Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Merry Christmas

A lot have happened since my last post.

On work, business is surviving. On health, its hardly improving. On family, its a matter of maintaining. On friendship, nothing has been changing. In general, life is always amusing.

On the bright side, Christmas is coming!!

Its the time of the year, gift exchanges of photo frames under $10 , NTUC's overcooked stuffed turkeys, lights in Orchard Road packed with sua ku tourists, and fake santas running around in oversized coats. Well, what more can you ask for? Its gonna be a fantastic Christmas yet again this year.

But Christmas is not all Merry for everyone. Its only for loaded folks with bloated bank accounts from at least 20 banks.

Every Christmas I am never any richer from the past years even though I had long made a pact with old Santa that I will be good and obedient. Just make me a little richer, I promise to be kind to the human race by being less racist and swear to go "green" in a desperate bid to save our little planet. I will drop in a 10 cent coin on every flag day and pay a dollar for every packet of tissue paper bought from hawker centre aunties. Hows that Santa?

Not good enough apparently. I still sulked during Christmas every year whenever I see insensitive chaps abusing their credit cards in designer boutiques and restaurants while I lament my long overdue card bills.

This year, I am still a pauper, money wise nothin's changed.

But life has been more fullfilling for the past year. My proudest achievement will have to be our little design studio started in September 06. We have beaten all odds to survive til date, and proven those around us who think otherwise. Sure, the road is still long, but our hearts will go on.

Not to mention the experiences learned and treasured. Not just work related, but the other important aspects of life. Looking back at the year, I am glad I am a year wiser, and a tad stronger.

Would have been perfect if my wallet could be fatter, but for now, I am contented just to look forward to a short little break this Christmas.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Face Book

I was scanning through a horrific article one fine Saturday afternoon.

As I was munching a packet of Chee Chong Fan and enjoying the serenity of an undisturbed weekend afternoon without my screaming clients on the other line, I became somewhat disturbed.

I was reading about a book, but not just an ordinary book, its called facebook. An intelligent system created by yet another Harvard Dropout who was recently offered a $500million deal by a certain reputable giant company for a mere 5 percentage share of his company.

I recalled being dropped out of course in my shool days, and I recalled almost dropping off my chair as I read on. Sure I was a drop out too, and I didnt fare too badly in comparison with the nerdy look of Zuckerberg (the creator of Facebook) during my early schooling days, but surely we are living a life extremely opposite of each other.

Fact is, drop out they may be, they are an incredibly intelligent lot. As technology advances and the world well connected together, we are seeing more and more millionares in their early thirties or even twenties (Zuckerberg is only 23 years old). I am clueless what milk powder they were fed on but I am quite sure the one that I used is of a more inferior quality.

Back in my study, I logged on to http://www.facebook.com/ for the first time of my miserable life. Coincidently, I saw a facebook "invitation" from a friend on my yahoomail browser window. As I scroll down my list of mails I realized I had more than a couple of invitations from days ago. I must have been really busy.

I have since joined the community and hook up with a small minority of friends already lost touch, though I am still very inactive with tech stuff online and will probably stay that way for a long time to come, I am glad still to have at least learn what this lastest craze in town is all about.

No, I havent found the motivation to invite all that I know of, but I have least started a mini album for a peek in my life during my years of absence from friends once lost touch.

Now, back to my comic book.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Woof Woof

I had a surgery more than 3 months ago. So I was barred from all forms of exercises until my wound is totally healed.

Few days ago, I decided that I need to shed that extra 5 kilos I gained since the operation, so I decided to take a brisk walk around my estate with my wife. My usual 7km run route in the evening became simply a jalan jalan journey from my house to...well... my house (Its a round trip lah, I didnt idle, in case you thought I did).

So I thought, alright you can't run but at least you can walk, you fat ass. It should be a piece of cake.

But I was wrong. I couldn't complete my journey without the bothering pain coming on from my wound which I thought had completely healed. I had to take a really, really slow walk to get home. It didnt help that I had a slipped disc (I discovered it last month), plus my arthritic knee cap has been worse than before. It then suddenly occured to me that my health really suck. I am only 32 years old going on to 33. Just a few months ago, I still had a active and sporty lifestyle, I even picked up golf and I love the sport.

How the hell did all this shit happened. I was beginning to get really worried.

The thing about seeing a doctor is that they start to dig out all the shit problems you have once you start seeing them. I guess I was a happier man before I start donating my monthly salary to those perverted doctors. Now that I found out my list of problems, I became hesitant whenever I decide to do some sport activity. And it doesnt help that your family stops you from your regular exercise now that they are aware of your condition.

But I ought to get on my feet again somehow. This shit cannot continue forever. I decided that I will go swimming. The sport is stressless on your joints, and I've heard water therapy works as well as going for a spa treatment except that it is a lot cheaper. (ya, I know what were you thinking there for a moment, alright I am a cheap fuck)

But I guess turning to swimming isn't going to be much of a problem. There is only one however, in comparism to my list of health related problems that span from Jurong to Johore. And that one single problem is: Ta da!! I can't really swim.

As far as I am concern, theres only one swimming style I ever knew and swear by. No, its not the free style or the breath stroke. Forget it, it can't be the Butterfly Stroke. I am refering to "Dog Paddle Style".

Some kind chap I knew back in secondary school tought me how to 'swim' (I didnt think he was a good teacher, my guess is he loves dogs as pets), I owe it to myself on learning how to float. But thats as far as I get. I had to cheat through a swimming test during my national service days just to avoid going back to my camp for remedial training on weekends. I guess I totally blew it when those bastards insist that I jump into the fucking pool with a bloodly M16 and my uniform on. I need not spell out what happened, I reckon you have never seen a dog geared up in No4 uniform and getting all 'garang' with a rifle on its back waddling some 50m length of pool. Its utterly pathetic, more so I never made it to the 50m point.

I know, its a nightmare. I hate the water to be honest. I almost drowned that time if not for my Section Commander who dragged me out of the water on time.

But like I said, I ought to get out of my shit situation somehow. I ought to head for the waters, its my only option. And if you happened to see a pathetic dog waddling in the water next time you visit the swimming pool, don't bother to call the SPCA, it could be me.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Jack Pot

Things are looking up finally.

"You got the job." coming from the client at the other end of the telephone line.

"You got the grant." coming from the gahmen at the other end of the telephone line.

Even though its just a single liner, it sounded way better than Jay Chou hitting notes on his piano while he croons over his latest hit.

No, I am not mocking Chou. Don't get the wrong idea. I even supported his latest movie hit "Secret", and bought all originals of his music. I think he has got some real talents. But nothing beats reaping the rewards after all the sweat and blood you put in.

I repeat : SWEAT & BLOOD.

You spent weeks fine tuning versions of a pitching proposal request upon request by the client. You then lose your sleep over multiple versions of the colored storyboards. You get mocked by your lack of portfolio. You do your presentations like a salesman prick betraying his soul. You try to forge your best smile looking like a twat in front of the client when you have only like 0.0005 minutes of sleep in the last 48 hours. And you think your neighbour's chihuahua has got a more superior life than you. And I am not talking about one proposal, but many.

I am glad the outcome has been more than satisfying.

But the road further looks like one with more hurdles. The real challenge starts here I guess. With games and videos to work on against a timeline faster than China's speed growing economy, I think it will be yet a few more months of hard slog.

Aplenty has happened since my last blog entry. That was like, half a year ago. Steve took on a plaintiff role in the Odex string of lawsuits which ended all pleasant with the prosecutor dropping the case. My colleague and business partner Raymond re-grew his "beard" which more then bore a resemblance of an over-used kiwi brush. The lizard in my room has grown to a considerable size despite our devised plan to capture it, shouldnt have trusted products they advertise on TV. I got my fair share of mishaps which I shan't elaborate further. But I am positive of the months ahead. I believe the clouds should go away soon. I think hardworking and non-deterent souls will soon get our rewards.

Otherwise this world will be so fucking unfair, aint it.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Burnt Out - Redirection to "blogatpdds.blogspot.com"

I am not talking about EA (Electronic Arts)'s racing game Burnt Out. I am literally burnt out.

I am having a "HELL" of my time for the past month. My programmer MIA, and I am in a bad bad fix to deliver the job to my client.

Which is why I haven't been updating my blog.

But I haven't give up my blogging habit. Just go to : "blogatpdds.blogspot.com" to view my latest blog.

Blogatpdds is our little blog corner for our Design Studio. Please enjoy.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

The Pursuit of HappyNess

What a month. Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day, Work, Family, all packed in 28 days.

February is ending. Today is my 4th blog post this month. Havent been able to write lately. Its a hectic month. I have had very bad news slammed right at my face this month, there were also some rather good news. Life keeps on moving for me. Its been a tough year in 06. I am embracing yet another year that will be filled with many challenges, test of guts, patience, and determination. People like us are fighters, we are not the societies elite, we owe ourselves a living, sometimes a mere rice bowl. But I am determined to make my life a better one than it already is right now. Its been a good 32 years so far. Every year I looked back after the Chinese New Year, it is always a better year. For I am a year wiser, a year smarter, albeit an inch wider. But thats ok, my jeans were always bought 2 sizes up.

No, thats not really ok. I am suppose to be image concious!

As I munched away my cheezels while enaging this "drag-myself-to-type" blog post, I didnt even feel the slightest guilt in me. I am getting on in age, and I am growing fat, I bet half of me was made up of oil and fab. But its weird, I am getting less bothered year after year. Geez.. what the fuck happened..

Anyway, today isnt about self conciousness. Today is about the closure of the month, a meaningful month, to me, at least. Nothing really changes as I march right into the month of March, but a step closer to all my goals set out in front of me, no less.

But my wife May is not feeling too well lately, and I am to take care of her in the couple of weeks ahead. She is the most important part of my life, and I have realised work should never be in front of your love ones.

The pursue of success is never an ending road, but at least it is clear cut. The pursue of happiness is a winding road, sacrifices has to be made, material needs forgo. It is neverthless something I will choose no matter how.

Til the next post. Take good care of your health all.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Happy Post Hidden Agenda - I met a Corporate dick this week (Part One)

Both my wife and me are not in the pink of health lately. And things are generally not going well. But having the support from each other will tide us through, after all we have braved many, many, many storms in the past, I am sure nothing will ever deter us.

I am not a very mushy person and I don't have a fetish for Korean dramas or Bak Young Jun, but whatever I have written above is a reflection of my true feelings right now, no less. In times like these, I don't have to spell out anymore how much I appreciate my wife. Like I said, I am sure things will end up well for us.

I just want to write something happy today, but I feel compelled to let my feelings out at least in written form right now before I go on. And writing blog posts have given me freedom and a space to put my thoughts, at the same time settle some of my emotional struggles.

The week started with Steve coming back from China, a few meetings, and inclusion of a Valentine's day, plus closure of the week being our to be had company outing tomorrow.

Lets start with Steve coming back. Unfortunately I wasnt able to meet up with this dog friend of mine earlier, again due to work committments. This is bloody so fuckin' unfair. For the sake of making sure the projects are on schedule, leisure time is always secondary. However we still managed to meet twice this week with May in the picture. I am not a refine man, nor am I a diplomatic hypocrite "Mr Goody Suck Your Boss Dick" type fucked up asshole that I have brushed shouders with. I can frankly say I am as crude as freshly dug up crude oil from Kuwait. So when we exchange "Chee Byes", and "Nah Behs" over the phone before meeting up, my day was already brightened up. Yup, no hyprocracy, we swear like there may be no tomorrow, and we are racist pigs. But today's topic isnt about racism or an online "swearing" tutorial. (Though I did ever seriously consider the potential of the 'tutorial project'.)

Today is about writing something happy, which leads to writing about Valentine's day. Which I will write about tomorrow. Bloody stupid right? A happy blog post to be written today will be written tomorrow. But fucking hell, its 2.27am in the morning right now and I seriously need a fucking sleep. So fucking Turban scumbags and bastards, lets look forward to tomorrow. Oh, pardon my coarseness in my language, at least I am not a hypocrite prick.

Have a good night.