Final Destination 3

I just came back from watching Final Destination 3. The movie is like all the previous ones. Predictable, but unpredictable.

And very gross.

Got to catch up with some sleep now.. super tired. Got a long day tomorrow.

SMS me

All right people, I need your contact numbers. I finally got a proper phone to use so I'm populating my "database" of contact numbers again. Just SMS me anything, and remember to tell me who you are

I felt...

You know what, I fell asleep at 6pm and slept through dinner. I finally woke up because I was too hungry. It was almost 12 midnight. I ate and couldn't fall asleep after that =(

I tried rolling all over the bed. Finding that perfect comfy position so I can fall back to sleep. I couldn't. I spent a few minutes staring at the ceiling, ...nope didn't make me feel sleep either. I kept pressing my clock to check the time. I have this talking clock you see, everytime I press it, it will report the time. *ding 1AM*, *ding 1.03 AM* ....time passed really slow. I finally got out of bed. It was 1.30am.

No animes to watch. Nothing interesting on TV. Facing my PC suddenly felt boring. Mopped the floor. Tidy up my room. Still it was *ding 3.30 AM* It started raining. Wanted to turn off my PC but end up staring at the monitor again.

I felt...

Geek vs Bookworm

I was actually in the mood to chill out with Jin and her colleagues tonight, but work just ...ahh you already know.

She knew very well what I was trying to say but she acted dumb. I may be inexperienced, but I'm no fool. ...but I will be one if I let myself be the victim in this situation. I better take some matters into my hands and have it done quickly before the tide changes its direction.

This weekend will be my unofficial book fiesta. Times is having a book sale in The Atria shopping center from today until March 3 I think. And MPH is already having their yearly book clearance warehouse sale in Kelana Jaya, some where near the KJ stadium.

I went to Atria after dinner hoping to pick out some interesting books to add to my already cramped book shelf. I came across the 3 in 1 Anne Rice's vampire chronicles which combines the first 3 books of her vampire chronicles series. I didn't buy it in the end because if I were to buy it, it was just to add to my Anne Rice collection, I have already read the books before. Saw a few techie and geeky books I was interested in but they are going to burn a big hole in my pocket if I were to purchase them. When I was about to leave, I saw that one cook book.... that sweet and high in calories cook book. All the cakes, muffins, flan, cookies, bread, sherbet, ice cream... *droolsss* But sadly the book was a little over my budget. Not sure if I should go back and buy it. Since it's almost the end of the month, and pay is coming, No? Yes? ... I'm very tempted... wahahah I just remembered, there the raspberry twirl cheese cake also!!!

My sis found some Amy Tan books that she want and left the sale with them. Me... empty handed. So I decided to head to Payless Books (shop selling second hand books) since the shop is in the same building. I bought a whole lot of books from there the last time I was there so I thought I might find something I like. And I did! I found Anne Rice's non vampire and witch books... her first of the "Erotic Adventures of Sleeping Beauty" book and also Exit to Eden. (Love love story also la) It's so darn difficult to get these books in the bookshops because I think they have already stop printing them ages ago. The only non vampire and witch book I had from Anne was Belinda that was actually from Novel House (A buy and sell it back to me kind of book store). I didn't "sell" it back. You know what's the best part?... the books are still is very good condition! *wOOt*

Hohoho two new books to read.

I'm currently reading the third book of Raymond E Feist's Serpent War saga, Rage of a Demon King. To tell you the truth, I hated mid-evil wars RPG\fantasy themed kind of books. All the unique, weird and super long names of characters and places and things in these books gives me the headache. Some even have maps and really complicating family trees printed and a glossary of the cast of characters. But when I started reading Shadow of a Dark Queen (that's the first book of the saga) I was glued to the book and intrigued by the story.

The names don't give me the headache anymore. I even found some names that I liked =)

Booze have never tasted better

Meet up my my former team leader. Talking with someone out of ExxonMobil who know's the current situation of my team helped me a lot. Since he was no longer my team leader, he share some really important information with me. I'm glad we had this private talk.

I also had something going with the team, I'm sure it will lead to nothing because everyone else is just chicken shit (I know the team didn't have a chance when people FFKed) when it comes to things like this. ...But then, I do understand that not everyone is as "daring" and "young" *rolls eyes*. People do have commitments. Wives, children, their car and homes. But it's sad that they don't see that in 5 years time, there would not even be a job for them.

I felt insulted and disappointed when I was told... "This is what we have to expect, this is what it is, there's nothing we can do about it". While someone us believe things can be changed and we do not have to always except what is given to us, some of them just have no vision and just live like the water that flows down the river. All I have to say that those who knows better have\is looking for the ocean.

It's stupid. No one's job is on the line. But it will be if nothing is done.

People resigning is like a "biasalah" (common) thing in my team. Yeah, very common. Maybe even more common that attending meetings for some of you. One is leaving next week, and another next month. While the smarter one leaves, the ones that remains drowns in work.

I left work earlier than my usual today. Had a good dinner with dad and a nice walk in the pasar malam (night market) with both my parents. Came home and had a short serious chat with my parents about my work. (With the company of a can of Tiger. Booze have never tasted better. I don't even like beer! *burbbbbbb*) Mom said "It's either you leave now, or stay forever". My response?.....

There are issues I have to look into. Issues that I won’t say here because… well… not that I won’t, I would if I wanted to but I wouldn’t be really unethical of me.

All I can say is that I already have my letter ready. All I need is a date. But who knows… I don't.

french kiss a girl

OOPS... I blew it again. I left my PC running when I was at work and ...er.. my lightning arrestor got fried... again. I guess I WILL NEVER LEARN MY LESSON until I blow up my modem. This is bad man. I have got to do something about the telephone line.

My life is rather slow at the moment. Work have been the usual. Life out of work have been usual... wait, I had a life out of work? Per advised from a few people, I should get out with people I don't already know. Meaning? It's time to get my butt out of the house and socialize again.

I have to be nice when I meet people. I have to watch what I say. I have to pretend to be something I'm not. ....arghghghg it's a dragggg meeting new people. And it's worst when "friends" have more intentions that just become friends.

Ok, it makes sense to be nice to people when you meet them for the first time. But why do GUYS always get SO DAMN PERASAN. I'm single and I so happen to talk a lot, to you, that doesn't mean I'M INTERESTED in you. WHY! is it so FREAKING HARD to have a new normal guy friend whom I can chat with?

I wished I have more female friends that likes tech, animes and books. At least I would get a chance to french kiss a girl if we develop a "special relationship". ...hm...

.... *sign* one of those blargh entries again. Please ignore this post. And thank you. I feel much better now.

Ee Chian is no female

Oh mannnn... I didn't know I was a 16 year old male!!!

Back to square one.

Back to square one. ...*sign*

I like this job?

"We regret to tell you that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion."

I guess I was dreaming too early. I didn't even have to wait 10 working days... I thought I had it, but I guess I was over confident. But was I that bad? *sign* I want to know where it went wrong tho... Would really help me the next time around. But I guess I shall never know. So I guess that solves my headache and leaves me with only one option. But... do I want it? See how it goes only lo tomorrow...

Happy Valentines Day to all you love birds out there. As for me, I had a fun luncheon with a group of people in my company. It's really weird.. but we had a Valentines Day gift exchange thingy going one. Those who were attending the party randomly picked out names from a box to know who their gift was to be given to. And today we gave one another gifts. I got a stuffed toy dog. It's soft and ...ok la.. cute la. But when people say "Yahh she will surely like it... so cute!" ... errr you know what, I don't really want to sound like a bitch for not appreciating the gift, but I'm not the kind of person that knows how to appreciate dolls, stuffed toys, cute display items that serves no purpose except collecting dust.

Obviously I had to say I like it, it's only bermoral to do so. But somehow I feel kind of bad putting on a face. I had to pretend to be enthusiastic about the gift so my giver won't feel disappointed. So where will the doll end up? Beats me... most probably will be in Singapore with 3 little girls who appreciates a cute stuffed toy dog.

After the fun part was over... the rest of the day was themed "Briefings and Meetings from hell".

I was right about my speculations... I was assigned more work and being the SME (Something Momthing Expert : I forgot what it stands for but it's some title given to let people boost their EGO so they will overlook the workload they are given to them... sorry la ... not for me) I will be training the new team member. "*YAYYYY*" I was also given the "privilege" to come back to work on Saturday ...again... to continue working if I have to.

My stand-in supervisor had a chat with my on my companies' intranet chat client too. He asked me really normal, yet scary, questions. ...I started thinking of a lot of nonsense after that. I think I'm in deep trouble, or he was just trying to dig information from me. Either way... it scared the brain juices out of me!

I had a look at my calendar before I left the office... and you know what, I'm really booked up to almost the maximum. I only have 7 days without meetings. @#%^$&^#&

...hais.. ok la.. I spare your ears eyes... I'll stop complaining ... because deep down inside I know I still like this job.

Some people are weird

Me: Hello
X: Hi... yes?
Me: Who is this?
... no replies
The next day
Me: Hello... I have to ask again, who is this?
Me: I think it's odd when you have added me but don't want yourself to be known to me
... no replies

Some people are weird. I often get strangers messaging me for help, saying they are the friends of friends of mine. I have no problems with that. But this is weird. Even if you miss added me or something at least clarify la. Ish.

I'm in a dilemma now. I was sure I wanted it... but after dinner I changed my mind. Hais... why la.. why la?

What do you do when too many opportunities comes your way? Do you take the first one that comes your way? Or be greedy and wait for the big fish that have yet to appear?

overloaded

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm overloaded with money WORK!

CNY holidays backlog. Current work increasing. Backing up 2 team mates with their work. Took over 1 team mate's backlog because she left the company. Worried because my TL have yet to delegate her work ..... backlogs are really building up!. Why in the world that meetings and briefings and events always pop up during the busiest times!? Supervisor away for 2 weeks. Went back to work yesterday. 2 new teammates coming in tomorrow, I think I will be training them.

Two important events tomorrow.. making me feel nervous. I normally won't feel nervous... but this is something that I really want. I hope they will think I have got what it takes. Must be confident.. Confident and smart... got to watch what I say.

.... ahhh

Damn it. So much to say but... I say no more here.

I'm so jaded

importance of SYSTEM USABILITY

It's not surprising anymore when I come across advertisement seeking for UI designers and system usability designers. At last, Malaysian software developers (at least their company's CEO) is taking notice of the importance of SYSTEM USABILITY.

In the past software makers in have the "I make it, you learn it" attitude. Everything is complex. But now competition is so great, you can't afford not to be "user friendly" anymore. Take the Nokia phone OS for example, … compare it to the others. Once upon a time everyone was on a Nokia because it was "user friendly" very easy to learn. But that was in the past. Look at any phones now, … they are all as "user friendly" as any other phone.

So what else can software makers offer. Well.. I'm no pro but I believe making a system as "usable" as possible is the next key to successful system.

It's like playing The Sims. You need a house (the system). Any Sim (the user) can survive with the basic food, bed and toilet (the core of the system). But, a better designed house (a better more usable system) will have the food, bed and toilet strategically place so the Sim will not have to walk a mile to get to one place to another (hence in the system perspective a faster application++).

This is when UI and system usability designer plays a really important role.

Microsoft Windows dominate the 90% to 95% of the OS market share because of their "user friendliness" but with all the flaky bits of the OS dropping of here and there… That will make the OS less usable in time. I believe there are hardcore Windows user (and Linux and Mac OS as well) that will support the OS for a long long time, but for me, (and I think I speak for all the typical computer user and maybe some geeks out there) I really don't care who is building the OS. All I was is a simple, usable and affordable OS and hey I'm down with it. An OS need not be all geeky for a geek to user. Make it usable… have an option to geek the OS according to the geekiness level! Muahahha!

...speaking of usability... is Nokia phones more usable that others? A Samsung mobile user once complained that it takes a few press of a buttons to get to the text messaging screen where else it's only one press for Nokia phones. I deciding whether I should buy a Nokia or something else. Any comments? I got to get my hands on a phone soon because I have been getting a lot of scolding lately, and what if my prospect employer wants to contact me for an interview?!! Shit.. I need a phone quick.

Choy San Yeah

I totally forgot about this guy. HAHAHA Gong Hei Fatt Choy! Fasterrr go buy 4D after this!

Edit [8 Feb 06 9pm]: I didn't have time to blog how I actually got this picture, but I have the time now. The picture was taken in Ipoh when I was visiting my great grandma. We just arrived at the entrance, and while my dad was parking the car, this man dressed in Choy San Yeah (a Chinese wealth god) walked pass the car. It freaked me out at first because I thought I saw a ghost! Or some someone who had risen from the dead! A Zombie god! No one else in the car noticed until they got down. My mom freaked a little too.

Anyway this man dressed that way for a reason. He was walking from house to house collecting Ang Pow (red packet containing money). Reminds me of the Western Halloween trick or treating except this is "Ang Pow or no Ang Pow".

Anyone a fan of MacGyver?

Anyone a fan of MacGyver? Check this out. I kind of miss the series. Night Rider and A-Team too!

...actually I miss a lot of series and old movies. Conan the Barbarian is one of them. Got to watch Merlin again eheheheh (TQ Sean!!!) Then there's Sex and the City. And Meteor Garden HAHAHAHAHAHA ... aiyorr I like la.

Got to hunt for my animes too. I miss Hell Sing!!! And I think I should find time for Ban-Channnn too! hehehe. Hm... should watch Trigun again too. I need some comedy ma... Kare Kano also.

...hm.. I'm still watching Naruto.. tho I'm a little bored of it already. Bleach past it's climax. Thank god there's still Marchen Awakening Romance and Beet the Vandel Busters. No one seems to be watching MAR and Beet but I'm just hooked to it! Monster is VERY NICEEEE! And my eyes are itching to watch the continuation of Tsubasa Chrinicles that is still not out. Daddy Long Legs is nice too. I read the book when I was a kid.. I already know the story but the anime is really funny.

Too bad I can't play .avi at work HAHAHAHAHA. But then ... Jin, you have got to pass me the manga links. Nyek nyek nyek.

Seeing someone suffer is very very painful

So actually my copy of Ubuntu came... but I didn't have time to install\run it yet. I didn’t have the mood to do it too… I was at my mom's home town for the weekend.

My grandma's mother (that's my great grandma) pass away a few days before the Chinese New Year..... and now a few days into the Chinese New Year, my grandpa's mother is very ill. Sitting with her for 2 days scared me a little.

She's 93, very healthy mind but sadly her heart is weakening. For the 2 days I was visiting her, I saw what her medication can, and cannot do to her... and that really freaked me out.

On Saturday everyone thought that it was her time to leave. She was really having a hard time breathing. I can really see her suffering through her facial expression. She was trying to say something, but words will not come out... Not because she can't speak, but because the pain was excruciating, and I believe she can't breath.

There was a point when she just like stone on her bed. The only life from her was the sound of heavy breathing and her chest expanding and contracting. A few times she stopped breathing... I freaked out. ... but her heart was still beating. Her hands would usually be held by one of us who would be sitting at her bed side, and she would usually hold it. But there were many time where she have no energy for anything... not even in her fingers to hold a hand.

She told us, "I'm so tired, and my legs were aching". My great grandma is one of the very few old people who do not have 'foong sap'. Her legs were aching from "I have walked a long way. I'm so tired, and my legs were aching, but they won't let me cross". I freaked again. ....but helped massage her legs.

Things were a little different when the doctor prescribed drugs takes effect. She was healthy enough for a bath and a ride around town! My mom was really surprised of the change in her health... and I was as surprised as her too.

Most of my relatives took the time and effort to come back and visit her. ...but some just said they would only come back to pay their last respect. But what's the point of seeing my great grandma when she left us? Don't they want to she her alive.. don't they want my great grandma to see them before she leaves?

My great grandma when in better health is a very cute person actually. There was this on time after tea on Saturday where she still had energy to sit up in her bed. My mom, sis, and two of my great grandma's daughter was with her. She looked at each one of us and suddenly gave a really big smile! She was smiling away leave us wondering what was happening. She finally found words and said "You know what, you are all so pretty". HAHAHAHA...isn't she cute?? hehehe.

Seriously speaking, I'm not close with my great grandma at all for all these years. I would only visit her once in a while and every year during Chinese New Year. I'm glad that I was with her when she is ill right now because there are a few things which she made me realize about her, and my life.

Seeing someone suffer is very very painful.

Ah Tai, sit down if you are tired. Take a rest and then walk home. Give up if they won't let you cross. It's not your time to cross yet.

PVD was not that all impressive

PVD was not that all impressive. The crowd sucked like hell. Too damn packed (Zouk's management had to control the crowd... but this is nothing compared to Tiesto's crowd) and smokey. No Too little alcohol. My first time clubbing without breaking into a sweat shower. Overall just so so... but my legs are still wasted. I'm getting olddddd. Maybe I should just skip all that and listen to some Michael Buble and Daniel Bedingfield. LOL!

Thank god my company was good :P

Oh... My dad got all excited today when he sign a package from the Netherlands for me. He called me at the office just to tell me. ...and that got me all curios, excited and worried... don't ask me why.

But it turned out to be something geeky muahahaha. I signed for it a few weeks back and its reached me today. HOHOHO! And it's FREE! Got to mess with it now.... so i'll keep you geeks wannabe in suspense. ...wait for tomorrow... or when I'm free.

I should not gamble too much

Ahhhhhhhh I pulled one of those super maid all niters again. I really work better in the wee mornings. I think I should look for a job where I require to work UK hours... that I think would really suit me. It has been a long time since I really felt this tired cleaning the house. I guess I haven't been exercising and helping out with the house chores. No wonder I'm such a pug these days.

I was at a losing streak (gambling) at Ah Jon's open house. Bad luck man. After losing 8 rounds in a row, I decided to pull out. Since my cous SJ was winning, I place my bet together with hers. And guess what? She won back what I lost. But later it was losing and winning and losing for me. I guess I have no gambling luck this year. (actually... I don't usually win much every year)

I should not gamble too much... maybe just for the fun of it... won't want to waste all my ang pow money on gambling... cos I think I'll be getting this. Just what I need. Something simple, light, compact, quick response time (I presume its quick because it's black and white display... the colored ones are sooooo slowww!) ... and hopefully dirt cheap!