Kevin's Rants

It's been a while since.....

2008-08-24T16:39:00.002+08:00

Thing is, I haven't been up to date for the whole month or so. Blame it on the work and the com being occupied. Truth is, it's the job. Until I get used to the hours or the com being available, it's going to be fewer updates for my blog for a while. (Face facts, just say you're too damn lazy to do anything about it.)

Enough of my excuses of not updating the blog as I should. Anyway, it's been almost a month since I started my career in UOB Malaysia (1st paycheck coming!!). Life in KL has been... full of changes and challenges. Can't really imagine myself getting up when it's still dark outside and starting to go to work before sunrise. Then again, it's not like I haven't done the same thing before. Internship at RSM back in my 3rd year was not much different than now. Just that the job description, responsibilities and pay is a lot different.

Thanks to Stephanie, I've found a couple of places to enjoy my meals while not overspending every meal there. Pick 'n' Brew @ 1Utama and Fullhouse in NZX turns out to be real nice places to go to for meals and time killing.

Also, my long awaited books which I ordered online ages ago finally arrived, think it's about time the publisher delivered. Anyway, I'll be signing out for now. (Writer's block and lack of a comfy keyboard to use)

Goodbye Penang, Hello KL

2008-07-26T20:29:00.002+08:00

Originally, I wanted to post up a blog late last night / early this morning to mark my last blog from Penang in a long while. Oh well, as I was a bit pressed on time thanks to sleeping in more than I wanted and last minute packing, can't do much about it cept for making up for it by posting asap.

As far as my last night in Penang is concerned, there's Fifi's birthday do at the beach. Besides cooking food with whatever we could use, the booze options are quite varied.

Shout-outs:
Andrew: that vodka was nasty. Can get another one next time?
Rueben: need bigger fire
Samantha: u're fun.
Fifi: ....happy birthday?

arghhh.......... ain't good at making shout-outs

Of food being next to memories

2008-07-23T23:45:00.004+08:00

First and foremost, this isn't about comfort food. Having restaurants opening up near my old school seem to invoke a certain amount of nostalgia whenever I pass the area. Then again, the memories does not affect me as much as they affect others. Still, I did miss the cheap food from the canteen. Good too, for the price that I use to pay.

Obake-ya (Japanese food, Leith Street)

Inside one of the dining areas

View from the inside

Primary attraction: Theme (prison theme)
Main turn-off: No photos allowed, pricey food
Food quality: so-so

After being tipped-off by Stephanie regarding a rumour of a prison/jail themed concept restaurant, I checked the place out. Managed to convince Siew Wun (there's still the trip for snow beer next time around) to accompany me as eating alone is plain sad. While the menu selection is quite a lot, it's hard to make a decision. As for sets, there's only ONE (1) set available, called the jail set. Apt for the place, since prisoners don't get much of a choice anyway. Honestly, I wouldn't mind having the jail set, but the rest of the menu was quite a disappointment. The smoked salmon salad was served in an interesting manner (layered inside a tall glass/vase), but makes getting the salad out using chopsticks a real pain in the ass. Worst part is, no pictures allowed.. by order of the management. With that, even the fancy drinks n colourful cocktails won't redeem the place much.

Verdict: just for the experience...

Passage though India (Indian food, Leith Street)

(No pic available, sorry people)

Primary attraction: The Indian themed decor
Main turn-off: Strong smell of incense which might be unsuitable for some
Food quality: Excellent

Didn't realize that there's a branch opening at the area until the dinner at Red Garden food court. With set lunch promos going for about RM 13+, it seemed worth trying as a meal of nasi kandar will set you back between RM 5 - 10 at least, with meat and briyani rice. Also, the name of the place did have a reputation of being good, but pricey. Then again, no harm done trying out the set lunch since they're promoting it. So, I managed to talk my dad into going there for lunch the other day. Had variations of chicken and a lamb dish. The masala tea is somehow flavourful, but might not be your cup of tea. Unless you have a palate that is used and numbed by spicy food to the point where anything short of a cili padi will not register, you will agree that the food is good once you tried it. The naan bread does have a bit to be desired though. Then again, they serve good food here.

Verdict: Might come again for lunch, when I happen to be near and out-vetoed others to eat here.

Movie madness season (summer releases)

2008-07-04T00:52:00.003+08:00

Now that it's summer in the US, there's a whole load of movies being released, which means quite a bit of catching up with the nearby neighborhood cineplex and hoping for good seats.

Movies to watch / (watched so far)

1. ~~Kung Fu Panda~~ (skadoosh..)
2. ~~The Incredible Hulk~~ (Hulk...smash...)
3. ~~Get Smart~~ (...Anne Hathaway's hot)
4. ~~Wanted~~ (bullet bending & Angelina Jolie's hotness)
5. ~~Hancock~~ (your head will go up his @$$...*noise*, voila! a centaur)
6. Hellboy 2
7. Dark Knight
8. Red Cliff
9. Mummy 3
10. Wall-E
11. (to be updated... someone remind me)

Going to keep my fingers crossed that I'll not be dragged to watch kung fu mixed up with other elements (gambling for the most obvious example), but gun fu is most welcome. Going off for now...

No Turning Back

2008-06-24T21:05:00.002+08:00

This is it folks, my last stay in Penang for a long while. Next time I'll be back in Penang is for vacation, taken off my annual leave allocation. Can't believe that in exactly 1 month, I'll be back in KL looking for a place to stay and getting familiarized with KL roads. Which leaves me here doing mostly low budget activities most of the time or straightening things out.

Things to do before I leave (hopefully able to):
1. Get a dental examination (can't remember the last time)
2. Service my car
3. Eat at places I'll miss
4. Pay old friends a visit
5. Have tandoori chicken at Kapitan's
6. Get my STPM cert mailed to me (I forgot to claim it back then)
7. Have some Jap food at the usual places
8. Try out some snow beer @ Church St Cafe
9. Lose a few kg
10. Have some Bah Kut Teh @ Macalister Road
11. Watch Wanted
12. Supper @ Chulia St (curry mee, wan tan mee & fruit juice)
13. Watch Hancock
14. Have a meal near the jetty (hope they buck up their quality this time)
15. Grab a Venti mug from starbucks

Funny thing about employment is when you send out a mountain of resumes and wait for interview calls, is the interview calls and offers that comes through. After signing up with one, the rest just decide to call you up for interviews and some can be really persuasive. Unfortunately, have to turn them down as you're already signed up.

Companies that I have turned down interview calls (in chronological order), so far:
1. Western Digital
2. Intel
3. Reckitt Benckiser
4. Philips Lumined

It felt bad to turn them down, and sorry for the HR personnel making the calls. Either way, I've already signed on for a job.

Changelog 110608

2008-06-11T13:10:00.005+08:00

1. Set up a link to Paul / Paulinahhh, Yong and Tong, the UTAR citizens who prefers dim sum over morning lectures. Added link to metalhead Pathma, good ol' friend from the hell hole called UTeM.

2. Cannot believe the fact that I just turned down the interview for Western Digital Graduate Trainee Programme.

3. Will have headaches over some planning for living and working in KL.

4. Still excited over the acceptance into UOBM Management Associate Programme 2008.

5. Cannot believe the fact that I just turned down the interview for Western Digital Graduate Trainee Programme.

6. Cannot believe the fact that I just turned down the interview for Western Digital Graduate Trainee Programme.

7. Confused over the link for Paul... which one is has more traffic or updated more frequently? Guess I'll leave it at that for now.

8. Wonders if that's so wrong to be a ladies man (?!?)... or having gals' boyfriend hating me (not like I'm competing). Or is it a crime to be nice?????? No wonder I almost flunk ethics

9. Is hungry.................

Interview call & Fuel price increase

2008-06-04T18:24:00.004+08:00

Finally, after quite a long period of sending out resumes and such I finally got a call for interview. Not that I haven't attended any interview before this, but this is the first news that I got from another company for a long time. Well, there was a call earlier in the morning, but that's by a 3rd party headhunting firm, or so I think. It was regarding one of my applications being turned down due to lack of experience, but will refer me for a tech support position, which turned out to be at Dell.

What the heck, anyway still better than no news. But then, got a call in the afternoon by WD for an interview for their Graduate Trainee program. Sounds better than the morning offer at any rate. Usual drill, "Please bring along your certifications, original and photocopies". And with the interview being just after office hours, at least I get to eat straight after the interview.

Still, better than some people that I happen to know who'll go "OMG, it's WD!!! what am i to do". Bloody drama queens.

Though there's something that'll make me go "OMG!!! WTF?!?". Fuel price increase. Petrol price will go up by 78 cents to RM2.70/liter (WTF?!?!?) and will be up to RM4.00/liter in Aug (again, WTF?!?!). This sucks, literally because the car I'm currently driving now is relatively fuel efficient but not that efficient compared to other cars as it seemed a bit underpowered. This is going to cause some hair loss.

Oh well, time to carpool and get cramped in the commuter services... provided the services actually buck up their performance. More excuses to carpool anyway, at least something different than saying "you're driving today, i'm sleep deprived".

Changelog 030608

2008-06-03T22:18:00.006+08:00

1. Added links to a group of people who rather go enjoy their breakfast than attend morning lectures.

2. Added link to Stephanie.

3. Changed contact lens brand to Sauflon.

4. Poorer by RM140 due to item no.3.

5. Added 2 bottles of Magnolia UHT milk (chocolate) to private stash.

6. Acquired rosemary and sweet basil (is it? looks like basil with larger than normal leaves) for herb garden project. 2nd try for rosemary cultivation.

7. Changed opinion of Loo-loo using her com in my room from "don't mind" to "it's getting f**ki**g annoying".

8. Added Fresh & Squeeze Apple Juice to my hate list.

Of Being Out of Town and Bills

2008-05-28T11:00:00.004+08:00

Being out of town, especially when going down to KL isn't the best thing I could do for my wallet. Hurts it a lot, thanks to the heavy expenses. And TM isn't helping much by billing me a full month for that 1 week of May. At least I don't have to pay anymore after this, thankfully.

In KL, can't really step outside without at least rm50 in my pocket and feel sufficient. But back home in Penang, can do with about rm10, for most meals inclusive of parking (and not getting fined). Just that expenses in Penang are quite low doesn't really give me the right to splurge and indulge, which Dad will kill me for doing that. Gonna keep my fingers crosses that I get the job in KL which will make me feel a lot better whenever I'm having something better for my meals (think good food). Good meals helps when you had a bad week (food therapy rocks), and so does retail therapy. Retail? Yes, getting myself a block of cheese, snacks and some drinks from the supermarket counts as retail for me.

And yes, I'M BACK IN PENANG.

Of Job-Seeking and Bumming

2008-05-12T17:11:00.002+08:00

Around 18 more hours until the return of Her Loo-Looness, and I've got my hands quite full. Either making preparations for interviews and such or being called up to assist at Dad's. Not that I want to bum around forever, but slacking for a few weeks at least after finishing up would be nice. Short trips out of town would be great as well, provided there's decent company.

Somehow I feel sleep-deprived these days, and sleeping in doesn't seem to do much help. Probably it's due to sleep-debt I've somehow built up during the last days of uni. Then again, at least I can sleep easier at night knowing that I was considered as a potential human asset by a large corporation, comparing to the rest of the shabuirs who I presume have not attended interviews before.

Now to ransack the house for my certificates....

Final Memories

2008-05-04T20:22:00.003+08:00

This is going to be my last blog from my place here in Malacca, of which I will be leaving behind by lunch tomorrow. Wish it wasn't me who'll do the telephone line ownership transfer and broadband termination (so I can leave a lot earlier).

Then again, might as well take some time to say goodbye to people whom I'll find it hard to meet up with in the future. Come to think of it, there weren't many fond memories of this place, particularly due to the presence of the shabuirs. Oh well, life's like that, have to bear with it anyway. It's been 4 years as course and house -mates.

Time flies, especially when you look back at things. Just got invited to my friend's engagement party today, last I heard from him he's still single and looking for a job. Now he's engaged (WTF??), that sort of makes me feel jealous and sorry for him as well (ain't ya taking things a bit too fast there bro?).

Anyway, there's a lot of catching up to do since I've been away from home since after Chinese New Year and haven't been back since. Occasional trips to aunt's place in KL doesn't count (although it's almost another home away from home).

Start of a new beginning

2008-05-03T21:15:00.003+08:00

Now that my student days are over, it's time to celebrate with .... some bumming around. It's been a long time since I'm on indefinitely long holiday mode, so might as well make the most of it. There's a lot of mixed feelings after handing in the last exam paper for my degree, most of it is that I don't have to take exams for a long while under typical Malaysian university atmosphere (think tons of people pouring over notes hundred of times until the very last second before entering the exam hall). Another part is that I won't be missing these depressing bunch of shabuirs* much after I leave this place. In fact, I'll be damn glad to be rid of these people. Passive, confined, and conservative bunch. While I might be thankful to some of the lecturers, and some of the techs, there are some that I couldn't give a damn about. Think stuck up prima donnas of the labs. Ain't going to miss that bunch either.

Probably going to have some fun later and catch up with some who I might not see again until fate brings us together again, might it be bumping into each other at some place or so. At least this bunch of people are more enjoyable to be with.

*shabuir = analogous to m**th##f**$er

Countdown to a New Beginning

2008-05-01T20:08:00.003+08:00

Here I am, less than 24hrs to go before the end of the last final paper I have to take for my degree, entering a long awaited entry into my blog.
WTF...
Anyway, the funny thing about graduation is, somehow the finals that everyone gets worried about doesn't seem that important as it used to be anymore. Is it because we know that our grades won't be affected much so long as we don't screw up big time? Or that securing a job is more important than the final exam?

Some scums I know are probably still playing games, claiming "no sweat, jobs are easy to find". Your funeral then... Others well, some have made it to the final stages of application for a real prestigious position in international firms (think dream start for career). The scums I mentioned earlier on still haven't worked on their resumes yet. Again, their funeral.

Yes and no, I have made it quite far into landing a somewhat dream start to my career, but will not consider it my priority. Had there been other tastier options, I'd consider it as well. Better not for me to bank in solely on a single option. Either way, I'm prepared to bum around for a while, looking for a career start. A job doesn't mean that it'll be your career. I couldn't care less if you want to stay in that cubicle, slaving away long shifts for the rest of your working life without any significant milestone in your career. To me, a job is not worth holding if it doesn't have a good career prospect for me. So shoot me for being picky.

Then again, I probably wouldn't know how to best tell the story of a brilliant (*ahem), good looking (*ahem), young man from a shabla university which the majority of the local population haven't heard of making it up the ranks of a prestigious firm. IF I manage to land that dream start.

*shabla = close approximation to 'f**ked up', in a fictional language

At least I won't miss this place much.

Food Therapy

2008-03-29T21:15:00.000+08:00

One of the wonders of having a large stomach capacity, or perpetual appetite; having a meal, feel hungry after a while, feed again and again and again... but no significant weight gain! Sort of happens to students or people working on tight deadlines or something along the lines. Despite how much you eat, after getting some progress coupled with a few "pek chek" pangs, all of a sudden your stomach feels empty, real empty. And there's the craving for warm, solid food. Something to gnaw on, something to fill that void in my midsection.

"MEAT OH GLORIOUS MEAT!!! COME TO ME IN YOUR COOKED FORM, BE IT MINCED, GRILLED, BAKED, FRIED OR HOWEVER YOU'RE PREPARED, AND FILL THE ENDLESS VOID THAT NOW TAKES THE PLACE OF MY STOMACH" Nothing better than meat to satisfy that craving. *How's that you veggie freaks!* Asking for a grilled steak in the middle of the night is a bit absurd, but murtabak ayam or kambing will do nicely. Or make the McD delivery boys send you some burger just before the breakfast menu kicks in, especially when it rains 'cos the burgers are cold by the time they arrive anyway. Yes, burgers at night will do just fine, better yet straight off the grill. I want them warm and juicy XD.

Eunice would probably agree with this, though I doubt others will find this agreeable.

Busy times ahead

2008-03-11T14:51:00.000+08:00

Guess I'm stuck with a mountain full of paperwork due over the next couple of weeks. Long and short of it is: couple of reports and case study due at end of the week, couple of test during the weekend, crap load of stuff to do for the reports not yet due and loads more I dare not think of yet.

Fresh Start To A Brand New Beginning

2008-02-23T21:01:00.000+08:00

This is just to signify the start of a new blog, and to document the transition of a undergraduate student to a fresh grad and beyond.