(300103 - Thursday)
Cassie gave me a little present today. She put 3 holes into 2 of my fingers. It's only now that I know that SS2 isn't such a great township after all. At 10.30pm, there's only one clinic still open, but it's located in Sea Park, and the queue is about an hour and a half long. All I need is a jab, why should I have to wait so long to get it?! I do believe it's time to move.

Here are some other do's and don'ts when sending your CV's to potential recruiters:
Do remember to sign your cover letter - it's leaves a bad impression if you don't.
Do try to not glue your CV to the envelope when sealing it - the person opening the envelope might rip your CV apart by accident.
Do summarize your academic results in a clear and easy to understand manner.

(290103 - Wednesday)
I miss so many people, in so many different ways. I wonder if I'm missed by these same people.

(280103 - Tuesday)
Over four hundred applications for Graduate Trainee came in by email since the advertisment last week. Over a hundred CV's came in by post today. I spent half the day opening those envelopes. Here are some do's and don'ts for those of you applying for jobs.

Do include a photo - but only if you know you're attractive.
Do use extra large envelopes - so that you don't have to fold your 10-page CV.
Do use rare/nice stamps when mailing it in - the clerk could be a collector.
Do staple all sheets of paper together - it stays together anyway.
Do not bind your documents - it cannot be filed into Arch Files if you do so.
Do not use paperclips to hold documents together - it comes out too easily.
Do not use Pos Malaysia Ekspres - their cardboard envelopes are impossible to open.
Do not send in your CV without a cover letter - it's unprofessional.
Do not send in copies of each and every certificate you've collected since primary school - no one looks at them.
Do not think that having your documents printed on colour paper will make you CV more attractive - it just doesn't work that way.
Do not fold your 10 page CV and try stuffing it into one of those three inch wide envelopes - it's impossible to pull out.
Do not tape the envelope flap down after you've already sealed it with glue - don't you want your CV to be read?
Do not include a photo if you don't want to ensure that it's securely attached to the CV.
Do not call up everyday to ask if they received your CV - it's annoying.
Do not expect them to inform you when they receive your CV - it's too much hassle.
Do not forget to leave a small token of appreciation for the guy who opens your mail - he/she might be the one doing the shortlisting too.

(270103 - Monday)
It was a very "what-a-coincidence" day. I bumped into three different people, each I've known from different parts of my life. But of course, as usual, it was once again one of those Hi-Bye affairs, where one person yells out her phone number just before the lift doors close, but the other person just cannot catch it in time, and they end up back at square one.

Checked my results... a credit for Management, and a pass for Business Law. Not too bad considering the fact that I hardly paid any attention to Management, and only scored 3/20 for Business Law during the mid-terms.

It's funny how a "Btw, tonight got meeting?" can be misinterpreted as "Btw, tonight got meeting." That's the problem with Malaysian English. It comes out a blur, and is impossible to understand correctly. And we keep asking ourselves why we have communication breakdowns.

Only 1 out of 9 people I called was free and willing to keep me company while I spent time outside the house. Is no one into spontaneous outings anymore? Quite depressing when you think about it. But then again, I wasn't really in need of company, so it didn't bother me.

(260103 - Sunday)
I spent half the day hunting for the new Great Eastern Mall. There was supposedly some huge sale on there with lots of branded goods. And since I was in need of some new clothes for new year, I was determined to find the place.

After stopping at the wrong "New Mall" and driving past Sungei Wang Plaza twice, I finally got proper directions to the place. Unfortunately it was a major disappointment because the clothes there were either ugly, or too big.

Finally decided to go to BB Plaze to have a look. After about an hour of walking, I managed to decide on something. A nice cotton T from Bodymaster was a decent buy. I'm set for new year. Thank God!

(250103 - Saturday)
Traffic gets worse by the day. I was running late for an appointment in the afternoon. At 1.20pm I was still in USJ. I had to return home to have a quick shower and change clothes. Then I had to go pick up some stuff from SS2, which isn't that far away. And my 2pm appointment was down in KL.

Being a little late for the appointment wasn't a big issue. But getting stuck in 5 different traffic jams coming home from USJ was psychotic. And then another 3 different traffic jams trying to get from SS2 to KL. Arghhh!!! Stress levels build way too fast like this.

The most reliable people around can sometimes disappoint you when it matters the most. So as it goes, if you want something done right, do it yourself!

(240103 - Friday)
Today... hrm... today... I don't remember what I did today. But I got my pay for the first 20 days of this month. And I also sifted through 30 to 40 envelopes containing job applications. That's about it.

(230103 - Thursday)
Certain people's inefficiency is beginning to bother me. It's because of them, I'm inefficient. They should realize that the sooner they get things sorted out and done with, the sooner other people can get things sorted out and done with. That's the way things work. That's the only to increase productivity in this Godforsaken country.

Today's workload was a little smaller, and I actually managed to leave the office earlier to go for a movie.

(220103 - Wednesday)
Bad habits die hard. I ponteng-ed work in the morning. I woke up around 9.30am. Still early enough to go to the office, but I was feeling lazy, plus the fact that I had a lunch date down in KL. At 12pm, my lunch date was canceled, and so I headed straight for the office.

The workload and responsibilities are still growing. The more that comes, the more worried I get. What's going to happen when I start classes again in late February? Where will I find the time for my tasks at the office? I know I could use the extra hours put in, but what if I can't cope? Why is this world filled with so many uncertainties? This is exasperating!

(210103 - Tuesday)
Took time off to donate blood. This is becoming a really good habit. Six times already since 1999, and still going strong! Have you saved a life today?

I just learnt that blogging here has its down sides. Who'd have thought that I'd end up in a misunderstanding resulting from someone misinterpretting some of the stuff written in here. I may be harsh, rude, and direct, but chances are I'm not referring to you! Why be so sensitive?

(200103 - Monday)
Today's initial plan was to spend the entire day at Universiti Malaya facilitating interviews. I reached the place at 8.30am as planned, but 15 minutes later, I was told to return to the office as there were more pressing matters to attend to. I spent a good long 11 and a half hours working today. It sure beat any other record I've ever set.

(190103 - Sunday)
After today's experience, I now know that the fairly new pair of Adidas Lampreys I have aren't suited for jogging on tar roads. It was extreme for my knees, not to mention my heels. That's the problem with getting a pair of shoes which lack paddings on the insides.

(180103 - Saturday)
I attended a Catholic wedding for the very first time. This was also the first time I ever attended a church wedding ceremony. It's quite a nice experience. So much 'love' around. I eagerly await my turn.

I'm not looking for a church wedding or anything, but if it pleases the "Mrs-to-be" then it pleases me. But one thing I will not forget is my roots, and with it, the Chinese traditional tea ceremony. Tradition is vanishing. Tea ceremonies aren't what they used to be. People serving tea speak English now, and seldom do you ever see the kneel. They all say it 'doesn't matter'. But if we go on this way, everything will be forgotten as generations pass. There'll be nothing and no one left to remind us of how things used to be. I'm sure the protocol of these ceremonies aren't recorded in any of our history text books. Once it all vanishes, who are we?

And once again, the world seems smaller. The young administrator of my college's business departmnet happens to be the girlfriend of one of my cousin's friends. Hence, I bumped into her at the wedding banquet just now. The interesting part is that we're on a first name basis since I spend a lot of time at the department. Small world, and getting smaller.

(170103 - Friday)
The workload in office is still building, with datelines drawing nearer. The piles of paper on my table seem endless, but all I can do is glue myself to the workstation trying to complete something extremely urgent. Every time I turn away from the monitor for a breather, I see the freaking mess and I get depressed. Even my supervisor dare not give me more work for fear of the sight of my table.

Things began to look better towards the evening. I still hadn't completed as much as I would like to, but at least I had something to look forward to. Some of my colleagues had planned an evening out at a karaoke joint, and I was invited. I figured since I'm becoming a long-term worker on the floor, I might as well take the opportunity to get to know the people I work with. We left the office at 6.30pm, instead of the usual 7+.

While at the reception of the karaoke joint, we were told that the charge is RM39++ per head, inclusive of 2 rounds of drinks (up to beer level), some tidbits and a bowl of fruits... the room comes free right up to midnight. I figured that I only had about an hour to sing, cos of another engagement, so RM39 wasn't really worth the money. But then, my colleague turned to me and told me - "Don't worry. You're taken care of!" Such generous people I work with. Not to mention well-paid!

The first forum meeting is over. We have decided on 2 co-OC's... and that's fine with me because I'm not one of them. But I have once again offered my assistance, somewhere at the top of the organization chart, as usual.

T'was a long day, but somewhat fun - for a moment.

(160103 - Thursday)
I broke my previous record of longest working hours in a day. Today I hit ten and a half hours. I amaze myself sometimes.

What's the point of belonging to someone, but you never see each other? What's the point of having someone belong to you, but every time you try to have a conversation over the phone, it dies off so quickly? What's the point!

(150103 - Wednesday)
After getting my desktop yesterday, I walked into office this morning to find the IT guy working at it. He was setting up one of their unused HP color deskjets for my use. How nice, except for the fact that the printer is out of ink. I'll have to wait a week or so for them to obtain the ink cartridges, but that's no reason to complain.

Other added bonuses today were getting my own log in ID - TanM01, and getting a company email account - [email protected]. Sadly, I am not officially a Uniqema employee, therefore the email account is only to be used internally.

I spent the entire day shuffling between two major tasks - preparing salary review reports for the company's 60+ staff, and preparing for tomorrow's visit to University of Malaya for their Career Fair. The big guy in my department is supposed to be giving a career talk there, and the rest of the HR department, including myself, will be there for a Graduate Trainee recruitment drive. In relation to this, I was required to print 300 color flyers on the network color printer, and photostat 300 copies of the company's 5-page employment application form. Tedious indeed.

Tomorrow's going to be another long day.

(140103 - Tuesday)
I now have a permanent desk and desktop at Uniqema Asia Pacific. It is nice to finally belong somewhere in the office, instead of having to move each and every time someone comes back to use their place. And now, I don't have to move my stationery around like I used to. I also have drawers to keep stuff, but I didn't get the keys to its lock. That doesn't matter because finally, the place is mine... ALL MINE!

(130103 - Monday)
Finally, I am now certain on where I stand on the issue of being on this year's Leo Forum committee. When the issue first started, I was asked to be the chairman - I turned it down. As time progressed, I was asked to be on the committee - I said I'd consider. Now, my Leo Club's sponsoring Lion's Club has given a red light on the issue - KL North does not endorse this year's Leo Forum, and therefore KL Unity is not to play any part in the organizing of it. The only support we will show is in the attendance of the event. End of discussion!

At a mamak session with Leos and Lions, we were mainly discussing the issue of travelling internationally and the exchange rates. It is clear that MYR holds no value at all. We have a very weak currency. That is indeed depressing, but at least we get by locally.

Another surprise with regard to the world being so 'small'. I just found out that my Leo Club's advisor, Lion Amex, used to work for UMW. That was over 10 years ago, roughly around the time when my uncle was working there too. And yes, Lion Amex does remember having my uncle as a colleague. Small world indeed.

(120103 - Sunday)
I just found out that Annette and I have the same person for a late grand uncle. It was at his wake that I bumped into Annette's parents. Thus the world just got a little smaller once again. Annette and I may not be related by blood, but there is still some family relationship existing between us. This world is full of surprises.

(110103 - Saturday)
Many of my life events occur as a result of one of those "spur-of-the-moment" feelings. Kind of like today's movie session with Huey Lim. We were out window shopping at Midvalley, and as we walked past the cinema, we spontaneously decided to catch a movie, any movie. It wasn't a bad idea, except for the part where we sat in front of a lady who constantly thought out loud. It was as though she were watching the movie in her own home, where she could freely give her husband all her redundant comments. BITCH!

(100103 - Friday)
Went to work as usual this morning but only worked the first half of the day. My supervisor and the manager seem to keep piling work on my desk for me to do. It just never ends.

My day at work ended earlier today because I was invited to do a little talk at a Leo orientation for some newbies. Wesley Methodist, formerly known as Methodist College, is forming their own Leo club early this year. There were a good 50 young ones in the lecture theatre, all of whom have been screened through by the school and determined to make decent Leos. There was one thing which didn't quite feel right - the way they all stood up to greet the 'sirs' and 'madams' who walked into the theatre, which included me as well.

(090103 - Thursday)
I've just watched my first movie for the year 2003. The Ring, supposedly a horror movie, isn't as bad as I pictured it to be. The scenes are more hideos than spooky. The only thing that makes your heart jump is the sudden blasts of sound. I guess one way to help the effects would be to close the freaking cinema door which I was sitting right next to. That kind of took the mood away.

My Final Destination experience was way better. I was so into the movie that it spooked me into wanting to walk out of the cinema right there and then. If not for the company, I would have. I can't wait for Final Destinationn 2.

(080103 - Wednesday)
Oooh... I've just lost the place which was assigned to me yesterday. Apparently the finance department has recruited a management trainee who's to start sometime next week. Well, the place I was given happened to be among the finance people. So they want to keep it for the new fellow. Ah well, they did mention finding another spot for me so I'm no worse off than yesterday.

(070103 - Tuesday)
After six months of slaving in the same office as a part-timer, I've finally been assigned my own desk and desktop. I'm still not an employee, but heck, now I don't have to "tumpang" at some body else's desk. Now I "belong" somewhere.

I went to Imbi Plaza to help a future doctor find a suitable laptop to take over to Aussie with her. She knows nuts about IT, hence my presence was needed. She wanted me to explain things to her, but she knew nothing and she knew not what to ask. I did my best, and I do hope the day wasn't wasted.

In any case, I learnt something knew. Have you ever realized that all laptops have their touchpads (where applicable) aligned a little bit towards the left? It's true. It boggled my mind, but I do believe I now know why!

(060103 - Monday)
I spent the day enjoying the pleasures of not having a mobile phone. No one could reach me!

When I found out that a special someone was trying so hard to reach me the entire day, I spent the night wishing I had my phone with me.

I now have my phone back, and I have now seen the best of both worlds. I am now a little bit wiser than I was yesterday

(050103 - Sunday)
Some people are too irresponsible, some are too tardy, some are too fussy, some are too persistent, some are too annoying. Put them all together and that's what I face when I attend some of the longest meetings ever. But at least we're getting somewhere.

(040103 - Saturday)
Slept a lot today. Woke up for a meeting, then came home and slept some more. Attempted to watch my first movie for the year 2003, but the best available seats were four rows from the screen - not good at all!

(030103 - Friday)
I'm living a purposeless life. I do just about everything the average twenty-year-old does, yet I see no purpose in it all. Everything I do has no meaning. Maybe it's time to hike the Himalayas to find that Oh-so-wise Guru for some enlightenment. Alternatively, I can just sit here and accept the fact that not everything has to have meaning. There really isn't anything wrong with my life right now, so it's okay.

I exchanged my recently paid off Nokia 8310 with a friend. But the phone I got in return could never last the day because of battery problems. Fortunately, a different friend offered her Samsung SGH-T100 (true i) for my convenience while the person using my phone hunts for a new one. Hmm... a new gadget to play around with.

(020103 - Thursday)
Yet another Leo event to attend. My next Friday has been booked by Lion Foo. I've been asked to attend an orientation for Alpha Leos of a very new club. My presence there is mainly to inspire the new ones by telling them about my life as a Leo, and how it all started - the Alpha Leo days.

One paper bag full of presents today. It was a wonderful surprise indeed. The best part of all, the contents are all the little things I could hope for. Thank you Cherie, for being attentive during all those times I thought wouldn't be remembered. My gratitude is beyond words.

(010103 - Wednesday)
The annual fireworks display to usher in the new year down in KL is nothing less than spectacular. One should take the time and effort to find a nice spot with a perfect view. The crowds and transportation hassle you go through is nothing compared to the beauty of the 5 to 10-minute showcase. I think I should start planning for next year's event right now!