my daily walk in life

the CK denim jacket

2009-02-01T01:34:00.000-08:00

Another stuff that I got out of Pandora's box. A CK denim jacket.

Original price: $279

Discounted price: $50
Jacket in action: Queenstown Trip December 2008
Damage: 50

the CK hat

2009-02-01T01:20:00.000-08:00

Something I dug out from my Pandora's box and decided it has to get its cherry popped!

A CK rapper hat, which I got from Ballantynes ages ago, for a steal!
Made in: Italy
Original price : $100 nzd
Discounted Price: $40 nzd

Hat in Action: Queenstown Trip December 2008Damage: 40

2009-02-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Picture source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/thepress/4833238a6429.html

Ah golf! The game of classiness and where business deals are sealed. I aim to pick it up sometime this year as I now have a bigger reason to pick it up: so that I can golf with Nathan from work. Then, soon can hook me up with some good prospects in the company. Awesomes. Oh, and the picturesque backdrops add to the amazement too. Especially in New Zealand.

I admire, respect and look up to certain kind of girls - especially those who work their asses off to accomplish something or even be skillful in something that is not of the norm of the "typical" girl.
Such as - golfing, driving a manual car, riding a motorcycle, riding a horse, using a real gun, and the list goes on - much like Lara Croft if you get my drift. Certainly, not every guy digs that - but I totally dig it for sure!

So this girl above is from The press and here's what they have to say;

The Korean-born Australian professional spent two weeks over Christmas and New Year playing and practising golf 15 hours a day, and last weekend she won the New South Wales women's Open tournament by two shots with a 15-under-par total.

State of Economy

2009-02-01T00:41:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, The Reserve Bank had announce a record low cut to the OCR - now sitting at 3.5%

The effect of this is many of the major banks had cut their interest and mortgage rates - in an attempt to boost the economy by encouraging people to get debt going and pump more cash into the market. But question is, will people want to get into debt knowingly they may just lose their jobs in months ahead? Tricky.

Many banks have cut their mortgage rates to a low range of around 6%, but just as I was leaving work on Friday, a circular email came from BNZ announcing a mortgage rate of 5% ish. That's insane, but still its nothing compared to the States where its almost close to nil.

But since then the global economic picture has darkened virtually by the day. In one 24 hour period this week there were 85,000 job losses announced around the world. Predictions rise up to about 50 million jobs are prone to be axed in the coming year and a report came from the UN announcing that it might take the UK 20 years to recover.

``Unemployment rates will certainly continue to rise, but peak well short of the levels reached in the Depression. Then, unemployment rates rose well above 20 percent in many cases.''

Watching the news, there was this cover story about Japan Airlines CEO- taking a cut on his paycheck rather than his staff, demolished his office to an open plan style, and even do lowly jobs on the aircraft like stacking magazines. This type of management encourages his employees to be closer to him, to voice up good opinions and be open in communication, that everyone is in the same boat, not only a top-down thing. A truly inspirational boss, I must say.

So all that is doom and gloom out there, be wary of where you spend your money in the next coming years you homos.

Chinese New Year 2009

2009-02-01T00:16:00.000-08:00

This is what The Press (local newspaper) has to say:-

"ZE YEAR OF PPL WHO ARE HARDWORKING, HONEST AND STRONG WHO ARE BORN"

This is what an excerpt from an online source say:-

Year of the Ox

The second animal who arrived was the serious, enduring and hard-working Ox

Horoscope 2009, forecast for the 2009 year of the earth Ox

The coming 2009 year of the earth Ox also called 2009 year of the Bull or Buffalo is around the corner. It looks like we've got honest, candid and open natured year ahead. As you might guess, coming 2009 year of the earth Ox is dependable, calm and modest. Sun sign horoscope for the 2009 year of the Ox like his animal sing is unshakably patient, full of hard work and tireless though need financial support to fulfill your ideas and make your desires.
Yearly 2009 forecast and horoscope 2009 for your zodiac sign.

Ox Personality

The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm and modest. Like his animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in his work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

The ox person needs peace and quiet to work through his/her ideas, and when he/she has set his/her mind on something it is hard for him/her to be convinced otherwise. The ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever he/she does, in spite of a total lack of imagination. He/she can be very stubborn, and difficult to dissuade once he/she decides on something. These people speak little, but are intelligent, and when necessary, they are both articulate and eloquent.

The ox person is not extravagant, and the thought of living off credit cards or being in debt makes him/her nervous. The possibility of taking a serious risk could cause the ox person many sleepless nights. These people are truthful and sincere, and the idea of wheeling and dealing in a competitive world is distasteful to them. It would be right to mention that people born in the ox years are rarely driven by the prospect of financial gain. These people are always welcome because of their honesty and patience. They have many friends, who appreciate the fact that the ox people are rather introverted and wary of new trends, although every now and then they can be encouraged to try something new. It is important to remember that the ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such person and he/she takes on the worries of the world and tries to find solutions.

Ox Love Affairs

Although practical in other ways, the ox person can be very naive about affairs of the heart. It takes time for him/her to develop intimate relationships and show his/her feelings, but once such person is committed, the partner will be totally loved and trusted.

The ideal partner for the ox person is truthful and gentle but knows how to cajole and tease him/her. Of course there may be times when the ox person misinterprets light-hearted remarks or fails to see the humour in a situation, but at the same time close people will find that he/she is able to throw off his/her worries and begin to enjoy him/herself. The ideal partner for the ox person must also have the enthusiasm to introduce him/her to new interests but at the same time will not take risks that threaten the ox's security. The ox person can take as a matter of course his/her partner's weaknesses, and when there are emotional upheavals the ox will consider whether the blame lies with him/her; on the other hand such people do find it hard to forgive if they have been deceived.

Ox Career

Ox people are observant; they have remarkable memories and are good at reporting on absolutely everything they observe. If you ask an Ox person if he/she remembers who were at the party 8 months ago, most likely, he/she will name them one by one to you.

As a rule, the ox people approach work seriously and as long as they are not forced into the public eye they are able to think clearly and plan meticulously. They maybe not too fast when it comes to making decisions, but they are a skilled organizers and logical thinkers, and as the years pass their determination is likely to be rewarded. There are no difficulties with accepting authority arises for the ox person as long as he/she knows that the business is established on firm foundations. It is suitable for the ox to know his/her schedule or timetable and although he/she can rise to challenges and, to some extent, deal with the unpredictable; the ox would rather be well-informed and work within a fixed framework.

Ideal Job for the Ox Include

Composer, Landlord, Doctor, Cook or Chef, Farmer, Police officer, Soldier, Teacher, Judge, Banker, Insurance broker, Gardener.

Horoscope background

Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 12, 15, 33, 35, 51, 53
Equivalent Western Sign: Capricorn
Element EARTH
Color YELLOW
Yin/Yang YIN and YANG
Direction NORTH-NORTH-EAST

Positive and Negative Capability

Positive: The Ox can be patient, contemplative, skilful, dextrous, eloquent, confident, familiar, authoritative, industrious and sure of foot.

Negative: The Ox can also be prejudice, chauvinistic, proud, tyrannical, petty, critical, eccentric, bigoted, conservative, grumpy and on occasion violent.

wikipedia:-

Ox (Water buffalo in Vietnam) (Yin, 2nd Trine, Fixed Element Water): Dependable, calm, methodical, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.

LOL DAMN RIGHT I POSSESS ALMOST ALL OF THOSE PERSONALITY TRAITS LOL!!!!

IDEAL JOB INCLUDE: INSURANCE BROKER LOLOLSS !!! IM IN INSURANCE NOW LOLOLOL!!!!

DAMN RIGHT DAMN RIGHT. LOVE EM HOROSCOPES. THEY TELL SO MUCH ABOUT ME.

The Sanitising and the Connexions

2009-01-16T20:18:00.001-08:00

I couldn't sleep well for the last 3 months - the reason being my back itches on a regular basis and the suspect? The mattress of course, I haven't sun my mattress for like in ages - years to be exact. Dust mites, bed bugs and skin could have collected up over those years and I guess that's why it's making me itch. As Honey is away, and with no one around the house to help lift my queen size mattress outside, I am left with no choice but to call a mattress sanitising operation.

I recalled that I did in fact, received an email regarding a deal on mattress sanitising buried somewhere in my work Inbox. With large corporates, we employees get the benefit of discounts and specials from retail stores and businesses everywhere, it's great! Ok, so I went back to work, dug up my email and there it was, the number and all.

Gave them a rang and organised for my mattress to be sanitised. 2 days ago, to be exact, was when they knock on my door. I opened the door to welcome them in, and the lady that was running the operation introduced her partner- who trolleyed the equipment. She mentioned that he, too, worked at IAG NZ, same place, just on the East building, whereas I was situated at West. I've seen him around I'm pretty sure, during lunch breaks, he was always playing pool. It is such a small world indeed.

He shook my hand and we exchanged details of what department we worked at. He's in Direct Sales. Not bad, not bad. They got on to their jobs, while I did some house chores and when they were done, I paid them $70 instead of the $65 quoted ($65 was IAG deal whereas $70 was standard price), she didn't had change, so I insisted that she keep the change. She has 3 kids, so let that be a treat for them.

And now, to my own world of pondering thoughts, this guy, forgot his name, but damn he looks young to be a dad. To me I figured he's about late 20's nearly 30's? He looks so good omg, he's bald shaven, with a shaven trail of facial hair like J.T. I'll put it this way, he looks like the exact same guy as the main Prison Break actor. And he has 3 kids with a partner!! Not even a wife yet - I guess de facto is the thing nowadays. He has a professional career and he and his partner runs a small business, with the lady running the small business and he only helps out when time allows, as he has a standard working hour week. That is exactly what I had in mind. Thinking of me & Honey's future, it pretty much is similar and that should be how it goes, if everything goes well, it's a step towards material wealth building as we all learnt from Rich Dad, Poor Dad series.

I had the best-est sleep ever that night, and the next morning at work, I met him in the toilet! , and he asked me whether I managed to get any sleep last night and chuckled. I answered him with great delight, responding that it was the most fabulous sleep I ever had in ages. He was drenched in sweat, so I assumed he cycled all the way to work. He lives in New Brighton omgs. I got to know this because his partner's business card address was at New Brighton. I guess by cycling he shapes himself up and looking fit/young and it also saves money especially for their family with kids. I feel so ashamed for driving to work where I live only 10 minutes walk away. But that all will change, soon, where I will start walking to work everyday. Damn right.

And plus, that night, I started using the pillow my Aunt gave me as a Xmas present. It was the softest, most comfortable pillow that I've ever laid my heads on. It was so soooo soft, fluffy and comfy. I can't wait until Honey comes back and lie on the pillow (it's a twin pack, so she has one for herself), she'll love it to bits, especially with the fact that she loves soft pillows.

Wireless Freedom & the new ISP

2009-01-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

I was getting pissed at my current ISP - Xnet for the abrupt disconnection from time to time these days, so I was on the search for another ISP, and I found out that Telecom was giving away a free wireless modem for signup. I thought hey-why not, since now I've got a Macbook, I can use the wireless, I've never used wireless apart from Uni and figured it would be something new for me to try out and see what the fuss about wireless that's raving on these days.

I waited 4 days without internet after my initial call to Telecom, and yet, nothing arrived in my mail. I rang them back querying about my signup and shit, but nooo, apparently the last person who dealt with me didn't put through the order- freaking lazy arses. So I requested that the modem to be sent to me with a sense of urgency as I can't live without the net. In the next 2 days, the modem arrived all ready to be wired up.

And then my first test with wireless, was Skyping with my Honey. OMGs man, seriously, wireless is the shiznit!!! I can have the freedom to bring my laptop everywhere I go in the house, it's so amazing. Talk about freedom. Literally.

This is my cherry Redbook that feeds on the wireless - the only problem with wireless? Laptops needs longer lasting batteries.

Misc Xmas Spendings

2009-01-16T18:15:00.001-08:00

The following are misc X'mas spendings:-

Logitech MX518:-

Damage:-I've got to get a decent mouse since Bear took to my freaking Razer away. I'm left with his half-arsed mouse that's falling apart, so since mx518 is on discount - I took the plunge to get it. It's an old model, but its fantastic nonetheless.

Got myself some pillowcases as well, they're dirt cheap, its a sin not to get one!!

Dressmart Puma rocks:-

@ $50 NZD each. Bargain!

Need 'em shoes as I seldom buy shoes and also my current shoes are like already tearing apart.

Boxing Day- Briscoes

2009-01-16T18:03:00.000-08:00

Next stop- Briscoes Homeware.

I love getting stuff for the house and here I go spending:-

A Satin Sheet:-

King size wool duvet :-

Duvet cover for my new duvet:-Damage to my finances:-

A few months ago I got the following items:-

Steam iron:-

Bean Bag:-
Damage to my finances:-

Boxing Day - Harvey Norman

2009-01-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

My second stop:- Harvey Norman

Got myself a vidcam - to record precious moments of me & Honey
- to stalk people like we see in Disturbia
- to be in the running for NZ's most funniest home videos
- to film Dumbass; inspired by Jackass

It comes with a carry bag and extra battery too:

The damage to my finances:-

I don't like the typical silver colour though; it makes it look all tourist-y when I carry/use it outside, I need to pimp it out, so I look cool or like a videography student, rather than being termed as another Asian tourist.

Boxing Day Spendings- Rockshop

2009-01-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

Boxing Day is freaking awesome. A day where pretty much every shop in the world drops their prices like london bridge falling down and sales everywhere. So I decided to take up this opportunity to get some cool stuff.

Here's my first stop; Rockshop:-

A set of EMG 81/85 pickups for my Les Paul, YYYYYYYYYARRRRRR !!!! This the bomb!

I spotted this book which is kinda useful I guess for me and for some nubs who want to play guitar:-

A locking strap for my shiznit Les Paul;-

The damage to my finances:-

Pressies

2009-01-16T17:18:00.001-08:00

These are my collection of pressies 2008:-

Mosaic:-

Cousin Cm & husband G:-

Cousin Z & Ron:-

Aunt:-
its a twin pack pillow:- just perfect for me & Honey. Guess she assumes that we spend some nights together?

Gifts 23/12/2008

2009-01-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

On the morning of 23/12/2008 as I walked towards my desk on 23rd December 2008, I found this sitting right there, next to my computer. Freebies again~!!!!

3 boxes of chocolates and one random wrapped up thingie - suspect candies are inside it.

And my manager gave everyone a team a box of Roses on X'mas Eve just before we finish work. Awesomes.

Champagne Breakfast -22/12/2008

2009-01-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

Champagne breakfast

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A champagne breakfast is a breakfast served with champagne or sparkling wine.

It may be part of any day or outing considered particularly luxurious or indulgent. The accompanying breakfast is sometimes of a similarly high standard ^[1] and include rich foods such as salmon, caviar, ^[2] chocolate or pastries, which would not ordinarily be eaten at breakfast^[3] or more courses.^[4] At fashionable restaurants the breakfast can cost £4,000 or more, which to some would be considered an extravagance.^[5] Instead of as a formal meal the breakfast can be given to the recipient in a basket or hamper. It can also consist simply of a full English breakfast accompanied by champagne.

On the morning of 22/12/2008, we had our "champagne breakfast"-right here in the office, in a huge meeting room of course. Shit it's totally fantastic. Our team are really pampered with all the food and champagne that was on the tables this morning. As our meeting room walls are made of glass, we all notice envious eyes staring into the room with us eating and celebrating where they have to just sit and stare at their computer screens. Thanks go out to our manager who planned all of this. Very well done indeed.

As the day ended, I went shopping with my aunt and cousin Z at the mall, and I saw this white dress on display outside of jeanswest I think, and I went all omg, OMG. I wanted to get it for Honey, but it was expensive and I didn't know which size will fit her better, 6 or 8. In the end, I didn't get it. Z popped the question- eh, why you know how to look at girls clothes one? cos even I agree with you that it's nice. - C'mon la, I grew up with girls, surrounded by girls,dated so many also, hang out with girls, pffffft, of course i know la, I replied.

I had to go to Pak'n'Sav and get some baby oil & lotion to put it in the basket at work for S as she just had a baby, so I grabbed the stuff I wanted off the shelves and I headed over to the checkouts to pay for them. Heidi served me at the checkouts, an old acquantaince of mine, and as she scanned the barcodes of the baby oil & lotion, she giggled, looked at me and said, "Is it for you? hahahaha". I so saw that coming! I replied no la, for my colleague one, maybe next time would be mine la hahaha. As I swiped my eftpos card, grabbed my stuff and ready to walk away, she complimented "hey your hairstyle very cool la, u know, like one side fringe longer than other, I like it.". I thanked her compliment and headed home.

That ends 22/12/2008.

A date to remember

2009-01-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

There's just too much happening on this very date- 18th December 2008, hence it has become a very memorable date to me.

In chronological order:-

At work, we have morning tea with Purn, as it was her birthday. Conversations revolved around the economy and the availability of jobs in NZ. V was mentioning about how it's "tough out there", giving references to her daughter's boyfriend, whom can't even secure a position at McD's. On top of that, she also relate to her uncle that is on a payroll of $500k a year who just got laid off, plus closure of factories of big brands in North Island. She added that girls seem to be ok in securing jobs, but guys.....are hard.

Lunch time came around, and as usual I bring my lunch downstairs to the cafe and heat it up in the microwave. While I was waiting for the "ding", Nathan strolled towards me and chatted to me. The conversation goes like this;-

" Hey, how are you. Last night right, I had a browse in seek.co.nz, you know, to see if got any "lubang" in any sectors. I was shocked man! In NZ and especially in Australia, there's a great demand in risk surveyors and risk managers. I was really shocked, if I was single I would have move to Australia already. So you how, hurry up and get accredited as a risk surveyor or something specialised man, just do 2 courses a year, very simple one."

I was like yeaaaahhh... I will... sooon la, this one need to go through my manager as she has to organise for me.

Then late afternoon dawned, I've got a coaching one-on-one session with my manager to track my progress in my role. Everything's fine and dandy and we have set our objectives for the next few months, and just before I leave, she mentioned;

-" Oh just before you leave, I would like to let you know, I would like to offer you a Bnd C secondment. I have discussed this with other managers and have raised this question if she thinks any other person in the department that deserves this secondment and they all agree it was you. Now with this secondment, there's good news and bad news, which would you like to hear first?"

-" Haha, oh well, we'll go with bad first"

-" The bad news is you'll get a pile of signing on Monday onwards. The good news is that you'll get a pay rise and the difference would be the difference between the bottom end of Bnd B and C pay. Also, since S is on maternity leave (she's our team Bnd C person), she has 1 month to give me notice if she wants to return work early and I will let you know, then your secondment will end there. Now we can't put you on permanent C yet as you're here for only 6 months and usually people only get the raise in position after 1 year when they're competent in accounts. This is your 3rd month in accounts and there's still room for increasing your competency. You work really hard and thrive under pressure, and I noticed you did some overtime, did you ever resent that?"

-" Not really, I'd love to come in during weekends and sort stuff out because that's when it isn't populated with people and the hustle and bustle of the office is absent, it allows me to be focused in what I do and I can think better"

-" Well that's good to hear. Congratulations Calvin on your secondment. I'm happy that you'd take it up as only Bnd C are able to sign, hahaha."

I'm truly blessed and I like totally rox the box. 6 months at work and offered a position higher? That is truly out of the norm, as most offices will only offer a small pay rise at the end of a year, rarely even offering a rise in position. Given the current situation in our world economy, getting a pay rise & promotion in these conditions is like hitting lotto pretty much. This is indeed a blessing from God.

The clock ticked 3:30 on my computer screen at the bottom taskbar as I came out of the meeting room, I logged out of my phone and shut down my computer, and took my daily lonely stroll down the street, to my car that's parked off-street. I had the urge today to do some X'mas shopping so I messaged C, another window shopaholic, if she wanted to join me. So then I went over to C & T's place to pick C up to go Dressmart. As I entered their room, C handed me a card and at that moment I realised it was Honey who had organised this plan, this transaction. This is so sweet of her, as she usually don't remember stuff like this, what not plan for something of this sort. She had come a long way from the day we got together and I am very proud of her. The card- of course, marks our usual monthniversary ritual. 18th December 2008 marks our 5th month together, and going strong.

We drove over to Dressmart not long after, and did our respective shopping. Can't remember very well, but I think C didn't buy anything. If I remember it correctly, I bought 3 pairs of shoes (I will post them up later) and a football for C & T's X'mas pressie as I recall T always wanted to play football. So here's some motivation for him. After that, we checked out the new Dressmart layout as they have renovated and discovered that Bendon Lingerie had moved around the corner and it was bigger than before, and their stuff is dirt cheap. I really wanted to buy some nice lingeries for Honey, but measurements aren't sufficient enough, as cutting matters alot too. Honey deserves some new bras as some of hers are getting old and too tight for her. The price for a bra on this day, was like only 3 bucks man, and its not like some cheap Warehouse crap, but it's actually very nice. Elle Macpherson's line of lingeries are going for 50%, damnit! I always wanted to get my love some nice pair of Elle Macpherson's stuff.

So that pretty much sums up 18th Dec 2008. Fantastico.

Work Freebies

2009-01-15T02:17:00.000-08:00

Below are just some of the freebies that I' ve received in 2008. MNC's are awesome to work with, just look at all these random freebies that I get every now and then. rofls.

Inflatable Beach Ball:-

Personal improvement book:-

Secret Santa

2009-01-15T01:38:00.000-08:00

Secret Santa

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Secret Santa is a Western holiday tradition in which members of a group are randomly assigned other members to whom they anonymously give a gift. Often practiced in workplaces, or amongst large families, participation in it is usually voluntary. It offers a way for many people to give and receive a gift at low cost to those involved.

A typical Secret Santa

There are various traditions and ways in which a "Secret Santa" is run. In some variations, as Christmas approaches, names of participants are placed in a hat, and each person draws a name for whom they are to buy a gift. Along with name submission, each participant may also submit a short wishlist of items from which the gift-giver can choose. There is often a limit to how much can be spent on the present. Presents are then sometimes exchanged anonymously. Many schools and offices do this at Christmas time, often as a cost-saving effort. It usually take place prior to Christmas because the office and school settings require it. Sometimes people leave hints in cards on desks, others create other special ways to make themselves known.

It is indeed my first time in life to participate in this ritual called Secret Santa. My take is that it only occurs in some workplaces. Ronald and my cousin Z also had their Secret Santa's in their respective workplaces. So this is what my Secret Santa got me, in exchange of a box of Ferrero Rocher.

It's kinda cool its made of hard plastic so I can just wash them and use them as shot glasses in the future. Sweet.

2008-12-03T23:54:00.000-08:00

Chocolate fish

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The chocolate fish is a confectionery from New Zealand. These candies are fish-shaped, are 6 to 8 inches in length, and are made of pink or white marshmallow covered in a thin layer of milk chocolate.

Retailers normally sell chocolate fish individually in a standard size, but in recent years large "Giant Fish" and packets of small "Spratz" have also come into circulation.^{[citation needed]} The fish has circulated in electronic form as an email attachment symbol.^{[citation needed]}

Chocolate fish have entered the New Zealand culture to the extent that the phrase "Give that man a chocolate fish" has entered into the language. The role of chocolate fish as cultural icon seems largely confined to New Zealand, although the confection has become available for purchase in some other countries.^{[citation needed]}

The choco fish, a traditional way for recognising someone for doing an excellent job in something in New Zealand.

Ever since I started working, I've been getting awards, and last month, I was awarded the Christchurch branch choco fish for doing a fantastic job. awesomes.

Hope I get another soon hehe.

Stalking made easier!

2008-12-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

Behold people of the world! Stalkers unite !
This era had just turned into a stalking ground. Either you stalk or be stalked.

Few days ago, Google had just launched Streetview. Haven't read up too much about it, perhaps a GPS feed? It's not real time though, but its good enough to stalk the neighbourhood. Imagine the world's street at your fingertips. They've managed to map out every single street in the world, bar some, but they're doing their best to can to map every single street in the world.

Here's some snapshots;

step 1; go to maps.google.com
step 2; key in details of address that you want to stalk

step 3; scroll left and right until you've reached your destination

for example; this is C & T's current flat. lols, you've just beeen STALKED.

as you can see, the clarity is not too bad as well, I can even spot their bbq pit and their clothesline

step 4; stalk and enjoy

STALKING IS MUCH FUNNER NOW. LIEK HOMGS TECHNOLOGY!!!!1111!!! L337!!!!

Crybaby me- NOT

2008-12-02T22:25:00.000-08:00

A month or so ago, I was admitted to the hospital, for high fever. I am such a workaholic that even on that very morning where I woke up with a fever, I made it to work and struggled to survive the 8 hour day. At the end of the day, I got so ill, and honey asked me to go hospital. So I did, to an unbearable experience.

It all began with the "lets take some blood and do some tests" query. The nurse sucked in drawing my blood so bad that she poked poked poked and poked my right arm vein to no success, only to move on to my left arm for a minimal success. Arrrrrghhhhhhh, the pain was sooooooo unbearable. Even the needles on a tattoo gun doesn't hurt as much as a syringe needle do. If I can handle the hundreds and thousand of needles on a tattoo gun on my arm, what threat can ONE needle do?

I was yelling and screaming throughout the whole ordeal and had fluids injected and glucose running into my body for that night. I was so glad I had my loved one beside me, clutching my cold,lifeless, sweaty palms the entire night, and even helping me to the loo. I feel so loved and secure when I see the person whom I love beside me throughout such times. I love you, honey, and thanks for being there for me.

Strange, but as soon as I spread the news of my hospitalisation encounter to my cousin Z the next day, she said that its a "guys thing" to be scared of taking blood/syringe. So it must be a known fact that majority of guys are scared of needles, minus the druggies. She also mentioned that no matter how tough or macho the guy is, a syringe brings out that little soft side of them.

I so totally agree.

Today, I had the time and listened to my honey's instructions to go and follow up with the doctor following the blood test results the hospital released last month, and this is the outcome;

Only that this time, it was such a pleasant encounter. As I followed the nurse into her room, I noticed her nametag glimmering with the words: Trainee Nurse. I was like OMGS, I'm so gonna die this time, it will be like hell on skin.

She comforted me as I walk into her sanctuary by asking about my day and how I deal with needles, and gave me a very warm smile while displaying a very caring and yet gentle personality. She had this tone of voice that was quite comforting and so she began searching my vein and poked the syringe in. I didn't feel a thing at all, not even when she took it out. Strange, so so very strange. My conclusion from this experience is that; it all boils down to skill. I'm so totally blown away by how I left the clinic without feeling a little teensy bit of pain. Kudos to you, trainee nurse.

Ze connexions!

2008-12-02T01:02:00.000-08:00

It's all about the connections i tell ya! Back awhile, i posted that the more connections you foster and maintain in this life the more opportunities open up for you.

So today I was heating up my Uncle Ben lunch as usual at the microwave area downstairs by the cafe, and while I was patiently waiting for the "ding" to go on, this Indian guy walked towards me and gave me a smile. As a kind person as I am always, I smiled back. I guess it was because he saw my name on the ID card that prompted him to engage in a conversation with me.

"So, you must be Jeff's son", he asked, followed by grabbing my ID card that dangled from my neck, checking to see if he saw the name correctly or not. I guess due to the fact that I'm probably the only Asian guy in the entire block, and young at that, compared to majority of the employees there, I stand out of the crowd easily, hence making me easily recognisable. I was like "Oh, so you must be uhhh uhhh......" (because I can't remember his name, it was quite awhile ago that my dad mentioned about him to me) and he cut in and answered "Nathan". Finally I met the guy that my dad mentioned about to me.

I briefly talked to him about how I was waiting for Uncle Tan to intro him to me during a golf session but I now that I have met him beforehand, there shouldn't be a need for introductions anymore.

He cut to the chase and say "hey, I know you just finished university, but if insurance is your thing, do consider ANZIIF and grab up more opportunities". "Yeah I'm about to begin it after I finish the quick starts- the policy wordings".

Nathan went like "there's a huge demand for specialist areas such as risk management, loss adjusting, etc, so pick an area to specialise in because not all people can do that. Claims, sales and etc etc... any Tom, Dick & Harry can do that, you must go into an area of specialisation. Have you met "....(i forgot his name)", a Malaysian guy, I will link him to you and you can find out more"

With that, and your university qualification, it'll take you far.

Damn right, time to get my hands on finishing those boring quick starts, and beginning my ANZIIF. Garghh.

And getting to know Nathan better. Its all about knowing people. Yarrrrrrrrrrr. I feel so uuumpphhhh.

Living under one roof is harder now

2008-11-27T01:26:00.000-08:00

TOUGH STANCE: ANZ National, the largest bank in New Zealand, now requires people wanting a mortgage to buy a house to have a 20 percent deposit.

ANZ gets tougher on mortgages

By PAM GRAHAM | Thursday, 27 November 2008

ANZ National, the largest bank in New Zealand, now requires people buying a house to have a 20 percent deposit.

The policy, which applies from today to new loan applications, is a tightening from its previous position of a 10 percent deposit.

Mortgage brokers said a tightening of lending criteria is a trend. Other lenders already require a 20 percent deposit or offer a better interest rate for such loans.

The bank said each customer was treated as an individual and there was no "standard scenario".

But generally speaking, both its ANZ and National Bank brands would not be offering new lending in excess of 80 percent loan to value ratio. This means a mortgage cannot be more than 80 percent of the value of a property.

David Tripe, director of Massey University's Centre for Banking Studies, said the move was understandable in a falling property market.

- NZPA

That's insane! a 20% deposit is out of reach for most average income earners. Sigh, there goes my soon-to-be house for me and my honey.... =(

Demi Lovato <3

2008-11-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

Here's some Demi Lovato <3. Think I've become gayer after watching this crapaholic movie. This is such a letdown, seriously. Hoping for it to be full of rock action, palm muting and fret madness, to my dismay, I find nothing but whining high school bitches. The only thing good that came out of this movie probably is Demi Lovato's appearance. She's got the voice, damnit! Cool songs of her from this movie are;

Who will I be
Our Time is Here
This Is Me (fantastic vocals & tune)

So then I wanted more DEMI <3, and got her new album recently released, Don't Forget.

DREADFUL. ABSOLUTELY SHOCKING. Not even one song of hers in her album is near average. It just plainly sucks. None of her songs are even near any of those that she sung in Gay Rock. My take on this is that, those nice tunes of hers from Gay Rock were backed up by the Jonas Bros, hence making it sound so much better than herself.

Guess she's a fanboi of Nick Jonas seeing that her main axe is the same cherry red Gibson SG that Nick uses. Hmm, time to sell my black SG and get a cherry red one so I can become a boyband fanboi too.

The Economic Times

2008-11-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

Absolutely devastating. I've been keeping an eye out on news about the economic health of the world, and still, everything looks grim.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081112/ap_on_bi_ge/financial_meltdown;_ylt=AnRx5g9i3cx0GYRXZPFgTjus0NUE

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AjM7AedJBn2tFzWlwueo_UVv24cA/SIG=12feebbhh/**http%3A//cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ynews%3Fch=4226720%26cl=10616453%26lang=en

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AjM7AedJBn2tFzWlwueo_UVv24cA/SIG=12feebbhh/**http%3A//cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ynews%3Fch=4226720%26cl=10616453%26lang=en

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AoA2XWExGgDdfIZ8zI_suwhv24cA/SIG=12f5lt2qr/**http%3A//cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ynews%3Fch=4226720%26cl=10614973%26lang=en

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=An780INbetZ.A6Ss9W17DQVv24cA/SIG=12fshider/**http%3A//cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ynews%3Fch=4226720%26cl=10584756%26lang=en

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Financial-Crisis/ss/events/bs/093008bailout;_ylt=AuWWbpdEaf3tzPhlnd2hSkRv24cA

That's a few good links, now here's what's on in today's news;

Key casts doubt on a quick recovery

By COLIN ESPINER and TRACY WATKINS - Fairfax Media | Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Prime Minister John Key doubts the world financial crisis can be solved within 18 months.

now this just means that my future business will need to wait a lil' bit longer....

and here's a non-related link for the academicians-to-be

Pimpin'

2008-11-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

sugar daddy

–noun Informal. a wealthy, middle-aged man who spends freely on a young woman in return for her companionship or intimacy.

For example, The aspiring young actress and the sugar daddy are a classic combination in Hollywood. The sugar in this term alludes to the sweetening role of the gifts, and daddy to the age difference between the pair. [Early 1900s]

sugar daddy. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Retrieved November 23, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sugar daddy

drink, drank, drunk

2008-11-16T21:02:00.000-08:00

Uncle Benny & Family

2008-11-13T16:15:00.001-08:00

Few weeks back I was introduced to my honey's family friend, Uncle Benny, Aunt Helen, and their 2 kids, Kim & Jordan. The first thing that came into my mind as I first got to know them is "whoaaaahh... now I'd like to raise a family in that same manner", plus Uncle Benny is so young, cool, rad and just so "in". He is one super cool, fun & crazy husband and dad. Now he's the sort of figure that I aspire to be, the "in", cool and fun dad and at the same time a loving husband.

And he's got some killer sunnies that are so coooooool, especially for a "uncle"

the funky figure.

the loving couple.
no room for shyness, no time to waste for romance, just the perfect loving pair.

the "acceptance" and "approved" group picture.

Kim & Jordan is also how I'd like my future kids to be like. They are like soooo in touch with the world, and sooo corrupted that its awesome for their age.

Recalling the conversation of Aunt Helen as we were talking with Uncle Marvin and family;

"This boy ar, you know what he said that time he stayed overnight at his friend's place, he said its ok mummy, now both of you (referring to his dad) have some couple time together, but don't make any babies yeah. I was shocked that he said such a thing..."

And we all just burst out laughing for such a young kid to know so much, he's 9?
And they were so frank in front of everyone with all the, perhaps, you can say, corrupted, but its cool to do so and everyone enjoys it.
Jordan is so cool too, he's even planned out that he wants to get married at 25 and have 5 kids and already coming out names for them. He said Dad says to plan early. Which I sorta agree as well. He like totally clicks with my thinking. Such a cool lil boy.

And Kim, she helped me identified the reason to have more than 2 kids, there should be at least 4 kids in the family, 2 boys and 2 girls so that the different gender can relate to the respective genders should they have any problems or any thing to talk about. Well put Kim, well put!

One more thing to add, Jordan was playing with his arm and started taking pics of elbow connects with the biceps (shit, blonde moment here, but can't think of how to explain better) and started laughing because his friend told him that it looks like a butt crack. Not long later, dad joined in the fun and Kim too and we all started laughing. It's sooo cool to see such a cool dad taking part of a so-called corrupted thinking and laughing along as well. Fantastic moment.

Man, I'm soooo soo inspired by Uncle Benny and his family and I shall raise my future family as such. And, and, Uncle Benny is just such a crazy, wacky, and fun person!!!!! Damnit, awesome awesome awesome times.

Current affairs and the enemy of the state

2008-11-13T01:24:00.000-08:00

How we all wish if Will Smith and Gene Hackman is the enemy of the state, but unfortunately its something bigger than them. The global credit crisis, the world's economy is now the enemy of the state.

I got the inspiration to write this up when my honey spoke to me about an email she got from her lecturer. So it goes something like this "blablabla dear students, its hard to score a job in what you're studying, especially in the health of not only our economy but in the world. blablablabla why not take this time to consider postgrad and add up skills so that it may be beneficial for you in the longer term blablablabla, i apologise to let you guys know blablabla".
Pretty much sounded like "whooopsy u guys have studied the wrong thing, too bad, now spend more money in uni and perhaps, perhaps you will get a job"
Actually its quite cool that a lecturer actually announce such a reality fact to his students, even if it sounded a little too harsh.

HOKKKAYYY, so let's get to the gist of this; you will find most of it self-promotion and egoistic but a fact.

Hokay, lets start by looking at recent news and the state of the world's economy following the collapse of Lehman Brothers, AIG meltdown, finance companies tumbling and Wall Street crashing. Jobs axed, redundancy goes up, management lines cut down, mortgage defaults, and ways of consumer spending.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081112/ap_on_bi_ge/financial_meltdown;_ylt=AnRx5g9i3cx0GYRXZPFgTjus0NUE

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AjM7AedJBn2tFzWlwueo_UVv24cA/SIG=12feebbhh/**http%3A//cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ynews%3Fch=4226720%26cl=10616453%26lang=en

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AjM7AedJBn2tFzWlwueo_UVv24cA/SIG=12feebbhh/**http%3A//cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ynews%3Fch=4226720%26cl=10616453%26lang=en

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AoA2XWExGgDdfIZ8zI_suwhv24cA/SIG=12f5lt2qr/**http%3A//cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ynews%3Fch=4226720%26cl=10614973%26lang=en

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=An780INbetZ.A6Ss9W17DQVv24cA/SIG=12fshider/**http%3A//cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ynews%3Fch=4226720%26cl=10584756%26lang=en

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Financial-Crisis/ss/events/bs/093008bailout;_ylt=AuWWbpdEaf3tzPhlnd2hSkRv24cA

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081113/ap_on_bi_ge/financial_meltdown

With what we see happening in front of our eyes, for those of yous that have jobs, be thankful until the economy picks up, perhaps in the next 5-6 years time.
What can we learn from this? - How to survive in the world in times of change and challenge.

Today I will teach you few things in life;
To survive in the marketplace, one needs a clear mind, good planning, risk taking, good judgement and common knowledge.

Allow me to introduce; Mike Wong;

A wonderful, insightful and knowledgable chap, although at most times he looks stern and ready to kill.
One can learn so much from him, he has a very, very interesting history and he's been through so many things in life that one can't even possibly imagine. His walk in life, I would say is like akin a bird, always on the go, and so many experiences that he can share with yous.
Back to our main point, this chap here, made so much money at the age of 26 that he can retire without any worries, so this is where real-life common knowledge, good judgement and blablabla comes into play.

Was going tangent, now back to my self-promotion.

There's alot to be said here but I'd rather leave that to my confidence & success blog for easier reference. Such examples would be; what are you passionate about, what drives you, what is important to you, where do you see yourself heading, how to get to where you want, why you want to get to where you want .... and blablabalbla the list goes on.

Now, for yous that are looking for jobs now or in the very near future, let me share some good tips with you.
- Look at ads and see what sort of jobs are available and read their description and note down what they want
- Tailor your skills, capabilities and experiences to match what employers are looking for
- Think of "your" features and how it benefits the employer
- Get working experience of any sort
- Employer referees are vital
- Extra curricular activities are an immense boost to your portfolio

These are just a few tips as the list can go and on forever. Seriously though, the world's your oyster, you can do anything you want and be anywhere you want with the right mindset, right planning, knowing and understanding what's happening in the world and upskilling yourself all the time.

I would like to extend my service of helping people who need help with such;
I can conduct mock interviews with you both behavioural and traditional format and pinpoint the key questions employers ask and you can then practice your answers for the big day.

I've ran assessment workshops and interviews during my time in AIESEC and I believe I am as competent as any HR person out there. On top of that, I've facilitated workshops, sessions and trained others in the same sort of thing. I have what it takes to get this right. I have a network of figures that have a standing in the community and also have approached corporate partners and sponsors from scratch. I have what it takes to help you become a star, differentiate yourself from the crowd and/or graduates since every freaking person on the road holds a degree.

Welcome to Gen-Y. Nearly every single average person holds a degree in the street. It is so commonly found that is isn't that significant anymore, well, unless you're in a specialised industry which require such qualification e.g. medical, accounting, law to name a few. Even so, many don't even end up in their lines, and those that are in their lines aren't as successful as others who are in something bizarre or way off track than to what they initially thought they would end up in. Now this happened due to the ease of attaining a degree. It's a fairly simple task. Spend 3 years partying and hanging around and wallah! a degree of some sort. Student loans are easily secured, scholarships are abundant plus the living standards of Gen-Y are much higher than the baby boomers and Gen-Xers, allowing studying in university an easy feat. This is the opposite in the last generation, where living standards are harsh, wages aren't as high as today where only the wealthy and superiorly intelligent ones get to go to university.

I've done some stalking on some of my friend's blog and see that they're just enjoying life, living in the moment and not worry what the future has for them, and I have to add this too, why put up with stress when you can enjoy your golden years? Life isn't a rehearsal.

Pssst, the very girl who is at the checkout who scans your groceries is probably as qualified as you in holding a degree, perhaps maybe even more qualified, so what makes you stand out from the crowd, excel, and emerge the winner?

My service is available for you as I'd like to train and inspire new blood, especially now I'm not in the whole AIESEC thing anymore, as now I'm an alumni and will only gather with them at certain events and workshop. This is the AIESEC success story. And AIESEC runs in my veins, I need the adrenaline pumping again. I feel so mundane. Show me what you've got and I'll make your story a success.

Now here's an article worth reading regarding recession-proof industries.

the coffee question

2008-11-13T01:09:00.000-08:00

Few days ago, this friend of mine, a girl, raised a very normal but strange question.
It goes something like this;

"I ask you ar, what do you think of coffee?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like what is the first thing that comes to your mind about coffee"
"Hmm...I need it to wake me up"
"Well...people say that your answer denotes what you think of sex.."
"How does that relate? Coffee and sex? It's not even relevant! "
"Well.. that's what people say..."

Well at least my answer sounded good if it even relates to sex at all. Hahaha, at least it's better than "ewwwwwwwww.. I hate coffee, or yuckkkssss I hate it"

Coffee is like the core of my staple every working day. I need it to keep my brain functioning and my blood pumping. It is THAT vital. Thank goodness that my workplace provides an endless amounts of coffee, tea and milo, and best of all, free of charge. There's even vending coffee machines that are FOC. Now that saves me some dimes.

it all began...

2008-11-11T23:08:00.001-08:00

.....right here. In UC's IT dept. It is the one place that I funded my expenses, gave me experience and the referee very much needed and it was the very place I first met my now, other half, J. I remembered that very afternoon when she stepped into the IT helpdesk and asked for her UC internet account balance as there was something that went wrong in the halls probably.

She's got that unique face and voice tone that sticks into one's memory. From her accent, I could easily tell that she's a Malaysian. Being the stalker I am, I got to see her full name (from the system) and also able to see what year she is in by looking at the courses that she's currently enrolled in.

Not long after that, I caught up with Sharz and she told me about her new bunch of friends and BINGO, Jasmine was in the group. So I went like yeah, and told her how I met this Jasmine in church and all. Then there was this Bersatu after party, and there she was, with her gang. I managed to meet them as Sharz wanted me to go with her.

Many many months later, I started going to Mosaic, and it was then that I started noticing her... and that's where it all began.

Sadly though, she doesn't recall anything before Mosaic. Awwww... gay!

Stepping out of uni

2008-11-11T21:55:00.000-08:00

April Graduation 2008. I stepped out of uni after 4 years of university life. I have learnt so much during these 4 years and many wonderful individuals had crossed my path.

3 years + optional 1 year to get an endorsement in Strategic Management. Degree conferred, confirmed but I shall not conform.

My addiction with soft toys had led this bear to be present on the day I graduate.

Working in the IT department during the year of 2007 had gave me just what I needed on my CV- office experience, sales, logistics, data entry, helpdesk, referee and what not! Perfect... The pay was also good and that funded my year. Good pay, easy job, nice environment, and convenience to lecture halls is such a blessing. Also I've managed to score the position more or less as a full time staff even though I'm technically called a "casual" staff.

Colleague of mine who got a position at the Library Helpdesk as C. Computers closed down.

A small bunch of Cantabrian AIESECERS who graduated at the same time. These people are amazing and we've learned so much from each other and build each other up in just a year. We've had our highs and lows and 2007 was a year not to be forgotten. In just a year I see not only myself had developed so much, but all these people as well.

If I could make a recommendation to a student, be part of AIESEC. AIESEC had taken me far beyond what I've imagined myself. One's perceptions, goals and thinking in life will definitely be challenged beyond their wildest dreams and one will grow and develop so much that they'll never regret the very decision in partaking a world famous student organisation. (E.g. Endorsed, recognised, sponsored and acknowledged by famous companies such as Deutsche Bank, World Bank, World Health Organisation, United Nations, Cadbury, HP, Shell, HSBC, and so on.... the list is exhaustive....)

I'm glad I've been part of this wonderful organisation, that helped me develop so much. I would not be the person I am today for it not be AIESEC. It had also provide me the real-world opportunities to go out to the marketplace and pursue corporate partnerships, sponsorships and networking with powerful figures. If I could reverse time, I would've joined AIESEC earlier, conducting more real-world business planning, hosting conferences and what not. AIESEC is in 110 countries now, and you also get to go to worldwide conferences and national conferences, meet freaking fantastic individuals, learn from the sessions, go on exchange and have a fun time with like-minded people.

Funny enough, when I told my dad one day that I was part of AIESEC, he brought up that he was in AIESEC too during his university years in Belgium and was in the national committee during his days. What a surprising news! I guess it must be in the genes.

tune in to: rock discovery channel

2008-11-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

Hi, I go by the screen name of J. I'm a journalist for the Rock Discovery Channel if you haven't already knew. If you have satellite TV, tune in to the Rock Discovery Channel on channel 99 at 7:30pm everyday. Below are a few snapshots of our recent expedition;

homgzzz! look at that ravine ! homgs first time so big !! true story!!

HOMGS ROCK!! and this is what we get to check out in our expedition. do catch me on my show. xoxo.

Meet The Tings

2008-11-11T21:02:00.001-08:00

The Ting Tings

Loller Art

2008-11-11T20:32:00.001-08:00

OMGs check my art out;

I am hopeless at art, and high school has proven that right. I usually get C's or fail in Art in high school. Like so LOLs. But hey, love works wonders aye. My honey was assigned the duty of drawing up random crap from Malaysia for the Msian ball couple months back, she was busy with assignments and since I'm her other half, I offered my help. And the following are my best artworks ever in my life like rofls.

Meet the Parents

2008-11-11T20:28:00.001-08:00

So honey's family came over for a short holiday here in Christchurch and we all had a blast. All went well, and to my surprise I found out that their family had actually stayed before in Merivale Court Motel few years ago, the motel that we were operating to satisfy the PR requirement. See my parents usually have exceptional conversations with Malaysian guests who stay in the motel, but I rarely come out of my damn room, so I don't meet all these people. I should've! Then it will be so much fun-ner if we knew each other back then.

Meet the "we"

2008-11-11T19:31:00.001-08:00

Us & our recent times together;

Meet the gang

2008-11-10T22:59:00.001-08:00

Meet her gang & the usuals;

Meet my woman

2008-11-10T21:45:00.000-08:00

Now I'd like to introduce my very cute, baby-faced, blur yet funny, sweet little girlfriend & hope-to-be, long-to-be, soon-to-be wife. This is my honey, Jasmine, as of 18 July 2008.

What do I see in her ? Lots. Nuff said.

Fun & Games

2008-11-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

For some odd reason today, sharp at 2pm, our 2UP (2 level up) manager, a.k.a immediate manager's manager, announced a drinks & strawberry session at the break area in our floor in celebration of Cup Day. Wine and champagne bottles went popping and strawberries were prepped into a bowl. Being the little alcoholic I am, I took like 3 glasses of wine and a handful of strawberries. Just the treat needed for a hot afternoon.

At the end of every quarter of the year, we have a big celebration in our team that lasts the whole evening on a Friday. Free-flow alcohol is served with nibbles. So much for a place workplace that supports an alcoholic workforce. The following was what happened in the last quarter's celebration:-

BUNGY RUN!

and that's my immediate manager on the chair snapping photos.

My current portfolio

2008-11-09T23:43:00.001-08:00

I started out the job just processing policies into IAG's system, processing paperwork and just that. After couple of months, I was trained soon enough to move on to accounts, and in this few months, already 3 people had left their roles in the current team, leaving the team heavily understaffed for the time I was there.

My colleague who sits behind me, is having her baby due in few weeks time and before she left she had passed on to me a few of her accounts, then one fine day, about 2 weeks ago, her midwife told her she had to rest, leaving her job in short notice, and all her bullshit large accounts came to me to tidy up.

So now I handle the following broker accounts;

John Rae Insurance
Wanganui Insurance
Kevin Owens FX
McDonald Everest FX
P&C Insurance Brokers
Anthony Runacres & Associates
Abrahams & Associates
All Risks Insurance

I'm still in the process of tidying her shit up; thank goodness for the senior advisor who sits diagonally from me, that spent the last few days with me going through all the crap.

Goodies at work

2008-11-09T22:37:00.000-08:00

Working with a MNC is good; for you get goodies like this;

a fully paid corporate wardrobe; starting payout is NZD800 worth of wardrobey stuff at your discretion to order online from IAG's preferred supplier and i got the following; suit jacket & pants, random ties and shirts.

all couriered to my desk

quality chocolates from the other business units for our team supporting the Christchurch Underwriting Branch

A monthly award that rotates around members of the team who attain 100% attendance in the month, and I won it in the month of August. I was out for September as I attended my dear cousin's wedding in Australia. Oh, October's judging is around the corner, wonder if I will win it again despite the fact that I was sorta away for a day in October for a workshop.

a nifty lil' cooler bag from the CEO roadshow that was held in Christchurch

Premises

2008-11-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

Show Place, Addington, Christchurch

oh and that's supposedly the gym building that is still awaiting to be opened.

this is HP's building beside the IAG building, same sort of architecture as with the rest of the buildings at Show Place.

credits of pics goes to my Nokia 5mp N82

The Job

2008-11-09T22:00:00.001-08:00

As IAG NZ ( Insurance Australia Group) has a number of brands under the NZ umbrella; here are a few major ones;

NZI
State
NAC
Swann
Mike Henry
Insurances under ASB & BNZ

I work for the NZI division, and under the business unit of Broker Support.

The structure of the company works like a food chain basically, things get tossed around between the different teams and communication is an integral part. Some of the other business units;

Sales Support
Claims Support
Loss Adjusting
Debt Recovery
Investigator
Broker Claims
Direct Claims

... and shit the list just goes on

As it is quite obvious starting out in such a large multi-national is the shizzz! You get recognised skills & capabilities, build your career portfolio, move on and try out other business units and get all the specialist skills under your belt. An awesome stepping stone indeed.

The Job(s)

2008-11-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

2 choices; 1 path. So I had 2 offers; one with AsureQuality NZ (which basically audits meat processing firms and hmm.... Ribena in NZ) and the other being IAG NZ.

With little thought of course, I've selected IAG NZ. Reasoning is simple; IAG offers a wider range of career opportunities, the chance to move into other business units, multi-national, and specialist industry.

PLUS; my workplace is only about 10 mins walk away from home just down the street, with plenty of off-street parking and the flexi-time structure is a plus as I get to choose the time I want to start. Such an added bonus if you want to see daylight when you reach home!

I guess I'll have to "spiritualise" this a little bit- this whole job-hunt thing had to do with God; a major part of it, no, in fact, all of it had been. You see I've lived a not so spoilt life, I've been working since I finished Form 5 right up until now, even throughout university, and this time around, I prayed that I wanted a professional job, one that provides me good career opportunities in the future and would enhance my skill set and miraculously, just as when my job-hunt seemed to be all doom-and-gloom, God had answered my prayer. He has opened the door for me. It's just so unbelievable, surreal yet fantastic as you see your prayer unfolding before your very own eyes.

My floor is dominated by women. Yup, a whole , say maybe 95% female on my floor. I'm the youngest Asian guy on the floor. In fact, I'm the youngest guy in the whole 2 IAG buildings. I'm often referred to as the "boy" in other's eyes, which is kinda cool I guess, at times. At times that are not-so-cool is that I don't have clicks in the workplace.

I can't find someone my age to relate to. My teammates don't socialise and sit at their desks throughout the break and lunches and I don't actually want to do that as I'm sick of sitting down on that same chair for hours on end. The other males in the building are either middle-aged men (38ish's on average) or those that are already qualified for pension. Freaking unbelievable. But most of my lunches and breaks I spend eating and messaging my beloved honey who keeps me company during those lonely times. Poor ol' me. =(

Where I've left off....

2008-11-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

So from where I've left off in my old blog,

In chronological order & summary;

Jan 08
Working at Campus Computers

Feb 08
Campus Computers closes down; moved to UC Student Card Admin
Intro'ed Eunice jie to work there as well as she was unemployed and emo-ing

Mar 08
Continued working to the end of month
Started Hons in NCRE
Started serving in Mosaic
Spent time with Eunice during her last few weeks in NZ

April 08
Graduation
Stopped Hons
Befriended C & T from church and emo'ed for the rest of the month by spending alot of time out of the house
Spent the remaining of the month with parents

May 08
Job hunting for 2-3 weeks
Attended several interviews, got offered 3 jobs, turned down 2, and took the best one of the lot

June 08
Started job at IAG NZ; NZI division
Befriended Emma & gang at Mosaic
Spent time with Ally who came over for holidays
I luv J

July 08
Item-ed with J

August 08
Brought J's parents around as they were here for holiday
Had a surprise bday dinner at Mer's
Malam Malaysia

Sept 08
Nothing significant

Oct 08
Spent time with Aunt Helen, Uncle Benny & family, honey's family friend, as they were here for a short weekend visit

Introduction

2008-11-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

This is it - after being M.I.A for a period of time, I have now decided to resurrect my blog, with a new look, feel and perspective. Over the next couple of days I will fill in the gaps from my mysterious disappearance both in the real life and virtual life.

While I'm still here, I will now take pride in announcing my other new variety of blogs that I've setup.

- nothing, but the good stuff
- the bucket list
- all things music
- all things photography
- be a confidante extraordinaire, 'help for emos & the average person'