In Chun Eng's words...

End of the road, but hopped onto another..

2009-06-30T10:46:00.002+08:00

Yea, today's my last day here in FBIC. I left sooner than expected when another much better offer came along.

3 person left at the same time, including myself, making it 5 this month. Yesterday, the whole company, of those whose present in the office yesterday, had farewell lunch together at Uncle Chilis, Amcorp Mall.

I initially planned to work here for at least 3 years but for the past 2 years, I've turned down numerous calls for interviews and declined many resume request from Jobstreets because I was eager to complete what I planned.

That was until one company requested my resume twice. Then the next thing I knew, I started attending interviews. This company that initially requested me didn't turn out well, maybe because my pay demand was too high for them, or they found me not suitable for their position on offer.

But doubled as a recruitment agency serving only business partners, my resume was also forwarded to their business partners, and T-SYS came into the picture. The interview went ok, but was surprised that they offer me a position that very same day.

One barrier was the pay they offered was too far off from my expected salary. True they're a very good company, so I've heard from many of my ex-colleagues currently in there. Also, their line of business wasn't something I'm really keen on.

Having slowly gaining my establishment on ERP, I'm not really willing to start over with their credit card systems. So I declined them, after spending some days thinking.

Not a while later, got a sudden e-mail from Western Digital for an interview. Surprised as I have not applied for any position with them, I went on with the interview nonetheless, and soon found out it was for the Dynamics AX position I applied with another company. Turns out, that company too is an agency.

Things turns out pretty well. I got an offer, and still successfully negotiated for an additional RM100. Maybe I should have tried at RM200 instead... hahaha.

In joining WD, I would have 2 concerns at the moment. Firstly, I'm just a contractor, meaning, I'm hired by the agency but outsourced to WD. So should anything happens, I'll most likely to be the first to go.

Secondly, the AX project will not begin so soon. Yet they need me eagerly for their HR project. Supposed AX failed to take off, I may need to rethink my options, something which I do not want to see happen, for at least so soon in a new company.

Oh well... will just need to wait and see. Haha...

My name is Toshihide

2009-05-15T17:57:00.003+08:00

Haha.. just chatting with my Japanese colleague and somehow the topic diverted to my name which I asked what it meant in the Japanese language.

So after showing him my name in Chinese character, turns out, they're valid Kanji characters, and also a very common name in Japan.

Toshi (Chun) Hide (Eng).

So now, I can also be known as Tan Toshihide... kakaka

Currently

2009-05-05T09:14:00.003+08:00

Gosh, ever since my company blocked my internet connection I've been rather lazy in blogging, although I have internet connection at home.

And it's been a month since my last post. That's how fast time has past.

Anyway, lately have been to alot of trekkings. In April alone, there was Kanching Waterfall in Rawang, Jeram Tengkek in Kuala Pilah, Sg. Ampang just behind the National Zoo and Mt. Kutu in Kuala Kubu Bharu.

Some are very easy, some are tiring. Some are short treks, while some are long ones. But overall, none of these treks is impossible to complete.

Hehe... I had always loved trekking, but no 'kaki' to go with me... till now.. Now I have lots of trekking 'kaki' that I can even go every weekend for trips into the wilderness.

But I'm not as hardcore as they are, so I think I'll just stick to 2 weeks once for now.

Driving License

2009-03-26T09:48:00.006+08:00

Was having a chat with my Japanese colleague last week over his driving license because he's currently trying to apply for a Malaysian driving license so that he could drive in Malaysia.

Over our chat, he asked how much does it cost to get a driving license here in Malaysia, driving lessons included.

So, we just casually told him, it cost around RM 1k, also depending on the no. of lessons you sign up for.

Well, we always knew that the living cost in Japan is high. Things are also very much more expensive than here in Malaysia.

But we were totally shocked when he said that getting a driving license in Japan cost 10x more. Goodness, if needing to get a driving license in Malaysia would ever need RM10k, what would happen then is a little beyond my imagination.

But to look on the bright side, this means less people can afford to get driving license which in turn means there'd be less cars on the road :D

Photos

2009-03-18T13:54:00.010+08:00

Gosh!!! This is so overdue.

Anyway, just some photos to show.

1)Chendor Beach, the place where we camped in our first night.

2) Panorama Hill, Sg. Lembing. Can't believed we actually climb that many steps up to reach the top to see the sunrise.

3) Sg. Pandan Waterfall, Kuantan. Water's a little murky. But it's still a very nice place to visit. When I went, it was kinda crowded, with a few campers spending the night there.

4) Rainbow Waterfall, Sg. Lembing. The main purpose of this trip. It's around 20-stories high. The waterfall is so high and strong that by the time the water actually reaches the bottom, it forms quite a heavy rain that falls both diagonally and horizontally. The area would always be wet, so whenever the sun shines over the fall, rainbows are sure to form, hence living up to it's name, Rainbow Waterfall.

Back from my camping-cum-trekking-cum-waterfall trip

2009-03-11T09:12:00.003+08:00

Was away during the long weekend to Sungai Lembing, Cherating to revisit nature.

It was fun fun fun... and I got very tired tired tired once I reached home.

Anyway, we went on a bus loaded of people and trek Panorama Hill in Sungai Lembing for the sunset, played in the Pandan and Rainbow Waterfall (one in Kuantan, the other in Cherating, if I'm not mistaken).... camped by the beach next to the turtle santuary on our first night, and had a home stay on our second.

Still waiting for some photos... will load them soon.

My most feared nightmare

2009-03-04T09:48:00.003+08:00

Damn it... my worst nightmare has arrived.

Yesterday, my MIS guy has begun testing blocking all the sites and ports to the Internet. So now, that means, no more facebooking, mail reading, news reading or even blogging at work. And I can't even use MSN anymore.

Today, he opened the connection to the internet, but this won't be long. It's just a matter of time before such blockage becomes permanent.

I still wonder how I can do my online research once the Internet is gone? I heard they'll have common PCs for the Internet in front of the MD, but I still don't see anything being setup.

Lessons when buying a present

2009-02-28T17:58:00.001+08:00

I've always knew that I'm never good at choosing presents. That is why, whenever possible, I would get my friends who has better taste to buy and I would share the presents.

But today, I had to go hunting for a present myself for my colleague's daugther's 1st birthday next weekend which I won't be attending, but still bought a present for her nevertheless.

These days, the presents do not come with any boxes. This means you'll have to buy the present separately.

Having chosen a present (a star-shaped baby pillow), I didn't buy it immediately but instead, walked around to find a matching box, because the same shop's boxes was kind of expensive. It was almost the same price as the present I had chosen.

Hence, I went box hunting first, keeping the looks and size of the present in my memory. BAD MOVE!!!!

So when I went around, I found one I thought fits. The box was packed in a packet but I thought it would fit the present, based on the sample I saw. Wonderful, now that I've already bought the box, I can go back to the earlier shop for the present.

When I looked at the present again, I still thought it fits. So I didn't test it out but to proceed with my purchase and head home.

When I reach home to pack the present... here's were the nightmare began. It almost fitted. I tried squeezing them but to no avail. The cover just won't close. So no choice. Have to just give the present without the box. Unless I go and buy another. Either way, I'm left with an extra box at home now.

The present I chose comes in 2 sizes, and I chose the bigger one. Had I had chosen the smaller one, it would no doubt fit in without even squeezing it a little. Sigh!!!

Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS

2009-02-25T10:50:00.003+08:00

Attended my first ever orchestra concert held in the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, KLCC.

Last night's concert was known was Chamber Concert but I wonder what that means.

There was 2 groups of performers. The first group consist of 3 violinist and 1 cellist, of which 2 of the violinist are Asian girls while the other 2 are white men.

The music choice of the night was the slow and a little gentle type, the type which can easily put you to sleep if you got yourself too comfortable and the pieces has lots of repetitive scores, which can be boring at times.

But the back rest is a little hard for comfort and to low that it you can't rest your neck. I guess they want to ensure that you won't fall asleep during the performances.

But I would thoroughly enjoyed even more had there's been a glass of drink, preferbly wine or liqour, and a sofa for me to lie on. And that would have been total enjoying of life. Hahaha...

Perhaps I might consider creating a sound-prove music room when I have my own house in the future.

Back on the performance, I can't help but to notice one of the girls playing the violin. I thought she has much more body movement compared to the rest which I thought was a little exaggerated. But nonetheless, this was quite a good group.

The 2nd group played a more hyper form of musics but I still can't help but to wonder who could a person could actually sleep through their performance, which some guy behind me did. He even started to snore a little.

I thought this group was a little unprofessional at the start of their show for fine-tuning their instruments just before they play, right on stage. This group has got a Chinese girl playing the grand piano and 4 other white men, 3 of which played the violin while the other white man played the cello.

Overall this group was better but one of the violinist had at times, played the violin out of tune.
But for the RM10 ticket, you kind of expect that this isn't the best group of musicians the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra has to offer.

School Song

2009-02-23T21:30:00.003+08:00

Just read my friend's blog and it was so happen a long delayed post about her gathering with her primary school friends and she posted our school song (we were from the same primary school but she's way my senior).

I then become 'semangat' to post my BB school song.
So here it is, the English version:

B-B-B-S ever,
We would pledge to thee,
All our high endeavour,
With all our loyalty,
May thy star grow brighter,
May thy fame increase,
May this glorious chorus never never cease,

Here we strive for honour,
Here we seek for truth,
Learn to help the weaker,
With the strength of our youth,
Of the highest wisdom,
Let our watch-word be,
Without God before us all is vanity.

I think I'll just skip the Malay version... haha
This post can perhaps be considered a continuation of this post - BB is 50.

And since the primary school lyrics was already posted, I'll just link this to her site.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T12:05:00.002+08:00

To the couples, Happy Valentine's Day, hope you'll have an excellent romantic day today.

To the singles, hope you'll find your soul-mate, life partner or your other half soon.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

2009-02-14T11:37:00.002+08:00

Nope this is not a review of the movie. Just that this was the movie I watched last night.

It was a rather good and entertaining movie that you should go watch if you have the chance.

Lots of meaningful quotes and there was one I particularly remember and it goes roughly like:

"We're meant to loss the people we care and love, for that's the only way God reminds us to appreciate the people around us."

I can't remember the exact quote, but that was what they meant to say. To always love and appreciate the people around us.

This was quoted during the scene where Benjamin was getting a haircut from an old lady.

So I guess that means less argument with my brother XD
Hahaha...

Happy Chap Goh Meh

2009-02-09T23:08:00.001+08:00

Today marks the 15th day of CNY, the last day of the celebration, and in about an hours time, all will come to and end. We will then have to wait for another year before the next celebration comes along.

This year, the year of the Ox brings quite a lot of uncertainty. But hopefully, things will all turn out well for everyone, if not great.

Really wondered what the year has been installed for me.

Chicken Frosts & Lotus Paste Biscuit (莲蓉鸡丝饼)

2009-02-09T18:45:00.006+08:00

Thanks Candiman for getting me the biscuits from Ipoh!!
For more details about this biscuit, just surf to Candidman's blog.

He got it from here:

Killing something

2009-02-07T14:50:00.003+08:00

Was at the market in Petaling Street this morning with my aunt who wanted to buy some fish.

She said the fishes here are fresher here because they're killed upon purchase. And so there I was, watching those poor, harmless, defendless fishes being killed right in front of my very eyes.

A few years ago I watched a clip of a mans beheading by some Islamic terrorist. The man, if I remembered correctly, was a journalist on duty somewhere in the Middle East. Watching that clip made me surreal.

I felt a little sick watching someone, lifting a person's bodiless head into the air, shouting of joy.

But this morning, I watched the fishmonger knocking the head of the fish, butchered though it was still breathing. You could see the fins still moving as its internal organs were being removed. I watched as if it was a TV show.

And that got me thinking... how come I did not feel anything.

Was it because we're so used to eating all other animals like fishes, chickens, pigs etc and that killing it means nothing anymore?

Or was it because watching someone killing its own kind is inhuman but killing another species is ok due to the need for survival. I mean, these animals are, after all, food to us... our source of fulfilling ourselves from hunger, a mean to continue on living.

And that us humans eating animals are acceptable, but when animals eat humans, these animals are to be 'destroyed'. Are we humans actually that great?

Fortunely, cannibalism is something unacceptable, and is infact, a crime. Otherwise, when us humans are being eaten by another human, it'll be a greater war, worst than the on-going Gaza war in the Palestine.

Just my thoughts!!!

When you keep saying...

2009-02-05T10:55:00.003+08:00

Something to ponder...

Interesting facts

2009-02-01T01:28:00.003+08:00

Came across an article on sleep disturbance and it gave various points.

At one of those points, it says:

The couple next door is copulating—loudly.
Take matters into your own hands—literally. Masturbation is a great stress reliever, says Mark Schwartz, director of the Masters and Johnson Institute. At orgasm, your brain releases chemicals that help you relax.

So conclusion?

Hokkaido: Day 6 - 2009/01/12

2009-01-27T16:08:00.004+08:00

So it's finally the last day in Hokkaido, which also a day of only flying. The only place to visit? The airports. First was the Shin-Chitose Airport to Kansai Internation Airport to Changi Airport and finally KLIA. But even before the reaching Shin-Chitose Airport, it's another hour of travelling in the bus.

We were all supposed to gather at the lobby at 5am, after checking out. One group only woke up at 5am, after they wrongly set their alarm.

Finally left Sapporo Grand Hotel at around 5.30am.

The most enlightening thing when checking-in was one of the JAL attendants, the prettiest girl I've seen so far in the 6 days spent in Hokkaido... man, and who says all Japanese women are pretty. sigh!!!

It didn't take long before we boarded the plane and I couldn't believe my luck when I saw the girl again on the plane. Sadly, I don't have a camera. Otherwise, I would have secretly snap a photo of her... but then again, it was a case of mistaken identity.. on my side.

hehehe

I reliased the one on the plane was a different person after I saw her nametag. So that makes 2 of the prettiest... double joy... but on my last day in Japan??!!! Kansai suddenly become kanasai!!!!

But then again, I didn't have enough sleep the night before. So, I was too tired and just fell asleep on the plane.

After about 2 and a half hours of flying, we landed on Kansai Internation Airport, Osaka, just in time for brunch. Brunch was on our own, and we went to a 'chap fan' like stall. Only difference is that we the food are placed on plates for us to choose, instead of scoping it the chinese way.

But the food isn't any special. Probably one of the least satisfying meals I got so far.

Anyway, the were some time left to spare before we gather to fly again. Here, I actually made a blunder. For the past 2 days I've been assigned to hold on to the banner. I've been carrying it around until this point where I left it in the airport, in one of the seats. Only realised after we landed Changi Airport.

Here was also where I bought a bottle of sake to be brought home.

We were in Changi Airport for transit and actually we given 30 minutes to walk around. But after landing, leaving the plane, stepping into the airport, into the loo and out of the loo, it was already about time to go board the next plane, but once at the security check counter, we were told of a delay.. by almost an hour.

Shit... another time wasted. Well, it's not that there were anything I feel worth buying in Changi. So we just sat in Burger King for some fries and drinks.

By then, it was almost 9pm KL time.

By the time I reach KL Sentral it was already about 11.30pm. And when I reach home it was way past midnight. F***... still had to work the next day. Imagine how tired we all were from the flying and transitting.

But no choice. Our MD do not allow any of us to take AL. To think that I actually fell asleep in a meeting... snoring. How embarassing.

Overall, the trip was great but could have been excellent had the there are less time spent in the bus and plane. The best part was of course when we were playing the snows and skiing.

Update: Some of our Japanese partners based in Osaka claimed the banner from the Kansai International Airport lost and found counter and brought it back to Malaysia for us. So grateful for their help... hahaha

Hokkaido: Day 5 - 2009/01/11

2009-01-26T11:26:00.016+08:00

Today is a day of mixed feelings. We got to see one of the best scenery of our 6 day trip, yet, it was also one of our most unproductive trip as well.

After an early breakfast, we left our hotel at around 10am and were taken to a frozen waterfall. The view at the waterfall was absolutely amazing.

Here's my manager, Alan and I outside the Hotel Taisetsu while waiting for our bus. The snow was rather heavy that morning.

The signboard at the waterfall:

And this was probably my best taken photo in Hokkaido.
And who could miss another group photo, right?
After that, it was approximately another 2 hours journey to the city of Otaru, where will first had lunch in a restaurant beside the Otaru Canal (Otaru Unga). I forgot the name of the restaurant. It was just a plain simple seafood grills.

Then, we were on our own, walking around the city. It's a chance to go around buying the seafood delicacies and other stuff if you're willing to spend. But basically, the city's main attraction is their music box and glass factories.

I'm not sure how I can describe the city but it's nothing like in KL. The stores are very westernly-influenced in its designs and concepts (like how you see in the movies). We were only given an hour to tour the city but without proper English signboards, we got a little lost and a lot of time was wasted.

We ended up touring for almost 3 hours and had to cancel our next destination, which is the chocolate factory.

We headed straight to our hotel in Sapporo and it took us another 2 hours travelling. That's how the day went by.

Our next hotel, Sapporo Grand Hotel is located inside the busy city of Sapporo, our first and only city hotel during our stay in Japan, where we reached at about 4-5pm (and the sky was as dark as night).

The details:
Sapporo Grand Hotel
N-1, W-4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001
http://www.grand1934.com/

(I figured it was established in 1934.. haha)

While all these while we were visiting places outside the cities of Sapporo and Otaru, tonight was actually my first Japanese city experience

After checking-in, we were again on our own. So hit the nearby shopping malls. The place is so packed with items and people, we got a little 'suffocated' and adjourned to the streets where it's much cooler.

This is the Sapporo Tower at the background with a digital clock on it.Then, we returned to the hotel to meet up with the rest of the group for Shabu-shabu dinner in a restaurant about 200m away.

In this trip we've getting a lot of crabs... and so, we were again served crab.After performing a form of Japanese traditional meal-closing ceremony, we went back to our hotel. On the way back, someone wanted to visit the subway station and from there we found out that all their subway stations were all integrated underground.

You could actually walk from one station to another and along the way are all occupied with stores and shops. It's a whole new world down here!!

That night I initially planned to stay up because we had to get up at 4am the next morning, check-out by 5am and head to the airport for our 7am plane. But I got too tired... and slept right after my bath.

Hokkaido: Day 4 - 2009/01/10

2009-01-19T21:20:00.013+08:00

If day 3 is a day of skiing, then day 4 is a day of walking... in the zoo.

And damn it... it's a walk in the breezing cold... so cold, it chilled up my spine.

After breakfast, we checked out from our hotel to begin the day's journey. The whole morning was spent riding the bus which only stopped for toilet breaks.

Our first destination for the day was for lunch in a place called Asahikawa Ramen Village, a food court area with only ramen served, from a few ramen shops to choose from.
The food looks good, but it isn't as good as it seems. A little too salty, among others.With the whole day skiing the day before, everyone was really really tired. Even after a 'refreshing' meal, we were all still very tired. So, the only thing we did was... ZZZzzzThen, finally, we reached our destination. Zoo Asahiyama.The main attraction that day, the penguin walk...but frankly... there wasn't anything special in the zoo, and the time could have been better spent elsewhere. And the penguin walk was just a group of penguins walking past you and it all ended in a matter of minutes. And we were made to wait for almost 30 minutes just to see it.

The best part of the day was actually in the hotel we stayed in, Hotel Taisetsu, somewhere at the highest area in Sounkyo.

The details:
Sounkyo, Kamikawacho
Kamikawa-gun
Hokkaido
078-1701

Known as Ryokan (traditonal Japanese inn), this is one of the most famous hotel for the natural onsen (hot spring).

Being a ryokan, we slept on a tatami the traditional Japanese way.The table had to be rearranged before we could lay the mattresses.

The group photo after the traditional Japanese dinner. There were certain rules on wearing the kimono (left side outside) and how we have to lay our slippers (pointing outwards) before entering the dining room.

And of course who could actually miss the famous onsen. There are in fact, 3 onsen to choose from, and I went for the one located outdoor. It's said to be the most beautiful of all. As we were not allowed to bring cameras in, I got this photo from some website. This was the exact one I went to. It was so warm under the water, yet freezing cold above. My boss' hair got frozen ice from the falling snow as he was sitting on the outside of the pool. Yeah... crazy us.

The most satisfying activity was during the dinner. I managed to taste sake (warm and cold) and shochu for the first time and was actually warned that mixing the 2 brings a lasting painful after-effects. So I had to drink sparingly.

And if drinking over dinner wasn't enough, my ED bought a few more bottles to be completed in his room and I was the few that was invited along (but the few grew)... hahaha... more drinking... over some of the best Japanese snacks.

Hokkaido: Day 3 - 2009/01/09

2009-01-16T18:01:00.012+08:00

wwweeee......it's the day of skiing
Breakfast was again in the same place where we had dinner last night.

The hotel: the building in green (on the left) was where we stay for 2 nights
The hotel surroundings:

Then, it's the whole day at the range. Sadly, very little people brought cameras along fearing of damaging it during our skiing.

Some of the gang of beginners with one of the instructor. We were separated into a group of 4, with an instructor assigned for each group.
Where we skiid.

During practise:
And yes... it was fun!!!

During the night, we had the whole time after dinner for our own. So we just went around the resort. I think the most special place over there would be the ice bar which was already closed by the time we reached. So, just managed to take some photos.

By the end of the day, we're all like zombies. Tired?.. yes. Painful muscles?.. indeed. Need a rub?... yes. Did we get any massage?... no. Some bought some sulphur to mix into the warm water for some artificial hotspring in our bathroom bathtub.

Well, that's it for day 3 for us.

Hokkaido: Day 2 - 2009/01/08

2009-01-15T19:55:00.012+08:00

Reach Narita Airport, and immediately took a coach to Haneda Airport which was about an hour drive away.
Along away, it was just city view. Highways, buildings, tolls, bullet trains... we've seen it all (from the coach I mean).
Had brunch in Haneda Airport. It cost me 600 yen (about RM 23).
Then jalan-jalan around the shopping complex in the airport until it's time for our next flight to Shin-Chitose Airport, Sapporo, one of the cities in Hokkaido.

Once in Sapporo, we again took a coach to our lunch place, known as Sapporo Beer Garden.
It has a Beer Museum nearby, though we did not visit it due to time constraint.
This is the restaurant in the background.

Already, reaching the restaurant from Shin-Chitose Airport took a few hours. By the time we finished our lunch, it was already 4pm, and the sky was already getting dark. After lunch, we of course took to opportunity to play with some snow... and a snow-man.
Sadly, I didn't get to experience building my own snow-man. There just wasn't time for it anyway.

We finally reach our hotel, Tomamu's Alpha Resort.

The details:
Alpha Resort Tomamu,
Aza Naka-Tomamu, Shimukappu-mura, Yufutsu-gun, 079-2204 Hokkaido.

It's located in the one of the hills in the city (or town, I'm not sure) of Tomamu. This was the place we had our ski lessons and a hell loads of an enjoyable skiing time.

The place where we had our Japanese buffet dinner that night, in the Nininupuri Restaurant in the resort itself. The view outside the restaurant was just spectacular.

It's a tiring 2nd day.

Hokkaido: Day 1 - 2009/01/07

2009-01-15T19:50:00.004+08:00

So it's day 1. Nothing great about it. Just that I get to leave office at 4pm to prepare myself and be in the airport by 7pm.

Left KLIA for Narita Airport, Tokyo onboard flight JL724 at approximately 11pm.

Update:
Along the way, I couldn't sleep much, maybe slept for 30 minutes at most. So I spent my time watching movies, listening to music and played games. I finally got to watch The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and Mamma Mia, the musical movie.

If you ask me about the matter of preference, I'd prefered Mamma Mia over High School Musical. At least, there's more proper story line in Mamma Mia while in High School Musical, the movies a little lost in the story line and the songs aren't as catchy as the ones in Mamma Mia.

I'm back!!!

2009-01-13T21:57:00.003+08:00

Touch down KLIA at around 10.05pm last night after almost the whole day travelling. By the time I reached home, it was already past midnight.

Coming back, I took 3 plane rides... and it's one damn bloody tiring ride. Worse, I was at work today. Was feeling sleepy the whole day today.

Anyway, day by day details will be posted later.

Hokkaido Trip

2009-01-07T09:17:00.003+08:00

Flying off tonite, 11pm on JAL.

Needless to say, it'll be great being able to travel for a holiday. This is going to be my first holiday in years... Hopefully, there'll be snow!!!

However, this trip will also burn a hole in my pocket.

New Year II

2009-01-05T21:35:00.000+08:00

It's already 5 days into 2009. Things are pretty much the same thus far, the way it has been.

I've never made any resolution or wishes in the past, maybe because I was pretty much happy with the way things were.

But this year seems rather different. At least, the New Year itself gave me some indifferent feelings.

In my New Year post, I said:
"Good bye 2008.. you haven't been great, but you haven't been that bad either
Welcome 2009.. hopefully, things will be much better than before".

Yeah, 2008 hasn't really been a great year. The 2nd and 3rd quarter of 2008 has given me probably some of the best memories I've ever had thus far in life, but come the last quarter, all these took a nose-dive.

Basically, I was not a happy man. There were times I just wish I was somewhere else. Being at work sickens me, so I wished I could be out of the office. Staying at home annoys me, so I sometimes wished I'm out of the house... yet when I'm actually out of the house, the feeling of being lost haunts me.

And at times, I felt lonely...

I've also posted one of my thoughts that has been troubling for a while now. Maybe I've always been the more reliable one, the one who could bare responsibilities, ever since I was a child. But that has finally starting to show cracks in me.

If there's ever a resolution that I would make for this year, it is probably to be MORE irresponsible. That way, I could perhaps be a little more carefree and happy at work, at home, or at what ever that I've been doing.

Funny when I looked back into my past 25 years in life, I haven't really achieved great things that would or might make my life happier... not just easier... happier. Sure, there's been achievements in Wushu that I should really cherish. It have its wonderful moments but that have long past, in the history.

So now what? I just need to wait and see what 2009 brings for me.

Schedule

2009-01-05T09:03:00.003+08:00

Yupz.. all packed and preparing for my trip now.
Here's my schedule and agenda in Hokkaido.

I hope you're able to see it..

2008 to 2009

2009-01-01T09:58:00.000+08:00

Good bye 2008.. you haven't been great, but you haven't been that bad either
Welcome 2009.. hopefully, things will be much better than before

2008-12-30T17:05:00.002+08:00

We were briefed on our up-coming trip to Hokaiddo... part of the briefing includes this:

We've also unofficially added no. 10, specially for the guys... no comparing.
I think you'll know what I mean.

Sea Urchin

2008-12-26T18:41:00.004+08:00

When I was in Philippines having one of our Japanese dinner, my boss order one sushi with a special type of topping which I could not remember what the topping was called... until today.

In Cantonese, it was called 'hoi dam', while in English, it is known as sea urchin. If you like or able to accept raw food like Sashimi, then you'll love sea urchins. To me, it tasted a little slimmy and raw food has never been my kind of thing, so they say I'm wasting it when I eat because I am unable to enjoy such delicacy.

In Malaysia, such food is considered a luxury because of its price. It's so damn expensive. But its quite cheap in the Philippines and China. If I'd ever be able to taste it again, I'll probably be able to enjoy it more.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T08:24:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas everyone...!!

It's back!!!

2008-12-15T10:38:00.002+08:00

Yes!!! The American Gladiators is back... after god knows how many years away.

This TV program is about 2 men/women competing against each other through some very challenging obstacles while at the same time being challenged by a group of people known as the Gladiators.

Loved this show when I was a kid. And now it's back!!!

Oh yeah...

The moon smiled at us - 01/12/2008

2008-12-05T17:02:00.005+08:00

To many photographers and perhaps astronomers, Dec. 1st 2008 is indeed a day to remember.
It is indeed an unusual phenomenon when Venus, Jupiter and the moon was positioned so perfectly that it formed a smiley.
The 2 planet formed the eyes while the partial-moon formed the lips.

Thundercats

2008-12-04T18:32:00.002+08:00

Was surfing through my friend's facebook account and realised he joined the group Thundercats.

Surprise... surprise...

Purpose of Life

2008-11-17T18:00:00.004+08:00

It really got me thinking for a while now, what's the purpose of my life?

Most of the time, I feel that I live my life for others more than for myself. Be it at home or at work... there's always work and responsibility that I have to carry while some people can actually enjoy themselves, doing things they want, without bothering what's going around them.

life is for living

2008-11-06T22:19:00.001+08:00

Life is for finding

Joy and happiness

Not dwelling on sorrow and

Worries.

Life is for doing

What you love not

Working endlessly and neglecting

A true calling

Life is for living and enjoying

Not for

Whining and groaning

Every day

Life is for living!

[Source]

Lately

2008-11-05T21:01:00.002+08:00

I've been feeling down and easily depressed lately...

Don't know why.

Terry Fox Run KL 2008

2008-11-03T18:34:00.005+08:00

Went for

What: Terry Fox Run KL 2008
Cause: Fund raiser

Where: Lake Gardens, KL

When: Yesterday (Sunday, November 2)

How: Took LRT

Why:
- primary: To join the run (was supposed to run, but I only walked)

- secondary: to make donations via purchasing of the t-shirt

Who: Went alone (but coincidently, met an old friend)

Coverage: around Lake Gardens

About Terry Fox

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T09:28:00.001+08:00

Yes, it's Halloween..

well, only got to know since Philippines is celebrating it today. Oh... how I wish I am still there... so I can get to experience my first Halloween party.

But sadly, it is not to be...

And I'm stuck now in the office rushing for my work... damn

First lesbians... now yoga??

2008-10-30T09:01:00.001+08:00

First there was a ruling on lesbians... now ruling a yoga. Things are getting really hilarious.

Do read the news.

Is being a tomboy means you're a lesbian?

2008-10-24T17:16:00.004+08:00

I think that's what Malaysia's National Fatwa Council thinks so.

Being one of Malaysia's highest Islamic bodies, I feel that their statement was a little overboard, if what was reported on the news are true.

Some articles:

MSN News
The Star

I would understand their stand if they're against lesbians and gays and say that it's something unnatural and against human nature.

But to punish someone because they dressed like men?!!

Come on... where's the logic here. Some females are borned a little more mascular than the rest. What more to behave like one.

They'll look better in shirts and pants rather than in skirts or dresses.

And now they're saying this:

"One of Malaysia's highest Islamic bodies has banned females from dressing or behaving like men and engaging in lesbian sex, saying it was forbidden by the religion."

I highlighted that portion in blod.

I find this totally ridiculous.

Last Day

2008-10-24T13:21:00.002+08:00

Last day at customer site. Flying home tomorrow...

wuuhuu....

Free

2008-10-20T15:21:00.003+08:00

Today my job at work is to "walk-walk, stand-stand"...

translate that into Chinese and you'll understand..

oh.. and also to surf net, though my boss warned me from surfing too much because the customer won't like it...

but heck.. we're sitted in the room

Waiting to fly

2008-10-19T11:11:00.005+08:00

Yup... flying again. This time is to Philippines.

Gonna be there for a week for on-site support. Was informed quite last minute because I was only told that they need me to be on-site last Friday morning, after another colleague could not travel.

Even he was informed only on Friday morning.

Now that my flight has been delayed, I have to wait for another 2 hours before I get on-board the plane.

Damn, there's nothing much for me to do except to surf net.

Blast!!! While I enjoy flying, I hate waiting.

Update:
my boss made me Sheridan's Coffee Layered Liqueur while waiting for our flight at the MAS Lounge... taste like Bailey.. damn it.. make me drink liqour early in the morning.

Then had a glass of whiskey while having lunch...

this what happens when you get to have anything and everything in the lounge. You won't bother the time of the day... hahaha

When gear 1 is gear 3

2008-10-17T09:13:00.003+08:00

Damn it!

Despite driving for more than a year now, I could still make some silly mistakes that only happens to new drivers.

Left work... heavy rain.. heavy traffic... was trying to turn into a junction and it was by a slope. I released the gear while waiting for the traffic to clear.

And when I could finally cut into the junction, the car stalled... not once but twice. During the first time, I thought I released my clutch too fast (yea, the most common way to stall a car).

So I quickly ignite the car again to get it moving... and again it stalled... felted so bloody 'tulan'...

I released the gear only to realise I was actually on the 3rd gear instead of the 1st.

Damn...

FBIC Company Trip

2008-10-10T15:35:00.002+08:00

So the survey is out. This year my company trip is to Hokkaido. Gonna be a 6D4N trip from 06/01/2009 to 11/01/2009.

But comes with a catch.

For me, the company will only bear 52.88% of the cost. That would mean paying as much as 47.12% of the cost on my own.

Estimated to cost between RM 6000 - RM 7000, I will then have to pay between RM 2827 - RM 3299.

I wonder if it's worth the trip. But then again, I get to go to Hokkaido for a week... for half the price.

So should I go? Or I just save the money?

Waterfall

2008-10-07T08:59:00.008+08:00

Location: Siong Waterfall, Ulu Langat
Date: 5th Sept. 2008

Yupz... went hiking and visited a waterfall. It's really been a while since I last done such an physical activity and yeah, it was fun. And I was one of the few fortunates not to be attacked by leeches... hahaha... thank god for that.

So we all gathered at McD near Giant Cheras at around 7.30pm with a bunch of unknowns. Eng Hong met these peeps via a Facebook group, who are really active in hikings and climbings in their quest in looking for the best waterfalls around Malaysia.

Who knows, they might one day expand to the other parts of the world...

Coming back to the trip, it was a convoy of I think 8 cars to reach the place. A rather huge crowd and maybe, too huge. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by a special 'guest'...

a wild boar.

Hhmm... I always thought wild boar has horns... or maybe it has, just not this one.

Reminds me so much of the wild boar character in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) that I used to watch when I was a child.... hahaha... was it Beebob or Robsteady (not even sure if the names are right).

Haha... the photographers were thrilled and I've personally not seen a wild boar before. It became an instant celebrity to the photographers.

The group:

It was quite a nice place to relax and enjoy the sceneries but definately not a place to play with water.

As we did not go to the foot of the waterfall, we didn't have any place to dip ourselves... unless you dare to try some heroic stunts like what Eng Hong did...
I wanted to climb up there as well but as my shoe was already slippery, and having slipped a couple of times already, I'd rather not take the risk falling of the cliffs. But Eng Hong sure enjoyed himself.

Weng Chye on the other hand was too busy with his photoshoots... and playing with his toys... the DSLR, tripods etc.

In my past hiking trip, I've seen or tried having nasi lemak, roti canai and even fresh cut watermelons at rest points. I've even tried eating maggi mee during my only camping trips way back in 1998.

But having maggi mee with 'siew yoke' is rather new. Without doubt, one of the highlights of the trips. The meals are a courtesy of the other hikers. They even made tea... haha... they sure know how to enjoy the scenery with excellent meals.

More photos coming once I receive them.

Hennessy Artistry

2008-09-30T17:57:00.004+08:00

Attended this event last Saturday. Was a blast!!!

I couldn't find any poster or picture, so could only copy from the website.

Urgent!!!!

2008-09-26T12:00:00.003+08:00

Damn it...

Yesterday, it was "super high priority"... and I was thinking, when was it that your boss gives you something to do which is never a priority.

I had to stay back in office until 10pm last night to complete fix an error.

Then this morning, it was "it's urgent.... super urgent.... damn urgent...."

("-_-)

Happy Mid-Autumn

2008-09-15T17:59:00.004+08:00

It's been a while since someone actually played the candles and lantterns in my house during the Mid-Autumn.

Last night, my sister bought 10 packets of candles for her daugther, and I just joined in.

Quite a good way to relax and waste sometime.

Lighting up the candles and latterns does reminds me of the good old times. Sadly, old folks like me don't get to really enjoy myself these days. And even the drizzles almost spoilt the night.

My 'devil' niece and I...

It's also been a while since I last took a photo... damn.. got to work on my thin line eyes...

It's been a year

2008-09-05T14:10:00.003+08:00

Can't believe it's been a year. Time sure has past when we never realise.

This morning we had prayers for my father's 1st year anniversary, based on the lunar calendar.

Aiyak... kena bombed

2008-08-28T08:52:00.005+08:00

Ok, got a red bomb last night...

no, that's so wrong. Rather, it's a yellow bomb (or more like peach bomb), 'cos it's gonna be a church wedding and the envelope is in a light peachy colour.

She's one of my diploma friends.

Yeah, so, she's actually gonna be the first among my close friends. Still wondering what kind of gifts to get her.

Somehow, this mades me feel like we've reached the next stage in life. A stage where, friends' are settling down, getting married and have kids, while those who used to be ilding around are finally getting serious about life.

Insurance and investments are also a common topic these days, while to the guys, it used to be games, games, games and games. Some still do btw. Last night, all the guys (except me), were talking about a new computer games which I've not even heard of.

When it comes to computer games, I'm so left out.

Anyway, I'm also hearing some are already looking for a house while some has even already gotten a house, when, it used to be cars... and maybe holiday destination?

Place to hang out? Movies?

Well, it's the usual pattern. First, after graduate, work. Then buy a car. After a car, get a house.

Most of us goes through that pattern, including me. The luckier ones would already have a car being provided at home. So, they only need to get a house.

And to think that my mom the other day said that she wished that my sister, brother and I, could get a house/condo each side by side in a stretch... yeah, dream on.

It's gonna take a while since I can't afford a house of my own yet. And also, I'm not so into that idea as well. They'll sure to KPC at you at whatever I'm doing at home... may be a little less privacy there as well.

End of the Beijing 2008

2008-08-25T08:52:00.003+08:00

Yeah, so it's all over now. The summer olympics were closed in quite a colourful performance in the Bird's Nest Stadium. But with the olympics coming to an end, there's nothing to look forward to anymore, be it on the news, highlights, or even chit-chatting with colleagues about the events, results etc.

This is, of course, until the next sporting event comes along. EPL is by the way, back!!!

Watched the closing ceremony last night on TV2. My my, a mere disappointment. Late broadcast, TV commercials everynow and then, TV transmission interruptions etc.

How I wished I could have a better viewing of events such as this.

I guess I'll have to look it up on the internet for the closing clips.

Candidman, the opening you gave me is kinda incomplete. It ended just before the athletes march. Do you a more complete one? One that last until the end...???!!

And will you be looking for the closing as well??
Just pass it to my brother if you can find them.

Thanks.

Bloody programming...!!!

2008-08-21T13:25:00.002+08:00

What the hell!!!

1234.56 + 4567.89 of type double gives you 5802.45000007

but

1234.56 + 4567.89 of type decimal gives you the accurate 5802.45

What the hell is happening??!!!

How can I be getting such results...
How can I return such calculation results to the users??!!!

Sure will kena tiu kaw kaw wan!!!

From now on cannot use double... must only use decimal.

BB is 50

2008-08-18T13:22:00.006+08:00

Yupz.. my secondary school, Bukit Bintang Boys' Secondary School (BBBSS), is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year. And last Sat (Aug 16, 2008) was the anniversary dinner held at the Tropicana Golf and Country Resort to celebrate the occasion.

The Star article about the anniversary dinner.

Guest-of-honour was Dr. Alastair L. McGregor of Scotland, the school's first principal. The 2nd principal, Mr. David Boler (also from UK, can't remember if he's Engilsh or Scottish) unfortunately passed away just few months back.

I did not see the 3rd principal, Mr. Oh Kung Lam and the 4th, Pn. Ishah Sulaiman attending the ceremony but saw the 5th and current principal, Madam Quah Mooi Eng for the first time.

Saw many of my ex-teachers. All recognises me, some could even recall my name (though mostly partially) after some thoughts, but most were not around. Wonder if they're still teaching in BB.

The teachers could not believed that I left school 8 years ago. They thought I was still studying. They said I still looked the same... which means I'm still the young boy in their eyes. How depressing :(

All in all, I thought the occasion wasn't that grand despite being a golden jubilee celebration. After 50 years, with tens of thousands of students graduated, only around 500 people attended the dinner.

From the class of 2000, only 4 turned up. And that includes my brother and I. Was really looking forward to meet up more, especially those I've kind of lost contact with. Rather disappointed with the turn out actually.

Otherwise, it would have been more fun attending the event.

Wikipedia on BB.

"Nisi Dominus Frustra"
"Without God All Is Vanity"

14th day of the 7th month

2008-08-14T09:48:00.003+08:00

Didn't actually realised it until I heard a colleague talking about it. Today is, in Chines Lunar calendar, the 14th day of the 7th month.

And what day is it?

It's the Hungry Ghost Festival, where according to the Chinese believes, it's the day where the souls and spirits are allowed to come out from the lower realm to roam earth.

Found some interesting facts when reading wikipedia. According to it, it's also a day where our deceased ancestors would pay us a visit.

hhmmm.... I never knew that.

Anyway, the older generations always advised us to stay indoor in these days fearing that we might 'bump' into one of 'them'. True or not, don't bother. Just listen to them... just stay at home tonight.

080808

2008-08-08T09:12:00.002+08:00

The day is here! The time is tonight! The opening to Beijing 2008 Olympics will be here in a matter of hours.

I'm anxious! I'm excited! and I'm getting impatient...!!! I don't wanna miss the opening, for sure.

But will I be home by 7pm tonight? Will it be shown on public TV or would I need Astro? Will I actually miss the chance to see China showing off???!!! After all, it is their pride.

So I'm very sure they'll make the opening ceremony truly unforgettable, in everyway. Full of colours, full of people, full of displays and full of crops..!!!

and I... need to get back to work :(

Jam

2008-07-23T17:51:00.003+08:00

Damn it, I just hate it when I'm stuck in the jam. It's bad when you're driving a manual. It's even worse when there's a jam for no apparent reason.

This morning on my way to work, the jam started to build up at the traffic light in front of the mosque in Section 14, leading all the way to the traffic light in front of the SSP primary school. Stuck there for almost 10 minutes... a long time considering that I don't have to face a jam at all every morning.

The jam continued after the traffic light for those who turned right into Jalan Utara, the road leading to Hussien Onn Hospital towards Asia Jaya LRT and Hilton Hotel. Not sure what caused the jam. Fortunately, I had to turn left, so I missed the jam after that.

This jam reminded me of the worst one I've ever experienced in my 2 years of driving. Yup, the one where the bloody police road blocked major roads and highways leading towards the parliment and caused a massive jam all around KL just for one person.

There was already a massive jam in Federal Highway that morning. I don't have to get into any highways. I just drive across. But I was still stucked because cars from Jalan Utara could not get into the highway, thus, blocking my way. Argh!!!

Politically motivated or not, stopping that one person 'conveniently' delayed million others from getting to work, airport, exams etc on time. Half of my colleagues were late that day while I barely made it. What wonderful job our authorities are doing to our country.

Damn it!!! Just hate the jams... well, no one would anyway :D

My new tool

2008-07-22T19:30:00.008+08:00

Wuuhuu.... finally gotten myself a pair of new sunglasses. Now, no more the annoying sun glares. I don't have to fear you anymore sun glares!!!!! hahaha!!!

My sister helped me with the selection. Personally, I don't like the grey patch in the middle, but I chose this pair because of the glasses are more blackish. It's not for fashion anyway.

I actually preferred another design which has a better overall match in colours and shape but the glass is more greyish... don't really liked the greyish feel.

Best of all, this doesn't hook onto my hear. It wraps comfortably around the side of my head so it doesn't hurt my ear the way wearing a headset would after wearing for too long.

And for someone without better things to do at home, I decided take some pathethic photos of myself in it.

So I took this...

and this...

So how do I look?

This morning

2008-07-08T08:47:00.005+08:00

So it rained this morning. Nothing great, except that it's the type of rain I love most. The slow, gentle, soft breezing drizzle is the kind of rain that really makes you want to call in sick at work just to stay in your bed, wanting to sleep throughout your morning under the comfort of your bolster, pillow, mattress, etc.

Well, at least I get to walked in the rain this morning. That was fun. But still, I just wished that I could just stay out, staring at the rain and play with it. I sure missed those times.

Recalled this while typing.

Down the memory lane

2008-07-07T17:16:00.004+08:00

I've been updating my blog a lot lately if you noticed. That's because I had time to actually observe things around lately.

And why? Because I'm bored at work... to me, not having much work at work is like a nightmare. The worst feeling one can ever get.

So, naturally I had to look for my own entertainment. Solitaire and Minesweeper are the 2 things are the things I try hard to skip these days.

Then the whole of last week I did one thing which I'm sure no one has ever done before... so what did I do?

I reread all the post in my friends blog... one by one. I'm not done reading everyone's blog, but it's just a matter of time before I do so.

I started off with the one I thought would have the most post. Miche used to post everyday, so I know I would have a long list of things to read. Never realised that I actually missed so many of her post... dear, didn't even know you've learn tango before. So when can you teach me your moves?

Currently am almost finishing Ashes' blog, all the way from his first post in June 2005. Boy, his blog just won't stop making me laughing, and I sure missed the times when one would post something and the rest would bombard it with our 'ridiculous' comments. It has always been entertaining to read his blog.

One of the many crazy moments we did. .. ok, it wasn't that crazy, but at least it's fun.

Chapter 1: wanna join us? - By Ash (aka Mr. Funnyman aka The Joker aka The Great Entertainer)
Chapter 2: The day out - By me, just the plain old me!!!
Chapter 3: Auntie Philip???? NAHHHH - By the none other, Aunty Philip. Hahaha, read the story and you'll know why!!
Chapter 4: Saturday Tour - By Mr. Money man, Billy

This was done exactly 2 years ago.

Of course things won't end here. Gonna continue reading as long as it can kill my time. Anyway, it's already after office hours. So time to go.

Rebates

2008-07-04T19:15:00.004+08:00

There's an offer for CIMB and direct access credit card holders.

MPH and Tesco rebates seems most tempting. Lets see how I can make use of it.

Here's the advert:

And oh, also gotten my petrol cash rebates today. Collected it as I was renewing my road tax. Yippee, got an additional RM 500 to spend (that's RM 552 to be exact, after deducting my road tax of RM 70 and the bloody RM 2 commission Pos Malaysia charges).

The Sun

2008-07-02T09:13:00.002+08:00

Damn it, every morning when I drive to work, the sunlight glares very strongly into eyes and these are affecting my driving because I couldn't open my eyes to see properly.

I'd even nearly meet with accidents on a few occasions. And when I drive slowly, sometimes I'm getting on other drivers' nerves.

Time to invest in a sun glasses. Wonder what shape suits me? Anyone can suggest any to me?

Memory: The Song

2008-07-02T08:29:00.002+08:00

Another song that wouldn't keep out of my mine.

Was already preparing to go home after work yesterday. The moment I stepped into my car and turned on the radio, this song began to play.

It's been a while since I last heard this song.

So the song:

Memory
By: Barbra Streisand

Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can dream of the old days
Life was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

Every street lamp seems to beat
A fatalistic warning
Someone mutters and the street lamp sputters
And soon it will be morning

Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I mustn't give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin

Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale cold smell of morning
A street lamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning

Touch me,
It's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me,
You'll understand what happiness is
Look, a new day has begun...

Somewhere Out There

2008-07-01T12:24:00.002+08:00

Heard this song this morning over LiteFM (formerly: Light N Easy) while on my way to work today.

After that, this song just kept ringing into my brain... kinda missed the song and the movie. Having the song ringing in my mind is kinda refreshing and keeps my mind awake, especially when there isn't much to do at work and I'm falling asleep and leaving my office at 5.30pm is fast becoming a norm.

Anyway, the song...

Lyrics as performed byLinda Ronstadt and James Ingram
from the movie An American Tail (1987)

Somewhere Out There
written by James Horner, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil

Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone's thinking of me and loving me tonight

Somewhere out there someone's saying a prayer
That we'll find one another in that big somewhere out there

And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true

And even though I know how very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky

Somewhere out there if love can see us through
Then we'll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true

You can also refer to the site.

The 3rd in 2 years

2008-06-30T08:31:00.004+08:00

Last Friday (June 27, 2008) was the last I would ever hear from a cousin brother of mine, who passed away of cancer around noon that day in Melbourne, leaving a wife and 4 children. They're all Australians.

His demise makes him the 3rd in 2 years among my family members.

The first was my aunt (his mother, my father's eldest sister) in January 2007, who died of old age. She had a lot of sickness and was in and out of the hospital during her last few months, so her demise was expected and IMHO, it did her some good. She was 78. It was during that time that my cousin was just diagnosed of cancer.

Then, barely 9 months later, it was my father's turn. It was a total shock, totally unexpected. He was never sick, never had any major illness. He died on the night of September 16, 2007 at 68.

Now, 9 months after my father's death, it was finally my cousin's time to go, losing more than a year's battle against his illness. I'm not sure of his age, but I think he's in his 50s, maybe reaching 60.

So farewell my brother, send my regards to your parents. Say hi to my father for me if you see him. May you rest in peace and god bless your soul.

Meaning of my name

2008-06-26T10:46:00.003+08:00

Got this from my mail which was left unread for months... and finally managed to clear them.

***The Alphabet:

A : YOU'RE A HOTTIE
B : you are loved by a lot of ppl
C : you're wild and crazy
D : You have trouble trusting people
E : You are always fun when it comes to meeting new people
F : People totally adore you
G : You are very friendly and understanding
H : You have very good personality and looks
I : Love is something you deeply believe in
J : Everyone loves you
K : You like to try new things
L : You always make other people smile when you smile
M : You are beautiful, and sexy
N : Your sex is unforgettable
O : You love foreplay
P : You are very friendly and understanding
Q : You are a hypocrite
R : Someone loves you
S : People think you are so sexy
T : You are one of the best in bed
U : You are really a chilling material
V : You are not judgemental
W : You are very broad minded
X : You never let people tell you what to do
Y : you make every experience great
Z : You're Super cool

***The Results:

T : You are one of the best in bed
A : YOU'RE A HOTTIE
N : Your sex is unforgettable

C : you're wild and crazy
H : You have very good personality and looks
U : You are really a chilling material
N : Your sex is unforgettable

E : You are always fun when it comes to meeting new people
N : Your sex is unforgettable
G : You are very friendly and understanding

hmm... somehow, all these are kind of subjective. But anyway, it's just for fun.

I don't think I'm a hottie. Whether I'm good or not in bed, that's for my partner to decide. I just thought that it's important that she enjoys herself, that we enjoy each other. I enjoy it when she enjoys it.

I have 3 'N' in my name. Should that mean something? I guess the experience is unforgetable because I do find it romantic in a way. It's not just the pleasure, it's the private moments I get to spend with my partner.

Me being wild and crazy is definately so not me. I can go high, but I can't go wild. My personality are often misunderstood and my looks ain't that good... yes, I know myself, I do looked at the mirror every morning... haha :D

Would the rest of the attributes describes me? I let you be the judge of that.

My current addiction

2008-06-24T10:27:00.005+08:00

Life's been really free and boring of late. There wasn't much to be done at work this week and I had to practically crack my head thinking how should I prepare my daily work report.

Doing that was like... damn, what should I be reporting? Beats me...!!!

Then, I found a new application in Facebook known as Text Twirl where you have to figure out as many 3 letter to 6 letter words possible from 6 scrambled letters.

My new found addiction and I've been hooked up ever since.

Click here to add the application into your facebook.

Fuel hike effects

2008-06-19T09:27:00.003+08:00

Last night was the first time I pump my fuel, 2 weeks after the new rate took effect.

At the old rate of RM 1.92/liter, I could cover 170-180 km for every RM 30 of petrol, now it roughly covers only 130 km with the new rate of RM 2.70/liter... so how great is the effect on me anyway?

40 km is almost a week's drive to work, so the impact is kind of great.

I used to spend around 17-18 cents/km. Now, it worked out to around 23-24 cents/km.

The current price hike is inevitable, but with my current lifestyle, I guess I cushion it comfortably. Thank god for that. Amitabha...

Friday, June 13th, 2008

2008-06-13T13:26:00.000+08:00

What day is it? It's Friday.
What date is it? It's 13th.

So it's Friday the 13th. Only realised it as I was doing some typings at work.

So Happy Friday the 13th, peeps.

It may not be a holiday but it is a Friday, so we could still celebrate, right?

Personal Milestone

2008-06-10T08:33:00.002+08:00

After months of procrastinating, I've finally completed the full settlement for my car loan yesterday, 26 months early. Having completed the payments last week, I was at JPJ yesterday for the final procedure. But despite settling it 2 years earlier, I barely saved a year's amount in interest fees.

Still, I was glad when I saw the word, "DIBATALKAN" stamped on my car grant. So the car's rightfully mine, and mine only.

Today

2008-06-09T18:00:00.004+08:00

"There seems to be more, and heavier, responsibilities with work, and less time to do things."

This sounded so true today.

Saw this horoscope for Aries in The Star. Just thought it was very accurate.

My precious sleep

2008-06-06T18:16:00.003+08:00

Haven't had a good night sleep this week. All because every night, I've been having dreams, all of which vanished the moment I wake up.

I could not remember a single thing I dreamt about the night before.

But for every morning this week I woke up feeling even more tired and lacking sleep. Argh!!! I need my precious sleep.

How I wish this would stop. And how?

The Three Little Pigs

2008-06-03T08:53:00.006+08:00

I once mentioned that there are 3 people in my team sharing the same birthday, all 3 whos birthday is on 5th of April.

Fate really brought us together. All 3 of us even sits beside one another.

The 3 of us... Me, Phoebe and Henry.

But now, the 3 piglets are no more. Only left 2 as Henry has left the company after only 9 months to move into auditing. The photo was taken during Henry's farewell dinner at King Crab Restaurant, Kelana Jaya.

And you might ask, why us 3 pigs.

Well, Henry and I are born in the year of the pig as both of us also share the same birth year. Besides my brother, he's the only one I knew, who shares the same birth year, birth month and birth date as I do.

As for Phoebe, her surname is Choo. Pronounce that in mandarin, it rhymes with the word 'pig' in Chinese.

Hence, us, the three little pigs.

And since 5th of April is always associated with the underworld because of Ching Ming, so we posed:

Le Meridien Hotel, Jakarta

2008-05-27T08:57:00.003+08:00

Le Meridien was the hotel I stayed in during my 2 days stay in Jakarta. This was also the place I spent most of my Indonesia time in. Hardly had the chance or time to visit anywhere else.

On my 2nd and last day in Indonesia, right after lunch I strolled around the hotel, which isn't really big, but was nicely decorated.

The hotel lobbies

La Brasserie was the place I had my buffet breakfast.

I was really surprised that they served pork openly in hotels. I had always thought that Indonesia is stricter than Malaysia on non-halal food since they have one of the biggest Muslim populations in the world.

But for them to serve pork in hotels, maybe they're more open than our own Malaysian government on these issues. So, can this be considered a respect to the other races?

I reckoned that Le Meridien is built on the concept of dragons and phoenixes. Almost to every corner I turned to has a sculpture of a dragon look-a-like,

and paintings / carpets of phoenix

My room

Basically, I only took photos at the hotel. I stupid left my batteries in my luggage bag when arriving, so I could not snap any photos of the airport, or anywhere around Jakarta.

And I was so occupied with work in FID that I couldn't get the chance to take even a few quick pictures. Well, if better luck next time I will.

And oh, this was also the first hotel I see provides candles in the roooms.

My only first thought is that, are they that bad that there's a possibility of a frequent blackout in the hotel? Haha... I hoped not at all, since my stay in the hotel was a pretty pleasant one.

Flew again

2008-05-25T13:19:00.000+08:00

Was off to another short trip last week.

This time, it was down south to Jakarta for 2 days. Touched-down in KLIA on Friday, near midnight.

Sent there to conduct a training in Fujitsu Indonesia (FID) on the latest release and enhancements of our system.

To me, there was nothing special in Jakarta. Being a city, it's almost the same as what you could see in KL, except maybe you'll see more beggers on the roads. Jakarta is still very busy in its developments.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport reminds me a lot of our old Subang airport, not as modern as what we could see in KLIA.

Drivers are a little more 'violent' as compared to Malaysian drivers. I don't think I'll ever dare to drive in Indonesia. But I may not need to as drivers here are cheap here. Anyone who is in a managerial level in Jakarta seems to be able to afford a driver of their own.

We was provided a driver to anywhere I go when I was in Jakarta.

The only unfortunate thing is that I haven't been able to experience their food much as my trip was too short. Only tasted one proper Indonesian food during lunch on Friday at a nearby shopping mall foodcourt. I forgot the name.

On Thursday night, we were taken to dinner by FID boss to a Chinese restaurant called 3-6-9 and had chinese dumplings such as Siew Long Pau, Wor Tie, Shui Gou etc. To be honest, it was pretty good.

Apart of this, the rest of my meals were in a hotel. Lame... but basically, I did not spend anything when I was in Jakarta except Rp. 100,000.00 for the airport tax I had to pay for my flight back to KLIA.

Edelweiss

2008-05-13T08:43:00.003+08:00

Finally found out the title of this song and I immediately went looking for it.
This was the song sang by the Captain in the Sound of Music.

.
.
.

Edelweiss, edelweiss,
every morning you greet me
small and white,
clean and bright,
you look happy to meet me

blossom of snow
may you bloom and grow,
bloom and grow forever
edelweiss, edelweiss,
bless my home-land forever.

My 'girlfriend'

2008-05-07T17:45:00.002+08:00

Is it a virtual... a dream or... is it for real?

Ever since I returned from China more than a year ago, I've always kept in touch with some of the people I met there. We usually correspond via emails.

In the most recent email, my friend excited wrote that she dreamt of me. Seems like I was back in China... with someone... my girlfriend. She was waiting for us at the airport... hahaha

It felt nice indeed that someone actually dreams of you. To be, it was also an honour because, thinking of someone is easy, but to dream of someone makes it all really special.

So I got her to describe how my 'girlfriend' was like...

She said:

"She has long hair, not big eyes but bright, when I met you all, she always smile, very sweet and lovely girl. She has black hair and brown eyes, I can only judge that she is an Asian, maybe she is a Chinese girl, or your own local girl. In a word, she is beautiful".

Chinese girl - she might mean the nationality
Own local girl - it could be one of my current friends, or someone I'm about to meet.

Felt so flattered... hehehe :D

Driving

2008-05-06T19:25:00.003+08:00

This actually happened last Monday.

Had to go to a customer's place in Kepong and we had to use the company car. My colleague didn't want to drive, so he passed me the key.

First time driving a Perdana, so naturally I was a little nervous as it's been 5 years since I last drove a long car. My Myvi is a short one, so it was a little different in the navigations.

Nevertheless, I soon overcame that but then came another fear. The car's really old. I felt as if the 4 suspensions' going to break at any moment and the 4 wheels will suddenly roll out of its rims. So I had that feeling througout the journey.

Gosh, I was never this worried before while driving. Fortunately as well, all things turn out well.

Post Holiday

2008-05-02T10:26:00.003+08:00

Yeah... it was a timely holiday that I could relax from work.

But damn, this morning I was dragged into a meeting the moment my boss stepped into the office. It was at 9.05 am. I just arrived into office not too long ago and PC wasn't even turned on yet.

Shit... was attending the meeting with my sleepy face. And was yawning away throughout.

Happy Labour's Day

2008-05-01T23:21:00.000+08:00

Happy Labour's Day everyone.

Hope that you all had an enjoyable day today :P

Argh!!!

2008-04-29T15:29:00.001+08:00

Damn it, my body's heating up.

If 2 huge pimples isn't evident enough, I also have 3 ulcers in my mouth. One of it's a big one too.

Damn it,
it hurts when I drink,
it hurts when I chew,
it hurts when I bite,
it hurts when I grin,
it hurts when I smile or laugh,
and...
it even hurts when I lick...

ice-cream I mean.

Damn you ulcers!!!!!

Ouch!!!

2008-04-22T09:21:00.007+08:00

Beware: Read on at your own risk. It might be disturbing to some...

Was watching some video clips over the weekend and saw this...

Can you see where the ropes are tied to?

The moment I saw it, I was like... ("-_-) ... what the!!!!

Wonder why they're torturing their 'little brother' that way. I can't really imagine the reason why they're practising this so-called 'Groin Techniques' or why it was even created?

What good would such training gives? Besides the 'hanging', there are also 'pulling' and 'kicking'. And they made it look as if it doesn't hurt at all... could even swing the one hanging around, front and back...

But to me, it's... ouch!!! :D

Why???

2008-04-16T13:08:00.003+08:00

I can't help but to notice that in the movies, most of the time when a girl/woman hugs a person, usually during some happy moments, they tend to lift up their heels to the back.

Now, I'm wondering why.

ZZZZzzzzz.....

2008-04-15T17:46:00.004+08:00

Been sleeping on the job for the past 2 days. Can't help it. Nothing can be done about the sleep. The whole team was sent to attend a demo cum training for a new version release on a product by Fujitsu and you know how boring this kind of sutff can get.

Worse, 3/4 of the time is one a one-way highway. Beh tahan leh!!!

And I have not even learnt up half the system of the previous release.... and now this!!!... sigh!!!

Ok... going home now. All those sleeping is making me tired. It's gonna rain too....

:D

To Where You Are

2008-04-11T12:16:00.004+08:00

Recently, this song just kept playing in my mind. Probably recent events has made me recall the not too distant past. I've always find this song touching. But recently, it touched me even more. Also to specially dedicate this to the lost a friend recently experienced.

To Where You Are
By Josh Groban

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be (?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are

I'm 25

2008-04-07T16:32:00.004+08:00

This year.... dunno what say.
It was different than any other years.

Had an unexpected news.
Received unexpected messages.
And heard from unexpected person.

But as usual, I just stayed at home for the day, watching Cantonese dramas the whole day.

What now?

2008-04-01T20:09:00.004+08:00

Sometimes I wonder if the hype of blogging is actually gone for me. These days, thoughts and topics are hard to comeby. Hell, even the moods have swayed.

Work has always taken toll of my time and energy. This has left me little space and juices on my brains to think, what kind of interesting topics I could post on my blogs. Zip... nothing... elek... mou ye....

Nevertheless, I do enjoy reading my friends blogs. I still do. But even the number of active bloggers are hitting rock bottom. Maybe they're going through the same things as I do. Apart of Miche, and occasionally, Steph, there are practically none among my friends blogging anymore.

Which come to me thinking. Is it time to call it quits? So that I don't have to make it an effort to keep my blog 'alive'.

So, what say you?

Oh... and happy April's Fool everyone.

Dell Vostro 200 Slim Tower

2008-03-13T19:06:00.004+08:00

- Been assigned new PC; a Dell Vostro 200 Slim Tower

- Almost my whole team got
- Only my team... for now
- Troublesome
- Have to re-install my programmes and re-setup all my system environments
- Find the monitor a little too wide to my liking... hurts ~~and~~ my eyes and neck
- But it's a more powerful and faster PC
(of course, otherwise I wouldn't be looking forward to change it, right?)
- Still find it troublesome resetting up my new PC
- Don't know whether I should be happy for the new PC or not
- New PC would surely mean new expectation...

March 8th, 2008

2008-03-08T18:25:00.001+08:00

Voted for the first time. Was surprised how smooth the whole process went. My polling station was at SMK (P) Sri Aman. Was there for the first time, for barely 10 minutes. So I basically, went in, voted and then came out.

Why guys should start wearing pink?

2008-03-06T09:20:00.002+08:00

This was the question raised by a female colleague during our daily sharing session this morning.

Her quote (might not be the exact words, but that's what she meant):

"When guys wears pink, it makes her happy. And when she's happy, she makes everyone around her happy. And when everyone is happy, they'll be more efficient at work. And when they're more efficient, they're more productive. And when they're more productive, company's turnover and profit will also increase."

Yeah, I know.... all girls likes pink.

And usually guys are thought to be more feminie when wearing pink. I honestly don't think so, but I'm just not fond of pink.

So guys, you wear pink?

Funny like hell...

2008-03-01T12:42:00.003+08:00

Saw this YouTube clip from an ex-colleague Justin's blog and I laughed like hell.

To watch this clip... You need to know Cantonese and Hokkien..... Otherwise, you won't be able to understand and enjoy it.... LOL

Warning : Dont eat or drink while you watching this clip..... Cause you will laugh like hell....

hey enough already!!!!

2008-02-23T18:29:00.003+08:00

Interruptions... that's what I've been getting these days at work. While there were lots of things and problems and issues waiting for me to solve, I can't really spend my time solving each one of them when I kept being interrupted.

And worse... when I'm actually attempting the problems, I'm most likely to be diverted into a few minor issues before reaching the main issue...

Yeah.... programme bugs are like a colony of ants. You kill the queen, you kill the colony.... only thing is that in programming, it's usually the other way around.

And seriously man, my team's very short of programmers. Wonder when that somebody will come rescue me a little.... it's not that I can't handle all those tasks.... if only I could spend time concentrating.

Now.... the best time to work on my work is when? After office hours and on Saturdays. That's the only time right now that I could something done. Gosh...

Chap Goh Meh

2008-02-21T09:11:00.001+08:00

Yea... so it came and gone. Today is already the last day of CNY. Time to count my angpows and then keep them into my piggy.

Caught a Big Rat

2008-02-13T08:50:00.001+08:00

This morning found out an exciting news. My house caught a rat. A big rat. A rat the size of my palm. Minus the tail, it is easily 8 inches long and about 3 inches high.

Sadly, I didn't take any photo this morning. My mom was so happy after tolerating its menace for months.

Finally, this menace came to its end. Hahaha...

A disastrous Lunar New Year eve

2008-02-07T08:08:00.000+08:00

So it was the eve for the Chinese New Year. It was supposed to be a happy ending for the year but unfortunately, things struck the way it was unexpected.

Was supposed to stay in the office until 7.30pm as I was on duty yesterday. Just before lunch time, the management annouced that those who are not too busy with work can leave after lunch.

So many had left. A few chose to stay to complete some more work. Then, the unexpected happened - a power trip. The whole building suffered a blackout.

Fine... although I lost all my unsaved work, I can still do the whole thing again. But as I was on duty, I still had to stay back until 7.30pm in case the power was restored before that.

After a while waiting, my colleague and I got bored waiting so we went out for a drink. At that time, the lifts were still powered, and there were still lights there.

But when we returned at 6pm, it was complete darkness. We even had trouble climbing the stairs and our only source of light was from our mobile phone.

Then after, we waited, and waited and waited until power was finally restored just before 7pm. By then, no more mood to work. Just waiting to lock up and go home.

Oh... and to everyone, Happy Chinese New Year. May you enjoy a wonderful year in the year of a rat.

It's becoming a habit

2008-02-05T08:45:00.000+08:00

Because I've been working late for the past, god knows how long... and now, I found it a little odd when I actually get to leave my office early. I've completed most of my urgent modules, so I a little more 'free' lately.

That allowed me to go home early. But the thing is, it felt funny. I would keep wondering, what else I've not done. Did I forget anything? I became worried that I had left work unattended or uncompleted. So everytime when I leave, I would try to check through my work to see what else is left.

It's becoming a habit already, that I can't go home early in a peace of mind.

Stary stary night... no more

2008-01-24T10:25:00.000+08:00

I noticed lately whenever I looked up the skies at night. You don't see stars anymore. Just the moon. Even that is only when the timing is right. I guess I was fortunate when I saw a full moon 2 days ago.... and that was like... ages since I last saw it.

Anyway, the stars... so how come I haven't been able to see them? Were they blocked by the thick poluted clouds? Or have they 'floated' too far away from Earth for us to see them again?

It's always nice to be able to see the stars filling up the sky instead of just an empty vacumn up above.

How was my new year getting?

2008-01-12T17:41:00.000+08:00

Not quite sure how I should put it. Smooth or bumpy, I can't really tell. My workload is getting heavier by the day. We now have a few projects running almost simultaneously.

Not sure if it's just me, but when projects come, it'll all come at the same time. Otherwise, nothings. Back in August/September, I was so free in the office that I could leave the moment the clock hits 5.30pm. And my mom would wonder why I'm home early.

But now, late nights are becoming a norm again. Although reaching home at 10, 11 at night is nothing new, but on a consistent basis? Funny she hasn't complained of the late nights. But thankfully enough, there's still play besides work

Christmas and New Year was a period filled with activities.

In late December, my company organised our own badminton tournament. And as always, I lost. Regretted taking part in 2 events, the men's double and mix double. It was such a killer. Was so tired by the end of the day. Mostly so because the mix double event plays in the league format.

Anyway, I looking forward to something in 2008 from my company... getting my hands on SAP. Yes, we're implementing SAP. We already had our pre-Kickoff but it's probably gonna be till June before we can go live with it.

SAP will be a new area my company is venturing into. Even a team has already been set up to manage the implementation and probably future projects for the clients.

On my way to Hokaiddo

2008-01-07T16:57:00.002+08:00

Yup... will be travelling to Hokaiddo today.

This is how the schedule is going to be: