Top EOY events (2011)!
11.11.2011
I'm looking forward to all these EOY events. I'll only be attending some though. I have no friends willing to join me :(. I don't have many friends interested in jap culture anyway :(.
- No work life balance - being expected to OT alot to deliver, meet tight deadlines, handle multiple projects at a time.
- Arise to health problems - backaches and pain, migraines, headaches due to sitting down too much in front of the computer, gaining weight exponentially (I put on 10kg + ever since I started working as a developer)
- Tired and stressful work life - Long hours of programming makes me super tired everyday even though sometimes I don't OT so much. Being "chased" by superiors and customers to rush out my work.
- Too technical - I sux at explaining technical details. I can't say I have good communication skill at work. It is difficult to explain even though I can understand roughly why it happens. I am bad at smoking (making up other excuse to get out of the situation).
- Low level job - If i liked my job I guess this wouldn't matter. Having to work 5-6 years as a developer to reach a lead position really turns me off. This is how it is like in private sector. You compete with a large group of developers work for 5-6 years in that position and hope to raise to a lead position. I'm not going to spend 5-6 years doing programming like that. I don't see any future in that. Even at managerial level, you're still handling everything from programming to system maintenance to managing people and project.
Conclusion: It's a tough job and not suitable for women. Changing to other areas in IT was a solution I thought about but if that was the case the only other area I could do was customer support. I already had a feel of that having to do customer support role as well as a developer so I know what it was like.Being scolded and shot by customer and again explaining things was not exactly my cup of tea.
K0towari 08:20
Phuket (3D 2N)
4.02.2011
Work has been stressful and tiring every day. I haven't had the time to blog in awhile. Every day was just work and going out to enjoy typical SG life as a Singaporean (eat, sleep, jdrama, shopping, movies). And then me and Hammie had booked a trip to Japan in March end but due to the earthquake and nuclear problems we cancelled the trip. So in the end we booked a trip 3D2N at Phuket through tour agency. The tour included airport transfer 2-way, day tour and tour to Coral island.
Day 1: City Tour, Thurs (31 Mar 2011)
- Arrival at Phuket airport around 9:45am (Light morning rain)
- Meeting with tour guide (Rain seemed to stop already)
Tour guide was seriously very excited haha. Introduced many places and attractions to us. Only 2 of us on the tour van. So it felt very private. We can just go anywhere we like on the van. Convenient don't need to wait for others.
- Followed tour guide's own itinery. (Weather became good! It had been raining the whole week though)
1. T-shirt shop: Followed tour guide's recommendation on T-shirt shop. Bought a few clothes. Nothing much. The tour guide said that it's the cheapest T-shirt shop in Phuket.
2. Jewellery Showcase: Tour around the showcase with a big room with lots of jewellery. Didn't buy anything except for a very nice smelling Mineral shower gel and some cute turtle candles.
3. Tidbits shop: Shopping for tidbits. Lots of thai delicacy and tidbits to try. Bought pork floss, durian chips, tau sar pia. All very nice. Nicer than SG :).
4. Big Buddha: Went uphill to see the Big Buddha which is a project still in construction. Nice scenery and viewpoint.
5. Elephant Trekking at athill-adventures: At first we thought it would be very fun to go elephant trekking. But to our dismay it's really damn scary T_T especially when going downslope! We thought we were going to slip down the seat.. 45 minutes on a really scary ride. Will never try it again. No joke.. We got a suicidal 4 years old elephant called Billy who keep wanting to commit suicide standing so near the cliff..................... He kept walking so near the edge. He also didn't seem to be listening to the rider too. Awfully distracted elephant. He didn't even want to pose properly at the cameras unlike other elephants. Poo.
6. Wat Chalong Temple: Just a short while at the temple since tour guide said it's a shortcut back to hotel. Nothing much just cultural exposure.
3 - 4 Pm
After that we checked in at Banthai Resort at Patong Beach. We were served welcome drinks. I think it was Logan drink, it's really good but too bad we couldn't drink it again. Tour guide helped us to check in. Overall the Resort has a refreshing look and looks newer then other resorts. The resort has 3 swimming pools but unfortunately we didn't get a chance to go swimming during our stay.
4 PM ~
Actually we had planned to go to Phuket zoo today but the zoo closes at 6 PM. Too rush. We had some pineapple rice at the hotel. It was the best pineapple rice I've ever eaten so far.
The weather was still not v.good. Dark skies. Drizzling/Patchy rain. Instead we rested awhile at hotel then went Dino Mini golf park at Karon beach area.
5 PM ~
Since it was still raining a little, we couldn't play Dino mini golf. So we walked around the area near Karon beach. Karon beach unlike Patong has less ppl I think. Bought a swim suit for the next day. A bit of window shopping. When the rain ceased we went to play Dino mini golf. I thought this place was overly rated. Or maybe because of the wet ground after the rain it was hard to play and less fun. Well nothing much we finished the golf course in around an hour or so then continued walking around Karon beach area. Caught a glimpse of sunset. After that we took a taxi to JungCeylon one of the most popular shopping center in Phuket. Window shopping again. Nothing much. Mainly clothes and handphones.
9 PM ~
Went back hotel to have dinner this time room service because the wait time was long -.-. We had Pineapple rice, Fried Rice, Sweet and sour fish. The fried rice was really good one of the best I've eaten.
11 PM ~
We watched a movie 'Knight & Day'. I fell asleep 3/4 of the show.
Day 2: Coral Island (1 Apr 2011, Friday)
- Breakfast (6.30 AM~ 8.30 AM)
Nice breakfast. Scrambled eggs were the best I've ever eaten.
- Van pickup (8.10 AM)
Pickup at various places. Then we reached the jetty.
- Meeting with tour guide
- Wear Life jackets
- Speed Boat to Coral Island! Weather seemed to be much better than the day before. Sunny.
- Briefing by tour guide on activities
- Snorkelling
Saw some fishes in schools. Didn't sight any coral reefs. Felt dangerous and challenging to go beyond 3 metres. The waves were strong and kept pushing us back.
Anyway after playing very long in the water we went to change.
- Started raining (showery)....
- Lunch: Fried rice, sandwiches, Sweet & Sour Fish, Vegetable soup, omelette. Their fried rice is awesome.
- Rain became less. Went to walk around the beach where there were parasailing activities.
- Rain stopped
- Walked along the beach looking for seashells but most were broken and we didn't find any complete ones.
- Went back to tour group area.
- Lie down under the sun with some shelter.
- Close my eyes and nap. Felt so good just lying there and resting. Watch Japanese kids building sandcastles. Watch other ppl playing.
- 1 PM: Coffee break
- 2.30 PM: Speedboat back to Phuket.
- Arrived back at hotel around 3 plus.
- Rested awhile then walked around Patong beach area. Window shopping.
Hmm.. They actually sell weapons along Patong beach. Batons and knifes. Fake guns that look real.. Explored other hotels/inns like Patong Beach Resort, Holiday Inn. Still prefer Banthai..
- Couldn't find any food to eat. Back to hotel.
- Dinner at hotel room service: Salmon, Pineapple rice (again, yes), BBQ ribs.
- 8 PM~: Massage at SPA.
- Back to hotel
Day 3: Back to SG
- 6.30 AM: Buffet breakfast for 1/2 hr. The Beehoon and Miso soup are the best I've ever had. Cannot be compared to SG.
- Transfer to Phuket Airport.
- Window shopping at Airport. Nothing much. Long queue when checking in flight.
- 15 massage at Airport.
- Back to SG.
Review
-------
Overall our trip to Phuket was a very memorable one for us. It was a Short getaway. Nice change of environment. Relaxing. The food is great. We stayed away from Hot/Spicy food. We want to go again maybe at the end of the year. Probably try out Phi Phi island or Nga Bay area/James bond island. I'm not that interested in the culture but the places has a nice seaview and the people are quite hospitable. The impression I get from Phuket is that as long as you have the money/time you can do whatever you want. It's a place with more freedom than Singapore and also many nationalities down there.
K0towari 19:35
What's the best E-dictionary?
7.24.2010
Recently my SHARP E-dictionary spoilt. If i'm not wrong I bought it a few years ago for about $140 (2nd hand). Though the previous user commented that she only used the dictionary once or twice I think it was most probably a lie as it spoilt in less than a year. With no warranty, to repair the dictionary would cost up to $50 sgd or more plus they will need to send the dictionary over to Japan as it's a japanese modelbbought from Japan.
After talking to my friend and doing some research, I came up with some alternatives to invest in a new e-dictionary. With technology advances, currently NDS and iphone has downloadable/buyable e-dict applications that cost alot cheaper and has similar functions to a normal japanese e-dict.
Of course the pros & cons of which to invest in must be thoroughly researched but I think if it's me I would probably choose an NDS so that I can play games.
NDS
Pros:
Currently the dictionary that catches my eye is this :
Kanji Sonomama Rakubiki Jiten
This is a good dictionary and has a good interface to input Kanji words. However apart from not being able to S Jump, it also doesn't have much example sentences that are important in an e-dict. But i'm unsure if they're other dicts that have these features. This seems to be the best NDS jap to eng/eng to jap dictionary available in the market.
This link contains more pros and japanese educational software available for the NDS.
This itself is a very useful/critical feature. From what I researched, it seems only the Canon Wordtank e-dictionary and some Casio EX-word e-dictionary (which costs around $300-400) can do this. Since the a DS costs roughly $180-$220. I think it is definately more value for money.Cons:
However, the main problem with Kanji Sonomama Rakubiki Jiten is that it can't do superior jumps. It can only jump between english words but what's the point? People need e-dicts that can jump between japanese words! This is 1 of the most critical feature in an e-dict.iPhone
I know how crazy alot of ppl are over iphone. It wouldn't hurt to get an iPhone if it has really good japanese dict applications. Considering the price dropped alot already and it has alot of applications. You can facebook, play games and browse the internet on a big screen. It also has a good interface for Kanji input. Furthermore its easier to bring 1 inside class to search for meanings without others thinking that you're playing games like in the case of an NDS =x.
Pros:
http://www.mrbass.org/iphone/japanese/dictionary/
Infact, the one I really really like is Wisdom E-J / J-E. It has example sentences in jap (translated to eng) and very in depth explanation.Cons:
Some other dicts that also catch my eye is Kotoba! and ShinKanji-Lite.
Kotoba! is free and looks like a simple dictionary used for quick look ups. It might be useful however the explanations are not indepth.
ShinKanji is free too and also looks not bad for inputting Kanji words and looking them up to check their readings. However it seems the updated version has removed a search function which makes this app useless.Now definately, I won't be getting another actual e-dict. I would have to decide on either NDS or iPhone. Both has their pros and cons which are very dependent on the jap apps that they use. Perhaps in the future there could be better apps that have the features missing.
* Value for money - usability
Comparing the cost, value for money and features available.
An iPhone can be buyable now for $98 with a mth subscription fee of $56 in a 2 years contract (for m1). That will definately increase my monthly phone bills T_T and its pretty costly to maintain in the long run. Plus I will need to wait 1 more year until my own hp contract expires. I don't really have the need for most iPhone applications anyway.As for the NDS, only the dictionary and games appeal to me. Since I've been using No$Zoomer/GBA for a long time already and already own a PSP. I don't actually need a portable DS. No$Zoomer also provides so many more better features compared to a DS like full screen and increasing the speed, a normal DS truthfully doesn't appeal much to me other than its portability.
Hence the question now is wait or invest in an NDS which could prove a good investment in the long run?
K0towari 11:05
After like a decade?
6.22.2010
Lol it feels like a decade since I wrote on this blog! I finally found some time to do so mann.. So many things just happened and there just wasn't time T_T.I had just been working and doing other things OTing almost everyday and suffering a wholesome lot. Now i can understand y some ppl just work and work and they grow old and they find that are stuck not knowing what to do etc. I guess its normal. Just some random stuff >_<.
K0towari 14:37
clumsy day
12.15.2009
Events since i last updated
- Edwin's bday- SITEX (bought a new net book whee!)- ifc anni gathering (overall failed seriously, but went there to support ATOM ^_^)- Gideon & Steph romI've started work at my new attached location. colleagues are friendly but environment is quite scary because of the strict security rules. i am so scared i
clumsily go and do something wrong >_<. haiz.. also the ppl who previously interviewed me are also my bosses. i've been warned not to go and re them. today i fell down accidentally at a slope and was so suay to get caught leaving the lock open for a door by one of my bosses. =/. ugh the air con is soo cold sometimes i could feel so cold and restless T_T.after moving there my life feels like it has taken a 180 degrees turn too. i had tried to avoid very hard at all costs, but everything seems to have been planned out so nicely for me. i don't know how i started to fall in love again after a long time..oh yes x'mas is coming i wonder how am i going to spend my x'mas o_o.
K0towari 20:19
Updates 08/11/09
11.08.2009
Updates to blog
- fixed right side bar
- fixed blog title font size
- Added Edwin's blog link
Considering to change blog skin to Exist Trace theme.. er.. when I have time >_<.
About 1 mth to JLPT2 and i haven't really started studying at all =(.. Somehow unable to force myself during the weekends because there's just so many jdramas and movies to watch. Not so much of games to play because now jdramas are wad drives meee. lol.
JDrama Recommendations:
RESET
The unsubbed versions are watchable on youtube. Its a really interesting show that possesses alot of underlying morals. What would happen if you were able to RESET your life twice? A series of unpredictable/inevitable turn of events could have happened.
SMILE
Frankly I wouldn't recommend this show unless u like Matsumoto Jun. Its meant to be a depressing and sad love story where nothing goes right. I stopped watching already somewhere at episode 6 because the story was too predictable.
LOVE GAME
if you liked love game u'll definately LIKE reset. I watched both love game and reset unsubbed so its pretty much understandable. Basically a player is given 100 million yen to play the LOVE GAME. They would be given a very challenging task maybe sth like get married within the time limit or divorce your wife within the time limit and they shall be given that 100 million yen. Also a very interesting show.
Apart from these I've been regularly watching other dramas too.
Events since i last updated
- Buffet at Redezvous with uow friends
- Derrick's wedding dinner at Pan Pacific
- Attended a very interesting leadership course last thurs-fri. Had alot fun and met some very nice ppl ^^. Next monday is back to work =/.
- bbq at East Coast chalet
Work has been quite good so far but I can feel that the work load is coming.. My departure is being delayed for idk how long more but probably I'll try to enjoy myself while I can. Also I got to know alot of interesting ppl during my work phase and it's almost impossible to keep a low profile. But slowly I'm learning new things and getting accustomed to the environment.
Listening to: exist trace - 終わりのない世界
K0towari 08:50
Start of work
9.18.2009
After fyp and my tokyo holiday. I started to seriously apply for jobs. At this time i would say is hard to find a job for me. Though I applied to few companies and recruit firms it was a useless effort with no replies. Recruit firms are also pretty fruitless cuz they will just mass send ur resume. The only 1 i got interviews for was my fren's company.
I went through 3 interviews in all with them. The interview with the client was bad but someway or other they still employed me. but i can imagine how tough it may be once I get attached out. And so... I survived my first week of work. It was okay cuz I'm at a temporary placement waiting to get attached to my designated place. Hopefully, the sooner may be better - maybe not also. So i'm taking over this guy's job. and seriously until today I have no idea wad I'm supposed to do. The whole of last week I was just meddling around with the applications to configure the tingy and simulating some old solution.
I would say the place is okay but suspiciously open and overly friendly environment. I just think for the start I should be really careful and observe the environment more. I got back my results too last week. Our group got a well deserved D. We were happy with the results and it seemed we did better than secure house too unbelievably. Perhaps I really underestimated our application ler.
K0towari 21:17
Top EOY events (2011)!
Kotowari literally means "logic," Name : Li Ling F.Actors : Tatsuya Fujiwara, Currently Watching: RESET 
|
