tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64009822024-03-14T19:00:50.996+08:00Riding the MellowYou think you know what's to come, what you are. You haven't even begun...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.comBlogger875125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-23649661954932497152012-09-03T00:47:00.002+08:002012-09-03T00:47:33.831+08:00Turning JapaneseIt is very likely that I will be taking my JLPT this year. Probably in KL, there are very strong rumours that a band I follow will be playing the day before the exam. Even without these rumours, I will probably still go to KL. I have friends there. It'll be nice to hang out.<br />
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I need a break anyway.<br />
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I've just updated my Japanese blog. I do it once a week. I promised my Japanese teacher that I will present her a journal entry every class so that's why I do it. It's ok but it's still very hard for me to do. Thinking in Japanese is still kinda hard. I really do want to become fluent so I really hope this will work.<br />
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There is no other way for me to practise in a real life situation. I need more opportunities to use Japanese, preferably in a real situation. Class is ok but it's only 90 minutes a week. Hardly enough.<br />
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I wish there were more hours in the day. Look at the time now. I have to work tomorrow.<br />
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Speaking of work, big event next week. I will be working on Sunday. Not really looking forward to it but the extra money will come in handy.<br />
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Overall, this year's been pretty good so far. I really hope it will end well, now that the final quarter has started.<br />
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Some time ago, I consciously decided to further reduce the potential for drama in my daily life. It's been working. It's unfortunate but there are certain types of people who are best avoided. Not to be antisocial or anything but some people are best kept at arms' length. Troublesome people are only worth the trouble when they mean something.<br />
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I suddenly wish I was this clinical years ago. Could've saved myself (and my friends) a lot of headache.<br />
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Gosh, look at the time!<br />
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Oyasumi!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-90226371785384257892012-07-30T00:33:00.000+08:002012-07-30T00:33:00.876+08:00A ChallengeIt's still quite hard.<br />
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I just updated my Japanese blog. I still find it hard to blog and think in Japanese. I know quite a lot of grammar, my vocab has gotten better but still...<br />
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I suppose there really is no other way to learn a language besides constant repetition and practice.<br />
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Learning a language, this is something that most of us never really think about and probably take for granted, having learnt all the languages we know from childhood through the natural ways.<br />
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When you're an adult, it's quite different. This I now know.<br />
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Months ago, I stated on my FB wall that my attitudes towards people with poor English have softened. It really has. If you don't learn it from childhood and in school it really can be a major challenge, especially if you have no environment to immerse yourself into.<br />
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Immersion. I wish there were more Japanese people around here for me to talk to. Without this, it will take sheer brute force to improve.<br />
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I took up Japanese to challenge myself and to figure out if Ole Rusty here in my head is still functioning. It still works, that much I know at the moment.<br />
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But I admit, I never realized the magnitude of the actual challenge. To be fair I set the bar pretty high but still, a bigger challenge than I could imagine.<br />
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And I haven't even talked about studying kanji yet! I do want to though, really I do. I know some already and it has opened up a whole new world, mentally speaking.<br />
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It's a major challenge. But I've also come to really relish the experience. It's fun and it's been helpful in so many ways.<br />
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I hope I get better at it and not disappoint my teacher. And maybe, I can help her improve her English along the way.<br />
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It's the least I can do for her, she's been great. They all have been, really.<br />
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Time for bed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-41291724081711992212012-07-25T23:26:00.000+08:002012-07-25T23:27:16.969+08:00RestartOops. I guess I still can't find the drama needed for good posting.<br />
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I'm thinking about creating another blog strictly for Japanese practice. I might even do it tonight.<br />
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Lately, I've been really going at it. It's a big, big challenge. It's gotten to that point where the novelty has worn off and it's all serious work. I have to remind myself to back off a bit and enjoy the experience.<br />
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I have enjoyed it up to this point. Being crap at something isn't usually something to be happy about but in this case, I think it's a good personal experience.<br />
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I'm really crap at it. My Japanese sucks, much worse than my guitar playing :-p<br />
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I sometimes worry that I might piss my teacher off with my apparent inability to progress. There IS progress to be fair. Just not fast enough for my taste.<br />
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Well, one has to start from somewhere I guess.<br />
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Now, how would I rewrite all this in Japanese?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-72386163719521302482012-05-04T13:14:00.000+08:002012-05-04T13:16:53.713+08:00Checking InWow. It's been more than 1 year! Talk about procrastinating.<br />
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So many things have changed ne? The interface looks different. I'm going to have to re-explore everything again..<br />
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Anyway, just checking in. Not unlike a land owner going back to kampung to check on a piece of abandoned land, overgrown with weeds and random wild fruit trees.<br />
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So many things have changed...<br />
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So, hello again world!<br />
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And should I change the theme? It's kinda boring at the moment...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-40282893622077793172011-04-27T10:55:00.003+08:002011-04-27T11:06:35.381+08:00Quarterly?No we haven't closed down.<br /><br />This blog is fast becoming some sort of quarterly publication at this rate. I admit. The desire to blog these days is not very strong anymore. Which is unfortunate.<br /><br />I've been finding myself being pressed for time these days. There's stuff like Twitter and Facebook, guitar playing, hanging out with friends. There's too much to do suddenly. Or maybe the days are getting shorter? Technically, they are since that big Tohoku earthquake last month. What was it? 0.8 seconds or something.<br /><br />I don't even have time for gaming much these days. Oh yes, then there's Japanese.<br /><br />I've started a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JLPT">JLPT</a> course. Classes are on Monday. It's tough but I like it. It's sort of strange to enroll in something purely out of interest. I remember a time when sitting for a double period would bore me out of my skull.<br /><br />Things are progressing well. I can read kana now. It's really cool to be able to read an entirely different alphabet.<br /><br />Our instructor is quite nice. Hiroshima native. One of the draws of the course was the idea of being taught by a native speaker. Of course, there's the cert itself.<br /><br />Talking about courses, I've been thinking about taking drum lessons too. But I think I'm going to KIV that one for now. Too many things on my plate at the moment.<br /><br />Lately I've been thinking about time and how it suddenly seems to pass by so fast. Then I think about that time before the cure, before being "normal". Being clinically depressed was a blight in my history and to be honest, I regret not dealing with it any sooner. How things could have been different?<br /><br />Alas, the damage is done. At least life is quite steady now. Things aren't perfect but they'll never be would they? I'm old enough to know that.<br /><br />So until my next quarterly update...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-5197494864235410552011-02-28T11:26:00.001+08:002011-02-28T11:26:50.026+08:00February UpdateBlogging from phone again. I've had this phone for a month now. I come from a time before internet, a time when public phones were cutting edge, when u had to arrange meetings with friends a day in advance. <br/> <br/> I know how it works but the idea that can do so much on a phone is amazing.. <br/> <br/> So, what's been happening in February? <br/> <br/> There was CNY. I went fo just one house so nothing much to say there. <br/> <br/> I've been jamming with the guys. It'a great but we're not very good yet. My guitar playing has gotten better. But I'm still nof very happy with it. <br/> <br/> So much I need to learn. <br/> <br/> If I could I want to get myself a bass guitar and a drum kit. I like playing thise too.. <br/> <br/> I guess that's it. There isn't enough drama and angst these days to use as blog fodder. Still don't want to blog about politics or current events or other people. <br/> <br/> Ok, later then..<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-55389849466743276752011-02-07T09:26:00.003+08:002011-02-07T09:44:02.779+08:00AndroidThis is probably the longest gap between posts ever. As usual, not much to rant about these days.<br /><br />I'm quite zen-like these days. It's not that life is better. Make no mistake, it still sucks.<br /><br />But it's really not so bad. Anyway, I bought a Garmin-Asus Android phone. It's awesome. I've been meaning to get a smart phone and the CNY sales period gave me the chance.It's mine boggling. It's phone. And it's a tiny computer at the same time. And I can install stuff on it!<br /><br />I sound like this because I'm old and I remember phones that did nothing but call and text and tell you the date and the time.So yes, I'm enjoying it.<br /><br />I also jammed yesterday. Been doing that for awhile now. Yesterday we didn't know what to play so we improv'd. I conjured up some lines on my guitar and it actually sounded like music.All that scale practice is paying off! To actually hear it is pretty cool.<br /><br />So now I must keep working on technique, speed and stamina. And here I thought I had hit a wall again..I guess that's it for now. No that I can do this on a phone, I suppose I could update more often.<br /><br />Short updates though. The tiny keyboard's a real bitch to type on..Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-13094582817150402702010-12-31T17:13:00.002+08:002010-12-31T17:18:46.709+08:00SundownLast entry for this year. So how was it?<br /><br />It was better than last year. No huge disasters. Nothing to complain about. Hence the inactive blog. Maybe I should think about changing it's purpose from a toxic waste dump to a happier place? I could if I cared enough. I guess.<br /><br />I took up guitar playing again. I'm really doing it now and in 2 months have progressed more than the other 20 years that I've been playing. I still have a long way to go though before I'm satisfied. There are many things I still can't do.<br /><br />What about next year? More games and music to look forward to!<br /><br />I also think that there will be another fork in the road just ahead. I hope so anyway. I still want to change a few things. I hope the moment hasn't passed me yet.<br /><br />Well, there you go. Happy New Year then.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-22744835234624770142010-11-30T22:54:00.002+08:002010-11-30T23:03:07.652+08:00Almost OverHello,<br /><br />I thought I'd post an update before the month is out. Which is in about 1hr and 5 minutes. Then December will be upon us.<br /><br />Shock horror. I've almost stopped gaming completely. Despite having games, somehow something happened and I've not been playing.<br /><br />Sometime earlier this month, I've decided to play guitar again. Lots of guitars in the house now. And I've also decided to really, really get into it. Which means I'm learning theory as well.<br /><br />I've been playing the damn instrument for 21 years and I still suck at it. I would like to get much, much better at it. My actual target is pretty high. I give myself one year to do it.<br /><br />I'm also contemplating buying another electric guitar but to be honest it's hard to justify that right now. I'm not in a band and as much as I'd love to be in one again, it's not likely to happen.<br /><br />Anyway, life is pretty good because of all the music related stuff. I've discovered new and excellent music (and musicians) from a scene I hardly cared about before and it's been very interesting.<br /><br />Music has awaken other interests as well. I hope this is a sign, a good sign of things.<br /><br />The year is almost gone and it's turning out better than last year. I hope it ends on a high.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-58097314446797582852010-11-01T15:06:00.003+08:002010-11-01T15:18:03.452+08:00November Already?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGO7kjZLynV-Ee01bBFsuYC5ZtMfKOT3vj7ax7LzPIAJQJjVqfrGKRBibZ_1-vfm-9_jhfXoJlDdmibfVHNpK2Cozb22GreRi-R3LQbUKRk78ja9MyukXoOu6ARFGFertEAy0Ew/s1600/ScandalPress2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGO7kjZLynV-Ee01bBFsuYC5ZtMfKOT3vj7ax7LzPIAJQJjVqfrGKRBibZ_1-vfm-9_jhfXoJlDdmibfVHNpK2Cozb22GreRi-R3LQbUKRk78ja9MyukXoOu6ARFGFertEAy0Ew/s400/ScandalPress2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534474941899790354" border="0" /></a><br />Quite a few things happened recently. I've been meaning to update this blog but there's just too many things occupying my time.<br /><br />I opened a Twitter account. Originally for work but it turned out to be more useful than I thought it would be.<br /><br />I discovered new music. A very, very good <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandal_%28Japanese_band%29">Jpop/Rock outfit</a>. I've not been this excited about a band since the early 90s. Makes one feel young again.<br /><br />I've decided to music again. I discovered my brother's gotten hold of an acoustic bass. So now, we have 1 bass guitar, 1 electric guitar and 3 acoustic guitars. It's fun again. I'm rusty as hell but it's all coming back. Maybe I'll even get better than I ever was.<br /><br />I'm even contemplating buying a new electric guitar again.<br /><br />All of a sudden I have a lot of things to do. This doesn't include gaming even. Fallout New Vegas came out. So did Medal of Honor. Soon, Call of Duty Black Ops and FM2011 will come out.<br /><br />I don't know if I have any time to play any of these.<br /><br />I played Uncharted Waters online recently. But I don't have time to play it anymore.<br /><br />It's been a pretty good month. New activity breathes new life. It's been quite a contrast from last year.<br /><br />I feel pretty good suddenly. I hope the year will end well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-70227807312398755462010-10-08T10:42:00.002+08:002010-10-08T11:01:22.178+08:00Dreams and No DreamsYes, I live. I haven't been swallowed up by the earth. Or other things on the internet. I came very close though.<br /><br />I recently opened a Twitter account. I don't use it much. It's for research for work. I've also been researching stuff on Facebook.<br /><br />The main thing that happened recently that's threatening to engulf my free time is <a href="http://global.netmarble.com/uwo/main.asp">this</a>.<br /><br />Many, many, many years ago while we were in college and playing games such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncharted_Waters">this</a>, we talked about how awesome it would be if there was a version of it which would allow multiplayer. Of course, this was during the days before the internet so we had no idea what an MMO would be.<br /><br />Well, fast forward more than a decade later and lo and behold, one of my favourite games of all time has evolved into an MMO. A free to play one at that.<br /><br />Now whenever I log in and sail out of port memory still strikes me and I marvel at how far the game has changed. It's like reliving a childhood memory but with improved graphics, multiplayer and better gameplay.<br /><br />So there, I have become a victim of another MMO. An MMO that until recently was in the realm of wishful thinking.<br /><br />Speaking of dreams, a few weeks ago I was driving when a thought struck me.<br /><br />Everyone has ambitions right? I remember I had some. Then while I was driving, I wondered what is mine now. That become a very vexing question for awhile. What IS my current ambition and aim in life?<br /><br />I have come to accept the fact that perhaps, I have none at the moment. All the things I want to do currently are all short term or trivial or routine.<br /><br />Having no ambition isn't so bad actually. It makes me sound like I'm drifting aimlessly through life like so much flotsam tossed about by the waves. Maybe I am sort of aimless.<br /><br />Funny how that doesn't bother me at all. I'm happy enough and that is good enough for now.<br /><br />I guess if people push me for a so-called ambition it would be to be contented and satisfied at my life.<br /><br />So far, I have no complaints. Hence the near total lack of blog posts.<br /><br />In yet more news, notice I didn't post anything on or around the 16th. That is because Malaysia Day is finally a public holiday and people are finally wondering what the big fuss was all about (especially people in the Peninsula).<br /><br />I'm pleased with this new development. It's not everything but it's a start and it's as good a start as any.<br /><br />Well, that's it for now. Perhaps in a months time there will be more to write about. Or I could write about sailing the ocean in my virtual caravel.<br /><br />Until then.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-55208678760014491952010-09-01T17:01:00.001+08:002010-09-01T17:03:29.335+08:00PerspectiveOops.<br /><br />Only 1 post in August. Well yeah.<br /><br />Anyway, around this time I usually write something pithy about National Day and how it should be 47 instead of 53. Then I go on and on about the reasons why it should be so.<br /><br />I'm not going to bother this year.<br /><br />The people who know me already know how I feel about this and people who don't know can look up my older posts.<br /><br />I'm not going to annoy myself by explaining why. Besides, a soapbox is only good when you have readers. And why wouldn't that be true. No one wants to follow a blog that's updated once a month anyway.<br /><br />Anyway..<br /><br />I went shopping the last few days. Finding good footwear is incredibly difficult when you're looking for something specific. I did end up buying something but it wasn't exactly what I really wanted.<br /><br />At least it was cheap.<br /><br />I cleared one credit card this month. I used a loan which uses my insurance policies as collateral. Low interest, flexible payment schedule, easy approval. Too bad the amount I qualified for wasn't very big.<br /><br />But it helps anyhow and I should be feeling a bit more comfortable the next few months.<br /><br />Comfort. One of the small things to be grateful for. As deathly quiet and lonely things get, I've been in worse places. I try to keep the perspective even as I read status updates and look at pictures of people doing and having things I failed to get.<br /><br />Life is a sport. Unfortunately not everyone can turn pro.<br /><br />It's hard to accept this sometimes. But I must remember that perspective.<br /><br />Till next post.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-78062255350484067592010-08-16T14:55:00.003+08:002010-08-16T15:09:42.633+08:00Return To Azeroth?While hanging out this week, one topic that kept creeping up was MMOs. World of Warcraft in particular. I used to play WoW. A few days ago, I checked and my last log in was July 2007. A little over 3 years ago.<br /><br />One of our friends recently started the 10-day trial.<br /><br />I was please to discover that my account was still alive albeit suspended pending renewal of subscription. I'm actually contemplating going back. Not so soon though, still have some loose ends to handle.<br /><br />Speaking of which, today I cleared a credit card. Luckily I managed to secure a small loan and much lower interest to pay off the balance. This will help a lot.<br /><br />Feels kinda good to do something about that.<br /><br />In other news, life is still like that. It seems that one of the jobs i applied for is a no go and to be honest, things don't look good elsewhere too. I guess I'll have to be content.<br /><br />I do have some small graces to be thankful for. But still, there's that realization that these too will pass. People grow older and grow apart and each of us will move on. Some will succeed and some others will not.<br /><br />Success.<br /><br />Is there an end to that? Experience tells me that there is no happily ever after even though this is what we yearn for.<br /><br />Sometimes, I look at the future and it looks really... empty. As in I"ll be alone there.<br /><br />It's not good to be so negative but I have to ready myself for that eventuality. To be honest, the more time passes the less likely things will turn out differently. I remember myself being 17 and being so optimistic about life. It was so simple and I was such a good student. There was no way I could fail.<br /><br />Funny how that worked out in the end.<br /><br />I do ask myself where did it all go wrong? I'd like to know if it's at all possible, where in the past was the turning point? Were there many or was there one big decision that changed everything? Did I make a wrong turn somewhere and ended up here? Turn a different corner and who knows who I might have met.<br /><br />I guess I'll never really know.<br /><br />Until my next post, that is all I have. Perhaps there will be some sort of answer then.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-67353859651628661182010-07-20T12:01:00.002+08:002010-07-20T12:08:30.999+08:002nd Post for JulyI ran across an article the other day, something about if Twitter and Facebook are blog killers. I think they are.<br /><br />I notice that my blog isn't the only one that doesn't get updated much. I used to blog to express things at a moments notice. I never plan any posts. All of it was spontaneous.<br /><br />Then I opened a Facebook account. The status updates covered the need for mind vomit microposting and the friends list covered the need for an audience.<br /><br />I currently don't have the need to open a Twitter account yet. Maybe I should, if only to book some cyber real estate using my preffered username.<br /><br />Anyway, this blog is not getting shut down. Who knows, I might need to write something really long winded and I can't write them on Facebook because people know who I am there.<br /><br />I guess the one thing this blog still provides one thing that Facebook can't. Anonymity. I could bitch about work here. I haven't had the need for it yet though.<br /><br />I also keep my favourite links here so it's still useful like that.<br /><br />I've been watching How I Met Your Mother lately. What an awesome show. I love it. Many reasons. I also like how it makes me think about my own life.<br /><br />Maybe that's one possible subject for a long winded post?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-80084128901960617752010-07-06T07:16:00.001+08:002010-07-06T07:18:50.355+08:00A Nice WeekendWe went to Rambungan last weekend. It was great. I think going away from town every now and then is a great idea. A nice way to break the monotony.<br /><br />Monotony. That's a good word to describe what life is currently.<br /><br />There's still a lot of football playing on TV. And still very little drama to write about.<br /><br />No news on job hunt. I hope I hear something soon.<br /><br />Other than this, nothing worth writing about.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-32511426479936320092010-06-21T13:57:00.003+08:002010-06-21T14:06:56.841+08:00Football MonthThere is no time to blog at all. Even less than usual.<br /><br />I signed up for the Astro Sports Package just to watch the World Cup. It's been great so far. I've watched more games on TV than I've watched the rest of the year.<br /><br />Actually, there's a lot of football related stuff to talk about. About how the French and English are sucking. And how USA, ROK and Japan are getting better. And how some managers have gotten their tactics wrong. And the heroics of New Zealand! And DPR Korea! And Switzerland!<br /><br />Maybe some other time?<br /><br />I recently applied for another job. A govt one. Here is another opportunity for my past to creep up and haunt me again. It's sort of disappointing to think that it would get in the way. But that's the reality of things.<br /><br />It could happen.<br /><br />I hope it doesn't though.<br /><br />Now why would I be looking for work when I already have a perfectly good job? I'm getting old here. I need some job security and something with big longterm benefits. I thought about it long and hard. I'd even take a pay cut.<br /><br />I hope it works out. Too many things haven't in the recent one or two years.<br /><br />I hope it does. I have plans that revolve around this.<br /><br />Ok, that's one post for June. Another one coming before the end of the month.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-24914127599811572632010-05-31T20:59:00.002+08:002010-05-31T21:07:06.218+08:00HarvestThis post is just so this month's post count will be more than 1.<br /><br />What can I say, there's nothing going on to report. My computer sort of died, so I had to replace some parts.<br /><br />Work is just like that. Life in general is just like that. Sort of boring.<br /><br />What would I blog about if there's no personal matter to discuss? I could talk about current issues again but those things just annoy me. Politics? Same thing.<br /><br />Anyway, it's Gawai tomorrow. I'm at home and probably will stay home tomorrow too. Not feeling particularly festive to be honest.<br /><br />Still, the quiet is something to be grateful for. I just wish I could enjoy it a bit more.<br /><br />It's sort of boring.<br /><br />Happy Gawai to you all and hopefully your year was alright. It's ok for me so far.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-59098350225515294752010-05-09T16:15:00.002+08:002010-05-09T16:33:09.991+08:00May<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFPV3nptLd62gOP2muOCQ-KnjZBuFGKLX1N5OjFN4kG2caU2zF8mqIs0Z61tZVLOpDjHP1vBmSxyIrJZPBOlfDmg1Xdr0MdBDbz93QGlAc2cR9AdmVnqC0Y66iC0QjJP_yrTnOw/s1600/explore01.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469181353818112642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFPV3nptLd62gOP2muOCQ-KnjZBuFGKLX1N5OjFN4kG2caU2zF8mqIs0Z61tZVLOpDjHP1vBmSxyIrJZPBOlfDmg1Xdr0MdBDbz93QGlAc2cR9AdmVnqC0Y66iC0QjJP_yrTnOw/s400/explore01.JPG" /></a><br /><div>It's a Sunday. I'm at work. There's this big event going on here. It's pretty cool actually. Big crowd these last few days.</div><div> </div><div>Anyway, that screencap above is of this <a href="http://www.razcollection.com/urbex/start.htm">really, really cool website</a>. Urban exploration is quite awesome. I was thinking about something. I know of some abandoned structures here in Kuching and how cool would it be to buy out land that has a colonial era structure on it and have that structure refurbished. It'd be awesome and a change from building a house from scratch or buying a prebuilt one.</div><div> </div><div>I'd love to be able to live in a hundred year old house.</div><div> </div><div>I've always been fascinated by old things. History fascinates me. Objects and other things connected to the past fascinate me. It's hard to explain why. Even stranger considering that I was never that good at History when I was studying it in secondary school.</div><div> </div><div>I recently applied for another job. A very high paying one at a local campus of an international university. I don't think I'll get it. No matter, all I want is to go to the interview. I feel that if I got a shot at an interview I have a small chance. The pay is very, very good. I really, really need money this year.</div><div> </div><div>I watched some movies lately. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_man_2">Iron Man 2</a> was pretty good. But strangely, I enjoyed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kick-Ass_(film)">Kick Ass</a> more.</div><div> </div><div>I upgraded to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7">Windows 7 Pro</a> at home recently just so I could play <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Cause_2">Just Cause 2</a>. I don't regret it. Just Cause 2 is awesomely fun. The game is so very big. So many places to go and so many things to see. And to blow up.</div><div> </div><div>Even more excellent is Win 7 actually. I should've changed over sooner. It is very good. The thing I appreciate the most is the very much improved memory management. No issue with memory leaks at all. I appreciate the quick boot up and shut down too. It took a while to get used to especially since the XP classic desktop is not available anymore. But once past that, Win 7 is really good.</div><div> </div><div>Not much else is happening. It's May already. Almost half a year gone. I really hope I get that job.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-544140611536631072010-04-26T22:15:00.002+08:002010-04-26T22:23:27.417+08:00ShortsI really had no time this month, to say nothing of motivation.<br /><br />Had a long, long week. There was a major conference at work and I had to work through the weekend. Good thing I'm off work tomorrow. Had some extra leave to clear.<br /><br />I applied for another job. I sent in my application late last week. Same thing I'm doing but with some extra stuff on top. Much, much more pay. It's a long shot though. The potential employer states that having a degree and/or professional certification is "highly desirable". I have none of these.<br /><br />Seriously though, I can do this job if I get it. If. No matter though, if I don't get it then I'm not worried.<br /><br />I stayed at Tune hotel a few weeks back. Just needed to get away from things. Nice, clean hotel. Cheap too. Cheaper still if you book way in advance. I'm going back there should I feel like going away again.<br /><br />I got a raise today. 5%. Not too bad.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I need to pay some bills and fix the car.<br /><br />Hopefully, I'll be motivated to post my next entry quicker than this one.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-69109259172682337802010-04-07T12:41:00.000+08:002010-04-07T12:42:05.291+08:00Happy?I watched Clash of The Titans last week. It was great! Although I do think they should’ve kept the way the original movie ended with the narration about stars and the constellations etc.<br /><br />I also watched Blood The Last Vampire. Better than I thought. Koyuki is so nice to look at. Something very elegant about her.<br /><br />And I watched Zombieland. It was great. One of the best zombie movies I’ve ever watched. I hear they’re making a sequel. I’d watch that for sure.<br /><br />I just noticed the massive gap between the last post and this one. I feel sort of sorry about that. I wish I have more stories to tell. These days, I’m actually amazed at how prolific I used to be as a blogger.<br /><br />If I were to write more often, a lot of it would be about games. Not many people want to read about that. I could write about them intellectually, ala Kotaku or those other gaming websites. Unfortunately, I’m not much of a writer especially when I’m not unhappy or wracked with anxiety or other things like that.<br /><br />Which brings me to something that I thought about last week. I was driving in heavy traffic and was looking around. I suddenly had a question. Of all these people around me, how many of them would be able to say for certain that they are happy?<br />I do wonder. How many people are happy and how many are miserable? I don’t know about happy but somehow I can imagine quite a number of them are not so happy. Why? Just a hunch I was getting.<br /><br />Am I happy? I don’t know to be honest. I feel many things. Relief would be one of them. Especially when I remember things that I used to get involved in. I had a less than ideal past.<br /><br />Boredom would be one of the things I feel too. I am kind of bored. Not very bored. Just sort of. But again when I remember things, I’d take boredom over any number of bad emotions.<br /><br />I guess I’m just going through the motions at the moment.<br /><br />Strange thing happiness. So simple an idea, yet it causes so much misery during the pursuit of it. It’s the greatest irony.<br /><br />So how happy are you then?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-31624532063262864222010-03-22T19:50:00.002+08:002010-03-22T20:04:29.139+08:00Regular Stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YBQO0Oy7EzPXIkoMTu6PFbb_PiO3qPEU91TZ_vZJroa3Kq0cm_e6g-j6sFzfCKtBbmR1gobi1CxnDagcw3jwF-StOPHBekC5WJgH4mhypGqVszxnF6P8cVFUXkkKBaJXIU4Mng/s1600-h/Dragon_Age_Awakening.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YBQO0Oy7EzPXIkoMTu6PFbb_PiO3qPEU91TZ_vZJroa3Kq0cm_e6g-j6sFzfCKtBbmR1gobi1CxnDagcw3jwF-StOPHBekC5WJgH4mhypGqVszxnF6P8cVFUXkkKBaJXIU4Mng/s400/Dragon_Age_Awakening.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451424795981370178" border="0" /></a><br />Between work, hanging out, gaming and Facebook there isn't time to blog much. To think I used to be so wordy. This is one drawback of figuring things out. I could write about what I figure out but I don't want to be preachy.<br /><br />Things are a lot quieter nowadays. Even in my head.<br /><br />Anyway, I've been playing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Age:_Origins_%E2%80%93_Awakening">Dragon Age: Awakening</a>. It's great. I kinda wish it was longer. Not much to say here. Not much changed except things like new enemies, new companions, new items and of course the new story which was pretty good. In a nutshell, Awakening is simply more Dragon Age. Definitely a good thing.<br /><br />I'm also playing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warhammer_40,000:_Dawn_of_War_II_%E2%80%93_Chaos_Rising">Dawn of War 2 Chaos Rising</a>. This expansion changed a lot of the game. I played the original campaign after finishing the expansion one and a lot of things change. It really feels different. More enemies attack you in the missions even the ones from the original game. Some maps have respawning enemies until there are so many you fight none stop and it feels like you get overrun. And more wargear. And Chaos Marines are pretty cool. Really looking forward to another expansion.<br /><br />In other news, I'm thinking about buying a PS3 at the end of the year. Its cost is almost reasonable now. Almost. RM1280 for the 120Gb slim one is still a liiitle too much at the moment. Maybe I should get a used one?<br /><br />Apart from this game talk, things are just like that. A little blah.<br /><br />I replaced a tire yesterday. Thank goodness for used tires. If not, I would've had to fork out 180 bucks for a new one.<br /><br />And talking about money, I'm going to be broke still for awhile longer. I hope things clear up soon enough. Lots of clearing needs to be done.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-13134633462571206022010-03-13T13:45:00.004+08:002010-03-13T14:04:13.274+08:00Black Powder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzklSWY_9s3JZ32wH1Nc8X987eax1mmLkyMImmabkEd02yrSg4KW8P0YXek95y7tikUhVNEpbaGGCiYfUNu57oRo-P5jyVeFt7_W3OVI_dNt_I8LcJGcqlYsBx1gwnlbetcvm1g/s1600-h/Napoleon_Total_War.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzklSWY_9s3JZ32wH1Nc8X987eax1mmLkyMImmabkEd02yrSg4KW8P0YXek95y7tikUhVNEpbaGGCiYfUNu57oRo-P5jyVeFt7_W3OVI_dNt_I8LcJGcqlYsBx1gwnlbetcvm1g/s400/Napoleon_Total_War.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447991097976329090" border="0" /></a><br />Ever since Facebook appeared, blogging as a whole as gone down hasn't it? Some ways social networking sites provide that instant gratification that blogging once provided. I definitely feel that way regarding my own blog.<br /><br />Earlier this month, I had a pretty busy time at work. I'm relieved it's all over. I'm hoping for things to remain slow. For awhile anyway.<br /><br />Been playing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_Total_War">Napoleon Total War</a>. It's great. The Total War series keeps getting better and better as it goes on.<br /><br />I finally got a new hard drive last week. A 500Gb WD one costing a mere 180 bucks. So I no longer have to worry about space. For awhile It also means our other computer at home has more space too since I moved my 200Gb IDE hard disk there. All my music is in one place again.<br /><br />There is not much to say at the moment. Things are pretty calm. I suppose life could be better in some areas but overall things are ok.<br /><br />I'm still thinking about making some changes. One or two weeks will decide that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-64215139468049709222010-03-01T22:51:00.005+08:002010-03-01T23:20:59.614+08:00Time Pt 2It's March already. Hmm.<br /><br />In my last post I put up Pink Floyd lyrics and there's this bit that goes:-<br /><br />"Every year is getting shorter never seem to find the time<br />Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines"<br /><br />The years do seem to get shorter and shorter don't they. And despite all the talk about playing things safe, there are a few I want to do with the time that I have. But somehow, there are things here that hold me back. Plans come to naught or remain just plans.<br /><br />It doesn't bother me much though. I don't mind if I don't do anything major again in my life. As long as I can be happy. To be free and happy is everything I want. That is all.<br /><br />There is one thought that scares me.<br /><br />When I turned 30 I didn't mind it so much. It didn't seem like a big deal. Then recently I realized that that was 7 years ago. Then it suddenly became a big deal.<br /><br />Turning 40 scares me. It's frightening because of how unready I am. What has the average 40 year old achieved. And where am I compared to that median.<br /><br />I look at my parents. My former classmates from school and uni. What have I done with all the time? I supposed I shouldn't feel so bad. It's not as if I didn't try to get ahead. But most things didn't work out. Half a page of scribbled lines.<br /><br />I suppose I fear because when you are young and make mistakes, there's still time. I feel that if I make a mistake now, there won't be anymore time to try to make up for it.<br /><br />I have a lot to make up for. A lot of favours to repay and a lot of wrongs to correct. A lot I need to do to become the average that I imagine. I don't even know where to start. What does the future hold in it?<br /><br />And how much time do I have before it's all gone and the song ends?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-17701107706714074832010-02-22T20:33:00.003+08:002010-02-22T20:35:08.861+08:00Time<span style="font-style: italic;">So you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it's sinking<br />Racing around to come up behind you again.<br />The sun is the same in a relative way but you're older,<br />Shorter of breath and one day closer to death.<br /><br />Every year is getting shorter never seem to find the time.<br />Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines<br />Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way<br />The time is gone, the song is over,<br />Thought I'd something more to say.</span><br /><span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />- Time, Pink Floyd, Dark Side of The Moon<br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6400982.post-84262823805129538072010-02-19T17:44:00.001+08:002010-02-19T17:49:47.495+08:00Not Feeling so GoodI’m not feeling so good. Tired. And it’s about to get very, very busy around here. I do in fact want to elaborate on my last post but I’m not really up to it and the moment.<br /><br />Going out to Bing later. Haven’t gone to Bing in forever.<br /><br />Chinese New Year break was pretty good. Quiet. Only went to one house. I did have a really good time on the eve of CNY. Went to hang out at a friend’s house to watch fireworks. I was thinking the impromptu fireworks we have in all the towns in Sarawak could be a useful tourist attraction. I think it’d be a good idea to use it that way.<br /><br />No Valentine’s day blues. Hadn’t had that for a while actually. No desire to whine or ruminate over relationships and women etc. I think I’ve pretty much written down everything I’ve got to say about that. I guess that’s a good thing even though it makes this blog less fun to read. Not that anyone reads it anymore anyway, apart from myself.<br /><br />I think Twitter and Facebook are more immediate and gratifying as a means of self expression. Hence the reduction in blogging interest.<br /><br />Felt very lethargic last week and this week too. Tomorrow I’m planning to sleep in.<br /><br />It’s nearly the end of February and this is only my 2nd post.<br /><br />There is one other thing I want to write down. About work. I’m feeling kinda angsty again. But no adventure this time. Only security. I get this feeling that this job isn’t secure enough.<br />Something to think about the next few weeks.<br /><br />I would feel worse if not for the games on my PC. Had to reinstall Windows recently. The first time I’ve done that to my PC in at least 3 years.<br /><br />I’ll post again within the next 2 weeks or when something noteworthy happens whichever comes first.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03643344790292372387noreply@blogger.com0