By Friday

I know it's a bit late but here is the picture I took with my w810i, near my home on my way to work on Friday (2 days after the coup)

The usual traffic jams of BKK

As you can see the traffic had went back to normal, which means most people did not seems to be overly concern or panic by the coup. Everything seems peaceful thus far, although the news said that the soldiers were exhausted by the overwhelming people who went to see them. They said that some of the men have to carried hundreds of children to take photograph with and many appear to be exhausted.

On the front page of one of the local newspaper, therei s a wedding photo of a newly wed in Chaing Mai with the backdrop being a tank and a soldier on top of it. I guess this is 'The One and Only' that could only happen in Thailand :)

The Peaceful Coup

So far the coup has been a very peaceful events. After browsing through several sites I found these links that I would like to share to you guys :)

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O4727569/O4727569.html
http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O4726730/O4726730.html
http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O4727592/O4727592.html
http://www.behindxtreme.com/webboard/bhx/html/06173.html (In this one, it looks almost like Children's Day in Thailand when the military will open their forts for children to see their machines and equipments)

It does not matter if you cannot read Thai, the photos tell all ;) Many posters comments how foreign press paint a rather terrifing image of the events while in fact, it seems that everything will be back to almost normal by tomorrow.

Some people still caution about how the coup will played out, many still remember what happen last times, although the atmosphere of this times is quite different.

The Day After

In case any of you readers has no TV :p, click here to find out what happen yesterday.

So far things are calm and placid, almost everything are running like usual like phone, internet, public transportation and later TV. Except for government works, schools and banks. Even my office is close today, but not my section :p I wondered if I can charge my work tonight with public holiday O.T. ...

As per Torn's concern :)) Both my house and my office are far away from the hotspots so I am not in harms way. Plus there was no news of any violent occurance so far, so everything seems to be in order.

Rumour has it that the now ex-PM has planned a coup, so this current coup is to countered the ex-PM's plan. As the ex-PM has made an urgent announcement from US yesterday on local channel 9 to depost the Royal Thai Army commander-in-cheif who is also the leader of this coup just before the coup happens.

A Coup in BKK

Nope I am not joking, as you can probably see on CNN and BBC and probably all over the world news mediums now. There is a Military Coup happening right now in BKK.

The ridiculous part (or not when you think of the nature of the coup) is that I actually first know that this is happen now is from Kitjar who told me that it is happen at and told me turn on the local TV channel 9. I did and saw nothing on there except some video with the 'I love the King' theme on most of the channel, so at least I know something is happen alright. Then I turn on CNN and it was the big news break.

In my opinion this is rather stupid... Military Coup in this days and ages will not help the country's image as much as hurting it. Begins with tourism, economy and a whole lot more... Not to mention people who have to travel...

The Parted Pathway

I seems to almost reach a turning point in my life...

I can see that... not very far in the future I would have to choose whether I will stay in my comfort zone (albeit, some adjustment career wise) or move far away for a chance of make a living in another area. I am sorry for being vague about all this but nothing is certain at this point and I don't want to speak of things before hands (and besides you never know who is reading this despite the lack of popularity of my blog :P).

I guess I should mention that I still live with my mom. In a way my situation might be close to that movie 'Failure to Launch' in that I have not given much thought regarding moving out to live on my own. There are benefits of living with your family of cause and I have not earn enough money to considered moving out also to added that my mom still find me useful with grocery shopping and being buffer between her and my younger brother :PP.

Therefore the prospect of moving far away to study for a Nurse degree can be quite scary for me. I suppose it is all came down to the fact, that despite being a Buddhist, I am very attach to my belongings. I guess in the end, just one suitcase won't be enough considering how long I will be away.

I know that I have to do something soon, before I get out of my mind with my current work hours. But I am not certain whether I will like being a nurse or not although I know that if I be one, it would be easy for me to move easily to any country I wants and find a job (nurse are always in needs right?). And if you were wondering why I did not doing a nurse degree in BKK, since it would be cheaper and I won't have to move. Well, due to my current work schedule which is 3 working nights and 3 off nights, it just impossible to fit any other regular program into it. Plus I don't trust myself with science classes, especially chemistry...

If I move away, I will be staying with MD in his apartment and I am counting on him to help tutoring me on some of the subjects as well. Not to mention it is the chance for me to tried to live on my own, as I should do sooner than later...

As well as the chance to find myself a man :P Since I only fancy GWMs, it is tough to find a decent, single gay man with the looks like Torn in BKK. In a way, it is a numbers game but the odds will be better when I move that's for sure...

I still have my doubts but I still also have time to ponder on the choices. Although I think I know what I choose to do...

Thank you, Tornwordo :)

I notice a few days ago that Tornwordo of the famous Stickycrows Blog had added a link to my blog on his list ^O^

I had been visiting his blog almost daily ever since Scotty mention Stickycrows Blog. Not to mention how I like Torn's looks :ppp The man is quite my type... hehe

Too bad by the time I check out his blog he seems to stop participating in Half-Naked Thursday.. (darn it) :P

Anyhow I would like say I felt honoured to to have be linked to your blog :)

Office Fixing

Sometimes it makes me wondered, how could something that seems so obvious has not been dealt with at a more proper times.

Such as what happen in my office right now... The room that I work in also has a security guard section within the room which has been closed off from the rest of the section. The room is quite cramped and not of a lot of air circulation, so they decided to have the room expanded. What's wrong with this picture then?? The room has been use for about a month before we moved in and we been moved in for like a month now... So the expansion were commence while I am in the room as well!! All of this would not annoyed me all that much has it not been to the fact that it happen on the spot where my desk is (or rather Was!)

What strikes me as rahter unusual is that why the architect who draw up the blueprint could not see that the room is not quite fit for human condition?? And even so that they have to do this construction while the room is in use.

Is this a common practice for big company? To repeatedly rebuilding the office floor, instead of perhaps listening to the people who would be using that room and make it according to their job and preference and rather be done with it in the first two tries??

Is this not a common sense?

It's The Heat...

It's been strangely blazing hot in BKK for several days now. It is utterly indescribale how difficult it is for me to fall asleep in this condition on top of my usual restless state . Especially after I came back from work in the morning.

It was HOT HOT HOT and I mean BKK Summer time like heat. My room is next to the main road so it is definately noisy. The light coming into my room rouse my disdain as if I am vampire. Good thing I ask my mom for an unused banner, now I hang it on my windows to block the light and it definately an improvement for me to sustain my sanity. From all things considered... I think I might skip CSI: Miami tonight for, hopefully what would be, 16 hours of sleep before my working 4 nights in row.

I hope the weather would improve by then...

The Good and The Bad

I just got back from the Dentist and here the the verdict.

The Good? I got no cavities, and the health of my teeth and gum in general are quite good although the dentist said I should do flossing.

The Bad? Since I got no cavities, the dentist think the culprit might be my wisdom tooth. The X-ray shows that I have a big wisdom tooth horizontally nudging against the last tooth on the lower right side. So she recommend to have it taking care of, which means the minor surgery to take out the tooth.

Needless to say I am quite disturb by the news. Although it's not the first times I have been told that I need to take care of this. I sort of... well... I have been avoided to do anythink about this... It's going be relatively major for me, since it will be the first times I ever get cut open.

But the thing is... If I wait too long to do this and if I need to take care of it when I get older, it's going to be harder to recuperate and all...

So I think my solution would be, to see if the sensitivities still happens after a few more days. Then I will decided whats to do... I will be taking some days off from work afterward if I do it. Since I don't think I will be in the mood for work during the recuperating period.

To the Torture Chamber

Well... another exaggeration, but it's not far from the truth which is I need to go to see Dentist.

One of my tooth became sensitive when I drink cold water, which is a good indicator that the trip to dentist is imminent. I used to go to the Dentist clinic that belongs to a friend of my mom (at least that what I think it is) but they are quite expensive. Although it seems that the quality fit the price. So I am going to another clinic that my younger brother went to and said that they are not so expensive and the quality is not too bad. He went to see them once and need to have 20 fillings and they charge him lumsum for 3,000 baht, which is considerably cheap.

I will post what happen at the dentist tomorrow :)

Multiple Shower Buddies

As titilating as the title may sounds, unfortunately it refers to my several bottles of shower gels.

Is it common to have more than one kind of shower gels in your bathroom? Ever since I switch to shower gel several years ago, I tend to end up with more than one bottle of shower gel at one times. Whenever I shower, it seems that I prefer different scent of shower gel each times depend on my mood. Right now I have chocolate truffle butter shower milk, Boots' orange citrus essentials shower scrub, Johnson & Johnson baby milk baht, and the new Lux mediterranean mineral shower gel :))

I often use the Chocolate butter one mix with J&J milk baht, since the chocolate milk one didn't smell as nice once it's been lathered :P But mixing with the milk bath it smell quite Ok :)
As for Boots' Orange citrus shower scrub, it smell very nice orange citrus smell and it lasted quite long :) It's good when you use it everynight as the scent will stuck on your bed too :)

So, lemme ask this to a few of you guys who read my blog, is it common to have more than one shower gel in your bathroom? :)

The Long Overdue Benny News post

I meant to do this post for quite a while now (now that I check my email, it's been a month alraedy, arghh...) But then, I had my own issues and this is My blog so there ya go...

So the update on Benny (click on the name if you don't know what I am talking about). He is doing fine and now sue his parent and the hospital with abduction and wrongful imprisonment. Click here to see the news on Taiwanese newspaper website. It was all in chinese though but if you scroll down a bit you will see some illutration details Benny's account of the event that leads him to end up in hospital for 2 months and how he stay defiant until the judge released him. Here is another news post at PlanetOut.com Click here for the news.

MusicMan told me that Benny had became a sort of celebrity in Taiwan with what happen to him and that he is on TV a lot as well. So he is doing well considered what happen to him.

Lady in the Water

I have been waiting to see this movie since I saw the preview. And eventually saw it on the first week of it's release here in BKK.

The movie is... not Shayamalan typical movie, as in there was no huge plot twist, no huge surprise at the end. I think it still quite an ok movie, although it seems a bit... off. The opening scene (after the epilogue part) is quite funny :) As the movie progress, I find it odd that Giamatti's character believe the girls rather fast and not even questions the girl's identity. I do like the multi-culteral vibe of the casts though, the whole movie has a great mixture of tenants of various backgrounds and it serve as a colorful backdrop to the movie. The main female protagonist herself stars by Ron Howard's daugther Dallas Howard. I must say that her acting is quite good, she does a job being mystic being.

However, at the end, the movie seems to lack a certain element to make it a great one. I am not sure what it is... perhaps it's how the movie seems too straight forward than it should be or perhaps I have a preconception that this is a Shayamalan's movie and that it would be more complex than usuals.

In the end, it was an Ok movie, not as good as it should be (considered the stars and the director). I had seen a more 'together' movie :)

Also the time that I went to see the movie, there was an elder couple sitting not far from me and they were talking during most of the movie... It was annoying as hell but I just didn't have the heart to tell them off... Unfortunately, the staring doesn't not help either...

Tomorrow to MBK

My plan tomorrow, since MusicMan already have a plan for Sunday at noon (a date to go see Fashion show, darn him :p), is to go to MBK Mall again to visit my regular game shop, this times to exchange the CDs I already bought.

The last times I was at MBK Mall I had, acquired :), Dungeon Siege II: Broken Sword, the expansion of DSII. It was available in both DVD (the original included) and the CD version (on BS, 1 CD). Since I had got the first one already, so I bought the CD version just to save some money. However, when I got home and rummage through my games collection and found the CDs. Three of them are 'mass produce' CDs while one was CD-R (as one of the mass produce original was bad). The mass produce had gone bad somehow... both computers I tried them on did not see the CDs at all, while the CD-R one was working just fine.

I called the game shop to tell them about this, the owner is very kind and tell me to bring the CDs in for exchange for the DVD version instead (I bought the original 4 CDs version from them since about last year so she is very kind about this) Also when I call her again today to tell her taht I will be there tomorrow she said to also brought one of my purchase so she can make a copy of it for another customer :)

And perhaps I might get a haircut tomorrow also...

My Day with MusicMan

My Friend, MusicMan, had some free time today so we meet up so I can show him where can he shop for the stuff he wants.

First stop was Pantip Plaza, the man was really entralled by the place :) I am surprise when he said that he never been to Pantip Plaza before but not surprise when he added that he will definately come back and spend a whole afternoon just walking around, not to mention the eye candies for him :p He said he wants to look for small TV, adaptors for his music intrusment, blank CDs and cell phone. The first three is best to browse in Pantip while the last item is best to go to MBK. I lead him to the blank CDs area on the second floor, in which he take a liking to BenQ CDs as it has musical instrument printed on top. He end up buying a 50 piece box of that :). And after we check out a few places for Adaptors and small TV, MM announce that he wants to buy the cell phone (the same one that I have, I saw what it can do for him the last times we meet and he really like it :))

So we headed outside the building and hail a cab, it was a short ride to MBK mall. I took him to the shop that I bought my phone from. When we arrive at the shop, it was close. However, when I was talking to MM and thinking about what to do, the shop owner is walking toward us so I walk up to him and ask if he's here to open the shop. He said yes and that they were just came back from paying respect to the ancestor day (Chinese tradition). And then the purchase process begins.

After some testing and so on, MusicMan is now a proud owner of Sony Ericcson w810i :D. After the purchase was complete, MusicMan began to complain about started to get claustophobic (the mobile phone area was indeed quite crowded and MBK are generally crowded mall with heavy foot traffic already). So he excuse himself to split as he is due to work in studio as well.

It was fun hanging out with him :) Although he had brough his slave with him, so I wasn't comfortable enough to grope him :P But I will see him again, hopefully this Sunday, as he might visit JJ Market (the famed weekend market). Then I will have him in my room so I can show him some stuff on my computer as well as hook his phone up to my computer for some materials transfer :)

Whose Line is it Anyway

Ever since my English listening skill is up a point where I can make sense of American and British TV shows, I began to enjoy 'Whose Line is it Anyway'

I remember saw it on TV sometimes whne I was younger but I couldn't understand it as it was aired without the subtitles. But after I no longer need that, Ohh.. boy :)



This one I never seen before but man it's HILARIOUS. There is an old saying in Thai that laughter is a key to longivity, boy the people who work on this show must lead a long life indeed!

Happy Birthday to Me...

Yeap it is my Birthday today, and yet I am stuck in the office till morning... Not to mention I have to come to work again in the early evening later... It is quite a final straw for me that I no longer wants to work in this position... Sadly that did not translate into options of already have a new job so I can bargain my way out of this one... Due to my current situation... I need some rejoicing moments but I guess that have to comes later.

So I will quietly celebrate my birthday with a bar of Cadbury milk chocolate. Any real meal have to wait till later when I have time...

Several of my friends bid me happy birthday via internet (IMs and email) Two calls on my cell phone to say Happy Birthday :) At least I knew I have a friend who would at least send me appreciation message. Although a job offering would not hurt too ^O^

Dimmed Light

I called the job agency in the morning after I got home from work and got the answer regarding the job interview... They said FOrd has filled teh position with their own candidate... So one hope shot down permanently... At least I am no longer in suspend about the job.

There is another lead from another job agency, a translator job in Chonburi area. I hope that at least I will have the interview at least... Because I know I can do the job and my English skill added to my impression of Japan culture from the large amount of mangas I hjad over the years, should made me a good contender... Despite the prospect of moving, when the time came... I will be nicely compensated...

I will call the job agency after weekend followup on the progress.

My apologies to the few of my regulars readers and several passerbys (if you ever stop to read my blog) that my posts lately are not of happy events (if you wanna read about happy time, check out the posts about my Japan trip on the sidebar)... It just how it happen... If you have any suggestion or better yet, solid job leads that would help my situation a LOT :) See how desperate I am that I even trolling for job on my own blog?

After the interview.

I had my job interview yesterday... I am not certain how I perform though...

The interview is more concentrate on my current job, like what are my duties, how I handle the problems, how do I deal with them and so on... I think I portrait myself as a pracmatic type... (when ask about mistake, I said something about mistake is only the matter of when it will happen and how we learn from it and don't repeat the mistake.)

In the end, I ask when will I know the results, the interviewer reply within two weeks and I will be notified via the job agency that referred me.

After all said and done, right now I felt like sleeping my life away again... I hate to have to wait for two weeks... I just hope I will get the job...

Also my mom has pushing the idea of study aboard (in this case it's Australia)... The idea itself is quite lovely... The real issue would be the money and whether I can study western style (research, homework, papers and reports, study at Abac is not much different from my highschool years in my opinion) and work the real labour task (waiters, flyers handling etc.). Also, I am not sure how well I will manage, living on my own...

My mom was right in saying that if I wants to do this I have to this now (or real soon) considered my age, my singleness and so on... I agreed that, disregarding my career, I am in my prime of my life. If I wants to do something more labour intensive it has to be now (or real soon) and not five years later. It's, perhaps, all came down to the fact that I am very reluctant to leave my nest to face the uncertainty... not to mention how I like the easy lifestyle and not the thrill seekers one...

Glimmer at the end of the Tunnel

Yesterday I finally took off to the job agencies to apply myself for their service, I had been to one of these before but it was a waste of time since I got nothing from them. Anyhow things seems more fruitful this times.

The first one is located in Asoke area, the office looks quite posh and as the woman on the phone mention, it's specialize in placing people in Japan companies. So it was not a surprise to see a couple of Japanese in their office as well. After I complete the whole processes (writing applications and interviews) the interviewer (young Japanese woman, whom I might say speak with a little worst English than I do ;P) said they will be in touch soon with job leads.

The second one is in Silom area, the office looks rather iffy. There was a car parking on the ground floor with stairs leads up to quite a tiny office. I have to complete quite a few test for them including typing (I learned that I actually could type about 50wpm in English and 23wpm in Thai which I think both are better than average thanks to my extensive training from internet chatting and online gaming), test paper on marketing and MS Office. And complete the whole process with an interview in English. The interviewer, a woman who might be the agency owner, interview me in English. I think I did quite well in impressing her with my English skill that she told me to went to one of her staff to tell them to set me up for interview for a customer service (said to be doing paper works to continue some license for clients) at Ford. And when I actually went to see that staff, he told me there is another job that I could go to, a job as network admin (to work in the server room that's what he said) and the good thing is that he said they are willing take in new graduated which means they will provide the training. The best part is that both job will pay almost the same amount that I got now, which would be better since I will actually be an employee this times (if I could landed the job).

I left the agency feeling quite giddy about the whole prospect of things. It felt as if I got two job offerings not interviews but I have to try to control my feelings. After all, I has not even have the interview yet. Not to mention I have to also keep in minds that sometimes they choose no one from the applicants pool at all.

Still the whole prospects of things seems to help with my condition a bit, as one oe my friend said, now I have a more tangible hopes to hang on to. Also I will post an update regarding Benny in a few days, he is getting a lot of press in Taiwan now and a few gay news site had pick up his story as well!!

Borderline Depression

I had discuss my recent bouts of negative thoughts while at works with several of my friends. One defied my feeling with a word that seems to hit home straight on, and that word is 'despair'

I suppose it was a combined result of my impending birthday, the less chance of seeking employment in another establishment with me getting older and the possiblity of having to answered phone for the rest of the year, when the company execute their new system which will replace the system I work on.

Earlier today, I had chat with The MD as well (the New Yorker MD, whom we stop being friend for a while over a dispute regarding C++ Complier software). He had first hand experienced with depression and after I explain my symptoms and condition to him. He forward me a link to a short quiz page on official Prozac website. I got 53 points, in which the prompt said if your score is above 50 you should print out the questions with your answers and bring it with your physicians. When I mention this to MusicMan he doubt the validity of the results, since it is Prozac owned site which might push the results a bit so they could sell more drugs. But it is also true that I did not feel well.

So The MD told me what I already suspected, that I am borderline depress. He also added that he was not sure whether my work situation as a whole cause my depression or that my depression cause all these negative feelings toward my job.

Today I feel better than how I felt yesterday, I guess it's because I had discuss my feelings with mom (although I didn't mention my depression since I doubt she would understand my condition, she is a tough woman afterall), my friends and even shed a few tears out of frustration when chatting with The MD.

Now it is halfway done before I complete my 3 days shift and having a 3 days off... I will have time to go to a manpower service. I hope this one can help me out... So far none of my friends were able to help me with a solid leads or job offering. I can't blame them though, since not all are at the position to hire people or knowing people. Right now I just NEED all the helps I can get... Sometimes it felt like I am wildly reaching for helping lines but none are tangible... At least not yet...

One way to cure your sorrow

I found this clip on a Thai site but it didn't have the embedded code like youtube. So I tried my chances and found the same clip. If you are in need of a laugh or a lift in your spirit. Take a look at this clip :)



Also, I would recommend you turn off the streaming of the clip below this post. Otherwise, it would sound rather odd :P

End of the road

Gladys Knight Lyrics

Gladys Knight Music Video Codes

Music Video Codes by VideoCure.com

This is one of rarest music video in my opinion. The song is the well-known one 'End of the Road' originally sang by Boyz II Men and now covered by one of the lady of R&B Gladys Knight. I fall in love with her version the first times I saw it on cable TV almost ten years ago. However, there was no direct version of this song anywhere only the medley version in her album "Just For You". I am able found and able to download the song from the net :) It was quite a hassle to download but boy I triump pt over the challenge of all the blocking attempt from the host. Now I will be able to rip the song for my mp3 player and as well as convert the song to be play on my cell phone :D

Soon it will be morning

When I am down from whatever reason, one of the 'pick me up' method that I use was listen to my music collection. One of the song in particular would perk my spirit up nicely when I need it the most. The song is a thai song from 'The Peach Band' - 'Soon it will be morning'. It was a second single of the band's first album. I did not like it at first but then it grow on me. The song has an upbeat and light melody with the lyrics talking about how the bad things will soon go away and all will be right again. Sure, it was not very realistic thing to put your mind to but sometimes you just need to hold on to that thoughtm just ot made it through the day.

Soon it will be morning, soon it will be new day.
And it will not be as bad it was today.
Soon it will be over, all will be right
And in this time, you are here with me
taking me through this nightmare
Soon all will be alright.

Above is part of the lyric from the song, translated by me. It maintain the meanings of the song in Thai language, more or less. If you are interested in the song, feel free to leave me comments :)

Sad True Story

I had just got home from work and logon to my MSN. I saw my friend MusicMan online so I chat him up and he relay to me a shocking story of his ex-bf in Taiwan.

He told me that ex-bf, Benny, his parents drugged his drink and made him unconscious. When he woke up he was in a mental hopsital and he was locked up for two months because he was gay! His parents also went to a judge to have him declare crazy but the good judge went to hospital to release him instead. He was released yesterday and now he homeless with nothing. His parents took everything out of his apartment. Now MusicMan said Benny is looking into the law to get his possessions and his life back.

MusicMan also added that Benny love drama, he also mention that Benny was on TV to tell his story. Therefore I would like to ask any readers to spread this story. You can put it up on your blog or website and give credit to this blog or put up a link to this post. Also if anybody know gay advocate group who might wants to have this news please leave email me and I will forward any information to MusicMan.

More thoughts on Depression

I meant to put the content on this post on the previous post but sometimes thoughts just slip through me like smoke (darn the aging process, but then I think I am, more or less, been like this most of the times)

My bouts of mild depression give me a bit of insights regarding depression. At the moment that it happens to me, the negative feeling was overwhelming, swepting quite strongly and it felt as if it's not going to end.

Now what I felt, may or maynot be depression. However, I can slightly emphatize to those that got hit by the real deal. I can see why it is a serious matter that need to be treated correctly and as fast as you can. And I can also say that if you stuck in depression state, you cannot just shake it off either. I would agreed with Brooke Shields in that you need to treat this right away with medication. No time to waste on vitamins and minerals adjustment like Tom Cruise said :p

Bouts of Depression

Lately I seems to be experincing bouts of mild depression. It was strong negative feeling that swept through me, usually it came during my worknights. I guess it was results of exhaustion from lack of sleep combine with the feeling of being unappreciated in the rather dead-end job.

Usually when I am having these depression, I have a feeling of disdain and the-hell-with-the-job and wants to quit. Then after I return home, got a couple of hours on my computer and sleep, all is well again.

I suppose the remedy for this condition of mine is a new promising job with decent paid...

Living on Yogurt

It's been a long time since I made the yogurt post without realizing I would be living off of it not long after I got moved to 12 hours shift.

Thinking back, it never occured to me that this new product, Dutchies 0% Fat Green Apple flavoured, will becmae one of my main late night meal almost up to 2 out of the 3 nights I worked. It was either that or S&P chieck pie and mushroom puff or instant noodle. So considering my choices, three cups of yogurt seems to be the most healthy choice of all. Also that I usually do my eating about 2 hours before I go home it seems to be the best choice of food.

But I can't jsut always eat them darn it!! So tomorrow I will bring with me some thai flavour instant noodle instead *evil laugh* I need my spice fix every now and then.

Money issue and the rest days...

The verdict was out regarding my wages. In short, I am screwed regarding the day offs. In a bit more details, it means that I no longer have the weekend paid anymore. Now that I work 3 days and 3 days off, if I came to work on my 3 days off for any reason, I would get paid normally.

Is it fair? For the employers maybe, for me? Hell No!! This means I no longer have day off slots on my timesheet, except for the public holiday. This is no way to raise moral of the employees...

Regardless of that bad news... The days off are now desperately needed to made me feel like human again. Lately I began to felt akin to Paul's situation of all works and no play made me a really moody guy. But darn... the job paid quite well, if you disregard the fact that it's a deadend job and that we have been in this position for close to 10 years, and I do need to money...

If only I have a rich sugar daddy... I could go to work with the devils-may-care attitude and could countered any one who cross my ways

The Yellow Power

Yesterday was my last holiday before going back to work so I spend the day entertaining myself at home and only go outside to grab a meal at the shopping mall near by. In the spirit of celebretion for our beloved King, I wore the only yellow t-shirt I have. I hope it doesn't look too inappropriate because it's of the movie 'Kill Bill' :pp

Anyhow, when I finally out of the house and walking to the shopping mall, a lot of people wore yellow t-shirt as well. I would say that about 70% of the people inside the shopping mall (except the salespersons who may or maynot wore yellow according to the store policy) also wore yellow t-shirts. Many were the ones with the royal emblem as well as the word 'We Love The King' or just any yellow shirt that they already have.

It was a great sight to see, I would say it is once in a life time events in the world to see how Thais people appreciate the King and show their supports in quite a unison ways.

Such a lovely sight to see indeed!

Bigger and Larger

I did my purchase, not as I originally intended but almost as good. I decide against going to the ComMart expo since I figured that any shops that went there would not bring large harddisk, as it is not really mainstream despite the going price. And I think I made the right choice since when I visit one of the shop I knew in Pantip (this shop is probably one of the oldest shop there, it's been there started by selling pirated softwares and games in diskette) The owner remembers me and we chat a bit. She told me that this times the expo is concentrated on notebooks, so most of what shows there will be notebooks and little else.

After walking around Pantip for a while looking at all the price, I decided to follow one of my friend's advice to get Maxtor brand. There seems to be only a few shop that carried Maxtor harddisk for some reason... Perhaps it's because Seagate had up the stake by increase the usual gauranteed time to 5 years. Still... I decided that a longer working harddisk with shorter guranteed is better than the vise versa scenario.

I went back to the shop that I had my latest upgrade with them. After telling the salesperson what I want, he told me that 300 Gb harddisk would not be recognise by most mainboard yet. They can manage that but it will required for me to take the machine to them and it would take all day. Since I did not carried my computer with me, nor I would wants to, now that I knew it just one harddisk that cause all the problems.

So after all said and done, I bought Maxtor 250Gb IDE for 3,500 baht. Which might be for the best since Maxtor IDE harddisk have 133 cache compared to the 150 of normal S-ATA. I had some experince with installing IDE and none of S-ATA.

After I got home I install the drive into my dusty computer case with the newly bought scrwedriver. I was a bit worried at first since the harddisk did not show up on the BIOS loading screen but after XP has loaded up, it recognise the new harddisk right away and after the startup has finish the harddisk is ready to be use (read filled up *wink* *wink*)

Light at the end of the Tunnel

It's been a hell of a week for me... Beginning with the woe at work, woe at home, and also added salt to my wounds, I lost my money that I just withdraw from ATM yesterday! I just stuff it in my pants pocket and it must have drop out somehow... Also I accidentally press my ATM card on the magnet of my wallet, thus rendered it useless. I had to spend about an hour at the bank (and it just open) waiting to get a new one.

One good thing that came out from the comptuer problem is that I got to update Trillian. Now it can open yahoo mail without asking for password again.

I also able to nail down the actual culprit that cause my computer woe. It is my oldest harddrive. I unplugged the power cable from it and now my computer is back to normal. So the good news that I don't need to carried the whole thing to Pantip. The bad news (or perhaps a good news in regard that I get to do a lil' shopping :P) is probably that I have to spend money on a new drive.

There will be another ComMart expo tomorrow. I will plan my day so I have time to check out the price both at Pantip and at Commart. The price at ComMart is surely to be cheaper than Pantip slightly...

The End of My Shift

Tonight will be last shift, before having three days off as it would then be my co-workers shift. I can't wait for the night to be over as I really need some me time. Not only for rest but also to fix my computer.

As in my two previous posts, I had realize I still have a few check ups I should be doing. However, those check ups require a screwdiver, an essential tools for computer guy like me, which has conveniently disappear from my room eons ago. No sweats, I will get one tomorrow after I had my sleep when I got home later. Perhaps this times I would find a place to keep it and not losing one again.

My last check ups scheme would be, to open the computer case and unplugged the power cable from one of the smaller harddisk. This way I will know if the problem is power is not sufficient due to power supply failure for real or not. So far I am able to determine that after the computer has been use for a while, any usage that lead to utilizing explorer will lead to freeze up.

I hope I can get to the bottom of this with not much fuss...

Found the Culprit (Hopefully)

After try out many methods to find out what actually went wrong on my computer, I eventually narrowed it down to power supply.

One of my acquaintance who works in IT customer service dept. had stop by the office today and I ran the problem by him. He also agreed that problem must be in the power supply and that four harddisk is too much.

Therefore, when I have day off this Thursday, I will carried my CPU to Pantip plaza and shop around for a harddisk and perhaps also a power supply...

It's a relieve to know what's wrong with the computer, however the solution seems to require money... Something I did not want to spend at this moment...

My Serious Computer Woes

It all began a few days ago. I woke up after being asleep for about 6 hours and play on my computer a bit. I open Trillian to check mail and people online and chat with Kitjar about the trouble at woke. After a while trillian freeze up and everyelse began to do so. I couldn't kill the process nor the order the shutdown of the computer. I eventually have to press the power button for 5 seconds to cut off the power (not recommended in normal circumstances).

At first I thought it was the software acting up, but after looking more closely and several more reboots later. I conclude that the problem seems to be the harddisk which is my oldest one of all four that I have. The harddisk is still accessible after being reboot so I thought the harddisk might start breaking down. Therefore I began bac up stuff to one of more empty drive.

However, yesterday another drive began to acting the same way, I thought heck this is awful, two drive in such a close proximity of time? It is just like what happen to the first one and I follow the same routine. thinking I Could retired both drive of 40GB and get a new 200gb instead.

But today, just before I left for work. My third drive began to acting up as well. This lead me to another conclusion that my first diagnostic would be wrong. Now the problem seems to somewhere else. I would have to eventually open the cover and check out if there is anything I can do, otherwise I would have to carried it all the way to Pantip plaza.

Now I felt like the world is really conspired against me...

A Lot Bigger Deal Than I Thought...

I jsut got a call from my office just a while ago. It turns out that the news of my mistake yesterday went up the directorS (the S is because it went to at least two directors, of finance (the user) and of IT (my dept.)).

I thought since it was fixable (as mention in previous post) it would not became a real serious matter but then it did. Since it involve the accounting system. So my mistakes were the mistake itself, not logging it and report to my supervisor.

My supervisors (not the same person that fix my mistake) were very understanding, that due to the nature of my job, mistake happens This would be my second official warnings (although I felt like I have been singled out for this, I did made the mistakes afterall). So there will be some punishment, I am not sure what that would be yet. I hope the worst would be some cut in the paycheck... Otherwise the alternative make my life seems bleak. But if it were going to happen it might be the push I need to look for a new job.

Right now I felt withdrawn and worn out, that you usually feel when it felt like the world had conspired against you (I know it wasn't that but still... I can't shake that awful 'Why Me' feeling...) And also sleepy... It would be nice if this is just a bad dream and once I went to bed and wake up again all would be well... But I know it aint's and I would have face whatever the tomorrow (the wait of punishment is a real bitch) will bring.

Also... None of close my friends were in Thailand now... Nordic went away to visit his family, Mr. American had became a traveling businessman and has not return yet, and MusicMan (I am not sure I had mention him in my blog or not, he is a musician :P) went abroad to do his work till August. Not to mention that, how I wish I have a boyfriend in a time like this... I felt like I need to hold on to a strong body and sob out my frustration.

In The Hot Seat, Again...

I can't believe it... I made another mistake in my work again... And on a crucial step to boots...

Lucky for me, my boss go easy on me this times (perhaps due to exhaustion as she still in her office when I call which is already after the office hour), plus she could manaully fix the problem. Otherwise we would lost about 3 hours to rollback the data to restart the process.

This happen just when I planned to do a post, about my bitter-sweet feelings when I open the reciept for my half month wages.

Sweet because it was more than what I used to earn from a whole month. Bitter because it translate to how many hours I have been in the office...

Still... I suppose it's nothing that a nice meal at an Italian or Japanese restuarant won't fix...

Crazy Dominos in Oblivion

Lately I had been obsess with the Mod (alteration plugin for game) for Oblivion, that I visit the official webboard quite often to check out the new mods as well as the update of the older ones.

And tonight I came across this particular video from a signature of someone on that webboard.



This is probably an actual recording from within the game. I know for fact that the game engine has the ability to perform a task like this (which make arranging items on shelf or display such annoying task). I figured that the person who made this must utilize the Construction Set software and add all the books and contrapment before hands before play it in the game. The hard part is to defy the phychic in the game or rather 'the ball must be place at the right point so it won't move before being push' (which would happen, exp: if the object were place in the CS software in mid-air it will drop to the ground when the area is loaded up)

Feeling Better

Oh... well... No well-wishers left any comments but still... I know a few of you guys care so here is the update.

My back is feeling a lot better, still felt lik it's 30% more to back to normal. Last night I had to came to work to substitute for one of the operator. So this means I have to stay put in at my station at all time. Not good for the hurt back that's for sure but I survive.

Today my mom calling me from in front of my room, which has the effect of jerking me from my half-awaked, dream like state to fully awake. And to what reason she wake me up? She wants to know is I have spare computer-to-monitor-cable left. In my groggy, backaching (move to lay on my back to face her), and parched throat state, I croaked out no or something similar and get back to sleep. Since I will be working tonight as it's the begin of my three days shift again. I wondered what's the important of this cable that she had to wake me up to ask for...

Oww... My Back TOT

Today was my day off from work... Eversince the new shift began I have 2 Real dayoffs. Afterall, when ones got home from work at 8AM (shift began at 19:30, which meant wake up at 16:00), ones simply do not have the energy to go out and about and call the following day 'Day Off'.

So today I planned to went out and about for some relaxation. I bent down in my shower to pick up shaving cream bottle and felt a slight stabbing pain in my lower left side of back. I didn't felt the full affect of this at first, which is a good thing since I could finish my shaving. But once I got out? Man it HURT!!!!

I could barely walk straight not to mention sitting up right without twitching from the pain that keep shooting up every 5 minutes...

After contemplating whether I am in the condition to go out and enjoy myself or not... The answer is probably barely, I could go again later in the week, and this might be a sign (other than I need exercise) that today might not be the good day to go...

It seems that celebrex help a bit, I hope it will healed up by tomorrow since I will be back in the office again TOT

The Return of Ex-Friend MD

Tonight I receive an unexpected email from an ex-friend of mine MD (The third guy I mention in that post) with the subject sn change (he boosted about how he keep using the free AOL cds that were given away for fre in supermarket which give you free 3 months account of AOL. The practise he had been doing for the pass 3-4 years I believe).

Inside the email it stated that he had found a way for me to redeem myself and good wishing ot me and my family.

I expected that this means he need to buy some *software* from BKK again. This means I would get money from sending him stuff. So I reply to him that I have naught to require redeeming but I will hear what he wants to say.

I wondered how will he reply...

Photo, Finally!!

I know I had been slacking a bit in doing the photo and so on... But I was working so I wasn't really in the mood... Again but here it is, my new toys

The pictures on the phone are from my collections from deviantART.com

The picture below is of my new mp3 player mention in my Japan trip post.

It Finally Happen!!

The almost impossible had finally happen! I thought it would took longer but it really did happen!

No it wasn't that I finally got myself a man of my own (Darn!) But I finally cough up the dough to buy a new mobile phone :D

After much consideration and contemplation, I finally reach the conviction of buying Sony Ericcson w810i. It's price has surprising droping after the first week of May and seems to keep on decreasing which means I paid almost three thousand baht less than when it's first came out :D

I also bought the obligatory accessory of screen shield cover and black silicon protective case. I had add several game and a bunch of songs it to the phone :) It will also be my alarm clock as well :P

Portrait of the phone will be coming in a few days ;P

Japan Trip in Restrospect and The Day at Disney Sea

At first I am had gathered some thoughts to be put into this retrospect post but those thoughts has elude me now... So I had come up with some new ones in regarding this post.

As I mention in my earlier post, I wasn't exactly thrill about this trip but rather the chance of being on a trip abroad. But I was thrill nontheless, it would be my second times in Japan and this times I would be old enough to remembered where I had been.

Overall I must say that it was a good trip. It was not a shopping tour but sightseeing tour so it seems that due to the currency and other factors the program seems somewhat crammed into the limited days to make the entire trip effordable. The results was that we felt rather beats by the end of the day to go out from the hotel to explore the city. Which is quite ashame thinking that I would be able to go into some ramen place and try the real Japan ramen, while in fact when I finally entered the hotel room I rarely came out at all.

One thing that you would notice while in Japan is how clean it is in all the places. I actually saw a few janitors diligently sweep cigarrett butts and small paper pieces to clean the place up. The cleanliness of the place also apply to most toilet as well. Also 99% of the urinal that I had been in (what can I say... I seems to have small bladder and the weather was cold) use light sensors at both the urinal and the washing sink. And some looks as though it's been there for 10 years at least.

Perhaps I might edit to add more thoughts but for now here is the link to see the photo we took during the trip.

Click Here I was in one of the photo ;)

I was not going into much details of my day at Disney sea in the early post because it was quite lengthy already, however I also want to describe it in more details regarding the rides so here it is. You can read about the event that lead me to wandering in the park alone here :P

If I remember correctly I began by walking toward the left side of the park from Mediterranean Harbor into the American Waterfront, and onwards to Lost River Delta and then into Port Discovery area, then going into the mountain in Mysterious Island to see the Little Mermaid's kids area. Then looking toward the Arabian Coast which would house Aladdin and Sinbad, I turn away toward the Mediterranean Harbor again. All the while looking around to see if I could find my family

I finally reach Mysterious Island again and decided to try the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride to get out of the rain for awhile. In the que, I met several people from our tour group as well. After waiting in lines for about 20 min. it's my turn. We went into a circular shape box that looks like the old brass submarine box and off we went. There was a narration as well but it was in japanese. The ride is quite pretty with bubble floating about on the looking glass. The ride seems to base from the book of the same name focusing on the part where caption Nemo took the professor out on the sea-stride session, with the lost city of atlantis, the giant squid and ship wreck ground. At first I was convince we're actually underwater, thinking it must be quite difficult to looking after the set underwater, but upon better inspection it turns out that the looking glass was double decked and filled with water to provide the illusion.

Next I was off to the Lost River Delta to the Indiana Jones rides. I had heard about this one before on TV but this would be the first times to try it. The que seems to be quite long but actually moving steadily, near the end of line into the ride there was a safety movie in silence black and white playing on the wall complete with sound affects to make it seems like it's from an old reels movie projector. The ride itself was on a jeep shape car, I have trouble putting my sizable backpack into the safety pouch in front of me as well as putting on the safety belt since I am not sure where it is! I started to panic slightly when the car started to took off but it seems that the alarm was set when the seat that has been taken but did not use the belt. So the staff came rush in and help me putting the bag away as well as helping me with the belt. The ride itself is quite grand, inside it was quite spacious and a lot of look at. The story itself is quite new although at the end of the ride it use the trademark giant rolling stone to did the drop down with photograph moment to be purchase at the exit :)

Then I walked through Port Discovery section into the Mediterranean Harbor and walk into the Fortress. I forgot to name but it was decked out Italian renaissance style with several rooms displaying the science and discovery of that era. They have one room that shows the Time-pendullum, illusion painting, alchemy, planterium with hand-crank for each planet that you can play with, and camera obscura which reflect the sight from the harbour area. It was also connected to the pier which has a small water playground for kids and a ship to explore. This is the place I regret the most for not having my camera with me T^T

After walking out of the Fortress, I walked toward the Arabian Coast and enter the Sinbad rides. This is not the Sinbad from the cinema featured but rather the traditional story from the Arabian Nights. The ride is on a boat which sail into different room with mechanic dolls performing on the story (think Smallworld here). There were a few room that was dark to represent stormy sea and night time which made me wish I have a hunky man for a quick make out session instead of just hugging my backpack...

Then I think I took the boat ride from around there back to Lost River Deltas to explore a bit more. Eventually I found my mom again as she was about to board the monorail. After a few discussion and pried my camera back from her only to found out that the battery has ran out. She recommend the Journey to The Center of the Earth rides that I avoid at first, thinking it was one of the *wet* ride but since she said that it was not and that it's quite good. I retreat back from the line and made my way to Mysterious Island again.

The Journey to The Center of the Earth rides was probabaly base on Jules Verne's book by the same name with a nice touch of the ride, for before we were to board the rides' car we were to go into the elevator to mock the descending 1,000 feets below the surface. The ride itself is like a minor rollarcoaster with some fast moving area and drop but overall it was quite fun indeed.

Then after thinking what the heck I decided to also try the StormRider rides. This one is in Port Discovery built and design with a retro modern Jules Verne style with lots of domes and brass fittings and futuristic design, it also the design of the StormRider ride which located in the Center for Weather Control building. This is a flight simulator with you sitting in the observation deck of an advanced flying laboratory into the eye of a storm with the mission to defused it with the new storm ray gun. I would not spoiled it for everyone but it is one of the Must-Ride rides in the park :)

Into Oblivion and The Journey into Dreamfall

Oblivion

After much contemplation, I eventually bought The Elderscrolls IV: Oblivion. Due to the fact that it's predecessor Morrowwind give me motion sickness when played it over a period of time.

However, when I play Oblivion it does not happen once. I guess it's because of my better than average video card GF6600. The experince is quite similar to Morrowwind although I felt less *lost* than in MW.

As it seems to be a tradition in Elderscrolls games, you will began your journey as a prisoner before being release into the world where you can make yourself into whatever you wants to be. It is one of the more hardcore RPG game style than let's say Final Fantasy series. In ES series you can ignore the main quest and just roaming the world as you please.

The graphic in this game is phenomenal. The forest is so lush and green, add that to the Distance land feature (which allow you to see the land far away when the weather permits) the world looks alive and fresh. You will get all that only if you have good graphic card, I guess mine is quite decent and that's help with the motion sickness as well.

The real strenght of this game is the free roaming in the beautiful terrain, doubling that with the vast mod community that churn out thousands of mods to date. This game will have longer play time than most games. I enjoy visiting the ever robust Oblivion Mod forum on the official site. I must have downloaded close to 1Gb content from custom weapons, armors, quests, buildings, including graphic tweaks. One guy has made Cloud's sword from the movie Final Fantasy VII: Advent children into the game and another guy apply Dwarven texture on it. The result is one very cool looking bastard sword ever :)

Dreamfall

I have been waiting for this game eversince I heard the news of it. It finally arrive one day after I found that it is available to be download on eMule (of which I would not do since it's the size of one DVD!) as my regular game shop ring me up to tell me that it will be available tomorrow (from the dya that they call) which would be my day off as well, Yippie!!

After a quick trip to MBK mall where the game shop is, well not so quick since a friend of mine, Musicman, told me he would be in that area around the time that I go to the mall so we agreed to meet and catch up. But when I call him as I arrive at MBK, he SMS to tell me that he still in his apartment and will arrive later by one and half hour... Anyway this is about Dreamfall: The Longest Journey so I will quickly going into that :)

DF is a sort of sequal to the classic, one of the best adventure game ever made, The Longest Journey. The story take place 10 years after the first game, you will be playing as Zoë a young colleage dropout in South Africa who has a comfortable, yet without the drive to keep her going. Soon you (as Zoë) will stumble upon something that will forever change your life and had you travel Japan, US, Russia and to another world entirely in Arcadia where you will be in Marcuria, the Dark people city and a lot more.

The graphic looks great, although it seems static in some scene but overall it looks fantastic. The control take some getting used to as it is the case with most games that has been design for multiple platforms. Luckily I do own a gamepad and I ended up play the game with it the entire game. However, at first when I begin playing the game the graphic was all jumble up but the game still running. A quick search leads me to the official forum and found out that other people have the same problem as I do which came from the use of GF6600 card with the newest driver. After loading the older version of the driver and the game works fine.

The audio aspect of Dreamfall is top notch. The voice acting in particular is probably one of the best ever. Zoë speaks with distinct British accent while April spoke with her own American accent. While one male character in particular cause a slight stir in my groin with his handsome sultry voice in Irish accent ^^ To get a taste of his voice click here to download the guy's voice sample (not from the game)

The story touch on a lot of issues, it is mainly about faith which leads to many other issues up till the end. The playtime is quite short as I finish it in 3 days, probably spend about 15 hours or less. However, the ending is... it just leave things hanging loose in many levels but after I read some post on the official forum, I realize that Dreamfall meant to be just part one of the second part of the story. Hopefully, evetually part two will come out and tide up all the loose endS in this one. The writer/director of TLJ series Ragnar Tornquist has said in his blog that he will complete the story no matter what, whether through game or, god forbid, in case making the sequal is not an option he will do it by other means as he did owned it to us the fan to complete the story.

So to help making the sequal to Dreamfall (my I love that word) came as fast as possible please buy the game. Also to spread the words http://spreaddreamfall.ducaet.be/ please add this link to your site too :)

The Trip: Day Six, Tokyo->Narita->BKK

I woke up before the clock again... I guess I am getting used to the routine and then it's already time to go home... I had done all of my packing last night, and since I did not buy much (mostly small trinkets) I have rooms to spare although I think my mom forget my offers to store some stuff in my luggage.

Breakfast... If I remember correctly it's the same as the day before, we stay in the same hotel for a change afterall. This morning it is slight hectic, since it is our last day in Japan so we have to pack everything and load them into the coach bus.

Our first stop today is Narita-san temple, one of the oldest temple in Tokyo area. We arrive quite early that when I went into the main temple, there still performing the morning praying rituals. They put up floor to ceiling glass walls presumably to seperate the praying area from the front area which held the donation box and the shop.

When we walk out, me and my mom notice a group of people (who turns out to be a family of Thais, presumably from another tour group) hurdling over a shop. I went to see what they were browsing it turns out to be a charm shop manned by an elderly man. The charm is a golden color miniture hammer, like the one the god of fortune use for blessing with money. It the hammer part was hollowed and inside contain tiny golden charms in the shape of turtle, frog, gold nuggets, money, your chinese zodiac and dice. The price tag is 1,000 yens per piece, however since there were 4 people hurdling over the shop plus me and my mom, he cut the price to 800 yens and handed out the tiny frog for everone. Then my mom haggle a bit more to 700 yens and we all got that price :P I was the last one to get my hammer (as he will open the hammer to show each people what's inside as well as we have to choose them according to our chinese zodiac) I gestures him to put my frog in my hammer as well but he gestures back that the frog was meant to be put in wallet. So I take my wallet out to show him the despire state of my wallet. He gestured for me put the frog in the coin pocket and then I open it to show him that it's already ripped apart. He got a hearty laugh out of it (as was I XD)

Then we off to Umihotaru (Sea Firefly: comes from the planktons in the area which will emit fainted glow when the water surface is disturbed), an undersea tunnel connection Kawasaki to Kisarasu. Our guide told us that it took about 10 years to built this as a relieve measure to reduce the traffic in the inner area of Tokyo. However, since it took 10 years to built, during that period other measures has to be use, as a results the tunnel has became more of a sightseeing spot (it has a rest area before the tunnel went under). On one floor there were a bunch of gajapong stands and I tried a few of them :) One of the mother in the group seems to take a liking to it as well as she tried quite a few machine :)

Afterthat we stop for lunch at a Shabu Shabu place. It was... not very tasty but then it is our last meal in Japan. I guess their pork is not as tasty but their meats are. The restuarant is on the second floor while the first floor was a supermarket. When we finish our meal we have a bit of time to check it out. And we found a young woman holding her baby who turns out to be Thais. The women in our group got to talk to her a bit and learned that she got married to a Japanese man at the age of 19 and move here where her husband open an Italian restuarant closed by.

Then we off to Aeon shopping mall, our last stop in Japan, our guide said this mall is like Central Ladpraw in BKK where there is a section that runs by the mall itself and the larger section that rented out to various shops. My mom stays in the supermarket section while I check out the mall a bit, before ran into information booth asking where can I find the gajapong machines :P The lady at information said they are in the toy department and boy there must be like 30 machines altogether. I think I got about five of them, while the mother was enjoying herself over this machines and has her son exchange more bank notes into coins for her :).

Much too soon it is our time to leave to make it in time for the Narita airport. Our guide bid us goodbye and compliment us for behaving like a seasonsed tourists in abide by the morning protocol to place the luggage in front of our room so they can be loaded into the bus. For being very friendly to each other that it helps when checking who's missing as well as taking each others for shopping without relying the guides too much. Also how we, at Disney Sea, just went off on our ways into the park without asking them to lead them to each rides, and they mention how one group decided to go together as a group of 40 tourists going from one rides to another and have them running around fetching people when they are missing from the group.

And regarding to that our guide also mention how lucky our group were on several accounts. First the baht was quite strong against the yens 33-31 baht against 100 yens, how the sky clear out the morning we were going up Mt. Fuji, how there were a lot less people going to both themeparks which enable us to pretty much play on most, if not all, the rides, and also how nice our driver is.

Our guide compliment our driver of how friendly, kind, good natures, and good attitude he is, who wasn't complained about the lateness or the long hours, saying that he understand how things goes when they are a trip.

The airport is quite crowded as several group of Thais tourists also leave on the same day. We when along quite smoothly and since my mom still need to buy a few more items as well as the fact that we will not be able to exchange our coins at the bank so I got stuck guarding our luggage at the gate while they went off checking ou the duty free shops. Of which they has not return until the time they open the gate :ppp

The flight back went quite smoothly and considerbly more comfortable than the flight to Japan. When we arrive at BKK airport it took us a while to get our luggage as they airport see fits to load the luggages from three flights onto one conveyer belt.

We then proceed through custom without a hitch, although I was concern over the obvious strawberry box we carried but we were not stop. Then we went in lines get the taxi and then we were back home.

The End of my Japan trip :)

The Trip: Day Five, Tokyo->Shiba

Again... the hotel breakfast... At least they have fresh fruits this times. Although it's slightly better than other breakfast but still...

On to the bus again, this times we were off to Asakusa temple (the one with giant red lamp). The temple has a few big red paper lamps (by big I mean it's taller than me already) and the biggest one of all is at the main temple. The terms giant would be more accurate.

There is also rows of shops that began to open by the time we arrive. Shops after shops of goods and so on.

Then we were off to one of the main destination Tokyo Disney Sea! At first I didn't felt very trill about this visit since... well I am already a grown man. But when we arrive at the parking lot area and I saw the building I began to get excited because it looks like old Italian buildings. When we get off the bus it was raining lightly, but I came prepared with 100 yens folded umbrella and two 100 yens lipglosses also from the 100 yens shop :)

After our guide told us time to gather and meeting spot, we were off into the park. Around the entrance I saw my mom with the siblings went off to look at something, I did the same on another direction for a few seconds and when I turn around they were gone... I was slightly panic and after tried to look for them for a few minutes. They were no where to be found, despite their rather unique looking umbrellas, so I decided to took off on my own, I am a big boy afterall and I do have some money for anything I wants to buy.

So I began to walk around the park, not an easy task as I first thought. My woe began with the hinge of my fold umbrella snap right off, while it still raining in the park. I manage to make it usable until the time to leave since my alternative would be the Disney umbrellas of 1,000 yens and more. And then, since I got lost with my mom, who also taken my camera. I have nothing to take pictures with and there are A LOT of places to take pictures there. Morever, when I found my mom again it turns out that the camera was already ran out of power, apparently she forgot to plug the charger to the wall the night before...

My highlights of Disney Seas would be the mediteranian area, the Venicia corner and the Indiana Jones ride. What can I say, I just love the Europeans feels of that area. Too bad that I did not have my camera with me... Also the queing area has a lot of decorate and some props to check out as well. For lunch I check out the mediteranian area for some food, the restuarant do offer italians food but it cost like 2,500 yens per plate so I just go for black pepper pork rib and light snack at the near by booth. I also has a cheesecake in the Lost River Delta section :)

Due to the rain which began falling since morning the park is less crowd than usual. We were able to go on 6-7 rides by the time we have to leave, which according to the guide, a lot more than other group were able to manage.

Before we left I finally wrangle my mom older camera to do some last minute photo snapping in my favorite and close by section, The Mediteranian Harbour. Too bad that I did not have enough time to take photo in the fortress which shows many italian creations from the renaissance time.

While we gathered around the parking area bathroom building I got into a discussion with a couple who's looking to buy a mp3 player. I gave them my opinion, show them my latest acquisition and then agreed to go back to the shop with them to help them pick out the right ones.

Dinner tonight was all-you-can-eat giant crabs legs, of which it take some getting used to in getting the meat from the shell but we manage. Afterward I decided to do my last minute shopping in 100 yens store. The last times I bought umbrella and lipgloss but I also bought a pair of socks, which turns out to be really comfy so I went back to buy some more.

The Trip: Day Four, Hagone->Mt. Fuji->Tokyo

I woke up before the alarm, again, and decided I should made the most of my time by hit the bath again :) It felt quite exquitsite to take some leisure time first thing in the morning. Alone in the male section to enjoy the bath alone. Of which I did a little swimming in the of the bath too ^^.

Then when I went back to my room I notice that the sky has open and we have a clear view of Mt. Fuji. I reluctant a bit but decided to go back to the bath again enjoy the the view of the famous mountain.

The breakfast was... ediable to say the least... Although the grill salted salmon was very good, the egg was cooked in a pot with heat on paper so it looks like fried egg but no fat, which does not taste good :P

After the meal we have a few moments to take the picture of Mt. Fuji before actually going up the mountain :) Our guide had warned us that it will be very cold up in the mountain (which was up two thirds of the height) so I wore my longjohn bottom just to be cautious and I was not disappointed.

I think I slept a bit on the way up to the tourist stops on the fifth level. When we arrive it wasn't just cold, it was chilly and quite windy. There was snow everywhere as well as tourists :P My younger bros. spot a white couple in ski suits, carries ski boards walk pass by. There were about three to four shops around there as well as a small shrine. Our guide said once we got off the bus we will receive a ticket for a blessed small bell from one of the shop (which appearantly the busiest shop too).

Only one shop seems to have the toilet and it smell Really Really bad. We learned afterward that this is because there was no plumbing up there and it would be too costly to buy water just for the toilet use. The guide mention that they use some sort of bubbly substance to clean it instead.

What surprise me is that the shopkeeper (or perhaps the owner) who hands out the bells as well as the few salespeople in the shop can speak Thai. After walking around between shops as well as looking for my family. I could not stay outside for too long due to the wind plus the chill made my earlope hurt (it would be nice if I have a tall man to kiss my ear warm later *sigh*). I walk into the big shop again and then I heard a loud yelling by a Thai guy accusing the shopkeeper of cheating on the changes, it sounds pretty bad so I hastily leave the shop. Before leaving I finally bought a blue tea cup with Mt. Fuji print on it. The funny thing is that when I hand it over to the cashier he pull out the one that's already boxed and wrapped from under the counter (which implied that this might be a mildly popular items or it's a common policy of the shop the save the time of both the buyer and seller).

After we're all back on the bus, the tourguides talked a bit about the *side show* we witnessed. First, they say that the Japaneses are trustworty regarding moneys. They said you can hand them the coins and bills and they will always pick out the correct amount for your purchase, adding that of all their 10 and 20 years of working as toursguide they never saw, heard, or been cheated in Japan. When the shouting match erupts they said they were all scramble defuse the situation as well as calling other guides to see whose group was the troublemaker belongs too. They also said that it is quite embarrasing that this happen as they were very sure that the guy must be mistaken his money somehow. They also mention that it is very difficult for Japaneses to learn to speak Thai and yet the people working in that shop all speak Thai (they were able to distinguise Thais from the crowd too) which shows how much they appreciate our business up there and said that Thais buy things up there like no others :P.

On our way down the fog began to set again which prompted the tourguide to mention how lucky our group were since if this happen in the morning the mountain will be close and not to mention we won't be able to get the view too.

Then it was a pretty long bus ride to Tokyo. We stop for lunch in Ginza area at a Thai restuarant (although in the brochure it said we would be having korean grills). The food was quite good, grilled chicken is very good, the spicy glass noodle is quite like home while the tom yum is almsot tasteless. The restuarant is very popular. People qued up for seat when we were there.

After lunch we have a bit of time to check out the area. The road in Ginza area will be close for cars and bench with parasol will be setup in the middle of the street for patrons who will crowded the area after 13:00. In front of one shopping mall there were people lining up for something and my mom push me and my youngest bro. into the que as well. As I observe the staff and the poster at the end of the line, its appear to be the draw lots of the mineral bath association in one of the province. We tried but got the lowest prize (Darn it...) which is a bag of herbal teas :p.

Afterward we went on the bus again and passed the palace, and a few sightseeing spots in Tokyo before stopping at Tasaki Pearl company. According to the guide Tasaki has became the leading pearl making company in the world. They even give away the pearl by lucky draw to one of the tour group using a number randomizer after we finish seeing the demontration of how they make pearl. Then on the first two floors it was showroom for the pearl. Some are quite cheap 14,000-18,000 yens to the very expensive necklaces. We stay here for quite a long while since there were many women in the groups :P

After we got everybody we finally went to Miraikan Museum. However it was 16:00 by the time we got there and the museum close at 17:00. So we did not have a lot time to completely scouting the place out. So I just concentrate mostly on the globe that show the current world weather and other pattearn in real time that I had often saw on Discovery channel.

Then we all leave to get back to the hotel. We have about an hour of free time before the dinner time. So I decided to check out the mall that sell earbud headphones since I seems to broke mine while I slept in the ferry. Also two of the women in the group wants to check out the mall for other items as well so we agreed to go together.

The weather is certainly colder in Tokyo than other city we were in especially after dark. We went looking for this place that called 'Bic Camera' which seems to be the biggest chain that sell electric appliances all over Japan (I saw one while in Osaka). It took us a while to look for this place as it does not have a big banner telling which building it is but we eventually found it. Once we found it we first took care of the business of my parties first which is battery for her camera. Then when it's my turn, it turns out that what actually broken is the earplug socket of my mp3 player. Since the warranty of this mp3 player is alreayd expired so I think it's a better idea to buy a new one. After browsing around a bit I decided on Creative MuVo s200 1Gb. It seems to be a brand spanking new model too ^^. It cost me around 12,000 yens, something that's close to 4,000 baht. Which is quite a good price, considering the brand and the size, comparing to TH.

Our dinner for today is at a Chinese restuarant. It was again abit edible... Personally I would prefer some ramen but still...

After the meal I rush to my room to gathered the camera, mp3 playerS, flash drive, and all the cable in order to transfer all the photo from the camera to flash drive. As it turns out the hotel does not have available business center but the staff pointed me to the internet cafe just opposite from the hotel.

It was easy enough to find but the place stink of cigarette and I really do mean STINK and REEKS of cigarette. It took some minutes to transfer all the photos and it could not be fast enough. On the bright side it cost me only 80 yens after I finish using it. I could only focus on checking my emails while waiting for the transfer to complete... Although the place looks quite interesting as it as a manga corner I just wasn't in the mood for it as I could barely breath with all the stink of cigarette smoke.

Intermission

In case any of you guys (it would only be a handful but still...) I am back from Japan already and drafting my last 3-4 days in Japan.

However, I am also came right back to work which is now a 12 hours shift 19:30-7:30. On top of that I seems to experince a moderate level of depression. While I was in my office the next day after I got back I felt drain, disdain toward my job and felt like quitting just so I have more free time for myself. At the same time, I kept telling myself that this could be the results of the exhaustion from the trip (six hours of non-continous sleep each night during the trip).

Today I felt considerbly better than the last couple of days, and I will continue blogging the trip. Although it would be nice if I saw some comments on the trip posts... Especially when I type those trip in slightly hasting manner since I was tried and really need to go to bed then as we would have to wake up at six o'clock for our trip.

The Trip: Day Three, Nagoya->Hagone

We start the day with the breakfast in hotel. It wasn't as good as the dinner but I guess it's typical breakfast for hotel everywhere...

Then we were off on the road again to Hagone. We made a pit stop at a rest area which is has eel products in the store as it is what the area is famous for. These eels are sea eel which, according to the tour guide, taste better as they live in clean water. I have not tried any of them though... The stop was not very long anyhow, however, it is the first place that I found the 'Gajapong' or the gumball like machine. Only that it didn't dispense gumball but plastic balls containing small toys insides. Most will cost you 200 yens per times and usually you will have a chance of getting getting one out of five to six varieties of the items inside. I tried a couple of dispensers and got some cute stuffs :)

Next we visit Heiwa Park, the peace park, to symbolize the peace making efforts of Japan toward the countries that it had been wronged by. The park, seems to built on a small hill has various breed of Sakura all over the place. We only visit a few high points though as time was limited but the park was very beautiful with all the sakura blooming all over the hills. On the top section there is either a church or a stupa with about 6 pairs of stone lions from India, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Malaysia, and China positioned on the path to the center building.

Then we left for lunch, which is bento (japanese style lunch box) it wasn't very good since some of the food were cold :p

Afterward we were on the bus again to Mt. Owakudani to have a taste of black boiled eggs that was boiled in the natural mineral water hot spot. The result are the black shell boiled egg due to the sulfur in the water. It is believed that one black egg will extend your life by seven years :)

However, it was foggy that day up in the moutain which slowed the bus. When we reach the top it was so foggy and windy that my pants felt moist from just a brief exposure going from the bus into the building. Inside the tourist stop we have a bit of time to shop and I bought a small black boiled egg Doraemon strap, of which I can be sure that it can't be found anywhere else in Japan (although it was made in China :P) Then we were rounded up by our tourguide to go down to the pier by cable cars.

We got the first class ticket to do sightseeing on the ferry on Achi lake. The ferry outer appearance were deck out in pirate ship style. Also we were on the red one (I notice there were the blue, violet and green ones too) which seems to be the main symbol for this attraction since the Hello Kitty keychain is of this red ferry.

Afterward we were on the bus again to Gotemba outlet mall, which is the outlet mall of all the brandnames products from Nike to Bvlgarri. All are genuine sales items, by that I meant the items were the top quality products that were out of fashion and the company did not wants to stock them.

The mall itself is quite amazing. It seems to be up in the hill somewhere and the space was quite large. Each shops has its own showroom in open area which clutter together down the path. Heck the place even have it's own ferris wheel.

By the time we left Gotemba mall it was like 19:00 already. We should head straight to the hotel to be on time but we still have one place left to shop which is Seifu Supermarket. Our tourguide has to tell tall tales to the hotel people (which had setup the dinning room for us) in order to make time for us to do one more shopping for the day at this supermarket. The tales is that there was an accident on the moutain road. However, we were busted when we stop at Seifu since it's the big supermarket of the area, the hotel staffs also shop there too :P So another tales has to be made which one of the woman in the group need emergency... maxipad :P

After the shopping ended we finally head to the hotel. The dinner is traditional shabu Japan style, it did not taste much but it was ok by that time.

The next agenda on the list is the onsen (mineral water bath). The practise is to shower first to clean yourself before go down into the bath section. We can't use towel to cover.... our midsection either since the guide said if the hotel caught us doing so we will be fine 300,000 yens since the hotel will replace the whole batch of mineral water to perserve it's cleanliness.

In the end, I did take the hot bath 4 times altogether. Two in the night and two more in the morning ^^.

The Trip: Day Two, Osaka->Kyoto->Nara->Nagoya

The breakfast was not as grand as the last night's dinner but it still good. My mom found out that the hotel plant a lot of rosemary on of side on the hotel as decoration. I get to rub my hands and glove on it to get the scent and it's quite good :)

After the breakfast we took the subway and the Shinkansen to go to Kyoto to visit the clear water temple. It was not unlike the scene from many many manga I had read. The balcony, the sakura, the 3 streams water for drink for blessings.

Then we took the bus to see Kingkakuji Castle (the Gold Castle, as in real gold from gold leaves, the guide mention that now the gold parts are about 2 inches thicks from all the annual renovation every 4-5 years) Too bad that it was quite windy in that area so there was no clear shot of the castle and it's reflection in the pond in front of it.

Afterward we went to Nara to visit the temple with Giant Buddha. This place is famous for the deer living in the entrance area of the castle. They didn't look as pretty since I think they are sheding to their summer fur after the winter has ended.

For Dinner, we go to a grilled house, much like Daidomon, but a lot of food and also taste quite a lot better!!

Now I am in Nagoya Kanko hotel's business center, transfering the pictured from the digital cam to thumbdrive for my mom. She already took 298 pictured already!! and this is only day two! Now I have to leave since I am getting lightheaded and I also have an early morning again. Plus I haven't prepare my clothes yet!

The Trip: Day One, BKK -> Osaka

The flight was quite grusome, starting with the delay due to the amount of people traveling doing this times... The airplane as Boeing 777 (as I was told later) which was told by the tour guide that it has rather narrowed seat, plus we were seated at the very end of the plane which is quite noisy and often shaky. To top it off it was a night flight which we were suppose to nap while on the plane, since we will began touring once we landed!

Needless to say I didn't get much sleep, tried as I might, with the above reasons. Anyhow we landed on Kansai Inter. Airport in Osaka. The airport itself looks very modern and cool. However, I guess will realize that you hsd landed in Japan when you get a fainted scent of smoke starting in the connecting tube to the terminal.

First stop was Osaka castle. the symbol of Osaka, I tried my first real takoyaki in japan here. Sakura (Cherry Blossom) were blooming everywhere. (I will post some pictured later as right now I am in an business center in a hotel in Naghoya). Not a lot to see since we were going into the castle itself.

Next stop is Universal Studio Japan, I got to see the Terminator 2 3-D which is quite nice even if it looks a little dated. Backdraft, is quite cool indeed as
shows a lot of cool pyro technique, not to mention it heat up the room quite a bit.

Jurassic Park Ride, one of the raft riding that has about 3 stories drop at the end. I am not shame to say that as the result of the panic from the drop once the raft stay horisontal again I hurt my neck, stomach and perinum from the tightening reacting of the drop. Boy was it HURT!! Especially the mid-section. Luckily it wasn't until about 30 sec later that we have to get off the raft which give me a bit of time to recover.

Later we have a chance to do a bit of sightseeing in the city as well as shopping at the 100 Yen store. Walking around I saw quite a few shops that sell mobile phone, 90% of them are clam shell type, quite heavy (due to large screen) and quite heavy. Quite ashame that it won't be working in TH.

Toward the end of the day I was quite exhausted from the lack of sleep and excessive walking. However, the dinner was GREAT. It's a buffet in the hotel we stayed in, Ramada Osaka, the salmon was good and the rip-eye steak is very Good.

I finally get to sleep. But it was quite restless, probably because of the quilt, which is quite thick and fluffy which will be hot if you stay under it after a while. And the pillow was quite strage as half of it seems to be stuff with the foam beads not unlike those in beanbags chair...

Still I did get some sleep and woke up a few times and decided to spend about 5 mins. soaking the tub with mineral bath powder :)

Physically Away...

Ummm.... well... My family is taking a trip to Japan and I will go along too...

Eventhough I would prefer going to Europe or Australia (as I might be able to sneak around for the not so clean fun of my own, plus I could speak the language :P) But it would be nice to do the traveling again after have not been on the plane or out of BKK for like... 7 years... I am not too excited about the trip but I am sure glad to be part of it.

So... I start packing today and realize that I am not sure if my clothes (especially the pants) would be warm enough to withstand the 5-10C that the tour guide said Japan will be... I got a pair of longjohn and I hope that that would be enough...

Still... it would be a lot nicer if I have a big hunky man to keep me warm though :)

The Grumpy Alan Moore

I had browse through the net today and stumble upon a forum with a post regarding the movie 'V For Vendetta' and found this link http://www.mtv.com/shared/movies/interviews/m/moore_alan_060315/ which is an MTV interview with the cartoonist who wrote the original graphic novel. I have read a few tidbits of how Alan Moore was not happy with the way his works (From Hell, Constantine and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) were 'hollywoodfied' by all parties involve with little respect to the original.

After reading the article I must say that the man, despite his caveman like hairstyle, is very intelligence, literated and poetic in his own style. You would not be surprise from this article that he really is the one who wrote all the lines that V spoke in the movie.

It is an interesting read. If you like the movie you should read this article too :)

Laughter with XXXL size

I first saw this comedian on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and this guy is GOOD. He did his stuff in the clean fun way.

I had this file on my computer as well before I found it on youtube.com . I really don't have anything else to blog about at the moment so enjoy the clip :)