Longest TC in my life … So far

I already saw this invitation last Friday and thought someone from US will attend to it as it’s more like high level kind of meeting. When I reach Tg Pagar this morning and clearing some important emails via BB while walking to bus stand, I saw there were some emails floating around and finally I was asked to attend. The best thing is, the meeting start from 10am till 6pm and I was speechless and don’t want to think much about it.

Once reach office, I quickly clear up my emails and pending tasks so that I can focus in the meeting around 10am. It was started ok and I just provide some updates but for the following hours, I don’t have anything to do with the meeting but because they might need my help during the meeting, so I was asked to stay until 1pm where I really starving and told them that I’m going to be back after noon.

Why can’t they be more considerate as people still need to have lunch? Just because they were working late at US doesn’t mean everyone will have to please and show high appreciation to them. If they have sufficient empowerment to the regions and project plan mostly goes well, I don’t think this meeting is necessary. So basically you might already able to guess why they need this meeting by now.

After lunch, I wanted to rejoin but suddenly have few urgent issues to attend as today is first day of Dress Rehearsal so I quickly went to help them otherwise the testing progress will be affected. The day was so long and slow. By 7pm, I really ‘tak larat’ to work any further. Not only because of work but I just got back from KL this morning L

Went for Fried Kuey Teow near my area and taste sux, will not try again. End up I have to buy some snack from Old Chang Kee just in case I get hungry later. Went home to watch some horror movie from PPS, iron some shirts, do some simple housekeeping, update blog, book keeping then do a light read before sleep.

Sound so productive eh? ;)

Phuck Up with KTMB

We have decided to go cycling at Putrajaya this morning and the kids were so excited since last night. Due to some delay, we only reach there at 9:15am but most of the bicycles were already rent out. Wow, why so good business today because normally it's still quiet until 10am. Maybe M'sian become more healthy lately?

So detour to visit my buddy to borrow his GT5 game ;)
Along the way, there were so many road blocks, not because of speed trap but to stop almost all black skin driver like Indian, Negro, etc. Was curious so check up Internet via BB and found out Hindraf team were doing rally at KLCC. Oh no, better don't take the roads going/near that area otherwise will be putihly caught in jam for hours.

Went to Jusco Tmn Maluri and Leisure Mall to survey Violet's school shoe and do some haircut then home to spend the remaining quality time with them.

Once I got home, I suddenly recall that I misplace my train ticket which I bought yesterday at KL Sentral. Search high and low still couldn't find it. Finally I check the shirt which I wore yesterday and found some paper debris there. Sh*t I think to myself. So I quickly call up KTMB to reprint the ticket but they said NO!!! I can't understand why they can do that even I have the booking no, credit slip and it was booked under my name. They can verify my IC when I collect right?

But their stewpid and useless system can't do that as long as I have collected. I gave up and don't want to talk with them further as it will just waste of time. They just purposely introduce some ticketing system where you can't book online, no customer database, barcode not use but conductor manually verify and punch a hole in it and more to count! Then why don't they just use manual and paper based technique where they have used for years? Save money and can't provide more job opportunity for the public.

This is MY. MY boleh! Fascinating MY! Truly Asia!

McD Day!

After settled down from KL Sentral, went to fetch my family at Pudu for breakfast. Since we need something not heavy and quick, decided go to McD because Shireen said there is a new promo breakfast combo by McD. There are 2 sets, RM19.90 which for 2-3 person and RM24.90 for 3-4 person. To me, it's just extra one ala carte and still 2 hashbrowns. Since Violet still at school ans we don't want it to be a heavy breakfast, so we took RM19.90 where Shireen take the McMuffin, Kai Meng took Pancake and I had the Big Breakfast ;)

Since just 2 hashbrowns, I gave them as I took the Big Breakfast. After that, went home to rest and play with Kai Meng. He bought new toy, little tiny soldiers which I used to play when I was a kid too ;)

We had fun and came out few ideas to win the 'battle' and about 2pm, went down to Giant to help Shireen' aunt to buy NDS gamr boy. Manage to get a good deal for her and I also noticed they have release a bigger version of NDS, NDS XL. Basically with large dual screen, integrated camera and faster processor. Best bargain is RM690 and seems very good deal as I went to check out one shop at Leisure Mall selling at RM760, not sure with R4 and memory card or not.

Will check more details in Internet and compare in SG, if possible because Kai Meng's NDS is pretty damage now but I need to consider thoroughly. Before going to fetch Violet at 3pm, we have thought what to have for lunch and since she haven't eat McD for sometime, we need light and simple lunch and also McD still having value promo, so McD again (phew) :)

After fetch Violet and while caught in jam, she finished the lunch in car and we stop by at Pudu to collect their luggage and get change for Violet because we will visit KLCC for some walk and dinner at Chilis, one of our favourite dinner spot ;)

Long time never went to work at this hour

Yea, it's about 9am and I'm still not yet arrive HG MRT. Woke up a bit late and don't feel to go office early today. When I walk to MRT, it feel so nice that I don't see the crowd that I used to see during 8:20am and when I got into the train, so nice as the crowd is greatly less than usual and I couldn't recall when was the last time I travel to office at this hour (it was a norm thing for me few months ago :p).

Though can't find a seat available but it's more spacious and not too crowd. Able to find a corner to squeeze in ;)

After work, don't feel to stay late even though some tasks still need to be settle. Better leave to US team to do it as they always assigned me with those crap work. Also there was some argument between UK and US team because my UK colleague will resign soon and she started to stand firm and push things back to them, which I feel it's good otherwise US team will always think APAC & UK is always free. They are the only one that is busy.

Dinner went to have steamboat fish again because I really like this and also craving for soupy stuff. As I was damn free at that time, I hang out there almost an hour then continue to do some window shopping.

Went to survey for Kai Meng's toy but seems no luck. Since there is another 40 mins to kill, so went to Toast Box ... yes! I miss their half boil egg, hehe. Hopefully my stomach will behave tonight and if anything need to be purge, pls purge it tomorrow when I reach  KL Sentral :p

Is economy that bad nowadays?

After having a not-so-full lunch (I had pork rub prawn noodle, S$5 size some more), my lunch buddy decided to go for some dessert to avoid stomach concert around tea break. Our dessert place is just few shops next to the prawn noodle (forgot the name). We ordered some toast bread and some hot beverages and when the bread arrived, I was totally shocked and amused with ... guess what?!?!

OMG, it's basically 1 slice of bread, further cut into 2 layers and cut into 2 pcs in triangle shape. The butter and kaya is barely can be seen and this cost S$1.20 per pc! WTF, are they gone crazy? One of my lunch members said this is the 2nd shop that he encounter similar kiasu style but yet expensive (also taste sux). That moment, I felt SG is having serious financial crisis :p

The coffee shop opposite my office just sell S$2.50 set with 2 pcs of toast, 2 half boil egg and hot drink! We swear that this will be the first and last time we visit this shop and hopefully this will be the last shop around our lunch area :(

After work, went for dinner then movie as it's been a while since my last movie. Had Pontian Wanton Noodle as dinner, it's a set selling at S$4.80 with Pontian noodle and red bean dessert (the extra fried wanton is extra order). Taste not bad and not too pricey, in a shopping mall. Went to watch "I am Number 4" and find it not bad. The story line is easily can be guess but some of the details like actor's super power, the villains, etc were something new, not too commercial :)

More head hunters today

After updated resume yesterday, it seems few more coming into my mail box today. It looks like the 'season' is coming and more opportunity awaits, be it in SG or KL. My body want to stay earning money in SG but my heart stay with my kids. I'm so lost and caught in dilemma now.

If I work short in SG, I have to pay high tax, I will loose my performance bonus, AWS and not to mention that I still have to pay for mobile & Internet penalty for early termination of contract. I don't have much saving after tax and will need to start over again in KL but at least I manage to clear most of my debts.

On the other hand, I miss my kids so much and I want to stay with them while they still need me the most. I only get this once a life time and I'm not sure if they will still need me when they grow older, such as teenager. Even if I make some money back from SG but if the love and bond are gone (or minimal), is those money worth it and able to buy them back?

How can  juggle between these 2 situation? At the same time, I really feel to give up with current employer. Maybe they have their procedures and preference but I don't find myself clicking with them. If I don't have heart with them, why still stay longer as they will confirm me soon. Might as well explain to them and leave in professional manner? Of course this is nothing if I don't secure another job as I can't afford being jobless and no income ...

See, I really hate this feelings keep haunting me ... Dear God, if you're really up there, pls shed me some light ... or enlighten me pls ...

Job Seeking Day!

Until today, no one from Global team reply me and I can't even call their numbers. The management team again pick me up for the follow up meeting regarding this point but I have no answer for them as I really couldn't get hold of the team. To spice up the request, again they keep repeating the same discussion yesterday and ensure me to pass it to the team, in more professional way!

Finally, my director called me and briefly discuss the request. As expected, she will just ask me to play by rule and don't give any exception to them, blah blah blah ... tell me about it. Luckily she initiated a call tonite at 8pm and I shall see what kind of reject reasons she will give me.

The whole day was running the scripts to assign the jobroles and I can't really do any SAP tasks as it will mess up the scripts. Ended up just clear emails, clearing documentation and finally took up my courage to update my resume!

I was so shame and feel no values at all, after working here for almost 5 months. No achievement, no mini projects, no initiatves and just purely routine tasks in the project. In fact, it's also half way project where all the decision and design were from global. I feel like wasting my time and make my resume look bad. Because of higher pay, I have to sacrifice all these to exchange for better life. So replied to few agents and sent out few application, one including BAT from KL.

About 6:30pm, I stay no further but left office. Went for dinner with colleagues then movie at 9:10pm .... 127 hours. Looks like a good show where it's casting a real life situation where a hiker stuck in the canyon by a big rock that fell against his right hand. He stucked there for 127 hours (5.5 days) and finally made a brutal decision to set him free, rather dying there.

Of course before I can enjoy this movie, I will need to attend the 8pm TC to discuss the "sh*t" which I've mentioned earlier. As expected, they don't need to face the users and regional team, so most of them just say stick with the rule, no exception, blah blah blah, there goes again. I just take some important note then end the meeting, no point talking to them.

At that very moment, I was thinking, can I tender my resignation tomorrow?

Hell no, so much to do?

High number of unread emails is one issue, another late surprise is another issue because I was asked to create 200 jobroles and perform mass user assign with my UK partner for 4000 users (mixture of different servers and clients). It must be kidding because it will take a day for creating the jobroles and Sofia also need to perform user validation. So it's basically impossible for us to do so much within a day.

Also, today APAC region has brought up some special request for Global Support ID. They know this has to go to Global but need me to convey the message, really good at Tai Chi. Also brought up so many related complaint points and want me to pass all of them. Am I a messenger or what? Why can't you guys just email them directly? I'm sure the Global team will not entertain me today and I don't even give a damn to follow up today as I really have lots to do.

Also, Monday is public holiday for US, their President's Day. Just because they are not working and need the unlucky ones to do the rest? It seems they really like to plan and disseminate the task at very last minute. Whole day I was sitting in front of the laptop, lunch just 15 mins and work until 8:45pm. That's it, I leave and don't give a damn. I will just try to do my best tomorrow!

Once back to HG's MRT, went to buy KFC then home to eat and watch movie ... also Skype with family ... in order to release tension and calm down myself. Rats, I need to wash clothes too!

Aeroline moving to the new terminal

Just another sad day has arrive and today we have decided not to go anywhere. Just enjoy our breakfast at Old Town then do some groceries at Giant follow by resting at home until 3pm. As today I'm taking bus back to SG, so I send them to Pudu then to Hotel Corus to check in for my Aeroline.

This time, they have an extra step where to acknowledge a note whereby they will move to the new Tasik Selatan terminal staring 01-Mar-2011 so meaning that they will not operating at Hotel Corus anymore. In a way it seems a good news to me because it's much nearer to my house but on the other hand, I will have to drive my family to Pudu, return back to condo then only take taxi to the terminal. No point for me to take taxi to Pudu then back to Tasik Selatan otherwise I'm very rich.

Throughout the journey is ok but when I reach 2nd link checkpoint around 8:30pm, it was so crowded and bus's queue is very long. Normally JB checkpoint should be fine and only SG checkpoint will be crowded. I was thinking to myself "deepsh*t" because JB already this bad, SG must be worst. As per my expectation, I can only get out from SG checkpoint around 10:20pm!! Seems bus also hard to be predict at times ...

Am I back to the past?

My alarm woke me up at 6:30am and Shireen asked me to get ready to send Violet to school. When open my eyes, Kai Meng was sleeping beside me and when I wake him up, he quickly stood up and talking with me at very fast pace. I was surprised because he doesn’t seems to be sleep at all. Then time to wake up Violet (few times, as always) and I quickly went to shower. While brushing my teeth, suddenly I think to myself … am I back to the past or those good old days where I used to wake them up, send them to school/office? Feel so warm but I have to wake up my mind to because it’s totally different now. Or is this some hinting or advise from God?

After sending Violet to school, I will have to rush to Stephanie’s place by 8am because she will be getting marry today and I will need to attend the ceremony, not only to take angpow but take some photos too J Luckily I manage to get her address in Serdang as this is my 2^nd time going there after almost 8 years ago! With the help of my Garmin, I manage to find it at first try … Cool.

After the ceremony, we adjourned to Stephanie’s apartment, which just next to mine to perform the house warming ceremony. She wanted my son to help her to perform the ritual where virgin kid to jump on the bride’s bed. Kai Meng seems very emotional lately because he either reject all the requests or instantly moody. This time not exceptionally because he was reluctant to do so. I have to hug and help him to jump the bed. He still try to resist and eyes a bit watery but I have no choice because Stephanie purposely reserve this for him. Anyway, Kai Meng also need to learn facing difficulties and knowing his weakness.
By the time it finished, I will need to meet up my dad because I need to send his daughter back to him. We met at Giant for lunch at Pizza Hut follow by fetching Violet from school around 3:15pm. After that, we can finally go home and rest until the dinner start tonight, which is about 3.5 hours to go.

When I wanted to leave for dinner at 7pm, suddenly my stomach having a bit of upset and went to purge for 3 times. It’s running late but my stomach seems not cooperating with me. About 7:35pm, I can only leave my house and I have to speed all the way to the restaurant otherwise I will be very late. Luckily I manage to arrive around 8pm but most of the people were already arrive. Having problem to locate my table as it was a mess at reception :(

Somehow, they manage to find me a table where I sat with my cousin brother & his family. It’s just 8 pax of us so we have plenty of food to eat but I can’t eat as much as before because my stomach still nagging me :)

Should I still bear with it?

It seems my faith with the team reducing everyday. Not only the different location and time zone and somehow everything has to be drive and initiate from US but only limited or no information pass down to APAC unless issues arise. Sometimes they even not aware the issue that hit APAC until I update them.

In general (or initially), the team look cool, one spirit and backing up each other but in a way, they hardly interact with me unless they need me to help them with some last min tasks (or even if they just want to offload themselves).

Whenever I need to speak to the director, she seems pushed everything to the manager. When I try to speak with the Manager, it’s either he confirmed the TC but never call back or just nod for the issues I brought up and will follow up. 3 out of 10 he will try to make it but most of the times, I don’t get any reply from him. To convince myself, I will tell them that they are too busy and no time to get back to me and hopefully it will be the case. As long as I inform them, I did my job and it’s up to them.

Not sure if they wanted to keep stay employed, all the leading and design were from US and all the main landscape were taking care by them. Only those routines, non value and first line to the regional & end users shitty tasks left over to me and Sofia (UK). I believe this is one of the reasons why Sofia decided to resign after 3 years with this company.

Should I start looking around? Or give more hope with them? I’ve been receiving some opportunities recently, asking for my resume but I was lazy and try to do make this move. Will think and digest it over the weekend :(

Sugarless Sweet

While I was busy rushing the users validation activies (over 2000 users), I was totally cheered by a M'sian colleague. She just got back from Japan and wanted me to try a new sweet, Sugarless Sweet. I was laughing and asking if she know what sweets were made from but she was assured by the store. Without hesitation, I popped it out and give it a try.

In fact, I don't see what so special but it still taste like ordinary coffee flavoured sweet but this one with extra milky layer. Opps, it seems I should cut my nail soon :)

Get Together Lunch & Coaching Day!

My company recently introduced a self improvement/coaching programme to all affiliates. Since this is free, I don’t have anything to lose by participating it. Today will be the first coaching session with the training, Stephanie Moohan. I was told she used to work with our SAP team but left for starting her own business, a motivator and corporate coach of course. In order to equip her with sufficient information to start our session, I actually submitted a series of questionnaire to her a week ago by telling her my desire, plan and what kind of help I will need from her.

Although the session is 45 mins but 30 mins went passed by breaking the ice and overview discussion about how the training would be, periodically status check, identify my goals and mission statement. Before the session end, she actually play some card games with me which will train to the side of my brain which I hardly use (this is to achieve out of the box thoughts). Basically you need to pick up 3 cards and place it on the board, which a question for each card. She will then ask you to instantly look and think what you see from the card then answer the question. The answer doesn’t need to relate to the picture because she just want to you think and relate the question from that very moment (don’t use your normal logically thinking). Not really a surprise game but something new to know about it.

From the discussion, I like one of the term given to me – G.R.O.W. A simple ‘grow’ word which simple describe human will need to grow but in the other hand, it also have some hidden meaning :-

G – Goal: To set your goal, simple as that

R – Reality: The goals have to be clear and achievable. It should be a short term so that you can achieve after one another.

O – Options: What are the options that enable you to achieve your goals? List all the possibilities without any judgment and evaluation

W – Wrap-up: With all the above information, wrap up the goal and commit the action. Also to identify how to overcome obstables.

Right after the coaching, it’s about time to visit 7A floor, where my new office would be for a team and get togther lunch. It’s not a big day but was a initiative by the HOD for some soft opening of the new office and CNY gathering for the team. Serve with ala carte dishes, fruits, curry bun, cakes, wines and dessert … in buffet style :)

Are we still living at Pre-Historic?

After some good food yesterday, guess it's time to quickly plan and complete the high urgent matters as our project now has moved to Dress Rehearsal, some sort like final preparation before the User Acceptance Test (UAT).

So far, communication from Global is very minimal, as always and I will have to always prepare for late surprise. Whenever issue strike, APAC will be the first one who gets it … which it me, myself, alone, RAMBO!

Also, from user administration part is handing over to me due to Sofia from UK is leaving and the process is purely manual and not user friendly at all. I wonder how they can stick with this for years without much improvement. Are they purposely to make this process so complicated so that they can still keep their job until they resign? Don’t talk about users but even when I take a look at it, I gave up. One form for Non-Production, another for Production and one more for Restricted Production. Majority of the fields were identical and I wonder why they can’t merge it in, or either use a web based form which isn’t that difficult at all. It’s paperless environment where all approvers can approve it electronically, unlike now … print, fax, scan, sign, fax, email!

Stuck up & Lonely Valentine's Day

After the conductor checked the ticket, I went to sleep straight because I need more rest due to sleepless nights on last week and also to grab as much rest I could as sometimes the journey could be bumpy and can’t really sleep well. About 7:20am, the train finally arrive at JB, which late about 1 hour 20 mins because normally we will arrive at 6am. This isn’t all because they also made announcement will only depart at 9am!!! I was like … what? 9am? Few people quickly go to check why and they said some train were stuck at SG due to technical problem. So they have to delay in order to synchronise the timing. Luckily I have the biscuit that Kai Meng gave me earlier as breakfast otherwise I will be as angry as a hungry man!

Luckily I don’t have early appointment so have no choice but to continue sleep in the train. I actually did think of going out JB town to take bus as it should be earlier but I really have no clue where to take bus and I’m sure the bus and checkpoint will be very busy and pack. So why bother so much? Better stuck with train at least it’s more comfy. During checkpoint, I use the auto gate and it seems working for me. Felt so happy because I’m on of those early birds that went pass the immigration but when entering the scanner gantry, I was asked to check luggage. Man, this is my first time ever since I work here and why the hell he need to check me? I’m just carrying a small back pack and others were taking huge luggage. I bet this specky sucker need to deliver some quota to check passengers and he was a lazy arseh*le too, so just pick a simple luggage to check rather than those with huge luggage.

Even after the check, never said anything and went off. Hello, at least you have the courtesy to help close back my bag and smile. Am I a outlaw? CCB S’porian!

After work, luckily I have a bunch of single men to have dinner with. Went to NEX to try out the Thai Bali restaurant and surprisingly the food is quite ok.

Kai Meng seems grown up a bit

Ok, that’s my 2D1N trip to KL and another weekend gone. Luckily today I’m taking train so will have more time to spend with them. For brunch, we suppose to visit Ah Kiew at Peel Road but it was too pack and hot. So we have detour to Min Max for dim sum instead (near KLCC). I think today we order slight more for 4 pax but the bill was RM70+. I was surprise because we normally end up about 50-60. When I look at the bill, it seems they no longer have the promotion which they used to have, which is RM2.80 per basket. Now, their minimum is RM3.80. To me, it’s still good deal compare to those open air dim sum restaurant where it’s not that tasty or fresh but pricey too.

After the brunch, we went to my grandma’s place because my uncle wanted to pass angpow to my kids because he was away during 1^st day of CNY. He went back to Raub with his wife and I’m so puzzle why he need to leave so early since he’s the husband. If he leave during 2^nd or 3^rd day still make sense to me. I think my grandma will be disappointed too.

About 2pm, I have to make a move because I’m a bit tired and need to settle some household too. Also the kids still need to do their homework as it’s already Sunday. About 4pm, the sky were so dark due to heavy down pour and it’s jam almost everywhere. From my window, I can see the whole stretch from MRR2 toward Bkt Jalil! Guess the God don’t want me to return SG and crying out loud :p

About 7:30pm, that ‘feelings’ come again where I have to send my kids to Pudu. To hold my sad feelings and have to cheer up Kai Meng in hope he will be ok when I leave later. Once arrived at Pudu, my in law actually bought those raw material for Yee Sang and we actually make it ourselves. It was quite good even to compare with those popular restaurant because the material is so fresh and tasty. I never thought self made can be that good too. Maybe I should do the same next year ;)

When I left Pudu and collect my car, I saw Kai Meng climbing up the window and bid me farewell. It was so touching, as always and he was smiling at me. I was so scared because he did the same few weeks ago but went crying after I left. When I reach home, I quickly call the mother and check out the situation. Surprisingly he was ok and playing with his toy. So I was really relieve and can prepare myself to KL Sentral.

When I reach there, I actually Skype with him and he was happy then … so do I. We also play Pirate Ahoy because this game allow the players to compete among themselves, also have a mini game alike Tic Tac Toe where you can play interactively with your friends. The train only arrive at 11:20pm and no announcement were made at all. I was a bit worried at the beginning because maybe the train has deferred or some rail was damage due to the heavy rain earlier. Hopefully the journey will be smooth, safe and punctual. This biscuit was given to me by Kai Meng before we went to Pudu. It was so touch by his care and don’t feel to eat it. Will bring it along to SG and only eat it when require.

CNY Gathering with Primary Mates

It feels so nice at Saturday morning because I manage to spend more time with my kids since Friday and normally I will be half dead arriving KL Sentral. Guess I should go home via bus and return to SG via train, in order to fully optimize my quality time. Drive my son to school for Tae Kwan Do at 9am and went to KL Sentral to collect my train ticket after that.

Then went to meet Leven to collect my road tax as it’s already expired 2^nd  Feb and I’ve no time to collect it. Since he want to golf at Saujana so I drove there to collect it. Initially wanted to have breakfast with him at Sg Wei for BKT but have to do it next time. It was 12pm by then and I will have primary mates gathering at 1pm. It will be wasting time to go home and go out again later. So I went to visit my uncle’s claypot restaurant near Serdang as it’s close to my friend’s house. One stone kill 2 birds mah :)

The gathering end about 4pm and went to fetch Violet at Pudu because she has class on Saturday, as usual. Suppose to go Times Square for some window shopping but went to Sg Wang, Lot 10 and Pavilion too :p

Kai Meng took the opportunity to use his angpow money to buy his favourite toy, Kamen Rider Dragon Knight. At first, we couldn’t find the model that he wanted and we almost give up. I also offer him to find it at SG but luckily we got it at Pavilion. So it’s worth the walk for him J :)

After that, went for our first CNY movie, I love HK. We suppose to watch it last week but due to our tight schedule hence can only do it this week. There are 2 more but not sure if we can do it next week. Generally, I quite love this movie because it’s not only carrying out the CNY’s essence but bringing out some good message about love and care that we used to have which only lasted until end 80s … which is neighbourhood.

We used to stay at a small flat with lot of families. We play along the corridors, staircase, etc especially during CNY with firecrackers and Lantern Festival with candles & lanterns. Now, due to the ever changing lifestyle and safe measure, the kids can no longer enjoy all these fun but only lock themselves at room, play FB or sms friends around. Some could be due to their parents for being over protective but some could be their own attitude.

Apart of that, they also have some funny scenes where even Kai Meng also laugh, to my surprise :)

Rushing against time

Today receive an email from US team for some preparation for pre-go live testing (Dress Rehearsal) and found quite a number of tasks being assigned. I should have expected this because we have 2 team members resigned recently. Tried to make a meeting with my US manager for some clarification and always said “no prob, I will call you”, “relax, we can go thru it” and so much more commitment but end up nothing. I have tried to respect his time before calling due to our time zone difference but seem I have to call straight. I will have to do this next week because I need to clarify my tasks assigned for this DR preparation otherwise I will be blame for not carrying the tasks accordingly.

At the morning, I have already asked my lunch gang for lunch and they agreed but when comes to lunch time, no one answer me … maybe they have went for EL’s warehouse sales at ground floor. So I better go myself. Will try to rush all my work and leave by 5:45pm because I will have to catch bus going back to KL. Yes, I can meet my family again.

Things seems won’t as plan because I was stuck with an issue and only able to leave office about 6pm. It was heavy rain then so I really have to rush like hell otherwise I would miss the bus. Also, I will have to go to Harbour Front Mall to check in and issue my bus ticket first.

Luckily I manage to catch the bus at 6:20pm and finally can relax myself and mood to go home. During the journey, they offered Chicken Rice Shop as dinner and this will be the first and only good meal I had so far :p

Bus arrived at Chorus Hotel around 11:30pm and I can only reach home around 12:10am, after fetching my family at Pudu as well. I was so unhappy because it only exceeded 10 mins but the taxi driver surcharge me the total amount with 50%. I thought they will leverage it but it’s not the case. Next time, I should ask the driver to settle the fare at Pudu  and start a new calculation from Pudu. Should be cheaper :)

Free Ice Cream Day

My seems better now when realising tomorrow will be Friday :) I believe (or hope) that the train services from KL to SG has been fully restored. I was told last week, train from Seremban to JB normally take about 4 hours but it stretch to 6 hours. Could be KTM afraid the rail still not steady and force to travel at low speed.

Luckily I will only take train on Sunday night and guess everything should be ok la (finger crossed). Today, have to company Duan to go lunch because our SAP team will organise a ice cream snack session for all new SAP users where each of the process team will have a representative to explain and answer questions from various users. Of course you need to treat the users otherwise they won't even bother to attend the discussion. Realistic isn't it :P

It looks a lot but in fact, it was finished after 10 mins after release. Some just stay there and eat, do nothing and some even grab and touch. Damn kiasu people. After the session, the response weren't too bad, still got people take this opportunity to ask around. Duan was so happy about it.

Went to NEX for dinner today and came across a cool toothbrush. Wanted to buy for Violet and Kai Meng but seems too kiddy for Violet. So just got it for Kai Meng. It's a spiderman theme with light where it will blink for 1 minute ... a good duration for a kid to ensure their teeth is brush properly ;)

As the closing for today's blog, my normal route to go home from Hougang MRT is almost completing it's renovation. It's so spacious now, path is tarred with rubber material and the exercise equipment shall be open soon. So nice to have such facilities for the kids and senior people.

Happy Birthday!!! Yan Yat and ELC's CNY Lunch

I think I feel better today, after being moody for 2 days and also today is everyone birthday, so do I :) Also, early in the morning already receive another AngPow from my SAP boss and about 10:30am, company have lion dance performance and I manage to take the whole video. Poor my hand as I was stretching up my hand for almost 15 mins (1.19GB). It's been a while I never see this and first time for this year ... sad case isn't it :(

After the lion dance, the whole company went for CNY lunch at Peach Garden, Hotel Miramar. The building itself is old but the restaurant is not bad. Unlike convention lunch, all the seating were randomize and there were mc and table games to keep everyone busy and entertain. I would say it's a good lunch arrangement where the food is good too. Following are some of the snapshot and you may see more at my FB's album :)

My seating, table No. 3 - Blessings :)

Door gift, a pair of wooden chopstick with rest piece (the chopstick next to it is for the yee sang) :p

LOOOOOOOW AAAAH!

One of the games to make us form "Tu Nian" with 2 mandarin oranges

Creative, mini 'pau' with fresh prawn and diced mushroom in sichuan flavour

One of the performer, changing face

A bit salty but not bad

My favourite dish for the day, all sort of beans in jelly

Last but not least, I also got another angpow with more money ... S$18! See my collection now is growing :)

Look like a lot of money iya :p

Da' Collectionz!

Stabilizing my soul

Day 2 back from KL still sucks but bit better than yesterday. Work seems lighter today and a colleague just got back holiday from Japan. Gave me a fish roe cracker but taste like cheese to me :p

 

 

Wanted to watch movie to cheer up myself today but I still need to iron some clothes and Skype with my kids as I missed it yesterday. Let's see how's thing goes later.

Decided to go home ASAP. Reach Hougang around 7pm and it was rain. To save time and in order to go home earlier, decided to buy KFC and walk in the rain. Feel so nice as I can have my privacy, do things I wanna do like iron clothes and housekeeping then watch PPS before the landlord is back.

Just like in the movie, things will not work as you have planned. When I reach home around 7:30pm, both my landlord were already home !!! WTF, normally they won't be so early. What's wrong with them? On leave? Ponteng? Bugger!

Ended up I locked myself in the room, do nothing much to eat KFC and watch PPS. No more mood to do housekeeping or ironing. Leave it for tomorrow then ... martha focker!

Auspicious day for CNY: Average

In fact, I should still enjoying my CNY holiday today but due to ticket being sold out and my boss doesn't allow me to extend my holiday, so have to go back yesterday. Such a stupid and inconsiderate boss she is ... yeah, it's a 'she' unfortunately. Why can't they just benchmark the staff quality by performance and delivery rather than being such in control and inflexibility. As usual, crawl to work and 300+ emails awaiting for me at the office, excluding the support tickets ... sigh

It was a busy morning and my mood is bad, with various factors but luckily my lunch members who moved out to 7th floor ping me for lunch. Without much hesitation, I went with them not only main lunch but dessert as well, it's a package mah :)

But as soon as back from lunch, life is dull and busy again. Mood become worst when it's close to night. Sorry, really have no mood to write on today but nothing special. Just want to be alone and think why my life feel so miserable and why my shoulder become more heavy since I married?

To pat myself before I sleep, I had instant noodle again while watching some online movie ... in hope to cheer up myself. The taste is so nice as it taste like 'kam heong' crab.

 

Back to reality ... after CNY

Though it's still Day 4 of CNY but to me, it's already over. Before I'm leaving, I wish to make them a good breakfast ... at least that's the least I can do for now. I purpose went to Carrefour's non-halal section on last night to purchase the good quality of pork sausage and ham, rather than those convention halal stuffs found over the shelf. It's quite pricey but once a while is worth it.

It might look like simple western breakfast but it need not only the ingredient but care and love, in hope they will like it and the satisfactory feedback from their expression. Even at those days when I was still at KL, I'm very much happy to cook for them and for now, the feeling grew stronger. Also today, I'm making a new style of fried egg (not omelet, convention fried, stir fried, sunny side ... not all these) where I ate this more than 20 years ago at a local western food stall in Pudu and ever since, I can't find anything similar.

Cooking method is simple but will require lot of cooking oil. Basically you will need to use low heat to keep the oil warm, not too high as it will turn into fried egg. Just a little more than warm and ensure the oil level manage to cover the whole egg will do the trick (another word, slow cooking). Slowly you will see the egg white forming up and egg yolk slowly become 'medium rare' :). If you like it 'medium rare' like I do, then it's ready to serve otherwise you can continue to let it well done. It might look oily but when you serve it on the plate, the egg white is so smooth and solid while the egg yolk dripping out like choc brownies but in golden colour ... yummy. Too bad I didn't manage to snap a photo because everyone were hungry and I need to rush and prepare to go back to SG.

About 3:15pm, we went to take taxi and as usual I dropped them at Pudu then straight to Citibank at Jalan Ampang to meet up my 'driver'. Reach there about 3:59pm but as expected, he was late and only arrive around 4:20pm. So our journey to the south begin around 4:35pm. Even when we reach Sg Besi toll, it was jam like mad and I've already sensed something bad awaiting right in front of us. After the toll, we were able to drive quite smooth but right after Nilai, the jam started ... on and off along the highway especially near every highway exits. To comfort myself better, I will look to the opposite direction where the jam is much more worst. I know it's bad but that's the only thing that I can do.

About 8pm, we were so tired and hungry so we stop by R&R near Melaka and recharge ourselves. Went to try out their Nasi Lemak and look so so only. It cost me RM5.50 because I added a 'crispy fried chicken'. As soon as I had my first bite, it was so nice as the rice has a strong santan taste, sambal is sweet and hot and the chicken is really crispy. The only set back was the rice and dish were cold otherwise it will be very nice, not sure if I was hungry at that moment :p

About half an hour later, we resume our journey and the road condition still very bad. During the journey, I keep playing movie, psp, iPod and FB but can't really focus and I ended up listening to ghost channel via my BB and sleep. Finally, about 11:20pm, we finally reach JB checkpoint and all of us were already half dead. My colleague wanted to send me home but I insist to take MRT because poor him to drive for so long and the MRT still operating but I'm afraid I might not be able to catch the last MRT home. About 11:35pm, he dropped me at Khatib station and l quickly rush for the train. If it's just 1 or 2 MRT lines, then I will be fine because I need to take 3 lines, so it's a bit risky too.

With luck, I manage to reach home about 12:15am and feel so tired and hungry. Anyhow, I cleaned my study table and setup my new laptop and it really give me a better view and functionality compare to the loan laptop which I had sometime earlier. So I made myself supper while enjoying my new toy ;)

Before I went to sleep, I feel so lonely ... also home sick because I really feel to give up in SG. I keep forcing and hypnotising myself to struggle for few more weeks and hopefully I can control my feelings ... hopefully I can overcome it, soon ...

CNY - Day 3 - True Family Day

Still, whole family woke up around 11am :) I guess we were too busy with gatherings and spending quality time at home so much that cause we sleep late (and wake up late too) :p

Today, is the first day that we don't have any plan or appointment with anyone. Feel a bit lost and not use to being not being 'booked', haha. Since I'm lazy to cook so we went to McD for our brunch (also wanted to eat prosperity meal before it's gone after CNY). We were consider lucky because the McD restaurant near my house always super pack especially during value lunch hour but today the crowd is just nice, able to get a table at air-conditioned area. Should be due to CNY long holidays. After that, we went to Leisure mall to get some stationaries for Violet and some window shopping.

About 3:30pm, went home for some rest and spend quality time again with the kids. It was fun to sit next to Kai Meng and play CSO together. CSO is an 3D shooting game and Kai Meng learnt to play this game when we visit my aunt's place on Day 1. I hardly play such games because I will get motion sickness but Kai Meng seems into it and doesn't feel anything at all!! After few games with him, I have to give up because I can sense some dizziness in my head and better stop it early before it's getting worst but for Kai Meng, still crazy for that game. Sigh, hopefully he will not get addicted to it and I will try to think out a plan to reduce my kids being nerdy with computer before anything get worst. Sigh.

About 9pm, we have to depart to Pudu for dinner but will need to visit Carrefour to buy some food for tomorrow breakfast. Don't know why I feel to cook western food tomorrow, partly because I miss pure pork bacon and sausages :) It was always expensive and hardly affordable when I was still working at SG but since I'm doing slightly better and I miss the food so much, then just buy it once a while lor :p

About 10:30pm, we left Pudu for home and enjoy the remaining quality time because I will be leaving to SG tomorrow. I hope Kai Meng will be ok this time because I've been discussion and encourage Kai Meng about this since I got back few days ago. I hope this will make him more understand and know that I will come back as much as I could to meet him. About 2am, he finally gave up and went to sleep ... the same goes to Violet (I was surprised because normally she will be the last person to sleep). I will be sleeping a bit later because need to do my book keeping and pay my monthly expenses online.

As expected, I missed the days here and sad to leave tomorrow. I wonder when can I get rid of this barrier and restore my life with my kids just like before? Too subjective and many things to consider ...

CNY - Day 2

Slight late than yesterday, we all woke up around 11am and still we don't feel got enough rest. Still have to rush out to my mom's place for lunch as she already reminded me yesterday. Once we reach there, all the siblings were either moody or lock themselves in the room. Didn't bother much as they were not my attention. Like usual, my mom asked me to help checking their computers as some were old and not able to use the Internet. About 30 mins later, I fixed their issue and the lunch is ready. I also feel bad because some of my siblings have to eat at room because only limited seat is available at dining table. I already ask my mom to call them together but she insisted.

About 3pm, we were done at mom's place and went home as we don't have else where to go. Better take more rest because we will have farewell & CNY dinner with my dad's side family again. Also I really need to backup my new laptop before use and make sure everything is ok before bringing it back to SG on coming Sunday. About 7pm, we were at the restaurant and I brought my camera to take some photos as remembrance. The whole dinner was another fruitful dinner because not only my dad, aunt and uncle enjoy their reunion and same goes to me and my cousin bro/sis. In fact, Kai Meng also pretty much enjoy because he also played with other kids as well, including the restaurant owner's kid.

It was a long dinner because we only finish around 11pm but youngest aunt wanted to go Karaoke for round 2. Shireen seems want to rest at home due to tiredness but my kids wanted to follow them. Since I don't have much choice, so I let my kids follow my aunt and I send Shireen home. Once the Karaoke is over, I will drive and fetch them (actually the Karaoke is quite near my place too). By the time I fetch my kids home, it's already 2:30am and I can see they were extremely tired and exhausted too. Guess will be another late morning tomorrow ;)

CNY - Day 1

Everyone seems very tired because we only woke up about 10:30am. Though awake but we were still doing some last min housekeeping, setting up decoration and even prepare the angpow (red packets). It's a bit rush but the whole family is enjoying the moment very much. Before we go out for visitation, I called upon the kids gather near me in the living room. I would call each of them, giving them advises like what's my observation, how they should improve this year, what was their wrong doings and how they should eliminate them this year. I did this every year before handing over the angpow to them. Not because I wanted to act like a father but I find this is a good opportunity to talk with them while enjoying the CNY tradition.

First stop was at my Big Aunt's place at Cheras where it was 'self declared' the main gathering spot after my grandparents passed away few years ago. This family always try to act kind and generous but never realise they often show off with their wealth and how capable were his kids where mostly went living abroad. Even the parents being discipline with Buddhist practices, eat vegetarian but that's all just for 'packaging'. I know this may sound harsh and how bias am I but this is publicly admitted even by their sibblings. To me, I'm ok with them and generally nice to chat with them but don't know why suddenly I wish to express it out.

Next stop will be my Big Uncle were this family also another weird one because they hardly interact with any of the family members and always show that they are the eldest and all us will need to beg them or visit them for almost any occasion. If one day they call any of the family members, then they will have to buy lottery or think carefully if my Big Uncle need help/favour from them.

3rd stop will be my grandma and mother side. I feel bad for that because it was already 3+pm but I've no choice because for every festive seasons, I will need to rush for at least 3 places, my dad, my in law and my mother. Even now, my kids are already getting used to it. This place used to be my happiest place to visit during CNY but when I grew older, the more things that I know, not to mention the changes since my late grandpa passed away 13 years ago. Most aunties will just stay for a while, same goes to my uncle. Their kids are all grown up and hardly stop by too. I can still remember those days, all aunties and uncles will stay in the house chit chatting and most importantly play some cards. As for kids like me and other cousin, we would play the cards as well or went down to play fire crackers and catch some lion dance performance. I guess, I will never able to find that anymore.

About 4pm, my last stop to my in law's place. Although they only have few members but this will be the most calm & quiet place for me because no one is fake or try to ask some private/sensitive questions. This family never ask things from me and my in law also help me a lot during my hard times. So whenever she ask or need anything from me, I never hesitate to offer my service. I feel pity for her because of her useless drug addict brother but other than that, she's quite happy go lucky person because she will hang around the wet market to meet up some friends or hang around those supermarket for cheap/good food. I think she would rather stay in Pudu for the rest of her life because she will be bore if were to move with me because she was born and lived in Pudu for her whole life. Most Chinese people have moved out of Pudu but still there are still some just like my in law too (not to mention those poor and no one to depend on old folks)

We went home after the dinner so that we can get some rest and spend some quality time together but I received my younger aunt call asking for some reunion gathering at her house, just like every year. For this aunt, I won't feel hesitation because I'm quite close with them especially her husband as we're IT savvy and I'm the only person in my whole family can click with him. Also their kids also quite close to us and my kids also like to play with them. Apart of that, most of my uncles and aunts will be there too for another round of gathering. Just like previous year, we also initiate another web meeting with my 4th aunt at Sydney. This aunt really a very good example for me and to remind me whenever I wish to consider migrate/move to another countries.

When she was still young, she always wanted to work and live in AU, even when she was divorced. After few years, she manage to migrate to Sydney with her kids and I thought it will be a good choice for her. Not long after, I got to know she often jobless and just manage to get part time job there and she will need to survive 2 kids. Luckily they can get some allowance from their government and the elder daughter excel in studies and manage to get scholarship. But when the kids started to get more mature, they often have argument with their mom just like other teenagers. Their household require more financial support but with the mother income is very unstable, they often live in tough times. Luckily all my other aunts helped her sometimes but is it worth it to migrate?

Even for now, I'm working at SG but I will still prefer to stay in KL. Maybe I'm consider old or too late to migrate. If I'm still young or a teenager, I think I would love to migrate or stay abroad. Even if my kids in the future want to stay abroad, I guess I will have no choice but hope they can success with their own decision. The gathering is very fruitful and fun for the kids too because they played until 2am! We finally reach home around 2:30am and most of us were half dead tired :p

Hopefully, tomorrow will not as 'high' as today ...

Finally, half working day, long vacation & CNY

Today, would (most probably) be my last time to enjoy half day off from the company due to main festive holiday. In general, the next half day entitlement will be coming Christmas, which is about another 10 months but not sure if I can last that long in SG. Once I reach office this morning, I was given a stack of tickets for our company special sale day just right below our office in 2HR. Not sure if it's similar like in the movie "Devil wears Prada" ;)

After follow up on few tickets, email and weekly report to my manager, I went off and quickly heading to Harbour Front to catch my 'Aeroline' back to KL. While waiting for the bus, went to try out McD's new release, Double Happiness Fillet-O-Fish which cost at S$7.50. Nothing much special just that you have 2 fillets but quite filling.

About 1:45pm, it's time to catch the bus but I'm having some issue this round. There were 2 Aeroline buses and I'm not sure which is the correct one. Both also no driver there and I couldn't ask anyone there and it's already 1:50pm. I wonder why most of M'sian companies have these kind of working attitude (most probably operated by those so called "Earth Prince" who want to initiate professional but end up with crappy service). They should beat least ready in the bus 10-15 mins before the departure time to ensure all passengers manage to get in, deposit their luggage and depart on time. Also in this case, they can just put a sign or even some sticker at the bus to tell customers which bus is heading to KL rather than confusing them and let them waiting anxiously.

About 2:10pm, the bus finally depart and the traffic is very good and smooth today where it just take 20 mins to pass 2 checkpoints and reach KL around 7pm (my last experience was 7:40pm). The lunch served today seems ok because it's pandan/santan flavoured rice with fried egg and fish cake. I would say the best meal so far.

When I get into a taxi home, I was surprised to see it's a Pakistani driver and seems know the roads in KL. It seems the taxi profession have been 'open' to foreigner now and this makes me feel uncomfortable. Not bias but afraid of some bad apples. While driving home, he's not quite sure which road to take and wanted to drive via Ampang but I've stopped him because it's long winded, highway and will be very jam. So I've take charge of the direction and ordered him to use 'my way' instead. I can't imagine what if a tourist get into this taxi ... I'm sure you can imagine that.

About 8:30pm, I've settled down and went to fetch Shireen then to my dad's place for steamboat. My kids were already with him since morning and not sure if they are very hungry because by the time I reach there, it should be about 9pm. The steamboat dishes were a bit too much because our family and my father side also small eaters. I feel bad for unable to finish all but at least we have some quality time having dinner together (actually this is my first reunion dinner with only my father side). Left about 11:30pm because we were so tired and need to do some CNY preparation when home later.

This year, as usual, hardly see/heard any fire crackers or fireworks, unlike my childhood days :( Hopefully our CNY tradition/custom will be able to preserve for generations unlike other countries which treat CNY just like a small holiday (some even no holiday).

1 to 1 Call

Finally, I manage to have 1 to 1 call with my manager in US. I thought we would have a long discussion and setting some target or KPI but unfortunately, it's just another casual chat and indirect way to announce my new direction within the team this year. Was given a chance to take up some courses but only next year because they don't have any budget this year. So it's meaningless to me because I'm not sure if I'm still around by then.

From the discussion, he said I'm performing good and being recognised in the team and wanted to assign me to lead/manage a team and diversify my SAP focus from Security and Authorization become User Administration be it within or outside SAP. In overview, this seems something new and different as I might not need to touch technical stuffs as much as before and focus on managing people, something what I did back in Novartis but in reality, this isn't what I want.

I know I won't be long here so I prefer to do something don't need to use so much brain or focus. Just sit at corner, not noticing by anyone, complete my job and get pay cheque then leave. I'm tired being 'someone' when you don't get extra pay, less recognition but doing those dirty job. I have already given the feedback that he need and I'm now just waiting for the final answer, or announcement. Otherwise, I'll just assume everything still running like normal.

Going lunch alone today, as usual and wanted to get something soupy due to the nice sleeping weather and suddenly the prawn noodle hit my mind. I miss the soup and prawn powder and this round, I'm getting a big bowl which cost me S$5. See the soup before and after I put the prawn powder. It's so 'kow' until I almost finish the last drop :)

Before I added the prawn powder

Due to my lousy camera, hardly see the difference but it's much thicker by now :)