22 February 2001 : First of all, let me just say that I've done a bad job at updating the website for the past few months. Penang weather is funny in that it deters me from doing anything productive, so to speak. Nevertheless, I've been able to enjoy my holidays to the fullest, interacting with family members and all. The year started off on quite a sad note as my granddad passed away just twenty minutes before the dawn of the new year. As Chinese customs would have it, we mourned for a certain number of days. But everything is alright now.

I've managed to create two new programs during my free time, the second which I'm quite proud of is called Remindicator. The program acts like a reminding tool for birthdays and other special events. All the user needs to do is to enter data into the database and voila, you get instant reminders. I'll put the program up so that you can download it for free once it's ready for deployment.

The other program which will also help my aging memory capabilities is called Chectionary. It will also be added to the site for free downloading when I feel like it. The program is essentially a dictionary. But it is different in that the user specifies the words that appear in it.

I've just acquired myself a CD-player and have been spoiling my ears ever since. The AIWA XP-R100 isn't what I really wanted if I have the money but it will do for now. I've also treated myself to my own Loreena McKennitt album - The Book of Secrets. (I've always borrowed from my brother when I wanted to listen to her songs). I haven't regretted buying it because it's really a true masterpiece, which adds to my prized collection.

A few days ago, I suddenly realised that it will only be a matter of days before I get back to Perth. I couldn't sleep for a while then because my mind started working on what I have yet to do and what I should have done over the holidays. My plans to work was shattered by my granddad's passing as well as my lack of will power. But then again, I think the holidays wasn't a total waste as I managed to bond with my family and more 'importantly' get acclimatised to the hot and humid weather once more.