Today's the 21st. Only four more days to go! Yippeeee, am on leave on Thursday afternoon, and catching a flight back to Sarawak for the weekend. Having a dinner bash tonight with my colleagues to celebrate Christmas. Think the venue is at the Mustard Tree (?), near our office. Have a gift exchange too. :) Had a quick peek at the pressies just now, and a package labelled with my name which had a bottle of ketchup in it (I think!), plus some other things which I can't tell what they are yet. Have to wait a bit more.
Am winding down now that it is nearing year end. Some outstanding work to clear tomorrow, and a bit more when I come back. Already in the holiday mood though! My colleagues and I are wearing shades of red and green today, and yep, am wearing a very red shirt with a red tie which almost totally blends in with the shirt colour. Thought of wearing a green tie this morning, but would have been a bit much with my red shirt.
Ho! Ho! Ho!.... a holiday we will go........
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
A Moment...
A moment.....
.. of silence, to reflect on past actions.
.. of silence, to appreciate the inner glow.
.. of contemplation, to treasure good friends.
.. of contemplation, to ponder the "why"s of the world.
A moment.....
.. of splendour, to create something out of imagination.
.. of splendour, to produce something from the toils of honest labour.
.. of wonder, to imagine the mightiness of nature's bountiness.
.. of wonder, to feel the vastness of God's creation.
A moment.....
.. of joy, to see true happiness reflected in the mirror.
.. of even purer joy, to see the happiness reflected in the eyes of a friend.
.. of awe, to know that one is loved.
.. of awe, to know that someone cares.
A moment.....
.. of comfort, to bask in endless love.
.. of comfort, to feel needed.
.. to marvel, the intricacies of friendship.
.. to marvel, your presence in my life.
.. of silence, to reflect on past actions.
.. of silence, to appreciate the inner glow.
.. of contemplation, to treasure good friends.
.. of contemplation, to ponder the "why"s of the world.
A moment.....
.. of splendour, to create something out of imagination.
.. of splendour, to produce something from the toils of honest labour.
.. of wonder, to imagine the mightiness of nature's bountiness.
.. of wonder, to feel the vastness of God's creation.
A moment.....
.. of joy, to see true happiness reflected in the mirror.
.. of even purer joy, to see the happiness reflected in the eyes of a friend.
.. of awe, to know that one is loved.
.. of awe, to know that someone cares.
A moment.....
.. of comfort, to bask in endless love.
.. of comfort, to feel needed.
.. to marvel, the intricacies of friendship.
.. to marvel, your presence in my life.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Ramblings
Was feeling down in the dumps on Wednesday. Just a general feeling of sadness and moodiness, but went to MidValley specifically to go to MPH to buy some books. While I was there, browsing through the books and then looking through stuff in Jusco took my mind off things. Bought 2 hardcover books as Christmas presents (to be brought back to Sarawak). Later towards the evening, got a call from a friend, chatted for a bit, and that cheered me up somewhat.
Some changes happening to the car park rental bays at the place where I am staying. It seems that beginning next month, the management office won’t be renting out anymore car parks. Apparently, quite a few people are affected, and many are looking to rent available lots. As a typical demand supply issue, the management office guided those who would like to rent out their parking bays at RM150 per month! Quite steep, and represent an increase of RM50 from currently, but given supply constraints, hard to argue for lower amount (i.e. if you don’t want, someone else will want). Supply seems to be especially constrained for Blocks 1 and 2. I managed to secure a parking lot, but alas it is at Block 3. At least the parking space is near the lift, and the walking distance is about the same from my current one (albeit in the opposite direction). Just found out today that someone in Block 1 wants to rent out her parking bay at RM150 per month, but with some conditions attached. Have called her up already for a meet up on Friday after work to see where exactly is the parking bay, and hopefully negotiate some terms. Will see how it turns out.
Year end is coming, sometimes I sit and ponder what I have achieved this year. Time seemed to have flown by so quickly, that it is really shocking. As I get older, the months seem to fly by faster. This year has been a reasonably good year for me. Have a few regrets, and sometimes wish I could have done things or react differently, but what has happened is done. I do see myself generally as quite reasonable and easy going, but looking from another’s point of view, admittedly, I can be quite difficult and uncompromising. Sometimes, I wish I could have smiled more, as my mood does affect others, especially those who care. Sometimes, I wish I could have been more sensitive to others’ feelings, and think more about others as opposed to myself. Sometimes,….. and the list can go on.
There are happy moments though. Smiling into the eyes of a loved one, sharing tender moments… even a hug can have a calming effect. Sometimes also, having a quiet moment to myself can be very relaxing. Grab a book, and if engrossing enough, will be totally absorbed until all troubles are forgotten. The mind will be temporarily lost in the realm of imagination brought to life by the books. And yeah, I did have these reading moments during the year, when my day has been spent sometimes thinking about the book, eager to finish reading it.
Sometimes, the joy of thinking of getting a gift, of wrapping it thoughtfully, of giving it to friends gives a very warm feeling. Especially seeing the gift being eagerly opened and appreciated. Oft times though, I have no clue what to get, but just go with the feel. I guess it is the thought that counts. Receiving gifts would also be a joy, the very thought that someone has thought of you, and has taken the effort of getting a gift for you can also be very joyful. Alas, getting sentimental here. Must be the festive season……..
Some changes happening to the car park rental bays at the place where I am staying. It seems that beginning next month, the management office won’t be renting out anymore car parks. Apparently, quite a few people are affected, and many are looking to rent available lots. As a typical demand supply issue, the management office guided those who would like to rent out their parking bays at RM150 per month! Quite steep, and represent an increase of RM50 from currently, but given supply constraints, hard to argue for lower amount (i.e. if you don’t want, someone else will want). Supply seems to be especially constrained for Blocks 1 and 2. I managed to secure a parking lot, but alas it is at Block 3. At least the parking space is near the lift, and the walking distance is about the same from my current one (albeit in the opposite direction). Just found out today that someone in Block 1 wants to rent out her parking bay at RM150 per month, but with some conditions attached. Have called her up already for a meet up on Friday after work to see where exactly is the parking bay, and hopefully negotiate some terms. Will see how it turns out.
Year end is coming, sometimes I sit and ponder what I have achieved this year. Time seemed to have flown by so quickly, that it is really shocking. As I get older, the months seem to fly by faster. This year has been a reasonably good year for me. Have a few regrets, and sometimes wish I could have done things or react differently, but what has happened is done. I do see myself generally as quite reasonable and easy going, but looking from another’s point of view, admittedly, I can be quite difficult and uncompromising. Sometimes, I wish I could have smiled more, as my mood does affect others, especially those who care. Sometimes, I wish I could have been more sensitive to others’ feelings, and think more about others as opposed to myself. Sometimes,….. and the list can go on.
There are happy moments though. Smiling into the eyes of a loved one, sharing tender moments… even a hug can have a calming effect. Sometimes also, having a quiet moment to myself can be very relaxing. Grab a book, and if engrossing enough, will be totally absorbed until all troubles are forgotten. The mind will be temporarily lost in the realm of imagination brought to life by the books. And yeah, I did have these reading moments during the year, when my day has been spent sometimes thinking about the book, eager to finish reading it.
Sometimes, the joy of thinking of getting a gift, of wrapping it thoughtfully, of giving it to friends gives a very warm feeling. Especially seeing the gift being eagerly opened and appreciated. Oft times though, I have no clue what to get, but just go with the feel. I guess it is the thought that counts. Receiving gifts would also be a joy, the very thought that someone has thought of you, and has taken the effort of getting a gift for you can also be very joyful. Alas, getting sentimental here. Must be the festive season……..
Monday, December 12, 2005
Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!
Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!
Was singing The First Noel during one of our carolling sessions:
"The First Noël" (sometimes "The First Nowell") is a traditional English Christmas carol, most likely from the 16th or 17th century, but possibly dating from as early as the 13th century. The word Nowell comes from the French word Noël for "Christmas", from the Latin word natalis ("birth").
Also sang others, like A Festive Madrigal (simplier version, and not the proper madrigal), Carol of the Bells (hence the Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!, Silver Bells, Whtie Christmas, as well as more traditional four-parters for Angels We Have Heard on High, O Come All Ye Faithfull, We Three Kings, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Away in a Manger, and many others.
The session at GE Mall yesterday was quite ok. There were absolutely brilliant moments, but of course, there were some not so great parts when some within the group didn't get their act together.
Also saw Narnia in the morning. Quite good actually, liked it better than Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but thought that the beginning was a bit slow. The pace subsequently moves though, so it was better after that. The witch was particularly brilliant! She's the same actress who played one of the "angels" in Constantine. Definitely has a chilly demeanour, but the role suited her to perfection.
Was singing The First Noel during one of our carolling sessions:
"The First Noël" (sometimes "The First Nowell") is a traditional English Christmas carol, most likely from the 16th or 17th century, but possibly dating from as early as the 13th century. The word Nowell comes from the French word Noël for "Christmas", from the Latin word natalis ("birth").
Also sang others, like A Festive Madrigal (simplier version, and not the proper madrigal), Carol of the Bells (hence the Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!, Silver Bells, Whtie Christmas, as well as more traditional four-parters for Angels We Have Heard on High, O Come All Ye Faithfull, We Three Kings, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Away in a Manger, and many others.
The session at GE Mall yesterday was quite ok. There were absolutely brilliant moments, but of course, there were some not so great parts when some within the group didn't get their act together.
Also saw Narnia in the morning. Quite good actually, liked it better than Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but thought that the beginning was a bit slow. The pace subsequently moves though, so it was better after that. The witch was particularly brilliant! She's the same actress who played one of the "angels" in Constantine. Definitely has a chilly demeanour, but the role suited her to perfection.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Year end 2005
End of the year is coming. Thought that would be winding down at work, but seems to be the opposite. Have some new proposals to do up before end year for January's BoD meeting. Luckily, targets have been met. The fund I am managing has also achieved the year end target, but anything can happen before the end of the month. So, have turned defensive in my portfolio to maintain current position.
Socially, have some carolling gigs lined up. Will be singing in Great Eastern Mall on 10Dec, 11Dec and 18Dec. 1 hour slot each. Just had a call earlier on, and I think the group managed to confirm another gig. Not sure of details yet, but these paying gigs will help provide some extra pocket money for Christmas shopping! Will also be singing in an old folks home somewhere in PJ on 13Dec, but this will be for charity. Heard the group mentioned that we will also be bringing some essential items as gifts (i.e. rice, detergent, soap, etc) for the residents of the old folks home. There was also talks of carolling in one orphanage, but no details confirmed yet. It's been a while since I went carolling to orphanages and old folks home. Think the last time I went was with the local chuch choir a few years back. Needs organising, and that's the hard bit, as well as rehearsals to learn up the hymns properly. Still, I guess someone just needs to volunteer. In the current case, one of the group members suggested the idea, and took the initiative to call up the place to check and liase with the group for confirmation. Good for her! Tis the season to be merry, and always good to spread some cheer.
Socially, have some carolling gigs lined up. Will be singing in Great Eastern Mall on 10Dec, 11Dec and 18Dec. 1 hour slot each. Just had a call earlier on, and I think the group managed to confirm another gig. Not sure of details yet, but these paying gigs will help provide some extra pocket money for Christmas shopping! Will also be singing in an old folks home somewhere in PJ on 13Dec, but this will be for charity. Heard the group mentioned that we will also be bringing some essential items as gifts (i.e. rice, detergent, soap, etc) for the residents of the old folks home. There was also talks of carolling in one orphanage, but no details confirmed yet. It's been a while since I went carolling to orphanages and old folks home. Think the last time I went was with the local chuch choir a few years back. Needs organising, and that's the hard bit, as well as rehearsals to learn up the hymns properly. Still, I guess someone just needs to volunteer. In the current case, one of the group members suggested the idea, and took the initiative to call up the place to check and liase with the group for confirmation. Good for her! Tis the season to be merry, and always good to spread some cheer.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Happenings
Wow, been a while since I last updated. Quite a bit has happened, but has been too late to update, and sometimes not really up to it.
Just came back from Singapore today. Drove down (in a friend's car) on Friday night, after work (3 in the car). Quite rushed actually, and it was raining quite heavily in certain stretches. Got into Spore after midnight, and only checked into the RELC International Hotel at about 2am. Hotel room was quite basic (3 star), but comfortable. Quite reasonable at S$60 per room per night. However, location was not as strategic as Phoenix Hotel, in that had to walk a bit to the MRT or otherwise catch a cab.
Went down for an a capella camp held in the Republic Polytechnic, organised by the Acappella Society of Singapore. "The Idea of North" (Trish, Naomi, Nick, and Andrew) was there, to conduct certain sessions, as well as holding a charity concert in the National University of Singapore. Learnt quite a few new things about Acappella, experimented with different forms of singing the music. Also had a masterclass session with The Idea of North, where they critiqued The Wicked Pitches group, giving pointers here and there on how we can improve. The concert in the evening was quite good. Brought acappella singing to a whole new standard.
Was also in Spore two to three week's back for a holiday with some friends. Previous time I went down was for work, so had no real time to look around. This time, purposely went as "a tourist", and did the touristsy thing. Visited Sentosa, the Zoo, as well as the Night Safari. Sentosa was quite nice. Liked the orchid garden. Went on the Luge ride, and found out that the Msia Tourism thingy had a special package for Malaysian passport holders - show your passport, fill in a form, and get another 2 rides for Free!! So, there we went again for 2 more rides. Liked the zoo quite a bit, but didn't fancy the night safary. Over hyped I think.
Other than that, quite busy at work. Was analysing and proposing to buy some new bonds, as well as doing bits and pieces of reporting, and other internal stuff. Should be quiter in December (I hope!).
Now gearing for up for some carolling sessions, but not many gigs this year, so pocket money lesser. :(
What else has been happening? Oh, saw previews of "Memoirs of a Geisha", and sort of remembered my sister has the book. Finished reading it already. Quite ok, and interesting to read about the life of "Sayuri". Not sure if the movie will be good. Hopefully watchable.
Just came back from Singapore today. Drove down (in a friend's car) on Friday night, after work (3 in the car). Quite rushed actually, and it was raining quite heavily in certain stretches. Got into Spore after midnight, and only checked into the RELC International Hotel at about 2am. Hotel room was quite basic (3 star), but comfortable. Quite reasonable at S$60 per room per night. However, location was not as strategic as Phoenix Hotel, in that had to walk a bit to the MRT or otherwise catch a cab.
Went down for an a capella camp held in the Republic Polytechnic, organised by the Acappella Society of Singapore. "The Idea of North" (Trish, Naomi, Nick, and Andrew) was there, to conduct certain sessions, as well as holding a charity concert in the National University of Singapore. Learnt quite a few new things about Acappella, experimented with different forms of singing the music. Also had a masterclass session with The Idea of North, where they critiqued The Wicked Pitches group, giving pointers here and there on how we can improve. The concert in the evening was quite good. Brought acappella singing to a whole new standard.
Was also in Spore two to three week's back for a holiday with some friends. Previous time I went down was for work, so had no real time to look around. This time, purposely went as "a tourist", and did the touristsy thing. Visited Sentosa, the Zoo, as well as the Night Safari. Sentosa was quite nice. Liked the orchid garden. Went on the Luge ride, and found out that the Msia Tourism thingy had a special package for Malaysian passport holders - show your passport, fill in a form, and get another 2 rides for Free!! So, there we went again for 2 more rides. Liked the zoo quite a bit, but didn't fancy the night safary. Over hyped I think.
Other than that, quite busy at work. Was analysing and proposing to buy some new bonds, as well as doing bits and pieces of reporting, and other internal stuff. Should be quiter in December (I hope!).
Now gearing for up for some carolling sessions, but not many gigs this year, so pocket money lesser. :(
What else has been happening? Oh, saw previews of "Memoirs of a Geisha", and sort of remembered my sister has the book. Finished reading it already. Quite ok, and interesting to read about the life of "Sayuri". Not sure if the movie will be good. Hopefully watchable.
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