Finally.....my bosses have gone back to where they came from! Its been an exhausting week. And today was the worst day. A gruelling session from 8.45am till 5.00pm with just a 20-min lunch break (....with the bosses.. ) and brief trips to the loo. My mind is absolutely numb, my body exhausted, my spirit totally depleted. And all that just to get the budgets approved!

The sleepless nites are begining to take their toll. I could barely keep my eyes open even as I drove out from the office to one of my regular watering holes for a pint of good ol' guinness....sigh...sheer delight. Of course it took more than a pint to wash all that stress away. ;) What's that? Excuses you say......and why not. :)) Life's too short anyway.

Well, one sleeping pill and I am all set for a good nite's sleep. So before I slump onto the floor, I better end this entry. Hmmm.....I wonder if serotonin will help me cope with the stress. Better ask Angel.

So its two weeks to the Chinese New Year. And I dont even feel the "mood' at all. No anticipation of the long break or the gambling sessions or of meeting up with old friends back in the hometown ( which incidentally is Penang). Haven't applied for leave from work. Didnt have time to attempt any baking, which is my occasional hobby. At least last year I managed a few batches of almond cookies.

Havent even gotten a new shirt for CNY, which I badly need to, else everyone including my mother will think I only own that one shirt I always wear....my favourite shirt. *grins* Well, I am one of those guys who dont quite like shopping and would prefer to wear that old shirt I am so comfortable in.

Blame it all on my job. Its been really stressful the last few months with changes in the office and all that. I guess that's been sapping my energy and occupying my mind (and time). Sounds bad, right? Well, we all got to earn a living. But some people ask, is it worth it? Can we not settle for something less stressful, less money but more quality of life?

I guess many of you are in the same situation. Is life becoming overly stressful as we strive for material wants? Even if we are not slogging for our wants, is life getting tougher these days that it takes so much more effort to make a decent living? As a result, are we losing our culture, religion, inner peace and all those other less tangible aspects of life which should ideally form a part of a balanced life? Does it matter?

Who knows? To each his own. All I need to worry about is to get through another heavy work week. And go get that shirt. ;)

It's troubling to note that it's increasingly unsafe these days with the crime rate on the rise, especially with the CNY festival just round the corner. A colleague was commenting that the snatch theft situation was worsening in Klang as even guys are not spared. Apparently guys with waist pouches are the new targets.

Just the other day my drinking buddy was telling me of how a friend of his was brutally attacked one early morning whilst on the way for breakfast at a local mamak shop. The assailants appeared suddenly and smashed his car window just as he pulled over to park. As he forced his way out of the car, they continued to attack him until customers from the mamak shop emerged to investigate the commotion. Fortunately, the guy escaped with only superficial wounds. The police later informed him that this was a new modus operandi by some criminal groups whereby they would viciouly attack the victim before robbing them or forcing them to make ATM withdrawals.

Hence, please be more vigilant and careful out there. A little more caution could save your life or that of a loved one. Don't bother relying on the police since they can't be everywhere.

Well, well, well...I am finally in, after much contemplation and hesitation. I guess this blog idea was planted by none other than Angel a little while back....thanks girl! And it all started on a restless, sleepless nite ( or should i say morning)....after some booze and listening to Christina Aguilera's Reflection in the background. Not the most conventional start...but what the heck.

Having taken that tentative first step into blogosphere, I wonder if I can continue this commitment. Well, only time will tell.....