Tuesday, November 26, 2002

------------------------------------------------------------------
Day: Tuesday - 26th November 2002
Time: 10:44 pm
Listening to: Boyz II Men - Human II (Don't Turn Your Back On Me)
-------------------------------------------------------------------

As usual, its been awhile since I updated this. Dei and Dap have been asking why. I said I just didn't have the time but they think otherwise. They think I've been busy with my new "toy".



They think I've been busy with this as well.



Which is kind of true I guess. Been occupied lately with other things that updating this blog was not a primary concern of mine.

I guess I've been waiting until things happen before I update, that would be a more interesting read, wouldn't it? Let's start with my new phone.

I've finally gotten it, went to the shop the other day with DT to sign the new contract. I thought everything was fine, was I wrong. The following day, I'm told that there has been some problems and that the credit card has been declined. OK. That explained why the phone line is still not connected to this day. What doesn't make sense is that the same credit card was used to purchase my plane ticket on the afternoon, the day after I was told the transaction was declined. Hopefully that gets fixed up ASAP.

More problems again this morning. Yes, MORE. I rushed down to the city, mainly to get to Medibank so that I could cancel my Overseas Visitor Cover which costs me about $ 145 each month. I've decided to switch over to a cover for Residents but the benefits for claims on medication don't pay as much as the OS Visitor cover. The thing is I have to pay about $ 30 monthly now. Which is a fraction of what I used to pay. What's the problem? $ 30 is the price with government rebates and to be eligible for that, I have to get a Medicare card number. I thought I could get my Medicare application done and over with this morning but that's where the problems occured. DIMA has not supplied Medicare with my details (proof that I got my PR status). I was told by the lady that they normally give DIMA a month to supply the information and if it does not show up in the system, chances are it won't be on the system. And because of that, I was requested to show proof that I am a PR of Australia and I need a whole shitload of documents. The ones I have now are not enough and I need more documentation that supports my claims that I am a PR of Australia now, documents like contract of house or property rented/purchased or utility bills like telephone, electric and water bills.

The only thing I can do now is wait until I can obtain more documents like that, hope that the Medicare database is updated soon.

To make things worse, it started raining heavily when I reached Medibank along Bourke Street. Almost thought I had to call in and tell them I would be late/not coming to work. As soon as I got home, DT told me that someone from work called and I was supposed to call back. Ben asked if I could start earlier. Nothing wrong with that since starting earlier meant finishing earlier as well. Managed to come home and get some rest before watching abit of tv right until 10:30 pm. Yes, it is Wrestling night tonight and RAW was on.

What? I'm supposed to go on about my new phone? I guess it has to be seen and "played" around with because its hard to explain. The most obvious thing one would notice is that the sound quality of the phone is different. It's alot better. Also there's the colour screen and the animated screen used as the backgrounds. The only complaint I have about the phone so far is the lag when entering names or typing out SMS. There just seems to be a lag. For example if I want to type the word "cannot" I have to wait for about 2 or 3 seconds before I can type in the second "N". I found the easiest way is to press the "space" button after each letter, but that seems abit absurd!

I'm also waiting for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City in the mail from New Zealand.



Some people in Victoria, further away from Melbourne have already gotten theirs but there are some of us in Melbourne or the inner city suburbs who have not. Personally, I'm not that concerned about other people, although their feedback on the forum is good so that I know when to expect mine. Just that some of those bastards gloat about getting the game already. Shit, I hope its not lost in the mail or anything like that.

Let's see, what else has been happening the past couple of weeks. Chris, Boon, Tom, Marlene and myself went out last Friday. We were supposed to go for a movie. I was expecting more people to come along. In the end, we had something to eat at Automatic Cafe/Bistro at Crown Complex while Marlene disappeared off somewhere for awhile. I had some really nice sausages and mash. Anyway, turns out Boon and Chris (or one of them) wanted to play arcade games at Galactic Circus. I mean what the fuck? Marlene was as bored as hell already and I've mentioned it before we went that it wasn't financially economical to spend the whole day playing arcade games. In the end, Tom drove Marlene home before dropping me off.

Something I've noticed about Boon - he's like sheep. He does whatever Chris does but he seems to be a hypocrite because I heard him talking bad about Chris from someone else today. I bet he is hanging out with Chris because he has a nice car. I bet if I had a Skyline GT-R or an Impreza WRX, he'd stick to me like glue as well. As Andrew said, he's like a shadow. Someone to look out for.

Marlene's promised to take me out to play pool when she gets her car back. She had an accident a few weeks back and hasn't been driving since. She was also the one who said she would get me pissed drunk. Hmmmm...

Sam came back to work on Monday evening. She asked me if I got her message on my mobile phone. Of course not! My line's not connected. She kept me in suspense, making me wonder what sort of message she sent me. She said she would tell me when it wasn't as busy. At the end, she told me her message contained the name of the person she liked. What an anti-climax! The last time we went out she was asking questions like "do you like anyone from work?" etc. She also mentioned that the new girl Stephanie was single. Ah...Steph...where do I begin? She's about my height. And the thing is, she's 15 year old I think! Anyways....

The "Christmas" gathering will be held on the 17th of December. I haven't written my name down yet but it seems that those who have not written their name down will be rostered to work. Maybe I should put my name down. Abit of fun should be good. The plan is to go karting or laser shooting. Or both.

Well that's about the updates for the last 2 weeks. Until the next one.....

Looking at the calender, I've just realised its a full month to go before this movie starts screening. Can't bloody wait! If I remember correctly, this was the first poster which was released.



This is the second official poster, which looks better I suppose.




This one looks really good.



Come December 26th, just can't wait for this movie!

Sunday, November 17, 2002

------------------------------------------------------------------
Day: Monday - 18th November 2002
Time: 12:03 am
Listening to: Ja Rule (feat. Ashanti & Murder Inc.) - Down With You
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Updating this regularly seems to be at the bottom of my list of "to dos" lately. It's not that I don't want to. Sometimes I think its better to leave it till there's something worth writing about. Where should I start?

Yesterday has got to be one of the most exciting days in recent memory. I've bought my very first DVD. It was the "Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring" 4-disc Extended Version which cost me about $ 60 at Borders Bookstore in Chadstone. It was sort of an impulse buy but then as usual, I couldn't pass by a good deal. It had an original price of $ 80.95. DT, KE, her friend and myself were at Chadstone to actually watch "Red Dragon" which wasn't too bad a movie I suppose.

This is what the 4-disc set that I bought actually looks like:



I guess the highlight is the extra 30 minutes of unseen footage not found in the cinema or the 2-disc version that came out a few months ago. I was speaking to the cashier asking about the "Collectors Edition" set which had SOLD OUT! It was selling for $ 149.95. Which supposedly comes with a 5th disc and a pair of "Statues of Argonath" bookends. The "Collectors Edition" package is pictured below:



And its contents:



I didn't actually see the "Collector's Edition" at Borders last night, only saw it today at Sanity in Camberwell when I went out with Chris, Boon, Tom and Sam. From the looks of it, there seem to be collector's trading cards as well! Of course, the picture is from US review so the Region 4 version might have different contents.

Discovered something interesting today. It turns out that Chris is either bisexual or gay. I've heard people talking about it before so I've been suspecting but today, he finally uttered some statements which just proved my suspicions correct. Personally, I don't feel anything different, he's still the same Chris that I know, he's still the same friend. How did it all come about? Talking about cars actually. Then one thing led to another and voila~, the cat's out of the bag.

Another revelation, Tom and Sam have also said that they think Katherine Hope has a boyfriend. Bugger. Oh well - such is life.

Just got back from Safeway to get abit of groceries. Went all the way to St. Kilda beach to actually have fish and chips at a restaurant on the jetty. We left at about 8 pm and by the time we got there, the restaurant was closed. We finally settled at a place called "Leo's" after walking past a row of restaurants. Had a rib-eye fillet, potato soup and garlic bread as appetizers. It was a very filling meal, but nothing special about it.

I finally know who the fuck Jonathan Devine is. Yes, Jonathan Devine is Jonno. I saw Chris getting his details down into Samantha's address book this afternoon and finally found out. Why can't they just stick to their normal given names? Jonathan become Jonno, Jeremy becomes Jezza...I mean...what the fuck?! Anyway, we stopped by Jonno's house a while this afternoon, somewhere in Balwyn North if my geography is correct. Why did we go to Jonno's house? Because Chris "likes" Jonno. How do I know? I heard Chris asking Sam "Does he just like me as a friend or does he like me as a boyfriend?". Oooooooookay.

Anyway, back to the house. It was a nice, huge double storey house. There was a pool. There was an entertainment/living room next to it with the large screen TV with the usual VCR and DVD system. I noticed a PSone. There was also a pool table there. His room was rectangle in shape. The whole house was carpetted as far as I could tell. I'd estimate about 10 rooms in that house, at least.

It's really weird how these people act though. For example, Jonno seems to talk loudly when he's with his friends but when speaking to his mother, he becomes timid as a mouse. We were on the look-out for his parents who were not in because it seems that his mother would be pissed if she saw us there. It's as though they don't welcome guests, or their children's guests I should say. Even Chris is like that, I've suggested a few times before we hang out at his place to play games on his new AUS $ 10,000 Plasma flat-screen tv but the excuse he always gives "Parents are in.". Hrmmm...just makes me wonder.

I've finally bought this, last weekend and have been spending a fair bit of time with the Playstation 2:



Can say I haven't regretted it since it was kind of an impulse buy. It's got the music score from the movie, it just feels good listening to the music while playing it as well. Good stuff! "Lord Of The Rings" mania will be upon us once again. I've seen the reprints of the novels with new convers yet again. Flipped through the movie guide book and seen all the nice pictures from the movies as well.

Also got confirmation that this will be arriving sometime during the coming week or next week at the latest. Had to order it from New Zealand because the Australian version was supposedly going to be censored/edited and delayed as well. Thought I could get it alot earlier, but I guess the full version is better than the edited version.



And next week, I can say at long last, "Finally....The Rock has come back to the Playstation 2!".



Yes, this is another game I just can't wait to get my hands on. The latest instalment of the WWE Smackdown series. It's supposedly a major improvement over the previous game. It's all good I say. I should be getting this next weekend.

The fellas at work have planned another social outing. We're probably going to Crown to watch a movie. Chris said he'd come pick me up after work so that I could join them. I guess I'll have to give lunch at Smorgy's a miss this time. That's where we were supposed to go during the Melbourne Cup Day but went to Food Star instead.

Still haven't had the time to sign up for a new phone plan. I might need to bring more documentation to assist in the application. Pay slips might be required. Might do it during the weekday if I have the time.

Finally, last but not least, I've also booked my flight ticket back to Malaysia. Yes, I'm going HOME. I have my ticket reserved on the 18th of January 2003. I'd probably stay back in Malaysia between 1 1/2 to 2 months depending on what I can negotiate with Ben.

I guess this is it for tonight. It's time for bed.

Wednesday, November 06, 2002

------------------------------------------------------------------
Day: Tuesday - 6th November 2002
Time: 10:04 pm
Listening to: Innuendo - Selamanya
-------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been almost a week since my last post. Just didn't get around to updating this. Some people still read it regularly. I suppose they were waiting for this.

It was a public holiday yesterday, the Melbourne Cup race (horse racing). We get a public holiday dedicated to horse racing. Listened to the results on radio after lunch and I commented to Khanh, " We get a holiday just for this? ". The race was only about 5 minutes, maybe even less. Some of them made bets on the horses. I'm no gambler. Besides, I don't know much about gambling much less horse racing! All I know is, the winning horse is called "Media Puzzle". Noticed how race-bred horses always have funny/catchy names? Go take a look next time.

Alright, so it was a holiday. A group of us decided to meet up for lunch. Originally planned to go to a place called "Smoggies". Yeah, think that's how its spelt. In the end, Kassandra booked elsewhere, supposedly cheaper and just as good. Ended up going to "Food Star". I think I've been there before. I think there were about 15 of us ( Sally, Courteney, Lauren, Liz, Samantha, Katherine (not Hope unfortunately), Samantha, Kassandra, Khanh, Pete, Jonno, Tom, Chris, Boon and myself ). Think I might have left some names out. Can't be sure though.

After lunch, we were hanging around the car park, listening to some music (Chris had his car stereo blaring, that show-off! :p) and then listening to the race. Decided to go back to meet at the work place. After some time, decided to drive around and finally decided to go watch a movie. So off we went again. Some had gone home, some had to work. Chris, Tom, Boon, Sam, Katherine, Jonno, Tom, Andrew and I decided to go to Crown to catch "Austin Powers: Goldmember". Yes its been showing for awhile. But I suppose most of us hadn't seen it yet. Jonno had to leave as soon as we pulled into the carpark. He had his mother calling him up asking him to go home. It's funny how some people talk differently to their parents, he was so loud when he was with us but like a mouse when speaking to his mum on the phone. We all walked him to the tram stop, waited until he caught his tram, then walked back to get tickets for the movie.

After the movie, we were at the arcade playing some games. We all had a go on some VR - rollercoaster ride which seats 2. And it goes up, down, spins 360 degrees etc. Pretty enjoyable actually. And that's how we spent our day. It was about half past 10 by the time I got home. Most of us agreed we had a good time. More of these group outings will be coming up soon I'm sure.

Here's some ego boosting news for myself ( Go me! ). Turns out that both Khanh and Marlene think I'm pretty hot. OK, I realise that they might not be 100% serious but its still an ego boost for me. Before we went to the movie yesterday, we were all gathered in the carpark at work. Marlene had just finished her shift. She came out, greeted all of us, started her usual teasing, saying "How's it going, hot stuff" to me. She came over and gave me a hug and I just lifted her up and spun her around and around a couple of times. I don't know if she did that on purpose just to make Andrew jealous (he's had the hots for Marlene for a long time, I heard). Khanh commented out loud " She just loves Roy ".

After that, Khanh and Marlene were saying something and I responded. They both looked at each other and started giggling and said "He's so cute!". After that, Marlene said out loud " Where were you all my life before this? " and Khanh responded " Back in Malaysia ". Khanh also kept emphasizing that I was her "hot date" for the day. Hrmm. Like I said, ego-boost for me. :p
Well, to put things back into perspective, Khanh's already engaged...so...all you readers, there's nothing going on ok? ;) *winks*

And today I was talking to Katherine (not Hope again) during my break. Talking about our new friend, Rob. Turns out he thinks he's god's gift to women and has tried picking up ALL the girls at work, staff or not! I should have been there to witness all these Kodak moments. Where was I? Anyway, was talking to Katherine and mentioned something that happened to me ages ago when I was back in Malaysia and I was going home after house practice. I had this group of girls who started whistling when they saw me. Why? Cause I was wearing shorts. The thing is, Khanh was in the stock room and overheard what me and Katherine was talking about and she shouted out " Cause you're hot, Roy! ". How did this topic come about? Katherine was laughing, thinking about the day Rob came to work wearing his shorts, and I told her about it. Like I said before, EGO BOOST :D *grins*

We're such bad people. But I believe we can treat him nicer if he had a nicer attitude, although I think its abit too late for that now. I think he just tries to hard to impress everyone and he's overdoing it, making people irritated, pissed in the process. Some people find it entertaining.

Well - finally got a confirmation email that GPStore in New Zealand has received my payment for "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" which will be delayed and possibly censored in Australia. Hope I get it within the next 2 weeks without any problems. Too many games coming out this month. Don't know how I'm going to make up my mind which to get first.

Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (Playstation 2)
It's LOTR! I'm somewhat of a fanatic now. The only reason I'm waiting is because I'm thinking if I should wait for the XBOX or Cube version coming out end of the year. Shit...shit shit shit. Just saw on the site of GPStore that it's already out in New Zealand. It should be out here by the end of the week. SHIT!



Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (XBOX)
Stealth/Action game like Metal Gear Solid. Looks good, good reviews. What more could one ask for?



Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem
Good reviews, a psychological horror game.



Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 or Burnout 2: Point Of Impact
Had a go at this game (NFS:HP2). Was fun and pretty addictive. Guess I missed playing all these kinds of arcade racers. NFS:HP2 has all the cool cars like Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari etc while B2:POI has spectacular car crashes. Racing flashy cars, sometimes escaping from cop cars, how else can you do it legally? ;)

Hrmmm...decisions decisions. Maybe wait until I modify my PS2 and get the pirated versions for both these games :X



I suppose I'll be able to handle it. Just a matter of time...and budgeting.

I love the fact that I can include pictures now. The posts are so much more colourful now. Spices things up.

Just discovered last week that my contract with Telstra has actually ended. Since I'm a PR now, I'm eligible to apply for my own line, as apposed to using DT's name, because my student visa did not meet the requirements when I arrived, I needed a 2 year student visa, at least to apply for a phone line. Since I've got my PR now, I can apply for a line on my own and get a new phone in the process. My first choice:

Samsung SGH-T100 - $ 30 for 2 year contract



Either that, or its one of the following:

Nokia 8855 - $ 20 with a 2 year contract


Nokia 8910 - $ 310 for Titanium, $ 430 for Midnight (Abit out of my budget, I just realised - have the price list in front of me)


I bet Dei is grinning from ear to ear now. She's had her eyes set on my current phone for as long as I can remember.

Speaking of Nokia phones, check out the Nokia site to check out some pretty cool new phones coming out within the first 3 months of 2003! Click here - "NEW NOKIA PHONES!".

I'd do individual links and perhaps some pictures when I have the time. I'm rushing off to bed. Good night.