Ethan's Corner

One very nice holiday for myself....

This entry will be solely on my happenings during my trip to KL last week. Possibly the best holiday that I have yet so far for myself, that's why I dedicated it here in my blog... :)

     A trip that I promised myself for the past year, I glad that I able to make it finally. Apart from getting myself a good rest, the main purpose of this trip is actually to meet up my brother in KL (to be exact, Puchong). All the while, I always wanted to visit my brother but never had the chance previously. Guess it wasn't that hard after all to pay him a visit :)

     Day 1 started off with my 5 hours bus trip from Penang to KL. The 5 hours surely kind of dull, so I make use of the time with taking my nap and listening to music via my phone. I reached KL at 3pm sharp, and already aware that my brother will fetch me at 6pm. During the 3 hours time, I walked around the city to Pudu, Petaling Street, and KL Sentral. While all places are reachable by foot, it's kind of tiring with luggage in hand but still, I enjoy it :P End of the day, I finally take a luxury break by having tea at Starbucks while waiting for my brother to fetch me. Total satisfaction... :)

     As I personally expected, my brother arrived slightly earlier to fetch me. From there, lots of conversation ongoing between myself and my brother. Can say like we didn't talk for ages, never thought that I can actually chat that much with my brother :) We went straight to dinner somewhere hotspot in Puchong for local cousine, "Hai Siang Cafe", before go back his home. Now I know my brother's place is quite far also, although it's very easy to go there :P So day 1 end off with a tiring but refreshing day...

     Day 2, the day went early with both my brother and myself went for breakfast at a local coffee shop. Something that I learnt at KL, all the food came in large size which I can't finished it :P (or is it Penang food came in small size). It's been awhile since I had a heavy breakfast, and worth it also. My brother also drive me around Puchong and give me a good map exposure of places around there before dropped me at Sunway Pyramid...

     At noon, I meet up with Sinyi who fetch me from Sunway Pyramid. Originally we thought of just hang around at Sunway Pyramid, but then Sinyi decided to go Mid Valley instead. For her to drive first time there, can say very "geng" because we just rely on road signs to reach there. Thought of going for a movie there, but the queue in Mid Valley is very long, so we booked for a movie back in Sunway Pyramid instead. As the movie is night time, we had our lunch at Mid Valley ("Little Vietnam" which is Vietnamese food) and walk around there so-called shopping. Surveyed alot of stuffs planning to buy, but didn't buy anything in the end :P

     At evening, we returned back to Sunway Pyramid for our movie. While waiting for the showtime, we had our dinner at "Gasoline Cafe" which we have light snacks only :P Watching the movie, it was abit cold though, luckily can withstand it with "abit" of help :P By the way, the movie is "HellBoy 2: The Golden Armies". After the movie, Sinyi went back home while I continued to wait for Eddy to fetch me to another location.

     It was nice for Eddy to fetch me all the way from Cheras (although late due to traffic jam), and our next spot is a hotspot in Sunway area, "Asia Cafe" foodcourt. There, I meet up with another buddy of mine, Dena, who already reached there waiting for us. Originally got some more friends to come, but things happen :P Instead, I managed to meet up with Sharon, whom she purposely came out to meet up with me after her work. Surprisingly, all of us are having great time together with lots of things to talk about till very late night. What a nice day 2 to end with (luckily the clubbing plan by Sharon was called off :P)

     Day 3 was much later awake, possibly tired of previous night outings, that includes my brother too, who mentioned that it is kind of normal everyone woke up late on Sundays. This particular morning, we decided to go for "mamak" style breakfast nearby his house. Although I had a lot of such food back in Penang, somehow it just feels different to eat here in KL :P For this particular day, my drop off location was IOI Mall to meet up with Belinda. We didn't plan to spend time at this mall actually, except for a lunch at "Wendy's", thus we took a cab to the nearest LRT station to go into KL town. Our location was Times Square, seriously a place too big for me to walk all of it. We just randomly go around before switch to Sungai Wang for another walk, and again I didn't buy anything back from both locations. How weird... :P

     Upon returning back, we managed to call up an old buddy of mine that I haven't meet awhile, William, to join us together for a dinner. Location was at a hotspot back in Puchong "Bumbu Bali". Well, the food was ok but slightly expensive if you ask me. But best part as always, the chit chat time that we had together. Unlike the previous night, we didn't drag it too late as both Belinda and William need to go work the following day. So the day 3 off with an early rest for me...

     Day 4 was the last day of my trip. My brother purposely took an off day just to get himself an off while accompany me till noon time for my bus ride. Our breakfast was a nice "Dim Sum" meal at Puchong area, very enjoying day, but surprisingly the place was quite packed despite it's already Monday late morning. Then my brother fetch me out to take the bus ride, in which we encounter abit traffic due to KL lockdown situation thanks to the politic issues. Dropped me off at the station, took me about 20 minutes to wait the bus take off for the 5 hours trip back to Penang. And so that's how my KL trip concludes.

     To sum up, the trip was amazing and the best yet that I have. I wish I could be there much more longer to meet up the rest and spend more time with everyone there. Seriously, I am tempted with the lifestyle there, I can settle down there if I wanted to. But perhaps work and play is a different story. While I have great friends there to hang out with, I am glad that I have my big brother to take care of me during these few days. Hopefully there will be a return again anytime soon (which I believe I sure will!!!)

     Blogging of this story makes me miss everything that I had left in KL. Thank you everyone there for spending the quality time... :)

Regards, it's June already...

Fast isn't it to realize that it's June, already 1/2 of the year gone just like that? Maybe, but that's how you felt it when you are occupied with everything that you can take in your hands...

     This time, it's slightly harder to recall back the hapenings during the month of June. Possibly memory getting weaker, or I was too distracted with other things till forgot? Anyway, one of the highlights I can recall is the arranged dinner together with some colleagues (Alva, BengHooi, Alice, Darek, Nicole, Michelle, Lucas) as part of get along, no particular celebrationn actually. Location was in Mizi Bistro, more like a western food restaurant with pub. Food was ok (I ate BBQ chicken chop, just ok), place was nice (typical western food restaurant style), can say it's a good dinner with colleagues especially with everyone now working on different shifts. Maybe we should arrange it more often, providing meet the right time... :)

     Another highlight that occurs before the dinner was actually a visit from my hometown friend, Chim. Actually nothing much to say, as he was on his own with his girlfriend having a holiday here, we only get to meet up on one dinner night. Well, at the same time he also got do his "part time" job selling insurance to me :P Actually I was thinking of buying it already, just that since there's friend in this field so might be better. Still, I would prefer the package he's buying now. Pay RM150, the rest his father pay! Hahaha.... :P

     About work, nothing much to mention as for now. Was busy with daily work, finishing work for the project newsletter as dateline comes near already. Then there's much changes going to happen anytime soon again, another headache for everyone. The only possible good news I can get from the office is possibility of working back in normal working hours in Quater 4 (Oct 2008). Been working on this current shift (Israel working hours) for the past 1 year plus, really need a break off this schedule. :)

     June also marks the fever of Euro 2008. I was part of the madness, staying up late nights to watch some of the matches which really wears me off and very tiring too. Up until today, left only the final showndown between Germany and Spain. It was much an anticipated match after watching quite a number of great matches along the way. From this Euro 2008, I also learnt that there's this interesting offer from McDonald's. For each goal scored by any team, they will distribute one coupon of free French Fries. It's kind of fun though, watching football and enjoying every single goal scored (at a price of losing good sleep time :P). While my colleague Darek is die hard fan of Germany, I look forward to see Spain score their first ever major trophy in many many years... :)

     Possibly the most dangerous yet tempting madness happened to me currently is the PS3 mania. Previous entry I was talking about PS2, but now CheeKong brought up the PS3 agenda, and BoonHee propaganda the PS3 fever among all the colleagues on the floor. My hurdle is to get an LCD TV or a LCD monitor screen before get the PS3 (my current rent home has a faulty TV). Thus the budget is really heavy on me, not sure if I can bear with it all in one shot. Well, I did have a preview of some games already (I went to Darek's house to have a better look), and it looks promising to own a PS3. My case, get a screen first, then only decide :P

     Final part to mention here, has to be my upcoming trip to KL. Date is decided, some plans already arranged for the KL trip. I even talked to my brother already and he's all ok for me (seriously my brother is very nice person, offer me all the best possible options when needed although we barely talk at all) The hardest part though is actually to get replacement coverage during my off days. Now I noticed I have limited options of people to help me. Wonder what will happen if I clear off my 17 days annual leave? :P

     Ok, seems like this time the entry will be enough till here. I sure hope there's more good stories to share next time rather than hearing me here complaining (especially about work :P). Maybe that's why some said my blog is boring, while others felt it is interesting. Confusing... :) 

Maydays...

The month of May sounds sweet, yet I think that it's full of all flavours actually. Expect this entry is going to be long, winding stories because inside my head, already cramped up alot of stuffs which might just worth the sharing for you to know the things that are going on with me all this time long...

     Recalling back early May, I finally managed to go back home in Ipoh on the first week after overworked during April. Can say every moment I went back home is priceless. Forget if there's certain occassions or any outing plans, just to be back there really feels great. I supposed that's how you define "home" really is. As time goes, I felt that I really appreciate my family even more nowadays compared to my young and dangerous (stupid actually :P) days. To others it might be normal, but for me personally, this is the real thing that I do not want to miss. Highlight at home, my sis bought a new laptop. Sounds so tempting, I wish I can get one too :P

     My return to Ipoh also discovered some updates from my buddies. Looking back at my previous classmates, I noticed quite a number of them are now working based in Ipoh, then quite a number in KL and a portion in Singapore. Looking up here in Penang, left me and 2 more guys (SoonTat, Kong) wandering here the life in the island. Be honest, I actually thought of switching environment for the past 1 year (almost jumped to Dell last year), no specific area as long as there's opportunity (although everyone is luring me to KL). But all this while, there's this work commitment that continues to keep me around as I believe there are still things that I can do before I move on. Question, how long can I "survive" in Intel + Intradeco?

     Crossing the things bout work, recent times we've been experiencing lots of so-called revolution in the team itself. From Business Group Support (BGS), now turns to Standard/Specialize support (STA/SPC). It was used to be known as STD for standard team, but I think I know why they changed the name (STD = Sexual Transmitted Disease :P). But of all the changes happened around, I am still isolated in my own world. The tough part for us as contract workers is that we work for 2 different boss from 2 companies, and it's much obvious for my side. Alone as CW in my own team against 3 other BBs, actually we all get along very well instead except during business discussions (not to forget all those daily craps that keeps us the team up in the spirit :P).

     This month, there's no "White Chocolate Maccadamia" challenge anymore (I know Vicky's gonna screw me off when he reads this :P) but in recent times everyone is into a new toy, Rubik 3x3 (special note, Darek can solve up to 4x4, amazing achievement for losers :P). Once again, our "Santa" Larry makes the challenge to Alva to solve it in 15 minutes time (but he misunderstood and heard wrongly, Alva actually can finish it within 5 minutes). So the results were quite an easy task for her to complete it in about 4 minutes ++ and won the RM10 bet. Winner is Alva, but Larry earn my respect for keeping his words coz he either make you eat your words or he eats his own, no leftovers! :P And of course, his favorite sign, the "L" LOSER~~~

(Up to here, I am just 1/2 way done actually. Go get a drink and wash your face if you need one. Now you know how much I can crap :P)

     Month of May is also another farewell to some of friends also. To be specifc, there's 2 person which is my colleague YinYi and my ex-coursemate SinYi (names similiar, but they are not related at all). YinYi's farewell was held in SS (again!), and I am sure surprised why she want to celebrate it there in conjuction together with Michelle's birthday celebration. So in the end, we have a large crowd also with me, YinYi, Michelle, Lucas, Alice, Darek, Ben, Julius + Sabrina, Nicole, Jack, plus some unknown friends from the hosts. While most of the night is just normal clubbing time, I noticed there's lots of controversy too for the b'day gal :P Well, still it's a remarkable time to enjoy. Not sure where's YinYi going to head off, but I do know her 1 year ++ working together is really worthy. Best of luck to her... :)

     The other farewell for SinYi was much of a normal outing with lunch + movie + dinner. It was supposed to be just lunch together only (location at Ichiyo), but then she mentioned of going for movie (and I have to treat her :P) so end up we watched movie Narnia: Prince Caspian. The movie was 1 hour ahead of our time because the earlier sessions full already, so end up we have 1 hour shopping (actually turn out only SinYi bought things although she keep asking me to buy things on every shop, even buy house!!! :P) One thing that we both don't know is, it's a 3 hours movie! That's how the dinner come, but equally share lo although I got think to treat her as well. Well, possibly the last time will see her in Penang, so at least she's worth it all treats for being such a nice and cute person all the time (you will thank me for saying this le :P)

     Towards end of May, suddenly I am planning to visit back my time during 80's as I am hunting cartoons of the 80's. Completed X-Men 4 seasons, then onto MASK and Saber Rider, all thanks to Youtube (glad that PenangFon streaming is good)! :) Then while browsing Youtube, I accidently become a fan of Britain's Got Talent show. My all time favorite as for now, is "Signature". These guys will get my vote if I am in England, their act worth to be winners. If you do not know what I am talking about, go find it out, worth your time. Come to think about my hobby, suddenly I am abit cool off with the Gundam plastic model kits as the quality of the models I wanted wasn't that impressive. And there's one good advice from my office colleague CheeKong, we should buy something that we can make use instead of just display. Because of his words, now I want PS2!!! :P

     The mission to make my KL trip come true is still underway. Still picking the right time, now I noticed that I have ALOT of friends to meet in KL!!! Seriously I owe so many people a visit in KL come to think about it. The most recent additions turned out to be my ex-schoolmate, Belinda, whom I actually not so close all the while but somehoew with luck, get to chat with her only recently. Maybe because she "poke" me too much in Facebook :P The thing is can I allocate that all in one shot? Have to split it for sure, but of all the list, someone must I go visit, which is my very own brother Ivan of course!!! :)

     Possibly this is the last pin-point I wanna pause as for now. Sounds like alot of things happened in May? Actually I still missed out some stuffs, like Eugene's b'day celebration that got called off, colleague's big lunch/dinner plan, possible trip with colleagues, things to come in June, etc. It's just that I can't expect to be writing such long blog like this everytime (this blog took me 1/2 day here while chatting with everyone else and listening to nice songs). So the crap must cut off for now and I am hungry also now :P

Ok everyone, rest well always and don't get sick of reading my stories while I continue boring-ing here... :)

Roughneck of April...

Ask for more, overloaded... busy with everything and surely alot of stuffs breathing under my neck. That's how I describe this month.

     April hit off with a blast of happening night in SS clubbing. I supposed the happening part only happened to me only. It was supposed to be a farewell for SK (she quit the job to continue her MBA studies), but turned out to be overdo night for me. Turns out I drank so much till I drunk without any specific reason (maybe work stress got into me), head felt so heavy that I couldn't even drove home. Apart from them, I was fetching YenNee actually, turns out she have to fetch me back home instead :P Please be noted, she went back home with the assist from WeiEe who helped me that night, thank you both alot!!!

     Aside from the fun part, it was rough month with the trainings/OTs. I was working 6 days a week whole month and despite it is an 8 hours work, such routine totally wore me down till today. On the nice part though, I earned extra money and seriously at times I almost fell sick, but managed to pull things off. Work has never been that nice to me recently, I supposed it just means more to come in future but in a different approach. Important thing here is to learn my own limit...

     Now back to the fun side, actually I would say it is a highlight that I really enjoy it (but in expense of offending someone else, worth it :P). 3 words, "White Chocolate Macadamia". The story? One of my teammate, Vicky, "accidently" expressed his passion for cakes and Larry, also another teammate of mine, challenged him to eat his words by finishing one whole cake. Not just any cake, but White Chocolate Macadamia from SecretRecipe!!! 1 1/2 KG cake did really appear on the challenge day, I think it cost RM70++, and that's the spirit man!!! Results, Vicky lost the challenge ugly on about less than a quarter of the cake. But trust me, a slice of the cake is more than enough cause I also get to have it as Larry became Santa Claus that day to clear the leftovers. Still, I would say it is a nice cake :)

     As for the sum ups, well I am planning to "invest" my money into the plastic model kit hobby again, this time the targets are 5 Gundam Wing models due to the fact that I do like those series with custom mode. Heavy expense, but I'll do this according to my budget, important here is self control (currently hit 1, 4 to go). Colleagues are planning for a trip to somewhere, while I myself have a numerous promises to fullfill in KL (yes, I do remember!)

     Lastly, something which is just emotional, working here in Penang makes me miss my family all the time. I hope I really can spend more time in Ipoh with them, feels like lots of quality time lost due to the fact I am in Penang. No offense to the people in Penang, but somehow back in your own hometown with family and friends there is incomparable. For anyone of you from Ipoh regardless where you are now, I do remember each and everyone of you always, look forward to really meet up everyone ;)

     This is surely the month I already worn out. Seriously I am glad I have things to fill up although it might be too much on certain things. To know I can withstand lots of job is nice, but no interest to continue it as for now. Feels like tonight will good for resting, so I'm gonna take my nap here early now. Rest is what I want now... :)

March to the end...

It is a tough month to be honest, lots of good/bad things happened. This entry seems harder for me to start off...

     Recently I lost an aunt due to cancer, she passed away last week on Friday. I was thinking of going back to attend the funeral, but my mum said it is not necessary for myself. I don't know how things go back there, as to see my mum lose her sister. Fighting a cancer was never easy for anyone, I've been witnessing the struggle for the past 6 months. Mentally I was prepared for the worse, but nothing can be compared to the real moment. It did make me confused on that day itself, as I don't know how to react to it. Tough...

     In terms of job wise, personally I start to notice that every single person at my workplace is now overburdened with too many responsibilities. Regardless job role, everyone seems to be overloaded with lots of work. I myself is no exception as usual, turns out it is really tough to deal the workplace now. You know, I only noticed that there's only some great people inside workplace, no such thing as "GREAT PLACE TO WORK"...

     On the other hand, seems like there's quite some recognition happenings also in the office. Awhile back, there's a appreciation dinner for the Newsletter project, which was a great dinner in TGIF. Then recent times, there's a quarterly recognition in which I got a Border's voucher card (feels as though the company is asking me to read more books) plus a KFC treat for everyone in the office. I do see some changes in terms of management style now. But how much can it improves, that really makes me wonder...

     Look on the bright side, what do I have here as for now? Oh ya, a new handphone! I just bought a new one after the old phone gave up on battery and controller wise. I managed to get a nicely Nokia 5610 XpressMusic. Funny is everyone else is playing with the phone more than I do. I do really need to spend some time with this funky device. At least now this phone offers me 2 great addtional usage besides call and messaging, which is camera and the highlight of all, music! :)

     Still have some little things to update to myself here, maybe can sum it up easily here. I am hooked up to another online game, Cabal, and extremely addicted to Initial D Stage 4 Arcade! Penang times wasted either with games or internet, while Ipoh times was spent with pure rest at home (except certain outings). JUST starting to watch "Supernatural", and I want more holidays away from work...

     That is what came to my head as for now. Don't know what to say for April but let it be as it is for now. Surprisingly a shorter entry than most of the entries, yet it took me 2 hours to complete my post today. Reason? I was watching MacGyver... :P

It's New Year, yet again in Feb...

February entry was kind of late because the beginning of the month was totally packed, regardless it's job or fun wise. Recently was Chinese New Year (CNY), so again it feels like a new beginning. Does it feel that way for you?

     Funny for me here, to begin this post, I have to answer a question thrown at me by a number of people. I was late to post blog here because during CNY, I don't have PC at home, not even have time if got one. And I decided to pile things up for my entries till end of the CNY celebration so that it will ridicilously long as always. (and perhaps longer :P)

     I'm starting off with CNY celebraion. The eve of CNY was a normal reunion dinner, sadly this year was without my elder sis joining in as she was in US without any holidays, but she managed to give us a call on the 1st day itself. Day 1 CNY was typical family and relatives day with hang outs with my cousins (and lots of young kids running around :P). With such a hot weather, no surprising that it is quite boring and tiring for me till nearly got sick.

     Day 2, went to Chim's place for a gathering before head to Jerry's place for a drinking session. That lasted quite late with everyone passed out including myself, but for only short term before I went back home (2 glass of PURE vodka is too much).

     Day 3, went to Breeze (a place I didn't know the existance in Ipoh till that day), the crowd was quite packed, waited awhile before got our place. Plus it is just a short gathering as some went off early for 2nd round. Remember not to order "Long Island Tea" a.k.a. expensive cough syrup so-called cocktail.

     Day 4, probably the HIGHLIGHT of the whole celebration. We went to a coffee shop in old town with specialty of "Suet Fah" beer (frozen glasses to form snow flakes when beer is poured in). Throughout the night, 8 people finished off 10 rounds with each round is 3 bottles, so it's 30 bottles of Carlsberg! I couldn't last the 3rd round, and I even need Ee Keng (great drinker) to cover for me, in return to fetch her home (thanks!). While others varies like Jerry vomitted after lasting all the rounds, MeiDe and YeeLing cried while drinking (which is quite scary), LaiFun, WaiHoong and KaiWah "snake" the drinks (which I have to do so at later stages), and Munchien "tak ada rasa". It was supposed to be just normal drink and chat, but things turned up violently :P By the way, we do have fireworks show during midnight so it was a pleasant view :)

     After straight days of alcohol, I returned to Penang on Day 5. Perhaps it was quite boring actually compared to the fun in Ipoh. I supposed only highlight was a visit to my boss's place for a gathering among colleagues. Interesting part was I get to meet back Benny, the person who interviewed me in Intel. It does bring back memories though of those days despite it was about a year and a half ago. Feeling veteran at work already I think...

     Abit about work, I was totally messed up with unnecessary stress pumped up because of tool error. Everyday meeting up with abnormal expectations (and surprisingly I meet those expectations on certain times). Unfortunately, it kills my mood to work nowadays and not much want to be in office any day at all...

     About friends, I only able to meet up with some of the Ipoh hometown friends, still got some who I couldn't meet up yet and worse, some I even lost contact already. Same goes to some of the university friends, got times I do feel it will be nice to have more off days so that I can use it to visit all of them. But the trip will be quite crazy, travelling from Penang > Ipoh > Lumut > Puchong > KL > Kluang > JB > Singapore. Not so realistic trip yet for me...

     Some more of the stories around me, I better sum it up for easier understanding. It looks like I am back into the place where I once hang out alot, the arcade area. Together with my colleagues, Darek and BengHooi, we are into the Initial D racing game (unlike last time, I was into EZ2DJ with Dena). Spending quite alot as always, hopefully can control it better in future to avoid overspending money.

     I still have some more minor stories though, some also worth to share but guess can save it for another time, cause the post is long and I am tired already also :P Coming March, nothing to expect yet but let it be a better day as it goes. No more room for more talks, rest now...

Jan, mark of the beginning...

Year 2008 started off quite an impact on me. Jan was a month I was into quite a number of things, which makes my current post got delayed that late here. But heads up as always, it's a long post I assume...

     At the very 1st day of year 2008, nothing big deal happened though. Not even the countdown, as I was in some sort of a sick situation. So work went on as usual, feeling tired and boring. Again and again it is always bout work, this surely proves I don't have any much life besides work. Personally, I am extremely sad to learn this fact... :(

     So move on with work stuffs. First stop, the newsletter project. Only just able to finalize things up earlier today and passed the stuff to Stev to work on checking and distribution. Possibly the toughest issue yet to do becaue I almost had my hands full on majority work of the project, maybe that's how an editor works. Consider myself lucky managed to complete it this time, I learnt much already on this role, now just hopefully I have the chance to improve in next issue. Hard to predict the expectations next time...

     Still about work, recently I went to an external training provided by Microsoft, about Exchange Server 2007. The training was sponsored by our company (with stipulations of course) and I've attended it together with our Technical Supervisor, SM Liew. which I initially only knew him as a supervisor, but glad that Liew can be down to earth person during our training session. The 3 days intensive training did make me learn Microsoft products especially setup the Exchange Server with hands-on lab session. Tough but benefits me well personally...

     And again, about work but this time I look it as a brighter news. A few days back was our company annual dinner. Compared to last year, this year maybe really was a great year for me personally. Excluding the bad food and possibly small venue, others are just great. Some of the highlights were being lucky to get a lucky draw prize (I barely got that lucky) and more importantly, an award recognition that I didn't expect. There was the moment I was thinking how does it feels like to won something, and there I had. How can I say, it's just feels great! :)

     Yet again, still about work. This time is about my core work in Intel office. Starting this year, I am about to venture new scope again. Compared to last year, I was introduced to a new work shift but this time I was introduced to a new support which is web ticket support. To summarize it, email support where customers submit ticket through web and provide support via email. Talking about entering a new world, it turned up a new hell instead. But it turns up to improve as I finally a step ahead to get rid of taking calls. Might be missing it, but the phone better be away from me (and chats too!!!)...

     Now this is something about non-work stuffs, my social life. Sounds interesting? Unfortunately,not. The thing is there's nothing much to say, only just a few hangouts with my colleagues and that's it. See, even my social also was related to work thingy. Not that it is bad or phatetic, it just sounds so dull as though I have only left things to do with work which I do not want to. Still trying to explore my social loop, hope I can go further and perhaps get a nice date partner... :)

     Speaking of relationship, much rumours came up recently. But to clarify things up, I am still single though (unfortunately :P) regardless of rumours that I am in relationship, open relationship, admiring someone, being admired by someone, blah blah blah. This issue turned up heat when I was chatting with one of my friend online. He's having tough time with his gf and find me to talk to. Instead of talking bout his matters, he heated it up to talk about me. Rumours grown quite fast in Penang here as I noticed I am very "lucky" to meet friends whenever I go out with a girl on a date. The term "date" was confusing though, yet everything turns up nothing happens. The only fact that is true so far is I do go out with girl alone, but doesn't mean that "thing" that you guys might think because the girl I went out to was only takin me as a normal friend while I was just going out being innocent without any particular reason. :P

     In comparison, my friend told me something which I believe is a fact. He said that got times I was too cold-hearted and never ready for a girl to start a relationship. Sounds wrong? Well, he explained it in detail thus it does makes sense. Regardless I never have a gf officially, but I do have interest for quite a number of girls all the while. Similarity of all of them is whether the girl rejects me, I reject her, or delay the situation till things cool off, I barely can show much emotion of being hurt, depressed or sad. Personally I think this is actually an advantage for myself to stay strong for future upcomings. From a guy point of view, they said I am ruthless. From a girl point of view, it's either I am matured enough or I am reckless playboy. Comments are proven in previous conversations with my buddies back in hometown... :)

     On my previous post, I promised to list out a resolution for this year. It turned out it is hard for me to make any because I was disappointed with some of my goals last year. To avoid being disappointed, I think I should enter the year 2008 empty minded and let things surprised me. Might be odd, but I think it's best for me myself coz that's my resolution ;)

     It is a long long talk here. I spoke enough for here now. Do notice that I am aware quite a number of you guys are using my blog to kill your time (which I gladly appreciate your time here). My blog will be keep its track on monthly basis, so watch out for it if you care... :>

End the year 2007....

My goal as for now, complete this blog by midnight. Time: 11:22PM

     I would say I am just a bit surprised with myself for being here at home instead of going out celebrate the countdown with others. By right I actually do have some plans/invitations already, but it turned up no news in the end. Besides, I am just tired of struggling all day long at work. So I guess a rest at home here will be typically just nice for me to cool me off. Besides, I can say I am not alone also as I have others also end up choose to stay at home celebrate the countdown.

     So a recap of things to say for 2007. Starting off with work life, I was still getting used (actually bored) with the job. Switch to a new work shift (which I am the only person lasted till now), exposures of work stuffs, then came a turning point where I almost quitted for another job. Then came in some different roles and leads (BGS Team Lead and In-Focus Editor), plus bearing more responsibilty. Alot of new hires, some came, some went off. Tough worklife...

     Socially, I think it was a getting worse actually. Much has been impacted on my hometown friends, feels like I started to lost contact with some of my buddies back in Ipoh. Only recently, I do see some hope back as there are some who really put the effort to meet up regardless where they are. As for friends from my uni life, only a handful ex-coursemates can keep in touch. Potential partners to be in a relationship? Did cross a few, but no results in the end. Typically an issue I just confused...

     Highlights of 2007 was quite amazing though. Some I do need to highlight it though, among them will be the CNY gathering of the old school ACS boys, possibly the best reunion. Then come the best teambuilding from Intel to The Carnival Waterpark with the first ever full particaption team of TMG/LLM. Next comes Intradeco teambuilding to Pantai Kerachut which was a memorable trip with loads of fun and sparks. Then comes my birthday celebration, as usual a great celebration in the office plus one very special treat in TGIF (hehe, thank you again). Another ACS Raya gathering also was quite ok too, a great co-incidence meetup. Then comes the Christmas trip to Genting with my Ipoh buddies.

     And now comes the moment. What am I going to do for the year 2008? Save it on my next entry, this is just a tribute to my year 2007. Hope you all also have a memorable year 2007 to remember and a year 2008 to look forward to. Take care then everyone.

Time: 11:49PM, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! :)

PS: The best addition of all, my elder sis just wished me all the way from Colorado. Thank you SIS!!! :)

    

In between Nov and Dec...

Mark it down, it's 4am now...

     I realized I didn't post anything on Nov time and surprisingly, I got lots of reminders from my readers (thank you all for reading though) so at the very odd time here, I gotta write something out here for the fans! Hehe.... :P

     I believed Nov time was quite hectic in terms of getting busy. I was way off too into work till I didn't have time for other stuffs. Always it's either work or project stuffs. I barely can have much time for relaxing awhile or hanging out with friends. Well, that actually did happen just now, will explain later here...

     What I've got into? Daily routine includes job commitment as a new role (team lead wasn't that fun after all) and the newsletter project really into the critical stage now as more follow ups need to be done. Now I even have to write an article for the newsletter. Said is easier that done, I only know how to write blogs, articles? Nah, I can't even think of a title yet. Any ideas anyone? :)

     As for the happening part, actually throughout the whole month Nov was not much stuffs to mention. I went back to join online games again (Mo Siang Online) with my colleagues around. Can consider it as part time OT job just like how me and Nicole put the term to it. Other than that, not much to say also, all day while it was all about sticking to PCs 24/7, not even went out for any particular outings (despite there are a few promises from Steph but didn't realize :P)

     But it ends just now, as we all went out for clubbing just now at SS (that explains why I can write a blog here at 4am morning!). Just took a bath and need a short rest, thus writting blog is indeed a crazy idea. Supposingly we have quite a number of people, end up only me, Alice, Nicole, Michelle, and Lucas went for clubbing (Ben and Andy couldn't make it on last min call). Surprisingly we managed to meet up with a few more colleagues, Kim Sim and Pary, both also on the spot (and I meet up with Darren before left the club). So it was quite a happening night, plus some funny happenings, if you know what I mean. Hehe.... :)

     I wasn't alone now though, I have Elmen's bro sleeping on the couch behind me actually (hope I don't wake up him up) and I even managed to get SinYi to wake up to chat a few words (how lucky :P). So it turns up the night or day end up with fun and plus some dizzy head here.

     What to expect for Dec? I just hope there will be more surprises coz it make things interesting and I will have more to write here. But as for now, cool off and gotta sleep. Adios everyone...

Appreciating my b'day moments...

I had my b'day celebration recently, and it was a nice one. I think it's worth the sharing though. But first come first, THANK YOU everyone! :)

     It started actually with the hard arranged celebration inside office during working hours. This time, my celebration was shared with another colleague of mine, Haryati, whose b'day is actually on 13th Oct. It was busy time for both of us as she's stuck on long call while I stuck with 3 customers on chat window. Possibly they were waiting for the right moment and yet we both still stucked until some of them are getting too anxious. Like my picture said, we had the best cake of the year, yet the worse b'day song but surprised that even team FES BBs sang it for us, well with better volume though (I told you I would recognize your effort, Viji :P). Photo session was not much as everyone was too busy, and Alice's camera phone can't accomadate that much space :P

     Comes to the gift part, I got a small model kit toy, a BB Gundam named "Guan Yu". Looks nice! ;) This will be a credit to my cubemate plus neighbours (Darek and BengHooi) around who are really into toys. I supposed they are trying to lure me into the toy gang inside office :P I assembled it up already on Saturday, looks ok but will be better with some further finishing touches that requires tool that I don't have for now. Maybe will show the picture in future...

     The day was continued with SMS messages from everyone excluding those who wished me 1 week ahead (Alva was the first one). As it's my b'day eve on that night, so I am prepared for it actually . But surprisingly the only message on that night (right on midnight) came from an old friend of mine back during my tution class days, Xiao Hui. Surely glad to hear from her though, she's truely very nice to remember it despite busying all the way in KL now... :)

     So comes the actual day itself, 25th Oct. More SMS messages came in the moment I woke Up which is 11am :P Easier if I round it up, the messages came from my hometown buddies (you know who you are), USM juniors (mostly from the KKF), and colleagues also. Preparing myself, I came to work as normal and was delighted to have mail wishes from JinWen, HueyFen, and Kong. We all worked in the same building, yet we barely meet up recently and still you guys remember it. Thanks a bunch :)

     As time goes by, I expecting my day to end just like any other days. At first was funny though because got people ask me "Hey, today is your b'day ha?" on that day itself. Not much can be say about that because we didn't expect others to rememeber everything, right?  Well, it was nice to end my big day because Stephanie treat me for a Coffee Bean drink despite being being tired after work (she's the one who asked me that question actually :P)

     Just as it sounds like it's the end of celebration, actually I got SinYi willing to treat me for a dinner also actually. It was supposed to be just any normal dinner treat due to her budget not enough, but then got things change and happen also. So, end up I treat her but she's so generous to offer to treat me back TGI's Friday!!! How lucky me, hehe (actually lucky that I agreed it fast before she change her mind :P). Haven't arrange yet, but for sure the treat is conrfirm already. Right, SinYi? ;)

     Regardless how's the story goes, who's I mentioned or I missed out here, I must say that I am grateful that I had a celebration of my birthday with everyone I've known in my life. The celebration might not sound very grand if were to compare with others, but it has its value in myself. Each and everyone of you deserved much appreciation equally and fairly. What else I can say, THANK YOU!!!

PS: By the way, today Nicole also gave me a b'day present, Twisties BBQ Flavour :P I doubt if it's just leftover from what she bought, but still it means something to me. Thank you Nicole! :)