An Early Valentine Note

Ultimately... it's the thought that counts

Jumping back onto the fast track

Getting back to work after a long break has always been a headache but I'm one of the lucky people who can detach myself from worrying about what is waiting for me inside the dreaded inbox. I truly enjoy first then face the music only when I'm actually back in the corporate environment. :)

Among the hullabaloo of things in my bag was this bit about having to be at Shangri-La for a day-long event with regard to "Youth Enterprise (YE): Train the Trainers Workshop", on Weds.

Okaaay. Hah.

The event itself was interesting enough. All the attendees were people who will later be corporate/teacher advisors coaching school students on how to run a real company that has a manufacturing line. Mental note: Networking opportunity.

We went through the same workshops that needs to be duplicated and presented to the students, inclusive of a simulation where we were put into groups competing with one another to 'manufacture' picture frames and marketing it. Overall, it looks like everyone had fun.

Besides that, I think I also had a good laugh during lunch break when I ended up following a couple of Citigroup gals from my 'workshop group' to a table where other gals and a guy from Citigroup + a couple of teachers were parked.

One of the gals noticed that their guy pal had automatically asked the waiter to get a fork for me (I was happily eating with just a spoon and knife... someone else could have taken the fork that had been set on the table way earlier)... and decided it would be a good prank to say he was checking me out and wondering if he could have my number.

I bet you can all guess that the circus came to town then when everyone began to target the guy. He seems to be quite a sport since he soon joined-in on the uptake and pulled a fast one. It was hilarious! Eventually, the little pranksters decided to leave the table while I was finishing my desert... leaving just the guy and myself at the table. Nice one girls... however let's just say that small talk ensued and that was all.

Anyway, I'm sure we'll all meet again over the course of the 9-mth YE program and meet loads of other people along the way.

p/s: For example, I'm still getting to know the other volunteers from Agilent since many of us are new to one another.

A Long and Busy CNY Break

I was supposed to be on leave from 26 Jan (Thu) and go back to work on 6 Feb (Mon) but didn't find it unusual that I had to work from home on my first off-day for CNY.

Then of course mum began to nag me on when I would start my baking for CNY throughout the entire morning since I couldn't get off the computer until I'm done with the publication of the Jan toolkit.

It also seems that it has become part of a tradition for me to wrap-up my CNY baking and packing of the 'produce' right into the first hours of CNY. Btw, I only made "Coffee Shortcake" and "Jam Tarts" this time... was short on time to make a nice cheesecake.

Moving on, it appears that the weather this CNY is much more pleasant than last CNY's (it was extremely hot then). We also completed our visiting rounds within a record 3 days (normally it seems neverending to me)

And then on 1 Feb, I had a record of a Yee-Sang lunch with my family followed by 3 back-to-back evening gatherings with Chin2. The 1st was with the CGL gals I knew throughout my F1-F3 years at Starbucks (E-gate). The 2nd was with the XSC group at Mr. Ho's Fine Foods... and the last was at Bagan with my CGL F4-F5 classmates.

Bits of news from all the gatherings were: Dom who had planned from last year to get married in June this year has to pull in his plans 2 mths earlier since his fiance is now expecting. Doris is getting married in March and hen-night is at end-of Feb.

Getting home... it was time to pack for my trip to Hadyai with my parents (and some of their buddies+family) the next morning. Later, I realised I should have tried to sleep during the drive there but I got caught up with re-reading "Memoirs of A Geisha: A Novel" by Arthur Golden. I needed a refresher on the story since it's been at least 2 years since the last time I read it. Nope - haven't seen the movie yet.

Anyway, I managed to go for a foot massage that my dad deemed friendly for first timers since it wasn't one of those where you can scream out in excruciating pain. Needless to say I did quite a bit of shopping too and manage to get a nice white handbag with amber trimming, a good number of tops, and a couple of bottoms.

The selection of food that we had throughout the trip had been good but I'm quite hopeless with handling the level of spiciness there. I had to rely a lot on eating cucumbers, cold drinks, or the local cakes/deserts in resetting my tastebuds.

We got back in Penang on Saturday evening with just enough time to prepare to go for a dinner at uncle Dean's place.

And then... before I know it... it's time to get back to work... and that's another story.

Random spurts of thoughts

It's been a busy January. So much for bumbling around while learning the ropes... my colleagues and myself are actually just running with the flow and hopefully not finding ourselves smacked hard into a giant wall. Being a totally new team, it also means we are learning about each others expectations and how we affect the dynamics of it all while trying to move towards the big cheese.

Did anyone notice that a certain number of humans may in fact be proving the fact that humans are worse than animals? I've watched quite a few nature programs but never once have I seen a gang of males targetting on a single female and doing "the deed" in successive turns. Even polygamous animals don't do it like that. Then of course I should not generalize and just say - there are people who are worse than animals.

I'm currently apparently hooked on a pretty predictable but rather entertaining Taiwan soap showing on 8TV, "Reaching for the Stars". Though the acting is rather mediocre on the overall... I won't complain about the eyecandy. Guo Yan Jun (one half of a pair of twins) who plays Liang Zheng Hao is quite a hunk... but maybe, just maybe, the makeup artist for this show is overdoing the lipstick/gloss thing on him.

Did I mention that I had a chance to go to the Gov of Pg's residence because I was the appointed photographer to capture the moment when our CEO is given his Dato'ship? S1ndhu tells me I'm a lucky pig to have the opportunity to shake hands with the Gov and be near the CM. I'm not so sure about the CM part tho' coz I've previously been a volunteer with the RC and had at times being part of a guard of honor lineup and such... probably had more than a few chances to have seen some of them politicians in person (pimples and all)... Anyway, before I forget, CM's assistant is rather cute and yes I was paying attention to what I had to be doing the whole time besides checking out the splendid decor that adorns the Gov's audience hall and I hope I don't have to wear court shoes again in the near future. I prefer sandals anytime cause I just don't like the traditional closed-toe female shoes that are not in the sports-shoe category and I do mean the kind that covers up your heels too... but perhaps I should just learn to look for one with nice comfy material that won't cut above my heel.

There ya go... and this is thus the end of my first bout of randomness in a long time. Peace and Happy Chinese New Year!

Feeling around for solid ground

Looking back I realised that I've always managed to move into a new job role at the most challenging times. Just look at this:

• Sept 2001, it was a downturn for the manufacturing sector... my first job after completing my degree.
• June 2003, I joined a startup dept where we were to function as a back-office + plenty to learn about our ERP system which was incidentally in its infancy. Many kinks and quirks have been ironed out since then.
• Dec 2005, stolled into my new role in corporate relations - consisting no one from the previous team

This can only mean that there is plenty to do and plenty to learn. There seems to be an endless and confusing list of things to do until we manage to set into a groove of our own.

Besides, I'm looking towards getting the necessary hardware and software packages to support our multimedia needs over the span of the next 6-months. Wahey!

On a separate note, the movies I've watched recently that I find is captivating in their own right are:

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe directed by Andrew Adamson
• The Promise directed by Chen Kaige

Christmas Booty

This is what I decided to get for my brother... he, the big Simpsons fan. It's rather amusing really... where the Train Stations were are now "Interesting Tombstone Signs" (something like that). I particularly love the one that says "I'm with Stupid -->" where it points to the neighboring block with Homer Simpson in it. Click here if you'd like to get a peek at the game board.

Now on to what I have in my pile. Besides a T-shirt, a little bear in a paperbag, and a nice coffee pot & cups set... is this cheerful looking flower. We are having some evil fun in the office now that one of my colleagues have decided to use it as a whacking device (it has an 18" stalk).

Lastly, if I remember correctly, I'm supposed to get something from my brother too... except he forgot to send it down with my dad last week so... I'll wait and see what that is

Edit: Essentially mum and I were supposed to get a book each but I realised that, "Hey! They are by the same author and they should be read in the correct order"

The books were "Something Borrowed" and "Something Blue" by Emily Giffin. Although they fall into the chick flick corner, do not be surprised why they are excellent pageturners. Giffin is a good writer who engages the reader into empathizing with the characters no matter what good or bad have they been up to.

Before and After Christmas Day

Something I forgot to mention earlier: Sounds of Joy was a really wonderful performance by our local celebrities Jaclyn Victor and Juwita Suwito. I give credit also to my old friend Daniel for being an excellent pianist although he was given a last minute notice on the afternoon of D-day that he was needed.

Before Christmas: Twas the week before Christmas... I joined my colleagues for a karaoke session in Redbox where we went crazy singing ourselves hoarse.

On Gluttony: Just a few words... "Lots of FOOD!"

Time of Reunions: Besides the previous ones mentioned

• I managed to meet up with the duo Kotak and Kalamari on Christmas Day at one of the busiest places... Gurney Plaza.

• And met up with a childhood friend when following dad for one of his reunions with his best buddies from school

Le *Gasp!*.... it's an UpDatE

I am obviously once again GUILTY for not updating my blog frequently.

So in a nutshell, this is what happened in the past month:

• Been to E&O hotel ballroom twice in December. Once for my cousin's wedding and a week later my schoolmate's wedding. No more E&O wedding dinners for now... time to change scenery although it's like one of the swankiest old hotels.

• I learnt that after having not exerted myself for a long time in any sporting event... I should do stretches before actually playing a good game of badminton *ouch... stiff muscles for 2 days*

• Haven't gone to the Cinema except to watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which I thought had thrown away just about too much and perhaps they should have gone ahead and done it as a double-movie instead of one... the book had more essence.

• Had a sort of mini reunion with my classmates in Beguardo's, E-Gate (near Tesco). Haven't seen Chween since our last day in highschool... and all the others who I've met up with over varying degrees of time (yes... these ppl at least I saw... but Chween... see above)

• Another mini-reunion with schoolmates at Fiona's wedding. 'Nuf said.

• There's yet another reunion... this time with my fellow college student councillors. As you can see... tis the season for reunions. *sparkle!*

• I'm getting very hooked on the Korean soaps they are showing on national telly. Not good... this is adding to time I spend with idiot box #2. (p/s: #1 is the computer... yes, I'm kinda nerdy that way.)

Anyhow... last but not least... I start on my new job next week. >:)

A change is all I want

As of 15-Nov-2005, I have accepted the offer to take up a role in Corporate Communications... after 6 months since I clicked on that "Apply" button at the internal postings website.

Happily counting down the days I have left with the Order Management team. Abso-poso-lutely looking forward to this change. *does yet another lil' jig of joy*

By the way (going back some weeks ago) by some stroke of coincidence - my good ol'buddy Infinitium and yours truly told one another that we applied for Internal Transfer to Comms Dept. and chances are we'd probably get the job. What were you thinking I was going to say? Geesh...

Anyway, looks like the both of us have been successful in our quest to be behind the wheels for the brainwashing of corporate employees... but then of course - that's the myth of comms role... I'd say it's half-truth.

Movies watched recently: (1) Zorro2; and (2) Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. Loved the part in Zorro2 where Joaquin De La Vega "spars" with his teacher in the class; as for TBCB - I don't like the songs they wrote for it much but I must say the flow of the story was pretty good (and they made the clay doll of Johnny Depp spot on... the butterfly thing at the end was pretty too).

Sneaking into KL for STOMP!!

I know I didn't really mention this before but I had been in KL on the night of 22-Sep until the morning of 26-Sep.

Key reason for being there being for some seriously needed:

• R&R (and away from ANY nagging voices)
• to catch the matinee of STOMP at Istana Budaya on 24-Sep
• to get some retail therapy (2 pairs of shoes, 2 pieces of clothing, 3 CDs, 1 book)

Ok... CDs and books I can also get in Penang - but then again... I don't really know how to find the time to take myself to the shopping complexes on this blessed island when I'm on it. Sad but true.

I've also learnt something new for myself... TAXI FARE IN PENANG IS RIDICULOUSLY HIGH.

Yep. That's right. It was RM16 to get from Agilent to the Sungai Nibong (Pesta) Bus Exchange. That's roughly a distance of 5KM.

To further emphasize this point... my taxi fare from USJ2 to 1Utama (definitely at least 4-to-5 times a WAY longer distance than my trip to the Pesta ground)... was only RM14.80.

Point: Do not take a taxi in Penang unless you have no other choice at hand or you can claim it against expenses on a business trip.

Belgium F1 GP

Been a long time since I've said anything about racing... so here goes.

Belgium F1 GP race (Spa-Francochamps)

At this point, although mathematimatically possible for Kimi Raikkonen to steal the Drivers Championship from Fernando Alonso, I strongly believe that Alonso will be the victor of the 2005 championship.

That will also mean one thing: This year we will quite likely be seeing the youngest F1 World Champion being crowned. And if that's anything to go by, Flavio Briatore (Renault's teamo supremo) seems to most definitely have a nose to sniff out World Champions...

p/s: Flavio is also the dude that 'discovered' Michael Schumacher.

Anyway, it was a pity that Montoya spun out this race when he was looking comfortable to score 2nd placing. The Belgian race was just ultimately full of drama and the order of the finish was hardly something you were confident to predict.

As Forrest Gump said (spot on), "...You never know what you're gonna get".

Edit (28-Sep): The Question from Kancil Killer: Is F1 interesting?

Answer: It depends on what you look for. Each sport has it's pros and cons; It's fans and also non-fans. How about checking out the A1 race? If you are looking for higher probability of incidents for car-racing... A1 looks like a good prospect too.

On a separate note:

Hey! Whaddya know? Alonso is World Champion after finishing the Brazilian F1 GP.

Happy Birthday to Malaysia

SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA (Happy Independence Day) to all Malaysians - for on the strike on midnight tonight, our nation will be 48 years old.

p/s: I'll find some energy to put some updates here

pp/s: Oh... I'm so looking forward towards STOMP! 25 days more to go...

My Movie Mania - part 2

Moving on... I have "War of the Worlds" on the cards - watched this one in the cinema. Firstly, the video and audio effects are nothing short of expectation but what I find absolutely fascinating from this one is definitely the narrative and the ability for H.G.Wells to come up with such a story. I have never read any of his work before but I have to conclude that he has an excellent creative mind... the other movie based on his work that was released in 2002, "The Time Machine", was just as fascinating in the way the story was told.

However, I do feel like there is one side-effect from watching WotW. Let me admit to the entire Earth that I get the creeps each time I hear a big truck horn going off ever since I've watched this movie. Icky... Icky... feeling... I tell you. It just sends a cold chill down my spine.

"Sepet" - a movie by Yasmin Ahmad of the endearing Petronas ads - which I found rather a bit too slow and draggy. Not quite my cup of tea. Btw, what was with the ending? Was Orked (the heroine) hearing a ghost speak... or some time warp was implied there?

Besides that... I finally watched Paradise Road... the one I missed countless times when it was showing on TV3. It's amazing what some people can do to alleviate from stressful times.

Lastly... I admit to having watched Star Wars: Return of the Sith and not finding it to be more than a link between the prequels and the original ep.4, ep.5, and ep.6. And one thing that irks me... terribly corny dialogue between Anakin and Padme. Bleh!

My Movie Mania

Another long hiatus from the blogging world I have taken, yes!

This time, I'd just like to talk about movies I've seen in the past few months... either on DVD, VCD, or at the cinema (I miss going to the theatres... have barely the chance to go there lately).

Ok, let's start it off with "Les Choristes" (The Chorus) - watched this one on DVD. I find this French movie to be a really moving story with equally beautiful music throughout this wonderful movie. You can read more about this in detail from IMDB. My verdict: Music lovers shouldn't ever give this a miss. Trust me on this.

Ooh... the next one I'm going to write about I absolutely love to bits. OKAY! So I'm a sucker for animations... but "Madagascar" cracked everyone in the theater up every few minutes or so. What more can I ask for after a stressful time at work?! Yeah... something to keep you laughing is pretty good therapy. Besides - I loved the way the animators made the skeleton hand move into gestures that King Julien intended to make. And the penguins? They are nuts... absolutely bonkers!

On that evil thing called Work

I've said this on countless times... I need a job change - no end. I feel like I'm growing fungus, stagnating, and just not growing anymore in what I do. My brain is already feeling like mush and I do have the tendency to want to BITE people's head off if I feel they have asked me a stupid question.

Oh yes... I've become quite a grouch and sceptic in certain things in the office. Quite possibly like a Jekyll & Hyde. Just don't catch me on a bad day. *GRRRrrrr* *extends sharp claws* *evil glint in bloodshot eyes*

Hazy Lazy Days

1-word to describe today's air quality:
SMOKY

2-words to describe today's air quality:
HORRIBLY HAZY *wheeze* *cough,cough*

Some words regarding my absence from the blogosphere:
I've suddenly lost the want or need to update my blog as frequently as I used to. Maybe it's because WORK has swallowed me whole into this hither-to unknown and scary vortex of emptiness. It's EVIL.

Many things have happened

I'll start with a few comments on the recent development of F1.

WHAT WAS THAT FARCE that happened at INDIANAPOLIS (USA) F1 Grand Prix? 6-cars running a race and no PR move from Bernie Ecclestone? That old man must be losing his marbles. He could have opened his mouth to say he would reschedule the race to another date & those who have tickets can come back FOC for the re-match immediately after it was known that the the Michelin-tyre running teams had to pull out on grounds of safety for the drivers.

F1 makes millions in returns and to give a race back to the Americans FOC on PR grounds for the race-loving folks could have saved F1 in USA. There may be a chance that F1 could be boycotted by the Americans in the coming years. Who knows?

Other than that, it looks to be a fantastic battle between Renault's wonder boy Fernando Alonso & McLaren's Iceman Kimi Raikkonen. I won't put the legendary Michael Schumacher out of the picture yet - he seems to have some tricks up his sleeves now that Ferrari's package seems to be coming along together. Looks like Ferrari's slow reaction to the new rules have cost them more than the could imagine.

Rants on American Idol

Shucks. I would have preferred it if Bo Bice had won the Season 4: American Idol competition on Wednesday. As with most other people that I know - I felt that he had way more presence, confidence and flair on stage than Carrie Underwood.

Yet all the same, we know that a number of the contestants who were featured in each season of American Idol will be offered recording contracts.

Watch out. Bo Bice has entered the music arena (big time!)

Anyway, I think the most interesting theory about Carrie's win had to be what I heard on the Mix.FM Breakfast Show. A caller mentioned something like, "America is a cowboy country. It's just a natural tendency that the cowboys voted for the country girl with all her sweetness and blondeness. We don't need another LeAnn Rimes"

I had a good laugh at that one lar. What can I say? I mean that sounds like the stereotype we all know has been given to the US of A... more so with GW Bush on the helm as their Prez.

Club Med Cherating - Part 2

When the sun goes down and after dinner is done, the staff will pull from their sleeves an entertainment session that will begin with getting everyone to dance before moving on to the night's main entertainment.

On my first night there - it was a circus act featuring the kids of some of the guest. Part of the act included the taming of wild animals. But then of course, the wild animals were really little kiddos in tiger/lion costumes.

On the 2nd night themed "Mexican Night" - we had station games where you and your team go about different booths and take turns to earn points for the team by having pillow fights, beer drinking, singing, memory game, dart game, smell & guess the liquid, hitting the pinata, fist fight, 12 stones... and most of all... my team won and received extra tickets for the night's lucky draw. (p/s: besides my colleague Cindy and 2 of the CM staff... the rest of the team was made out of kids)

Anyway... for the first time, I managed to get something decent from a lucky draw. A cap + 20% discount off (one time use) on total purchases made at the Club Med Boutique... simply a nice name for their gift shop cum convenient store.

Edit (16-Dec): After leaving this for so long... I forgot what I wanted to add in but I just know I had loads of fun... and forget the blow-by-blow account. I think I've mentioned a bit about everything I've managed to do earlier anyway.... love the cap ;)

Club Med Cherating - Part 1

I finally had a much needed break. Huwahahaha!!!

The trip started with a flight from Penang to Kuantan via KL. It's so blah having to waste 1hr checking in and waiting to board each of the 2 flights since there isn't a direct flight from Pg-Kuantan

Hmm... I haven't mentioned where I had disappeared to. I had gone off for a 4D3N stay at Club Med Cherating - where blue skies, smooth sandy beaches, and blue seas seam perfectly with one another.

What's amazing about Club Med is the all-friendly staff that comprise of an international team who in total - are able to converse to guests in either English, French, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, and Malay.

Not to forget are the meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner are international buffet meals. Breakfast essentially offers you the same thing day in and day out but lunch and dinner offerings differ from day to day. You can really eat til you drop... ho-boy!

Apart from being able to indulge in some gluttony - there are plenty of activities running throughout the day. Just take your pick and join in on anything you like.

How does doing the trapeze sound? Wall/Rock-climbing? Hip-Hop/Jazz Dance Lessons? Power walk in the morning? Some archery maybe? Rollerblading? Bungee bounce? These were the daytime activities that I managed to actually participate in.

There are other stuff to do like sailing, kayakking, yoga, batik craft painting, body sculpting, combat fighting (aerobic thing), soccer, tennis, badminton, table tennis, swimming, and getting a massage at the spa. Totally spoilt for choice for what you can do in a day.

Weekend with the Reel-world

"Robots" (Fri)... loved the Nokia ad that played before the movie. The striking colours used on the robots and their environment in general can really appeal to the kids. BRIGHT!

Anyhow - I think someone could be inspired to build some kind of ride based on the absolutely thrilling mode of "public transport" that they have in the big city.

but if anyone ask mw waht is the underlying message of the story... it has to be (1) when opression hits you - fight back with all you've got (2) don't ever get into hysteria... put your mind together and go for the greater good.

"Hitch" (Sat)... another absolutely hilarious movie starring Will Smith where he's just well... Will Smith. Kevin James was equally charming in his role of the clumsy oddball who decided he needed Hitch (Smith) to help him find the love of his life. Pretty enjoyable fare.

Australia F1 GP

Melbourne, Albert Park: Fresh new start to the 2005 F1 GP Race season. New rules, plenty of surprises, & less predictability (until maybe a few races later when everyone stabilises into a groove of their own).

For now - it's great to see Fisichella finally on the top podium. It's his 2nd first place win but only the first time acknowledging his top placing on the podium. Now how is that possible?

Simple. The F1 governing body didn't declare him as the rightful winner of the Brazil 2003 GP until days later. That was one eventful race alright.

Besides, Renault seems set for a great season. They kept Fernando Alonso - the guy who started in 13th but finished 3rd in the race. The talent scouts had noticed him since he first drove for Minardi in 2001... but everyone started watching out for this young fellow from the time he started menacing the tracks in a Renault in 2003.

I must say that Rubens Barricello must be giddily happy that for once - he is way ahead on the podium while his legendary partner, the great Michael Schumacher, was forced to retire from the race due to a racing incident.

Meanwhile, about David Coulthard - I must say for a guy who had a rough time trying to get a seat in the 2005 season... he's really proving all the disbelievers wrong. It's like saying, "I'll show you that I still have it in me!!". Yes, DC... you sure do. You did manage 4th under a "new" team.

Reel-time: Constantine

Watched Constantine at 9:50pm today.... where Keanu Reeves still looks very much in Matrix-mode and carrying that same brooding expression on his handsome face. What else I love about the comicbook adaptation is Glenn Close as the angel-gone-bad. She's such a gem!

A little prayer

Tonight, on the 8th night of Chinese New Year, when the Hokkien community awaits to pray to "Th'i Kong" (literally translated >> God of the Heavens) at midnight - Chicken Little would have little doubt that the sky is falling. Right here in Penang.

The fireworks have been going on non-stop since about 11:30pm. You can hear them going off at every turn... and we are not talking small fry firecrackers here...

It's those industrial grade ones where the fireworks burst out into great big blooms of light up in the sky... they are EVERYWHERE!!!

So much for enforcement against illegal fireworks. A heck lot of people doesn't seem to be getting fined for playing with them... but what is Chinese New Year without a little fireworks?

Heck!! But I think having those big fireworks go off everywhere is just a bit too much... too much thundering going on... you wouldn't know real thunder from the one coming from the explosives.

p/s: The fireworks show is still going on 1 hr later... it sure is the noisiest night so far.

Project Baking-storm

Started my CNY baking today. To do List: - Coffee Chocolate Chip Shortcake > Done - Jam Tarts - Rum & Raisin Cheesecake

Reel-time: Bridget Jones II

Watched "Bridget Jones II: The Edge of Reason" - is typically good for a laugh with plenty of jokes to go around. Bridget and Mr. Darcy... ahh... how sweet

Reel-time: Aviator

Watched "The Aviator" last night. Leo DiCaprio flick. Thought he looked too cute to be convincing as an eccentric guy who build his own empire of planes.

Reel-time: Phantom of the Opera

"Phantom of the Opera" - has much to offer with the beautiful cinematography. However, I'll only go as far as that. I believe that The Phantom in this version hardly strikes me as a tortured and sadistic freak. The broadway Phantom was way better.

As for Emma Rossum as the young Christine Daae... I think she was pretty good... the only problem is how many times they shot her with the same sad puppy-eyed looks... perhaps there could be a possibility that they thought it should fit in? I don't know...

Did anyone notice that Minnie Driver was really good as the primadonna...?? I find her very convincing as Carlotta the diva on and offstage and such great comic timing!

Oh and Raoul! I liked the bloke that played him too... at least he was OK

Turmoil

Today I laughed and cried til I was good and numb. I was sad at the reality of how my team will always have a much lesser probability of moving up the ranks in the department.

But at the same time, my colleagues were cracking jokes about resigning en bloc and together we open a shop. Maybe a nasi kandar shop or a cake house. We started assigning roles like "Jaga api", "person who take orders", washing dishes would be a rotation thing... and on and on.

My face just turned numb. I think my facial muscles were just confused on which way it should contort to. Ahhh... numb...

In spite of all this, I'm so glad that at a time when I am down - the whole team had been supportive (specifically I need to thank Christabel the most). I also had colleagues in Singapore who are willing listeners - Jeff who read my yahoo status & TW whom I think I have a terrible tendency to automatically dial up but never pushes me away even when I become neurotic... Thank you!!.

Not to forget the ever wonderful Lyne and Angela... my ex-colleague and ex-boss respectively. Angela's involvement was purely coincidental... while lepak-king at my old dept, Lyne had just brought her name up and speak of the devil... she called Lyne about a minute after that.

It was a nice surprise and I couldn't be more thankful for her advice and support on the fact that I wanted to jump ship. Honestly, I didn't want to get Angela to help me but it seems that somehow someone up there decided that it would be better to put her there as my guide of sorts.

Life happens sometimes... and things have a way of coming to you whether you ask for it or not. In a sense I think I'm a pretty lucky sod. Better things are coming my way now that my time at where I currently am is drawing to a close.

Happy New Year to all and may it bring to you a greater promise of a brighter future.

p/s: Kalamari-buddy, sorry I didn't feel like yahoo-ing stuff in detail when u pinged me. I'll elaborate this to you sometime soon

23-Dec (Thu): Am on half-day today. Woo hoo! Going to KL on the 5:30pm bus from Garden Inn... except... it didn't get there until 6. What's more - it's a temporary ride (with no aircon) until we reach the bus' workshop in Butterworth. Stuffy like *bleh*. SMS-ed woeful news to Michelle who's waiting at the Kampungku (Gelugor) pickup point.

After all the drama with the no aircon thing... we found out we were being put on a non-tiptop condition bus... oh it was a SLOWWWW ride... didn't reach KL until like 1am in the morning. *YAWNz*

24-Dec (Fri): Mich's friend Koon Hee was kind enough to pick us up so late into the night. He and his family were excellent host... making sure that their guest are comfortable. In the morning (after having some rest) - everyone in the house got moving to help prepare for the Christmas party.

Ooh! Btw... they have a really cute Australian Silky Terrier too. That darling ball of fur goes by the name Happy. Must remember to post up a photo of that doggy.

25-Dec (Sat): Woke up early and joined my host for their Christmas morning mass. They had a choir and a dance ensemble perform - it was really good. Besides - it was fun to hear their senior pastor speak coz he's a really entertaining speaker. Sleep-inducer? Definitely not.

In the afternoon, Koon Hee had kindly dropped me off at my dad's place in USJ 2. Ahh... it's been great so far but I could use some lunch. Hah! Since my bro had yet to have his lunch... hee hee... we can go eat... my treat lar!

Later in the evening, I went to ronda-ronda in KLCC on my own while waiting for Sze Lin and Freddie to meet up with. I must say I had a pretty fruitful shopping spree then. Anyhow, after meeting up with the happy couple - we took a train to Subang Jaya then a cab to Taipan for a mighty late dinner. From there on, I had my bro pick us back to the house for a nightcap. *yawn*

26-Dec (Sun): We met up with Ai Luen at about 1PM at KL Sentral. From there on, we had intended to take the monorail to Bkt. Bintang but heck - we found out that the long queue at the ticket counter was because they are stopping the service for 30mins. So we took a cab there instead.

Note: At about this time - people were calling up to tell us that there had been a Tsunami hitting the beachfronts along batu Ferringhi down to the Gurney area in Penang

First things first, lunch!! We went to a place called 18th Street. They have a really quite a lot of things on their menu... it took us ages to decide what to eat. All sounds quite tempting. :p''

Well eventually we did get our lunch over and done with while at the same time, we gals caught up with each others life's and all that jazz. Freddie? Well... he just listened mostly and chipped in rarely.

27-Dec (Mon): Sze Lin and Freddie got a cab to go to Sunway Pyramid after having a late breakfast (Dad had bought us all some nasi lemak before he went off to work) at my house since I didn't want to go for anymore shopping or window shopping for that matter. Just felt that it was better to rest before going to catch my 3:30 bus back to Penang.

Anyhow, prior to lunch time, I dragged my bags into the car since my brother had to pick up some of his friends. From there on, they decided that having chicken rice at Jalan Gasing would be a great idea since my brother had to drop me off at the KL KTM Station. No complains here... the food there is nice although definitely a bit more pricey.

When it was time to board my bus, I had to ask one of the attendants which bus was to Penang. To my surprise... I was pointed to the double-decker!!! Whoa-ho-ho!!! And I thought that was going to Singapore.

Anyway, luckily I did ask first. If not I'll be like that lady who boarded the double-decker thinking it was going to Singapore. Fortunately she realised that she was on the wrong bus before either of the two buses had departed from KTM.

And, oh!!! I couldn't be more delighted to be sitting right in front at the top deck. It really feels like I'm on a sight-seeing nature tour... on a VIP seat. I feel like a kid in awe really... hehehe...

Woke up without much of a voice today but dragged myself to work anyway. Talking was a chore but I somehow managed to mutter out what's necessary when it mattered.

That idiot TW didn't even notice that I was struggling to complete a conversation in the morning until at an afternoon telcon + netmeeting... the coordinator CT made a mention of it since I had warned her that I may not be able to talk much while carrying out the demo they had requested be done.

It was interesting that for once, my answer to "Are you OK?" was a flat out "NoOOoo... I'm not *cough, cough*"

You see... I just have this bad tendency to answer in the positive even if I'm feeling a wee-bit off-kilter.

Not particularly a very wise thing to do at times. :P

I realized that the last time I actually went to see the doctor was more than a year ago. No kidding!

I just happened to look at the last date stamped onto my personal copy of the company medical booklet... all because I know this time... the coughing must stop.

Had nearly coughed my throat out while driving home from work today.

Tonight, the movie I chose to watch was Shutter. It's a Thai horror flick... peppered with plenty of occasion to scare you out of your mind... and well... the occasional comedic moment. To know more about this movie - try going here for a review and synopsis.

[Edit: My Singapore Trip... an account in the shortest way I could write it...]

03-Dec (Fri): Woke up as early as usual but am heading to the airport to catch the 9:30 MAS direct flight to Singapore. Arrived at Changi some 1hr++ later.

Saw one of Botero's works in the Airport.... it's a big black statue of a jolly round lady. Will later find myself looking at more Botero pieces as I traipse around the island.

Mum & I checked into the Hilton and somewhat finished unpacking by noon thus leaving us some time to walk along Orchard Rd before we part ways. Didn't really need lunch since we had the airline food thing for brunch.

At Orchard MRT Station - probably did the smartest thing by buying the EZ-Link card... will be needing that in days to come. My stop - Yishun... it's about a 30mins ride.

At Yishun, I got on a bus that will pass Yishun Avenue 7 and tried to look for #1... that's where the Singapore office is. Unfortunately, I turned and walked the wrong way and found myself in Woodlands. Damn those confusing address numbering sequences. Pah!

Oh, forgot to mention that I was also caught in the sudden rain and wind with only a small little umbrella for cover prior to seeing a decent bus stop. Luckily managed to find one kind uncle who can speak Hokkien to let me borrow his handphone so that I could call my buddy TW.

He suggested that I get a cab after being shocked that I've actually walked quite a distance in the wrong direction. Interesting 1st day in Singapore so far I must say.

I arrived at the office just when the rain started to ease off. Then I called my buddy again and wahey! I finally get to see all the people that I haven't seen in a long time.

TW bullied Nancy to get me some water... he's both a naughty and nice person so I don't know how Santa Claus would ever evaluate him. Oh! And he passed me the stuff I asked him to get for me... tickets to Mamma Mia for tonight (it's the last show of this theatre run) & my local prepaid card. Yay!!! I'm no longer incommunicado.

Mamma Mia! Mum and I watched this at the Esplanade and thoroughly enjoyed the show. It's very well-planned since although the set is simple, the theatrical devices and costumes were used to enhance the flow of the script. Genious!

And of course, how could I forget the performance from the one and only Silvie Palladino who took the role of the mother-of-the-bride-to-be? She's a really great singer and theatrical actress.

04-Dec (Sat): Seeing that the day is clear, mum & I headed to go to the Jurong Bird Park. It's really well-kept and at least the birds don't seem to be balding. Our feathered friends there looks very much in the pink of health. Can't believe that we actually spent half a day there.

In the evening, we met up with my dad who arrived in the afternoon, at the hotel. For the night, we went for the Night Safari. Riding the tram was quite fun... since we were driven over a stream of water at least 4-5 inches high. The guide speculated - "Watch out for you just might see a CROCODILE"... creepy... :P

05-Dec (Sun): During the day, I decided that I wanted to check out Haw Par Villa.. and later found out that it was the only place that didn't require an entrance fee. Hurrah!!! Seeing that we had some time to spare after walking about HPV... we went to the Singapore Science Centre. Plenty of interesting exhibits to keep curious minds entertained. Seriously a great place for a "lawatan sambil belajar".

In the evening, my parents were to meet up with their friends for dinner while I had a dinner date with an old pal from college - Andrew. Nice of him to take me around Suntec City where we settled for dinner at Picken Move. How you get your food and drinks is apparently following a somewhat German Market concept. Interesting, that's something new to me.

Much later, he took me to the 70th floor of the Swiss Hotel to have a drink. The view of the night skyline of the whole city from up there was fabulous! And of course, it was really nice to catch up with Andrew since the last time I saw him was about 4 years ago. :)

06-Dec (Mon): Today was officially the day to do some serious shopping. First, mum wanted to go to Peninsula Shopping Mall to find her line dancing stuff. Then later on, we went to the City Link Mall and Suntec City to complete the round. That's a lot of walking for one day... and silly me was wearing heels... not proper walking shoes. Result? Sore feet.

Towards the evening, I headed again to Yishun since I did agree to meet TW for teabreak in the office. Yeah... the idiot can't make it for the group dinner he sorta organised. Apparently, a last minute reschedule of a class he is taking so to make up for it... he promised tea instead.

Oh well... stuff it! I'll still have Lisa, Belina, and "uncle" Bernard to keep me company for dinner. They took me to Big O in Wheelock Place. Has kinda like a Secret Recipe feel to it except that the colour scheme of the place is mainly orange. I had cod fish for my main meal... really nice.

For dessert, we all shared a chocolate cake thinghy, some durian cake dessert thinghy, and a sinful waffle served with caramel & ice cream. Yum!!

07-Dec (Tue): Today, it's time to go home. Our flight leaves at 11:30am from Changi. I'll miss the Christmas atmosphere no doubt. Adieu Singapore, and hello again Penang - Pearl of the Orient.

This had been a week of animations for me.

Shark Tale - 17 Nov (Wed) The graphics and colours were awesome! Other than that... the story is somewhat way too predictable. Recommendable if all you want is a good laugh. And yes... if you read the newspaper reviews - I hereby confirm to you that Oscar will remind you of Will Smith as the Fresh Prince of Bel Air

The Incredibles - 20 Nov (Sat) Went for this one with Jase... and someone who doesn't speak English tried to sell us tickets to a show that started 15 mins ago. No way man!!! Don't insult a cinema-movie fan... missing even a single minute of the show is a CRIME!!! Ok... so I'm being a drama queen... but forgive me for being a really big fan of all things from Cartoonworld and Disney.

Anyway!!! Don't you dare miss this one. Watch it a 2nd or 3rd time if you like... collect the DVD when it comes along...

You sure wouldn't want to miss out on the superb audio-visual effects. The James Bond franchise could sure take some notes from this toon.

The script is very well-written simply because you'll easily relate to the characters as they figure themselves out. Peppered with loads of witty lines - what more can you ask for??

Oh... and b4 I forget... WATCH OUT for E a.k.a. Edna Mode - eccentric costume designer for super heroes. She's absolutely hilarious. Ho-boy!!!

A retreat far from the trappings of a busy and highly technological modern citylife was something I couldn't refuse.

In simple English, I just wanted to escape from being anywhere near my TWO IDIOT BOXES.

Thus, I find myself spending 11-15 of Nov in Taiping... just tagging-along with some friends' for their church camp. (I'm not a Christian... hence the term tagging-along)

Oh yes, btw... HAPPY DEEPAVALI and SELAMAT HARI RAYA!!!

Anyway, among the things I enjoyed while I was there was

• taking two different trips to explore the area around the beautiful Taiping Lake Gardens;
• getting caught in a heavy downpour during our Taiping Zoo - Night Safari trip;
• playing games and watching people play games;
• meeting old friends and making some new friends

I don't quite know what else to write on this... so maybe - let's see some photos instead, OK?

Fountain at Taiping Lake

Isn't the design of the Reflexology Walk just beautiful?

Some mossy-manmade pyramid stone formations

I love this view :)

Walk into the light... Skywalker...

A 180 degree view of Maxwell Hill. (Click on photo for fullsize view)

And we have a photo finish!!!

Spot the flying projectile

This is one for "The Chronicles of the Absent-minded"

My mum discovered that our account passbooks were not in the usual place about 2 weeks back.

My dad had a theory that I could have accidentally threw them away when I threw away my superbly tattered bag. It was my loyal companion for the past 2-3 years.

I denied it all... but eventually as days past and I can't think of where else I might have placed those books...

There can only be the inevitable conclusion... the very same one I had been vehemently denying... OH NOOOOooOOOo

The number of passbooks lost = SIX. Yup... S-I-X.

And the best part... 2 of them doesn't have my name on it. So very DUuuHHHhhh-brain of me. wa wa waaaaaAaaaa...

Movie night at GSC. Was hoping to get tickets to watch "Taxi"... but the only seats available were in the front row...

Hence, the backup movie of choice was... WHITE CHICKS

It's something you'd only watch if all you want is some slapstick comedy. Don't go in expecting too much... and don't think too much about anything that didn't make logical sense to you.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show for what it was meant to be.

Hmm... received a surprising message while watching The Terminal actually. Daniel had suddenly sprung on us that Joobs is back and that there will be dinner gathering scheduled for tonight.

Okay... let me forget that I'm still feeling tired - I haven't seen that woman in like... AGES!!!

We all ended up going to the Northam Beach Cafe... where everyone had a jolly makan session.

Oh... among the glorious things we had tonight!!

Gawd!!! It's Saturday... but I had to go in to work :( *sigh*

Anyways, I'll be able to claim a day off later on. Am awful tired from the amount to time spent in office over the last week and a half...

I should be able to keep it together for another few days*yawnZzz*

At the start of the day, I had hoped that we could clear out whatever we needed to do by 2pm... but then of course... we ended up staying til 4pm-ish.

Got home in time to bum for about 20mins b4 having to go pick up mum & dad from the bus station in Gelugor... once that was done - it was time for a blissful nap

Later dad woke me up to say it's time to go catch a movie since I said "Drag me there if you have to!"

How could I refuse? They agreed to watch "The Terminal" before I went to take my nap ;)

SPOILER WARNING! Anyway, I kept remembering about the way Chin joked about how she should say "Where do I get the Nike shoes?" when she reaches the customs in the US (ala Viktor Navorski)

Let's see if she gets deported from US for doing that. *chuckles*

Year end closing at the office... plenty of stress... but heck! We did take some time off in the guise of celebrating Halloween. Much fun we had... yesireeeeEee!! :)

My colleague's very halloween(ed) cubicle

All my babies...

My creepy wall... huwahahaha

Construction in progress! (Note the mess)

All decked up... say cheese everyone!!

Gosh! This couldn't have been a busier weekend for me.

Chin2 was originally scheduled to leave for her 2-yr re-assignment to the USA in early Nov... but as of last Tuesday, she was told that she has to leave on next Wednesday!!

Was actually planning to stagger the farewell gatherings for 2 of our common groups of friends but looks like it has to be a jammed pack weekend

a) ex-student councillors (collegemates)... scheduled for Saturday dinner;

b) schoolmates... scheduled for Sunday lunch

With a little help from some helpful and willing souls - we got the ball rolling by emailing, SMS-ing & calling up anyone we can think of. What would we do without modern technology?!!

Fortunately, the turn out was great for both gatherings considering the last minute arrangements.

It really felt good that the effort put in ended up so fruitful... :)

Besides, I'd rather be able to shelf aside my ever-piling work to do something for my friend. I'd hate to not have been able to say bon voyage to her.

Year end closing or not... my friends definitely comes first.

In the mood for something comic-like?

A hint of corniness?

Well, it sure doesn't get any better than a dose of...

Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow

Potential Spoiler: Watch out for the running joke about Polly Perkins (Gywneth Paltrow), a true-blue journalist at heart, and her camera.

p/s: convinced my mum to come along for this since although she just came back from her China tour about 6-ish pm... her first comment to me was "I wonder what's good on TV tonight?"

My comeback to her, "If you've taped Chinese serials for 8 days, you can afford another hour to go on tape. Come on! Let's go watch a movie!"

Yes.... Happy Birthday to me :)

*YaWnZzz*

Yep... guess what? I just got back from work about 30mins ago.

Yes, I know... it's a sin to work 'til so late on my birthday - yet I didn't have much of a choice

There was a late development in the end-user testing that I was involved in and the deadline for sign-off had to be by the end of US biz-day, 14-Oct.

But anyhow, at least that is over and done with now... and I did have an enjoyable day.

After all, my favorite colleague did oblige me when I playfully told him that he should call me and sing me a song instead of typing it over on Yahoo.

Not to mention that he did manage to throw in some crazy comments, criticized himself for sounding bad, and thought I had said he was tone-deaf when in fact I said, "At least you are not tone-deaf".

Ah what a riot...!!

Oh... btw... since tmrw is the first day of puasa, we had a little birthday do for all 5 people in my team who celebrate our birthdays in Oct.

And yeah... 3 of them have to berpuasa soon... so any later and it will be no celebration at all in Oct.

Guess what!! I just got back to work today!!! Huwahahahahha

Had been off for the past 2 days to laze, and laze, and yep! You guessed it... more lazing.

It was great to not have to sit in front of the computer all day for 2 blissful days

Monday was more like errands day... getting all little but essential tasks done

Yesterday was adventures to the countryside with dad for an absolutely photo-trigger-happy time.

We drove over heading toward Pantai Merdeka in Kedah... and passed-by many brilliant green paddy fields. We even found two beautiful patches of water lotuses in full bloom (the flowers normally associated with Buddhism)

On our way back from Pantai Merdeka, we passed by a school during dismissal time... and saw this short little dude running on his short legs ever so happily home.

Quite a sight to behold since the bag on his back looked almost like a turtleshell... and just imagine that he's also wearing a slightly oversized shirt. Kawaii!!!

Dad then decided to drive down to Sungai Petani before turning back for Penang... was kinda tired when we reached home...

But it had been a fun day and we did manage to test out Dad's Nikon Coolpix 8700. The colours captured were absolutely brilliant!

Will put up some of the photos once my dad bring's back his notebook since I didn't manage to copy it before he went back to KL.

Had just gone to watch The Bourne Supremacy with my dad.

Methinks that in it's own way - this sequel is more interesting than Bourne Identity.

Maybe it's because it's not so much focussed onto the action... and more on the characters this time round.

What's to love about this show? - Watch how Jason Bourne pulls surprises on both the good and the bad guys.

Windstruck

Have you watched this Korean movie yet? If you like love stories, having your heartstrings pulled at, and you are game to maybe get some tears squeeze out of you... please go hunt for a cinema that is showing this right now!

It's probably the best non-fairytale-based love story I've seen within these 2 years.. maybe even a bit more than that

Anyways, if anyone is game to read an overview and maybe read some opinions about the movie... you can read this article @ Seoul Selection

Okay! Now before I sign off this posting... let me tell you about my pre-movie experience for today. I arrived at the cineplex 30mins before the show began and my-oh-MY! The queue was blardy long... first time I've seen it this long on a Wednesday night

Maybe it was because Jackie Chan's "New Police Story" just started screening coupled with the fact that it's Wednesday (RM6 for any show on Wednesdays in GSC)

Anyhow, as I was nearing the counter, someone asked me to help her collect a ticket booking to which I obliged... and guess what?! There was a computer glitch the counter attendant had to clear in order for that booking to be collected... !@$^#@

But luckily for me... I got my tickets and managed to get into the theatre just in time (THANK GOD!!! If not I'll get an earful from my mum for being a good Samaritan). Didn't miss a single minute of the movie even... *phew!!*

p/s: Do take time to go to the movie's official website if you can... it's really nice! One caution though - it loads rather slowly (beware those on dial-up... I'm complaining based on broadband usage)

Hello world! Meet my colleagues! :)

This is us at an appreciation lunch for all the blood, toil and tears that we have put in since last year... to finally hit (almost) all of our major performance measures. It was a tough road... but we made it!!!

p/s: Looking at all the food makes me hungry... *drools*

Gathering with friends are always joyous occasions, especially when we manage to get a big group to come together... and this is no easy task. Really need to thank Ash for making this one happen...

Firstly, we went to our 'traditional' mamak gathering spot --> the Sup Kambing place nearby to Soho's. After that it was coffee time at CBTL, Gurney Hotel. Below are some pictures :)

Wackiness totally intentional... disclaimer: this is no candid shot

Shoes!!! Photo taken by Peky.

A family portrait of the guys

Aha! A member of the paparazzi caught on camera

Soul-Searching

Obviously, I've suddenly developed a need to write lengthy, descriptive, and flowery essays. Had actually wrote another one (but I'm keeping it offline)... it was a self-analytical piece.

But to make up for hiding that piece of self-exploration from all of you, I think this excerpt that I received from a free Karmic Love report will give a pretty good idea of what was going through my mind of late...

"You maintain a certain intellectual aloofness that can damage your romantic relationships. In a prior life you were interested in the common good; perhaps you were a revolutionary leader, an academic or someone who worked for social reform, and you distanced yourself from people on a personal basis in order to devote your energies to the group as a whole.

In your current life you maintain a bit of that aloofness, and it can make your intimate partner feel neglected or held at arm's length. You have a tendency to claim your individuality in a way that pushes others away. Your lover might bring this to your attention, in a direct or indirect way. If you maintain your individuality too stringently, you can inadvertently hurt the people who are closest to you.

You have a certain shyness, a reserved demeanor, that is rooted in some kind of insecurity that you have carried with you from a past life. You use your intellectual leanings as a tool, a crutch even -- you distance yourself from emotional entanglements that might overwhelm you. You have trouble sharing your innermost thoughts, feelings and fears, and this can make your romantic partner feel rather shut out"

Damn... I hate it when my gut feeling is so right (for once!)

Had gone for Eugene's bbq and met a new bunch of ppl last evening. Honestly I had fun throwing puns around about the host just as much as everyone else. Idiot just told me it was a bbq but didn't tell me that it was his b'day too.

Of course I eventually realized that but then of course it was a bit late to get a present or some kind of token now. Attendance is the only thing that will have to do then :P

Actually I didn't intend to follow the whole lot of them for clubbing at SS after the bbq, but I guess persistent persuasion from the others did a part in changing my stand

Ended up staying up til nearly 3am (inclusive of some time spent at the mamak stall after we were done hanging around the club)... a pretty fun weekend so far for me. That much I can say for now.

*streeetttttcccchhhhh*

Got home late... sigh... but made it a point to have a night out on my own today (I mean Wednesday, yesterday).

Went to Gurney Plaza, bought a movie ticket, then went to sit at Temptations to get a cup of capuccino as company while I go through some pages of "Dilbert: The Way of the Weasel".

10 minutes to 10:45pm... paid for the coffee and went into the theatre to watch Princess Diaries 2.

Great fare for light-hearted entertainment peppered with healthy doses of comedy! The young men in Princess Mia's life are not too bad looking either :P

It feels like I’ve woken up on a fresh new morning in a land far, far away – on a fresh new dawn whence winter is retreating while spring is just waking up from its sleep.

I can hear the birds sing in cheerful harmony. I rub my eyes and climbed out of bed to sit next to the window. Then I rest my head upon the windowsill to look in awe at the heavenly sight before my eyes.

The sunlight is glistening playfully upon dewdrops that lay on blades of soft green grass and blossoming spring flowers as a gentle wind tickles them into a graceful swaying motion.

The field rolls on and on seemingly endless but for where it meets with clear blue skies.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes as though I am capturing it all into memory forever while at the same time enjoying the fresh scent of this wonderful morning.

I opened my eyes once again as I heard a familiar and welcome voice calling out to me. I then turned to face the direction from where it came from.

A rush of warmth radiated from my heart and a smile washed across my face as I glanced upon my loved one... blowing a kiss down to him and returned his greeting.

The days ahead were filled with simplicity in so many ways. The serenity washed away all anxieties that result from living life in the city.

There is just so much more to revel in while we are here. Laughter was never far away from us as we found time to play in everything that we did.

How I wish I could live carefree like this always... with worldly worries being something that does not exist in our vocabulary at all.

Oh, it feels incredibly great to be here... even if it is only all in my mind for now! Maybe someday this will come true – even if not forever and a day, perhaps it can be for some period of time within our lifetime.

Note: I was just being inspired to write some imaginative piece as I was listening to some really nice mood music. So... this piece is in essence purely fictional. E.g. reference to someplace with four seasons.

While waiting for the digital scanner to complete my request, I suddenly heard Murni saying "Amboi, tersenyum kucing!". :)

Well… I was definitely feeling very happy and amused and replied with a “Well, there are a lot of funny things today” to my bubbly colleague.

I’m so totally on a high today!! It did help that Kovi came up with a very wishful question while knowing full well the answer to the question... it was just hilarious... we all know every software system has a certain level of limitation to them, don’t we?

Then there was also my colleague PK (one of those ppl based in S’pore)... had to break a chat I was having with him to attend a 15min training session...

PK had said he wanted to discuss on something in the chat but I told him only to call after my training is over... but then of course he kinda forgot about it until I IM-ed him.

He’s one of those really overworked ppl. Apparently, he needed me to retrigger him what topic it was that we were supposed to continue on. Kekekekeke...

Anyway, after we were done with the work related topic, our conversation turned to some idle chat on some general topics about people and nonsense stuff.

Among them was about his his team mate, TW. You know, things like how they tend to tease TW that his mother has probably found him another nice girl to pair him up with on his subsequent trip back to his hometown. LOLz

In return, I told him Nance (another of PK's team mates) had actually taken an opportunity or two at poking fun that I should consider TW - where my reaction would usually be to try to change the subject.

Honestly, I just simply adore the group of ppl I work closely with. Such a bubbly bunch of ppl! Either that or it’s just because I feel so much positive energy around me today.

Well... hello, hello, hello! Updates abound!! Wahey!!!

Update 1: I now have brace studs on my upper-front teeth... previously it was just on my molars so they weren't quite visible... and my brother now calls me "braceface".

Update 2: Monday morning began with a colleague (SW) passing me a CD with a post-it on it that simply says "Hi Aewis, Enjoy :)". Was told it was from someone in Singapore. Questions as to who was the sender drew a put-on blank look from SW and "Don't know :)"

Thought a long while before SMS-ing the suspected sender (coz he's on leave). Didn't get a reply until about lunch time. So my guess was right! Hah!

Cheeky SW asked me in the a/noon if I knew who was the sender... I said I found out who... but interrogated anyway on who was the messenger... :P

Listened to the CD later in the evening but started laughing as soon as I heard sounds of chirping birds.

What a coincidence! I had actually just dreamt of a serene landscape where barkless and leafless trees lined along a path where there were plenty of different kinds of birds hanging around the place... over the weekend.

Among the mundane things I've been snapping these past few days... (all have been reprocessed from their original resolution via Photoshop)

Edit: Mmm... after looking at the photos... I realised I missed out a mention of a farewell dinner for Uma that we had at Nandos (Pg Airport) on Thurs... Had fun catching up with Chin2, Pingy, Guats, Vij, and of course Uma... who's leaving 2nite to go work in the UK... bon voyage my friend!

What the hell is wrong with Malaysian motorists? Accident yg ada fatality tu pun nak tengok!

Bloody hell! The accident causing a traffic jam on the other side of the road I would understand... but f***!

Why in the world does those idiot motorcyclist on my side of road (non-accident side) stop and gawk at that... that...!?

Maybe Malaysians are just too happy to watch horror/gory movies... but heck! What's so great about watching the post-accident scene.

Frankly, I just passed the accident scene without turning my head to look at it. Having glimpses of "vultures" and cops attending to the scene ala CSI is enough to sink my heart.

Selamat Hari Merdeka!

Humble greetings from the office, to everyone! ...coz I don't follow Malaysian Calendar lar... working today :P

This is what I got myself yesterday. Hoo-boy!

And well... I didn't have enough time to charge up the batteries before I went for dinner with Ash, Joanna, and gang - up at Bkt Genting for some Thai fare.

The food was ok at about RM12pax... but the scenery would have been excellent if not for the sky being a tad too clouded.

But then again, I wasn't totally disappointed. Every sunset is unique after all.

I managed to notice a formation made by the play of light & shadows that shown through the clouds... It was a great big bird!

Its eye was the sun itself. The streamlined body and wings in flight were made out of the visible light passing through sparsely clouded areas. Pretty :)

Today, I've gone out again for another gathering. I think I wouldn't have gone out if it wasn't for Uma's great escape plan*...

* - ultra strict parents, she's the rebellious 24 yr old... who wanted to go on a secret date... prior to meeting back with the girls who will send her home in the evening

And so it went that I hosted Uma at my house for a short while (dad dropped her) - on the pretext that we'd go meet up with the other girls for some jalan-jalan at Gurney Plaza.

Well... we did go jalan-jalan... except without Uma... she came later lar... :P

All in all... a really fun weekend and an expensive one too. Sakitnya poket saya... but I'll get over it while I play with my expensive new toy.

Oh! Forgot to mention that I probably got mine at a real bargain from my dad's friend's shop.

With additional battery, upgrade to 256MB memory stick... + the camera bag & tripod that comes with the promotional package... I only paid somewhat short of 1.7K... huwahahahahahahahaha :D

Puteri Gunung Ledang

Having watched only Part 1 of the making of this movie, I'm already impressed.

Having gone to the website, I'm awed. It looks amazing.

For those in the dark, it's an epic based on an adaptation of a historical legend and a myth set in a bygone era of Malaysian History - the age of the Malaccan Sultanate.

Anyway, has anyone caught the MTV of this movie's signature song, "Asmaradana" - sung by none other than the leading lady Tiara Jacquelina...?

I find that the musical piece has a strong traditional Malayan/Indonesian (Nusantara) influence although it has been composed to attract the modern audience... terribly catchy, slightly haunting, and gee... I like it.

The dance cheoreography is also something to behold. It's so dynamic and ENERGETIC! These 2 words would rarely be associated to dances for traditional tunes but it sure works for this one.

Now, the golden question is, after all the hype and promo... will it live up to the expectations of movie-goers? We'll find out for ourselves soon enough... we sure will - just after the movie premiers on Merdeka Day, 31 Aug'04

p/s: I wanna see the movie, but I'm not nuts... not gonna step into any shopping complex on a PUBLIC HOLIDAY cum extension to SCHOOL HOLIDAT. I'll go watch it some few days or a week after it opens in the theatres.

Ah... IT'S GREAT to TAKE a LOOoooOoooONG BREAK!

But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Tomorrow it's back to work.

I had been on leave since last Thursday... which incidentally became day to settle all pending banking stuff. Great time to be in the banks tho' - all it took me was a 5 min wait in each bank before it was my turn to be up at the counter.

Been in KL since Friday. First thing I did after reaching the commuter station in Subang was to head to Carrefour's Burger King. A trip to KL just ain't complete w/o a visit to BK's!

On Saturday, I met up with Ling2 in the afternoon. We had lunch at TGI Fridays in 1U... loved my lunch and couldn't eat dinner after that.

Later in the evening I met up with Joce in town and followed her to her place in Mines... decided just to take up the offer of dessert since I can't take dinner...

By the time my bro came to get me from Mines... I was too poofed to give Kalamari (and gang) a holler to meet up over some kopi and football :P

Sunday was when I jalan-jalan(ed) around Bkt Bintang... and spent my last hour there by having a tiramisu and coffee at Dome. Did some people watching.

Monday afternoon was lepak and more shopping (lots more window shopping than purchasing)... at Sunway Pyramid.

Was happy that KY said he'd meet me there for coffee... coz basically all previous attempts of meeting up for the past 3 yrs ended up being cancelled because of time constraints by either party.

Later had dinner at Pizza Uno (Taipan) with dad and bro. Another splendid dinner! Mama-miAaaa... :)

On Tuesday, was supposed to be on the 2:30pm Plusliner express bus... except was told it's broken down :o

Ah well... free upgrade to the 3:30 Nice bus was nothing to complain about. I still get to arrive in Penang within the same time.

Today? Well... today was just a time for me to buddy up with my car. Went to get her a car wash, engine wash and a vacuuming. Oh yeah... pumped the tyres up too :P

Hmmm... have always intended to post this photo somewhere... :)

Had taken this one way back in yr 2000 when I was on a family vacation in Perth, Land of Oz.

Would bet that if anyone in my beautiful homeland dared to do this... it's off to the happy-land of life behind bars and plenty of interrogation.

Ooh... also would like to share a nice quote I came across recently

"I am only one; but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do" - Edward E. Hale

Probably a good mantra when feeling like a helpless louse... because quite frankly...

A person with capabilities is never truely helpless unless they make themselves helpless via the destruction of self-pity, insecurity; lack of confidence, determination and a will to live.

The week past was one of blood, toil & tears... coupled with a wonderful weekend.

Blood, toil and tears???

Don't get me wrong. It was just that time again... QTR-END CLOSING. Yup. It means extra vigilance during the last 3 working days of the month (not going home before 8pm... avg 12-13hrs @ work) + accompanying my supervisor to come back to work for 1/2-day on Saturday.

How does one get through high-pressure days? Ok, I don't quite know the answer... but I get by. There were moments when my speech capabilities was equal to Ross Gellar (he takes ages to finish sentences)...

Definite indication of stress, no? Oh yes, it is! And it's quite frustrating when I couldn't seem to piece my words into coherent sentences.

But thankfully, there are some people who just know how to throw the right words back at me so that I can continue my train of speech. Just gotta LOVE them.

A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

My 1/2-day in office wasn't bad... it was rather fun and relaxed in a sense... quiet office... a few other ppl coming in to pick up the last bits and pieces for the closing...

...and of course the capability to put up the speaker volume and letting tunes from my selected Yahoo Launchcast station blast away without having anyone telling me to tune down. >:)

After lunch, went to Baskins to stock up on ice cream. Would highly recommend the flavor of the month --> Far East Fantasy. It's a really delicious combination of lychee, soursop, and plum sherbet.

Btw, the color combination for this one is a really sweet combination of white, pale pastel pink and pale pastel olive green.

Later in the evening, went out to watch "I-Robot" with Jase. Superb movie! Interesting storyline... and somewhat a bit Alfred Hitchcock in a way. The Hansel & Gretel analogy was a nice touch to complement the plot. Genious!

Other things to appreciate were the animation & robotics... and not to forget... the nice Audi that Spooner (Will Smith) drives. Whether it is a concept car and/or animation in part... it sure looks spiffy ;P

Sunday: Woke up pass noon. MmmmmmMmmm... Nice weather to sleep anyway. It was raining from morning til sometime mid-afternoon.

Decided to go jalan-jalan at Gurney Plaza with mum in addition to catching a movie. Had my heart set in watching the Thai movie - "Beautiful Boxer". I was hooked since I first saw the trailer during my previous visit to GSC.

Based on the true story of Nong Toom Parinya Charoenphol, a kickboxer who wanted to become a woman, this is a truly worthy watch

In a nutshell, what made the movie interesting was how the story was artfully presented and filmed. You could follow the feelings and bond between the characters... while feasting on some of the most beautiful backdrops/sceneries

But the most important thing of all... was the message that was carried throughout the movie... "Follow your heart no matter what. Do what feels right for yourself, not others". :)

The story has a lot of heart in it... it really does... but that's just my thought. Go watch it if you haven't already done so and judge it for yourself! Maybe you'd love it as much as I do. :)

Alas the fool was played
A concrete wall but a gossamer dream
Whom art thought a bright star forth
Cheerful! Passionate! Divine!
Nevertheless an empty void
A lonely soul crying for help!
Was there pain behind that mask of smiles?
Did ever sadness cloud past those angel eyes?
Alas the fool was played

A lot of the time, we only see what's on the surface and take it as we see it. But well... sometimes what we see is just the facade after all isn't it?

If not, why the heck would people even write articles about feigning confidence?

If you look carefully, it's quite simple. Really.

There are real people who live their everyday lives doing what they need to do to survive yet another day without fainting at every little thing :)

Like... erm... what have I been up to lately?

Books... (I kinda juggle my reading if you notice the below list) a) How To Be Good by Nick Hornby ---> done b) Stupid White Men by Michael Moore ---> just started on it c) Business at the Speed of Thought by Bill Gates ---> erm... kinda lazy to finish it... been months and I'm just past Chp.1?!! Sure tells you how interested I am on this one d) Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work by J.Canfield, M.V.Hansen, M.Robertson, M.Rutte & T.Clauss---> someway through this one

Movies... a) Princess Mononoke (DVD) ---> Nice! Loved the artwork... the myth... and the cute but rather freaky looking little Kodama b) The Prince & Me (cinema) ---> lighthearted fare. Call it a modern fairytale. Loved this one anyhow... no matter how surreal and predictable the story was... I'm biased because I love watching Julia Stiles' movies. But anyways, watch out for Soren... the Prince's aid. He lends some comic moments to the movie... hehehe... c) Spiderman 2 (cinema) ---> Predictable? Yes... especially since we did kinda grow up reading the comics. However, the movie has some moral high-points. More details below.

ONE: Kids should eat green veggies (OK, this one was a sneaky one by the scriptwriters... but I'm gonna have a good time throwing this line back at some veggie-haters... hehehe...) TWO: With great power comes great responsibility and sacrifices. THREE: You might want to spare the one you love from hurt by pretending not to love them... but you can't stop that person from choosing to be with you since everyone has a right to make their own life choices. ;)

p/s: I managed to get off from work ETA 6pm for 3 days in a row this past week!!! Mon, Tues, Wed!!! Whoooopiiieeeee!

Looking back on the week just passed, I'd say I am drowning in my work. Normally, I'd be supporting my team of 12. But since Monday, 5-Jul, I was supposed to support an additional 12-13 people.

Why so? Those 12-13 people had just lost their team lead due to her resignation.

Now I have at least 25 people under my wing should they have any issues with the processes or the system.

My job is
(a) to be the walking encyclopedia of all matters covered under our daily job function;
(b) guru at troubleshooting for the root cause of any issues

It can get tiring when so many things come your way in quick succession. Is there ever a space to breathe? At the moment, I would say there barely is any space for me to come up for the sweet scent of fresh air.

By the way, did I mention that for the whole of last Monday & Thursday that I had to support yet another 12 people? Oh yes! That's a total of 36 or so people. Why?

Their team lead was out of office - she was at an offsite training on Mon and on leave on Thu.

Am certainly not looking forward to tomorrow either. Their team lead will be on leave again on Monday.

I can only just pray that nothing major happens... and even more so that people haven't sabotaged their own system entries out of carelessness.

Oh trust me on this. It doesn't matter if people have been longer experienced on the job or not. A lot of the experienced staff can still do mistakes that are normally done by rookies... and they do those mistakes at the same rate that the rookies do.

I can only quietly bang my head on the wall for these people since I'm too tired to repeat the mantra to them. But what am I talking about?!

I still have to repeat the mantra in section XYZ pertaining to the issue at hand, regardless. It comes with the job.

Broadcaster of crisis command central, gatekeeper, investigator, motivator, team lead, troubleshooter, tutor, walking encyclopedia... I'm seriously overworked and underpaid.

There's always a first time for everything. Without a doubt, there always is.

Today started out just like any other work-day. Was doing follow up for a particular mini-crisis.

It started with an email that I had sent out last evening to make sure that there was written proof that I was aware of the issue. Had also seeked confirmation with one of my favourite colleagues if a formal escalation ticket had to be logged.

The answer he gave me yesterday and early this morning was, "It's OK. You don't have to do that. :) I'll handle it from my end."

Thus I left it at that and went on to look into other matters. That was until before lunch time.

He had email to say "Please log a call :)". Not just a direct reply to my earlier inquiry. He was responding to someone in my team who had asked about the progress of the issue.

Now why didn't he just tell me to do the escalation thing earlier on?! Wasn't I supposed to be the gatekeeper/collection point so that he doesn't get a barrage of direct inquiries from the grassroots?

I can't believe it happened and what made him trip up like that. And that really pissed me off. Oh yeah! That's the first ever time I was truly and absolutely angry at him.

I told him so and I told him off. We are all overloaded but that doesn't mean that we can screw up on something so simple.

2 odd hours later, I had calmed down and told him I'm cool about the whole episode now. The response he gave me displayed sheer relief.

You see, I wouldn't expect his response to be any less than that. It's just that everyone knows that I don't get worked up easily.

Thus if my temper erupts... it means that someone had crossed not just an inch over my tolerance level - they have gone past it for more than a mile.

The best challenger to beat is always your own self

It's no use comparing yourself to others. I'ts always better to challenge yourself to do better.

For example, I feel GrReeEeaAAT that I finally managed to take an extra 2x50m lap swim today in the same time I used to take my usual 10 laps.

Will raise my target slowly but surely... but for now... over-exerting would mean jelly-legs when I get back to walking on solid ground...

This means that should I be overly ambitious, there would be a very high potential that I'd fall flat on the floor... NOW THAT WOULD BE PAINFULLY EMBARRASSING!!!

Hmm... so adorable are the lil' critters... yet always such painfully tragic endings do they meet... and who would have thought cartoon shorts can be more violent than South Park?

Meet the Happy Tree Friends!