DNS

I hate it.

DNS means quitter, even with the most solid reason, I still see myself as a loser.

This is my pain killer. It keeps me sane.

I will take it this time.
I won't miss it again.

I promise.

Root . Embrace

Hanfu Camp 30/8-1/9/14

Only because my computer can't type Chinese words that I wrote this post in English. It has been ages since I wrote that many Chinese words in 3 days. The venue is just perfecto, if only if the organiser learnt to coordinate better and be more well-mannered, I won't give that many comments.

I took very few pictures. This picture was taken on the last day at the Sky Terrace of Chin Swee Temple.

3 Favourite things:
- The cool weather and clean air
- The beautiful and majestic temple
- Adding more volume to my bucket of water

3 Not so happy things:
- Brainwash-orientated lecture
- People clueless about the Chinese civilisation
- MSG overloaded meals

3 First time experience:
- Drive to Genting Highland
- Can't recognise my own name in the certificate. Come~on la
- "Han-style" Archery...I know I have some talent with this

365 days later...

This is the day. Perhaps this is the better choice.

It was my thought when I reported to work here.
I know I am not that kind of typical "GenY" who changes job very often. It was a choice, to start after one year of exile.

My first job was a marketing job although I asked for an engineering position. It seemed like the interviewer (who was also the lady boss) thought I have the potential to become one of the best CPO traders in Malaysia. I proved myself in doing marketing, ending my probation in 6 weeks, instead of 6 months. My boss (who I called "Tan Sri") also like to bring me to places. It was a good exposure for me, meeting important people, business and alcohol, I knew it's going to end soon.

My second job was a design job. Once again I proved my capability of being an engineer by training, securing contracts worth close to one million in just 3 months. I really like to see my capability being measured by money. Office politic was another thing. Perhaps having some "permanent fixtures" in the office is equal to petting chaos. Just when I thought I was going to settle down for at least a couple of years, someone from there called.

It took me 4 months from that call to the day.

Now it's still in my thought.

This is the day. Perhaps this is the better choice.

The Khmer Tour

I love to travel although I didn't get to do as many as I wish.

Cambodia is my 4th country, after Vietnam, China & Singapore.

I like to experience the culture and heritage, so Cambodia, being the home country of one of the most phenomenal world heritage site, the almighty Angkor World Heritage site, had given me a wake up call.

In 1975, the Khmer Rouge regime, under Pot Pol's extremism, killed 3 million people, either by torture or planting thousands of landmines across the Thai-Khmer and Vietnam-Khmer border. Yet, as of today, the people of Khmer live their lives believing that they are living the hopes of the diseased. Such cruelty over the past had grown their anxiety and desire for peace and harmony.

This land belongs to the peace-loving people.

In a few more years' time, this country will recover from their painful past and soar into a liberal society.

And I am so fortunate to live in Malaysia. Although we did experience racial conflict and dispute, our issue is so microscopic compare to theirs.

My take away from my trip to Cambodia: Your problems are always microscopic, it's you who magnify it. Life is tough but never too tough that you can't handle.

The Landmine Museum

From the stupa at the Killing Field

The Torture Prison

Let the game begin

When you realise that your first OD triathlon is coming in 2 months time, you forget how to joke.
My past experience (2 so far) had taught me that I need to change my "frog style" to "front crawl", or else I will be fully burnt out in the cycling leg.

Swimming is my weakest leg in triathlon, I know since day 1. Nor I am good in cycling, I often misjudge my stamina, cycling is not as easy as it looks. After these 2 weak legs, I have no choice but to drag myself (instead of dash) to the finish line.

I need to figure out the best training strategy with 2days/week training. And it's hard. I can't afford to overtrain on Saturdays and have no strength to continue on Sundays.

I have the will to finish what I have started but I want to finish strong this time.
More time in the water, more power in the paddle and stronger stride to the finish.

Training is going to be hard.
Let the game begin.

KT Conference Take Home Message

Message #1:
Terengganu is a state abundant of keropok.
I've tried at least 5 different types of keropok over the pass 4 days. It's the main reason behind the coughing. Worth the try.

Message #2:
You can take Jing Yi out from her job but you cannot take the job out from her.
The sunrise, sandy beach are the most memorable. For most people, those were the only things in their head. I was trying to locate all the oil fields and gas fields. Gosh! Help me please.

Message #3:
It's not just about work
Of course, I didn't just spend to come to the conference. I wanted to stay away from the city. KT is just superb for my getaway. I like the airport and The Crystal Mosque. I really like the architecture. (Besides the amount of money spent to build them)

Message #4:
Servant leadership at its best
You really see it here. Although there are some "dictators" around, I was surrounded by humble people. The working world is not so dirty after all if you spend some time to talk to some individuals.

Message #5:
Room of improvement
The largest room in the world is the room of improvement. My honour to witness some of the best speakers in Malaysia. Loghandran was unfortunate as the first speaker, the hand free mic went malfunction and in the end he had to project his voice over a hall of 500 people. What a bad day for him. Knowing this opportunity, Palaniappa spoke at his best and clinched the title.

Message #6
Survival of the fittest
During the lunch before I left KT, I saw Victor Ong and invited him to the same table. He said he is the one who got time disqualified. Trust me, I had never seen him with such emotion. He joined Toastmasters almost the same time as me, he is more diligent than any other Toastmasters, he deserved to be the finalist. I tried to enlighten him but then I stopped. I know the feeling of being disqualified but I also know that he will be the "cockroach" of his speech and he will come back in the next speech contest.

Message #7
Growing up is not an option
I know the journey will come to an end. Just like the sun which sets after every sunrise. What awaits after the sunset is another sunrise, so is the way of life. You need to grow up, face changes and strive beyond.

Visualization

Visualisation is a powerful tool as it sets your direction.

One bad thing about visualisation:

You visualise success, so you don't feel excited upon crossing the finish line. That explains relentless and resilience some people have. They are self-motivator. They keep moving, accomplish one goal after another.

So I learn to visualise...