ONCE...not good !

Last week was the most intense moment in my work life in MB. I've a DB review with MOHE on 12th Sept, then 13th Sept tender due for MOHE ISP implementation and kickoff meeting on 14th Sept (my baby project). The tender is huge and I estimated our unit's cost alone would be around RM 2m. And since I've did kinda the same thing (and won as well) for LP, am kinda very confident that I can do it after the DB review.

I started at 10.30 pm at the office (after terawih). Based on what I know what to do, I am very confident that I can deliver everything by 6 am or 8 am the most. But then, I was loaded with all SOW from various solution components to be incorporated in my Implementation Strategy document. The worst part of it, not all was there. One still in PDF format, one in different document and another is totally wrong version. To make it worst, not all are following our standard document formatting.

So, still looking up on me, I just do it. Believing that I can still pull this all together. Just conclude all the SOW after sahur (that 1 hour plus break don't really help at all). Had to head home to send the kids & wife, then be back at the office at 8 am on 13th Sept. Man, am telling you...how I survive driving from SA to office. Prayed hard actually.

Well, it's first day of Puasa. No caffeine available. And that really hit hard on me. As I'm concentrating on the doc, I realized that I dozed off unintentionally. My schedule is only ready by 10 am. Then, compliance tables, then pricing etc. Din leaved me around 11 am with all info gathered. I was relieved, believing that I've did it again. Jai slept after sahur till around 9 something.

I moved back to my place. To drive home, am scared. Afraid can't make it, so I went to Zam's place and take a nap there (for 2 hours :D). Then, I started looking at my slides, get everything prepared for the kickoff; get the projector, prepare the handouts, rehearse the presentation. And then Sales Director asked me to brief on the location and agenda. So I went up to spare some time with her. After all that only I head home.

Aiyah..forgot ! The main point of this post; after I woke up, I called Din to see how it goes. We were late :(. The officer still took the docs, but stamp as late. Not sure whether it'll be considered or not. I felt bad already.

That night the whole family went to the mosque. I can't survive till the end, so after 8th I came down (thought that my wife would think the same, but no). So, I slept in the car. Around 10 pm Man called asking about the preparation for the kickoff. I told him what has been prepared so he's assured that everything are in order. Then he asked me, "..what happen ah ? Ko tertido eh ?" I've decided in the afternoon that even though other parties may also contribute to this, but I just take all the blame lah. So, I explained to him that it's alot of things to be done, with some not according to the format, and no caffeine made me dozed off unintentionally which damage the whole thing. I apologized to him.

What surprised me again was on Monday (17th), Murn asked me what happened ? Then I know that words has spread. Dunno who la. I told her the same stuff that I told Man. And she said that Man didn't mention that we were late to Zue. Hmm...would really spoilt my reputation with Zue (i think) because the kickoff was very good. She even congratulate me (err..not sure for what) and wish me good luck with the project.

So now, with LP, I'll be locked there for 2 years. Just need to finish off MOHE by Oct, and SCOPE before end of the year, am sure there would be no more tender exercise for me. *sigh* Nevertheless, I am strong believer of things happen for a reason. Allah knew what best for me and how to give that lessons to me. And I thank Him for that..syukur alhamdulillah.

ONCE...my own broadband !

Yeehoo !!! Got my streamyx connected today !!! 1.5 mbps gua cakap lu heheheh. It's all done in one week (kudos to Telekom..i must say..). Register for my phone line and streamyx on Tuesday, phone connected on Wed (activated on Thu morning though) and my streamyx activated today !

Now I can update my blog more often :D...post my work from home, maintain TeAM website and other R&D stuffs...all from the comfort of my home. Anyway, the cable is a bit short, can pull it to my study room yet. Gotta buy longer cable (today!).

To add to this whole madness, I just arrived home at 4.30 just now. Immediately perform my prayers followed with sahur. And then, here I am. Thinking of catchingup with my sleep afterwards, but my wife bising since I don't want to sleep first but eagerly wanna be connected. Hope I'll survive for shopping later.

ONCE...life is great !

It's coming to 9th month for me in MB. It's wonderful now because the project that I've been waiting for has come. Started early this month. And to make it even sweeter (or some said "worst!"), was assigned on one so-called "simple" project a week before my baby project came.

The project that I'm currently managing is coming to an end. However, the ministry issued one big tender where the outcome from my project will be the core component in that tender. So, I was roped in to assist (provide necessary info). Before I know it (hmm...kinda expected it as well...or rather wants it hehehe), I was assigned to work on the tender proposal.

Coming fasting month, planning to put in internet connection so that I can work from home. There'll be less (if not none) activity at night (means, my normal activities), so have to carik pahala lebih this month. Am really thankful to be part of MB...for both the good and the bad.

ONCE...turning 6th...

It's our 6th anniversary today ! Didn't realized it's that long already. Of course there's highs and lows, sweet and sours...but we're still heading strong. Some people say, first 3 years for you to know your partner better. Some says, great challenges will come every 6 years. Dunno whether it's true or not. But of course challenges do come. As and when they like. So it's really up to us to use our knowledge, experienes and wisdom to best handle it.

So honey, Happy Anniversary :D !

ONCE...moved officially (really one !)

I would say, yesterday really official that we moved to our new house. Everything brought in already, my wife done with our room, me done with my study room, kitchen all ok, hall, dining and all. Can say it's a home now :-).

On Saturday, we bought few furnitures. By noon I'm home to allow the guys to repair our doors. Only after 6 hours of working they came and told me that the door was wrong ?! It's bigger...so need to wait for few more weeks. As for me, am dying sleepy and really can dozed-off easily but then, who would monitor them ? So I've no choice but to watch the vcd. And when the furnitures are in, my rocking chair really rocks !!!

The kids loves their room, my wife love it as well...and I love them all.

ONCE...moved !!!

Still tired, but relief. Yesterday load almost all things from PA and unload at SA. My wife arrived at 9pm...she brought some food and surprisingly (despite my diet conscious) I managed to finished it all. She was also surprised. We went back at 12 midnight, few curtains was up just that the sliding's curtains was a bit odd. The owner put a half-circle thingy on top of the sliding and the curtain reel was on top of it. So the sliding curtain was like hanging, need to look for colorful shades to block the bottom part of it.

When we arrived at in-laws house, felt very tired. But Bruce was on TV !!! Armageddon on air !!! Took a shower in the middle, and fight my eyes till it finished. Then, I woke up at 12 noon. Whole body is aching, my head was heavy. Went out to buy stuffs at 1 something, spent about 2 hours shopping...the longest I've ever spent on shopping (as far as I can remember laa). Arrived at our new house around 4. Start unpacking, so kitchen now ok. Cleaned up the back area, garden, my room, hall and dining. I wanted to stay there already, but as mom-in-law not around so kinda not nice. So, we'll be staying for a while at in-laws, maybe Wed or Thu officially move in to our new house...and start living there.

For now, I haven't look at the cashflow impact yet (monthly), to be added with broadband and astro (and dunno what else..yet..). Whatever it is...it's turning point I believe. Thank GOD :D.

ONCE...moving house

Finally (thank God) we managed to find a nice house in SA, near to my daughter's school, easy access to highway and nearer to my wife's bus stop. I'll have my study room that I can really utilized (I do have one in PA..but since PA is more like our retreat, and the TV is just outside of the room..not really helpful am telling ya), lower ground and it'll be far from TV and bed, am sure that I can study (for my PMP) and do my readings or work peacefully. Near to kitchen so I can refresh my coffee as and when I like.

My kids are excited, so does my wife and of course meself. But definitely I need to make some adjustments. Can't stay back more than 6 pm at the office (can come back at 9 if need to...especially if I don't have internet access at home). External activites will need to be adjusted as well.

Nevertheless, I hope and pray that this move (hijrah) will bring better life to all of us.

ONCE...going professional

Last Wednesday, am representing my boss for 3rd Annual Mastering IT Project Mgmt at Sheraton. So, I dressed up for the occation (not up to my required std, but what to do..last minute thinking...really need to polish back the 99% preparation for 1% inspiration thingy). And my colleague also kinda escorting me and introducing me to the organizers as VIP (hehehe..), so have to do my sales talk then lor.

I treasure the opportunity given (VIP ticket only for half a day, but I sat till end of day) and gather lots of useful info and tips. It also motivates me further to be certified as Project Mgmt Professional (PMP). Best part of it (as I'm not sure whether my experiences are enough), as I updated my experiences sheet from 2000 till now, I'm qualified ! Yeahoo !!! Planning to take the exam by end of the year or to be exact, after I close MOHE project properly. That will surely add on my experience qualification.

So now...have to start reading...and practising...and reading...and practising...and...and...and...

ONCE...interesting quote from House

I was at home and happen to watch House. Don't remember exactly which episode, but it's about House and his ex-gf, Stacy. They had lived together for 5 years before breaking-up and Stacy married to (can't remember his name..let's just say Bob).

Stacy suspected that Bob has some problems and asked House to check on him, but Bob strongly believes that he's healthty. So, with some dirty-tricks by House, Bob hospitalized. Then..bla..bla..bla...An old friend told House that Stacy still thinking about him, and when House tried to tell Stacy about what the old friend think, she was upset. Then, bla..bla..bla..the husband was cured (well of course because of House craziness).

The thing is, finally she admitted to House..something like this if I can remember very the correctly one.."..it has always be you. I can't forget about you..you're always the one. But, I can't be with you..." There's more to it, but I just like that phrase. It's ironic to know that someone who's so in-love and we're the perfect match but at the end (due to whatever differences or situational occurance), can't be together. Kinda silly also isn't it ?

ONCE...one more leaving...

One more PM resigned. One of the Sales mgr mentioned to me that he's the model of an ideal PM. He got the Service Excellent award last year. And he resigned. So, the headcount has reduced and few people need to take over his projects.

My GM & Mgr has briefly me told me the project that they want me to take over. The project is straigh-forward infra upgrade and enhancement, however, we're dealing with difficult people (where the heck is my book on Dealing with Difficult People *sigh*). The people seems to creating lots of fuss and digging for mistakes from our side. It sure will be very challenging for me...and of course, that'll be very exciting ;-).

ONCE...crazily jam at PLUS

On my way back from Kedah yesterday. Took-of at 3.30pm and only arrive in SA at 12 midnight ! Jammed before the tunnel, then before Ipoh toll, and again exit Ipoh toll, and worst from Slim River all the way to Rawang. Road construction, people cutting queue, running on the emergency lane, man..!!!

I think what they should hv done is not widening the road (hopefully it can REALLY be ready for festive seasons). Because the bottlenecks are there, at all the toll booths, all exits and all R&Rs. They should have increase the toll 50%-100% so that nobody would want to use the highway. But then (rational started to kicks-in), it's govt's obligation. Equal access to all! Wish that I've a Batmobile that can fit 5 people comfortably so that I can bypass the jam (as now I need to fix my car on dunnowhat motorboat-like sound that it gave).

Anyway..thank you God for safe journey home.

ONCE...missed it !

Shoot ! Missed my May deadline. Trying to post at least once a month, but *sigh*. To say work is the reason, not really. There are times when I felt like "err..what to do ah ?". Kinda done all the things that I planned to do for the day..then try to plan for next, but sometimes, there's nothing to plan. Or rather, some dependencies which are beyond my control.

To blog during the day kinda segan. But then I saw CKY blog. But his blog kinda professionally done on work related stuff. Well, mine can be work related also la ha ?

1st May, I'm recruited as permanent. Life get's more exciting (kinda feel good with financially-secure status). Start improving my life, my health, my time with family (believe me dear..am trying very hard). Certain extend can say more on ME. But, I think, as the breadwinner, I need to make sure that I'm healthy and cool. I don't want to let my family go thru the hassle again. Really painful am telling you.

Anyway, am now a lead PM (took over from one that resign) for a project. The most challenging project here. Have lost 4 ppl todate, kinda cursed hahaha. When I told my boss about the cursed, she goes "..ko nak kena lempang..". hehehe...Even though that's not the project that I'd prefer to take, but I'll do my best. (since CKY knows my blog now..need to be bit careful on what i said about the co..hahaha..no heart feeling CKY).

So, this post is pretty much because I dunno what else to do before am heading to the gym. Guess, that's all for now. Will try to update it more frequent (as one of my fav reader has complaint about it 2 months ago).

28/3 my 100th day in office

Tried to mark it here on the date...but so the busy one. Lots of things happen; challenges, excitement and painful experiences todate. Learnt lots of things...how big company do business, structured processes, segregation of work, team building (can read politics...nah...rapport building i'd say better).

When i joined in, i was given the biggest project ever in MB, 23 modules with GIS components...very the challenging one. Learnt a lot from Mac, very the dedicated and process oriented. Strong and vocal as well. Can say that i swing well with other colleagues, with few unexpected act during workshop and orientation...hehehe...sometimes just wondered how did i do it.

Then i involved in my first tender exercise...kinda fun. But not my full swing, not really up to my standard. After that, am assigned with another project as post-sales SA cum co-PM, to be mentored by a senior (my friend oso la) but turned-out i was expected to get him to the process by my boss hahaha. Now, am having 2 projects running...and best of all the tender that i did was shortlisted and we're technically no 1 yeahoo !!! Now, busy preparing the slides for this coming presentation.

still long way to go...lots of things to catch up...and learn...and be the best among the best in MB.

ONCE...first nite out

Yesterday and today is my first nite out in MB. Since 12 noon yesterday, till about 9 this morning. Feeling like a zombie a bit. Then my GM asked "why are you wearing like that ?!!". Am wearing my Amsterdam t-shirt, jeans and sneakers. At first i wanna joke as he's walking away, but then he turned back and ask again...so he's serious! "Tender since yesterday..". Then only he walked away nodding.

It's great experiences. Learnt alot about the new processes, new schemes, all the write-ups...and also friends' behaviour under pressure. About noon I reached home and trying to get a sound sleep. But received call here and there still. Managed to get 2 good hours. Think that should be enough for now.

ONCE...cinta

Finally, i managed to finish up Cinta. I'd say it's the first malay movie that made me errm...having teary eyes. I was touched when Lis started to cry and telling papa that she wanna come with him. Such a young age but great talent (where the heck did they manage to find such talent...after all this year..?!!), real and original tears coming from her. And for God knows reason, i got teary eyes.

But that's nothing compared to the scene where Dhani got to know about his sister's fate. His screaming was nothing..but when the white umbrella appeared, i was so ............. my eyes, my lips (well..u know honey) and my heart...

One word flashed on my mind at that time..."...ayah...".

ONCE...perihal lalang

Lalang dalam perumpamaan melayu menjurus kepada insan yang tidak tetap pendirian. Kekanan ditiup angin, kekanan lah ia. Kekiri kalu, maka kekiri pulak la dia.

Semalam aku terbaca artikel dlm Mingguan Wanita (2-8 Feb) dlm ruangan Setitis Embun (pg 57). Sebuah pandangan yang amat menarik mengenai "lalang". Lalang seperti sifatnya amat sukar untuk dibasmi. Kalu dipotong, dia cuma pendek dan akan panjang dlm masa yg singkat. Bertiuplah angin sekencang mana, dia cume akan tunduk mengikut kehendak angin. Akan tetapi, tidak dia berganjak dari tempatnya. Pokok mungkin tumbang, rumah mungkin roboh tetapi lalang tetap teguh didasarnya.

Hanya satu cara untuk menghapuskan lalang. Bongkar akarnya, punahkan dasarnya, bakar daunnya, dan buang abunya kelaut. Sebagai org Islam, dasar kita harus kukuh, tidak berganjak walau bagaimana sekalipun dunia berubah. Peredaran zaman diikuti, modernisasi perlu untuk maju tetapi nilai dan dasar Islam harus tegus bertapak. Seperti lalang...

ONCE...on SiS

Last friday i received an article talking about SiS's agenda for 2007. Fighting poligamy on the ticket of womens' rights, human rights, equality, etc. So, the article is talking about this people being educated abroad, exposed to western cultures and stuff, thus carrying those values to fight for feminisme which is against what is already in Al-Quran.

Simply put, are they trying to say that what Allah said is not good for them, for the people, for the women ? SiS's points among others are family institution failed because of poligamy, childrens left unattended or abused or not taken care of, social problems (teenagers) because of failure in family institution as the father married more than one. There are so many other reasons why those things happen and there are also many cases where big family (poligamy) have good, solid and successful childrens..living in harmony some more.

I'm not trying to discuss this in great details as i need to run for meeting now. But, what am thinking to do is to setup an NGO for poligamist. Membership open for poligamist and poligamist-wanna-be. Success stories will be published, tips and guidance from successful poligamist to poligamist-wanna-be to ensure a strong, solid and good family institution uphold despite being poligamist. Nice or not ? :D

signing off...

ONCE...feels like writing

I really wanna post something (a lot actually). But then, i don't know where to start. So many topics to discuss here...but, there are elements of confidentiality, sensitivity and extreme would be suicidal ! The thing is, when i have the idea and the points, i just compose it on my mind. Then, "waa..good good..mesti gempak punya.." after that, continue my work. Then, there's no internet connection, no time to go online (not even to turn on my notebook) and when i really have all the means (like now)..."what to write ah ?".

hmm...seems like coming already...so i signed off here first..checkout my next post ;)

ONCE...kata-kata hikmat

Kata-kata nih datang dari Dr Fadilah Kamsah dlm satu ceramah la...

"Seorang lelaki normal, pasti ada keinginan untuk beristeri dua. Dua perkara saje yg menjadi penentu; mampu dan berani. Ada lelaki yang mampu, tapi tak berani. Ada lelaki yang berani, tapi tak mampu..jenih ni ramai. So, dia akan jadi bila lelaki tu ada dua2 (mampu dan berani).

Sekiranya lelaki itu tidak ada langsung keinginan untuk beristeri dua, maka dia bukan lelaki yang normal"

hehehe...aku mesti la nak jadik lelaki normal..so kena ada keinginan la kan hehehe..jgn marah dear :D

ONCE...syukur lagi..

Pagi tadi aku gi amik Offer Letter from AKPK. Aku settlekan sume yg patut2 (i.e. stem hasil, cop pesuruhjaya sumpah and all) and submit it back. First payment before 30th Jan. Lega..sempat la kirenya masuk gaji dulu.

Then, MOSTI called, asking whether i've submitted my claim for EIF honorarium. Isi borang tuh pastu nanti depa arrange to pick-up. Alhamdulilah..rezeki lagi. Sesungguhnya Allah itu Maha Kaya dan Maha Pemurah :)...(Ya Allah..janganlah kau lalaikan aku dlm nikmatmu..amin).