Hey ya all....it's Friday

Friday. Yay!!!! It's a long weekend again. Yay!!!!
I hope the weather gets better for the New Year and New Year Eve. It has been raining non-stop in the evenings. Drizzles in the afternoon.

I wanna go outdoor climbing tomorrow. But if it rains, then have to cancel. By the way, the new climbing gym in 1Utama is open. Camp5. I've been there to check the place out. It's bigger than your usual climbing gym in the Summit Climbing Gym and Delta Rovers at Kepong. However, with that kind of crowd over there, I couldn't imagine how we could fit the claimed 100 over climbers in that place. Not to mention it was warm. Bloody warm. The thing that I hated most are places with poor ventilation. However, being new and innovative, mind you, the guys who setup camp5 at 1U are real pros. The walls do look good. They have a concrete wall for you to train as if you're climbing a real outdoor rock. They have their proprietary technology of rotating wheels or something so that they can change the routes easily. Though looking at it, unless you have lots of these wheels to rotate, how much different can the route be? Scratch head.My partner says it is suppose to be a 2-story gym. But if you look at it carefully, it's just another platform making up for the 2nd level.

So, conclusion is we're still a long way from there. The entrace fee is 22 bucks per day. Do not expect something like Castle in the UK (I think that's the name of the climbing gym in the UK). However, I guess this is actually the best of the best climbing gyms so far. If you like climbing indoor, this is the place to be...for now. It's new. It's happening. It's hip. However, don't expect to be allowed to linger around there. You need permission to enter the place. No one can loiter there. Well, I normally loiter at these places to see how other guys climb and learn a thing or two. But I guess with the limited space, you just can't allow people to loiter in there.

There's suppose to be a ice-climbing section..soon to come. If you have been to the gym, try figuring out where are they gonna put it. I think this is a case of unrealistic expectation, over-promised and over-hype surrounding the gym. Give credit where credit is due. This place is still cool. Just that....for how long? Oh yeah, due to the design of the gym, the walls are definitely higher. A plus point.

I have a friend who climbs a lot outdoor. He was just telling me, well, so what's great about this gym? My answer, it's new and it's there. Go climb it at least once.

Cheers.

System Problems

One of the clients whom I am working with is having system problems. I hate this kind of problems. System problems. Vague. It's like trying to find a pin in the haystack. The job is painful. And the attitude of the client is not helping either. Soon the usual finger pointing will start. I guess this is part and parcel of having clients and clients who pay the annual maintenance fees for their system. I am trying to be optimistic here. Everyday at work, I hope that the system will run fine. No problems at all. Minor hiccups here and there. But never a major one. There are things to be learnt anyway from these difficult situation. With every problem, we learn something new eventhough the system belongs to us. When a problem occurs, we start to investigate. As we investigate the cause of the problem, we begin to get familiar with the system and understand the internals of it. There are just too many hands involved in designing and maintaining the system. I use to cry out loud that only the creator or the one who did the coding for a particular module knows how it is suppose to work. This is what most people say, EXPERIENCE. I gain more experience as more problems occur. However, I've had it with problems. NO MORE PROBLEMS PLEASE.

Quietly, I wish that all would go well for this client. For their good and most importantly, for the good of me. Selfish? In this situation, I will not give 2 hoots about that.

And I say it again....NO MORE PROBLEMS PLEASE. We need to get on with our lives.

It's been raining every evening. Really wet weather. It's cooling though. I guess that's good. Except that I have a cough. I hope I get well soon. Please please please......

NO MORE PROBLEMS PLEASE!

A New Year is coming!

With New Year just round the corner, the mood to work is certainly not up to the usual mark. Hmm...the usual mark doesn't seem that high anyway haha... just kidding. I am really looking forward to this year's new year hangout. Gonna be right in the smack of Kuala Lumpur. And will be meeting up with my school-mate who just returned from Vietnam. Really hope that it's gonna be a real bash! Lots of chicks to see and oogle at. Yeah man, that's right. But my partner will surely give me a nudge to my ribs.

On the other hand, I don't think I'll get wasted. Maybe age has caught up on me. I hope not actually. Just that I don't feel like getting drunk anymore. I guess I won't be drinking like there's no tomorrow. Just had enough of the spinning head and the non-stop spinning bed feeling.

The other day, my best buddy got me a 21-years old Chivas Royal Salute. I tell you, a sip of that eternal juice certainly would you think you are dining with the gods (because most of the time what I got was the usual 12-year old). What an imagination I've got. And I was still sober. We were suppose to finish that bottle. Just him and me. But we only had a few drinks of that wonderful nectar. I didn't feel like getting wasted. Because after that eternal 21-year old nectar, is my usual best friend, Jack Daniels. Not to mention the Absolut and the good ol Guiness. I guess we have passed that stage where we drink till we puked. I've just had enough of that. Just wanted to enjoy the company during that Christmas dinner.

Though I know one day, I'll get wasted again. Just waiting for the right time and the right place. Because with me is Russia's best vodka, Russian Standard. One of my friend brought it back for me all the way from Moscow. Taste like water with a punch like Muhammad Ali.

By the way, there's no alcohol (legally) in Pakistan. And I shall be there for the next 2 months. Dang...I need a drink now.

Cheers.

Graduating in Absentia

My MBA graduation is just round the corner. Towards the end of January. As the title of this blog suggests, I will not be attending it. I hope most of my classmate who have braved through the difficult times during the part-time studies attends the ceremony. One can only imagine the joy of being there. I won't be attending due to the work commitments and because of that I will not be around.

Somehow, it doesn't seem all that bad. I mean not attending the graduation. However, this is a once in a lifetime event. I guess my parents would love to attend one, get a few photo shots and meet my coursemates. I dunno. Maybe I'm just too distracted by work and the other happenings in life at the moment. My classmates and I have gone through much during these 2-3 years in the MBA course. Looking back, it felt like just yesterday. When I first started the course, I was like thinking....omigod. 2 years is like so long. The first semester was killing. First time being back to school. Right after work, rush to attend classes. Luckily my office was nearby. Another reason why I chose this uni was the location. Besides paying through my nose actually. On the other hand, you can think of it as a way to splash 44k+ on oneself.

It was fun. And painful. And frustrating. And sleep depriving. And health wrecking. Hmm...only one nice word and the rest are not. Time really flies actually. Now when I look back, I kinda miss those times. I guess it's all the bitter sweet memory of studying.

Once in awhile I do see my coursemates online. Some do blog. Totoro, Kitty and Leannes....haha...next time maybe there will be more and more of us. I did told one of my coursemates that this journey has ended. Another one begins. And yes that's true. I am still searching for my next career move. Haha!

To the class of 2002/2003/2004/2005 (because we were part-timers) Nottingham University Biz School, I salute you!

Ya baby!

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL YOU FOLKS OUT THERE!

As usual, I woke up late. Didn't make it to church. FOr some reason the body just couldn't move from the bed. It's rooted there. I know why. Yesterday I went to do some last minute shopping at KLCC shopping mall. I walked and walked and walked. I wanted to find something small and meaningful. Boy that was tough. I should have just got something. Anything! I don't think KLCC is a good place for something small but I didn't have much choice. I went to the city late in the afternoon. THe other shopping malls would have been packed by then and it would be difficult to find any car park space. So it's KLCC.

You have to give it to the ladies. They can really shop till you drop. For me, next time I'll make plans earlier and start searching for the gifts earlier.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The great debate of freshies and salary

I can't sleep. So like every other million bloggers out there, I decided to surf the net. I was reading a forum at my favourite forum hangout...and I saw this forum title - Is RM2000 enough for a fresh grad (ringgit malaysia two thousand only)?

Let me just say, I saw there like 7 years ago when I was a fresh grad. My starting salary was lower than 2k. Eventually I left and got a salary with 2K. Is it enough? Unless you are some contented person who constantly say, god will show the way (which is good actually to be religious), money is never enough. Mind you, I am also among those who say god has a part to play in all of our lives. But money is never enough. Just that it's the other things that makes life enjoyable, besides having lots and lots of money. THose who are employers would surely want to pay less to the workers or rather slaves. And those who are slaves would surely want more money. Back to the question, was it enough? I would say yes. I had a simple life. Took the bus. Gave my parents some money, it was little but I guess this is where the phrase it is the thought that counts matters. Once in awhile I spend on nice things. Nice things during that time was maybe iced coffee and some beer. Nothing lavish. I wait for sales to get my clothes. Ate simple food, mixed rice mostly. SOmetimes go for something higher end in the local chinese restaurant. But it was never expensive. Had a bike and it's really great to have a bike to travel nearby. It was dangerous to travel to town on bikes anyway. That was 7 years ago. Not sure if I have something which is considered a good salary but I guess it's better than having a lower salary (lower salary...that means any salary which is lower than my current one). Yes I have difficulty finding a house..a good one. Yes, I waited later to get a car..really really much later because I couldn't afford to maintain one.

On the other hand, the two thousand bucks 7years ago may not be the two thousand bucks of today. If you take into account of Net Present Value. Bus fares have increased. The LRT fares have increased numerous of times. Rents have gone up. Prices of food has gone up. So I don't know if two thousand is enough for a fresh grad. It could be just enough for a fresh grad. The reality is supply and demand. If the job market has more supply than demand, then beggers can't be choosers. Grab the best available opportunity and work towards a goal. The only winners that I see this game are the biz people. When price of goods go up, pass the cost to the consumers.

Sometimes I do think would life become better if i started my own business? What business to start? I like sports so I have been thinking more and more about things that I would like to start...things related to financials. And working in projects in Faki..I mean Pakistan has really got me going about this own business thing.

My friend tells me he believes in that some people are born to be employees and some are born to be employers. My take on this is, if everyone becomes the boss, then who is going to get the job done? There will always be bosses and slaves..I mean workers. That's how the world is. What I do not believe is that people are born to be employees and some would be employers. Yes, there is something called destiny. I am still trying to figure things out. Putting everything in the hand of luck or chance or karma or whatever, is just not my kind of thinking.

So where does this leave us on the issue of, is money enough? Money won't be enough unless you are darn rich. We all need money to survive. It is the question of how much money. And right now, I just have to find more money.

And keep dreaming on possible future businesses.

Cheers.

Smile to weather the storm

I've recovered a bit from the throat infection. I realized that I am very prone to throat infections especially when it is dusty. My doctor recommended this herb called Echinacea. It builds up the body resistant. My parents would just say, take your Scott's Emulsion. Ok. Sometimes I forgot to take them. Or sometimes, I am just too lazy to go to the pharmacy to replenish my supplements. Until I get sick. Then everything starts coming back to me on what needs to be bought and taken to keep myself healthy.

Smile. Yes that's right. When in difficulty, smile. When in pain, smile. Be optimistic. Life's just too short to frown everyday. That's what I am lacking. Smile when things are bad. Smile when things are getting worse. Smile when things are just hopeless. It helps and you should try it.

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."

Thomas Paine.

Ya baby!

Travellers Tips

I am sick. Yet again in Karachi. My throat is sensitive and most of the time, that is the starting point where I will get sick. Though it's not that bad..yet. I've got some herbal tea which is suppose to cool me body. Some chinese herbs which is suppose to be beneficial to the throat since my throat is sensitive. I think it's the dust. I've been in Karachi three times. All three times I fell ill.

My friend, Totoro wrote about things to pack for travelling. Maybe I'll add in a few more pointers.This is because I am feeling uncomfortable because of my throat. If I am going away for a long trip, I'll always pack things to pamper myself. This contradicts to the term travel light but who cares. I'll carry my floss, shampoos, body soap and cosmetics such as moisturizers, toners, etc etc. Anything that would make me feel better during the long trip away from home. This time I forgot my moisturizers. So my skin is dry and cracking and peeling. My face actually. One thing that I find very helpful would be those de-stressing body salts or shower gel. I've got one from Crabtree and Evelyn. OK fine. I'm a guy but I like all these stuff. Just to make oneself feel better after a long days work. Mind you, I'm working long hours over here in Karachi. I hate it but that's life unless something better comes up.

So if you're travelling far and long for work assignments, bring something to pamper yourself.

That reminds me to bring my set of Clarins for Men next time. I've not had the opportunity to use them yet. And being sick and uncomfortable here really makes me crave for some pampering.

Dang it.

Ok, finally all brands which appear in thihs blog are trademarks of their respective companies. I am not advertising any brands but are used as examples to illustrate my point.

Cheers.

Weekend is here

First things first. Today I tried the pillow-on-chair solution. Yup..you've gotta believe me. It's much comfortable sitting on the hotel chair and using my laptop. The wonder's of non-technology related solutions. My sitting position is much better now. My shoulders are no longer aching. I am also happily blogging over here. And I've lost my excuse for not working in my hotel room. Haha. I shall be very productive all because of a pillow under my bottom.

It was really an unproductive week. Sigh. That means more trouble ahead as we are behind the schedule. However, I intend to stay within the project schedule. This is to be achieved by filling the gaps in the project schedule by working off-office hours. A sad case of no-life scenario. Who cares!

I'll write a bit more about the city of Karachi. It has some distinctive smell in the air. That's because of the swamps nearby. Sometimes the smell gets stronger with the wind. The weather is cool now. Winter related but you wouldn't be able to see snow. Traffic is bad during peak hours. I guess it's bad like Kuala Lumppur's traffic except that our roads are organized. It's different here. You can hardly see the road lines. Actually there aren't any. There are traffic police directing the traffic. But I don't know if they are any good.You've got bikes coming everywhere. everybody is honking. Chaotic. You can make a u-turn in the road no matter what the conditions are or whether the traffic police is there or not. The air in the morning is fresh. Up until the traffic begins to pick up and you get....something like haze. By evening, it's smog time. It's really unhealthy air around here. I guess that's how these emerging cities are. Oh..i've not told you about the generators. Most office here have their own generators. That's because blackouts do happen. And they run unleaded petrol over here.

My typical day here is rest in the hotel and work in the office. It's fine with me. I just want to get the job done and return home. Something like The Professionals. And of course, work on my speech to stop stammering.

It's the weekend. I wanna rest. Can't climb in Karachi. Have the gym. I guess I'll stay in the room and do my own stuff. Ok. Maybe I'll pay the gym a visit. I need to be in top form for my next climbing trip. If that's ever gonna come true.

Dang!

Ya Baby!

Simple thinking

Sometimes I tend to think of all kinds of complicated solutions for a simple problem. Just simply by sitting and giving the problem a thorough examination will reveal a simple solution is always available. Well, most of the time.

I was in the hotel room using my laptop. The chair was too low. This caused great difficulty in using the laptop especially when you need to type. The chair's cushion is also soft. Maybe that's why. I checked the other rooms, they all have the same chair. What am I to do. Surely these people would have thought that the chair is just too low to have comfortable time using the laptop on the table. I was trying to think of a solution on this. My shoulders were already hurting because of the uncomfortable ergonomics encountered. Change the chair? If the rest of the rooms had the same chair, I doubt another chair will makes things better. I am doomed. Just bear with it I told myself.

This morning I found the solution. Put the extra pillow on the chair. Good for my bottom (hehe) and good for my posture. Simple isn't it. If only I had just think about it. Maybe it's because I am complaining too much until I can see the solution which is just right under my nose.

Oh yeah. Rest assured that I won't be using the pillow which was used as a cushion for the chair. It's just good enough for my bottom. I have other pillows for sleeping. Hehe...

Ya baby!

Days past fast

Even in Pakistan. When work is piling up. My eyes are hurting actually. Because as I am blogging, the air cond vents are blowing to my eyes. Dang! The chair is also too low. And my shoulders hurt.

I had my first tummy upset today. Wasn't that bad. A visit to the toilet settled. Really wondering what the heck did I eat. Previous trips had the same thing also, tummy upsets. I guess I've got to be careful with my food intake.

How's Karachi you ask? It's polluted. They are still using unleaded petrol here. And diesel. I thought diesel is suppose to be more environment friendly. But if you don't take care of the engine, it is a pollution causer. If you look at the bright lights in Karachi, you will notice how dusty it is. Dust particles everywhere. It's gloomy at night. Feels like the haze is around.

I guess that's the norm in Karachie. Hahaha.

Tips

Kitty told me I should practise speaking in front of the mirror. So that I will be more comfortable speaking to people. And more confident.

Must try that everyday. 5 minutes session whenever I can in front of the mirror. Besides admiring myself in the mirror.

Ya Baby!

Long flight to work

It was a long flight to Pakistan where my project will be based. In economy class. It's pretty tight for someone who is tall like me. All in all, the journey took 6 hours. Dang...didn't make it for it biz class privilege.

During the ride, I couldn't sleep at all. There were kids in the plane. Noisy ones. Some of em passengers turned on the light. I think it was because I was uncomfortable. Upon reaching the airport, some misunderstanding and the assigned transport to the hotel didn't come. Took the hotel bus instead. No complains. Just wanted to get to the room and sleep. Very tired at that time.

At the hotel, I found that the reservation were not in order. There was no booking for me. Sigh. Given a temporary room, have to check out the next day.

Oh well, what a start. Now I am here blogging. Why? My brain ain't working, my eyes are hurting. Maybe I was too worried about not being able to find a room. Oh yea, there was a booking made for me, but the name was wrong and it has been sorted out.

Time is an essense now. I have to fully utilise the time during this project. I want things to go well.

Dang...when I look through this blogging, I find that I am so disoriented. Dang!

Really want to get back to the hotel to sleep.

Busy as a bee

Busy as a bee. But at the end of the day, I feel that I have done nothing productive. What is wrong?

I am not doing what is important? Or too distracted with issues and interuptions?

Dang...I hate work now. Screw it. But importantly, why am I not productive?

Solving that will certainly solve my work problems.