Thursday, January 31, 2008

Colourful Life

I am inspired to write after a conversation with dearie just now abt our views on life. Well, i should say we grew up in different family, there are some views that may undoubtly be different. As long as we respect each other's view, i think is fine. I have mentioned many times even in my blog that i want to live my life to the fullest. Well, there are many reasons to it.

Sometimes, i do feel i have wasted the first 21 year of my life. Prior to 21, i really think i am a nerd. I stayed at home to study. My life is only books, radio and home. The only happening things tat i did was to go after idols at satellite radio station or at event. Other than tat, nothing. I am against relationship, against nightlife, against smoking, against drinking. So innocent right. I think its a waste of time to go into relationship, to go clubbing or even to have fun. Wat concern me tat time was whether i can get into a university and get a good job. SUPER BORING life!

After 21, as i get in contact with my SR colleagues, things start to change. I would say, if not for them, Melvin, James and Ben, i think i may still be the boring person that i used to be. So narrow minded and too easily satisfied with life. Their views on life changed me a bit. As i go thru univerisity, then getting into this line, i realise i need to change my old mindset. The Europe trip in 2001 changed me entirely. The world is so big and i am only really "a little dot" on the map.

It was then that i tell myself, i have to get rid of my old mindset. Life is not about work and home only. There are so many things for one to do. Then clubbing came along and my night life bloomed. It is not as bad as i think. Definitely a good way to relieve stress on our tight work schedule. As i meet more pple, the ability to embraced more views widen. That is also the reason why i like to meet new friends. They never fail to impress me with their differing views. My cushion to absorb shock thicken as i meet these pple. hahahhaha...

I would dare to say eversince university, my life have changed. I am not the boring n unhappening person that i used to be. My life is not the routine kind of sleep work eat sleep. hahhaa.. I want to tell myself, 我这辈子没有白活!True enough, things have changed. I have already hear pple telling me, if this is the end of the world, i led a colourful life. Yeah! That is wat i wanted. However, i also know age is catching up. In the mean time, i shall continue to enjoy and appreciate my life before i grow older! hahhaha....

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Selamat Jalan Pak Harto

The death of Pak Suharto brought grieve across the Indonesian archipelago. When i reached office on Sunday, he was already in coma. Few minutes later, he was pronounced dead. I wouldnt call it unexpected as he has been in and out of the hospital several times. His condition took to a turn when he was hospitalise earlier this year.

I was watching his memorial service yesterday. I realise Javanese has her unique culture when dealing with funeral wake. Suharto was finally laid to rest in Solo, next to his beloved wife. There was this proverb saying “一代伟人 就此入土为安”。Though he was not the president anymore, the Indonesian govt has given him the highest honour when they held a state funeral for him.

Dr Susilo presided the ceremony. Guard of Honour were there, Indonesians are to mourn for Suharto's death for the next 7 days. I agree with what MM had said. No matter what Suharto has done, he should be given the highest respect as he did brought peace and stability to the nation from the 60s to 90s. If not for Suharto, Singapore would not have enjoyed the peace we need to have.

Being one of the smallest nation in ASEAN and Indonesia being the largest nation in ASEAN, can you imagine how Singapore grew during the early years of Independence? I din do history during my high school. However, i remember the days in 1964 when we faced Konfronmasi from former president Sukarno. Macdonald House got bombed which killed 3 and injured 33. I cant believe we actually face such threats during the past.

A foreigner asked why are Singaporeans leader taking this so seriously, with PM Lee flying over to offer his sincere condolences and Deputy Prime Minister Jayakumar to attend the funeral service. Well, i believe older Singaporeans will appreciate Suharto's leadership. His presence brought peace not only to Indonesia but also to Singapore. MM and Suharto have been friends for the last three decades. It shows how close both nations are.

His presidency ended abruptly after ousted by students all over the country in 1998. It was quite a sad ending. It all started when the Indonesian economy collapse during the Asian Financial Crisis. I wouldnt say he is fully responsible but somehow matter got worse. I was in China when he was forced to resign. That year's riot shocked the chinese community all over the world. Ethnic tension grew and the country turn chaotic! I still remember watching live events from Beijing and Suzhou. It was too scary! Suharto had no choice, the only way to appease everyone is to step down.

No matter what happen, he has laid to rest forever. Singapore will remember him, the man who brought stability and new friendship to the 2 countries. Selamat Jalan Pak Harto!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Vancouver Part 3

Finally had some time to blog. It was like a mad rush over the last few days. Busy with work, rush here and there, contact this contact that. Then it was invitation from friends to go ktv pub and the usual bitching session. It seems that my time is fully packed from now till mid february. I am going to be a superman soon. Splitting myself into different scenarios! Back to the story on the Vancouver trip.

The third day was spent going to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. After a windy and rainy day, the following day was a fine day! Sun was out and the weather became suitable for outdoor activities. We headed to the bridge early in the morning. We took a ferry from downtown Vancouver to Northern Vancouver. Scenery on the ferry was marvellous!

When we finally reached, my heart almost melted. The bridge was suspended some hundred metres above the valley. I admired the river that flowed below the bridge. Flanking its side were tall trees from a deciduous forest. wah... Magnificent. There was also a tree top adventure. Seriously, it is so much better than MacRitchie Reservior tree top. Ours is aiyoh... really if no choice then end up going lar. hahhaha... oops! Imagine walking thru a tree top in winter. We can never experience that here.

Next, we headed Grouse Mountain! OMFG! We took a cable car up to the top of the mountain. Gosh! Excellent! It was a snow cap mountain! I have never see snow in my entire life. We walked ard, staring and playing with snow! The ground was frozen with ice! Really feel like walking in a big freezer. How i wish we could have this kind of mountain. Too bad! We dun! We even had our lunch at the mountain. Cool! When things get too cold, we went to the little hut with a small fire place. Quite interesting!

We hang out for several hours before heading back to downtown Vancouver. As night falls, more skiier dropped by! Cant believe it. Unlike Singaporeans who are so stressed at work, Caucasians know how to enjoy life. That is something i love to learn from them. Strike a balance between work and life. Life is not only abt work and more work.

On the final day of Vancouver, we left for Granville Island. A very quiet and peaceful island just off the coast of downtown Vancouver. There were many quaint shops and a public market. Dearie and i walked across the famous Granville Bridge to catch a glimpse of the city view. Very relaxing. When we passed by a park, we could see ducks chilling out in the park! So cute!

The public market was cool. Completely dry with minimal smell. Unlike our wet market here, the Caucasians know how to maintain cleanliness of the place. We bought hot coffee and honestly, its quite shiok to have hot drinks on a cold weather. We bid farewell to the island and it was time to return to LA.

On the last day before we return to Singapore, we had dinner at this ulu place in LA. That was i tot. hahha.. We had curry rice. Michelle couldnt start her engine and everyone panicked! We were all stuck in a carpark! There was me, dearie and michelle's brother. Thankfully, her colleagues came to her rescue. The car finally started and we headed home. Though panick, we still manage to maintain composure. Eventually, it was not as bad as we think. That is wat i like abt leaving away from home. You get to solve all kind of problems yourself. I guess Asian has the tendency to depend on the family. Quite unhealthy.

Home sweet home. We arrived on Friday nite in Singapore. It was a tiring yet fulfilling trip. I finished the photo album 2 days ago. It is time to showcase my the beautiful pictures i have taken. Oooh.... So nice! Anyone who is keen to see can drop by my house. hahhaha.... Cheers!

Friday, January 25, 2008

Vancouver Part 2

The morning started with moderate rain. Gosh! Temperature was low yet its raining! Well, we have travelled more than 10,000 km to see the other half of the world. Despite the downpour, we made our way out to explore the beautiful city of Vancouver. The first stop was Gastown. The landmark- steam clock. At noon, the clock emit steam and there was a tune sounded!

We walked ard the little town. I understand it is one of the oldest town in Vancouver. We could see the 17th or 18th century through the ancient 2 storey building. Very quaint and interesting. We strolled to Chinatown where we were greeted by red lamp post and chinese signboard. Canada has one of the largest chinese community too. Many Hongkies migrated there before 1997. Most were staying in Richmond area.

Dearie and I went to one of the eatries better known as "Cha Chan Teng" for lunch. Nice! The seafood fun cheong was good! Had seafood fried rice too! Serving is still large for Asians! Dearie bought egg tarts too! Really feel like Hong Kong leh. We saw many elderly chinese. They are mostly retirees who decide to stay there for good. I would love to stay there when i retire too!

We headed Science Centre with the funny dome shaped roof. It was there when the sun finally came out. Took pictures of the building and the nearby stadium. Our next stop, Stanley Park. I have read so much abt the park. I tot it would be good if we dropped by there. Wah! As we walked, the wind became stronger. It was damn cold!

However, i still persisted as Stanley Park is one of the must go place. When we reached, really feel like freezing to death. We had to hide behind bushes, stone wall from the strong wind. There is a beautiful lagoon with a club house next to it. Looks pretty cosy! Then, something happen. I lost dearie gloves! omg! I was happily asking her to take pix for me when i somehow lost her gloves! I think the wind might have blown away!

No choice, we hurried to the bus stop to catch a bus. Everything went wrong. We dun have enough coins for the bus. The driver was kind enough to pick us up. Imagine if we were in Singapore, we would have been thrown out of the bus. Bear in mind, the wind is howling lor. Halfway thru the traffic, we were stuck in a massive jam!

The police have cordoned some streets probably in view of the strong wind. I heard there were some debris that came tumbling down the streets from a building. Dearie suspected police might have sealed off the streets due to the many construction sites. Winds are strong and police are afraid they might pose a danger to public particularly if the cranes are blown off. Imagine the intensity of the wind. Really power!

We dropped off the bus somewhere and headed back hotel. Too scary and adventurous! We could hear the wind howling and banging on our window in our 22th storey unit. Exciting rite! We had dinner at our room again! Dun waste the beautiful scenery! hahaha... I headed to the indoor pool while dearie took a rest.

It is damn nice lor! Heated indoor pool! I have never swam in such a pool. Chill out at the pool a while before taking a steam bath. Very relaxing on a winter nite. There were cream n lotions in the bathroom. Very good! The day ended with a relaxing mood and it was time for bed!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Vancouver Part 1

OMG! Dearie did a slideshow on our trip! So nice! No description except pictures. I guess a picture tells a thousand word. I prefer to write as i still maintain my stand, no picture in this blog. hahahha... I have set the ground rule when i started this blog in 2004. Nonetheless, the song was nice! Mambo! hahahhaa... I nearly jumped off my chair and party with the song. Its wed nite somemore... hahha the remix version of Last Christmas! OMFG!

"Last Christmas, i gave you my heart and the very next day, you give it away."

Back to the trip, on our arrival to Vancouver, it's already late afternoon. We were famished by the time we reach Vancouver Airport. We had Burger King, yep American food again before we dashed into the heart of Vancouver. I was contemplating if we should take the shuttle bus service or cab. After some calculation, i tot it would be good if we take a cab. Afterall, the fare is almost similar. It cost CAD 13 per head to the hotel by shuttle bus while it cost CAD 15 per head by cab. Ha.. So we opt the wiser choice, cab.

The hotel that we stayed in was magnificent. I asked for a high floor and they really gave me one. We stayed on the 22 storey. The view was magnificient. We had a little kitchen where we decide to buy some food from the nearby supermart. We can have our meals in the room while we enjoy the beautiful scenery. Save us a lot if we eat in a restaurant. Its "ang moh" place, that also means no hawker centre or coffee shop. hahaha...

We headed out to Canadian Place. It shaped like a ship. It is Canada's exhibition and convention centre, more like our Suntec. However, the difference is that, the place overlooks the snow capped mountain, while ours is stucked in a concrete jungle. We found a corner to chill ourselves out. Temperature is low but we are enjoying ourselves to the fullest. Anyone would have agree with me it is damn romantic lor. I feel so in love esp with my love one next to me. How can i ever forget that? hahhaha

As the night fall, the temperature went lower. We strolled back to the hotel thru the narrow streets of Vancouver. Pretty safe. We bought some food from a supermarket and had late dinner. Imagine eating on 22 storey which overlook the city! hahahha... I really love Vancouver! I should consider retiring in this place. More to come on the trip in the next entry!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

LA Part 2

I missed Universal Studio on my last trip to LA. This time, by hook or by crook, i have decided to go. I heard so much abt Universal Studios yet i choose to forgo during my last trip. They were right, it is a place worth visiting if you dropped by LA. I love the place. There are many things that you can do in Universal Studio. It is 10 times better than HK disneyland. hahahha....

Dearie and i reached the place ard noon. It cost USD 64 to get us in. We took a studio tour that bring us round the production and filming studios in Universal. Saw many props as well as effects used during the production of a film. I am impressed by the way movies are made. The sound effect, the magic blue screen, CGs etc. The view next to Universal was breath taking. I think it was some valley, which i have forgotten the name.

As it was winter, the theme park closes at 6pm. By then, it was already dark. We shopped ard Universal City tat had lots of shops and restaurants. I bought more Abercrombie and souveniors from Hard Rock. We had a junk food dinner that nite. It was burgers and fries. hahahha.. Yep, the American dinner. We left and meet up with Michelle before heading home.

Since it was eve of weekend, Michelle brought us to a place for bubble tea. Authentic Taiwanese Bubble Tea. Over in US, they call it Boba, which i kind of find it wierd. hahha.. The pearls are called Boba. ha... WTH? hahhaa... They serve really nice drinks. Imagine drinking Bubble Tea in a chilling winter. hahha.. The feeling was good.

On the last day in LA before heading to Vancouver, we went to factory outlet for shopping! It was a 1 hour plus ride from LA to Ontario. I have been to the one at Barstow. This time, its another one. Huge mall with many locals. hahhhah... Yeah, finally away from the touristy malls. We really buy a lot. hahha.. I believe the 3 of us choked up to more than USD 150? I bought 2 Banana Republic shirt that only cost S$70. Can you believe it?

We headed to Korean town in LA for dinner. Boy, the place is interesting. For a moment, i tot i was hanging in Seoul. Entire street full of Koreans and Korean signs. We had pancake, kim chi soup, bbq chicken for dinner. So full! LA has the largest korean community in the world out of Korea. I think there are abt 100,000 Koreans living there.

Finally, its time to bid farewell to LA. Dearie and I prepared for our next destination -Vancouver. OMG! So much cooler than LA. In fact, the temperature ranged between -4 to 4 degree celsius. hahhaha... We were armed with thick clothings and accessories. We survived the cold! We left LA on a Sunday morning!

Monday, January 21, 2008

LA Day 1

The trip started with LA. We arrived in LA on a Wednesday afternoon via Hong Kong. When we arrived at the immigration in US, we encountered some problem. The immigration officer wanted to know our exact address for our accomodation. Well, we just fill in the street name, never did i know we need to be tat exact.

I wasnt panick. As usual, i remained calm and called for help. I wanted to call Michelle but realise we were not allowed to use cell phone in the restricted area. Just when i was abt to call, the airline rep came and offered assistance. We went to the immigration officer and use a land line to call. Finally, we got Michelle and wrote the address. Within minutes, we cleared the immigration. Michelle was waiting anxiously for our arrival.

Met her and we left our luggage in Michelle's enormous car. We headed north to Santa Monica Beach. Damn nice to see sunset on a cool weather. Its winter in LA now. Day gets dark by 5pm. Dearie and I walked ard the beach to enjoy the scenery and tranquility. There were a couple of restaurants near the pier. Saw the famous Muscle Beach! hahha.. The one that i always saw on Travel and Living. whahhah.. I bet during summer, the crowd will be huge.

Due to the long flight and slight jet lag, we were very tired by then. Fell asleep on a bench in a nearby shopping mall while waiting for Michelle to pick us up. As we roamed the shopping area of Santa Monica, I bought Abercrombie tshirt. whahhaha... Michelle came and picked us up ard 10pm.

The apartment that she was staying is pretty cool. Nice 2 bedroom suite with heater, TV and well kept kitchen. Ate some noodles before heading to bed. Catch up with Michelle as we bitched abt her work and living in LA. Dearie was so tired that she went to sleep. hahahha. I guess the owl gene is still with me. Sleep late. hahahha....

On the first morning, we went to LA downtown and hollywood. First it was Chinatown. Small town, pretty deserted on a wkday afternoon. Sell lots of chinese food and ornaments in preparation of Chinese New Year. Not very impressive but worth a short visit. Then we headed to Hollywood. Gosh. Pretty crowded as we approached Kodak Theatre!

Its my second visit to Hollywood! Ha.. Everything is still the same. On the day we arrived, i think the mayor of Hollywood passed away. There were flowers everywhere in memories of him. We strolled along the star glazed street, reliving some of the fond memories i had during my last visit. I went to look for Arnold's handprint and took photo again! I am BACK! hahahha....

We met Michelle for dinner and it was mexican food! weeeee... I have never taken Mexican food in my life. hahha. As a first timer, i find the food delicious. The restaurant was cosy with big portion serve, yep the American style. Had this chicken breast and pork mixed with rice, cheese and "prata". hahhaha... I forgot the name but to me its like prata. hahahah... The day ended with a good dinner!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Why US again?

Since i have the time now, i decide to blog abt the trip. hahhaha.. This is my second trip to US. Seriously, i din know i would return to LA after the last trip in 2006. My colleagues tot i just went on a US trip recently but that was almost 1.5 years back. hahha... I din know my trip to US have such an impact on so many pple. hahahha...

It all started when I was chatting with michelle abt her new job posting to LA. She said if i am keen i could go over to her place to stay when i visit LA. I tot she was kidding but she really mean it. I started by asking dearie if she is keen to go with me. She agreed almost on spot and the planning began.

Initially, i tot going LA for 10 days is like too long. Afterall, there isnt much things to see and do over there. I tot it would be good if we visit a second city besides LA. I had a few in mind, Chicago, San Diego or Seattle. They were all US cities. I started asking ard to see which city is worth visiting. My well travelled colleagues said Seattle. I wanted to go to Chicago but one of my colleagues who stayed in Chicago for 4 years said it is a boring place. I also realised the place snows in winter.

Did some research again, then realised i could visit Canada. After all, i hv never tot i would visit Canada. The nearest Canadian city to LA is Vancouver. True enough, it was only a short flight from LA to Vancouver. I did a check on the internet, the air fare and accomodation were reasonable, abt USD 445. Wala. We went. hahhaha..... I am glad i did not regret. It will be a trip that i will remember in life. Will blog abt the trip in details later tonite or tomolo. hahha...

It was Kaz Bday yesterday. Boy! He is one year older than me le.. whahha.. Fast. It has been a year since i know him. I still remembered celebrating his bday last year. He was drunk and i had to help him down the stairs. He is not drunk this year. Only a bit high. We "slutted" a bit! Well, we are in the slutting com, remember?! hahha.. We bought nice pressies for him this year. Can see he is very touched. His gf bought him an expensive gift that caught him off guard. hahha...

We drank, danced and chit chat. What a nice way to celebrate his bday. I think more importantly, its the company that counts. Surprisingly, the dbl o gang became his good friends and all were celebrating like a big family. nice nice~~ There was no sabo, only hugs and cheers. I felt warmth too.. Alrite, time to prepare for work. Smooth route ahead....

Saturday, January 19, 2008

SIN-LAX-YVR

Home Sweet Home. After 10 days of travelling, i bid farewell to LA again and return home from a long flight. 18 over hours from LA. I almost collasped on the plane cos it was so uneasy. Though it was Cathay Pacific, the long distance did irk me a lot. I was walking up and down the whole time, either to the toilet or pantry. hahha... I even stood at the back of the plane to chill out. Dearie couldnt take it too. Cos we felt bored during the flight.

Well, we almost finish the entire entertainment system. From Singapore to LA, LA to Vancouver, Vancouver to LA then LA to Singapore. They had the same entertainment system and we got to watch the same movies and programs. Its damn sian lor. I din know Cathay and Air Canada shared the same entertainment system! The return flight was painful. However, if i was to compare to China Airlines, i think Cathay is a lot better in terms of seats and everything.

Thankfully, the transit time was short. We transited in Hong Kong and it was only abt an hour. The return trip from LA is even shorter. By the time we reach HK, it was already 720pm and the connecting flight to Singapore was 755pm. Ha.. We became one of the last few passengers to board the plane. Well, there was a slight delay from the LA flight. On the other hand, the flight to LA was better. I guess we were very excited then so we din feel anything.

For the first time, i took Air Canada to Vancover from LA. Damn fun. I would give quite a good rating for the plane hardware. Touch screen entertainment system, better leg room and reliable. There was no delay on the flight and everything was as per scheduled. Like any other western airlines, the stewardess were pretty old. No food was served cos you need to purchase on board. Only non alcoholic drinks are complimentary. By the way, its not a budget airline.

It was a 2 hr 15 min flight from LA to Vancouver. It was an easier flight, more like Singapore to Bangkok kind of flight. I have been to LA Airport, so i wasnt that impressed. However, Vancouver Airport was damn good! Very nice setting and comfortable. The downside is, it seems that the airport traffic is not heavy at all. Big airport with little passengers. Come to think of it, probably they are gearing up for the Winter Olympics in 2010.

They could easily fight our Changi Airport or other regional airports in Asia. On our return trip from Vancouver, dearie and i even had lunch at the airport while waiting for the plane to depart. haha... Quite cool and comfy. Oh man, i have so much to talk abt the trip. Shall do it another day. I need to get prepare to go to the gym. Ate too much junk food and its time to exercise.

Oh yes. My 37 inch LCD TV is here liao. WOW! Its nice and i love it. So relaxing to sit in front of the tv and chill away the nite. I had a new DVD player too. Yay! Finally! The old 29 inch CRT TV is gone for good. 14 over years since we bought in 1994. The old TV shifted from my former residence in Toa Payoh to Sengkang. Can you believe it? hahaha... Shall catch more TV if i have the time!

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Hello LA again!

The day has finally arrived! It is time for a good break from Singapore and everything. Dearie is rite. I am vexed over 2 issues recently and thus not feeling excited at the trip. Whenever i think abt it, i feel irritated and upset. Nonetheless, large sum of money has been spent, i am still looking forward to the trip. Afterall, travelling is my love.

It will be the second time i am taking Cathay Pacific. Ha.. Yeah! Hongkie ladies! The flight this time will be 19 hours with more than an hour transit in Hong Kong. Wahahha... Too bad i cant get into Hongkong! Will have sometime walking ard the sombre setting of HKIA. Somehow i still feel the airport looks very sad with all the dim lightings.

Then the long haul from Hong Kong to LA. Goodness. It will be watching videos, chatting with dearie, sleeping and reading onboard the plane. I hope CX will put up good movies so that we can entertain ourselves. Thankfully, the transit time is not long. I still remember the last time I had to wait for 5 hours before China Airlines fly me from Taipei to New York. I feel so bored in the airport. Well, I guess HKIA is much better than Taoyuan Airport.

This will be my second futherest away from home trip that i embarked. Yeah, my second trip to LA. Will be heading to Santa Monica Beach this time, which i missed the last time. More importantly, Universal Studios. whahhaa.. I am going to explore the theme park. Then its Factory Outlet shopping! yeah! I hope i wont overspent at the factory outlet. Hopefully, they sell summer clothings as well.

The main highlight of this trip is a visit to Vancouver. OMG! I cant believe that i am going to Canada for the first time in my life. I heard so many good things abt Vancouver. The recent TVB drama "The Drive of Life" was shot in Vancouver. Oh man! Lovely. There are many Asians staying there! The weather will be freaking cold. hahhaa.. Its time for some snow action!

10 good days away from home. That is wat i need. I really need a short break to get away from all the stupid things that went ard me. Hello LA again and Hihi Vancouver!

Monday, January 07, 2008

Another Shock

I wanted to sleep when i heard an unbelieveable story! Maybe sometime is true, when you are down with luck, everything just come bad at the same time. Some problems at home is really tearing me into pieces. I was abt to sleep when i received a shocking news. I really dunno wat to say. Why must this happen at this hour?

What i wanted is a peaceful family. Somehow, cos of someone, things just got worse. The more you try to salvage, the worse it becomes. I am shocked. Then it was anger. Why? Why must this happen to me all the time? I seriously wonder, wouldnt it be good if there is no children in the family? They only make one worry.

I am still thinking wat happen. When things come at the wrong time, everything become haywire. If you do not plan such an event and it happen, you will be caught off guard. Now wat is the next step? I also dunno. It's just terrifying. I also dare not comment on others. Having one at home with the same problem is already insane. The poor mother jumped up and down, entirely speechless. How would you feel if you are the parents? Wat a pity!

Saturday, January 05, 2008

MC King RIP

It came to a sudden shock this afternoon on hearing the news of MC King's Death. Although we were not very close friend, somehow or rather, we do acknowledge the presence of each other. I still remember the time when he was a DJ with RadioHeart 1003. I would always go to the satellite station with ken to rally our support for him.

And because of that, we get to know him better. That time, there was also Yongmei who has now moved over to love 972. During those days, MC King was known as "Fei Fei Fu Xin". How could we ever forget all the laughter he had brought with Youfa. I would always listen to their morning program even in class. That was like in 1996-1999. On the way to school or even to SR, i would tune in to Youfa and MC program - Xin Tao Hua Yuan! I tell you the jokes he shared on air really make u laugh, it's not those low class kind of dirty jokes.

Just 2 weeks ago, i met him at Bro John wedding. He was still joking and said, do you know why wasnt i invited to Star Awards? Well, its because i am not a star, i am an artise. During the whole ceremony, he was joking from head to toe. We exchanged eye contact and still acknowledged each other. When i heard news of him passing away, i was stunned.

I was in PF this afternoon while waiting for dearie. As usual, i would switched on radio for songs. Then, i heard leng kee making sombre comments. I was like who passed away. Then as i listen i realised it was MC. I got a shock and called to friends of MC and to my office. True indeed! I couldnt believe it. I stood speechless for a few seconds and try to calm myself.

I couldnt take it. Tears started to form but i told myself to remain as calm as possible. Well, to me, it was more of a sudden news that i find it so hard to accept. He is only 40, still young and kicking. I met him 2 wks ago and he just passed away all of a sudden. I called 1003 and spoke of him with leng kee. Know wat, i was choking as i speak on national radio. Now i fully understand when sudden death came, pple couldnt accept and find it hard to speak properly. I had the same feeling too. Leng kee was cool. She asked if i had anything to say to him, i said "MC rest in peace"

She continued and asked if i have anything to say to my love ones. I said yep! I will cherish my love and love my dearie even more! ha! On radio.... I was emotionally affected. When i met dearie, i broke down. Realli. Cos i have been trying hard to control. I just needed a hug and the emotion came naturally. I hope my reaction doesnt come shocking to her. ha... Well, its a feeling and i have nothing to hide. I was hugging her so tightly and tears just flow. I tot pple might think we quarrelled or something. hahahha... Nonetheless, i felt so much better after tat.

I came home and do a google search. Read articles of him. I have accepted the fact that he is gone. Although still upset, i am now more stable than it was when i first heard of the news. We have lost a comedian, someone who is so dedicated to his job. My respect to you MC! I do hope his close friends and family members will pull together during this period. It is only day 4 into the new year and such an unexpected turn of event happen. Life is really "wu chang"...

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Pretend Pretend

I am getting irritated by the pretendious behaviour of pple. I never understand what the hell they are doing. As i mention, I was once traumatised by someone's behaviour. I have never believe he is that kind of pple. Well, sad to say, he is worse than anyone can imagine. How could one do this when he is not? Have i underestimate human power?

Look at what happen to our neighbour's minister. At this damn age, plus a well regarded figure in his country, why would he conduct such act? He is telling pple to be careful and protect yourself as the country's health minister. Here he is, doing things that go against his belief. My question is, is he putting up a mask too? Are we living in a world full of pretendious pple?

I was in train while going back. This gf is clinging so hard to the bf asking, why are all pple rushing? I almost turned my back and say they are rushing home to see their loves one or even to have a good rest. Not like you, walking leisurely with your bf and have nothing better to do. Damn idiotic. Look so pretendious to me.

Then in the train. I met another couple who i feel like slapping the guy. hahhaha.. The gf is so sticky to the bf, the bf like pretend and gek seh. OMG! Come on lar, i know the gf is not as pretty as he wanted, but i can see she loves him a lot. Dun stand there like an idiot. But then, i also know, he maybe pretendious. A wolf in disguise. Afterall, i ALWAYS believe that SINGAPOREANS are pretendious.

I heard dearie story abt her friend. Ha! Just as i guess. I was right! Another case of pretendious. Never judge a book by its cover. It may seem good to it but it is just another piece of shit. To me, i hate pple who are pretendious. If you are an idiot, tell me yes u r. If you are a bitch, tell me you are. Dun pretend you are not one, but subsequently reveal your innerself that you are one. It makes the pple ard u feel stupid. Really. I have made myself a moron several times. haiz.. maybe i am just a moron cos i dun know how to play the game of pretendious....

Second Day 2008

Its the second day of work! Lots of things going on in office. Awaiting anxiously for what is going to happen next. I multi-tasked again! As usual, i have many things to handle while on my routine work. The scandalous sex video abt Malaysia Minister comes to a shock to many. Though i am not a Malaysian, i guess many of them feel disgraced by what happened. However, one good thing that i admire is his courage to face everyone.

I mean not everyone will have the kind of courage to admit his mistake. No doubt he is in the wrong. In Asian society, his behaviour is unacceptable. His wife n kids are good enough to forgive him. Hopefully, he did it in a moment of folly. A proverb says, lust prevail over everything. If one loses control, his status and everything will be gone, within a minute! If he knows self control, he would not have committed this kind of sin!

I met Melven late last nite for supper. I was abt to turn in when he asked if i wanna meet him. Since i am still awake, i met him for bak chor mee at Hougang! Since we stayed in the same area, we cycled to the coffee shop and had supper. I think i am really talkative. After supper, we continue our talk till 5am. hahhaa.. I shared with him my personal experience and constantly remind him to face all kind of problems.

2 off days to go before my trip! Yipee! Its time to do some packing and preparation le. I will be getting insurance and change some US currency. I still need to get a travel guide to Vancouver. Hahahah... I am damn excited when i looked at my air ticket. Oh yes. I will be meeting the SR gang tomolo! yeah! A mini reunion for us eversince they left SR in 1999. Oh man. I missed the days when we had breakfast at 5am in office. hahhaha... Really, those were my happiest days in life too!

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Hello 2008!

Happy New Year 2008! Yes! The day has arrived! Had a great time last night. Went shopping with Gavin and spent about $200. Ha.. Well... It shall be my new year pressies. I love shopping. Bought CK, Banana Republic and Mexx clothings. :P They were all on discount. I realise there are a lot of 50% discount in Orchard Road. Go get your favourite stuff before promotion ends!

We headed to Vino Vino for second round. Well, i had at least 2 calls asking me to go to different places. One was zouk. I think NTU pple are there. Eric msged me all of a sudden leh. If he had msg me earlier, i would have joined him. hahhaha... Then KT lor. Was supposed to drink somewhere but end up in hotel celebration. I was too tired by then. I had 2 hour of sleep on 31 dec. hahhaha... Once reach home, i slept immediately.

We were drinking and chatting. Jeffrey and Kaz brought their gfs. The rest just drank and relax. Gavin and i went ard partying. :P Then we realised we were at Mohammed Sultan 5 years ago counting down too! OMFG! Yesh. That was when we countdown to 2003! During then, it was me, gavin, edwyn, wanqi and mulian. OMG! So long ago! There was some gan chu in me at tat point cos i wonder wat they other 3 are doing.

To me, its like suddenly coming back to the same place when we first started counting down here in Mohammed Sultan. In 2004, we went to gavin's hall! yesh! Celebration in NTU! We were in a big group, had BBQ, turned on the TV and countdown at the same time. Chin yin, liyan, Yvette, keejoo, edwyn and almost everyone! How can i ever forget that memorable moment! Everyone stayed over and some slept at my hall. We played games lor. hahhaha.. Fun lar. Like a mini chalet.

In 2005, it was in Music Underground. I went with dearie and Ken. How can i forget tat one. One of the last few celebrations in MU. Still remember "Kuai Zai" wearing the hat dancing, with adidas shifu partying, even "Mao Wang" was there. I think i should have that entry in my blog too! hahahha... In 2006 and 2007, it was NYE Mambo Party in Expo. Party in Expo with the mambo family. Over the last 3 years, its clubbing. hahha.. This time slightly different, just drinking only! hahhaha... Fun lar. As usual, i go ard toasting to everyone in the pub. Its me lar. hahhahah... fun!

Finally, its time to set new resolutions for the new year too. Hopefully, more things can be accomplished this year. By the way, New York is ushering into 2008 in 20 mins. How i wish i am standing in Times Square watching the big ball descending! OMG! I saw in CNN. So touching! Some more the weather there is so freaking cool rite now! I love NEW YORK! Nevermind, in another 8 more days, i am going to LA liao! yay! so looking forward to it! Winter Sonata in USA n Canada!