Adding Twitter into my everyday life.
It's now on my blog, facebook and iPhone.
Can't escape the world...so lets join it.
OH!
Amazingly...I actually hit the limit on my NIB pharmaceutical claim limit for 2009.
Haha...that's all good but my Nov and Dec claims were non-existent!
:(
Sigh...
Least that is off my list of things to do.
Gotta post Deb's stuff...already got the mail parcel...all I need now is to bubble wrap the thing.
*** LAZY ***
******************************
2010-01-04
Another Year...Another...
I wonder what the new year beholds.
It's almost dawn It's dawn already and I still am not in bed.
Probably not a good way to start a new year, a new work week.
Fortunately I do not have classes till Wednesday.
Another WHOLE day.
But I love it nonetheless.
So what do I need to do once I awake?
Maybe I'll start to write a lot more this year.
Just finished watching "The End of Time" Parts 1 and 2 of Doctor Who.
David Tennant's last appearance on the show.
And the 'death' of 10th Doctor.
I miss him already...
**************************
Probably not a good way to start a new year, a new work week.
Fortunately I do not have classes till Wednesday.
Another WHOLE day.
But I love it nonetheless.
So what do I need to do once I awake?
- collect mail
- claim medical from NIB
- finish marking assignments and returning them to students
- prepare a revision for my programming students
- eat
- breathe once so often
- drink
Maybe I'll start to write a lot more this year.
Just finished watching "The End of Time" Parts 1 and 2 of Doctor Who.David Tennant's last appearance on the show.
And the 'death' of 10th Doctor.
I miss him already...
**************************
2009-12-31
Two Oh Oh Nine (2009) In Review
Ah! 2009 is almost over.
I can't believe I put this off for almost 2 hours.
Perhaps subconsciously I was dreading thinking back over the past year and re-live the nonsense I went through.
It wasn't THAT bad really.
Just lots of ups and downs...loneliness and times filled with people...depression and elation...you know...the usual tones of a year gone by.
So let us start from the beginning, shall we?
The year started off pretty good actually.
Was still in Singapore and attended a few weddings of some old friends (one in particular was heart-breaking...for me that is...but that's another story).
Everything seemed smooth sailing right up till I got back to Brissy.
The Drama then began!
Within a month of returning to the office, I was informed that my services were no longer sustainable at FAST, and I was given my 4 weeks notice (at least there was that). Blame the GFC or just higher management decisions...it doesn't matter.
What really screwed me over was that at the same period of time, I was looking for and had found a new apartment to buy. The owners of the often missed Unit 2405 had decided to switch over to short-term leasing with OAKS (pooi!) and Lindsay and I were naturally informed of this last year.
I found an apartment with a great pricetag and promptly put in an offer, without much thought of anything that might derail my plans. But lo and behold (Murphy would have been so proud), the news of my lay off came on the same week I was given the option to back out of my offer (the owners have already accepted).
So what could I do? Back down and let this apartment fly out of my reach forever? Let this frustrating situation f**k up my plans for home ownership?
NO!
I went ahead (despite all the annoying little voices inside telling me not to) and bought the apartment. Naturally, this is exactly where I am writing this annual summary. In MY room of MY apartment. BRING IT ON! (well...not really...have mercy!)
After that, it was a long 3-4 months of job searching and waiting for some opportunity to pop up. I did little odd jobs to get some income in but mostly not enough to sustain loan repayments and living costs. My Savings had its life sucked dry very slowly.
But a twist of fate did bring some lucky fortune my way for once this year in June.
This was during Marion's visit to Brisbane. She bunked over at my place while she stopped over in Brissy and we had a short but good catching up. Perhaps she was my lucky charm as I had a successful interview for a teaching position at the Central Queensland University's Brisbane campus.
I ended up teaching 2 classes.
1. Java Programming
2. Database Development and Management
LOVE IT!
Ever since I decided against going into teaching (after my parents' disapproval) straight after NS, this is the first time I had a chance to actually return to that old dream.
I had originally planned to complete some post-grad studies before heading back to SG (eventually) to try for a teaching position at one of the Polytechnics.
The Fates definitely have a weird way of pushing me in the direction I wanted to go.
Right now, I still tip-toe along the thin line between being comfortable and having not enough to make my monthly repayments & quarterly body corps fees and city council rates; not to mention living expenses. But things are looking up as I might have more classes next semester onwards. &Fingers crossed*
Looking back...it truly wasn't a overly exciting year.
Only a few events (albeit MAJOR ones) had happened.
But they are more than enough for me to handle...more than enough for most I reckon.
All that's left is the emotional ups-and-downs for 2009.
THAT/THIS was actually what made this year so long and, at times, unbearable.
Where do we begin.
Sigh...
I don't even feel like mentioning them actually.
Ranging from loneliness, uncertainty, disappointment, repressed frustration, repressed anger, the loneliness, yearning, loss, the 'what if's, mental numbness, have I mentioned the Loneliness??!
ROFL
It really did suck.
Friends left or planning to leave Brissy for good, the "What if..." moments that occupied my mind all the time, the constantly returning "VOID" in my chest.
A head doctor might look at me over the last 12 months and declare me "depressed".
But I know better than to let that get me down.
I soldiered on...always...as much as possible...with a smile on my face.
All the while feeling this pain...behind my chest...between my 2nd and 3rd rib.
So I will trudge on...into the 2010s...still hoping to fill this empty space, left by years of neglect.
Next year might be a better one...it certainly seems to be heading in that general direction for my career.
Maybe my personal life will follow suit.
At that...I am done.
2009 will not be a year I will forget easily (or I might...who knows...I have many gaps in my memory all the time).
I wish you all a Merry Christmas (12 days remember?) and a Wonderful, Joyous, and a Happy New Year!
And in case anyone is wondering, I want this
for Christmas next year! ;)
**************************
I can't believe I put this off for almost 2 hours.
Perhaps subconsciously I was dreading thinking back over the past year and re-live the nonsense I went through.
It wasn't THAT bad really.
Just lots of ups and downs...loneliness and times filled with people...depression and elation...you know...the usual tones of a year gone by.
So let us start from the beginning, shall we?
The year started off pretty good actually.
Was still in Singapore and attended a few weddings of some old friends (one in particular was heart-breaking...for me that is...but that's another story).
Everything seemed smooth sailing right up till I got back to Brissy.
The Drama then began!
Within a month of returning to the office, I was informed that my services were no longer sustainable at FAST, and I was given my 4 weeks notice (at least there was that). Blame the GFC or just higher management decisions...it doesn't matter.
What really screwed me over was that at the same period of time, I was looking for and had found a new apartment to buy. The owners of the often missed Unit 2405 had decided to switch over to short-term leasing with OAKS (pooi!) and Lindsay and I were naturally informed of this last year.
I found an apartment with a great pricetag and promptly put in an offer, without much thought of anything that might derail my plans. But lo and behold (Murphy would have been so proud), the news of my lay off came on the same week I was given the option to back out of my offer (the owners have already accepted).
So what could I do? Back down and let this apartment fly out of my reach forever? Let this frustrating situation f**k up my plans for home ownership?
NO!
I went ahead (despite all the annoying little voices inside telling me not to) and bought the apartment. Naturally, this is exactly where I am writing this annual summary. In MY room of MY apartment. BRING IT ON! (well...not really...have mercy!)
After that, it was a long 3-4 months of job searching and waiting for some opportunity to pop up. I did little odd jobs to get some income in but mostly not enough to sustain loan repayments and living costs. My Savings had its life sucked dry very slowly.
But a twist of fate did bring some lucky fortune my way for once this year in June.
This was during Marion's visit to Brisbane. She bunked over at my place while she stopped over in Brissy and we had a short but good catching up. Perhaps she was my lucky charm as I had a successful interview for a teaching position at the Central Queensland University's Brisbane campus.
I ended up teaching 2 classes.
1. Java Programming
2. Database Development and Management
LOVE IT!
Ever since I decided against going into teaching (after my parents' disapproval) straight after NS, this is the first time I had a chance to actually return to that old dream.
I had originally planned to complete some post-grad studies before heading back to SG (eventually) to try for a teaching position at one of the Polytechnics.
The Fates definitely have a weird way of pushing me in the direction I wanted to go.
Right now, I still tip-toe along the thin line between being comfortable and having not enough to make my monthly repayments & quarterly body corps fees and city council rates; not to mention living expenses. But things are looking up as I might have more classes next semester onwards. &Fingers crossed*
Looking back...it truly wasn't a overly exciting year.
Only a few events (albeit MAJOR ones) had happened.
But they are more than enough for me to handle...more than enough for most I reckon.
All that's left is the emotional ups-and-downs for 2009.
THAT/THIS was actually what made this year so long and, at times, unbearable.
Where do we begin.
Sigh...
I don't even feel like mentioning them actually.
Ranging from loneliness, uncertainty, disappointment, repressed frustration, repressed anger, the loneliness, yearning, loss, the 'what if's, mental numbness, have I mentioned the Loneliness??!
ROFL
It really did suck.
Friends left or planning to leave Brissy for good, the "What if..." moments that occupied my mind all the time, the constantly returning "VOID" in my chest.
A head doctor might look at me over the last 12 months and declare me "depressed".
But I know better than to let that get me down.
I soldiered on...always...as much as possible...with a smile on my face.
All the while feeling this pain...behind my chest...between my 2nd and 3rd rib.
So I will trudge on...into the 2010s...still hoping to fill this empty space, left by years of neglect.
Next year might be a better one...it certainly seems to be heading in that general direction for my career.
Maybe my personal life will follow suit.
At that...I am done.
2009 will not be a year I will forget easily (or I might...who knows...I have many gaps in my memory all the time).
I wish you all a Merry Christmas (12 days remember?) and a Wonderful, Joyous, and a Happy New Year!
And in case anyone is wondering, I want this
for Christmas next year! ;)
**************************
2009-09-20
Quiet Corner Invasion
OMG...my quiet corner of MacArthur central where I have my KFC has been invaded. So many people. Sigh.
Can't think quietly anymore. :(
Can't think quietly anymore. :(
2009-09-02
Fields of Gold - Sting
Sting-fields of Gold - Watch a funny movie here
You know how some songs just bring a tear to your eye?
This is one of mine.
Fields Of Gold
Sting
You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in the fields of gold
So she took her love
For to gaze awhile
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell as her hair came down
Among the fields of gold
Will you stay with me, will you be my love
Among the fields of barley
We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in the fields of gold
See the west wind move like a lover so
Upon the fields of barley
Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth
Among the fields of gold
I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I've broken
But I swear in the days still left
We'll walk in the fields of gold
We'll walk in the fields of gold
Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold
You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You can tell the sun in his jealous sky
When we walked in the fields of gold
When we walked in the fields of gold
When we walked in the fields of gold
2009-07-30
JB Hifi Madness
Aaaaaargh!!!
A new
JB Hifi is opening soon at the MacArthur Central foodcourt.
The temptation will grow exponentially whenever I buy groceries.
Is that bad? Hahaha.
A new
JB Hifi is opening soon at the MacArthur Central foodcourt.
The temptation will grow exponentially whenever I buy groceries.
Is that bad? Hahaha.
2009-07-28
Of All Things...
You know...of all things that can bring a tear to my eye, the only book or set of book that can do that is Harry Potter.
I dunno why.
Getting sucked into the story is so easy.
Just finished reading The Half Blood Prince again...Just felt like doing it after arranging my books on the shelf.
Going to start on the final book again soon.
This is why the movies are important to me...seeing the story in front of me...'REAL' and such...makes it all the more...well...real.
I can't wait really.
Next year November and then in 2011...near my birthday...That's my plan.
For my 31st, that's where I'll be...at the Movies.
I dunno why.
Getting sucked into the story is so easy.
Just finished reading The Half Blood Prince again...Just felt like doing it after arranging my books on the shelf.
Going to start on the final book again soon.
This is why the movies are important to me...seeing the story in front of me...'REAL' and such...makes it all the more...well...real.
I can't wait really.
Next year November and then in 2011...near my birthday...That's my plan.
For my 31st, that's where I'll be...at the Movies.
2009-07-26
Familiar Settings
This scene is familiar.
Me sitting at the quiet part of the MacArthur's foodcourt. Just finished my KFC lunch and a magazine on the table. Listening to music typical of shopping centre foodcourts.
It was a few weeks ago I think that I was here.
It's interesting to be alone sometimes. It gives one a chance to reflect. To be away from the normal crowds on the city streets. But yet not at home alone where you get a different feeling. I get a sense of peace albeit with a little loneliness.
Just thinking about what has happened over the last few weeks. Blessed I am to find and get the job that I enjoy doing. To be able to work less hours than most, do my own things because now I have time, and strive to self improve.
With all this comes that reminder that I don't have someone to share this joy with. Not being greedy. I know I should be happy and thankful for what I already have. Just on Thursday I was telling Mervyn about the joys of just being happy about the little joys in life. Free dinner compliments of Conrad Treasury isn't that bad no?
I am positive the feeling will pass. But for now. Short as it possibly may. I am lonely.
Me sitting at the quiet part of the MacArthur's foodcourt. Just finished my KFC lunch and a magazine on the table. Listening to music typical of shopping centre foodcourts.
It was a few weeks ago I think that I was here.
It's interesting to be alone sometimes. It gives one a chance to reflect. To be away from the normal crowds on the city streets. But yet not at home alone where you get a different feeling. I get a sense of peace albeit with a little loneliness.
Just thinking about what has happened over the last few weeks. Blessed I am to find and get the job that I enjoy doing. To be able to work less hours than most, do my own things because now I have time, and strive to self improve.
With all this comes that reminder that I don't have someone to share this joy with. Not being greedy. I know I should be happy and thankful for what I already have. Just on Thursday I was telling Mervyn about the joys of just being happy about the little joys in life. Free dinner compliments of Conrad Treasury isn't that bad no?
I am positive the feeling will pass. But for now. Short as it possibly may. I am lonely.
2009-07-21
Me, Harry and the Half Blood Prince
Just came home after watching Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
Wow.
Loved it.
Darker, sadder, but yet with hints of hope and happiness.
I know the plot already since I have already read the book but still...like the ones before this...watching it on the big screen always makes it a little more special.
My emotions were definitely pulled along as the movie unfolded.
And if you believe in mood rings - I only realised this AFTER walking out of the cinema - mine was red/white.
I think that reflects excitation/frustration?
All true at the end of the movie.
Can't wait for the final 2 movies based off the last book.
I sure hope they space them only months apart.
Sure can't imagine waiting years between the last 2 especially since they are from the same book.
Wow.
Loved it.
I know...they are the same 2 lines above but nothing says 'TRUE' better than repetition.
;)
Wow.
Loved it.
Darker, sadder, but yet with hints of hope and happiness.
I know the plot already since I have already read the book but still...like the ones before this...watching it on the big screen always makes it a little more special.
My emotions were definitely pulled along as the movie unfolded.
And if you believe in mood rings - I only realised this AFTER walking out of the cinema - mine was red/white.
I think that reflects excitation/frustration?
All true at the end of the movie.
Can't wait for the final 2 movies based off the last book.
I sure hope they space them only months apart.
Sure can't imagine waiting years between the last 2 especially since they are from the same book.
Wow.
Loved it.
I know...they are the same 2 lines above but nothing says 'TRUE' better than repetition.
;)
2009-07-15
Teaching Matters
I am exhausted. Now I understand the suffering my teachers had to go through back when I was still a student.
Being on your feet for most of the day.
Speaking for almost 8hrs straight.
Brain working overtime searching for the correct answers to questions from students.
But it's satisfying. After a long day, there is really a sense of accomplishment. Hopefully the sentiment isn't an illusion.
So let me enjoy this absolutely yummy curry chicken rice that has just arrived at my table. Mmmmmm.
Being on your feet for most of the day.
Speaking for almost 8hrs straight.
Brain working overtime searching for the correct answers to questions from students.
But it's satisfying. After a long day, there is really a sense of accomplishment. Hopefully the sentiment isn't an illusion.
So let me enjoy this absolutely yummy curry chicken rice that has just arrived at my table. Mmmmmm.
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