Work load

1. Computer operation man (morning shift) Complexity level (Low)
2. Macro for Markets Sales (Complexity level - High)
3. MRS query for Loans and Advances (Complexity level - Medium)
4. New MRS reports.
5. Creation of User profile (Complexity - Low)
6. Midanz cleaning up (Medium)
7. Windows IDs cleaning up (Medium)
8. Telephone supporting (Time consuming)
9. Serverroom physical checklist - (Easy)
10. Lunch - Solo.
11. Table location - So called best location in the bank.
(One corner in the computer operations room. (A bit messy, dusty and noisy though).

IDOTEN

I have got a new toy effective from date 070807.

My new toy is giving me a lot of fun but making me tired at the same time. It is grey in color and smells real good.

2nd week had gone by pretty smoothly.

And i have only good things to say so far. Did some low level stuffs which includes, helping users to create Email archives, ODBCs, excel applications, etc. Not forgetting creating labels for laptops and consolidating s/w license for costing review. And even some graphical jobs using photoshop. I am enjoying myself for this long craved breather so lacking in Mizu. I went out of office at 9.30am for lasik consultation and was back in office before 2pm. Nobody blatters an eyelid. I love Raffles, going to places from here is so much more convenient than compared to Tanjong Pagar.

This week, i met up and ran into some old colleagues. IT ppl with Ebel's farewell and next day, Elaine Ex PFD. As we went in search of coffee place after lunch, we bummed into Hiromi, next Yvonne LOD. In the end, everywhere was crowded, so didn't get to drink. Next day, back from Gleneagle, i saw Cheryl EX RSD. She changed job again. Market must be doing quite well. Met Karen for dinner and gossips at Coffeeclub Millenia yesterday after work. The last round she commented that i always allow her to speak first(and feels that i should be suitable and encouraged me to try for her old job-cabin crew). This round, standards seems to drop a little bit, as both eager to talk. Finish at 10.30P.

Nice chat with Sister

Had a nice chat on Msn with my sister.
We haven't been keeping in touch since she moved out. So MSN is actually a good way of letting us know that we are both still good and well.
Besides being concern about my eye's condition and she was also sharing with me about the frustrations that she experienced at her work place. I couldn't do too much to help besides being a good listening brother. And she ask me to go and sleep earlier. So being the obedient brother i am, i shall end here and continue next time...

New job is heaven compared to my old one.

Although its still early to pass jugdement, I feel that my new job is heaven compared to my old one.

Old job, Hardcode and solid software developing.
Up side: intellectually stimulating and challenging. Feel good factor of being a classy, stylo milo developer.

Down side, brain cell suicidal, free hair dye(white color),long hours, slavery to deadlines, never ending pressure cooking, constant drive at 5th gear, no "lao" period.

New job, Application Support Specialist.
Up side: Exposed to a wide array of exotic applications, works are event triggered. Unlimited "lao" period. Flexible, not so strict with accessing to ops. Most importantly, no need to develop. Such time consuming chores can be deflected to far flunk places like our Banglore(IT) using MSN.
My friend who brought me in told me that 90% of the people here are nice. I have to agreed with him.

Down side: My coding skill could get rusty. But hey, who's not complaing man? I dont want to be progammer forever? I have had enough (5 yrs of intensive, non stop developing). Seems like this major down side is also an up side. It there any other downside?

Survived my first week

Gary has been giving me a lot of publicity without fail. Asking any users who is seeking help from him to look for me instead. Giving me the title of "Ming Ri Zhi Xing". So today, i continued my shadowing with Gary while he is solving a problem with some Stored Procedure which doesn't accept parameter. He did the quick fix and instruct me to report the findings by email to my boss. After i came back from the pantry and pull my chair over to continue shadowing, i overheard Gary saying to HT that he got the right person. I missed the earlier part of the conversation but i know that they are talking about the email that i sent. I guess they must be very impressed with my understanding of the systems, problems and explaination, etc. HT just smile and add that there's another rule that is to cc all emails to the Singapore IT operations. Things are certainly getting better.
Watched Harry Porter with Lina. She left me after the show and head to Dragonfly. So happening.

3rd day - Things are getting better. Cough is not.

Receiving on the job training from my Shifu. He tested me on some banking jargons and terminology. Luckily i studied finance and can deal with most of the questions. Working on Rita's case, he showed me how to use pivot in Excel. After which i explored on my own and then serviced with Rita alone, as Gary's was either away or on the line extensively. Lunch time talk, i comment to the guys that my boss looks quite moody. They then told me that he has mood swings regularly and stuff. But generally, they agreed that he's a good boss and will defend you when u get into trouble. I felt good when I notice that my boss saw that i'm already getting my hands dirty and helping users, only on a 3rd day.

Surviving 2nd day of work

Met the GM, Bill who looks like a nice guy. He asked me where i'm from and wish i would enjoy my work here.

I began to shadow Gary, my shifu today. Lots of nice and suitable 3rd party application but nothing too chim for me so far. Yeah, my manager allows me to go for my ICT too.

It was raining during lunch and i had my favourite Select Yong Toa Fu which i haven't had for a very long time.

My first task also came in the form of Rita. With things to do, time gets by easier.

Siew Lee and Ebel called me when i'm already in school to tell me the good news that Lamps is launching tonight. I was skeptical and asked doubtfully whether it can work or not. Siew Lee said i very bad. Later i sent an sms to congrats and wish them all the best for the release. First time in my in life, i can feel quite relax about releasing a project. He he

Boring first day of work

Boring first day of work.
Met Tas who just arrived from melbourne today. He's here to discuss about email problems. Met Gary, Shahari, Nathan, Raj and of course HT and Remus.

So many things to do, so little time

Thinking of catching a movie. Wanted to get a neat hair cut. Want to finish Jing Zhi Yu Yan Hong Kong drama serial today. Only about 3 or 4 episode left. Reading the biography of Jesse Livermore now.

UAT or photo taking?

Yesterday evening,

Being the hardworking threesome who's still doing UAT till around 8pm, Siew Lee, Ebel and myself decided to provided some entertainment for ourself by taking cute and wacky photos. I must admit that some of the pose that we strike were so hilarious that it would be worthy of a nomination in the Funniest Home Photo. If there's one.

Last day Eve

Tommorrow is my last day but i just discovered some major bugs. I will not be able to go with a clear conscience if i don't get it fixed. Really thinking of extending one more day if they allow me to.

Had been going to classes very late these two days due to work. Feeling a bit worried that i would not be able to follow.

Last day treat headache

A lazy sunday afternoon that i've been craving for a very long time. I had sausage and eggs with Sunday times at the coffee shop. Then i catch up on Weekend today which i haven't finish reading yesterday. Mom called to tell me to put the cloths out to dry earlier. I just took them back in as i sense that its going to rain soon.

Other tasks given were to iron the cloths, vacuum and mopping. Not quite a lazy afternoon afterall. I hate ironing. But now, i've got something else important to accomplish before Condor Hero starts screening. I need to do some survey and than get the orders ready for my last day treat on (12 Jul 2007).

Ops. He did it again.

It first happened when he organised an outing to watch the Transformer and suddenly back out at the eleventh hour (as he's feeling unwell) leaving the guys stranded with one extra ticket. As i'm still recovering from Lasik and dare not risk straining my eyes, i rejected them on second thought. I really felt bad about turning them down.

Yesterday, he invited us to go somewhere after work. After confirming location and stuffs, i jokingly asked How San whether he would does a double. Guess what? Its a double. He was feeling unwell again. But somehow, we manage to turn that around and psycho him to go Central for dinner instead. (Hey, if you are reading this. No offence okay, its mean to be funny and a good nature joke.)

I wanted to treat the guys to a good dinner since i have been having people treating me everyday over the pass 2 weeks. Its pay back time. We check out SHO-U, a nice concept Jap Restaurant with black and white areas. The waitresses were dressed in colors according to the dinner area that they are manning. Interesting and tasty food which comes with heavy price tag but minimal portion. We were seated at the black area. However, we break the rules and have the waitress from the white area served us a few times as she's cuter.

Then i did something despicable. I told the cute Waitress that it's my birthday today and i would really like to take a photo with her if she dont mind. I didn't told her that she need to minus one month from the alledged birthday. Lawrence took a long time on the camera and i felt a bit awkard. She must be feeling the same too as the photo turned out, the smiling was a bit cramped. After which, she extended her hand to shake mine and wished me happy birthday.

Back date 2007 Part 3

30 May 2007 - After seeing off Karen, its party time. We went checking out Shirlyn at Bala. It has always been a joy listening to her. However, she seems to have mellowed abit, less of the attitude gal who used to publicly scold and humilate patrons who's rude to her when asking for dedications. The prata at St James is not as good as Thomson's. Eve left with her friends while we left with two new friends who's on the same way back.

Back Date June 2007 Part 2

Still on 30 May 2007. Dinner with Karen at a Japanese Restaurant at Liang Court. Let me introduce Karen. She and i were part of Airline, a friendship group who hanged out together at popular Tea dance venues like Park Avenue, Fire or Octogon during our schooling days. Before this dinner, we haven't met each other for 10 years? If i dont' count the brief encounter on bus 69 on the way to Temasek Poly, it would be at least 13 years not seeing each other. She had changed quite alot. I mean what do i expect after 13 years of separation? The food were great and conversation were top notch, at least by my standard. After dinner, she wanted to go elsewhere for drinks and i normally would not reject but Anthony is already waiting at Bala for me. So no drinks but she was very nice and asked her friend who's going to fetch her home to wait for her at Suntec so that she can take a walk with me to there.

Back dating June 2007

Back dating some stuffs which i wrote on a piece of post it.

On the 30 May 4pm, i had a job interview at 4pm around Raffles place. Althought i took urgent half day leave, I only left office at around 3pm.
I think i smoke well enough to secure a second interview with the head of operation on 05 June. Initially, i was worried that we wouldn't be able to understand each other's England. The worrying was proved undue as he shared with me the background of the company clearly and find out a little more about myself. All i did was just to acknowledge and fill in here and there with "I get what you mean", "yeah man", "right", "yes yes", "I get what you mean" again, etc.

My Farewell Lunch Steamboat at Suan Be's place

Participants: Suan Be and her husband, Carol and Jovan, Jason, Chia How, Lawrence, Tina, Hiromi and me.

The balls were very delicious with Suan be's recipe mix of the dark sauce and chilli. Hiromi San did lasik 4 years ago too, so we were talking about dryness and night hallo glare. Jovan is quite shy but i like to carry him and Carol is surprise that he doesn't cry.

Had a short game of mahjong. Not even one round due to the lure of the delicious cheese cake baked by Tina.

It was a nice and cozy afternoon gathering. Chia How left early for his hot date so Tina took over the duty of chaffeuring me and carol home.

Post one week consultation

I wrote on a tiny piece of paper the questions that i have for Dr Lee.

In scribbles as follows:
- Out of focus - Prone to get. (Naturally, uncontrollably, like when day dreaming, open eye, but stare blankly. Mind problem?)
- Straineous to stay focus.
- Headache, abit nauseous.
- Watch TV, PC, read papers too (Straineous)

Night - Oblivious rings around lights, pedestrain green light as well.
- Old ppl vision, am i still eligible for op.

- Will constant staying out of focus cause wear and tear?
- How to protect my eyes?
- If i'm straining too much, will my eyes deteriate?
- If i work on PC for long hours and need to study at night, what precautions cani take, so as not to exert my eyes too much?

I demonstrated an experiment to him. I focus at the word on my watch and notice the needles goes for about 30 seconds. The word became blurred. If i blink or try to focus again, the word becomes clear again.

Dr Lee's responses were very positive. He said that its normal and its due to the dryness. He mentioned that everything is good and without complication. He gives an example of moving to a new house and you need to get use to it, etc. He also mentioned that he's quite confident that my short sightedness won't come back due to the power of intralase technology. He gives me assurance to use my eyes freely and not to worry about over straining the eyes, or other common bad habit which would only affect childrens (e.g. reading in bed, in dim lights). Althought this gives me the confidence in knowing that the new eyes is not so fragile, i'm not taking any chances.

The common night hallo glare will get better according to him. However, i heard that most cases of that is permanent. Anyway, i'm not too bothered by that. For now.

I asked for an MC and were then torn between going to back to office and home, after shopping at Centrepoint (for a wallet). One part of me thinks about trying to catch up on my work in my fast running out days while the other part thinks about relaxing and having a good time before new job and school starts.

My final decision was to head down to Tampines Mall 8 Days store to meet my parents (family priority). Now i'm very tempted to get a branded watch. Its a good thing that i have free access to magazines from my parents store. I get to browse thru WOW to educate myself about the
World of Watches.

Post Lasik Symptons - Out of focus vision

My first day of work after 3 days of MC. It has been blissful and i managed to fixed an important bug which has been bugging the CRA people for awhile.

My eyes has been straining abit due to a persistent out of focus problem.
I'm beginning to be more consicous of my tendency to drift into a state of non focus vision. I've been experimenting about it since saturday(23 June 2007, 3rd day of op). I first suspected about that on a friday evening while watching TV (2nd day after op). I mean when i want to look at a particular thing, it will be super clear but when there's no intention of looking at anything in particular, my eyes will somehow slack into a dreamy, out of focus mode.

Have you ever stared blankly or blindly into space and your mind drift away as well as your vision. Only when i realise that i'm in this state of dreamy vision, i try to focus and things becomes clear again. I talked to my sister about it and she who had done lasik before too, thinks its not normal and urge me to call the doctor.

So i called up the Eye Centre and Shirlene told me to use the natural tear eyedrop more often and as long as there's no redness or no gradual decline in vision, there's very little to be alarm and i can stick with to thursday appointment.

I have done a lot of computer work today and i guess my eyes really needs rest. Hopefully, this out of focus thing is just a matter of getting enough rest.

A happening month of 2007 - June (Birthday, Tender, Lasik)

I've been procrastinating about blogging. I mean i had created an account sometime back (ipluckstrings.blogspot.com) which was suggested by a friend. Then suddenly, i find the name awkard, because i feel that its a bit of a show off, trying to tell people that i play guitar. Now, quite a number of things happen in this month and i would really like to blogged it down for future references. So here i am, birth of this brand new blog site (flymehome.blogspot.com). Why "flymehome"? I had tried to described why i choose this name, but i deleted it away as it doesn't make sense and i can't explain it nice and cool enough.

6 June 2007 - Tracy treated me to a nice chicken bake rice at Swensons Orchard before heading down to Party World for some vocal therapy. Anthony, Lawrence, Yin Hua and Ah Yan were there to celebrate my 29th birthday. Fiona couldn't make it as she was being called up for a flight. Most of them didn't know each other but we had fun anyway.

12 June 2007 - I submitted my resignation letter to Kelement. He gave me his word of advise and blessings too. Isawa San then tries to find out more but couldn't express himself and gave up. By then, the IT guys from the black corner is speculating. The day after, Janice from remmitance asked me about it too. I played dumb but she dropped that "everyone" knows.

20 June 2007 - Intralase Lasik Surgery at Gleneagle Hospital by Dr Lee Hun Ming. My appointment was 8.30am and due to a blackout in the screen of the intralase machine, my operation had to be delayed to 5pm. So i took mom to Paragon to shop around and then dine at Ding Tai Feng. I'm back at the hospital at 5pm and it was very crowded and everyone appears frustrated at the waiting and disorganisation. There's this nurse whose name is Wendy which i had a really good impression. She puts on a great smile when talking to people and she explains to me the delay and apologise for the inconvenience. We shared a few jokes together while she prepares me for the op.

I chatted with the intralase engineer and he gives me the thumbs up for choosing it. The operation was fast and furious man, i can feel that i was tensing up. The voice commands given were quick and hyperactive. Masking tape were applied on my eyelids, then i feel something going into my eye, i dont mean the eyeball, i mean the both sides of the eye ball. Dr Lee did the count down for me 20 secs for the cornea flap cutting. He goes 20 secs, dont move, dont talk, 10 secs, 5 secs. Done. When he flips over the flap, its like a transparency being lifted over. Next, i have to try my best to stare at the blinking red lights while the laser with buzzing electric sound goes about doing the correction of the cornea. I do remember smelling some char. When its done, Dr Lee celebrates, "You can say goodbye to your glasses." Wendy then leads me out of the ops room. I couldn't open my eyes at this point and my eyes feel stinging and tears were free flowing. While in the cab going home, i felt really bad and thirsty and asked my sis twice where are we already. There were jams and i really think the journey is long. Finally, we reach home and she apply the eye drops for me and fortunately, i fell asleep fast. Next day, after removing the eye shield, i come to terms that i have achieved 20/20 perfect vision.

23 June 2007 - Its the 3rd day of ops and i've done a great deal today, vacuuming, watching tv and surfing net. My eyes are feeling tired. I need to rest my eyes soon.