..:: Pooch House ::..

Floating in mid-air

2008-06-23T09:58:00.002-04:00

Wow...It's been quite a while. Though much has happened, it didn't feel as exciting and fulfilling. Since the day I took the vacation for rest and relaxation, it has been a non-stop action-packed, mountain-loads of work waiting. The drama, the tension, the pressure and the suspense is too much for even what I can tolerate. It's one after another and the accumulation is just overbearing. I dare not fill in to my crib as it will put negative aura to the good things I have had starting this year.

Anyway, my current state of mind is like a blank. Vacuum. What I used to be able to do is not as sharp or deft. The feeling is like a speck of dust floating in mid-air, aimlessly drifting, not knowing where to go or what purpose it serves. I am lacking in inspiration, motivation, encouragement and companion. Maybe all these years of being alone without a loving partner has shown its bare reality, that a man needs a great companion to get through any things. I long for someone who can share all my joy and sadness. Yeah...call me a sensitive paranoid, but it seems what I am lacking had been there, but just not felt clearly. I had been able to deceive myself and get through with it, but when the mind is blank, all these inferiority surfaces with incredible speed and ease.

Now now...all my life I always had a positive outlook no matter what the situation behold. I know I can and will get through this cycle. I need a new inspiration - a muse if u need to call it. As sagitarians are very well known, we are adventurers. We yearn for freedom and exploring new avenues. We do not like to be tied down, and going through routine things. This may seem I need to start a new journey, a new expedition. I shall pack my bags, leave behind my burdens, and embark on a fresh new ride. Whatever it may be, I am ready, I am prepared and I am confident that it will again unleash a new me. A me that everyone will be glad to have back as it is someone who they had known and not seen for quite a while. I will be back, better, stronger, more determined. Just you wait and see and you will want to leave the old me as part of a chapter that you have engraved in your precious journal called life.

Escape from Singapore Island

2008-05-04T11:27:00.004-04:00

Work, work and more work. This is just the typical daily life of my miserable past 2 years here in Singapore. So, when a chance came upon for a long weekend plan, I'm game!

Initially, the plan was to go to Bintan for a weekend of massage and spa with my 3 female colleagues (1 of them ex-colleague now). Then enjoy activities that are found around the resort. But sadly, the space is fully booked, and all other options for the Bintan accommodation is just too expensive for the budget. So, we had to choose a plan B and it was either Batam or Thailand. Thailand was just too expensive and we chose Batam instead. Even for Batam, we couldn't get the resort we wanted, the Harris Hotel. I guess our planning was too late and then it also fall on the holiday weekend, so it makes it that much harder.

Anyway, I needed the break - heck, I needed to escape from my work. I know I was going to pamper myself. Think - spa and massage. Think - fun and games. Think - no more work. Wow, this is absolutely a great proposition to treat myself for once. So then, we're set and off we go to Batam!

First day, we got to the hotel to check in. Got the rooms upgraded to a deluxe suite. But sadly, it's a king's size bed for each room. We tried to change the rooms, but the ones left was not as good since it's not deluxe suite (duh!). So, we opted for the deluxe suite and I shared my room with Shengni. (well, this was supposed to be discreet, but hey I guess we're all mature and sensible adults and nothing bad is gonna come from 2 consenting adults) hahaha...okay...down boy...be good.

Once we settled our things, we went off to the city with our Batam counterparts (one of the suppliers who is a close acquaintance with my colleague, Margaret). They took us for lunch and then recommended us for one of the massage place to go. We went there and checked out the price and it's a good deal compared to the ones from the hotels. So, we took the package and spent 2 hours there.

Wow! My first experience for a full-body massage. I don't know what to expect. I was thinking a nice, relaxing massage. What I was treated to was quite horrifying! Hahaha...maybe since I had never gone for one, I didn't know what was I being treated to. The masseuse was all strength and tested my endurance to the very end. My calf was aching after 2 rubs she applied. She can't help herself to a couple of laughs since I was so tensed. She kept telling me to relax, but I can't stand the pain of her strength as she massaged my lower legs. As she went up my thighs, it's a mix of ticklish and arousing feeling. What's a man to do when she's being rubbed near his groin? Haha...Not that I'm thinking it sexually, but I was trying to enjoy the treatment, but I can't stop from bursting in ticklish and laughter. for the rest, it was okay though. The back, the arms, the shoulders and the chest. It was quite good, although I was expecting more for the back since I don't get that relaxed and loose feeling after it was all done. The scrub was also refreshing as I can feel that I'm rejuvenated after it was all done. So then, it was all over...time to take a shower to wash off the scrub and the oil. It was cooling and feel relieved, except for my poor aching calves.

My 3 friends, had theirs too and an ear-candle wax treatment. So, theirs took a bit longer, and I helped myself to a good sleep after the massage. After that, we went for a nice seafood dinner.

Next day, we were all up in excitement anticipating the day of activities that we will be doing. First off, we went for bowling games. In the midst of the game, my friend was treated to a very nice surprise. She was so glad and excited she jumped around. I'm happy for her and I do wish that it's gonna make her more happy and more fulfilled in her career quest. I can only wait for my chance. But it's happening folks. Just u wait and see. I know I'm capable of so much more. After bowling, we went for the sea activities. We took up the banana boat and canoeing. Banana boat was quite boring, until I decided to monkey around to make the boat swerve and finally overturn, throwing all of us to the sea! Ha....it was refreshing and makes it more fun than just sitting idly as the boat pull us around. What made it more memorable was seeing how Margaret was being pulled back up to the boat. The guy took all his strength and with the help of my 2 other colleagues to pull her up after a few attempts. She was angry as to how she was being helped as she suffocated a bit in breathing (since her life jacket took the lungs out of her as the guy try to heave her up). But we came back up on the boat and made it back to the jetty without another splash. Canoeing was okay as we played around, but I was itching to try the para-sailing and we finally went for it. The feeling of being flighted in the air, hovering as the boat pulled the chute and feeling the breeze. It was one of kind experience and it would have been more exciting if it goes a bit faster. After seeing me pulled back to the boat, my friends also went for a go and they enjoyed it. We ate lunch and then went back to hotel before going to town for the girls appointment with the hair saloon.

It took a while to get their hair done (more than 4 hours!) but we made it back for a mahjong session. Yes, better believe it. It's mahjong! Hahaha...we went through the nite and couldn't finish one round when my body and brain finally gave in. I asked to retire back to my bed and asked to finish off tomorrow.

Last day in the hotel, we ate breakfast and went on to finish our mahjong game. We did it in time before check out and I ended up winning about $23. Not bad for someone who always loses. :) Anyway, we killed off some time waiting for the ferry by playing card games and when the time comes to leave, we took a picture to capture the memory we had after spending the past 2-3 days in Batam.

Overall trip score:

1. Relaxing - attained (checked)
2. Massage - got it although not so comfy (checked)
3. Eat - enjoyed the food (checked)
4. Fun and games - bowling, banana boat, para-sailing (checked)
5. Go-Kart - didn't go (no check)
6. Swimming - didn't go (no check)
7. Mahjong - yes and won (check)
8. Find attractive lady - didn't get to see one (no check)
9. Fun times with my friends - yes (double check) priceless!

Total score card - 7/10 (not too shabby)

Guys, let's plan the next one early and hope we enjoyed it even much more for the next one! Hong Kong, Thailand, Jakarta? Anybody?

Well, enjoy the pics below from the trip. ;)

Margaret with Susan and Juliana

Me, Shengni and Daphne

At the entrance of Holiday Inn

After the banana boat

At the boat for para-sailing

Clowning around at the boat

Look at me fly!

Came back safely. Fun flying!

At the Holiday Inn lobby before leaving

We had fun didn't we?

The Golden Year - Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-03-30T12:57:00.004-04:00

Yeap - the golden age. My mom hit the big 5-0 today! It's both joyous and a little sad. I can't imagine my mom would hit 50 already. It's been quite a long journey for her and all the love and sacrifice she had done are immeasurable. I really hope my mom stays young and youthful, but time is always our biggest enemy. People say you shouldn't go against it, but rather embrace it. Mom, even though you are getting on with your age, I hope you stay cheerful and keep those bountiful of love for us forever more. Love you always!

Sweet Sixteen...Keep Smiling Bro!

2008-03-25T11:57:00.003-04:00

Well well, my youngest bro just turned 16. It's hard to imagine what was I like 10 years back. I was still in Sec 3, preparing for the coming O Level in the next year. On top of that, I was preparing for my TOEFL and SAT to make sure that I can get into school in US after the O Levels. Anyway, I don't think my brother would be as worried as I was. He is going through a rather normal and ordinary pace of life. In any case, he would want to serve for his NS, so he does not have to choose his career path that early.

Let him enjoy the occasion. It's his 16th Birthday after all. He has many lady admirers...hahaha...but I doubt any that is seriously considering it.

Tough week ahead for me. Have to keep strong and have faith in my own strength!!

The Leap Year - Gone and will back in another 4 years

2008-03-09T11:42:00.003-04:00

Sorry folks. I have been away again yet for far too long. In the space of 3 weeks to 1 month, I've again seen a few people leaving the company, attended a wedding, went to the T3 for the first time and to the IT show. The past month was also an emotional roller-coaster ride where I was from one extreme to the opposite end - depressed to the point of blowing up.

That sums up a pretty eventful first month of the Lunar Rat Year. As the book saying goes, this is a busy month for me and I will encounter lots of issues at work. How true! I was busily scrambling to make ends meet...screaming at my suppliers, and also screaming at my own people. Well, not really screaming, but quite temperamental compared to my usual calm, composed, care-free character. Anyway, I'm glad it's over, and like what it mentioned - whatever hardship may come, it will eventually pan out. How scary is that!! Maybe I shouldn't think about it too much as I know that I am in control of my own actions and emotions.

On 3rd March my colleague, Amanda, had her wedding. She is one of the more attractive ladies in the office and can't believe she'll be married. But, I'm happy for her as she found her lifetime mate. And I truly wish her all the blessings of a married life. I'm sure her husband will cherish her and treasure her throughout the lifetime. She looks gorgeous with the wedding gown and even more so with the evening dress. Unfortunately, the wedding dinner took a bit tad long and I was exhausted as I still had to go for work the very next day.

The following weekend, I had the chance to have a first look and experience the grandeur of Terminal 3. It's huge, transparent, and uniquely calming. I mean it looks spacious with the glass facade and the natural growth inside makes it feel naturally pleasing. Then when I got to B2, it's like a mini-mall in the airport. There's a full-size food court, with a couple of small shops, reflexology and even a NTUC Fairprice! It's basically self-sufficient to house people and they will not get bored!! Later that day, went for a bite of Pizza at Timbre. It happen that the day was a day to showcase SOMA students. What caught our attention was the alumnus who had a lovely and strong voice as she belted 3 songs. I believe she sang 2 covers and 1 of her own song. We even had the chance to have snacks in Raffles City Shokudo. What a day! All eating and all spending! Hahaha....but I really had quite a blast that day.

Lastly, I know I have been scouring for the past 3-4 IT show for a camera and I had my eye fixed on that Panasonic Lumix brand. Finally, I decided to buy. I forked out over $300 but I think it was worth the money spent. It's compact, it's fool-proof and I hope to snap lots of pictures with it. The IT show was an eye-opener as I got to see some eye-candies that really make me imagine I'm in dreamland. Never before I see so many pretty and gorgeous looking ladies, let alone in the past IT shows.

So folks, here I am now...sulking again as I dread going back to work. These days it seems I'm very unmotivated having to face all these mountainous work waiting for me. I scringe and I piled through it, yet at the end of the day, I still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes I wonder how long more I have to tolerate this before I can dig out of my own grave. How I wish I can tolerate longer, but I think I'm slowly losing my own battle and my war. I guess I can only find out day after day how long I can last.

As I said...what a month! Looking ahead for the coming leap year!

V Day: P.S. I Love You

2008-02-17T11:04:00.002-05:00

Valentine's Day. A day to celebrate and remember Saint Valentine. There is a lot of version about his story but it all leads to him being proclaimed a saint owing to his declaration of love. He would send love poems, flowers and confessions of love until his death on 14 Feb.

Yes, his tradition lived on and it became what we know as expressions of love to our special someone, showering them with flowers, gifts, and other romantic goodies. A romantic dinner, followed by a number of romantic surprises normally follows before it ends with the couple ends up with a great night topped off with kisses all around. Alright...maybe I'm being a little melodramatic.

What we now know in this modern age, where convenience is the keyword with internet and commercialization of this special occasion, lends its hand to a big $$ making industry. Abundance of choices and thousands of new innovation to pacify the special someone to make them feel super special for this 1 particular day. Most guys felt obligated to pamper their ladies with lavish gifts and willingly spend the extremely pricey flowers, jeweleries, and dinner packages.

To me, the tradition is lost with hungry businessmen trying to make money out of this lovey-dovey period. Where is the distinct originality where guys frustratingly piece together a love poem to wow our ladies? Flowers sent personally instead of those deliveries and couriers making the trip. And even guys messing up the kitchen to concoct the romantic, heart-filled effort into making the meal for our special ladies. Where all these go? That's why I hated V-Day for it has lost its charm as a day where love is earned, and not given easily by exchange of cash. Okay...the real reason is that I also feel jealous, well maybe I should put it in another softer word - envious. Envious that the guy and the girl have each other to celebrate; envious that guys (or me) would go all the way to please the lady. And envious that guys will be able to get the lady to reciprocate the love and confirm the commitment to each other.

Anyway, I watched this movie - P.S: I Love You. It's got to be the V-Day movie of the year. It tells the story of a married couple who was having a crisis -sort of- in going ahead with their relationship. Talks of having kids, bigger apartment, better living, doing their own things. These are common to the early years of marriage. Then tragedy stuck and the guy died of brain tumour and began the story of how he planned to have his wife carry on with her life. So imagine getting letters and instructions on what to do after the guy died? It almost feel like the ghost of the husband is telling the wife what to do. It unfolds into romantic flashback of how they got to know each other and all the good things they cherish together. It then shows how the wife gets through the pain and the loss of someone who is the love of their life. It feels suffocating knowing that the husband is gone and will never come back. Thing is, life goes on and if you are stuck in that moment, you will not only lose yourself to insanity, you will lose your family and friends who cares for you. This taught me to not only treasure your family and friends, but also treasure your life partner as you will never know when she will be leaving you. Bickering is normal and happens to any couples, but I hope that after the bickering they know that they still have to rely on each other and it's better to kiss and make up quickly.

Sigh...now I'm a romantic fool. There'll never be a happy ending. There can only be a compromised ending. Otherwise, it will not be a real life, it's a fairy-tale. We don't live in fantasy, but a world filled with egotistical people who will always think of themselves first. It just depends on how much they focus on themselves and what they think of others.

So to all my family and friends - P.S.: I LOVE YOU ALL LOTS AND LOTS!! I know it's hard to say in person, but I hope with this you will feel it and embrace it.

Last note: I feel my blog is getting some newfound interests and readers. So I hope if you do stop by to have a look, please leave some comments so that I know you popped by. It's the pooch house and it's always welcome any visitors with warm, open hands.

CNY! Rats and celebrations...

2008-02-12T10:12:00.000-05:00

Woah...almost 2 whole weeks past since my last update. The last one I threw up. This time, I feel like throwing up! Hahaha...well, it's just because I can't resist all those cookies, candies, bak gua (dried beef), drinks, sweets, etc. I know I'm gonna gain back those weight that I incidentally lost when I was sick during Christmas! Aarrghh....

Before the company shuts down for the Chinese New Year, the usual makan group had a lunch at Cafe Cartel. We wanted something more special to celebrate the coming Chinese New Year! So, it was cozy and we had a filling lunch and even topped off with ice cream. Hmmm...I feel quilty as I was still coughing slightly. :p Nevertheless, we enjoyed the lunch and even had the chance to take a good picture courtesy of the waitress who took a great shot.

During reunion dinner, we had a steamboat/grill meal which was almost what we always had for this day anyway. But, somehow, this year it feels like there's not much appetite for everyone. We wanted to experience the spirit of "lao hei" which is mixing of fish salad for good fortunes. As the chinese saying go, every year has to have fish and that the higher you go, the more successful you are. But my mom did get too big of a package that I think it fits more to 12 people's share! Hahaha...anyway, it was good and we enjoyed the dinner. It feels a bit more special coz I usually eat dinner on my own at most working days nites.

My brother with the kids at my house. My mom was fishing for the prawns. :)

So, first day of Chinese New Year come! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wan Shi Ru Yi! Huang Jin Man Man! Hahaha...all those greetings come and go. We all welcomed the rat year with mixed feelings. Rat year was not as glorified as the Dragon or Pig year. So, this year we felt that there's something missing...something that makes it less festive and great. The year already started off with economic downturn and bleak prospect of a good and healthy year. We just hope that the Rat Year can have something positive to look forward to. I woke up in the morning to go the temple with mom and dad and pray hard that there'll be lots of good fortune, pay raise, promotion, good results for my brothers in their studies and of course the health of all my family members.

Second day was Mahjong day! It was at Margaret's house and there was Shengni and Daphne, as well as Eileen and Eve. The itinerary was supposed to be Mahjong and dinner. We started at about 4 or 5 in the evening and I can't believe that we actually played until 7 in the morning the next day! It was only stopped by the dinner (another steamboat) and the occasional pee break and rats catching session! Yeah, you heard it right...not only it's the rat year, I get to see rats running around...well, they're so tiny anyway that it looks more fun to see them running around rather than being petrified of their presence. At the last few rounds of the last wind, we were speeding it up so much that it really wasn't that enjoyable and I manage to win some money in the end. I had my luck in the earlier round but lost quite a bit after the dinner.

To make things worse, I was supposed to go visit my boss's house at 2 PM. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the rest of the guest list had a last minute change of plans and we scrapped the plan. I was so exhausted and tired but I couldn't sleep much. In the end, I only got about 5 hours of sleep before another round of late nite outing. This time, I went to St. James along with a friend who is visiting from US. He's been working there for 2 years now but we were secondary school buddies. So, along with another friend, the 3 of us were hunting and gleefully looking at the hot babes as they danced and get wild to the beat of great tunes being played by the awesome DJs. Live music also entertained us in the Boiler Room and the DragonFly. We finished at about 4 in the morning and I told myself I'm gonna shut down for Sunday before heading back to work on Monday. Shutdown I did and I spent my Sunday in the border of lazying around and falling asleep on the sofa every now and then.

What a way to celebrate the Chinese New Year! I hope the next one will be even better!

Goodbyes are never good and always depressing

2008-01-27T02:22:00.000-05:00

You never want to say goodbyes to things that you love, cherish and treasure. This week, I bid another farewell to another colleague who will definitely move on to better things. I have really seen and bade farewell to many people and the feeling lingers for a while before routine work and stress come along and eat away that emotion.

To send her off and wish her all the best, we normally would plan a gathering to share laughter, joy, memorable nostalgia, and of course to inscribe the last moments of being colleagues. So, we did have a small group of people and share a great time eating, sharing silly jokes and extracting her plans for the near future. As for once you are no longer colleagues, you are bound to slowly lose contact and maybe lost touch altogether.

Sigh, one goodbye you wouldn't want to say is to our dear ex-Mr. President, Pak Harto. He passed away just a few hours ago. His health was never good in the past few years. Especially for the whole of past month it's deteriorating fast, and despite numerous attempts to keep him alive, we all know that it's only moments before he breathe out his last breath. The loss of this great leader will be sorely felt throughout the country, the region, and possibly the whole world. Yes, he may have been enveloped in greed, and self-indulgence, but nevertheless, he was the forefather of the emergence of Indonesia from the slumps of poverty, chaos and uncertainty towards the future. 30+ years he ruled and Indonesia prospered that much. The financial crisis cannot be entirely blamed on him, but what and how he knew best to control and grow the economy does not work in the modern times. Alas, the nation grew impatient and all the violence and outcry of the people forced him to relinquish his rule to appease the wrath of the people. For close to 10 years now, the economy suffered, bruised and battered under 3 different leaders. None can match his shrewdness and effectiveness, but his tenure was a tad too long and his grip was too tight. He was what Lee Kuan Yew was to Singapore, Mahathir was to Malaysia, Mao Ze Dong was to China. Without these great leaders, Indonesia nor Singapore would be overlooked by the global powers. That's why you see Lee Kuan Yew sharing some sentimental praise for him during his visit to Jakarta when his health was in critical condition.

I'm sure his passing will attract leaders from around the world with sympathetic condolences as well as grief for the loss of a great man. His legacy, both the good and the bad will always be remembered, but let's hope we do not lower him to a stature that he does not deserve.

So long, and goodbye Pak Harto. We will always remember you for what you have contributed and sacrificed for the better of Indonesia. Your act of greed and favoritism may not bid well to the hearts and soul of your countrymen, but I hope they realize that your deeds outweigh your wrong-doings. May you rest in peace and find solace that you no longer have to carry the burden of watching over your comrades, sons, grandsons and the future of Indonesia. We will not shed tears for you, but your tears will be felt in our hearts for a long time to come.

Cloverfield and Moving field

2008-01-22T10:27:00.000-05:00

Aarrgghhhh.....It's an earthquake...no it's terrorist attacking!! No...it's a MONSTER! Funny thing is no one knows what the monster looks like and don't realize how angry that monster is. Bad thing is, these couple of friends are trying to get out of the country when alas, the beautiful damsel in distress is stuck (literally) in her apartment. The hero tried to rescue her on the expense of his friends and his brother who all ends up dead....But the journey was shaky and heart-pounding. You follow through the action like as if you are experiencing it yourself first-hand.

So, this monster that's invading the city is unfortunately so damn-hard to kill. All those firepower the military has does not seem to have any effect on it. It doesn't look like a lizard, nor godzilla, or whatever known species. It's like a mix of tarantula, praying mantis, and rather human like. So, let your imagination run wild unless you want to go see the movie and bear through the motion ride. At the end of the movie, the people died. The hero and rescued princess included. There's no idea whether the monster survived or died, on which I think it moved on to invade the whole US, wreaking all the havoc its fury has in its soul. Maybe it's frustrated that the water is polluted and want to punish the humans for causing it! Hahaha...

Thanks to this movie, I managed to barf out my fish lunch and having an uneventful after-movie experience. Anyway, it's worth watching for the story-line and the heart-wrenching moments where it carries you through the action first-hand. I wonder what to catch next? The Jumper? I'd like to be able to move anywhere in an instant! LIKE NOW....

I'm on TV!!

2008-01-15T10:22:00.000-05:00

Tonite I got free ticket to watch the Fairprice Variety Show. This is a live recording from Mediacorp studio and it was a rare chance to experience watching a live show. The main attraction was Hagen, one of the contestant from the Superstar Project Season 1. So, we were seated with the supporters of Hagen where I had to hold the poster and sway a yellow lightstick.

Anyway, we reached there at 6:30 and was seated before 7 PM. There was a DJ that help to lighten up the mood and guide us through how to proceed in the live recording. Especially our section whereby we had to cheer for Hagen, we had to practice and shout out the cheer in certain section of the recording. He was also telling us that cameras might zoom in unexpectedly and reminded us not to do anything stupid or embarrassing during the show. When the show started, the hosts, Vivian and Chor Meng was quite energetic. In real person, these 2 celebs are much smaller and shorter than what I normally see on TV. They carried the show with ease as the TV director and all the crew effortlessly supported them.

Then there's the moment of glory whereby I was shot by the cameraman for some airtime. I wasn't entirely aware, but I suddenly received SMSes that asked me if I was watching in the studio. Even my brother SMS me. It was quite a surprise but a delight to know that I was famous for a short while. I think I was zoomed in quite a number of times as what my brother told me. I wish I can watch the repeat broadcast and see where exactly I show up on the show.

Well, so much for the eventful day. We capped it off with a dinner at the Prata House which was delicious. In all, what a day. I hope to get some other chances to see other recording in Mediacorp.

Non-working PC and a week of frustration

2008-01-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

I was out for more than a week - in terms of being online that is. Missed chatting with friends on MSN and maybe updating my blog and my facebook. I still haven't recovered completely from my coughing and had to down those fried and heaty stuff for not wanting to miss out. :)

Sinfully as it sound, actually I am getting better after having those food. I had the SSCI Dinner and Dance on last Sunday, 6 Jan 08 and it was awesome. Went early to help out with the rehearsal for the SSCI 188 team, where they re-enact the famously made-in-Singapore musical of chinese getai. To the joy of our group, they won the 3rd price which was the award of $100. We spent it on a good Arnold's Spring Chicken treat. I tell you, this is the firsts of what of those forbidden food I was supposed to avoid.

This past week also marked the departure of one of the dear colleague. Together, we were part of the group that handled the soon-to-be EOLed project, T-Rex. I will miss her dearly as we went through lots together, but I do wish her all the best as she deserve better. So, now it leaves us (the original crew that got banded together accidentally) with the guys and 1 hard-knock lady. :D

To wish her a good journey ahead, it's a so-called tradition to treat her to lunch, and we did so in the nearby Chai Chee Seafood restaurant. This is my second sinful treat that I was supposed to avoid. Yet, I ate them, and tolerated the suffering as I coughed throughout the whole working hours. Sorry my friends...I do get quite irritating when I cough and cough and cough. I can barely complete a sentence and as I continue to speak or try to joke, it will be disrupted by the hoarse coughing sound.

Then on her last working day for Sanmina, we went to Blue Jazz where we had western food and beer for dinner. Okay, maybe this is a bit dragging it far, but anyway, I had to. Not that it was forced, but out of savouring the last moment together as colleagues. We will definitely arrange outings together, but it's not like we are able to organize as easily as before.

Then, last sinful trip of the week, I went out with the other side of the plant colleagues on Saturday. This time we went to Kuishin-Bo, Japanese buffet in Suntec City. Yes, those tempura, fried and grilled stuff, and the ice-cream. I tell you, I hope all this "poison" can cure me. Hahaha...indeed, I think I should keep eating them as I do feel much better now. Then we spent the rest of the day catching up and sharing nonsensical stories.

Then, I had had it. I had to fix my computer. Too much went on for the week without jotting this down on my blog. So, well I got down to repairing the computer. First, cleaning the inside of my PC. Dusting, blowing, dis-assemble its parts and re-attaching them back. Then, I was supposed to reformat and re-install my Windows. Alas, as I managed to completely install a new fresh Windows, I realize I installed it to the wrong location. So, I lost my saved content on that drive, but I somehow managed to get my PC working without having to re-install a new Windows on my old drive that I'm supposed to reformat. I hope this don't go bonkers again or I'll be quite pissed.

Sigh...I can't upload pictures yet, but I promise you to upload some in my next update. It will include some of the events that went on in the past week. Till then, good nite folks!

First entry of 2008...

2008-01-05T09:17:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay folks...I'm still not totally recovered from my sickness bout, but at least 2008 had arrived. 2007 flew just like that and I felt so bad I neglected this crib. Well, one resolution for 2008 is of course to fill in more entries this time round.

2007 is truly an amazing ride. Work wise, there's a lot that happened. Took over totally new project, new commodities, new suppliers, new colleagues, new boss, and of course new challenges. No doubt it's not easy to learn everything again, but in a short time of less than 1 year, I can truly say this is the first time that I had benefited from working in my post. I have also seen people come and go in a whiz. Some close friends, some not so close and those that I never knew came and left. I had a hard time adjusting at first because not only the value of my commodity is more than doubled or tripled of what I used to handle, the complexity also increased just as many-folds. Imagine handling orders worth tens or even hundreds of thousands. To some, it may be a breeze, but to a noob who just took over from handling meagre thousands, it's definitely a different kind of pressure. Another headache is the pricing fluctuation which is like a stock market. Prices changes just as fast and as furious like the shares prices. Not that it changes everyday, but the monthly changes can mean lots of things in terms of the PPV or the valuations of the parts on order. At times, I worked til very late at night just to catch up with things that I need to do. Then imagine having excesses tagged to your name. I mean every possible bad things and situations related to this commodity that can happen, did happen to me. And as I tried to clear and sell them, it eventually become a second job to me. So, not only I'm the buyer, but I become the seller as well.

Anyway, 2007 passed. I survived the ordeal a much stronger person. I can only hope for better things to come.

2008 - I wish to be more healthy, lose a few kilos hopefully, be more fit. I also wish to have more friends, and hopefully meet a special someone. I also wish to earn more money. And I wish I have another thrilling ride as I am feeling lucky this year. It's the year of the Olympics, year of the 2008 Euro, and the year of the first nite F1 race in Singapore, which I am anticipating with much eagerness...So folks and friends, tune in to this channel and I hope you stay with me for all 2008. See you very very soon...

Prelude to 2008

2007-12-31T10:13:00.000-05:00

2008 is coming. It's time to say goodbye to 2007. And yet, here I am at home, tending to my sickness. Persistent dry cough - already make me lose a few days sleep and good rest. I hope I do get better soon. Anyway, New Year is supposed to be for new resolutions, how to improve your state of life, finding a new goal, reaching new height...u name it, u got it. Yet the one obstacle is actually DOING it. :) I know I have been a bad procrastinator, but I assure you, i will look forward to 2008 with much zest and determination. So much for the year that has been wonderful, and I'll be welcoming the fabolous 2008 in a few minutes time.

Counting down to 2008!

2007-12-04T09:11:00.000-05:00

A year passed.....

No updates....

To be continued....

Ringing in the New Year 2007 - Year of the Pig

2006-12-31T08:01:00.000-05:00

Yes, in a couple of hours, it will be 2007. Gone is the 2006, filled with much disasters, misfortunes, and disappointments. But on the bright side, it has seen great achievements, success stories, miracles and memorable moments.

Italy owned the World Cup at Germany, Singapore sets new record with 8 gold in the Asian games. Floods, muds, blizzards, bombs, earthquakes. Those are the highlights of the year in the newspaper. Zidane headbutt became a legend for a man whose greatness will now be overshadowed with that incident. Now fashion and books take advantage of this to make great money or charity. Puskas, the great legend passed. James Brown, the soul king, who graced the movie the Tuxedo and countless great numbers which touched the hearts of many passed also last Christmas. Not forgetting, Saddam Hussein also got his deserved punishment, the hanging altar, right just this past weekend. Bush losing his stand in political arena in US, and Rumsfeld got the kick for his baby project - Invade Iraq and establish democracy. Thailand witnessed a coup de tat and Thaksin was ousted as Prime Minister, not once but twice!! Reinstated after he gave up the seat and later not welcomed back when he's out of the country. Pity our Indonesian President, Mr Bambang Yudhoyono. His term was marred with natural disasters and epidemic bird flu. He could have been a greater leader with better deliverables if only the troubles stop coming one after another. I believe the economy could really improve under his leadership. Japan....Koichiro Koizumi...also another great leader....Signed off his term with the visit to the King's museum. By King I was referring to the late King Elvis. Mr. Koizumi even donned some great shades and mimicking the late King's slick moves. Bush watched in awe as he saw a very liberal leader enjoying his last days as the PM of Japan. Enter into the picture Mr. Abe, Shinzo...a very young leader to command the third largest economy of the world. I hope he is able to stabilize Asia fending off and counter-balancing the surging Chinese domination of the world of late.

Wow....you really can't imagine just what a year can bring...So much happening around the world, and if you just focus on your city/state, the magnitude for comparison is just immeasurable. But hey, if you even focus it even more...take your life for the past year, reflect on things you have done, it's scary to think just what did revolve around your life in the past year. I would say 2006 has been quite a good year. I started with nothing but ended with something I would be satisfied with. A job, a circle of friends, bond with family, good health, a sustainable piggy bank, and heck to top it off, I even got my own insurance policy! Hahaha...of course it's not all smooth-sailing when you had your ups and downs, but the downs keep you getting up.

I hope for the closing of a great year, there's an even better year ahead. I am truly, sincerely, from deep within my heart, want to wish all my family members, relatives, friends, colleagues, acquiantances, suppliers I liaise with, and all the people around the world: "HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY THE NEW YEAR GRACE YOU WITH FORTUNES AND PLENTIFUL OF GOOD HEALTH AND LOVE"

So, wherever you are....be ready for the countdown!! 3.....2.....1......

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2006-12-13T07:29:00.000-05:00

Now...give it up for the Polar Bear! Happy Birthday yo! I'd like to give you a Tiger to tame you down, but I'm afraid of the scuffle....Tigers don't really live well in cold weather but it does warm you up in cold times. I also know what a Tiger can do to a Polar Bear....it can make him red as tomato and go on a cleaning spree....sorry dude...spill some of that embarrassing moments.

Hahaha...alright...bad pun indeed. Hope your Birthday is as sweet as mine. Ooppss...I forgot to mention...it's my birthday too!! YAY!! DOUBLE HOORAY!! Who would've thought a pooch and a polar bear can share the same birthday? Now where did that come from?

My birthday...to sum it up....nice, quiet and peaceful. Just some warm wishes from parents in the wee hours of the morning all the way from Jakarta and some close friends in Singapore. Not to mention some in black and white from friends in distant places. Thank you all! It made my day knowing that some of you spend some of your time in the day to congratulate this ingrateful pooch!! ahaha...yes ingrateful for being so ignorant to my friends lately. Can't blame me...work is eating up most of my weekday. It feels nice to be able to pass the day quietly in the office....well no one knew that it's my birthday actually....so it's good....keep a low profile....so like Pooch.

Anyway, stop it with the third person thingy....I would like to give my heart-felt wishes and share this joyful day with the one who shares the same birthday as me. Well, I know another one, so Happy Birthday to you too Nicky! hahaha....well....let's do it threesome next time....ahhh....Pooch is getting naughtier by the minute....gotta stop! STOP IT!! ahahaha...okay okay.....I'd better stop now or you think I'd had a drop too many.....No la...no drinks today...gotta work tomorrow....Can't let them think this Poochy is da par-tay kid in town!

So then....ciao birthday friends....hope your day is extra special and much better than mine....WOOHOOOOO..........

UPDATES! UPDATES! HOT OFF THE PRESS!!

2006-12-11T09:02:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the overdue posting. Overdue is now becoming a familiar word used in my work. Overdue means somebody has de-committed and that parts will not come as previously promised. So, an overdue PO can mean only 1 thing…either line down or parts went missing!!

Anyway, past month has been quite eventful for me. I had been to 2 weddings, 1 annual company Dinner and Dance and lots of savouring of fine dining! Yes…fine dining they are….1 wedding is hosted at a posh buffet restaurant in Marina Square. Normally, lunch rate is at $35++. The food ranges from eastern selection to western selection with variety of seafood to select from. I managed to try most of them and I had to say the Dory fish was the best one of all, aside from the mussels and oysters. Yummm….

Then the other wedding is for one of my college-mate back from little town of Waverly, Iowa. He was one cool Singaporean dude who had a diverse mix of friends of different culture and colors. You can safely assume that he knows everyone in the whole college. Maybe I am a little exaggerating, but it is believable. Anyway, his bride hails from Texas and it doesn’t strike any surprise since his adaptability with people make him unique. A cute couple to say the least, as what Daniel Ong repeatedly mentioned as the host of thewedding (with the pinching cues that he does to make the bridegroom blush so many times). It was beautiful and at the same time heart-warming as the atmosphere of the ballroom hall in the Four Season’s Hotel is set to an autumn arrangements. Most of the people present at the wedding are families and relatives with only about 3 tables out of 16 are reserved for some of his closest friends, hailing from Indonesia to the US. I told you, he’s special enough that people are willing to sacrifice the time and money to be there to gracehis wedding ceremony. And to top it all off…the little mini-wedding cake that is made by the same chef who prepared their wedding cake is just God damn amazing!! I should really get the cake from them for my parents’ upcoming 25 years silver anniversary.

Ah….let me tell you this…My weekend is filled with 3 sumptous meals. First comes the lunch buffet at Marina Square then followed by the company’s D&D, a full 10-course meal complemented with some in-house entertainment hosted by one of the more famous funny-man, Moe Alkaff. The next day, the wedding dinner for Uncle Koh (as he’s affectionately known, and no he’s not that old). At the end of his wedding dinner, I was stuffed…feel blessed…a little broke from the angpow that was given away….and extremely exhausted. Worse that Monday is just a few hours away.

Well well…I can’t describe much for the D&D except that it’s been quite a fun night. It doesn’t help that you sit with people that you don’t really like (can’t form a table otherwise). But it is exciting to see like….a scantily-clad female singer…(that in itself is rather peculiar for this sort of event) and even more weird that she actually approached the red-table (for those VIPs) and get them to the stage to dance with her. Amazingly, she got our Plant manager and Materials director to dance to the tune. A spectacle no less. I would upload the video on my blog, but I’m afraid doing so will jeopardize my stay with the company. ;p

Anyway, pictures should be just fine. A few more days and 2006 is going to close. I will turn 24 and the world will keep going as it has been for the past hundres/thousands of centuries. Can’t believe that at 24 I have yet to achieve anything much. Maybe I have set my standards a bit high or maybe I don’t have a target at all which makes my life seems like floating in the middle of nowhere. Nonetheless, it’s that time to make your New Year resolutions. I don’t think I fulfilled much of my current year’s resolution, but I will try my best to achieve my next year’s. It’s always better to look forward than to look at the past. And I quote from Gurmit Singh’s thank you speech, “There’s a Chinese saying: huo tau lau, xue tau lau.” Meaning live until you’re old, but also learn all the way until you are old. It is very meaningful and teaches us that there is nothing that we can’t learn and there will always be something new that we can learn.

Me and Cassandra (the most helpful and patient PA)

Christie, Zhigang and Daphne. Isn't Zhigang feeling lucky that night?

Me and Christie (best dressed lady of the night)

Yvonne and Yong Wah. They're in the spotlight. God knows what they're liable to...

Jerry, Zhigang and myself

The whole Overland team.

With the whole crew and the manager who hired all of us, Jennifer Peh

The peeps at my table with the VIPs of the day

Jessica in the wedding gown with Uncle Koh

Looked very lost. I don't know anyone other than the groom!

Reflection

2006-11-12T07:42:00.000-05:00

Reflection - that's a word that I am very familiar with as I grew up in a Catholic, or rather La Sallian, education system. A reflection is whereby one looks back at the actions taken and "reflect" back on implications it has on the resulting consequences.

Reflecting back on my past actions...or none taken in my case, I have been wondering, what is it I am looking forward to or what is it that I am aiming for? It's not easy in this modern world whereby materialistic needs overcome social and pyschological needs. As it goes in the pyramid of human needs, sanitary and social needs supersede all other needs or should I say wants? It is this desire that is driving humanities to greed and vice activities. Unlike those that are born with silver spoons on their tables, most of people has to pour all their sweats and blood into doing something decent to earn some proper earnings to just get by.

Thinking back on this, I am ashamed to say I have been too naive at what I do at work. Despite the importance of my role in the company, I do not think whatever I do will ever be enough or on par to anyone's expectations. Just because I am what I do, they expect it no less. It's a man eat man world after all. Even though I spent all of my time persuading my supplier with shameless tactics and bullish demeanor, my natural instinct and personality just add all that into quilty conscience ever more. And yet, I know I am not doing enough to be carrying out my responsibilities according to what is needed for this sort of field. It's like meeting a soft, considerate bully who bullies a victim with the group and yet later returns to offer help to the victims.

Anyway, after a good 3 months at my job, I have absorbed all the likes and dislikes of my job, and learn to adapt to the environment. Unfortunately, or should I say fortunately, my team are pretty much invisible and prone to being ignored by the rest of the department. This absolves us from all the persistent howls and nasty treatments that the others underservedly get. I really hope I am still very much transparent enough that this blog doesn't get recognized as a place where I rant about people at work! Hahahaa....

By the way, I read that Singapore youths and community are internet-savvy. More than half of its youths (16-24 years group) blogs or keeps some sort of online journal to rant about their daily life. And close to 40% of the older age groups does this. Even the government is trying to tap into the community with podcast and vodcast. Amazing achievement and feat for the little red dot state-country. I am not trying to be bashful, but I am imagining the attitude of the "bo chap" and kiasu citizens ranting about their dislikes about their own life and nation. I am a victim of it myself. Oh god, thinking about it is giving me goosebumps.

Well....I guess I better leave it at that. Keep my feelings personal and all what's written here to be stored here and only for people who read it in their own memories. As for my resentment, it will die down soon enough. I don't bear or hold grudges and I am sure this will pass by in no time. In the meantime, some tolerance and ruthlessness is needed more in me to survive in this fast-paced, man eat man working environment!

Haze Craze

2006-10-15T02:19:00.000-04:00

HELP!! STOP IT!! GASP....It's suffocating....For the past 2 weeks or so, the haze came back to haunt Singapore like it did almost a decade ago. This latest hack, slash and burn is causing so much uproar in the region. I myself hated it because not only it disrupts the environment, but it's bad for your health and overall being.

IT'S BEEN A WHILE! How's everyone doing? I know I've been missing for a long time...And as much as I missed most of you, I have bottled a lot of things inside of me and I think it's a good time and place to let it all out...

The past month has been really hectic. It comes in bits and parcels of a working life and a lonely dude. Yeah...getting all sappy, but don't blame this dude right here. Just plying his time in this dynamic world which is ever-changing. So, end of the month in September I had a 20-hour work day! YES! 20-hour if you believe me! It's the year-end closing for my company's financial year, so we had to do a proper stock "count" and yes it's literal counting of parts which numbered to the tens of thousands. After counting, we had to do tags which was basically to confirm on the stock location that the quantity matches to what we counted. All this manual labour included writing the quantity on the tags....And believe me guys...it's worse than detention or any punishments because you're literally scribbling thousands of pages with numbers!! And luckily we managed to finish at abt 4 AM and the sun has not risen for the day!

Nonetheless, out of work life, I'm starting to find a growing number of friends again here in Singapore which I have been hanging out more often. One member of the BC gang is back to Singapore to ply his trade. I think he's got quite a good spot in what he's doing now. He enjoys it and I'm happy for him. Great job bud, and I sure look forward to hang out more often with u, if your gf dun mind of course! :D

Also, this long-lost primary school friend. I mean it's hard to find or should I say re-connect with one of your long-time ago friend. I will try to locate and re-connect with more of them as time goes. I am glad to say she's also got her work cut out and I'm wishing her all the best in what she does. Working in Singapore is never easy and I guess you have to be patient and ignorant of the rants they give you. I had to experience it first-hand and absorb the inferiority for the times I've spent in my field of work. But now I'm enjoying it and loving it. Nah....I'm being sarcastic in saying that I love it. But I get to learn a lot of this industry and the players. It's very interesting and you meet with obstacles that I'm sure you appreciate in the future that you faced it earlier on in your career.

Enough about work....Lately, I caught 2 movies which were rather disappointing to my high-standards according to certain someone from up North!! Hahaha...no offense there dude. Well, first of all Miami Vice. I heard a lot of good vibes for this movie. Especially with the ever-enchanting beauty of Gong Li. She has all the creds for this movie (as reportedly stole the show from the boys...and she does it amazingly). But Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx are straight up BAD! And so are the vices...It makes me think Miami is so happening....But I can never adapt to that kind of culture. I'm subtle and I don't think the kind of life is suitable for me....other than the fast and furious cars and beautiful babes.... HA! BLAME ME FOR BEING A GUY!!

Anyway, the movie was too "reel" and it made a feeling that you're watching a reality TV movie. Maybe we are naive in believing the syndicates are that powerful, but damn, they are real mean baddies with that Eastern/Middle European connections. I wouldn't wanna be tangled up in any of those. The shooting scene is very lame and I doubt that it was very nicely coreographed. I give it a 3 out of 5 mostly because Gong Li is so very good as the heroine/villain of the story. I don't think it made sense did it? GIMME THAT FERRARI GOD DAMMIT!

Then the other movie I went for was the Departed. I was biased against this movie because I appreciated the HK's Infernal Affairs very much. And to think Leo DC and Matt Damon could actually replace/re-enact the charismatic characters produced by Andy Lau and Tony Leung? Not in a million years!! Although I agree Jack Nicholson was more gangster than Eric Tsang, no less the henchmen and minions are more ruthless in HK especially great performance by Chapman To. Oh and of course I think Cate Blanchett and Kelly Chen are comparable in their hotness and sexyness....too bad Kelly didn't take off her clothes like Cate did. Oohhh and where's Sammi's character in the Departed? It's not supposed to be Cate that is dating Matt Damon. Hehe....and they didn't have the younger Andy Lau and Tony Leung which are great choices in selecting Edison Chan and Shawn Yue. I think Leo and Matt would be better playing these roles while the older and grown-up ones are played by like Tom Cruise/Brad Pitt or Pierce Brosnan and Antonio Banderas. Haha...dun laugh at my selections of actors. It would also help that the psychiatrist is played by the gorgeous Jennifer Connelly.

Anyway, the story didn't really flow since it skipped a lot of the transition of the "rat" and their roles in police/hood. But they had a lot of conversation and the dry humour does lit up the otherwise boring movie. I think Mark Wahlberg did a good job playing the good bad cop! Hahaha...and did I miss anyone else? Ahh...that fat black dude (not trying to be racist here) but I think he's so out of place in the movie. Can't they find a much better person playing the side role? Haiz...so much complain...I'm so sucked into this Singapore culture....I hope I don't get transformed to be the "rat" here!

Haha...I am so waiting for Death Note now...I loved the comic for it's great story and development of human nature given the god-like powers. But I don't know how the movie will turn out. Well, be ready to churn out that $10. I mean I don't earn much, but if I keep spending money on things that don't worth it, it's gonna start to pile up ain't it?? hehehe....

To wrap things up, I hope to hang out more with my long-lost friends and of course the current ones. I apologize if my current life schedule does not permit me to spend more time with them or to initiate the conversation be it MSN or e-mail. I don't usually draw the first blood, but once you hooked me up to it, I'll be yours. To lend a helping hand, ears, nose, legs, any parts of my body as long as it's still reasonable and within the limit. I know it's going to be my downfall in the future, but that's just my nature and I know those who call me friends know me well enough to take on that advantage!! Hahaha...just kidding mates.....take care and see you at the next updates.

In the meantime, enjoy the Deepavali and Hari Raya or as they call it here in Singapore Happy Deepa Raya!!

Ciao...

What a weekend...

2006-09-25T10:13:00.000-04:00

Heeyaaaa..........Yes, I am back much sooner than any of you think!! Work is still the same...keeping me buried all the time. I wonder if there was ever you can finish something within the week. It's not helping that it's the financial year end closing. All the rush, all the panic! Good thing weekend came to the rescue. I forced myself not to go even knowing that there was lots of unsettles and unfinished businesses.

So, I spent the Saturday morning going to the gym. It was quite a good workout despite a long break from the workout routine. I can feel myself panting harder than usual, and I know that I am pushing myself a little harder than what I could handle. In the end, it was a shortened session with my feeling giddy and lethargic. But still, it was quite a good workout session. One filled with lots of perspiration and muscle aches!! The rest of the Saturday afternoon was spent on the dreamland. Yupe, good old rest...

Now, the Sunday I had an unexpected date. An old friend - a classmate - in fact came calling to ask me out. It's been more than a decade as what she blurted, and I had to admit that time really flies so fast. We were primary school buddy and the last time we met was sometime before the year 2000!! So, she's back after her shool in Switzerland and she had started working for a week. We met up, feeling a little awkard at first since we haven't met for so long, and just started to open that old dusty story book that has been kept away in the beneath of our memory banks! Faces were faint, stories a little confused and names felt strange or unfamiliar. But the good memories bring back nostalgic feeling.

Ahhh...so, Singapore the city, the country. Yet, both of us were totally blank when we were struck with the question of where should we go next? We head to the cinema thinking if there was a movie we could watch, but she had watched most of them. So, we went on to walk around and through the whole of Orchard. Yeah....we walked alright...walking blindly and chatting aimlessly throughout the whole walk. A misadventure of two clueless people.

The misadventure continued when we went to this Padang Restaurant that I was gonna take her. Unfortunately the restaurant wasn't open and we were brought into the Quay where she spotted the Chilli Crab dish! Ahh....this is the start of the nightmare!! We ordered one Singapore Chilli Crab and we were shocked by the size of that crab!! Imagine two people sharing a crab!?!? It was quite some feast and I was literally grasping for breath while trying to finish my share. Then, with the last piece, it was the pincer like the size of my own fist!! Man...I can't imagine how I finished that. I had a full stomach, one filled with guilt and satisfaction owing to overeating!! But, eating a good feast once in a while is not that bad. What more to share it with a good old friend. Anyway, the night was not getting any younger. Monday is so called the dreaded working day, and we decided to call it quits. She felt rather quilty making me eat so much....and I do blame her!! HAhaha....just kidding. I am alright, and it's nothing like it was so much of a torture or suffering with a bloated stomach! ;p

Nonetheless, nothing can replace the value of good times spent with a good old friend whom you have not seen for a very long time. We parted ways in MRT and I head home where I know Monday awaits me with tons of work!! But guess what?? Another friend is coming to Singapore and I hope I can make her feel welcomed in Singapore. Hehe....Changi Airport is my next destination when she is arriving.

Anyway, it's getting late now. Monday is drawing to a close and I'm glad that Monday blues is already over! Take care guys....

Love oh Love....Where art thou...

2006-09-17T04:24:00.000-04:00

I'm BACK! To all my avid readers who are dying in a state of boredom and anxiety while anticipating my latest updates, I can only say please forgive me. I know I made you all worry, or in a state of depression for not seeing any updates, but sometimes I also feel the dwindling readers on my blog does put me in a passive mode! Hahaha....

Nonetheless, the past month has gone by pretty quickly. Lots of things happened, and much more things didn't happen. I know some may say I am drowning in my work, and I hate to admit that I am slowly being gulped by this enormous wave (recollect tsunami?). Yes, work-wise, I am getting more comfortable, but the workload does not seem to decrease! I mean, out of the 3 buyers in the team, I handle the most number of parts, but it can be taxing when I am being pushed around for this and that. Well, I guess it's all in a day's job. I am getting to know my suppliers one by one and I think when they give you the help, it feels your day is better and you've done a good job, but it's not as simple as that. The truth is, the project got off to such a bad start that it is putting a heavy burden on all the people in the team. The management side only see it as a money-losing project and keep asking us to cost down, but it can't happen because it was proposed as a high-end product with cheap pricing which we are not able to meet.

Enough 'bout work. I guess work is taking away too much of my time from family, friends, and the hunt for Ms. Right! Hahaha...yes peeps...I admit I AM LONELY! I can feel deep down inside that it is craving for some love. REAL LOVE! ahaha....not that my parents or friends are not giving enough, but this real love comes from someone who shares all your happiness and pains with you. Someone who can complete you, someone who can support you. I know I am not any younger, and the more you delay looking for love, the more your life is dwindling away without love and it can be tough in a stressful environment. That special someone can help you to forget all that just by the sight of her. That someone can make you feel that you are so special just being by her side. And that someone can make you become instantly refreshed just because she is there to comfort you. And the sad thing is that the special someone is somewhere out there waiting for you to embrace her as well. Ahh....this is a feeling I'm missing for so long.

I can't say much more and I am hoping all my friends can find the same thing as I am searching for. For those that are happily married, I give them my blessings. For those that are facing troubles and conflicts, I give them my prayers, and to those looking for the love or just lost them, I am providing my sympathy for them. For all these are just a phase. Treasure the present and build the future. Don't linger on the past as it will haunt you. Let the present dictate what the past has carried you through and look forward to a better future. This is a message that I hope my friends in their own good and bad situations can remember and get through their own stumbling blocks.

As for myself, I think I am just slowly enjoying the rest of my Sunday. Mondays and Tuesdays are busy days for me. But I do enjoy my work. I also enjoy the people I'm working with, and the people I'm working for. Hopefully it can only get better for my job and that the project will be a major success so that I can give myself and my colleagues a pat in the back to acknowledge that all our hard work is not for naught!

To all my friends: strive hard in whatever you do and I know you will realize your dream someday!

Brian signing off with lots of love!

Chocolate, Candies and Sweets for me....

2006-08-26T06:59:00.000-04:00

Alright....calm down guys... I'm not MIA, or swallowed and burried with my work. (although it's partly true that I was a little too consumed in my work ;p)

But, I'm here and staying here for good. You just have to be patient for my updates starting now. Yes, it's already a month since I started work. I have also received my first paycheck and it does smell good and feel good. I have also just recently moved to the new office which will be my permanent location. I got my own cubicle set up, a brand new computer all set up as well. All it needs is a little decoration and in time I am sure it will feel just like my own space and home in the office (hahaha..hopefully not litterally camping there for late night stays!)

But I think I am loving my job. Although it may be ardous task for now, but I'm sure once the project takes off, all that hard work will be worth it!! Plus all the bonus that will come in with the effort. Hmm...for the past 2-3 weeks that I have not updated, I have been to a basketball championship in the very own Singapore...4 countries playing at least once again one another. They are national teams consisting of some very recognized NBA players like Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Darko (YES DARKO! AND HE'S DAMN GOOD!) and many more. Well, 4 countries that participated was Spain, Argentina, Serbia&Montenegro and Slovenia. And how ironic is that to find 4 Toronto Raptors players! ahahaha...guess they can't attract any good North American players in their team.

Anyway, about my job. Yes though I may be busy with the project (mind you, this is still in such an infant stage and it is in a critical situation...as my boss like to mention please take care of this baby coz it is in ICU) hahaha...I'm gonna miss her. She may be fierce and strict, but she has her good points and recognize employees for their effort in the work they do.

So, moving to this new place is good in one way. A new environment, quite a couple new faces, and best of all, all new things to look forward to. Production is closer now, and you can literally see it in work later. All that is not confirmed yet is when the production will be moved to my the new plant.

What else eh? I think I have been too busy at my own things that I haven't really pay heed to my friends or look for them. Sorry guys..... I didn't mean to ignore you guys. Hopefully when the baby has been stabilized and pass the critical stage, I'll be able to spend more time with you guys.

I guess it's enough for now lahh.....I'll sign off with a pic or two to follow the trend of pics in their blogs! ;p

Manu Ginobili: Star and idol to Singaporeans there

Uti, Andrew (my bro) and myself with Gasol in the background

Me and my bro after one of the match

Last shot of the game: Note the jersey number and shot clock time (freaky right?)
S&M lost by the way

Darko looking dejected watching S&M thrashed by Spain

A shot by Garbajosa who is a member of the new Toronto Raptors season

The Week of Heaven and Hell: The Motley Crew

2006-08-06T10:38:00.000-04:00

So, there I arrive ready to be busy and be piled with tons of work. Apparently, even though I had setup my access to the network and e-mail, I still have a lousy computer which doesn't let me connect to the network and shared drive. Thus, I spent most of the Monday doing it "virtually" as I observed and watched Daphne do the routine for that Monday.

Due to the fact that I have signed confidentiality terms and conditions, I shall not reveal too much about the description of my work and my customers, but I will give enough directions to have you all readers a feel of what I do. The assignment given to me was that I had to send the forecast for items that will be needed to suppliers. This forecast was for demands of items needed to build the system for the period of the coming quarter. I was of course given a list of suppliers' contacts, but it is somewhat not the most recent. So, the list of suppliers I had to send go to as long as 30-40 and even some of them bounced back as they already left their position or on leave. It was not easy. I was not sure if they even got it and read it as I am not supposed to be expecting any replies anyway.

Then the second assignment I got was to pull in (or bring forward scheduled delivery) for items that were needed to produce the system we're building. Okay, I am going to breach a little of my contract agreement here! The thing is that my team will be involved with the new product that we are building for one of the biggest ISS division. Okay, techie will know what ISS means, and I am not going to debrief those who are lost! Anyway, this customer is a household name and you would see it anywhere you see computers or peripheral computer accessories. And if we missed out on this fragment of business, there will never be a second chance at it. The downside is that the pilot launch is very close and that production of the system is to be revamped up and we are so much in short of the parts needed to build them. Thus, the strain and perplex condition that I am facing in trying to gather all those parts in to build the system before the agreed role date for the customer.

The extent is just as huge as the recent news of Microsoft's falling stock prices as the announcement was made regarding the push back date for the new Windows Vista. So, the whole group (not only us buyers), which include the Program Manager, Purchasing Manager, and all relevant corporate members who are involved in this project is being targeted if the project fails. If the project fails, it can cost millions and heads rolling! So, you can understand my pressure of trying to bring all these parts in early!

I filtered the parts from the Oracle system that the company uses and to my amused look, I find a minimum of 500 parts that needs to be pulled in. And about 300 of those needs to be docked in and pass inspection by next week!! Ahhh....sending e-mails became the bread and butter of my work for the next few days. Of course I had to anticipate for reply from customers for good and bad news. Then, came one really bad news. One supplier was supposed to deliver the parts sometime in August and they had to delay it to DECEMBER!! Imagine the shocks to all the people who received that news! I saw my senior project planner screaming and shouting at the supplier at the cause. I was tasked to source the parts to stockist. Meaning like bookies who has access to a network of 3rd party suppliers for these parts. But of course the price will vary and with the strict standard of pricing that the kind my company deal with, it will be hard to find a suitable quote for decent pricing for the similar part! To my luck, I had a part that came in cheaper than the supposed price that we are supposed to buy! And I received some compliments! Haha...now the only thing is I needed to buy it. But it was already Thursday evening when I receive that quote. I had to go for a whole day orientation on Friday and I was panicking about my work throughout the whole orientation.

Yes, orientation was somewhat boring and too long! Although I get to tour the facility and production, my mind was constantly on the work I had to do. All those replies from e-mails and whatever things I had to do! But, looking at the China women do their work somewhat eases my mind a little bit! Hahhaa....alright, not all of them, but I was intrigued having looked at SMT machines which I had only chanced upon on textbooks and all those reading materials. And also, I get to learn about ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) and all the importance to an electronics manufacturing companies especially my company.

So, orientation finished and I had to complete my medical check-up with the resident nurse for the company record. There goes another 30 minutes of my work day. Effectively, that Friday I only worked for 3,5 hours and it was already 7:30 at night. I can't do anything else since I also gave up on those suppliers still being at their desk doing their work on a Friday night!! So, I had no choice but to also leave. I mean, I have this half-day training on Saturday teaching us how to use the Oracle.

I am not going to go into much details about my Saturday training. Just that the location was at my future workplace, and I loved the exterior and interior of the factory. It is much better and I hoped it will lead to a better working condition compared to the one now. The downside is food will be much harder to scour. The day's training really drained my energy, but I had enough strength left in me to go out with one of my old secondary school friend out for a coffee (much needed caffeine) and a good Nasi Padang meal somewhere near Boat Quay/Clarke Quay! OOooooo boy, let me tell you....it's one of the best in Singapore that I have tasted so far!! For those who are keen for a sample, you can ask me out next time. I won't mind treating some ladies if asked nicely! Hahaha...Noe...no treat for you...this one a bit more expensive larhhh...
Hehehe.....good day, but a hellish week! Gosh, now it's already 10 PM Sunday night, and I can't imagine how my inbox will be like for tomorrow!! God Bless I can survive the week ahead! But, you know what? I am loving my job. Even though it's like I am thrown into the hell pit, I got to learn much more at a much faster pace. I know I should expect the fast pace given the nature of the business of my company, but I am sure to benefit if I can make it through this project. I just wish the bonus will commensurate with the effort I put in into this project!! Alright....I am out...peace guys...Hope your weekend had been a blast!!

Adios

The End

Premiere: A Wedding and A Week of Hell and Heaven

2006-08-06T08:56:00.001-04:00

Wow...what a week!! Let me tell you...I don't know if I should fill it up all in this one post or to break it down to two posts! Well, if you see a sequel on my latest post, then it will be a sequel. Apparently, Hollywood's been making money out of sequel of Blockbuster caliber movies. :D

Alrighty....First of all, I had a good trip home. Arrived at Soekarno-Hatta about 9:30 in the morning. Cipto was stuck in the traffic and I waited in the MickeyD calling a couple of friends who gave some surprised/shocked tunes. Hahaha....either it's for my surprise presence in Jakarta or the fact that I am only there for 2 days!

So Cipto came and we chatted for the whole drive to my home. It feels good meeting an old friend again. It's been...4 months!! hahaha....But well, it was good to catch up with what each of us had been doing since the last time we met. Then in the afternoon, it was a date with my good ol' budy from my secondary school days. We met up for lunch and spend the time after that in TIMEZONE!! Yeah...it was fun alright. Arcade gaming has certainly evolved a lot!! I played a couple of shooting games and it was exciting. Excited to the point that I bruised my finger and even scraped off a part of my skin. HA! A memento of modern arcade gaming! Then, spent the rest of the evening shopping at Carefour for whatever I needed to bring back to Singapore.

Then evening comes. The big day is here. I was supposed to be picked up by one of my uni days buddy who lives rather near my place. So, I already took my shower, sprayed some cologne and perfume. Put on my neatly pressed shirt and my blazer! Ahh...I look like a million bucks!! Ready to rock and roll...and hopefully rock some girl's heart along the way. You know a.k.a wedding crasher!! Hahaha....

Over at the event....Hotel Mulia....it was quite the wedding. Although it was still sparse, I met with so many of my ol' friends from uni that I haven't met in years!! Great atmosphere....exquisite decorations and of course good gourmet around. Too bad I didn't eat that much in the wedding due to the long queues. Nonetheless, my time there was spent mostly chatting away with a lot of old friends and finding out how they've been doing these past years! The bride and the groom look stunning as they shook hands with guests. Usually, he was the kind of guy that look so menacing with his different looks. Once, he had a bald do with mean beard and moustache that made him look like one of those mean chinese cooks ready to butcher people! And at times, his thick curly hair and also his beard and moustache can make kids cry from far away!! Hahaha...so imagine him being in one of those normal and calm looking demeanor. Can't take the lightning away from him on his big day!!

To think that this was the longest I have stayed for a wedding. We were practically the last ones to leave other than the bride and groom and maybe family members who overstayed their presence. I mean, the newly weds surely wants some lovey-dovey first night right?? HAhahaha...we joked so much about it that we almost made the casually talked joke of opening a room with call-girls with the groom into almost happening. Nonetheless, we ended up the day satisfied, full of memories, and most of all, dead exhausted. Good thing it falls on a Saturday and people can catch up with the rest on the Sunday.

Alright good looking gents and ladies...

A picture with the bride and groom along with all the ISU current and alumnus

So, the Sunday I had planned to meet up with one of my very close friend. The problem is the handset that I brought home gives some problems. Not only the battery is losing its juice, the reception is rather bad. It ended up to be a short meeting as he had to go for work! Yes...work on Sunday which I find hard to believe!! Anyway, I overstayed and I had to make another trip to Mega Mall to run some errand. The thing is that my flight is at 3:20 in the afternoon and I still have to make a trip to my old home (which now belongs to my mom's brother) to pray for the death anniversary of my grandfather. Yes...some coincidence eh? To think that it's been more than a decade and it's like my second or third time paying respect to my late grandfather. My uncles and aunt who saw me was rather surprised. Again...I can't make out whether it's because of my presence or the fact that I was only staying in Jakarta for 2 days and even worse, leaving in a few hours! hahaha....But it was always good to be able to sample some of good traditional and good Bagan food!! hahaha...can't let it go to waste. Then, it was time to say goodbyes. I had packed all my stuff in the morning, and I was ready to go. My bag only contain my suit that I wore the day before and just a pair of shorts and stinky socks and undies.

Anyway, I left Jakarta and came back to Singapore. The weird thing is that now I feel more "home" back to Singapore than back to home in Jakarta! I am so bad. It's not I am defecting or betraying the sense of patriotism, but it's just that having spent most of my life in Singapore, I can relate better to the environment here than in Indonesia. It also helps that Singapore is a much better country than Indonesia!! ;p

Ahh....and back to work. I am expecting a somewhat hectic Monday. I had to pick up my S pass in the morning in the Tanjong Pagar Complex and all it took was a mere 5 minutes wait. I guess no one is really kiasu enough to come right when it opens at 8 AM. But, I start work at 8 and I felt bad to leave for my work when it matters most on Monday mornings!! So, I got to office at 8:45 AM and luckily or unfortunately work was still there waiting and the other two in my team was still somewhat clueless as what to do with all that work!!

CLIFFHANGER!!

I can't express a more suspenseful emotion, but here is where it is supposed to end with...

to be continued...

The Many of Firsts

2006-07-27T10:19:00.000-04:00

Ahh....just got back from work. The clock shows it's almost 8 at night. I had my dinner, watched some usual 9 PM drama, and here I am...ready to sleep to prepare another day at work. Yes, it's my first day today. I finally submitted my application for the issue of my S pass. The process of submission wasn't as complicated....what made it is the stupid HR person: JONATHAN!

OMG....today on the way to work, I saw him getting onto the bus. He clearly ignored me. Either he really feign ignorance or whatever....man, it's just disgusting that there's actually a person like him. In the HR office itself, he didn't have the slightest bit of care to attend to me while waiting to be picked up by someone from the department. I'm just disgusted to my very guts.

Anyway, first day of work was not so bad. The manager who hired me was super glad to see me. She sighed a relief and said, "finally". Man...that in itself made me feel welcome. The thing is, I just found out that I'll be transferred to the Chai Chee facility along with 3 other fresh grads where we will work as a team and handle the purchasing responsibilities in the Chai Chee facilities. So, there was only 2 who had reported for work. One is Jerry and he's from Ipoh and the other is Daphne, a Singaporean. And then there's me, Brian from Jakarta! hhaaha...more like Singapore-bred Batavian. Well, both of them started a week or two ahead of me, and pretty much was into the game of what we're supposed to do. So, meanwhile, Pauline Wong, who was the designated mentor would have to re-teach everything she told the both of them. Good thing that I am someone who's familiar with a couple of stuff and a quick learner on top of that. The unfortunate thing is that I don't have access to a working computer so that I can try things hands-on like Oracle, the MRP and some other stuff that I will be dealing with days in and days out. Nonetheless, I filled my time reading newsletter and stuff. The more I read, the more I am intrigued by my company. It seems they are bigger than what I had originally imagined.

So....tomorrow is Friday, yet I am at distraught thinking what will I be doing tomorrow for about 9 hours without a working computer. Man....it must really suck. But then, Saturday I am flying to Jakarta to attend my friend's wedding while also catching up with other friends that I have not met since I left the land of US of A. So....a great weekend to look forward to and a hellish Monday awaits. Hold on, have I told you guys that my job revolves around the all-important Monday? Monday is the day that the cycle starts anew with all the new items to buy and all the other items that have not been processed, sent, or received from the suppliers. So, basically what me as a buyer has to do is to complete all the necessary items that shows up on the MRP complete everything by hook or by crook by the end of the week before the next Monday comes up with new stuff. And I also realised after being informed by Pauline that my company sets a very high bar for completion of purchasing activity. So, I really have to buck up if I want to earn those moolahss and the bonuses. Yes, my dear friends, I get quarterly profit sharing based upon performances!!!! WOOHOOO....now, if only I can get my hands on a working PC unit.....

BP: A case of mistaken identity

2006-07-20T03:38:00.000-04:00

Ahh....another posting. Hehe...World Cup is already way past like it happened last year. Nothing much going on after that, but life goes on. Actually in speaking of that term, my life does carry on and to a certain extent moving forward as I received the news of in-principal approval of my S pass application from the MOM! So...YAY to me! hahaha....I guess my dad was more excited and jubilant compared to me when I received the news from my company's HR. So, all I needed to do is to pick up the letter, and get the medical check done (which the company's paying of course!) before submitting all of them to the work pass division to get my S pass issued. Only then can I start working and be called a Sanmina-SCI employee.

Swell...so I told Jonathan (the HR guy who made me wait 1 hour when I went there to sign the contract) that I would be coming the next morning. I took the bus in the morning to enjoy the morning view and maybe a peek if there are any nice-looking, hot female employees in Singapore (can't blame me for being a guy!) and somewhat a bit disappointed. Out of all the ones I see, I'd rate them a 7 for the highest score. Sigh....maybe they hide or are being chauffered around by their bf's or their overly-protective father! hahahaha....

Well well...what do you know?? Jonathan wasn't there when I got into the HR Dept!!! Arghhh...this guy just likes to make people wait. And on top of that, he treats me too casual. So much for one who is rather slacking and "missing" all the time. He treats as if he did nothing was his fault. Grrr.....so, after about a 30 minutes wait for just one god damn letter and a slip for the medical check up at the company's clinic, I finally got to go to the clinic to complete my medical check up. I was required to do blood test and X-ray to accompany my submission for S pass. The doctor there was not too friendly. It was still early morning and he had the look of someone who had worked the past 2 days non-stop! hahaha...well, he asked me the usual questions...any medical problems, sickness or allergies. Then he took my blood pressure. Guess what? Though my name's initial is supposedly BP or better known as British Petroleum (just kidding!), he told me that my Blood Pressure is rather high - on the borderline. He told me I need to slim down! Alrighty doc! I told him immediately that I was already trying hard, and I can't shed all those flabs on one day! So much for the uncanny link to my name. I always knew I never had problems with my blood pressure or any health-related issues, but why now?? Maybe I had a recent break into my work-out routine, and that made me a little slack. And actually the day before the check-up I had been trying to compensate for my recent two-week slump with extra effort at the gym. The result? Sore chest, arms and legs...and actually a sharp pain in my chest that goes on and off. So it could be my blood circulation being messed up cause I mess up! Geddit? If not, then I don't really wanna explain. Just that extra effort to make up for loss time is not good for you! hahaha...so don't procrastinate! He then told me to lie on the bed so that he can check on my heart, my abdomen and my whatever lah....then he saw the scar just below my bellybutton. Why is the surgery there? Is it emergency? I told him I don't know and that at that time it hurts on both sides when I had my appendicitis. So maybe the doctor was confused and had no choice but to operate on the middle! Hahahaha....he finished me off with drawing my blood. Man...he's cruel and heartless. He just took my arm, flicked the area where he was to draw the blood. Then he strapped my arm with a band and told me to clench my fist. He found the nerve he liked, and just poked that needle! GOSH! I HATED NEEDLES!! So, about 10 seconds, and he pulled out the syringe and covered that baby wound with a plaster. What a relief. I always hated needles and I will always hate needles!

Anyway, after that I went for my X-ray and I think it shouldn't show any peculiar things. I mean, being a passive smoker won't qualify me for being a cancer-prone candidate right? So....all's left is to wait for the result to be sent back to the company in which I had to pick them up from Jonathan AGAIN! sigh....be patient. One has to be more Zen about all these. I wish I had more in me to supress all these uneasiness I have in me. BUT! It also means just another week away before starting work...

New Vocabulary from watching World Cup 2006

2006-07-12T23:53:00.000-04:00

Well, well, all that one-month of footballing actions and feverish atmosphere gave birth to a couple of new vocabulary words that will be used and maybe in the long-run legalized as recognizable words.

1. Zidane - a great, humble, yet reserved person gifted with talents and loved and respected by many of peers, friends, and everyone. He produced magical feats and wonderful performances night after night. Yet, his outlook was blemished when he pulled something so sudden and so unexpected out of him. And to think that was the memory and the legacy he left behind when leaving football for good.

2. Ronaldo - or Christian Ronaldo to be exact. Another person who is largely talented and admired for his dance-like moves and his pace. He betrayed his own friends by doing the unexpected, getting his own friend to be red-carded. This resulted in boos not only from people in the country he's playing his trade in, but also other nations who shunned his actions.

These two words reflected something which I experienced on my own, although indirectly, involving a close friend who suddenly "Pulled off a Zidane, and Ronald0-ed by his friends whom he left behind and uninformed."

I may only know of the news when informed by another that he let know regarding his departure, but still, this is something really most unlike him for the duration I know him as a friend. I don't blame him. In fact, I had a premonition of this happening. It's somewhat blurred because of the way my mind works; it was like the combination of the culmination of hints I got, a recent e-mail of another friend coming back, a dream (YES! A dream), and just my gut feeling. So....pardon me for knowing it somehow and not being able to trace back to how I knew this was happening.

When he got Ronaldo-ed by other friends. I told myself...If I were to be in his shoes, and had to leave so suddenly, maybe I would have pulled a Zidane myself. We may never know his reasons, nor will he ever tell the exact reason why he pull off that trick, but we have to respect what he has done. After all, Zidane himself was still admired by his country and footballing peers for what he had given to football and as a great player. So, for a friend that he is and knowing his character, I would give him the benefit of the doubt and proclaim that he has a valid and justifiable reason to warrant his actions. I pardon him, and I even support him for doing what he did. At the most, you can just interrogate and torture him to heart's will when we meet him again, right guys?? Hehe...this one I can't help you bro. This one will be your own battle, but I will just support you whenever I can. I still have you covered (maybe in return you can treat me to some cifan yourself!)

To friends and his friends: Zidane or no Zidane, he's still our beloved friend. To have him as a friend is a blessing. To lose him as a friend is like a part of your soul taken away. To mock and hate him for his leaving is like not respecting him. So, I say, let's forgive him and may we meet again soon enough to make him feel the pain of being left behind.

Ciao bro! Hope I can meet you soon enuff. And just don't forget that I still exist and I can always be contacted either MSN, e-mail or my cell.

Numero Quatro - Azzurri Campione 2006

2006-07-10T05:30:00.000-04:00

WOOHHOOOO!! ITALIA! ITALIA! ITALIA! Surprisingly, it was quiet in the early hours here. Just the day before, Germany had routed Portugal to a 3-1 score. Bastian Schweinsteiger was a one man show. Two great long-distance goals and one free-kick that resulted into an own goal. Now, that's some drama! And not to forget, the biggest drama was yet to unfold.

Italy vs. France. These two countries are very well known for their passions and emotions. Every word and every movements they make in their normal lives are depicted in their body language and their excessive gestures involving hands, mouths, and eyes. And yes, the drama started early in the game. For no reason at all, Malouda came into the box and with the slightest of touch from Materazzi, he fell and the ref (I haven't even begun with the ref) pointed to the spot. Zidane stood two steps away from the penalty spot before daringly chipping the ball. Luckily for him, the ball spin with such force against the under side of the top post like in the mangas/comics that it spun past the line and out again. With naked eyes, you can't see for sure if it's a goal but the linesman confirmed the goal and the ref gave the goal to France. Man and it's only 6 minutes at the start of the World Cup final held in a beautiful and majestic Berlin stadium. However, with Cannavaro and Buffon in goal, the Italian defence seem unbreakable as they were tight and blocked every shot and attempt on goals that the French could muster.

The match started brightly for Italy and they dominated the ball. Less than a minute and Henry was almost out cold with an incidental brush to the elbow by Cannavaro. Yet, they were unlucky to be trailing so early in the game. The good news is that there's time to catch up and of course win the game by the way they're playing. Indeed, with the corner swung in by Pirlo, Materazzi who conceded the penalty jumped higher than Vieira and drilled the header past Barthez with such force that it made Barthez look so bad. So, we're tied up now. No less than 5 minutes later, Pirlo again swung another corner and met by Luca Toni but it hit the bar, again with Barthez so badly beaten. Ahhh....and I can sense the Italian victory tonight. But in second half, France dominated and the Italians lost their edge. It wasn't helped that Italy took out Totti, and although he didn't really made any impact, the replacements didn't made any either. I would rather put in Gilardino instead of Iaquinta. Then, out of a sudden, Pirlo swung a free kick from the left side of the field which was met by Luca Toni and went past Barthez! The Italians were already celebrating, but there was a party-popper. The yellow flag was raised and the Italians protested for a while for the offside call. Man...and I thought they scored for sure this time. (I bet big time on Italy winning in full time.) Pirlo also had a close chance with his free kick. He aimed low at the near post and it beat Barthez, but not the post and the touchline. So....after 90 minutes...no side were able to make any difference. The game started brightly but faded after the two goals were scored.

Extra time. This is where the drama went even more teeth-wrenching. With 10 minutes to go and penalty shoot-out inevitable, something happened. Buffon came out of his goal-area and confronted the ref and stood by Materazzi who was grimacing on the turf. Buffon was clearly angry and was arguing with Zidane. After replay, then I found out what happened. Remember 8 years ago in the World Cup Finals against Brazil? Zidane came back from his red-card suspension to score two great headers that propelled France to the world champion status and him being a great player. Even Adidas printed the ad slogan, "We gave Zidane a pair of boots. He used his head." He used his head alright, but to strike at Materazzi's chest with such sheer force you can feel the sting just watching from the TV. At first, the ref didn't know what happened, and after consulting with the other ref, he gave Zidane a red card. We all knew that this is the final game for Zizou (his nickname) in any football game because he is retiring for good both in club and country, but we never had even imagined his last memory of his shining career (very much like the shine on his bald head) to end with a red card and a disappointing walk to the tunnel into the dressing room. And that ends his career as one of the greatest footballer ever! To his consolation, he won the Golden Ball award for being the best player of the World Cup.

So, it goes to the penalty...Italy made all their five kicks ending with Grosso making his. He had made quite the impression in the playoff rounds with getting a penalty and scoring that beautiful goal to bring the team to the final. And he made the kick that sent Italy as the champs. Meanwhile, France were left to rue the miss by Trezeguet. Either he was trying to emulate Zizou as he was already sent off and almost simulated Zizou's penalty earlier in the game or he was just unlucky as he had been throughout the whole World Cup 2006 campaign for France. Unfortunately, the ball bounced off the top bar and not past the line. The only miss, and the one that mattered most as France came second. Italy triumphant and also jubilant! They danced and they bumped people around. Then came the one candid moment. There was a reason that Camoranesi kept his hair that long, and I guess this is the reason why. He was seated on the chair surrounded by all his teammates and staff, and then I saw a scissor. Now...the rest I guess you can guess it. I think it was Materazzi who was the executor as he pulled away the band that kept his hair tied like a samurai, and then snip snip and hair is gone!! And they celebrated like a cult! Hahaha....

Although I was glad Italy won as I was always in full support of the blues since dunno when, but I had to be really disappointed that they can only muster the win from the spot kicks. Otherwise, the Man of the Match performance by Pirlo was fully deserved, and the defence commanded by Cannavaro by his presence, his glaring headers, perfectly timed tackles and his great read of the game, there is not another generation of this kind of superb defending culture. Zambrotta started as a left full-back and converted to the right, and he was good at both ends! He attacks as well as he defends and he adds a totally different perspective to the Italian attacking game! Grosso is also equally comparable on that left wing. To think that Italy is being hit by the scandal and most of the Italy team is anchored by players of the clubs involved. Imagine, a defence made up of Juventus and Milan players: Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro (Juventus), and Nesta(Milan) and the midfield controlled by Camoranesi (Juventus) , Gattuso, and Pirlo (Milan), and in attack Alex Del Piero (Juventus), and Toni (Fiorentina). Ahh....and to think you might not see them in Serie A next season. But they are immortalized as the best team with nominations of a few players in the team of the tournament namely, Buffon (awarded Lev Yashing award as the best keeper in the tournament and Golden Ball nominee), Cannavaro (nominee for Golden Ball award), Zambrotta (can be included as both best left and right back), Gattuso and Pirlo (also Golden Ball nominee).

But we will find out in the matter of days as the verdict will be out on the outcome of the scandal. Maybe they will spend a year without fame, glory, and comfort, and trade it with Serie B or even C, out of Champions League and even the prospect of the past titles being stripped away from them. No matter, because it's time to celebrate. Cannavaro lifting the trophy is very fitting, and lest we forget, Lippi with his cigar and kissing the trophy as what is again the best team in the world right now!

FORZA AZZURRI!! FORZA ITALIA! VIVA ITALIA!
CAMPIONE! CAMPIONE! CAMPIONE! CAMPIONE!
NUMERO QUATRO!!

FORZA AZZURRI!!

2006-07-05T02:14:00.000-04:00

Italia...Italia...Italia....Italia....Forza Azzurri! That is still vivid in my memory from my Japan/Korea 2002 World Cup where I witnessed the first round of Italy's matches. The team has dramatically changed except for the usual suspect namely the defence marshalled by Cannavaro, Nesta, Zambrotta, and Buffon, and midfield consisting of Gattusso, Pirlo, Camoranesi, Totti, and of course Del Piero. Now, new names are spotted, Grosso, Zacardo, Gilardino, Toni, Barzagli, Bonera, De Rossi. They are getting younger.

The match was quite brilliant with lots of attacking plays. Naturally, Italians being known for their stringent defence was at its best as Cannavaro and Buffon did everything they are known for to stop the German attacks. I counted no less than 3 world-class saves from Buffon and countless tackles and headers from Cannavaro as the whole unit took the 2006 World Cup defence to another meaning. 1 goal conceded in 5 games, and the one goal being an own-goal is an achievement in itself. In midfield, the hungry Gattusso went for every ball and disrupted Ballack and co. for possession. Fortunately or unfortunately, the match ended with a scoreless but entertaining draw and another extra-time for Germany.

Nonetheless, I couldn't contain my excitement as it was drawing to the conclusion to another penalty shoot-out. Germany was well known for converting their penalties while the Italians more notorious for its misses, like Roberto Baggio and Luigi diBiagio. So, I hated for the Italians to go to penalties although they can trust in their keeper Buffon. However, the first 3 minutes of extra-time belonged to Italy as Gilardino and Zambrotta were denied by the woodwork. And then who would think the last 3 minutes went to the Italians as luck would have it. Out of nowhere, a poorly cleared corner with dying minutes was picked up by Pirlo. As if playing basketball, he delivered a no-look pass to an unmarked Fabio Grosso. YES! He was a left-back for God's sake! And then he struck a beautiful curling left-foot shot that whizzed past Lehman's far post. 1-0 Italy with 2 minutes left. Surely Germany cannot catch up with the little time remaining. Who would realize on the focus of relentless all-or-nothing German attack that Italians would haunt them with the ever-so-precise and deadly Italian counter attack that left Gilardino facing just a defender at the back. Then he passed it up selflessly to oncoming Del Piero and he killed German fighting spirit with a beautiful high-swinging curling shot onto the right top corner of the net. The Germans was devastated, not only the players, but also the supporters watching the match aka the 12th man on the stadium, the whole nation, and German supporters around the world. Italians joy and they totally deserved the victory. Now I can sense the trophy on their hands when they travel to Berlin for the finals. One down and one more to go. I have got it right so far, and we'll see if the other half of my prediction is correct. And then we'll see the finals of Italian finesse against French flair.

Speaking of Italians, it reminded me of Cars, which I just watched a few days ago. It's another heart-warming flick where it not only draws kids to the cinemas but also adults like myself. It has a lot of moral stories which can teach us many things such as, you can't win it alone; when you shun your friends, you can't get there by yourself; winning is not everything; trust your friends, and support them back with your trust. One character that I loved from the movie was Mater. He's this old rusting tow truck that is just funny, friendly and best of all, a prankster! Hahaha...well, a 7.5-8 out of 10. And yes, I suggest you watch it and live out the Nascar experience like never before. It's amazing the realism and effort into details the producers and crew put up for this movie. And not to forget, there's a bunch more animation movies coming out as Disney fight it out with Pixar!

Ahh....for me? I'm going to enjoy the culmination of the World Cup. It's ending this week, but let's hope the Italians win it all! As I said, Forza Azzuri!! Forza Italia!!

Warming up to the pre-match of Germany vs. Italy and trying to look less sleepy and tired...

Superman Returns.....to the screen

2006-07-02T12:01:00.000-04:00

Holy Cow! It's left to 4 teams. No thanks to the continuous sleepless nights, accumulated fatigue, swollen eyes, lethargic daytime, sorrow and anger of results, and wonderful memories and agonising moments. Yes, England - OUT! South American teams (i.e. Argentina and Brazil) faltered in the curse of European soil, and no thanks to great showing by the host German team and the Old French soldiers reliving their glory days. Four teams that remains include a team that I had predicted to lift the cup earlier. ;p So Germany vs. Italy and Portugal vs. France. I predict Italy vs. France final with an intense 2-1 scoreline, which reminds us of that battle in Normandy!

Hahaha...well, soccer fever really occupied my life in the past 2 weeks. As the tourney progress to the semifinal stage, I get to go for a bit of a break. Though I may not be able to bet no more, I am tempted to put my stakes for the remaining 3-4 matches. I suspect another bloodbath in the coming matches in the kopitiam as I witnessed temper flaring not only at the end of the actual match itself, but the conflict throughout the pulsating game as watched by the patrons in the kopitiam for the Germany and Argentina game. Near misses and shouts of "referee kayu!" were heard echoing around. When goal no.1 came through the head of Roberto Ayala, and the score reads Argentina 1 and Germany 0, cheers were aloud, while gloom faces were spotted. I even took a peek at the emotion of Mr. Zainudin Nordin, the MP for the Toa Payoh-Bishan GRC who was present to watch the match, gleefully enjoying the goal. Then as full time lingers, Germany struck back to level the score and this time, the cheers were even louder as I can't tell whether it's true German fans or those who had put their bets on Germany tried to outdo the Argentina fans. Then as the nerve-wrecking penalty shootout ended and Germany triumphant, everybody left the scene some happy and ecstatic, and the rest disappointed. But the temper didn't flare like the ones shown live on TV!

Anyway, the past few days, there was two guests staying in my house. Two girls who overstayed their holidays when their parents flew back home earlier than them. My mom took them on marathon shopping trips, and I was pulled in to accompany my mom and them. My initial purpose was to visit the temple to pray while they go on their shopping trip, but I ended up tagging along the whole day. Nonetheless, it was a fun day where the heat, the food, and the tired legs stole the time away. At the end of the day, we went on to catch Superman Returns and let me tell you this my friends....Superman is back with a bang! Not only were the effects awesome, the costume spectacular, and the man himself, Brandon Routh depicted a Superman you want to feel affectionate for (of course I hate to admit he's charming). I really admire Bryan Singer for bringing to life great superheroes movies - case in point X-Men I &II. How I wish he can make another one just to satisfy our hunger for Hollywood Superhero. The story may not be Oscar worthy, but it's very very touching, and very human. A minus to the movie is just that it's a bit too long, and I had wished for a better and more devious villain. Although Kevin Spacey played a good Lex Luthor, he's just not evil enough to make Superman suffer more!

Well, maybe they have the sequel in store so they had to provide a setting for a more evil Lex. Contrary to the critics saying Kate Bosworth was not a solid Lois Lane, I must say she was quite the adequate actress for the role. So, my prediction an 8.5/10 for Superman Returns. He's back people, with the stark resemblance to the late Christopher Reeves. Now, if only Pirates of the Carribean and Nacho Libre comes sooner.... hehehe....

Do That Tag Thing You Do.....

2006-06-21T22:23:00.000-04:00

Ahhh...got tagged by Mr. Hanz Solo! Those who wants to read, scroll to the bottom of the post!

Meanwhile, I hated doing post so close together for I'm afraid you might be awestruck with the pace and content of my yaks! ahahaha...but if you are keen, be my guest for I am very glad to know that you are interested in what I have to say.

So, first of all - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CIPTO AND SISTER! (They're twins) Hope the new year brings a renewed hope and fortunes in everything that you do.

Then, I'm very tempted to rant on recent World Cup developments. Ahhh....England fans will hate me more again. To tell you the truth, they played like shit! hahaha...mind my language, but where to begin? Well, why don't we start at the number 1 spot: the Goalkeeper. Paul Robinson looked like an amateur who was literally dumbfounded with every ball that strayed in the England box. To help his cause, the defence was equally bad. Looking at the first goal Sweden scored, he only stood still while Ashley Cole managed to help confirm the goal by heading it further in to the net. Actually Ashley Cole was the only one who performed in defence. Going on to midfield, Beckham was lost in the sea of yellow and red, Frank Lampard was shoot-happy no matter where the ball flew to ~ unfortunately none find the target very often. Joe Cole...man, this chap hog the ball too much (remember Robben? ironically they play in the same team for the same position) and the goal he scored was very much a fluke!! His miskick flew high in the air of the inattentive Swedish keeper who just barely managed to backtrack and deflect the ball just far enough to the farpost before it bounces into the net. Owen...he only lasted 2 minutes and 1 pass before injuring himself. And His Majesty Rooney (for all the crappy attention he got from his broken foot and the "will he play or not?" saga) He manages to make sparks, but not goal. He even had the luxury to be sulking when substituted. He acted very much the bratty teenager by punching the plastic cover of the bench, and throwing his boots around.

Well, last night's match was also disappointing considering you have two teams vying for the Cup playing to a stalemate draw. It's astonishing that the other two teams in the so-called group of death, Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro, who are virtually eliminated from the next round played a much better game despite the lost cause. Is it so much at stake when playing for pride rather than placing/position for the group? Mind you, the winner of the group will have an easier time playing against Mexico. So, the two bottom of the group teams displayed blazing pace of attacking football in the torrential rain-ridden match. Although Ivory Coast trailed by 2 goals within 20 minutes caused by poor defending, they got back a goal from a header, and 2 penalties. The first had to be taken twice, and the goalie dived to the same spot (not only for the repeat, but the second penalty also). All 2 spot kicks were directed to the low-right where the keeper dived to the left. So, with 10 teams already locked for the next round, the fight for the remaining 6 is left up to Japan, Croatia, Australia, Korea, France, Swiss, Italy, Czech, USA, Ghana, Ukraine, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia.

Fiuh....so much for soccer! Did you realize that NBA Finals is also underway at the same time? It was a thrilling series. Lots of controversy yet again because of the Cuban factor. Hahaha...not the country, but the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban. He's not only enthusiastic, but overly biased towards his team. But, Dallas started strongly and won in the first 2 home games, and almost took the third game at Miami, but the Heat finally managed to click behind the strong support of the home crowd, and the 3 subsequent games at home carried too much momentum for the 6th game for Dallas to recover. Overall, I think this is one of the better series of NBA Finals in the last couple of years. Watch for the Flash and Superman to be back to contend for the Larry O'Brien trophy once again next season. The HEAT deserved the title ~ and I'm happy for my prediction was on the spot from the beginning of the season. So, teams, buck up in the off-season or you will feel the HEAT coming to you again!

LASTLY! Yes, finally, the tag questions you have been dying to read. All about me unveiled. Bared to the skin, uncut, unedited, never-been told myths and legends for your eyes only! Hahaha...have fun and enjoy! I'll get you back Hanz. This means you have to do it again right?

RITE ON!!

~ got tagged by Hanz, I dreaded doing it, but somehow managed to complete it anyway. What a FOOL!!

4 Jobs I would SUCK at:

An Engineer – Ironically, even though I graduated with an engineering degree, I never really see myself as one. I think I’m more business oriented, and a more people person. Maybe if forced to do it, I would, but it would also mean catastrophe!
Speaker of the House – Hmmm… even though the chance of me being invited to be in the parliament is virtually next to none, I don’t think I can be the one to tame those hot-headed politicians when debating on the parliament.
A Pilot – First because I am afraid of heights and high speed in mid-air. Then, I hate the fact I would spend half of my working career in mid-air. I love the ground too much to sacrifice being a pilot!
Papparazi – This is not a job for the faint-hearted. Remember the Princess Di scandal? Or the Cameron Diaz drama? But the $4 million scoop on Brangelina baby is too tempting. Anyway, I’d live my peaceful life, and I’d make peace and even friends with celebrities, not perpetual enemy!

4 Nicknames I'll go with:

Pooch / Poochie
Bry (although technically the spelling should be Bri)
Eka
Brianekaputra (Believe me someone called me this b4)

4 Movies I can watch over and over:

The Usual Suspect (Best damn movie ever!)
Spidey series (Can’t wait for the 3^rd one)
X-Men series (I’m a comic freak, so shoot me!)
Friends (This is not really movie right?)

4 Things I love to do on weekend:

Weekend?? This is a sensitive topic. Why would someone wanna know what I do on weekend unless they’re trying to ask me out or already going out with me?? JK mates!

Hmm….that depends, I am usually a freelance guy, so if there’s no prior meetings with friends, I do enjoy staying at home listening to some good music from my library. Otherwise, well, maybe a ball game with my brother if he’s up to the challenge.

4 Alcoholic Beverages I enjoy from time to time:

Rum and coke (I was introduced to this drink, and fell in love with it)
A tie between Bud and Corona
Tequilla shots (if there’s a company esp. a pretty girl)
Cocktails

But partying days are over, so it’s going to be hard to make me drink again. Noe, I’d love to go drink with u again. It’s nice to have a drunk P-Bear! Hahaha...

4 Places I would like to go before I pass out:

Only pass out? Or pass away? I’ll take it as leaving this world.

Visit China sometimes, and maybe to my ancestral hometown (I think it was Hubei or something like dat)
I wanna go Safari for real! So meaning Africa lah
I’d love to visit London and the Arsenal ground
4 is not enough lei! I’d still want to go to Italy, Austria, Carribean, Bintan, Tioman, Certain parts of USA, and Korea. (Man, I’m greedy eh? Better save more money first lah!)

4 Celebrities I would go for a date with:

Again, how can you pick 4 when there’s thousands of celebrities to choose from?

Jessica Alba
Elizabeth Hurley
Natalie Portman
Keira Knightley

I’d be the most hated person in the world by then!

4 Objects I could not live without:

Bolster (No one expected this rite?)
A pair of good shoes
My PC
TV

4 Things I do not have which I would like to have:

An MP3 Player (I’m eyeing on this Sandisk Sansa e260)
A house (for my family and myself)
A Plasma or LCD TV complete with a nice home entertainment system
A girlfriend? Nah, scratch that! It’s not a thing, brudder! Hmmm… well, maybe a car if that need be. As you know, I’m a simple conservative and traditional guy. All I need is good friends and company, and a beautiful wife with great kids!

4 people tagged to do this:

I’m not that naïve, but I’m not forcing anybody to do this, but if you’d like, I wanna read them too! Hahaha…
Those who do not read my blog
My MSN Frenz (This is too much eh?)
Mr. George Bush Jr.

Retrack....Back to Reality!

2006-06-19T05:04:00.000-04:00

Hmm...reading back to my previous post, I have been disillusioned by my ecstasy towards my recent achievement, namely the security of job (pending work permit approval). Hopefully my work permit is issued just fine, and I can start work immediately so that I can complete that 13-week probation in order to be a confirmed employee of the company.

Yes, back to the topic...I have been so preoccupied with that occassion, that I forgot the past two weeks had been rather quiet around the house. It is the mid-year holiday where the students get a one whole month break from school. So, naturally, the students who are living with us are enjoying themselves in Jakarta. Well, there's 3 different groups, and it's interesting to note. FYI: I'll describe the details to make it easier to understand. Currently, my mom is guardian to 4 students. 1 is a girl who had been staying with us for the past 3 years, and her name is Dian. This year, she's in the final year, i.e. Secondary 4 and facing her GCSE O Level soon. 2 of the 4 are siblings, the older sister is in her Secondary 3, and her younger brother is in Secondary 2, same level as my brother. However, they are 2 years senior the normal age for that levels, so in actual, Atok (the younger brother's nick) is 2 years older despite being in Secondary 2 like my brother. And his sis, Utz is 17 doing her Secondary 3. The last one would be Yono, who just joined us not too long ago. He's doing his university here in MDIS. He's rather peculiar in that he keeps to himself, and don't really interact much with people in the house.

So, the first group to go home was the siblings. They left at the end of May and would be back later this month. The second batch to leave was Dian, and she's only going back for 2 weeks because she will be pounded with remedial classes to prepare her for her O Level examinations. Lastly, Yono left a day after Dian, and came back just a week later. So, for now, Yono and Dian are already back to resume their schools. Plus, we have another guest coming back. He's none other than my own 2nd brother! Hahaha...this is really funny. He's doing an exchange program with NUS, and he'll be here for 6 weeks for the duration of his courses. Surprisingly, though he's in advanced science program, he's only doing a seminar on an advanced science course, while the other course he's taking here is.....Chinese Language! Yes....funny....but I found out later that the exchange program has interesting excursion, which include a trip to Tioman Island. Ohhh....how I envy his travels. So, he came back on Saturday afternoon, and stayed for the weekend at home. I'm so damn jealous of him being taller than me!! He's easily 180 cm when I'm only about 5-6 cm shorter!! Dammm...how'd he get the genes when all he does is sleep, and more sleep. Maybe his addiction to chocolate help, but he's not exactly a big build, but rather the opposite. He's much skinnier, and yet he's much taller! Ohh...I think my youngest brother will surpass me too, since he's almost my height and he's only merely 14! At the beginning of his puberty....Goshh.....such is the generation gap.

So....another update, last Friday I went back to the company to sign the papers as an official employee of the company. I got there at 1:30 PM and I was made to wait for an hour with reading materials regarding company policies, as well as all those confidential agreement stuff. Well, I shouldn't have been made to wait that long because the girl who put me into the meeting room forgot to notify the HR person who was supposed to finalize the signing with me! Grrr....anyway, I sneaked out of the room after an hour wait, and he came to the room with the offer letter. I was surprise to find out the sum of how much I will be earning there.....I'm rather embarrassed to share with you guys, but it was about $2k. So, after all the autographs I gave him, he gave me the application for the S pass which I needed to fill out. It took a good 15-20 minutes to fill the whole application. Luckily for me, they will be doing all the processing, and I was to be notified within 3-4 weeks. And it might be expedited if need be. Alrighty....I guess it settled everything, and I am hoping for a good news. I went to pray with my mom and dad the day before to thank for the blessing.

Should I squeeze a bit more to this posting? Alright....bear with me....All this World Cup frenzy has caught many people in disarray from lack of sleep, burns in the pockets, and surprisingly, extra income for those kopitiams. I can't imagine how much more they're earning looking at how much they're spending for just one match. Once, I saw a group who ordered 5 bottles of Tiger with 1 bottle of dark stout Guiness. That in all easily cost $50. Plus, with all the bettings, I can't imagine how much they're forking out. I heard in the news that some people who are into betting lost an amount accumulating to the region of tens of thousands. (BTW, I was forbidden to bet by the auntie who was helping me pray near the Kwan Im Thong temple.) So, in order for my work and all things related to work to pan out, she advise me not to bet. My dad even went vegetarion for a couple of days to ask for the blessings for me.

So....no bets....and with almost half of the matches being played so far, there's nothing much I can do. I have not followed it as closely as part of the fun is lost from my inability to bet. ;p Lame excuse eh? Nah...it's just that my body is taking its toll from late night stays and all those footballs. And I still haven't seen a team as a real favourite to the Holy Grail this World Cup. Only Argentina showed promise, and the referee (for brandishing yellows and reds like blowing whistle over small fouls). Brazil, England, Germany, Italy, Portugal....they've all disappointed. Dark horses like Korea, Ghana, Spain, and Mexico show some potential for the next round. And those Americans are getting their grips on a sport they call soccer. Maybe the next match against Ghana they will be able to impose US democratic rule over world affairs! Hahaha....imagine Bush threatening Ghana with sanctions if they beat the US team?? Wouldn't that be great? And yes, maybe Brazil might play nice with Japan, giving them victory to let them pass through the next round on the expense of the Socceroos and the Croats? Hehehe....you never know...the ball is round, the referees are mean, and the World Cup frenzy goes on for another 2 weeks!! Ciao...and happy watching football my frenzz......

Dun mind lah, can lah, dun mention it....

2006-06-14T09:22:00.002-04:00

World Cup has started for almost a week now. It certainly lived up to the bill at the opening match. Germany showed class and at the same time frailty at the back. Nevermind that, Germany won 4-2 and I won a couple bucks! This world cup certainly belong to the favorites as the underdogs didn't have a chance to do anything against superior talent and technical abilities. Unfortunately, some of the big names countries also left me dry in the pockets. Dammit!!

While following the World Cup actions, I got the best news of the day. I was called on for the interview which I went for a walk-in a week ago. I was going to call them earlier but couldn't get through. Little did I realize that I had a few missed call on my cell because I was in the gym the whole morning. So I called back the number and to my surprise it was the HR Dept of Sanmina-SCI (the company which I was applying for). They set me up with the interview the next day.

So, I went there, and waited for the interviewer to come. I was expecting the same person, but apparently a lady came in and introduced herself as Jennifer. She was equally nice as Mr. US Ong. She started off by saying that I am being interviewed for the other position, which is the commodity buyer. Alright, I didn't mind at all because it was relatively similar to the original position I applied for. She then briefed me what the job entails and all my responsibilities in that position. Cool...I assured her that I can perform those job scopes plus the experience I had back then with Ford with similar department will help get me through the tasks with no problems. She was smiling. Then afterwards, she was looking at my status as a foreigner and then looked at what kind of salary I was asking for. Then she asked me, how long will it take to get the S pass processed? I kindly replied roughly 2-3 weeks. Then she kept to herself for a while, and then said....don't mind lah, can lah, we'll hire you. Those last three words are like the best words I could expect after strenuous 5 months of active job hunting. So, she told me that she'll try to get the HR to expedite the S pass process for me coz she needed to gather the people to anticipate the huge orders that she will be expecting in the near future. WOW! This is truly a growing and expanding company. I could care less about benefits and all that packages as I was entrenched with the idea of securing the job. Anyway, to let you guys know the goodies, she told me that there will be quarterly bonus from profit sharing and that depends on the employee's performance ~ sweet! Then, the salary is reviewed every year and if there's any increment, it will be in January. So she told me not too bad coz I only had halfway to go ~ double sweet. Then she told me about the 13-week probation upon when which I will be hired permanently with the additional bonus of dental and some medical coverage ~ super sweet! Hahaha....

I can't hold back my delight. I promised to the Kwan Im Thong temple there that I'd visit them once a week and I intend to fulfil that to the best of my ability. Actually on the way back home, I realized that there's a bus that goes straight to Bishan. I decided to give it a try. Man, that was some long trip, but it's also like a tour bus, which takes you to the harbourfront, and also the business centre downtown. I can imagine myself on the bus going home from work treated with the delights of the downtown nightlife, and also the beautiful skylight of the Bay area with the esplanade, and all those tall buildings. Nice....but that is still some time away. For now, my main concern will be the S pass, and if all goes well, hopefully I can start in the coming 2 weeks. Pray God everything will be smooth sailing.

So, I would like to personally thank each and everyone of my friends who went through thick and thin throughout my deepest and darkest hellish days. :D All the kind words of encouragement and sincere prayers. Without you guys, I will be thrown into the abyss and I might not be able to see daylight so soon. You kept me brave and strong to overcome this stumbling block in my young life. And in return, I will pray for each and everyone of you for the same fortunes. I am always ready to lend my ears, shoulders, thoughts, and also belly (???) to make everything easier for you guys. So.....that's it for now. World Cup is still going on. Damn...my bets...stupid Brazil and France.

World Cup Fever is ON!!

2006-06-09T07:23:00.000-04:00

Yes, finally the World Cup 2006 has arrived with the Deutchland playing a great host to a magnificent event. Wilkommen, and Achtung! It's time to get started with the first match against Costa Rica. It's also time for people in the Asian region for bouts of sleepless nights and unproductive/sleepy workers in the weekdays...kekeke....I'm exempted since I haven't got a job yet. Even if I did, it will take around 2-3 weeks to get my employment pass, so it shouldn't be a problem catching most of the 64 matches. My bet is on Italy, England, and maybe a darkhorse of Netherlands. I don't like South American teams this year, but I can hope to expect 1 or 2 Asian team to get through, namely Japan and South Korea. I'm also given the allowance of $100 from my mom since football betting is legal here in Singapore. Just thought it would add some adrenaline when watching the games. Good things because soccer is like religion here, there are lots of places to catch the live shows even if you don't own cable TV. Mainly, coffee shops, 24-hour McD's, Malls, and usual places like pubs and restaurants. Hahahaha...and with Singapore people being so kiasu, I expect lots of people to turn up at these places.

Anyway, other than my own changed sleeping habit for this coming month, I got myself a boost of good news. Lately I have been hitting the gym, and even started on a swimming routine. I was thinking this will prepare me for army life if I do decide to go through with it. Hahaha...and guess what? The over 1 month of strenuous workout has got me past the 90 barrier!! hahaha...no my friends, I'm not speeding, but rather I have lost quite a few pounds to get me under the magic 90 number. I'm thinking...in 4 months, would I break a new barrier...say under 80? hahaha....I'll keep working and let you guys know....I've also seen the fruit to my workout, as the tone in my body is starting to shape up! Yes, finally I'm gonna shed the poochie, likeable, cutesie-pie, shinchan look! hahaha...don't be disappointed, coz there'll be a space for the new me! Yay.....anyway, world cup starts in less than 4 hours, and I am already holding to my betting slip hoping Germany to win by a margin of 2 goals!!

Food, Babes, Fortunes......What sins have I committed?

2006-06-05T10:24:00.000-04:00

A couple of good things is happening to me lately. Eearlier last week, I had the chance to feast on a somewhat delectable Seafood buffet. Yumm....lots of variety, all kinds of seafood, and some japanese and chinese cuisines. It is no surprise that since it's operated by Mainland Chinese people, it had all the waitresses hailing from the same country. As it is a Mainland Chinese owned (I assume) the quality is somewhat doubtful and the freshness of the seafood can atest my opinion too. Anyway, the event was supposedly a treat for my mom by her morning workout group, but since there was extra ticket for my brother, my mom decided to pay for my meal too. I stuffed myself with lots of abalone, sashimi, and other cuisines. The embarassing thing is that since all the people in our table are mostly old aunties, I am surprised by their kiasuness and suakuness. FYI: Kiasu in that some people are telling me to take the expensive seafood when they saw me taking siomay, and suakuness for feeling that they never eaten buffet before and that they're acting like it's a luxury food paradise! hahaha....it's truly amusing looking at aunties eating so much more than me and being greedy at the same time.

Next thing, last weekend I went for the PC Show 2006 which is being held in Suntec City. Considering that they just held a similar event a few months back, I wasn't sure what's in that show that would be different. So I went to check it out (on a side note, I was curious after reading the article about checking out the boothbabes with tips of how to score their attention!) hahaha....to my surprise, there were a hanful of real boothbabes!! From Nokia booth, I saw a DJ and one of the boothbabe entertaining a patron on the stage having fun dancing to the tunes. On the other side, where there's a demonstration of photo-taking and printing using Nokia phone, I saw this middle-aged uncle posing with two of the boothbabes! awww.....it just made me so jealous. And then, as I check out the other booths, I just can't control my manly urge thinking that how come I don't see these beauties on the normal day?

This leads me to thinking that I might not just be hip enough. My deduction was that hip gals hang out at hip places, and mingle with hip people. However, to be hip, you have to have the bling bling, to have those, you have to have the greens, to have the greens, you have to have a career, and to have a career you have to hip to get the right job! Ahhh......I'm at neither head nor tail. Damn....anyway, that left an impression on me, and I decided to spend the rest of the day shopping at Marina Square and Raffles City to check out the bargains of the Great Singapore Sale. I got myself a pair of goggles with optical adjustment (to help me see without my glasses) for my newly-started swimming routine.

Last thing, today I had the optimism of a brand new man. I read my astrology for the day and it reads:
"Why are you in such a hurry to rush headlong into the future? Take your time. Lasting changes need to be implemented at a slower pace if they're really going to last. Let the universe move at its own pace, not yours."

It stayed true to the literal meaning of it. I chance upon an ad in the weekend newspaper while scanning for available jobs that Sanmina-SCI is having a walk-in interview for 3 positions; 2 of which I was very interested in. Furthermore, they're looking for fresh grads with training available to successful candidates! Wow....to think all those applications don't get me any calls, why not a better way of going there with the prospect of actually landing the job itself? So, I woke up early on Monday.....took a nice shower, picked up my best shirt, and off I went to the company. I arrived at around 11, and I had to fill up the application form which took almost 30 minutes. Then, they ushered me to one of the interview room and to wait for the person interviewing me to come in. Then enter this man and he introduced himself as US Ong. Wow...what irony...I know I've always wanted to go back to US, but to be actually interviewed by US is like finding my way to the future, except the stumbling block lies ahead of me right now! Anyway, he started by reading off my application, asking which position I was applying for...and I duly replied, "the Supply Chain Planner" position. He went on to read some of the information I filled in and I clarified with him whenever appropriate. Then one thing struck me like a dagger...so you're Indonesian? Are you a PaRe??(mind you, he has this thing about pronouncing R in a rather funny way). No, I'm not. Then he told me he had to check with HR to see if they could issue a work pass for me. Gosh...I was praying hard and hope that this will not be some extra obstacles. However, one thing that lighten up my day is that he gave me hope in saying that all my skills are what they're looking for to fill the position. Of course I am happy. Then he told me to wait for the remaining week to see if they have anyone come in for the same position. The reason is that they would like someone who can start immediately for the positions. Awww.....my evil side of me took over and I was praying hard that there'd be no competitors so that they'll take me in. Anyway, he told me that they will inform me within a week's time to see how it pans out. He also told me that they are also looking to fill a couple more other positions, so I think my resume did give a good vibe for him. I will send in my thank you letter tomorrow and hopefully it will add some extra points for myself. I know that astrology prediction can come true at times.

Now....all I can do is pray and I will go to the temple near Bugis to seek for blessings and fortunes. I think I said this last time when I went there for Vesak Day, that if I did get the job in Singapore, I will come in 2-3 times a month to pray. Now, I hope Lady Kwan Im, and all the Gods listen to my prayers and I can be relieved of this increasingly frustrating state of life.

Attack of the Worms

2006-06-01T06:41:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh....from my MIA for the past two weeks, you can pretty much guess what causes it! YES, it's that damn friggin' worm that's attacking my computer and I'm sure many more computers around the globe. Let me introduce the menace... the W32.RontokBro@mm. The cause of my lack of sleep the last few days and the build up of my frustrations in the past week. Not only it affected my computer, but it also affected my laptop, and another computer which belongs to one of the students staying here in our place. Arghhh....worse thing is that although it's not that dangerous, what it does is it takes up all my cpu processing capability and renders all other applications useless or extremely slow. That includes the anti-virus program. Imagine, having an almost 20 hour scan for the whole computer?? What's worse, it got to the point that I was restricted to do any editing in the registry!! Argghhhh........So, now after taking care of it, I'm in need of a working bootleg copy of Norton Anti-Virus. Yeah, yeah, blame it on my Singaporean kiasuness and the fact that it's brimming with bargain-hunter season in the midst of Great Singapore Sale, my instinct was to go cheap, good, and fuss-free. Nevertheless, I think I calmed the storm and hopefully it's the end of the menace of the WORMS!!!!

Speaking about storm, I caught X-Men 3: The Last Stand. To say the least I was somewhat disappointed. So many characters died and some of the characters who were introduced in this installment were very much neglected, case in point, Angel, Colossus, ShadowCat, and Mystique. Ahhh...and not to forget the important one who dies.....namely Professor X, Cyclops, countless of extra mutants, Jean Grey/Phoenix, and not forgetting "death" of Magneto. Dang it is so seriously out of context seeing Wolvering stabbing into so many mutants, and the disturbing fact that people disintegrated into nothing with Phoenix's powers. Ahhh.....I hated it, and wished that Bryan Singer closed off the series. Now I am hoping that Superman can be as good as what he made with the first two X-Men. And also, I caught Over the Hedge and it's such a wonderful story. Very family-oriented and very charming in every sense. The contrast with X-Men is that each characters are beautifully built up and utilized in throughout the whole movie. The possum playing dead, the porcupines with its thorns, the skunk with its cat disguise and the explosive odour bomb! hahaha....it's really entertaining and despite someone giving it a 7/10, I'm gonna go with a 9/10 for making my day after a tiresome and frustrating week of hell.

Finally, last thing on my update...I completed my 2-day 12-hour seminar on MRPII. Well, not too much different than what I had learned back in my undergraduate days, but I also left with something more that I did not catch back then. The teacher was funny in his own way, and I can't seem to be amused by his antics and his foolhardy. It's also an eye-catching experience of how tertiary education is like in Singapore. At the end of the course, there's a test to judge our understanding of the materials taught in the past 30 hours, and I would not say it's the hardest I have undertaken, but the relief of being assured of the certificate is an achievement in itself. Hopefully armed with this new weapon, I can add a slew of arsenal to throw at those big/small corporations to make them surrender to my resilient attacks of CVs and reluctantly send their invitations for my appearance for interviews!! haahhaa....I need to believe and hope for a positive good outcome. Anyway folks, I'd be hoping to catch your updates and hopefully I can update you all on my latest happenings here in Lion City. Poochie here from the Pooch House signing out and wishing you all a wonderful evening! Ciao....

Double Whammy Loss

2006-05-18T11:05:00.000-04:00

Ahh....the season of football is over now that summer is here. Fret not for the World Cup is looming this coming summer. Last night's Champions League Finals hosted by Paris in Stade de France was a magnificent sight. Two teams that stole headlines over the whole season were pitted together as what has been deemed the perfect finals of football champions - Barcelona and Arsenal.

The game started brilliantly for Arsenal with Henry wasting two good chances in the first 3 minutes. Following that, Barcelona started to engage their gears and get settled into the pace of the game. Unfortunately, a stroke of misfortune hit the Arsenal team...A suspicously offside Eto'o managed to run past the defenders and latched onto the ball. The rushing Lehmann was equally responsive but he was a bit tad late as he lunged and missed the ball completely, but not the ankle of Eto'o just outside the box. The ball trickled to Giuly's path and he nestled it into the back of the net! Pritttt!!! And yes Terje Hauge, the ref for the night, called a foul on Lehmann and within seconds, he was shown a red card, which in my opinion he doesn't deserve, and he was off. What a blow! He was the reason that Arsenal was unbreached in goal for the past 10 Champions League matches, against the likes of great football clubs Juventus, Real Madrid, Villareal. Alas, I knew this was bad and the match was only 18 minutes young. The Professor, Mr. Wenger, had to sacrifice someone, and a dissapointed Pires came off for what I deem the factor for the loss, Almunia, the backup keeper. Luckily, the goal was discounted and Barcelona was only awarded a free kick just on the touchline to the penalty box. Ronaldinho tried to whip his magic touch, but it was wide off the post.

To my astonishment, Arsenal came through despite their lack of personnel. Henry's ensuing free kick from the right corner of the Barcelona danger zone was met with the galloping unmarked Campbell and zoom past the net. With the advantage, Arsenal switched to a full defensive mode and turned Italy on Barcelona. Henry was even back beyond the midfield to help defend against an attacking force that boasts Ronaldinho, Deco, Eto'o, and Giuly.

With 15 minutes remaining, I was holding back my breath and praying that they can keep up with the relentless attacks of Barcelona to keep the current scoreline. The heavy rain disrupted the atmosphere of a great evening and made the condition of the pitch rather slick. And without doubt, that slickness was utilized by Barcelona when Larsson cushioned the pass to Eto'o which was already in an offside position yet again. However, no whistle, no flags, and he slipped a shot in the tightest of angles past Almunia. Curse the keeper....he should've blocked it completely if he had not lost his footing and balance prior to the shot. 1-1 is the score and I thought this looked bad for Arsenal even though they will proceed to extra time. Arsenal team looked very fatigued and you can't blame them for having played with only 10 men for the past 60 minutes. Then came the shocking blow. Larsson again was the culprit when he chased a heavy pass and squared to the fullback, Belleti. Again Almunia should have done better than to let it slip past between his legs. 2-1 with 5 minutes to go and it all seemed bleak. Henry had chances to finish off the game in the counter-attacks that Arsenal procured, but his usually clinical finish deserted him on that night. For the rest of the game, Henry was lost in oblivion as well as Ashley Cole which always seemed to leave the left corner position exposed to the luxury of Oleguer and Giuly.

Final whistle and Barcelona triumphed. Tears came from both sides, but one brimming with achievement, and the other with disappointment. I was crying deep down inside too. Arsenal looked on and only could watch and not touch or carry the trophy as they were handed their runners-up medal. Again, luck has not been with Arsenal. Maybe the new Emirates stadium will give off better fortunes (yes, riches and luck). So, the question now is will Henry be staying? With the way Vieira was treated last summer, it is very much well be possible that he might depart Arsenal. Yet, he knows that he is irreplaceable and betraying the trust and love of Arsenal fans will be hard to swallow for him. My guess is he will sign the new contract and lead a renewed Arsenal team to the new stadium come late August! Hopefully, new players will come in and help to convince Mr. Henry that they are mounting a serious comeback to snatch the trophy they so desire.

Anyway, the news of Yohan's grandma passing has been unfortunate. It was a sad loss and I may never had the chance to meet her. I am sure his family is grieving with the loss, and all I could do to help as a friend is to offer my prayers and thoughts so that they are strong and brave enough to get through this phase. I almost lost a dear part of my family a few years back and I could not imagine how it will feel like. The person I mention is my father. Struck with a fluke heart attack, his chances of surviving at that time was only 15%! Two of his main artery was blocked and it was a major collapse of the heart. At the operating table, the surgeon told us to not expect much, and luckily my mother acted quickly in signing the necessary documents to proceed with the medical treatment. As he was lying there helpless and looking very desperate, he called on to me and made me promise him to take care of my mom and my two brothers. I cried like I never cried before and I yelled back at him refusing to accept and that I wanted him to be there to see my youngest brother graduate from university. Then, he called my mom and told her not to be angry with him and to forgive him. They had a big argument a few days ago, and he felt remorseful for what happened. I knew my mom was devastated and couldn't say anything more other than nodding. We stayed by his side throughout the whole procedure. The surgeon was telling us to keep him calm as it will reduce the chance of agitating the heart more when it was already failing. We prayed and prayed and the miracle happened. The angioplasty procedure, which was putting a balloon like medical device in the artery helps open the flow in the artery and it started to ease the blood flow to the body and the brain. So, within the next 20 minutes, my dad was past the critical stage and we were relieved. Now...I still can't imagine losing someone. It is just too painful, and I hope I don't have to experience it soon, but again, I feel sorry for the loss of Yohan's grandma. Hope she finds her peace and that she is relieved from the mortal suffering that she has to endure. I am not sure if that was her first stroke, but she may also had other illnesses. May God take her and guide her to the next life. And I pray to the family so that they can find the strength to get back to their normal dailly routine.

Peace out my friends.

Vesak Day - The Aftermath

2006-05-15T12:23:00.000-04:00

Wishing a happy Vesak Day to all the Buddhists around the world...and not forgetting the rest of the people that are living in this beautiful Earth. I'm not exaggerating, but I am honestly extending my warmest wishes to everyone.

Now...I went to pray in the morning on Friday in the temple near Bugis. It's thought to be the most miraculous one (as mentioned by certain someone), and I had believed in it too since the early days I was in Singapore. This time though, I made a more sincere pray and hoping for a better opportunity be it in career, love, and life. In return I made a vow to visit the temple more often should my prayers be heard. Although it was the festive day itself, our early trip was worthwhile since it wasn't so crowded early in the morning.

Wow...look at the time...it's 12:20 AM on Tuesday morning. I just finished chatting with Sue and Hanz, and a couple more people on MSN. It's unusual for me having a 6 windows chat at the same time. I just barely managed to keep up and follow through what's going on in each window. Hanz and I were chatting about tix and got mixed up with Coldplay and DaVinci Code. hahaha...not surprising since I never multi-chatted with so many people before. So, anyway, this weekend's gonna be the day the DaVinci Code gets thrashing and some critics from a couple of different views. Nonetheless, Singapore slapped an NC-16 rating on the movie which came out without any cuts or editting.

Doing some soul searching after the frivilous chat session, I came to the realization the beauty and the pain of love. My dear friends just broke up recently, and it made me feel remorseful for such a long-journey cut short on a stale relationship. I know how they felt for I have experienced some kind of similar emotions and roller-coaster journey. I missed that feeling of being embraced by love and care by that special someone who you gave equal or more in return. Being in love is such a beautiful thing and I missed it. Unfortunately, the situation that I am in right now does not give much room for that luxury, or am I wrong? Sometimes I felt that having someone to listen and share your worries with takes away a load off your shoulders. Also, the pressure does not come from within, but also from outside, namely parents. I've been instigated and manipulated to fess up my love life. Is there the Ms. angel hidden/conveniently left out from my circle of friends/families. hahaha...how I wish that was true. I told my mom, if there was one, I wouldn't be at home by myself! I would be by her all the time if I can!

Well, looking back, I am being self-centred. I wanted so many things for myself. Where's the thoughts for others? Well, here's one to start, Happy Mother's Day mom! hahaha...it's the best I can do now, and hopefully there's more to what I can share with people in return for what I'm getting out of my desires.

Looking forward to DaVinci Code...followed by Over the Hedge and X-Men III. I heard good reviews for both the movies, so I hope I can dig out enough to watch these movies.

Overqualified - Underqualified

2006-05-10T04:35:00.000-04:00

Yes, time for another update for da Poochhouse...woop wooP! Hmm....I've been thinking (now isn't that rare??)....should I keep publishing my complaints on this page? I think I better cheer up my readers! hahaha....A couple of things to look forward to.... Champions League Finals in Paris on May 17 between Barcelona and Arsenal. Both very exciting teams to watch with their own Spanish and French flair mixed in with samba and tango. Henry vs. Ronaldinho, Fabregas vs. Deco, V. Bronckhorst vs. Cole, Eboue vs. Oleguer, Eto'o vs. possibly Reyes. Puyol and Marquez against Campbell and Toure. It's a mouthwatering event with a sort of world cup-like preview.

Anyway, Arsenal pipped Tottenham in the weekend to take the fourth place finish to qualify for next season's Champions League spot. It's also the drawing of a curtain for the holy grail ground of Highbury which has been a London icon for the past 93 years. And it also marks the new beginning of a magnificent Emirates stadium just less than a kilometer away from Highbury. It's where they will begin a new season with more exciting things to come from the young uns. hahaha...

Nuff of football, back to reality. Vesak Day is coming. I'm preparing to pray a lot and a lot....hopefully finding a door, a path, an opening to a brighter future. I've been pondering many options a lot, PR(Citizen) by going NS, keep going with job search for work pass, going back to Indo, possibly Batam, or maybe a new destination which I myself may not know. I've also been bothered by a recent event that kinda put me off track for a bit. Wow...what else can I put in that makes me such a problem to myself?? It's not that I'm not suitable for the job, I just feel sometimes I'm overqualified yet underqualified for the positions I applied for. Maybe somewhere deep inside me I fail to acknowledge that I'm putting my pride ahead of logical reasoning that my degree worth much more than what I'm going for. Or that my lack of work experience is hurting my chances of an interview chance. Whatever it is, I can't really figure it out. I can't really find out what the HR department of the companies I applied to does with the screening criteria. Do they follow the requirements strictly? Not even some margin for flexibility? Even following up doesn't get my anywhere. Thus, my only conclusion is to wait patiently and hopefully when there's a chance I'll make full use of it. Bootlicking all the way!! hahaha...

So....nothing much really so far. I've got rid of my recent worry, and hopefully by getting rid of this "bad luck" I'll get a little portion of good fortune ;p. One can always hope for the better right? Anyway folks....hope to hear some updates soon. NBA playoffs is here too, I can't catch much of the action, but here's my bet...it's gonna be the Heat! hahaha.....Go Superman and Flash!

Going back to school

2006-05-05T08:20:00.000-04:00

Yes, have you watched Stephen Chow's movie? Back to School 1 & 2? And with all the rage and rave about MI:III, the spy bug has caught on to me really fast! So, a secret spy doing some undercover style mission in a school. MI: Getting a job. hahahaha....

Yes, I know I was down. I get back up knowing I got the backing and support of my friends. Thank you all very much. I know I can count on you all to help me when I'm in need. And mark my word, you will always find Brian whenever you needed it...my ears, my shoulders, my muscles (not saying I'm muscular, but physical help like moving house), my time, and of course my opinions. The reason I was down was related to a couple of issues, not just the one I blurted out, but I'm glad I kinda find my feet again and start to walk again. Hopefully my walk will pick up and I will reach the destination sooner. Pardon my pun - not intended literally.

Ahh....so back to the topic. Back to school! I figured out after many hours and sweat (yes, Singapore is damn hot!) that rather than spending my time just applying for jobs and reworking my resume and cover letter, why not go for classes?? Damn...why didn't I think of that earlier? Duh....money, time, effort. I did think, but never extensively as I thought going back to school also means more expenditure. So, I scoured some certification classes, and I came upon this SIMM (Singapore Institute of Material Management) through the APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society) website. I think I found my direction which is towards production and inventory control, but not much experience to land me those coveted interview spots. So, I thought getting that certification would be very helpful. Alas, none of them are affordable, but I came upon this little Professional Certificate for MRP II. Yes! This is what I'm looking for....a small baby steps towards my goal. This will definitely make my resume stand out a little more than the others. And so, I enrolled.....some moolah out of my piggy bank...and sacrificing a weekend towards it. BTW, the course is only a 2-day 12-hour program, so it shouldn't be too bad.

YEAH....that sums up my brainracking weeking. After spending quality time thinking, I think this was a good outcome. I hope I don't worry you folks too much. Relax....at the most, I'll treat you all to a chicken rice feast....any amount of servings ^_* (provided I get some incoming moolah from work *cross fingers).

Getting lost and more lost.....

2006-04-30T10:29:00.000-04:00

Hmm....dun really wanna make the house sink with sadness and depression but I can't accumulate these feelings inside my mind and my heart, and I think the only way to pour it is into this blog container. ARGGHHH!!! Yes, that made me a bit better...

I told you guys the last time that there's a way for everyone and that path is predestined....that made me think....is my fate to land a job that hard - ehm...HARD?!?!?!?!! I don't seem to recollect any good fortunes with job search ever since my youth. Working hard 30+ hours per week in my first year both as a janitor and cafeteria worker....never once I complained and I just kept on going and doing for the sake of making ends meet for the high expenses of US education....sigh....deprived of sleep, proper concentration in classes, and justified studying time, and even exhaustion at work.

That went on to the times in Iowa State...though I don't work as much there not just because of tight schedule, but also the lack of jobs....imagine a 40,000+ size university...how many on-campus jobs are there? Don't think they can provide up to that much workforce for school operation. I first got a job at one of the dorm's cafetaria....it's definitely hard work and it's draining my energies since I'm taking more classes than at the college. After that, I quit and worked in the library. However, the work was very manual labour intensive. So it also drained my energy.

One thing I really regret during my undergrad days was not getting an internship or the chance to pursue my career before going on to my post-graduate education. It somehow affected my position now. Plus the constant moving/nomadic lifestyle doesn't really suit well for my career start!

So, recently, I had my chance at an opportunity...Not too shabby...doing some HR work voluntarily (or you can say illegally!) and it doesn't seem too bad at first. But the more I think, the more my conscience and my mind start to take the better judgement of me. For those who knows me close, I might be too honest and too gullible sometimes. This can be my downfall, as my father said, but at the moment I discussed with my boss, it doesn't seem to be the wrong choice. In fact, I thought I should voice it out and see what my boss thinks? And guess what? I got the booting and a hard lesson at life, career, and people!!

Well, ever since, my mind has been manifested by random thoughts and superficial stuff. Ahhh....how I wish I could go back to the days when I was young....so innocent, so carefree, and you only need to think abt hunger, exams, and friends. When you get older, these increasingly become trivial and what comes into mind first is family, future, and finances. I blame this solely on Capitalism. It's changed human nature, and capitalist way revolves around one medium....MONEY!! Without money, one is deprived of basic needs; without money, one is deprived of sanity; without money, one is deprived of freedom, without money, one is deprived of humanity. Sad isn't it? Imagine those people in third world countries and starving, lacking in medical and nutrition needs....so why am I complaining? Because I am taught and raised in a capitalist-wary world.

What gives the right for me to worry when others have a more dire need of basic survival supplement? Nothing! and yet I can't keep these thought in my mind shut out. I think I need help, but where does it come from? Certainly my parents don't help much....I tried discussing with them earlier and though my mom is rather supportive, my father is the other way. He can't fathom my idealist thoughts, and insist his way is right. Which btw, I have followed, to very little success it so promised. So, I'm defying him and trying it out where it will land me. I hope this bet will make me richer....not in riches, but wealthy in experience, life-changing situation, and the return of my sanity.

Thanks God I have friends who are supportive, parents that are very loving and understanding, brothers that are very dependent on me, mentors that have guided me all up to this date, and associations that I have been involved in. The only thing I blame is myself because I have been indicisive, unambitious, unmotivated, and lastly being a pacifist! I thought I can make a difference but I fell quickly down to earth like Icarus (is that how you spell it?) when I am just but a small pawn in this vast earth. I need to change, but I don't know how to change, and I don't have the courage to change. I hope I get the faith and support from my friends and His Almighty in getting the real purpose and real direction in my life. I know I'm being selfish and I'm asking a lot from people, but in return I hope I can reciprocate their love with my new-found strength and courage.

Finding my place

2006-04-20T00:48:00.000-04:00

So, I've been thinking...and thinking....and more thinking....still it got me nowhere. As I waited and spied on my comments column...I only saw 1 person and the other who attempted to fill her comments but couldn't succeed. I guess the house is rather desolate and in need of a house party! hahaha...yeah...I guess....only if I can invite more people for it.

Anyway, I am not grumbling about it. My boredom and loneliness takes up most of my day, only to vent it on disturbing my youngest brother at night and weekends. Surprisingly, he enjoys it, and it only serve to accumulating more boredom. I try to occupy my time doing exercise and hitting the gym, but I got too caught up in it that now I'm hurting my own body. It seems I can't get anything right. But I prevailed knowing that there's only better things ahead.

I think I miss being alone. Surprising eh? I have been by myself for more than half of my life, and being accustomed to that lifestyle, being back here with my family (not that I don't cherish it) kind of put myself out of place. Although I don't have any restrictions since I'm more than an adult to my parents eyes, I feel the obligation to abide by the rules, meaning no doing bad things. Late night out, crazy sleep/eating pattern, going out whenever you want. I feel like I'm being monitored even though I know I'm not. I think what bothers me is that they're more worried about me than me worried about myself. Granted that they're my parents and they're still supporting my decision, I feel the conscience in me is telling me to be filial and listen to them. After all, their sacrifices are more than what I can pay back in my life.

I feel kinda lost. The road is pointing to all directions and none are concrete. I don't have an intuition, that instinct to prance and prowl. I know my good-nature is bringing me down. I am not aggressive, nor am I passive. Being a wondering soul is good for a short moment, which I have enjoyed, but a prolonged one is eating up my mind. Despite making the assurances to them that I know my way, deep down I doubt my own self. I need to find back my confidence and hope in doing so, I find my way, my place, my purpose, and most of all, my peace...

Good Friday it is....

2006-04-14T12:15:00.000-04:00

HA! Wishing all you poochies out there a warm Good Friday wishes....for those who celebrates, it's all still going on til the Easter Sunday....but for those who does not, like me, enjoy the long weekend! YAY!!

This time, it's a break from my soccer rants...yes I know I'm spending way too much time with football, considering the action resumes this coming mid-week, but I'm going to share other things with you guys. For those who checks out my crib for whatever reason- curious, checking how pooch is doing, what the hell he does, or those who follow my football rants, or just to steal ideas (ckckck...shame on you!)....I beg you, please drop some comments....or say hi, so that at least I know you knocked on my door and that you'd still consider me somewhere in your life. :D (I'm really looking forward to hearing your comments and maybe if it's a long-lost friend, or those anonymous ones who never holla back....I'm most certainly welcoming you to do so.)

Anywayz.....without further ado....hmm...before that...anyone feels my post is always a bit long? or long-winded? hahahaa....sorry for making it long, but I just feel when I start typing, emotions start to flow...my hands can't stop, and more and more ideas and feelings keep taking over my excitement. Thus, I hope you guys will understand why my posts are usually long.

Okay, whew....saying that much before starting can be quite annoying to some of you. Anyway, this Good Friday is quite a blessing in itself. I was preparing to wake up as early as 7 to have a ball game with my brother....what happened was that I saw him still sleeping when I woke up around 7 and I got carried away with the comfort of my mattress, and I continued on sleeping! hahaha....then at 9, I woke up to 3 smses to my cell. 2 from Sur who was asking if I'm game for watching Ice Age 2. What a coincidence.....my brother and I wanted to go catch the movie, but never had the chance since it was showing here almost 2 weeks ago! Anyway, it's also another reason to drag myself out of the house for the week. So before we left home, we were a bit late...my brother couldn't make himself part from the computer. So we were a bit late going to Plaza Singapura....and thankfully the others were late too! AHHAHAHA....Indonesian time stays valid wherever we go! :D So, I found Sur and her roomie, Lilis (dun know if I spell this rite) shopping around in BodyShop and a little while later, Cookiegal showed up. After that Yohan and Karel showed up. Quite a big group I'd say. They were all looking forward for the Ayam Panggang....hahaha...dun know what's the buzz about it but there sure was a long queue to that stall and surprisingly, all 5 of them got the same food.

To sum up the day, I'd say it was filled with lots and lots of laughter...the fast-shooting mouth of Karel with Yohan following it up, added with a little bit of pooch spice...man, our laughters were causing some commotion in the mall! hhahaha....Nice...then when we were about to decide where to watch Ice Age or what movie to watch, we ended up with going for 16 Blocks. Apparently the gals are so keen on Bruce Willis and for a man that age and having the appeal to teenagers or young ladies, I must say "hats off" to Mr. Willis. The movie starts at 4:20 while my watch was still showing 2:30. Damn...that means 2 hours wandering around. First, we were idling around a variety store....Thinking there's nowhere to go or nothing to do, we ended up in Secret Recipe for some sweet cravings! hahaa.....Let it out...all the fat jokes, all the nasty remarks....no one got offended, it was just plain, good laugh. No harm done! Other than the ones we made jokes about in Indonesian and do not understand the least bit what we talked about! pfftt....So we spent almost an entire hour in Secret Recipe and laugh our arse off....before we know it, it was time for the movie.

16 Block here we go.....the cinema wasn't that big, and there wasn't too many people watching it. Can't blame them for competing against Ice Age and some other movies. Overall I'd give it a 3 star out of 5. It's a pretty predictable plot with adequate and convincing acting by the casts. Some humor made up for the rather dull and about average action scenes. What can you expect out of a half-crippled character played by Bruce Willis? He's not the die-hard guy, but he's just a hard to kill bad-ass cop! And he's fighting against his own kind?....oopss...I might have given it away to those who might wanna catch the flick! Sorry guys.....anyway, $10 flew just like that....ahhh forgot, I paid for my brother's too, so it's $20 go flying....

Sad sad sad....so afterwards we decided to take a walk, and I was just following for a bit. My brother tagged along as well....nothing much to see, but woohoo.....I spotted an angel on the way....I call her the yellow tank-top angel from heaven....hahahaha...am I making too much out of it? Well, she's a catch, but I didn't go for it since I'll be abandoning my group....sigh.....but it still made my day and I'll be thinking of her for a few days more or until I see the next angel....hahahaha....bad poochie!! You should behave!! Don't be greedy and narcissist! hehehe....

Well, I told you, it's a good Friday after all.....good fun, good laugh, good times, and surely good moments......I'm blessed, thanks God! Maybe I'll go join for a mass for Easter Sunday.....on second thought...nahh.....AHHAHAHAHAHHA!!

Till the next post fellas....remember, lemme hear it if you read it! Woof!

God Must be Crazy....

2006-04-09T22:22:00.000-04:00

Hmm....for those who are familiar with "God Must be Crazy", it's a good reflection to what's happened in football world. Yes, there's no relevant ties to the Africans that spells with !xasu that reads with a "click" but it's more to the way people refer to the term that football is round and yes with luck, "God Must be Crazy"! Results are not as expected (Hint: Losing the bet to INoe), and some were just unbelievably absurd.

Yes we know AC Milan got through from 2 last minute goals from Sheva and Pipo, Villareal finished off Inter, Arsenal again showed their form with their draw with Juventus at Stadio Delle Alpi, and as expected Barcelona killing off Benfica.

But this past exciting weekend was one that everyone anticipated. MU vs. Arsenal. First off, I can't understand why Henry was left to the bench, and even Reyes. The excuse was that they're rested because they are tired, but for a match against MU?? Come on....rest them when you're playing with Portsmouth or Birmingham. Or I thought, is Henry really gonna be sold and Arsene Wenger aka the Professor is showing his new "young and up-coming" new-look Arsenal? The only seniors were Pires, Gilberto (acting captain in place of Henry) and Toure? Pires is almost certain to leave, and that leaves a squad with average age of 24 or younger. Anyway, without surprise, they're no match for the pace and skills of Rooney, Ronaldo or Giggs. Even Ji-Sung can be praised for his perfomance and a rubbing salt conclusion with the second goal. Damn...I lost the bet to INoe.

What made it worse, Chelsea's match against West Ham was just ridiculous. I was ecstatic when West Ham scored the first goal of the match followed by a red-card for Maniche which left Chelsea with 10 man to play for almost 70 minutes of the remaining match. Who could've thought they'd score two in the span of 3 minutes after 10 minutes of the red-card. And then made worse, the 11-man team was made to concede two more goals!! Ahhh...what agony. Now there's more reason to hate Chelsea and to root for whichever teams that plays against Chelsea, especially the coming May match with MU! (This is about the only time I'll root for MU ever!!) and hopefully Bolton and Everton can help too.

Dang....now the only consolation for me is for Arsenal to defeat Villareal in the Champion League and for them to beat Tottenham to secure that fourth-place finish.

Ahhh....football is taking over my time here......I should be more focusing on my job search, but what the hell.....I need to get this pressure off my head....what better relief than football? Hopefully I can enjoy the World Cup.....hopefully enjoyed it with the stress of working... :D

One can only be always optimistic and appreciative of opportunities right? So....whatever comes, let it come, and when it comes, embrace it in its entirety. (HAHAHA.....Am I becoming poetic?)
As I said, the God Must be Crazy.

Gunners Glory

2006-04-04T00:15:00.000-04:00

Poochies.....ahhh...the sports madness comes back to possess me! Watch out for the rants again....

What an amazing week for the Gunners (fyi: Those that don't follow soccer, it's the alias for Arsenal Football Club). Big wins followed by another big win. First, it was the glorifying steps of advancing in the Champions League stages. Experience is the mother of improvement and certainly an improvement they have made. The young generation has grown in confidence and stature as of late, and their unity and teamwork made it possible for the blatant results they're carving out of recent matches. Take a look....against Juventus, a club I very much supported, is played around by the younger boys. No spares of big name footballer in Juve's squad boasting Gigi Buffon, Cannavaro, Thuram, Zambrotta, Emerson, Vieira(ex-Arsenal captain), Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic. Any clubs would have loved to get even one of these players. Yet, they're outshined by the likes of Fabregas (18 years), Eboue (19 years), Flamini (17 years), Reyes (21 years), Senderos (20 years). Of course, Arsenal have Thierry Henry to depend on. This one man alone can tear defences and whizz past any defender. Skills, technique, pace, intelligence, all embeded into 1 man, El Maqnifique.

Hahaha....okay, so the score read 2-0 to Arsenal's favor. Brilliant goals from Fabregas and Henry, and a superb passing and flowing football from Arsenal. Also, I have to credit the young defensive backs who have upgraded their shaky performances in the beginning of the season. Kolo Toure, being the most senior of the four, lead the way with timely and perfect tackles to deny Trezeguet and Ibrahimovic of any clear shooting chances. And so in one-week time, Juventus could be very well out of the running for the Champions League dream. Even though I am a Juventus fan first before adding Arsenal to one of my favorites, I was very much cheering for Arsenal and loving it when they won the match. Maybe winning the Cup will convince Henry to stay and lead the team as captain to the new Emirates stadium, which is a masterpiece to say the least.

New Emirates Stadium - Home of Arsenal FC starting 2006/2007 season

They followed the orchestra with another encore, a drubbing of Aston Villa to the score of 5-0. Two beautiful goals from Henry- One, latching onto a long lob, he caught the ball high with his foot, and flicked it high against the on-rushing and leaping goalkeeper, and managed to stay afloat to make it into the goal. A goal that surely contends for the goal of the year, and the second, receiving a back flick from Adebayor, he collected the ball outside the penalty box, and curled to the top right corner of the flying keeper. The score then already read 3-0. He could've scored a hat-trick for if his lob from the right penalty box near the corner flag had gone in. It was later converted into goal by Adebayor after being cleared off the line by the Aston Villa defender. My support craze was exaggerated when I was pinning hopes that Bolton loses to MU(for sure!), Tottenham loses to Newcastle (50-50), and Blackburn drawing or losing. True enough all my prayers were answered and Arsenal are more than capable of securing the fourth-place finish in the Premiership. It's for their own to miss out on the fourth place finish since the only challenging fixtures are against MU, and Tottenham, which could definitely decide the fourth-place finish being that Tottenham still leads by 2 points.

So, next will be the second leg for the Champions League Q-Final and followed by a Sunday clash with Manchester United. (Yes, INoe, MU will lose! hahaha...but I hope they win the Premiership instead of Chelsea. I'll cheer for MU when they play against Chelsea =P). So, in all, I can sense that they'll secure a fourth-place finish and move on to the next year's qualification for Champions League, hopefully contending as champions too!

I'm a celebrity!

2006-03-28T11:08:00.001-05:00

I received a special request from Si Pemuja Rahasia for photos of my trip to Jakarta Raya...but you know what? I turn him down flat! hahaha....Request not accepted, but since I'm in a good mood of late, I'll tell you how I killed Brian and resurrected him as a big-time celebrity/sportsperson! hahahahaha......

Check it out ladies and gents....

A battle of geniuses....fiction vs. fact

Popularity contest! Becks vs. Kim Jong Il
Who will rule the world?

Reigning Champ vs. Up-and-coming star

Action Superstar? Comedian? A King? What's the similarity?

So....I invite you to write in your comments....who do you think is a better fit? At the end of the polling, I'll kill the others....so that there can only be one celebrity that will take over Brian's personality! ahahaha...Let the comments flow!

Jakarta Raya - My life, My city

2006-03-25T10:58:00.000-05:00

Whoa....meet again dear poochies!! Hope you readers are doing well and fine. I know, I know...what's the deal with going MIAs so many times....this time my excuse is valid!! hahahaha....I am back to my dear birth city, Jakarta Raya....as some of you may know, Jakarta doesn't have the facility to support high-speed internet connection!! All I got to work with was a 56k modem and that alone does not allow effective blogging.... =D (say all you want...and if you don't accept my excuse.....shoo!) hahaha.....

Anywhoooo....I went back last Thursday...16th March to be exact! Ran to catch the bus first thing in the morning that took us to Changi Terminal 1. Got there at around 9:30 and we were way too early for the 11:05 ValueAir flight. It's a very cozy plane...leather seat, roomy leg space, comfortable cabin.....but as soon as I landed on Soekarno Hatta....I know I was home again after a 2-year layoff...My dad and I were picked up by my mom's brother...he was driving an old and beaten Kijang (fyi: kijang is the well-known toyota mini-van in jakarta!) well, to let you guys know how bad it was, the car broke down 4 times before we could muster the last bit strength to get us home! hahaha....quite an experience...As soon as I got home, I got to eat Padang food!! YUMMYYYYY!!! hahahaa.....it's been too long my fellow poochies....all been too long!!

Great! now...I know what I need to do back in Jakarta...renew passport, meet and greet ol' pals (SD, Singapore, Waverly, Ames, Windsor) man....all this packed into the "supposedly" 1-week stay. I don't know for sure how long it'll take to git my passport done, but I'm hoping I can meet as many friends as I can. So first off....Cipto is on the priority list since he's coincidentally in Jakarta till Friday...he called me after a few SMSes and we agreed to meet before surprising Zul. Cipto wanted to go to PIM before finding Zul, but that plan was scrapped and he ended up coming to my home to chat and also meet up again with my dad. We talked for about 2 hours before finally deciding to go to Zul's house before he comes back so that we have the element of surprise! (talk about Sun Tzu strategy!) hahaha....Zul doesn't know that I'm back and Cipto, as his usual self, likes to play pranks on people. So there we go, I managed to squeeze out Zul's typical shocked look! hahaha...it's great to see him again and what do you know? he presented me with his name card.....Zulkifli Adijaya, Assistant Manager.....damn him!! hahahaha.....
We then proceed for a nice dinner in Muara Karang.

Next day, Andya and Vincent was next on the list. Andya already called to meet for dinner that Friday. Again, I went to Muara Karang to eat, dun know the place...and since I was not allowed to drive on my own, my dad insisted on driving me there. Ate at this Hay Thien restaurant...not bad but nothing too special. While still waiting for Vincent aka bos babi, Andya and I head to iPool in Pantai Mutiara....great nice place, it's in the old sports club, but renovated to a pool/lounge place. There, we were greeted by a deadly charming hostess....."Ko, mau minum apa? Alkohol? Jus? atau apa? Yang ini enak jg koq..." hahaha....Andya couldn't resist, I could tell. Then she moved on to ask me....she recommended me a few drinks....and yes...you know it....I couldn't resist either! hahahaha.....Then Vincent joined us and we chatted and pooled for a bit. I still suck since my white ball likes to find the holes! hahaha.....Finally, we went to Jetski restaurant nearby to chat and kill off the night. Before ending the night, Vincent suggested a morning golf session. Alright....since I'm here, I'll do anything!

Golf morning was there...7 in the morning in Pantai Indah Kapuk. Beautiful golf club....a cool morning as you can tell, and we were off whacking those balls....Vincent and Andya seems to be a regular, as I struggled hitting those balls....damn....never played on grass, and never had the courage to "ruin" the grass although it was meant to be a driving range. Then in the afternoon, I had Ahai and Cherish on the agenda....Man, those two wackos....it's fun being around them. They're very loose, and they know I don't get mad easily......reminds me that it's fun being a student all over again. Then we picked up Edward before going for lunch in Imperial Chef....nice dimsum servings.....We talked about everything, from what's left in Windsor to business, and everything. They got a good sense of business opportunities in Jakarta but all of us were limited to the ideas since we don't have the means to the capital.

Sunday....wow....consecutive two and a half days of activities sure drain my strength. It was hard gathering up the people of Iowa State alumnus the night before and thankfully it was a pretty huge group. Zul and his brother picked me up at home slightly before 1 in the afternoon. Then we head to Plaza Senayan (my first time!) to meet Meis, Juli, Stephen, and Filbert. First, I met with Stephen (Asoi), well well well, I seem to get the hint that banking is employing so many people. Zul is in LippoBank, Asoi in Bank Mizuho, as he presented me with his name card, I was told that Filbert is in Citibank...wow! What's going on? All Engineers and MIS students going to banks? hahaha....Then we met with Meis....she's still the same....and then Juli who brought Martono along....and old alumnus too....Wow...quite a gathering....we then went to Bakerzin since other restaurants were pretty packed. Filbert then joined us a bit later with his girlfriend. Before ending the meet, I got lucky! First, we were told that since we spent more than 300,000 rupiah, we got the chance to a lucky draw that might reward free air ticket to fly to Singapore....they were all excited and told the waiter to let me draw since I will be going there....I gladly accepted it since it's a chance for a free ticket. Sure enough....I drew one, and I did get a coupon for a free ticket!! Return trip for Jakarta-Singapore....WOW!! Everyone was excited for me! hahahaha.....Thanks AdamAir!

Monday comes and it's time for renewing the passport! We left home at about 9 in the morning and the immigration office was near the airport. And since Indonesia are prone to sidetracking....getting my passport to still bear foreign address was an easy feat...Money talks! so, we went there and met with the agent.....unfortunately, the immigration officer he normally deals with hasn't arrived...and we were made to wait for 2 hours before I get to get into the office to take care of my passport...first, all the information for passport, name, DOB, place of birth, and all those nittygrittys....then came the digital photo-taking and digital fingerprints that accompany new passports....got done with that, then all I needed to do was sign the new passport, the agent gave the officer the Indonesian handshake (money hidden underneath the palm =D) and we were done in less than an hour. The agent said it will be delivered to my home the next day. All these cost 850,000 rupiah....when a normal procedure will cost around 500,000 rupiah.

So yes, the next day my passport came and I don't like it. Normally, the photo and personal identification are on the back of the cover page, but now it's on the 2nd page of the book. It feels so flimsy! I don't like the picture on the passport either! Damn them......anyway, I had plan to meet Ocep and Freddy at night and the location: Pandan Bistro. This time, I managed to convince my dad to drive on my own there...I mean it's only less than 3 km away and he don't trust me and worry that it's unsafe? hahaha.....I manage to get there safely nonetheless! We chatted and talked abut stuff and the dinner was pretty good.

Finally on Wednesday night, I get to meet Yahya after Juli drove with him to my home. When Yahya was going home, Juli asked me to accompany him to send Yahya home. On the way, we stopped by Bakmi Gajah Mada....hahahaha....my favorite restaurant! Great, great! Get to eat the special GM noodles, and the fried meat dumplings (the specialty of the rest.) Then, I got the brunt of Indonesian traffic when it took more than an hour to get me home when it's about only 20 minutes drive without any congestion. I needed to rush home since there's a memorial for my dad's "step-mom" (She's not really a stepmom but she had taken my dad as her own son - fyi: my dad built her home) It was quite a gathering and it's an experience for me since it's the first time I get to experience a Catholic mass Indonesian style) After that, the catering that she had prepared was super delicious...too bad those Bakmi Gajah Mada noodles kept my stomach full, and I couldn't eat more than what I had. Then also, some big-time bosses were there.....Oma's (as what I call my dad's stepmom) second son is now with Mulia Group and has numerous projects that often get offered to my dad. But since my dad doesn't work no more, he helps his friend get the tender in for the bidding. Then also, there's the boss for Gajah Tunggal tyres. Well, I only get to know that he once was an Industrial Engineer and we chatted for a bit.
Whew.....so far it's quite a long rant huh?? Bear on poochies since I got more to tell.....

Then on that last day before I leave for Singapore.....I exchanged my coupon to travel on Friday, 24th March....I got to meet my SD friends....Yossy and Hendry. They came to my house, and we went to eat in the school canteen. The school is near my house and surprisingly, the lady in the canteen still remembers us very much.....that's some 10 odd years ago.....hahaha...how time flies....and the building still looks the same as when we left. We were talking about jobs, and nostalgic moments. So.....after 2 hours, I had to finish my packing and leave for the airport. I am travelling by myself since my dad has to stay for another week to take care of the tax. So...AdamAir....well to be honest, it sucked! hahaha.....crampy seat, no leg room (at least for me), packed box meal was a MickeyD's beefburger! hahaha....oh man....and the worst is that the plastic glass mineral water was accompanied by a rather flimsy straw. It kept getting bent whenever I try to stick it into the plastic cover sheet! I needed to get 3 straws to finally get the straw in. Anyway, the landing was also bad and I don't think I'll ever fly with AdamAir again....talk about the remaining Singapore-Jakarta trip. I'm not sure if I'll let it get void or if I'll fly back to Jakarta, since it's slated for April 22.

In short, I enjoyed my stay very much in Jakarta....I wanted to stay longer if I could, but there's too many things that reminded me it's not such a good ideal. First off, 24th March is my brother's (Andrew) birthday and I don't think I ever celebrated it with him other than his first day out of my mom's womb and maybe his 1st birthday! I left home for studies when he's one and since his birthday falls on school term, it doesn't let me to be there with him. Next, my dad's worrying does not let me to drive on my own to meet with my friends....It's a little troublesome since not all my friends live nearby. And lastly, they're busy working so I only get to meet them at night or weekends, guaranteed that they're not exhausted from their busy work schedules.

So anyway, sorry for going MIA for so long....but then, hope this fills the gap so far! hehehe...have fun reading....Ciao...til the next post!

Football, Sex and Planes.....

2006-03-12T10:33:00.000-05:00

WHOAAA.....what's wrong with pooch here?? What's up with that title? Has he gone mad? Has he been punk'd and joined the rock'n roll life?? Or has he been disillusioned by the stress and consumed by pressure that he went berserk? hahahaha....relax fellow poochies....this pooch is tame...not wild...just excited....

Anyway, what's up with going MIA for so long? It seems blogging is underrated...or it seems the timing and the publishing is not right. Well....let's forget about it since I'm making one post now. :D
Football craze is back!! If you don't get enuff of my rants from last posting....I'm back with more...plus the encouragement makes it more fulfilling to make another report....huhuhu...but then I won't torture you poor souls out there....Bottomline...Chelsea lost, Arsenal go through....Juventus barely making it, AC Milan thumped Munich and Liverpool also crashed out! Chelsea was outplayed by the Ronaldinho and Co. at the Nou Camp. The brilliance of Ronaldinho is shown again as he manhandled, the Chelski defenders...and even the stauntest of them all, John Terry, without mercy....and he drilled an unstopable shot past Cech. Meanwhile, Arsenal displayed yet another determined teamwork to prevent Real Madrid from scoring and going through to the next round. Despite shaky start from both sides, Arsenal could have been down first, or up first depending on who took the chances. Unfortunately, when the keepers were the stars of the night, superb strikes from Raul, Reyes, and Henry made the keepers look even more astonishing....fingertip save by Casillas to prevent Henry's curl, and the help of postbar against Reyes and Raul. Lehmann made the most brilliant save of the night...after beaten by Raul's shot....the post bounced back the shot to Raul's feet again...as the striker pounced on the ball, the keeper who dove to block the shot, rushed back to make an unimaginable stop to parry Raul's rebound....sigh...what a relief when I saw it...I thought it was a goner for sure. Juventus also got through at the stroke of Werder Bremen's unfortunes...the keeper mishandling the ball to give Emerson the opportunity to poke it home.

Footballing madness continues with great games in the week.....Chelsea vs. Tottenham, Man U vs. Newcastle, Liverpool vs. Arsenal, and Juventus vs. AC Milan...furthermore, with F1, sporting madness can't get anymore tense than this.

Following football, what's with the sex part? I think the world is hopping into the TammyNYP bandwagon. The sensation that the teenage girl out of Nanyang Polytechnic has rocked the net world and the netizens. The hots about this issue is that she (Tammy's not her real name by the way) had recorded herself making love to the boyfriend on the cellphone. When she lost her cellphone to the rumored rival in the cheerleading team, she got the brunt of the internet force.....the spread of the video clip ready to be downloaded at the mercy of hungry netizens.....I myself crumble under the temptation...but the main reason was to know what's so damn "HOT" about this clip. Anyway, I saw it, it was an ordinary to say the least of a couple doing a normal sexual intercourse. Obviously the pair are rather young, and the community is not one to accept this sort of pre-marital commitments. Not to say the least recording them. So, she was embarrassed, the netizens got their fill, and the world witness the prowess of internet. NB: One blog wrote to defend Tammy by asking people to write more "fake" sources to download the clip so that it's harder to find. Shockingly, the net is not the only source.....Ebay got a seller offering the clip, and it's made its way to DVD piracy which are sold in Malaysia. So those who are interested, you can click here. hehehehe....

Lastly, planes....well, Singapore just finished the last Asian Aerospace show. With the highlight being the jumbo aircraft Airbus A380, a few fighter planes and Apache....What I got to see in the actual exhibition was much much more breathtaking. The bus ride there was quite slow...it took almost an hour to get to the Yishun interchange where the shuttle were provided. The shuttle took almost another hour bothered by traffic and people who are going to the show. After we got off the shuttle, there was more waiting as the queue to enter the building has gotten quite long. Plus the scorching sun was really torturing us. Anyway, got to see A380 in action and surprisingly it's very quiet as it hovers very near the ground.

Singapore has launched itself to be the place to be in the next couple of years!! Big projects are unleashed and the new downtown is set to be an eye-catching experience. Here's a preview.

With the addition of a new 70 storey apartment, an integrated resort (casino), a scenic bridge and the future Singapore Flyer...it'll be the place to be for tourists other than the shopping and night experience!

New Marina Bay Bridge with the Singapore Flyer at the background

Preview of Singapore's future Skyline

And finally, the bird's eye view of Marina Bay in the coming years!

Sports Madness Week - 2

2006-02-23T09:46:00.000-05:00

I know I'm rambling on a lot....but what to do? I love sports -playing them as much as watching them on tv or live. This time, I'm hooked to the Winter Olympics games. I know the time difference is a compromise with me having to stay up till late in the night. I know I was crazy to catch the opening ceremony at 3 in the morning, but it was well-worth the wait with breathtaking shows and displays. Hats off to the Italians and the organizing committee for putting up a great stage and capping it off with fireworks that lead to the lighting of the Olympic torch in the Stadio Olympico (yes, it's Lazio's and Roma's homeground.)

Of all the events, I grew to like the speed skating events. It's technical, it's skillful and it's a grace to see them skate on the skating rinks. I didn't realize South Korea was such a powerhouse with their world top-ranking athletes both in the men's and the women's. Another delight was the 5000m relay event where you have 4 skaters exchanging the race every 1,5 laps. It requires sublime change-off timings, skills and great technicality. I also caught glimpses of the slalom events, curling, high jumps, bobsled, dance skating, snowboarding, and the ice hockey games. I know I'll be waiting for the 2010 Vancouver games and following it more now that I know it's very interesting. =P

Also, mid-week, came the most anticipated matches of European football competition. It pits top English teams with top Spanish teams - Arsenal vs. Real Madrid and Chelsea vs. Barcelona.

I watched the Arsenal team reduced to its youngsters and make-shift backline. Regulars - Lauren, Toure, Campbell, Cole to Makeshift - Ebuoue, Toure, Senderos and Flamini. The oldest being Toure and the rest 21 and below. Surprisingly, they held up the Madrid Galacticos splendidly with teamwork and great concentrations. Marshalled by the giant German keeper Lehmann, the backline was stiff and sturdy, no signs of those shaky defending that costed them the losses in the EPL. The midfield also worked industriously with Gilberto, Ljungberg, Hleb, Reyes, and Fabregas, pouncing on every mistakes and every loose balls that were up for grabs. The front was commanded by the charismatic Thierry Henry who was not only an inspirational captain, but a world-class striker in his own right. Ronaldo meanwhile was left to find his own form and looked so lost in the game. He lost the ball to Henry who muscled and gazelled through 2 defenders before slotting in the only goal of the game to the far post of the outreaching Casillas. Casillas was the only true hero other than Beckham for Madrid for the score could have been worse off by 2 or 3 goals. Beckham had chances but misses and great defence frustrated him as you see him furl a piece of turf. Great competitiveness indeed. Even Raul came in late to help but couldn't get much support to the team. Robinho looked nowhere like the wonder-kid and looked more like a teen lost in a big boys game. Zidane couldn't get a touch, Reyes playing with the ball and outwitting Cicinho like a pro against an ordinary player, Gilberto and Hleb should be commended for locking down Zidane and Guti to their sub-par game and the whole Madrid team played like an amateur team, compared to the Arsenal team that produced great team-work and chemistry, holding on their own against the heavily-favored Madrid team at their homeground. Hopefully the return leg will produce another great showing from the Arsenal team.

Meanwhile, the other match pitted Chelsea against Barcelona - finesse vs. flair. The build up against this match was carried over from the last year's bitter loss suffered by the Barcelone camp. The pitch was left to deteriorate badly and looked like a muddy field, and drew complaints from the Barcelona side. It started great with Barcelona completely dominating possession and openings. Yet, no showing for goals. Nonetheless, the brilliant play of the young Argentine teen, Lionel Messi prove that Barcelona don't only rely on Ronaldinho or Eto'o. The electrifying teen terrorised the right flank which eventually caught on Del Horno's nerve and earning him the red-card for the bad challange. Crespo was nowhere effective and Drogba was only a slight improvement. Yet, second half saw the Chelsea team taking the lead through an own-goal by midfielder Motta. Valdes was unlucky to bump into motta as the ball trickled into the goalmouth. Equally bizzare is how Chelsea managed to concede the goal in the same manner. The usually firm and dependable captain Terry managed to flick a Ronaldinho free kick over the falling and grasping Petr Cech. As such the score was level in no time. Barcelona got hungry after the first goal and to show for the blunder, Terry cleared two sure goals from Ronaldinho and Eto'o. Even Messi managed to curl-in a left-footed shot that bounced off the bar. Then the moment of magic came alive at the feet of Ronaldinho - getting the ball in the middle of the park, he danced through the Chelsea midfield, zoom past a couple of players before releasing the advancing Henrik Larsson. Albeit the heavy pass, Larsson managed to pull back, passing it back to Marquez who delivered a beautifully weighted curved lob that met Eto'o's powerful glancing header past Cech. Scoreline read 2-1 and lasted til the end of the game. Deserving winners and hopefully they manage to contain Chelsea in Nou Camp in 2 weeks time.

So, the first legs saw two wonderful game...a teamwork with inspirational captain marvel winning against All-Star stud team, and flair and beautiful soccer (as the new Nike ad shows and ambassadored by Mr. Cantona) winning against finesse and confrontational money-rich team. Some scorelines that disappoints: Liverpool - Benfica (0 - 1), Werder Bremen - Juventus (3 - 2) the Old Lady facing some tough luck in Germany. AC Milan - Bayern Muenchen (1 - 1) Bianconero getting a last minute penalty, Inter - Ajax (2 - 2)

Two weeks time, I'll be having heavy eyes and deprivation of sleep again. But hopefull it'll be rewarded by amazing games with desired results... =P Arsenal drawing or winning in Highbury, Chelsea -hopefully losing- in Nou Camp. Liverpool beating Benfica and Juventus going on with a W. Hopefully Muenchen wins because I don't want to see another Juventus - Milan. And that's it for a sports madness week. Oooo did I forget to mention that Lions won against Iraq 2-0? hahaha....I think I'm slowly being turned Singaporean. and in the weekend, Asian Aeropsace will be a breathtaking experience with Airbus A380 on show, Apache (the meanest military chopper ever!!) F-15s, a couple other fighter jet and some other "smart" planes. Can't wait. Til the next report, I'm off cause my paws are hurting from typing =P

Sports Madness Week - 1

2006-02-23T08:51:00.000-05:00

It's truly a mind-boggling sports week with hits and misses...highs and lows...glories and embarrassments....and a spectacular view for participants and viewers around the world!

First off... NBA All-Star Weekend ( some spectacular, the rest a sore to the eyes), next an eventfull two-week long Torino Winter Olympics, and the mid-week European Cup clashes...

NBA All-Star Weekend 2006 at Houston produced some jaw-dropping, disbelieving surprise, and moments of glory for the underdogs...All past winners were dethroned by unlikely champions...First, the Skills challenge where Steve Nash was the reigning champ...he was against LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Dwayne Wade...all of whom are more than capable all-rounders. I had my bets on Steve Nash keeping the trophy at his nice cozy home...Yet, he shocked everyone by coming in last in the preliminary....all because he couldn't made the free-throw jumpshot which has been his bread and butter. LBJ and DWade came through to the finals...with Dwayne Wade coming a little better than LBJ through his more accurate passes and shooting. - Deserving Champ.

Next come the Shooting Stars which comprises of 3-player teams, an active NBA player, a retired NBA player, and an active WNBA player. San Antonio had TP, Wecker, and Kerr, Lakers had KB8, Magic, and Leslie, Houston had TMac, Swooopes, and "Glyde" Drexler, and lastly the reigning champs Suns with Marion, Majerle, and Miller. This was somewhat a forgetable event with Spurs taking on the trophy all thanks to the sharpshooting TP. He banked the half-court shot in his first attempt. Surprisingly, all half-court shot were made by active NBA players - KB8, TP, TMac - except for the Suns, made by the WNBA player. The quote of the day - "I even banked that last shot for Kobe" as TP cheekily mentioned to Kobe.

3-Point contest was one of my favorites. This year had a strong competing participants, Q defending the title, Nowitzki, Ray Allen, Billups, Terry, Arenas. I thought it's the year for Allen, and he was pacing it early by being the leader of the 1st round. In a stroke of luck, Nowitzki's last bucket counted when replay shown that he actually still had it in his hand when the red light came on. That made the difference of making it to the final 3. So final 3 had him, Allen and Arenas. And what luck, Nowitzki found his stroke and he was in the zone, drowning threes like he does with free throws. And well, the trophy was his to keep when Allen missed most of his last balls.

To cap off the nite, it was the Dunk contest. This year was somewhat "exciting" with Josh Smith coming back and with lots of expectations. Also with him are electrifying Andre "Iggy" Iguodala, Nate "tiny" Robinson (5'9 for God's sake!!), and Hakim Warrick. I thought it was gonna be Smith vs. Iguodala...but heck, Robinson's first dunks scare the shit out of me! How in the hell can someone who's as tall as me made those ridicolous dunks?? Let alone doing it acrobatically!!
Smith was disappointing through and through and he was deservingly left out. Iggy had a SICK, SICK, SICK dunk. The dunk to be remembered next to VC's inhuman dunks! AI had thrown the ball to the backboard and with Iggy running from the bleachers, he caught the ball midair behind the backboard, glide through the air, under the board and dunked with authority. A slight mistake and it'll cost him his head and a "dunk" to remember if you know what i mean =P Nate Robinson managed to top it off with a jump-over Spud Webb (FYI the '86 Dunk Champ who's only 5'7! God must be crazy!) and he did it effortlessly!! The result was a dunk-off since the final 2 dunks got both of them the same score....the dunk-off was grimacingly boring as Nate had to throw 18 times before getting an acrobatic, high-flying dunk. Meanwhile Iggy managed to make Natey's dunk spectacular by doing something mediocre. Sigh...as such Robinson was the champ and a refreshing champ.

So recap...shortest guy won the Dunk Contest, tallest guy won the 3-point contest, the scorer -not the King- won the skillz contest, and the neighbouring team won the shooting starz by making most of the shots in quick fashion.

Then the weekend was brandished with the all-anticipated East vs. West All-Star game. The jacket was a nice design with patches of their previous "flights" (the design was taken off NASA's spacesuit with patches of their previous flights missions) which signifies the All-Star game participated. Then there's the name below the team logo and the flag of the country of birth since the players playing the All-Star game has been consistently filled with foreign players. Introductions for this year is very memorable with the starters making a dance routine. Yupe...dance routine and that means Yao doing the snake dance when passed from Steve Nash to Kobe to TD and TMac. The East did a somewhat weird dance but still quite pleasant with DWade, AI, LBJ, VC and Shaq doing the routine in unison. The game was filled with "thrillers" for the fans in the first quarter with alley-oops...dribbles and sorts before getting more serious in the late quarters. TMac was burning by running away with the clear contention for the MVP award, before LBJ decided to take it into his own hands and erased the 21 point lead built up by the West team. I hated to see the West and TMac lose the winner's trophy and MVP, but with the East and the Fantastic Four Detroit players, they won with with defense and grit. TMac had the last shot but it was blocked by none other than the King himself. What a way to shame the hosts. Anyway, great times...great moments - Shaq guarding KB8 while doing cross-overs, and ended up with Shaq manhandling Mr. KB81 himself!

So in the end, East won again, LBJ is truly the King and everyone gone home happy...

PS: Check out the dunks in www.youtube.com

Interview with Infineon

2006-02-19T03:12:00.000-05:00

Yes fellow poochies....I got my first interview after a month's worth of applying to jobs and waiting. I was supposed to have the interview on Wednesday Feb. 15, but the day before, I had a call to change the date to the next day. Who could've figure that on Wednesday night, I got another call from the interviewer himself, Mr. Edwin Chin, that he had to leave Singapore on that Thursday, and changed it again to the Friday. I thought to myself...okay, that gives me more time to prepare...but is it a test? is it because I'm not that high up on the list? Nonetheless, I got myself prepared for the Friday.

I got dressed - blue shirt, blue tie, black pants...carrying my bag which contains my documents, and a plastic bag to carry my oversized MBA diploma. It was such a hot day and both the heat and the sun made me sweat so much even though I just had taken a cold shower. On the way there by bus, I got stuck in the rain...didn't bring umbrella....had no choice but to keep on going....walked briskly to the front office of the company about 10 minutes early. I was supposed to meet with the HR lady, Ms. Jane Yeo. first to confirm all my credentials and documentations. She was a very nice lady, very warm and a little klutz...hahaha...I said that because she keep apologizing for being absent-minded. Anyway, she was also curteous enough to ask if I needed to dry myself since she can see how I was a little drenched.

Meanwhile, after confirming all the documents, she left me to wait for the interviewer. The slated interview time of 5 PM was still about 15 minutes aaway...but I waited for almost an hour before Mr. Chin showed up. I had gone to the front office again to ask for Ms. Yeo and also for Mr. Chin. Some busy guy he is! So when he came....about 5:40 PM....this rather plump, short guy apologized and we started the interview. It was somewhat a rather casual, relaxed interview...he saw my credentials and asked first why I didn't stay in Canada/USA. I coolly answered that I just wanted to come back to be near my family since it's been a while that I've left home. He shared his own experience of being away in Europe for education and work. So then he went on to ask about my two working experiences in Ford and City of Windsor. Great I thought....I prepared this and answered similar to what I've prepared....not forgetting to link to the job responsibilities of what I'm being interviewed for. So, after that, he told me that he was actually planning to put me into a different position, Material Planner instead of the Production Planning that I was called there for. Then he was a bit disappointed and told me that he's actually looking for an experienced candidate, and that I was still considered a fresh Grad. Further on, he asked what's my stress level. I go on to tell him that I can handle stress pretty well because I do time-management for projects and so on.

Even after hearing my answer, he persistently told me about the stress of the job and the working environment is not like what I've experienced in the States or in Canada. I told him I understood that and that I've expected that for preparing to work in Singapore. He then went on to briefly describe the position that he wanted me in, and that he told me the pressure will be on me all the time because I literally have to be the "runner" and be responsible for whatever is lacking. I countered him this time with the experience I had when at Ford I had to cover for one of my supervisors and that people were giving me problems. I told him that I can manage it pretty well.

So after a few more questions, and questions from myself, we ended the interview. He told me that if I can work in Batam, I might be placed there as well. Then before ending the interview, he told me that he'll be interviewing a couple more candidates (Yeah right....) and that I will be informed as late as end of next week if I'm called for a further round of interview. So I thank him and I left. Hopefully after I send my thank you note, I can get some positive feedback. Anyway, for now, I can only pray and hope it's some good thing. I mean, the pressure will be there, but I have to also be prepared to handle the tasks, the burden as well as the risk. Until then, good luck....

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T12:11:00.000-05:00

Wow...V'Day is here again....I can't believe how much Singapore society has changed or it's the other way around...me not knowing how it's like back then...I guess it's a mix of both. On my way to Junction8 in the afternoon, I saw couples and schoolgirls....infected with love...and pampered by the male counterparts. Flowers, gifts, companionship, whatever form it may be, they're being proudly showcased on the girls...A few glimpses and you can see that V'Day is very much celebrated here by the younger generation!! Girls schools receives flowers...what about the co-ed? I can't imagine...but judging by the diversity of uniforms....RGS girls, CHIJ girls, Cedar girls, SCGS girls, Nanyang girls, St. Margaret's girls....all prominent girls schools are either carrying flowers or accompanied by boys from RI, SJI (my alma mater). and JC students. My my....what a sight to be reckoned with. I myself just enjoyed the sight of beautiful girls embued in love...hahaha dun mind the sight....gotta say I think I must be a bit jealous and also envious.....Nonetheless, I'm not really in the exact mood to be in love or looking for one. As for now, one thing is certain...I goota find myself a job, and a career before moving on to the heavier judgement calls such as gf and wife-to-be. I only know one thing...getting a gf and more specifically Asian girls do pose a burden on your pockets....hehehe...sorry girls but for a while, I will be an elligible bachelor....

Singapore Jobhunting 101

2006-02-11T09:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome welcome to another weekend in the lion city...me...well, same ol' story....enjoying life...ahhhh....hahaha ERRRRRRKKKK....no way! In a way yes, but not so much. I have dedicated much of my January and after CNY towards some serious jobhunting mode. As I mentioned the last time around....been sending out lots of applications and resumes and the time should be about right when I am getting calls....and guess what? I did....Now the time to prepare....what's the basic survival skill you need in Singapore?? Everyone needs to adapt to their new environment and Singapore is no different.....so I'm introducing to you, the one, notoriously famous, and one of a kind in the world..drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrum roll........SINGLISH!!! TAH - DAH!! Not only that....this comes with its own dictionary!! YES PEOPLE!! The Singlish has been so widely adapted in Singapore that it's officially an accepted language here....people speak it, people understand it, and others have to do the same when they're in Singapore....here's the link to get yourself acquinted with Singlish.

Anyway, back to jobhunting topic...I did get my first call for my applications....It's for Infineon....a break-up from Siemens...it's pretty huge Semiconductor company and it's HQ-ed here right in Singapore for its Asian-Pacific operations....so it's some huge shit...hahaha...I wonder if I can deal with the intensity....Nonetheless...I got a few more days to get myself pepped up for this. Hopefully this will be my lucky break. At the same time....it's the 15th and CNY is officially over...time to pray and what a lucky coincidence....I'ma gonna pray hard and pray for lots of lucks....so there you go...the schedule for my Sunday!

A slow week...

2006-02-07T08:55:00.000-05:00

Eh...nothing much...this must really suck being me now...who would've thought that being alone can be such a bad thing now...sigh...Must be because love is in the air everywhere...guys flocking to jewellery stores, booking flowers, planning that extra something something for their partners...I envy them, yet find them a little excessive...hahahaha....I am such a sore loser...fine...another V Day spent alone...

Anyway, I guess I should be more positive about my job prospects....It's been around a month since I sent it my applications, so the time for the fruits to ripe should be about now...I'm hoping to get a call or two, but then again, if nothing happens, I should just keep on being positive and patient.

By the way, Riko came by on Sunday morning. I thought he would be coming the day after, but soon after I was ready to go to bed, I got a call and that he's already in the airport! hahaha...at about almost 2 in the morning, the only way to go to the airport is by taxi....I got in this taxi which was a Malay driver....a friendly guy...talked a lot and it was interesting how people are so nice around here...

So there I was about 2:30 AM in the airport...met with Riko...hugged...kissed...hahahaha..NO WAY! I thought I was gonna accompany him in the airport till his next flight which was at 7:30 in the morning, but then he didn't really wanted to, so we got back to my house. The taxi driver we got was also very nice...I talked with him about me looking for a job and he told me to be patient and also to try many things...but I was talking with him in Mandarin and Riko didn't understand any single thing....when we got to my place, the driver told Riko to learn chinese...hahahaha.....cool guy...he knows we're Indonesian.

Back at the crib, everyone's sleeping....I myself was quite tired...and Riko was surprisingly quite fresh....we talked for a bit and at abt 4, I was at my limit. I pulled my tikar and slept in the living room while Riko slept on the sofa....we woke up abt 5:30 and was ready to go back to the airport...before we left, my mom woke up and talked with Riko for a little bit. After that, we got onto the taxi again to the airport. After Riko checked-in, I bought him breakfast and enjoyed the little time we got left before he boarded. I was beat...I was ready to go home....an hour ride by MRT to home and I have all the Sunday to sleep it off!

Family gathering suspended indefinitely

2006-02-02T12:54:00.000-05:00

Chinese New Year is technically still going on...it last for two weeks, but for me and my family, it's time to part with one of the member....at least for short-term period. My second brother has gone back to Australia to continue with his summer session. Well, more accurately, to commence on a test he "accidentally" missed out the last semester. Apparently, he's missed out the test because he did not get up on time to write it. Luckily for him, the professor was kind enough to let him re-take it on Feb. 3rd. So there you go!

Anyway, back to CNY...we had a nice little dinner. As a family all together plus some students who are staying with us.

Here's the dinner we had on the eve of CNY

Then, I got myself a couple of ang paws for the first time in the last....oh well about 5 - 6 years....So happy....It's supposedly believed to be about helping children or young adults get assisted to get on with their burdens and lift up their fortunes...so as I am still single and most importantly unemployed now, hopefully it's a turning point whereby I will start to have more fortunes in getting a job and god forbid a girlfriend and maybe future wife-to-be. =p

And guess what? We have our first family picture for quite a while. So much has changed since the last complete family picture...exactly about 2 years ago...my graduation...but the only one that remains is the one with my dad in the hospital. I had to put on the gown and take picture with him and my mom and my two brothers in the hospital room. Unfortunately also...I've lost all the pictures for my undergraduate graduation ceremony (blame it on the damn ungrateful thief! BURN IN HELL!!) hahaha....I am not normally that emotionally-challenged....Anyway, that picture that I had left was good enough.

Anyway, here's the pictures of all of us together

Me, Andrew, Mom, Fendy, and Dad.

Another pic different position...

With the students in our house...

And lastly, Mom and Fendy....

Hehehe...that's all for the updates folks...now back to my cookies and goodies....MWAHAHAHAHA..........

Happy 2006 Chinese New Year....Year of the Dog

2006-01-28T03:25:00.000-05:00

Friends....let me wish you all....

恭喜发财
新年快乐
万事如意

For those that don't know...find it out yourself =p (Just Kidding)
Gong Xi Fa Cai (wish you lots of fortune)
Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy Chinese New Year)
Wan Shi Ru Yi (May lots of good thing/lucks befall you)

By the way, it's the Year of the Dog

According to the Chinese, the dogs are...

The years of the dogs are: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, (and every 12 years on).

Ones who are born in the Year of the dog possess the best traits of human nature; because they’re honest, have deep sense of loyalty, and have inspired other people’s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But sometimes, ones who are born in the Year of the Dog can be selfish, really stubborn, and eccentric (weird). They don’t seem to care much about money, but they seem to have a lot of money. Sometimes they can be cold (emotionally) and distant at parties. But they do make good leaders. They’re most compatible with ones who are born in the Year of Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.

Gosh...I don't think I'm like that, am I? Hehehe...anyway, I hope I haven't offended anyone.

You know what? This year the dogs are really lucky and pampered...they're like kings, emperors, call it whatever you may but they are the luckiest animals (other than being called the man's best friend) this year. Imagine, I read in the news that they get treatment that you will never ever pay for yourself....a $4000 hair trim, $5000 perfume, $1000 dinner...and so much more....dresses, clothings, and accessories, you name it, they have all kinds of things and sold at incredibly expensive prices.

Anyway, my mom told me that this year is a lucky year for me too since it's my year, and hopefully that transcends to more luck in health, career, love life, fortune, and family. :D
But, I also want to spread and share this blessings with all my good friends wherever they are.

That being said....I wanna wish everyone once again, GONG XI FA CAI, XIN NIAN KUAI LE! May all the fortunes and lucks befall on you this year and also the years to come.

And lastly....HONG PAW NA LAI!!! haahhaha...gimme gimme gimme all those thick fat hong paws! hahahaha.....

Love him, Hate him....He's one sick Mo-fo

2006-01-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

hahaha....you guys must be shocked with my title, but I'm more shocked with the performance of one damn incredibly ridiculous sick mo-fo!! He's none other than Mr. Kobe "8" Bryant!! 81 point is a feat in itself, but doing it against the Raptors is just HURT! hahaha...not that I'm such a big fan of the raptors, and not too fanatical about KB8 himself, but it shows Raptors are still soft and Kobe is still snobbish!

Yes we know we LOVE the game, we love the players...KB8 - Love him hate him, he's both you love to hate and hate to love - pick your choice. This goes to show NBA is a one-man game....individualism take over team-orient and goals...I mean you have a 5-team man for something but not like that. 75% scoring done by 1 person? come on. David Stern gotta do something...but that will just hurt the NBA excitement as it constantly produces superstars case in point the one and none other than Mr. Air and VinSanity...who could doubt they dominate the games and keep people stick to the goggle box??? But Raptors lack that one person or the term "TEAM" hahaha....anyway...let the rant stop here for now. Love it and hate it. 81 points is not easy and not the thing you wanna hear, but let's give it for Mr. KB8 for he's one damn sick mo-fo, the sickest cat to ever win the game for the team literally by himself. Thanks NBA!

Going for 2 out of his Amazing feat of 81 points!

Shame on you Joey...you should've been in front of him!

AMD Day

2006-01-21T10:47:00.000-05:00

Got up pretty early today even though I slept late the nite before. =_= Reason being....it's the AMD Walk-in interview day today! GO

I was preparing for it the nite before...reading articles...finding out more about AMD and practising what to say for the interview...all set and I was getting tired...the clock shows 3AM in the morning...gosh...better get to bed.

I woke up at 8AM in the morning...eyes heavy...body stiff and...mind blank....but I got up...took a shower...clean up good...and put on the new shirt I bought (navy blue G2000 shirt I got for sale). put on black slacks and blue tie to match the shirt. combed my hair...put a little perfume and I felt like a million bucks muach (I hope Ludacris don't sue me for copyrighting his lyrics! hehehe) and checked my portfolio for all my resume...transcripts, and certificates...I was all set! The best thing is that I had my dad to accompany me for the day! woohoooo....

So we walked to the Bishan MRT station and got to the Rafffles City Convention Center right above the City Hall MRT roughly around 9:30AM. I got to the reception and I was told that the position I came for was a write-in position!!! DANG! Wasted my good morning efforts! Anyway, it hasn't started too long but there's quite a good crowd in the room already....Lots of diversity...I saw Indians...Chinese...and even heard some Indonesians....the one sitting next to me was from Phillipines and he too got an MBA! Damn...feeling that competition is pretty stiff. They told me to fill up the form and they will contact me in about 2 weeks if they find that I'm suitable for the position.....sigh....hopefully there's something. Anyway, I finished filling up the form and I left after about an hour there. Nevertheless, I felt good to know what kind of people I am competing with in Singapore and hopefully I have a lot of faith in myself to survive this battle!! GANBARE! JIA YOU!! hahahaha.....

6 weeks now...

2006-01-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry dear poochies....no update lately x_x It's been an erratic 2 weeks...full of ups and downs....The rain keeps Singapore wet and cool....but it keeps everyone off the roads...people like me and more lazybums around :D

The past two weeks was a busy one for me. Newspaper hunting...job searching...soul searching (are you for real??) YEAH! Soul searching and doing so to keep my mind focused...I guess there's a limit to relaxing and having a nice holiday and a break...but I am here for a reason and I should be doing what I am doing, but I am not doing just enough yet! lazying around most of the time....I have cut-out pieces of jobs waiting in my folder...yeah waiting for me...gosh....like they can wait for me! ahhaha...good thing the deadlines keeps me down to earth.

Anyway, I was glad I managed to apply to about 10+ companies so far. Mostly are Industrial Engineering position, production planning position, and often slight variations of those. I keep changing my resume and changing my cover letter that I feel the more I change the worse it gets! hahahaa....worse...I am getting sick....sore throat leads to coughing and losing my voice. Hopefully I will be good enough to attend the walk-in interview for AMD this weekend. *Cross fingers* Yeah....I am hoping it will be good enough to warrant extra interviews or follow up hhihihihi....

Otherwise....Singapore is nice....I think I am getting used to the weather....my mom's delicious cooking....and constant entertainment from bullying my brothers! hahahaha....Something's lacking though.....mmmmm....I wonder what it can be.....hahahaha.....anyway folks...til the next update! I promise this time it won't be as long as this one.

One step at a time

2006-01-04T09:29:00.000-05:00

It's the first week that students get back to school...it's the first week of the new year of 2006...and it also marks the first step of me going on the path of the job search. I have somewhat completed my resume...which still has a long ways to go...need objectives...and some juice in it that will make it look like it will "bite"...hahahaha....

Anyway, I sent out my first one to Accenture Singapore via a contact provided to me by one of my good buddy. So I did...thought up of something nice to write in the e-mail and then attach my newly reformatted resume. I sent...and it's gone to the person. Not realizing it, I got back a reply at night...it was a question asking about my nationality... NATIONALITY!!! DANGG....not again...I think this will just haunt me again and again and again....but then I thought...if I get back a reply this soon...I'm sure they do need the human resources...so I am gonna reply back with a zest...Indonesian but parents who holds PR status in Singapore! HA! I hope this one works to my way. Well, we'll see the result in within the next few days...hopefully it's a positive result.

There you go...a new update of my new year. Hope all of you still tuning into my blog will keep on tuning and dropping by into the Pooch House. Cheers...

2006 Resolution

2006-01-01T21:04:00.000-05:00

New year means new resolution right? Even if the last one's not fulfilled? hehehe...honestly speaking...I never really have a new year resolution. Usually it's just impulse thoughts or just goals....but since it's a new year, a new beginning, a new location, and I guess you can call it a new life...so I'll dedicate myself to starting a new year resolution.

So first off....I wanna reconnect with all my friends everywhere! haha...this seems impossible, but I will do it by means of crook or hook! HA! Start off with friends from primary school in Jakarta and Singapore...see how many I can find...and then to finding my secondary school friends to my college friends and those in Iowa State. Then lastly to the friends in Windsor. I hope I have the energy and strength to keep the bond with them throughout the whole year and beyond. Even just a small little short e-mail to each person 2 times in the year!

Next, my resolution is to get a job within 2 months. So...I'm hoping to get a job by March 2006! I think looking at the job market here...it seems it's more than likely to get a decent paying job by then. Hopefully it's close to home so I don't have to get stuck in the traffic and rush hour.

Then, I plan to shave my excess layer of warmth! hahaha *shy like this is the first time and the most surprising thing I ever said. =p This time is for real...I'm putting my words where it counts because the heat here can really suck out your energy...so I want to be in a fitter weight range to feel less tortured by the weather! hahaha....goal....maybe around 25 lbs in 6 months...reasonable right?

Lastly, I wanna still be myself...be helpful whenever I can and be mean whenever it feels right (errr....is this right?) hahaha...but the main point is to not change myself to be Singaporean or something else for the sake of being someone people love to hate! hehe...that's unlikely but again, just to be safe...do a self-check.

Anyway, I hope sharing this new year resolution with you guys can bring a cheer and a new sense of determination coming into the new year! Cheers and good luck with all of you.

Last Day of the Year

2005-12-31T06:10:00.000-05:00

Goodbye 2005. It's seen the worst of worst and the best of best. Namely...bombing in London...Katrina and the sisters and brothers it brought along with to play in the land of United States and neighbours...Pakistan with its quake...and the fear inflicted by terrorism around the world. Best would be...it's all over :D (too cheesy?) Well, there's always a lot of things happening around the world in 2005 but it is effectively dominated by the disasters. Well, one good thing if you prefer...we'll have a second extra to enjoy 2005!

Anyway, with the sending off for Year 2005, we also welcome 2006 and...they year of the DOG!! YAY!! HIP HIP HOOORRAY! All you poochies out there...it's the year to celebrate and the year to embrace as the lucks and fortunes will turn into OUR WAY!! WOOF WOOF!! hahahaha....

To all those in the N. America...keep warm. it's gonna get bloody hell freezing...so keep yourself warm while enjoying the parties there. May the new year bring more lucks and fortunes your way. If not...I'll share some of mine *Wink Wink...

To the ones in Asia...well, I guess it's going to be a busy year 2006...with lots of promise and growth. Hopefully also lucks and fortunes will come in and swoop into your lives.

To the ones in the rest of the world...FIGHT POVERTY! FIGHT TERRORISM! FIGHT SICKNESS! hahaha...it's a bold statement alright...but if we can all pitch in, I'm sure it'll be a better world after all!!

So folks....Say adios...goodbye...sayonara to 2005 and welcome 2006 with renewed girth and excitement as it will be a fresh start...a new beginning to right the wrong and a better year to look forwar to!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2005-12-24T21:33:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas...Some part white...some part wet, and the rest bright...But all celebrates the holidays where it's time to share, to give and to love. May all your wishes come true and that Santa will reward you justly with how you behave for the year. ^o*

3-day Shopping Marathon!

2005-12-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

Man...my legs....my back...and all the sweat! I can't take it anymore! 3 crazy days filled with one thing and ONLY ONE THING!! SHOPPING!! But I had fun hanging out with my good buddy, Andya, who came for a 3-day visit to Singapore. His route... :D Jakarta-Batam-Singapore.

I welcomed him on the 21st December in Harbourfrount. His ferry came in around 4 in the evening. Guess what too? It's his birthday that day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Another 1 more person in the month of December. Anyway, after we got back and put his luggage, we went to Orchard Rd to meet up with another of our friend from back in Secondary School. Man first time in Orchard since I got back! It's crowded as hell! Can't move well and it's just plain jam-packed with people.

So after we met with the other friend, JianWei...we moved on to dinner and started our first shopping-crazed trip. First day we conquered...Wisma Atria, Takashimaya, Heeren, Cineleisure, Meridien, CentrePoint, and a couple kopitiams... hehehee.....Andya got himself a couple of stuff...shirts, face lotion, and i think a pair of pants.

2nd day - Andya went out early to meet up with his old guardian. In the afternoon he shopped by himself in Seiyu in Bugis Junction. At about 3 in the afternoon, we met up with one of the teacher in secondary school. Mrs. Martina Chan. Felt good to meet her again, but she looks so much different compared to the last time we met her. After a short conversation, we hit the Citylink Mall....the new connection from City Hall MRT that connects to Suntec City...and we went to Suntec City as well, Marina Square, Raffles City, and at night, we had dinner in Clarke Quay. Although it was raining, it was a pretty sight of the Singapore River. We also witnessed the Hooters serving people (well guys actually) and also a G-Max catapult ride that shoots people up to the air. After dinner, we went to Junction 8 Shopping Mall to cap the day.

Clarke Quay before nite falls...

The view from Clarke Quay at nite

3rd and final day - Andya really wanted to get the shoes from Pedro in Citylink Mall, so we went there for the first trip of the day. He got it, and even wore it immediately. Then we went to City Hall MRT to wait for another of our good buddy, who just came back from Chicago that morning, Mr. Yakin. After we met up and caught up with a couple of stories...we head out to Harbourfront to eat lunch in the cafetaria....Went shopping in the Harbourfront mall, and still had time to go Tiong Bahru Plaza! ahhaha...got there at 1:30 PM and got done at 2:00 PM. That's how fast we conquered TBP! :D Anyway, time to go back coz Andya's ferry leaves at 2:40 PM. We got back around 2:20 PM and said our goodbyes....and then one last picture...

Andya, me and Yakin @ Harbourfront

Although only half of the babi group got together, I'm sure one day we can meet up as a whole group...the only few are still in US. The rest are well, in Indonesia....

So, after Andya left, I went to accompany Yakin home...he was very tired since he just got back from Chicago that very morning. It was also good since I get to see the back part of Orchard, and even got to see my old school again. As I walked back home...I reminisce the old times. But, I think the rest for me and my legs are at the utmost importance now! So that's it....a long update! hahahhaa......till me meet again frenzz....

Shifting to 1st gear

2005-12-20T02:37:00.000-05:00

Wow...it's almost two weeks since I've been in Singapore and not that I'm not liking it, it's just I've been lazying around too much! ahhaha...not that I can help it. There's no one at home other than my dad and I don't feel comfortable going out knowing that he's alone at home. At least I still get to eat some good food and some good cooking from him...hahaha....

Anyway, other than getting myself addicted to tv and on an overdosage of it, I've only been eating and sleeping! Not exactly the remedy for a healthy lifestyle...but anyway, now that I'm starting on getting things going, I've been actively looking for jobs and reviewing them. Not applying yet...but surveying and doing a lot of research. I think it's a good sign...at least get started before Sur! HA!

Yeah, with Christmas coming and holiday spirit kicking in...I think everywhere in Singapore's shopping district will be crowded with a lot of people. It's surprising hearing in the news that they have sales up to midnight prior to the actual holidays...but there's people getting hurt and getting angry with one another (what else is new in Kiasu Singaporeans?) I think the American influence is kicking in even to the Asian region! hehehe....I also heard these mega malls opening up in most parts of Asia and especially China. And I'm talking about Square One size malls! There's one opening up in Dubai that has a 5-run indoor ski resort! hahaha...imagine...shopping..and even a ski resort in the middle of it.

Well, so much for globalization. Nothing is not exposed to the consumerism era and capitalism where buyers and demands are driving the sellers to produce and sell at a large yet distinct style. So...I guess I better ready myself soon. Coz being in the corporate world will mean that I will become the "manipulative factor" that drive consumers to well....consume!! ahahaha....

Bye civilization and integrity...welcome white lies and profitability! I hope there's people to still remember me when I was still innocent! hehehehe....that's all for updates folks!!

Drowning in Cellphone craze...and Singlish

2005-12-14T19:56:00.000-05:00

After a week in Singapore, observing the people, watching the surrounding...It's changed!! People are so mired in their cellphone...hundreds of models...thousands of tones...and unbearably loud ringing tones even in the public! Man...I even heard in the news that the cellphone era has heightened people's level of stress. Now not only people are able to communicate instantly, but they're also bringing work and their out-of-home life...well....HOME! ~_~

They also mentioned that females has it worse since now they're balancing work, family and social life altogether if they own a cellphone. Now that is disastrous! Not only the working world in Asia is competitive, now they even have to compete 24/7 as work, family, and their personal life take over their routine. This is scary and I hope I have the strength to get over this crazy lifestyle that I soon be starting. "Heng" I don't have a cellphone yet! ahhaaha...

Second of all....SINGLISH!! It's not a surprise that Singapore has it's own distinctive accent to their spoken language, but Singlish is in another whole new level. Being in North America for about 6 years, and experiencing the Singlish environment for roughly 7 prior to that, I am ashamed and embarassed for the lack of push to educate and discipline correct and better spoken English. I mean, as the world is becoming ever closer and inter-twined in the business and tourism world, it is only justified that Singapore learn how to change and improve their service and tourism industry. Furthermore, there is a surge in Singaporeans speaking Mandarin. Their level of conversation is definitely much more complex and refined than when it used to, but they should not neglect the national language of English. It is admirable that they are well-versed in Mandarin, but it's time to improve their English! I, on the other hand, have to improve my Mandarin to survive and compete in this society. Sigh...no one can have the best of both worlds...but I am struggling to adapt to this "new" Singapore as of now....

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.....LALALALA.....

2005-12-12T19:37:00.000-05:00

~~~~~~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~~~~~~~

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY TO WISNU!!

BRING THE BOOZE!!

BRING THE CAKE!!

BRING THE STRIPPERS!!

BRING THE PRESENTS!!

It's your 21st...legally a man....legally a convict...and legally a sinner!
hahaha...too bad no one is there with you. But I'm sure you'll get a long phone call from Shierly...a nice kiss from aso?? *Sorry Shier...jgn digebuk yah...and....a nice cold winter from mother nature....hahaha....Ah...forgot...I guess you'd get calls from your family and this stupid guy who is writing just giving u a blog? HAHAHA...GUESS WHAT?? IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TOO! YAY!! We should find one year where we celebrate together and get all the above plus the opportunity to cake everyone else instead!

Anyway, wishing you a very happy birtday... 1 year older... 1 year wiser... and definitely 1 year more attractive! haha... Alright...enjoy the day...I am thinking of what to do here... :-(

Here's a piece of thought...

"...the person is comparing a person to air that is being breathed in & out... saying that they may think or seem to be unnoticed at times, but the truth is that they are like the oxygen, and therefore, while being pretty quiet & stuff, they are totally essential to the world around them." - Margaret Atwood

Reflection

2005-12-08T21:57:00.000-05:00

Part II of my story:

Leaving Windsor was not easy even though the stay wasn't as rewarding. Friends are important, and to me the ones I made in Windsor made a special impact in my life. From the close ones, to the MBA class, to the Indonesian students, and to the others I met once in a while.

MBA Classmates

The Randolph Gang + SC n Winnie

Can't really see them, so I took another shot with the two

Even up to the point that I was leaving Toronto, there was a farewell crew...

Ian Lam, MBA and Murtaza Abbas, MBA

and finally....

the one guy who'd have a strange connection with me....hahaha presenting Wisnu aka INoe aka Kutub. Watever he's called, he's one heck of a dude...sad to leave u there bud.

As I left Toronto and arriving in HK...

I knew that I left behind great friends and people who cared about me. I wished it didn't it turn out this way, but again, it's a path and I believe the path will take everyone of us to a brighter greater future. :D

Adios friends, and please do keep in touch. I'll hate myself for losing you guys.

Singapura...Oooo...Singapura

2005-12-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

Greetings from the Lion City,

I arrived safely in Singapore on the 7th of December at 1:20 PM. Yes, I was supposed to arrive at 12:50 PM but only thanks to the numerous delays throughout the whole journey. First, it was delayed by almost an hour to boarding caused by the "inability" to prepare the flight from Toronto to Anchorage. I don't know what needs to be done to speed up the cleaning up process for the plane. Altough they did go speeding on the way to Anchorage, a 6-hour flight compared to the original 7hr40min flight, it didn't make my trip any easier.

First of...the old man sitting next to me took my window seat...tolerate...don't mind...there's no point arguing for it since it's an aisle seat for me. HOWEVER!!! He actually hogged the space! He conquered the whole armrest for the whole flight...spread his legs wide and snored the whole 6 hours flight! I had to sit a little bit outwards and had problems changing the channels for the movie, and I ended up getting bumped by the air stewardess and not even a single word of sorry out of them!! Add to the insanity, the 7-8 year-old kid sitting in front of me was so annoying...he would keep bumping back into the seat, and sometimes was playing the seat like a drum...Not like I was gonna get any sleep, and to complete my whole torture was the old man sitting behind me. Apparently, his method of sleeping in the plane was to lean his head onto my seat and ocassionally shook the seat. GOD!! Help! Any way I could take what I lost in that 6 hours??

So, we arrived in Anchorage at about 2AM there. I found out that we can't even leave the plane. DANG! I thought I could scrape some sanity by getting out of the plane! But NO!! So, they cleaned the plane, change the crews (not that it gets any prettier or any more courteous), and even a new pilot to the plane. WORST PIECE OF NEWS: SAME SEATING ARRANGEMENTS! Which only means I have to endure a 12-hour journey with those same people around me! ARGGHHHH!!!!!

So, getting sleep now was my priority. I wanted to change the time for my body adjusting to Singapore's time...I manage to squeeze a 1-hour and a few 10-minuters, but it was surprisingly enough for me. I didn't feel that 20 hours was almost gone in an instant. The only thing I know was that it was approaching Hong Kong Kai-Tak International Airport and I can't wait to unboard the plane! YAY!

Before transferring to another plane, we had to go through security check. I was laughing inside for a guy from Taiwan who brought 3 zippos with him on handcary!! HOW THE HECK HE GOT THAT THROUGH TO THE PLANE IN THE FIRST PLACE?!?!?! He was begging the officer to let him take at least two coz I think it was expensive...but I can't help laughing inside coz it was just incredible how he managed to hide that to bring it as far as to HK. :D

My last ride from HK to SIN was smooth-sailing. I got the first seat on the economy class and on the 3-seater on the side by the window, there was only 1 smart-looking westerner with full suit on playing with his Treo. So I made my way into my window seat and before we took off, the smart-looking man moved to the aisle seat. AMPLE ROOM! HAHAHA....I've been possessed by the devil!

Finally, I arrived on the beautiful Changi Airport. Again, I can't believe I'm already in Singapore with least recollection of how long or how torturous the flight was. I couldn't believe I just completed the almost 24-hour flight effortlessly. I strolled down from the customs to the luggage claim belt and I didn't see anyone. After scanning for a while, I saw my brother peeking through the glass and I know that they're already waiting. So then when I went out, I saw my dad and both my brothers. My mom was at home and I was gonna see her in a bit. When I did got back, I saw my mom and that's when I know...Everyone, I'm back at home. :D

Last Blog from Randolph #305

2005-12-05T02:20:00.000-05:00

Friends, it's time....The hourglass is pouring with little sand left....the mood's sour and the tears are welling up. This will be my last post from Windsor, Canada. It will never be the same again...

My friends that I leave behind, the things we do ocassionally...SunHong trips, gossips, bbt trips, basketball games, movie nights, nights just talking, and the great Windsor life... :D

All are not a waste. I will miss a lot of you and I hate being the bad news bearer.

~ To all my MBA friends...I have great admiration for all of you. Each has its own unique personality and I truly learned a lot from you guys. We are close, and we'll always be close no matter where we are.

~ To all my good Indonesian friends...wonderful bliss! I can't imagine better times spent with you guys...especially to the normal gank! Lots of silliness and pure ecstasy from just spending times with you guys.

~ To the basketball gangs...I know I'm good and I know I can beat you guys, but that's only on the court. :D (but all this needs practice before I can realize it) The rest though is all respect and admiration to what you put into your game.

~ To all the friends I met and reach out to...one word can describe you guys...thankful...that's because you guys put a colour to my stay in Windsor. I know Windsor is not THE greatest place to live, but with you guys, it's a dream place to be.

Finally, to myself...I never expected anything much, but I know this much is true...without any of you friends, I will never have been me. The me you see and the me you know will always be the me that you guys will have now, in the future and forever. Keep in touch and achieve your dreams. For I will also strive hard to keep pace with all of you.

Peace, God Bless, and adieu! I love you guys!

Empty Room Abundant Memoir

2005-12-02T18:14:00.000-05:00

Again, I seem to be slacking a lot in the Pooch House! Keep the poochie awake! hahaha....

Friends, folks, paws....I come to realize my last weekend in Windsor is fast coming to an end. Looking back at the years, I couldn't have done it any better. The friends, the memories, and the experience is just unforgettable! All those things just come by and flew so fast that it's sad that I have to close another chapter of my life away from home. It's a great ride: lots of bumps and bruises but we always came out stronger than before. This is just something I am so proud of. I came and touch people's life and in return I got rewarded the same albeit in different methods.

My fond memories...oh how I wish this could just stay like what it is, but time goes on and people have to move on. If our paths cross again, then fate will bring us back together. So friends, never lose hope and keep in touch! We may have the hourglass limiting our expedition, but the motor and the engine never stops running, so do our determination and our dream. As such, I believe we are just destined for greater things in life in the near future.

Extra! Extra!

2005-11-23T08:19:00.000-05:00

Whew...a while since I last posted. :D Sorry folks...I'm getting rusty here! A few loose screws and I could end up lying in hospital bed with stress attack! hahaha...

Anyway, here's updates...

1. To do list don't get any fewer...in fact it grew! Would you imagine that? Had offers for my cars, which was great, but it was far below my expectations! Got lucky with the appraisal for the tax for my car, but still it costs a lot! Try to ship my stuff, but have to drive it to Toronto! Getting all the stuff sold, but they seem to still be here in the apt! Lastly, got good deals for tix, but I can't buy it yet! What else is new, eh?

2. Watched this great movie, Cinderella Man. Very touching epic. A drama worth biting your nails. The story is so moving, and draw you in like you're there yourself. A very great work by Ron Howard indeed, a man no stranger to making great movies. I feel I was inspired, but again, I don't think I have that much courage and determination as James J. Braddock. My hats off to him, a very great character portrayed in the movie, and I wish I could meet him in person.

3. I am still stuck here and there's no need to explain the rest! HA!

4. I pray to the health of Chris who got into an accident this past weekend. Hope he gets well soon and be up and about in no time.

So there you go...another week gone by for Mr. Pooch. But then again, what is the worse can you expect? ;-)

Bright Spot of the Week

2005-11-10T23:21:00.000-05:00

Wow! This must be a record! I've been posting alot this week. :D Give good stuff for people (u-know-who) to read. It must've been the Harry Potter Mania creeping into me! hahaha...

Anyway, I have been complaining and rumbling about a lousy week. It couldn't have started any better today I thought. I was forced to get up today by a call about an errand I was supposed to do two weeks ago! Get a Parking Permit. Dang...there goes my beauty sleep...Gosh, it's only 11 AM. I guess 3 hours of sleep is just gonna suffice for today... =_=

So, I got up, cleaned myself up good. Looking bright and shiny ^_^ and off I go to do chores. First on my list: a choice of getting a replacement of proof of ownership for my car or get the parking permit. I chose parking permit and what a bad choice. They asked for proof of ownership to get through the process. So I walked out of the newly built City Hall building and drove to the DMV to get the replacement for my ownership. This is the best part of the day!
The lady who was helping me was the most curteous and down to earth lady I've met in my whole stay in Canada!! Would you believe that?? She was asking me what car I own and what model. I told her a silver 2002 Honda CR-V. She was like..."Wow, how does that car drive? My husband and I saw it and we loved it." I was surprised! I told her I had to sell it since I am going back home. Again another surprise! "Aww...have you tried applying to a lot of jobs? You should go to Vancouver. There's a lot of jobs there and it's lovely." I thought, wow, why didn't I meet more Canadian like her? So, we talked a lot about so many things for about at least 20 minutes and I was part of the reason the line got longer! (*evil laugh) hahaha...I thought to myself...she certainly cheered up my whole two months worth of dejection. Not even my parents were good in cheering me up. :D I feel reenergized now and although I still don't put a lot of hope on whatever's left to recoup of my remaining meaningless stay, but at least it puts me back to perspective. Again, back to my yesteday topic, a path however small change it has on the road, leads to an outcome that lasts forever. What if I had gone to DMV first? Would I be able to meet and talk to her like I did? What would've happened if I didn't? Would I still be gloomy and all dejected? Talk about fate!

Qoute of the day:

"Only the best works here in the Trump Organization." Donald Trump, CEO of Trump Organization (host of The Apprentice)

PS:

Let's give a moment of silence for the loss of a young puppy who had the grace to experience the love and the beauty of a loving mother, a father, brothers, and two very caring owners. May he run free in the other side of the world, watching over his family in health and sickness, and be rid of the earthly burden he might face. He will be forever remembered as the puppy who had all he could have had but did not have the opportunity to live out life to its fullest. May he Rest In Peace.

Smitten

2005-11-09T23:37:00.000-05:00

Gosh...this week comes really slow...I guess my time is really limited and I have to make use whatever's left of it. Gee...it doesn't help that the purpose of my stay now is only to wait for the result of my past interview with Schukra. I should know by the end of this week, and the same as my fate.

It's funny, the journey always has different paths, different obstacles and consequently different outcomes. One small change on the road, it changes the whole perspective of the path. If I were to be late doing something for 1 minute, the outcome lasts forever. How cruel.

It reminds me how much I've missed in my life and there's no chance of getting it back. The more I think, the more I get frustrated. I think being alone does contribute to my present state (Thanks Noe and Applegal). This by no way means I will be flying in a flock anytime soon :D.

Truth be told, I would rather have it this way. Let me be envious. Let me be outcast. Let me be me. To be free is to be captured by the moment, and to be liberated is to be imprisoned into another dimension. Being poetic doesn't help. (I think I lost myself here... x_x)

So, I will get more updates if my mood swing the other way.

BTW, in case what you're wondering what the title means, here you go:

Definition

smitten Show phonetics
adjective [after verb]
having suddenly started to like or love something or someone very much:

and the reason...

Hyori Lee...

aaaa...if only there's someone out there like her... ->_<-

Monday Night Special

2005-11-07T19:40:00.000-05:00

Monday...the end of another week and the beginning of a new one. Hopefully I can picture myself the same...gone is one problem and solve another one! Not that easy though...

Anyway, nothing much has gone on for this Monday. So...I decided to treat myself a good meal :D The menu for the Monday Night Special is...

Spicy Pork and Tofu with Black Bean Sauce

Mmmm....tastes good... ~_~ so happy...hahaha...
Anyway, Monday is also a good night for sports too...so off I go watching tv with my dinner...ta ta

Turn Left Turn Right Turn Everywhere

2005-11-05T02:06:00.000-05:00

Back from long layoff...Sorry doods and poochies out there expecting something new out of this newly born blog. :D

I guess I am flustered enough this past two weeks. I was pretty much decided on going home. I have been delaying it for quite a while. Everytime I talked with my parents, they sounded as if they wanted me back so that I am close to them...not that I don't want to, but just being there makes them feel "real" I guess. Can't blame them since I've been away for so long. I think I can feel for them fearing that I will never "return" to their side. But I'm nothing but a filial son and I always thought about them first and not me. I know I got to take care of my two young brothers but it's not easy when you don't have money to support yourself for the upcoming times in Canada let alone them who've been supporting me in my earlier days in US and now supporting my brother who is studying in Australia. These times I've spent here looking for jobs has been fruitless and slowly eating away all the hard work I've amassed thus far. I guess money will always be a problem for a capitalist world that it is right now. Anyway, moving back doesn't seem bad at all...free lodging, free food, and love all around...okay, I admit it! I am a fool who also wants to be close to my family. It's always in the blood and I've really come to be afraid about the times I spent not thinking about my family. It feels eerie coz sometimes you just lost the consciousness that I "do" have parents and brothers!!

So there you go....all the thinking and all the weighing options has brought me to get prepared to go home. Packing stuff, trying to find ways to sell my stuff, and finding air ticket and selling my car! I will really miss my car...It's been a good companion in my first few days in Canada. It's the only one who stuck through the bad times eh bud? I really appreciate your help in getting me here, getting me around to look for house, through all those rainy moments, and the dark times...

First trying to find dealers who would be willing to buy my car. I guess going after the student market is not the right move *wink ~ you know them being a student makes their spending power less (thanks to marketing courses). I gotta target the right market, and I thought I could've had a backup plan with a dealer keen on buying my car. Alamak...turns out it's not as easy as it seems!! I shot e-mails at a couple of dealers in TO and a couple in MI. I even drove all the way to Windsor Honda to be rejected by the used car manager saying that they're not willing to buy a US vehicle. *sigh...well, I thought the TO and MI ones will give me better news. Sadly, that isn't true coz the ones in TO seem to be disinterested fearing that no one will be wanting a US car which has mileage and mi/h dominant on the odometer. Meanwhile, the MI dealers were not interested since it's plated in Ontario. :S shucks...what can I do to get a decent interested buyer?

Anyway, I've also been trying to find ticket prices and ways to send my personal stuff in the cheapest ways. That isn't as easy as well...aaaaaaa....very flustered...very disturbed...and I lost sleep over all these menial things...hahaha...

I want to thank Blogspot for allowing me to throw all sorts of my emotions in the past hour! hahaha...I mean it's not always easy to keep it to yourself. Not that I don't have friends to share it with, but having a trusted "friend" does come in handy. Also maybe it's the culmination of the frustration I get from not getting replies for the past 2 monts of applying and job searching.

Gosh...now it reminds me why I don't really want to move to another city or back to singapore or even jakarta. The times I spent apart from friends from the past doesn't really gel very well sometimes when you meet them outright. You just feel awkward since it's been a while that we hung out together. They might also be busy with their other partners. :D I will truly miss some of the friends I've made here. I always try to mingle and get acquainted with the different groups they have here...It's been fun, it's been crazy, sometimes want to make you punch something, sometimes you want to hug them, and sometimes you just want to share happiness and sadness together. But again, I am not the expert in reading people's emotions and characters so I restrain myself from being myself too much. :D

Anyway, in the Pooch House I think I found my salvation, my "church" (sort of), and a place to keep my thoughts and my feelings. It's treated me good, and I will return the favor the same. But for now, that's all I got to confess. Till the next time. Thank you, arigatou, sayonara.

-OCTOBER- The month full of birthday and happy memories

2005-10-25T01:49:00.000-04:00

First of all, Happy Birthday to those who has their birthday on the beautiful month of October:
-Nancy
-Tata
-Andy
-Andre
-Mustopo
-Dad
-Tau2 (my bro)
-Renaldi
-Vincent
...man, this list can really go on and on

Anyway, it's a crazy month, just look at these pics...

At Tata's Bday... lots of fun and cakes for everyone

Then there's Andre...

And Renaldi with the repertoire of moves and bad candies...*_^

Next, also there's the graduation, which I am a part of.... I am proud of my friends who graduated and proud of myself and for my family.

Glad to be surrounded by my close friends...

and also the rest of the graduates... ^_^

And last but not least...

And with the crazy ass gang of close friends!

Ahh...all the laughters, all the tears, all the screaming, all the stupid moments (*wink cake throwing and mimicking monster faces), all the countless long nights, and all the times spent together: all these great times will forever be in my sweetest memories that I hold dear to my heart. It will make it so much harder if I do leave coz I will leave behind all these great friends that I have built strong ties to. Anyway....to a great and wonderful month, I bid you adieu Sweet October...You will always be one of the best month of my life.

Bored... =_=

2005-10-23T16:11:00.000-04:00

My weekend is gone as quick as it comes. It all begins with a cold Saturday morning spent at the therapy session thanks to my troublesome ankle. The healing has become gruesomely slow after the first 4 therapy sessions. I got home and I didn't have much to do so I began cleaning the house and later baking the brownie that I bought about two weeks ago. The open house also has a request for serving brownie, so I started working on it. *Pour powder mix, * Pour water, *Stir evenly for 20 minutes, *Place on the baking tray, *Shove it to the oven, *Timer set to 28 minutes.

DING! So it's done! Yay! Waited and waited and finally took a bite of it....argggghhhh....it's a little hard on the edges and the brownie wasn't like what I was expecting. However, it's still brownie and it's still chocolate... so heavenly ~_~

NO MORE BETTY CROCKER BROWNIE NEXT TIME! hehe....woof woof

First Day!

2005-10-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

Hey,

Welcome to my new blogspot! I invite you to share your thought as I post my own in this wonderful house of pooch ^_^. Anyway, please feel free to drop "hi"s and comment if you like, and I will be glad to receive them. And without further ado...it's an open house for today!