Deja Vu

Yesterday, had an extremely painful headache. The right side of my face felt like it was smacked by a heavy weight boxer. Seriously. Wanted to take leave but had a meeting to attend to. Now am feeling a lot better after taking some paracetamol tablets.

After the meeting yesterday, went to lunch with a fellow colleague but only had a drink. Face was still pulsating with pain at the time, so wasn't in the mood for food. After lunch, had some documents to prepare. Bought some paracetamol from the pharmacy and ate a strawberry bun to fill my empty stomach.

My beloved was down with a cough, so she was on leave. So after work, went to pick up my daughter from the nursery and went to get our dinner. Daughter was excited to follow her daddy buying food and stuff. It was fun.

Last night, saw 'Deja Vu' again. It's a really good movie. Saw some minor details I missed the first time I saw it. Even beloved was engrossed in the movie. She seldom watch action-flicks, so the fact that she was riveted by the movie says quite a lot, actually.

The New iPhone from Apple

Apple iPhone, combining three products—a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, searching and maps—into one small and lightweight handheld device. iPhone introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting users control iPhone with just their fingers. iPhone also ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, which completely redefines what users can do on their mobile phones.

iPhone will be available in Asia in 2008, in a 4GB model for $499 (US) and an 8GB model for $599 (US), and will work with either a PC or Mac. Cool huh! Can't wait for it to get to Malaysia!

Stuffed With Food...

Just had breakfast. And am I full! This morning we had our monthly (well, it's suppose to be monthly anyway) breakfast feast for the whole department. The menu: Mee bandung; Pulut kuning with beef rendang; Meehoon; Roti jala with chicken curry; Chicken nuggets; Chocolate cake; Pudding; and a few other assortments of food; and tea.

Am suppose to meet an old friend of mine this morning. I wonder where he is.

Shoot 'er Next, Deja Vu!

Saw three movies over the weekend. The first was 'Shooter' starring Mark Wahlberg. The movie is about a marksman (Wahlberg) living in exile is coaxed back into action after learning of a plot to kill the president. Ultimately double-crossed and framed for the attempt, he goes on the run to track the real killer and find out who exactly set him up, and why. Two thumbs up! Seriously.

The second movie I saw was 'Deja Vu' starring Denzel Washington. A brief synopsis : A ferry filled with crewmen from the USS Nimitz and their families was blown up in New Orleans on Mardi Gras. BATF Doug Carlin (Washington) is brought in to assist in the massive investigation, and gets attached to an experimental FBI surveillance unit, one that uses spacefolding technology to directly look back a little over four days into the past. While tracking down the bomber, Carlin gets an idea in his head: could they use the device to actually travel back in time and not only prevent the bombing but also the murder of a local woman whose truck was used in the bombing? Pretty cool stuff.

And the third and final movie was 'Next' starring Nicolas Cage. Las Vegas showroom magician Cris Johnson (Cage) has a secret which torments him: he can see a few minutes into the future. Sick of the examinations he underwent as a child and the interest of the government and medical establishment in his power, he lies low under an assumed name in Vegas, performing cheap tricks and living off small-time gambling "winnings." But when a terrorist group threatens to detonate a nuclear device in Los Angeles, government agent Callie Ferris must use all her wiles to capture Cris and convince him to help her stop the cataclysm. Pretty awesome concept. I love it when he goes in a few different directions at the same time to find the best route. And the way he avoids being shot at. It's a really cool movie.

On Saturday, celebrated Father's day with my parents, my brother and his family. We went to Cosy House at Great Eastern Mall. The place was quite empty when we first arrived, but after a while, it was packed with hungry patrons. Bought a handbag for my mum. A belated Mother's Day gift. And bought a watch for my dad.

My beloved bought me a watch for Father's Day. Thanks dear. :)

Meetings... Conferences... Discussions...

Just got back from a meeting. I think 40% of my time is spent attending meetings. Seriously. It's either called meetings or discussions. And tomorrow I have a meeting at 8.30am. Can you believe that. It's so early in the morning for meetings. But the person did state in the e-mail that breakfast will be provided. Let's hope the food will be good.

I kinda enjoyed the meeting just now, on account that my close friend from the office was there with me. And because this is outside of my department's meeting. She just joined the committee because I told the committee my portion of the work can't be handled alone, so they asked me to select a few people to assist me. So I chose my close friend as one of the people to assist me in my tasks.

The meeting atmosphere was fun because the chairman is a laid back kinda person. And the committee members themselves were very relaxed and fun to be with. So it was good fun. After the meeting we had something to eat there. So we (my friend and I) chatted with a few of the other committee members.

Mickey Mouse Watch

My best buddy is currently in Sabah. He went there yesterday for a meeting. How cool is that, getting to go to Sabah for a meeting. Wish I could go outside KL for a meeting. It's his first time there, and on the phone with him yesterday, he said Kota Kinabalu is a beautiful place. I've been there twice myself and I have to agree with him, it is a beautiful place. You can find beautiful beaches, islands, and even mountains. So you have the full package there without even leaving Sabah. It really is great. He'll be coming back to KL this morning. So, will have to wait to hear an updated story from him then.

Went to KL Downtown last night to look for a specific item for my beloved. We found it, but it wasn't the colour she wanted. So, we might go again tonight. While we were walking around, we stopped at one of my favourite stalls, which sells rings. Lots and lots of rings. I'm currently in the rings phase yet again. I used to go nuts over silver 925 rings. But not anymore. Now, I'm into stainless steel rings.

Then, at yet another stall, saw a really cool kinetic Mickey Mouse watch. I might get it. It's too cool not to get. But yes, it is a Mickey Mouse watch. You have to see it to see how awesome it looks. Though nothing can replace my trusty Swatch watch which I bought in 1997. 10 years and it's still running. I was in a motorbike accident a year or two after I bought the watch, and it came out of the accident with less scratches on it than me.

N95

This is my current dream phone. The Nokia N95. I just love the look and feel of it. It looks like a PDA but it's not. But it has all the features of a complete PDA. But it's still expensive. So, am waiting for it to get cheaper, or wait for someone to give it to me as a birthday present. Hahaha! I wish!

Well, just had to show everyone one of my heart's desires. My beloved wants a Sony Ericsson handphone, though it's still not in the market yet. Will just have to wait for it to come to KL.

All Blacks

It has been quite a tiresome but fun weekend. My in-laws came over to stay at our house. My sister-in-law went shopping like crazy. She bought clothes and handbags. And she doesn't seem to get tired by the end of the day. Amazing, huh. We brought them all over KL, even went to Bangi and Putrajaya. Though that was for a different matter. We really enjoyed their company. It was sad to see them leave on Sunday morning.

In the evening, went to my brother's house for dinner with my parents. My brother just got back from a two-weeks vacation to Australia and New Zealand. So, he was showing us the video he took there, and NZ was amazingly beautiful. No wonder they did Lord of the Rings there. The scenery is seriously breathtaking.

We got some cool stuff and some chocolates from my brother. Thanks brother. After dinner and three dvds of the trip, we left for home. It was raining cats and dogs by then. Could hardly see the road, it was that heavy.

Feersum Endjinn

Today is the last day of the week. Working day, that is. Tomorrow am planning to go window shopping. Actually, I'm waiting for a certain Sony Ericsson handphone to arrive in the market. And according to a website which I regularly check, it's still in the 'Coming Soon' section. Dang! Will just have to keep waiting then.

Nothing much to update here, really. Just can't wait to see 'Shrek the 3rd', and 'Fantastic 4 - The Rise of the Silver Surfer'. Silver Surfer looks really good in the preview. I hope it's as good as it looks. Did I mention that I saw 'Ghost Rider'? I don't think I did. Anyway, that movie sucks. The effect is cool and all but it just doesn't cut it, you know. And I don't think Nicolas Cage is right for the role.

I don't have any new books to read. So I'm reading 'A Wild Sheep Chase' by Haruki Murakami yet again. I really need a new book to read, seriously. Currently, I'm in the mood to read an Iain M. Banks's book. Must get his book soon. Maybe the 'Feersum Endjinn'.

Thanks, bro...

My best buddy told me a couple of days ago that he just read my blog. And he commented on it to me, on the phone. And what he said really made my day. I was thinking of not blogging anymore, but he made me changed my mind without even realizing it. Thanks, best buddy. You made me want to write again. :)

Happy Birthday, Sis!!!

Today is my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday, my dear Sis!!! May you have a good one!!!

At long last....

Hi there. I haven't updated this blog since early this year, if I'm not mistaken. Well, what happened during those few months. Hmmm.... Let me see if I can remember all that has happened. Well, in February celebrated one of my best buddies's birthday at the Club. It was fun. We had dinner and stayed talking about everything we could think of. It was really great.

Then in March... hmm... can't seem to remember anything momentous there, except one. It's not momentous, just frustrating. This was what happened. I applied for leave from my immediate boss around three weeks before, waiting for her to approve the form. But she just kept it on her desk, unsigned. So, I just assumed she would sign it when she gets the chance. But apparently she didn't want to sign it. Because, she was planning to go to Australia at that time, and she wanted me to be in the office to do her work, which is to be in the discussion with the ISO people.

In April, bought an MP3 player for my best buddy and had lunch at an authentic 'beriyani' place. I can't seem to remember the name of the place. The food was great, though. We plan to go there again someday.

In May, went out with my best buddies and my cousin to watch Spiderman3. And to me, it's fantastic! Seriously. It's a lot better than the first two movies. I love the way they potray 'Venom'. Though he should be slightly bigger. But the movie was great. Am waiting for the DVD to come out.

I bought a DVD called 'Apocalypto', which was directed by Mel Gibson. And it's an extremely great movie. Mel Gibson rocks! It's about the ancient Mayan civilization. You really ought to see it. It's great. Seriously. Though I heard it won't be making it in the cinemas in Malaysia.

Well, just got back from a one week holiday. It was fun. Spent time with my in-laws, went shopping, talked about almost everything. It was good fun.

Don't Be Sad

Just finished reading 'Never Let Me Go'. And it truly was a good read. A very sad ending though. I'm reading 'Don't Be Sad' by 'Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni. I will take my time with this book, since it has loads to offer. It's a motivational book of sorts. I've only started reading it, and it make sense, what the author wrote. People ought to read books like these to become a better person.

At home, 'Consider Phlebas' and 'Blind Willow Sleeping Woman' is calling out to me to read them. I'm not sure which one I'll start reading first. Hmmm.... Any ideas, anyone? How about you sir? Yes, the one holding the cup of coffee. Minus the shirt, and the pants. Right.... Never mind.

Tomorrow am going to my parents's house for a party. Immediate family only, I guess. Plus my best buddies, of course. Can't wait to eat there. Nyum nyum.

I've been busy this week preparing for the ISO internal audit which will be happening next Tuesday and Wednesday. Hopefully everything goes well. The last audit we had, my colleague had forgotten to sign some forms for approval, and we had gotten a severe warning. Wish us luck.

Consider Phlebas

Last night, had dinner with my wife and baby at our favourite place to celebrate. After that we went to KLCC to meet up with my two best friends. They bought me three books. Haruki Murakami's Blind Willow Sleeping Woman', 'Don't Be Sad' by someone I can't remember, and Iain M. Banks's 'Consider Phlebas'. Can't wait to start reading all three books.

I'm currently reading Kazuo Ishiguro's 'Never Let Me Go'. He is the author of 'The Remains of the Day', 'Unconsoled' and a few others. The book I'm currently reading is fantastic. He lets you in on the whole picture bit by bit. And the way he does it is really remarkable. I mean, you don't realise when or where the exact sentences are but somehow you know about things he doesn't really say. Remarkable. Amazing.

28 years ago today...

After a couple of months of silence, I am back. And today of all days. For today, 28 years ago, I was born into this world. Got an MMS from a very close friend this morning, and it really made me feel great. Thanks, dear friend. I've been extremely busy in December of 2006. And this is due to the implementation of the new system. We had to sleep in the office the first night it was implemented. The system is still running but with problems, according to the helpdesk.

Enough about work. In my personal life, things have gone from bad to worst, to not so bad, to even worst than before, to smoothing out the edges. It has been crazy. I don't know where to start, really. It's just that, I've gone through some pretty rough patches in my life recently. I couldn't have survived it if it weren't for my brother, sister, and my beloved.

I'm slowly trying to get in control of things. Trying to hold on to the reins, hard. And not letting go. In other people's eyes, I am nothing. I am just something to judge upon without even asking me whether what they think of me is correct, or an incorrect assumption. I'm tired of trying to be whatever it is they want me to be. Let me be. Let me be. Let me be.

Let me make the wrong choices. Let me choose for myself. Let me decide my own fate. Though any advice would be appreciated. But don't punish me for deciding something that is against your wishes.

I am tired... so so tired... and some people around me are not being helpful in my plight...

Dewan Perdana Felda

Went to Dewan Perdana Felda yesterday to break fast. Courtesy of a vendor. Thanks vendor-person. Went with my beloved and three other office mates. Met up with some old faces from my previous job, and got to know some new people. The food there was excellent. Despite my sore tooth, which gave me a splitting headache, I managed to eat a tremendous amount of food. Had to chew slowly though. But once again, the food was great. Since that place was a jam-prone place, we left early from home, but still managed to get caught in the jam. Luckily we arrived there slightly after 6pm.

As we were trying to find a parking space, I suddenly saw a face I haven't seen since form two. I lowered my window and shouted out his name. And he looked at me and said my name. Apparently we haven't forgotten each other. He hasn't changed a bit. After getting a parking space, met up with him and introduced my wife to him and his future wife. He told us that Bank Rakyat invited him for the event.

At first, I sort of panicked, because I thought I might have gotten the wrong date. But as it turned out, the whole place was full of people, from lots of organizations. I was relieved when I saw the banner for the vendor who invited me there.

We were one of the earliest, so we sat at a table nearest to the food. Hehehe. A very strategic place to be, actually.

In the Night Room

I've finished reading The Teeth of the Tiger. The ending is quite crap, actually. The storyline building to the climax is quite good. But the ending, how the so-called heroes actually defeated their arch-enemy, is quite boring. Wasted my time reading that. Now I'm reading Mr Straub's In the Night Room. Looks promising. Hope it won't be a disappointment.

On Saturday, actually went shopping. Had to leave my daughter at my sister-in-law's house. Bought some stuff for the house. Then, had to rush back to the pasar ramadhan near my house to grab some food. Had mutton beriyani, while my beloved had char keow teoy. The beriyani was excellent. Seriously. The mutton was huge. But I did finish it, anyhow.

On Sunday, took my daughter to the clinic, since she wasn't feeling very well. After that, washed the car, since it was covered with dust and dirt. Just couldn't take it anymore, so, around 11am washed the car inside out. And felt better, though a little tired. Then, proceeded to clean the house. That evening, we went to another pasar ramadhan near our house. Bought some stuff and went to eat at my parents house.

Had an appointment with a clinic with my beloved this morning. The appointment was at 9am but we finally got to see the doctor around 9.50am. Luckily I brought my book along. The appointment went well. But as usual, whenever I have a doctor's appointment, there will surely be a problem with the system I'm handling. Today was no different. I had a call from a vendor saying that the users can't access the system, and that the server can't reboot. But as I was in the clinic, I couldn't really help. But it all worked out in the end. Even managed to liased with the vendor from Australia to get his opinion on the problem.

Dark Tower

I'm currently reading Tom Clancy's The Teeth of the Tiger. Mr Clancy's works are quite good, actually. And this book is one of them. I'm reading Peter Straub's The Black Room as well. Just finished Stephen King's Dark Tower - The Gunslinger. Have to look for the second Dark Tower book - The Drawing of the Three. The book reminds me of The Eye of the Dragon by Mr King. I can't really explain the similarity, but the atmosphere is somewhat the same. Very surreal. Though not as surreal as Haruki Murakami's books. No sirree.

Tribute

Been busy and haven't had the time to blog. Well, actually, I just hadn't thought about blogging in a long while. And I even stopped reading other people's blogs. Just stopped. Weird, huh. Now I'm trying to start writing again. And start reading blogs again. The reason I'm starting all this again is because of an old friend who has a blog of her own. Thanks 'd'.

Someone once told me, or I think I read it in a blog, anyway. The person wrote, or said, when you think things can't get any worse, they will. And I know exactly what that person meant. Seriously. When I get a bad news, I usually think, I can handle this, because this is all there is to think about. Then immediately after that, another bad news hits me. And even before I can think of what to do next, another one lands right in front of my face.

And it sure does not help that other people are making me panic. I prefer to think about it quietly, and find a solution, no matter how slow it takes me. I would ask for advise, and I would try to find the middle ground. I do not like to panic. Because, once I panic, I can't think straight.

I'm so not in the mood for anything right now. One of the things that are keeping me happy in the office is Jack Black's video clip called 'Tribute'. Jack Black rocks, man! I love the song and the video clip. He's so funny. I'm even listening to it now. Hehehe.