1st January 2011

Today is 1st of January, 2011.

I took a look back at my last post, back in March 2010.

I had set out some of my new year resolutions (a little late in March), after our wedding in late January.

2010 has been a really fulfilling and enriching year for me, and it's special for me, not because my status changed from "single" to "married", but it's because I fulfilled bulk (if not all) of my new year resolutions. :)

A brief overview and recap of what I have gone through in 2010:

January - Our wedding in Gemencheh, followed by Singapore at Holiday Inn Singapore

February - First time give out "ang-bao" as a married couple, spending Lunar New Year together with both our families

March - Decided to move on with my career, embark on a self-paid course to obtain my Microsoft professional certification later in July (MCITP - Server Administrator Windows Server 2008)
Went for honeymoon to Japan with Dear (8 days Tokyo, Osaka, Mt Fuji, it was nice, although it could have been longer if not for work commitments)

April - Left Mizuho to go "full-time" into MCITP while looking out for greener pastures

May - Full-time "studies" while going for interviews for new opportunities
"Re-unite" with my ex-team lead Bernard and told him I am on the lookout for a career which offers growth opportunities

June - Re-joined NCS, my first employer and best of all, back to work with Bernard. NCS won the Schools project, which I was given opportunity to take part in

July - October - Busy with work, given opportunities to be part of a major implementation team, and pick up state-of-the-art technologies, 'cloud computing' and other client platform
Completed my Microsoft certification

November - Went to Australia for 3 weeks (National Service Reservist Duties), and also the first time I was away from wife for more than a couple of days
Survived the trip, and learnt to treasure things even more

December - Bought my first Macbook Pro (which I am using to type my blog now =P)

Though nothing to shout about, 2010 was a year full of activities for me.

In 2011, I hope to do even better than previous year, and continue to fulfill my resolutions. =)

So far I have not thought about listing down what I wish to accomplish this year, will do that in due time.

I hope to spend more time with my family and to be able to go on a good trip with my wife and hopefully bring Mum along somewhere as well. =)

Most importantly, I wish my families good health and be safe everywhere we are.

Cheers and Happy New Year 2011 everyone!

2010 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Here are my new year 2010 resolutions (abit delayed, but better than none):

1. To obtain at LEAST 2 out of 3 Microsoft certifications, if not 3 (MCITP Server Administrator 2008) - Complete 4 courses

2. To get into a better career opportunity!!!

3. To get iPhone

4. To treat my wife well, and be there for her, support her, instead of just saying I Love Her... =P

5. To strike a balance between Work and LIFE!

6. To pass my IPPT!!!

The Rose

Some say love it is a river
That drowns the tender reed.
Some say love it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed.

Some say love it is a hunger
An endless, aching need
I say love it is a flower,
And you it's only seed.

It's the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It's the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance

It's the one who won't be taken,
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul afraid of dying
That never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long.
And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong.

Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snow
Lies the seed that with the sun's love,
In the spring, becomes the rose.

Our Big Day!!!

MySpace Countdowns


MySpace Countdowns

Fireworks Display At Gemencheh

This is a video clip of the fireworks display at Gemencheh, my wife-to-be's hometown.

Only available at CNY at Malaysia. =)

Enjoy!

Marriage Preparation Quiz

http://mpq.singaporebrides.com

"A good marriage begins with a decision to live, appreciate & enjoy the person you married."

Last day of Lunar Year of the Rat

Today marks the end of the Rat year, as we prepare to usher in the Ox year.

A recap of everything that happened in the year of the Rat...

Career - Changed job twice, end of January, left NCS to join TOTAL Oil Asia, but regretted it, as job scope was not what was expected, and no prospects at all. From Permanent staff to Contract Staff, felt very uneasy and uncomfortable as 2nd/3rd class citizens. Moved on at the start of October to join Mizuho Bank under my friend's recommendation, rejected a move to ST Electronics despite renewed offers. Job scope wise, really enjoy my work, however life became much more busier and working hours is much longer than in TOTAL Oil. I strongly believe it's a wise career move and if I work hard and work smart in 2009, I will get the deserved recognition and rewards. =)

Love - Stabilize relationship (it has never been de-stabilized in the first place =X) with my sweetheart. Moved on to the next stage, proposed to her on 25th December 2008 in Jeju Island. She's now my fiance. =X
Planning for our ROM and wedding dinner in late 2009 and early 2010 respectively. Hope that Ox Year will further strengthen our bonds together as a couple and accustomed to each other habits and lifestyle. =D

Health - Health has been so-so in the year of the Rat for me. Really hope to be stronger and healthier, don't keep falling sick and get into serious illness. Afterall, Ox year is a really busy year for me. Pray to gain favour in terms of this aspect.

Family - Not so smooth in the family. Hope for change for the better in the year of the Ox. Wish my family health and prosperity and happiness...