Christmas

It's Christmas, and the family is celebrating it for the second time. This time to let the kids(nephew, niece and cousins (whom never quite celebrated to know the significances)) experience what Christmas is like, culturally and not religiously. It's great that Singapore is culturally diverse but still conservative in some other ways. Coming from a Muslim family, it's great that my family opened up to other celebrations. We did celebrate Chinese New Year while my late grandmother was still around(it doesn't really feel like a true CNY celebration but we made it a point to visit her), Christmas once before and I do occasional Deepavali at Kavitha's(my friend) place. Thecelebrations are just meant for a family gathering since it's a holiday. We'll feast and do exchanges whenever possible.

I've been with Starbucks for 8 years and gotten myself influenced by the Christmas celebration. Christmas period meant high sales, SB open house, great gifts and bonus. On top of that, it's shopping galore. All shops will be having sale. Even for a Muslim country like Malaysia, they have to incorporate Malaysia Year End Sale during Christmas because it's the highest revenue period, period.

Since it's Ilyas and Yanni's first Christmas, we're trying to go all out for them. We got a mini Christmas tree, presents and even a Christmas Turkey.

Check out the Our Little Family Dinner on Christmas Day.

And since I've been giving presents for past couple of years, I still do have to give again this year. At least I got my returns too...

Check it out...

I got my Christmas wish this year.
It came as it is, not wrap. Soooo not Christmas-y

They just know I LOVED the brand.
Not wrapped but boxed.
Still not Christmas-y enough.

A little something from my sister
And it's wrapped, now it fell like Christmas

 And what I gave,

Seems like a bit too much from Porter

So yeah. It's great celebrating other celebrations. Do it with an open heart and understand the implications of the holidays. It's a great exposure. Hopefully, the kids had a great time.

Ja Matta

New Work Environment

You guys must have encountered me posting about getting a new career throughout all my blogs but I have yet to mention what it's like. For viewers discretion, I will not include the name of the company but I will announced that I am rightfully hired in an aviation company dealing with aircraft engine overhaul. My true dream of flying may not be achieved but I'm happy with what I have for now. And I will elaborate why.

Firstly, I have been unemployed for coming 2.5 months. My numerous attempts for Cadet Pilot, Air Traffic Controller and Cabin Crew have been a dismay. Hence I chose the last resort, accepting the recommendation to work in the company my sister is working at. Apparently, it's not just my sister. Within the same company, I have my aunt, uncle, brother-in-law, secondary school classmate and even my poly classmate working in different departments. So it became an easily cosy working environment where you'll know people. though I'm still getting a hang in knowing who's who because my jobscope requires communicating with many parties.

So, what is my jobscope like? I am a Planning Assistant, in Vendor Control. Basically, my task is to overlook the progress of the engine parts that the company sends out to repair. The engine overhaul has a certain timeline to meet, so the external repairs has to be back on time. I have to liase with many departments to get the job rolling. For the jobs consolation, it's the most critical department. Without the parts coming back, engine assembly will be put on hold hence loosing a lot of money. And I do mean A LOT OF MONEY. So the jobscope can be quite demanding and pressurising.

Another part of the company that I like is the support to continue study. Upon 1 year of service in the company, they will sponsor the employees to continue to study in FULL WITHOUT ANY BOND ATTACHED. I am currently working office hours and I am SOOOO planning to take up my degree next year.

Though on the hind note, the job is quite demanding. And I did went through some inconvenience even before and during my first week.

Once after the interview, I was told that I'm hired by my sister's supervisor and was told to wait for the letter and probably start by first of December. No letter came by that day and the team was already looking for me. I check with the HR and they mentioned that they have not finalized the position but I'm rightfully hired. Later that week, the HR called and informed me of my pay range and I'm appointed as an executive but still in consideration and would be able to start the following Wednesday. On the following Monday, the HR called me again and informed me that they will not be able to offer the executive position but the position that I applied for. Their reason being that they do not want to create an uproar within the department because there have been people experienced to be promoted to that position. I'm actually cool with it and I will make my way up, just like how I did with Starbucks.

Another part of the inconvenience is that there is no proper training provided except the companies orientation. As an ACTA certified trainer and assessor, I did not received the type of training that I hoped. I was told to 'DIVE' into the role. That kind of shocked me. I have to learn how others had learnt. For the first week, I've been buddied with someone and literally be her shadow because she has tons of work to be completed. Only by the forth day, she came and sit down to go thru the necessary details. Given the opportunity to do overtime over the weekend, my boss happily picked me to do. I was really wondering what I would do on that Saturday with no one around but I managed to get the details of the required task. I was happy that I managed to complete the task, alone in the office. I was initially locked out since I don't have the keys to the office. Lucky the execs have a meeting to attend, so they opened the office.

Well, that is an overview of my new work and how it's been from the begining to end of week one. I may just vent my feelings here in the near future, or maybe I will not. Let's see.

Ja Matta

KINECT-ing

Ok, I told myself not to blog about games. Since I posted something about my collection in the earlier post, I could include my current hobby. It's not a new hobby, just something I'm doing more these days.

My latest console is my Xbox 360, on top of my old Xbox, Playstation, PC and Wii. Furthermore it's free!!! from my re-contract with Singnet. And the latest addition to my Xbox is the new Kinect, which was an early Christmas gift from a friend. My Christmas wish came true. I do have great friends.

I was wondering whether to get Kinect since it first announced. The whole body controller gimmick is truly interesting. I have Wii but the control movements are limited by the controller. There are a lot of add-ons to Wii to achieve the whole experience. As for Kinect, it's seems like just 1 add on for a whole body experience.



For $229, the Kinect comes with a game, Kinect Adventures.

The complementary game to Kinect purchase

Kinect Adventures is quite a boring game to play alone. But it'll be a laugh to play with others. A good game I would recommend for Kinect is Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. Ok it's not really a game, more like a program. It's a great workout program with a personal trainer and guides you with the different training requirements. You can even choose the type of concentration and be informed of your posture correction. But most of the workouts are in standing position because of the sensors. But if you can work out the sweat and be informed of the amount of calories lost is just awesome.

A great workout program. Not really a game

The only common problem I have with Kinect is that it requires a huge space to operate. You need to stay 2 meters away from the terminal. My Xbox360 is in my room and I still requires more space. My room is arranged in a very spacious manner I might add but with the limited space, I can only managed a 1 player gaming.

I would still recommend getting a Kinect if you need a full body workout. Even if it's a boring game, you can still work out the sweat. I personally love it. Next on the list is the Dance Central.

Ja Matta

Collectors Syndrome

On the day of the Singapore Toys Games Comics Convention, I got to know through Facebook that both my cousins in California and Japan were reminiscing their past hobbies. What a coincidence. My cousin in California was showcasing his toy purchases and the other in Japan was competing in a Magic cards tournament, while I in Singapore was attending a convention.

I managed to chat with my cousin in California and was even trying to get him to search for my toys to complete the collection. Through our conversations, I suddenly thought of cataloging all the collections I had since I started 14 years back.

So I came home and noted all the collections. The pictures of my collections are in Classification of a Geek album. And below are the breakdown of what I've spent throughout the 14 years. Do note that the total is a rough calculation and does not include the collections that I gave away or managed to sell.

The Breakdown(as cataloged in the album):
- My 870+ comics                                       $3702.00
- Eminem action figure                                 $35.00
- DC Direct action figure                               $30.00
- DC comics Superhero Collection                $224.25
- 1/6 Action figure                                        $89.90
- Star Wars: Episode I collection                  $35.00
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer action figures       $350.00
- Danger Girls action figure                          $30.00
- Neca TMNT                                              $150.00
- TF: K.O. Combiners                                  $30.00
- TF: Robots in Disguise                               $194.60
- TF: Robot Masters                                     $45.00
- TF: Armada                                               $49.80
- TF: Alternators/Binaltech                            $530.00
- TF: Animated                                             $980.30
- TF: Revenge of the Fallen                            $271.30
- TF: ROTF Human Alliance                           $209.70
- TF: Generations                                          $53.80
- TF: Alternity                                                $85.00

Not in album:
- Marvel Universe 3.75"                                   $94.50
- G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra 3.75"                         $75.60

TOTAL DAMAGE:                                       $7265.75

I was actually expecting the collection to hit $10K. Apparently, some of the items I own worth more than the actual cost, hence it might worth up to $10K. For now, I'll just spent to hit my $10K mark and call it a quit. Don't worry, it would not be anytime soon because I'm slowing down on my collection drastically.

Ja Matta!

Singapore Toy Games Comics Convention

I just came back from the Singapore Toys Games Comics Convention at Suntec City Convention. It's their third year running but this year is by a different organizer. I've mellowed down my collection hobby and thought of skipping the event. This year the organizers brought in special guest appearances, mostly from Marvel Comics. And they have my current fave artist Leinil Yu and my old fave Salvador Larroca. So it's a must to go.

Another different thing about this years STGCC is that there's an entry fee. Early registration fee cost $11.70 and on site ticket cost $15. It isn't much of a hassle and from the looks of it, the place won't be packed like previous years. And it was true. It was a breeze moving around the convention.

Main objective is to meet my fave artist, so I headed straight for them. I came right on time for the Marvel Team panel discussion. The topic was East in West - The Appeal of Asian elements and its incorporation in Western Comics. 

From Left to Right:
C.B Cebulski, Salvador Larroca, Sonny Liew, Leinel Yu, Harvey Talibao, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Alex Maleev and Esad Ribic

From the list of guest, I only follow works by C.B. Cebulski, Salvador Larroca adn Leinel Yu. I'm not too familiar with the rest. And I got to know that my current favorite artist, Leinel Yu is a Filipino. All the while I thought he was Chinese. But his works are truly awesome. He penned comics such as Batman/Danger Girl, Fallen Son, New Avengers, Secret Invasion, Superior, Ultimate Comics: Avengers2, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men. Another artist I love is Salvador Larroca for his work on Gen X/Gen 13, Heroes Reborn, X-Men(Uncanny, X-Treme, Ultimate), Newuniversal. I came with known some of the best work comics for them to sign but the timing is not within means.

Like the previous two conventions, I continued on to my usual toy hunts. I've only kept in mind to get the Transformers Animated Arcee and Hot Rod but I could not find any. The prices for the other toys are quite cheap. I can't believed that most of the toys there are going at unbelievable prices. Tempted but I've controlled. But not till I found some great buys. I gotten myself a Neca TMNT April O'Neil and a Binaltech for only SGD10 and SGD25. I was estactic when I saw them at that prices.

Next, I started roaming around the rest of the convention. There wasn't much interesting things that were showcased, not to me that is. There's the Marvel booth which is empty, Tokidoki booth which is quite popular with the local Asians, few toy booths selling toys at unbelievable prices, 1 gameshop that showcases Kinect(I wanna get it!!!), and a whole row of local talents showcasing their work.

But what interest me the most was when I left the convention hall. Outside the hall, there were tons of people flocking around in Cosplay. I've experienced Cosplay in Harajuku and find them amazing to be dressed as fictional characters and taking photos. Not much of difference here in Singapore. The effort they put in really shows.

The prettiest of all the cosplay eventhough the costume was simple

As for this year, the event is giving out great gifts. Those who purchase an early bird 3-day pass will receive a Star Trek action figure. And every first 500 entry will get a Ghostbuster Mini-Mate everyday. There's other giftaway at different booths. I'm not that of a typical Kiasu Singaporean, but I would love to get hold of the Mini-Mates and an autograph copies of Leinel Yu and Salvador Larroca comics.

Things I brought back from the convention

I'm not too sure if this years STGCC is the best one yet. I've enjoyed the first STGCC the most but this year they brought in most of my favorite artist and give out great gifts. So I'll give them the thumbs up. Last year, I've gotten hold tons of toys and just that. So somehow, I would still go for the next one.

For more pictures, visit Singapore Toys Games Comics Convention.

Till next time,

Ja Matta

New Year Resolution

Ok, I know it's way too early to start a new year resolution. It's not even Christmas yet. Fine, I just need to note it down and refer to it. It's something to do with the Law of Attraction. The more I think or refer about my goals, the higher chances of me heading to that direction. It's all about "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. Go read it up.

Anyway, let's look back at what my 2010 resolution is about:

1. Achieve Starbucks Manager of The Quarter
2. Get out of Starbucks and get an airline related job
3. Get in a relationship (Direction for marriage, no more fooling around)

Simple enough. Yet I have only achieved resolution 2. I left Starbucks and joined Pratt & Whitney (Aircraft Engine Overhaul Company). Not able to join as Pilot, Cabin Crew nor Air Traffic Controller. But the position is good enough and the benefits are awesome to say the least. Will post about it more when I actually start working.

As for resolution 1, I got hindered by a situation at work that failed me to excel in my plans. It's too overwhelming to even start the action steps. As for resolution 3, lets just say I'm still searching for the right one.

Ok, 2011 is coming. I'm starting a new career and I still have intentions of travelling before marriage. So I have a list of things to achieve before 2012 steps in.

1. To continue studying, take up a bachelor degree
A benefit of the new career is a scholarship to continue study and there will be no bond attached to it. How wonderful is that. Will research on it around the 8th month of my probation. I need to settle down to my career first before venturing to something more constraining.

2. To travel to 3 uncharted location
2010 travelling bug has caught me for 2011. I managed to go Japan, Hong Kong, Tioman, Batam, Kuala Lumpur and Siem Reap in 2010. So I bet I can handle a few more travel locations. Places I would love to go is Korea for my birthday and New York by year end. I will leave 1 as an impromtu which would somehow be an ASEAN country or more specifically Bali (to relax).

3. To take up another conversational language
I hope to be multi-lingual at least. I can understand Mandarin and can speak but not too confident with it, even with numerous chinese friends. I managed to take up Japanese but did not managed to have a proper conversation due to limited resources. I did not complete the guide and did not interact much while in Japan. But I did use simple sentences that really helped. I also took up Korean and Khmer, but both are really tedious to comprehend. I will try Korean again since it's a targeted travel location.

4. Get into a relationship
I shall roll-over this resolution from past year. With all that I have planned, I'm not too sure if it's feasible. Hence it's the last resolution. Come What May, or I'll just roll-over to 2012. Marriage plans are from 2013 anyway.

So yeah for now. I'm quite happy with this resolution. I will reconfirm it again when 2011 draws near and from the way I look at it, it is what I shall work for.

Ja Matta

Starbucks Thomson Plaza 2010 Open House

It has been quite a while since my last entry. Not much interesting things to mention since I came back from Siem Reap. Just managed to go for a couple of interviews, a family feast/gathering, a bit more interviews and catching up with some friends.

I can't recalled the last time I've been to Thomson Plaza. I've been to MacRitchie Reservoir at least once a week but failed to stop by TP. Managed to do it this week, and twice might I add.

On 2th Dec or every first Thursday in the month of December, Starbucks Singapore has been charitable by complimenting a tall beverage with any amount of donation from 5pm to 7pm. I've been helping out the event since it first launched in 2004 and even during my 2 years of national service. But this year, I choose not to take part. Though I still supported them by being a customer. Yes, I became one of those that queue up for the complimentary beverage. It's not about the FREE drinks, I can pay for it. It's about the spirit of the excitement. Hey, I was treated like a celebrity, everyone was shouting and cheering when I ordered. AWESOME, no other got that treatment. And yes I did provide the donation or donations since I donated at Pacific Plaza while I was out shopping earlier that day.

The team this year did a great job especially with the energy present. Sadly, it's mostly from the ex-partners which I was very surprised to see them volunteering behind the bar.

Whether I miss my life as a Starbucks Barista, yes but I'm happier that I'm out. It will always be a great memory and it will always be in my heart, both great and bad. Till next time, maybe an ex-partner gathering.

My awesome TP team that I miss dearly.
It'll be truly awesome if the rest were present too

More of Starbucks Thomson Plaza 2010 Open House

Ja Matta