It's nearly midnight and I'm still halfway preparing for tomorrow's lecture. This should've been done at work earlier but NO, I was too busy dreaming of the Yamaha Virago 535. It's an old easy-rider model but a real classic beauty.

I've been contemplating of upgrading to a bigger bike though I'm well aware that funds could be put to better use. Nonetheless, a part of me still wants to realize this dream that I've held close to heart since my teenage years.


Coincidently, I discovered a few Virago advertisements on MotorTrader and managed to contact their respective owners. I made an offer to one of them and now I'm anxiously waiting for him to reciprocate.

Yes, age is catching up and so are my commitments but that does not that mean one's personal life/passion/dream should come to a stand-still. I'm confident my priorities are crisp and my sanity is under control.

Millions of working class Malaysians dread Monday mornings. Ironically, I love it! I guess it depends on your job, really. Experimenting with jobs can be beneficial; that's how I discovered academia is my cuppa. I'm not implying that work gets easier if you enjoy your job. It's just that when you find a perfect fit, everything falls in place naturally. Also, injecting yourself with a mild dose of PMA (positive mental attitude) can be useful. It fuels you to drive away from all forms of negativity, be it at work or elsewhere.

I was discussing with R some days back on how smooth my life has been. The ups and downs that we commonly face have been very minor. Accommodating parents, supportive brother and a handful of true friends are factors that carved this silky path. I'm very grateful for being blessed in abundance and I couldn't thank HIM more for this.

Now for some intriguing statistics. Due to the nature of my dad's job, we were constantly traveling within Malaysia. I studied in 4 different states (Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah & Selangor); 2 pre-schools, 2 elementary schools and 2 high schools. Coincidently, I went to 2 colleges and 2 universities. I held 2 different jobs in the past and was involved in 2 serious relationships.

The point that I wish to make is, I have had and still have a myriad of friends and colleagues. Some friends came into my life naturally, some accidentally, some deliberately and some unknowingly. I may not be able to recall all of them by their names but I believe in the goodness that they brought into my life. However, there are only a handful of them who truly understand and appreciate our friendship, which does not need renewing or a bolt of lighting to recharge it periodically.

It's an arduous task to strike a balance between work and my social. Living a typical metropolitan routine, multitasking is mandatory and to perform well, prioritizing is essential. I'm currently up to my neck with work, studies, family, relationship, photography and close buddies. The only time I have to myself is spent at FF.

Some years back, I used to be actively involved in community service. However, my current condition does not enable me to do so. Absolutely no regrets but I do look forward to making a comeback, earliest by next year. The break is doing me good. Once I'm fully rejuvenated, I'll be back! You guys at SYF and SNSM, keep it going ya?!

With heaps going on at every corner of my life, I have developed no fear in losing friends. I expressed this to J and he reassured me with words that are now stuck in my head, "Don't worry about broken ties for new and even better ones are established every day".

Wow, it's already 11am! Have to abruptly end here.

It went great yesterday! Spent the morning sorting out some administrative matters and met up with old buddy TY for lunch. The rest of the time was devoted to getting adjusted to the new environment.

Managed to squeeze some time in the evening to catch up with R. I needed a shoe bag so we headed to 1U and grabbed one from this travel shop in the new wing. Coincidently, thermal gloves were going cheap there; RM10 per pair! Got two pairs for mom and dad since they will be traveling to the Indian highlands soon.

I had my first early morning workout session today. Woohoo! Was up by 0600 and got to the gym by 0630. The one hour workout was rejuvenating and I was at work by 0822. I love this place, man. Let's hope I'm about to keep this up.

I better get started with work now. Have heaps in store for the day.

Three weeks of missing-in-action. I`ve heaps to talk about dunno where to start. Lemme just begin with the present and I`ll gradually make my way back into the past.

I`ll be going onboard IACT as a full time lecturer tomorrow. I`m pretty excited by this transition in my life. I kinda like the Damansara Uptown area; lots of food and amenities. Home is like 10 minutes away (by motorcycle of course) and so is R`s office. Am looking forward to doing lunch with her often. Good buddy TY is also in the area.

But the best bit is, Fitness First is just a block down IACT! Hahaha why is it so hard to believe that I`ve joined the gym? It`s been a month now. Frankly I`ve no clue how I ended up there. Neither was I forced nor influenced. I suppose R indirectly had a hand in this. She enjoys reading health & fitness stuff. Whenever I`m around, she`ll deliberately read aloud. Annoying yet I end up paying attention especially to dietary and cardio matters.

I guess that triggered me cos I could see how bad my lifestyle was getting; long working hours, lack of sleep, irregular meals and no exercise. Now that I incorporate fitness into my lifestyle, I feel so new. Gosh, I sound like an ad with a corny testimonial! But you get my point, dont you? By the way, I like the corporate crowd and the chicks! Whoaa! Motivation? You bet!

Earlier last week, I attended a Media Writing Workshop at Sheraton Subang. Organized by IACT and 4As (Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia), it was conducted by Dr. Eric Loo from the School of Journalism, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia. One word: fantastic! The practical exercises & discussions in the 2-day workshop were designed to correct our writing habits acquired through years of writing to impress (rather than to communicate).

On a different note, Dr. Eric was surprised when I told him I could play the didgeridoo. Apparently, he has been trying to learning for quite a while but can never get the 'circular breathing' technique right. On the second day over lunch, I demonstrated a simple method of learning 'circular breathing' with a straw and a half-filled glass of water. He was amazed and so were the other participants! :) I guess you would be too if you see someone blowing bubbles nonstop while breathing normally through his nostrils. It was good fun.

I have lots more to write but I better get ready for our Father`s Day dinner. Mom has cooked heaps of yummy stuff and J, S & R are all coming over in a bit.

Will write more soon. Real soon! :) Yes lah, believe me.