10:46pm

Can't believe my luck. Still waiting for the commuter train. Am at Serdang commuter station. There was an announcement that the train was due soon. That was 12 minutes ago. Wondered what happened.

[ 3 minutes later ... ]

Guess the train has a long life. It just arrived and I'm now contented with the thought that I'm going back home 'sweet' home in a short while.

A few hours ago I was at Liberty's Pool (pub, pool & bistro) at Atria side for a company dinner. I'm stuffed with chicken chop, smoked salmon, chicken sausage & chili padi, french onion soup and a vanilla ice cream, one glass of mango juice, one glass of shandy and one glass of plain water. Whew... my jeans nearly busting and I'm feeling a little bit groggy because of it.

Unexpectedly I had a nice time. I was thinking of just showing my face and leaving at 8pm. However, food was late and I actually left at about 10pm.

The minute I came up the stairs to the highest level, I was greeted with a rook full of pool tables. Actually I don't really like this kinda places but joining a consulting firm normally entails this kinda activity.

Had some chats with some of my colleagues and I actually found myself mingling well with some of them. Even gave a try at pool. I was reluctant at first because I tried playing snooker before but abosultely lousy at it. Miraculously I was pretty good this time. Managed to hit 3 balls in a row. The others were already questioning whether I was a frequent player or what.

It's getting quite cold in the commuter train right now. I'm actually yawning away too. It's been some hectic weeks especially workwise. Actually gave training a week ago to 5 colleagues. I was already cursing the boss under my breath for asking me to do something I don't like. Hey, I already dislike programming - now asking me to teach? Sometimes you just can't have what you want in life.

Star Wars - The Phantom Menace Review
-------------------------------------------------------------

Entry: 27.6.99

I couldn't let this pass without giving my reviews right? Just like the review in NST, this episode is merely setting the stage for more action to come. I can hardly wait to discover why Anakin turned to the dark side in the coming episodes and how he and Queen Armidala became parents to Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.

Unfortunately I didn't find the characters as appealing as Episodes 4, 5 and 6. I guess Lucas has too much on his hands to introduce a huge cast. So aside from not-so-good character development (except for Qui-Gon Jinn), the rest of the show was splendid with the brilliant special effects.

I was delighted to know of C3PO's birth and surprised that it was Anakin (Darth Vader) who built the droid. I guess the galactic scenes such as the Galactic Senate in session and the planet of Coruscant was most impressive. I think the "fashion designers" of Queen Armidala should quit their job - I always wonder why they did ridiculous hairstyles for the ladies (remember Princess Leia's hairdo?)

I was quite disappointed to see Darth Maul only making quick appearances only to be disposed so quickly in the end. It was also a shame not able to see much of Obi Wan Kenobi but maybe Lucas will develop his character in Episode 2 and 3. And I really think Jar Jar Binks is an annoying character in the movie. All said, it's still a good watch and I'm so happy to be part of the Star Wars craze.

May the Force be with you.

Regards,
Li Li