Moving out

It's Friday, the mood just doesn't come to boost things up. I feel so sluggish. My colleague got the Stomp tickets, which comes in a beautiful slit in cover. Can't wait for the event to come on 17 September. Let's STOMP the stage!!!

I'm moving out next month. Yeah!!! and Damn!!! Had a quarrel with my housemate a month before I move out. How pathetic can that be? For the first time after so many many years, I erupted and yelled at people. Why do I have to yell? What would you do when people cut you off when you are talking by shouting? Arghh... Anyway, got over it now. Moving away anyway.

Yeah!!!! Friday... Weekends... Party...

I'm BACK!!!

Long vacation is over, busy working day is back!!! Of which I'm kind of happy about. Keeping my life occupied rather than loafing around.

However, I do have quite a hell of a weekend there. Saturday night, Jazz Night at Alexis in Great Eastern Mall at Jalan Ampang. The band playing was "Grove Unction". Heard from a friend that this band has been around for some time now and probably one of the oldest Jazz band in Malaysia. Talking about improvisation, this is the first I see in Malaysia. A walk through the history of Jazz, one may notice part of Jazz is improvisations. It was a great outing with great companies of old-school mates and some of the friend's friends accompanying by an Australia Cabernet 2003 red wine. With the perfect ambience of dimmed Ikea's lightings, the night of great music was soothing and relaxing.

As for Sunday, it's a busy day. First has to go for a Muslim colleague's wedding in the afternoon and follow by a 3-hour yamcha session with my ex-colleagues to pass time for the next wedding ceremony we have to attend at night in Seremban. It's my first time going for a Indian wedding that night. Fortunately we have an Indian colleague who came along who can quite well estimate the time we should be there rather than being there 2 hours early just to listen to the priests chanting mantra to the bride. Great experience.

Back to my Hazy nest

Got back to KL. Got back to fast pace lifestyle. Most importantly, fast internet connection. I spent more than 4 hours on the internet to keep up with what I have left while I was in Batu Pahat.
I went for an Indonesian movie yesterday, due to the boredom in a small town. Fortunately, cineplex still exist in this small town of mine. The movie I watched? Ungu-Violet. I wouldn't say it's a blockbuster movie, but I think it's still a great movie. This is the kind of movie that reminds you of the people you love, family especially. Some might be laughing on me for watching such a movie, but I think it's all about appreciating the work of the producer and script-writer and not the countries background. The soundtrack of the movie, "Menanti Sebuah Jawaban" by Padi is really nice (at least it is for me). If anyone is interested to download this song, click here. Hehehe... Part of the time I spent online today is to look for this mp3. If you can't get to download through the site provided, drop me your email in the comment area and I will send it out asap.

I feel kind of bad today, due to the problem I bring upon to my colleague when I take this leave. If you still remember, the most irritating lady of Guangzhou, Grace is back into action again! She is asking so much question that is not important and caused my colleague who is standing in for me in my project while I'm away a big headache. I don't even have to be in the office to be able to sense the frustration my colleague has to go through. I'm sorry Su Chin. =P Can anyone imagine, when I have my once in a lifetime holiday, I can't wait to go back to work thinking of the extra time my colleagues have to spend in the office when I'm not around. I think I'm a real workaholic. I guess this is contributed by the great colleagues and boss I have and also the challenge that keeps me on my toes.

Responsible TV

I'm like back to my childhood and teenage years with all the ever exciting tv dramas and series. All made in Singapore. This is where I learnt my great mandarin from, which some of friends and colleagues praised that it's unbelievable that I don't even know how to read and write Chinese.

All the marketing and preview of the everyday's drama makes the viewers even more eager to follow up with the drama. I must admit, Malaysian TV has been improving ever since NTV7 came into action. This natural competition obviously forced TV3 to improve their way of broadcasting and then come their secret weapon 8TV (which I must say, is impressive).

However, all these are not enough. Their way of marketing their dramas and series is way outdated. Try rewind and think, "Desperate Housewives" preview/trailer has always been the same one even since the series itself has yet to start until now. As for Singapore TV, once you finish "Desperate Housewives", the preview of next week's episode is already up. It makes you drool =)~~~ and can't wait for the next episode to come. The preview will be showed every now and then until the next episode comes and the latest one is updated and viewed again until the next week. How about that huh?

Other than that, is the responsible broadcaster of Singapore, MediaCorp. Every subtitle is accurate in spelling and grammar. Not to say the language they use in the programmes. You all might be wondering, how about "Phua Chu Kang". When it first came out in Singapore, the Singlish used was well accepted as it was very local. But before the first season end, the government of Singapore thought that the grammar used in the sitcom is misleading and might be a bad example for the younger generation. Hence MediaCorp rewrote their script without the Singlish, but definitely still with the Singaporean English accent. Which I think it's still educative.

When I say the TV Advertisement today, I too found it more meaningful than what you can get in Malaysian tv. Most of the ads brings out the feeling that you appreciate the ads as for the content, they put in thoughts for all people. They don't only advertise to sell their stuffs, but their ads always bring out the moral and heart-warming part which reminds us of how much we have forgetten (families, love ones, once the closest friends) when we get too busy with our day to day life (work, peers, plays).

For the time being, I will still have to put up with the Malaysian tv. What to do?

Not quite as expected

My vacation at home isn't quite as I would expect. Small town, boring life. Though it's boring, I thought I would find the peace that I could not get in KL. It's totally the opposite. I drove around the whole town just to find a Starbucks-like cafe to read my book. Guess what? None can be found. The cafe I ended up in is the "Sunflower" Cafe. People there talk as if there is no tommorrow. They would shout their lung out when they are talking. I guess I can't blame them. It's the culture of the town.

Kind of lost, seems like my trip home is not as relaxing as I thought it would be. Though, I think I still have to make the best out of it. But even the internet is freaking me out here. The dial-up is always giving me problem. Guess I'm too used to broadband in KL.

My trip isn't quite enjoyable as it is. However, it's still my duty as a son to come back and accompany my parents at home. Though, my parents don't seems to be quite enjoy me presence here. Not that they are not happy that I'm home. It's just that I felt that my presence did not bring anything special as of the normal day (when I am not at home). This does makes me sound unfilial, but I'm just stating the truth. Anyhow, of course I will not express such feelings to my parents. They will feel bad about it. So, guess I will have to be a filial son in front of them for another few days.

Oh, oh, oh... Balik kampung...

The wind is here... The haze is gone in a glance. Now through my experience (kononnya), the API in Cyberjaya is about 80. It's all cleared up now. Finally my most beloved "SUN" is shining again. WHERE THE HELL DID YOU GO WHEN I NEEDED YOU MOST? AND WHY DON'T YOU DISAPPEAR WHEN I DON'T NEED YOU? Dilema...

I'm going back to my old den after work today. It's been more than 3 months since I last step onto that holy land (my birth place). Yeah... I guess I will not be updating my blog till then. =)

I just had a great lunch with my colleague, my boss and my ex-teamleader. It was a great lunch at Alamanda. We ended our lunch with a cup of Starbucks coffee. What else can you ask for? I think it's another one of a great afternoon break.
Oh.. oh.. oh... balik kampung.

Proud to be from Batu Pahat

Go and have a look at this site, Suanie.net, it's from a fellow BP-ian (my hometown). The blogger's name is Hui Suan, her schoolmates (from Convent) call her Suanie. Now her blog is as famous as Jeff Ooi's blog.

The post describe how we BP-ian live through our life indulging in the Singaporean society, tv, magazine and radio stations. That's my childhood and early teenage years. While Jeff Ooi's blog is more about everything and anything that happen to the Malaysian society, Suanie's blog is towards whatever happens to the teenagers' society (no politic). Enjoy!

The haze is killing me

Argh... The haze is really killing me. Even my well-protected, multi-security tag-in doors company can smell the burn of green. It's such a sad day, especially when my office is so near to the forest fire (Putrajaya) and guess what? The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry prohibited open burning in Klang Valley and identified seven areas with unhealthy air quality readings, Putrajaya is 1 of them, BUT Cyberjaya which is next to it is not listed! How peculiar can that be?

Anyhow, office today is kind of fun. We celebrated one of the Personal Assistant's birthday today. Her name is Agnes. She is one of Helena's best friend in the company when she was here. The PAs seems to have their own community in the company. But all of them are so friendly and capable. Never thought that a PA's job would be that complicated. But when I first joined this department, seeing how Helena keep the boss spicked and spanned, I know it's not an easy task. All these were proven by seeing the guest that came for Agnes' birthday (also a pot-luck) today. All the Heads of Department, VPs and AVPs. Wow! Kudos to the PAs.

Another celebration that is coming later is another suprise farewell party for 1 of the trainer from Sheffield (yeah!! this is where I studied) who is going back later today. It's a party day at the office.

However, everything is spoiled by the yellowish, hazy and smelly day. The surroundings looks so sad. It gives kind of a feeling of looking into an extremely old story book that turned yellowish. I think this will continue until it rains massively. Damn, why didn't I learn the ancient chinese ritual of prayers for rain? Hehehe!!!

Anyway, got to stay indoor as much as possible. Drink a lot of water, not soft-drink though!!!

Phew

After an unproductive week, I finally finish my the task I started on Monday. Time without the boss in the office is so free and easy. Enjoy good meal for lunch at Alamanda by the peaceful garden and fountain.

Was planning a UK trip next year with a friends over dinner yesterday. My mind has been floating on the sky of Scotland right now, imagining the green green grass, beautiful mountain pass and etc, etc, etc... Bali trip this November... Oh my God!!! BROKE!!!

Hazy Weekends

The weekends was extremely hazy and bad for the health. My nose is feeling irritated by the haze, can't stop sneezing. The visibility of KLCC Twin Tower is still bad as I can see from my house balcony.

Weekend? Friday night was great. As I had mentioned, went to the Sunrise Jazz and Rhthym Festival with my colleagues (Su Chin & Helena). They were great companies. The music was extremely good, featuring local artist like Shelly Leong & Jazz Odyssey and Greg Lyons Nonet.

Shelly Leong and her band was mesmerising the crowd with her vocal and fantastic keyboard player (Nisha) who happen to celebrate her 21st birthday on that day.

Greg Lyons Nonet, as describe a nine people band. Greg Lyons was a saxaphone player together with his melodic group of flute, trumpet and trombone players accompanied by rhythmic bassist, drummer and keyboard player.

Saturday, watched the movie Stealth. I keep wondering why do they name the movie "Stealth" when the story has nothing to do with it? Though, it's still a good (not GREAT) movie. Went for another movie on Sunday. This time it is The Island. At least the name of the movie makes sense and the movie is still good and meaningful in the sense of ethical and human morality.

Unproductive day

Today is like hell! I'm so unproductive. Even looking at the screen for an hour, my mind is still somewhere in the space. Can't figure out what to do. So decided to blog a little. =P

Went to see my new place and landlord yesterday. It was cool! The landlord seems really friendly and personal. The husband even painted the living room already. But my room needs painting. I'm thinking of blue paint, very light-blue. It will somehow create the sense of calm ocean, I suppose. Anyone have any idea of what kind of colour will look really comfy and calm? No dark color, it's not comfy and rather... it's SLEEPY!!! What kind of paint to buy? I want some hassle-free paint (I guess there's none).

Today my partner in crime at the office (Su Chin) is on holiday. Now I understand how boring she was when I was on holiday. It is because the other colleague is so quiet and always in to her own world, I'm resulted to talk to my computer screen. Sigh... Don't get me the wrong way, this colleague is a really nice person, it's just that she's too quiet. Even if I initiated a conversation, it only lasted less than a minute and a perfect silent just follow the next. Awkward!!!

What else to write? I guess nothing, just looking forward for the weekends. My mind is so exhausted. From what? I don't even have the energy to think of what causes my mind's exhaustions. Brain dead...

PAWS

The Saturday's Charity Car Wash organised by HSBC Electronic Data Processing and A&W was a successful one. My ex-teamleader, who is the organiser managed to get media coverage through TV3 8pm's news. The funds collected will be donated to PAWS Animal Welfare Society.

I was amazed by the personnel of PAWS. Those were real creative people. The first thing that caught my attention when I step on their booth was the marine blue cap with it's PAWS logo. As a dog lover, definitely I could not resist the temptation of the cap and paid RM20 for the slick design of the cap and partly for the sake of contributing a bit to the welfare. Even the t-shirt looks terrific, but too bad I've to kind of budget a bit this month, can't purchase too much. Hey the bottom line is, this animal welfare society does not get as much media and public attention as SPCA. Eventhough, the animal there should be treated equally with those in PAWS. As PAWS is not a goverment funded society, it don't get the attention that it require to help the poor animals. To all animal lovers out there, show some support. Go to the PAWS website and see what you can do to help within your ability. PAWS Official Website!!!

Ok, after all the charity talk, it's about my work now. My boss is suppose to be in holiday this week, but her workaholic self got her back to office this morning and maybe more mornings to come on the remaining week. She got so pissed in her personal stuff that we got some lectures from her for something, I would say is not our fault. Don't get me wrong here, she is still a nice boss to work for. But sometimes she is not able to control her temper and mix her own emotions with work. No one is perfect I would say. Little does she knows, by throwing her tantrum at us (the innocent people), she is affecting our mood as well. Worst of all, it will bring fear to work. That is why, even now she has left the office, everyone is on a tensed mood right now.

Sometimes I just don't understand, what would you get when you throw your temper on others who has nothing to do with you getting angry? To me, I think this cause more harm than good. Everything we do everyday, in a way or another will bring effect to people surrounding us. Why is there a need to make these people's life miserable when you have a choice to make their life better? I'm sorry, I guess I just hate impulsive people who would let go on innocent people, especially those who I respect a lot.

Great day

I'M SO LATE today! Reached office at 10.35am. Fortunately my boss was not angry, instead she's worried about me and asked my colleagues to give me a call to ensure I'm alright if I'm still not in by 11.00am. How sweet can it be?

See the scissors? One thing I'm so happy about today is to find that scissors on the pix <-- (which makes me can't stop laughing, you will know why). This is called a cheat sheet in my agenda for tomorrow's meeting. This acts as a guide for a bunch of 30-year-old Managers and AVPs to cut this part out in order to remind them of their deliverables due date. Like my boss has always said, think as though this group of people are kids. Hold their hands, show them how to walk. =D

Hey, going to Jazz Festival with my colleagues on Friday after work. We are going to have a great night outing. I'm so fortunate to have such sporting and same-interest colleagues and boss (although 1 of them is my ex-colleague, you can see her name here and there Helena, =X ). A great group of people to hang out with. Appreciate the same kind of stuff!

Bad Memory

Argh... Why do I always have a bad memory? My boss is kind of unhappy about it right now. Her boss called from the UK but I did not heard the phone in her office was ringing (of which I can intercept if I heard it. What do you expect? The door was closed!). Finally when Agnes, informed me that her boss is looking for her, I went to the training room 1.3 that my colleague mentioned that they would be at. However, when I got there wanting to inform my boss that her boss is looking for her, that room is occupied by other people.

At that moment, I were panicking already. Hence I ran to every floor looking for her, but to no avail. When I was about to call my boss mobile phone, I was told again by Agnes that her boss was not looking for her anymore. Finally when my boss and colleague got back from their meeting, it is "Meeting Room 1.3" that they were in. I think I need to clean up my ear extra clean when I got home. How stupid can I be??? Training Room vs Meeting Room.

Nonetheless, it is a great lesson for me. I never know that they would label the "meeting rooms" in 1st Floor as previously when I was at 3rd Floor, the meeting rooms were not labelled. My heart is still pounding tremendously right now. Grrr... Hate this kind of feeling. Is it my fault? I think it is. At least I should have look into all the meeting rooms too.

What an unfortunate day!!!

Charity Car Wash...

My company is organising a Charity Car Wash Drive for PAWS Animal Welfare Society this Saturday (3 August 2005). If anyone of you is seeing my blog, you can show your support by driving your car there from 10am - 6pm. The best thing about this drive is that the top people in my company will be washing anybody's car. These big shots include my company's Centre Manager, Heads of departments, VPs and AVPs. KUB's (the company that own A&W) CEO will also be there to wash some cars. It's going to be a fun day for family and friends because there will be some games, free root beers, etc, etc...

Ok now, back to my life. I'm moving house soon. I'm moving in together with my buddy, the ever-crazy one, Choo (aka Pikachu, ChooChoo, AhChoo). When we was spending our Merdeka Day countdown at our future neighbour, Adrian's house for a drink, we have already lost our way in our thoughts of how to decorate our house. What to buy? Where to place our sofa and carpet? How many should we invite for our house-warming party? And the list just goes on... Something to look forward to after a day of work.

Title: Do What You Are
Author: Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger

This is one of the book I read about lately. It was bought by my boss for our entire team to ensure that everyone in her department would read it through. What is it all about? It is about identifying your true self (since you were born, not someone you created on your way to Stardom) and choose the best working environment and job that suit your personality type. It's really interesting as your personality is being described in a 4-letter code (e.g ENTP, ISFP) and when people were told of your code, they will go flip through the book again to see and get to know you better. Friends you know you best enough of you already, will see whether it's true. "This book has been used by some of the great recruitment people in US", as described by my boss. It also enables a boss to know and understand his/her employees better and work out a plan for their development whilst motivating the team by letting them do something they enjoy. If any of you have read this book, please let me know your code by dropping me a comment, I will be glad to be able know you better. =)My code: ESTJ
A great site to read about this book and check out other's the personality type, is one of the official site which is http://www.personalitytype.com/. However though, this site can show you the brief of what you will get in the book, the best parts are all in the book.

Title: The Da Vinci Code
Author: Dan Brown

This is the second book that I read while I was away for my 6 days leave (in total 10 days inclusive of 2 weekends). I notice that a lot of people has already read about this book already. So, I will just cut the crap by not telling what this book tells, but instead what I feel about this book. I think the most interesting thing about this book is the author's ability to twist and turn the story in such exciting ways in TOTAL details. A lot of words and terms I never heard of. But I'm glad that I sit in front of my laptop and open up my dictionary to go through every word that I don't understand because it really explain a lot and could better shape your imagination on the stuff that was described in the novel. I'm glad this is the first novel that I have read. Many who have read this book do not know that they can find some of the illustration described in the novel at this site, http://www.danbrown.com/secrets/davinci_code/louvre.html.

Sleepy Monday

Sleepy Monday? Because of sleeping late last night. Was browsing through some papers that I took back from office of which I suppose to spend my weekends on. I was too cropped up with enjoying my life on the weekends till I have no time to browse them through.

As usual, late to work. Reached bout 10.10am. I could still remember how time critical it was when I was still in the processing floor. Even being 5 mins late, I would get as guilty as hell. I do miss working in a team. I miss my team too. There is no where in near future I can find such strong bond and teamwork. Life will still go on, flowers will wither and time will still pass. Eventually the day will come to see everyone pursuing their own goals. Some will succeed earlier, some may be later. But everyone will find his/her purpose of life.

My Saturday at my boss' house was fantastic. Her apartment was extremely homey and beautiful with simple and slick interior design. We had a great dinner and some great wine. Wanted to go for the Jazz Festival, but we decided to stay at the homey apartment and chill out for a while since we can see that our boss is kind of tired.

Wow! My Sunday was amazing. In less than an hour, I spent RM300+ in KLCC on clothings and other stuff. But it's great though. Step in, look around, try it on, pay and step out. And now, I will have to stock up some instant noodle for next months Credit Card bills already. =P