The year is off to a good start as I just got level 99 Prayer in RuneScape — on the game's 18th anniversary, no less!
You can see the screenshot here. Prayer used to be one of the most expensive skills in the game, but the price of ashes and bones have gone down significantly in the past few years. Yet this was not an easy task by any means. I'd definitely like to thank the players who hosted open houses as I was always too lazy to build my own gilded altar.
I'll probably get either level 99 in either Mining or Smithing next as I'm already level 98 in those skills. :D
Currently listening to: "Run Away" by Real McCoy
Friday, January 4, 2019
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
entering 2019 in style
It's hard to believe 2019 is already here. I can't believe how fast time goes. The good news is that I had a great holiday season even though we didn't go on any vacations.
The plan was to go skiing at Tahoe over the holidays, but we cancelled the trip due to a storm in the area. This wasn't a big deal because we had been there many times. The other thing is that I don't have any PTO saved up as I only joined Intel in December. I had to work for a few days between Christmas and the New Year, but the thing is that my boss took us to lunch at an Indian buffet on the 26th. The food was super spicy but also delicious. That was definitely a nice experience.
New Year's Eve
Although we technically have to work on New Year's Eve, my boss told me I could work from home. It was definitely relaxing to not have to commute.
One thing I noticed is that most people don't seem to celebrate New Year's Eve anymore. This year was no different as we didn't invite anyone over or vice versa. However, my mother and I did watch the Times Square countdown together. I can't believe Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve didn't show the ball drop. That was really lame.
I decided to watch Ant-Man and the Wasp on DVD afterwards. That was another great Marvel movie. I then watched the local countdown to 2019 before going to bed.
New Year's Day
Today was pretty fun as we attended the New Year's Day Rogue Run before having family friends over. I wanted to do a mock countdown to 2019 before starting lunch as I really missed the feeling of counting down to the New Year with friends. To my surprise, everyone actually agreed!
Some people brought desserts while the Chiangs brought a large platter of California rolls. Everything was delicious as always. The party also doubled as a celebration for Jim and Yeng-Feng as today is their 50th anniversary. This was definitely a very special get-together.
All of us then watched Mary Shelley together. The Chiangs and the Changs left early as they had other errands, but everyone else stayed until the late afternoon. On the whole, I had an amazing time even though there were no other young people.
2018 in review
Every year has its ups and downs. For me, the best part of 2018 was meeting The Martian author Andy Weir. Not many people get the chance to meet their favorite authors.
The worst thing that happened was when I got laid off in October. Although I had seen signs that the company was experiencing a cyclic downturn, this completely took me by surprise because I felt both my manager and our VP liked me. I did get an awesome new job a few weeks later, but this left a sour taste in my mouth for a while.
At any rate, it's best to look for the future. On that note, my New Year's resolutions for 2019 are to get a promotion and improve my social skills. Let's get serious!
Currently listening to: "Another Night" by Real McCoy
The plan was to go skiing at Tahoe over the holidays, but we cancelled the trip due to a storm in the area. This wasn't a big deal because we had been there many times. The other thing is that I don't have any PTO saved up as I only joined Intel in December. I had to work for a few days between Christmas and the New Year, but the thing is that my boss took us to lunch at an Indian buffet on the 26th. The food was super spicy but also delicious. That was definitely a nice experience.
New Year's Eve
Although we technically have to work on New Year's Eve, my boss told me I could work from home. It was definitely relaxing to not have to commute.
One thing I noticed is that most people don't seem to celebrate New Year's Eve anymore. This year was no different as we didn't invite anyone over or vice versa. However, my mother and I did watch the Times Square countdown together. I can't believe Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve didn't show the ball drop. That was really lame.
I decided to watch Ant-Man and the Wasp on DVD afterwards. That was another great Marvel movie. I then watched the local countdown to 2019 before going to bed.
New Year's Day
Today was pretty fun as we attended the New Year's Day Rogue Run before having family friends over. I wanted to do a mock countdown to 2019 before starting lunch as I really missed the feeling of counting down to the New Year with friends. To my surprise, everyone actually agreed!
Some people brought desserts while the Chiangs brought a large platter of California rolls. Everything was delicious as always. The party also doubled as a celebration for Jim and Yeng-Feng as today is their 50th anniversary. This was definitely a very special get-together.
All of us then watched Mary Shelley together. The Chiangs and the Changs left early as they had other errands, but everyone else stayed until the late afternoon. On the whole, I had an amazing time even though there were no other young people.
2018 in review
Every year has its ups and downs. For me, the best part of 2018 was meeting The Martian author Andy Weir. Not many people get the chance to meet their favorite authors.
The worst thing that happened was when I got laid off in October. Although I had seen signs that the company was experiencing a cyclic downturn, this completely took me by surprise because I felt both my manager and our VP liked me. I did get an awesome new job a few weeks later, but this left a sour taste in my mouth for a while.
At any rate, it's best to look for the future. On that note, my New Year's resolutions for 2019 are to get a promotion and improve my social skills. Let's get serious!
Currently listening to: "Another Night" by Real McCoy
Monday, December 10, 2018
an exciting new career at Intel
I'm thrilled to say that I started my new job today at Intel. It's definitely great to be back in action after being laid off in October. For those curious, I'll be doing quality assurance for the Intel Sports team.
The morning consisted of the new employee orientation. The speaker went over Intel's history and benefits before an IT guy showed us how to set up our work computers. Our badges were then delivered to us. Breakfast and lunch were both served during the orientation!
After everything was said and done, someone led us to the building with my actual office. I met up with my boss before spending the afternoon setting up accounts and completing the online training required for new employees. It's easy to get lost here as the building is huge, but I'm sure I'll know my way around soon enough. It's actually a nice place to work as the building contains cafeterias and lounges with TVs and games. I'm definitely loving my new job so far.
Of note is that Dad used to work at Intel many years ago. I'm sure he can give me advice about the company's culture. Like father, like son.
Currently listening to: "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC
The morning consisted of the new employee orientation. The speaker went over Intel's history and benefits before an IT guy showed us how to set up our work computers. Our badges were then delivered to us. Breakfast and lunch were both served during the orientation!
After everything was said and done, someone led us to the building with my actual office. I met up with my boss before spending the afternoon setting up accounts and completing the online training required for new employees. It's easy to get lost here as the building is huge, but I'm sure I'll know my way around soon enough. It's actually a nice place to work as the building contains cafeterias and lounges with TVs and games. I'm definitely loving my new job so far.
Of note is that Dad used to work at Intel many years ago. I'm sure he can give me advice about the company's culture. Like father, like son.
Currently listening to: "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC
Sunday, December 9, 2018
another awesome holiday party
Today was the annual book club holiday potluck and book exchange. I had been looking forward to it for a while. It was certainly lots of fun!
The event was supposed to be at Elizabeth's house like last year. But because she was going to be out of town this time, the party was moved to Dane's new house in San Jose.
Everyone brought lots of food as this was a potluck dinner. Everything was delicious, especially the IKEA meatballs. After we got desserts and drinks, it was time to do the white elephant gift exchange. It got pretty heated near the and as people kept stealing each other's books. That was hilarious!
We then played a round of Left Center Right afterwards. This was my first time playing this game, and it was pretty fun even though I didn't win. Although I left shortly afterwards because I'm starting my new job tomorrow and wanted time to prepare, this party was definitely one of the best ever. I certainly wish I could have stayed longer. At any rate, I'd like to thank Dane and Che for hosting this event and opening up their home.
In other news...
I mentioned earlier that I'm starting my new job tomorrow. I'm a little nervous but extremely excited at the same time!
Currently reading: The Vegetarian by Han Kang
The event was supposed to be at Elizabeth's house like last year. But because she was going to be out of town this time, the party was moved to Dane's new house in San Jose.
Everyone brought lots of food as this was a potluck dinner. Everything was delicious, especially the IKEA meatballs. After we got desserts and drinks, it was time to do the white elephant gift exchange. It got pretty heated near the and as people kept stealing each other's books. That was hilarious!
We then played a round of Left Center Right afterwards. This was my first time playing this game, and it was pretty fun even though I didn't win. Although I left shortly afterwards because I'm starting my new job tomorrow and wanted time to prepare, this party was definitely one of the best ever. I certainly wish I could have stayed longer. At any rate, I'd like to thank Dane and Che for hosting this event and opening up their home.
In other news...
I mentioned earlier that I'm starting my new job tomorrow. I'm a little nervous but extremely excited at the same time!
Currently reading: The Vegetarian by Han Kang
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
level 99 Slayer in RuneScape — the start of a long journey
I just reached level 99 Slayer in RuneScape today. Here is the obligatory screenshot. :-)
However, it's worth mentioning that the cap for Slayer was raised to level 120 last year. Getting a skill to level 120 takes requires about eight times the experience as a level 99 skill. I've heard that training gets easier in the higher levels, but there is still much work to do. I'll get there someday - I promise. :P
Currently listening to: "Euphoria" by Markelody
However, it's worth mentioning that the cap for Slayer was raised to level 120 last year. Getting a skill to level 120 takes requires about eight times the experience as a level 99 skill. I've heard that training gets easier in the higher levels, but there is still much work to do. I'll get there someday - I promise. :P
Currently listening to: "Euphoria" by Markelody
Sunday, November 25, 2018
a busy but exciting Thanksgiving holiday
Thanksgiving was a little different this year. You may recall that we spent Thanksgiving with the Changs for the past four years. They actually invited us again, but we already had plans. However, that's not a problem because we'll be seeing them later in December.
So we had our family friend Sheila's brother Howard's family over for dinner. This was our first time seeing them in over four years. I also met their son Wesley for the first time. Mom made great food while the Hus also brought some. Yum!
Wesley and I watched Avengers: Infinity War on Blu-ray Disc after dinner. That was an awesome movie. It's definitely as good as people say it is.
This year I'm very thankful for the support of my parents. Good times or bad, they have always had my back no matter the circumstances. On a related note, I recently received and accepted an offer for a position at Intel. I'm definitely very excited!
The rest of the break was uneventful as I've been busy preparing for my new job, although I did finish reading The Haunting of Hill House and continued reading The Power for my book club. I also found time for RuneScape and should reach level 99 Slayer in a few days. :-)
So yeah, the break was pretty good.
Currently reading: The Power by Naomi Alderman
So we had our family friend Sheila's brother Howard's family over for dinner. This was our first time seeing them in over four years. I also met their son Wesley for the first time. Mom made great food while the Hus also brought some. Yum!
Wesley and I watched Avengers: Infinity War on Blu-ray Disc after dinner. That was an awesome movie. It's definitely as good as people say it is.
This year I'm very thankful for the support of my parents. Good times or bad, they have always had my back no matter the circumstances. On a related note, I recently received and accepted an offer for a position at Intel. I'm definitely very excited!
The rest of the break was uneventful as I've been busy preparing for my new job, although I did finish reading The Haunting of Hill House and continued reading The Power for my book club. I also found time for RuneScape and should reach level 99 Slayer in a few days. :-)
So yeah, the break was pretty good.
Currently reading: The Power by Naomi Alderman
Friday, November 9, 2018
level 99 Crafting in RuneScape
I got level 99 Crafting in RuneScape about an hour ago. Here is a screenshot of me leveling up. This is my third 99 of the year!
Although I've been pretty busy in real life, the game has gotten considerably easier due to new training methods. I'm one level from 99 Slayer and hope to get there in a few months. The upcoming double XP weekend should definitely help. :-)
Currently listening to: "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles
Although I've been pretty busy in real life, the game has gotten considerably easier due to new training methods. I'm one level from 99 Slayer and hope to get there in a few months. The upcoming double XP weekend should definitely help. :-)
Currently listening to: "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles
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