A Fruitful Trip To Taipei [22 May - 28 May] - Day 1

Finally, i get to post another blog and probably one of the most detailed i've ever done. It was such an enjoyable trip and i could not bear not to do so. It shall served as a reference as well as a wonderful memorable experience to me and i shared with everyone why. I shall blog it in 7 parts, one for each day, so keep checking back guys.

The day i've been waiting for since months ago, finally arrived. It was a hectic rush that very day as i struggled to get myself a taxi to Choa Chu Kang. Oh well, shit happens. This always happens. Some things just doesn't go your way when you most needed it. Anyway, LRT does the job, under huge reluctance on my side.

My first time travelling from Home to Airport carrying such a huge luggage. The girl and i went gaga over our luggage and apparantly, our luggage seems to be the biggest among our nice travel companions. 2nd hectic rush came when we realise we have less then 10 mins to rush to the departure gate which ultimately, turned out to be a scare actually.

We were smart enough to 'try' to satisfy our hunger before the flight, although the food turned out to be so not yummy (maybe because we were already thinking of the yummy food in Taipei already) that our hunger persist. Nevertheless, our resistence serve us well on board the flight after watching some nice drama by the coconut (a name i give to some kuku). As childish as one can be, he almost ruin our trip by almost causing our flight to be re-route back to Singapore, all of two stupid reasons. First was the emergency exit seat which cost just $30 and he was making a huge fuss over it, second was wanting the air stewardess to apologise to him for being rude. Talking about being rude, i can still remember how he was shouting out so loudly as though he was crying. One word, pathetic. Anyway, he chose to be obedient eventually and guess he expected just as much, he was escorted by the police as soon as we reach TaoYuan International Airport.

Our transfer from the Airport to FutureStar Hotel (@ XiMenDing) was awesome. Never once have i tried such service. All along, taxi or hotel transfer seems to be the only mode of transport i would like between the airport and hotel. Mr Chen changed my perception totally. He was so good in his service that i would strongly recommend for people who travel to Taipei. Simply drop him your hotel, your dates and number of passengers and oh boy, he will welcome you warmheartedly (holding your signboard with your name and flight number until you appear, so don't pang seh him)

Taipei Transfer Service
Name: Mr Ian Chen
Contact no (Taipei): 0958-396-838
Email: jazzlife838@yahoo.com.tw

The moment the van drives us pass the city lights of Taipei, we can already feel the fun we are going to have for the upcoming days. The flashing of the neon lighted signboards, the changing colour of the walking man on the traffic lights, the so unfamiliar commoners on the street etc further affirms my conscious self that i've arrived into a country thousands kilometres away from Singapore.

We arrived into XiMenDing rather fast, thanks to Mr Chen and we checked into FutureStar Hotel. Sourced by Choon Peng. Our impression was not good of it initially, all because of the things i had to put up with through experience with the receptionist. I gave them names 'affectionately' - Victoria and Secrets (after learning they both work on two different shifts). Should they both work on the same shift, you'll probably know what is going to happen.

The hotels rooms are generally clean and nice. Although it's more of a budget hotel, their room aren't lacking in any other aspect. Double sized bed, Television, Bathtub, Flask, Tea bags etc. Moreover, it cost us a cheap NT$1480 per room per night, with several days in discount even. It's definitely worth the money, and oh boy, the location of this hotel, simply superb. Right outside within minutes of walk, you could see yourself land in Exit 6 of XiMenDing MRT Station. I like this hotel and definitely i'll go back to them should i re-visit Taipei in future.

Future Star Hotel
Tel: (02) 2375-5500 / (02) 2375-5229
Website: http://www.futurestarhotel.com.tw/

And so, it was our 'first hand' in Taipei. We visitied XiMenDing in search for Modern Toilet Restaurant. Heard so much about it back in Singapore and finally, we are searching it ourselves, abit unbelievable. But, the roads in Taipei are kind of confusing given our first day there and we had a hard time finding it. Thanks sweetness for the girl to concern my tummy, and that was where i found my favourite 鸡扒 in Taipei. Probably, the nicest I've eaten in Taipei.

Not long after, our temporary reservation @ the restaurant was ready and there we hit, camwhoring with the toilet bowls and gigantic ice cream cone before hitting the menu at the 2nd floor. Food was only a so-so, disappointing quite a few of us. Probably, it's more of paying for the concept of the restaurant which was rather cool - sitting on covered toilet bowls, dining in 'toilet bowls' as well as drinking from 'urinals'. Best of all, we ate 'dung' and mine was served in a large toilet bowl where the girl managed to catch a torturous shot of that moment. However, i love that dessert.

Modern Toilet Restaurant
Address: 2F, No 7, Lane 50, XiNing South Road, Taipei City
Tel: (02) 2311-8822
Website: www.moderntoilet.com.tw
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11.30am to 10pm / Weekends 11am to 10pm

After dinner, it was just a casual walk around XiMenDing, trying to get ourselves into the mood as well as preparing for our next 6 days in Taipei. Rain came but wasn't enought o dampen our mood as we hit high anticipation to welcome the upcoming days. That night, was probably a sweet nice as i managed to sprinkle some surprise for the girl. It was a long awaited feeling as i close my eyes and fell asleep for the very first time in Taipei.

Smile, Strength, Brave

The days are already beginning
Pressure and stress will slowly be seen
Moving on seems like the only mean
Gotta find one's motivation to keep on going

The recent weather can really rearrange
A moment it's sunny next it's pouring rain
Ironically that's how humans can change
A minute of joy can just turn into pain

It takes time to learn and absorb
Especially when it's not an easy new job
Its never me to let the white towel drop
Brighter days ahead are awaiting to pop

Just Take Care Of My Eyes Please.....

May Fun Starts

Lazy me! It's been like half of May gone, and only now that i'm going to blog how my May has passed.

First day of May started off quite badly. NATAS Fair this time round proved to be a complete waste of time of money, what got even worse is that, the flu struck me half way through labour day, allowing me to be a free labour for only half a day. Thank god. Work has become too hectic now that fair as on like almost every other week, that most of us doesn't seen the motivation to strive as hard for these fairs. Gone are the days where people will look forward to one spectacular travel fair and make their 'now or never' holiday plans...

Speaking of which, the girl went Hong Kong. No Skype. No calls. Feels very different which provides me a taste on how is it like to miss someone this way, which brings me back to March this year itself. That surprise call marks the most memorable moment through that 4 days which is probably the biggest surprise ever...!

Take my hats off to the power of women. It's of no wonder how they can squeeze tons of stuff into just one luggage. I guess i'll see more of those capability when next week comes. Sweet of her to 'put' her tireness at night at went for a wonderful kbox session with me. Awesome stuff as right now, the promotion cost a superbly cheap $8 NETT per person. Promotion is still on and so, go on and sing till hearts content. Everything ended perfectly well until that very incident which caused my poor toe to suffer for the next few days.

The girl bought lots of stuff with me, which makes me even more amazed on how did she even managed to squeeze EVERYTHING into her luggage. The Tau Sa Piah, apparels, and MANGO! She found Mango! MANGO!!! Yes....so real and true (only i know this little secret)when she passed MANGO to me...fated i must say...

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Sad to say, Man Utd had a rather good season but probably without lady luck on their side. Losing the Champions League and FA Cup this season was indeed disappointing enough. Just themselves to blame for losing the title eventually to Chelsea anyway!

Now that the season is over and it's time to switch over to the 'once is every 4 years' WORLD CUP. Shameful enough, the price of the subscription has turned many people off. I reckon i won't have much chance to watch, especially after i decided boycott them because partly, MioTv simply just sucks...I'll just to depend on streaming online (let's pray it works) as well as catching it over the weekends outside! And for sure, i'll bet on Argentina to lift the cup once again, ever since their last in 1986!

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Mother's Day was a rather simple affair this year. A meal and a nice lily marks my mum's day. But i suppose it's Mother's Day to her for as long as i'm still her son...I Love mum!

命中注定。。。

有些事情和缘分是注定的，爱一个人不一定要拥有，但拥有了一个人就一定要珍惜，不要等到伤害的时候才去乞求原谅，不要等到即将失去的时候再来后悔。

The 'Do Not Say' @ Work

Chanced this upon ChannelNewsAsia and thought it was quite interesting to share, which in actual fact, made you realise that just words as simple as the following could lead to huge misunderstanding and even in some circumstances, landing you in hot soup.

So, welcome to the world of reality...

"Try"
Try is a weasel word. "Well, I'll try," some people say. It's a cop-out. They're just giving you lip service when they probably have no real intention of doing what you ask. Remember what Yoda says to Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: "Do or do not--there is no try." Take Yoda's advice. Give it your all when you attempt something. And if it doesn't work, start over.

Put passion into your work and give it your best effort, so you can know that you did all you could to make it happen. So if the outcome you were expecting didn't come to fruition, it's not because you didn't do everything you could to make it happen. It just wasn't the right time for it or it wasn't meant to be.

"Whatever"
This word is a trusted favorite of people who want to dismiss you, diminish what you say or get rid of you quickly. "Whatever," they will say as an all-purpose response to your earnest request. It's an insult and a verbal slap in the face. It's a way to respond to a person without actually responding. When you say whatever after another person has said his or her piece, you have essentially put up a wall between the two of you and halted any progress in communicating. It's a word to avoid.

"Maybe" and "I don't know"
People will sometimes avoid making a decision and hide behind words and phrases like "maybe" and "I don't know." There's a difference between legitimately not knowing something and using words like these as excuses. Sometimes during a confrontation people will claim not to know something or offer the noncommittal response "maybe," just to avoid being put on the spot. If that seems to be the case, ask, "When do you think you will know?" or "How can you find out?" Don't let the person off the hook so easily.

"I'll get back to you"
When people need to buy time or avoid revealing a project's status, they will say, "I'll get back to you," and they usually never do. If people say they will get back to you, always clarify. Ask them when they will get back to you, and make sure they specify the day and time. If they don't, then pin them down to a day and time and hold them to it. If they won't give you a day or time, tell them you'll call in a day or week and follow up. Make sure you call and get the information you need.

"If"
Projects depend on everyone doing his or her part. People who use if are usually playing the blame game and betting against themselves. They like to set conditions, rather than assuming a successful outcome. People who rely on conditional responses are fortifying themselves against potential failure. They will say, "If Bob finishes his part, then I can do my part." They're laying the groundwork for a "no fault" excuse and for not finishing their work.

There are always alternatives, other routes and ways to get the job done. Excuse makers usually have the energy of a slug, the vision of Mr. Magoo and the spine of a jellyfish. You don't want them on your mountain climbing team up K-2 or Mount Everest.

"Yes, but ..."
This is another excuse. You might give your team members suggestions or solutions and they come back to you with "Yes, but . . ." as a response. They don't really want answers, help, or solutions. You need to call the "Yes, but . . ." people out on their avoidance tactic by saying something like: "You know, Jackie, every time I offer you a suggestion you say, 'Yes, but . . . ,' which makes me think you don't really want to solve this problem. That's not going to work. If you want to play the victim, go right ahead, but I'm not going to allow you to keep this up and I may have to report you." After a response like that, you can be assured that the next words you hear will not be, "Yes, but . . ."!

"I guess ..."
This is usually said in a weak, soft-spoken, shoulder-shrugging manner. It's another attempt to shirk responsibility--a phrase is only muttered when people half agree with you, but want to leave enough leeway to say, "Well, I didn't really know. . . . I was only guessing." If you use this phrase, cut it out of your vocabulary.

"We'll see ..."
How many times did we hear our parents say this? We knew they were buying time, avoiding a fight or confrontation or really saying no. It's better to be decisive and honest by saying, "I need more information. Please present your case or send me the data--both pro and con--so I can make an informed decision." That way the interested parties will contribute to an in-depth, well-researched "verdict."

Be Positive!

Do you want to be the only yellow ball, or just one of the many blue balls....?

Life is only but.....

Life is known only by those who have found a way to be comfortable with change and the unknown. Given the nature of life,there may be no security, but only adventure.

- Rachel Naomi Remen

Sleeping Late? Think Again

It has been quite a hectic period - it's like both of us were down with some illness at different point of time recently, so much so that it's making us feel stressed out, and feeling more sian much more easily. Everything feels so tensed up lately. And it doesn't help when things are piling up. We decided to attribute it to lack of sleep. Made a few pacts on my own to gain back my 'lost' weight after the shocking chanced discovery over at the clinic last Thursday. It hit me back to that 'phobic era', thankfully, plans has been made to get me back on track, starting with main culprit (assumingly) - sleep. Therefore, i did myself a favour and find out more on what seems to be an underlying consequences many of us are facing.

When you sleep late, body will release tons of destructive hormones, known as cortisol (stress hormone) into our bloodstream, which affects our call health. Staying up late forces body to release them and that is exactly what our body DO NOT need because it increases blood pressure, weakens immune system, slows down growth and cell renewal and interferes with sleep by reducing serotonin levels. Serotonin is useful for regulating of intestinal movements as well as various other functions including regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction and memory and learning. That is also the reason why human beings appear restlees and failed to function properly if they experience inadequate sleep. One could also lose their ability to concentrate and remember things.

If experiencing inadequate sleep, one might have the chance to display irritation, moodiness as well as disinhibition. It's just as worse as provoking a women who's having PMS. I personally feel that there is a vicious cycle between Stress and Sleep. Sleep is the number one cause of sleeping difficulties, and in turn, lakc of sleep also triggers stress. Immune system could also suffer, making one more vulnerable to illness like colds, cough, and other infections or disease.

Apparantly, it's not only how long you sleep that matters but when do you sleep that matters. Best optimal time to sleep is between 11pm to 1am as researched, because it is said that this is the period of time when the body is producing the highest level of growth and regenerative hormones beneficial to our body, which could also means better sleep quality.

Some people will experience no desires to eat, even after few hours after waking up, me included. Found out that it's mainly because our own body entered into a state of survial mode protection and not because we are not hungry. Probably the appetite is not there and few hours later, you start feeling hungry and you can hear your tummy growling. Each time that happens, it spell danger. Think again, a body without food for probably more than 12 hours (assuming you didn't eat supper), how healthy and 'logical' can that be.

Firstly, everyone's individual sleep needs vary. Some are able to function with as little as 4 hours of sleep, whereas some, after 10 hours of sleep, still feels they are not at their peak of their normal self. Nobody can tells you exactly how many hours you should sleep, afterall, only you know your own body best and well.

To overcome the lack of sleep, as a first step to avoid the caffeine intake i suppose. Exercise also helps you to improve the quality of sleep. And that excludes exercising right before bed. Speaking of which, just when you thought supper (yums) is a nice day to make you feel sleepy, guess what, instead, it could easily increase risk of heartburn which could keep you awake through the night.

Keeping a regular sleep/wake schedule is the most important among all. Bad habits can be developed for example watching TV in bed, taking long naps during the dat to compensate for inadequate sleep at night. A definitely wrong way of compensation i realised. Sleeping in the day and sleep at night is two entirely different thing.

Something as simple as sleeping, can have such a huge impact in our lives. One thing leads to another, same for sleep, whether we have enough sleep or not, reflect on how our day will pass by, somehow, directly or indirectly. So, avoid sleeping late.....

Post Exam

Exams had finally ended dramatically I would say. I felt that I used lesser time, more effort to study more than what is expected of myself. Ultimately, the exam papers eventually caught everyone off guard, me included. I realized how as age catches up with me, my memory is really not as good as it used to be. You know jolly well of it when you looked at the exam question paper and feels glad you studied but do not know what to write, all because your memory fails you, at the time, you needs it the most. Nevertheless, I have already tried my best, so yea, I’ll just wait and see.

It’s freedom now, but it seems like I can’t feel anything. It’s going to be a 2 weeks of short break before the pathetic second NATAS fair hit Suntec City, when the girl will finish her exams (finally!!!) and fly to the city of colors (at least some thought so), where eating and shopping seems to be the only thing to do there. I dread the start of May seriously, just because NATAS has to come and spoils everything, well, as always.

After that, probably it’s the start to all the fun things I can think of – just like last year December – the travelling, cooking, eating, playing…BUT before that, let’s talk about the second concert I’ve been to – MayDay concert!

After I missed out on last year concert because of NATAS Fair (holy crap), I told myself the next time they hit Singapore, I’ll definitely be there. And thank god, it’s not even a year wait before my little wish came true and another reason to be even happier, it’s their first outdoor concert in Singapore. The relocation from The Padang to Singapore National Stadium initially was a worry but eventually, it wasn’t much of a concern.

Such nice timing with the concert, circle lines open its door at last. Nothing special about the circle line station, except the train is shorter, very much the same like the ones with purple line. But the architecture of the station was nice. We reached the stadium way early and yet, it’s already packed with crazy fanatics. Queue was long and we had to sweat and bear with boredom for around an hour plus before we were let into the stadium. Nearly ¾ of the stadium was used and the stage is set, huge stage with walkways extending out to the audiences.

Yet, it was another long wait before the concert officially starts. Lights off, curtains down and it was rock and roll all the way. Oceans of blue (light sticks) flooded the stadium as MayDay made their awesome entrance to the stage with cool costumes and dark glasses on!

The whole concept of the concert was nice, with the integration of the computer graphics, the lightings and of course, not forgetting the fireworks. Oh wait, and the super huge robot. A pity, I’m not familiar with much of what they sang but each and every single song they sang, I truly enjoyed it, with the company of wonderful friends. It’s like a contrast of excitement between my sides, one side super high, screaming till both my ears and the girl’s ears couldn’t take it, the other sid, silently indulging in the song. Funny how both me and Zhi Qin laughed at how we were almost halfway through the concert and barely heard of any familiar songs we knew of MayDay.
3/4 through the concert, we are already jumping on the floor to jumping on the chair and it was climatic. Their playing of guitar impressed me and really got everything started for me.

Eventually, the night ended with one song – a song that I’ve always wanted to hear it live. A little wish came true and I indulged the song with the girl before the concert officially ends. Awesome concert and there’s no wonder why I had my regrets last year.

Gift With Ribbon...Open or not?

Decided to blog. It's times like these i realised how precious weekday nights can be. Ever since i started work one year plus ago, i always cherish the weekday nights i have whenever i DO NOT NEED to work the following day.

Life of a full time student is different from a working life. Entirely different. I can still remember vividly what i told myself when i had this two weeks of break - the transition from a National Servicemen to Working Adult, i told myself that i got and ought to enjoy those previous 2 weeks and spent them like never before. Ultimately, in the end, thanks to the girl, i gave it to bloody Tila Tequila. I spent my day and night catching two seasons of that and just like that, in one blink, it's over. I've been slogging heads out since then and i doubt it will never be ending until the day i retire, which i reckon i'll probably not want that to come even. That was the time when i thought that, time really flies and it wait for no one.

How precious is time? I never had the answer to this question before, but i am starting to realise the importance of this question as years passed on. Do i have to wait till next time or tomorrow or the day after to do something i wanted or intended to do today? Or i just have to do what i wanted or intended to do today right away because no one knows what tomorrow or even the next few seconds hold? We, human beings, live in dilemma all the time. In fact, things are very simple, all the time. BUT, we complicate it. It's just a drink, why spend minutes wondering what to drink? It's just a meal, why spend time wasting and wondering what should fits into our tummy and what's fattening and what's not? It's just a phonecall, why fret over whether he or she will answer or not? If you need to poo, just poo. If you need to see a doctor, just go ahead. If you need/want to tell someone you love him or her, just do it. Like i mentioned, time waits for no one.

Everything happens for a reason. There must be a reason why some spend hours waiting for someone who turned out late on meetings. There must be a reason why some spend half their lifetime just to realise their right other half is just someone whom they didn't expect. If not, it simply feels pain not knowing why you feel sick all the time. It feels sucky not knowing why someone is mad at you. Bad things happen all the time, so do good things. We go through both to know their difference. We taste sweetness only after we gone through bitterness. It's not by luck or chance, never. A captain who control a ship which met tough and huge waves will feel a stronger sense of achievement upon reaching its destination. It definitely pays to be positive, nobody died from it or suffer from it anyway. Everyday comes a gift with a ribbon, it's only when do you intend to open it, and for some, do you even open it in the first place...

爱在吗？

I watched two shows over the two days, two reality/info comm show - 从心开始 & 星期二特写. Both topic somehow has a link, the former talks about how love failed and results in disastrous consequences whereas the latter talks about how love endured, the 'meant to bes' after obstacles both went through.

The former show (从心开始), totally brings out the anger and hatred in me. The lady cried from start of the show, until the end of the show. I totally feel for her. Expectedly, all the callers who starts ringing in were all the innocent women alike and makes me really wonder, bastards are all around us, but then again, without bitches, how will bastards even exist. Shame on those guys who cheated on their girlfriends/wives. I feel disgusted (but not as disgusted as yesterday)

The way she potrayed her ex on national television, I'm totally turned off. To think that the bitch who snatched people's other half away can happily boost of what she's capable of. Shame and disgrace are the words i can think of seriously. It made me ponder real hard, is man really that easily tempted? I tried putting myself in their shoes, i can't figured out why. I always believed in my own analogy - about standing within your circle. More often than that, moments of impluse neglect the consequential events that could be occuring. It's only human to err, and for some mistake, once you err, you're done for, simply no turning back.

If some men are bastards, then some would be perverts too. Look around the street, men who ogle at pretty ladies with great figure. I've personally encounter those real pervertic desperados, literally stick their eyes on that lady body and go gooo gooo gahhh gahhh. Are men really visual animals? Men believe their eyes more than anything else? It makes me thinks, what is really left of men..

Reflecting on that show, trust is everything that is being depended on. Once this very trust is broken, how can it be mended back? Even if there is a way, will it even be the same? Will the crack still exist..? It made me feel that if a relstionship failed, probably it could be this very main reason because there is hardly any other major issues that cannot be resolved, all we need is time. There's probably no answers to those questions and that just reminds me how cruel life can be at times...and sometimes, in such critical and tough period, you just need that little push to make yourself stand up on your feet again and as from the show, they are the 'angels'. They are the ones that put a purpose back to your life again. They are the ones that make you feel all is not over. They are the ones that wake you up and help you tide it over when you needed one the most.

The second show (星期二特写), which was the total opposite of the former, talks about love in a entirely different light. From strangers to newly-weds, this couple talks about how amazing love it and how they overcome obstacles to step into what some would termed as 'the graveyard of love' - marriage.

From strangers, they were just two normal human beings, of different race, different character and different age. Female being chinese, 2 years older as compared to the male is more outspoken, whereas the male, a malay muslim is more reserved and conservative.

They speak on how they finally got together after months of that guy wooing her, his persistance eventually display his sincereness plus his positiveness finally touched the heart of the lady. It made love look so amazing, as to how it can bond two total strangers to one couple who share just about everything under the sun and grow together.

I admired how they overcome religion barriers to be together. The refraining of certain food, the learning of each other religion and culture. All the sacrifices they made almost got me teary. It's like how when you love a person, you look beyond his or her imperfections and you make that little sacrifices just to make that special someone happy and keep the love going. They showed how love isn't one sided but it takes two hands to clap. What one is doing, he or she has got to consider his or her other half and no longer is just about himself or herself alone.

Watching them convincing their parents shows how much they both wanted to be together. Thankfully, they had wonderful parents which make me feel, all parents in this world had the same mindset, afterall, it's their children happiness. The way they object with the style of wedding their parents want and instead, went ahead with their own eventually getting the full support of their parents, made me feel, love is not just about each other.

Naturally, sacrifices are there in every relationship. It's already difficult falling in love, and it's even more difficult to love and be loved. Coming to maintaining the relationsip, it is even much tougher part. It's always those little things that creates the greatest impact and keeps everything going, plus all the necessary aspects - understanding, accomodating, caring etc. All these makes love a even more amazing and wonderful thing. And eventually, from courtship to marriage which is like a part and parcel of every love life where two hold so dearly and it makes total sense of what this lovebirds said - Being together/courtship is just a two persons affair but marriage involved not just two persons but each other families and therefore, this love holds a greater commitment and its returns is much more than anything else in the world.

They ended the show with a quote which infer that one should be really contented with what you have and treasure them. Love with no reservations and remained committed. Not taking things for granted and embrace imperfections.

A Weirdo

I had to blog this down, simply because i'm purely disgusted. It's really amazing how a person can become. This so called saga has been happening on and off for months since last year.

From a colleague, to a friend, he was a nice person to talk to. A nice person to share things with, just the same like any other friend or colleague. But i never did realise it's like a wierdo in disguise. One who turns desperately for attention. I had to be wary. I never knew his desperation for attention was from everyone, or specifically me. It didn't bothered me much, much so because the interaction was on a mutual level initially.

Things took a turn. Weird, amazingly enough, i didn't even realise it until today. All the events that has been happening, piece by piece unfolds the sequential events that rhyme so perfectly. I feel purely DISGUSTED, and still do now. To think that umpteen times, he can mentioned the girl time and time again, as if he even know her very well. I never forget how he pestered wanting to come for Zoukout last year. That encounter, he took it as acknowledgement, that's probably the start to everything else.

Childish enough i preferbly assumed, he remembered every single favour he did for me and mentioned it each time i chose to react NORMALLY. Spams of messaging through emails, work emails, facebook messages, SMSes followed suit. The day i decided this is too much, i naturally did what i presume was wise. I clearly know who is my friend, who is not. I know how much a friend should care and whether he has cross the line already or not. For all of the abovementioned, he belongs to the latter.

The thought of him being my most feared type of person is really becoming real. He sprouted words then i never thought would come out from a normal friend. Even my very close male friend didn't said all those to me. I puke at this thought at this moment of writing. From nothing, he can make a super big mountain and simply kick a fuss out of practically everything. 23 messages a day is no joke. At times, i feel at wits end. However, i held on to what the girl told me, not to be affected by it if it doesn't really even mattered.

Things got worse (as exclaimed by him) to the extent that i re-looked at everything and eventually, it was purely one sided. Those accusations, those childish acts, those blaming here and there simply turned me off. He stalked my twitter, my facebook activities, deleted me off his friend list and added me back, he scolded me for declining to meet him, he mentioned he felt neglected over my absence, he blamed me for having a girlfriend. From someone whom i hated right at first sight, to someone who managed to convinced me that he's a nice guy, to someone who invaded my privacy and got on too much and now, to someone whom i couldn't even be bothered to.

He reminds me of my childhood, where friends will say '你不跟我玩，我就不跟你好'. To think such a person still exist, worse still, threaten that i meet him after my exams and for god sake, who is he to compare himself with the girl. The mention of this yet further pissed me off. And since when did i even let him pat of my fking neck and say the word 'WARMTH. WTH. Phui Phui Phui. For once, i really feel like telling him, i have no interests in someone of my own gender, i have no interests to be your whatever god-son and given your serious age, instead performing childish acts, perhaps you would like to show more to your wife and not waste your time on life just like that.

I won't be bothered by your what is and what nots. And in this case, ignorance is the best solution and come what may, i'll see how much childish and irritating you can get.

As Time Passes Me By

Everyday has been pretty much the same. Mugging has been on the agenda ever since i'm back from the beautiful white Sahoro. It's back to reality and to all the routinal stuff that follows. I feel i am mugging much harder than before, probaby the hardest my entire life but i cannot feel the confidence level at its peak at all. Probably i'm disheartened at the assignments and reports submitted before this decisive exams that is going to be happening come next week.

Ever since the girl got her iphone, it's WOW-ed. Smses became free (and i shall terminate my SMSplus soon). She got more enthu than me and can search wonderful apps at just within her fingertips, literally. And now, it's camwhoring, movies, reality shows, music, messaging all just one touch away.

Finally caught Clash of the Titans. Love the couple seats at Cathay and the Grand Cathay. Lovely theaters and the ever so spacious couple seats that never made you feel watching movie can be a chore even if the movie's really boring. But of course, Clash of the Titans was a great movies that got me laughing over the 'Juices', 'Breast-sagging aunties' etc....

The girl was mentioning how everyone around us is getting married, making me believe and appreciate the fact that there are indeed still people believing in getting hitched and furthermore, at a young age. Nothing waits forever. Everyone ages, and the fact that i'm reaching my mid 20s tells me how much impact time has on my life. It's like the ticking of the seconds never fail to inform you that time is really passing me by. I hit on the high time that i am working hard towards the future and now as i look back on those days, together with the girl that i realise i have been taught well, i grew up comfortably and appreciate that i should be contented with my life at this present moment. Both of us spoke how everything happens for a reason, be it good or bad. At times, just by staying positive keeps me going, and it would be seeking what's beyond the imperfections that really matters. Appreciative and contented never seem as important as now, and that's what i'm feeling.

On a side note, Man Utd has been disapponting ever since Rooney's out on injury and it's worrying to see how each season, they depended on one man show to get what they want and after tonight match, i'll just say the next match i'll watch should be the upcoming World Cup whereby i'll hopefully be able to don on a Blue/White jersey and scream go Argentines!

PS: Taipei, please come....

Uob Travel

My very first time writing about my job, well, not literally. I was mentioning to the girl on how i meet all sorts of interesting (some, VERY interesting) people throughout my course of working in UOB Travel for coming to 2 years. Jokingly, i would have this great example of a tele-conversation i had with a assumingly CHEENA lady.

ME: Hello, UOB Travel....
CHEENA LADY: Hello, can i *blur* Manjurini?
ME: Sorry?
CHEENA LADY: Manjurini...
ME: [Search around and ask my colleague who is Manjurini]
ME: [still holding the line and check through my phone book list of my company, still no Manjurini to be found]
CHEENA LADY: Hello?!?!?
ME: Hang on Madame.
CHEENA LADY: Speak MANJURINI!!!!
ME: I'm sorry Madam, but there's no one by the name of Manjurini here. I think you've called the wrong number.
CHEENA LADY: Speak MANJURINI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ME: I'm sorry????!?! [Frustrated already]
CHEENA LADY: 讲华语啦！！！
ME: [showing the 'WTH' face] 可以讲华语！
and so....the tele-conversation goes on...

This job wasn't a fantastic one, purely because it's not something i regarded very well when i first got it. At that point, it's really just a JOB. slowly, my interests in this industry increased and it got me to hang on until where i am today. At times, i had to admit the work environment turns me off, but the loads of stuff i learn over here, is definitely what i cherish and would like to share with just about anyone.

I've learnt more about destinations both possible and impossible to travel. I've learnt about destinations i've never heard before, and learnt MORE about destinations i've heard before, and i'm proud of it, because it's really so wonderful and interesting to know these facts. I start loving Travelogues, Travel magazines and alot more stuff, such as the design of aircraft, the different models of aircraft, the wonders of car hire, the amazing facts on certain places on earth. Perhaps, i'll take this chance to share...

[Maldives is made up of thousands of islands and Mauritius is just one island by itself (twice the size of Singapore)]

[Hohhot is a city in Mongolia]

[New England is located in United States of America, not Great Britain]

[Jeddah, the capital of Saudi Arabia can only be entered by Muslims]

[North Korea - only one travel agency in Singapore does it and you are not allowed to bring your mobile phone into the country and one North Korean must accompany you to everywhere except when you are sleeping, shitting or peeing (making love included)]

I decided it's too much for me to share and i'll probably spill them all out when i'm in the right mood..

Personally, i've been on trips because of my job and probably one of the best satisfaction i can get as well. It's great how i can go on trips for both job and personal purpose and ultimately share it with everyone, friends and customers included. Observations on how kiasu and ugly some customers can get as well WOW-ed me at times. Of course, aside from that, there are customers who made your day. Till now, i will never forget how there is this nice customer (yes, an auntie) made my busy day. She was a customer whom i served, booked a package with me. Satisfied by my service, she not only praised me. She hanged around the fair for a few hours after she booked the package with me, only to pop out so suddenly (while i'm still serving another customer of mine) with a cup of hot coffee. One word to describe that, heart-warming...

After being in this line for so long (ok, not very long, but long enough to make some interpretions), the hardest to deal type of customers is naturally those aunties. Surprisingly, the easiest to deal type of customers is also aunties, so i have this love-hate relationship with aunties.

One of the most memorable experience with passenger would be one which just even happened yesterday when i served a pair of handicapped couple. Husband, Dumb and Deaf, and wife, Dumb, booked a vacation. Surprisingly, my first time handling such passenger and it's a touching experience i would say.


Many lessons and experience i've learnt through my job, and one of things which i regard it as the most important aspect of travelling is the preparation for the travel, the 'what to pack and what not to pack' into your luggage that is. Something i love to share and at least, the next time i travel, i know where i can refer to again. 20kg baggage allowance is no joke. It may seem alot, almost half the weight for some, but seriously, especially for ladies out there, 20kg is just a mere figure. Some are so horrifying that they already take up near 15-18kg before the trip and coming back would be a big issue, unless they do not mind paying crazy amount for excess baggage.

My Must Bring List (enough to hit between 10-13kg already)


- Toothbrush & Toothpaste (even so the hotel provide, most would be pathetically small and could barely cover all of your teeth)

- Shampoo, shower foam & condition (same as the one previously mentioned, even if the hotel provides, you won't know what the previous user [it could be some prankers] put inside the container, all the hotel do is refill). Unless the hotel provides you with the bottle type, then you can be assured to use them.

- Swiss army knife (you never know when you need it and seriously, it's super handy, be it opening a bottle of beer, cutting stuff etc)

- Luggage tag (many luggage look damn alike, how would you even know your luggage is really yours, save yourself some trouble and embarassment, hang or attach a luggage tag on your luggage, at least when it comes out for the luggage belt, you know right away it's yours)

- Cup Noodles (to spare myself from going to bed hungry at wee hours at night, or to satisfy my in between hunger. you'll never know how expensive the room service can be and where to even get the food if you don't know the place well)

- Undergarments (disposable ones would be better. You won't want to wash those smelly during the trip and what's worse, imagine going for a long trip and when you are back home, unpacking eventually what would seem or smell so unpleasant. Err...just imagining is bad enough...)

- Medication (a must for me, flu is a common thing for me because sleeping through the air con room is too 'powerful' for me. For those who need to medication on a regular or certain basis, this is a must bring, and of course, just in case, no one can predict what can happen)

- First Aid Kit (definitely for case of emergency, accidents do occur, especially when you least expected it)

- Moisturing Cream (our skin tends to get dry and it is very essential)

- Lip balm (cracking lips is no joke, you can bleed from it. you got to apply it before your travel and not during your course of travel)

- Shaver (travelling also means you should groom yourself, so, look tidy)

- Facial foam/cream (our face is just as important as our body)

- Clothings (depending on the countries you are visiting, if it's hot weather, chances are you will bring more clothes to change)

- Mobile Phone (only if you want to stay in contact with your loved ones. Also note that certain mobiles phone are only workable in certain network at the destination you are visiting, i.e: Only 3G phone are workable in Japan) PS: Double check with local operator to check which operator should you connect to when you reach your destination in order to obtain the cheapest rates


- Passport (forget to bring this and you can forget about leaving the country, unless you think you are Mas Selamat)


- Camera (it's considerably one of the must bring when travelling in today world. I'm sure you would want those moments to be captured as perfectly so that 10 or 20 years down the road, you can at least flip back these photos and remember, how enjoyable everything once was)


- Umbrella (unless you are god who can predict no rain at all, or not scorching hot sun, or you just love soaking yourself in the rain, if not, safe than sorry always works)


- Tissues (for your mouth, butt, face, body and everywhere else you can think of)

- Travel Insurance (the ultimate 'safe than sorry'. Period)

It's a job that i hold high interests in. Every now and then, i get to see the world and i'm thankful for all that opportunities. Friends alike always feels i'm lucky but the work behind it was hidden by this partition that no one would understand unless you are in the same trade as me. It made me realise how important networking is as well as somehow, provides me with soft skills. I love travelling more than ever thanks to this job and right now, this has become my dream to travel around the world. Till then, i foresee myself still sitting and doing what i am doing, probably not for long but what i've learnt from these one year plus, is definitely what i will bring with me, throughout my entire life.

一直往前走

人生不像彩排，不能从新再来。勇敢面对未来，自制生命色彩。不要害怕失败，失中必有快乐； 不要害怕伤心，伤心既是成长； 不要害怕辛苦，所谓苦尽甘来。

Who Would You Invite To Your Front Seats?

Chanced this upon my friend's blog and decided to share it here. Some truth in it, so, who would you invite?

Life is a theater – invite your audience carefully.
Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives.

There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you at the very least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not going anywhere relationships / friendships!!

Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention….

Which ones lift and which ones lean?
Which one encourages and which ones discourage?
Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill?
When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse?
Which ones always have drama or don’t really understand, know or appreciate you?

The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in The FRONT ROW and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

You cannot change the people around you, but you can change the people you are around!

Remember, everyone does not deserve to occupy a front row seat in your life – adjust accordingly!

- Unknown

Club Med Sahoro (Pre & Post Included)

My first time experiencing snow and i can still remember how i experience slight 'panicky' before the trip. Thanks to the girl who has been my constant reminder and companion in getting the what shoulds and what nots. Prior to the trip, we did some shopping. I'm proud of my latest big buy - Lumix FX 65. I finally owned a Lumix much thanks to the girl and i've got three words for it, i love it! The many different modes, the wide angle capability, the anti shake function plus the matt finished surface really makes it a much better camera as compared to my previous few LOUSY Olympus camera.

And so, with that camera, i had some nice moments captured first hand. My first visit to Waraku brought by the girl. Gives me another reason to eat pasta as she introduced me to this yummy Pasta with wafu sauce. I am right now, just waiting for my second visit to try other pasta! Followed by subsequent outings (Food Expo included) before i actually fly off to Nihon.

Back to this hot little island, i went back to my old ranting and grumbling of the weather. It's contradicting how i not only appreciate but also 'complain' about the cold when i am back in Japan, Club Med Sahoro. A FAM trip organised by Club Med and i was sent by my company to this trip, and yes, thankfully, everything paid for, except for the taxes.

Ultimately, the weather isn't as bad as i thought it would be.

The white falling snow, the huge patch of snow all around, makes the entire little place looks so unreal. As the sun shines on it, there came a glowing brightness that even my eyes couldn't take it. Being a ski resort, skiing or snowboarding seems to be the only thing to do over there. I never thought that it would be so difficult, especially after watching on television how those skiiers ski, as though they were floating around the snow field/mountain and flying all around. I lost count the number of times i fell but nevertheless, it was pure fun. Snow trek on the other hand was fun. The 2 hours of rolling/running/walking down the snow mountain was out of the world experience.

Food wise, i thought i'll be feasting on lots of Sushi and Sashimi but instead, it's different food everyday. Being an all inclusive resort, therefore, their different themes for food everyday seriously made guests spoilt for choices, plus their free flow of drinks, from juices to alcohol, it's really a feast for food lovers and maybe a indulgence for those who drinks.

Weather was cold and i could remember so clearly the coldest was on Sunday with wind blowing up to 50km/hr and temperature hitting -16 degree celcius. Nevertheless, all of that was a nice experience and it seriously made me wonder when will i experience such snowy winter again, depicting a romantic scene as well.

The surprise came just nice as the girl decided to be uber sweet and popped up at the airport admist her busy project with the submission deadline being the next day in fact. The fact the flight was delayed made it even more memorable. I've never been fetched from the airport and this first time totally made the homecoming a very loved one.

At last, we fulfilled our long awaited cravings for some nice Bat Kut Teh and singing in JB. I love the cheap food and stuff over in JB which makes me want to make it the place to satisfy my cravings. Their K-session was so cheap that i could sing until my throat went sore. With exams is just over 2 weeks later and mugging officially begins. Where it begins shall be where it continues and so, RP is still the place to mug in. I miss the moments last year when everyone was busy mugging as well which was so much fun. This time round, i got the girl to mug together earlier along with funshine - just something to makes everything else so interesting. Of course, out of all these busy-ness, we always find time to relax and play a little and the time back in Starbucks playing that riddles almost squeezed my brain dry but all was worth it.

On the side note, there's so many upcoming movies that i wanted to watch. I realised i'm watching lesser movies as compared to my hay-days. I shall 从出江湖 again and hit the theaters as soon as any nice movies are out.

Looking forward to the end of exams and NATAS (yet again) before i can officially relax a little and fulfil the 'one million to do' list.

Being In Love...

Something i chanced upon...which was quite true to some extent..I'll just post part of it...

Sometimes being with your special someone 24/7 can hurt the relationship. Staying together can simply just mean trying to compromise with one another and find the little things that your other might not like. Always remember to follow your heart and be the person that it tells you to be. True happiness is in the simple and non-expensive things you do together, ie. watching a movie at home and a soft adventure sport between the two of you.

One key trait is definitely the sense of humor. Imagine being with a partner who always don't or hardly talk. and yet you are the one always doing the talking. Researchers find in just about every long-lasting couple is a good sense of humor. If the couple can laugh about things that go wrong, and enjoy life even when it’s not perfect, that gives them the resiliency to weather life’s ups and downs.

Stay Positive Always is equally important. Short separation will deepen the missing if not strengthen the relationship.

You name it.

Frustrated. Disappointed. Disheartened. Helpless. Fouled up.

You name it.

As 25 Mar Arrives...

I have never dread Friday that badly before. Already bad enough on the fact that i have to pass by the buzzling street of Orchard on my way to school every Friday, this Friday shall be the worst this year by far. Two deadly assignment almost made me panicky, not including how my groupmates (yes, all girls) tense up the whole atmosphere playing punk at the very last minute. I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope everything will be smooth come Friday.

I lost count of the 'one million and one thing' to do with the girl. Seriously, 24 hours a day is not enough, not when we have so much things we wanted to do. And obviously, after being realistic about this world spinning at this rate, we realise we could only fulfill 16,000++ things. Oh gosh, there's so much thing to do, with so little time. How i wish there is a full day where i can spend one whole day doing purely what i love and enjoy.

Come next Friday, i'll 'Heartlessly' dump the girl in this hot little island to survive with her FYP while i realise my little reluctant dream of watching snow fall on me, bearing in mind the unbearable (i assume) cold i had to endure, however, with the little fact in mind that it brings back fond memories of my previous trip to Hokkaido as well.

Can't wait to buy my new camera after i had this impromptu decision to get myself one. Thanks to my bonus which i reckon should be the last i will be getting. From a canon wanna-own to a lumix fan, the girl did a great job that made me so impressed, plus the bombing of the countless threads and posts she showed me, which truely convinced me with the prospects of owning a Lumix camera this weekend. BUT, pathetic LUMIX did not even have a booth in the IT fair, which makes me feel, for all i know, i might be losing out on lots of goodies.

Everything else aside randomly, Man Utd is through to the quarter finals. It's funny how i tried to convince the girl that i wanted to watch, sticking to my sincere self that i'm a die hard fan, yet i woke up, thinking that since they are leading, i might as well sleep through it. Woke up with news on them thrashing the once mighty AC Milan, only then, i realised i lost out on the spectaculars. But nevertheless, i'm secretly glad that when Man Utd played Liverpool next Saturday, i'm out of town, and the girl will have no chance to say 'You will never walk alone' to me, although i reckon she will find her way somehow. BUT STILL, it's high time we don on our jerseys on 3 April and watch them crush Chelsea and till then, it's a tough period to endure and go through. Let's keep faith and relive those fond memories as 25 Mar arrives.

Two's the Word

It's a week of tedious workload with piling assignments. The thought of it alone is enough to put me off. I'm thankful for the motivation alongside, with the excuse to make myself 'indulge' in studies. Have been exploring and getting hooked on all the impromptus (which i think has been failing us lately), and i'll foresee many more to come.

First up, it was mugging. Always nice to pop surprise and i performed a rush hour to pizza hut. Mugging ended early and it's a super impromptu again - 'Alice in Wonderland'. Heard of it but totally clueless about it, simply because it has never existed in my childhood, much so for 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory' as well. The only thing i know of this movie is Johnny Depp. Seriously, if nobody tells me Johnny Depp was in that movie, i wouldn't have guess andf regconise him. I'm starting to be even more impressed by his talents, and maybe, i'll become 'crazy' like someone and not miss a single of his movie...

And there we go, Sushi Tei on her first time on Scallop Sashimi, alongside, with the rest and what really make me yearn most is the fried cuttlefish, which happens to be my first time as well. After that, it was Bens and Jerry again, yes, we never fail to satisfy our cravings, and yes, thank god we found back her lappie.

ANGRY! Bugis carrot cake was not opened the following day and i realise we could never figured out their opening days and hours. And then, we started to realise Suntec and Marina Square is even more boring than Orchard which makes me ponder, how will we survive in this pathetic squeezy island in years to come and Singapore wanted to hit 6 million population in few years time.

HUAT ah! Not exactly because her friend was so pro. It's all that disgraceful Jack Neo's fault with his lame movie screened in that beautiful nice house another friend of hers had. Steamboat was yummy and it's heartwarming and fun feeling i had, a good start for a first time i suppose, which i reckon things will be wackier in future.

It's back to mugging and at times, i almost couldn't stand the heat as it really dampens the mood. I wish i could trade my Sunday with a weekday, with funshine on the desktop watching us while we sip on milk tea and mugging crazily with ear piece on one ear each, of course, at the library will air con full blown. It was a sweet 2nd and the ring marks it down beautifully as i ended this week, nice and sweet.

Finally....Ahh....

Yes! Finally..!! It's a relief. A super huge one. NATAS Fair came and go off in just a blink of an eye. As usual, i enjoyed the whole process. But the frustrating part is that i have to skip school because of that, and it's because of that, the siren came along and struck a alarm in my head, that is when all the frantic and panick comes.

It's a 10 days straight that i'm working. Slogging near to 10,11pm for more than half of that. Definitely taken a toll on me, so much so that i fell sick as soon as NATAS is over. Now that it's finally over, i'm so proud of myself because the number of bookings i've took in, the number of passengers i've spoke with and the amount of fun we all had, it's worth everything.

Finally, my off day tomorrow and i just want to be away from work and passed my time the way i want it. The girl has been busy, even much busier, so much as that it's making everything abit difficult for her. It's tough, but then again, the success after it shall taste even sweeter.

Yet again, this March prove to be the busiest month so far, and i can foresee my company doing more stupid things which seriously makes me ponder if i should move on and explore new greens. Although i've loving it, but little by little, it starts to push me away from it. It's going to be tough the next few weeks, with tons of worrying assignments, japan trip, hell loads of work etc...but no matter what, let's work hard together...Gambatte....

Start of a busy period ahead...

As the title suggest, it's such a busy week ahead especially because of NATAS. I seriously hope it's no longer hell like it was last year - working till 10-11pm at night for consecutively for 10-14 days and the only thing you yearn for during this period is 'life'.

Definitely a tough period ahead but i'll just hang on...and wait till 10 days later, where i'll be able to enjoy what i've been enjoying for the past few days...

The End Is Near....

Like i always mentioned to her, 'The end is near....'. So what's 'the end'? For now, it simply just means the upcoming torture i had to face, along with her and everyone else. Chinese New Year barely into it's fourth day and it's already NATAS Fair soon, round the corner of the month in fact. I'm back to being a busy bee.

It's no peace at work soon. Unlike past few weeks, war is going to start. I'm going to be hella busy with briefing, meetings, phone calls, emails blah blah....the list goes on. I foresee lots of overtime, lots of frustration and of course, i foresee myself being so shagged that the moment i'm back home, all i want is bed. Every year is the same old routine. I'm just hoping everything can run smoothly, be it pre-NATAS, post-NATAS or during NATAS. I'm just afraid it eats so much into my time and life that i had to forgo meals, neglect her (i'm so sorry), skipped school, miss project meetings. No point dwelling, i'll just pray for the best, once it's over, i'll just be counting down to the '1 millions things to do'...

Chinese New Year came just like that, and in a blink of an eye, it's already the fourth day of CNY. I am not done with my gambling yet! The Ang Baos i'm collecting are getting lesser and lesser, and year after year, it's getting more and more boring. Now, it's my no.1 most hated public holiday.

That aside, another milestone reached. To me, it's a proud success and i'm glad it went well. It's that sort of assurance i called it that pushes me to do what i've been doing...for that, i'm contented....and that is where it will all continues...

祝大家新年快乐和情人节快乐

Wishing everyone a very Happy Lunar New Year. Eat more, play more, win more (gamble more of course), collect more hong bao and HUAT AH!!!!



Coincidentally, it's Valentine's Day and hereby wishing those in love a very Happy Valentine's Day and cherish all the loving moments and wishing those singles to find your loved one soon.

Learning...to not take things for granted

Not taking things for granted - how simple is that. It's not an art or science because it seems to built in human nature that has no explanation for it. At times, i detest human beings, for we have a heart so complicated to understand. Why do human beings take things for granted? Why don't we human beings be contented with what we have? Is it because we take things too hard? Or is it because we tend to think more than what we are supposed to?

The opposite of remembering is forgetting. I honestly feel that sometimes, we remember the unnecessary and neglect the important ones. Very often, we, myself included, are prone to forget the most basic blessings of what we have until they are jeopardized. For example, we tend to forget it’s a great blessing that we are healthy is until we are ill or injured, or we probably forget how fortunate we are to have a complete family, to have someone you love, loving you, to have friends that we only realize until we are on the verge of losing them. If we keep reminding ourselves constantly, will things be better? And what’s worse, there are even people who hates reminders because to them, it’s an insult, which makes everything else so much more difficult.

I was made painfully to be aware of the need to remember the blessing of what I already have and time and time again, I’m glad I went through that pain and experienced the lesson learnt. Reminder was not just a reminder purely to me but something I can cherish. I don’t want to move on in future and say words like ‘what if’ or ‘if only’.

The whole idea and importance is simply to cherish all of the good things that we normally take for granted. If one can walk without pain, be grateful. And even when I mentioned simply, seriously, how simple is it, because in this word simple, I see a lot of difficulties…

V Day Celebration

Our very first Valentine Day together. We decided to celebrate it early in view of the clashes of Valentine Day with Chinese New Year. Nevertheless, it was a whole lot of fun and love was in the air, literally.

It was surprises after surprises and behind each and every surprise, it all lies the effort, disappointment and tons of love which deeply touches the heart of us. That special digit and colour lying in that bouquet has some special representation that conveys the voice of my heart.

Main highlight of the night was finally here, after enduring some hunger beforehand, although Kiliney almost 'killed' us. Our first time to Equinox. The entrance was a path with simple and dim light by the side, with nice timepiece by the lift lobby which lead you all the way up to the highest floor - 70th Floor.

Greeted by warm greetings, our table was within nice bird eye view of the cityscape. Tall glass panels, elevated floor space, timber tall ceiling, equally spaced tables and not forgetting as the sun sets down, the dim lighting continued to enhance the romantic atmosphere. My painstakingly (in a nice way, duh!) piece of artwork was presented at last. Walla! Every single word, every single stroke of colour represents every meaning and it was well received, as i saw it with my very own eyes. Which follows by the special box i received kept me ever more alive with those little photos on it. Touched!

Food arrived in style not long after with waiter explaining what the food is all about. Our first time in such a atas place and fine dining was something we finally tried. I think i'm still dumbfounded by the atmosphere. We skipped appetizers and went straight to main course, plus being served water whereby even asked, the only answer seems to be a yes. She had her codfish, whereas i had my prawns, followed by dessert which was probably the nicest of the night. I missed the dessert now. Thereafter, a nicely packed of heart shaped chocolate tarts by her. The effort behind it, no one could imagine but i appreciated that hard work behind it and seriously, i'm touched once again.

A very nice experience dining there and i seriously want to go back there again. Camwhoring continues after dinner because simply no one can resist the nice nightscape of the city.

'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus' was next. I couldn't count the number of times i dozed off during the movie. She and her depp depp yet not even a single time did she hit her arm towards me, i bet she must have been turned off by the chim-glish used in the movie.

By the time our third surprise arrived, the ambience wasn't as intense as we embraced at the stroke of 12 for our first month together. I did my 'omg, i don't even believe it myself' act and it almost got into myself as well, as much as her. As i'm typing, i'm still in disbelief. Her final unleashing finally ended the night romantically and it is like what was said, probably the sweetest valentine day celebrate ever......

February - Start Of a Busy Month Ahead

February had barely started and i can feel the intense atmosphere, be it whether it's studies or work or just any casual gatherings i'm going to have. My organiser seems quite fully packed that it's hard to squeeze certain events into certain dates. It's this month that i'll experience a little of everything, being so happy, having fun all around and slogging my guts out as well.



Muse concert kickstart this month with a total bang. Not to mention probably, Saosin and Rise Against did contribute to this 'whole cool rockin' experience. The interval wait between the bands was definitely worth it, especially after Rise Against. The moment Muse came out, everyone stood up promptly, as though welcoming something huge. Indeed, the entrance of the band was inspiring in some sense, in addition to the visuals, simply awesome.

First song, 'Uprising' already got the crowd gone mad, me and Don included. Following a few more classic and favourite songs like 'Stockholm Syndrome', 'Plug In Baby', 'Resistance', 'Hysteria' and eventually ended with my all time favourite song from them - 'Knights of Cydonia'. As i'm blogging, oh, i'm already missing them. I'll definitely catch them again if they were to hold a concert. I can never forget the way Bellamy played his guitar, plus his multi talented skill, as displayed when he performed 'Sunburn' that very night. The visuals - the lighting, graphics and laser wow-ed me. I've seen it all in youtube before this concert and finally, in front of my very own eyes, i've seen it all. And like what she said, we're glad i enjoyed and i really do. My first concert - a huge bang! =)

Chinese New Year gathering began way before the actual celebration. First was with my group of friends - Dear, Don, Gav, Jon, Layhuan, Med, Vicky, JJ. Steamboat back to where we once gathered and eat before - Zhen Huat Steamboat in Novena.

Second was with my UOB Travel colleagues. Lots of changing of places before the uncle finally decided on Swissotel Merchant Court, Ellenborough Market Café. Wasn't fantastic, price was slightly on the high side, therefore, of course i must eat my fill. Sashimi and crayfish seems to be only best food and nothing else there interests me much and by the time i wanted to hit the dessert bar, i'm almost gone-case.

By Friday, i realised i'm really getting fat. The amount of food i'm consuming a day, is enough to feed two normal human being. When i hit Superstar Virgo again, i started to reminisce. The good old times i used to have on board this cruise with different groups of people. I feel like going back again here. I have this thing for cruise somehow, even though many said it's boring. That aside, the 8-course dinner was fantastic. Too bad my tummy could no longer hold anymore, if not, i'll definitely whipped up everything. The abalone, Buddha jump over the wall, the yusheng, all so yummy.

Speaking of food, i was planning the itinerary with the girl again today and i realise, i seriously can't wait to hit Taiwan, for their food. Yums...meanwhile, i shall look forward eagerly to Chinese New Year, where there will once again, be good food to savour.

Bon Appetit!

Grudges..time to let it go...

We all borne grudges from time to time. Me included. I’ve either approached the person who’s the cause of my grudge and talked things through properly or I’ve simply dropped it. But right now, there is in my opinion, pointless to bear grudges.

Bearing grudges waste time and energy it seems. Let’s be honest, I used to bear so much grudges, specifically with someone. That is simply exhausting. Firstly, it doesn't improve the situation and often, we end up feeling wound up something that has already happen and seriously, no amount of dwelling can make it 'unhappened'

I understand that an initial response when it all happens and you just tend to vent it all out, jolly well knowing bottling things up isn't good for anyone - but there comes a point either you have to deal with it or let go. If one don’t, then every time we happen to run into the person who we consider the cause of our grudge will just continue to release negative energy.

I have plenty of reasons to bear a grudge towards certain people who’ve been part of my life, but now that I’ve learnt the deeper meaning of it, probably sometimes, it's being forgiving or even forgetting that makes it a better deal.

There are lessons to be learned from everybody i meet. It isn’t always easy to see the lessons at times, but once we are able to take a step back and view it from a distance, and really start to look, it's all just there to be found and experience is what one grow upon.

Who knows, maybe that person you’re bearing a grudge towards has actually taught you an important life lesson. I know i did and i'm totally glad that instead of bearing a grudge, i've moved on with life, and thankfully, in a much more positive manner.

End Of January At Last! *Updated*

It's finally Feburary. Just like that, one month passed. I began noticing the word 'time' ever since this year started because it has much more significance than ever now. January test was over, in just a blink of an eye. I'm glad i passed that milestone. Many more milestones to come of course, but as always, hold that little belief and faith and keep it through. Come what may seriously. No problem is a problem forever. Nevertheless, i ended the month on a good note, which i hope would be the case for the 11 more months to come for this year.

Surprise welcomed me early morning on Saturday. Now i have plenty of junk but super yummy food to fill my always hungry tummy thanks to the girl. In the past, it was funshine. Now it's the many many yummy stuff nicely packed into a box, now that's really sweet. Cool stuff.

On a hot day, with clear blue skies, what's even better than picnic!! Our intention to hit the nice beaches (ok, not that nice afterall) at the soon-to-be-populated Sentosa was fulfilled. The sun, the clear skies, the beach water, the sand, the picnic set, the food we prepared - perfect setting. Another one down on our 1 million things to do list.

Ok, i just got to crap about the entrance fee for car which cost a whopping 7 bucks. To make everything else worse, the parking is another 7 bucks for the first hour. Imagine driving to Sentosa in future, you better had at least 50 bucks inside your cashcard, if not, you might as well not drive at all.

We popped by those hotels in Resorts World. Fantastic indeed. The architecture, unique on its own. The interior, grand as it can really be. Everything else feel likea luxury but it is a very much on the same concept as our neighbour - Genting. The casino caused so much hype but it seems like a 'oh, just another casino' to me, moreover, the 'lose $100 before you lose more' gantry look so unwelcoming to any dumbheads who wants to go through that very gantry. Stupid as it can be i thought, so too.

Hit Dempsey for the first and possibly last time on that white Honda Fit. I'm glad i did anyway. Her first time as well to Ben and Jerry Dempsey, and so, we munched on the 'so heaty' brownie plus two heavily sinful scoop of chocolate ice cream, continuing our streaks on unhealthy diet of recent days. Crap, time i seriously wear my jogging shoes, hit the road and ooze some sweat.

Been mugging at RP yet again, and feels so welcoming back into its arms. The environment, doesn't even make you feel it's like a school, yet it provide a condusive place for studying. Perhaps it's the recollection of my mind (Nov-Dec mugging last year) that i feel it's extra comforting to study over here. I seriously don't mind the travelling and company and i suppose it is that, that makes all the difference.

Finally, they met. It's not a huge thing, yet it feels like it's another milestone reached. It's like what Layhuan said about welcoming into the big family and it really makes everything so blessful, making what's already right even more right than ever before. I just hope that this continues on to the day i presume it's one of the biggest milestone yet. First impression seriously matters and i would want to put on my best to pave the path for future. Steamboat was nice but unfortunately, with the abscence of 'yu sheng', if not, it would have seriously been a perfect reunion dinner. Dudes are all gettng on the lower notes time by time and i feel we are seriously all hitting the age crisis. We all now see more of future than how we used to only see the present. Everyone starts to think of the future, reflect on the past and laugh and talk about it now.

Finally, one more down in the one million to do list. Not sure about her being a successful convert but at the very least, when i know Liverpool's not playing, she's on my side, being the serious Red Devils. Apart from the bloody rude guy who almost spoilt the night, everything else was great. Man Utd seriously deserve to win, with both predictions wrong, we still had our time of the night as the match start at the struck of 12, which perfectly end the January test with both of us, happy with our present.

And before Feburary continues on, i shall move towards the next milestone with a wonderful quote:

'it's very simple to be happy, but it's very difficult to be simple'

let's just work around it, stick on to that little faith plus positiveness and it will all be just fine.

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Something to be really happy about. Taiwan trip is on the agenda. Tickets has been booked and confirmed. So for now, it's the planning of itinerary, sourcing for good/cheap hotels and not forgetting the munching on bread and porridge so as to splurge more in Taipei.

Imagine the shopping, the food, the Taiwan babes (Oops, i sense danger), the company and all the fun that comes along with it. It's so near, yet so far. Simply can't wait....

Quotes of the Day

These are some of the nicest and more meaningful quotes i would like to share. These quotes are the ones that is special not only to me therefore, till now, i'm still thankful i've learnt them, shared them with Bloms. Enjoy them and carry on to discover the deeper meaning of them. =)

- Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy. -

- Unpleasant words do not cost much. Yet they spoils almost everything. Whereas kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much -

- Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced -

- Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking -

- If you harp on what happened between the past and the present, you will find you have lost the future -

- Justifying a pain doubles it -

- Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards -

- No one can actually make you really sad except for yourself -

- There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm -

- You cannot create sadness. You must undergo it. It's just like experience -

- Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless -

Why?

I was wondering…why is it so easy to advice others, to show empathy to them, listening to them but when it comes to my own self, I seem to fail to display all of those abilities…

最光彩的时刻/最暗淡的时刻

大多数二十多岁的男人处于他一生中最暗淡的时刻，没事业，没钱。二十多岁的女人正处于她一生中最光彩的时刻，她年轻，她漂亮。 所以20多岁的男人更应该珍惜在这个时候爱他的女人，因为她是用她一生中最光彩的时刻来陪伴你一生中最暗淡的时刻!

Being Positive

Finally, this post is up. What i have now, what i am now, whom i'm with now, who i have now is all very much thankful to one word 'positive'. I used to be pessimistic and i realise pessimism is contagious in its own way, and as it spreads, it gets worse and worse. There is no particular medicine, no particular cure. The only way is to be positive. Sounds simple? NOT AT ALL.

It's always easier said than done. There are always so much talk about being positive. It's sooo easy to say it, but to perform it, it's really difficult. It takes alot of courage, because you are risking. Being positive doesn't mean ignoring what is happening around you and living within some kind of a "positive bubble".

Definitely, no one can expect someone who is going through problems or disasters, or living in difficult circumstances, to ignore his/her present condition and start thinking positively right away. However, it is easier to think positively in comfortable situation and not in the midst of problems or a difficult situation.

So what is being positive? Saying that everything is going to be all right, smiling with no reason or ignoring problems and difficulties, without trying to solve them, is not being positive. It is being unpractical. I suppose being positive could mean to expect the best and believe that a bad situation would improve which is quite practical in some sense. Being positive can be looking for opportunities and for solutions, instead of doing nothing and blaming everybody for their troubles. It's bad enough bad situations or problems occur, therefore, don't dwell on their problems, live in self-pity because it just makes everything else worse.

Many often, when going through bad times, faced by disasters, misfortune or hardships, became despondent, negative and unhappy. It's as though there are no longer any solution to whatever they are facing at that point of time. These cirsumstances and situations then affect the mood and state of mind. Yes, although being positive will not make circumstances and condition disappear, as if by magic, but with a positive attitude you can improve the situation and be more in control of your state of mind, your reactions and your behavior. No one can control the external circumstances, but we can always change our sttitude and the way we feel, even if it means to make us feel a little bit better, even if it means to make us feel better for just a little short while.

It is not easy for that in difficult situations to think positively. This idea might not arise straight away but it's just that some would choose not to let the events they go through to affect their mind, and they are therefore happier and suffer less.

Even in the midst of war, people can think of peace. Even in the midst of disasters, people can see light and seek solace. Positive thinking is being hopeful, and hope brings light and happiness for one. One can dwell in fear and negative expectations, but and one can also try to do the best under the circumstances. It is a matter of choice.

-to be continued-

It's Been Awhile Now

It's been quite awhile now. Everything is just starting to set in and fitting in perfectly well. Slowly and slowly, stability finds it way through the course. I'm glad it eventually did anyway. Path is getting clearer and the trails left behind never fails to stay and serve as a reminder or memory.

Chinese New Year is coming. I know it's not as happening as how i've enjoyed in when i was younger. But i can't wait for those goodies, those yummy food, and best of all, buying new clothes. This is the time of the year where i would really part with my money for clothes which i love. And guess what, shopping commences in less than 5 hours time and i simply can't wait.

Studies on the other hand has been tough. Probably much due to the fact that it's just the start of the module. I suppose it's a starting phase that i have to go through. It applies to all other aspect of life as well. But as i move myself towards graduation, i'm really glad i'm nearing the finishing line and hopefully, i can embark on my career as what i've always wanted and wish for.

Concerts! So many concerts this year! Green Day, The Killers (Damn, they cancelled in their last minute), The Muse, Rise Against, S.H.E, MayDay, JayChou, Boys Like Girls, Paramore etc...ooooo....but i'm going to be super broke if i catch all of them. Stupid Killers made me regretted not buying Green Day concert tickets instead, but then again, like what Bloms said, it's all fated. Just not meant to be. Alright, i shall put the money to good use. MayDay, here i come!!!!

Photos! I'm turning into a camwhore ever since i was 'born' because someone's back...i can't help it. I am seriously considering getting a camera. How now brown cow?

Disappointing Man Utd

I can't help but really blog about this. My passion is not as strong as before, largely due to the fact that my dad decided to remove Starhub Cable TV from our home sweet home. I choose to remain the Red Devils faithful but signing up for Singtel Mio TV for the soccer channels, not wanting to distance myself from Man Utd. But as i pen everything down now, they are literally disappointing every fans possible.

Not to mention the Glazers takeover which has already happened donkey years ago, and making Man Utd piling with debts that not you and i can ever paid for even 1/10 of it in our entire lifetime. Worse, the selling of C.Ronaldo doesn't seem to be doing Man Utd any good, even though until now, i still want to believe C.Ronaldo isn't what's behind Man Utd success in recent seasons. Lastly, their inconsistency and injury lists is the most worrying part. None and i really mean none, not even my Beloved Ryan Giggs, is consistent this season. Let alone the old white retard who loves chewing on his gum and has been standing by the sidelines for decades always not knowing what he is doing exactly.

Probably i sounded harsh, but put yourself in the shoes of every Red Devils fan, that is exactly how we will feel. Disappointment after disappointment. Loss after loss to opposing team which we would even not want to see and worse, losing to Leeds United, giving up the FA cup which Man Utd has claimed honours for years.

I dare not hope for anything else, but i'll just look forward to next season but meanwhile, i shall get myself into the mood of world cup. Hope Argentina don't disappoint as much as Man Utd does.

Go Argentines!

I Feel Blessed....

I can’t believe, even until now that I have such mentality…I realize, that I won’t be able to have that without a certain belief I held and still holds so strongly..

I suppose…it’s her, those ‘make so much sense’ quotes…those real life true touching stories….those meaningful song lyrics, those lessons I learnt from my past that really sees me through each and every single day….

Blessed…

07 Jan 2010 - 一切的开始。。 [Edited]

Just like that, we're together. But if you look in between that three words 'just like that', there are so much of fine details, and it is basically these three words that brought us together eventually.

Everything seems amazing. So amazing i never thought that one day...
...i'll be saying i love you

From someone whom existence was once, barely noticed, crushed on you for bare two days, afterwhich, totally didn't bother about your existence. And there you go, becoming someone i love. Becoming a person i want to share my life with, becoming a person i want to commit in taking care and making you happy. Seiously, i'm not sure when did i fall in love with it, but i'm sure it all begins with something simple, so simple it can be described in one word, called like. I began liking your company, i began liking how you would share, i began liking your presence and eventually, i realised i missed all of those whenever you are not around, just so unknowingly. Slowly and slowly, i realise i needed them to make my day. I realise i need your presence to make me feel myself.

I kept my distance as much as possible. I knew my limits, i drew that line clearly and appropriately. Until i feel that i was given the go ahead, i go beyond slightly. To test myself, to make sure i was sure of myself, to make sure i was sure of my feelings, to make sure i was sure of what i want. At the same time, to test you, to test if you do like me or if not, my presence. My efforts were appreciated. I felt positive. I moved on day by day. I wanted to get closer to you. All of those, you react well. I can't help, but really simply can't help wanting to be even closer to you.

Eventually, i got affected by little twiny stuff about you. Simply everything and anything you do starts to affect me. I get upset or disappointed whenever you said things that makes me feel all is gone. I get superbly happy whenever you said things that makes me feel, i'm ready to make the next move.

Eventually i got myself into a 'do and fail terribly or do and continue' situation. I struggled the worst then. But the angel in me, wants me to give it a shot. To give this thing called love a shot again. Telling me how i shouldn't live in my shadow of the past. Telling me how i deserve someone better. Telling me how i myself can still give happiness and love to that someone better. Telling me how i should be positive. Telling me how i should try and fail rather than not try and regret it all. And finally, eventually i did, after much much much thought. I gave this so much thought that i can think of anything that could possibly be thought off, even until 'death do us part'. And possibly because of that, i'm amazed even by myself the amount of courage i had to confess to you. Everything feels magical, that i feel i had my own fairytale for a moment.

I started to ponder....
what if i didn't include you into those chain emails
what if my previous relationship didn't failed
what if you rejected my request to ask you out
what if i didn't drive out at times to go supper with you
what if i didn't joined MR years ago
what if i didn't go Japan
and finally the big qns, what if i didnt confess.......

All the 'what ifs' made me feel, fate plays a huge chunk of most of it. It's almost everything was pre planned. It's as though all of those mentioned was destined and suppose to be. It''s like we had to go through what we went through. It's as though all that happened for a reason, for a reason we didn't realise, for a reason we didn't think it is and eventually for a reason we are starting to accept and eventually it's for that reason we are finally together.

I know how hard both of us tried to keep our belief. I was extremely happy when you let known your feelings that day. It made me feel, appreciated. It made me feel that i can once again believe in love. It made me feel, important to you to a certain extent. With that, i became positive, wanting to show your my sincerity, wanting to put my words into action, wanting to let you feel loved, wanting to make you happy, wanting to make you find your happy self back, wanting to make you know, all is gone but not lost.

There's ups and downs throughout. I don't know, call it lucky, which i do feel. I'm lucky to fall in love with a friend. Lucky because i need not guess what kind of person you are. Lucky because i know who i'm falling in love with. Lucky because i do not have to guess so much into you. All that, i felt so strongly, i found the right one. When i see how pessimistic you are sometimes, it got into me, but never once did i felt disheartened and wanting to give up. Instead, i remained positive and hope i can help you tide over this tough period.

We too had our good days. All those moments make me even sure of what i've got myself into. It made me even sure of who i am really with. All that makes me feel that i'm ready to fall in love again, makes me feel i'm ready to commit a relationship with you. Although there's hesitation, nevertheless, my belief held so strongly all because my feelings was so overwhelming and it overcomes all of that.

Now that we're together. I realised how much i'm willing to do for you yet again. All these are those never before feeling. Somehow, i matured. Maybe not, but i feel that way. I will work hard, i must work hard and i am doing so, because i see a future with you right now that i want to build on, and i realise and know i can't do this alone but with you. And for all of the above mentioned, i want to let you know...I Love You