...Happy birthday sweet-heart. Take you to my paradise, just you and me.

After this assignment I will be on the bench in Sydney, working on an internal project for afew months.

...Visiting the temple - to wash my sins.

...It's a 10-hours drive from Melbourne to Sydney. RedBull give you wings.

Scheduled to drive home on the coming Monday, but I missed my missus too much, so I'm driving straight.

...Six people, $2M, one company. Our first Christmas party together.

...Smoked from the bush fire over cast the whole Melbnourne city. One of these days I going to volunteer to be a Fire Fighter.

...Sometimes I just enjoy being alone. Because I can be care free. I make a decent income, but after mortgage, loan, expenses & the wedding saving, I dont have much left. And yet shes still asking me to buy her this and that. Those unessential things. I need a second job - it's like whatever I'm earning its never going to be enough. I want to rob a bank.

At times I just enjoy accompany of friends.

If you must know
I love you so,
So please don't go
Promise me so?

And if you must
Then I'll be lost,
Without your love
My life is gone.

So now I want
To let you know,
That I truly
Really love you.

And if you must
Then I will just,
Have to let go
Of you and so.

And I'll be fine
Should be alright,
Forever will
Love you always.

...because its slow, I enjoy eating slow food, something that takes along time to prepare and cook.

Vincent through great party! I got pretty trashed at his house warming party, I like his place, nice and big 4-bedroom, I'm sure the next thing on his list is getting a fishing boat!

I heard an interesting episode on this new trend in marketing called Lovemark. This will fuel the machine of capitalism in the next few decades. I see a pattern in all corporations, each one tries to be the dominant one in the market. So in order to archive this status they need to help of consultant companies like Saatchi n Saatchi and Glue:. Who's specialising in organisation restructuring and transform to maturity. This is the rat race of big companies and enterprises.

...I found this neat little software called Spb Finance. It helped me manage and track my expenses.

...My girlfriend will beat me with a bamboo-stick if she finds out i been irresponsible with my money (her money). So I'm repairing the window myself.

Windscreen from Toyota Genuine Parts = $120. Labour = priceless.

...One of these days I'm gonna teach those street kids a lesson.

...I got lazy since I moved to Melbourne on assignment, I havent play any outdoor sport! Muay Thai boxing seems like an interesting self-defence? :) Elbow, leg and knee are all effective body combat weapon. Too bad I missed out, Khanh was gonna setup a class for off-season dragon boat rowing team members, but I left for Melbourne before the first class commenced.

Websites I visited today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7dwIt2gR8Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvAEr23J7rg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSmE0bcJr4w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko5cuWJ_zyY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue1cyPlKaZE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRB1JZi2c5o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4DmFMEmZso
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=einZ010-cb0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAOdSh_cIks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T2oNi7eaYk
http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/300/trailer1/
http://www.88square.com/v3/
http://www23.meebo.com/index-en.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai

...People / History

• Complex people; endured great hardships / invasions (Chinese; Japanese; French; USA).
• Reunification in 1975 into socialist / Marxist politic; ruled by a communist party.
• Chinese influence great
• Pragmatic people
• South region more prosperous due to agriculture around the Mekong Delta; Northerners around Hanoi have had a greater struggle for survival (mineral rich but not agriculturally)
• 50% of people have family name of Nguyen; family name placed first then given names
• Strong sense of national pride and independence

Legends / Beliefs

• Many beliefs: Confucianism; Taoism; hinuism; Buddhism; ancestor worship; animism; Catholicism.
• Unique native religions: Hao Hao; Cao Daism.
• Strong extended family bonds
• Taoist belief system: spirits must be placated
• Values: virtue; Humility; modesty; family; hard work ; respect.
• Unlucky numbers: 3, 13; Lucky: 9.

Anniversaries / Festivals

• Tet (lunar New Year festival) late Jan to mid Feb. Avoid Bad Luck talk; avoid business meetings before, during and after festival; Tet gifts are tea, fruit, sweets
• Xmas is not official holiday
• 30th April = anniversary of liberation of Saigon in 1975
• 1st May = International Labour Day
• 19th May = birth of Ho Chi Minh
• 2nd September = National Day; Ho Chi Minh declared independent state in Hanoi in 1945
• 3rd September = anniversary of Ho Chi Minhs death in 1969
• August = Trung Nguyen (Wandering Souls Day); pray for the souls of the dead

Town / Country

• crowded cities
• high poverty in country and city areas
• poor infrastructure to support populations which are attracted to the city for work (roads, rail, accom, health)
• HCMC = District One on north bank of Saigon River has colonial influence
• Hanoi less frenetic
• 3,260 kms of coastline
• Central coast beaches
• Northern mountains

Travel Tips

• little travel comforts and convenience
• tourism is still a fledgling industry with little infrastructure to support it
• dual pricing system for tourists dress down to get better prices; haggling is tough
• Patience is a virtue + humour + calm.
• Mix with locals / try and speak the language locals appreciate this
• Rail and road travel is slow due to poor state
• Beware of traffic and bikes
• Dont travel alone at night; beware thieves and muggers
• Beware of beggars and shoe shine boys, could be thieves

Food / drink

• Food - be careful of water and fresh veges and chicken
• Influenced by China etc
• Wide use of fresh herbs
• Street side Pho stalls noodle based soup
• Bread and coffee french style
• Nuoc Mam = rotten fish sauce, a delicacy
• Ian or steamboat ot Mongolian hotpot is a popular large bowl full of seasoned broth and meat and veges are added to it
• Ruou de, local rice wine like sake

Shopping

• southern viets have different purchasing habits due to foreign influences
• take essentials with you from home ie: medical and personal
• bargaining is accepted but Viets are tough bargainers

Business Tips

• tips: be patient; drawn out decision making process; be firm and direct not rude; read body language because much is unsaid or lost in translation
• understand Confucianism big cultural influence
• gift giving not required but OK
• face to face meeting are crucial; may take longer than expected; dont plan too many in a day
• exchange business cards
• tea drinking ritual is observed
• be prepared for serious drinking tram phan tram is 100% or gambei or bottoms up

Social Situations

• avoid superior outdated colonial attitudes
• seniority brings honour and respect
• watch your voice level

Words / Phrases

• heavy tonal language, therefore easy to mis pronounce the words
• greeting to older man = chao ong
• greeting to older woman = chao ba
• thank you = Cam on
• hello = Xin Chao
• Goodbye = Tam biet
• Excuse me = Toi xin loi
• Yes = Phai
• No = Khong
• I dont know = Toi knong biet
• Zero = Knong
• Ten = Muoi
• One = Mot

Other

• metric system of weights and measures is used
• currency is the Dong (VND) = 1 $AUD = 8,000 VND
• tropical hot humid climate
• office hours 7:30 to 4:30pm Mon-Sat
• emergency phone numbers are 14 for medical assistance

...During my course of travel I picked up afew bright ideas. I just had one last night, I want to go forward and invest into it because I know it has apart of the future friendly.

It involves serveral interactive kiosk deployments to industrial sites.

My girlfriend is lanching a her business, so will I. Yet working synchronously to archive a common goals.

When people say 'I travel... and get paid for doing it', its intention is in a frustrated tone. Because constantly moving between environment really screwed up your head in many ways.

I feel very bad anbout missing Viet's wedding in Melb, he was a great mate, so is Van, but I was with my girlfriend and her parents on the Saturday night.

...I got transitioned to another project. This one involved more technical integration development, but nonetheless an important one. The view from the new office.

Career is a religion, everyday you travel to your place of worthship, we all want worthship to the biggest and tallest religion. It's terrifying.

...Being the youngest in the ICC my team has it's advantages, a performance review was done today. I came out as the most productive and innovating ideas amongst my team. I pickup things quickly and able to see patterns.

Here's are my daily digest:

• http://kamy.blogspot.com/
• http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=LycheeT
• http://yourporntube.com/
• https://advantage.webmethods.com/
• http://citeseer.ist.psu.edu/
• http://www.open.edu.au/
• http://www.gmail.com

...Weekend away to the Mornington Peninsula. My friends say I make a good pornographer!

Weekend away with Annette Nguyen, horny chubby accountant. She called me the 'beautiful stranger'. Driving out and around town for late night coffee and then drive south east coast to Rosebud. Broke my record for sex/bj on first day.

...She ran away from home and stayed with me in Melb for the past 2-weeks - that's my kinda girl! It was the best week I had, someone to look forward to when I get home, someone snuggle upto when it's getting cold at night.

I had an interesting lecture from Chu Loc who owns a chain of businesses and apartments throughout Melb, he's worth $10M easily.

Want a pay raise? look at your role from the business owner perspective. How much money do you make for me? If you increase your contribution to the company then you'll be well compensate for your efforts - the owner must see this transparently. If you got a bright idea that can earn the company more? Great! Put it in a proposal, do your cost analysis!

Principle for getting new contract, get the requirement from the client, listen to what they want, create a sample product at no cost, then let the client evaluate the quality of your product. Then work with them to agree on the terms and cost of the contract. If its a service oriented business that you're in, write up a proposal and the missing gasp that helps the client's business. Speaking of contract, Chu Loc is about to successfully get a contract with Qantas to manufacture all the lounges at each terminals.

When buying a house for investment, think practical, the average Joe and his family want to place close to work/city. Therefore the houses in hot demands in the near future will be a 2-bedroom house with 2 carparks. Inner city apartments are often ridiculously overpriced.

...Life's good, she has been good to me. We argue sometimes, like every other couples.

...Spent Tet Trung Thu, moon-lantern festival, in Melbourne. Its not as exciting compare to Sydney.

...I am growing more Vietnamese as I get older.

...Actually its only 11 remaining now. Driving Carlos J Gama (from our UK office) and his wife, Denise for a day out.

Baby, when we grow old together I'll buy an Inn or a holiday resort at a location just like this one, we can own and operate, we can retire at 40's. Would you like that?

...I do miss my rowing team so much, remember all the good time that we had. I met many great friends there, but sometimes you gotta let a good goes to find another.

Hey! I've loss my tan from last season. Summer is coming, I need to pickup another sport.

Here is a footage of us at the 2006 Chinese New Year Race, most of the footage on the race day were shot by me and later edited by the coach, Hoang Dang.

...I dont need viagra baby, I got you!

...To whom is may concern.

This article is focus on the role of Project Manager (PM), specialising in Enterprise Integration Projects.

Being an Integration Project Manager is more than just managing people well and deliver the project on-time. The larger the organization the more organisational politic you have to navigates, at the enterprise level no one is willing to take ownership of a particular application or system because they their job will be on the line if something goes wrong. Therefore at the enterprise landscape the PM must make regular meeting with the project stakeholders and affiliates application owners to ensure the development is synchronies and that all input/output data that coming in/out of your application matches the requirements. 60% of enterprise integration project failed simply because they dont validate the inputs and outputs, which in turn polluted the whole enterprise environment.

At the core of Integration Project Manager is control the running of each team ensuring what they are doing is inline with the overall enterprise architecture, by coordinating all projects to have correct inputs and outputs. The rule of thumb is enforces each application to validate their own input/output and having mechanism to stop the system from sending out junk data if error is found. Because often data produced by one application will be used by another application. Designing enterprise application with the enterprise architecture in mind will void the ripple effect when deploying the application in live environment. In most enterprise architecture live environment is very fragile and critical to the business, because once it goes down everyone in the media will know about it. Therefore avoid as less disturbance as possible when rolling out new application, to avoid business down-time.

Re-using principle in application development is a good practice. But over-used component can cause environment bottle neck and heavy dependency on a single component. This is where the debate around should a component be duplicated for effective performance.

Error Management Framework (EMF) must exist in all application development; this will reduce the scale and cost of support on the application. When error is detected internally within the application appropriate action will be taken as the error is manage and understood by the application, the ability for self-recovery. For more critical error an email will send out the support person to resolve the issue. It is best practice to let EMF acts as a firewall to an interface, because if an error event is raised, the interface can react to whethere or not to suspend the triggers, resulting in request rejection.

Every document that enters the enterprise infrastructure must be assign with a unique document number in order to keep track of the document when it navigates through the enterprise. A better practice is maintaining version control for all organization documents, because application will be change and replace, document structure will be change and evoke.

Finally, an expectation from an integration project manager is understand that the delivery process is in real time, the application is introduce into a living enterprise environment where other systems and application is currently active.

My integration project manager is useless, he doesnt address none of the above issues. He's just clown around all day.

...In these coming months I will make frequent post under this subject, its relating to the materials found in my line of work. These entries are archived as bibliography towards my research interests. In the future, I might compile these ideas into a book?

Martin Hepp and Frank Leymann and John Domingue and Alexander Wahler and Dieter Fensel, "Semantic Business Process Management: A Vision Towards Using Semantic Web Services for Business Process Management," (2005). Also at citeseer.ist.psu.edu/hepp05semantic.html

This paper is an insight to application of semantic web to enterprise business processes busines process management. Enabling self discovery of information and processes. Process policy is embeded within the business object through workflow, then let the business object self navigate through the organisation space until it reaches its destination system.

As of today semantic still has it issue, lack in traceability. A business object may navigate through the organisation space independently, however there is a time when we need to reconcilidate about the object. Lack of ability to rollback to the previous step.

An organisation space is like a series of pipelines, once the information comes in there must be a way to trace it and flush it in an event of re-processing or duplication. There is a demand for such technology that can keep the state of the business object while in transit within the organisation space. Similar to deliverying a parcel through a transport company, it get routed to various of depots for change, sort and redirection. Each stop is monitored and have a roll back queue. The item can be return to sender. Due to this gap in technology semantic web has not been adopted by commercial entities.

...Visiting Melbourne, its still too cold to play in the sun.

Been busy revising for my webMethods EAI Certification at the company's expense.

...Statistics of people who visited my weblog in the past year. Thanks for viewing.

...Here is the view from my office. There's not a day goes by that I dont think about you. There's not a day goes by that I dont call you. The nights are lonely without you.

So I decided to pickup a weekend job as a real estate agent. Visiting you once every 2-weeks is not enough, I'll work the remaining weekend to make the most of my time - saving towards our wedding.

...Work is great, I have lots of fun and challenges, I look forward to the next working day.

Sex life is good fantastic.

I love my car but its been giving me headache lately, might sell it. Because I dont use it much, I'm spent more time on plane - the best place to seat on the plane is at the wings, less noise.

Brother gone back to study, Dad need another car and sister want to buy a small car to drive to uni. Now is a goodtime to sell my car to free up some cash for them. Sometimes being the eldest means you have to make sacrifices.

After all all these I can focus on working towards our wedding saving - its hard to give everyone equal love.

Meetup with Minh-Di over the weekend, an old friend. It was great seeing him again. Well, back to Melbourne, tomorrow is Monday.

...At work I'm known as the "Brainslug", because I leech knowledge from the people around me - nobody is safe.

Its actually not that hard, I just reads alot of academic papers because that's where inventions and ideas arise. While people around me only read whats on commercial news.

• WebMethods buys semantic metadata technology for SOA
• CiteSeer: Scientific Literature Digital Library

...I've notice I work longer hours when I'm working abroad. I got enough friends so I stay at work. No one expecting me home so I stay at work. I miss you babe.

My car is on the garage for repairs, I've been taking the train to work and I quite like it - I get time to read.

I got a promotion.

...I came back to Sydney. I'm coming home every two weeks. She took me to a classy Asian restaurant. She open my eyes to the world of sophisticate Chinese cuisines. I love her like a fat kid love cake.

Sunday, family dinner. I miss my dog and my motorbike.

...I got my first traffic fine with the cops in Victoria, yay!. Still no response from my request to travel to Sydney every 2-weeks. I crashed my car, cost $8,000 to repair, I'm back on the road in 2-weeks!

Finally visit a Picasso exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.

...Without the girlfriend, I dont want to go anywhere, so I started playing guitar again.

Hanging out with Minh, he plays the keyboard.

Jason O'Kelly called to say farewell, he's going to Tokyo for work and reunited with his girlfriend. Best of luck with everything my friend. The world is round; we shall meet again.

...My role in this project is becoming more critical to the enterprise client each day. There are alot of work in the Integration Competency Center (ICC) need to be done in the coming months, it will get busier toward Christmas and New Year. I have request the client to cover my travel expenses back to Sydney every two weeks. There is a project in Hong Kong in the horizon. I like my job.

She doesnt like me working abroad. She doesnt cook. She's sedusive. I love her very much.

...Minh oi, nho minh qua.

Friends asked me to go to the snow with them this weekend and then visit Tasmania next weekend. I said no, because I dont want to go anywhere without you.

Sunday is house keeping day - clean my room, wash my clothes, wash the car, pay outstanding bills.

I'm organising an Adventure Race with a couple of friends.

...Anh Khoa sent me a two seats for the Australian Premiere of his lastest film, FOOTY LEGENDS. He's the writer and co-directed this film. I wont make it to Sydney for the premiere. But thank you for the invitation, we'll keep in touch.

...Visiting Sydney; I miss my dog, I miss my friends, I miss my family, and most of all I missed her - I spent most my time in the bedroom. Doing it 3-4 times a day, making up for the lost time?

I like this line of work, all accommodations and travel expenses are paid for.

...Every morning the sun rise for me. The sky colour blue for me.

...I'm in Melbourne. Already its been a month, times flies when your having fun. I miss you more each day, then I remembered I'm doing this for us - so its not so bad, I'll see you soon.

I'm the youngest member in my team, they see my potential.

...No time to write these days, the new girl is a handful. With many sleepless nights and my abs hurts.

I gave the bike keys to my brother; no more reckless behaviour. I'm throwing away many things, I dont need them anymore, I dont know if I will ever return to use them.

Mum asked about the new girl on my key ring. I said she would be the one.

...The coastal walk. When I'm in Melbourne, I'm gonna miss days like these.

She like to bites and hits, act like it hurts. If it hurts, act like it doesnt. Love hurts; but you never forget it.

...One of these days I am going to marry you.

...Its not wise to pick a fight with me in the bar.

Dont make me go to my car and get my tool; because its going to be loud and nasty.

...She love listening to Quang Dung like I love to listen to Rage Against The Machine.

..."This time I'm leave without knowing when I will return, in this world nothing we do is certain, so come with me to Melbourne..."

I'm leaving at the end of June 2006.

...Introducing the new family pet, Black Beast!

2005 TOYOTA Camry Sportivo V6, 3.0L Japanese engine, built by Australian for people with sport-adventures lifestyle.

...I've been over-worked.

I collect Vietnamese language films directed/produce by France/American cinematography.

I buy movies/DVDs because I love the characters within them.

The Scent Of Green Papaya (1993)

...My first project will be in Melbourne. In persue of my career, geting pay above market rate and doing adventures from city to city. I get paid for doing it.

...I spoke at the Mother's Day function about Operation Smile, I manage to raised over $500, its a start.

I've notice the girls were extra friendly with me lately, and friends of my parents are trying to hook me up with their daughters and nieces. As long as I dont have the ring round my finger I'm an available parking spot.Men are like... Parking Spots... all the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped. Even her friend is hitting on me! I think its the specs, wearing glasses make me look smarter, yeah thats it.

What Uncle Mark said hits me like a kick in the nuts - Your ashame to your father. Your father doesnt want fancy cars or unimaginable wealth. A person at his age just wanted off springs, little grand-childrens of his owns.

That reminds me of something Amy said, "life isn't complete until you see a woman giving birth." (I love reading her weblog).

...Mary and husband John been working with the company for most of their lives. They're in their late 50's now. Yet every year on Valentine's Day and Mother's Day John still send her flowers; I reckon John is such a cool guy!

John ride bikes too, a DUCATI Multistrada 1000!

Tulips for Mum. Roses for her.

...I went for the interview, it went good. I got home early, I feel like buying something, bought her a bunch of flowers.

...Hello, are you still mad at me? come over tonight.

She likes to be teased, suckle, nipple and poked with music playing in the background. Other times she like to watch softporn as foreplay.

...I cant stop smoking because I cant stop thinking.

I made Ghost 1 cry again, thats okay because its me. But if someone else made her cry, I would come around looking for that person.

...I find these Pop culture art most amusing; they appear in the least expect places, like in the men's toilet.

The interview with the company based in the UK looks promising. Its for a specialist role, projects are mostly at the clients' site. That means I'm travelling and working away from home more than 80% of the time.

...Since I stepped up a post I had made numerous executive decisions conferencing with the CEO - with positive results. I discovered the key to understand people is listen-and-learn. You must listen and learn from both your superiors, as well as your juniors. Then make your execute decision in a swift and decisive style.

Who said making executive decisions are fun? Every decision you make can bring the organisation to an unimaginable wealth or you stand to loose millions of dollars. Its your call, its your head on the chopping block.

I've tasted corporation power, now I want more!

...View on top of the hill.

I cherish nights like tonight, because I wont get to hang out with Ghost 1 much more, soon she is going to get marry. Strange, I dont feel any jealousy when I heard the news, I'm glad by the fact shes happy.

Friends say I have serious problems when it comes to maintain a serious relationship. Thats why I always end up broken and alone.

...Seeing Nickelback in concert at the Sydney Superdome Olympic Park with her, her sister and her friend.

She only like me because I have a bike. She spent money like its growing on trees; shes a glamour queen (and I'm a bare feet bandit).

At least with her sister I can joke about bare feet things and how I was dropped as a child.

At least with her friend, I get a *slap slap* for my accessive smoking habits then follows by a sweet kiss when I agrees to quit.

I want her to stop fuckin' with my head, she has been nothing but headache.

...My manager is away on annual leave, so I took over his post, facing the music from the CEO. Most days I think the CEO is a dickhead, but once you get to know him its an OK guy.

A company in the United Kingdom wants to interview me via satellite on Wednesday, wish me luck.

I kept this oil on canvas painting for over 8-years now, I'll tell you the story in the painting other time...

...As promised, I will do my fair share in society to make the world a better place. As promised ealier this year; I'm volunteering for Operation Smile.

I was asked to be in charge of the fund-raising event for the Vietnamese Military Academy Alumni Association in Australia on Mother's Day. I need to prepare a talk and facilitate the whole fund-raising process.

Changing lives one smile at a time.

Now I know which side of the genes I got my obedient from, Mum's side. She's a Cong Tang Ton-Nu; a fourth generation of the Nguyen Imperial Family.

...My Aunty and Uncle is staying over for a couple of weeks until they find a 3-bedroom house to buy.

Then I met her, she said her name is Theresa. She doesnt know how to swim but she likes water sports. She likes to challenge the law because she knows her civil rights. She loves a boy on bike she admits it. She'll visit me sometimes she said.

All girls are the same. They loves a boy on bike but hates a boy who smoke; its like lickin' an ashtray.

...Went bike riding with the Gang of Four.

As of today I'm a fan of ZIPPO. I'm going to ask each of my girls to get me one and engraved it with a message. I will only carry one at a time; shes the favourite.

...I just thought of a briliant idea today, I told my national manager about it (like I have in the past, we're mates). Its an Australia first, perhaps the world's first - I'm excited.

I will help to design it, but I wont stay to see its release date. Its a legacy I leave behind. The job in Melbourne is waiting for me...SOFTWARE INTEGRATION ENGINEER

Our company is a diverse and dynamic international company with over 40 years experience dedicated to servicing the needs of civil aviation and employing over 62,000 people worldwide. The successful Australian operation is expanding extensively so these positions represent a great opportunity to join a company on the move.

This is your opportunity to join a dedicated team of international experts working on leading edge real time mission critical aviation systems used worldwide.

You will participate in the integration of systems and give guidance/assistance as required by other technical teams on technical and configuration matters. Working in a multi program, multi site environment working to tight deadlines

...

International travel of up to 25% of your work time will form a vital part of this role. Nickelback tickets for the Sydney concert is totally SOLD OUT, I spent a fortune getting these tickets for her, now she tells me she doesnt want to go. Everytime she changes her mind it just pissed me off. I'm giving these tickets to my sister and her boy.

...Babe, you dont call me, you dont write to me anymore? But I know you still read my secret-life journal.

Babe, I got afew offers from Melbourne, they want me to relocate there. Can I stay with you? Call me.

...My friend called and ask if I would like a partnership in a Gloria Jean's Coffees franchise. Its $450K Australian dollars, but I reckon its over-priced. I dont like franchises because I have to follows strict terms and conditions.

You wouldnt believe how many people got sucked into branding these days, brands and logos everywhere, its packaging food for the masses. But not me, I still like the small local produce.

I want to run in the rat-race for awhile, to see what kind of a rat I am.

...I went to the shop to buy some milk. In the supermarket this underage white-girl start a conversation with me. Her name is Samantha? she looked like a 15-years old. Later, she followed me to the car park. Her eyes is saying something else; she offered me sex. But I didnt buy it. I gave her some money and walk away.

I dont dont know if she have a drug problem or just loves a dark asian boy on bike, neither way, I dont play with underage girls.

...Overnight camping and mountain biking @ Newnes trail, Blue Mountains (warning: this trail is not for the faint-hearted).

Four guys, four bikes and 26km of hardcore mountain terrains. Brother Quy, brother David and giant-James.

...I got into trouble with the law (again).

...Now, I'm no media savvy, in fact I hate the press, they always rave up stories to make headlines to generate ratings. I couldnt helped noticing Ori Allon is getting alot of media attention. This technology has been top discussion topic on the Internet for awhile now, it called Semantic Web, its a way of aggregate information fragmented in blogs, digital library and digital broadcasting. He just happened to develop a software that has commercial value, so Google bid for it. Its as simple as that, dont have to rave about it!

Afew months back I worked on a semantic web related project at the University of Sydney, supervised by Steve Cayzer. I created this weblog based on Resource Description Framework as the result of that project. The actual information of this weblog looked like this, and this is where Ori Allon's software comes in, it will chew up keywords as tags from this file to make the Google-search more relevant.

I took the courtesy of using PHP and CSS to rendering it for your pleasure and amusement.

Right now I'm taking a course in Artificial Intelligence (Introduction), and its giving me alot of headache.

...Sunday is sport day. It happens to be Youth Week, the friends at Dong Tam martial-arts organised a fun BBQ and sport day for the Vietnamese community. I came 2nd and Thu came 5rd in the 25 and over heat.

I met this chick, she said her name is Hà.

I had tennis afterward.

...Test driving Anh Thang's BMW 320i. The black leather seats with wood trim add a nice touch and feel to it. But I'm still not satisfied, the interior is just too small even for my skinny arse.

... I keeps getting Googled about Saaya Irie because I made a reference to her in one of my previous entry.

That reminds me, she has a great body. I told her I would take up photography professionally if she be my subject, she's abit shy. She look mean and sexy in my bikie leather jacket.

...Why do thing bad for you make you feel so good?

...Today was a reminder that high ambition comes with great disappointment, its the spices of life.

Found out I wasnt qualified for that well paid role. I was so confident I got that job. But hey, thats the way the cookie crumbles.

I'll start looking again tomorrow.

My CEO will give me the shits when he finds out I'm leaving the company. But its his fault for not paying me enough to keep me here.

...She's a city chick. A law student at UTS and working at a jewellery store. She dig me because I got a bike. Though, we dont have any common interests...

She's a glamour queen and I'm a bare-footed bandit.

...The fellas at Terry Shield TOYOTA was most helpful. I want to keep my motorbike so have to be strict with my budget. Now the dilema:

1. Get a 2000's model JEEP Wrangler for me and a TOYOTA Camry Sportivo for my old man.
2. TOYOTA Camry Sportivio for me and a HONDA CRV for my old man.
3. Two 2005 modeled TOYOTA Camry's.
4. Get a new TOYOTA Camry Sportivo V6, drive it for 1-2 years then give it to my old man, I go buy another one.

...Taking a FORD Falcon XR6 MKII to Port Stephens for a test drive, its got the power, but so noisy and drink up too much fuel. On the one hand, I'm still very tempted to get a JEEP Wrangler, this Jeep belongs to my brother's PM supervisor.

She look so beautiful naked with the necklace I gave her, I told her I dont love her. She said whats love got to do with it? Then one thing lead to another and.. I cross out another thing on my todo list..

41. Sex in public

(Scottie, I shouldnt have ate those oysters)

...I got my eye on a TOYOTA Camry Sportivo V6. Though the HONDA Accord Euro Sport look slick, it doesnt have 6-cylinders engine and the award-winning fuel-efficient that I'm looking for. I plan to do alot of weekend getaway, so I need a car with plenty of power and fuel economy at the same time.

...Went for an interview today, the result was above my expectation.

From next month I'll start work at the new company and getting pay $30K more than what I earn last month! I'm $12K less from reaching a six figure annual income... and the best thing is I get my own parking space in the heart of the city.

Sydney has one of the most expensive parking cost in the world! and water cost more than fuel!

I owe it all to her, because of her I wanted a new car to drive her around, because of the car I found this new job. On the way home I stop and got her a necklace, just like the ones my favourite pornstar has.

Baby, tell me your dreams and I'll make it come true.

...The 2006 Greek Festival at Darling Harbour. She left because its nothing much there. I stayed because I enjoy learning about culture more than shopping around in Market City. We're so different.

BBQ at Bac Quan. Everyones asking me when is it my turn to get marry. I said I want to archive many things in life so I dont want to get marry just yet, I lied. The truth is there is only one girl who made an impression on me, it was a long time ago. Everything beautiful reminds me of her.

...Would have gone to Port Stephens for a nice picnic on the beach, just the two of us, if it wasnt for the misunderstanding.

I cant keep myself still, thought I make myself useful by staying home, update my resume and submit it to the Fortune 500 companies.

Stupid Asian driver, almost killed me.

There's a new Vietnamese restaurant GIA HOI in Canley Heights, the food is quite nice. I heard its half-owned by Anh Phong, a friend; my senior from years back.

...Taking Trouble out for a poop-poop in the park, thinking about whether I should leave everything behind if they offer me that position in Philadelphia.

...Their building is much cooler than ours, its square and plenty of parking.

...1 month on, Mr Green had reached 20cm woot, when Mr Green gets to 30cm I better start trimming him so he grows even faster!

I trained Trouble to be Mr Green's bodyguard, he took a bite out of Mr Green the other day, I guess he didnt like the weedy taste.

...Got my new specs today, I like this one cause it make me look really nerdy.

Hey Wunnie Pooh, now I'm a super sexy geek like you (except I have body hair)

...Now I was going to buy the Honda Accord Euro Sport because I want to drive her around in a comfortable car. Then it hits me like a kick in the nuts, girls are evil!

Taking the girl factor out of the equation I go shopping around for a good car package; the Jeep Wrangler for me, and the Toyota Camry for my old man.

Washing and tuning up my car today, because I havent clean it for over 6-months, under all the layers of dirt it still charming. Its slow but I've grown attached to it over the years. I dont want to sell them.

...If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be? Most people would want to travel to Europe and the world. But is the grasses really greener on the other side?

My favourite vacation destination is a little place call Port Stephens, its a 2-hours drive from Sydney. I go there for a swim and chill out. Sometimes I still go even if its only myself.

I'm getting myself a surfboard and take up surfing. No more rowing for me.

...Girls; you gotta love 'em, but when they turn moody, it pisses me off.

Stop fucken changing your mind every 5-minutes, that really pisses me off.

Why cant they be like a robot?

...Mum told me to goto Vietnam to visit my homeland and my grandparents.

...I got my pay package increased, but its $5k less than what I asked for. Nonetheless, that a quite achievement considering I only been working for the company for just over 2-years.

I'm in the market for the new Camry Sportivo V6 or the Honda Accord Euro Sport. The first trip will be with T. to Port Stephens, she loves the sand and skorkeling. She makes me feel like I am somebody.

What shits me is my company doesnt salary sacrifice. Normally I'm paying 42c/dollar in tax, with a salary sacrifice I'm only paying 30c/dollar in tax and a car of my choice!

I have to accept package for now, until I find another company that offers me a better package with salary sacrifice arrangement.

ATO's Individual Income Tax Rates 2005-06

...We're a drinking team with a rowing problem. See Catherine cracks open Tooheys beer bottle with her belly button? Thats freaky shit!

We came 3rd in the Men's open A, a good reason to go wild and partying hard.

My place got broken into by some kids while I'm away in Canberra, they stole my brother's PS2 and my roomates' laptop. If I catch 'em I'll chop off their left-arm.

...Meeting with a potential business partner at North Sydney.

Recieved my Medibank Private membership pack today, its great, now I'm going to get that nerdy specs I always wanted!

I haven't ride my bike for awhile, it sound like a sick puppy, it need a tune up.

...My tennant give me the shits. Next contract renewal I'll jack up the rent.

...It'd been 296 days since I last saw the most beautiful girl in the world. She said her name is Huong, and her favourite cartoon character is SpongeBob.

I wonder if she still remember who I am.

...Still water and land training at Prariewood Leisure Centre. Its different, I like training at these odd locations.

I'm doing my bit for Clean Up Australia Day at Lansvale.

...I came to support an Australian's icon. It was educational. It was pretty gay.

But whatever you do, do not make eye contact!

...Old acquaintance, now closed friend. We both think alike, and at the same time, envy of each other - He has his loving family, and I have my carefree life.

We are co-founding a project.

..."Hey take me to the adult shop"

They say, love is a matter of chemistry, and sex is a matter of physics. So its just physics between us.

...Conference @ The Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre Darling Harbour. Reviewing whats new in the world of wireless technologies.

...She hits me for smoking too much. Then she turn around to kiss me because I promised to cut down on cigarettes - this girl is like a rollercoaster ride baby, baby.

I should quit smoking, less drinking and looking after myself abit more this year.

I signed up membership with Medibank Private health cover for singles. As of today I'm covered for hospital basics, dental, optical and physiotherapy access. The Federal Goverment subsidies 1.0% of my gross income towards my health covers simply for being a high-income earner - Free health cover, pay less tax, its a pretty damn good country if you ask me.

...2 hours of sleep, then get up Scotty! time to get slaughter at skirmish.

Hit the beach afterward to soak the wounds.

...On the last day of summer... Reckless Republic throw a beach party, thanks for the invite Warren! Wicked party man! The best I ever been.

Chillin' out with David and the girls.

..."I make the most of all that comes, and the least of all that goes." - Sarah Teasdale

...If they offer me a good package, I will move to Melbourne for a couple of years.

...I heard about one of my little sister's friend drowned when he got caught in a rip, poor kid.

Rip is nothing but a strong current that flow out into the sea. When caught in a rip, you shouldnt fight current, instead swim parallel to the shoreline to escape it.

Reminds me of that time we went spear-fishing.

...Work. Beer. Snooker. Boys night out, we hit a Korean joint.

She said her name is Tracy.

...Playing beach volleyball at Manly.

If I'm a single dad, I'll raise my kids up in Bondi.

...Waking up drunk with sand in my hair and between my toes at Bondi beach. We watch the sunrise before driving back to Thu's appartment at Central.

I feel kinda bad diggin' out on the boys to get pissed with Mark and the girls.

...Pay bonus, I'm not at all impress with the amount they offered, or maybe nothing thrill me anymore.

I wont sit around waiting for the next pay review in 6 months time. I'm moving on to another company.

...Stupid Valentine's day.

...I'm helping to make a different by donating my time and money to Operation Smile this year.

The way Amy show her care reminds me what a beautiful world we live in, a sweet romantic place. But dont tell her that.

...Chinese New Year dragon boat races, the most important day in our VADB racing calendar. We had our first women-team this year, and we kick arses! Then we had the usual men-open and mixed-team. Unfortunately no trophy this year, but we all have a pocket-full of fun memories.

Happy birthday Hong Anh. Happy birthday Clarissa and Anthony at Martin Place Bar (Bamboo).

...Sin City, I love that movie. So I got my hand on the recut-extended-unrated two-disc deluxe with the graphic novel included.

Spending the last day of my three weeks annual leave driving to the wreckers buying parts for my car and putting them together.

Visiting Anthony's newsagent. He said the owner of the post office in Canley Vale is planning to put it on the market for a cool $420,000.00. If I could, I want to put up my house, my car and my bike up as securities to purchase that post office. Average income from the post office is $1500.00 a week after all expenses are paid.

They say, "your first million is always the hardest."

For financial security reason I want to have two source of incomes. Sometimes I wish there is more of me, so I can maintain a day job and the other me can run off managing the business.

...I buy all my work and casual wear from one designer. I got 2-3 of the same shirts in my favourite colour, then I wear them continuously for 3 weeks, that makes me a BORING kinda guy.

It's getting harder and harder to find these shirts, because they had stopped making this label.

...Cannabis plantation outdoor method. Its a fact that cannabis love plenty of sun and water. So I kept mine in the fish tank with continuous supply of water and full exposure to the sun!

In Australia each person is allow to grow one cannabis tree for personal use (opse I have three). If you get caught, you'll be prompt with a civil penalty, most cases its just paying a monetary fines.

...Drop by Chinatown after training for lunch.

...2006 Cho tet at Warrick Farm. Its still fun for me because I'm helping out backstage, but I get lonely each year as more and more of my close friends are getting marry or settling down.

Kim Beazley, his wife and many major public servants were there.

...Found myself another cool leather jacket to ride around over this hot summer.

Playing two games of Chinese chess against my uncle. Legend has it.Once upon a time, war is about to break out between two Dynasties. Both have equally power.

Rather than raging war against each others, creating suffering among their people, they are willing to settle their differences through a game of chess. It was said he who has better strategy will ruled both Kingdoms.

...Checking out afew houses in Sydney north coast. Cant afford it today. But nothing preventing me from doing the impossible if I have a good woman behind me.

They say, "behind every great man is a great woman."

...On the third day of the year, life resume to normal.

I was going to get my eyebrow pierce today. But the tattoonist advise against it, because I frequently wearing a helmet.

...Second day of the year, a day usually reserved for visiting the wife's family (Ong Ngoai) and close friends.

Inside a shoebox I found my comics and stamp collection about 10 years ago. My youthful days. Amongst the collection I found a school photo of my highschool sweetheart, she was the longest relationship I ever had with someone, 8 months, she was good to me.

...First day of the year, a day usually reserved for family members get together and celebrate with the husband's parents (Ong Noi). But I'm not married, nor boyfriend material.

Both of my grandparents has been deceased, once again visiting a buddhist monastery to say all the things I wanted to say.

Dinner at my parents' place.

...Training on Saturday morning.

Giao Thua (New Year Eve) marks the magical transition time from one year to another. One of the family custom is Ancestor worship, though it is more like a moral behaviour that passed down from mother to children; we believe in existence after death. Thus during Tet we say a prayer to invite all of our ancestors to join in eating Tet with us. Giving thanks to the ancestors who laboured long ago for this generation to have an easier life. Because the present is only one link in the cycle of coming back to the past as one looks to the future. Uong nuoc nho nguon (drinking water from a spring, remember the source of it);

An qua nho ke trong cay (eating fruit, remember the person who panted the tree);

Chim co to, nguoi co tong, cay co coi, nuoc co nguon (It is natural that the bird has its nest, the man has his clan, the plant has its root, the water has its source) But time has change now, modern families celebrates Giao Thua away from home, in accompany with friends watching fireworks and playing with firecrackers.

...Only bruises from the boys night out. I like poking at it.

Being the eldest male in the family I need to practice the values and traditions of Tet, as well as the family customs. Basic tasks during Tet.

Fistly, tidy up unfinish businesses and clean the house before Tet. Because it is prohibited to clean the house in the first days of lunar new years. Legend has it. Once upon a time, a traveling merchant came upon a beautiful young woman and loved her right at first sight. Then, she became his wife. She loved him so much and devoted herself to him and her houseworks.

She seemed his good fortune. Since her appearance, he became lucky and more and more wealthy.

One day, she broke his favorite ancient vase by accident while cleaning it. The merchant became angry and hit her cruelly. To escape his wrath, she hid under a pile of trash.

So angry he is, the merchant ordered his men to throw away the pile of trash which reminded him of her carelessness.

His pitiful wife then disappeared. Her vanish brought away his good fortune. He became poor.

Since then, it's said not to sweep the trash away in the Tet days, lest you will throw your good luck away in the whole year. Secondly, happiness is what you give. Tet is a time to visit friends and relatives, giving them gifts to wish them healthier and wealthier in the coming year. And of course giving red packets to the little ones, advising them to study hard and be good to others.

Thirdly, visting a buddhist monastery. This is to pay respect for the ancestors and remember beloved ones' lost.

...Me and the boys had afew drinks at home before we went clubbing at the Equilibrium bar. Almost got into a fight with some Jap cunt in the bar. Went outside picking fights with security guards and anyone giving us "the eye" - fuck! that was a good boys night out. The rest is blur.

So I made the choice for Australia Day, picnic with the VADB team rather than the weekend adventure in Port Stephens.

...Just came back from Tuesday training session.

Dilema; training and picnic with the dragon boat team on this Thursday, most importantly Julie will be there.. but the boys is dragging me to Port Stephens for a weekend of adventure sports. What to do?

Pretty soon I'll go back to blogging in private again. I failed to keeping this blog anonymous.

...Three weeks annual leave.

Manly beach. Beach volleyball with the boys, I like this game. May go to Melbourne this weekend, I'm thinking about it.

...I want you to notice when I'm not around.

...New industrial relation changes - all staff must wear security identitication pass to access restricted area.

...Ghost 1 gave me an Apple PowerBook G4.

...Test drive the 2005 Toyota Camry Sportivo for the weekend - comfortable driving, good price for such a car.

The faces that make up our Vietnamese-Australian Dragon Boat team in 2006. Every race, every road trip is always better than the previous one.

Hey, happy 18th birthday David!

Sport on Sunday. Visiting an old friend.

...What if one day I marry a pornstar?

There's no better excuse to pick a fight with someone when they call your wife names.

...Good 25th birthday party Quangy. I love having afew drinks, smoke afew joint and then kick out the jam!

Cancelled afew appointments on Sunday cause of a terrible hang over. Stay home and help with erecting the carport instead. Its big enough to fit a boat in.

...I have given up on A, asked her out afew times, but she always busy. The ball is in her court now, I aint calling her no more.

My brother's home project, building the kitchen. I planted afew cannabis trees.

I'm thinking about selling my bike and get a faster one in afew years. For the moment I have my eyes on the Subaru Outback, its a perfect car for road trips and weekend escape to the country.

...Organising a week holiday up north for my parents.

...Training is more fun with Will and Khanh.

...Dinner at mum's.

Now I'm no fan chemicals and beauty products, my back is totally toasted from yesterday at the beach, my sister rubs some lotion shit on me - She's a good girl that one.

...This year I need to fulfill two overdue promises - (1) Stop messing around with Ghost 1, find one girl and settle down. (2) Look for a piece of land near the coast.

I admire Michael Woodhead and his family portrait. He is the kind of father figure I want to be.