The simple story

something new, something old and everything in between

2011-04-11T04:58:00.000-07:00

As I walked home today, with each step, I pondered many things - things that have occupied my mind for the past few years. Thoughts experts define as over-riding thoughts - that drives a person to do something or to be be something. Thoughts that occupies the most part of your time. Then I made a conscious decision to list these thoughts down, as I realized that the thoughts I was having had been there for a long time. These thoughts have been my obstacles and failures in life, in which I have not been able to overcome. That is the reason why they still exist and in laymen terms, bug me to death and I wouldn't be surprised, to madness.

I read a book by Joyce Meyer, titled 'Battlefield of the mind', and she strongly suggests that the words we say, the feelings we feel, the actions and the behaviors we do/behave and thus the life we lead starts from the way we think. The way we think depends on what we allow us to think. It is up to us, the owner of the mind, to open or close or block certain things to occupy it. Imagine if the mind is a house and you as the owner of the house, has the key and control over the access to the house. You have the responsibility to make sure that the house is secure, free or at least risks of forced entry that potentially can cause damage, are minimized.

So, I want to take inventory of my thoughts. First, are really, revolves around my personality and how I am being perceived by people (mostly friends, colleagues; not so much loved ones interestingly enough). I always think that I am not interesting to a lot of people, or at least I am not interesting to be with the kind of people I want to be - beautiful, famous people. I know I sound really vain am I? I wonder where it all stem from? Is it because I have a belief that if I am fun, interesting and looved by everyone (esp. those who are famous, interesting, loved by everyone), only them I can be happy? Do I think what I have isn't good enough? God, I feel so guilty for saying that, but I am glad that I said it out, at least I know how silly this thought is.

I am happy, generally. Without comparing to anyone, I am at a stage in life, where I can say I am content. I have a family, friends, a job, health (though I am feeling a bit unhealthy lately), a partner, a place to stay, time to do the things I enjoy (like tennis, gym, read a book, etc). Why do I feel so unhappy when I start to compare? What is it about comparing that makes one unhappy (that is if u are the less favorable one in that comparison)? Who says/determines that Person A because he/she is richer/more famous/more beautiful/taller is better than Person B, just of the those reasons alone? Whooo? Whyyyy? Something to ponder :-)

Another thing that stuck in mind is, always making an appearance/re-appearance, is how to make money and be rich!??!?!?!?!?! This is so obviously related to the first point. Hahaha... I always say it is in the works! Yeah!

Resolutions

2011-04-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

just had dinner at Brewerks, Restaurants and Brewery. Rating: 2/5...most prob i didn't have the beer along the bland-tasting, not so massive "Massive Pork Knuckle"...."Asian-style Chicken Wings" were good tho, but how can you go wrong with that?

I'd had the beer and/or wine, but I am doing a health screening, my very first full one. Pap smear, oh no, I mean cancer marker, stool check (yes, it's disgusting), blood test, all of it. Looking forward to see how I go actually - whether my lifestyle thus far has passed the test of health...

Read a few online papers, subscribe to a new one - Business Times Online, and planning to get acquainted with each one every morning, before my day starts. The thing is, however, I can't remember what I have read/learn today, but a few things. I suppose what Timothy Ferris wrote in his book, "4-hours work week" is somewhat true - that is u don't have to read everything that is avail. It will not do u any incremental benefit anyways. All I can remember is an article titled "the cost of social enterprise". It's about how inversely proportionate a performance of a social enterprise, e.g. training company that provides training to unemployed people, etc, with the economical situation. The decisions that are usually considered bad decisions to make in a bad economic situation for a non-social enterprise, such as, hiring, are good for a social enterprise,
and vice versa. The challenge is to survive in a good economic situation, and how to adapt to the change in environment, and the proven solutions are, continued active marketing, and creating/modifying product/service offerings to remain relevant. Good article I suppose, but don't really see any relevance or value that can be directly applied in my life. Anyway, as promised to myself, I will continue to read...learn....do.....experience, and live....and won't forget to write all about it...:-)

dumb little man

2011-04-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

In my original blog entry for today, I wanted to remind myself of abt the fact of life that you can't keep on doing the same thing everyday and expect a different results. Alas, here's what I found, a website by "dumb little man" about it and then some. http://www.dumblittleman.com/2010/03/10-amazing-lessons-albert-einstein.html I must say I am blessed reading this page - lots of reminders of the things we have heard and known before, but never get to practice. I am determined, this year, is going to be a year of change. A year of breakthroughs and potentials being achieved, if not exceeded. I am excited! 1st up would be to take some external courses to get re-acquintated with what I have learnt before. Landmark Education springs to mind. It is exactly what I am going to do. The course will start in May-11. It is three-days worth of guided dialogues with professionals/subject experts and fellow participants, in discovering both the known and more importantly the unknowns about urself, others and life in general. In essence, the course will help the participant breakthrough barriers so that he/she can go get his/her goals. Again, I am excited! 2nd would be to take courses about the things I do not know or yet to have expertise in, like ToastMaster to short-professional courses to CFA and/or MBA. This will be much more of a long-shot, takes more effort and requires more 2nd thoughts. Is it worthwhile? Is there any other options to take, etc? In any case, this course of action will not have too much detrimental effect, if any. 3rd, continue to read and educate myself with the current affairs and history so that I can appreciate and connect those whom I met in my life. 4th and so on, are all out there. I'll take this time to take a break, and re-organise my thoughts. Just Do It!

Ruswadi Kartolo - who am I?

2011-04-03T11:30:00.001-07:00

Ruswadi Kartolo...my name on my birth cert, my name I have come to embrace as my own. Someone influential once said, the most beautiful thing a person hears is his/her own name. I suppose it depends on how that name is being used. A preacher I once heard, also said that in a name, tells that person's character and somewhat future. There is no direct meaning to my name - it's just an Indonesian Name my dad conjured for me to blend in with the locals. My Chinese Name, however, does have a meaning. It means Chinese Homeland. This, to me, carries some significance. It associates me to my home country, my identity. I always believed, or maybe used to believe that I am called to contribute to China - in some kind of higher calling of some sort. Yes! That's it. I am glad I am writing this blog, so in case I forgot, I can always get on to that calling train and re-focus.

That is just a nutshell of who I am. Apart from my name, I suppose, I need to talk about my roots/where I came from. I came from a very simple family. A dad who works hard and sacrifice for his family - kids and wife. A mom who's headstrong, but knows what's best for her kids. 3 sisters, each with her own stories/struggles and victories that makes me wonder in pride, and a brother whom always challenges me in a good way, and is becoming a role model of some sort. Although I am not close to any of them for personal reasons, I always am connected to them. Their sufferings are mine to bear, their victories mine to share. I love each and everyone of them, but I definitely have a looong way to go to reconcile, and be one with them. More on later entries.

Lastly, before I go to bed...(it's 2.30AM on a Sunday night)...I love TENNIS...in fact, I am watching it right now...Djokovic and Nadal....My point being, who I am is what I love to do..my passion..One of which is Tennis..I play tennis, and I take my games seriously, seeking ways to play well and improve, and one area I am keen is to teach and share that expertise...That's all I can share..I promise I will talk more abt it on latter entry..

For now, good night.........

Roller-coaster life

2011-04-03T11:03:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile...again...since I write a blog-entry. It's not as if I purposely avoid doing one, but it's one of those things in life, if you don't purposely thinking about it, it escapes your mind and it becomes a distant memory. I am back, purposefully.

I am 29 this year, and I literally feel my life slipping away from me. The things that I thought I can get away with, of which I will share later, now appears to be tougher on me...people are tougher, life's worse....

I need to write to get all the negativism, and some positivism out of my small little mind.

I need to get out! I need to express myself in a much realistic, simpler way....a life-long struggle, which seems to be my ever-growing problem in life, one that will stop me being the person I can be.

See, I am all over the place, even when I am expressing myself....I need help! I need to find me and stay true to me....

Life is not easy....mom always told me that when I was younger, but I never listened. Well, I supposed it's not too late, being under 30, I think I still have a littleeee bit of lee-way in terms of fixing my life....a few things I want to improve....

1. relationships with my parents and siblings....where do I even start with this....
2. relationships with myself.....
3. relationships with others....my partner, friends and colleagues (that incl. my boss)
4. relationships with God (God, please forgive me for putting you on point # 4, but I feel distant from you. I promise to move u up the list...and maybe I shld've done it to make 1-3 work....all that abt prioritising you and the rest will follow.....Amen....
5. everything else that is good....new friendships, new experiences.......

but the whole point is really to love.....love love love.....when there's love there's no pain, no suffering (for nothing), all gain...."I love"..I think is the most loveliest thing a person can say to one another....but then again, do i say that because i crave for love so much?? or do i really mean it...??

a question i always ask myself...do i even love me? or do i hate/dislike myself and need people's contribution to feel loved? Most of the times, I feel that I need to satisfy other people first so that they like me, adore me, and do things that makes them laugh, even at the expense of losing myself and dignity....is this the right thing to do? or shld I at all times, just be myself, and love people from wherever I am at, no faking, no fabricating and no pleasing people for the wrong reasons...will i be happier then? will i have the courage to do that......

all these questions....all these challenges.....don't u wish there's a booklet/manual that can address all of it...a fool-proof, step-by-step guide to resolve all the issues front to back....????

i wish you all readers well...my friends, my families...I love you all...or at least I try to do so....but as i continue to learn about myself, and just love me for who I am, I have faith that I can grow to loving and be a contribution to each and everyone of you........

Good nite.......tomorrow's just another day.......all you can hope for is that u'll make a better of it than the day before so that you can make changes and make a better future for you and your loved ones...........

The truth...

2010-01-28T05:25:00.000-08:00

Another entry in 2010...looking good D..:-)

This is the truth!

Each and everyone was born into a family, of different backgrounds, religions, language and culture. We are shaped by our family and friends. We grow up and become - whoever or whatever we decide to become. The big question is..So what!? For what?! Where do we come from and where do we go from here? Why do we exist? Why this Earth, why now?

I guessed you wouldn't know the exact answer to that question. It's like a question, with sooo many different answers...hmm...sounds familiar? Too many perspectives, interpretation, often misleading or deadly.

This is the Truth...well, to be fair to everyone else...at least how I see it...through my 27 odd years' of life...growing up into my family, friends and community.

The truth is God is our creator! He created some"thing" beautiful (sorry if u see urself as otherwise..hehehe...just kidding ya...)...out of His loving kindness...and of coz appreciation of beautiful things... We come from God.... Just look at ourselves...we create things in our lifes out of our effort, love and passion...something that we can be proud of...

By saying that...we are born into a life of sin...some says it's inherited...whatever u believe...if you have lived long enough without God, I am sure you have felt this sort of emptiness in life...a longingness to be loved, forgiven...feels like there's a wooden splinter stuck on ur fingers...longing to be freed and accepted....

That, my friend, is what I call the sense of guilt....it's conscious/sub-conscious thing that existed down beneath our soul...it's inherited...and that sin is the valley that divided us to have and experience the kindness and loving of our God!

But here's the thing...there's hope! Hope of salvation...and they are free-flowing....God, in his Love for us...has given up His only and begotten Son, Jesus Christ....to bear our sins..so that whoever believes in Him shall receive eternal life....instead of eternal Hell, we get eternal life...an EXCHANGE!!!! OMG!!! Thank You God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He said in the Bible...that there's no condemnation for those who trust in Jesus...we have been made righteous by Jesus' blood...on the Cross where He was crucifixed...bearing our sins...we are supposed to pay for that inherited sins...and our own sins in this world...but God loves us and He redeemed us....

And through His redemption, we are now clean and righteous...and we are now His sons....and we can call Him, Abba, Father.......how I love you.....

And that my friends.....are the truth I would like to share with you...I hope you are blessed as I am blessed writing it.....I pray that you and I always trust in Jesus Christ and live in His grace....And partake in His blessings in our lifes....Glory be upon God....our King, Saviour, Father and God......

Love you.....

DIDI...with looooots of smile and dimples....:-)

2010 - a year of reinvention

2010-01-20T03:22:00.001-08:00

It's 2010 before I realise that it has been over a year since I entered an entry. A lot has come and gone and achieved and failed. Happy and sad moments, remembered and learnt nevertheless.

And I have find myself in a position of back to Step 1...well not entirely true after all that I have achieved and went through but it certainly feels like it sometimes...

First up...my career...I have always wanted to quit my job as an Accountant...to start a business venture or something different. And now I have! but I am not with a good business venture as yet...nor have I been doing something entirely different....I am now able to do the things that I enjoy with all these free times....having not worked for the last three months however, are a curse in disguise...I think I have stepped into a period of inactivity...I may be busy but I haven't really been closer enuf to my dreams of starting my own business so that I can make a good living so that I can achieve my dreams...which are.....MANY!!!

One - a new career...whether it is in the corporate world or in the business world..either way I want to start something memorable...

Two - continuance of a stronger, closer family and love ties with God...Family and U know who....:P

Three - to share all the good things I have with my loved ones...and strangers who need them...

God, I ask you to bless this blog and bless whoever reads it...:-)

Since May 08...

2009-01-14T01:43:00.000-08:00

wow! just realised that the last time i wrote a blog was in May 2008! gone have all those memories....at least in writings....but they will always be in my heart and mind....life in the last 9 mths have been dynamic...to say the least...i have done something a safe normal kid would do...leave a current life to do something totally way off course...by saying that i mean, i left my job, my friends...my life in Syd, Aus and just took off and lived in Taipei...the plan is to be with my love one...and to stay there in the long term no matter what....but after 4 mths being out of work, the worker in me wants to get back to the workforce...or i think it's the motivation and the money that drives me.....but i think my partner sums it best.....i need a platform to perform...:-)

i think every man does...he needs to have drive...purpose....something to look forward to..otherwise he will be a sitting duck..useless...which can be very harmful...to himself and to others near....

so..tat brings me back to where i am now...i am in singapore..no man's land for me...for work ..solely for work...in the hope of going back home....and i know where my home is....home is where my heart lies...and it now lies with my loved ones....

just thought i put a disclaimer...that my loved ones include my family...my dearest and only....ahh..i miss them so much...

and i can't wait to see them again soon...maybe during chinese new year....we'll see.....

anyway....i am at work now...and abt to leave home....til next time ya.....

i will upload my NY pics soon.....

back with a vengeance...

2008-05-04T01:50:00.000-07:00

hi my blogger....
i am now back...since i last wrote maybe about 6 or so months ago...
it's been a long time coming....but today..now..i feel the urge to write again....not sure y..it just is..as all things shld be....no reasons needed for something to happen does it?
anyway...
life has been up and down since the last time i wrote...but i think it's fair to say that life has been stagnant...not really liking it but i always keep a positive mindframe..and just live day by day and figuring out what's tomorrow going to be.....otherwise...i'll go nuts thinking and hoping for something to happen.....which may or may not happen......the best i can do is to do the things that i need to do to achieve what i want to achieve tomorrow....that's all....i can't worry abt the future...i need to live in the NOW.......
and now is ....... i am attached to someone...someone lovely, someone really adorable....someone that i can see myself spending time with, i can take care of....and i can rely on.....
it's great to be in love....or shld i say it's great to have someone in ur life whom u can be with.....it's the best feeling....
but it's just a part of my life...there other things in my life that i need to address which i think i neglected for a bit coz of my love life...and that doesn't work as well.........
i see life is like a wheel, with it's spikes that pull it together...if one spike is missing or crooked...or even non-existent then the wheel will not function properly.......so....that's going to be my focus....to address ALL aspects of my life and give fair amt of time and effort in each.....i think in theory this is easy, but it is defintely one of the areas that i am struggling with.....always keep on learning from mistakes, from others and seek opinions from those experienced onees......

at the moment, i am in jakarta....my home.....or is it? i have now lived in Sydney, Australia for abt 9 years...can u believe that!?!!?! it's what i call my 'adopted' home......so when i arrived in jakarta, i feel so weird.....and i have stayed here for three weeks and still i have not adapted to it being my home.....where is my home.......a good friend of mine used to say...that home is where u make it...or where u build it....it's not defined by location, country or boundaries...or what people say...it all depends on u........so......it would be safe to say home is where my heart is.....and at the moment my heart is in Taiwan....and that's where my love is......there...i will build my life....love, career, family......my 'spikes' in life.........

i got so many things i want to write........i shld write something abt my activities rather my inner feelings here...but i will do that next time....

til then,

Russ is checking out.......

Another day

2007-10-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Ready for another exciting entry? It has been awhile now since I last wrote an entry here. BTW, for those of you who are interested in looking at the US pictures, I have downloaded them into my facebook a/c. My email is r_kartolo@hotmail.com. You can look for them in there.

So, what has been happening lately? Apart from studying for CIA exam, been doing lots of thinking and reading. Thinking abt life...reading novels....which makes me think abt life...:-) Have had many revelations but yet to experience breakthroughs...I have put my goals in check so it's now just putting actions into play and making things happen.

Started to read Davinci Code by Dan Brown. I found the first page on "Facts" cheeky in it's purpose to misconstrue the truth and create this background of misbelief. I will give you my review on the book a lil bit more later ok.

Til then,

I am off. Oh ya, my plan is to write everyday......so catch up with you tomorrow...

US of A.....continues to marvel...

2007-09-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am in NYC...it has been more than a week now since I got into the United States of America...been to San Fran..then Chicago and now I am at my final leg of my journey before returning to Sydney...

It has been refreshing, fun, eye-opening, memorable experience to visit the country that I've grown up with...It's like I have been here all my life...I am used to the fast food culture and magnificent streets and architecture....the brands...the people....

I got so many things to write but I will start with my encounter with culture in NYC. The first day I was in NYC, I was introduced to one of the world's famous Museum that is located in NYC, the Museum of Modern Art, a.k.a the MoMa. It's mind blowing - not only the arts that are housed in it, but also it's own architecture. I will post some pictures to keep this writing a bit more bearable...:P...but u've got to keep on reading this page I guess...:-)

Then went shopping...of course....but in between...I sneaked my way out of the fifth avenue jungle of marvellous shopping and mountains of steel and glass to visit the theathre section of the city....and saw for the first time....a musical...Les' Miserables......

BREATH-TAKING, EMOTIONAL and MEANINGFUL.......I like the way faith is being demonstrated and how faith prevails....It's a story about a thief that was forgiven and as a result, forgives and gives for the good of others...it was set during the 1800's French Revolution...Altho there are not many emphasis on the revolution itself, but it potrays LOVE, FAITH and HOPE that were found all around during the period...

The characters and story line alike are diverse and sometimes lack coherence, but the performances of the actors are mind-blowing, with beautiful singing and heart-felt potrayal of their respective roles...The comedy in between the sorrowness during the revolution was refreshing and well-portioned.... Overall, I love it...It is definitely the best musicals in the world, yet...well, at least for me that is...:-)

Okay..til next time....keep looking for this page...

Touch Down in San Francisco

2007-09-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

U must be wondering, why the heck am I online on the first day I got to San Francisco? Well, I can't wait or more appropriately, I can't risk losing any memory on my first few moments in the US of A. SF is a city of its own - full of great architecture, friendly people and class.

The airport I must say isn't impressive and welcoming though along with the numerous highways spanning across the airport, as if guarding it from low-flying airplanes. It resembles a fotress of grey-white steel. It got better as we entered the bay area tho, with beautiful buildings, well preseved, and well-designed. The light-painted brick and wooden planked houses were just like what I expected of SF - and it then dawned on me, I am actually in SF..in the US of A. I am all smiles.

Got to the hotel...very impressed with it...it's a budget hotel (Park Hotel) but clean room, no funny smell, I am happy. And the location is just perfect - 5 minutes walk from Union Square..one of the posh area of SF.

Anyways, I better not stay ol too long...Reserved a dinner for one at a French Bistro - Cafe Claude nearby...french cuisine with int'l wine list PLUS jazz music...think tonite, there will be a Lori Carsillo singing.....btw...the chef's name is something Salazar...reminding me of a character in the HP series..it all seems to work out.....looking forward to tonite.....

I will keep the stories fresh and detailed when i get back...

til laters,

Russ

War-cry Sydney

2007-08-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

Sydney today is beginning to look like a war-cry city...with civilians walking with uniformed police officers side by side, with blue-checkered white police cars on each sides of the major streets in Sydney CBD....it's indeed an eerie feeling...one definitely needs to get used to it...especially for people who lived in the peaceful years of Sydney..and never have been exposed to the outside world...

I am beginning to think that this week will be a major chaos...i am not planning to go to the city this week...not even for the long weekend...the plan is to maybe have dinner or game nites...and do lots of reading....got a few great books from the library....

ooh ooh...just bought an array of board games....twister, monopoly, pictionary and UNO to name a few...anyone interested in joining me for a friday nite games...or mon...tues...wed...:-)....if u do..u know who to call......

Anyway i hope u all have a great week ahead...it shld be fun...whatever u do....jst get out of the city....

Can't swallow the volatility of the share market?

2007-08-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Man! Share market madness, that's how I would describe what has been happening in the last week or so. Up and then down....As I was saying before, the market is experiencing major shifts..from riding from sentiments to what it is called "efficient market theory"..market movement is parrallel to that movement of a yoyo! But I still stand on my prev theory on picking stocks.....So, in the mean time, just hang in there....

Oh yea...just an input..don't think it's a good idea to buy stocks that have high debt/equity or just plainly..high debts in it's balance sheet and if the co has any ...any at all....big or small..connection with the US mortgage market...just sell it for now...and don't even bother buying it, if u are not ready to go for the roller coaster ride....

Til later, Russ is checking out...

Distance will make the heart grow fonder

2007-08-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

One of my special friend is leavin the country for awhile and it gives me a heartache thinking abt it...BUT..I wish u all the best, my friend. Whatever you do or choose to do, I believe in you and I am certain that success is only a door-knock away...I have been extremely blessed to have known this person and i hope to build long lasting, fruitful and awesome relationship with u...y know who u are...(got to obey the privacy act so no naming here)...:-)....

2007-08-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqvPTc31Nds

US of A...here I come

2007-08-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

I got my US visa! Can you believe it!? I couldn't! You can't either after you receive a letter..I quote..US General Consulate in Sydney regretfully found you ineligible for a nonimmigrant visa...and they need to do some "admin checks" which will take approximately 6-8 weeks...It was like...4 weeks before I am supposed to go... With the APEC and new tightened security around applications for US visitors, you can't help but feel despair...Anyhow, it's all done and dusted...And I am coming to America, baby!!!

Would love to see the American specimen...and experience the culture..It will feel weird at first I am sure..It's like you welcome these Americans thru those TV shows and movies...but I am sure when I come face to face with them, it will be different! The accent...the culture...the places...

You know whom I want to meet and what I would like to confirm....? The ignorance of Americans... Maybe I shld do some research on the question that Miss Teen North Carolina was asked in the recent Miss Teen USA pageant...why so many Americans Americans don't know their geography well (which is based on reliable research)...and MAYBE i can give a much better answer than hers....hehehehe....

Anyhow...expect great pictures and stories to come.....from me to U from the USA.....

2007-08-24T18:09:00.001-07:00

Another weekend, another addition to my painting colletion...Check this one out guys...my collection..the latest one is on the far left...

Love painting! It's definitely a way to let off steam...well..one of the ways...:-)

It's the weekend...and I am so looking forward to it...There will be awesome stuffs happening this weekend...lots...

2007-08-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

You like? My latest "I am bored - I don't know what to do" creations....I love it!

The first one is a painting of a dalmation puppy, sitting cutely and graciously..set on the crimson red backdrop, something that I just found out after I painted it, to be dalmation's fav colour. The second one is something that I have been thinking of doing...putting "myself" onto a canvass - simple yet meaningful..that's what it is all about....

Thinking of taking painting classes but I think I will start with "Learn how to paint" DIY experiement first, then when the interest stays put while I busy myself with other things, I will spend the required investment in painting classes.... So, in the mean time, please enjoy and comment on the amateuristic painting....... well u nvr know..i may be the next asian picasso...if there's such a thing....or such a someone....:-)

Coffee - an enigma

2007-08-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

Coffee....a commodity that I can not live without! Alwys tot tht C is harmless drink, booster of vigilance and something that is used for an excuse to socialise and wind down from the day's work - even though the norm is to have it before the day even started. How ironical!

Anyway, I was just chatting to my friend abt coffee and it's goodness and it's negs. I proudly said that "i am not dependent on coffee and if i choose not to have coffee i won't have any side effects..bla bla bla".....

And alas, this morning I woke up with a needle-prickling pain on the top left hand side of my head... excruciating pulsating pain every five scnds...and just found a secret to make it better..You guessed rite! A doze of expresso shots...no milk...just pure "black gold"...

So..hope that helps for anyone who's having a headache...or simply...caffeine withdrawal syndrome.....either way...coffee helps.....:-)

New tennis champion in the making

2007-08-20T00:40:00.001-07:00

Novak Djokovic!

I must say that when I first heard this guy's name, I was unphased! Considering that the Men's Tennis are ruled by the King Federer and Clay Prince, Nadal, who else is prominent or even close enough to be the next Champion.

But, Djokovic proved me wrong as he prounced Nadal and Federed in consecutive matches to win the Master Series in Montreal. Amazing player, with agility and strength, mentally and physically, Djokovic proved to be a champion in the making, if he's not already is. Looking forward to seeing more gutsy performance in the coming months, as the US Open and the season ending championship is coming. Stay tuned.

Check the following link for details:

http://www.atptennis.com/en/news/2007/montreal_sunday.asp

Sharemarket

2007-08-20T00:19:00.000-07:00

I am totally hooked on this blogging thing! I feel liberated...well, sort of!

One of my great interest is in wealth creating/accumulation...who doesn't hey? Well, maybe there are..but that's not the point..:-) So, being out of the professional service firm where independence has been a deterrant for me to invest, I have now started to invest in some shares. For those of you who aren't aware of what's happening to the economy as we speak now (August 2007), there has been this huge downfall in the share market and economy as a whole as we see the falling sub-prime mortgate market. U can read up what that means, but in effect, the crisis caused the share prices to go down as the cost of lending have increased and people are panicking and selling off their shares in companies that have lots of debt. I got to say tho that people are not selling sensibly. There are shares out there that are not affected even a tiny bit by the increase in lending rates, but the share price have dropped signif in the last couple of days...So, in this event, what does that mean? BARGAINS!!!

So buy up guys...for those with extra savings....coz there are some shares for the picking. Of course, you got to do a bit of research...read the financials, management composition and experiences, products and services, etc....If it's a good company with good management and financials, the drop in the share price in this present time will only mean it has become a bargain and it's a matter of time that the price will go up again.....Genius isn't! Really fun!

Stocks that I personally am monitoring are as follows:
- Allco Finance Group (AFG) (btw this share has gone up by 20% in the last day or so and it's bound to have long term growth - so, this stock suits short term as well as long term buyers)
- Macquarie Bank Limited (MBL) - this stock is terribly cheap!! It was only a few months ago this stock almost reach the $100/share mark. Now, it's only selling for $70! Come on! Who doesn't know about the poweress of Macq bank and it's employees. They are sure money-making machine and at $70, it's a bargain.
- The major banks - they are all good buy for the long term......
- More riskier ones: API, LGL and other resource stocks as they go up and down like a yoyo but then again, there are short-term money making opp there. For example, LGL which is Lihir Gold, the price always flux based on Gold Price and the range of price has been around $2.70 to $3.20. So, just buy it when it reaches $2.70. Nine of out Ten, the price will go up to $3.20. That's when you sell it. And when it dropped to $2.70, buy it again...and so on....Easy money!!! Of course, you can't be too complacent without reading the market and gold price...So, be smart...

A point to note: I am making the above recommendation based on my experience and research and by no means, a done deal! As common-sense, I do not hold any responsibility for any unexpected change or movement that may cause significant loss :-)...

2007-08-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

A bit bored now....work is becoming a bit stale - learning new things everyday, but the amount of reading seemed to over-burden the excitement of learning new things. You see, I got to catch up on my accounting policies in my new co and for those who have been in contact with a co's accounting policy..u know what i mean by boresome!

Well, since my last blog, lots of things have happened.... i have ended a four-months' relationship with my partner. Leaving the country soon, I see a necessity to end a relationship that could not survive the complexity and hardships that long distance can bring. I am bit down, but I will be fine. It's life, hey?

To keep my mind busy, been reading a few things...one of which is a kid's book..although i am reading the "adult" version - as if there's any diff! hehe.. HP7 turns out to be a bit of a disappointment. With languid phrasing and incoherent story lines and hiccups along the way that are covered off too simplicisticly, I find HP7 to be a bit of a bore. Compared to the previous series (like the Order of Phonixe or/and The half blood Prince), HP7 didn't do it for me. No suspense or excitement that makes the book a page-turner. The book has turned to be a feel-good book. Rowling has decided to play safe rather than push the storyline to something extraordinary, out of this world, like the core-topic of the series, which is magical.

Anyhow, I would definitely recommend people to read the HP series. As a passerby have said to another fellow HP reader, the series have propelled the importance of reading in today's society, especially effective to the younger generation. I totally support that! Well, the series indeed motivated me to read up and continue reading, even after HP finishes. Never stopped reading, and u will never stop learning and living.

My new home and team

2007-08-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

This is my new home office and team! LOVE THEM ALL! If you notice, they are all Asians, although my boss is actually a South American fox-smart-lady :P. Well, the team is kindda changing all the time, which is a part of any audit team - huge turnover. I hope the team doesn't change for a year or so. However, to think about it, maybe a change once in awhile can be a good idea, considering that we will be travelling, eating and working together for 50% of the time. You see, we got to travel overseas doing our job and we travel and live and work together. So..u can imagine. At the moment, I am just excited abt the travel prospects...US in Sept, Malaysia in Nov, China and Europe in Dec, Phillipine in February, Singapore in March, Indonesia and India in April, Japan in June...and much more.

So, expect great things from my experiences in the coming year ok guys. Thanks for staying tune. Til laters, Russ/Didi.

New financial year, new beginnings

2007-07-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

I will start my simple story as of NOW.

Now represents a new beginning in my life....career wise, relationship wise and more importantly, my own life. Just turned 25, perspectives and priorities changed so are my needs.

It's such a jungle out there, the need to survive and the ability to survive must be cultivated for one to actually survive, let alone thrive. I have a vision to succeed in all areas of my life, and I will do it right - failures won't stop me neither will anyone.

I am currently on my break, having changed my job. I have worked for PwC for almost four years now and not sure if it's God's plan, but I feel it is and it is also time for me to move on to something, not necessarily bigger things, but definitely something that I need to do. So, Sara Lee Australia, here I come.

I have been to Hongkong, Singapore and Jakarta during my break. Had a blast in Hongkong, an okay time in Singapore and a breakthrough in Jakarta. I will try to show pictures when I have got access to my new laptop. Til then, enjoy the readings.

Virgin Entry

2007-07-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Greetings to All.

It is my first entry to the world of blogs - in my opinion the best way to share and remember one's experience in this world.

For all of you my friends and other readers, you will find the following in mine:
- good food and good wine, including personal reviews on restaurants
- love, relationship matters
- career
- travelling tips and experiences
- business ventures and ideas
- and many more
- more importantly, a simple story about a simple boy trying to make it big in this world.

So, here I begin. Enjoy.