Flurry of Freelancing
Thursday, September 20, 2007
It seems that I keep getting a lot of cool offers for freelance work. Not that I think I'm all that great, but it just goes to show that there really is demand for this type of thing.
I'm very keen and interested in web programming. It's really cool to look at your work and see the results of the effort you put in almost simultaneously. It's a very rewarding sort of thing to do and I feel that that's the direction I'd be heading to in the future.
That said, it's going to be a long tiring weekend, so that's all for this short random post. Going back for the holidays next weekend, so hopefully I finish the rest of my work by then.
I'm very keen and interested in web programming. It's really cool to look at your work and see the results of the effort you put in almost simultaneously. It's a very rewarding sort of thing to do and I feel that that's the direction I'd be heading to in the future.
That said, it's going to be a long tiring weekend, so that's all for this short random post. Going back for the holidays next weekend, so hopefully I finish the rest of my work by then.
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Ratatouille
Sunday, September 16, 2007
I just caught Ratatouille recently, and I must say, Disney Pixar has done it again! If you haven't watched it, it's still showing and really worth the watch.
The show is about a little rat that just wants to cook. Remy turns out to be an amazing chef with a keen sense of smell. He is, however, a rat, and no sane person would let a rat in a kitchen.
The premise of the show is simple, and so is the rest of the plot. Watching the trailer would give you an idea of what the show is about. Fortunately, despite being relatively linear, the show is filled with a lot of interesting, detailed scenes which really flesh out the show. The scenes are laid out nicely and the dialogue is as witty as ever.
Some 'problems' I see with the film include the lack of development between the other protagonist and his love interest. Somehow, the concept of 'total loser gets the babe' seems a bit far-fetched. Then again, the whole premise of the show is really the same. There were many times I caught myself thinking "if this were real life..." It's not! Rats don't understand English and they carry diseases which kill. They're also not as cute as the show portrays them. Little kids might not be able to make that distinction (think Finding Nemo) and start having their parents get rats, or try to catch one themselves. White mice are bound to be in short supply with the potentially ensuing "rare a cute rat" craze.
Disney Pixar stays true to it's reputation of delivering wholesome family entertainment. The moral story is basically to not let being different be something that stops you from striving for your dreams. The audience certainly gets that message and the happy ending is bound to be welcome. It really reminded me somewhat of Cars, and they're both equally good IMHO.
So if you haven't watched this show, and you're wondering if you should, I'd recommend that you do. It's fun, it's cute and it'll capture your heart within 2 hours. Did I mention that it's also long enough to make it worth your money?
Technorati Tags: Ratatouille, Disney, Pixar
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Views on relationships
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
I've always wondered why things seem so complicated sometimes. No, this isn't going to be an unhappy post, but more of a self reflection type of post.
Let's get it off my chest. The issue of relationships has been popping up very often recently. Conversations with people around me seem to indicate that my status is... 'surprising'.
I guess it needs to be said. I somehow just don't feel the motivation or urge to get attached. I'm just not looking. Of course, I'm open to the idea, and I can't say for sure what's going to happen in the weeks or months to come, but in no way am I feeling urgent about it. Perhaps I feel I'm not ready, or perhaps I just set too high a requirement (whether or not I consciously admit it). I'm doing pretty well as it is, and I'm enjoying what life has to offer everyday.
Sometimes I wonder if all those warnings about getting into relationships prematurely have gotten to me. I understand why it was all done, and I can see the logic behind telling us to watchful and to avoid such heartaches. However, as I look back, I realise that personally I haven't had very good relationships with people of the opposite sex, and by relationships, I mean friendships and the like. I just didn't know how to relate to them. There were many great friendships I could've had, but don't simply because I always kept my distance from people of the opposite sex. My mindset was that we can't be more than acquaintances if you were a girl.
Naturally, that perception has changed. I'm no longer so narrow minded, but I can't go back and change all those things.
In any case, maybe I'm just tired. Tired of thinking about finding that 'someone'. Tired of wondering if 'that person' suited me. Tired of the mixture of anticipation and dread if the relationship progressed. Tired of the emotional roller-coaster I'd experience. It takes effort, it takes patience, and it takes perseverance, and that's something that I think I'm not ready to sacrifice at this time.
I think I need a break from all this. I don't foresee myself staying this way, but at least for now... not having any of these worries is a relief.
Let's get it off my chest. The issue of relationships has been popping up very often recently. Conversations with people around me seem to indicate that my status is... 'surprising'.
I guess it needs to be said. I somehow just don't feel the motivation or urge to get attached. I'm just not looking. Of course, I'm open to the idea, and I can't say for sure what's going to happen in the weeks or months to come, but in no way am I feeling urgent about it. Perhaps I feel I'm not ready, or perhaps I just set too high a requirement (whether or not I consciously admit it). I'm doing pretty well as it is, and I'm enjoying what life has to offer everyday.
Sometimes I wonder if all those warnings about getting into relationships prematurely have gotten to me. I understand why it was all done, and I can see the logic behind telling us to watchful and to avoid such heartaches. However, as I look back, I realise that personally I haven't had very good relationships with people of the opposite sex, and by relationships, I mean friendships and the like. I just didn't know how to relate to them. There were many great friendships I could've had, but don't simply because I always kept my distance from people of the opposite sex. My mindset was that we can't be more than acquaintances if you were a girl.
Naturally, that perception has changed. I'm no longer so narrow minded, but I can't go back and change all those things.
In any case, maybe I'm just tired. Tired of thinking about finding that 'someone'. Tired of wondering if 'that person' suited me. Tired of the mixture of anticipation and dread if the relationship progressed. Tired of the emotional roller-coaster I'd experience. It takes effort, it takes patience, and it takes perseverance, and that's something that I think I'm not ready to sacrifice at this time.
I think I need a break from all this. I don't foresee myself staying this way, but at least for now... not having any of these worries is a relief.
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MSN Issues
Sunday, September 09, 2007
I've always wondered why everyone migrated over from ICQ to MSN a couple of years back. I liked ICQ, and the only pro I could see from MSN was the fact that it was fast. A few years down, MSN is now SO BUGGY that it hurts just to use it. It's riddled with connection issues, and it's SLOW as ever. ICQ had a lot of cool features which MSN had to emulate, and when it had 'successfully' done so, it turned out to be clunkier than ever.
Somehow, MSN seems to be having connection problems once every other week. Why everyone still insists on using it is beyond me. Losing the fastest means of communication within hall is frankly, irritating.
Moreover, the amount of memory such an application takes to run is astounding. Add the fact that it's laden with advertisements which you never ask for, Microsoft sure has gone out of its way to make this as difficult to use as possible.
But like everything Microsoft, people stick to it because of familiarity. It's too comfortable to start migrating away from something so familiar, and we're all resistant to change anyway. That explains why although I'd very much prefer GTalk (It's not only faster, it's a lot more lightweight and has less connection issues too), I still have my MSN. I'm looking forward to the day I can get rid of it totally, and that'll be the day mass migration takes place again... this time from MSN to GTalk.
So, what are you waiting for? If you're already on GTalk, add me at geraldchow[at]gmail.com
MSN can go die!
Command and Conquer
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
To the original C&C fans, head down to this site to download the exclusive, original, FULL version of the very first C&C!
I remember playing this in MS-DOS, so it's a pretty old game admittedly. Still, it's really good and absolutely addictive. Downloading the ISO would be something worth your time!
Technorati Tags: C&C, Command, Conquer
I remember playing this in MS-DOS, so it's a pretty old game admittedly. Still, it's really good and absolutely addictive. Downloading the ISO would be something worth your time!
Technorati Tags: C&C, Command, Conquer
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Are you challenged?
Monday, September 03, 2007
Life has never been better! I know that in the past, I've blogged about feeling down, or unhappy, or not as excited about life. Well, this period of my life has been almost the exact opposite! I think I'm finally experiencing the breakthrough I've been looking for. Life is once again exciting and there's so much to look forward to when I get up each morning. Spiritually, I think I've finally broken through to a new level, and I've never been this close to God before. My studies are doing fine and so are the various things I'm involved in.
It's as I'm in this position that I realise God has brought me here for a reason. The past few days, the cell has been doing really well, and I'm quite happy for it. I'm very burdened by the fact that I myself personally didn't manage to contribute to the growth of the cell, although I do what I can to facilitate and help out with friends. As things are beginning to happen, I felt God leading me to a place where I have to step out of my comfort zone... and it's not easy.
I know that this 'stepping out of your comfort zone' phrase is overused that it can be cliched, but I've never felt it more consciously than now. I've always been thinking about being 'practical' and doing only what I THINK I can manage, but that's just an excuse I've been using to stay in my comfort zone, doing the same things I've been doing over and over, day in and day out. I'm very comfortable with routines, and although some excitement once in a while is expected, I've very much been stuck in a rut because I've never strayed too far from the routines in my life.
I've settled a lot of things in my life these past few weeks. Things have been going swell, and I'm pretty sure the excitement is oozing out of the words written here. It's excitement coupled with many things to think about. These decisions aren't very small decisions... they're decisions which have an impact in my life, and the lives of those around me.
I've really been crying out to God everyday, asking Him whether this is His plan for me. There have been times I've been doubtful, and rightfully so because what I "THINK" God is telling me must be tested, but there have also been times when He reassures me, telling me that He will be with me if I walk this path.
The bible tells us that God looks not at your talent, or your abilities, but at the willingness of your heart. It's sometimes not so easy to determine what His calling for you really is, which is why this is not an easy thing for me. However, I am able to say now, that I'm willing to go where He leads me. If it's this path that I must thread, then I will walk with Him, with the assurance that He will be with me all the way.
I can truly, honestly and wholeheartedly say, that I'm willing...
Being challenged like this is an experience in itself. It's serious, but I somehow have the assurance that He'll see me through this... and I'm liking this closeness to Him!
Lord, help me, I pray, to follow You, and to fulfill Your calling for my life! Lead me not to the left or to the right, but to stay focus on the narrow gate, and to bring me to the place where I know and I KNOW I'm walking in your will. Amen.
It's as I'm in this position that I realise God has brought me here for a reason. The past few days, the cell has been doing really well, and I'm quite happy for it. I'm very burdened by the fact that I myself personally didn't manage to contribute to the growth of the cell, although I do what I can to facilitate and help out with friends. As things are beginning to happen, I felt God leading me to a place where I have to step out of my comfort zone... and it's not easy.
I know that this 'stepping out of your comfort zone' phrase is overused that it can be cliched, but I've never felt it more consciously than now. I've always been thinking about being 'practical' and doing only what I THINK I can manage, but that's just an excuse I've been using to stay in my comfort zone, doing the same things I've been doing over and over, day in and day out. I'm very comfortable with routines, and although some excitement once in a while is expected, I've very much been stuck in a rut because I've never strayed too far from the routines in my life.
I've settled a lot of things in my life these past few weeks. Things have been going swell, and I'm pretty sure the excitement is oozing out of the words written here. It's excitement coupled with many things to think about. These decisions aren't very small decisions... they're decisions which have an impact in my life, and the lives of those around me.
I've really been crying out to God everyday, asking Him whether this is His plan for me. There have been times I've been doubtful, and rightfully so because what I "THINK" God is telling me must be tested, but there have also been times when He reassures me, telling me that He will be with me if I walk this path.
The bible tells us that God looks not at your talent, or your abilities, but at the willingness of your heart. It's sometimes not so easy to determine what His calling for you really is, which is why this is not an easy thing for me. However, I am able to say now, that I'm willing to go where He leads me. If it's this path that I must thread, then I will walk with Him, with the assurance that He will be with me all the way.
I can truly, honestly and wholeheartedly say, that I'm willing...
Being challenged like this is an experience in itself. It's serious, but I somehow have the assurance that He'll see me through this... and I'm liking this closeness to Him!
Lord, help me, I pray, to follow You, and to fulfill Your calling for my life! Lead me not to the left or to the right, but to stay focus on the narrow gate, and to bring me to the place where I know and I KNOW I'm walking in your will. Amen.
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