I had a dream...

I had a dream last night. Nothing much of the dream that demands such attention, actually, nor it was intriguing. But then, it made me thought about it once a while, when my mind has nothing on. It probably was a sequel to another dream I had earlier, perhaps week ago, I couldn't really recall.

 

In the earlier dream, vague memories was about me reprimanding a lady, perhaps a kin of mine which the face was not familiar at all. I was quite unhappy about her worshipping a spirit at our house. I told her off but she was quite adamant on doing so, which resulted her to move away. And then, I thought that was the end of the story.

 

However, what I dreamt of last night proved I was wrong. However, this morning's dream was perhaps a little more than it's prequel, with much more involved. It started when I was approaching the door from the living room of a house. As I reached the door, I saw 3-4 god-like spirits on the porch, and a statue of one of the spirits. They were engaged in different activities, with two of them, resembling children playing among themselves, one fairy was just lingering a watching them and another deity which had a statue, was there looking around.

 

Shortly before I knew it, I was talking to the deity near his statue as he was eating a small fruit on a small patch of grass. Suddenly, his fruits dropped and landed behind him. We looked down and was surprised to noticed there was some burnt incenses on the grass. The incenses was standing upright which suggested someone was worshipping something quite often. Immediately, my mind came to the lady which I reprimanded earlier. I told the deity what happened and it ponders. Then, he said some spirit might be here.

 

I reasoned with him, that the lady is already gone, and the spirit might be with her as she's the one who are worshipping it, and not anyone else in the house.

 

However, our conversation was interrupted as my mother rushed me to help her to set up the table for worship of the 7 Fairies of the moon. As the setting up are on the way, I was asked to setup the larger incense with my cousin. We then moved on to outside of the house to do so. I managed to set up mine quickly, but my cousin is having difficulties with his. I then went over to help him. Using a used candle, I then burnt it and drop some wax to form a  base for the incense to stand on, somehow, after 3 to 4 tries, the base that I was trying to create took the form of a bullet-shaped lighter. No matter how I did it, it just repeatedly took that form time and time again. Thus, we just tried to let the incense to stand on the lighter, but the lighter cracked into pieces once the incense is forced toward it.

 

Then, my dream ended. Nothing much though, but then, it let me thought about it quite often.

 

Cheers

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Yay!!!

I've been promoted in conjuction to my conformation after the probation period. 6 months has passed so easily, and the first day I reported to work in this company was still so vivid in my memory as though it was just yesterday. Everyone was quite surprised that months has gone and I'm now wearing uniform already... Oh, the uniform, let us not dwell much about it or else this will be endless.

 

Anyway, I've already updated half of the story last week, if I'm not wrong.

 

Let me update you the second half of the story now. Thursday, if I'm not wrong, I went to talk to my superior about the increment. I braved myself with a deep breath and knock the door and went in, said my piece, came out and walk away with a sigh of relief. Not relief about what I've told her or the fact that she'll look into this matter, but more on the fact that I've already said what I wish to convey, rather than being a coward and keep it to myself.

 

However, after 2 weeks, what I've expected happened. Although she did look into this matter and did some adjustment, however, the sum wasn't really to my expectation and I was quite disappointed. The end result was just something to appease me after the conversation. It does alter the fact that I'm still considered as a cheap labour - or maybe, in their eyes - we are. Slaves which should not be too bothered about and does not deserves to strife to live in the life as they are. Therefore, It's quite disturbing and somehow, showed me the "togetherness" they have been talking about. It was just nothing but just lip service.

 

With such instance, I made my decision. I need to survive and at where I'm now, I can't be dawdling in my life no more and I should have a bottom life defined by myself, rather by someone with the nature of belittling their subordinates.

 

On a more relaxing note, from my point of view which I believe everyone will concurs with me. The 2010 Word Cup which is towards the end  will be won by the Germans. They are strong in teamwork, fast on the attack and a dedicated defences had caused upsets to several teams who happened to be favourites before the World Cup such as England and the Argentina. Therefore, don't forget to watch it...

 

 

Cheers,

 

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

A fall from the sky...

What happened as a pleasant surprise a few weeks ago, has now becomes a disappointment now.
 
Few weeks ago, i was told that I'll be confirmed and also promoted to  another level on the corporate leader. This tidings brought happiness and makes me felt that the efforts and self-believe i gave into this job are  worth it after all - not only for the self-satisfaction. I've started counting the days and hoping that the incerment of my monthly remuneration  are good. Hopefully, able to improve my current financial standings so that 
I'll be a lil' more comfortable.
 
After a few weeks, all those hopes and happiness began to evaporate so  quickly as it came. Everything was like going back to square one and all of a sudden, my enthusiasm for this job has gone away. I received news that the  increment was nothing more than a mole-hill which, in my very own opinion, was not of the promoted level. I felt humiliated and insulted by the increment. I was being consoled that what I heard was just rumours and nothing is concreted yet, therefore, I started to seek solace in those consolation, hoping the real thing would be better that what I'd heard earlier.
 
Yesterday, the real thing came. I saw the paper and the rumour turns out to  be true. The deal was passed out with ink and seal. This time, my pride was totally crushed after seeing the words used in the letter and the figures of my incremented salary in the black print on white thick Conqueror Paper. But then, I reluctantly added my acknowledgement. Never understand why had I done it nor what is the consequence that will be later.
 
I was rash to seek comfort in many irrelevant minds hoping that someone might shed a light on what to do next, however, I can sense such will only bring undesired consequences in the very near future. One response even had a hint of sarcacism by saying that I should be happy that position gives me free glamour and my dissatisfaction can be easily be erased with my branded accesories and my costume jewelleries. No matter what response I've received, I still felt that the increment I've received was in the form of a package - a Buy 1 Free 1 package. I can't justify this action and the increment given to me. Some felt the same way as I do while felt that it was how they are. The environment here is really true to the saying "You pay peanuts, you get monkey".
 
I'm still weighing on the option if I should bring this matter to my superior's attention, hopefully, she'll be able to do something for me. However, I'm quite sceptical on that and kept thinking about the way I'll be mocked by her. i wonders if this has beaten my confidence that I now no longer has the strength to walk forward on my own. Working in such environment wasn't that comfortable at all and for countless of times, I did think of ending my employment here, hopefully, will free myself from the dreadful feeling I've been going through everyday.

 

So, what shall I do now?

 

Shall i go and give it a try, or shall I bow down cowardly?

 

Cheers

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Tips & Tricks of computing - How to add a troublesome network printer

Ever stuck in a situation where you're connected to the network printer in your local area network but no matter how you try to install in your computer, Windows just can't find it on the network?

 

Well, I was in this situation last week. For the whole week, I'm able to ping the network printer, but no matter how I try to connect to the printer. Windows Vista just can't seems to locate it. What I meant of network printers are printers which are connected to the network via an ethernet cable rather than shared through a computer. This printer are getting common nowadays and are more convenient and idependent compared to those connected and shared from a computer.

 

Anyway, let's get to topic. This trick may applies to all the Windows Operating Systems but my personal experiences are on Windows Vista 32-bit over Sony Vaio's laptop. This trick allows me to connect to an printer that are on another network connected to my local network over VPN.

 

Before you move on to the below guide, try to connect with the printer by installing the drivers as per recommended by the manufacturer. Consult the printer's manual or check the manufacturer's website for best installation method. If unable to install because the installation are unable to communicate to the printer over the network, then move on to the next step:

 

1. First of all, do make sure all the printers details such as model and suitable drivers are present and ready in your hard disk.

 

2. Then, open a dos prompt windows and do a ping to the printer IP address to check for connectivity. If there's prompt reply to your ping, then, ping to the address continuously by adding "/t" option to the ping command.

 

3. Let the ping go on and you may starts to install the network printer. Try to connect to the printer with the installation as per recommended by the manufacturer, that is with the installation software that are provided with the printer.

 

4. If the installation software fails, then add your printers in the "Printers & Faxes" windows (Windows XP) or "Printers" in the Control Panel (WIndows Vista & 7).

 

5. At the above mentioned folder, click "Add Printers" link to open the "Add a Printer" for (Windows XP) or "Add Printer" (for Windows Vista & 7) Wizard.

 

6. Then Follow the wizard's instruction you reach to the step where the wizard as you to select a Local Printer or a Network Printer. Click on the "Local printer attached to this computer" radio button. and untick the check box for "Automatically detect and install my Plug & Play printer. For P&P, you'll not need to use this wizard. Then click the Next button.

 

7. At the next step - Select a Printer Port, Click on the "Create a new port" radio button and select "Standard TCP/IP Port" for the Type of port  option. mThen click "Next".

 

8. This will open the "Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard" windows. Follow the wizard instruction and click Next until you reach the "Add Port" step.

 

9. For Windows Vista and 7, select "TCP/IP device" for "Device Type". then, at the first text box title "Printer Name or IP address", type in the IP address for the printer that you wish to connect. Usually, the Port Name will automatically filled with the IP address and a couple of extra number or character as you type the IP address in the first text box. Just ignore the second text box, unless it's still empty after you type in the in address. If that's the case, type in IP_ follows by the IP Address you entered just now. Then click Next.

 

10. Click Finish at the next screen to complete the current wizard.This will close the Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard and go back to the Add Printer Wizard.

 

11. After that, choose the printer driver, or click "Have Disk" to browse for the driver in your PC.

 

12. Then, click Browse and find the driver files in your Hard Disk or removable media. These files are usually ".inf" files.

 

13. After finding the software drivers, the wizard will display a list of printers which the driver files are for. Select the printer model that you wished to install and click Next.

 

14. If the next steps enquire you whether to keep or to replace the existing driver, just select "Replace existing driver" and click Next.

 

15. Now, the wizard should be installing the driver or copying the required driver files to your hard disk.

 

16. It's your choice to share the printer for other's in your network to use and to print a test page.

 

Now, I believe you should be able to print using the printer you just installed.

 

Cheers

Andy Ooi

Should I or shouldn't I?

For now, the only reason I stay on here is for the money. That's the only motivation that keeps me going from one day to another.

 

I don't know if I'm being negative or just things aren't going well for me at this stage of time. I somehow felt that this place aren't right for me and I do not have the drive nor the energy to go after what I'm looking for in this job. Eventhough I've been here for a few months, I'm not able to blend in and I always felt I'm alone. The feeling is so lonely and the daily routine seems like a chore. I've developed a habit of watching the time now and then eager to know when I'll be freed. The mood changes whenever I entered the factory in the morning and changes again in the evening after work. Is this healthy?

 

No, it isn't healthy. Sometime, i managed to convince myself I can live on with this job but as days passed by. My opinion changes and my mind sticks on to the original plan of seeking a living elsewhere when something unhappy hits me. This has makes me so tired and confuse of what I'm seeking, making my goal blurred out. Making me so fatigue that I don't even have the extra energy to do what I wish to do. Why is this so?

 

I do understand that lives aren't that comfy and I do not have the luxury of being picky of the working environment that I fancy. I bow to the fact that I'm nothing to slave of time and money just as what majority of us is in this society. Having to tolerate and keeps our opinion and grouse to ourself no matter where and when just because we are weak in certain area which plunge us to the lowest level in the command tier of any society. We tend to kneel for money and bow for power, hiding our dignity and making us ever so humble in front of those who do not deserve it. Our dignity and ego are only flaunt towards those who do not deserve such treatment, but then, we just blindly display it without the second thought if there's ever the need of such at the point of time. It's just for self-satisfactory after we hid it ever so well for survival.

 

The smile we wears on the face are ever so real only to discover that it was fake. However, the quality of the smile was so real, that only those who knows, understand it was just for show. Is there a desperate need of hypocrisy just for the sake of survival?

 

Why can't we be true to ourself, to others of how we felt and think no matter where we are or who are we with?

 

Why do we, just for survival, have to hide our inner self, hide our pride and dignity?

 

Do we really have to do that so that we're able to have meat and rice on the dining table?

 

Why?

 

The answer to these questions are so simple. As I mentioned earlier, those who has the money, has the powers, will stands on the uppermost part of the command tier of the society, while we, the pauper or the average Joe, will only be the lower part of the command tier - bowing for power and kneel for money. Some, in desperate, doing things against their conscience or disintegrates themselves to what we call criminals.

 

Our goals are simple - to climb upwards. However, the ladder aren't the same as those normal ladder you see anywhere. Not everyone can climbs these ladders. Some are destined to be at the top of the ladder, some are good enough or lucky enough to ascends fast and smooth. However, some - due to turns of events or plain unlucky - just slid down to the bottom of the ladder.

 

Seems like my topic of the day has slide sideways again. So, I'll not continue any further. Back to work now and will continue another day.

 

Keep your toes with you all the time...

 

Cheerios

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Something I saw from the youtube.com

Last week as I was browsing youtube.com for some new videos to be entertained, I came across a Malaysian movie being uploaded onto the website. In fact, the whole movie was splitted into 11 parts was the full movie you get to see in the cinema or at home via DVD. I wonder how could one has such patience not only to upload the whole movie but to split them up equally to comply with the limit set by youtube.com.

 

However, due to the movie features on cars and drift (not much of pretty girls, for your info, the culture in Malaysia doesn't has space for those), I couldn't bear to let it be another entry on my Mozilla Firefox's history, therefore, I clicked on the first video. And shortly, one video rolled following another,and in no time, i reached the 10th, sparing the 11th as it was just the credits of the film. To appreciates the film in my own way, I actually fast forward the 11th video to see who is the production crew. In my opinion gathered after limited experiences of watching local films. I finds that this one is extremely good and worth spending the money for the blockbuster ticket but not to the extend of having a hard-copy for collection. There are things, which are just not that satisfying... Too much talking, and the actions seems too much professional even for the villian's followers.

 

The story line wasn't that refreshing as it was just another "I'm back for you" plot where the villian are back to get back what he's lost in the past. And the main character are somehow involved in the past which are only revealed later on in the movie. Furthermore, in between the main plot the supporting casts starts getting jealous and splits up while the main character are busy lovey dopey with the female character. To think of it, there are no more than 10 female cast in the whole movie with 2 on the good side (main female and supporting character) and the rest being the "pack of the gangs" on the villian's side (they are just there, being on a corner of the screen, no movement, no dialog).

 

Racing and drift actions movie are getting common nowadays starting with The Fast & Furious from the west and Thunderbolt from the East (starring Jackie Chan) - just to name a few - and these movies are always on the billboard as days goes by hoping to rake a couple of millions while the interest among the viewers are still there. However, these movies managed to create their own characteristic and selling point which makes us wouldn't want to miss each and every of these movie. But then, this movies surface at the end of this trend which I starts finding the racing scenes, whether on the track or road) are repeating or even as though they are so familiar which I thought I saw it somewhere. The drifting especially on the road during the chase, are so perfect which only 3 cars are crashed throughout the whole show, makes me wonders if drifting actually originated from Malaysia rather than Japan. I understand these performance cars are pricey here in Malaysia but then, ever spared a thought that accidents do occurs, especially on the road. How is it that a law enforcer who drives a modded Sylvia can drift that well? How does he afford that, come to think of it?

 

One of the main features of this movie I felt it's worth highlighting first is the slang during the conversation, not the dialog. The villians are not only talking in broken/pasar BM but also cantonese on and off throughout the movie... Well, I've never thought that the Malaysian Censorship Board would be so generous to let this slip through them. It's quite refreshing to see a couple of local gangster talking in slangs and cantonese, localising the movie. For me, at least, there's a reason to watch this movie, being a Malaysian and able to connect to the story line, or else, it would be just another foreign movie, which I believe my interest on this movie would drip faster than when I was watching Titanic.

 

Technically, the rides and hardware are well done too. Modded not to the extreme but just enough for auto enthusiast to salivate whenever the rides are on the screen. The external modding of the ride are good enough for me to hope that the ride will be on the screen for once more. The colour matching and the theme used for the rides does not force itself to our eyes resulting in a distaste feeling, but leaves us hoping for more. A lil' drawback I felt in this movie on this aspect is that I can't really feel the bond between the driver and his ride as what we normally would have and there's impossible to hide no matter how you try. But then, there's no such feeling in this movie. Maybe this is something which I'll hope it'll improve in coming sequel.

 

And the angle of the screen during those chase, race are well taken, capturing the exciting moment of the actions, which captures our interest to follow the plot or rather the rides. This is especially important , in my point of view, for the movie to keep captivating us, giving us the feel it's supposed to deliver. I finds it's quite successful which stops me from my work and clicking from my part of the movie to another, being impatient as the new part started load due to the expensive yet inefficiency of Streamyx. I like movies that gives me such feelings and this is one since 2 Fast 2 Furious.

 

Overall, I find that this movie is a proof that Malaysian movie industry has matured to a certain stage enough to share the stage with the others already on the international board. If such standards are maintain or improved, Malaysian movies will very soon becomes the hopefulls for international prestigious awards throughout the world. Let us pray these days will come soon.

 

Signing out...

Andy "Shackks" MH Ooi

Ushering a new year...

It's time again for us to usher a new year leaping into new challenges and also hoping that this new year will be a bountiful year for us. But before that, let us sit down and think for a moment what had 2009 given us.

For me, 2009 is another roller coaster ride as what I've been through in 2008 but the latter presents me with more excitement, happiness and quite a fair share of grief and despair.

I started 2009 with plenty of emptiness but that soon had me filled in with new hopes and dreams when I've found a soul-mate who is able to share my dreams and my happiness not to mentioned being by my side shouldering my gried and despair just when I need her. With an equal share of grief and despair, a mistake I've made quickly became an opportunity for some ungrateful wretches to stab me in the back which has been an regret for some time. It was hard to recover but we did. Enduring the days where these mongrels are by my side breathing the same air, eating the same food, waiting for another chance to hurt us again, it forms an excitement to makes their life difficult by exploiting their weakness and their greed for power. That turn out to be a pleasure for us after some time. However, by that time, we were focussing on our journey to Europe, therefore, the antics of these weasels are no more our pleasure nor attention, although we do get excited whenever there's a chance to slap them with a humilliating front. That's what they deserve for such betrayal earlier.

By Mid of 2009, I've travelled half of Europe covering France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Italy and also Budapest with my loved one. Sharing my dreams, discovering new cultures and marvelling at amazing architecture and nature as we journey through these countries through trains and flights. We learnt alot of their histories and adapted into the culture of sipping a cup of cappucino's on the side-walk while the world just bustling in and out. Otherwise, some light shopping on a raining afternoon presents you a galore of wonders which you never have thought existed. It is indeed a exiciting and new experiences exploring new cities by foot eating and drinking away. Those memories will be etched to my heart forever for it's my dreams to set foot on a continent with a fascinating histories and cultures.



Shortly my return to Malaysia which are filled with hopes, I started work in Singapore but that lasted only 3 months despite my commitment to the job. However, we can't force things if it doesn't work, therefore, I left to much relief. All the time, I was rushing here and there, being so tight and often discriminated by the employer due to my physical built. At the fourth quarter of 2009, I was jobless, without an income roaming the streets of Johor Bahru for opportunities.

Without any regrets, I thanks 2009 for the wonderful time it had given to me and the experiences I learnt grow from it.

I wishes everyone a Happy New Year and hopefully, your 2010 will bring you new hopes and challenges.

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Bed of Roses

Many says that Life ain't a bed of roses... But to me, life is like lying on a bed of roses. To enjoy the companion of the beautiful blossoms, you'll have to endure the thorns that protects the roses.

Life is all about pains and it's achievement. It has been several months I'm back in Malaysia now, and seasons has past on the other side of the globe where I've been the past 2 years. However, I still misses London and it's lifestyle as much as I misses home when I'm in UK. How was that to be? I wonder, but I never managed to get any answers till date.

I've come to realise that many things are so much different and influences our mindset and opinions that we became somewhat self-conflicting.

For instance, when I'm in UK, i misses home, family and friends and the places where memories lingers on to make me move on when I'm down and out. But, when I'm back here, when I should be delighted to be home. Such a feeling only lasted a moment. Just like how the roses lasted and now I misses UK. Going through all sorts of hiccups and bumps here at home.

Although the life in UK was harder than at home, hard to imagine but then, the roses of the life was enjoyable. The roses alone are enough to let the painful scorns of it's thorns to be forgotten, maybe only to be regretted when I'm there... Well, we never know.

However, facing the fact that what's done is done. I'm now where I call my home, I shall step back to reality, fulfill my commitment and work hard hoping one day, roses will blossoms here and the bushes will have lesser thorns that it will be.

May Uk stays on as beautiful as what it has shown to me and hopefully, it's glory will live on forever for my children to see and they shall feel and see the atmosphere I once saw.

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Countdown to Home...

It has been two winters ever since I came to England in 2007 and now, I'm counting my days with mixed emotions. I'm confused. I don't know if I'm happy to leave this place but I kinda like it here. At least, the living standard aren't that high here.

However, UK is not my Home no matter what. Home is where the family is and my home is in Malaysia where my loved ones are waiting for me. Anyway, I'm looking for the day to come where I can hug my mum after being away from here for that 2 years which I can only hear her voice but not being able to see her. I miss her and I want to see her. It's time to go back now. haha

Furthermore, this place consist too much of memories I wish to leave behind and starts a new one. Everytime I look back, memories stabs me in the heart, memories once was sweet had turn sour now and I don't intend to dwell on them too much. I already have someone who are good enough for me to live for and I want to start a new life with her. A new chapter in life with her, hopefully, till the end of my book.

But then, before I go back to settle down. I'll explore at least half of Europe to gain more experience and see as much as I can. For I can't foresee any opportunities of roaming the streets of any european cities in the near future once I'm back home. So, this will be the best time to do it, since I'm still young and strong enough.

Time does fly and I shall be off to work now, or else, my bank account will not be fat enough for my holidays.

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Heavy snow for 2 days

What happened on Sunday came as a shock for us. While we're busy sorting out, cleaning tables, as the lunch session are about to end, outside started snowing. That afternoon was a very busy one as everyone came for the lion dance performance and it was chaotic. Almost every table was occupied and there's still handful of people waiting in the bar for empty table, and thankfully, they waited patiently.



Sunday started with a gloomy morning then a sunny afternoon, when the lion dance performance started. As time passed on, clouds began to gather and blocked the sun away about 3pm. As the day began to tick nearer to four, snows began to every land it could. It stopped at 4pm and started again about 7pm. Pei Yee was hoping it would continue until late night so that we can have some fresh ones on our face as we walked home but it din't happened. But then, as we reaches home, it began snowing again. Heavy snowing and wind creates a scene like those you would only sees it in the movies. It was like a snowstorm, with snows falling from everywhere even into the house if you open the windows. Visibility are limited due to the snow and what used to be greens and tar are nothing but layers of white snow.



On Monday morning, as the snowing continues, the layers of snow on the ground reaches approximately 1 inch thick. It's almost impossible to drive or even to walk as normal but then, we took the best of it and had some fun. We came out early, had some snowballs flying around, snapping some pictures and took 15 minutes to make a very simple snowman. A normal walks to work only takes about 20 minutes max but we took almost 50 minutes to reach. All due to the thick snows and also snapping some pictures for memories. It was quite a beautiful scene with layers of white snows covered every inches of land or horizontal platform on the face of the earth surrounding us. Everything was white, the roof of the houses, the cars, grassland, trees, everywhere. Nothing else can be seen (except for the walls). It's the first time I've seen such heavy snow in UK. Not even in Iceland (well, it was snowing on the day I reached Iceland, but when I reached late at night, most of the snow had melted.).



On the Town centre, the first floor car park was empty as the ground was covered in snows as well and the pond was a No Entry due to safety reason. We can't use the stairsdue to slippery conditions. Some shops aren't open and everyone who's out are for some reason, definitely not for leisure. Only the kids are out for some fun in the snow. Business that day was bad as everyone prefers to stay indoor for the road was wet and slippery. Cars are slow on the road to avoid accident and we're extremely cautious when we cross the roads. We avoided crossing the main road on the way to work as a slip while crossing the road would be fatal.

It was truly a quite afternoon and later on in the evening, the management then decided to close early to minimise the loss and get to finish early. We did some shopping for groceries and then went home. On the way home, we had some fun with the snows throwing snowballs at each other, stepping on the fresh snows on the grassland. it was quite fun actually. Albeit the fact that the grounds was slippery and wet. We reached home about half eight and i did not waste any time bulding a proper snowman. It took me about an hour to build one at the height that reaches my shoulder. But the next day, someone took the head away.

Good thing don't last. On the sunny tuesday, the snows began to melt. The beaten track of snow became ice due to the low temperature and became extremely slippery as what I've experienced in Iceland when I was on the Golden Circle Tour walking on the Þingvellir national park and the Gullfoss waterfall. While on the way to work, Pris almost had an accident as we had no choice but to walk on the road and it was so slippery that she can't return to the footpath when there's a car approaching us. Somehow, I managed to pull her to the footpath.

It was indeed a nice experience and the scenery which we took for granted everyday was even better. Some may not like it, but for me, it was nice. A relaxing walk yesterday with Pei Yee within the white landscape will be a very good memories in time to come when I returned to Malaysie where's it's impossible to witness such scene again. But for now, I'll have some trouble walking to work later on...

It's foggy today maybe due to the condensation of the ice but then, according to BBC weather forecast, it's going to be a rainy day which I can foresee more walking problem and tomorrow will have a another session of snowing. We'll see how it goes then.

Cheers
Andy 'Shackks' Ooi

How Time Flies

Time really flies. February is here and the memories of Christmas when I went to Birmingham with Jack, Pris and Penny was still very vivid. January 2009 was very much of a fantasy which are worthy to be recorded into my history. It was a month of a roller coster where I'm really lost and the New Year still brings back some unwanted memories. However, towards the end of January, 2009 shows what changed it brought me.

True to some who said 'Being with someone who you loves are more painful than being with someone who loves you'. I now understand what it means. I've somehow, with some blessing found someone who loves me and she actually took the initiativeto make her feelings knowns. it was quite a funny story and we're now enjoying every day as minutes and hours passes by.

I now dare not think of the distant future and makes any plans for the both of us as I could not promise her anything, but I'm treasuring my moments with her everyday and hopefully, our relationship will blossom as days passed by. Never had I imagined we'll be together but then, I believe that Fate does have a way of surprising us everyday in our life when we least expected. We used to be bitter-heads but now, we are the talk of our colleagues teasing us and making jokes about our relationship.

Anyway, It's the 7th day of the Chinese New Year which stands for the birthday of Man. In Malaysia, it's the day where we has Yee Sang with our family. But for me, all I can imagine is a busy day ahead.

Cheers
Andy Ooi

Happy 2009

The year of 2008 has been a roller coaster ride for me. Happy moments, good memories and aching events which I've no intention to elaborate. All of them somehow found their way to me last year.

No matter what, I'm still grateful for those happy moments graced upon me and shall learn from what I've experienced throughout the year.

I wishes everyone a Happy 2009 with loads of happiness, fortunes and good health.

Snowing in November.

A year ago, I would be jumping with joy like a lil' boy whose his parents bought him something he wanted long long ago. But today, it's just so painful. Every drops of it are like sharp sword thrusted into my heart bringing out the memories of what happened 7 months ago when we first saw snow that thick in Acton.

A sudden drop of temperature this Autumn might means winter comes early it was snowing quite heavily this evening about 8pm something. It continues to snow until 9 plus leaving a thick trail of snow everywhere.

It was a beautiful sight, but to me, it's a sight which brought out painful memories. We had so much fun then when we first saw the snow which we're expecting since last year. We're so excited like lil' boys and girls and we even made a lil' snowman ourself and gave it a name. But now, it's just snow. Nothing more than that.

Couldn't resist taking some pictures while I'm on my way back from London, I've managed to get some shot:












Earlier today, I went to visit Vicky as we've been talking about meeting up but never did so. So, after a brief chat last night, we made up a date and we eventually met up today. I went over to their house mid day today in Hackney and to my surprise, there's a Bansky's work just opposite their flat. Lucky them.

I've been reading alot about this graffiti artist when I was in London and saw alot of his work through the newspaper and this is the first time I saw it with my own eyes. Lucky Nasri get to admire it everytime he's smoking outside. lol

From Vicky's flat

Closed Up

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

I've fucked my life.

Walking alone in the middle of a dark and cold autumn night after work.

"What the fuck am I doing here?" I asked myself.

My life is fucked up in England. I've got no life now. My girlfriend who I loved deeply left me. All my effort, my love for her has come to nought. All of it has become worthless now. Not even worthy compared to the fallen leaves during the cold and dry autumn. All the while, I've loved a woman who has been pining the hope the man who she loves will return to her. All the while, my love for her has not been able to penetrates deep into her heart, all cause her heart has been filled up with the hope that has nothing to do with me. My hope for the future which surrounded around her, my readiness to sacrifice for her happiness and well-being, are all for the sake of nothing.

What used to be sweet memories that has etched to my heart are nothing but sharp needles attached firmly causing aches and pain, which I believe, no physical pain I've endured during this lifetime will be able to surpass it. Every heartbeat are just as painful as every day without her. However, life still has to go on. The matter she has left has become a reality which can't be reversed, which I hoped it can be.

I'm now all alone. No friends or anyone who is ready to sit down and listen to me. All I do every night is to convince myself to sleep. So that, tomorrow, when the sun rises again, I too rises. For the sake of my future. As much I hated this job, but I've become a tool to earn money, as what everybody does. Except they've done it with a solid objective. While I, with my dreams and hopes being quashed, still searching for my objectives, my life.

Everyday is the same repetition of life. Nothing changes. It's not as colourful as it used to be. I've become dull and my "colour" has faded so much I can't even recognises myself anymore.

"Is that me?" Surprised.

What needed to be done to find my real me?

Cheers
Andy OOi

I pierced my ears!!

Yeap... That's what I did this afternoon after I cleaned the hostel. I was cleaning the hostel and suddenly, the idea of piercing my ears spring to my mind and I put everything down and changed my clothes. After that, I just went over to one of the shop and spent a £5 for 2 studs stuck on my ear lobs.

malas take photo of d other side la.

Now I'll have to live with this pair of gold studs for 6 weeks and gotta clean it twice daily. According to the lady, I must use hot water with some salt. However, I just use some antiseptic cream. Much much more convenient la. Hopefully, after 6 weeks, I'll be able to change to some nice nice earing liao. Or better still, enlarge the hole like some of them does it here.

See how lar. Depend on my mood. Perhaps, I'll just stick to the taditional earing, or maybe I'll be a lil' extraordinary and goes for the weird stuff.

Cheers
Andy Ooi

Foggy Morning in Harlow

For some reason, Friday morning was very foggy. The fog was still very visible when I started work at 12pm. I was surprise when I looked outside of the windows and visible wasn't very good for a sunny 9.15am.

From the corrider.

From my room.

Luckily, the fog was persistent enough so that I'm able to take this pictures after I bath.

Aniway, something happened this afternoon. A group of 14 celebrated a 13th year's old birthday at our restaurant. When they left, they left gradually, when everyone cleared the table, me, Chee Yong and Pei Yee went over and clear the tables of glasses, bowls, plates and other rubbish as usual.

After a while, one of them - a young lady - came over and ask if we saw a black box and some envelopes. We checked around but there's no such thing. Therefore, we continued with our cleaning. As I was just clearing the glasses and wares, I wasn't around that table anymore and only Chee Yong and Pei Yee was there. Out of curiousity, I went over and kaypoh.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Did you see a black box and some envelope?" Chee Yong replied.

"She says it contained money in the envelope." Continued Chee Yong.

"No leh." I answered.

That young lady looked anxiously but her items are still unrecoverable. After some querying, the young lady's grandfather then went over to Jack and had some conversation. Jack then came over to the station with the old man and dunno do wat. After a while, I went back to the station and the old man ask me if there's another bag being dumped already.

"No." I answered.

The young lady then said she wanted to see the CCTV recording and said she intends to lodge a police report.

"Well, go ahead lor" I thought.

I then referred them to Jack and after a while, I saw Jack calling somebody. Our lady boss then appeared and talked to them. As we were busy clearing the tables, I didn't really bothered about what was going on as our break is nearing.

I wonders what happened.

Cheers

Andy MH Ooi

My complaints

I was complained this afternoon for something I did not do. Worst of all, the act that I was alleged are so absurd that there's no way I will carried out during the job.

A pair of elderly indian couple actually complained me of digging my nose in the station and then serves them before washing my hands!!

This complaint is so absurd that I jumped at Jack who had received the complaint.

I've received 2 complaints so far and they are as follows:

1. I was being rude to the customer.
It was a very busy that night and the group of 5 or 7 of them requested me to take their orders for drinks. I checked their ticket and found that they're arranged to buy their own drinks at the bar and so I told them so. They told me they want to change to another table so that they can order their drinks and I told we do not work that way. And I walked off. Afterwards, I saw 2 ladies from the table talking to Pris.

2. Digging my nose in the station and not washing my hands.
This is the most absurd and funniest complaint I had so far. How would someone actually done that openly. Even I finds it disgusting and would leave the restaurant immediately. The nearest act I can recall is brushing my nose cause it was itchy, that's all.

Working in UK can be very demanding as customer can and will complain you for every lil' things you do. All they seeks is that lil' discounts off their meals thus will finds fault with anything they can. Yet, we're working our arse off for that lil' amount of coppers everyweek.

Cheers
Andy MH OOi

A scary dream came true...

It was funny to think that how a dream can can come true and woke your biggest fears and worries when it really happens.

Last nite after a good chat with mummy over the msn, I took two pills for my flu and went to sleep. Somehow, the pills wasn't that effective as it used to be the previous nite and I couldn't sleep so I ended up fiddling with the downloads which I'd let run overnite. After a while, I checked the clock and was surprised to realised the time is already 3.00am and quickly went to sleep forcing myself to sleep no matter what. Gotta work tomorrow, you see.

At some point of time, I was in a point of mid-conciousness and I dreamt of a teacher asking me for advice for her two pupils who had lost their passport. They're from abroad and needs to go back to their country after a cultural exchange activity between England and their home country. Thus, losing their passport will means they risk being misidentified as illegal immigrants which will be captured and imprisoned for a period of time before being sent back. The teacher was worried sick and do not how to do. I was nonchalant to their plight at first as I do not what is the best solution for them. After a while, I advice her to report the case to the police and then report to the their embassy or High Commision and see if there's anything the embassy can do about it. I'm sure they'll be able to reissue a passport or some temporary pass for them to leave the country and enters their home country.

After a while, i woke up. This dream lingers for quite a while in my head and I wonders what will I do if I happens to fall into this plight.

"Will there be anyone to help me?"

"What will happen if I failed to produce my passport if I was asked to on the streets?"

"Will the authority believes me and assist me in recovering my passport or even helps me to get a new one?"

Then, something springs up in my mind.

"Where is my passport?"

I remember bringing it out for dinner last nite as I'm unsure where I'm going next so I thought I'll bring it with me just in case. I remembered slotting it in my back pocket of my jeans before putting on my jacket. Somehow, my memory recalls that when I get home, my back pocket was empty. I starts to panicked. I then quickly checked my bag, my jeans and then my room... Shit!!! None. My passport was nowhere to be found!

So, I calmed myself and then recalled where I went and what I did last nite. Eventually, I took the decision to go back to the restaurant I went for dinner last night and try my luck if they kept my passport for me, if I really dropped it there.

After a minute of changing, I checked with my housemate where's the local police station if there's any event I need to go there to make a report. However, she does not know. Come to think of it, I wonder what that lil' brain of her's contain. haha

Aniwae, even without the idea of the whereabout of the local police station, I still rushes over to the restaurant immediately with the hope that I do not need to make a trip to the police station if they happens to keep my passport for me.

Alas, as the restaurant gets nearer and nearer, I noticed the door has an A4 notice.

They were not open for business today!!!

The notice reads "Due to a fault, we'll be closed until 1700pm ". So, I peeked thru the windows and fortunately, there's someone in the restaurant. I keep knocking the window and they keep telling they are shut.

"I'm not here to eat!!" I thought angrily.

Making silly gesture to plead them to the door, however, a waitress then saw me and went to their counter and got something and hurry to the door. When she opens the door, she handed me my passport (at this point of time, I heaved a huge sigh of relief immediately) and ask me if everything was intact. I flipped through my passport and makes sure two copies of paper attached to the passport are present and then replied to her everything was well and thank her profusedly.

She replied "It was nothing, and we tend to keep such important things and return to customers. it was nothing"

Then, i left the restaurant was a sense of gratefulness in my heart and luckily, I left a 10% tip last nite after the dinner. The tip really works well though. I then shopped around the town centre before goes back to the hostel...

Come to think of it, if I did not advice the teacher what to do in the dream, will I ever see my passport again??

Think about it.

Cheers
Andy M.H. Ooi

P.s. I still loves you, Jessie...

My New Job

It's been a month since I moved to this lil' quiet town in Harlow for my new job. It's just a normal waiting job but the catch is that it provides meals and accomodation... Which makes me save a plenty of ££ every week. However, I'm alone here as Jessie are working in the London's branch. So, it's kinda lonely here, fortunately, the colleagues are a good companies.

Comparitively, the people are more friendly from those in London and the lifestyle are more relaxed. This self-contained town has everything you need and the people here are quite diverse in race and ethnicity. Although shopping are quite limited compared from London, but then, there are enough retails to tempt you from parting your hard-earned money from your wallet or your bank account, which fortunately, I've been quite resistent enough. hahaha Furthermore, with Jessie controlling the finance, It's safe to say that I've been a good boy in terms of spending money on unnecessary clothing or gadgets.

Now that Jessie are going back to Malaysia for 3 weeks, I really do not know how to cope the loneliness as what keeps me going all these while is the thought of able to meet her once a week when I'm not working. However, it's not possible for me to fly to and fro once a week (unless I'm a rich tycoon). It's sad, but I know it's unavoidable as the trip are neccesary. The only thing I can hope for is the 3 weeks will just fly by with a blink of an eye.

Cheers
Andy MH Ooi

A new episode of life...

Life... It's capable of twisting you when you least expected. It makes you adapt and readapt to new environment and situation, when you're just starting to get comfortable of your current life. Maybe, that's what makes life interesting, but some may take it as tiring. To me, I don't know it's a challenge or a joke god has thrown to me. Nonetheless, I shall take it.

As said, my new episode shall unveil next Monday, I've accepted a new job in Harlow, Essex and the job starts this Monday. There shall be a very big changes in my life as I've to share my living spaces with a bunch of strangers, and greatest of all without Jessie. God knows how long will I last, as He's the one who's arranged this path which I've taken unwittingly.

After being unemployed for a month, I've mixed feelings for this new changes. Happy as I've got a job which will takes all frets away for awhile, however, sad as I've leave her. None is great enough for me to reverse my decision, as rationally, things has to move on, no matter what. Thus, let this episode be etched into my history. Hopefully, this decision of mine shall bring happiness and glory which I've failed to see now.

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi