After 3 Weeks Holiday, I’m Back ?

Last I remembered working was on 13th September. It feels like forever since I last open my photoshop and dreamweaver. No lesser than my dust collecting lappie.

The first 2 weeks, I insisted on being disconnected. Although it is possible to connect via GPRS (to check on Anwar’s 16 Sept gimmick and stuff), I wanted to leave everything behind and focus on my vacation. (I rarely take some time off).

Then comes Eid Ul Fitr. Everyone was on festive mode, so no point on calling clients (except my ‘mat salleh’ clients). But I did spend at least a few days replying emails, 76 altogether.

Everyone is jumping back to work on Monday? Hope it’ll spring my regular hits.

I’ve loads to write, but I take it everyone wants to write raya experience and such, no point in writing a long-syok-sendiri post. So please, go ahead and read other’s cliché ‘must-have-rendang’ post, drool on your keyboard and shove a mouthful of kueh raye. I won’t write about food.

Lemang, ketupat, kueh aside, welcome back to your sorry 9-to-5 ass job

ps: NH will expire on 10/10/2008 (I think). Awaiting for Nuffnang to pay me to renew my hosting (it’s been 2 months already). Any sponsors?

pss: NH will expire on 27/11/2008. *knocks his head with a sledge hammer*

Not the Same Class

As a business owner, I cannot refrain myself from entertaining hot prospects. No matter how small their budget is, I’ll find ways to give my sincerest advice.

Yesterday was different. I received a call from a lead. He explained what he wanted in his web blah, blah, blah this that. I’m sure I could fill the blank field he left. The web is my playground, peanuts…

“I want it by Monday if possible”, in his snobbish bossy style.

So I explained in great detail of how I imagined it to be until it comes down to the cost, roughly 5-digits.

“What?” he yelled on the phone. “If I ask a non-bumi, I could fetch the price for RM500++ . Why are you charging so much? Are you trying to cheat me? So this is how a Malay do business, greedy and sneaky”, he bombarded. (more…)

Dell Latitude Boast 19 Hours!

This is not a paid entry.

I’m currently on the look out for a new computer system. Exceptionally wonderful laptop or Super Desktop + Netbook? Until I came across this on Dell (MYS) website.

This is too much. It made my squeaky-10-minutes-tops-laptop looked like child’s play. So 19 hours on a single charge? That.. that.. that is a CON, SCAM, FRAUD, PENIPU! (actually I’m envious).

I have three two options now,

Option 1: Super ‘gile-babi’ laptop. I could carry my work everywhere, including some intense graphic design and gaming activity. Bad, usually heavy, overpriced small screen, gets hot easily, if it dies on me, I’m dead. Either an XPS or Latitude, allocated 5k.

Option 2: Powerful desktop and a 10-inch Netbook. I can do more work on desktop and carry a slim Netbook for an hour presentation. The bad, synchronizing data. Cheapskate clone PC + MSI Wind or Lenovo S10 allocated 3.5k + 1.5k.

Option 3: Get a Macbook Pro. Other than cool factor, I have to consider software licensing issues. Cool factor, cool factor. Scrapped, hail Mike Arrington.

Not in consideration: HP & Compaq. I had 3 laptops from the same maker. It’s always the same case of overheating.

I guess it comes down to Option 2. Maximum output when at home and for mobility, I could carry my Netbook everywhere. Synchronization can be done using an 8gb USB and PortableApps.

Pontianak on the Loose, Cyberjaya

I guess the lost caucassian kid I posted the other day didn’t scare you that much. Some still doubt it’s authenticity. I don’t blame you. It does look a bit awkward.

This photo was captured in Cyberjaya. The road next to the building leads to Dengkil. Those who’re familiar may know the name of the building. I don’t wish to name it. It could be your office. (more…)

We Need This By Tomorrow

It’s funny how I have to dump my whole Doomi (to-do list). I’ve actually sorted out, what needs to be done by priority. Unfortunately my clients do not hold any of their punches. I’m extremely busy, probably the busiest month ever in life.

Back when I was an engineer, the only difficulties I had was managing my underlings, because they don’t listen and time management problems. But works can be delegated. Now I’m running the show alone, it’s a bigger hurdle to leap.

Paper works, design works and consultation needs special attention. And since I am less likely to trust other (freelancers under me), I do it myself. Now it’s overflowing my desk, desktop (pc) and some even made it to my bed.

Client A: I need this by tomorrow, is it possible?

Client B: I actually want this next week, but tomorrow ok?

Client C: The boss wants to review this tomorrow, help me!?

I don’t normally take No for answer, afterall, I’m chasing all this work in hope that I can meet my monthly installments. Let’s just hope they can expedite the payment. I hate chasing invoices.

In a way, I think it’s good that clients push the dateline. I’ll have lesser pending works, lesser procrastination, higher efficiency and maximum output. I know I work best under pressure.

The downside, irregular sleeping pattern, no social life, less observant of my surrounding and miss game-time with Emok.

Oh well, let’s just stick to the quote, “It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious“. I am both  

ps: I think I’m losing hair

The Hiccup Story

I have a terrible sickness, hiccup. When it reigns upon me, it’ll last for a week (minimum). But that alone couldn’t stop me from working.

Today, I had a meeting with my client at Nilai. It’s an hour drive from my house. I made a quick pit stop for a mineral water, in hope that it’ll subside, provided I drank a lot of water. Unfortunately, no. (more…)

Paper Price To Increase by 50%

I guess it’s now screaming “RECYCLE ME!” in case you missed Sunday’s Headline. The price of paper & stationery may increase to 50% by year end.

For many of those who don’t really know me, I am all ‘green’. Also being one of the reason of not participating in the last general election, no party preached about global warming or going green. (more…)