post-christmas

Omgosh.. everything is so cheap... okay la.. a bit disappointed with some of the sales in Oxford Street, London. But I guess that's the only way they can get rid of the old stocks. I wished they would have sales for some of the new stuffs though.

On the hindsight, if you look carefully, you may uncover some gems that would suit you. It may be less popular, not the sale-able kind, but somehow it can work, and you can make it your own.

Also, things in supermarket is really cheap!! Picture this, from a 12 pounds salmon to 2.50! How's that for a 80% discount! Anyway, Tesco has been super generous to us today. Somehow, I picked a blur cashier, and yeah, she missed out on a couple of things :p I guess she was still in the giving mood :) :)

Oh.. and somehow I think I can see the silver lining in the cloudy/foggy days we have been having recently :) At least it keeps the place slightly milder here. Surprisingly, if it's sunnier, it could be colder around here.



P/s why is there a need to declare a public holiday for winning just one game. It isn't like we made a huge leap towards winning the world cup >.<

have a good holidays!

the gift

Stepping into the snow covered trail,
Can't believe I was so impatient.

Snow drifted across my face.

In football, in certain positions,
you know the goal is coming.
But sometimes, when it's left a bit late,
when it goes to injury time,
you get a little anxious.
You may try a different approach/tactic.
You speak to the Captain.
He says he trusts the team.
And so, I have to trust them as well.

And with the memories of Park's double in each half's injury time against Wolves.
I believed.

And even when the snow came down a little harder,
I believed.

And with the calmness of the Captain,
I believed.

And even when the clock is winding down, and the fat lady is starting to clear her throat,
I believed.

Because that's what Christmas is all about right?
Because when the snow fell, it felt like Christmas.
Because when I felt calm, it felt like Christmas.
Because when all I hear is joy and laughter, it felt like Christmas.
Because when the goal came, when you came, it felt like an angel's presence,
It felt like Christmas.

And I was there, and you were there.
And a group of candles flickered all around us.
And they have been flickering all this while,
my hope, my supporter, my friends.
And that is what happened.
And that is how I felt.

And like some drunk guy,
I speak of nonsense.
I laughed, and I thought it made no sense to laugh.
Because I was happy.
And I don't know why.

I guess it never did change.
I guess each time when the world is between us,
we had our arms around it,
keeping ourselves within reach.

We were that close, always together, and never apart.
Like the orbit of the Earth around the Sun,
Like the coming of seasons,
tomorrow shall come,
and so will you.

And when we part,
I never wanted to feel the pain,
Like the ripping of a plaster,
I wanted it to be swift.

The anticipation is never what I wanted.
Oh I wish it was Christmas everyday.
Because when the first day of after-Christmas comes,
I know I would have to wait again.
The feeling of missing is mixed with both joyous and longing.

So I said my goodbyes,
something which left something hard in my throat.
I wanted to turn away.
Because I couldn't bear seeing you walk away.
But you were still there.
And I was knew I was wrong.
Because I am glad, this was done slowly.
Even though a vortex was sucking me away from these place,
I knew I could be back again.
And with a hug and long farewells,
I tried to hide the unexpected tearing.
A long deep breathe helped,
and we were on our way.

Oh when you’re still waiting for the snow to fall
Those Christmas lights will light up the streets
And, maybe they’ll bring her back to me...

stay

I love this place

But it's haunted without you

snowmen

It has been snowing and snowmen have been popping up from lawns and yards of every home around the neighbourhood. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like these....

Chunky snowman... like those being the subject of target practice.

Fat and round... perfect and ideal snowman

Amateurs make snowmen looking like ghosts!

through my window

I love it that I am writing this at the spur of the moment.

I love it that we are going out for lunch shortly.

I love it that I have time to write this.

I love it that I sing about God everyday.

I love it that I can still stay up till 6am even though I had only 5 hours sleep the day before.

I love it that I can still write a decent report right up to 6am, on the dateline day.

I love it that I have got only one day of classes this week.

I love it that I am attending a good school.

I love it that I can still make some friends happy.

I love it that I am surrounded by friends.

I love it that we do homework together.

I love it that we can stay warm in our living room.

I love it that I have my down jacket when I am out.

I love it that UK's desserts are awesome.

I love it that my parents call when I am super busy.

I love it that I am still updated with things from home.

I love it that I am still part of the conversation at home.

I love it that I can wake up from sleep as I like.

I love it that the sun has been has been waking me up everyday at the same time, for the last 3 days.

I love it that the sun shines through my window.

I love it that You are part of my life.

- Happy Thanksgiving -

oh my sunshine

FML.. I slept at 6am on Tuesday morning.. and woke up at 2.30pm. And at 2.30pm, it was nearly dark.

I slept when it was dark, and woke up when it was barely bright. FML. Who took my sunshine while I was snoozing?

It will get worse I think. Sunset could be as early 3pm i think.

Here's hoping, wherever you are, enjoy your sunlight!

fall at Your feet

Freely You gave it all for us
Surrendered Your life upon that cross
Great is Your love
Poured out for all
This is our God





Lifted on high from death to life
Forever our God is glorified
Servant and King
Rescued the world
This is our God

let it snow

This place shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun will forbear to shine

But I will still wait everyday to see your glow
And hope will forever be mine

imagine

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

carry on

Another autumn day has come and gone away.
The last leaf has fall, cue start of chilly days.

As I stroll carefully yonder the hills
Knowing so well how I truly feel.
And then up I came to meet you
I smiled and so did you.

Heavans twinkled, out came the stars,
You never would know how lovely you are...

paracytes

I just find this really smart:

X issues a load of 10 pound coupons to their loyal customers.

And along comes Y; who didn't do anything at all but leech off X's hard work in promoting and distributing these coupons, by saying they too can accept the coupons at their store.

And, it's all fair game.

Bravo and well played to Y! Although, Y may lose about 10 pounds per customer, but they may have gained more new customers. X on the other hand... well just got p*wn-ed!

Truth about marketing, it's about getting new customers each time. Because loyal customers will usually always remain loyal customers, and new customers are hard to find.

This guerrilla marketing kinda reminded me of one which I was a part of. P was giving out free samples to customers who purchased a rival brand's products. And, yes, this is even fair game.

are you thirsty now?

How do you get your H20? Do you boil it? Get it from the tap? Or just straight from the bottle? Recently, a friend who came to stay over at our house said that although UK water is "drinkable" but it may cause hair loss.

I was a bit skeptical at first. But seeing that this came out from the blue, I had to allow myself to just consider the possibility. Well for one thing....

Rooney is as bald as a baby...

Then again, you may argue that he's only among a few footballers who actually are naturally bald.

Anyway, I tried to do a bit of info-searching, and what I found is that it's always advisable to use filtered tap water even when you are in the UK or US. Somehow they are unsafe although some people might say otherwise.

Countless of claims and reports have prove that the followings make up the impurities found flowing through pipes around the country:
1. chlorine
2. farm fertilizers
3. female contraceptive chemicals (and so... drinking tap water may cause one to gain weight)
4. prozac

Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) also revealed that pharmaceuticals are finding their way into the water supply despite extensive purification treatments used by water companies. Trace levels of bleomycin, a cancer chemotherapy drug, and diazepam, a sedative, have been found during tests on drinking water.

Now... going back to Rooney... Is it a coincidence that more and more people are going bald these days? Are the chemicals the culprit?

Long term side effects of this have not been studied well enough yet, but already there is reduced male sperm counts in many countries, and even causes deformed babies.

So what can you do about this? Try having a look at your at the bottom of your boiler. Notice any calcification especially at the metallic heater?

If you still want more evidence, try leaving out a glass of water in the fridge... or even in the open now since it's soooooo cold. Sedimentation will form... It's probably hard water (lime); but there may be other things as well... There must be other impurities as well causing it to be cloudy.

So, what are your options?
a) Buy a simple charcoal filtering system
b) Filtering jug
c) Filter system fitted to main water supply
d) Buy bottled waters.... everyday... (but they are environmentally unfriendly)

I have already opted for option (b)... it's already on its way...

So, are you losing your hair over this problem yet? Truth be told, it's more likely that hair loss is due to water from the shower or the type of shampoo you use, rather than the tap water we drink.

dub dub..

Random fact:

Washing a small enclosed toilet is like playing twister...


Especially when scrubbing the floor, you need to be a tad bit flexible...

tips to stay warm this winter part I

It's early November, and I can say that it has been FRRRRREEEZIING! For four days, the temperature has remained as a single digit. It serves to remind us, that, the temperature will dive dovetail from now onwards. As I type this post, the heater is blazing on my left, while the right side of my face is cold as ice (well not quite... 6 Celcius). I could raise both my eyebrows (not a flirt-move by the way), and it would seem like I am accentuating irony. I could smile, and it would seem crooked, like the grin of Two-Face himself. But that's scary.. So I shall digress... well more like the moon.

Anyway, the point is, we need to keep ourselves warm. Here are some of my tips:

1. Wear a cap; if not a hoodie. We lose a lot of body through our head (25% - 75%)! So, why not look cool this winter, and don that beret you have been hiding in your closet! I know I would... especially to a certain ADD class.

2. Wear something insulated with down feathers! My mom just couriered one to me; and it has helped me stay warm the last couple of days. Thanks mom! Down feathers are the soft fluffy feathers from birds. It's one of the best insulators around. One drawback though, if your down feathers gets wet, you won't be able to fly anymore it will become flat, and loses its ability to insulate. So wear it with....

3. Polar fleece or wool! Both can still insulate well, even though you get wet in this wretched weather!

4. Well, the idea is also not to get wet, so get a proper umbrella. Like mine :D Solid even in the windiest of days! *Touches wood* If you get wet, you get cold faster. That's the general rule of thumb.

5. Speaking of thumbs, wear a pair of gloves! Being waterproof helps... I mean the gloves; not YOU. I know you are.

In conclusion, wear thin natural fibre clothings; like cotton or wool. They trap heat easily rather than thick bulky materials. Scarf and socks are a big help. If you are looking to buy some more jackets; I would like to share this tip my friend taught me... blow through the material, does it stop convection? (windbreaker) Keep that in mind when you shop. Oh and buy colours which can soak up the magnificent sun rays :D You know what they are ;)

If you have boots; then good for you! My shoes is falling apart, and sometimes, I can feel my socks a bit soggy when I step on puddles. Perhaps it's time to get a pair of waterproof boots.

Also eat right, keep warm. Potatoes... veg... meat... fish... eggs... basically proteins. Basically a balance diet should be fine. And fine cup of hot drink :) *Slurps* What I do is keep a flask of hot water by my bedside. So when I wake up... yay! Instant warmth from a cup!

Other things you may want:

1. Vitamins. I was taking Vitamin C with Zinc; for immune system. Now I put myself on the multi-vits... giving priorities on Vitamin B... to boost my energy. You can take either or... or alternately.

2. Stock up with can foods (like soups) for the winter. Or... hmm.. instant noodles. A bit of each, since neither are that beneficial. I keep stocks of cookies. Unfortunately my milo stock s dwindling. Please let my parcel arrive soon! :(

3. Above all, drink plenty of water. Water is the elixir of life. It helps in metabolism of food. Then you will feel warm.

4. Carry some brunch bars around; like my Cadbury ones I buy from BM Bargain at Beeston Bus Station. Only 1 Pound for 6 bars. Good deal! Or if you like, nuts and raisins from Holland and Barrett; or free chocolates from Hotel Chocolat at Broadmarsh! :p

5. Final tip, just move around. Exercise! Burn some rubber flubber around that belly. Push ups, weight lifting, brisk walking... whatever helps for you. Don't sit statically too long... Which reminds me.... I need to wash the toilet now! See ya!

Stay warm! :D

of passion within

Each day, our life is touched by experiences; experiences we ourselves only know; but one which is understood and believed by others around us. These experiences does not need proof. These experiences are profound. These experiences remind us of the twist and turns of our lives. These experiences remind us of why we sing the song we sing.

These experiences does not need proof. These experiences may not be explainable to others. But these experiences are not incomprehensible. Why would there be a need to prove these? Would there be a need to have proofs of one's dream?

The deepest experiences of life does not require the fruit of reasoning, but of love.

my denim

I finally washed my pair of jeans after wearing for 15 consecutive days. Why is that gross or dirty? Jeans are meant to be worn long! It's rugged, yo! Anyways... no one can tell the difference.

To be honest, I don't find my jeans dirty YET. Perhaps if I were back home, I would wash my jeans after every use. Sometimes, but only on rare occasions, I might save it for another day. Maybe it's because those were cheap jeans.

The one which I just washed is kinda expensive. I think washing jeans can somehow destroy its fabric. So, I would prefer that my jeans last as long as it can. In addition, I kinda like the feeling of a dirty pair of jeans ie. it's easier to slip on the pair. If it were fresh laundry, they can feel kinda tight.
Skinny jeans not my type.

So, how often do YOU wash your jeans?

okay enough

Omgosh... this page really exist.... and I found my lecturer there.

Okay... I need to stop my habit of looking every single thing up on the internet...

Got better things to do...

Btw.. it's really cold.. 2 celcius.. gosh.. I need more warm clothings.......

pilgrimage to Manchester

Every Man United has this calling; to visit Old Trafford at least once in their lifetime. I had the privilege to be part of this pilgrimage last weekend. Frozen fingers and the cold couldn't contain my excitement; especially on the bus ride to where dreams are made and shaped into reality.

The moment the stadium came into view; it just made me shudder. I was so moved and awed by the sheer majestic sight of the stadium. I was there. And it was awesome. The hair on the back of my neck erect as I got off the bus. It was one of the best feeling I have ever had.

breakfast thoughts

Life in UK has not been bad so far. Living abroad teaches us plenty of things... of choices we make... of routes we take.

Whatever we do, there are either two types of decisions... being involved OR being committed.

I would like to share something I heard today....

It has something to do with the English breakfast below...

Bacons and eggs.

The chicken was involved. BUT the pig was committed.

Which one describes you? Are you a chicken or a pig?

tacos

I woke up one day, and I realised someone took my cheese tacos.

Change is inevitable. But it's tough to face it. It's tough even admitting it. I prefer to cling on to the things which are familiar. It feels safe... just right... like home. I guess I just don't like changes. I am afraid to look it in the eye. It just never works out... well not for me at least.

I hope things are back to normal to save my heart...

Yet I am willing for some tacos.

into the door

In a little town of Nottingham, that's where I will be in the next 2 years... perhaps more? Rain; of drizzle kind are a common coming. A brolly (umbrella) in a bag is a really good idea. A coat; preferably something waterproof which can keep you warm is a fantastic idea.

Nottingham, a city of history; of Sherwood forest, Maid Marian, and Robin Hood. The art of 'stealing from the rich and giving to the poor' thankfully (or not?) does not occur. When we will be sleeping; the droning sound of little pat-o-pat outside helps us drown further into sleep.

If we are out in this sort of weather, people like me may be tempted to use the umbrella. Locals; more often than not; choose to battle against the annoying-shiver-inducing droplets. The use of an umbrella basically labels yourself as an outsider... somewhat so. But at least it would keep me dry.

But....


I wondered, I contemplated; and I was curious; to be part of this country, I would need to blend in. So, on the next occasion; the umbrella and I would switch position. I will instead take the drops while shielding the umbrella. I shall be wet; and my umbrella shall remain bone dry.

Perhaps, in the coming weeks, I would start not to take notice of the rain anymore. I would see things differently, with a new set of 'eyes'.

red eye tonight

Here we go...

listen

I just cleaned my ears... I feel like I can hear better now...

Now if only I have that Ipod...

Mr R!! Please tell me who won!!

on the move...

I have been doing some physio of late; (orthopaedic's orders... and insisted by my mom) for my back. Nothing that you should be alarmed about. Just a precautionary measure. So, I hope to learn some stretching methods before jetting off on Monday.

Hot packs will be put on my back; to help release the tension of some of my muscles on my back. Basically this is what is happening to my back....

One side's muscles is stronger than the other. So, it's kinda at an uneven strength/tension... kinda like strings on a guitar... a good one. This cumulative effect will cause my posture to be somewhat Crooked with a capital C, similar to the shape of my spine now. So, if you could strum my back muscles like a guitar, it would produce good music... but 20 years down the road, it could really hurt... a lot... and I might be hunched... sideways!

For a quick fix solution, the therapist hope to strengthen the muscles on one side, while reducing the tightness of the muscles on the other side. But of course I still would need to do my own stretching at home after the sessions. Also, the therapist put this type of plaster on my back to help my body re-accustom itself to my new posture.

Like the pink one here Mr Beckham is wearing. It's called a kinesio tape.

The customary tension on each plaster (there are two on my back) will help align my back to the 'correct' position. It is as if I am a puppet at the end of two strings of different tension. Although, the feeling is subtle, subconsciously, my body will try to position itself such that the tension in both plasters are at its minimum. I wouldn't have guess that this thing would actually work if the therapist had not said that my posture is getting better. I thought "Wow!". I was only having the therapy session for 4 days!

Along with this, I have been trying to get myself into shape ie. to build up my long-gone stamina. Did some jogging during the last 3 days... it hasn't been great, but hope it's enough.

Day 1: 4km in 31 mins.
Day 2: 5km in 37 mins.
Day 3: 4km in 31 mins.

Still slower than what I know I can do... hope to improve ;)

Anyway, I was resting on a bench near the playground after my jog. While huffing and puffing through my sweat soaked eyes, I could partially see some kids having fun. It allowed me to reminisce a bit about my childhood.

Then I remembered what a colleague ... well now ex-colleague told me when I was in GSK. Human interactions in the boardroom and in the playground are the same. In the boardroom, people squabble and debate their ideas, to convince everyone why their ideas deserved to be materialised. It's kinda the same as in the playground. There always seem to be a 'dominant' one. One who seems louder and bigger than the other kids. It reminded me of Rugrats.. the cartoon I used to watch as a kid. Hostility and cooperation can be identified among these kids. You can kinda figure out how they will be like as an adult.

So, there was this 'Angelica' there, on the swings and slides. You could see 'Angelica's' passion. It's great to see lively kids like that. So carefree.. nothing to worry about. Then another kid came by... I think this kid is a 'Chuckie'... seemingly shy; unsure of himself. 'Chuckie' wandered towards 'Angelica'... with hope that he could play together. 'Angelica' took one look and shunned poor 'Chuckie'. He was excluded. It probably didn't mean anything. It was probably my tired mind's conclusion. But what I saw and surmised is that those kind of things are the very foundation and fundamentally the future of our society's heartache. If only we learned to share when we are young. It's something that should be inculcated in all kids. Exclusion is hurtful. 'Chuckie' probably felt it. Or if he was a stronger lad that I saw, he probably just shrugged off what 'Angelica' said and play at the dirty grimy monkey bars although he was too short for it.

What 'Angelica' portray was an 'I' attitude. There should be more 'We' or 'Us' vocab among children. It helps in unifying themselves too. I got up to continue cooling myself down. Sweat was dripping all over myself. It was as if I was being squeezed bone dry. I imagined the hollow inner world that 'Angelica' was unknowingly creating for herself. A cave where one could get lost, where secrets can be kept, but where one would feel alone. If only she knew...

when the door opens...

I guess I choke easily, especially when I am surprised. I am not used... or maybe I always don't expect to bump into someone...

I was at the hospital after my 4th day of physio. The escalator opened, and so amongst the crowd, was a vaguely familiar face. I wasn't sure; so I didn't say anything. Besides, I was in the hospital. No one goes around in the hospital hoping to bump into someone you know.

But she acknowledged me. And then I kinda knew, but I kept my silence. I guess I was just as surprised as my friend. Anyway, she asked why I was there. She was genuinely concern about my back, when I told her I was there for therapy. So, the escalator reopened at the ground floor; we shook hands and parted ways. I felt like such a douche for not asking why she was there.......... ..... ....... ..... and yet... maybe .... I hope there's nothing to be concerned about. She came from one of the ward floors...

in a moment

life is lived forward...

...but can only be understood backward


- Soren Kierkegaard -

10

Where will you be on the 10th of October 2010 (10-10-10)? Somewhere far or closer to home? Most importantly, what would you be doing that day? It is a date we should have marked down on our calendar. Special things, I mean wonderful things are meant to happen that day. When the day comes, when that very moment comes to be, why don't we try to put ourselves what we will do; say 10 minutes into the future, 10 days, 10 months; even 10 years forward!


We orchestrate our lives. We play our game. We make the moves. We earn what we deserved. We reap what we sow.

Recently, a book title caught my attention. It's exactly about this. Making resolutions. Making our lives meaningful. Setting goals. We have the power to decide. We are the master of our destiny. There are times when I feel that I may not have enough strength. This is when I feel vulnerable; that perhaps I have exhausted myself, and that I may not be good enough to do what I want... to be who I wanna be.

All this while, I have been relying on chances, listening to people telling me what I am supposed to be. I guess this book helps to guide my blinded attempts to make something out of myself. All this while, I prefer not to look too far into the future. I prefer to just go with the flow, to ride the waves. But I realised that it's important to actually know where this boat is taking me, and how I am getting there. By envisioning myself through this time line, I can have more focus in whatever I do. I am now able to recognise the possibility to use some of my strengths to overcome my weakness. The choices we make, determines our action; the action that proceeds, shapes our future. Life would be more balance, simpler. Life could be more of our own.

The thoughts of my future escalated as my colleagues in office asked me about my future, about life after graduation. What would I do? Who will I be? I would usually evade these sort of questions. But right now I am please to share my dreams; and by sharing, hopefully it would further motivate myself to strive to new heights. Today was my last day, the end of my internship. It has been swell. The people are awesome and it was such a fantastic learning experience on my part. I always tried to give my all, to accomplish things at my own initiative. It didn't start off that way, but I learn to do things on my own after that. I can say that I have learnt a lot, not only about marketing, but about myself. I learn I can sometimes surprise myself, if I wear my heart on my sleeve. It's all these little "other things" that we learn that will stick with us forever. Many "10s" to the team at GSK.

And so, at hindsight, I have 10 more days before I am off. What will I do? I will enjoy myself wholly. I will spend time at home, with my family as much as I can. I will do the jogging I have been putting off all this while. I will eat the buka puasa food at the gerai-gerai near my neighbourhood. I shall relax amidst the countdown people are doing for me on my behalf.

And now.. I need my sleep.. eye swollen.. got to be at the hospital by 10....

penultimate day

There were some things I did today at work which I haven't done before.

1. Have a decent breakfast in the pantry. The bread there is free everyday, with an option of either:
a) Hot chocolate
b) Teh Tarik
c) Cappuccino

I chose option a). No kidding it was seriously hot. My tongue even feels a little desensitised now. Hoh worh ith.

2. My breakfast consisted of onions. Crunch. Ermm.. No.. I did not eat it like an apple. It was in my sandwich. So, I felt my breath was a bit overwhelming. I didn't have any breath mints. And I knew I had to talk to one of my colleague about something. If I were to approach her, it's anyone's guess what might her reaction be. So I squeeze some RR on my finger.. like on a toothbrush, sized up the situation, surveyed my perimeters, and put it into my mouth. I went straight to the toilet to gargle a bit, and 60 seconds later, my breath is as fresh as ever! :D

3. Raymond took me out for lunch. He gave me a choice.
a) Jusco
b) TGIF at Wangsa Walk
c) Korean food at Ampang Point

I picked c). Because, a), I am always eating there. b) I just went there about 2 weeks ago with my family. And c), it has been a long time since I ate Korean food. It was okay. Not bad.

4. I cleaned the "store" room. Well its name is actually the Future's room. It's not something I particularly enjoy doing. But someone has got to do it, and well... it's one way to leave a legacy.. here in GSK; although I am giving about 2 weeks tops before I think chaos will return to the room :p Anyway, I threw away some stuffs.. and sold off some. I should probably make about RM6k++ in the process. So now it's pretty decent. At least there's a proper route inside. I called it Lorong JL. :D

5. On a serious note, I learnt a bit about BTL materials (Below the Line). And I helped to raise the approval of an AW (Artwork) which I had instructed an agency of ours to do.

Lazy to explain about Above the Line and BTL.... SO I rip a paragraph off Wiki:

In a nutshell, while ATL promotions are tailored for a mass audience, BTL promotions are targeted at individuals according to their needs or preferences. While ATL promotions can establish brand identity, BTL can actually lead to a sale. ATL promotions are also difficult to measure well, while BTL promotions are highly measurable, giving marketers valuable insights into their return-on-investment.

I am quite happy with the AW. :) :)

So, even though it was my second last day, there were still plenty of firsts.... :) Fantastic time in GSK. :D

dazzling the night

Waiting for a star to fall...

To know that my wish will come true...

dial S for Stucked!

The other day, I was attempting to complete a puzzle on a game - The Mystery of Dire Grove. One of the puzzle had me thinking. It was something like this. A circular shaped puzzle which acts like a security barrier between me and another room - ala Lara Croft style. What I had to do to unlock the lock was to align all the pieces together ... something like aligning the planets like such:

but knowing that each 'planets' revolves the 'sun' at different time durations. SO.. to get them to align isn't as simple.


Or like turning the dial of a safe. Every time you lock in a number correctly, the locking mechanism behind it will slowly unlatch the hooks which encases the treasures stored within. If you get it wrong, the latch flicks back in, locking back everything in place.



Sometimes I feel this is exactly how problems come about. No matter how careful we are in avoiding them, but somehow, circumstances happen, which can challenge whatever SOPs (standard operating procedures) we have been following. Nothing is perfect. Whatever preparations can be undone easily.

However this is not to say we should stop planning ahead into the future. What I am trying to say is that we should not punish ourselves for every problem we did not expect. These things happen, albeit not often. Even if we tried to improve the system, there is this such thing called the "normalising effect".

Suppose if we installed the best possible anti-virus into our laptop; most definitely we would expect that our laptop would turn into Ford Knox right? Well, theoretically, yes. But, due to negligence, we would then tend to surf the net a little more, we would leave our laptop on all day long, we would download movies/songs indiscriminately. Now that is like a negative feedback working, a yin-yang universal law, the normalising effect. It may not occur immediately, but it does happen. Somehow when we try to improve an aspect of something, we end up compromising... or a better word... exposing the weakness of another.

But to reiterate again....

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. But be wary, no matter how much preparation effort into something, we should always expect the unexpected. Don't be afraid of not succeeding always.

Dial S for Solving. Solving your puzzles the best way you can.

What's the point you ask? A friend of mine would say, "A problem solved is a problem lessened". I say, "A problem solved, is a lesson learned".

leaving town....

It's haunting me now..
That I have to go.
I am sad to leave...
But I will keep on moving.

Looking out of the window,
the smell,
the sight,
the feel...
it's hard to swallow...
I have to admit,
I will definitely...
miss Home...

And so I am on my way to UK,
I shall hope for the best... :)

Adapted from:
Daughtry - Tennessee Line

excelsheet

Ever since I started on this new project in office, I feel an urge need to Excelsheet my life.

Suddenly I am curious how my breathing patterns are while I jog. Did I have any improvements in the matter of how I control my huffs and puffs compared to the last time I jogged? What about my heart rate? How high is it compared to my normal heart rate baseline? Will there be a spike in heart rate if some eye-candies walk pass me? Would there be any exponential rise in heartbeats if they decide to talk to me?

Haha. Maybe a set of data showing the time I wake up vs the time I nap. Or how much money I am spending, and see if there's any correlation to my mood. Perhaps how much food I eat, and whether there's an fluctuation to my weight. Oh course, a tabulation of my height won't show anything... just a plateau. Golly.. since when did I ever get so organised?

I am officially a true office-nerd.

unlocking meanings

Man!! Inception was soooo good that I dreamt of it myself!!


But my totems were tops which were made of ice.

I rolled both in my hands, like they were a pair of dice. I don't remember feeling the cold or the frost bites. But I seemed to know they were ice. I picked one and let it spin. It bounces off the floor a few times, like pebble skipping across calm water. Shards of ice broke off the top; but it still spun perfectly, nearly confusing it for an over-enthusiastic ballerina.

Watching it spin, it seemed to take a long time, idleness fell upon me. I watched it, and let calmness fulfill my soul. The tension I have kept was released.. and I felt spared. I lose myself in the spinning top, observing every revolution, as it spins and spins... appearing in slow motion to me. I took in every moment. I wasted none at all. Flashes of other memories seemed to appear, as my focus on the spinning top was never broken.

A reflection of my own self sparkled out of the mirror-like-ice-top. Droplets seemed to form at the edge of the top. Some sloughed of the top, revealing stories of memories I never knew. Like a space-time continuum, I see my younger self. Some which are only memories of the last weekend.

As I observed each tale the top has to tell, some of which really strucked the chords of the elastic laminae in my heart, some of which made my heart feel larger than ever... heartbeats ever racing; I never realised that my hand holding the other top was clenched tightly into a fist. I never felt any pain, I never realised a puddle was forming around my shoes. And I guess I never knew I slipped...

And I was awoken... and I found my hands wet... but most importantly... I never saw the top wobbled... I never finished my dream...

very best

super like!!

Best goal celebration ever!!

powerful

like the wind...

What the pastor said the other day at church was true. Most of the things we do in life can only be pursued, but not achieved. There's a never ending desire for something we want in life, bak kata pepatah, kasi betis tapi nak paha. Something la.. my Malay is horripipible.

In other words, if our goal is to be rich; when will we ever say it's enough? Or when we are climbing the corporate ladder, when can we say, "oh... I think I have reached high enough, thank you very much. No more raise or promotions for me please. Give it to my rival." It's not very feasible. We are humans. We crave desire. We always want to outdo the other person, or rather outdo ourselves.

Mind you, this is not a bad quality. It's excellent in fact. But we have to know the limits, otherwise like what the pastor said, it's like chasing wind. I am not here to preach that I am holier than thou. I ain't perfect myself. Life's a gift. The time spent with those closest to you is the most important to you. Nothing else matters. Believe you me, nothing else is more fulfilling than spending time with your family and God Himself. Something which I haven't been doing much lately...



As I count down the days I have left in Malaysia... the days left I am at home..., yes... I am excited, but mostly I am living in denial. I am looking forward to going, but in retrospect, I am having anxieties as well. Either way, fact is.. I am going, and I am going to miss everyone, my family, my friends, my home...

People all go through the same thing, and along the way, they will undergo a journey of self-discovery. And it will all be revealed to them in daily lessons... It just doesn't involve me alone... It involves all of you as well.

As I lay in my bed, the clock ticks loudly, signaling the passing of time, in rhythmically haunting wave. It sweeps by and through me, not waiting a second for me at all. I can see... I can feel it, I can see what it does... like the wind. It registers to me what time does to us all. It leaves a mark we cannot trace back; we can't get it back. More precious than anything in this world, time should be our treasure. And I shall treasure every bit of it left with the ones I love...

It's happening... and just like time, and just like the wind... so fleeting... so brief... yet you would be able to feel it, you would be able to see what it does... It's Him, our Lord. And I thank God, I have Him in my life.

Let's share what we have left...

Pray for me...

Jordan

montages...

Who I am...

What I like...

What I do...

What I drink...

that's why Coke is numero uno!

follow the wind

Never fish in your own pond.

Sometimes I marvel how smart I was when I was younger. I wonder how come I knew the world much better then than I do now. They always say as you age, you gather more experience, and then you can poke fun at the naive-ness of the younger ones. Somehow or rather, I defied that logic, and ultimately the universal law, and I got myself caught in a predicament, I thought I didn't have to go through.

I love my neighbours. But if my young self was my Jiminy Cricket, and if he was standing on my shoulders, putting words into my ear, well.. what he would say is that I love my neighbours a bit too much... and that I should stay clear and not get involved.

But... I didn't heed his advice. Instead, I brushed him off my shoulders, while wearing a tight smug look/smirk on my face. I guess I can't blame myself. Things happen. Stars align. Stupid cupids.

1. It always start with an attraction, something which the person said or did which gets stuck in your mind. While other voices try to reach me, I will try to listen, but more often than not, I will scoff at them and proceed to just being me... persistent yet stubborn. And so, I began to believe.

2. Next I started noticing things that I would usually turn away from. At this point, I should have known that perhaps we wouldn't make it so far... that we might not belong; that we might never meant to be. But I was crazy. So I bargained. I crossed this barrier... where I couldn't look back, or change my mind anymore. I built something new in my heart.

3. So, when I realised that I could possibly live with that flaw; it was like submission. I give in to everything. I learn to accept. I was proud of myself in fact. Usually these flaws would cause me to look away, but now I am willing to have everything as a whole package. No more judging, just appreciating who the person really is. I look at these flaws, and I turned it into something beautiful.

4. Then there was the added perks. I started seeing the beauty of having so and so with me. It was simply amazing. I feel like we are both glowing among the thick crowd of people; that we were the centres of the universe.

5. However, then I was left making mistakes... saying the wrong things, overdoing things for so and so. These were perhaps the tipping point. From here on, it's a dovetail spiral. Every fantasy I ever conjured up were snatched away, and reality struck. Bubbles burst. Every song you hear suddenly are the emo ones. Everyday seems to be gloomy. Nothing seemed to be left for me...

6. We would talk to clear things up; to see where we are... and it would make sense for awhile. But even with all the things being cleared up, there's still the purgatory stage. You find that your life can't function as well anymore. Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night... and it's cold and dark, and I would realise she's not there. You start to question everything that has happen since the attraction. What happened between then and now?? While figuring that out, I feel very much to be taken somewhere else. For me, I tried to forget the world and just live...

7. If only that would work. But it's easier said than done. It is hard to give up on the things we believe so much in. I kept believing in destiny, that we are meant for each other. But I now I know, it's probably just a fairy tale. So, I decide to confront so and so and make everything clear to us once more. I was prepared for anything I guess. And so when when that was out of the way... I know I was by myself. Everything that I miss mean nothing anymore. Nothing hurts more than realizing she meant everything to you, but you meant nothing to her.

8. I always watch so and so from a distance, wishing the best... wishing for her happiness. But then... it went well... too well. The pain started to return to me. I didn't want to feel it. Nothing good can come from it. And somehow I couldn't take it, and so I was sucked into a mad world, and my alter ego was sent back to the real world. Someone who looked like me but who was the total opposite of me took my place. So there was the fallout. I was cold. I didn't watch the way I spoke. And immediately I knew I wasn't myself. To her, I was a stranger. To me, I was a monster... an out-of-control one. I lost my groove that day. I felt I don't know myself anymore.

It's so easy to feel sorry for yourself, to let the alter ego control you forever. But what's brave is to always take control of yourself once more and patch things up. Co-existence/mutualism is a natural occurrence. It does happen... everywhere; and I believe that's where we are right now :)

you can do it

sigggghhhhssss

"Your battery is able to charge normally. However it is reaching the end of its usable life. you can experience a longer operating time with a new battery. You might want to consider purchasing a replacement battery now."

about a mouse

It all started with a mouse...

Zodiac Calendar

The best things always do...

Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie.

However, some mice including other animals like monkeys, cats, and dogs are being used as live subjects in laboratories. Why now in the 21st century must animal testing still be conducted?? We have cloned human body parts before; why can't we put those to testing. Animals are living things. They are God's gift to us. We have no rights at all to put them through this inhumane painful procedures for our own benefit. What do they get in return??? Ask yourselves. Just because we have the brains; it doesn't mean we can lose our heart and let animals pay dividends to help solve our needs.

It's a conscience problem. Vivisection is definitely con-science. All in the name of saving costs I would say. Like the girl in the video say... mouse or mice are not little men. Whatever tests they are put through, doesn't offer any conclusive results anyway. So why go through all that?

What makes us human is that we are able to make the right choices. We may fumble at first, but we always learn from mistakes. I will let you judge whether you can say animal testing is right or wrong.


We need another 2000 signature for this petition to stop the animal testing facility in Malacca.

The best things do start with a mouse. Click your mouse on the link, and make your choice.

the last lecture

This video is about 75 mins long, but do watch it.
It's about how to live your life.

Okay.. for now...

too cool

straightening out priorities

I am not good at juggling, I must admit.
Sometimes I get distracted.
Mind busy thinking about other things.
But can you say that I am not good if I purposely drop one of the balls?

1 more month

I left office early today. I was all too exhausted from my lack of sleep due to the World Cup finals. Of course, I had the Oranje flag flying... and it was disappointing... I turned off the TV the moment the whistle was blown. Too much I have to comment about the game. The referee was questionable. Puyol was so unsportsmanlike. Robben was just wasteful.

It was the kind of game not parallel to the excitement exuded from the 3rd 4th placing game between Germany and Uruguay. At least I got half my predictions correct, but not like a certain Paul. Paul has become a pop culture. I hate him. (Okay.. I am talking like he's a person) But whatever la.. impressive record.. I am not an octopus person. The odds of him getting all 8 correct was 1/256. And his streak has not been broken yet. One would doubt that he will be retired now. Who knows? Can we use him to see if 2012 exist?

Overall... it was a good... wait... a great world cup :)

This song seems to befit the event... which brought the world together :)


Anyway... some pictures of GSK after exactly 2 months here.

A pouch containing a lavender soap...

Colleague got me this from Hokkaido from the recent company trip. Quite cute. It's funny how she said this is the most "boy-suitable" thing she could find in Japan.

Part of GSK.


Yean's New Ribena Artwork launch. The design on the bottle looks awesome! The purple is now really outstanding and eye-catching! And to the right, some drawings made by SCSOA. Very nice drawings.. All sold for charity :)


The New Sensodyne Rapid Relief Promo Truck starts its nationwide tour to promote the newest
variant.


Boss entering the "opened" Sensodyne Box. (Noticed it's 3D)

Anyway, do catch the truck! :D It started at Subang today. I can provide the schedule if you are interested. Basically there would be detailing about Rapid Relief - everything about it, including how it works; free dental check-ups, free samples.


Help overcome your sensitive teeth with Sensodyne Rapid Relief.. Just takes 60s to work ;)

what

I would do to get back everything I have lost in the last two weeks...

in my blue jeans

When I started working in GSK, I didn't quite know what I was expecting. I guess I wasn't thinking much. I kept wondering if I could survive the 12-week long placement. Now about halfway into it, I feel that the end can't come any slower. In other words, I am rather enjoying myself. I definitely could see myself in pharmaceutical industry. It's testament to GSK and how much they have exposed me so far. Although in some moments, I wished they would give me a little bit more responsibility, I can still safely say, I have no regrets trying this out. I am having the time of my life here.

It's true I am still fresh. Through my eyes, I still see things that could be better. I have not reached the stage where I would just accept things as it is. I guess it's good that I can rebel about things now. Improvements can be made, and I can see the future.

But I digress, I am only a guy in blue jeans. I am not yet a boss of the company; one who wears LV coats or Clark shoes... although I can confidently say that I am halfway there ;) No one can deny me the rights to see things my way. I guess I have my own ways... but I always sing my praises to the One who is always by my side to guide me what should be done.

In my opinion, I feel the best person to get advice from, or the ones who can tell you a lot about their job are those who are in the middle of the company; whether in terms of position or years served. If you ask the newer ones, they are pretty much like you, but they are able to share stories a bit on their previous company. Those can be quite interesting, a true representative of this versus that. But, if you ask those at the top, they won't reveal much. They have reputations to take care of... whether it is the company's or their very own. And I feel they choose their words too carefully.

Now.. if I am a reporter.. I think that's not what I want...

I would like to have the story told as it is... from all angles. And I know I can get that from the "middle". They are the true experts, the driving force of the company. They know everything about the things they are selling, they are the ones who make the money, they are the ones who can be honest to us.

But again I digress.... I am a student.. an inquisitive and curious one. All I want to do is learn as much as time allows me to...

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -- Benjamin Franklin

one of those days..

:):

haha.. sighs..

shaking hands

I love this comic... (Taken from TheOatmeal). It's cute and funny!

It totally depicts some people I know... Well.. hope you enjoy!