Scribble Pad

说好的幸福呢？

2012-01-29T04:59:00.006+08:00

坦诚相对

那最初的承诺

原来只是我自己的执著

何时开始

你已不再守着

我俩感情的根基

说过要坦然直接

不撒谎不欺骗

有就有没就没

错了就立刻抱歉

孩子我们也是这样教

难道你根本言不由衷？

说过要重视对方的感受

不敷衍不冷落

不让彼此生气或伤心入睡

说过要重视对方所重视的

说过的许下的

答应的承诺的

多少是真？多少是假？

Of course

2012-01-28T20:39:00.001+08:00

Of course there's a reason for the request. Of course it's just a simple thing.

But of course if the request was not met immediately the moment has passed. And of course then the truth has to be withheld, and a lie manufactured, let's just say the request is for no reason.

Of course the more being asked, stubborn refusal is the way to go. Gotta keep up the lie. Harmless little lie, of course.

It is, of course, not like it matters anyway. Who cares if he really wants to know? It is not like being honest, frank and direct is our way of life. Of course.

Who cares how he feels? He is, of course, not important anyway. And of course pissing him off is more fun.

Of course.

Daydreaming

2012-01-26T18:16:00.000+08:00

Started working on my side project or I should say my latest hobby late yesterday night, so I didn't hit the bed until quite early this morning.

Typically, the two kings woke me up a few hours later, so the whole day I have been feeling groggy and lifeless.

Couldn't really get back to sleep and at best I hung in a state of semi-consciousness.

And so I daydreamt about my utopia...

Imagine a world where good and decent people has magic at their disposal. With a single thought you can teleport yourself to your work place, no more need for vehicles, no more road bullies, no more road rage, no more war because of petrol, no more pollution. With a single thought you can make your room 100% soundproof, the kids can shout and scream to their hearts' content, the inconsiderate neighbour can blast his speakers full volume.

Everyone has this power, as long as they are good and decent, and only use it on themselve and not for anything remotely indecent or anything that would cast any doubt whatsoever. Clear cut good cause without any grey area.

Indecent or evil person cannot invoke the magic, nothing will happen if the intent is to harm or cause other distress or inconvenience in any way. It cannot be used to create things you do not already have, like money, food, et cetera.

It's not a mean to be lazy, or a be-all and end-all cure to solve or fix something you do not have the capability to. It doesn't replace the need to study, to gain knowledge, and to put in your hardwork.

It will be utopia because only good and decent people can invoke the magic, so everyone will strive to be good and decent. And it's not just for show, cause any indecent thought or evil intent will cause one to lose the magic until he or she genuinely feel sorry or remorse. Only truely good and decent people can use magic.

The magic will never work to harm or for any evil intent. Never work if one is greedy or selfish. Any immoral, dishonest, unjust, bad and evil person simply cannot invoke the magic. Unless they genuinely changed.

It's a world where the good and decent folks prosper. Imagine any deceit, fraud or con could be unmasked and exposed with a wave of your hand. And you need not worry about robbers, thieves, kidnapers, rapers or bullies, for with a single thought you can render them harmless, protect yourself, and send them to jail. Magic doesn't work for them, remember?

And magic will not work for you too if you think about revenge or punishment, so forgive and forget instead. Magic will work for genuine self-protection, and self-protection does not have to incur harm to the offender.

There is no need to fear those evil people anyway, for good and decent people can cast a protection from evil spell on themselves, preventing any harm. Remember, good and decent people has magic, the bad guys don't.

What a world that would be!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-22T21:20:00.000+08:00

It's Chinese New Year tomorrow, Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

This year it's the year of the dragon, and according to the Feng Shui master, it's the year of the water dragon.

This is not a lengthy entry, really just want to convey my wishes and also to share this video:

^_^

Superstitious Me

2012-01-19T00:54:00.000+08:00

I may not be the sharpest knife in my department, but I am not dull. Okay, not that dull.

I may be zealously defending my slacker extraordinaire reputation, but it has nothing to do with my working attitude. I simply slack in other aspects of life.

When it comes to work, I am dedicated, responsible, and often am pulling more than my own weight. I guess fortune favours the bold while misfortune favours the bald, hence the high grade dead weights around me. >_<

People say we need to work smart, I know, I just think that working smart plus working hard will be better.

Since I am not the sharpest knife, I am not sure how else can I work smarter. And at this stage, the only way for me to work harder is to clone myself.

And yet for all that, I am poor as piss, and feel as if I am at the deep end of the shit pool.

So, this year, I am going to do something that I never paid attention to. Reckon it's about time I get some luck and hopefully wealth too.

Enter the superstitions!

Not going to swipe the floor on Chinese New Year this year, and going to get myself some books on feng shui and follow whatever I can.

Come on positive energy, come on good luck, come on health and wealth, those dead weights have survived for so many years while enjoying higher pay, give me some slack already!

Music cleanses the soul

2012-01-16T22:20:00.001+08:00

There is something liberating about singing. It expresses, it relieves, it alleviates.

Especially if one is singing without holding back, without constraint. Just pour all the emotions and feelings into it and let loose.

You feel it?

Okay okay, in our case it's more like shouting at the top of our lungs and screaming our heads off, but the effect is the same. =P

Thank you my faithful karaoke buddies, fun and laughter aplenty whenever we go for a session.

Feel as if I can take on more shits from work now that I have been liberated. =)

Bring it on!

Ducky & Friends #006

2012-01-15T19:41:00.000+08:00

#006: Word!

View all Ducky & Friends entries by clicking on the quack quack category.

den

2012-01-12T22:32:00.000+08:00

Disclaimer: this entry is an exact copy, i.e. plagiarism, of my wifey's post in Facebook. I just have to share this. =)

-----

Hsiang was drawing some pictures to tell a story.

Me: Hsiang, what does 'den' mean at the end of ur story there?

Hsiang: the end

I just have to laugh! Isn't he the best!!

-----

If you remember this then you'd know this is definitely not written by me. The 'Me' and 'I' above refer to my wifey.

Happy Bunny

2012-01-09T21:52:00.001+08:00

Played Dungeons & Dragons board game with wifey and brother-in-law last weekend.

Managed to play two campaigns. They were the heroes while I was the dungeon master.

No, not that dungeon master but the board game version. =P

Good thing is brother-in-law is really interested and he is coming over during Chinese New Year so we can continue.

Yippie!

Got a board game session under the belt so early in 2012, looks like at least one of my wishes is coming true. Let's hope it continues. =)

Similar to the previous session, I have a short story formed in my mind based on this gaming session. Maybe I will write that when I get the time. =)

I am a happy bunny. ^_^

19 hours work day

2012-01-07T20:46:00.000+08:00

I attended the task force meeting at 08:00 hours yesterday, that started my work day. I finally finished work and turned off my laptop at 03:00 hours this morning.

That's 19 hours work day.

Since I attended the 08:00 meeting at home and only headed to office after that, and I ended my work back at home, let's take out the commute time of 2 hours total.

Also, let's be generous and said I used 2 hours for my meals (more like 1.5 hours max), so I worked 15 hours yesterday.

Normal work time is from 08:00 to 17:30, if we take an hour off for breakfast and lunch, then it's 8.5 hours.

I almost did two days worth of work hours yesterday.

>_<

What time did I leave the office? 20:50 hours according to the clock in my car, I know as I keep track of my commute time and mileage.

So much for my 2012 resolution of going home on time...

That resolution was actually broken a day before, when I left at 19:21 hours. =\

I am tired and ashamed as slacker extraordinaire is not living up to his reputation. (slacker point -1)

2012 Resolutions & Wishes

2012-01-03T20:29:00.000+08:00

Achieved neither the resolutions nor the wishes I made in 2011.

Not a single one.

Sad, but not really surprised.

For the heck of it, here are the 2012 ones.

2012 Resolutions:

- grumble less. (yup, still trying to do this)

- smile more. (hopefully the first will lead to this or vice versa)

- go home from work on time. (try to stick to the 08:00 to 17:30 working hours)

Yes yes, if you compared last year's and this year's, I have given up trying to socialise more.

Human beings are just so complicated. I will just convinced myself that socialising is over-rated. =P

Since unlike resolutions which involve commitment, wishes are just "hope nia, no action one", so here's my slightly longer list of 2012 wishes:

- sleep more. (yes, still hoping)

- work less, play more. (yes, can always wish, again and again)

- be rid of all "non value add" colleagues. (please please please...)

- earn 1.5x income, i.e. a 50% increment in salary. (I'm so going to have to start working part-time...)

- have frequent card and/or board games. (come on geeks, I am one of you!)

- write a medium length story, or a few short stories.

- read more novels than 2011.

I have given up on getting a house, a second car for wifey, and having a daughter. And of course dropped the totally unrealistic wish like having large sum of money. 4 million, hah!

2011 Favourites

2011-12-31T18:18:00.001+08:00

Writing and sharing, things I like. With dedication and discipline, I have produced 125 entries every year for four years straight so far.

I am consistent. =)

Of the 125 entries this year, I like the following more. Perhaps it's because I think the entry is wittier than usual, or it's about something worthwhile, or simply because it has some special personal meaning.

If you have not been an avid follower of this blog (there is no such person! =P), these are my favourites for this year.

Without further ado:

蓝蓝的天空几万里 miles and miles of clear blue sky

If you want something done...

What are you waiting for? Go read ler! =P

Smile

2011-12-30T23:59:00.002+08:00

Moved office for what, a few months now? I really can't remember, but definitely it has been several months.

I haven't even set up my workstation yet. It's not that I have been lazy or slacking, I simply wasn't in the office all that much.

My dungeon master level is pretty darn high now, I kid you not.

Since I wasn't in the office much, I really haven't made acquaintance with the neighbouring colleagues who weren't from my department.

One lady colleague with nice long hair caught my attention (what lar? I am a guy!). Yes, I like long, straight, soft silky hair. Sue me.

All these months we were like total strangers, but lately we passed by each other a few times when I trudge towards or back from the dungeon I have been "sold*" to.

After several times of such encounter, and on a day when I wasn't as bogged down with the endless issues I have to deal with, I smiled at her instead of just passing by like stranger.

Guess what?

Since then, she smiles too when we bumped into each other.

Smile. Such a simple act, yet powerful.

Are you smiling now?

Please do. =)

Smile, and the world smiles with you.

* colleagues on friendlier term over at that dungeon joked that they are working like Bangla, and I am like Bangla's Bangla...

Know what is sadder?

It's true. >_<

Over

2011-12-26T19:34:00.001+08:00

Took Friday off as replacement for the overtime I did a few weeks ago, so I had four days long weekend to rest and rejuvenate.

But it has come to an end.

Didn't really get the rest and rejuvenation. The two kings are not capable of understanding their father's need and very capable of creating loud noises and mayhems.

Didn't do any books categorising. My aim is to categorise a shelf each weekend so eventually I will have the whole 'home library' categorised. Missed the last two weekends.

Didn't get the book review done. Original plan is to complete the review for novels read since April 2010 to December 2010, and post it this weekend. Then I have another whole year's worth of novel review to do for 2011...

Well, pretty much didn't get anything I planned to do this weekend done. >_<

Except, I resisted the urge to turn on my laptop and check my work e-mails. Oversaturated with work, so no thank you.

What did I do then?

Well, visited a relative, attended a wedding dinner plus an impromptu gathering of old friends, spent some time playing with the two kings, and spent the remaining time either reading or playing World of Warcraft (unsubscribed, but 7 days free game time for holiday season).

Holidays, could really use more of it, and preferably without being woken up everyday while I still wanted to sleep.

I can always dream.

So much for the initial plan of just posting "Four days break over, sian".

Inadequate

2011-12-21T23:15:00.000+08:00

Colleague ridiculed my Mandarin standard after reading my previous entry. On the spur of the moment I decided to translate it into English, just because I can. =P

So here it is.

not suffice

Sole bread earner

for family of four

even with simple frugal lifestyle

some months expenditure exceeded my income

Wifey said if this moment

salary increased by half

would be sufficient

I am

inadequate

On a side note:

Now I know which of my colleagues read my blog and can't be bothered to click one of the reactions, bleh! =\

On another note:

I know I categorised this entry as gibberish, but it's actually not. Barring the poetic licence, if you truely understand it, then you really do know me. =)

缺

2011-12-19T21:28:00.000+08:00

我
不足

一份薪
妻儿和家
简单的生活
开支仍常负荷

贤妻说当今
收入增半
就皆好

我是
缺

Luck & I

2011-12-17T00:27:00.002+08:00

Departmental annual dinner tonight, food quality was so so, though the quantity was insufficient. Good thing I didn't remain a gentleman and went queuing up half way through (I was hungry!). Pity those who let the others went first.

Wonder why the committee asked for our food preference? They published the list to the whole department so everyone knows who the vegetarians are, which is harmless but apparently they didn't make use of the information in a more appropriate way. My vegetarian colleague ended up having to pick the vegetables from various mixed dishes to get her dinner. =\

Also, the emcee cracked some real cold jokes to siok sendiri. Good thing there was that fantastic lady singer, if only I could sing as well as her.

Anyway, I went to the annual dinner for one reason only: lucky draw.

I so desperately want one of the first two prizes, the Acer Aspire S3 ultrabook.

Not for myself, mind you, it's for wifey since her netbook has gone down and despite my attempts, the netbook can no longer function properly.

The published attendance list says 187 people accepted the dinner invitation, and the actual number of attendance was pretty close to that despite the rain. I guess the lucky draw prizes were very tempting. =P

There were 137 prizes, 130 of them were consolation prizes and the remaining 7 were the "real" prizes. Basically 73% of those attending would get a prize, assuming all 187 people turned up. Probably easier to say there were 50 unlucky people than to say there were 137 lucky winners...

The consolation prizes, according to draw sequence:

40 x water bottle

40 x food container set

10 x recycle bag + photo frame

10 x towel

10 x umbrella

05 x t-shirt

10 x wireless mouse

05 x headset

Funny how we all didn't want our number to show up during this phase. =P There were those who were not happy to get a prize, heh! Well, at least during the consolation prize drawing.

Of course they might have thought differently if they knew they would be the 50 unlucky ones...

The "real" prizes:

5th prize (x3): 1TB portable harddisk

4th prize: Samsung Galaxy W smartphone

3rd prize: Samsung Galaxy Tab

1st prize (x2): Acer Aspire S3 ultrabook

I never won any lucky draw in my life, hence the previous entry. Well, I am not beneath asking for help when I know my luck sucks! =P

Thanks to the one who left a comment wishing me luck, and those in the closed group in Facebook, I finally won something in lucky draw!

Though the good luck wishes were not powerful enough to propel me all the way to the ultrabook, they didn't even got me to the wireless mouse or the headset, which I have real need for.

I got the food container set. 17 containers to be exact. Err... wifey, how about 17 containers instead of 1 ultrabook?

Well, at least it's something. I would not be surprised if I was one of the 50 who didn't get anything. Honestly. So thank you to those who had sincerely wished me luck. =)

Now I just have to figure out how to get that darn netbook to work. >_<

siok sendiri = Malay for entertaining oneself

Ducky & Friends #005

2011-12-14T23:34:00.000+08:00

#005: Say a little prayer for me?

View all Ducky & Friends entries by clicking on the quack quack category.

Curse of the Moon

2011-12-11T21:18:00.000+08:00

Full moon rises as stars twinkle

land baths in luminous white

Tainted bloods tingle

eyes shining bright

As the pale orb crests

afflicted ones moan

There is no rest

with the curse of the moon

Giving credit where it's due

2011-12-10T22:48:00.000+08:00

Local policemen never really gave me a good impression.

I cannot pinpoint the reason, perhaps it's the numerous bad press that we are exposed to, but I have little faith in policemen doing the right thing or upholding law and justice.

Somehow I think they are just doing whatever they are doing to increase their chances of getting some side income, in terms of bribe from the offenders or lawbreakers, when there is little to no risk involve.

Sorry to say that I never associate local policemen with these adjectives: brave, courteous, fair, righteous, clean, just.

Well, today, while on my way to work*, I witnessed something that I simply have to give credit for: two policemen on motorcycle stopped to help a blind man cross the road.

Of course for this particular incident, any decent person should help the blind man. I am just surprised to see the policemen actually doing something decent.

Guess I just have a really bad impression of policemen.

I know I am a cynical, grumpy, and sarcastic person who likes to vent and rant but I do recognise people for their good deed, hence this entry.

Recognise instead of criticise, something we all should do more of. =)

* yea, working on Saturday. Slacker point -1. Dungeon master +1.

Deprivation

2011-12-07T22:28:00.000+08:00

Wifey and the two kings went to the in-law's today, I got home after badminton to find the bedroom deprived of my babies.

Can't say I will miss the shouting and screaming, nor the fighting and crying, the noise and mayhems the two kings generate.

Okay, maybe I will after a few days and when I am not sleeping.

I do know I will miss their warm greetings (when they are in the mood), the goodnight hugs and kisses, and their laughters.

Positively sure is that I will miss wifey's hug. It's a daily thing! And often more than once per day. =)

Well, to be precise, it's really 'I will miss hugging my wifey'. Yes this is different to 'wifey's hug' simply because she almost never initiate a hug, I am the one who embrace her, sometimes she doesn't snuggle back as well.

The need to cuddle seems to be my thing, not her thing...

Oh well, gonna be deprived of these pleasures and comforts until the weekend after next.

Litterers Beware

2011-12-02T21:45:00.000+08:00

Throw your rubbish in the rubbish bin, an act so simple my two years old son knows how to do it.

Sadly, there are many who don't measure up to my son. Shame on them.

So I am rather happy when I read that those caught littering at Gurney Drive are going to be fined RM50. =)

Yay! Go get them irresponsible ones!

Of course the skeptics will say it's just another way to take bribe, which is probably true for some of the litter wardens, but it's still a good thing. The fine that is, not bribing.

Let's make this clear, I do not condone bribery, but those irresponsible litterers who paid, whether the fine or the bribe, are likely not going to litter again.

Well, at least not going to litter for a while until their thick-headedness returned full force. *roll eyes*

It's of course all down to the execution, how frequent, how strict, how persistent, how professional. Sad to say that I have little faith in the professionalism of most governmental executions, but I will be glad to be proven wrong.

Anyway, something is better than nothing. If this news is going to raise awareness and to cause halt, temporarily or what not, to the irresponsible population, I am more than happy to help spread it.

Public service rendered. (karma +1)

Recent Events

2011-11-27T15:05:00.000+08:00

Recent events and happenings in chronological order.

-----

- the two kings -

Hsiang has been behaving better for the last couple of weeks, he started conversing in Mandarin with his grandmother as well, so he is not a 'banana' after all, phew... We rewarded his good behaviour and positive change with two presents thus far, hope he keeps it up.

Young, on the other hand, is becoming more difficult and naughtier, *sigh*...

-----

- Bali, there and back -

The latest Ducky & Friends entry was actually a tongue-in-cheek jest on my trip to Bali. =)

Escaped from my crazy work life for a few days (yes, leaving Ducky behind) to Bali island in Indonesia, primarily to attend sister-in-law's wedding.

In Bali, flies reign supreme. Well, at least that's how I feel whenever we are having a meal. =P

Also, for the first time in my life ~~probably for the last time as well~~, I am a millionaire! My only regret is that I didn't take a photo of myself holding one million Rupiah. =\

As the trip is mainly for the wedding, we only managed to visit the Lake Temple and Tanah Lot during the few days there.

I had my first ever massage in Bali, by a petite Indonesian lady with surprisingly strong hands. First massage, as in not counting the one wifey gave me when we were skiing in France all those years ago, and the ones she gave me when I had severe headache.

I have an aversion to stranger touching me, I don't mean the gentle pat on the back or shoulder, the social hand shake, or even a brief hug from those who are close, but massage by a stranger covering my limbs and my back is definately not within my comfort zone.

If only wifey knows how to do the full body massage. =)

If there is to be a next time to Bali, I am hoping it will be a relaxing trip, just me and wifey to somewhere secluded that has all the facilities we want. Just chill and relax.

Ubud Hanging Gardens, perhaps?

-----

- beautiful wedding -

Congratulations to my sister-in-law and Adrian! Lovely wedding, just beautiful.

It warrants an entry on its own, so I am saving the details for a proper entry with many photographs. =)

-----

- happy anniversary my dearest -

Happy anniversary my dearest wifey, thank you for being you, and for entering and sharing my life.

Seven years and going strong, here's for the many more to come. =)

Hmm... seven years. Make sure to scratch each other if either of us ever feel the "itch". =P

-----

- bumped -

While driving home on the BKE highway one evening, a black metal bar came flying out from the divider (I think) and rolled on the road in front of my car. I was doing 90km/h and there was a car behind so I didn't hit the brake.

That metal bar cracked my bumper and left a gapping hole.

Wallet got squeezed for money I don't have. =(

Why it has got to be when I drove by? *Sigh...* so suay.

-----

- Torchlight -

Public service to avid RPG gamers who follow my blog diligently:

Torchlight is on sale for a limited time, bargain price of USD7.50, offer valid until 10a.m. PST, 28th of November.

Ya I know, not much time left at the time of my posting, so hurry if you like to get a copy.

I got myself a copy when I found out about this sale, I used the Paypal option. I don't have a Paypal account but it's not required anyway, the purchasing process was smooth and painless.

You can find out more about Torchlight on the net, basically it's a single player only RPG created by some of the people who created Diablo. Torchlight 2 is in the making and will be out in near future, Torchlight 2 will have multiplayer option.

Also on sale in the same time period is Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty, USD29.99, which is 50% the original price. Check out Blizzard store if you are interested.

-----

- bookfair -

Another public service, mainly for Penangites but applicable to all who want to come to Penang:

Popular Mega Bookfair from 25th of November to 4th of December, at Straits Quay, 6th floor.

Good time to hit that RM1000 tax relief target for year 2011 if you haven't already. =)

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- happy birthday my dearest -

Happy birthday to my dearest wifey!

Sorry for not getting you any present, unless you really consider that Torchlight purchase as your birthday present... =P

Totally defeats the purpose of going out for a birthday lunch when you didn't even order a meal for yourself.

>_<

Women and their warped sense of body size, meh!

There's nothing wrong with a bit of flesh, so much nicer when hugging and cuddling. All bones are uncomfortable!

-----

Ducky & Friends #004

2011-11-18T00:11:00.001+08:00

#004: Gone...

View all Ducky & Friends entries by clicking on the quack quack category.

11.11.11

2011-11-11T23:11:00.001+08:00

Once in a century... so?

Just another day, another set of numbers.

Many people choose this kind of date, those with repeating number or number that's supposingly mean something special, for their important milestone event.

I guess they feel special choosing such a date. After all, it must be real special when a gazillion other people have exactly the same thought and doing the same thing... =P

Reminds me of the sentence from The Incredibles: "when everyone's super, no one will be."

It's what we do in a particular day that makes it special, not the number. =)

So don't start hating me all you newlyweds and induced babies, you got married today, or you are born today, so that makes it special for you ~~and the gazillion others~~!

Well, better stop talking about this...

What was I doing at 11:11 hours on 11th of November 2011?

Working ler! Abohthen?

Slacker extraordinaire is a man of principles, and one of the principles is that I do not blog during working hours.

I veli the professional one! *straight face*

Anyway, my beloved slacker month has not been nice thus far. I have been overloaded.

If you have been following my rants, then you would know that I have been busy and doing long hours for months now. But starting November, the workload has been brought up to a new level.

That's just crazy! There is absolutely no way I can deal with so many tasks, unless I clone myself a few times.

And of course, my fellow higher grade, higher pay colleagues in the same project are lounging in their cubicles, going home early, and basically being their usual selves when all real action and work are happening in the lab or factory floor.

Gotta say the thought of changing job has crossed my mind. But then I am no quitter, and I figured there will always be people like them in any work place.

So I slave on, and grumble, and rant, and pray that the management will deal with them.

Yea, I know, dream on. -_-

Happy Birthday

2011-11-04T21:17:00.000+08:00

Happy 4th birthday Scribble Pad!

Alrighty, as per tradition, here are the number of ~~misguided~~ viewers according to the counter:

2008: 4746

2009: 13300

2010: 23226

2011: 31677 + number in those few weeks when counter stopped working

Breaking off from custom, this year I am not going to harp on bestest month, bestest number, etc. Those who still don't know about them and who are really interested can check it out: 2008's, 2009's, 2010's.

My slacker sense is tingling, plus I am lazy and a tad tired today. It's slacker month after all.

Maybe I will harp again next year. =P

Though started off rather horribly, the bestest month is showing sign of going back on track. Not surprisingly, turning point falls on the day with the bestest number.

^_^

I am so ready for the long weekend... slacking!

Potong Stim

2011-10-30T15:19:00.000+08:00

Wifey and I were discussing whether to let our elder son attend full day kindergarten next year instead of the half day session he is doing now.

When I asked what are the concerns, I was rather shocked that cost came up as one of them.

We are talking about an increase of about RM300 per month, and wifey, the finance manager, informed me that no, some months we do not have RM300 left.

Bummer.

I am seriously disheartened.

Working like a cow yet I can't even afford to send my son to a full day kindergarten, this is extremely demoralising for parents who have decided to put our children first.

I am not sure if we could live any more frugally than we do now to cough up the money. Guess I better pray the bonus will cover it or I have to start digging into our saving, either bank or what little amount of shares I have.

Bollocks. Just bollocks.

For those who don't understand the Malay language, which is quite a number considering we can count with one hand the countries that use this language, potong stim is literally 'cut steam'.

Potong stim means killing joy, dispiriting, demoralising, disheartening.

Lovely Bestest Month

2011-10-27T20:57:00.000+08:00

The bestest month of the year, November, is going to be extra lovely this year. ^_^

Besides the numerous birthdays within my small social circle (I am not-so-mildly antisocial after all...), there's also a marriage and two weddings!

Congratulations to those tying the knots, so happy for you! =D

Marriage and wedding are different. You can register married and not hold any wedding but still being legally bound. You can also hold wedding without registering first and be legally single! Heh. =P

Registered but on hold the wedding and pretend to be single still, is to me, the disturbing norm in this country. Mind, I have nothing against withholding wedding, but what's up with the pretending to be single bit?

-_-?

On the other hand, I only know of one couple who had their wedding first pretending to be married, then only register. =O

Though, I have very small social circle, so...

Anyway, let's not get sidetracked. Congratulations again to those who have graciously shared the fantastic news of your big day with me! Me so happy. ^_^

Almost November, yay! \o/

Ducky & Friends #003

2011-10-24T22:38:00.000+08:00

#003: Word!

View all Ducky & Friends entries by clicking on the quack quack category.

Random Thoughts

2011-10-19T23:35:00.000+08:00

- the unconscious mind -

I guess unconsciously I have been worrying about today's sharing session, even though I wasn't the person doing the main sharing.

Worrying about the attendance, the delivery by my colleague, and the reception.

This being the first ever open sharing session didn't help, I supposed.

I guess being the lead for this thermal technical competency team I just felt responsible for everything, including the quality of my colleague's presentation. Illogical, oh well, but that's how I felt nevertheless.

Anyway, it turned out alright. Attendance, while mostly from other departments, was slightly more than double of what I expected. The delivery was alright even though I saw some dozing off or with blank expression, the colleague doing the main sharing has a distinctive lecturer style and tone, heh.

Here's hoping that at least some of those attended the session learned something. Judging from the responses and replies from the case study I put together at the end of the session, I believe a few did. =)

All said, I felt unexpectedly relieved and lightened of heart at the end of it.

What worth is knowledge if not shared?

-----

- the souvenir -

Totally unexpected, I ~~shamelessly demanded, and then greedily snatched~~ received a souvenir from a collegue/friend who just came back from Vietnam.

It's a keychain in the shape of a rather cute Vietnamese lady.

Thank you ah Moon for ~~caving in to our relentless and shameless demand~~ your kind offer, you da star! ^_^

-----

- feedback? -

What do I have to do to get people to post comment, or to simply select one of the "Reactions" check boxes at the end of the entry?

Could really use some feedback you know? Especially on the Ducky & Friends series, want to find out the reception to it so I can decide whether to drop it or to continue.

Clicking a box also so difficult meh?

If you really do not understand what the Reactions choices are, here's an explanation:

1. like! ^_^ is, er... like

2. meh! >_< is dislike

3. nuts! 0_o is if you think the entry is totally crazy, insane, ridiculous...

Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Just click one, can?

Thank you very much. =)

Young is two!

2011-10-16T15:43:00.000+08:00

Jeez, they grow up too fast...

A few tidbits and then it will just be the photos.

Before the birthday...

mama: Young Young, what do you want as your birthday present?

boy: birthday cake!

mama: that's easy.

On the birthday...

papa: happy birthday Young Young!

boy: happy birthday papa!

papa: ...

Alrighty, photos!

cow on the cake, as Young's born in the year of the Ox

Young just wanted the cake, Hsiang was eyeing the presents

Young wanted nothing to do with the party wear, Hsiang was happy to grab all

everyone got to cut the cake, except the photographer...

"how old are you, Young?"

his way of showing his age after mama's corrective action

dipped his finger into the cake while mom wasn't watching ^_^

Under the weather

2011-10-12T21:33:00.002+08:00

It's a disturbing trend that whenever I am taking day off work, I fall sick. I hope it's just coincidence so far.

It's Young's birthday tomorrow. Given the track record that I pretty much never got home before my kids have gone to bed on work days for months now, I think it's prudent to take leave tomorrow so I can celebrate birthday with my little buddy.

Yea I know, sad to be working late every single day for months. Bollocks.

Anyway, woke up feeling not quite right today, went to work anyway but by lunch time I was shivering and aching all over. Decided the work can wait and came home.

My personal professional medical help, wifey, took my temperature and gave me Panadol, which I took after a shower. I hit the bed after that and pretty much dead to the world until night has fallen.

Dragged myself out of bed so I could have some time with my kids before they went to bed. The body aching is gone and I only have a slight temperature now, hopefully I will fully recover tomorrow.

Alrighty, starting to feel a bit dizzy again, so I best hit the bed and be zombie-like once more.

给翔

2011-10-09T21:22:00.000+08:00

儿啊儿

要怎么教你才会明白？

你的小顽皮爸妈可以接受

但我们是绝对不能容忍你说谎的

屡次教导你依旧重犯

今天你变本加厉

用一个谎言来掩饰你另一个谎言

你几时变成这样撒谎自如了？

你可知道

藤条打在你身上

痛是在我心里？

儿

我们的家里只有诚实的人

今天你伤透了爸妈的心

Ducky & Friends #002

2011-10-08T15:19:00.000+08:00

#002: purpose...?

View all Ducky & Friends entries by clicking on the quack quack category.

The passing of a legend

2011-10-06T21:01:00.000+08:00

The world suffers a great loss with the passing of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of the Apple company.

Steve's life story is fascinating and inspiring. I highly recommend those who haven't done so to go through his biography. Here's a handy link.

iPod, iPhone, and iPad are a few of the game changing products Steve brought us. Though not an Apple fan myself, I am saddened by the lost of a brilliant visionary cum innovator.

iSalute. iSad.

The Crunch

2011-10-04T22:27:00.000+08:00

The crunch has begun.

On last count, I currently have ten tasks on my plate.

Of which one I will ignore until I am really free.

One can still wait for a least a month.

Another I will push out till late next week.

There is one that my part is mostly done, which I will delegate.

The one that starts in earnest next week is something that I rated low priority but my manager thinks otherwise. Seriously, of the many colleagues who work on that same task, it has gotta be me?

Then there is that one which will probably not happen for a few weeks yet but when it does, I will have to drop everything to do it.

The four left are a mixture and combination of urgent, important, critical and on tight deadlines.

And typically, I have to be at two different places in order to complete these tasks. I really don't know why some people think I can be at two different places at the same time?

Crunch time... so not liking it.

Ducky & Friends #001

2011-10-01T22:19:00.000+08:00

The wait if over, behold...

Ducky & Friends!

#001: hello world

View all Ducky & Friends entries by clicking on the quack quack category.

Coming Soon

2011-09-29T22:43:00.001+08:00

Please be informed that there will soon* be a new series of entries, which will have it's own catagory, and which will mainly not be wordy wordy.

* in slacker time, so should be between next month and next year

I have quite a number of ideas for the series already, just need to get some material ready.

Though, it's really normal for me to have plenty of ideas or stuff to blog about, they just never got written that's all. (slacker point +1) =P

Like that Harly Potter story, I probably have 80% of the content already formed in my mind. And that story intended as follow up for this year's April Fools entry, I already have 100% of that story formed. I really should post that story, sometime...

Anyway, stay tuned for the new series, I myself quite like the idea. Well, that's not saying much. =P

Hug Deprivation

2011-09-27T00:04:00.001+08:00

Hugging my wifey is a daily activity.

Soft, warm and comfortable. It's closeness. It feels good.

I like hugging my wifey. Hence I missed hugging my wifey when I was away on business trip.

The day I arrived home, wifey said during one of our many cuddles:

"More than usual number of snuggles tonight, I think you are hug-deprived."

You betcha!

Jet Lag

2011-09-26T17:19:00.000+08:00

So sleepy in the afternoon...

Amy and I

2011-09-26T01:18:00.000+08:00

Business trip to The States did not turn out as expected.

home away from home

In short, the technical writer failed big time causing much frustration and disappointment. The main puspose of this trip would not have been achieved if we did not decided to just cut that person off as a lost cause and take things into our own hands.

this is the room that I had spent 12 nights in

Basically we were supposed to get material from said person, but since all we got was half-arsed unfinished rubbish full of mistakes, we simply threw it away after our unfruitful attempts to fix it. Attempts to fix that garbage failed thanks to the same person who simply insisted on being thick and sloppy.

bed is very soft, not too good since I had back ache the first few days

We started from scratch and compiled our own material and got it done before we left, wanting to have no part whatsoever with the technical writer ever again.

these helped me to fight the jet lag

So that's that.

Well, work stuff aside, this trip did allow me to make a few acquaintances. In particular, I got to meet Amy.

Amy is easy going, easy to interact with, pretty cool and nifty. Somehow I forgot to mention Amy to wifey despite the many phone conversations while I was in The States, hmm...

I don't think she will mind, anyway, let's meet Amy.

My rented Nissan Altima

Amy! (registration plate)

Amy is easy to handle and I like the no key access a lot, I just put the car key in my pocket so the car can sense it and everything else I just press buttons. ^_^

just have to press that button on the door to open and lock the car

button to start and stop the engine

Not having to fumble with car key is really nice. =)

Brief as it was, I enjoyed the time with Amy. =P

Ayam kambing back

2011-09-23T02:03:00.001+08:00

Business trip to The States is drawing to an end, will be heading to the airport in a few hours to begin the long and dreadful journey home.

Will check out and head to the airport around 04:00 hours on Friday Malaysia time, and will only arrive Penang airport around 18:30 hours Saturday Malaysia time. Plus half an hour to get home we are looking at a total of around 39 hours if everything went as planned.

39 hours... can someone invent teleportation already?

By the way, title of the entry reads "I am coming back". Not original, I know, just feel like saying it anyway.

I'm going home, so looking forward to the destination, yet so not looking forward to the journey.

Anyway, best start packing and prepare.

Bacon and I

2011-09-17T15:27:00.000+08:00

Breakfast these few days:

Sunday: Breakfast? Skipped as I was half dead in the bed with jet lag.

Monday: Bacon! Bacon x5, bread x2, apple juice.

Tuesday: Meh, no bacon. Toasted bread x2 with peanut butter jam, yoghurt, banana, tea.

Wednesday: Meh, still no bacon. Toasted bread x2 with peanut butter jam and grape jam, yoghurt, banana, tea.

Thursday: Bacon!! Bacon x6, French toast x2, yoghurt, tea.

Friday: Meh, no bacon again. Toasted bread x2 with peanut butter jam and grape jam, tea.

Did I mentioned I like bacon?

旅之悲

2011-09-14T09:16:00.000+08:00

二十九小时的折磨

腰酸背痛

晕颠作呕

生理时钟失调

失眠疲累

怎么那么多人喜欢旅行？

外国的月亮特别圆

2011-09-13T13:04:00.001+08:00

有么？

Munchkin Expanded

2011-09-07T22:42:00.000+08:00

Thanks* to a few willing friends who were on businiess trip to The States, I am now the proud owner of the complete set of Munchkin! =)

Actually, this happened a few months ago, I just procrastinated until today to write this, hehe. (slacker point +1)

Original plus six expansions, and additional two cards from the boxes of holding made a total of 762 cards. Highly unlikely to get through all the cards in one game, even with six players. So if your strategy relies on a specific card... good luck, muahahahaha!

With these expansions, there are now six races and classes, players can get mount(s) and there are a lot more hirelings. Of course there are more items, curses, monsters, and cheats. And also the game happens in distinct dungeon sets now instead of the generic vague dungeon the original Muchkin puts us in. ^_^

Races wise there are the original human, elf, dwarf and halfling, plus orc and gnome. Classes wise, besides the original warrior, wizard, cleric and thief, we can also be bard and/or ranger now.

So much more ways to play, to curse, to cheat, and to cause mayhem. I likey!

Game on my friends, game on!

* and no thanks to those who didn't have the grace to reply to inform me they couldn't or not willing to help despite me asking them to please do so, I just wanted to find out the number of people that would help and hence how many expansions I could buy. No manner, shame on you!

Joyous Occasion

2011-09-04T22:36:00.000+08:00

There were enough people with cameras around tonight so neither wifey nor I used our camera to take any photos of the bride and groom. We trust the many photographers, pro or what not. =P

Hence there are no photos avaliable (thus far) for this entry. But it's an entry I just have to write, with or without photos.

Woi Woi and Fang Fang had finally tied the knot! Woohoo! (It's about time! =P )

So very happy for them. =D

This way of addressing them is simply to show our kinship and close bond, according to Hoad Hoad. =P

Among the six of us blokes, this is the first ever wedding where all six of us are present. It's a memorable occasion.

Of course, there were many close friends present as well, shows how popular Woi Woi and Fang Fang are. =)

Best wishes and warmest regards for them, may their love sustains them through ups and downs.

Now go make babies! =P

Scarface

2011-09-03T14:03:00.001+08:00

Just when I was nearing the end of my sorethroat + fever + flu + cough ordeal, a bloody venomous insect had to crawl over my face leaving a nasty blistery pus-festering wound.

It's like makeup for a horror movie, only it's real.

Just my luck.

What a craptastically sucky break.

ah yes, about that iPhone thing...

2011-08-30T18:40:00.000+08:00

A few days ago I posted this.

Not surprisingly, not many bothered to leave their thought. What do I have to do to get comments eh? =P

Anyway, here is the truth about the whole thing, if you haven't found out already. ^_^

Some time along your relationship or marriage, you will either say or hear this phrase: "what's yours in mine, what mine is... of course mine!"

So hor, recently my brother-in-law upgraded his mobile phone from iPhone 3GS to Samsung Galaxy SII, and he gave the iPhone to wifey.

Yes, do feel jealous and wish you have such generous sibling. =P

So according to the phrase quoted above, my wifey's stuff is also mine lor, right? That means I have an iPhone, right?

Well, the thing is, that "what's yours in mine, what mine is... of course mine!" phrase is almost always only applicable and said by a specific gender. No iPhone for guessing which gender that is. =P

So no, I do not have an iPhone. =)

I am rather happy that the few of my colleagues and friends who read my blog but not leave comment told me in person they do not believe I have an iPhone.

My caveman reputation is still well and intact, hehe. ^_^

Gibberish

2011-08-28T16:47:00.000+08:00

Alas, can't form party with free account. That sucks.

-----

Sick while on leave sucks. Big time.

-----

His promises are meaningless, while reprimands and punishments bounch off him leaving not the slightest imprint. Would be lucky just for him not to talk back.

-----

Raya? I feel downright miserable and depressed.

-----

Think my insanity just got +1.

I'm No Superman

2011-08-24T16:06:00.000+08:00

I knew I was burning out, I knew I was going to crash if I don't take a break from work. I knew, as the body has been sending me signals.

Guess I had overestimated myself, thought I could hang on for a few more days. You see, starting tomorrow, my applied leave will start, a long one letting me rest and relax until the week after next.

But I was wrong. The body had enough.

So here I am, bed-ridden for most of the day, feeling like a rotten vegetable, a day before my long break is to start.

It's suppose to be rest and relax in a happy and fun way, not miserable and uncomfortable way.

This sucks.

I'm no Superman.

And I don't wear my underwear outside the pants.

I'm No Superman is a catchy phrase in the theme song Superman for the TV series Scrubs, one that I followed when I was in England.

Thank you friends, you are bottleful

2011-08-20T20:52:00.000+08:00

I needed about 50 to 60 plastic bottles, to fill them up with water, and use them as weights. And I had two weeks to collect them.

Judging on my own household usage, we only produce one or two empty plastic bottle per week. That is not going to cut it so it's time to ask for help.

Hence, two weeks ago I sent an e-mail to around 20 to 30 of my colleagues asking them for the favour of keeping and passing to me any plastic bottles they would have thrown away otherwise during these two weeks. I figured that if every one of them gave me one bottle, I would be about half way there, if they gave me two bottles, I would have enough.

Of course I didn't expect all of them to respond or to help out, so wifey had been asking our neighbours for help as well.

Gotta say the results were not at all what I expected.

A few replied just wanting to find out what exactly do I want the bottles for? What project am I working on? I guess using them as weights is not good enough an explanation, I have to provide something like a full report... -_-

Anyway, I didn't get many replies, which honestly wasn't unexpected. What was unexpected though, is the number of bottles I got in the end and their source.

- number of colleague in my department who helped: 0 (this is a real shocker, the bad kind)

- number of colleague at ulu place who helped: 1 (this is a pleasant surprise)

- number of colleague not at ulu place who helped: 6 (this is a real surprise, the nice kind)

You see, I work at ulu place, I would have expected more help to be from ulu place, but the fact is quite the oppostie.

None of my immediate colleagues bothered was just... disappointing. I guess I must be a real pain in the arse in my department. =(

Out of the seven persons who helped, six of them are females. Proves that women are just more helpful in nature.

I received a total of 102 plastic bottles in the end, and 96 of them are from the five ladies in Penang. Way out of expectation! 0_o

Please allow me to express my sincere thanks to Mooi Kim, Ryan, Lee May, IZ, Hoay Tien, Wen Wen, and Chin Chin. You are wonderful (and bottleful)! ^_^

I, Pastor

2011-08-15T23:16:00.001+08:00

Warning: this entry contains a mixture of English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Malay, Manglish, and probably some other languages or terms I simply made up.

-----

Received an e-mail today about wedding plan for a friend, most likely just a joke since according to the plan, I am requested by the bride-to-be to be their pastor.

Mua? Pastor? 0_o

Fine, ask and thou shall receive! (Can ah? Sounds like real pastor or not?)

But since I am not a Christian or have the authority to perform solemnisation of matrimony, what you receive may not be what you asked for. =P

After I think think a bit, this is likely what I am going to say...

- to address the audience and get things started when couple arrived, or when the bride-to-be's father handed over the daughter, depends on what the couple have in mind:

"Oi, sit down and diam lar! I talk now you all listen. Be good or else I shoot anyone who makes noise."

Think I should cock the shotgun at this point but will check what the bride-to-be thinks, maybe she wants to do it herself. I am flexible. *shrug*

- after everyone have behaved themselves:

"Okay, so hor, we all here because kena red bomb, sipeh boh huat. Since I so veli the nice I no make you suffer more, I skip all the rubbish talk about love and relationship that nobody listens to anyway and go straight to the point. Sui boh? Well, if you don’t like this you can leave, if you beh siok and make noise I shoot you."

- after all the cheering or booing and any necessary shooting, I will look at the groom and ask:

"So, you lub her (point to the bride)? If you say no I shoot you."

- depending on whether I have to shoot the groom, if yes, end of story. If not, look at the bride and ask:

"So, you lub him (point to the groom)? If you say no I can sao gong go home now."

- depending on whether I can go home liao or not, if yes, end of story. If not, continue lor:

"Okay, rings leh? Quick quick give each other, everyone waiting to see the kiss and for the food nia. But hor, don’t kan jiong until cannot put on lar, waste even more time like that."

- after the wedding band exchange:

"Okay, now hor, anyone wants to object ah, wants to do runaway bride or groom ah, wants to come and grab the en tao ba or siao cha bo ah, quick quick do now before I go next step. Don't worry I won't shoot anyone for doing any of the above. But hor, no guarantee what the bride will do lar."

- depending on what happen then, maybe end of story. If not, continue lor:

"Okay, finally reach this part, sui! Always wanted to say this. By the power and authority I saja say I have, I pronounce you ang and bo! You may kiss the bride. Oi audience, clap hands and cheer lar, else I shoot you!"

- after all the hoo-ha and any necessary shooting:

"Bride and groom now go make babies. Don't play play one! The rest, kia jiak!"

I think this is going to be one memorable solemnisation, if I say so myself. =P

NOoooOOOooOo!!!

2011-08-14T21:51:00.001+08:00

So close! Argh~~~!!!

>_<

Datuk Lee, I have no nail left after watching the match. Good thing I don't have heart disease.

I like your between the legs save, but that continuous 5 point lost in the second match was veli the frustrating.

*Sigh*

Oh well. Am still proud of you Chong Wei, go Penangite! =)

And damn you Lin Dan! =P

It's 2011 Badminton World Championships final for men's single I am talking about, in case you really don't know.

Looking for...

2011-08-14T14:29:00.000+08:00

Looking for 3 to 5 card and/or board game enthusiasts, who can spare at least 2 dedicated* hours solely for card or board gaming on a regular basis.

Must be geeky enough to love this genre of gaming, have sense of humour, not taking things too seriously, and mature enough to enjoy and have fun playing whether win or lose.

So, any takers?

* meaning those who while physically there but spend most or all the time on their mobile phone need not apply. Seriously, why bother to meet up if all you want to do is to play with your mobile phone alone?

Liberated

2011-08-12T21:04:00.000+08:00

I spent all my time at work today at my cubicle, did not enter the dungeon at all.

Despite requests from various colleagues, mostly reasonable and polite with just a few annoying and demanding ones, despite the new jobs and responsibilities boss is piling on me during the meeting with him, I left office before five, and had enough time to help my elder son build his new LEGO set as well as to play ball with both my kids before they went to bed.

Feel so... liberated.

Guess I just don't care anymore until I have a break.

Meltdown

2011-08-10T21:49:00.000+08:00

Actually, there is no specific reason I titled this entry as "Meltdown", it's just the first thing that popped into my mind when I started writing.

Anyway, I am home before 20:00 hours today! On a working day, what an achievement!

It feels like ages ago that I arrived home before the kids had gone to bed. Finally able to interact with them and kiss them goodnight on a weekday. They were crying and shouting when I got home though, typical.

So nice to be able to watch the 8 o-clock news. Riot in England? Bloody hell! Was just about to send my brother an e-mail when I noticed that he already sent an e-mail announcing they are alright over there. Yea, I haven't been checking my personal e-mail account for a few days now.

So nice to leave the office before the main door is locked. Moved office recently and the main door to this building is locked at 20:00 hours. For quite a number of days so far, I had to walk all the way to the adjacent building where my old office used to be to exit, as that door is open 24/7.

Initially wanted to go to badminton today, since exercise is such a good way to relieve all the pent up stress. I got out of the dungeon around 17:45 hours (record!), though by the time I settled stuff in my cubicle, it's already 18:30 hours so I came home straight instead. =\

I am burning out and I could really use a break.

Monopoly Deal

2011-08-07T01:25:00.000+08:00

A visit from a friend in the afternoon to borrow tripod prompted an impromptu gathering of old friends later at night.

On impulse I brought along my Monopoly Deal card that I bought a few weeks ago but never got a chance to play.

image source

Turned out to be a rather fun game, easy to learn, relatively fast to play, probably at most half an hour depending on the number of players. The winner is the first player to collect three full property sets of different colour.

There are ten property sets with various wildcards to fill in. There are also action cards to steal property, force swap property, demand money as rent or birthday present, et cetera.

The game requires a bit of luck, some strategy and planning. Being ruthless helps too. =P

I am going to list a few things we didn't realised since it's the first time for everyone. I just found out after going through the rules carefully after the gathering. I hope my friends read this before we next meet and play again. ^_^

- "Just Say No" can be used to cancel another "Just Say No" card

- can only have one house and one hotel on any full property set

- can only add a hotel after you have added a house

- can swap Property Wildcards around among different sets on your turn

- related to the above, if you acquire the property you need, you can replace the Wildcard and reuse it elsewhere

Can't wait till the next game! =)

If I say...

2011-08-03T00:02:00.000+08:00

If I say that I have an iPhone now, what would you say?

These are a few reactions you can choose from if you do not feel like writing your own. Feel free to choose more than one. =)

(a) Yea right!

(b) Caveman has gone to the "dark" side!

(d) Really? Where you got it from?

(e) lu mai hao siao lar!

(f) If it's true, I cut my ____!!

(g) You won it one is it?

(h) Some generous and kind person gave it to you?

(i) You wife bought one is it?

(j) Are you sick?

(k) You work too much until crazy liao is it?

Those who need a bit of background can check out here, here, and here.

Come on, tell me what your reaction is. ^_^

Hsiang is four!

2011-07-30T22:44:00.000+08:00

Another milestone. =)

Four years old. Two birthday cakes, one for the school party, the other for home. Many way too expensive presents.

Kids nowadays are so pampered. =P

Anyway, this is not a wordy entry, behold the pictures! ^.^

cake number 1

celebration at kindergarten

teachers and schoolmates

cake number 2

pop pop, nana, and jiu jiu came all the way from KL

papa, mama, and didi

Bah!

2011-07-29T00:05:00.000+08:00

I ain't got paid enough for this shit!

Those with higher grade and bigger pay cheque do not seem to be doing as much as I do.

The head count number is a joke. Gladly trade them with half the number of people who has the right attitude, sense of responsibility, and who really work.

So be it, let's see what they can churn out on their own...

If you want something done...

2011-07-26T23:05:00.000+08:00

The spreadsheet started off as my own means of tracking the combination of part A and part T that gave data D.

No such database existed so I created it. While I went around gathering the necessary information, I figured I might as well record the serial number of part M and part C since they are also components of the assembly.

The day after I have compiled my database, someone requested the data to be shared in a meeting. Well, good that I have things in order, eh?

Since then, the compilation and presentation of data D with the relevant serial numbers became part of my job.

Bah! Extra work on top of an already heavy workload. =\

Yesterday, after failing to gather the information on current inventory tracking from all who are working on the same project, I decided to create my own inventory tracking database.

I am fairly sure someone has been assigned to do the tracking but given the lack of any proper record, I figured I might as well do it myself. At least I know I will get something that I can understand.

The price is I worked till 23:00 hours yesterday night. =(

Guess what? In today's meeting, colleagues from oversea asked for an inventory list and tracking of the assembled product.

Am I clairvoyant or what? "I see dead people..." =P

"Boss" went ahead and flashed the freshly made database from yours truely. < sarcasm > See how organised we are here? < /sarcasm >

When "boss" met me in the lab later, he commented on the perfect timing of the creation of that inventory tracking database, and said he had wanted one such database since the beginning of the project.

I sniggered.

Say, if you want something done, why wait for the other to do it?

Of course, updating the inventory tracking database is now also part of my job... >_<

Two 'live' databases to update every day. Oh well, at least I know they are going to be quality stuff - my standard.

^_^

蓝蓝的天空几万里 miles and miles of clear blue sky

2011-07-23T01:47:00.000+08:00

开心，引以为荣的爸爸
I'm proud of my boy. Me happy.

^_^

The Two Kings

2011-07-19T22:53:00.002+08:00

Reached home slightly past eight today.

Rushed upstairs to hug and kiss my sons goodnight before they are asleep.

Stopped short after opening the door by the sight of my two sons lying side by side on the small bed. Sharing a blanket.

Very cute. Very sweet. Very brotherly. Very heartwarming.

Proceeded to kiss them goodnight and got out of the room before they get excited and lose their sleepiness.

It's only after dinner that I realised I should have taken a photo.

Oh well.

On a totally unrelated note:

Happy birthday HBK.GoB.WWTS.LS.Nelson/Nancy!

Sorry I didn't join your birthday lunch, was tied up in the dungeon. =(

Work Week 29

2011-07-16T21:31:00.000+08:00

This week...

2 out of 6 working days arrived home before 20:30 hours, all others later.

Yup, 6 working days. Full day Saturday.

6 out of 12 times alarm beeped when I passed through security gate out from the lab. 50% beep rate. The security gate knows I am a sensitive person.

Full week in the dungeon. Dungeon Master +1 (Level 8).

Dungeon mode full day on a weekend, think of it like an intensive training or bonus round. Dungeon Master +1 (Level 9).

Worked on a weekend. Slacker point -1.

累

2011-07-12T23:10:00.000+08:00

腰酸背痛

无精打采

我…好…累…

Dungeon Master, Reloaded

2011-07-09T22:25:00.000+08:00

I reckon prior to today I was a level 6 dungeon master, from these: 1, 2, 3, and the whole of this week.

The way I see it, I should gain a level for every week I spent in dungeon mode. Extra level for being in dungeon on weekend.

Since I was working in the dungeon full day today, dungeon master +1. So I am now at least a level 7 dungeon master. Bow to me! =P

Better not say so loud, compared to my level 60+ colleague who practically lives in the dungeon I am like kacang puteh. I pay my respect and salute that colleague whenever I go into the dungeon mia, I kid you not.

While it's fast to gain dungeon master level on weekend, it comes at a great cost...

Slacker point -1!

>_<

Hmm...

2011-07-08T23:19:00.000+08:00

Note to self:

- need to invite people who knows how to create atmosphere so your guest doesn't fall asleep

- when everybody are the quiet type, you gotta say something

- no no no! Sperm, ovulation, menstrual cycle are not typical or suitable for casual conversation

- eating on the floor is not... good hospitality

Oopsy!

Transformer 3: Dark of the Moon

2011-07-04T23:41:00.001+08:00

Just let me get one thing out of the way first: I missed badminton today for the movie, kids, that's not a healthy thing to do. =P

Second thing to get off my chest: there is no post-credits scene. Now you know.

I asked those who have seen the movie but got no answer. To avoid spoilers I did not search online before I watch the movie, I didn't stay till the end though as everyone was gone and I felt a bit embarrass sitting there alone. So I asked the cinema staff collecting the 3D glasses, and he said there is none. That's good enough for me.

Okay okay, wrong information is worse than no information, so I verified with google-fu after I watched the movie: there's no post-credits scene in Transformers 3.

You can leave after (ex)Agent Simmons does his stunt. =)

Second movie I watched in 3D, probably should have gone with 2D. 3D doesn't really add much to it and at times I was looking at some out of focus area, maybe it's the glasses, maybe it's just me not watching the centre of focus but looking at what's happening at the background, *shrug*.

Well, story wise, Autobots are now working with humans to bring peace to Earth, something about stopping humans from destroying themselves, which of course is so true (in addition to destroying other lifeforms and mother Earth).

Autobots found out about the crash-landed Ark on the moon, the teleportation technology (pillars yada yada, space bridge yada yada) and the robot who developed and knows how to use that technology - Sentinel Prime.

So they go get Sentinel Prime to Earth, revived it, and all hell broke loose.

Don't want to post too much spoilers so let's just say there's a cleverly laid trap as well as some betrayals, both by human as well as robot. Autobots have to stop Decepticons from teleporting the Cybertron (the robots' home planet) to Earth's atmosphere and subsequently using humans as slave labour to rebuild Cybertron.

Some robots from the previous two movies die in this one, both friend and foe. Don't worry if you do not remember their name or what their specific role is, that's for geeks and nerds. =P Just have to know Autobots are the good robots and Decepticons are the bad ones. =P

Well, don't bother watching Transformers if you want story with depth (read a book), or romance (get a life), or for hot chic (google it up) or McDreamy (watch Grey's Anatomy). It's all about robots kicking each others' arses in fantastic CGI.

Go for the actions, CGI, robots, automobiles, war machines, guns, explosions, and protagonist-never-die stunts. Sit back, relax, enjoy. Be entertained and when it's over, that's it, nothing to tax your grey matter and nothing to keep you pondering. Just remember enough so you don't feel left out in near future chit-chats. =)

I will score it 7.5 out of 10. But I am a geek, so it's a must watch for me. =)

寂寞寂寞就好

2011-07-03T15:55:00.000+08:00

也不知何时开始

我几乎不再交际，不再结识新朋友

鲜少外出，总爱把自己关在家里

两个瓜心情好就会和我玩玩，不然睬都不睬我

当然我和他们逗了一个小时后也会精疲力尽，升白旗投降

妻子也没什么时间陪我，通常连讲话谈天都得缠着她满屋跑

而且总是一问一答式的，让我觉得自己在烦着她，自讨无趣

所以在家里时常常是呆在自己的房里

要么看书，要么玩电脑游戏

有时是会怀念没有孩子前那段日子

每个周末和妻子沿河走四十五分钟去看电影

和她在家里一起玩电脑游戏

抱着她在沙发上或躲在被窝里谈天

还有和朋友成群结队外游，团聚

为人父母，有了家庭，生活当然有所改变

这个我明白了解也接受

人生的阶段总要一一经历的

感慨的是

当朋友群中个个开始恋爱、结婚、或有了自己的家庭后

要找个人一起去看电影竟然是那么的难

或许，只是不要和我去看吧？

毕竟自己是个枯燥乏味、无趣的人

我可是有自知之明的！

一个人也不是那么糟啦

习惯就好，不会死的

像田馥甄唱的那首歌

寂寞寂寞就好