Chocolate in Secret Garden

I was eating chocolate while watching the last part of Jerry Maguire. The chocolate is the dove chocolate I bought last year at Target. I just realized that every wrapper actually has different sentence printed in it. I ate four and here are the sentences:
1. Joy is contagious
2. Promise yourself some relaxing holidays moments
3. Add a little sweetness to your day.
4. Togetherness in itself is a holiday treat. --> I like this one the best.

The last part of Jerry Maguire is the best...I can't never get bored watching it. The phrase like "You complete me", "You had me at hello", "I've failed as much as I've succeeded", etc...
These sentences actually carry a lot of meanings, at least to me...
By the way, don't say hello to me...just kidding=)

This whole weekend was invested in Java programming. I am half-way in finishing the first phase of my Point Of Sales (POS) project. It is a 5 yrs project, and revised every 6 months for its feasibility. By 30 yrs old, Handiest! That's the time! Let me know if you are interested in investing in my business plan.

Listen to Eternal Flame and wish you a good week, people!

Almost Quarter-Life

I was introspecting myself. I am almost 25 yrs old in a few months time, still single, still jobless, no business achievement. Sigh...

I was so workaholic this week. Do I need to re-think if my dedication to ERC will benefit me in the future? I was workaholic because I find my work is under a lot of spotlights. I see the importance of getting my task finished as soon as possible for the NSF visit in May. But I am not sure if I focused so much on ERC work in order to avoid the painful job hunting?

I just met with my senior at Great Lakes restaurant just now. He is a year older than me, he has a very good consulting job in Chicago, has a pretty and smart girlfriend, drive Lexus. He was like a "wake-up" call to me.

How realistic am I about having my own business in Indonesia? Should I follow the common path that most people take? Like find a job after graduation, work a couple of years, get married, and then start thinking abt own business...

My business acumen is really driving me crazy...It is an internal force inside me that keep telling me that my business plan will work out. This force actually distracted me from job hunting...Also coupled by the fact that my mom actually suggested me to go home if I can't find a job in US when I talked to her yesterday...I wish I can see my future in the crystal ball...

I am like driving a car in a busy road trying to find a parking spot. Many cars drove past me and got parking spot. I wish I can own a parking spot in that busy road. One good thing is that I haven't reached the end of the road.

What did I do in my past life? Did I make many people to lost their jobs and I am paying my karma now? It is just too painful to think about job hunting...
I know you can't help me much...

Workaholic

I spent my working hours today in ERC thinking about RFID implementation in RFT. Design and develop RFID infrastructure in RFT is not that simple...But I am enjoying my work (+1 point)

Glen and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner, and today is the special day for legs (50 cents per piece). I bought her dinner since it's cheap (I am quite cheapskate, huh?) =) We ordered 4 flavors + potato wedges...And being Indonesians, we ordered the "Blazing"....It set my mouth on fire for at least 15 minutes (Wanna see Handiest cry?)...But it was fun. Besides, there was a pretty girl sitting at the next table. Only can see from the distance, can't talk/touch...(+3 points)...Listening to "Beautiful Girl" by Jose Mari Chan now

I came back home and watched "Everyone Loves Raymond". It's so darn funny and I just forgot about the positive stress that I had in mind for that hour...(+1 point)

Finally, my dear friend calling while driving in SF...(priceless). We will watch Sponge Bob and SX&dCity when you come back in March, alright?

now, have to finish one homework due tomorrow (-1 point)

And there's always a HandiestKard: priceless happiness today

Tough Decision

As days go by, my thought of going back to Asia to work is getting stronger and stronger. Considering the 3-5 years of "ramp-up" time I need to setup my own business, there isn't much time left for me. Indonesia will have free-trade agreement with China by 2010, that's 5 yrs from now. The free-trade in ASEAN has begun and the impact is favoring Singapore so far (that's my opinion).

So much about business...I am not sure if I have overlooked other factors that cause other people NOT to go back to Indonesia or Singapore...If it is all about earning US$, I don't think it is a big deal...I can earn the same amount in Indonesia (US income tax is high) and live a better life (stand-by maids, chauffeur). If it's about experience, I am undecided...sigh.

Sometimes, it seems obvious that I have kinda set my mind on something...I just don't dare to take the final step, that's making it into a decision....Any advice?

We are the Champion

I won the intra-mural badminton for men's doubles today...Yay!!! It's my last IM competition and I won the champion title=).

I didn't expect to beat my own club members on our first match since my partner and I played so badly on last Friday. But as always, expect the unexpected. Get T-shirt as the prize (see the photo). Hope you enjoy the remaining of your weekend.

Go to this link to see more details of the IM tournament (photos and video)
http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/~wijayah/BadmintonIM.html

detest today

Today is a negative day. My Titus watch broke...Well, I didn't know why one of the connecting pins for the chain can go missing...I like this watch so much and it was quite an expensive one....I bought it using my own money 2 years ago in Singapore.

Today's snow is unbelievable...My driving skill is put to a great test....Driving Eclipse through 4-6 inches of snow is harder than scoring A in exam.

Can someone cheer me up? I guess not...The day is over anyway....I am going to have a badminton tournament tomorrow at 11 am. I lost my confidence after Friday's practice...My partner is worse than I expected (He didn't play for at least 3 months already)....But I do hope we can play well as a team tomorrow.

thought(s)

There are a few changes in me this year physically and spiritually(mentally).
1. My backpain is not going away yet. That makes me to skip skiing this year:(

2. I am getting older...Someone (in fact a few people, you know who you are) thought that I am 28 yrs old.

3. Finding a job in US is not my priority anymore. Did I just lose the motivation to find a job?

4. I was thinking if there are so many smart foreign students unemployed in US, why don't we just go back to Asia together and setup a company? Is money the primary reason for working US? I bet it is at least 75% true.

5. I think my heart/mind is not as stubborn as last year. I feel touched very easily this year, aka more passionate, i think. I guess I put up iron curtain last year in order to prevent distraction(s). There won't be any shielding this year....I want free flow of feeling/expression.

One "dinner" dollar question, which part of Handiest you hate the most? and like the most? Have a good weekend!

The Apprentice

Just finished watching this week apprentice which is about selling a typical angus meal for Burger King.
There are a couple of lessons learnt.... for my personal business development
1. Point out the most important process in business.
Fast food means fast service means Point Of Sales (POS) is the critical part.
Marketing is important. Use professional simple to the point marketing.
2. Control your employees.
If one employee is not performing, you gotta get in and cover the lost time/effort.
Delegation is one thing, but you have to make sure your employee is capable of doing the job.
There is no trust in business!
3. Make sure you have enough skills to cover any business process that needs extra help.

Pony tail

I was watching Medical Investigation series just now. I like the role of Dr. Natalie the best.
Today, she had pony tail...Girls, you should keep long hair....and better, have pony tail.

Mask

I behave as if there is nothing happening today, like wearing a mask But actually, I got rejection by Gallup. Should I feel sad? I think I had enough of sadness last year. Why must I go through this kinda suffering? No more sadness!!! I won't give a damn to american companies. If they don't want me, fine..I will go back to Asia and show them what they have been missing.

There are so many questions floating in my mind now. The obvious question is always "What's your next move, Handiest?". I have filed paperwork for OPT. Also, I have begun to consider looking for a job in Singapore. Or even go back to Indonesia. I feel I can do more stuff in Indonesia.

Anyway, do you think I am still not good enough to get a job in US? I personally think that I am ready for a job...I am losing my patience in job hunting. Very angry now...

Back Pain

I played badminton too hard on Sunday evening, injured my back slightly....Man, I feel like an old man. I hope I can recover in time for upcoming tournament on Sunday. I watched the last episode of a very popular Korean drama entitled "Stairway to Heaven". The last episode is unbelievingly sad. I probably shouldn't watch it. Anyway, I have been enjoying this series so much. Again, no regret. If you are a buddhist, you will believe that our destiny is planned at the time we were born...We live everyday revealing the love, happiness, and sadness that we deserve. So, enjoy your life!

E.H.F.A.R.

Hmm...E.H.F.A.R...She was the first person telling me this sentence last year, to cheer me up, I guess. I think it is interesting enough, at least to me, to analyze this sentence. If everything happens for a reason, how can we confirm the reason for the thing that happened? I am just kidding. She also told me not to think too much...Hey, I still remember you:)

Anyway, the Gallup phone interview lasted about 50 minutes. It was a structured Q&A interview. Most of the questions were focused on my personality, how I think, and my philosophies in life. Also, so much emphasis on leadership.

I don't think I will have problems to be a leader, as long as I have a few good men/women. It's all about teamwork and trust! Will get the interview result in 2 to 5 days, if I got it, I will be flown to SF...We will see. I better start working on my backup plan, that's my preparation to embrace into Asia's business. Not much time left, Handiest!

She
Elvis Costello
(Notting Hill Soundtrack)


She
may be the face I can't forget
a trace of pleasure or regret
may be my treasure or the price I have to pay
she may be the song that summer sings
may be the chill that autumn brings
may be a hundred different things
within the measure of a day.

She
may be the beauty or the beast
may be the famine or the feast
may turn each day into a heaven or a hell
she may be the mirror of my dreams
a smile reflected in a stream
she may not be what she may seem
inside her shell

She
who always seems so happy in a crowd
whose eyes can be so private and so proud
no one's allowed to see them when they cry
she may be the love that cannot hope to last
may come to me from shadows of the past
that I'll remember till the day I die

She
may be be the reason I survive
the why and wherefor I'm alive
the one I'll care for through the rough and ready years
me I'll take her laughter and her tears
and make them all my souvenirs
for where she goes I've got to be
the meaning of my life is

she, she, oh she

Starry Starry Night

It's a starry starry night. The sky tonight is so clear...I can see Orion Belts...Always happy when the sky is clear...I wish I can gaze at the stars with someone I love...Well, I believe there is always an opportunity...My telescope is always ready:) Badminton wasn't too bad just now.

It's also a beautiful but icy day. I accomplished the stuff I had to do in ERC except the RFID. I am going to have a phone interview with Gallup Consulting in about 9 hours time. I don't feel anything at all, I mean no pressure, no stressed...funny. But I will give my best later...Don't worry. As I mentioned before, 2005 is gonna be a good year.

My sleeping problem hasn't gone away completely. I guess the only antidote to this problem is not to worry about it. There is no such rule saying that you have to sleep between midnight to 6 or 7 am. I can sleep anytime when there is no lecture and my body is tired. I always tell myself, "if can't sleep, think of your future business". Me and my business dream again...hehehe

I wish you all a happy long weekend! Life is short, do what you want to do when you have the time, the money, and the opportunity. See you when I see you!

Investigation

I have been watching this new series about medical investigation in Channel USA. The title I guess is Medical Investigation. The series is better than ER. I always like investigation series, I like to watch JAG, Law & Order (getting sick of it though).

Why I like watching these kinda of series? I guess they fulfill my weakness in Biology? Just like listening to music, classical music. I can't play any musical instruments, so I always admire those people who have music skills.

Do you know that I am left 3.5 months of schooling? hahaha...can't wait to graduate! Sometimes, things just get better when you have something to look forward to:)

Insomnia

I thought my irregular sleeping time will go away by last week, but I guess I am wrong. I have trouble sleeping at supposed-to-sleep hours. But it shouldn't be a big problem to go back to regular sleeping time. Optimistic feeling is running high in 2005! No distraction!

My "nothing to lose" feeling has conquered me. Last year was a bad experience. I was dedicating too much effort to perfect something, and when it didn' t turn out well, I fell defeated. This year is gonna be different year. I will make sure I have a lot of options ahead from me to choose. If I can't get job here, no big deal, just go back to Singapore. If I can't get As for my classes, so be it. I don't care getting Bs.

I have spent 2 nights planning US tour for my parents in April. The tour schedule is pretty tight. We will visit Niagara Falls, Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, and Florida in 15 days. I am still deciding between Florida or San Francisco...Anyway, this is gonna be the first time for me to travel with my parents:) Have been away from them since I was 15 yrs old, for a better future.

By the way, today is the foggiest day I have ever experienced in Ann Arbor. Cool...but dangerous for driving.

Tiring day

I am so tired today after ever-ending meetings. The MSU students are gonna be here for next 2 weeks. Luckily, I don't have to teach them a lot of things. BUT there is a lot of things to accomplish by the end of this term. Hmm...it is going to be a tough term...I just hope that everything will work out by April.

Good Week

First week of class...everything went well so far, including my research work.
I made a significant progress on my RFID work, and I think I am going to like the classes I am taking this term.

In addition, I have been working on my pet project, the inventory and point of sales system. It may not be the best project to work on, since there are a lot of vendors offering this kinda system already, but I still think that I will gain something from this project. Alrighty, off for badminton now...Have a good weekend!

Titleless

Can't think of the right title for today's blog. Went to BW2 for lunch with Snoopy, probably the last lunch with her, the girl who enlightened me the whole story about environmental and recycling thingy. Today may be the last day for me to slack. There are a lot of things coming up soon to keep me busy till April 22nd, the day I will get my freedom from educational slavery!

I am wondering if I will be missed so much when I leave US for good in the future. Only you can answer this question. I hate to see people whom had touched my heart leaving me because I'll miss them a lot. But anyway, I wish them very bright careers ahead.
People come and go:( You gotta move on, Handiest!

Business Ideas

Can't sleep, so what to do? What else? Brainstorm for business ideas.

What's in my radar of thought?
1. Business strategy...Too vague
2. Writing a POS system? Very strong urge, but is it feasible in Indonesia?
3. Fixing PC. It is hard to create a differentiation
4. Teacher in Indonesia?
5. Fruit trader? It's my friend's suggestion. Do you guys like mango?
6. Outsourcing consultant? Again, my friend suggested this...

Do I setup business for money or for interest? Well, noble people will advise me to create a business based on my interest, and with this interest comes money...But my logic is different, business should be created because it is a gold mine, and gold mine will make my interest grows. Am I right? Well, I am right! No doubt!

Anti-Texas day

I declare January 1st as the anti-Texas day!

Tsunami donation

Have been following the news on tsunami. First of all, I wanna thank a lot of people who have called or emailed me their concerns and sympathies. One interesting observation is that there are more of my old friends contacted me than my new friends. I am surprised to hear from my old friends.

About the tsunami relief donation. I am disappointed to see how US reacted to this tsunami. Can you imagine US donating only $100,000 after a day of the tsunami? Japan donated $350,000 immediately after the tsunami. Even my cousin donated $100,000 personally. Then the Bush government raised the donation to $350 million. However, Japan still tops the donation with $500 million. Sorry, no hard feeling to US people. I just don't like Bush. Thanks!

2005

Went to buy black forest and martini to celebrate new year. It has been a tradition in my family to celebrate new year cutting a cake. The martini part is new though. I wanted to forget about 2004 by drinking martini, my favorite alco drink.

There have been too many sad, bad, unwanted things happened in 2004. I didn't enjoy 2004 much, sadly to say...I was so pessimistic in 2004, lost my confidence. But I am going to like 2005. Why? Just a few reasons.
1. I am going to graduate.
2. I am going to find a job. If I can't get one, I don't mind going back to Asia. Nothing to lose.

In fact, if I stay in US to work, the opportunity cost is actually higher. I don't believe job experience in US is gonna help me when I start my own business in the future.

There is this very strong urge in my mind asking me to go back and start a business. The motivation is so strong that sometimes I can spend whole night analyzing a business plan without sleeping.

I was just talking to my friend. She asked me not to think so much. Well, I like to think non-academic stuff, especially business stuff. Anyway, I will try not to think too much. Secondly, I am pretty business-minded and my business-minded attitude has begun to affect the way I talk, the way I think...And sometimes, I think I hurt people during conversations. I am sorry...Happy New Year, guys!