We bought a computer!

When I was staying at the old place, many of my room mates had their own computer. They use them to chat up friends back home on QQ chat as well as to watch movies. I remember that many weekends, I watch movies with them when there is not much to do.

I had always wanted to computer. Not just to chat and watch movies of course but to learn it and use it. I want to make sure that when I go back this time, I learn some new skills. The two main skills up on my list are English and Computer skills.

After my recent QQ session with my brother, my yearn to have my own computer is even stronger.Both my sister and I decided that we should buy our own computer so that we can keep in contact with my brother and loved ones at home. If my brother is home I may even be able to see my mother!

We decided to take the plunge and scrap together some SGD500 to get a computer. I do not really know what to get so we decided to get the cheapest one that can do the job. I took the model no of the model I borrowed from my teacher friend and went to the shop hoping to get the same model.

I can't wait to show my parents how we are living here, I want them to see my new room, to see my sister and me together, to see that I had taken good care of my sister to the extent that she is gaining some weight... ha ha! I am also sure my parents will be happy to see us "live" in person. They do not know how to operate a computer so we can only do this when my brother gets home!

My friends have told me that the internet line at home may not be strong enough or even be able to connect. My brother uses a little device that plugs into his computer and the last time that I saw him, he was coming through not very clear. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be able to work well from my home.

The computer that we chose is a ASUS EEPC which is something quite basic for our use, just enough for all the functions that we need. We are not fully computer literate and so choosing one is not so easy. We gave the model number we wanted to the shop and they told us the model is no more in production and recommended the one above at the same price. I am not sure if this one does the job well yet, but we will see! So far, it's good and I like the all white design too.

And it is also small enough to carry around should we need to... Yes it cost a bomb... but as long as I can communicate with my parents and brothers in China and see them, I think it is worth it!

QQ with my brother!

My brother online!

My brother is 18 years old and he is working in Shenyang... or rather he is learning to become a motor mechanic in Shenyang. He works for a motor shop that pays him only RMB600 per month. Every now and then, I call him to check if all is OK.

Recently, he decided to bring our old and big laptop computer from home to work in Shenyang as my parents do not know how to use it. One day, he called and said he would like to talk to me over QQ messenger, which is the equivalent of the MSN Messenger or Yahoo Messenger many other people use here. QQ is the most popular in China and many Chinese use it to keep in touch with friends all over the world. I decided to borrow a computer from my Teacher friend try to get in touch with my brother.

My brother is currently working very hard. He works from 10am to 10pm every day, seven days a week, and hopes to be able to learn enough to start his own motor repair or service shop one day. A few years back, when he just finished school and we had a talk, he said he wanted to be a motor mechanic because he feels that China will have many cars one day and it will be really good business. I think he has the right vision, it's now up to him to make it work.

His employer pays him only RMB600 per month (or SGD120) as it is suppose to be an on-the-job learning experience. However, I am a bit worried as he as been it at for more than a year and I wonder if the employer is taking advantage of him. Afterall, he is not going to get a certificate as this is not a school.

So we set a time to meet on QQ at 11am last Sunday even though I usually sleep at about 10pm as I have to wake up early the next day at 5am to work. Sure enough, at 11pm, he came online and we were able to get connected. While the line was a little noisy and there was some delay, I was really happy to see him and tears filled my eyes. It's been a long time and I could not control my feelings. We chatted till 11.30pm when my sister came home and all three of us chatted till past midnight.

On monday, I woke up very tired and with swollen eyes, with only about 4 hours of sleep... I think I need a good, good rest!

QQ Chat Session...

I just had a QQ session with some friends in Singapore. I know that most of my readers may not even have heard of QQ Chat as most use Microsoft MSN, especially in Singapore. However, in China, QQ Chat is the most popular and sometimes, the only chat program I can find in Internet cafes.

I am so glad to have made many good friends and I just had some comments from two friends whom I met while working at a Chai Chee Canteen in Singapore. Thank you James and Roland... I really miss Singapore and my friends and you really made my day! Thank you so much!

While talking to some of my ex-colleagues, they told me that many had come by to ask about me, even to this day. I am so very touched by this and I certainly hope to be able to come back to Singapore soon. Currently, I am trying my best with some Agents in China to secure another job in Singapore. It's now a lot tougher with the increased quota requirements but I am still hopeful. Not to mention that it's going to burn another hole in my pocket.

However, I certain hope to work at least 4 years this time and as such, I am a little more selective about the job I take. I have to ensure that it is a sufficiently big organization so that they won't face a quota problem like my last employer, when it comes time to renew my contract.

If any of my friends and readers knows of any employers who are looking for a hardworking Chinese national (actually 2 because my sister has been pestering me to come as well), I'd be really happy to hear from you. It will save me at least SGD7,000 in Agent Fees!

Here are two pictures of me sitting in an Internet Cafe chatting away with some friends in Singapore!