LOL ... SY would love to have this result.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Queen of Gossip
Remember [in the movie You've Got Mail] the time Meg Ryan's character, Kathleen, finally managed a retort to whatever Tom Hank's character, Joe, was saying while she was waiting to meet her email pen-pal at the restaurant? Remember how she felt after that? Thrilled at having been able to finally done it but then really disturbed at going against her ooey-gooey nice personality and be mean to someone?
Well, I'm kinda having that feeling but nothing as major as how she felt, I suspect. Just a really mild case.
I told someone (lets call him K), someone that I don't really know, well actually, I've only met that someone once, about something I've heard about a 'friend' of mine. I call him my 'friend' (let's call him G) but I'm not entirely sure how to categorise him as we don't actually hang out or anything but we do belong to the same club.
That something which I told K was that I heard that G is an absolute unfaithfull asshole of a boyfriend. How did I come about that information? From G's ex-girlfriend (she's L) who's also a friend of mine, who G told her while they were going out that I was a bitch and wouldn't advise her to befriend me when she told her she thought I was cool. This was at a time when I thought G and I was on friendly terms. That mother-fucking backstabber!
Why would I tell K about G? Because G is now dating C who's a colleague of K. I thought that if it's true that G is the mother-fucking-asshole that he is, then C should have a heads up on it. Also, from my observations of G and from what L told me and from how some of his 'best friends' have turned away from him, those kinda present a strong case against G. I deduction might be wrong and L might have just been a vengeful ex and therefore, for me to believe her would make me a bad friend. Added to that, for me to spread the information to K whom I don't even know that well, makes me doubly bad.
G called me the other day to confirm if I did tell K about him and I said yes. I see no reason to deny something when it's a fact -- unless it's for a punishable crime, of which I would then deny all claims! Heaccussedsaid that I was not being fair as I never did ask for his side of the story and my conclusions were all made from L's point of view. I told him that yes I was but then it was not just from what L told me, it was also from what I've observed and the actions of others who were his friends. He went on trying to trying to justify himself while intermittedly sprinkling "I'm not trying to justify myself" in between sentences.
The whole phone conversation was terribly awkard. I'm not used to these issues. I try to steer clear of these things usually. I don't have experience to deal with issues such as these. My side of the conversation was pretty quiet after my explaining to him why I did what I did and also to explain to him why L have cut loose of any contact with him. I mean, what else am I to say? I've already explained myself, there's nothing more to be said. So silence was my only option. I wanted several time to say "sorry but there's nothing else that I want to say to you. Goodbye." and put down the phone but that seems a bit rude cause he was still trying not to justify himself, so I didn't. When he stopped, I was still silent. He was silent. Was there a polite way to end this conversation? Very awkard.
I don't know where I'm going with this.
He asked me if I thought what I did was right. I said yes.
I said yes then but after I hung up, I started to doubt myself.
I began to think it was unfair of me to tell K about G. What concern of mine was this matter? None.
It was bad of me to turn/backstab my friend this way.
It was shit of me to be such a hypocrite. To dislike people who stabs people on their back and then turn around and be the one who's doing the backstabbing.
People, I'm basically a sucky person. Why I still have friends is a wonder to me.
To all my friends, thanks for still being my friend. If I ever backstab you, I'm sorry.
Well, I'm kinda having that feeling but nothing as major as how she felt, I suspect. Just a really mild case.
I told someone (lets call him K), someone that I don't really know, well actually, I've only met that someone once, about something I've heard about a 'friend' of mine. I call him my 'friend' (let's call him G) but I'm not entirely sure how to categorise him as we don't actually hang out or anything but we do belong to the same club.
That something which I told K was that I heard that G is an absolute unfaithfull asshole of a boyfriend. How did I come about that information? From G's ex-girlfriend (she's L) who's also a friend of mine, who G told her while they were going out that I was a bitch and wouldn't advise her to befriend me when she told her she thought I was cool. This was at a time when I thought G and I was on friendly terms. That mother-fucking backstabber!
Why would I tell K about G? Because G is now dating C who's a colleague of K. I thought that if it's true that G is the mother-fucking-asshole that he is, then C should have a heads up on it. Also, from my observations of G and from what L told me and from how some of his 'best friends' have turned away from him, those kinda present a strong case against G. I deduction might be wrong and L might have just been a vengeful ex and therefore, for me to believe her would make me a bad friend. Added to that, for me to spread the information to K whom I don't even know that well, makes me doubly bad.
G called me the other day to confirm if I did tell K about him and I said yes. I see no reason to deny something when it's a fact -- unless it's for a punishable crime, of which I would then deny all claims! He
The whole phone conversation was terribly awkard. I'm not used to these issues. I try to steer clear of these things usually. I don't have experience to deal with issues such as these. My side of the conversation was pretty quiet after my explaining to him why I did what I did and also to explain to him why L have cut loose of any contact with him. I mean, what else am I to say? I've already explained myself, there's nothing more to be said. So silence was my only option. I wanted several time to say "sorry but there's nothing else that I want to say to you. Goodbye." and put down the phone but that seems a bit rude cause he was still trying not to justify himself, so I didn't. When he stopped, I was still silent. He was silent. Was there a polite way to end this conversation? Very awkard.
I don't know where I'm going with this.
He asked me if I thought what I did was right. I said yes.
I said yes then but after I hung up, I started to doubt myself.
I began to think it was unfair of me to tell K about G. What concern of mine was this matter? None.
It was bad of me to turn/backstab my friend this way.
It was shit of me to be such a hypocrite. To dislike people who stabs people on their back and then turn around and be the one who's doing the backstabbing.
People, I'm basically a sucky person. Why I still have friends is a wonder to me.
To all my friends, thanks for still being my friend. If I ever backstab you, I'm sorry.
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Friday, February 27, 2004
Quizilla gila
You are Agent Smith, from "The Matrix."
No one would ever want to run into you in a
dark alley. Cold as steel, tough as a rock,
things are your way or the highway.
What Matrix Persona Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Woo hoo! Cool! Cool! Love Hugo Weaving!
Drive safe
Driving in 7am traffic this morning, I noticed something interesting about on of my fellow driver. She was driving beside me and I wouldn't even have noticed her had she not overtook me by force -- by that I meant coming into my lane and squeezing me further towards the other lane until I have no option but to let her overtake me. When I looked at the driver wondering what the hell he/she (at that time I have not taken note ofthe gender of the idiot driver) I noticed something in her hand. It was her right hand and it was on the
wheel; and in this hand, intertwined within her palm, I think I saw a rosary (does rosary refer to a single bead or the whole chain? I was referring to the chain anyway).
Yeap! Rosary beads.
Y'know, the ones the catholics holds and prays with? To keep track of the number of Hail Mary's left they'd have to say/pray in the attempt to atone for some sin or other?
Now ... why would she need the security/comfort of rosary beads while driving? It's true that traffic has always been bad along the Federal Highway -- even at seven in the morning -- but do we really need the protection of God for this little feat in which we have to overcome five days a week, twice a day (at least), for the entirety of our working days? Do we really need divine intervention for this our daily task?
I wonder if we just stuck to the lanes that we're suppose to and not squeeze in and out from one lane to the other in the attempt to get to our destination faster, would the traffic be any better? Would the roads be safer? Would the traffic report for the Federal actually read smooth instead of slow but moving, bumper to bumper or worse, at a standstill?
Maybe then that she would not have needed the rosaries while driving. Maybe then I would not feel the need to switch lanes and further worsen the traffic condition. Maybe it was not even some rosaries but just some beaded chain?
Maybe. Maybe. But I was still intrigued by the rosaries in the hand.
wheel; and in this hand, intertwined within her palm, I think I saw a rosary (does rosary refer to a single bead or the whole chain? I was referring to the chain anyway).
Yeap! Rosary beads.
Y'know, the ones the catholics holds and prays with? To keep track of the number of Hail Mary's left they'd have to say/pray in the attempt to atone for some sin or other?
Now ... why would she need the security/comfort of rosary beads while driving? It's true that traffic has always been bad along the Federal Highway -- even at seven in the morning -- but do we really need the protection of God for this little feat in which we have to overcome five days a week, twice a day (at least), for the entirety of our working days? Do we really need divine intervention for this our daily task?
I wonder if we just stuck to the lanes that we're suppose to and not squeeze in and out from one lane to the other in the attempt to get to our destination faster, would the traffic be any better? Would the roads be safer? Would the traffic report for the Federal actually read smooth instead of slow but moving, bumper to bumper or worse, at a standstill?
Maybe then that she would not have needed the rosaries while driving. Maybe then I would not feel the need to switch lanes and further worsen the traffic condition. Maybe it was not even some rosaries but just some beaded chain?
Maybe. Maybe. But I was still intrigued by the rosaries in the hand.
Monday, February 16, 2004
The idiocy continues ...
Feb 16, 4.45pm - Called up En. Hadi to check on status. Turns out En. Hadi is also one of the idiots. Said he will try and help when I pay the amount. People at Standard Chartered are such confused souls. Why would I still need their help if I would willingly pay for things that I did not charge and why would they willingly decide on my favour after I have paid and give me back my money? That's so warped! I was so furious I even said "It's not my fault if your people fucked up and I was not told the correct procedure. Why should I be penalised?" Yes, I said fuck to the guy.
I know probably shouldn't swear at them but that's how I've been thinking about Std Chart whenever the fuck up another call.
I think that's the most proper word for it. Other words just do not seem to serve.
'Fuck up' should be a totally legit and proper phrase and not a swear phrase.
It expresses the speaker utter frustration and anger at the moment and therefore should not be mistakenly categorised as a swear.
I know probably shouldn't swear at them but that's how I've been thinking about Std Chart whenever the fuck up another call.
I think that's the most proper word for it. Other words just do not seem to serve.
'Fuck up' should be a totally legit and proper phrase and not a swear phrase.
It expresses the speaker utter frustration and anger at the moment and therefore should not be mistakenly categorised as a swear.
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
tit for tat
Janet Jackson.
My favourite MTV Icon. Why? Why? Why?
The first cassette I've ever bought was her Rhythm Nation 1814.
Yes, I know this is like so yesterday. More than a week ago business but then there was nothing to be said that hasn't been said before.
Why the big fuss? I don't know, haven't the kids seen breast feeding? Geez!
So, she had a star nipple ring thing. That's just like a belly ring. Doesn't mean you have to pre-plan wearing a nipple ring cause you're going to expose it. Do people who have a belly ring only wear the ring when they're planning to expose it? I don't think so.
However, if it was a planned production, Janet! Why'd you stoop to that?! You're better than that!
Anyway, this is an interesting take on the whole fiasco -> Janet Jackson Breast Cupcake
Happy baking!
My favourite MTV Icon. Why? Why? Why?
The first cassette I've ever bought was her Rhythm Nation 1814.
Yes, I know this is like so yesterday. More than a week ago business but then there was nothing to be said that hasn't been said before.
Why the big fuss? I don't know, haven't the kids seen breast feeding? Geez!
So, she had a star nipple ring thing. That's just like a belly ring. Doesn't mean you have to pre-plan wearing a nipple ring cause you're going to expose it. Do people who have a belly ring only wear the ring when they're planning to expose it? I don't think so.
However, if it was a planned production, Janet! Why'd you stoop to that?! You're better than that!
Anyway, this is an interesting take on the whole fiasco -> Janet Jackson Breast Cupcake
Happy baking!
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Standard Chartered does it again
I was told by Chee Yean of Standard Chartered's Customer Service center to call 03-7722 4986, the Credit Assist Department, with regards to what I want to do. I haven't even told her what I wanted to do yet. Just said it is with regards to the charges on my bill.
Date of call: Feb 10, 2004
Day of call: Tuesday
Time of calls:
The other number she gave, 03-7728 4342 is consistently engaged.
Please explain?
[Updates]
Thank you for calling Standard Chartered Bank Credit Center. Our office is now closed. Our operating hours are from 9am to 5.15pm for Mondays to Fridays and 9am to 1.15pm on Saturdays. Thank you.
Date of call: Feb 10, 2004
Day of call: Tuesday
Time of calls:
- 2.17pm
- 4.30pm
The other number she gave, 03-7728 4342 is consistently engaged.
Please explain?
[Updates]
- Feb 11, 2.20pm - Called the number again. Office is still closed. Called the Call Center informing them of that. Competent lady asked if she could help. Listened to what I wanted and too down name, contact number and card number. Said she'll get someone to call me back.
- Feb 11, 3.51pm - En. Hadi from collections called. Told/ranted him about what's going on. Told me to fax him all related documents and he'll see what he can do about it. Faxed him right after hanging up. Cool! Hope something gets done finally!
- Feb 11, 4.55pm - En. Hadi said they've discussed and what they can do is waive all additional charges, just pay the disputed amount. WTF! Told him but that means I still have to pay. He said the rejection came from Card Center HQ, based on my docs there's not much he can do, advised to write letter stating case and reason why I'm so unwilling to pay and fax to him. Statement of Dispute was not the appropriate doc, should have submitted letter earlier. Told him doc was what the Call Center idiots told me to submit. Advice -> write a letter.
- Feb 12, 3.15pm - Mail faxed to Standard Chartered c/o En. Hadi.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
My first Holga roll
Finally finished my first roll of film for my Holga.
A camera which I bought almost half a year ago, took ages for me to gather up the courage to go purchase the film because everything I've read about the 120mm film indicates that that film size is used by professionals. Therefore, kinda intimidating. Not to mention the pre-conceived notion of self looking like an idiot when asking for film and getting condescending stare from photo shop owners.
Taking the finished roll to the shop didn't take as long even though notion still in head about shop owner wondering what idiot took such crappy photos with pro films.
What's there to lose?
Film already used.
Can't possibly let it rot.
... can but the pull to see how crappy photos taken out weighed that inclination.
Shots came back. OK. Mostly crappy shots. Everything was in portrait?!?!
Didn't know it was going to be in that orientation. Thought all was coming out landscape.
Held the camera the right side up. Guess 120mm requires you to shoot the opposite way as regular cams.
Will try and scan and crop so that photos won't look as crappy.
Wait for it.
A camera which I bought almost half a year ago, took ages for me to gather up the courage to go purchase the film because everything I've read about the 120mm film indicates that that film size is used by professionals. Therefore, kinda intimidating. Not to mention the pre-conceived notion of self looking like an idiot when asking for film and getting condescending stare from photo shop owners.
Taking the finished roll to the shop didn't take as long even though notion still in head about shop owner wondering what idiot took such crappy photos with pro films.
What's there to lose?
Film already used.
Can't possibly let it rot.
... can but the pull to see how crappy photos taken out weighed that inclination.
Shots came back. OK. Mostly crappy shots. Everything was in portrait?!?!
Didn't know it was going to be in that orientation. Thought all was coming out landscape.
Held the camera the right side up. Guess 120mm requires you to shoot the opposite way as regular cams.
Will try and scan and crop so that photos won't look as crappy.
Wait for it.
Friday, January 30, 2004
Legal Live Music Download
Was going though the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy yahoo group when I found a posting specifying live recordings of the BBVDs. Cool! And it being OKed by the BBVD management makes it even cooler. BBVD people are super cool cats. w00t!
Sadly, there aren't any BBVD live recordings on the site yet. However, there is a huge database of live recordings of many many other artiste and bands. I don't recognise most of the of course. Not sure if they're all signed and even if they were, they're probably obscure artiste/bands. Two that most of us might recognise would be Jason Mraz and Zwan.
Must remember to trot off to LPU's message board and pop in a message inquiring if LP might be interested in the project. If they are then I don't have to go sourcing for them over Kazaa.
Wonder if Evanescence and Moby might be interested as well. Will go pop more messages everywhere.
Sadly, there aren't any BBVD live recordings on the site yet. However, there is a huge database of live recordings of many many other artiste and bands. I don't recognise most of the of course. Not sure if they're all signed and even if they were, they're probably obscure artiste/bands. Two that most of us might recognise would be Jason Mraz and Zwan.
Must remember to trot off to LPU's message board and pop in a message inquiring if LP might be interested in the project. If they are then I don't have to go sourcing for them over Kazaa.
Wonder if Evanescence and Moby might be interested as well. Will go pop more messages everywhere.
Monday, January 26, 2004
Misspelled words victim
Commonly misspelled words. 13/15! Can't believe I can't spell dumbbell (I comes with a double 'B'?!) and minuscule (Why does everyone pronounce it miniscule then?!). At least my spelling is not horrendous (sp?). I managed to score a 9/10 for the 'Could You Win The National Spelling Bee'. Wonder if the spelling bee participants would have more trouble with the common misspelled words or the ones from the latter quiz?
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
You're Madagascar!
Lots of people don't really know anything about you, making you buried treasure of the rarest kind. You love nature, and could get lost in it whenever possible. You're remote and exotic, and the few people who know you value whatever they share with you a great deal. For some reason, you really like the word "lemur".
Take the Country Quiz at the Blue Pyramid
Monday, January 19, 2004
Quiz quiz
Congratulations! You're Aragorn!
Which Lord of the Rings character and personality problem are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Your soul is bound to the Yellow Rose: The
Gentle.
"I've travelled through the land of
surrender and seen it all. I throw my heart
out and keep my head up, and now I travel
through the land of peace."
The Yellow Rose is associated with friendship,
intuition, and fun. It is governed by the
goddess Hestia and its sign is The Intertwined
Rings, or True Friendship.
As a Yellow Rose, you always look out for your
friends. You would much rather have strong
ties with friends than a single tie with a
lover and your devotion to your friends is
clear. You may have great intuition and be
able to read emotions clearly, but sometimes
you can seem distant yourself.
What Rose Is Your Soul Bound To?
brought to you by Quizilla
Hmmm ... got the hero instead. would have liked Legolas ... ahhh ... yummy Legolas.
On another note, my freaking thighs are aching like mad! There's probably a reason that the audition call was for dancers 18-25 year olds. It's so that old farts like me who still have delusions of dancing on stage would be able to walk days after the audition.
The audition was mad! The speed at which we were to do our steps were so fast I felt like I was a cartoon. I was already tired out after the warm-ups, of which I couldn't hold my hand up in second position from beginning to the end. So my arm was slowly drooping and drooping and drooping. Using all those muscles that one has not used for over a decade is really really extremely taxing.
I will try walking at a nice and moderate pace today. My usual fast stride is so totally out of the question. If you see a girl walking like a grandma, that would probably be me. Just pass me from the side. I'm unlikely to go any faster.
Friday, January 16, 2004
Resolution #6
Before I begin with Resolution #6, I would like to point out that I am not exactly breaking Resolution #4 ... hmmm ... I just noticed something weird on my resolution list! Will amend that later.
How I rationalise my blogging at this hour, in the middle of the word day, is that I have completed what I am required to do.
My codes are all ready to be moved to the server.
And after some compiling and building and servlet engine restarts, the users will be able to use it without the bug that my company have always known about, although I do always have to remind them that it has always been a problem and should be fixed, but always denied that it would be a problem when moved to the production server. That's as indepth a techno babble as I can get. And that wasn't even really techno bable is it? Pretty comprehensive for the non-geeks eh?
However, to enable me to implement this change, I would have to do it after the regular people's work hours so as not to interupt the work process of our client. Also, to run some test to make sure that the application is running properly on the production server.
Hence, I am without work from now until ... whenever I feel like coming in again to implement that! Probably early tomorrow morning or Sunday?
Now, regarding Resolution #6.
I would like to begin with the varnishing/painting/staining process as soon as possible.
I don't necessarily have to find huge boxes to temporarily place all the junks that are on the shelves now although having them would be awfully nice. Less chances of toe-stubbings and much frustration of stepping on said junk. But since I don't see any boxes lying around at home, I'll just have to dump everything on the floor.
My concern regarding #6 is how do I paint the shelves properly ie. without visible paint overlapping. You know, the slightly darker layer you get when you paint a layer of paint above a layer of dried or almost dried paint?
I can't possible 'stand' all the connecting joints and the shelves on their smallest area to minimise the overlap cause that just not feasible as it wouldn't stand by their own.
Does anyone have any experience painting such things?
My set is build from Ikea's Ivar storage system.
How I rationalise my blogging at this hour, in the middle of the word day, is that I have completed what I am required to do.
My codes are all ready to be moved to the server.
And after some compiling and building and servlet engine restarts, the users will be able to use it without the bug that my company have always known about, although I do always have to remind them that it has always been a problem and should be fixed, but always denied that it would be a problem when moved to the production server. That's as indepth a techno babble as I can get. And that wasn't even really techno bable is it? Pretty comprehensive for the non-geeks eh?
However, to enable me to implement this change, I would have to do it after the regular people's work hours so as not to interupt the work process of our client. Also, to run some test to make sure that the application is running properly on the production server.
Hence, I am without work from now until ... whenever I feel like coming in again to implement that! Probably early tomorrow morning or Sunday?
Now, regarding Resolution #6.
I would like to begin with the varnishing/painting/staining process as soon as possible.
I don't necessarily have to find huge boxes to temporarily place all the junks that are on the shelves now although having them would be awfully nice. Less chances of toe-stubbings and much frustration of stepping on said junk. But since I don't see any boxes lying around at home, I'll just have to dump everything on the floor.
My concern regarding #6 is how do I paint the shelves properly ie. without visible paint overlapping. You know, the slightly darker layer you get when you paint a layer of paint above a layer of dried or almost dried paint?
I can't possible 'stand' all the connecting joints and the shelves on their smallest area to minimise the overlap cause that just not feasible as it wouldn't stand by their own.
Does anyone have any experience painting such things?
My set is build from Ikea's Ivar storage system.
Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Quiz time
You should be dating a Sagittarius.
22 November - 21 December
Your mate is frank and open, optimistic and honest.
Though the Archer can display bouts of
argumentative, impatient and critical
behaviour, he or she is extremely adventurous
in bed.
What Zodiac Sign Are You Attracted To?
brought to you by Quizilla
A Sagittarius dating a sagittarius?! Hmmm ... dangerous combination.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
New Years Resolution
It's 13 days into 2004 and I have yet to finalize the resolutions I have for this year. My guess is that the list is going to be expandable. I would most likely have to revisit this post again and again as more and more things that requires resolving pops into mind.
Here goes.
Ok. I think those are it for a start.
Oh yeah! I went to Popular at Ikano to get some photo albums for the photos I've printed thoughout the years. Almost all my photos are still in those cheap cardboad plastic sheets that's given by the shop when you send for prints. Wonder if that should be placed in the list. Hmmm ... not yet I think.
Here goes.
EMPRESS'S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2004
- loose 5 kg ... or at least 3kg ie. back to my original weight
- get a new job
- write more in this blog no matter how boring your life is ... one liners will do!
- less chatting and blogging at work
- more chatting and blogging at work
- varnish the Ikea shelving unit
- put up that the Ikea shelves and the white board that I bought over a year ago
Ok. I think those are it for a start.
Oh yeah! I went to Popular at Ikano to get some photo albums for the photos I've printed thoughout the years. Almost all my photos are still in those cheap cardboad plastic sheets that's given by the shop when you send for prints. Wonder if that should be placed in the list. Hmmm ... not yet I think.
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
My December
The whole month has gone by. Flurry of activities at the start slowly calming down towards the end. In a few hours time, we'll all be singing Auld Lang Syne as we welcome yet another year into our lives.
Has it really been four years since we frantically clamoured to one destination or another or sat eagerly in front of the television awaiting the chime that will bring in the new millennium? Do you remember where you were? I can't. Vague memories of watching various firework displays on the telly comes to mind but I think that was from watching the news on New Years day and not at midnite itself. Where was I exactly I can't remember. But then ... I've got short term memory anyway, if human memory was possible for upgrade, I think I'm way way WAY overdue.
Anyway, minor comment/journalling about the Turandot experience ...
Up until the last day of the show, there's still segregation among the KL chorus and the Penang chorus. I am unsure why the Penang chorus act so coldly towards us. We have tried on several occasions to be friendly; smiling at them, morning greetings, hellos, asking them to join in our warm-up sessions, everything ... short of extending out hands out and saying "We come in peace". Maybe it's due to our rambunctions nature; we truly are a noisy lot, as room 1916 will attest to (we slipped a "We're sorry" note below their doors before checking out to apologise for making all that noise in the hallway). Maybe it's cause we move in droves; we kinda tend to stick together wherever we go. Maybe that's just how Penangites are? I don't know. Maybe someday one of them will breakdown and finally tell us why to they were as they were. I only hope that they're not thinking the same of us.
Being in the production was really fun. The rehearsals can be taxing at times but when we're not rehearsing, we're usually out binging or lazing at the pool, that when we were in Penang. It was like going on a holiday but you don't have to pay for lodging and food. Ahhhh ... so nice. If only it pays enough to make it a full time profession. If only there's one production right after another. I think I won't mind quitting my day job and become a professional opera chorus member.
Met lots of people. The few stragglers from the Penang chorus that are not part of the high school choir, the Indonesian who joined us (the KL chorus) all the way from Singapore, the KL chorus that are not part of the Selangor Philharmonic Choir, some others that I remembered from Tosca but never talked to, etc ... etc. Quite an achievement for me cause I usually don't know what to talk to people about after the intial exchange of pleasantries.
About the shows? Well, it can really really indeedly doo have been much much better. I thought we kinda sucked actually but the sound that went out to the audience must have been really different cause they liked it. Guess the imperfections could not be heard then, which is good in a way. I still haven't seen any proper reviews of the opera. The media have written about the opera talking about the sets, the costumes, the money involved but no reviews of the show. How well the singers sang, were they good or bad? How the chorus did? How the orchestra sounded. So really, I don't know what a proper opera critic's view on the production had been since it doesn't seem like any critic went. Oh well.
Has it really been four years since we frantically clamoured to one destination or another or sat eagerly in front of the television awaiting the chime that will bring in the new millennium? Do you remember where you were? I can't. Vague memories of watching various firework displays on the telly comes to mind but I think that was from watching the news on New Years day and not at midnite itself. Where was I exactly I can't remember. But then ... I've got short term memory anyway, if human memory was possible for upgrade, I think I'm way way WAY overdue.
Anyway, minor comment/journalling about the Turandot experience ...
Up until the last day of the show, there's still segregation among the KL chorus and the Penang chorus. I am unsure why the Penang chorus act so coldly towards us. We have tried on several occasions to be friendly; smiling at them, morning greetings, hellos, asking them to join in our warm-up sessions, everything ... short of extending out hands out and saying "We come in peace". Maybe it's due to our rambunctions nature; we truly are a noisy lot, as room 1916 will attest to (we slipped a "We're sorry" note below their doors before checking out to apologise for making all that noise in the hallway). Maybe it's cause we move in droves; we kinda tend to stick together wherever we go. Maybe that's just how Penangites are? I don't know. Maybe someday one of them will breakdown and finally tell us why to they were as they were. I only hope that they're not thinking the same of us.
Being in the production was really fun. The rehearsals can be taxing at times but when we're not rehearsing, we're usually out binging or lazing at the pool, that when we were in Penang. It was like going on a holiday but you don't have to pay for lodging and food. Ahhhh ... so nice. If only it pays enough to make it a full time profession. If only there's one production right after another. I think I won't mind quitting my day job and become a professional opera chorus member.
Met lots of people. The few stragglers from the Penang chorus that are not part of the high school choir, the Indonesian who joined us (the KL chorus) all the way from Singapore, the KL chorus that are not part of the Selangor Philharmonic Choir, some others that I remembered from Tosca but never talked to, etc ... etc. Quite an achievement for me cause I usually don't know what to talk to people about after the intial exchange of pleasantries.
About the shows? Well, it can really really indeedly doo have been much much better. I thought we kinda sucked actually but the sound that went out to the audience must have been really different cause they liked it. Guess the imperfections could not be heard then, which is good in a way. I still haven't seen any proper reviews of the opera. The media have written about the opera talking about the sets, the costumes, the money involved but no reviews of the show. How well the singers sang, were they good or bad? How the chorus did? How the orchestra sounded. So really, I don't know what a proper opera critic's view on the production had been since it doesn't seem like any critic went. Oh well.
Friday, November 21, 2003
Status today
Well ... hmmm ... I haven't been blogging here for awhile and felt like I must do it somehow. However, don't have much to talk about. Everythings been chugging along as it always does. Nothing much that's new.
There was another counselling session regarding puntuality again but as Linkin Park sings it, I've become so numb! Numb to all this unnecessary meetings which basically does not do much in encouraging me to come earlier. Of course there's always that threat, well concealed though it may but still a threat nonetheless, of termination due to insubordination. This isn't the first time I've been called in for a session due to the same reason and nothing has changed since then. I don't know why they think anything will change now. I guess this is definitely the best time for me to really sit down and finish modifications to my resume. Time to move on.
I've said that for the past two years and now I'm saying it again. Hopefully this will be the last.
New years resolution -> I resolve to get a new job and quit my current shitty company!
I also resolve to excersize more in 2004. The 2kg I've put on this year alone is not funny. Almost didn't want to wear my yellow costume for the latin dance competition I entered on Sunday. Yeah ... I entered another competition. Again in the ladies event. Still can't get a guy partner. :( This time I didn't win though, only managed second placing. I keep repeating to everyone from my dance school saying that the girls who won are trained by Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova who recently turned Professionals. I know this cause the guy who replied to my 'Looking for a partner' post at a message board told me that they were his partner while he was studying in Sheffield and he took lessons from Darren. Sheesh! As if that's good enough an excuse. Anyway, was quite disappointed but I know the result was fair. I think I would have given them the champ trophy as well if I were the judge. I haven't really seen myself dance but I thought they did better than me.
Tomorrow we, the Turandot chorus will head for Penang for our first rehearsal with the chorus and orchestra there. We leave Kuala Lumpur at the ungodly hour of 6 bloody am! Am I excited? Not really. I don't know. Don't tend to get excited over many things like this somehow.
I did get excited when a colleague brought in the Acer s60 PDA demo in. Was excited even though the thing hasn't been charged and therefore couldn't even play with it. It looked kinda sleek ... ordinary looking PDA to be sure but not a huge bulk like the Loox at least. So, I bought it the next day. ;) It looks good and so did the price. They're selling outside for RM799 but I got it lower. If you want one, shoot me an email. I won't tell you the price here. :)
Lastly before I leave, finally managed to track down some films for my Holga. Haven't paid Eric, the nice chap who sent the camera to me though. Have been trying frantically to find means of transporting the cash to him. I think I'm gonna either have to ask my aunt to forward him the money or my cousin who I hardly speak to. She's in Ireland but she sometimes goes to the head office in Atlanta. I'm sure if she goes to Atlanta it should be no problem sending a Money Order to Eric or maybe the postal system in Ireland is not so chronic that they'd have services for Money Order to be sent to a country like the US. He, my cousin, on the other hand is in some backwater place called Arkansas and should, I assume, not have any problem sending a mail order to Chicago. Only thing is I hardly contact him and therefore am not sure if he'll do it. Hmmm ... I think I'll approach my aunt first.
So, I'll try and load the films tonight and by tomorrow somewhere in Penang, I'll be able to shoot some pics with my toy camera.
*psst! Can you believe I forgot to get more films for my little Actionsampler. Eeps!
There was another counselling session regarding puntuality again but as Linkin Park sings it, I've become so numb! Numb to all this unnecessary meetings which basically does not do much in encouraging me to come earlier. Of course there's always that threat, well concealed though it may but still a threat nonetheless, of termination due to insubordination. This isn't the first time I've been called in for a session due to the same reason and nothing has changed since then. I don't know why they think anything will change now. I guess this is definitely the best time for me to really sit down and finish modifications to my resume. Time to move on.
I've said that for the past two years and now I'm saying it again. Hopefully this will be the last.
New years resolution -> I resolve to get a new job and quit my current shitty company!
I also resolve to excersize more in 2004. The 2kg I've put on this year alone is not funny. Almost didn't want to wear my yellow costume for the latin dance competition I entered on Sunday. Yeah ... I entered another competition. Again in the ladies event. Still can't get a guy partner. :( This time I didn't win though, only managed second placing. I keep repeating to everyone from my dance school saying that the girls who won are trained by Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova who recently turned Professionals. I know this cause the guy who replied to my 'Looking for a partner' post at a message board told me that they were his partner while he was studying in Sheffield and he took lessons from Darren. Sheesh! As if that's good enough an excuse. Anyway, was quite disappointed but I know the result was fair. I think I would have given them the champ trophy as well if I were the judge. I haven't really seen myself dance but I thought they did better than me.
Tomorrow we, the Turandot chorus will head for Penang for our first rehearsal with the chorus and orchestra there. We leave Kuala Lumpur at the ungodly hour of 6 bloody am! Am I excited? Not really. I don't know. Don't tend to get excited over many things like this somehow.
I did get excited when a colleague brought in the Acer s60 PDA demo in. Was excited even though the thing hasn't been charged and therefore couldn't even play with it. It looked kinda sleek ... ordinary looking PDA to be sure but not a huge bulk like the Loox at least. So, I bought it the next day. ;) It looks good and so did the price. They're selling outside for RM799 but I got it lower. If you want one, shoot me an email. I won't tell you the price here. :)
Lastly before I leave, finally managed to track down some films for my Holga. Haven't paid Eric, the nice chap who sent the camera to me though. Have been trying frantically to find means of transporting the cash to him. I think I'm gonna either have to ask my aunt to forward him the money or my cousin who I hardly speak to. She's in Ireland but she sometimes goes to the head office in Atlanta. I'm sure if she goes to Atlanta it should be no problem sending a Money Order to Eric or maybe the postal system in Ireland is not so chronic that they'd have services for Money Order to be sent to a country like the US. He, my cousin, on the other hand is in some backwater place called Arkansas and should, I assume, not have any problem sending a mail order to Chicago. Only thing is I hardly contact him and therefore am not sure if he'll do it. Hmmm ... I think I'll approach my aunt first.
So, I'll try and load the films tonight and by tomorrow somewhere in Penang, I'll be able to shoot some pics with my toy camera.
*psst! Can you believe I forgot to get more films for my little Actionsampler. Eeps!
Saturday, November 08, 2003
An unexpected caller
Just got the oddest call.
It was from a headhunter from Jobstreet, the recruitment agency.
I posted my resume on Jobstreet when I first got back from Australia back in 1998. Fresh out of uni and in search of my first real job. When job applications were mailed out by the dozens and then the long wait for the first call for interview.
The first one came from Acer. The company was really close to home but they were not offerring a programming position which was what I was looking for at that time. I think they were looking for more customer service personnels as that was the customer service branch but I didn't take up the offer. Tempting as it might be to work for Acer, quite a well known brand here, customer service wasn't what I had in mind at that time. Plus ... the manager was an arrogant bastard. "We're actually looking for someone who knows hardware and you don't have much knowledge on hardware but since you're desperate for a job, I'm willing to offer the position to you." he said. Whatever gave him that idea? That I don't know much about hardware? Ok, this is a valid point as I actually truly do not know much about them but how the heck can he deduce that based on the interview that did not garner much about my hardware know-hows? Secondly, whoever said I was desperate for a job? I'm more than happy to just sit at home and bum around for a few more months thank you very much! So, I kept a smile on my face, how genuine that looked I'll never know, and thanked him for his time and rejected the offer.
There was really no other offers from the other applications I've sent out. My resume must not have been very outstanding. Average student with average marks. I don't remember if any other companies called or whether I've gone for any other interviews after that excepting the interview that landed me my first job which was at Silverlake Systems. I guess the first ones will usually stick with you. Either that or it was such an experience that I could not seem to forget it.
So, anyway, the call from Jobstreet came as a real surprise. My colleague and I was just talking while having dim-sum this morning, bitching about the low bonus and increment that we've received, calculated the length of time we've worked for the company and how we've been meaning to get a new job and never gotten around to it. I told him I'm just lazy and he said, "what? You're waiting for a job to land on your lap?" Then a couple hours later, rrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnggg, ok it wasn't so much of a ring as much as it's a ringtone on my mobile, the beginning phrase of Linkin Park's Papercut to be exact, and then the voice on the other side saying, "Hi, this is Ann, I'm a headhunter from Jobstreet".
It was from a headhunter from Jobstreet, the recruitment agency.
I posted my resume on Jobstreet when I first got back from Australia back in 1998. Fresh out of uni and in search of my first real job. When job applications were mailed out by the dozens and then the long wait for the first call for interview.
The first one came from Acer. The company was really close to home but they were not offerring a programming position which was what I was looking for at that time. I think they were looking for more customer service personnels as that was the customer service branch but I didn't take up the offer. Tempting as it might be to work for Acer, quite a well known brand here, customer service wasn't what I had in mind at that time. Plus ... the manager was an arrogant bastard. "We're actually looking for someone who knows hardware and you don't have much knowledge on hardware but since you're desperate for a job, I'm willing to offer the position to you." he said. Whatever gave him that idea? That I don't know much about hardware? Ok, this is a valid point as I actually truly do not know much about them but how the heck can he deduce that based on the interview that did not garner much about my hardware know-hows? Secondly, whoever said I was desperate for a job? I'm more than happy to just sit at home and bum around for a few more months thank you very much! So, I kept a smile on my face, how genuine that looked I'll never know, and thanked him for his time and rejected the offer.
There was really no other offers from the other applications I've sent out. My resume must not have been very outstanding. Average student with average marks. I don't remember if any other companies called or whether I've gone for any other interviews after that excepting the interview that landed me my first job which was at Silverlake Systems. I guess the first ones will usually stick with you. Either that or it was such an experience that I could not seem to forget it.
So, anyway, the call from Jobstreet came as a real surprise. My colleague and I was just talking while having dim-sum this morning, bitching about the low bonus and increment that we've received, calculated the length of time we've worked for the company and how we've been meaning to get a new job and never gotten around to it. I told him I'm just lazy and he said, "what? You're waiting for a job to land on your lap?" Then a couple hours later, rrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnggg, ok it wasn't so much of a ring as much as it's a ringtone on my mobile, the beginning phrase of Linkin Park's Papercut to be exact, and then the voice on the other side saying, "Hi, this is Ann, I'm a headhunter from Jobstreet".
Sunday, November 02, 2003
I can't believe I lost it
Holy shit! I've lost it.
I can't believe it! I thought I had it. Told my aunts I'd make them a copy and mail it to them in Penang before they go back to Penang but now I can't find it.
Where the hell could I have placed it?
It's not with the photos developed.
It's not with the stack of CDs I have.
The only two possible place that it could possibly be.
At least I think those are the only possible places I could have placed it.
But then considering the state of my room these days, I wouldn't be surprised if I find it a few months later laying under the stack of University prospectus
... or stack of mails received from nervousness.org objects
... or the stack of scores from the recent show
... or the stack of printouts on instructions that I've downloaded for improvements to the Chuah Family website ... which I have not gotten to working on since forever.
Where could that CD be? It contains all the pictures I took from my trip to the UK last year! Some of which I really like especially the sepia one of my aunt on a bicycle. I thought it was a really good picture. Would should it to you too for your opinion but I can't find it. Boo hoo!
Pray, pray, pray that I find it soon!
I can't believe it! I thought I had it. Told my aunts I'd make them a copy and mail it to them in Penang before they go back to Penang but now I can't find it.
Where the hell could I have placed it?
It's not with the photos developed.
It's not with the stack of CDs I have.
The only two possible place that it could possibly be.
At least I think those are the only possible places I could have placed it.
But then considering the state of my room these days, I wouldn't be surprised if I find it a few months later laying under the stack of University prospectus
... or stack of mails received from nervousness.org objects
... or the stack of scores from the recent show
... or the stack of printouts on instructions that I've downloaded for improvements to the Chuah Family website ... which I have not gotten to working on since forever.
Where could that CD be? It contains all the pictures I took from my trip to the UK last year! Some of which I really like especially the sepia one of my aunt on a bicycle. I thought it was a really good picture. Would should it to you too for your opinion but I can't find it. Boo hoo!
Pray, pray, pray that I find it soon!
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