Monday, June 27th, 2005 - First day of the next 40 years of my life - the life of an office worker.
Given my pervious office working experience, the first day wasn't too bad actually. Granted I wasn't assigned any work but I think I would enjoy working there. So far, the people sitting around have been really nice - I definitely couldn't ask for more.
Management wise though, the Branch seems a bit disorganized. My manager is leaving this week, and my mentor told me today that he won't be my mentor (so I'm mentor-less). The branch is also moving in a week. Not to mention they were totally unprepared for my arrival. Sure, it has only been a day, but I don't remember my first day being as chaotic when I was next door at PPESB.
So hopefully boredom will not consume me. Gotta stay positive and keep myself busy - or else I will just end up hating the job (and I really don't want that to happen).
Monday, June 27, 2005
Monday, June 13, 2005
Buffalo, Abercrombie, and the really big American portions
Monday, June 13, 2005 - Abercrombie & Fitch: We love to hate them, yet we can't resist them (well who can resist a guy like that ? )
So Jason and I survived our weekend of "hot" fun (and I was referring to the 30+ degree weather - so get your mind out of the gutter) in Buffalo/Niagara, NY ! It was primairly a shopping trip for both of us - though of course it was also our nice little getaway. Since Jason hates camping, going to the "wilderness" is pretty much out of the question - so the alternative (as if I'm complaining) is to spend 3 days shopping and maximizing our credit cards ! woo-hoo !
To begin, let me just say that Jason is an awesome driver. Not only can he drive stick, he drives it well (puts me to shame that's for sure). I haven't been to Buffalo in years (cross -border shopping was never a huge thing in our family) and I certaintly was ready to visit the outlets.
First, the city of Buffalo (gotta do my planner thing): it's depressing. Abandoned buildings, deserted downtowns, confusing streets and highways that lead to nowhere, the city seriously need a turn-around. After taking a few wrong turns, we ended up in the heart of downtown Buffalo, yet there was nobody around (literally no one). It is definitely a textbook case of the "donut" effect - where the downtown is in decline while the suburbs are flourishing (though I wouldn't say the Buffalo Area is flourishing - period). One worthy note though - the city does have some really amazing buildings. One building (I believe it was city hall or some civic building) was built in grand art deco style and has been pretty well maintained, considering half the city is crumbling. Too bad I didn't bring my camera along...
Ok now back to the shopping: Abercrombie was a bust. The A&F store at the Galleria was closed due to renovations and the kids Abercrombie was a dark, stuffy, sweaty store filled with rude young college salespeople and bad teeny-booper music (if I say it's bad, then it's gotta be bad). Jason and I did spend some time there - but he definitely didn't enjoy himself (he called it the worst store he has ever been into! ). Not to mention the pictures of the "boys" hanging on the walls were definitely a distraction...I feel wrong even typing about it now.
Other than that, the mall lived up to my expecations, though I think Jason still managed to buy more than I did. We also hit some of the key big box stores: Target (which was awesome), Walmart (which was ok), Circuit City (cheap DVDs) and some other ones along the strip. The Barnes & Noble near our hotel was also cool and considerably cheaper than Chapters.
One rant: those really big American servings. Seriously, those portions were way to big for an average person - who eats that much mashed potatoes anyway ! The result: over half the people we saw were over-weight. Pretty scary eh ? Anyway, of course Jason laughed at how slow I eat !
Overall, it was an awesome weekend (thanks Jason !). Considering it was my grad trip, I enjoyed every minute of it (except the stuffing yourself with food part). There were also a few neat things too, such as the partial toll highway - which I have never even heard of - and the connections between malls (which Jason was quicked to point out). Things are cheaper in Buffalo, especially with the US dollar to our favour, so that made spending the $ a bit less guilty...though I know I will regret it come the end of next month.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
More Post-Birthday Thoughts
June 9th, 2005 - More post-birthday and graduation thoughts. First, I feel like a hypocrite now since in my past 2 posts I have already gone on and on about how birthdays aren't a big deal - but yet this is my 3rd post on the matter ! argh...but I just thought it would be cool to write down what I've been doing the past couple of days as part of my "birthday plans":
Tuesday: So yes, as mentioned, I had dinner with Jason. We went to a bar-type restaurant near his apartment and then we went to see Madagascar. The movie was pretty disappointing - the plot was horrible (there wasn't really one - no climax in the story at all) and the animation were only half decent. The jokes weren't all that great either. Jason got me 2 cds as presents: a Sum 41 cd (he said it was very hard for him to pick it up and actually pay for it) and also a best of Jimi Hendrix cd, so I could be educated about "music". He was totally surprised when I mentioned that I'm not familiar with Jimi Hendrix at all when we were talking about the Music Project building in Seattle (the building was designed and built based on Hendrix' music, i.e. Purple Haze and so on).
Wednesday: I managed to wake up early ! Jason and I both left the apartment at a decent time though I didn't get home till 10 am (we left at 8). I had to tutor later in the afternoon and then it was off to dinner with Freeman, the Amys, Ray, and Carina (a butchy lesbian friend from high school !). It was nice seeing them, esp. Ray and Amy since I haven't seen them in awhile (same with Carina but I don't know her that well). Freeman and I got to talk about his apartment hunt - he's pretty picky himself. The two of us still have underlying issues to talk about - I think he knows it too - and I've also been thinking of having him meet Jason...anyway, the gang got me a GAP gift card - though I was surprised that Amy/Ray didn't have a present ready ! Not that I expect one of course...but usually they are really good with that kind of stuff..hmm...and oh, my friend Ruth also sent me a birthday card - she's really good with remembering things like that !
Thursday: Thursday (today) was Eddie's day. We had dinner at Il Fornello (I thought it was Il Postino - i.e. the horrible Kevin Costner movie) and we went to Demetre (where I bumped into a former student waitressing - another sign of old age perhaps ?). It was good hanging out with him again - I was a bit embarrassed that I couldn't even finish my pizza (thanks to Grandma's noodles just hours before the dinner). Eddie said he's going to take me shopping so he could buy me clothes (Is my closet really that bad ? geez...).
Upcoming weekend: This week seems to have flown by, because tomorrow Jason and I are heading out of town for the weekend ! yay ! it should be fun and I can't wait =)
So yes, my overall birthday wrap-up: definitely quiet but really nice as well - just the way I like it. The only downfall I guess is the lack of recognition of the day from my own family. Besides grandma (who at least gave me a red-pocket envelope) and my sister (who now owes me a cell phone face plate), my parents haven't shown any emotions at all towards it. I guess it's somewhat disappointing - but not surprising at all...Though not even a red pocket, mom ? (no, it's not about the money, but a little of recognition would be kinda nice too - especially from my own family....)
Tuesday: So yes, as mentioned, I had dinner with Jason. We went to a bar-type restaurant near his apartment and then we went to see Madagascar. The movie was pretty disappointing - the plot was horrible (there wasn't really one - no climax in the story at all) and the animation were only half decent. The jokes weren't all that great either. Jason got me 2 cds as presents: a Sum 41 cd (he said it was very hard for him to pick it up and actually pay for it) and also a best of Jimi Hendrix cd, so I could be educated about "music". He was totally surprised when I mentioned that I'm not familiar with Jimi Hendrix at all when we were talking about the Music Project building in Seattle (the building was designed and built based on Hendrix' music, i.e. Purple Haze and so on).
Wednesday: I managed to wake up early ! Jason and I both left the apartment at a decent time though I didn't get home till 10 am (we left at 8). I had to tutor later in the afternoon and then it was off to dinner with Freeman, the Amys, Ray, and Carina (a butchy lesbian friend from high school !). It was nice seeing them, esp. Ray and Amy since I haven't seen them in awhile (same with Carina but I don't know her that well). Freeman and I got to talk about his apartment hunt - he's pretty picky himself. The two of us still have underlying issues to talk about - I think he knows it too - and I've also been thinking of having him meet Jason...anyway, the gang got me a GAP gift card - though I was surprised that Amy/Ray didn't have a present ready ! Not that I expect one of course...but usually they are really good with that kind of stuff..hmm...and oh, my friend Ruth also sent me a birthday card - she's really good with remembering things like that !
Thursday: Thursday (today) was Eddie's day. We had dinner at Il Fornello (I thought it was Il Postino - i.e. the horrible Kevin Costner movie) and we went to Demetre (where I bumped into a former student waitressing - another sign of old age perhaps ?). It was good hanging out with him again - I was a bit embarrassed that I couldn't even finish my pizza (thanks to Grandma's noodles just hours before the dinner). Eddie said he's going to take me shopping so he could buy me clothes (Is my closet really that bad ? geez...).
Upcoming weekend: This week seems to have flown by, because tomorrow Jason and I are heading out of town for the weekend ! yay ! it should be fun and I can't wait =)
So yes, my overall birthday wrap-up: definitely quiet but really nice as well - just the way I like it. The only downfall I guess is the lack of recognition of the day from my own family. Besides grandma (who at least gave me a red-pocket envelope) and my sister (who now owes me a cell phone face plate), my parents haven't shown any emotions at all towards it. I guess it's somewhat disappointing - but not surprising at all...Though not even a red pocket, mom ? (no, it's not about the money, but a little of recognition would be kinda nice too - especially from my own family....)
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Being 25
June 7th, 2005 - Quarterlife beings today.
Just re-reading what I wrote yesterday, I think I was a bit harsh over my idea of "birthdays". I must say that it is a great feeling to have your friends remember your special day - and I was certainty surprised when my friends called and left messages wishing me a happy 25. So yes - it's great to have your friends remember your birthday, but it's also not a big deal if they don't. I guess I just don't like making a big deal out of their birthdays - like this dude on msn that I went out with twice, he started counting down to his birthday 6 weeks in advance (he announced it in his msn name)... geez...get a life ! But different people mark their birthdays differently, so as Jason says, "it's all good".
How have I spent my birthday so far ? I went to the doctor for a check up, went out with my grandmother (we went to Loblaws - woohoo), and later, I'm going to spend the night with Jason. I think we're going out for dinner and then we're going to watch "Madagascar". I know it's not something that he wants to see, but it's sweet that he offered to see it with me. =)
So yes, I'm officially now past the quarterlife mark. At least I don't look 25 I guess...hehe...
Just re-reading what I wrote yesterday, I think I was a bit harsh over my idea of "birthdays". I must say that it is a great feeling to have your friends remember your special day - and I was certainty surprised when my friends called and left messages wishing me a happy 25. So yes - it's great to have your friends remember your birthday, but it's also not a big deal if they don't. I guess I just don't like making a big deal out of their birthdays - like this dude on msn that I went out with twice, he started counting down to his birthday 6 weeks in advance (he announced it in his msn name)... geez...get a life ! But different people mark their birthdays differently, so as Jason says, "it's all good".
How have I spent my birthday so far ? I went to the doctor for a check up, went out with my grandmother (we went to Loblaws - woohoo), and later, I'm going to spend the night with Jason. I think we're going out for dinner and then we're going to watch "Madagascar". I know it's not something that he wants to see, but it's sweet that he offered to see it with me. =)
So yes, I'm officially now past the quarterlife mark. At least I don't look 25 I guess...hehe...
Monday, June 06, 2005
Birthdays
June 6th, 2005 - My last day of being 24.
I'm not a big birthday person. That is, I don't really go out there and make a point of forcing my friends and my family to celebrate my birthday with me. I guess it has to do with the fact of how my friends have treated birthdays for the past couple of years. Birthdays to us have become like a "chore" - an obligated, mandatory event that everyone in our group must do. That includes the mandatory dinner and the "forced" gift that everyone chips in (but only one person buys - and usually at the last minute). So 2 years ago, I stopped even organizing my birthday - it's too much hassle and the last thing I want to do is to force my friends to come out and scramble for a present (usually gift certificates I might add).
I must say that I'm part of the guilty party though. But I also don't see the point of getting a whole bunch of people together and force them to celebrate your birth. Unless you have done some miraclous thing, your birth is not something that everyone should stop, take hold, and jump for joy.
Of course, I'm always flattered that my friends remember - it is after all MY special day. And birthdays aren't just about me, it's also about my poor mother who spent hours in the delivery room giving birth to me. So yes, I'm grateful for that - but do my friends need to throw a party to celebrate my mom's hours of labour pain ? no..not really.
Having said that, I am going out with different people this week to celebrate my birthday. Though they are all just quiet dinners - more like get-togethers than really a birthday celebration. I hope they won't get me a cake - I don't really need a cake do I ? and there better not be singing waiters ! (which is the stupidest thing I've seen - I don't need strangers to sing and dance around my table - like they don't care about you nor your birthday - they don't even know your name. It is cheap stunts like this that makes birthday celebrations so superficial - though of course we could say that about Christmas too...)
This year is special too of course - as I will be hitting the quarter-century mark. More about that on my birthday post I guess ?
I'm not a big birthday person. That is, I don't really go out there and make a point of forcing my friends and my family to celebrate my birthday with me. I guess it has to do with the fact of how my friends have treated birthdays for the past couple of years. Birthdays to us have become like a "chore" - an obligated, mandatory event that everyone in our group must do. That includes the mandatory dinner and the "forced" gift that everyone chips in (but only one person buys - and usually at the last minute). So 2 years ago, I stopped even organizing my birthday - it's too much hassle and the last thing I want to do is to force my friends to come out and scramble for a present (usually gift certificates I might add).
I must say that I'm part of the guilty party though. But I also don't see the point of getting a whole bunch of people together and force them to celebrate your birth. Unless you have done some miraclous thing, your birth is not something that everyone should stop, take hold, and jump for joy.
Of course, I'm always flattered that my friends remember - it is after all MY special day. And birthdays aren't just about me, it's also about my poor mother who spent hours in the delivery room giving birth to me. So yes, I'm grateful for that - but do my friends need to throw a party to celebrate my mom's hours of labour pain ? no..not really.
Having said that, I am going out with different people this week to celebrate my birthday. Though they are all just quiet dinners - more like get-togethers than really a birthday celebration. I hope they won't get me a cake - I don't really need a cake do I ? and there better not be singing waiters ! (which is the stupidest thing I've seen - I don't need strangers to sing and dance around my table - like they don't care about you nor your birthday - they don't even know your name. It is cheap stunts like this that makes birthday celebrations so superficial - though of course we could say that about Christmas too...)
This year is special too of course - as I will be hitting the quarter-century mark. More about that on my birthday post I guess ?
Friday, June 03, 2005
Officially M.Sc.Pl.
June 3rd, 2005 - And so I was late for my own graduation.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised...haha..my track record ain't so good.
I wasn't "LATE" late though. I just managed to get to UC about 40 minutes after everyone else. At least they didn't start marching towards Convocation Hall yet.
I must admit that I wasn't as hyped up about the day as I should've been. I think maybe it's because I've done this before (even my parents weren't as hyped), and also because that sad, "I'm really leaving" moment has long passed. If we had done this after my CIP/thesis was handed in, I think I would've wept like a baby...haha...
It was also nice seeing everyone - who knows when we'll all be together again ?! Looking back I think my grad school experience was so great only because of the people in my class. I don't think I could've finished the program without them - seriously.
So yup, I'm now officially Felix Fung, Hon.BA, M.Sc.Pl. - and guess how much I've spent on tuition just to get those letters behind my name !
The end of an era (as I've said many times...), now let's hope the next one will be just as great =)
I guess I shouldn't be surprised...haha..my track record ain't so good.
I wasn't "LATE" late though. I just managed to get to UC about 40 minutes after everyone else. At least they didn't start marching towards Convocation Hall yet.
I must admit that I wasn't as hyped up about the day as I should've been. I think maybe it's because I've done this before (even my parents weren't as hyped), and also because that sad, "I'm really leaving" moment has long passed. If we had done this after my CIP/thesis was handed in, I think I would've wept like a baby...haha...
It was also nice seeing everyone - who knows when we'll all be together again ?! Looking back I think my grad school experience was so great only because of the people in my class. I don't think I could've finished the program without them - seriously.
So yup, I'm now officially Felix Fung, Hon.BA, M.Sc.Pl. - and guess how much I've spent on tuition just to get those letters behind my name !
The end of an era (as I've said many times...), now let's hope the next one will be just as great =)
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Counting Down to Graduation
June 1st, 2005 - One more day till I'm officially done with school.
The feeling is hard to describe. I mean I'm glad to be done with school - no more papers, no more studying, no more sleepless nights worrying about presentations and marks. At the same time though, it's hard to really imagine life without school. School has been all I know for so long - and moving away from this comfort zone will definitely be hard...
Hopefully my new job will be somewhat exciting. Maybe there will be other people around my age there.
And of course there's also the moving out part - which will be exciting - if I can ever find a place to live. Rent is insanely expensive in Toronto (but that's for another post).
It was good to be back on campus today - I saw a lot of people - it felt like old times again !
I had lunch with Jason today too. He got me an architecture book as a graduation present..nice eh ? Things are going well with him I guess - we're more or else moving at a comfortable rate I think. I'm not sure what we are exactly - but whatever it is, at least it's comfortable and natural.
So tomorrow's the big day...let's hope I won't be late.
The feeling is hard to describe. I mean I'm glad to be done with school - no more papers, no more studying, no more sleepless nights worrying about presentations and marks. At the same time though, it's hard to really imagine life without school. School has been all I know for so long - and moving away from this comfort zone will definitely be hard...
Hopefully my new job will be somewhat exciting. Maybe there will be other people around my age there.
And of course there's also the moving out part - which will be exciting - if I can ever find a place to live. Rent is insanely expensive in Toronto (but that's for another post).
It was good to be back on campus today - I saw a lot of people - it felt like old times again !
I had lunch with Jason today too. He got me an architecture book as a graduation present..nice eh ? Things are going well with him I guess - we're more or else moving at a comfortable rate I think. I'm not sure what we are exactly - but whatever it is, at least it's comfortable and natural.
So tomorrow's the big day...let's hope I won't be late.
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