Slowing down...

My work life has been slowing down so so much to the point where I'm practically useless in the company. I have been on the bench since January till today, all the while waiting for a new project being assigned to me. It's not like I'm picky choosing what projects I want, it's just that there are many more people sitting on the bench, I estimate more than 30. The office has been packed with people since I got back here. Things just keep getting worse I guess, two weeks ago there was a meeting with the HR and only selected people got the email as some of my colleagues were excluded.

That really made me worried, the email came on a Friday and the meeting was on the following Monday, imagine all the worrying on the weekends where you're suppose to rest and relax. Before the meeting started there have been rumours circulating here and there, some say those people were not good performers, some even thought of the words lay off. It really gave me the shivers. Finally the meeting came and it was addressing the current state of the company. Since there was too many people on the bench, the company's productivity went down, hence we're not doing so well. Those that were in the room are forced to clear their annual leaves till 0 days were left.

It sucks that I'm unlucky to be on the bench and having to clear 8 days of leave one shot. Even though I was on leave for the last two weeks, I was just slacking at home doing nothing, sigh :(. It's going to be my third month on the bench and I can't help but keep praying that I will have a new project soon.

Breaking Dawn

The final book of this vampire saga, "Breaking Dawn". This book is definitely the best out of the four books written. Excitement while reading is from the start till the end. While I was reading, I was captured into the book's world, whoever who tried to talk to me couldn't get my attention at all. So where we let off? At the end of the third book, it was about Jacob running away, he couldn't accept the fact that Bella is going to get married and he has to let go of her.

So the fourth book starts off where Jacob has been gone for awhile and he is still reluctant to go home. Bella's wedding day is happening soon and there is much to prepare, but one night before the wedding, Bella had a weird dream, it concern a baby and the Volturi. The wedding was fabulous and Jacob showed up to dance with her. That's really unexpected because Bella never thought that she'll see him again. After the wedding, their off to honeymoon, it was a special place at down South (Brazil), it was definitely a romantic getaway.

The result of the wedding is definitely exciting which I shall not disclose and then the book heads off to Jacob's side of the story. It has about 10 chapters or more giving us readers the story on Jacob's view, a good approach because it keeps us pondering a bit what happened to Bella. At the end of Jacob's side, he has finally imprinted on Bella's baby girl. Most of Jacob's story is about Bella's prenancy experience, how he reacted to it and how he helped.

Then we're back to Bella's story after she has given birth, it seems like she was dead at Jacob's point of view but if it were like that then we wouldn't have anything to read on. Bella's story begins where she is changed to a vampire because giving birth was killing her and that was the only way that Edward could save her. We venture into her life as a newborn vampire and her new life with her daughter Renesmee aka Nessie. At the end we have Bella discovering her new skills and also the danger the Cullens face and they've made it with the help of other vampires. We discover more vampires and their special abilities.

This book definitely was unexpected to me because I didn't know what was to come. It would be interesting if they really make movies out of this book because I want to know what would be excluded from the book. I'm currently waiting to watch the Twilight DVD, see what will my disappointment will be.

Eclipse

The third book of the vampire saga, "Eclipse". I managed to finish this book within 3-4 days, it's much more interesting compared to the first two books and also thicker. Stephenie Meyer outdo herself compare to the other books. This book continues on what happens after Edward is back and how Bella deals with her relationship with Jacob. It's definitely a challenge for her since vampires and wolves don't get along. Edward does not think that it's safe for her and vice versa for Jacob.

Bella is finishing high school soon and she is really anxious on what's to come. Worrying about the Volturi too, she has to become a vampire soon. The romance for the book has definitely become better, Edwards is much more protective and Jacob is trying to convince Bella that he is a better choice for her than Edward. The rivalry is definitely funny to read about.

The twist of the story is the attacks in Seattle is related to vampires, the missing people, increase rates in deaths, all the doings of a vampire or so The Cullen's thought. It will definitely surprise you on what's to come next. More character's past are revealed, more mysteries for you to think about. This book keeps tying your attention and you don't want to put it down for sure.

I definitely enjoy this book more than the previous two, we get to know more about the wolves's history, discover new feelings, imagine new fights. It's a must read to know more bout Bella's love and life.

Happy Ox Year!! Happy Chinese New Year!!

Gong Hei Fatt Choi (cantonese), Gong Xi Fa Chai (mandarin), the greetings you'll hear from everyone who celebrates CNY. Yes it's that time of the year, where chinese gather with their family members and celebrate a new year in the chinese calendar. I'm currently back in Johore, was at my grandma's place this morning. I went to the temple with my aunt and uncle too.

So here I am posting my wishes, here goes:

May the year of the Ox brings you good health, wealth, good luck, many new friends, happiness and a good day everyday!!


Time to sleep, long day tomorrow, going to go back my mum's hometown. Have fun!!

New Moon

After finishing the 1st book in 3 days, I carry on with the second book, "New Moon".When you finished the 1st book and you read that Bella and Edward are together, you'll be thinking what more can I get from the second book? They already have a happy ending, what else is waiting for them?

Well do continue if you want some spoilers. So from where we left off, it was prom, so the book started on a new school year, they don't exactly mention much on dates, so you'll have to estimate it. It's time to celebrate Bella's birthday although she wasn't keen on it. Something happened at her celebration and this is where the story took a big turn. Edward and family have left and disappeared, it cause Bella tons of devastation and 4 months passed.

Then a new friendship begins, Jacob Black and Bella Swan. From Book 1, we know that Jacob adores Bella, most guys do and get rejected by her. So Bella and Jake hang out and became good friends, but Jake wanted more than that, but Bella only loves Edward. So the climax, a vampire from book 1 came back to hunt Bella, that's when a pack of wolves showed up. I won't say who they are but you can have a good guess. Bella figured it out, and she hung out with them while getting protection from the wolves. Vampire vs wolves, it has always been like that.

So what had happened to the Cullens? Just as I was thinking that the story is coming to a bore just on Bella and Jacob, someone came to visit. It was Alice, I won't say why. Alice and Bella rushes somewhere after Alice having a vision and so it goes on. A lot of excitement there, new characters entering the story. The Volturi enters and we get to read a bit on them.

If I were to compare this book with the first, I prefer the first book. But the climax for second book is much more exciting and unexpected compared to the first. Introducing more characters to the story definitely gave it more hype. Other than that, more mysteries are revealed, relationship developed. Stephenie Meyer did a great job with the second book, the excitement I get from reading reminds me when I was reading Harry Potter, the same feeling, wanting to know more and more, keep on reading.

Twilight

When I first saw this book in the stores I was curious because it had an interesting cover, just a pair of hands holding an apple and also an intriguing title, Twilight. So I bought it, wrapped it up nicely and left it at my bookshelf. For months it sat there, probably 3-4 months, in the mean time I was reading "Heroes: Saving Charlie". When the movie was out, only did I realise it was made into a major motion picture, but I didn't get the chance to watch it, will wait for the DVD though. There fore I decided to pick up the book and read it before watching. I like to see how well the book was implemented in the movie. I was really disappointed at Harry Potter movies, there were many parts that are worth being shown but not found in there.

Stephenie Meyer did a good job describing the characters, therefore I have a good image of how they look like. I already know that this book is about a vampire love saga because of the summary. It's almost similar to the tv series Angel, vampire who is good and kills other demons and vampires. But of course our heroine is not like Buffy, she is just an ordinary girl who fell in love with a vampire. Vampires in this book is different, they are not the typical turn to dust under the sun vampires. Nor are they the type that is afraid of garlic and crosses.

You see they go to school, that how Bella met Edward. Not because he was looking for a prey and he fell in love with her. Nope, they are classmates in a biology class. Now Edward ignores her acts weird with her, that triggered her to find out what's wrong with him. The interesting parts thus begins with her curiosity. I would say that the book is partly predictable, as you can tell what's coming for the starting of the story and somewhat into the middle.

Well the climax is what's got me reading on and on, many of the mysteries and questions in your head are likely to be revealed. It's definitely unexpected and fresh, compared to other books from this genre (fantasy and love). It circles around family, friends and love. There isn't action such as fighting, because a typical fantasy book will have it. I put it in the fantasy side because it involves monsters that are not real. In the end, you'll figure how the title ties to the book.The good thing of this book is the writer builds the characters really well, a bit of mystery and some clues to get you guessing. I would definitely recommend this book for reading before watching the movie, because the movie might give a bad impression to discourage people to read.

Looking back and Looking Ahead

Well, it's been long since I've blogged. I wanted to at new year's eve or new year's day itself, but I got lazy :p. Anyway at the last day of 2008, I got to do a lot of thinking, looking back at all the 365 days not counting the eve. As I try to recall the memories, there were many that I've forgotten.

Things were tough before and during chinese new year, my grandfather was hospitalised and luckily got to go home to celebrate CNY but still he was having difficulties walking. My aunts from Paris and Belgium came back to visit my grandfather and we got to spend CNY in Malaysia for the first time after many years (probably I wasn't born yet). My dad's cousin brother from England also came back to celebrate, we got to play mahjong , it was quite fun but sadly my family didn't get to go back to Johore. I definitely missed spending CNY there.

After CNY is when I started my first full time job at Accenture Technology Solutions, my first project is in Shell Cyberjaya. It lasted till the end of the year. I had a lot of fun with my team members of the project. Performed in BUM, participated in DOTA competition, went cycling with the guys at BUM. The team also went to Malacca for two days. We ate and ate and ate so many food. I will put in some pictures from the trip. It was a lot of fun. I think we had 6-8 types of food eaten in one day.

I almost forgot my convocation was in august, it was okay but not worth the money paid for. I get to meet up my college mates that I haven't seen since a long time. Took a lot of pictures here and there but I don't it was with everyone though.

Well, now my project in Shell has ended and I'm back in KLCC office. Now it's just online trainings and reading on programming. I have to wait for myself to be scheduled into a new project. I hope the coming project will continue to make use for .NET cause I'm starting to like it a lot :P. 3 weeks more then it's chinese new year, time really flashes by. Hopefully this new year will bring new beginnings and better opportunities for me. I definitely don't have any resolutions because I'm afraid I might not succeed but I definitely have plans for this year and it all depends on timing.

Lastly, Happy New Year!! I hope to blog more, kinda lost the inspiration to but I will keep trying.

Just Stand Up

Beyonce: The heart is stronger than you think
It’s like it can go through anything
And even when you think it can’t it finds a way to still push on, though

Carrie: Sometimes you want to run away
Ain’t got the patience for the pain
And if you don’t believe it look into
your heart the beat goes on

Rihanna: I’m tellin’ you that
Things get better
Through whatever
If you fall, dust it off, don’t let up

Sheryl: Don’t you know you can go be your own miracle

Beyonce: You need to know

CHORUS
Sheryl: If the mind keeps thinking you’ve had enough
But the heart keeps telling you don’t give up

Sheryl/Beyonce: Who are we to be
questioning, wondering what is what
Don’t give up
THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!

Fergie: It’s like we all have better days
Problems getting all up in your face

Leona: Just because you go through it

Fergie: Don’t mean it got to take control, no

Leona: You ain’t gotta find no hiding place

Keyshia: Because the heart can beat the hate

Leona: Don’t wanna let your mind keep playin’ you

Keyshia: And sayin’ you can’t go on

Rihanna: I’m tellin’ you that

Miley: Things get better
Through whatever

Rihanna: If you fall

Miley: Dust if off, don’t let up

LeAnn: Don’t you know you

Natasha: Can go

LeAnn: Be your own

Natasha: Miracle

Carrie: You need to know

Ensemble: CHORUS

Mary: You don’t gotta be a prisoner in your mind

Ciara: If you fall, dust it off

Mary: You can live your life

Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah

Mary: Let your heart be your guide

Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah yeah yeah

Mariah: And you will know that you’re good if you trust in the good

Ashanti: Everything will be alright, yeah
Light up the dark, if you follow your heart

Mary: And it will get better

Mariah: Through whatever

CHORUS

Fergie: You got it in you, find it within
You got in now, find it within now
You got in you, find it within
You got in now, find it within now
You got in you, find it within
Find it within you, find it within
Everyone: THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!

This is truly an inspiring song. It's sung for stand up to cancer and I think it doesn't apply on only that, there are many people who suffer in different ways and often want to give up. This song gives me strength and reminds me that I can stand up. The lyrics is for the recorded version:

The live version is sung on stage but with a slight difference in people where we have Nicole Scherzinger