Thursday 31 January 2008

milestones

Cannae believe it is already
thirty one days into 2008!!!



How time flies!

I find that I'm still struggling a bit from the long Christmas holidays, work wise. Excuses excuses...

Tomorrow will mark six months being employed as an assistant project surveyor.

The 13th will mark six months working at the present office.

The 14th will be our first Valentine's Day.

And the 18th will be us together six months.

The 25th will be one year I've been on Blogger!!! Wooohhoo...

Man, time indeed flies!

Wednesday 30 January 2008

unsung heroes

Many of us probably take the salt gritters for granted.

If the ground is not gritted, we moan and blame them.

If the ground is gritted, we are pleased but often take it for granted.

Yes, no doubt that these salt gritters, just like many working class, are paid.

But think about it.

They have to wake up at some ungodly hour in the morning.

They need to know when to grit and when not to grit.

(Don’t think the public would be pleased to know that their hard earned, hard-to-let-go-but-no-choice-of paying council tax money is being used to grit the grounds and roads during summer.)

And I’m sure they are not just hired or salaried to grit the roads and pavements only. What about the days that they don’t need to grit the grounds?

Anyways, I just thought that it is so nice of them to grit the ground.

I almost slipped on the frosted pavement within the work compound this morning.


On an unrelated incident...

Yesterday as I was walking within the work compound, passing the few office blocks and warehouses, a car almost hit a pedal cyclist.

I think the driver of the car was avoiding a group of men walking on the left hand side of the road and then she probably wasn’t paying much attention. Although the road was wide enough, she had a wee swerve to the right.

Anyways, that is not what that matters.

I was walking on the right hand side of the road. A pedal cyclist cycled past my left and then he was going to pass by the right side of the car. However, the car just turned sharply without indicating, into a parking bay on the right, narrowly missed the cyclist.

That was honestly a near miss incident.

Thank God the cyclist was fine.

During my trip to Shetland months ago, I cycled from Lerwick to Scalloway. It was a 14 miles cycle between the towns. I couldn’t cycle to save my life but managed to cycle there and back, all 28 miles (!), with majority of the time what I called ‘bike-pushing’. Luckily I went on the trip alone.

The point is that as a driver, you wouldn’t realise what it is like being a pedal cyclist until you experienced it for yourself. Although the traffic in Shetland was not as busy compared to a city and the roads were wide enough with a rather large verge, it was still quite a scary situation.

You can’t cycle fast because the cross winds were so strong and can flip you over from the side. You can’t cycle too slowly because besides defeating the purpose of cycling, you will also get blown down. Cycling in Shetland IS definitely an experience.

Anyways, we easily take for granted that we, as a driver are protected within the car, ignoring other seemingly ‘unimportant’ road users. Everyone is important on the road, whether they are in/on a smaller or bigger vehicle/mode of transport, whether they are walking or running, and whether they are in the same vehicle as you.

I know I’m not the best of drivers but it is still everyone’s responsibility to use the road safely.

Tuesday 29 January 2008

disappear

I might as well disappear.


There are quite a few things on my mind.

Perhaps I’m feeling one of those really low tides.

Perhaps I’m just bogged down with too many things.

Things on my mind.

Things to do.

Things that are somewhat mind numbing but trivial issues.

Just things.

I feel lonely.

Even though I know I’m not alone.

I must have said this one too many times.

Not that I’m not happy or have not been happy lately.

It’s just...

Perhaps there are just too many things on my mind.

Perhaps there are just things that are being dictated to me.

Perhaps things are not going how I want it to.

Just perhaps...

And why?

Why is it that it seems that things are spiralling out of control?

I guess I don’t know.

I guess I’m ignorant.

I guess I like people to boss me around. *yeah right*

I guess I like to know that people run my life. *ditto*

Don’t you just...

Don’t you just hate it when it seems as though you don’t exist when things happen.

Don’t you just hate it when all else is happening without you knowing.

Don’t you just hate it when...

...when you are not in control.

When you know that you could have.

When you know that you would have.

When all else fades and disappear.

When...

Like I said,

It just seems as if I don’t exist.

Yes, I might as well disappear.

Honestly, I just might as well...

Monday 28 January 2008

leeego



Do you lay-go or lee-go?


'sporty' weeekend

Happy 200th Post!!!


The weekend has been a very hectic one... sort of.

Running:

There wasn’t much time to prance about, I would say so myself.

Friday - morning: Ran to the train station. Woke up late because went to bed late. Arrived on time but the train was cancelled, had to wait for the next one. And I was chairing a meeting at 10am and in charged of getting the rolls as well. I reached there at 9:40am. Luckily a quick call to AD earlier and had delegated rolls duty to. Talk about timing!

Friday - evening: Ran from the bus stop to Buchanan Bus Station. I was held up at work. There was heavy traffic. I almost missed the bus up north.

Sunday - evening: I was aching all over (read on to know why) and didn’t want to move. I said to TOH that the bus station is near. Little did I realised it wasn’t as near as I thought it would be. And we were running short of time. Fast paced to the bus station.

Sunday - later that evening: I wanted to take one of the buses to go home from Buchanan Bus Station. Just as I almost reached there, the bus left. Oh well… So I walked to where I normally take the bus. The same bus was at the traffic light, and it turned green. There was other (light) traffic. I ran across the road when it was clear. Got the bus in time.


***********


Saturday was a fantastic day. TOH and I had so much fun.

We went to the driving range...
Aiming for the buggy!

Took a hike up the wee hill...
and took a pic of Pittodrie Stadium.
Aberdeen 0 – 1 Hearts

Exercised the mind and skill...
Had sooo much fun at the ‘coin-pushing machine’...
It’s amazing how far £2 can take you.
We even won a dog-key chain from it. *can you see it?*

We Bowlingo-ed...


And then Sega Rally-ed...

Air hockey-ed...
I beat TOH 7-4!

Shopped at the newly opened Aldi, down at the beach...

Carried the plenty impulsive, curious, unnecessary purchases...

Rushed home...

Dined and went for drinks with SR.

What a busy weekend! I’ve done my exercise for the year!

It was great nonetheless!!!

Friday 25 January 2008

last night

TS was in town last night.

So we went to our usual haunt.

The last time when TS was down we went to Sarti on Wellington Street for dinner.

The Wellington Street outlet has a deli counter on your right and the left wall is filled with various Italian produce and wine. Since it was just before Christmas, fairy lights adorned the shelves.

The food was good - real Italian food. I had the Capricciosa (pizza with egg, anchovies, olives and capers). One word: YUMMMY!!!!

I loved the place.

Last night we went to Sarti on Bath Street instead, literally just around the corner.

The Bath Street outlet is located in the basement. As you step down the steps, there are a few tables just outside the door, very Italian courtyard, nice place to sit during the warmer months, or if you need to smoke. When you enter the restaurant, you can see the open kitchen directly in front of you, it has a large bar on the left and a nice and cosy ‘cave’ - the cantina or wine room, on the right.

We were seated at the cantina. I had the Frutti Di Mare, seafood pizza. After dinner and dessert, I had a good nosey around the products and wine selection. I was very impressed!!!




Everyone should give Sarti a try: tasty authentic cucina Toscana, excellent atmosphere and reasonably priced. It has now made it to my favourite place to eat in Glasgow list!

TS asked me if I had brought TOH to Sarti and I said to him, that as embarrassing as it sounds, especially for one who has a good sense of direction, I haven’t brought TOH to Sarti because I cannot remember the place for the love of god!

Anyways, now I know where all three branches are and I have no excuses!

After dinner at Sarti, we headed off to Beer Café on Candleriggs. Sadly, it was pissing down rain.

Anyways, Beer Café has a live jazz band on every Thursday, and that is the reason we go there. Unfortunately, I find that the band is not very consistent. The worst performance, IMHO, was one that I been to with TOH at the beginning of the year. I’ve also recently noticed that the lead guy has a bad habit of ‘highlighting’ (if that is the right word to use) a player - after their solo performance, one too many times.

Otherwise, this is a good place to go and enjoy the various beers from around the world. My favourite is the cherry beer.

As much as we keep going back to the same places every now and then, there are still many more places in Glasgow we need to explore. One of theses days... I hope.

Thursday 24 January 2008

Tuesday 22 January 2008

office

To avoid confusion:

I work at the client's office.

This is where I commute to work daily, have a desk (which I call it a fire-hazard-desk because of all the papers that are strewn all over) and try to be useful there.

My company's office is about three miles from my workplace.

This is the Glasgow branch of the consultancy services company I worked for. It is where I go to when I'm causing trouble or has caused trouble.

The main office for the consultancy services company is in Hampshire.

I've never been there, yet. One day.

The what I call mother-shipcompany, is in the heart of London. The consultancy services company is a rather newly acquired (mid 2006) sector for the mother-company.

Confused?!

So was I, for a long while.

Don't ask me who employes me. You'll be confused further, just as I was. It took me too long to understand. I think I know who know. Sort of.

Anyways, AD and I are going down to London (the mother-ship: it sounds so much cooler!) for a Corporate Induction day next month. Yaaaayyyy!!!

It will be a day trip and we've got our air tickets even sorted! So excited!!!

Kinda shallow.

I know.

My boss Colin emailed me: Don't spend too much on shopping. You can't claim under expenses.

Dang!!

Monday 21 January 2008

leisure reading

Updated on 25th February 2008.

Last night, I was on the RICS website. The server was not very good/having some problems.

Anyways, somehow randomly I found this on the RICS website. I find it very useful if you are doing the Quantity Surveying and Construction Pathway.

On the pathway guide page, you can download the Pathway Guide, a reading list and the competency guidance.

If you are doing any other pathway just type in the name of your pathway in the search box at RICS website and there will be guides (where available) available suitable for your needs.

All the documents provide useful information. Only thing is that now it shows (or guide/recommend) you that there is so much reading to do!

And I only thought, fill the diary write some short reports go for as many Continue Professional Development (CPDs) trainings attend Supervisor meetings attend Counsellor meetings go for some trainings/meetings total up your hours for the log book and then go for the interview - all that in two years, pass it and become a Chartered Surveyor!

Great... Now I need to do lots of reading. *sigh*

I’m sure it is not as difficult as it is. MUST. MAKE. TIME.

So far, I found that the RICS website provides a vast amount of information on APC. The only problem I find is that the new layout is not as user-friendly as the older layout. However, after some exploring around, it is not that difficult.

For info on APC go to www.rics.org/apc. And if look on the box on your right titled ‘related articles’ and click on ‘more related articles’, you can browse through the pages to find out anything you need to know about APC - articles by Alan Melvin (possibly the Oracle of all APC candidates, the ‘guru’).

Also, Lucy asked the other day on diary templates. You can get it here. Just copy the template to the format that suits you, I would suggest MS Word, it’s easier. However, check with your company if they have a diary/log book/template because each company should have a Structured Training Agreement with the candidate and I would assume that there might be a series of templates they use/provide.

Otherwise, the link above provides all the templates require for the training.


Happy Reading!

blue monday

Isn’t the UK a wonderful place?


Blue Monday marks the final full week in January when people experience a series of combined depressive effects.

Apparently it is the worst day of the year and it even has a mathematical equation by the astonishing (!) Dr. Cliff Arnall, the same guy who brought us the Happiness Formula.



W = weather
d = debt
T = time since Christmas
Q = time since failing New Year’s resolution
M = low motivational levels
Na = the feeling of a need to take action

Using the formula, Dr. Arnall calculated that this year’s worst day of the year is 21 January 2008, when the Christmas glow has faded away, New Year’s resolutions have been broken, cold Winter weather has set in and credit card bills will be landing on doormats across the land, whilst January pay-check is still one week away.

Thankfully I didn’t feel that the Christmas glow has faded for me. Maybe it does help that I have some Red Lanterns decorated for Chinese New Year and I received my first CNY card from Wai Yee over the weekend.

I didn’t really make any NY resolutions this year so I don’t feel that any has been broken. Goals (some sort) yes, but not really any resolutions.

As for cold winter weather, I hope the worst has gone past. It seems rather mild today even though it was pissing rain out there this morning and I left my brollie in the office last week. I came in with my long Nike jacket and Per Una hooded gilet. It wasn’t that bad, just the West Coast wet weather. I felt sorry for those living down south in England who are on high flood alert or are already experiencing floods.

Everyone has bills to pay and I’m not excluded. As much as it seems dreading for some, I’m actually looking forward to next week’s pay-check. It’s just ten more days to go..

I am an optimist (even though I worry too much! Got told off by TS last night that I worry too much @_@) and luckily I live in Scotland. Apparently Scots are the most optimistic of the lot; it’s good that the people around you are optimistic.


Check out Beat Blue Monday for more info.

Random stuff:
If you see a rather good looking and rather fit guy on crutches when he don’t normally use one, you can only assume that he had a skiing accident. Poor guy...

Sunday 20 January 2008

helensburgh day out

Yesterday TOH and I took a wee trip to Helensburgh.

Helensburgh is a coastal town on the north shore of the Firth of Clyde. It is about 28 miles North West of Glasgow.

We decided to take the train from where I live. For a day out it is just perfect, tickets start from £4.70 to £6.00 for same day return, and it is less than an hour away!

I was excited as I’ve heard quite a bit about the place and there was even a short write up on it in Lonely Planet: Scotland guide book.

Unlike on a Sunday, there is no direct train from Anniesland to Helensburgh, so we had to change at one of the stations along the way. There were three stations to choose from and thank goodness we chose to change at Dumbarton Central.

Dumbarton Central station is not a big bustling station. Just like any commuting station, it is quiet but the size of the platforms/station is rather big. It has four platforms. We liked Dumbarton Central station because it is a very beautiful Victorian train station. Unfortunately, like a large number of beautiful station, it needs a lick of paint and some attention as well as possible maximised use of the station.

Nonetheless we took in the beauty of the station as well as the surroundings.

Just opposite the station, there is a very Victorian Goth-like building. TOH said it could be a school and I thought it could be a small infirmary. We’ll need to go back to Dumbarton again to have a nosey around the place.

It wasn’t long we hopped on the next train and continued our way to Helensburgh.

The train station in Helensburgh, Helensburgh Central station was a nice station as well. Being the last station on the line, it was interesting to see a sign at the ticketing window reads ‘trains leave from this station and 10 and 40 minutes pass the hour’, very practical. Imagine the hoards of people going up the station to ask what time is the next train.

I only suggested going to Helensburgh because I knew the weather was going to be good that day.

Stepping out of the station, I can’t help noticing the few banks on the same street. Personally, if a town can have a few banks that is more than the typical RBS and Bank of Scotland, you know there is more to the town.

Anyways, we continued to look around this seaside resort.

It is a nice, small town. You know it is a tourist town when you see a good number of cafés and souvenir/specialty shops. The buildings here are beautiful as well. Being away from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, the traffic here is not as busy but you can still get the convenience of Tesco Extra, Co-op and my favourite, the small shops: butcher, fish monger, deli, etc.

One thing I noticed is the amount of eateries this place has. Never short of a choice for food. Yummy!!!

Before long, we move on to the seafront esplanade. It wasn’t the brightest of day, but it was nice. It was rather windy. We saw some ducks (there was a variety of them) in around the shoreline, waddling in the water with the gulls as well. There was a very happy dog frolicking in the water and after that running about the pier area. We wondered where its owner was.

We walked to the end of the pier to enjoy the breeze (or almost gale like strong wind) and walked to the edge of the pier to see how far we can go. It is rather interesting from safety point of view that there isn’t a railing around the pier.

By that time, our tummies were rumbling, so we headed off to find food. Knowing that I was going to the seaside, I knew I had in mind either fish and chips or scampi and chips. Hmmm...

We found a café not far from the pier; sadly I can’t remember the name of the place. The décor of the place was a bit dated but we were so impressed that the waiter came with a handheld machine to take our order!

Both of us ordered the scampi and chips, and a portion of onion rings to share. I had a chocolate milkshake, which I think was a bit diluted compared to TOH’s strawberry milkshake.

The food was really good and I would definitely recommend the place and visit there again! The café also has a takeaway, which is located next to it.

After our meal, we continued browsing the shops. I would say the town has a good number of shops. I said to TOH that I can imagine living in this town. Although, I don’t deny that the place seemed to be a little small and one might get bored after a while, unless they retire here. On practicality, Helensburgh is possibly a commuting town, low possibility but not totally cancelling out. It is about 45 minutes into town on the train.




Sadly the pics don’t really do much justice to the place. It is a really nice place!

The only thing that we didn’t like about Helensburgh was the amount of rubbish. The stretch of journey before arriving Helensburgh Central was littered with rubbish but it was nice to see some sheep walking in a line. Then again the waterline along the beach in Helensburgh was littered with rubbish as well. The rubbish has probably travelled from Glasgow city itself, who knows?

It would be quite interesting to see if the place will be cleaned up for the summer. Otherwise, it would be a pity.

Even with the flaws, Helensburgh is definitely a good place for a day out or weekend, since it is not far from Glasgow and we look forward to going there again during the summer or even before that.

Friday 18 January 2008

childish

Never dare a Scot.
He/She will do anything whether under or not under the influence of alcohol.


I guess it is just because Scots can be full of life.

But yeah, never dare a Scot anything, or at least TOH, or at least daring him to do something silly. He will as he has. Age doesn't matter. Yes yes.. I know I'm back to the age thingy again...

I guess the age old saying of 'life is short'. Or perhaps TOH is just childish, just like me.

And it is this childishness that we both possess attracts and keeps us together. This childishness that make us giggle at silly little things, afterall 'laughter is the best medicine'.

Mind you, when I mean childish, doesn't mean like supremely imbecile childish. We just know how to have fun and enjoy each other's company.

Perhaps we are really comfortable with each other.

Perhaps we don't have to pretend in front of each other.

Perhaps we just know how to enjoy ourselves, enjoy each other's company.

Perhaps we are just good at laughing at ourselves.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad we are and can be childish.

Make such a difference being serious and put on this serious look all day or all the time.

Most of all, it is great because we have so much fun together.

Thank you babes for always making me smile and laugh. I love all the time we spend together. Even though you drive me up the wall sometimes. Still, I think I drive you up the wall more often than you do.
xxx

Thursday 17 January 2008

leaving

One of my Project Managers is leaving. Tomorrow is her last day.

I remembered when Sharon first broke the news to me before Christmas; I refused to speak to her for two days after that. Because I was afraid I would cry. I’m just too emotional.

Although we only know each other properly for about three months plus, I enjoyed her company.

The first time I spoke to her I was petrified. She was scary.

Maybe she spoke really loud and demanding. But that is just her nature as I learnt. (Just like my mom, if people don’t really know her, people always wonder why she is shouting - scary/fierce/etc.)

Then she asked me so many questions that I wasn’t able to answer. And her questions were persisting questions that leave you in a heap. But then this made me strived to learn and be prepared for any questions fired at me by her and by anyone else for that matter.

And I’m always thankful to her for this.

As we spend a little more time bonding through journeys to and from project sites and through project discussions (trust us women when we have discussions) we got to know each other better.

I have learnt so much from her - work wise and person wise. I learnt a lot of life skills and listened to a lot of her experiences. We discussed various life and cultural matters.

I remember vividly when Sharon broke the news to me after one of our project discussions. I was happy for her. It was a step up in her career. At the same time, I was holding back hard on my tears.

I was disturbed for days.

I’m sure Sharon will do well in her new role. I’m sure she will inspire them just as how she has inspired me.

It was indeed a privilege working with Sharon and she will be greatly missed. She was a really good friend and I hope we will keep in touch.

I started with two project managers.
Then I had three.
Now I have four.
And eighteen projects.

Wednesday 16 January 2008

lazy full sink


It's not the most flattering pic one can put on the blog.

But I think TOH's habit is rubbing off me.

There is a thing about Mat Salleh's filling up their sink until you can't fill no more, or the rule of 'if there is nothing left to use, it is time to do the washing'.

However, with all this green hoollaabboo, it is more environmental friendly to put on a full load of washing whether it is a washing machine, dish washer or in this case, the sink.

Unfortunately after a while (about two days), I couldn't stand it and gave it a wash.

I wonder how long can I wait until the sink is totally full before I wash them?

Mind you, I have a large sink.

hairline timeline

What's with men and their hairline?
Okay, I'm sure the answer is obvious.. -__-"

Today's five projects progress meeting and one project briefing in the morning was rather hard going.

Perhaps only less than three minutes for each project only concerns me. So the rest of the time is doodling and observation.

I practiced on my portrait drawings/illustrations and abstract doodling (sound so artsy-fartsy!).

Anyways, it was somewhat interesting to see that two of the men had receeding hairline on the whole cap of their head, what some calls as bald patch; six of the men with what I was told 'envelope' hairline - hairline that resembles the triangular flap of an envelope, which includes normal and advanced envelope hairline; and three of the men had normal hairline - whatever normal is.

Thank heavens the three ladies in the room didn't have any of those hairlines that the men had.

It's been a long day...

Tuesday 15 January 2008

the school for husbands

Looking at the title it is sooooo obvious that it is a chick-lit.

The first thing that caught my attention was the title. So it is without a doubt that titles are really important, maybe more important than the cover.



The School for Husbands is written by Wendy Holden.

The story is about a young mom, Sophie, fed up with taking care of her baby son alone when her husband, Mark, is always working late and not helping out with the responsibilities. It doesn’t help when her mother is trying to match make her with her now wealthy ex-boyfriend, who is the biggest culprit in trying to tear Sophie and Mark apart. To make matters worst, Sophie has this growing feeling that Mark is having an affair.

Fuelled with everything that has been happening, she wants a divorce but Mark doesn’t want to. So he enrols in the School for Husbands.

I like the School for Husband bit the best. Sadly it was only about one third of the book, I wished there was more of it. The ‘teacher’ who runs it comes up with all sorts of diagnostic terms for what men lack of or ‘do wrong’ in a relationship.

Fundamentally it is without a doubt that the little things that matters. It is a good read, an easy read when you have three hours ahead of you on the bus.

Unfortunately I doubt any men will really read a chick lit to know what the fuss is all about, especially one with a pink cover! If only men read chick lit, this might just save I mean help them understand women.

So exaggerating I know!

sushi go round

Last night I was saying to TOH that I was looking forward to beddie time because I wanted to finish the book I was reading.

After we put down the phone, I thought ‘why don’t I go and check out Suemae’s blog?’

Guess what happened after that?!

She had this really addictive game on her blog. Really addictive. So addictive that I spent an hour on it, knowing that it was bed time.

On top of that I still went on to read the book. And finish it because I wanted to know the ending.

Lights out? Somewhere near 3am. No surprises I woke up late this morning.

Check out the game. Make sure your speakers are switch on (I like the music and sound effects). Don’t play it if you are busy/have to study/easily addicted to games. I can foresee me buying Cooking Mama for whichever Nintendo machine I’m getting…




Or you can go here to play the bigger version.

Monday 14 January 2008

3 months supervisor report

Last week after the holidays I had my first Supervisor Meeting for my APC.

For those unfamiliar with the APC training, a Supervisor and Counsellor are appointed at the beginning of the training. They are normally a chartered surveyor. My Supervisor is the Business Unit Director in my company, whom I normally call him my Boss, Colin. My appointed Counsellor is a Director at our head office down South, Mark.

In the APC training, the Supervisor Meeting is held every three months and the Counsellor Meeting is held every six months.

During the meeting, the Supervisor will check the diary and provide any advice and check if the candidate has reached an acceptable level for each competency.

Since I don’t work in the company’s office, going into the office provides an opportunity to catch up with Colin as well.

Anyways, I can’t believe I forgotten to bring my notebook/notepad to jot down what we had discussed, especially things that require improvement. Note of advice: remember to bring your note book for jotting down notes!

So now I have to re-cap mentally or going through the documents to re-call what action is required by me.

Overall, I was advised that I should elaborate more on my diary entry.

For instance if I was at a meeting, I should write down key points or issues and the outcome of the meeting. Although it does seemed like a little more work, it also provides a little memory jog say, when I go for my APC Interview I can see that I have such and such experience and I knew what I did or say few months down the road, I can read what I have written, after all, I always say, ‘I can’t remember everything!’.

The RICS requires candidate to jot down in the diary against the selected technical competencies. I have six core competencies and two optional competencies to complete. Each of my entry in the diary should not log less than half a day and only one competency can be logged against each entry. So it is important how we fill in the diary to reflect what we understand of the competency.

There are also ten mandatory competencies to achieve. Although it is not required by the RICS to record the mandatory competencies, Colin and I have agreed that I should write a short report to reflect what I have done to prove that I have achieved each of the competencies. The report also serves as a means of gauging what else I need to do to improve and achieve other levels of the competency.

This also extends to what I have learnt during any of the CPDs - Continue Professional Development that I have attended.

I was also advised on putting in some of the documents I worked on as Appendices for reference.

For the mandatory competencies, Colin also gave me a CD of documents relevant to our business to study and write a short report on. So that’s some reading and writing for me.

During the first meeting, I printed my three months diary entries, mandatory achievement record, technical achievement, professional development record and supervisor’s progress report, which are all available on the RICS website.

I have also brought along the competency achievement planner and date planner which Colin and I have agreed prior to starting the APC training. The competency planner serves as a guide for us to know what competencies has to be completed by when, and the date planner is a prompter for me to meet the target dates that has been set at the initial stage.

Overall, I think the first meeting went rather well. I’ve learnt quite a lot and what is expected to be completed or prepared of. I also feel that a lot of things if we find that can help along the journey, such as notes, printouts, or even writing a mini report, we can prepare it and use it as part of the appendix. Although the diary is not submitted to RICS for assessment, it does provide a source of information and reference for us.

For my next meeting, I will need to improve, prepare and complete all that we have discussed. I will also need to complete my APC Project Summary which I have completed half way.

Wednesday 9 January 2008

coughing

James Blunt is on tonight at Carling Academy.

I want to go because...
... I can afford it.
... I like/enjoy James Blunt.


I don’t want to/can’t go because...
... travelling there is a wee little bit of a hassle.
... the final episode of Hugh’s Chicken Run is on tonight.
... I’m still having terrible coughs.

Imagine...
JB: You’re beeoooooutiful...
Somewhere from the audience: *cough cough cough cough cough cough cough*
JB: You’re beeoooooutiful...
SFtA: *cough cough cough cough cough cough cough*
Somewhere else in the audience: shhhhhhhhhhh!
SFtA: *cough cough cough aaaaaaaaccccccccckkk cough cough cough cough*

I'll probably get thrown out...

Tuesday 8 January 2008

rotaract

My decision of accepting the job and eventual, inevitable move to Glasgow was met with many resistances.

Amongst one reason that held me back was my involvement with the Rotaract club.

My first taste of Rotaract was making the decision to start up the Rotaract Club of Melawati, back in Malaysia.

Briefly, it had been an idea I had been considering for a while. I didn't have any Rotaract background but my involvement with Rotary since my mother became a charter member and myself being an Inner Wheel member, seemed like the next step, especially if it was something targeted for someone within my age range.

When my mother became President and expressed her wishes of the club sponsoring a Rotaract club, I jumped at the chance. Not long after the club started running, I received a scholarship to further my studies, so my youngest sister Su-Anne took over the running of the club.

Arriving in Aberdeen, I found out that there was a club starting up, and I volunteered myself there.

After being with the club for almost two years, I was made president. I had many plans for the club. It wasn’t an easy decision for me to accept the job in Glasgow.

As true as career and long term plans seemed more important, my involvement in the club that I’ve grown with in the past two years was a part of me, the close friends were family.

I had plans.

But I felt that I couldn’t execute them.

I felt that I have let the gang and myself down.

It wasn’t easy.

I struggled.


I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to the club. For as far as I know, for months, the club was quite quiet.

And as with anywhere and anything, there will be some political issues in the background.

Recently, after reading one of the emails from a member of the club, I was pleased to know that at least someone was taking up the challenge and pushing the club forward. I’m grateful for his enthusiasm and dedication.

For the whole time I was with the club I had a lot of fun, made many good friends, and although we are scattered all over the place, we were and still family. My hope is that the club will grow and more people will benefit from being part of the club.

The past few months have given me the opportunity to let go and move on. It is still somewhat a struggle, but I will do whatever I can from this end. It may not necessary be what I had planned, but for as long as the club exist and there is a need for me, I will do my best for the club.

Monday 7 January 2008

early

I was very pleased with myself for getting into work early on my first day back.

Woke up early and refreshed, and I even had breakfast at home, that is indeed a change!

Today was a rather interesting day, everyone come along, give you a hand shake and a peck on the cheek and wish you ‘Happy New Year’. It is such a nice thing to do, so warm and fuzzy. Such is the culture.

TOH and I joked that it is an opportunity for the men to touch the women’s hand and chance to peck them on the cheek! >_<

Unfortunately I wasn’t in much of the mood to chat unlike some of my colleagues.

As much as I’m so happy to be back at work (deep down I’m a workaholic), I started feeling quite poorly since coming into work. There were choruses of coughing throughout the office and by 11am I just wanted to go home. All I managed to do the whole day was to cough and cough and cough and cough and cough and cough and cough.

After my discussion in the afternoon I was ready to bolt off for a date with Vicks bath and Lemsip.

Not too bad for coming in fifteen minutes early and going off half an hour early.

Sunday 6 January 2008

we survived!

We spent about 1/3 of our time indoors, another 1/3 shopping
and 1/3 doing other things*.

*watching movies, going out for meals, hanging out with friends

Time flies when you are having fun.

In a blink of an eye 2007 came and gone.

In a blink of an eye our much awaited two weeks holidays came and gone.

TOH and I survived the two weeks seeing each other day in day out.

Am glad to report that we are both alive and didn't kill either one.

Compared to most couples who see each other everyday or at least every other day, TOH and I don't have that kind of privilege. So when the opportunity of seeing each other for two whole weeks arised, both of us had the same thoughts, 'will we survive it?'

With exception to the one time that TOH had to 'walk the dog' due to me being extremely stubborn refusing to take his wonderful, magical and delicious Boots Brochial Cough Syrup even though I was coughing my lungs out throughout the night; and me being annoyed by a highly entertainingly drunk and in situ rendition of 'I'm singing in the rain' by TOH; I think the both of us did very well.

We shared many hours catching up, playing board games and card games, preparing meals and even the cough! Sadly we also spent many hours indoors because we were too ill or even bothered to go out.

It is a great insight to what it would be like spending hours with each other everyday. And since we coped very well, I'm certain we will be fine.

I just can't believe the amount of time we go shopping as well!

On that note, I bought some clothes from M&S, some gifts for others, two piece of clothing from Fat Face (I love the clothes but I hardly buy anything from there), a few board/card games, some magazines, and not forgetting all the weird and wonderful medicines too! Over the weekend, I bought a Bench jacket (I've always wanted a Bench jacket, donno exactly why), a pair of cute cherry pumps, a selection of items from Ikea, and a pair of Kenneth Cole Reaction boots.

I will need to look back at my December budgets and prepare my January budgets soon. Then there is all the filing of the dreaded bills and statements to be carried out this week. The joys of it!

So tommorow is back to work routine. I should really jump back in and catch up where I have left behind up to the one week before Christmas holidays. I will also see my APC Supervisor to complete my three months Supervisor report.

Thankfully I've completed my ironing, clear away the Christmas paraphernalia, tidy up the flat and made some soup in this really lovely West Coast wet weather.

Work here I come!!!

Thursday 3 January 2008

snowing

It's snowing!
*groan*

It has started snowing. But it is just snow showers.

It's nice when you see it coming down, sort of. It feels like a harder form of rain pelting falling down on you.

About four weeks ago it sleeted while TOH and I were out shopping in Glasgow. He was amazed at how excited I got with the snow falling.

Today, TOH said to me, 'if you live with snow all your life, the novelty will wear off'. Perhaps.

Spoilsport. O_O

I don't deny that I dislike when the snow becomes slush. It can be really wet and dirty.

But snow. Come on...

As much as there is some element of truth there - not forgetting transport distruption, wet, cold, etc; it is something foreigners like yours truly who don't come from a snowing country will still love it and be excited about it.

It's beautiful. It's magical.

I know it is kinda shallow too. @_@**

On a related issue, we were supposed to go to Dumfries tomorrow and TS will meet up with us to give us the grand tour. However, we just heard the weather report that it will be heavy snow tomorrow. Not wanting to travel all the way there and end up in bad weather, not being able to see anything and stranded there not being able to come home, we have decided to give it a miss, for now.

Anyways, I'm glad to be home. And it is good to be on the train with TOH, rather than saying our goodbyes at the train station. And as much as it will still happen come Sunday, we are happy that at least we are still able to hang out with each other for another day, without killing each other. ^_^

Wednesday 2 January 2008

aftermath

I.Am.Not.Bringing.TOH.To.
House.Parties.Again.
(perhaps)

Last night's party at Tracy's was good as usual.

We went there about 9ish. It had a slow-ish start. Perhaps it was a matter of not sure where to start. Perhaps we were entertained by little Aidan running up and down the room. Perhaps we didn't have enough to drink (see earlier post on drinking happy).

Eventually, it seemed more fun when the girls started dancing madly - the wifies vs. the young girls dancing competition. TOH met a few familiar faces and catch up too.

Andy took some pics and gave me two A4 prints. I was impressed that the prints dried so fast. Mine takes a few days to dry out properly. Maybe I printed them on best quality. Hmmm...

We had the opportunity to try out some Ninetendo gadgets too - mainly the DS Lite and Wii. TOH and I have been thinking for a while of getting either one.

DS Lite
The DS Lite had 'Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain?' game in its slot. It is quite an interesting and addictive game.

Wii
After watching the children/youngsters playing the Wii, TOH and I later had a try at it. We first try out Wii Sports. Amongst the games on Wii Sports were tennis, baseball, bowling, golf and boxing. We tried all of the games except for boxing. I liked this package. The games mimic real life swinging, batting and bowling! TOH and I had great fun playing it together since there were two remote controls.

I was actually sweating from playing the games and my arm ached from swinging the bat!

We later put on Wario Ware: Smooth Moves. It wasn't as staright forward and simple as Wii Sports. I think you need to read the booklet to understand the game before you can play it with ease. So we moved back to playing Wii Sports.

Many hours later we decided to go home. TOH didn't look very well either. I'm sure he thinks I didn't notice it but I did know very well he was pissed when he started ignoring my instructions telling him what to do with the Wii remote. @_@

Instead of calling for a taxi home, we decided to walk. I didn't really mind walking since I love walking. I didn't mind paying for the ride home either. But since we decided to walk, so walk it was.

Coming out of Tracy's block the rain was pelting down on our faces. Since her block is not far from the beach, the wind was strong from the sea. I was lucky enough that my Nike long jacket kept me warm. TOH was not so fortunate and moaned all the way home about the rain and cold.

In his pissedness, TOH kept asking me if I was embarrassed by him. It wasn't so much of whether I was embarrassed by him or not but I was getting annoyed with his antics. To think about it I wasn't embarrassed in any way, honest. Just annoyed.

The state of pissedness or getting tipsy is just part and parcel of drinking.

I didn't even mind walking in the rain. I wasn't even fazed by the rain. I don't deny when we first left Tracy's the rain pelted down with the strong gales making it seemed to be hailing rather than raining, it did bothered a bit because it was painful.

But I was so annoyed. At the same time I was worried about him. I was worried that he will fall ill from the rain and possibly from the drinking. More so, I was worried if anything happens on our way home.


Tracy said to Andy last night that since they haven't started arguing that means that she wasn't pissed - enough.

It got me thinking on our way home, 'are we going to argue on the streets?' It wasn't even worth arguing in TOH's state of mind.

Still I was annoyed.

But for every annoyance he caused I think it was paid back with him falling ill from the drinking.

As cruel as it sounds, I am still concerned about him. And as sappy as it sounds, I still love him to bits. My poor baby!

And as they say, 'self inflicted pain/illness does not deserve sympathy'. Thank goodness we were mature enough on that and TOH has to admit defeat to it. I'm sure he will recover soon, just as we all do from an excellent night of drinking.

We both drank the same amount last night, he had vodka Cokes and I had G&Ts, and I even had a shot of Apple Sourz. But in all fairness I think he had about half a glass more than me.

I just hope he learnt his lesson. And as much as AD always say to me that 'eating is cheating', I stand firm on having food and drinking.

As for the the Nintendos, I'm contemplating which one to get. I'm just afraid I might go for both.

Watch this space!

Tuesday 1 January 2008

the mansion

I know this is a much awaited post.

It’s a two bedroom flat with a dining room, living room, kitchen, bathroom with bath tub and a tiny storage room where the boiler resides.



My bedroom



2nd bedroom



Living Room



Dining room



Kitchen


Quite a big flat really. But I still think there is not enough storage. @_@ I’ve too much shite and there are still things in the boxes.

Anyways, I took those pic when I first move in, it is a totally different story now. Will take more pics and upload them.

Just in case anyone's wondering what my big gurl investment hype was all about...





Anyways, I will put up some updated photos of the flat when I get home and also when I have the time... >__<

hogmanay 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!

Last night TOH and I took it easy. We sat at home watching tv, surfing the internet, and having a few drinks before heading out to Castlegate.

We met up with Dawn and her friends for a few drinks before making our way to the stage - fifteen minutes before the Bells! So much for free concert.

The weather was exceptionally mild last night. TOH and I were dressed sensibly, overly sensibly I would say. I actually bought a GAP skirt the other day for Hogmanay. It's a very nice Italian material grey short skirt. Too bad when I was packing on the Friday coming up, I was too fragile and forgotten to pack it! What a shame.

Hogmanay or New Year's Eve is often very cold. I remember one year I was in Edinburgh and it was freezing cold! The next day it sleeted.

Last night was mild. One of the mildest nights in days. Today it is grey and miserable. TOH and I are just hanging out at home resting for the party tonight at Tracy's. Tracy throws the best party around I must say!!!

Anyways, back to last night's Hogamanay...

Travis was good as usual. It was just unfortunate that they didn't perform 'Auld Lang Sang'. How can they not perform that song after the Bells??!! After all we are in Scotland for goodness sake! Honestly, don't know what they were thinking or it could've been too expensive for them to sing an additional song.

I was somewhat disappointed that they didn't perform Loch Lomond as well. Okay, I'm bias, it is one of my favorite Scottish songs - could be easily mistaken for Scotland's anthem though. Oh well, what do I know...

After the Bells we headed back to Espionage to meet Dawn and gang. The last time I was in Espionage it was with AC for his farewell party. After that experienece, I don't think any other time will match how much fun we all had that night. Espionage was packed.

The drinks costs a bomb! I bought two whisky Coke (yes, yes, it is such a cardinal sin to have whisky and dash, it should always be on the rocks!) and vodka lemonade for £9.60! Goodness that is £3.20 each. Okay, maybe I had been lucky all this while and had people buying me drinks, still... But TOH did say that drinks in Espionage is not the cheapest around.

Dawn had to leave with the girls, and that left TOH and I there. After a while, it got a bit bored so we decided to go home and watch DVD.

We had a discussion that it is such a shame that in order to have a good night we have to be tipsy/drunk. It does make a difference when you see the rest of the people are 'merry' and we were so sane or insane for that matter.

Nonetheless we enjoyed Travis, although we only caught a few songs. The atmosphere was great and Aberdeen City Council has organised it rather well. Comments to Grampian Police as well since they were everywhere.

Hogmanay celebration wishlist: Stonehaven's Fireball Ceremony, or Hogmanay in Glasgow, or going back to Edinburgh for their street party. Hmm...

Oh yes, just in case anyone is wondering, we haven't really have proper snow what with this global warming business. I think Glasgow had some sleet about three weeks ago, which I did got quite over excited as TOH bluntly puts it.

It has been forecasted that it might snow tomorrow. We'll just wait and see.