Three more hours and the bowling tournament starts, I need to prepare! Why am I taking random shots now. I guess maybe I am just toying around with my camera before heading for the event tonight.
Friday, 30 March 2007
Random Shot
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Random thoughts - Part 2
After a couple of days running around with plenty of activities allowing me very little time at home and sleep, I've come to realize that I could do with a little more planning in my life. Not time management skills but rather planning or putting aside time for reflection and rest. Having that time is really important knowing that is where I draw some strength from especially to justify the actions which I have done.
So what have I done lately which has totally consumed most of my time? Well for one thing, I am glad that my company's annual dinner and dance has passed (last Friday to be exact). Why? Because I was rushing through in editing a video (a trailer video to get people hyped up about our company trip) which was shown at the dinner itself whilst balancing my remaining time for band practices (and yes the band was playing during the dinner as well). Sleep was a luxury over the past two weeks and right now I have one more task to go, the bowling tournament this coming Friday.
Even so, this is rather relaxing because there isn't so much in terms of preparations but of course not everything comes easily, there were other things that can just appear anytime. Things such as new work to do, or finding the time to prepare presentations, organize dinners and basically having fun. In the midst of all this, I ask myself again, where is the time I have to myself?
Also I've just found out that I am way behind in my reading schedule and I have plenty of books to cover. Three more books to be added in my to read list with the latest one which Jolene gave to me last night.
If only I could bend space and time like Hiro Nakamura.
So what have I done lately which has totally consumed most of my time? Well for one thing, I am glad that my company's annual dinner and dance has passed (last Friday to be exact). Why? Because I was rushing through in editing a video (a trailer video to get people hyped up about our company trip) which was shown at the dinner itself whilst balancing my remaining time for band practices (and yes the band was playing during the dinner as well). Sleep was a luxury over the past two weeks and right now I have one more task to go, the bowling tournament this coming Friday.
Even so, this is rather relaxing because there isn't so much in terms of preparations but of course not everything comes easily, there were other things that can just appear anytime. Things such as new work to do, or finding the time to prepare presentations, organize dinners and basically having fun. In the midst of all this, I ask myself again, where is the time I have to myself?
Also I've just found out that I am way behind in my reading schedule and I have plenty of books to cover. Three more books to be added in my to read list with the latest one which Jolene gave to me last night.
If only I could bend space and time like Hiro Nakamura.
Tuesday, 27 March 2007
Random thoughts
Apart from just going through life every single day, going through the routines you sort of gotten used to, someone once said that the sabbath is a day of rest and to just reflect upon your life. I never really did that too often and a most of the times I just let things go by without giving it a second glance.
Recent reflections:
Personal life:
Right now there are so many things going on at the same time but whose life isn't riddled with complexities and anxieties? I guess maybe I can break it down to specific portions within my life.
Fitness level:
I guess this is the only positive thing I can see right now. In the midst of getting back in shape or how my friend would say to me back in college, "Mark its about time you started working out and fit in to your bicycle shorts". Managed to run two 10km runs and will continue to strive for a faster time in the next run. But because I had to train for those runs, I haven't had the chance to play badminton and futsal recently.
Diet:
Not too good, there is just too much good food here in Malaysia. It pains me to sit down at the "mamak" and be able to control myself to drinking two cups of "ais kosong" especially at night. Worse is when everyone orders their favourite dishes like "Nasi Lemak ayam" or "Maggi Goreng Ayam", I just have the immense cravings for food. Even driving back on the NKVE highway and I see the KFC outlet which I use to frequent often back in my JVC days, my stomach calls out to it yearning for a piece of action with a dinner plate.
Confidence level:
Not too sure about this at the moment, at some times I can be super confident and handle things easily and at times I can be totally down in the dumps with zero confidence in my own capabilities. Even when it comes to driving, I scratched the car numerous times and was careless with my driving causing a lot of damage to my car.
In dealing with people, its not at an all time high either. That's because of several incidences in January and February, I guess it really hit me that things can be so uncertain sometimes and it caused me to lose confidence in myself. But then again there are times when I am just bursting with enthusiasm and nothing could stand in my way of my tasks and targets.
In dealing with people, its not at an all time high either. That's because of several incidences in January and February, I guess it really hit me that things can be so uncertain sometimes and it caused me to lose confidence in myself. But then again there are times when I am just bursting with enthusiasm and nothing could stand in my way of my tasks and targets.
Stress level:
Where stress is a concern, I seem to be able to take it well. After all I am the kind of person who works well under stress except for some outbursts which may occur especially in one of my emails to the BUM communications team. Other times as well I might have accidentally have been too harsh but I am slowly learning how to be patient.
Discipline level:
Two things I am in the midst of learning, learning how to discipline my mind and my heart. I learned that Jeremiah 17:9 says that "The heart is deceitful above all things...", definitely an eye opener for me and I got to learn to discipline it.
Another thing is to learn how to discipline my mind, to learn to keep it still and not wander around and be filled with anxious and distracting thoughts. Last but not least, patience is the area where I need to concentrate on. I got to tell myself to constantly be patient, take things slow, don't be so hesitant and take quick and stupid actions.
Another thing is to learn how to discipline my mind, to learn to keep it still and not wander around and be filled with anxious and distracting thoughts. Last but not least, patience is the area where I need to concentrate on. I got to tell myself to constantly be patient, take things slow, don't be so hesitant and take quick and stupid actions.
Guitar skills:
I've stopped going for lessons because I can't seem to get home in time on Tuesday nights. I need to reschedule them and start practicing consistently again. There are plenty of things I've been meaning to do with my guitars, one of them is to restring them, another is to send it for a check-up or tune-up.
I am still considered a total noob after playing recently in my company's annual dinner and dance compared to my super guitaris, Zul. But with nothing to look forward to, I can't seem to bring myself to sit down and play the guitar. I need to set some goals for myself in this area.
I am still considered a total noob after playing recently in my company's annual dinner and dance compared to my super guitaris, Zul. But with nothing to look forward to, I can't seem to bring myself to sit down and play the guitar. I need to set some goals for myself in this area.
Photography skills:
Haven't had the time to properly go out and take more scenery and landscape shots. I had a ball of a time playing with my 50mm prime lens over the weekend at the Curve but I am still quite slow in my manual focus so a lot of my shots were out of focus. I guess that is the disadvantage of using a Nikon D40.
Though I was struggling that day interchanging between my kit lens and the prime lens, I definitely need a proper camera bag where I can just store all of it in one single place. Really seriously considering getting a new camera bag when I am down in Singapore next month as well as checking out the prices of the SB-400 flash.
Though I was struggling that day interchanging between my kit lens and the prime lens, I definitely need a proper camera bag where I can just store all of it in one single place. Really seriously considering getting a new camera bag when I am down in Singapore next month as well as checking out the prices of the SB-400 flash.
Blurness level:
Completely and totally off the charts. I am super blur when it comes to friends and when it comes to certain "people". No idea whether they are happy, sad or what is going on with them. For one thing is that I totally get blurred out when some of my friends use acronyms which I had to ask them what in the world they were talking about. Even my current contact lenses are getting blur because my power went up. Shucks!
Well I guess this is it for now as I can't seem to think of anything else. This seemed more like a stock take but it allowed me to actually look at myself and rate my levels. There are definitely more areas which needs rating but I guess this is it for now.
Well I guess this is it for now as I can't seem to think of anything else. This seemed more like a stock take but it allowed me to actually look at myself and rate my levels. There are definitely more areas which needs rating but I guess this is it for now.
Sunday, 25 March 2007
It is friggin hot!
Today is definitely the day where I felt that Earth's atmosphere has finally been breached and my body is being constantly beaten down by UV rays. And yes, I am still sitting in an air-conditioned room at my local Starbucks utilizing their free Wi-Fi service and sipping on a cool cup of Mocha frapacinno.
Of course, everyone else in my area had the same idea so here I am sitting at a spot with the sun shining directly at my face. I guess this is still better than where I was previously sitting (outside by the walkway with the sun still hitting me straight in the face but without any air-conditioning). So much for having a quiet and peaceful moment where I can actually work on some interesting CBT's (Computer Based Training).
So what am I doing on a Sunday evening working? Well I don't really consider it work but I always wanted to learn more about Service Oriented Architecture, so here I am sitting at Starbucks waiting for my CBT to load up. Why Starbucks, one would wonder? Well that is because I have this weird condition that whenever I step into a comfortable place (my room for instance), the desire or will to work fades away faster than light.
Ever since my uni days, the library has always been my best place to study and my house mates can really attest to that. In the library, I have the chance to constantly switch my seating area and explore parts of the library I've never been before hence a new environment which means totally no distractions!
Anyway, in the midst of all this typing, my CBT has finally loaded up. Geeez, it's estimated time to complete is 2 hours. Looks like I shall be late for dinner.
Of course, everyone else in my area had the same idea so here I am sitting at a spot with the sun shining directly at my face. I guess this is still better than where I was previously sitting (outside by the walkway with the sun still hitting me straight in the face but without any air-conditioning). So much for having a quiet and peaceful moment where I can actually work on some interesting CBT's (Computer Based Training).
So what am I doing on a Sunday evening working? Well I don't really consider it work but I always wanted to learn more about Service Oriented Architecture, so here I am sitting at Starbucks waiting for my CBT to load up. Why Starbucks, one would wonder? Well that is because I have this weird condition that whenever I step into a comfortable place (my room for instance), the desire or will to work fades away faster than light.
Ever since my uni days, the library has always been my best place to study and my house mates can really attest to that. In the library, I have the chance to constantly switch my seating area and explore parts of the library I've never been before hence a new environment which means totally no distractions!
Anyway, in the midst of all this typing, my CBT has finally loaded up. Geeez, it's estimated time to complete is 2 hours. Looks like I shall be late for dinner.
Thursday, 22 March 2007
Panda Eyes
Its two in the morning and I am still sitting at my computer waiting for the Ulead Video Studio software to finish encoding the video which I edited. Completely exhausted from a long day, all I want is to lie on my new bed and sleep. Unfortunately the program fails to inform me of some of the sizes the encoded video files will be, so here I am up awake in the middle of night trying to encode this 3 minute video into a format which is readable by most computers as well as being presented at a suitable quality.
My first attempt, I encoded the file into a DV format which is totally uncompressed and the file extension was *.avi. The size of the encoded file, 6.3Gb. Ok, totally out for a 3 minute video. Next I chose something smaller, a *.wmv format and the file came to about 66mb which was fairly reasonable but the dimensions of the video were 320x240 and when I blow it up to a widescreen mode, the quality was unacceptable.
Finally I managed to encode it in an MPEG format and guess what? Windows Media Player can view it but there wasn't any sound. I tried Power DVD and it works but I cannot risk this as most laptops/PCs may not have Power DVD. So here I am waiting for the video to be encoded into MPEG2. Hopefully the size wouldn't be too large, as long as the video fits into a DVD disc, I am sure things will turn out fine.
For that matter, I am getting extremely tired now and it sucks having to wait for your super slow PC to encode the file. An Intel Quad core system is much appreciated so please either donate one to me or teach me how to find enough cash to actually afford one. Till the next morning when I see the results of my encoded file.
It is really driving me nuts, bonkers and giving me panda eyes....
Finally I managed to encode it in an MPEG format and guess what? Windows Media Player can view it but there wasn't any sound. I tried Power DVD and it works but I cannot risk this as most laptops/PCs may not have Power DVD. So here I am waiting for the video to be encoded into MPEG2. Hopefully the size wouldn't be too large, as long as the video fits into a DVD disc, I am sure things will turn out fine.
For that matter, I am getting extremely tired now and it sucks having to wait for your super slow PC to encode the file. An Intel Quad core system is much appreciated so please either donate one to me or teach me how to find enough cash to actually afford one. Till the next morning when I see the results of my encoded file.
It is really driving me nuts, bonkers and giving me panda eyes....
Monday, 19 March 2007
Men and women in orange
Here it is, my way of showing proof that I completed the KLIM 10km run. Well, I got my certificate of completion but my next target would be to achieve top 500. I need really to run faster!To be frank, I only started running because it was a great way for me to relieve some stress and I ended up enjoying running by the lake in Cyberjaya with my colleagues. Of course we don't all run at the same pace (me being the slowest of course) but the constant encouragement and support from each other is what I enjoy.
Signs, they bring some meaning..
Ever wondered if the things that occur around you could mean something? Could these instances be pointing you towards a different direction in your destiny or maybe sometimes towards what might be a better path to take in life? Even in the movie Signs starring Mel Gibson, it captures the essence of what might be a preordained take on events to come.
Well unfortunately for some people who actually take the time to make signs for certain areas of the public, these are definitely not evidences of creatures from outer space nor signs from our God almighty.
In a toilet:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW
In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES:
PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES
WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT
In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS
In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE
BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN
In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND
UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD
Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY
NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?
Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS
Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR
Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A
DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR
Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT
THE BULL CHARGES.
Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET
LESSONS
On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE
BELL DOESN'T WORK)
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW
In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES:
PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES
WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT
In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS
In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE
BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN
In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND
UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD
Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY
NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?
Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS
Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR
Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A
DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR
Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT
THE BULL CHARGES.
Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET
LESSONS
On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE
BELL DOESN'T WORK)
Now didn't that just make you smile? Got this off from my colleague. Have a great week ahead!
Sunday, 18 March 2007
Random Shots
Here are some totally random shots which I took last week. I am still in the midst of trying to learn how to use Photoshop to edit my photos. In the meantime, Picasa will have to be my temporary editing tool whilst in the midst of trying to read more online tutorials on basic photo editing.
Both of these shots were taken at Bukit Kiara park whilst the one below was at the Bandar Utama golf driving range. I was watching my friend Boon trying out his golf swing and managed to capture him in action.
And finally, a shot of the wonderful fried oyster with egg which I ate at Jalan Alor as well. Totally delicious!
Well from the theme, you could see that there were 3 black and white images and I was just merely trying to learn how to create those nice black and white shots. To be frank, I am not a "pro" photographer but everyone has to start somewhere right?
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