The End of Unemployment

02/10/2009 was the day I got that fateful call from HR at my previous employer. It would be my last day of of official US employment. I knew it was coming, but it was still devastating. That was followed by 3 months of unsuccessful attempts to get reemployed in Las Vegas, and the US. By mid-November, I knew I was coming home to Malaysia.

It was a scary process. Apart from my sister, I did not know anyone in the field. I had no contacts, only a list of agencies in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. And I had no clue of the work environment or clientele. The only thing I knew was that they're affected by the global economic crunch as well, and that it would be a long and frustrating process to get back to designing. And of course, I knew I was going to have to endure a massive pay cut and longer working hours. Its just how Asia is.

Coming back, I met an individual who used to be an AE in an agency here. Through him, I got a clearer picture of how things are done here. I also got a list of contacts and got to do some freelance jobs. But the issue here was that his contacts were outdated, and his freelance jobs were payless. In other words, I was doing pro bono charity work. I knew I wasn't going to see the money. I did it because I needed the contacts, the practice of designing again, and to just keep busy. And believe me, I was busy! A little too busy, in fact. I had no life or income, and I was constantly frustrated. It was ridiculous.

2 months passed, with me job hunting. It wasn't easy. There's only so much you can do. I encountered the same postings, if there are any (there wasn't much). I called up agencies and verified the e-mail addresses I got, so that I can send my CV to the correct people. No call backs. I can only guess that a hiring freeze is in effect, so calling me would just be giving me false hope, as they can't take me on anyways ... be it freelance, part-time or full-time, temporary or permanent. It was really depressing for me, and I felt helpless. Nevertheless, I continued sending out my CV, but I paced myself to 2-3 agencies a day. And I just relaxed the rest of the day (and did the pro bono freelance). No point in driving myself any more insane than I already am.

Then one day, towards the end of February, I placed a call to one of the agencies on my list (as usual). The receptionist told me to send my CV to the traffic manager. I found that weird, but did it nonetheless. 30 minutes later, I get a call from the ECD himself (from his personal mobile, no less). We spoke briefly, and he was saying that it must be fate, as they were just discussing bringing in a Designer that very morning. He was very enthusiastic, and we set up to have an interview next week. I was so excited! Its great to receive a response within 30 minutes of your CB submission, from an international agency no less! But I was still diligent and continued submitting my CV to other agencies down my list.

The interview was an interesting one, as it lasted for 2 hours. The ECD was a really fun and open minded guy, full of life an energy. In fact, it was 45 minutes in before I even presented my stuff. We discussed all kinds of things, from our past years living abroad to the current climate to the agency itself, and our personal goals. Towards the end, I also showed my portfolio to another CD who happened to wonder by. I left with the feeling that I had impressed them.

A week later, I was back there, as a 2-week, temporary freelancer. Like the rest of the agencies, they too had a hiring freeze issued to them by their global headquarters. But due to the fact that they were winning client accounts (a major feat in this economic crunch), they needed people. While they bargained for a full-time position for me, freelance was not a problem. I happily accepted. And actually, before I started, the global headquarters had approved me for full-time permanent, but of course, there was a ton of paper trails that had to be established, and I had to finish out my freelance contract first. As that approached its closure, I signed another contract. I'm employed! It felt good.

Now along the way, I made some mistakes as well. As I started my freelance with this agency, another small shop called me up. While it was nice to get another call, the guy was very cold and lifeless. A few days later, I turned down an interview opportunity. This had my AE contact fuming at me, and he was screaming at me about my pride, my priorities, my sanity, my appreciation for all he's done to try and get me a spot, and that this is the thanks I give him. Ok, I admit, maybe it wasn't the brightest thing to have done, but its done. Move on. I interviewed at another place too.

In the end, and the point is, I am working again. The recently received business card if my proof. And I am grateful it only took 2 months being home to get there. It could have been a lot longer.

The Departure

So my last entry was just before I left the US. Can you believe I have been there for 11 years? I couldn't. But its true. What an adventure that was. No regrets.

On 12/26, my last weekend there, Michael (my ex and best friend) paid me and Sable a visit. What an unusual weekend that was, but it was memorable nonetheless. Why? Because it was the last time I was likely to see him for quite awhile, or hear his voice. It was good to recount the past years, and what awaits us in the future. On 12/29, Michael left to return to Atlanta. And sadly, Sable followed him. We had her in an air travel hard carrier ... but due to a communication error, Michael's scheduled flight couldn't accommodate her carrier (the seats were lowered because of new equipment, and we refused to put her in the cargo bay). So Michael took the last flight out that evening, where the carrier fitted, and delivered Sable safely to Aaron. She is doing quite all right, despite sharing her new home with Nibbler, Aaron's cat.

My turn came on 12/30/08. I had settled everything. Cleaned out my apartment. Settled my accounts and other outstanding matters. Said my goodbyes in person to all my friends. Scott, one my truly most beloved friends back in Vegas, and the last one to see me, dropped me off at McCarran for my flight home. LAS to LAX to TPE to KUL. It was time to say goodbye to the City of Sin, my home for the last two years. I also said my goodbyes via my mobile to the few friends I couldn't say goodbye to in person. Mary T. Michael S. And a few selected buddies of mine. The flights went by okay. Mininal fuss. Long and tiring. I don't know how people do it constantly. Of course, I got placed in a seat next to the babies. Thankfully they weren't too crazy, but the children were. Impatient little brats who couldn't sit still, and the parents don't care. They got in the way of the flight attendants while they were serving food! What kind of parents are those?! Ugh. Regardless, I made it back through all the checkpoints from LAS to KUL. Baggage made it intact and safely, and no customs officials rummaging through my stuff. But ... it wasn't cool to pay U$D 2.00 for an hour of wifi at LAX. That was my last US charge though. LOL.

My family was waiting for me at KLIA. Seeing them made me realize one thing: They're been waiting for me for a long time. I love them. Always and forever. My adventures in the city that is once again my home now begins.

周杰伦 | 龙卷风

I have been stressed for the last few weeks. I've been snippy, moody, tired, and a little whiny. I've been binging (BAD!) and shopping. Ugh. I don't know why. Maybe its the full moon. Regardless, I've been listening to this song alot lately. It's old, but it does calm me down. TjMulyadi is even nice enough to put in English translations (if you go to the actual Youtube page). Hope you enjoy some Jay! :)

Amidst Tragedy, comes Hope and Unity.

The recent Sichuan Earthquake on May 12, 2008 was devastating. Going beyond Beijing and Shanghai, it left thousands dead, and even more homeless and helpless. The 8-hour long Artistes 512 concert (led by Andy Lau and participated by more than 500 stars and artists from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China), donated a huge sum to the victims. Their wonderful song is called Promise (there are 2 versions of the song). You can view the whole concert in parts here. Now Jackie Chan is collaborating with JYP Entertainment and several popular Korean stars and artists to help raise additional funds. The end result of the I Love Asia Project is a melodic, beautiful and dramatic song called Smile Again. I hope you enjoy it. Get your lyrics to Smile Again here. GO ASIA!

《承諾》
多少人 多少幸福被搶奪(jacky cheung)
多少生活在一瞬間被埋沒(karen mok)
一切變沉默(andy hui)
淚光在眼眶閃爍(andy hui + hocc)
塵埃沾滿了失落 的輪廓(hocc + shirley kwan)
(情願是我)(wong ka keung)
不必說(joey yung)
你們背後還有我(joey yung + hacken lee)
未來就是崎嶇也會陪你過(hacken lee)
一個你(eric tsang) 一個我(gigi leung)
扛起不需要脆弱(gigi leung)
前面越走一定會 越寬闊(miriam yeung)
(你還有我)(fama + kin, keung @ the wynners)
* 誰都會有恐懼面對黑暗的角落(andy lau)
為了你我再苦也不躲oh no~(wong ka keung)
我要你重獲 原來的生活(kenny bee + maria codero)
認定了這一輩子的承諾(justin)
不必說(alan tam + kenny bee)
你們背後還有我(kenny bee)
未來就是崎嶇也會陪你過(pakho chau + wilfred lau +louis cheung + pong nam + ying cheong yau)
一個你(at17)
一個我(ivana wong + charmine fong)
扛起不需要脆弱 (joyce cheng + tse ting ting)
前面越走一定會 越寬闊(khalil fong)
* 誰都會有恐懼面對黑暗的角落 (eliza chan)
為了你我再苦也不躲(edmond leung + william so)
oh~no…(eliza chan)
我要你重獲(teddy robin)
原來的生活(teddy robin + eason chan)
原來的生活(adlib by justin)
認定了這一輩子的承諾(anthony wong)
** 縱然山搖地破 也要安然渡過 有你有我 **(eason chan + alan tam + kenny bee)
* 誰都會有恐懼面對黑暗的角落(lam yee sun)
we are the world(george lam)
為了你我再苦也不躲(lam yee sun)
we are the world(george lam)
我要你重獲 原來的生活(law ka ying)
認定了這一輩子的承諾(liza wang)
我要你重獲 (andy lau) 原來的生活(alan tam)
認定了這一輩子的承諾(andy lau + alan tam)
vega acappella………
* 誰都會有恐懼面對黑暗的角落(teddy robin + lam man chung)
為了你我再苦也不躲(girl group#1)
我要你重獲 原來的生活(girl group#2)
認定了這一輩子的承諾(group)
* 誰都會有恐懼面對黑暗的角落(group)
為了你我再苦也不躲(group)
我要你重獲 原來的生活(group)
認定了這一輩子的承諾(alan tam, kenny bee + kin @ the wynners)
* 誰都會有恐懼面對黑暗的角落(group) with khalil fong adlib
為了你我再苦也不躲(group)
我要你重獲 原來的生活(group)
認定了這一輩子的承諾(group)
我要你重獲(alan tam) 原來的生活(kenny bee)
認定了這一輩子的承諾(alan tam + kenny bee)





<조성모>얼마나 아프니 정말 너무 많이 힘들 꺼야
<클래지콰이>어둠 속에서 한줄기 빛도 보이질 않아
<박용하>가슴이 너무 아파 눈물조차도 흐르질 않니
<나르샤,간미연>어디로 갈지 몰라 맴돌다가 주저 앉아 있니

I’ll be on your side 함께 할게
I’ll give you my hand 내 손을 잡고 일어나.
눈물이 마를 때까지
나의 어깨에 기대 서 쉬렴 다시 일어나
웃는 네 모습을 기다릴게.

<성룡>둘러 보아도 아무런 희망도 보이질 않고
<황정민,채연>이 긴 어둠은 끝이 나지 않을 것만 같고
<김동완>하루 하루가 너무 길고 힘들게만 느껴지니
<김아중>일어날 힘도 없어 제자리에 주저 앉아 있니

<신혜성>I’ll be on your side 함께 할게
I’ll give you my hand 내 손을 잡고 일어나.
눈물이 마를 때까지
<손호영>나의 어깨에 기대서 쉬렴 다시 일어나
웃는 네 모습을 기다릴게.

<김태희>잊지마 네가 힘들고 지칠 때 마다
<한혜진>내가 여기 너의 뒤에 서 있다는 것을.
<전혜빈>넌 혼자가 아냐 내가 여기 곁에 서 있는 한
<임정희>Cause I’ll always be here for U

<임정희,휘성>I’ll be on your side 함께 할게
<선예,휘성>I’ll give you my hand 내 손을 잡고 일어나.
눈물이 마를 때까지
나의 어깨에 기대서 쉬렴 다시 일어나
웃는 네 모습을 기다릴게.

<박진영>I’ll be on your side 함께 할게
<장나라>I’ll give you my hand 내 손을 잡고 일어나.
눈물이 마를 때까지
나의 어깨에 기대서 쉬렴 다시 일어나
웃는 네 모습을 기다릴게.

<김연아>다시 웃는 모습을 기다릴게



Special thanks to Aaron for providing me this link.

李聖傑 - 靠近

Here's another C-Pop song that I have been enjoying a lot lately. (Sam) Li Sheng Jie has a great voice, and Kao Jin (from the album So Fun 收放自如) is very powerful and emotional. The MV is very simple and evocative at the same time, proving that everything need not be flashy to be effective. And now, thanks to bubbleheadcharm, you get to sing along the KTV version! Yay! Have at it.

Of Rice and Responsibilities.

Rumor has it that there is a severe global rice shortage. Well, it may be true now, after Cyclone Nargis hit the Irrawaddy Delta in Myanmar just this past week. But prior to that...there is actually a surplus of rice. But due to bad weather, higher food costs due to rising fuel prices, and human neurosis, rice hoarding has started to occur, as well as export limitations/bans. Costco and Sam's Club has started limiting the amount of rice each customer can purchase. One could blame corn ethanol and drilling limitations as causes, but I highly doubt it. Corn is grown in different types of soil, and yields hardly enough fuel to replace oil. And increasing the number of oil drilling locations would be a very short-term solution at best. Destroy the environment, deplete the resources. Not a smart move. Instead, we need to keep on plugging away at finding a fuel alternative that is environmentally friendly, is efficient, and can be manufactured on a very large scale. Oh, and yes, we need to stop being so wasteful! Why do we need Hummers and SUVs? Why do we only eat one bite out of our meals? We are all the cause, and only we can solve it.

PS. So today I got charged an additional $1 for the rice that came with my dinner tonight. Some places charge you for second servings. Some charge you for rice that goes with your takeout. Some charge you regardless. A few still don't. But remember that rice is a major component in many other basic ingredients, such as flour. And no flour means no cakes or pasta! There's proof that a rice shortage is coming into reality.

Too Little, Too Late.

As of right now, the number of casualties in Myanmar reaching 100,000 or more is a very real possibility. Cyclone Nargis swiped and wiped the Irrawaddy Delta, causing a huge loss on the world's rice supply (which was already in jeopardy due to economic depression). Myanmar's government downplayed the severity of the cyclone, and the militaristic Junta didn't respond when the Nargis did hit. In fact, the Junta has just (very grudgingly) allowed foreign aid to the areas affected. Due to that, thousands more will die due to lack of clean water, food, shelter and fighting (much less money). Why the Junta is so anti-foreign aid is beyond me, but their lack of prompt action cost them a big chance to win the hearts and souls of the Nargis survivors. Ridiculous. How a country is supposed to make progress when it insists on being absolutely self-reliant (with a military-style way ruling to boot) is beyond me. Even now when they're (barely) allowing any form of aid in, they insist on hijacking that aid and slapping a self-promoting label, just to boost their own image for the upcoming elections. How low can you get? It's very shady, and very sad. My best wishes to the survivors and those living there.

PS. My wishes goes to the people of northeast Japan who survived the recent 7.2-magnitude earthquake.