Category: Diary

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Diary From the Attic

A Girl Called Autumn, Continued

Autumn.  Autumn.  Autumn.

What a nice name!  Colin told me that she was with us in the Accent on C/S class and he may as well be right.  Somehow, I vaguely remember such a person.

In the morning, we had a group activity – Traffic Jam Problem.  The problem is six of us lined up in a row while another six (opposite team) lined up facing us.  There is an empty space in the middle and each of us can only move forward one single space or “take over” the one in front if only he/she (the one in front) is not facing in the same direction of us. (And we were the first group to figure out the solution.)

Somehow, Autumn was standing very close in front of me at some point in time.  She took a look at my tie (actually held it there) and told me that she loved this tie a lot.  She virtually loved the Zebra.

We went on for another round and when she was right in front of me, I asked if she was really called Autumn and she replied yes.  I told her that it was a really nice name.

And throughout the day, I have been thinking about her.

The day was a disaster.  I just can’t really get along with that Japanese fellow.  Too much conflict and just don’t want to mention about it right now.

Colin and I went to the beer shop and get the Honey Brown.  Got to say I had this feeling of not being of getting into the bus as our stop is the last one.  True enough, the bus was full.  So we decided to walk back.  Colin told me that it would take half an hour and in the end, we ended up walking for an hour.  Nice experience though.

Eugene did reply my last mail (and cc to Colin).  What he replied was so philosophical and it took us quite a while to figure out (still) what he was trying to say.

Looking forward to tomorrow for I shall see Autumn again.

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Diary From the Attic

A Girl Called Autumn

Second day of IBSS and to issue SIR is just my speciality.  My team-mate (an Irish – Cairan) and me, we just get along.  I mean we speak in the same language.  And the class?  Just a laugh for us.  The only thing we learn is possibly the “Advance AC Methodology (Terminology)”.

One girl called Autumn.  Isn’t that a very nice name?

Saw Derek from time to time but I am not really into making friend with him.  Not the same kind of buddy, I guess.

Went to Charles Town Mall again.  Bought the (hard covered) book – Men are from Mars … Think it’s too late to rekindle the relationship but maybe it’s a good idea to prepare myself for the “next” one.

Been thinking of how many postcards shall I send to SocGen.  Either include everybody or exclude a few (because I don’t know the names).  Really a headache.  Maybe I shall decide on Friday instead.

Pizza and beer at the social centre.  Same thing.  And we dropped by and said hi to Cairan.  That guy is really into blond girls.  And I said: Happy hunting.  And he said: I’ll send you the progress report.

Really wanted to buy the board game “Axis and Allies” but it is (a) nobody to play with me and (b) too bulking to bring back.  And when Colin volunteered to bring back for me, I think it is (c) quite expensive.  Must control my expenses.

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Life Not Complete Without Love?

First day of IBSS (Implementing Business Solution School), very disappointed with the course.  Basically, 2 days on test condition (which is very dry) and another 2 days on Visual Basic.  Just 4 ½ days, not enough to get to know anybody in depth.  But that is the way things go, not like Accent on C/S.

In US, they really discriminate against the smokers.  Heard from one guy that US government may ban cigarette in 5 to 10 years’ time.  Possibly Singapore will do it before US.  Maybe it is a good idea, why not?

Left at five thirty, had a quick and crap dinner.  Headed for Walmart at half six.  Bought 4 CDs (and Colin bought only one) and walked into a book store.  Not really time to do any decent shopping.  Colin discovered some study notes for literature.  Hence I bought one for “Romeo and Juliet” and one for “Emma”.  Hope I will understand the literature better that way.

The last bus was full, so one of the guy called for a taxi.  Had one pizza and 2 bottles of beer at the Social Centre.  Really felt very tired and tonight we planned to sleep early.

Got to say one lady from IBSS is quite pretty.  Slim and attractive.  Hmm.

Talked about JP with Colin and before he dozed off, he suggested that we (me and JP) should sit down and talk things over.  But what is it to talk because she is very likely with another guy knowing that she can’t live without love.

And Mohamed was wrong, there is a step up transformer (the one which convert 110V to 220V) but it is too expensive and just not worth it.

Actually it is pretty sad to remain single.  Those lies about being free and single and is able to do whatever one wants.  Easy said than done.  Don’t think I will ever have the courage to come up to a girl and you know … All in all, it is just loneliness.  One’s life will not be completed without someone one loves.  The world is so big, full of emptiness and void.  Then again, it’s life and it may as well turn good later one.  Who knows?

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Diary From the Attic

Whirlwind Tour at Chicago

One of our Strategic Manger (let’s call him CH) has rented a car for the whole week (USD 160.00).  So you can guess what we do for the whole day.

Woke up by myself at six thirty mainly because the curtain was not popularly closed.  Shortly after I woke up, in the mist of trying to get back to sleep again, Colin called me up and told me that he has been awaken since four thirty.  So we went for an early breakfast.

(Met up two guys from Shanghai AC during breakfast)

Oh, not to forget to mention that before we went for breakfast, I approached the reception area and asked if it was possible to move into Colin’s room.  I first asked for the supervisor.  And the girl (pretty – Italian?) actually fixed our ‘problem’ for us.  We had some nice chats and I learnt that she just came back from Italy.

The big shopping area (or ‘outlet’) will not be opened until eleven.  Therefore we took a drive to a park (Fox Lake) and had a nice walk there.  Kind of very scenic but it was a bit too brown.  Think it will look a lot better during the summer.  Met a man who was fishing which his son and his step son (from Philippine).  Talk about hookers in LA.  Kind of nice to talk to.

And had a good lunch at T.G.I. Friday’s.

The big shopping area is called Gurnee Mills.  Bought one Zippo XIII lighter with a pretty Petty Girl picture in front.  It is really pretty and come with a trading card.  The next one I bought was a dog statue for Annie.  Hope she likes it as it is pretty big.  Finally, the book – Romeo and Juliet.  With that, I hope to understand the literature better.

Wanted to go to the theme park called Six Flags but it was booked for private party.  At first felt very disappointed but we soon another place of interest.

That is another factory outlet.  Bought three ties and one pair of Timberland shoe.  It was kind of a rush as we walked into the shop ten minutes before closing.  But we got what we wanted.

Next, we head for Chicago for a pizza.  CH was tired in the middle of the drive and I had to take over (as Colin needs to direct us).  The pizza was not that good but at least we have been to Chicago.

Well, what was I thinking of for the whole day?  I kept think that my life will not be completed without a lover (and obviously you know whom I refer to).  I can try to be happy spending all the money and time doing what I like but I have no one to share the happiness with.

And I have already set my target for the coming year 1998. That is:

  • Get promoted to consultant
  • Get my Singapore Citizenship
  • Get a girlfriend
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Diary From the Attic

Let There Be … War?

Spent the whole day composing my status report.  This time I am sure I will start a war between the Technical and Functional Team.  Knowing that there will be a big meeting between the bosses of the two teams, I don’t want to know the result.

Just too much tension between the team.  And Michel is a truly racist.  Look at Claude, I feel heartbroken.  That guy was suffering with the report.  What have I done?  I never mean to cause anyone unhappiness.  And just today, everybody wanted to work with me for a few hours.  But I just didn’t have the time.  Shame.

I dined with Claude tonight.  He took me for a very long walk and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  He has shared a lot of his thinking with me and has truly enlightened my life.  The French restaurant was a very family type and the food was okay (although Claude really enjoyed it).  I will miss him for I will only be able to see him one day when I will be back in May and he will be heading to Cairo.

We smiled, shook hands, I stepped out of the Metro at Concord.  I looked back, smiled at him and gave him a final wave. Friends …

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Diary From the Attic

So You Love My Poems?

Aurore was not in the office today (and tomorrow as well) so I walked into the office pretty late.  Anyway I had nothing better to do.  Not exactly right, I need to pass the ticket number to Ginger and tomorrow will be a public holiday in Singapore.

And I have got my business class ticket to US.  Wow!

Tonight, they have arranged a birthday party (dinner) for Grace, our AC project manager and Oliver, the BNP project manager.  Coincidentally, their birthdays fall onto the same day which is tomorrow.

The dinner was at 8:30 pm.  I left the office at six and returned to the hotel in order to download the SWIFT stuffs for Alvin.  Took me quite a while.  And planned to go the WH Smith and get some English books or/and magazine.  Reached there after seven, thinking that it will still be opened but it was closed at seven. Shame, could have made it.

Took a nice walk and sat somewhere near to the restaurant.  Waited for more than an hour and the BNP project manager arrived first.

The food was nice (French food) and I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner.  Grace told me that she loves my poems.  I was speechless.  There was ten of us altogether. What a crowd!

Still thinking of the show “Romeo + Juliet” the whole day.  See, what kind of impact has it done to me ?!

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The Movie Romeo and Juliet Moves Me

Spent half a day doing an evaluation on the Technical Team.  Another half a day having MUE meeting with Sophie and discussing the matter with Michel.  That guy has a temper problem.  Personally I don’t think he can handle the design at all.  Mohamed was very curious on what I wrote on the evaluation but of course, that is confidential.  For the eye of Aurore only.

Romeo and Juliet was on today, therefore I called up the BNP team.  In the end, Karin, Puyee (?) and Munchie came along.  All the literature was there.  At first it was kind of strange to mix the modern setting with the old literature but as the story went along, you kind of get use to it.

Romeo was very cute (and handsome) and Juliet was very sweet.  A very sad ending.  Indeed, just too sad.  It has such an impact on me!

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Kids, More Kids

Called up Annie this morning and I think that her personally life is not a lot better than mine.  Think about all the loneliness.  She commented that the new friends she made in Singapore is nothing compare to the old ones.  Yes, I agree.  In that case, doubt if I can get a girlfriend better than … oh no!  Not again!

The people around me in the office, so many of them are having kids.  Small kids.  That makes me really long for a family of my own.

As for the new guy Federick, don’t think I know him well yet.  Maybe one day.  And today, I can feel that Aurore may dislike me.  Probably because of the result of the status report.

Come to think of it, it could have been very nice if JP and I actually work out.  My house.  My house.  And that’s lost.  Think about the physical separation.  With her, we are complete.  Without her, well …

Today, I have received the study version of Revelation from Athena.  She is really nice.  Really nice.

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What Have I Gained in Paris?

Monday.  First day in the “new” office with two FX guys as Eric (the third one) is having a one week holiday.  Pretty quiet and made a few phone calls.  First one to UOB and finally found out that one of my card’s mailing address has not been changed.  That is why.  Second phone call to IRA and extended my deadline til June 27.

Francis called me up and I am sill very undecided about my future.  As he said that I will “shine” if I stay with VTF.  Oh god, really don’t know.

Nope, Mylene Farmer’s new concert album has not been out yet.  Felt really lonely today.  First, spent one hour at FNAC and went to a Tunisian Restaurant.  What have I gained in Paris?

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Killing Time

I couldn’t really sleep last night.  Gone to bed at 10:30 pm and woke up at 2:30 am.  And I couldn’t go back to sleep.  Got up, obsessed with my coming broadcast and tried to go back to sleep at six.  Couldn’t.  Hence ordered breakfast.

Eventually, woke up at noon.  Nice sunshine today.  Desperate to go out and bathed in the sun.  Contemplating whether to call the BNP guys or not but I didn’t.

Sunglasses on, I went done to Châtelet-Les-Halles and decided to watch “Blood and Wine”.  Took the same route as Claude took me to 2 days ago.  Had lunch at one very nice bar.  Actually planned to watch the show at six in the afternoon but I couldn’t wait no more.  Just too much time.  Hence watched it at four instead.

Very good show.  It’s Jack Nicholson.  Went to Virgin store and walked aimlessly at the busy street of Champs-Elysees.  In the end, decided to go back to Châtelet and had my Japanese food.

Been thinking of my future house all the time.  Suddenly I remember one of the reason of coming back to Paris was to be able save some money for my future home (+ decorations and so on).  Shame that things do not always work out the way they suppose to be.