Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Joy Wins.
I am dead tired tonight as I couldn't sleep last night for whatever reason. Don't feel like playing games or guitar so here I am. Gonna knock out after this.
Been a relatively eventful two weeks so far. I shall attempt to recap whatever I can recap in my current state of mind.
Experienced my first graveyard shift on the 20th going on to 21st - t'was to deploy a new project into our system.
Bought Starbucks and McDonalds, on top of whatever that was available in the office, to last us through the night.
Of course, nothing ever goes according to plan - we were supposed to wrap up by 5am, but due to unforeseen circumstances, everything was only completed at around 830am. Reached home around 9am and knocked out intermittently until about 3pm, and spent the remainder of the day cleaning my room because I wanted to knock myself out for the night. Haha.
It was quite an experience, an awesome one, because I had two other colleagues with me. The fact that I was at the peak of my illness at that time made it even more.. interesting, to say the least. Definitely not gonna be my last, but the first one is always the one that is most memorable.
I was handed an invitation to the launch of the latest BMW 3-Series, codenamed the F30, on the 22nd of March. Yes, the day after, while I was still recovering from fatigue and illness.
The invitation was good for two, and I didn't feel like going with a guy (let's just be honest here - being single for this sorta thing just sucks), so I invited pretty much the only female BMW enthusiast I knew whom I felt would appreciate it.
Turned out to be a good decision because both of us had fun being part of an exclusive group of Malaysians who got first dibs on the F30 in the flesh :)
The F30 is a gorgeous piece of German engineering. I will own a BMW someday.
Bought tickets for Video Games Live happening on the 26th of May at Istana Budaya - the one and the same I attended back in 2010 is back, with new songs this time, of course.
Was determined to get the best tickets and not compromise this time around, so I did.
Hit my wallet pretty hard but I'm sure it's gonna be worth it.
I've also asked my friend to get me tickets for Avenged Sevenfold's concert happening on the 29th of April (I will never forget the significance of this date). Cheapest one though as I'm not a mega-fan; I like them just enough to be willing to pay to watch them.
While aimless surfing LYN's Trade Zone forum one day, I chanced upon a complete steal.
A 2008 Made in Korea ESP LTD EC-500 going for a ridiculously (relatively) low price.
Needless to say, I didn't have to think much before reserving it, and collected it the day after.
Specs are just what I've been looking for all this while - mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, EMG 81/60 combo, Gotoh tuners, Tune-o'-Matic bridge. Only thing is that it's a Les Paul shape instead of my favourite Explorer, but I can live with that. Playability is fantastic and does all my music well.
My two main guitars - an Ibanez RG320EX and the LTD EC-500.
Thinking of overhauling my guitar rig next, but I'll take it step by step.
Given my coincidental 'habit' of getting a new guitar once every four years, I reckon my next guitar will be an ESP Explorer. My life will be complete then. Or so I say now. Heh.
Really thank God that I made haste in reserving the guitar. The seller immediately got counter-offers offering much higher than the rate he quoted me, but in the end he still kept it for me. Really appreciated that, as I wouldn't blame him if he had let it go to someone else for a higher price.
A few days later, I saw a lower model than mine going for a higher price than what I paid for the EC-500.
Just a few more things off the list and I shall put a cap on my spending and focus on whatever that needs to be invested in. I hope.
On a random note, I really need to platinum my Final Fantasy XIII-2. Tales of Graces F and Prototype 2 are waiting for me.
That's all for now. I need sleep.
Been a relatively eventful two weeks so far. I shall attempt to recap whatever I can recap in my current state of mind.
Bought Starbucks and McDonalds, on top of whatever that was available in the office, to last us through the night.
Of course, nothing ever goes according to plan - we were supposed to wrap up by 5am, but due to unforeseen circumstances, everything was only completed at around 830am. Reached home around 9am and knocked out intermittently until about 3pm, and spent the remainder of the day cleaning my room because I wanted to knock myself out for the night. Haha.
It was quite an experience, an awesome one, because I had two other colleagues with me. The fact that I was at the peak of my illness at that time made it even more.. interesting, to say the least. Definitely not gonna be my last, but the first one is always the one that is most memorable.
I was handed an invitation to the launch of the latest BMW 3-Series, codenamed the F30, on the 22nd of March. Yes, the day after, while I was still recovering from fatigue and illness.
The invitation was good for two, and I didn't feel like going with a guy (let's just be honest here - being single for this sorta thing just sucks), so I invited pretty much the only female BMW enthusiast I knew whom I felt would appreciate it.
Turned out to be a good decision because both of us had fun being part of an exclusive group of Malaysians who got first dibs on the F30 in the flesh :)
The F30 is a gorgeous piece of German engineering. I will own a BMW someday.
Bought tickets for Video Games Live happening on the 26th of May at Istana Budaya - the one and the same I attended back in 2010 is back, with new songs this time, of course.
Was determined to get the best tickets and not compromise this time around, so I did.
Hit my wallet pretty hard but I'm sure it's gonna be worth it.
I've also asked my friend to get me tickets for Avenged Sevenfold's concert happening on the 29th of April (I will never forget the significance of this date). Cheapest one though as I'm not a mega-fan; I like them just enough to be willing to pay to watch them.
While aimless surfing LYN's Trade Zone forum one day, I chanced upon a complete steal.
A 2008 Made in Korea ESP LTD EC-500 going for a ridiculously (relatively) low price.
Needless to say, I didn't have to think much before reserving it, and collected it the day after.
Specs are just what I've been looking for all this while - mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, EMG 81/60 combo, Gotoh tuners, Tune-o'-Matic bridge. Only thing is that it's a Les Paul shape instead of my favourite Explorer, but I can live with that. Playability is fantastic and does all my music well.
My two main guitars - an Ibanez RG320EX and the LTD EC-500.
Thinking of overhauling my guitar rig next, but I'll take it step by step.
Given my coincidental 'habit' of getting a new guitar once every four years, I reckon my next guitar will be an ESP Explorer. My life will be complete then. Or so I say now. Heh.
Really thank God that I made haste in reserving the guitar. The seller immediately got counter-offers offering much higher than the rate he quoted me, but in the end he still kept it for me. Really appreciated that, as I wouldn't blame him if he had let it go to someone else for a higher price.
A few days later, I saw a lower model than mine going for a higher price than what I paid for the EC-500.
Just a few more things off the list and I shall put a cap on my spending and focus on whatever that needs to be invested in. I hope.
On a random note, I really need to platinum my Final Fantasy XIII-2. Tales of Graces F and Prototype 2 are waiting for me.
That's all for now. I need sleep.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Some things transcend time.
My answer will always be the same, no matter when, or how many times, you ask.
Yes.
Yes.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Purple and Green.
Time for a 'regular' entry in this space, i.e. something descriptive about my life; it's been awhile since I've written anything of the sort.
The month of February was a rather eventful one, but I'll just focus on whatever I can remember.
For the most part, I spent my free time playing Final Fantasy XIII-2.
This is the most money I've ever spent on a Final Fantasy - or any game - ever. I bought the regular edition, R1 Collector's Edition and Collector's Edition Guidebook. The Collector's Edition items were really worth it, the packaging and content are really drool-worthy. I partly regret unwrapping the R1 Collector's Edition, but other than that, I intend to leave it in relatively pristine condition.
As for the game itself, it's a much better effort compared to its prequel, although nowhere near the glory days of Final Fantasy still. I still enjoyed it tremendously though, save for the wtf-inducing (for lack of a better word) ending. Currently, with the guidebook's help, I'm trying to uncover all the secrets and undertake the game's massive amount of sidequests, which, unlike XIII, are more immersive than just battling.
Hope this will be the start of a revival for the series - this game is a step in the right direction.
Spent a fair bit of money on the trip too, but it was all worth it! Really needed the break.
Met up with Karyn before she left for Penang on Sunday, to start her career with a large multinational company in an industry she never expected to be in. We have an odd friendship dynamic, but I'm glad that despite everything that has changed about us, we still remain good friends and confidantes even after twelve years. Since she's a good two years younger than me, seeing her off to the start of her career really made me feel old haha.
Ryn, if you're reading this, may you get off to a flying start in your career. All the best! I'm sure you'll do well. Working life is an entirely different world from studying, make sure you're ready for that.
P/S: Don't forget my Alienware okay?
Aurelia is (was) back! 'Nuff said.
Another person that will make me feel old when she starts her career in August/September. She could've started around the same time as me, but decided to continue with postgraduate studies. Good lah, since she's also two years younger than me haha.
Pity didn't get to see her again before she left though. Oh well, she'll be back in another 5 months anyway - for good this time, I hope.
Incidentally, this is the most picturesque entry my blog has received / will be getting in quite some time heh.
Been feeling a little unsettled as of late - that nagging feeling of loneliness. I think I need some spiritual guidance. Been single for far too long, I think. Haha.
Every time we have a conversation, I think of the possibilities if we were to integrate the best parts of the past - which are amazingly still intact until today - with our maturity from the present. What I wouldn't do or give for just a little bit of hope. Having said that, I'm not holding my breath. I will not let the past hold me back from a future - even if that future is one without you.
As I've always said, come what may.
Need to go to sleep. Massive project tomorrow - will be up for 24 hours.
The month of February was a rather eventful one, but I'll just focus on whatever I can remember.
For the most part, I spent my free time playing Final Fantasy XIII-2.
This is the most money I've ever spent on a Final Fantasy - or any game - ever. I bought the regular edition, R1 Collector's Edition and Collector's Edition Guidebook. The Collector's Edition items were really worth it, the packaging and content are really drool-worthy. I partly regret unwrapping the R1 Collector's Edition, but other than that, I intend to leave it in relatively pristine condition.
As for the game itself, it's a much better effort compared to its prequel, although nowhere near the glory days of Final Fantasy still. I still enjoyed it tremendously though, save for the wtf-inducing (for lack of a better word) ending. Currently, with the guidebook's help, I'm trying to uncover all the secrets and undertake the game's massive amount of sidequests, which, unlike XIII, are more immersive than just battling.
Hope this will be the start of a revival for the series - this game is a step in the right direction.
Was in Singapore for three days to catch Lamb of God + Judas Priest. Have never been much of a fan of Lamb of God, so my cousin and I just sat behind during their set. Oh yeah, we actually arrived at 5pm just to get these t-shirts before the gate opened - every batch that was brought out were promptly sold out, so we were so glad we made the effort to come early.
Judas Priest, however, was in an entirely different league together. It's hard to imagine that the band has been together for 40 years already - the music, the energy and the showmanship beat the crap out of everything this generation has to offer. Their dressing during the gig was a throwback to the 70s - bright red tights, leather jackets, etc - but they're the only ones that can pull it off in this day and age while still looking badass!
I can say so much more - from the awesome budget hotel having walls so thin, I actually heard a couple moaning at 1030pm, but other than that, their service was nothing short of excellent, to my little adventure in a Filipino pseudo-"shanty town" while dealing with a frustrating ticketing scenario - but I'm a little tired to elaborate. Needless to say, I lost my voice that night, and my body continued to ache for another two days.
Met up with Karyn before she left for Penang on Sunday, to start her career with a large multinational company in an industry she never expected to be in. We have an odd friendship dynamic, but I'm glad that despite everything that has changed about us, we still remain good friends and confidantes even after twelve years. Since she's a good two years younger than me, seeing her off to the start of her career really made me feel old haha.
Ryn, if you're reading this, may you get off to a flying start in your career. All the best! I'm sure you'll do well. Working life is an entirely different world from studying, make sure you're ready for that.
P/S: Don't forget my Alienware okay?
Aurelia is (was) back! 'Nuff said.
Another person that will make me feel old when she starts her career in August/September. She could've started around the same time as me, but decided to continue with postgraduate studies. Good lah, since she's also two years younger than me haha.
Pity didn't get to see her again before she left though. Oh well, she'll be back in another 5 months anyway - for good this time, I hope.
Incidentally, this is the most picturesque entry my blog has received / will be getting in quite some time heh.
Been feeling a little unsettled as of late - that nagging feeling of loneliness. I think I need some spiritual guidance. Been single for far too long, I think. Haha.
Every time we have a conversation, I think of the possibilities if we were to integrate the best parts of the past - which are amazingly still intact until today - with our maturity from the present. What I wouldn't do or give for just a little bit of hope. Having said that, I'm not holding my breath. I will not let the past hold me back from a future - even if that future is one without you.
As I've always said, come what may.
Need to go to sleep. Massive project tomorrow - will be up for 24 hours.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Night Crawler.
On a night where I have nobody to talk to, I am turning to this space once again. Sorry blog, I've been really busy.
Haven't been feeling very satisfied with myself lately.
Heightened expectations have been placed and I don't feel that I'm meeting them. I feel that I'm just not good enough.
Several disappointments that are eating into me no matter how much I try to keep them off my mind.
Sometimes I feel that I am growing too old, too fast, for my own good - the same traits which I have accepted a long time ago are starting to annoy me, as my perspective on things have changed.
Jetting off to Singapore tomorrow for a few days; going for Lamb of God + Judas Priest's concert on Monday night. I need the break.
Hopefully, when I return, I will stop feeling so jaded and cynical, and get my desire and hunger back.
Haven't been feeling very satisfied with myself lately.
Heightened expectations have been placed and I don't feel that I'm meeting them. I feel that I'm just not good enough.
Several disappointments that are eating into me no matter how much I try to keep them off my mind.
Sometimes I feel that I am growing too old, too fast, for my own good - the same traits which I have accepted a long time ago are starting to annoy me, as my perspective on things have changed.
Jetting off to Singapore tomorrow for a few days; going for Lamb of God + Judas Priest's concert on Monday night. I need the break.
Hopefully, when I return, I will stop feeling so jaded and cynical, and get my desire and hunger back.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011 Retrospective.
I wanted to redesign the blog and write this entry before 2011 ended, but due to some last-minute plans, I had to postpone it to today.
Looking back at the year that has just left us, 2011 has been a year of transition, progress and stability for me.
Transition
I officially graduated from undergraduate life and moved on to working life in 2011. Wrapping up the last bits of my degree course that I would spend time in university in from January to March was a hectic yet memorable journey. Deciding to complete my Final Year Project in a record time of one short semester was the biggest and rewarding gamble I had ever taken throughout my student life. However, it wouldn't have been possible without the support of probably the only true friend I made in university life.
Sometime in February, I managed to secure an internship - which was my final semester, with a company that I would have never expected to be able to make the cut. Everything went better than expected, as I really enjoyed the experience, and the company subsequently became my first employer and I am having the time of life there. My longtime childhood friend, Shao Min, deserves the credit for this; without her persistence and encouragement in getting me to apply, the thought would've always been rubbished from my mind. Thank you, old friend, if you're reading this.
Moving on to friendship, Aurelia, Amanda and Elaine were my strongest emotional support network for the past five years or so. They have consistently been there for me, sharing my happiness on brighter days, and supporting me throughout the darker ones. However, this year, all three of them pursued the next phase of their lives overseas, starting with Elaine in May, followed by Aurelia in July, and ending with Amanda in December. While I am truly happy for them, I have to admit that I am still trying to adapt to their absence. All the best, the three of you, if you're reading this.
It is also worth noting that I attended two friends' weddings and a friend's engagement in 2011. While not a personal transition, this serves as a reminder that despite me not rushing to get married anytime soon, I am at the stage of life whereby these things are starting to get taken into consideration.
Progress
This section may sound a little conceited so please bear with me.
My mentality and outlook on life have changed significantly since I started working. Yes, I have my vulnerable moments, but I am no longer the obsessively overthinking person I once was, even if I do tend to overthink, I have gotten better at suppressing it. When I get back from work, I am often too tired to bother with things that upset me; instead, I focus on things that make me relaxed or happy, e.g. music, reading, gaming or just chatting with my favourite people. This has done wonders in calming my temperament. I have also started to see things from another perspective, which has led to a little bit of conflict of interest between myself and certain people, which needs some sorting out.
I am also going to be honest and say that I enjoy work more than my student life. Throughout my university, I never had the feeling of belonging. For better or worse, pretty much everything about me differed from my coursemates. Mutual respect and general friendship exists, of course, but it was at a very impersonal level - just enough to get along. Having said that, I would like to stress that there's nothing wrong with my coursemates, and maybe it's just me. Once I started working, though, I met a bunch of people that I could really get along with, professionally and personally, and started to feel truly happy and fulfilled in both counts. Without a doubt, work is challenging, but the wonderful environment I am in makes things so much better.
[Generic] Starting work also exposed me to real-world application of the knowledge gained in university, and I am fascinated to see everything cascading into a significant business until this day. [/Generic] My career has also gotten off to a pretty good start, and I was promoted - for the lack of a better word - to a more technical role three (or six, depending on when you start counting) months into the job. At the moment, I am still adapting, but I believe that things can only go up from here. Recently, I was also called to be a guest speaker at a workshop for university students, and that experience provided me with a completely different outlook on things. I'm truly excited to see how things will go this year.
Finally started playing sports again as well, woots!
Stability
Frankly speaking, it has been quite some time since I felt really at peace and comfortable with myself.
For these past few years, I have been dealing with emotional problems pertaining to the matters of the heart (what else?) rather extensively, and in certain moments of insanity and loss of self-control, I did things that had pretty massive consequences on myself and the people around me. I lost a few friends as a result and I regret it to this very day. I can only hope that I can make amends one of these days.
In 2011, save for a brief period whereby I was a little confused between caring as a friend and as a potential partner (and drifted apart from a friend as a result), alhamdulillah, I have been free from any sort of love life emotional turbulence. Quite the opposite has happened last (nearly typed this) year in fact; I actually managed to feel truly smitten - an emotion that has eluded me since 2008. Truly, beautiful things happen when you least expect them. I have no idea how far things can go though, but I am trying, and hopefully 2012 will give me an answer to that.
Thank God for a stable career as well.
That pretty much sums up the reflection aspect on my 2011.
I don't usually do this, but since I've done a fair bit of things last year, I'd like to list the breakdown of events throughout 2011 by month, as far as my memory allows..
[January 2011]
Looking back at the year that has just left us, 2011 has been a year of transition, progress and stability for me.
Transition
I officially graduated from undergraduate life and moved on to working life in 2011. Wrapping up the last bits of my degree course that I would spend time in university in from January to March was a hectic yet memorable journey. Deciding to complete my Final Year Project in a record time of one short semester was the biggest and rewarding gamble I had ever taken throughout my student life. However, it wouldn't have been possible without the support of probably the only true friend I made in university life.
Sometime in February, I managed to secure an internship - which was my final semester, with a company that I would have never expected to be able to make the cut. Everything went better than expected, as I really enjoyed the experience, and the company subsequently became my first employer and I am having the time of life there. My longtime childhood friend, Shao Min, deserves the credit for this; without her persistence and encouragement in getting me to apply, the thought would've always been rubbished from my mind. Thank you, old friend, if you're reading this.
Moving on to friendship, Aurelia, Amanda and Elaine were my strongest emotional support network for the past five years or so. They have consistently been there for me, sharing my happiness on brighter days, and supporting me throughout the darker ones. However, this year, all three of them pursued the next phase of their lives overseas, starting with Elaine in May, followed by Aurelia in July, and ending with Amanda in December. While I am truly happy for them, I have to admit that I am still trying to adapt to their absence. All the best, the three of you, if you're reading this.
It is also worth noting that I attended two friends' weddings and a friend's engagement in 2011. While not a personal transition, this serves as a reminder that despite me not rushing to get married anytime soon, I am at the stage of life whereby these things are starting to get taken into consideration.
Progress
This section may sound a little conceited so please bear with me.
My mentality and outlook on life have changed significantly since I started working. Yes, I have my vulnerable moments, but I am no longer the obsessively overthinking person I once was, even if I do tend to overthink, I have gotten better at suppressing it. When I get back from work, I am often too tired to bother with things that upset me; instead, I focus on things that make me relaxed or happy, e.g. music, reading, gaming or just chatting with my favourite people. This has done wonders in calming my temperament. I have also started to see things from another perspective, which has led to a little bit of conflict of interest between myself and certain people, which needs some sorting out.
I am also going to be honest and say that I enjoy work more than my student life. Throughout my university, I never had the feeling of belonging. For better or worse, pretty much everything about me differed from my coursemates. Mutual respect and general friendship exists, of course, but it was at a very impersonal level - just enough to get along. Having said that, I would like to stress that there's nothing wrong with my coursemates, and maybe it's just me. Once I started working, though, I met a bunch of people that I could really get along with, professionally and personally, and started to feel truly happy and fulfilled in both counts. Without a doubt, work is challenging, but the wonderful environment I am in makes things so much better.
[Generic] Starting work also exposed me to real-world application of the knowledge gained in university, and I am fascinated to see everything cascading into a significant business until this day. [/Generic] My career has also gotten off to a pretty good start, and I was promoted - for the lack of a better word - to a more technical role three (or six, depending on when you start counting) months into the job. At the moment, I am still adapting, but I believe that things can only go up from here. Recently, I was also called to be a guest speaker at a workshop for university students, and that experience provided me with a completely different outlook on things. I'm truly excited to see how things will go this year.
Finally started playing sports again as well, woots!
Stability
Frankly speaking, it has been quite some time since I felt really at peace and comfortable with myself.
For these past few years, I have been dealing with emotional problems pertaining to the matters of the heart (what else?) rather extensively, and in certain moments of insanity and loss of self-control, I did things that had pretty massive consequences on myself and the people around me. I lost a few friends as a result and I regret it to this very day. I can only hope that I can make amends one of these days.
In 2011, save for a brief period whereby I was a little confused between caring as a friend and as a potential partner (and drifted apart from a friend as a result), alhamdulillah, I have been free from any sort of love life emotional turbulence. Quite the opposite has happened last (nearly typed this) year in fact; I actually managed to feel truly smitten - an emotion that has eluded me since 2008. Truly, beautiful things happen when you least expect them. I have no idea how far things can go though, but I am trying, and hopefully 2012 will give me an answer to that.
Thank God for a stable career as well.
That pretty much sums up the reflection aspect on my 2011.
I don't usually do this, but since I've done a fair bit of things last year, I'd like to list the breakdown of events throughout 2011 by month, as far as my memory allows..
[January 2011]
- Met someone whom Aurelia has been wanting me to meet for the longest time
- Started my final semester in university, and second last of my degree. Final Year Project took precedence over everything else
[February 2011]
- Went to Singapore with the KR family to catch Iron Maiden in action
- Secured my internship
- Finished my Final Year Project
[March 2011]
- Two friends got married on the same day
- Went to Langkawi after final exams with my family
[April 2011]
- Started internship
[May 2011]
- Elaine left to Singapore to pursue her career
[June 2011]
- Offered a full-time job in the company of internship, committed my first serious mistake on the same week
- Finished internship on the 30th
[July 2011]
- Started my career on the 12th - took medical leave the next day
- Internship results came out - I officially became a graduate!
- Caught the Arsenal training session and Arsenal vs Malaysia
- Caught the Malaysia vs Singapore World Cup Qualifier at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, where Malaysia lost
- Aurelia left to Australia to pursue her Masters
- Attended my first company annual dinner - I actually dressed up to the theme!
[August 2011]
- First fasting experience in the office
- Bought a Sony Bravia 32CX520 TV for my room
- THE 8-2 game
[September 2011]
- First Hari Raya where I started to give out duit raya instead of receiving; felt really good to see my nephews and nieces happy and surprised
- A friend came back for a one-month break, went on three dates (or "dates", for fear of getting ahead of myself), felt smitten after the first one
- First birthday celebration in the office
- Said friend left a few days after my birthday
[October 2011]
- Moved to Technical from Operations
- Convocation - I am now officially a BSc (Hons) Information Technology (Computer Science) with second-class upper honours holder!
[November 2011]
- Sent out a birthday surprise to somebody, only to ruin it myself by being impatient and spilling the beans two days before it arrived
- Bought my first home theater system, a Yamaha YAS-101
[December 2011]
- Bought a Samsung Galaxy Nexus and tickets to catch Judas Priest in Singapore in February 2012
- Amanda left to Australia to pursue her Masters
This ends my 2011 retrospective. Stay tuned for 2012's resolutions and expectations soon, if I get down to writing them here.
N.B. This super long entry took two hours to write. Oh well!
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