make the most of my Penang April '08 trip

Woke up earlier than I need to. But that’s okay, I was hungry and looking forward to breakfast. A leisurely one today. I didn’t need to get to the career Fair that early.

Went back up to my room and got some real work done. Yay me! :)

Took the cab to PISA complex, this time around flagged one down instead of taking the one from the hotel. Saved me a tenner. Double yay! ;)

The only downside of today was the crowd at the fair. It was slightly more than yesterday. Nonetheless, we got several really good resumes. That alone was a saving grace. Chatted with the girls for a bit. They had a good night out last night. Am glad to know they went and had some fun.

A colleague, E came by to catch up. He’s been having some issues with his team, one resigned and sent a nasty letter to my friend’s boss. The guy just came back from a trip to find that on his first day back to work. Understandably, he was slightly down by the episode. He’s a good guy and he knows he can’t win them all. We discussed a few changes in policies and the possibility of my meeting his guys some time in May. Looks like I might be returning here sooner than I think I would.

E sent me back to my hotel. We chatted some more about our jobs, the latest happening in the company, our families and his trip to Budapest. He’s still reeling from the trip, commenting on how much fun he had hanging out with the Big Kahuna who’s hosting his last Club trip. E is a great guy, we go way back and I hope he’ll stick around for a while longer.

I grabbed dinner at the restaurant near my hotel. Figured I deserved a treat (this happens less often, but there’s no escaping it!). Went to Starbucks and ordered my usual, a Venti-sized Java Chip and a Noir-something cake. The Java Chip as usual was a blissful treat. The Noir cake on the other hand was a disappointing thumbs-down. :(

All is not lost yet. I got into my suite and switched on the TV. To my delight, Disney Channel was showing my all time favourite movie, D2 The Mighty Ducks! OMG.. I was estatic, only because I’ve seen this movie at least more than five times! Every time I watch this movie, I wished I could learn to roller blade. Oh well.. a worthy goal, no doubt!

I’m really full now. Not even 10pm yet. But I’m really exhausted. My calves are aching from yesterday’s vigorous Step Aerobics. My eyes are getting heavier by the minute. But figured I’ve got a good hour left in me, so I might as well get some work done.

My last night of solitude. Tomorrow I’m leaving Penang on the 4pm flight back to KL. This trip turned out to be a wonderful getaway. Some work, some play and a whole lot of rest and reflection. I really should do this more often. :)

I had a good sleep. Woke up and got ready for breakfast, joined later by a candidate who I interviewed for a Sales position. She seemed like a good fit and eager to take on new challenges. This is turning out well. I will recommend her to meet with our Director for Northern Operations.

Took a cab to the PISA complex where the career fair is held. The cab fare was ridiculous but I was in no position to haggle. I arrived just in time to see the girls putting up the finishing touches to our booth. The Friday crowd is slow, we hope more will turn up over the weekend. Still, there were a few who turned in their resumes. I hope there will be a few gems among these.

A recruiter/headhunter whom I met during my last visit came by our booth. She wanted to discuss some of our latest requirements. I asked if she’d mind driving me back to my hotel. She obliged and I saved some cash on cab (phew!). We chatted and made some good progress. She promises a few more resumes on Monday. Later on, I asked if she could drop me off at the Gurney Plaza, a nearby mall (it’s not so near if one had to walk). Luckily, it was on her way. I felt slightly bad having to ask her this favour, but she assured me she was happy to oblige.

At the mall, after withdrawing some cash (am gonna need it for cab fares!),I shopped for a bit. Toyed with the idea of catching a movie solo, but the timing was off. Didn’t feel like walking back to the hotel when it’s already dark. So no movie, I walked back to the hotel while enjoying the seaside scenery. It felt great, the weather was lovely, the sky was blue and I enjoyed the walk immensely.

Got back to the hotel and changed into my workout gear. There’s a gym nearby that welcomes guests who pay day or weekly rates. It’s not bad. The machines are decent and there’s Step Aerobics at 8PM. Used the cross-trainer mostly before I joined the class. Worked out a good sweat, luckily I didn’t hurt my bad knee doing the crazy spider move during the class.

There’s a Subway outlet near the exit of the gym. Hurray! Yesterday it was Subway Melt, today it’s Steak and Cheese Sub. I opted for a cookie tonight, yesterday it was a bag of chips. Munched my sub while watching Hannah Montana, whom I think is pretty awesome. ;)

Flipped the channel, 300 is playing on the Vision Channel. It was already mid-way, but that’s the best part. I am reminded just how I was blown away watching it on the big screen with S. I sms’ed S to let him know I’m in Penang. We were supposed to meet up this weekend. Guess no luck still, maybe next week then.

My legs are aching now. I should shower then hit the bed early tonight. My face looks a mess when I lack sleep. Still, today has been good.

..frantically catching up with my emails. Just finished my Java Chip and called off plans to hit the gym. Don’t feel like jogging either, despite the inviting sea-side scenery.

Am in Penang until Sunday, staying at Gurney Hotel. Very nice suite. Near to everything I could possibly need for this trip. The bed was so comfy I actually overslept this morning. Good thing I didn’t miss my meeting in Intel.

As usual, when I’m alone I have all sorts of grand ambitions! Catch up with work, lounge around on my big bed or just sleep! Choices.. I really do cherish times like these. :)