entertaining. Very rewarding learning experience. Reinforces my decision that having kids is something you have to think twice over, and then twice over again. I think I'll just get a dog.
Am also considering taking up an MBA. Anyone keen? Hoping to get a buddy to get in the program with me :)
Sunday, June 13, 2004
My room
Was cleaning up the house as usual on Sunday (managing a house is tough) so after 2 hours of sweeping, mopping and wiping (did I say tough?), and rubbing off pencil marks from my tables, decided to do my room (2 hours just for the ground floor). Remembered I had a wallpaper mural that I hadn't opened so well, decided to put it up and here's the result :)
Ah... bliss... now I can put on my Deep Space Nine Trekkie outfit, hit my Voyager comm badge, and play pretend. Some boys never grow up...
~
And oh, anyone seen these wizards?
Was cleaning up the house as usual on Sunday (managing a house is tough) so after 2 hours of sweeping, mopping and wiping (did I say tough?), and rubbing off pencil marks from my tables, decided to do my room (2 hours just for the ground floor). Remembered I had a wallpaper mural that I hadn't opened so well, decided to put it up and here's the result :)
Ah... bliss... now I can put on my Deep Space Nine Trekkie outfit, hit my Voyager comm badge, and play pretend. Some boys never grow up...
~
And oh, anyone seen these wizards?