My Christmas Wish List

For this year's Christmas, I hope to get a watch. :)
My budget is not more than RM250. Well, if it's a present of course I don't mind the price tag. lol
The thing is, I'm going to sponsor myself so I better choose one I really like and kind to my pocket.
I know there are many choices with that budget but it seems that there are too many and I can't make up my mind. If I were to browse through the internet like the ones I picked below, I can narrow down my choices. (Coz I read those description and details of the watches). However, if I were to browse them in shops which are aplenty with discounts and wide range of choices, I will have difficulty picking the ultimate one. Watches on display in shops are soo attractive and many!

Casio's range seems affordable. I like this one:

Casio Women's (August 2008 Model) #LDF-31-7A Watch

The one a bit out of my budget but I like even more is the DKNY.
Both watches are for different occasions, one more casual, the other more formal/elegant looking. Buy both?? Arghhh...no. Must choose one only. One...

DKNY Women's Steel Bracelet Band #NY4270 Watch

tasks

I've been feeling down... It's the urgent and neverending things that keep coming in that made me busy. Well, being busy is better than having nothing to do.
Being busy in a short period of time is good. But I feel that all these stuff is just going to be coming in and in. I have too many things stuffed in and no time to digest. Having said that... i think i'm just tired.
I need a break from this routine and some fun. :) Life is precious. Live it to the fullest.

Rainy days, sleepy days

The raining season is most ideal for curling up in bed to sleep. Especially when it's weekends, I get to sleep to my hearts content and not worrying of waking up to go to work. hehe
But since I've gotten used to sleep at 11 something and waking up at 6.45 am, I'm also waking up at the same time during weekends...sigh.. but at least I can get some extra sleep during the evening :)

Oh ya, just to update bout my new baby nephew, born on 5th Oct 2008. The same day as my supervisor's birthday, who turned 28. Yesterday, me and friends went to his Hari Raya open house at SP. ;)
Now I have a total of 3 (1 niece and 2 nephews) this year.

Oh, it's Monday once again..:(
But My Birthday is on Tuesday! Whee!

mid-September

Time flies really fast and it's already mid-September. Today is already the 14th and in two days time, 16. :p What will happen 2 days later? Well, I dunno.

So what happened today, on the 14th September, 23 years ago? My mom can vividly and proudly tell everyone that the Penang bridge first opened it's traffic on this date. Because exactly one month from 14th Sept I was born. So she was on the Penang bridge, with me inside the tummy taking photos when there were much much lesser cars there on the bridge as compared to now.
It's amazing how special dates can create history. It can be history to the country or to an individual.

On the 19th, it will be one of my bestest friend's wedding. She was one of the friends I knew when I first entered secondary school. She sat beside me in Form 1. I will always remember that she would always bring things to sell in school. Her late single mother used to sell stationery in a primary school and after school, she would go over to her mother's place to help out. She would bring those colourful gel pens, hair pins, fan(those plastic ones), notebooks, bookmarks, zig-zag scissors and other things to see if we are interested to buy them. I will always be the first customer. Ha ha. I bought many colourful Pentel gel pens from her and till today I still have them. After 10 years a few of these pens still can be used. I used them for plotting graphs during Form 6 General paper. lol. Whenever there was a spot check in school, she would hide all those stuff behind the classroom (and outside the classroom). Those were the good old days...

Since then, we barely kept in touch until she completed her studies. When she was working two years back, she called me and invited me to her birthday party. That was when she told me her mother had passed away from cancer. I felt pity for her as she had to live on her own and support herself. Now, she found someone to take care of her and I can sense how happy she is now. May you have happiness always and I wish you all the best in life, Michelle.

Nice weekend

This weekend, I'm not going to let it past by just like that. Well, every weekend is almost the same so why bother? Ah, just that Monday is a holiday. Sunday is Independence Day, so time to have some relaxation and activities.

August came and go quickly. Just a recap, I mention before that I'm going to be aunt 3X this year...Yep, my nephew was born on 6Aug2008! Yay!
Next will be another baby boy which will be somewhere in October. Now onwards must keep track of their birth dates!! muahaha... This niece and nephews are from my dad's side. My mom's side, a nephew which was born on 28Nov2002, which means he's entering Year 1 primary next year.
August was when I officially graduated. And I it is the month where I spend the MOST money too...in the history of my life. :p August too, the most memorable month in this year.
Besides that in working, I think it is the busiest too, since 3 months I have worked.

Next, the most talked by-election in Malaysia's history. That was the day I went to Kedah to work, when Penangites got a holiday. LOL. I left early and was lucky to not being caught in the jam. Since that day, things have not really settled yet and many dramas are going to unfold soon.

Race to the finishing line

In performing my training for the past week, I feel like racing to the finishing line.
I can't wait for this measurement thingy to be over soon. ^-^
Of course next, there will be many things to come. Things will be pouring in. More finishing lines ahead. ;P

Just me and my name

What Eileen Means

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Exciting events

My convocation will be held on 16 August 2008 at 3 pm. :) Hmm..I'll be hunting for baju kebaya/ any formal attire next month. I dunno where to get nice and reasonable ones. My friend recommended that I go buy 4 m cloth and let a tailor sew. But I prefer ready made ones, as they are more convenient. Coz I don't know what kind of cloth will end up suitable and besides, I don't know any good tailors that make nice Malay kebayas.
My another cousin in-law is expecting a bundle of joy in August (or earlier than that) too if not mistaken, and one more in October. Haha.
My cousin sister just gave birth a baby girl on 23rd June 2008. That means my aunt will be 3x grandma within 6 months.
A triple promotion for me being an 'aunt'. :p

BLOG

I find this news informative. A few years back, the term 'blog' to me is still vague. I thought it is just another www and a new internet jargon that appears along side with other new terms. But this word has become so influential nowadays. :-)

I've got my broadband

I've subscribed to Celcom broadband on Monday.
Now I can get fast internet, way faster than my dial-up dinosaur connection ;-)
Actually I thought of waiting till next month but since they have this Euro 2008 free pouch and 512 thumb drive, I just grab it. I also football fan so...
I think the 100 days 100 cars contest is useless.If a company wants to reward customers, don't come up with the strategy like the biggest spender= the winner.
I always join contests too, but one principle that I practice is that I won't join a contest if it involves spending a lot of money to collect points or buying product to collect tokens or having the highest entry to win.
And what I've won so far from these contests made me value the prizes I got because I don't spend to get those, I got it from my effort.
Anyway, I subscribed to Celcom coz it got good coverage, 5xMom oso recommend ;p and plus, I've heard many complaints from customers from the other network companies both in blogs and newspapers, so I just choose to be a blue fan la..LOL

First day

First day in office involves trying out the uniform. Next, making a badge and filling in some forms. Then, the unavoidable orientation. Haha..a MUST for all new employees, no matter in which factories, unis and schools.

Goodbye Yesterday, Hello Tomorrow!

On the last day of my job on Friday, I had a walk around the surrounding buildings other than mine. As I entered the other building, it was a different scene. Among those people who walked past me are not of familiar faces as it is a totally different department. I just smiled at them; some walking hurriedly, some talking over the phone, some waiting for the bus at the lobby and others chit-chatting as it was nearly lunch time. Wherever new places you go, you are about to meet new people. After walking about, I took a look at the cafe. At that time, it was already packed with people. Unlike the cafe in my building, it is usually deserted as colleagues here prefer to eat outside.
Before I went home, I sent an e-mail to my colleagues and drop a small gift to my supervisor who happened to be out of office on the last day. My manager is also not around. At 5.55 pm, I officially returned my badge and walked out. Bye bye! ;-p

the Smurfs

When I was little, I watched the Smurfs besides the Disney cartoons. These blue creatures are celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. The Smurf figurine is sold at Euro 10. It is available

- in the Netherlands : http://www.unicefshop.nl

- in France : http://boutique.unicef.fr and

- in Belgium: http://www.unicefshop.be

The Smurfs was popular in the 80s and early 90s, and I really like those blue creatures so much at that time. I don't remember the stories but I do know there are many Smurfs characters such as: Lazy Smurf, Handy Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, Dreamy Smurf, Greedy Smurf, Homnibus and many others.
I remember having a cassette of this Smurfs songs when I was young, but I don't remember where is it now. :P
Anyway, another cartoon that I used to watch was care bears! They're cute and caring creatures too. The similarity of this cartoons is that they live in a community and each have individual powers to make a happier place to live in.

In the month of May...

Since I've completed my final papers on 21/4 and Viva on 26/4, days have passed by very quickly. I went to have a look at the broadband promo at Qbay today. Well, it will take me some time b4 i switched to the broadband.
Now I'm working in a company that has high-speed internet connection. Although I don't blog while at work, I read blogs at work. muahaha. No harm since it only takes a few minutes to read a blog post. ;)
But I will be working in another company come June. In June, I will be officially hired as a full-time graduate-employee. So maybe it's not wise for me to keep spending time reading my fav blogs but to get down to WORK! Yeah, broadband will come next month or so.
Meanwhile, my lecturer wants me to do a journal based on my fyp. I am given one-month.
Means that by end of May I must finish it! No resting for holidays it seems.
And oh bout the Masters thingy, I'll put it for future plans. Hopefully after I start work, I will have a clearer picture on what I really want to study deeper, depending on what my career will lead me into.
Writing a journal is not as easy as it seems. Suddenly it looks like it's a higher level from writing a thesis. The experts are the ones evaluating a journal. -_-"

bad connection

For the past one week, my internet connection has been xtremely slow. Of course, with dial up connection, I'm still like in the dinosaur age. At first, the speed is quite normal as it used to be, at 31.2 kbps. Then after 10 minutes it will become 24 kbps, and next, 12 kbps. And that's where all webpages cannot be displayed.
I typed a blog entry 2 days ago and when I clicked publish, my internet connection went poof again. Oh it's high time to switch to broadband, eh?
Which one should I choose? There are the 'blue', 'green' and 'orange' companies.

It's all going to be over soon

I have passed up my thesis. Yay! Finally! This Saturday will be my viva. After that, it will all be over. Yup, all the months of doing this project and sleepless nights is going to be over. Moreover, it will be the end of my undergraduate studies. Come to think of it, three years is passes by so fast but there were many unforgettable moments of campus life. It's a short period but all the studies, lecture experiences, exam ups and downs, rushing datelines etc. have not only made this learning experience not only hectic but enriching too. Also, not to mention it has made me feel kinda upgraded in my thinking level and approach to both academic and non-academic stuff.
Oh...I gonna miss all these real soon.

Got It !

Ok, I got the job. Yippee!
After 1+2 rounds of interview, I got it. First round was screening interview in campus, and the other 2 rounds was in the company itself.
Due to my tight schedule, this is the first permanent job I applied and successfully got it.
Today at 12pm I've finished all my papers, I am declared free...free from exams! :D
Next thing is, of course, finish up my final editing on my thesis, having viva presemtation and next, plan what to do next for my working life.
I will sit down and think what I would do next for my future. I will also think about other jobs that I plan to apply. Yep, no doubt I've got the job (first time trial and first time success), I still have a period of a month to really think what I want to be. And yeah, the Masters thingy. Continue later in life or just put it aside and concentrate in the corporate world?
Meanwhile, it's thesis and presentation slides to finish up. Arghhh so lazy and tired. Feel like sleeping. zzz

What's next?

I am left with two more papers and yipee! I'm free from exams! Oh, as a student for the past 17 years or so, we can never escape from exams. It has become part and parcel in our lives. Exams in uni proved to be the most challenging for me. (Sometimes falling out of my own expectations and getting some dismal performance in some tough papers, no matter how hard I tried and tried).

On Monday, I'll be attending a job interview. Actually, I don't know what questions should I prepare to ask them. Of course, the main thing I'll pursue asking is to know more about the department that they will be placing for me. Oh ya, it's actually a second round interview thing. In the first round, the interviewer did explain about the department. The other day I was not in my full concentration coz I was feeling tired (yep, tired coz the night before studying for a test for one of my courses). Besides, in the first round interview I was actively answering all the incoming questions. Also, as I mentioned, for students its gotta be test! Ya test prior to interview, which caught me off guard but again, students can never escape this..muahaha. For this time I want to register the information about the department in detail into my head properly, as this 'might' be my future career that I'll be working on right after I grad. Besides asking this, what other questions shall I ask them? Oh I've gotten a tip or two here. Thanks! :)

I realise throughout my life, I've gone through various interviews. During those days in school, I went for interview to become a librarian. Yeah, and got it. Also, interview for girl guides as one of it's tests (didn't went through for some of it..hehe) Interviews for some part time jobs (got 2 out of 4). Last but not least, interview to become an intern (I'm really glad and thankful for this one). So, what's next? Go for the interview and maybe, blog it here. ;)

Lots of unfinished work

Oh no... Thesis dateline is getting closer, but I'm stuck at it. It has been difficult to continue the unfinished part. Week after week I've made attempts to get it done but I'm arghhhhh struggling so much. Tomorrow homework is due. Wed there's a test, a very tough one coz the lectures itself is tough. Thur, another test. An important one coz it's the final exam for that paper. In April I will have 3 big examinations, and then yipee! I'm done with exams. I will start working and it will be the beginning of my working life.

Polling Day

In about half an hour’s time, the polling day of General Election 2008 will come to an end. And by tonight till early tomorrow, the results will be announced.

Over the past few weeks or so, everything involves about election. Topics of conversation evolve around who to vote, why vote for this person/party, this party ceramah is held here, that over there, if this party wins what will happen, if it doesn’t what will happen..etc.

I’m supposed to be part of those people who cast their votes today but I’ve not registered. Well, I’m very sure of who to support if I go to the polls today but yeah, silly of me to not have registered. Next time around, I am sure to be a responsible citizen to cast my vote. You see, my grandma aged 88 years old with walking aid went all out to vote early in the morning but I’m voteless coz I’ve forgotten to register myself till it was speculated beginning of the year that election will be held early this year. Nevertheless, I’ll follow the results closely as this 12^th GE is one of the most debated and hottest GE around.

In the 2004 GE, I was following the results till early in the morning. I remembered the results of no. of votes were scrolling down the TV screen from time to time and it was quite boring actually. But I continued watching coz I'm interested to know who won and who did not in certain areas especially in Penang.

It's now raining although it was sunny this morning. Well, many citizens have casted their votes early as it was predicted to rain in the evenings. Now it's up to the winning party/candidates who have won after today to count their blessing and put up their best effort to serve as for this time, it's a tough one for some of them and their parties.

datelines!!

All datelines are getting closer. I have lots to do and loads of unfinished work. I'm stuck in writing my thesis. I've got little time left to collect data. All my tests and quizzes are coming one after another, since there's only March to finalise everything. I've done one test terribly wrong. I don't want to repeat that horrible mistake.
Still, I'm having difficulties in many areas. Why is it so tough for me? Of course I want to try my best, but it always falls short. I just don't know why.

1 year old

Above: Miniature golden rats in dim sum trays was taken on 16 feb, at the Penang state + Heritage Trail + Chinese Clans CNY celebration 2008.

This blog is a year old on 14 feb 2008. With many future posts and counting; and may me and myself have more NEW ideas and free time to pen down my thoughts in this blog.

CNY 2008 is a meaningful but quiet one

CNY celebrations are getting less noisier and much quieter these days. Long gone the days when I was younger, I would go house visiting (barely missing a relative, all house pit-stops are a must ) and angpow collections were so many, till I lost count who gave this one and that one. But I do notice that although the number of red packets are lesser, the amount of $ inside is getting more! I am thankful it's not directly proportional (lesser packets = lesser amount). Yay! This 'pattern' is observed ever since I was in upper 6 till I enter uni, and currently in my final sem. I am feeling thankful... :-)

Today, my relatives on my mom's side gave us a surprise visit. It's CNY, and it's mom's Birthday! They came along with a Birthday cake and angpow for mom too! We don't have any significant bday+CNY celebration for mom every year from relatives coz when it's CNY, people will focus on CNY instead of birthdays. Well, a good one indeed for this year coz somehow they thought of it this year out of the blue, and decided to take action. Well, from this year onwards, mom's birthday will stick into everyone's mind when it's CNY. Haha..

Yesterday, I had a reunion with almost all of my classmates. It was nice to catch with old friends, old as in friends ever since the schooling days but studies, work etc. had made us far apart and have not met face to face and old as in it will always be the good ol'friends we had known till we grow old! We had the biggest turnout of 25 people, and this is the biggest reunion we managed to gather for CNY. We all hope from this year onwards, the turnout will be good for years to come. Probably target for 30.

Happy Chinese New Year!

WELCOME TO CNY2008!

(image taken from http://www.willho.com/download.html)

This year for CNY we had reunion at my aunt's (dad's sis) who is staying nearby (just a few roads before our house). This is the reunion (well, after the dinner part): www.chanlilian.net/2008/02/07/ang-ang-ong-ong/
Yeah, this year we'll be welcoming 2 babies to the family. Double celebration indeed! :D

-TT- Part2

I've completed my twisters!
Today's vowel tongue twister:

As he gobbled the cakes on his plate,
the greedy ape said as he ate,
the greener green grapes are,
the keener keen apes are,
to gobble green grape cakes,
they're great!


For this course of Eng Pronunciation, up next is poem recital. It would be a 'Pronunciation Poem'. ;-)

Tongue Twister

I've gotta say this as fast as possible and as perfect as possible:

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked.
If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick?

This tongue twister is the /p/ consonant kinda twister. Next week I've gotta present a vowel twister. Anyone kind enuff to share a vowel tongue twister? It must be 4 lines and I can't seem to find a 4-line one over the net.

Funny, in the midst of doing the oh so technical fyp I get to twist with this. BTW, should I stress the /d/ sound in picked? Sounds a bit weird..Pronunciation course. hmm so that's why it is necessary to do so?

Unavoidable days

Beginning this month and till May will be the busiest months ahead. I have many unsolved things and more coming in. Why can't things be cleared one at a time? One is in the process, then comes next and another soon all waiting to be cleared as soon as they arrive.
Bad days, stressed days, hectic days go away... em..I have to make them go away by getting back to work. -_-"

Flu

For the past 2 days i was down with flu. Today, condition improved but kept feeling tired. The loratadine, paracetamol, and cough mixture makes me feel sleepy. Tired as it is, I am trying to open my eyes wide and pay attention to lectures. And ya, my fyp. Time is running out and i'm under pressure to do it. Drowsy... gotta sleep.