Part-time

I have one minute before my official working hours start, but the bosses aren't gonna be here yet anyway... so here I am, blogging. Haha. And I'm on meebo too.

Today is my 2nd day of this part-time job. I'm now something like a CAD operator, I believe the official term is. Good money. Haha. But the office so c-beh far away from my house, all the way in Manjalara, Kepong. So even though my working hours is from 10 am - 6 pm, I have to wake up at 7 something and ask my mum to fetch me to the KTM station to reach somewhere around 8, get on the train all the way to Kepong before taxing either a taxi or bus to the office. I reach around 9.30 am, meeting another trainee who has the key to the office. Yesterday, I left the office at 7 pm, and reached the train station waiting for my mum to pick me up at 8.30 pm.

Work's fairly easy though. Did some adding of levels to the floor plans. Earning a lot for this kinda business, I think. Kakakaka.... and with the benefit of broadband some more. Even though no music, still can stream online.

Got 2 bosses here. Got one more from Hong Kong associate company. Got one trainee from KBU. She does more odd jobs here and there - like making phone calls, faxing, e-mailing etc.

Ok la... got to work liao. Add more when bosses are not around (they came in and delayed the publishing of this post). Kakaka...

Tidbit - 2 Hole Fish Ball

Tuesday was Dumpling Festival. As such, my family went back to my maternal grandmother’s house for a ‘reunion’ dinner. Almost everyone was there, from all my other 7 cousins to my aunties and uncles. The dishes were abounding – we had roast duck, chicken, fish and some vegetables. The soup was clear soup with some vege and some other things you always find in steamboats, like fish balls, and this other thing – a long-ish, fish ball like, but with a hole from one end to the other end, and always with a stripe of brown in the middle. I love this a lot. And I suppose everyone else at the table. Or at least, those my generation and younger. When the second round of soup came, Mum poured out two of those, and I quickly grabbed one. Grandma remarked, “This time don’t know why… can’t find it in the market, so only got 6 (paraphrased from Cantonese)” Following that, the other remaining ones were quickly gone from the soup too.

Later, after we all sat in the living room, full and satiated, some catching up and chatter began. My 2^nd uncle (the father) asked my 3-year old cousin (the son), “今天为什么那么多人？(Why were there so many people here today?)”

My 3-year cousin said, “因为全部人要吃那个两个洞的鱼圆! (Because everyone wants to eat the fish ball with 2 holes!)”

The 2-hole fish ball in question. I just found out that it's called "Chikuwa Fish Cake". Taken from glutton-island.blogspot.com

Green Fest

I set my alarm for 5.45 a.m. Put my handphone on a stool near my bed. I woke up to my mum shaking me, and I looked at my handphone which said 7.00 a.m. Funny thing is, I don't remember how my handphone came to be beside on my pillow.

Haha... I'm being stupid and digressing. Main point - I was awake to go for the Green Fest Celebration organized by Malaysia's No. 1 English daily (this is written everywhere when you reach), The Star in FRIM, Kepong. We (mum, bro and sis) bundled into the car, spent some time getting lost in KL, and reached the place maybe... in an hour? Not too bad really. Considering we got lost and all.

Me at the banner. Looking dungu... but oh well. Not awake yet ma.

First interesting thing I saw... mobile toilets! Haha. I shall post the pictures here. Have fun imagining how to use it.

The flush is the blue foot pump on the floor. The water for the "basin" is another pump, cannot be seen here.

On the way searching for breakfast, spotted this little boy posing for his dad's camera at a big tree.

Forgive my shaky hands. Still not awake la maybe.

FRIM is really a very big replanted forest. It was a secondary forest, a degraded one. Then some people (I don't remember everything from the talk - still sleepy) had the foresight to 'green' the area, and started planting trees from 1920s, if i'm not mistaken. Thus the many trees continously planted all these years gave birth to the place we have today.

Field near the site of the activities


In FRIM itself got school some more. I kid you not. And seems like not only one.

The initial reason any of us even thought to go was that my mum had to send my brother, who was on duty for the event to Menara Star. So all of us thought we might as well just tag along and go straight to FRIM ourselves (hence the getting lost part). He is a BRAT (if you didn't get the 'on duty' part) and his assignment was to sell popcorn.

My BRAT brother smiling goofily without realising I was taking his picture.

Moving on to activities. We reached kinda late so registration for some events was already over. I was kinda disappointed that the 'Canopy Walk' event was already full. So my sister registered for 'Nature Hunter', an educational activity for school children. She came back, saying" Very sien la... Look at the trees, draw trees..."

Then we decided to go for a colouring session. Lots of other kids were already there, looking like those very pro in colouring contest, complete with their own portable table, crayons and newspapers (I know because I was one once =P).

Mum with Sis colouring. Sis still has 'war paint' left from her 'Nature Hunter'.


So many families joining the 'Nature Treasure Hunt'. Have to have at least a father figure in each team. I don't even have a male, since my brother is a BRAT on duty.

There was a truck where all the entertainment was held, called the 'Gegar U' truck. I didn't manage to see much, 'cos I attended talks in the auditorium instead. My sis took these pictures.

School children as the brown things in a play.


Performance by the Orang Asli committee. The leader here translated their song title from a tongue twisting alien dialect to "Saudara saudari, datanglah ke sini".

The main reason I was attracted to go was because of certain exhibits and talks related to my field of study. I listened to a talk about the MBIPV system, more commonly know as the "Suria 1000" project. The speaker is the National Project Leader, albeit being so young (he says he's over 30 though, so he's "not so young"). And then there was a talk from Lucas Works, "Sustainable Energy House". They were presenting the Smart&Cool Homes, a sustainable building technology that offers cheaper and environment friendly materials (discarded car tyres), cheaper cost and energy efficiency. These pictures are from a model at their exhibtion booth:

You can see that the box raft foundation under the house is filled with tyres (up to 3-4 layers).


Here you can see that the tyres are used for the retaining wall as well. I think it's a nice aesthetic touch.

At the end of the day, I felt like doing what this little girl did.

After all, I wasn't very awake the whole day.

I am small, perhaps insignificant. But I am strong, and free.

Flowers

*Taken from Cameron Highlands

Quandary, quandary.

I am in a quandary. For those who don't know what this word is, look here.

The quandary in question is - architectural job or not? Professional or not? Study-related or interest? Sigh....

I have received 2 calls for second interviews. The first architectural company has contacted me and asked me to go again soon, which I am fulfilling by going there later today. The second company is the one I went for an interview yesterday, the Spa Lover. Haven't set a date yet.

Most of the people who hear about my situation would ask me to go for the architecture job. Why would anyone drop a professional job for something totally unrelated? I think that was the question in everyone's mind. And doing something related would give me the portfolio when I continue my studies in future. My dad asked, "Are you gonna split yourself into a few persons? Going for so many jobs..." Haha XD But I do like both lines of job, because both are such a big challenge and would totally stimulate my mind.

Finally, one piece of advice I felt was most useful: Since you're planning to save up for your education, just take the job that offers you a higher salary. Haha. Perfect really.

Spa Lover Interview

As my potential employer has asked me yesterday for the address of this blog, I am gonna tread carefully. Haha.... kidding. But still - at the risk of being read by her. So, I'll give a brief summary.

Contrary to my worries, I found the office with ease (thanks to the Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley Street Directory on my lap). I didn't really form a preconception of the office in my mind, just so I'll not be taken aback by any expectations. But, I did find it rather odd that the office did not have any signage no matter on the outside or inside (before you enter the office). And it had just the essentials - tables and computers. And a radio. And a room where the principal sat.

So. I met Eunice Ng. First comment - she is thinner in real life. Haha... XD I saw only 2 other female workers in the office. Another male - but I don't know really what is his role there. After the usual filling up of forms, I went into the room to be interviewed by Ms Eunice. I found her rather serious in the beginning, and she spoke in precise, clipped tones. But then after a while, it kinda lapsed into a rather comfortable conversation. She tested my language, speaking to me in English and then switching to Mandarin. Truth be told, I was rather nervous when she asked me to read Mandarin. Hahaha... But it was still fine, I think.

It was a comparatively long interview, approximately 45 minutes long. In that time, I was questioned rather specifically, about everything. And especially what was my objective (as this job has nothing to do with my studies). I was also informed of the nature and services of the company. The interview ended with a word that I'll be contacted again.

I'm experiencing a sort of writer's block for this post. So sorry for my lack of ... anything. Hehe. Perhaps because my thoughts are rather in another post. Gah! I shall stop before this becomes terrible.

My 1st Driving Lesson

On Wednesday, 6 June 2007

6.40 am I woke up blearily. I was supposed to go for my first driving lesson. To say I was nervous was such an understatement. I prepared myself and exactly at 7, I received a call from my instructor who had arrived outside my house. Ok… so this was it, I told myself. I’m gonna start learn driving. Haha…

I saw my “L” license attached with my lesson card. After signing a few things, I was off to the driving school. He was bringing me to learn in the school, which was also a test centre. So there a circuit with all the necessary “road conditions” there, although it was really a very cute one – mini roundabout, mini slope, place where 4 parking lots were designed for testing and a small pocket of road for 3-point turns in front of them.

Anyway, my lesson first was to learn the gears. So I practised changing the gears - 1, 2, 3, 4 and Reverse 'R'. Then I learnt how to control the clutch and drive the car forward and backward. Did this a few times. Then I went on a slow drive around the circuit once, all the while following instructions from my instructor (Peter).

Peter is a very funny person. He's someone I would regard as "uncle" category, I guess. Haha. He has the typical pot belly, and is bald as well (or maybe he has very short hair, I can't remember). And he has a kind of... how should I say; for example, when he teaches me something, then he likes to go, "No one will teach you this wan, you know? Only Peter will teach wan!" He repeats it a lot of times too. Kaka... like when he taught me how to turn the sterring (in order that your car tyres will always be straight) and parking formula, and talking about teaching how to drive in the dark (as in night la, but he used the morning dawn time, around 5.30-6 am).

My class lasted 3 hours. 3 hours!!! Haha... so long. My arms and legs were so cramped. And I was sweating too. As in, from all that exertion. Oh, and I haven't mentioned how I had to adjust my seat. I pulled the seat to the front to its limits. And then I found that I still couldn't lean on the seat otherwise I would not be able to step on the clutch and still be able to see what was on the road in front. Adoi... Peter was quite nice about this though. He said it was always slightly more difficult for him to teach "not so big sized" students and for them to learn as well. So next class I would need to bring a pillow. =P

I think this post has reached the proper length already. And I can't think of what else to write anyway. Hah! I shall end here. Till my next adventure. Driving, that is.

I got into The Star!

Well... not me, actually. What I meant is, something I did. No, er... something I wrote. Haha. I was a day late reading the newspapers today. And as I was browsing through the Youth2 section of the paper, I spied the "Poetry Corner" edged towards the bottom right on the 2nd page of the "xXx" counselling section. And there, was my poem! My eyes went wide when I saw it. I'd sent it some time ago, and when nothing happened I just put it out of my mind.

To cut the dramatics... (hehe) the poem that was published was "Unrequited", which I had previously posted here on this blog. And just for fun, the poem at The Star's online page (which I think would only work before next Wednesday when the next poem comes out).

And another appointment

Hahahahaha.... actually this was the one I really wanted to write about. After finishing that interview, I got a call for another interview appointment. This time it was for "Creative Writer", for a spa and wellness company called The Spa Lover Wellness Group.

The conversation was simple actually. "Are you interested for this job?" she (the caller) asked. I was curious as to what the job entailed (this was just an application I did for fun). She said, "Well, we have a few spas under our promotion group. Then you have to go visit them and experience it then write about it." (not her exact words but you get the idea). Fu-yoh!! This job sounded waaayyy interesting. I was definitely interested now, if I wasn't before. Haha.

So of course I agreed for an interview. She gave me the address, and then said, "If you cannot find your way on Saturday, call this number" and proceeded to recite a number, then mentioned the name of the number's owner, "Eunice Ng". I said, "Ok" and thought nothing about it, aside from being so curious to see how it would turn out.

Since I was gonna go for the interview, I needed to know something about the company, right? I went to the website I linked above, and then - I saw Eunice Ng. THE Eunice Ng. Oh my goodness.... She's a celeb! Hahaha.... and I just had her number too! For in case I couldn't find my way. Goodness....

Ok, for anyone still in the dark, or if her name doesn't ring such a bell (after all, it didn't strike me =P), she's an actress in last year's series "Falling in Love" and she hosts quite a variety of lifestyle shorts (which I believe are aired on Astro). Otherwise, just click the link! Hahahaha...

Another Interview

I'm just fresh off another interview, still with an architecture company (Quirk and Associates Sdn Bhd). Position that I applied for is internship as a Design Architect. Basically I'm paper-qualified for the job, but I just applied for the internship instead of the long-term one (which is also vacant). The interview was fine, I guess, but they're gonna consider other applicants as well. First time I had an interview with more than one person.. kinda nervous actually. Haha. Especially since they looked sooo serious. They felt undecided about what would they hire me as, in their words, "intern or trainee architect"? So they'd give me a call by the end of this week.

The office was fairly easy to find, being in the vicinity of Mid Valley City. They were housed in the newer offices though, the Northpoint Offices. Very posh and comparatively high class, I would say. Well, at least from the outside. Haha. The office was not bad. Though I don't understand why it felt like a oven from the lift to the office. I had to answer an intercom before allowed entry. Then a flat panel of the wooden finish clicked, and I pushed it to reveal a door. The reception was kinda dim, with coloured lights shining against unfinished concrete. As soon as you walked in, there was a mirror too, in front of a few upholstered chairs.

The office definitely felt like a design office. I saw an angmoh too. Hee hee. But it was kinda.... quiet. And serious. People talking with whispers. Or maybe they have very good sound insulation on the walls. Haha.

梦。醒

梦里好美，快乐。
醒来不该，难过。
梦里真实，幸福。
醒来幻想，可怜。
梦里拥有，亲近。
醒来不可能，遥远。
梦里相爱，希望。
醒来错觉，无奈。
梦里欢笑，未来。
醒来流泪，

停止。

Job Interview

I've had many views for my resume online actually. The company that viewed me the most (7 times) called me for an interview on Wednesday. They are a design-and-build company, offering both architecture and interior design services, specialising in individual bungalows and factories.

I reached there early. Went up (it was in a row of shoplots) and was asked to fill in the application form in a room. Sooo many questions (even family members also have to write). After that, I was asked to go into the boss' room for the interview. So he reviewed some of the stuff I filled out, some sort like seeking confirmation. Then my lack for the job was mentioned, my being unable to do 3d and not having my own transport. Also, it seemed my expected salary was high too (I put RM 1500).

Anyway, it was basically him telling me what he would expect me (or whoever it was he hired) to do. Funny thing is, I applied for the position of an Assistant Architect. Then when I asked, "Who would I be helping?" because from what he told me, I knew there were 2 draughtsperson, 1 designer cum draughtsperson and 1 ID person. I didn't hear the mention of an ARCHITECT. So it turns out that, I'm not gonna be assisting anyone. In fact, I'd (or whoever it is he hires) be expected to do everything, "from scratch" in his very words. From the moment he accepted a project, he'd hand it over, and I would have to do everything from concept to schematic design to attending meetings to producing working drawings and if I was still around, up to the stage where the building would be issued a CF (Certificate of Fitness).

Soooo scary man... The job description didn't sound anything remotely ASSISTANT; in fact, it screamed ARCHITECT. And an experienced one at that. I'm only a diploma student, and faced with such responsibilities was utterly daunting. And as I justified my need for the RM1.5k salary (I would need to pay rent and save for further studies), he decided to offer me RM 1300 for first 3 probation months, and then if I could really perform, he'd raise it up to that RM1.5k figure. He added, "Cos I see that you can talk, confident person, not like the others I interview..." Hah! So funny...

Anyway, I haven't decided and he hasn't as well. He'll call me on Monday and reach a decision. 3 lecturers who heard me out told me "Just go for it!" I agree that it's a good learning experience. But I hardly think I'm qualified. Well... let's hope I hear from other applications I made as well =)

Just an Update

I've been looking for a job recently. I made a profile at Jobstreet.com, created my resume with their Step-by-step builder, and I was all set to apply for any job that caught my fancy. It's actually quite fun to look at all the jobs available. Makes you think that you have such a high chance of getting employed. Hee hee... that sounds a bit cynical (didn't mean it to be).

Anyway, I looked at some that seemed to apply for my qualifications (not that much actually). And then I also applied for some that was of interest and didn't require that high a qualification, the latest being Holiday Day Camp Assistant Facilitator. So far, I've made 11 applications. Currently, 4 of them are "in process" and 1 unsuccessful. Oh well, I suppose that's very good, considering that I haven't been using this service for a week yet. Haha...

Hmm... what else? I still have one last thing to hand in to college, and can't seem to beat myself up to finish it. *Sigh* And after that, I would probably work at fixing my grades (long story) while working, no matter permanent or part time or freelance. Oh! I finished my Illustrator class too. Had an assessment the previous week. Was quite satisfied with what I could do. Been practising by doing banners and leaflets for my mum (with pay involved). Next 2 weeks, Photoshop class is gonna be starting.

Been playing the piano a lot these days. A day without playing it for a while would seem a bit weird actually. Other than that, I've been intrigued by an instrument called the ukulele. So cute! It's like a mini version of a guitar (more like the size of a violin) but with only 4 strings. Haha... I'm planning to get one and learn. I can't press a full barre chord on the guitar, but I sure can with an ukulele! Hoping I have an advantage with smaller fingers. Hehe... I was watching one brother playing with it after church youth meeting today. He's still experimenting with it too (he's a guitar pro). I should get one soon.... then we'll see how it turns out! Hee hee...

Lightcraft Visit

This shall be my fastest post regarding a place I visited. Heehee... I just thought that since I had some pictures, I might as well put them here. I think about 20+ of us including 2 lecturers went from college to the Lightcraft gallery in Sg. Besi for a workshop plus tour. The workshop was conducted by a lighting designer there named Ram; and we learnt about the different lamp sources and how it worked with different fittings and in different situations. After that, we visited their display of lights before adjourning for lunch. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the whole workshop plus lunch was free of charge.

Some of the lights I captured:

Haha... this one boleh put as college logo =)





*P.S : Lightcraft lady says she pay her worker there like 3500/mth le. working environment so nice. can consider ho... =P

Mrs. Ong's Poem for Me

The other day, I flipped through my file of old achievements and came across a piece I treasured much above the others - a poem specially written for me, which I had kept since 1996. It was from the first principal I had in primary school. Perhaps some might not understand such an affection for such an authority figure, but I loved her dearly, and I believed she loved me too. In 1996, we (the students) heard that she was leaving the school to further her studies overseas. I was heartbroken, and wrote her a letter telling her so. On the day she left, I came to my class and found there under my desk, this poem (presumably left there by her son, who sat next to me then) :

A Poem Specially for Leong Yun Rui

Dearest Yun Rui, thank you for your letter,
You are indeed getting better and better!
In everything you never fail to excel,
Indeed God has blessed you real well.

Yun Rui dear, don’t feel sad for me,
For one day I’ll come back, you’ll see;
Not as your Principal, but as your friend,
You will find in me a helping hand.

You are so young and yet so intelligent,
You make proud and happy any parent;
Use the gifts that God has bestowed on you;
To make others happy and your life blissful.

I will never forget you, you are special,
For one so young, you prove so capable;
There is nothing I can wish better for you,
You are blessed, more than any I know and knew.

One thing that I advise as you go through life,
Always be humble, always for good strive;
You will never lack peace and happiness,
When you combine intelligence with godliness.

I have to go because like you I love to study,
I want to learn more of the world around me;
One day your beloved ones too will cry,
When for higher studies, you have to say “goodbye”.

But you will come back, just like me,
Maybe in a different capacity;
It doesn’t matter as long as memories remain,
Precious like the summer breeze and desert rain.

God bless you and your family everyday,
He will continue to watch over you in every way;
His angels will guard you as you grow,
To be a fine example, God’s pride on show!

Love,
Mrs. Juliana Ong
Principal
Sekolah Sang Suria
10 March 1996

She has come back here in the recent years. Whenever I read this, my eyes never fail to water. I hope to meet her soon... someday.

Tidbit - LRT

Share a little sweet incident in the LRT some time ago...

There was a family comprising the father, mother, a son and a younger daughter. The daughter was putting on her jacket. The sleeves were too long. She turned to her parents (who were sitting as she was standing), holding out her left arm to her mum. So the mum took the sleeve and started folding. Dad took the other arm. Now the little girl was totally facing her parents, with an arm in each parent's hands. Mum finished folding the sleeves in 2 folds in like, 2 seconds. Dad was still fumbling around, and seeming to realise his wife was done, turned to look at the sleeve she did. And he looked back and forth between that and the one he was folding. Left, right, left, right until the wife took mercy and held out 2 fingers to him, "2" (referring to folds). Dad took the hint and did it right finally. After like, half a minute later.

Heehee... =D

Old Friend's Party

I went to an old friend's birthday party yesterday. She wasn't exactly a close friend of mine, but I still met her on and off after she changed schools. I was kinda surprised to received an SMS inviting me, and since I haven't been in touch with most of my ex-schoolmates, I decided to attend. It was such a long time since I last went to a party that I only remembered I forgot a present half an hour before the party started. XD

I don't know what I expected actually. I told myself that seeing an old friend was reason enough. She stayed in a really posh area in Cheras, those sort of 3-storey bungalows on a slope with city nightline view costing probably 2 million, and that is only the house. Anyway, I met a friend on the way there so I joined her in the car with her boyfriend.

When we arrived, there were quite a few people there already. Saw some people I really haven't seen for at least 3 full years. Too bad those I was closer to weren't able to make it. I called one there actually, and she said I sounded different, more grown-up. Hah! Found out that 4 of the people in my batch had gotten married already. Goodness! When I saw the photos in Friendster some time ago, I thought my eyes were playing tricks with me. So now I had it confirmed, one of them having had his dinner just last month, and another earlier this year.

We explored the house, the gang of us from the school. I wished I had obeyed my instinct to bring my camera. I quite like the house actually, although the interior finishes and furniture are not to my taste (quite Chinese, mostly white and golden gilded, elaborate fans and chandeliers). I liked that the house had an outdoor garden on the 2nd level, complete with a swing and a pavillion. There were a few terraces and balconies on the upper floors that allowed you the view I mentioned above. And being a 3 storey house meant there would be a void triple volume. This space had a grand curved staircase from the 2nd floor. The wall was finished with man-made rock and had a mini waterfall trickling into a small pond below too. Only thing was this volume is not fully visible from the front when you enter, which is a waste.

After cutting the cake and eating it, there was really nothing much to do. Small talk could only last so long. Quite a few of them started to leave, and I managed to get a ride from a kind friend to a place where my mum could pick me up. I was there for only an hour and a half. Didn't have the feeling that you just came back from a party I used to have last time. Haha... Something to do with being more grown-up? =P

我以为

我以为我已经健忘了
我以为已经不痛了
也以为不在乎了

我以为可以看得开
以为没什么大不了的

我是真的已经在努力
我知道我不能再想了
光是这点，心就已经紧紧地。。。

我以为可以很简单
曾希望不会需要太久

我以为。。。

Unrequited

wrote this way back in the year 2000. i found it just today. to think i felt like this then too... =)

By watching her,
She could see the love in her eyes,
The love for a person,
Who doesn't love in return.

By watching her,
She could see the sparkle in her eyes,
A sparkle of fascination,
To him only condemnation.

By watching her,
She could see the need in her eyes,
The need to be loved,
A need never granted.

By watching her,
She could see the pain her eyes,
The pain of having loved,
And not loved in return.

*published in Youth2, The Star on 6 June 2007