Grandma, I love you!

// February 26th, 2010 // No Comments » // Health, Thoughts

Because of a snowstorm my office was closed and I was spared from the agony of work. I decided to call my grandmother to see how things are going on in Malaysia. As the conversation progressed from the usual “How are things?” “What about the weather” to “How’s your health”, I discovered something shocking and chilling. My grandmother blurted out that she has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. I felt chill running down my spine and tears started to fall down my cheeks. The only thing that ran through my mind was to advise her to get the tumor removed. I was balling and screaming at the phone because I was afraid of losing my one and only beloved “Ah Ma”. It seems that my grandmother had known about the tumor since last year but being the strong willed woman that she is, she kept it all to herself and didn’t tell her grandsons. She will continue to seek medical advice and treatment. I really pray that God will deliver her from harm and heal her body!
My grandmother, to me, is a woman who possesses characteristics that will make those of Lady Diana and Mother Theressa seem small. My grandmother, Low Anai, is kind, strong, honest, cheerful and friendly. Growing up in a family where the daughters were not sent beyond primary school, she married my grandfather at the age of 17. Going through a semi broken marriage because of my grandfather’s infidelity, my grandmother strove on to bring up her four children. I am very lucky because after my parents separation, my grandmother took care of me. For whatever reason, my dad was relinquished of his responsibilities as a father and a husband after his separation from my mom.
I feel a deep conviction in my heart to take care of my grandma in whatever ways that I can. Let it be money, moral or physical work. Throw them at me and I will be more than willing to endure them for my grandmother.

My grandmother is truly one of a kind and I would like to mention that the greatest love is a mother’s love. Some may argue that Jesus displayed the greatest love but remember one thing, try carrying someone in the womb for nine months and then having to go through labour to let you taste your first breath. Pretty powerful thought eh?

Let me end with the song Mama by Spice Girls.
P.s. For those who believe in the power of prayer, please pray for my grandmother. Thank you.

-Boon

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Guess Who’s Back?

// February 22nd, 2010 // No Comments » // Thoughts

After a long hiatus, I am finally back. I don’t know what compelled me to start writing again. Maybe it was the Hong Kong drama, Born Rich, that I have been watching these few days, or the blogs such as sweatlee.com or fourfeetnine.com that I have stumbled upon while Googling some songs. Whatever the case, I feel that I should make full use of myself and what better way to do so that by pressing the “reset button” on my blog and starting to write again.

Today is the 9th day of Chinese New Year and my mind wandered of to a land far far away. It is 1.04am EST as I lie on my bed. After 8 years being in New York city, I have learned and grew so much from all the things that I have gone through. I am very thankful for friends and family members who have been influential and motivating. Despite all the successes and failures I accumulated over the years, I still feel that I am underachieving in my life. Underachieving in a sense where I know that I can achieve bigger and better things but the question of achieving “bigger and better things” at what, where, when and how, remain to be answered.

At times, I would pray to God for guidance but to no avail, guidance does not see to reveal itself to me. I am still struggling to find what I am truly good at and how to capitalize on it. Maybe I am thinking too much. I want to do something that I truly enjoy and be happy doing it while making money of course.

It is getting late, so let me end this post by saying, ” I want to make it big in life. Question is, how do one define making it big in life?”

Here’s a song that I am listening to:
Owl City – Fireflies

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The vicious cycle: The Rat Race

// September 21st, 2009 // No Comments » // Thoughts

It has been a while since I have last updated my blog. The reason for my lack of updates is because I have been busy with errands. As you may know, I am finally out of the “unemployed” status. Yes, I am on an active payroll which means I wake up early in the morning (very early mind you) to go to work. I then leave work around early evening to go home. In short, I got myself a decent and honest 8am to 6pm job. Gone are the 9 am to 5 pm jobs in this modern world. Well, I am lying about the 9 to 5 jobs. In this economy where unemployment lingers around 10%, I would settle for any jobs, regardless if it is a 8-6 or 9-5 job. Thank heavens!

As soon as I started my job, the same of feeling of being in the Rat Race dawns upon me. The feeling of “what the hell am I doing with my life” keeps poking my mind. The question remains unanswered and I remain a man who is chasing his dream. Many of us are either chasing the dream or the money. “Show me the money!!”

The feeling can best be conveyed by Rowan Akitson’s (Mr Bean) movie, The Rat Race. If you haven’t watched the movie, you should pick it up from Netflix or you local Wal-Mart.
Here’s a preview of the movie.

Well, I wish you all the best in getting out of this race. I hope I will get out soon…..by whatever it takes!

-Boon

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Are you in high school?

// September 13th, 2009 // No Comments » // Thoughts

“Are you in high school?” I was asked by a girl in Flushing. I was waiting to be seated at an underground, yes, underground, hot pot place in Flushing. You must probably be thinking that “underground” means the place is shaddy and dirty. To be honest, the underground noodle place is not too bad. They offer many north-eastern food ranging from “Ma Lat Tang” (Spicy Noodle Soup) to something that i don’t even remember. Anycase, you should check it out the next time you’re in Flushing. The place is located at the corner of 40th Ave and Main Street. I will update with the name of the mall the “underground” network of food shops are part of.

Back to the part where I was mistaken for a high school student. When the girl asked me the first time, I replied saying, “No. I’m not in high school.” After hearing my response, she was curious about my age. So she asked, “So, are you like in Middle school?” Ok lady. At this point, I wanted to thank her for making me look so young, but come on lady, Middle school….really? I started to think that she smoked something prior to getting some hot pot underground.

So, there you have it. I was asked if I was in High school and middle school. Lady, whoever you are, you made my day. Well, I found out that she’s Korean and works around Wall Street. If you happen to stumble upon this post, holla up!

ps: Rob Thomas music video in front of One CMP.

=)

-Boon

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We Remember 9/11 – 8 years later.

// September 11th, 2009 // No Comments » // Events, News, Thoughts

8 years ago, the world was shocked at the horrifying attack on American soil. The World Trade Center, represented New York City’s pride as the world’s financial powerhouse, fell down after two airplanes flew into its two towers. It was one of the saddest days in the history of our country and it reminded America that terrorism is alive and it threatens the safety of everyone. 9/11 changed the course of world history. As a result, Americans were united even more and we are at war with terrorism . Today on September 11, 2009, we remember the tragedy not with bloodshed nor anger but with solemn and unity. We shall stand together as one nation under God, preparing ourselves for the future. We shall educate our young ones, reform our health care system, create more jobs for everyone, ensure our freedom and safety are protected and most importantly, uphold the Constitution.

America, on this day, let us remember that we are citizens of the world but most importantly, you and I are the Citizens of the United States of America.

United We Stand.

May those who gave their lives on 9/11 rest in peace.

Star Spangled Banner by Whitney Houston – SuperBowl XXV

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August 31st, 2009 – Happy Merdeka Malaysia

// August 30th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Politics, Thoughts

August 31st, 2009 will mark Malaysia’s 52th year of independence. Half a century has past for this developing country in the heart of South East Asia and I wonder what achievements have we made as Malaysians.
Well wonder no more. Below are the achievements that we have made since August 31st, 1957. The list includes both the good and the bad.

Feel free to add to the list through the comment box.

1. Gained independence from the British (Good)
2. Creation of national schools or Sekolah Kebangsaan – to establish unification of Malaysians (Good)
3. Creation of Vernacular schools – Malay, Chinese and Indian school (Some say its good, some say its bad)
4. Creation of NEP (National Economic Policy) – establishment of quotas for the Malay (60% of the population) because they were lagging in the economy (It was good before the heavy abuse by the politicians as a vote gaining tool)
5. A country where her people can live harmoniously together, until the Politicians started using “Race Politics” for their own gain (Good at first, bad because its the main political tool nowadays)
6. Establishment of the Royal Malaysian Police (Police Diraja Malaysia: PDRM) – Well the History of the PDRM goes back to the 1400’s during the Malacca empire (according to Wikipedia) but PDRM are making headline nowadays for their action against peaceful demonstrators. PDRM loves to fire tear gas at them. Their reason, to calm them down. IMHO, the PDRM is the one that needs to calm the f down. (Good before, Bad now)
7. The building of Petronas Twin tower, once the world’s tallest building but has now be taken over by Taipei 101. – (Good. To show that Malaysia can actually build an office building commissioned by Korean and Japanese Engineering firms)
8. Creation of KLIA and Sepang F1 (Good)
9. The lost of majority seats in the Parliament by the ruling national party (Barison Nasional)  – (Good)
10.After 52 years of independence, Malaysia is still harmonious albeit the many social unrest – robberies, snatch thieves, car window smashing robberies, illegal immigrants (Good, considering we have problems that need to be solved. Freaking goverment and PDRM are just playing the race politics and firing tear gas)
11. ISA (BAD..BAD…BAD)

After all these years, I am still proud to say, AKU ANAK MALAYSIA. Bukan Cina, Bukan Melayu, Bukan India atau Lain-lain.
AKU ANAK MALAYSIA!

Selamat Merdeka MALAYSIA!

A must watch Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai3_12z_BdU

Love it, Loathe it? Comments appreciated.

-Boon

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May death strike those thieves at Pos Malaysia!

// August 24th, 2009 // No Comments » // Thoughts

For those dishonest workers at Pos Malaysia who has stolen or thought of stealing other people’s mail.

Go Screw Yourself!

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You are not alone…..

// August 24th, 2009 // No Comments » // Health, Thoughts

There is a song by Michael Jackson that goes.. “You are not alone, I am here with you..”. The title of the song is “You are not alone” and the lyrics assure listeners that they are not alone and that someone will be by their side. The truth of the matter is that Americans are slowly becoming a lonely society. Younger generations have substituted face to face interaction with Instant Messaging, Emails and social networking sites. Those mediums were meant to be a supplement of our normal interaction with others but have become the prime obsession of many. According to an article by Newsweek (Read here), [Thanks Kin L for the link]

-[that the encroachment of digital communication into our social lives can amplify feelings of isolation. He describes texting or Twittering in the presence of others as a "prescription for loneliness." Such behavior, he says, sends the message that someone somewhere else is more important. "The human heart is suffering from lack of authentic interaction," he says. "Just being able to engage genuinely and politely with your neighbors is a better fix than Xanax could ever affect for mental stability."]

So the next time if you feel like checking your Facebook or Twitterring during a meeting, think of the loneliness that may loom within your heart. Is it time that you find a soulmate?

p.s. Match.com and jdate.com are the last place you should look.

Love it, Loathe it? Comments are appreciated.

-Boon

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109 days of unemployment later

// August 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // Thoughts

It was Tuesday,April 31st, 2009 when my manager (Mr X) scheduled a faux meeting with me to discuss the project which we only discuss on Wednesdays with the team. I smelled something fishy when I was pulled aside by his manager ( I will call him Mr Y) as I went to meet up with Mr X. My suspicion just got deeper when Mr Y asked me to meet with him on the 11th floor. With the many re-orgs and lay offs happening around the firm,  the 11th floor is the floor many will try to avoid by all means. Even the word “11th floor” itself is taboo and gives many employees the chill.

Taking the elevator to the 11th floor, I tried to comprehend what was coming my way. I confronted Mr Y about what’s going to happen but like a dumb, he just kept his mouth shut and assured me that the discussion will only commence on the 11th floor.

Reaching the meeting room, I saw the HR Rep or I would like call her ”The Jack The Ripper of Lay Offs”. For that moment, my mind was jumbling with questions such as how am i going to pay my rent? what will i do next? why me? I stopped paying attention to Jack the ripper the moment she handed me a document that reads “Employee termination Agreement”. When you’re presented with such document, you know your time at the firm is up – GAME OVER buddy.

When you’re laid – off, it could be a boon or a misfortune, depending on how you make the best out of it. For me, it turned out to be alright. Within the 2 months of lay off, I studied my ass off for the GMAT and pass the test with a score that I was proud off. I also managed to escape New York and flew to the Land of the Rising Sun with my gf for a week – that was a fun getaway.

Now, after 109 days of unemployment, I start work with my new company, which I am not going to name because of privacy issues, as a “Special Employee”. In an economy where unemployment is at 9.7%, I am just glad to have a job. Besides, I am still working on those bschool apps, which reminds me that I have to get back to my essays.

“I ran so hard to chase the bear that took off with my gr-ubs. I killed and took it to the citi and sold it to Mr Goldman for $2.” – The Dead Bear, Boon 2009

Love it, Loathe it? Comments appreciated.

-Boon

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An FX Trader and his Veron.

// August 15th, 2009 // No Comments » // Finance, Thoughts, cars

Below is a classic joke that appears in many versions.
An FX trader walks into a bank in Manhattan and asks for the loan officer. He explains that he is going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $2,000.

The bank officer says, “We will need some kind of security for such a loan.”

The trader hands over the keys to a new Bugatti Veron parked in front of the bank. The Bank does a registration check with NYDMV. Everything checks out. The Officer agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. An employee drives the Veron into the bank’s underground garage and parks it there.

While the trader is away the Bank realizes their client is a multimillionaire. So several weeks later when the chap returns, repays the $2,000 and the interest which comes to $5.41, the loan officer questions, “Why would you bother to borrow $2,000? You are very wealthy.”

The trader replies, “Parking. Where can you park in midtown Manhattan for two weeks for only five dollars plus change?”

Classic…..

Love it, Loathe it? Comments appreciated.

-Boon

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