A 100 And 10 % Me

I pray...

2010-10-13T20:43:00.001+08:00

Please let it happen this time... please...

Day Trip With The Cousins

2010-07-04T23:01:00.003+08:00

My cousins were down to Sunshine Coast for the weekend so we decided to spend Saturday exploring all that is on offer.I rented a Hyundai Accent for $56 including insurance and started my trip down to Eumundi Markets to meet my cousins. It was about a 30 minute drive from my place. But as fate would have it, I took a wrong turn and spent 15 minutes backtracking to get on the right track.

Eumundi Markets is essentially a festival-like bazaar with the ultimate assortment of stalls. It is so big that you probably need half a day to finish exploring all the stalls. I bought a big popcorn to share with my housemates during the Germany-Argentina World Cup quarter-finals later that evening. The popcorn is simply mind blasting and definitely the best I have ever eaten.After the stalls closed, we visited the nearby chocolate factory and headed down for some strawberry picking. We ended up at Strawberry Fields, and plucked $7 worth of strawberries. They were real sweet and bursting with natural goodness. Needless to say, we ate more than we plucked!

We then drove to Noosa Heads, about 50 minutes away. It was dark when we got there. After a review of the seafood restaurants, we decided to go for steak at Hogs Breath Cafe. I ordered smoked grilled prime tenderloin ($29) and it was decent though I have had better.

On the drive back, I relied on my iPhone for directions. There was no street directory in the rented car, which was a shame. I had barely left Noosa Heads when my iPhone displayed it's 'Battery Low' warning. What the hell! Plus the Google Maps brought me to a deserted road so haunting that I turned turtle and backtracked with my tail between my legs. It was definitely not a road for the faint hearted and the glow of the iPhone on my face in the rearview mirror added to the creepy atmosphere.

Eventually I stumbled onto the motorway and hit familiar ground. The iPhone died on me just as I reached home. Phew! It wouldn't be funny to be stuck in a deserted Aussie suburb where petrol stations are closed and streets dark. Sure was a harrowing experience and I thank God I made it back safely.

Just out of interest, a young Aussie punk gave me the finger as I was driving to return the rental car this morning. I definitely didn't break any traffic rules or did anything to provoke that but I got pissed off and contemplated chasing him down. I'm sure he would run helter skelter if I did that. In the end I just brushed it off as YET ANOTHER racist encounter. Disturbing, no doubt but I'm starting to get used to it.

Mindblasting!

2010-06-27T20:39:00.004+08:00

I have word from Aunty Agnes that the temperature in Perth has dipped to minus 2.5 deg C yesterday! Goodness gracious! I pity the flyboys who have to get up at 6am to unlock the aircraft for the day's flying. Their fingers would definitely be numb in the biting cold.

Over here in Brisbane, temperature in the day is about 20 deg C. It is nice and warm and we don't need to wear jackets here, unlike back in Perth. At night the temperature is about 10 deg C but we have heater air-conditioners in the house so it keeps the house warm.

Yesterday we planned to visit Brisbane city since we haven't had the chance to check it out yet and the off day ought to be put to good use. Spirits were high after the good lunch of roasted ham and tomato sandwiches, washed down with Bundaberg sarsaparilla.

Barely after leaving our house, we suffered a tyre puncture when we pulled onto the motorway. We didn't know what the rattling noise was due to, and as it got louder we decided to pull over to the side of the motorway and take a look. The tyre was as flat as the road and we were lucky that the rims weren't damaged by the raw driving.

The last time I changed a tyre was many years' back and I couldn't remember whether it was unscrewing the nuts before jacking or vice versa. We pooled our knowledge and found that you should loosen the nuts first before you jack up the car. And to work we went. We brought out the spare tyre and the tools lying on the side.

Alas! The wrench/spanner couldn't fit the nuts! Who the hell would put tools that won't work on the car inside?!!

Thus we waited by the side of the road and wait for our other car to come back as we figured we could use their tools. It was weird for three Chinese dudes to be standing by the side of an Aussie motorway. Cars tooted us, some punk even shouted something as his car whizzed by. I couldn't catch what he was shouting but I reckoned it is something racist. I'm pretty used to the ~~increasing~~ racism here in Eastern Aussie anyway so I wasn't bothered. But it sure is getting bad and Julia Gillard's new government had better check it before they lose our precious tourism dollars.

Our other car came back after some time as they had ~~got lost~~ to find a couple of exits to turn back on the motorway. Unfortunately they didn't have the tools too. While we were cracking our heads for a solution, a car pulled over. You cannot believe it when I tell you that it is our Saudi neighbour staying next door! He said he saw us by the road as he drove past, then he figured out that we needed help and turned back to see if he could lend a hand. What are the odds of that! He had the tools and we changed the tyre in no time.

I reflected that in a foreign land, it doesn't matter if you are Indian, Middle Eastern, Asian or whatever. Some of the locals may despise and look down on us just because we aren't of the same race but its alright. I am sure not all locals are like that anyway. I feel heartened to see a fellow human being staying in the same foreign land helping each other out. And I am pretty sure that if our roles were reversed and I was driving past them, I would be sure to turn back to stop and help. Singaporeans back home should think about this the next time they 'tsk' a China worker.

So in the end, we didn't go to Brisbane city but we spent the day ~~ogling bikinis~~ playing frisbee at Noosa Beach. Sure warms the spirits and numb fingers ~~and other body parts too~~ if I may add.

The Day My Mouse Was Killed

2010-06-25T22:54:00.002+08:00

Sorry for the long delay since my last update!

In short, I have been doing none much since I returned home to Singapore from Perth. By a stroke of luck and God's blessing, I was posted to Changi Airport for my ground duties. Those in the industry would liken that to be the best posting since you only need to report to work once a week and only a few hours' work each time. Those five months of ground duties were simply pleasant when you consider that your peers have to report to work at the HQ-equivalent every single day. I love Changi Airport!

Thus time really flew while I busied myself selling off my old Canon 40D system and getting a new 5DMII. I also went to London with Uncle Louis and I had the pleasure of experiencing First Class Don Perignon and wine and my uncle's sweet landing on the A380. Yes, flying does run in the family but I didn't expect myself to be the next baton-bearer of my generation. London was absolutely lovely and I really enjoyed being there. I would love to be there again and I aim to take my folks there next year.

Uncle Louis' mother passed away in late April, which was a sad occasion for the family. I remember her for her humour (she simply was the most humourous old lady I ever knew) and will miss her.

During those few months at home, I met someone new and we hung out quite a bit. I almost thought I met destiny but it turned out otherwise. Is it just me or are girls really complicated? ~~Or is it that I am too smart to be played the fool?~~ I guess Cupid and I aren't best friends yet still. Strangely I'm not perturbed at all by the news of more friends getting married. But I get very disturbed when relatives keep asking me the same darn question which is about as welcome as a booger on one's lip. Even my folks don't bug me about it at all. So bugger off!

In late April, word got out that we will be next to go to Brisbane for our next phase of training - the jet advanced training on the Lear 45. And I started preparing for my training by reading my notes and going through the computer-based training. Little did we know that it would be at least a month before we departed for Brisbane. Damn, I should have enjoyed myself more during that time instead of fessin' over the training stuff.

I left for Brisbane on the night of the 24th of May and a little under seven hours later, we arrived in Brisbane International Airport. We were transported to our accommodation which is a holiday resort by the way. The house is a double-storeyed house, very spacious and comfy and much better than what we had been staying in Seletar and Perth. My only grouse is that we need to cook our own meals which is a bitch if you are like me who is used to Mom's cooking all my life. Good thing that came out of it is that I guess I am a pretty good steak chef (that's what they say)!

The first phase of training is the cockpit procedural training on the simulator (call it sim for short). The sim is nothing like your everyday arcade Daytona kind of graphics - it is shit hot visual perfection filled with landscape, terrain and even aircraft flying around! You feel like you are in a real aircraft when you sit inside. Even the oxygen masks work like the real thing!

My first sim session (2am to 8am dammit!) was with Capt Ron McCaulay who was leaving the college soon. We learnt tons of stuff from him, funny guy too. The Lear is a magnificent beast to fly! Unlike the Cessna which could be on finals for eternity, the Lear flies at minimum 120+ knots which is about 220+ km per hour. You got to be fast to match the steed! But at the end of the sim, we were very encouraged by Capt McC who told us we will sail through our training here, no problems and he would put money on that. It sure was a morale booster!

To date, I have done take-offs, landings, circuits, emergency descent, NDB / VOR / DME arc / ILS approaches. My landings were quite poor in the beginning - I noticed that unlike the Cessna where you flare (pull the nose of the aircraft up) till you can barely see the runway, there is very little flare on the Lear. The secret to a good landing, Uncle Louis always said, is to reduce the thrust slowly - I tried that and my landings were so much better now. Gold! That said, I really enjoy flying the Lear though the learning curve here is not a steep one; but rather a vertical one with afterburners behind what more.

Finally, the crux of today's post: I killed my mouse today by dropping it on the floor and it smashed into a hundred pieces. Sob, it was with me since my ex-company days and seen uncountable miles of scrolling through ~~porn~~ ~~educative websites~~ work and play. Damn, it had even been through my ~~breakup~~ worst and best moments. It's like a crocodile that survived the bladdy Triassic period.

Sob.

Today, I prayed...

2010-01-02T21:28:00.003+08:00

... and so I made my pilgrimage to Novena Church today for the first time in 9 months.

It felt so good to be back where I usually sit and I am totally amazed at how the place never changes - the way I love it.

I gave thanks for bringing me back safely and completing the training smoothly.

For making it back for Xmas and New Year though it sure was a frenzied last 2 months.

Especially for my family, for their support and love.

I also prayed... that I will know whom is chosen for me when the time comes.

Wounds have definitely healed but do I dare try again?

Just too afraid to be swept off my feet just to find out that the engine fails on me once again... Just reflecting, I guess.

It's so good to be back!

2010-01-02T21:15:00.002+08:00

After the dust has settled, I'm delighted to clear my flight tests and be home for Xmas! (and New Year of course!)

It was a long and tumultuous journey, from the very first sortie where you aren't sure if you are cut out to fly... to the very end where handling of the aircraft is just pure instinct and its just too beautiful - from the cocoon to the flapping of wings.

Over the last week, I managed to catch up with my chums whom I hadn't seen for the past 9 months, as well as help out Ah Di's wedding on the day after I touched down! I'm still out of touch with the happenings in the country, but its slowly coming back.

From time to time, I find that I do miss Perth quite a bit. Especially the weather, the friendly people, the fresh air, the long distance driving... and of course, the flying through the sunset trying to make it back before last light. Priceless and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There's no place like home! That, I'm sure, Jo will agree :)

No regrets...

2009-12-04T11:46:00.004+08:00

I have a blogger friend whose dad passed away recently. My heart goes out to her as I could really feel her loss and pain from her latest blog post.

I can't help but reflect that we only really treasure a person after he or she is gone. Only afterwards do we keep repeating "if only this, if only that"... It is too late by then.

Do we often, through words or actions, let our loved one(s) know that we love him or her or do we simply keep it in our hearts thinking that its too mishy mushy?

Barely less than two months ago, my dad went for a angioplasty operation to insert not one, not two but THREE stents in his heart arteries. I was to learn much later (my folks kept it from me) that his heart stopped during the surgery and the doctors had to resuscitate him, just like in the movies.

He was to joke with me later that he went to heaven but St Peter told him his time wasn't up and sent him back instead. Funny, my dad - he could always see the funny side of things in his unique wicked humour.

It got me thinking about my dad, how he goes about quietly showing his concern and support for me and my sis throughout our lives, our failures and our successes and yet we always took his presence for granted. More often than not, we would let loose a sharp word or an irritated look whenever he comes into our rooms to ask how our day went. Quietly he would slink away knowing we wouldn't like to be disturbed when occupied with our magazines or Xboxes.

I almost lived to regret the day.

Together with my mom, he visited me here in Aussie just two weeks ago. I made sure I spent much quality time with him, taking walks with him in the cool evening air, a chat while watching TV and laughing at the corny Aussie commercials, joking at Mom going to the casino and checking out his catch when we went fishing. My busy flying schedule did keep me from spending time with him and mom during the daylight hours but I make it a point to see them when I am free no matter how tired I would be. I thank God that my critical dual flights with my ~~fierce~~ instructor went well and he was pleased with me. It was the best month of my stay here in Aussie and I dare say my folks enjoyed it as well.

I never needed to say it but I know that my dad knows how much I love him.

I know no one can live forever but while our loved ones are still around, we should put away our ~~useless~~ indulgences and instead channel that energy towards loving them.

No regrets.

From now on.

Boo!

2009-09-16T13:59:00.002+08:00

I may have a tendency to trivalize certain matters and laugh it off but the supernatural is definitely not one of them.

I received the below from a friend but as for whether it works or not, I can't be 100% sure.

Better to be safe than sorry! You don't really want to have an uninvited guest snuggle in bed with you when you are asleep.

Here goes:

*Every single hotel, there shall be at least a permanent room which should be left vacant at all times. No matter how full the hotel is, they are not to sell that room(s) to any guest. It was said that special rooms are "reserved" for those "special visitors".

So, if you plan to stay in some hotel, always book in advance. Try to avoid walk in. If the receptionist told you there are no more rooms available, do not insist one anymore or try to bribe them to give you a room. If you do that, most of the time the room you have will be that "special room".

Sometimes those "special visitors" might go to other rooms also (surprise! horrors of horrors), so here's some tips on how to protect yourself:

- Before entering your room, always knock on the door first, even if you know the room is vacant.

Maybe its a good thing my parents brought me up to be courteous?

- After you enter the room, if you felt very cold suddenly and have "chicken spores", leave the room quietly immediately and go to reception to request to change room. Most of the time the receptionist will understand what's happening.

If not, lock the receptionist inside the room?

Of course, one should have the presence of mind to check that the air conditioning is not set to freeze your buns off in the first place.

- After you enter the room, immediately switch on all of the lights, and open the curtain to let the sun light in.

This sounds somewhat like in the Blade movies where sunlight dispenses all the undead... call me Daywalker afterwards?

- Before you go to bed, arrange your shoes so that one of them is upside down. Some say this is representing yin & yang to protect you while you're asleep.

My personal opinion is to leave the shoes as they are so that in the event that you need to evacuate the room suddenly, you need not waste precious seconds turning the shoes over. A sudden fire doesn't care about your "yin & yang" anyway.

- Always leave at least a lamp on while you're sleeping, preferably the toilet lamp.

But in horror movies, the assailant normally strikes when you are having a shower, no?

- If you're staying alone and they have given you a twin bed, do not sleep with the other bed vacant, try to put your things like luggage on the other bed before you sleep.

So you have to turn one luggage upside down too? Well I would try to join the two beds together... or simply request for a room with a queen bed. But no queens in my bed please...

Okay, it seems I am trivalising this as well ;P

50 Cent had a song titled "21 questions"...

2009-09-12T13:00:00.007+08:00

... but he doesn't come close to this.

99 questions to burn time. But only if you have the time.

I realize this is a total waste of time but nonetheless it helps to boost my blog postings for September.

Now now, don't go judging me after you finish this. I wasn't taking this seriously and you shouldn't too!

Here we go:

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?

One on my bottom right jaw in my juvenile days... got it climbing a tree to get to a bird cage my uncle hoisted up. Slipped and used my lower right jaw as a brake to slow my rate of descent down the tree trunk. Followed by a good thrashing from my uncle afterwards :P

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?

At home - SAF posters to make me feel GARANG.

In my bunk - the Ten Commandments which I try hard to follow (but always fail to).

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?

I am told that I do snore and at times, jump out of bed while frantically swatting away an imaginary rat on my chest.

(and involuntarily causing much distress to my roomie and making him thinking we are in the middle of a terrorist attack)

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?

Everything except country western and electronica / trance.

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?

2am. Yes, I did interrupt my mom's sleep...

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?

Right now, I have a strong urge to settle down and give my parents a grandchild to hold in their arms.

7. WHAT/WHOM DO YOU MISS?

No comments.

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?

My DSLR system. Anyone who breaks it, I will break him.

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?

At my most recent medical checkup, I am told I am 1.84m tall.

There is no reason to doubt the doctor.

Further reflection revealed that I have been living my 1.82m lie for the past 14 years.

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?

Only if I am surrounded by rats. Heh.

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?

Only pussies do... haha.

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?

Can't be named here but sure did burst the River Hwang Ho.

13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?

Losing my loved one(s).

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?

Long straight tresses definitely, don't really like curls. Have eyes, will do.

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF BEING PROPOSED TO?

If I need a girl to propose to me, I will be in dire straits for the rest of my life.

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?

Kopi-O siu dai!

17. FAVORITE PIZZA?

Have pizza, will eat.

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Probably be a good medium-rare steak with some nice wine.

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME

Only pussies and men with alternative lifestyles have favourite colours.

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?

Have you?

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?

8 years old - my duck soft toy ;)

22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?

Yes. Usually its not realistic.

And all the time its never mutual.

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?

Are you?

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?

Timberland.

25. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?

Female: Right now, its a cross between Scarlett Johansson and Jeon Ji-Hyun.

Male: Edison Chen. Just kidding. No favourites.

26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?

Nope. Does my roomie count?

27. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?

Yes.

28. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SCENT?

Some blue bottled woman's parfum from Polo Ralph Lauren.

29. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED.
...

30. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
...

31. FAVORITE QUOTE?

Too lazy to type it out.

32. FAVORITE PLACE?

Home. My room. Specifically, my bed.

33. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?

Dumb-ass bastard who created this quiz...

34. YOUR WEAKNESSES?

Can't say no and too trusting. Oh and over critical sometimes.

35. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?

Couple of actors and actresses and corporate figures.

36. FIRST JOB?

Number-cruncher. See previous blog posts to have an idea.

37. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?

HAHAHA yes! To the police!!!

They called me back and that sure wasn't a prank call...

38. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOUL MATE?

Yeah but there are times when you look at some people and you think, there's no way that person can connect to anyone.

39. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?

Having breakfast with my mates.

40. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?

Yup. Injury prone, I am.

41. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?

My height. It makes other guys jealous. HAHAHA. Shorties.

42. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?

For what. I have perfect teeth (chey...... hahaha).

43. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?

To celebrate it with someone I really like.

And no, it doesn't involve a night of debauchery afterwards.

44. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND THEIR NAMES?

Three and the daughter will be named Kayla.

45. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

Apparently so, judging from my sister's too.

46. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?

(Bad) Looks. Being less feminine. The way she carries herself.

47. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKED ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?

Playing soccer before school, during school and after school.

And getting top marks without studying (chey.... hahahaha).

48. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?

Vidal Sassoon. I like the scent.

49. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

Of course!

50. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

Has to be human mea... Luncheon meat!

51. ANY BAD HABITS?

Can't be put in print here. But I use a lot more vulgar language than I would like.

52. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?

Competitive yes, jealous no.

53. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

Ah bu den?

54. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS?

I don't understand this question. Pass.

55. DO LOOKS MATTER?

Yes yes yes.

But there is a age-hardened quote from a mate of mine that can't go down in print here... heh. Some of you bastards from Rm 1 & 39 will know what it is... HAHAHA.

56. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?

Can't be put in print here but definitely doesn't involve anything from the Internet or downloaded clips.

57. DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS?

My wonderful sister ;)

58. WHAT'S YOUR MAIN GOAL IN LIFE?

I do what the Lord wants me to do.

59. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AS A CHILD?

Running around the kampung, climbing trees, dodging rats and making the dogs go crazy.

60. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?

Don't really know, don't really care.

61. WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?

F***, no!!!

62. DO YOU USE SARCASM?

Its in me aplenty. But usually I'm too slow-witted to use it.

63. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?

All look like smashed shit to me albeit light-coloured ones.

64. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?

Humour. Street-smart. Independence.

65. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?

JohnnyBoy and Long Schlong (don't ask me but its not what you think).

66. IF YOU HAD A SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Every shot turns into a goal. What a megastar footballer I would be.

67. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?

Sex & The City and Man vs Wild.

Yeah, I know its kind of a weird combination.

68. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH YOUR ENEMIES?

Hit them below the belt (literally and figuratively). And ignoring them.

69. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?

Mint.

70. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES?

I am thankful to the Lord that I do, yes.

71. DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER IN YOUR ROOM?
...

72. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?

I would really like to just laze in my room but I have a dinner appointment I can't turn down.

73. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE WHEN YOU ARE OLDER?

Beside my folks.

74. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?

I am watching you closely so make sure you do. Heh.

75. LAST THING YOU ATE?

A very filling breakfast.

76. LAST THING YOU DRANK?

Water.

77. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

Flight ops.

78. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?

Height, legs, eyes, smile, voice.

79. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

Photography! Laze in bed after waking, watching movies, exploring the country.

80. FAVORITE THING TO HATE?

Bad weather can be quite a bitch in my profession.

81. FAVORITE SEASON OF THE YEAR?

Winter.

82. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY?

Minties!!!

83. HAVE YOU EVER REALLY HAD A BEST FRIEND?

Had many best friends but yet to find my bestest friend.

84. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?

Ash. (too many white hairs...)

85. EYE COLOR?

Dark brown.

86. SHOE SIZE?

9 to 9 half.

87. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?

KFC.

88. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Aston's Specialities. I like Dan Ryan's too.

89. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?

Hell no.

90. WATCH TV TODAY?

No.

91. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?

Christmas Eve.

92. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS?

Dabbled in recorder in primary school and guitar recently. And not too long ago, Mary Had A Little Lamb on piano.

93. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?

Contrary to popular belief, I actually think the Govt is doing a great job.

94. KISSES OR HUGS?

Hugs (because it might lead to a kiss) ;)

Leonard: Doesn't apply to guys though, please.

95. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?

No ONS for me though I have yet to encounter one.

96. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?

Flying book. I believe I paid $10 more than I should have. F***!!!

97. WOULD YOU EVER BE A HOUSEWIFE?

Housewife??? Housefly??? Swat this question.

98. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?

Flying book. Yes, a book that flies. It's hard to keep up.

99. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE

Sweet, beautiful and innocent but crashed and burned on the first one. Cupid and me ain't exactly best friends ever since.

...

2009-09-10T13:13:00.000+08:00

You look at it.

You think about it.

You plan for it.

You make it happen.

You can do it.

Fly me to the moon

2009-08-17T11:49:00.004+08:00

Wishlist: Joystick

After getting hooked on Crimson Skies on my Xbox, I moved on to Microsoft Flight Simulator FX on my laptop. Just last week, it crashed (the program, not me) and my laptop kept rebooting by itself. After a night and a day, Chan and I discovered that FX caused a conflict with my Vista OS and caused a restart loop. And hence after it almost killed my OS, I gave it up and removed all my games on my hard drive. I was almost content to spend the last 5 months of my stay here without any games.

You could imagine my excitement when I chanced upon a coursemate who has Tom Clancy's HAWX. The kind of game that gives flyboy-wannabes wet dreams. Fighter jets, dogfights, Gs - all that good stuff.

And so Leo and I got it installed. And we took on each other one-on-one.

Awesome fun.

I predict that I will be getting one of these pretty soon. The best in the market but downside is that they don't come cheap.

BBB virus. Sigh.

For reviews and technical aspects, read this:

http://www.trustedreviews.com/video-games/review/2004/02/07/Saitek-Cyborg-Evo/p1

Feed the fishes!

2009-08-11T15:28:00.000+08:00

Rules of the air

2009-08-08T20:34:00.001+08:00

1. Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory.

2. If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull the stick back, they get smaller. That is, unless you keep pulling the stick all the way back, then they get bigger again.

3. Flying isn't dangerous. Crashing is what's dangerous.

4. It's always better to be down here wishing you were up there than up there wishing you were down here.

5. The ONLY time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

6. The propeller is just a big fan in front of the plane used to keep the pilot cool. When it stops, you can actually watch the pilot starts sweating.

7. When in doubt, hold on to your altitude. No-one has ever collided with the sky.

8. A 'good' landing is one from which you can walk away. A 'great' landing is one after which they can use the plane again.

9. Learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.

10. You know you've landed with the wheels up if it takes full power to taxi to the ramp.

11. The probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival. Large angle of arrival, small probability of survival and vice versa.

12. Never let an aircraft take you somewhere your brain didn't get to five minutes earlier.

12a. Stay out of clouds. The silver lining everyone keeps talking about might be another airplane going in the opposite direction. Reliable sources also report that mountains have been known to hide out in clouds.

14. Always try to keep the number of landings you make equal to the number of take offs you've made.

15. There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing. Unfortunately no one knows what they are.

16. You start with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck.

17. Helicopters can't fly; they're just so ugly the earth repels them.

18. If all you can see out of the window is ground that's going round and round and all you can hear is commotion coming from the passenger compartment, things are not at all as they should be.

19. In the ongoing battle between objects made of aluminium going hundreds of miles per hour and the ground going zero miles per hour, the ground has yet to lose.

20. Good judgment comes from experience. Unfortunately, the experience usually comes from bad judgment.

21. It's always a good idea to keep the pointy end going forward as much as possible.

22. Keep looking around. There's always something you've missed.

23. Remember, gravity is not just a good idea. It's the law. And it's not subject to repeal.

24. The three most useless things to a pilot are the altitude above you, runway behind you and a tenth of a second ago.

25. There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. There are, however, no old bold pilots.

One year on...

2009-07-23T12:37:00.005+08:00

This post goes out to the former members of the illustrious TP team. You guys know who you are.

Today, the 23rd day of July, marks my first anniversary of leaving my ex-company. Exactly one year ago on this day was my last day at work. You can't blame me for feeling nostalgic today!

I can still picture myself, usually the last of the executives to reach the office, sitting in my former cubicle with the computer in front of me, my cup steaming with green tea and the phone ringing incessantly on my left. ~~Usually I would ignore the phone. Can't these people call later?~~ Then I can hear Chief sitting in front of me talking on the phone (usually to Boss) and Sam taking his slow walk to the washroom/pantry, stopping by HX and Esther's cubicles to chit-chat. Esther's tinkling laughter soon resonates all around and punctures the solemn atmosphere of the ~~mortuary~~ office. Daniel would be stashing his keyboards on my left (about 200 words per minute) and LN on my right would be chomping on her bread as on any other morning.

The ~~useless~~ ~~piece of shit~~ Dubai-bound seatwarmer would come in late as usual and take his time to get organized. By then all the other managers are already deep in their Excel spreadsheets and Super Power Powerpoint presentations ~~and practising their cock-sucking skills~~. Paul and Eric would be debating over Man Utd's Champions League win and Arsenal's loss, gloating and poking at each other until veins begin to show on their necks. The ladies in the next branch would be chit-chatting and showing off their buys from the previous evening. By now, I would have gone through my ~~Facebook updates~~ emails and made my list of ~~how to slack~~ what to achieve for the day.

No doubt I am exaggerating the above but when push comes to shove, we work hard to get the job done despite tight deadlines, ~~non-supportive bosses~~ high workload and impossible-to-work-with authorities.

But of course the good jolly days have to come to an end. As the industry made gear-grinding changes, one by one, the valued members of the team left to join the Dark Side. All but Daniel and myself had left. Then Daniel left too. Was I to fulfill the prophecy that I would be the last Jedi? Is the Dark Side to be where I will find my destiny?

True to my words ("Over my dead body"), I found my destiny somewhere else.

Filled with excitement over my new job and totally elated, I dropped out of the rat race and spent the next three weeks trekking in jungles and fighting currents in rivers. From the dustless, spick and span well-polished tables of the boardroom ~~and Facebook pokes~~ to the humid and hot jungles of West Malaysia - it sure was a huge contrasting difference. It was all in good fun and I made many new friends, though leeches and jellyfish proved to be quite tough adversaries!

Once in a while though, I still do miss my phone ringing incessantly.

And of course, not picking it up.

Past blog entry: Presentation to CEO

2009-07-22T12:37:00.008+08:00

It was with much amusement when I recalled my first run-in with the top honcho at my ex-company. A greenhorn at that time, I was petrified and extremely nervous. I spent countless hours preparing for the presentation and when the time came, I'm glad I delivered.

Chuckle, chuckle.

***********************************************

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Presentation to CEO

I had my first presentation to CEO this morning. It kept me working late in the office since last week. I hadn't knocked off earlier than 8.30pm this week! But thankfully its over, and I can finally leave the office on time with some resemblance of daylight to spare. Thank goodness, I had the skill of the fishes and luck of the devil to get by this presentation today.

I woke up early today as I wanted to get to office early to tidy things up. So did my assistant Paul. He's a responsible chap and he helped out a great deal in this project. We went to the board room to set up the laptop and projector at about 8.30am. Suddenly I noticed a figure at the entrance (while we were busy with the gadgets). It was the CEO! She looked around, smiled and left the room.

I was amazed. After all the shit-wipes we received from the VPs since day one, the smile was a refreshing sight. It goes to show what kind of person she was. Not the grouchy, why-you-neverthink-of-it, why-you-show-me-this and get-out-right-now kind of boss. Even though she's at the top of the food chain.

The presentation went well. Mine was the first item on the agenda. I presented my case, chose every single word carefully (they warned me to be particular about what I say), had some stammers (c'mon it's my first time!) and answered her questions to the best of my ability. She was sharp and attentive. She actually remembers the figures from the previous slide, so there's no bullshitting her, not a chance. I remember her telling me at one point after multiple grillings, 'Don't worry, no need to jump to that slide. If you can answer me, just answer. If you cannot, just say you have no explanation to that. It's okay'. That sure reassured me a great deal.

What happened after that was inconsequential. I had my first experience with a real CEO and I emerged unscathed and wiser. What remained from the presentation today is to study a few more options and choose the best business case. Now we're talking about linking up with other business partners, determining the choice option and going for it.

Past blog entry: Who's complaining?

2009-07-20T23:13:00.006+08:00

Recently, I had the luxury of time (and much boredom) to review my former blog's posts from my archives. Reading through some of them brought out a chuckle or two, and other times, much nostalgia and sadness.

I would like to re-publish some of my favourite posts onto this blog. I hope you will enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed penning them.

This following post was written while I was still working in my previous job, drawing a decent and comfortable paycheck, shuttering between cubicles squeezing numbers out on sheets of paper and basically doing worthless work.

***********************************************

April 16, 2006

Who's Complaining?

Barely a week ago, I was dazzled by the success of my peers.

Seemingly effortlessly, these young men and women were making tons of money, more in a year than in ten of mine. Oh, someone's just bought a million dollar condominium in a swanky part of town, even before he hits 30. Oh, someone owns a car even if its just to drive to office and home. Oh, someone gets the chance to travel to exotic places in the US and Europe and making big bucks along the way and enjoying it. Me? Stuck in a 8 to 5 job that doesn't seem to have much career prospects in my personal development. I was even contemplating switching careers.

Today I was brought to earth soundly, with a loud THUD no less. It followed a rare outing with Mom to the market. You see, normally my parents attend church in the evenings of Saturday while I would attend mass on Sunday morning. Trivial as it is, I insist the choir is better on Sunday mornings. And today is special. Why? Because it is Easter Sunday. It is the day that Christ rises from the dead in the tomb to return to God. That makes it special.

So, following mass, I tagged Mom to the market while Dad, feeling a tsunami in the bowels, rushed home to the toilets. It's been a long while since I stepped into a market. Unlike many young Singaporeans, I'm not turned off by the smell of pork, fish, vegetables and I do not squirm over the wet floor.

Mom went to her favourite fishmonger, an auntie in her 50s. She's been here like forever, since the days we stayed at Haig Road. I've known her since I was small, and I still see her now, so it has been a long time really. This feisty little auntie has been providing the fresh fish on my family table, and I was privileged enough today to witness part of the process. Mom and her are best of friends, the relationship between them clearly the epitome of the demand-supply chain. One doesn't bargain, the other doesn't begrudge her access to the day's freshest fish and prawns; sometimes a lack of loose change is waivered, and other days more is given. How do I know? Well, Mom has been telling us their exploits in the market for as long as I know.

It was with much sadness to hear that the giant supermarket chain, Sheng Siong, is reducing the market people's incomes. Fox Books versus the little Shop by the Corner. And despite the dwindling income, this feisty auntie is keeping it going despite her being of reasonable retirement age. Her husband is no longer around, having been lost to a careless car driver years ago. Her son, a decent chap, is a hardworking fellow in a worldwide supply chain company and helps out at the stall every weekend. Her eldest daughter is married, her 2nd daughter is autistic. The brave auntie has been bringing up her family single-handedly with a meagre income. To add to that, she had to go for an operation lately to (put it simply) repair her hands, while had been damaged by years of chopping and grinding.

As I look at her, I could see a faint smile coming over her while she chopped away at the orders, piny hands no less. She only took pauses to look at my mom and exchange banter, things like 'Son's grown up, you can take it easy now' and 'there were three of them, two were bought already, the last is reserved for you' and 'poor workers have no money to buy better fish and settled for something poorer'. Life never seems to be short of anything, definitely not happiness.

Suddenly I feel contented. I feel guilty even, for receiving a decently fat paycheck without having to wake up early, work entire days and sleeping minimally. I no longer feel my job pays poorly. I have been truly humbled. A walk in the market can sure open my eyes to the simple things of the world.

Indeed, the most important thing in life is health and to stay happy.

The million dollar people can sod off to their Tatler glitz covers, Manolo Blahniks and Botox. I care not.

Because I fly

2009-07-15T16:47:00.000+08:00

Because I fly
I laugh more than other men.
I look up and see more than they.

I know how the clouds feel,
What it's like to have the blue in my lap,
To look down on birds,
To feel freedom in a thing called 'the stick'...

Who but I
Can slice between God's billowed legs,
And feel them laugh and crash with His step?

Who else has seen the unclimbed peaks?
The rainbow's secret?
The real reason birds sing?

Because I fly,
I envy no man on Earth.

Kaypoh fingers

2009-06-03T12:18:00.000+08:00

Winter is upon us. It is getting colder by the day, lesser daylight too. It doesn't help that you are homesick and missing your loved ones.

In this very low and emo mood, I was browsing through friends' Facebook profiles when I had this peculiar curiosity to plug in a particular name in the searchbox.

And there it was - one of the first few that came up. I noticed it was a new photo; that of a happy couple - guy with a I-don't-like-to-take-photos-actually smile and girl with a I-don't-care-but-you-have-to-take-photo-with-me look. It was evident who was forcing who to take the photo.

And now it can be made public. I do have my suspicions that it is due to the fact that there is nothing more to hide now that it was clear that I know everything from our last chance encounter at Parkway.

It got the emo-ness in me thinking. I was there before in the same position, same look, same smile, just that it is a new dude in my place.

Can we be replaced that easily?

Or is there always something special left behind that cannot be replaced?

If there is, I would like to know what it was, at least for me.

On my part, she can never be replaced. I would like to keep just the beautiful memories and discard the hurt and the sorrow but its so difficult, it cannot be done.

The good memories will always bring a smile to us. We prolong the lingering image in our heads, in that sepia image, and cherish the happy moment.

For as long as the thought is in our heads, the pain in our hearts can be forgotten... temporarily.

Alternatively, just one click - and the photo disappears.

In a flash...

2009-06-03T11:57:00.001+08:00

Twelve days came and gone in a flash and Mom's visit was over. I didn't realize how much I missed my family till my Mom's visit and I yearn for the day to return home to them.

In these twelve days, we didn't visit many places but just the normal ones. Freo for souvenirs to bring home to Little Mark & family, the City for Delizioso pizzas and restaurants, Coles and Woolies for daily useables, Port Bouvard for some good ol' fishing.

It really made my day when my Mom was present to see me fly and do what I was training here to do; thanks to Leo's narration which helped them to understand what was going on. And for two more subsequent flights as well. The swell in my throat and the high-headedness that followed were simply unforgettable.

At the airport last night, it dawned on me that it was the first time I was sending people off here. And being unable to follow them home - the feeling was shite.

A chunk of me went off with them to the boarding gates and the rest of me returned to my bunk on a very cold and wet night where you can see your breath against the orange glow of the street lamps.

Business as usual today but it never feels the same though...

Ode to the sufferers

2009-05-15T15:28:00.001+08:00

Quiet long cold nights, snug in bed warm.

Alarm sounds. Reluctance to climb out of bed at 5, water in the shower freezing cold.

Harsh winter wind on the dry face on the apron, freezing fingers. Pitch dark.

Fingers not working, too dark to find the nut that was dropped. Time ticking to get every aircraft opened.

Sun appearing over the horizon, darkness disappearing, fog dispersing.

Breath whistling, steaming in the sunshine.

First grim-faced instructor walking out, nervous student in the cockpit saying his final prayers.

Executioner and the damned.

Lights flashing, cranking engine, propellers coming to life.

Job done. Time for breakfast.

Second Solo

2009-04-29T15:21:00.003+08:00

After enduring a week of cancelled flights, I finally got up and flew my sortie 111. I thought after a week of non-flying, this is it, I would be rusty like hell and sure make all sorts of attitude errors and probably end up nose-diving into the ground or something.

Ironically, this could be the best sortie I ever flew here in JDK! My first 3 circuits with him were flawless apart from losing 50 ft during turns and overturning/underturning slightly from reference points. The landings were squeaky clean! On my final circuit, he took over the radio calls and requested for options to send cadet on solo (i.e. me). Approval was given and we made a full stop, dropped him off at the engine run-up bay and I got going!

112 was for 2 touch-and-gos and 1 full-stop. My first circuit was done following a Grobe; he was just right in front of me upon upwind (takeoff). I had to make a longer upwind to gain separation from him and on downwind, I had to drop to 85 knots else I would be catching up with him. The bastard did such a slow finals that I was on mid finals when he touched and still the bastard kept rolling and not vacating the runway (it was a full-stop for him). Finally he turned off and tower cleared me for touch-and-go. Exciting stuff!

The other 2 circuits were uneventful and I even had time to enjoy the scenery and time up in the air. I practiced my trimming - trim, then hands off and watched if the aircraft gained or lost height but it was good, able to maintain about plus-minus 50 feet. Trimming skills have improved! The finals were into the headwind so it wasn't a problem keeping the nose on the centre-line. Squeaky clean landings as well!

I am now much more confident with the aircraft; afterall its a machine that has to be tamed and brought under control. I am positive that with a few more sorties, my control will continue to improve and I will have more time for my sightseeing up there in the air :)

*********************************************************

Date: 29 April 2009
Name: Flyboy Johnny
Aircraft: Victor Hotel - Lima Tango Juliet
Time: 1200 to 1300 hrs

Fuel: 160 litres
Endurance: 274 minutes
Oil: 7 quarts
Hours remaining: 42.2 to phase 2
MR: Nil (Noted slight bald patch on starboard tyre)
Noted suction not in the green

ATIS

Code: D
Rwy: 24
Wind: 260-360/10
X-wind: M10 with MDW 03
Vis: 10km
Cloud: Cavok
Temp: 24
QNH: 1020

METAR YPJT 290230Z Auto 36007KT 9999 NDV // NCD 23/08 Q1020 RMK RF 00.0/000.0

TAF YPJT 282218Z 2900/2918 06010KT CAVOK FM290600 20012KT CAVOK FM291400 14010KT CAVOK RMK T 17 25 26 23 Q 1020 1020 1018 1019

1200 to 1240, 0040 minutes, 0.4 tacho, 3+1L
1240 to 1310, 0030 minutes, 0.4 tacho, 2+1L

"SYH, congratulations on your first solo!"

2009-04-21T16:42:00.011+08:00

One of an aviator's dreams is to fly; another is to fly solo.

I have finally accomplished both yesterday, 20 April 2009 at 1500 hours. Oh the joy and pressure released from my shoulders!

However in actual fact, I did not fly well yesterday in the solo check. I made so many mistakes, got reference points wrong, overturning and underturning, missed radio calls, the list goes on. It got to a point when he told me he is not going to send me solo and to head back. Thankfully that last circuit and landing was so swee that I am proud to have made it mine.

While preparing to taxi back, I apologized to him for cocking it up. He then told me, based on that last circuit, he will be sending me solo and I better make it as good as that circuit. I was shocked!

After dropping him off at the engine run-up bay, I taxiied out, made my radio calls (100% this time), no mistakes made during the circuit except that I went from flaps 0 to 20 in one action. There was a moonie in front of me and he made quite a wide circuit so apart from slowing down and watching him, there was nothing much different from other circuits.

Everything was superb till the landing.

There was a crosswind coming from the right; hence I cocked the aircraft nose to the right (we call it crabbing in). So during the flare, I applied opposite rudder, bringing the nose back to centre-line, cocked my right aileron to the wind from the right and continued holding off. A sudden gust of wind threw me off as my right wheel touched, it was dangerous! I quickly threw my controls to the opposite side and the the deflecting wind put me down on my other wheels. Phew! Sure made my heart jump!

"Sierra Yankee Hotel, congratulations on your first solo!", the friendly tower radioed as I was taxiing back to pick up my instructor.

"Thank you very much!", I went.

Nothing much eventful happened during the taxi back, except tower requested us to help find this Y X V who forgot to cancel his start-up approval.

"Get some beer, get drunk, get laid and keep that smile going", he grinned as he got off the aircraft.

My first solo - never will I forget this day.

****************************************************

Date: 20/04/2009
Name: Flyboy Johnny
Aircraft Registration: Victor Hotel - Sierra Yankee Hotel

Fuel: 190 litres
Endurance: 326 mins
Oil: 6.25 quarts
Hours remaining: 22.68 to phase 2
MR: Nil
Noted bald patches on port and starboard main wheels

Take off ground roll required: 1213ft or 370m
Take off distance required to 50ft: 2156ft or 657m

Landing ground roll required: 667ft or 203m
Landing distance required from 50ft: 1541ft or 470m

ATIS

Code: G
Rwy: 24
Wind: 270/10
X-wind: M8
VIS: 10km red smoke haze
Cloud: CAVOK
Temp: 27
QNH: 1011
Others: RVFR

METAR YPJT 200430Z AUTO 26006KT 9999 NDV // NCD 26/16 Q1012 RMK RF 00.0/000.0

TAF YPJT 200415Z 2006/2024 20010KT CAVOK FM201400 10008KT CAVOK RMK T 27 25 20 18 Q 1011 1011 1012 1011

Movie Review: Match Point (2005)

2009-04-18T11:43:00.010+08:00

Before I begin my humble review of this thriller, I must mention that I am a big fan of gorgeous Scarlett Johansson. (Read: biased review coming up)

Scarlett plays Nora Rice, who is hitched to a rich scion of a tremendous family business and property, Tom Hewett. Enter the main protagonist of the film, Chris Wilton, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who starts the film as Tom's tennis coach and ended up getting married to Tom's sister, Chloe. From a lowly tennis coach, he finds his social and financial luck improve vastly.

Chris got entangled with Nora in a web of betrayal and sex, each cheating on their own partners. The sexual tension between the two got so bad that they had to bone in a field in the middle of a thunderstorm. Lucky bastard.

Not that they don't bone anymore when they got to the city. They still do. Talk about taking time off work to do some "ball hitting". Not those kind of tennis balls, I guess.

So things didn't work out between Nora and Tom, and instead she got mixed up with Chris who was doing well in the family business and muddled his relationship with wife Chloe. Things came to a head when the affair threatens his newfound luxurious existence and he decided to take matters into his own hands, coming up with a devious plan.

Filmography wise, I thought the directorship of Woody Allen was excellent. Scenes not vital to the buildup of the characters were skipped fleetingly; you see Tom's father talking to Chris about taking up business courses and next scene, voila, Chris is sitting in an MBA class. The buildup of the story and the moving of the climax (no pun intended) was excellent.

The main protagonists in the film, mainly Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Scarlett Johansson, played up their roles to great aplomb. You can feel the sexual tension, the need to feel each other, the want and desire for each other. Other than cursing the lucky bastard for most of the show, I thought Jonathan Rhys Meyers displayed great humility in the beginning of the show, but someone whose intentions you can never be sure of. Towards the end, he has blossomed into a confident business partner, great at covering his tracks, displaying traits of a wonderful husband, etc. I thought he did a great job at morphing his character from a lowly tennis coach to an up-and-coming successor. Scarlett on the other hand, went from vixen to irritating-third-party but that's the way it should be.

But being a huge fan of Scarlett, I could never get enough of her. You mean, you could? I guess my only gripe about this movie is the limited airtime that Scarlett had (compared to The Nanny Diaries). Dang!

Throughout the movie, I could feel myself in the shoes of Chris, from the attraction to a beautiful girl (Nora) to the guilt of a philandering husband, to the desperation of a man down and out and the fear of a wanted criminal. Few movies could make me feel the main character as well as Match Point and I really applaud the effort.

Poignantly, Match Point drives the importance of luck in one's life, over effort and virtue. Two characters from similar backgrounds with such different outcomes. I thought the following monologue from the movie was so true:

People are afraid to face how great a part of life is dependent on luck. It's scary to think so much is out of one's control. There are moments in a match when the ball hits the top of the net and for a split second it can either go forward or fall back. With a little luck it goes forward and you win. Or maybe it doesn't and you lose.

Would you rather be lucky over good? I would.

What A Week

2009-04-03T10:57:00.002+08:00

What a difference a day makes, once sang Jamie Cullum. I did think of him as a faggot once but it doesn't really matter now.

I haven't flew at all this entire week! It was kinda a wasted week but I did enjoy the breaks in the bunk, catching up on the Police Academy series and finishing the entire Taiwanese drama serial Corner With Love. The latter is a beautiful love story which I highly recommend to anyone, but the plot is a little too fairytale if you ask me.

I will be facing my solo checks next week and by the grace of God, I hope to be able to clear it by next week. Though I'm not flying regularly, the hours spent in the aircraft doing "mental flying" does help me quite a bit and strangely I feel more confident and at ease with it now.... until I get whacked again by my instructor. Till then, I'm really raring to go though a little part of me celebrated when the sorties got cancelled. Heh.

Easter's coming and we went for a penintential service on Wednesday evening. It's similar to what we have back home and it felt good to have made peace with the Lord. Churches here are very homely, very small communities and it seems that everyone knows everyone. An unfamiliar face (like mine) attracts lots of attention and my embarrassment starts when they find out the line of work I'm in, which I'm not too keen to divulge. I would rather people take me for who I am instead of what I do and I find it tiring to have to put up a professional front and have answer all their questions as if I'm in the front line of management. It's like being a celebrity; you have to wear that mask 24 hours non-stop and watch those uncrossing legs lest the paparazzi catch you not wearing any undies. I prefer it that when I'm out of uniform, hey, just take me as I am and as a typical bloke. Anyway just a few reflections here... hope it hasn't killed anyone yet. Heh.

Weather's turning a little chilly now and we borrowed a nice little heater from Uncle Pat and Aunt Agnes. Its been keeping us nice and snug at night when the wind assault is ferocious and chills you to the bone. I can't imagine how winter would be like! And those seconds between turning off your shower and reaching for your towel... that would be enough to make things ~~shriver~~ shiver. Shrugs!

Poem of a Flyboy

2009-04-03T10:53:00.001+08:00

Got this off a fellow flyboy... how beautiful.

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941

I miss...

2009-03-27T18:47:00.002+08:00

... my family, my mom, my dad, my sis, my little nephew... When can I see them again? I really miss them... I really miss home...

I miss my friends back home... and the many silly beer sessions, K-boxing, late night makan sessions, walks around Parkway and East Coast Park... All of them have such high hopes for me and I fear I may let them down...

The fear has never been so gripping :(

Though surrounded by friends around me in this foreign land, I feel so lonely. I feel like I'm out in the wilderness all by myself. And here, I have to fight my own battle. No one's standing beside you; you are all out on your own. That's the scary part.

Like a certain Miss Dion once sang, "All by myself.. elf.... don't wanna be... all by myself, anymore..."

...

Hot Air

2009-03-27T16:34:00.002+08:00

Bear with me for I need to let off some steam. You can probably skip this post.

I finally got to fly two sorties this week, the final two before my solo check comes up.

The first of the two sorties was really bad, so bad. The second one was an improvement but more needs to be done before he clears me for my first solo.

My confidence took a battering over these two flights. I know I have to improve by leaps and bounds before I am cleared for solo but I'm not sure if I can live up to his high expectations.

I know he will make me a better pilot but I'm struggling to live up to his high standards. The man's got 1,100 hours on this aircraft under his belt. I'm only in my 13th hour and that includes the paltry 5 hours on the 152 in Seletar. How to be like him that quickly?

Learning curve's damn steep; I'm heaping way too much demands on myself but I have no choice as the man's got a higher standard than the average instructor. And the crux of the matter is that if you do not clear your solo here, you lose your job. Bye bye. The cookie crumbles.

Hmmm I'm still trying to figure out how to do things right. Everytime I go through my checks on the ground, everything seems so right. But when I'm up there, for some reason nothing seems to click.

Frustrating.

On a brighter note, Leo cleared his 109 today, 1530 hours, on only the second attempt. Good job dude! Looks like the dinner at Springybark's on you! :P

Chittering Valley / Penguin Island

2009-03-24T14:57:00.032+08:00

Having got a long weekend, my mates and I decided to explore the suburbs of WA and headed down to Chittering Valley and Penguin Island.

Chittering Valley is about 80 plus kilometres from JDK and took about an hour to drive there. Flanked by rolling hills and endless farming land, we enjoyed the scenic drive though the temperature was searing.

Leonard and I first stopped by Western Valley, one of the vineyards in the region. The shop attendant Kristy (not sure if I got her name spelled right) was friendly and poured us generous amounts of wines to sample. The reds were quite good and I got a bottle for only $10. We then spent a good hour snapping photos around the vineyard outside.

Beautiful vineyard, eh?

Grapes ripe to be picked. Surprisingly it didn't occur to us to try them!

This well is termed "Old Well" and was built by the monks in New Norcia many moons ago.

Yes, many many moons ago.

The next day, we enjoyed a day off and hence we decided to check out Penguin Island with Chris' friend Winnie. Charles couldn't make the trip as he was due to fly, so we made the trip without him.

Penguin Island is about 5 minutes off the coast by ferry. It is about 45 minutes' drive from JDK. There is a sandbar that you can walk to get to the island if you didn't want to pay the $17.50 ferry fee that we did. Having got there about lunchtime, we sucuumbed to our stomachs' growling and settled for a very salty meal of fish and chips at Rockingham. Very salty, very oily and definitely unhealthy.

We took the ferry across and launched the Cam Whore Action Group rightaway, snapping away at anything that seems remotely interesting. Interestingly, we didn't see any wild penguins during the time we spent on the island except those kept in captivity meant to draw the whoos and ahhs from kids. My view is that penguins only return to land to nest when the sun sets and the last ferry timing of 4pm meant that we (or any other visitors) were not fated to have any penguin encounter.

Having been to Penguin Island off Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne, this one pales in comparison. It lacks the magical feel that the Melbourne one gave me but nonetheless it was a good outing to get some nice sun and cool sea breeze. It was interesting to note that the penguins on both Penguin Islands were fairy penguins, the smallest penguins in the world!

Feeding time!

Lord of the Rings gathering

This little bugger came down and strutted his stuff. Damn cute!

Penguin Island - no penguins but there are many enthusiatic photographers like this guy called Leonard. The pains to get a perfect shot... tsk tsk.

Reminds me a little of The Twelve Apostles in Melbourne

Oops. Too much post processing :P

After a tiring day in the sun, we took a drive back and freshened up before heading to Mundaring off Great Eastern Highway for some "world famous award winning" pizza. It was another long drive and it was late evening by the time we got there. Having had to wait 45 minutes for a table, the cold wind assault came fast and furious. It was cold! The weather here is turning wintry and it was no joke when you have to brave the cold in the wee hours of the morning preparing your aircraft for flight.

Anyway I found the pizzas a tad too extreme, tastewise. Too sweet (desert pizza), too salty (BBQ sauce) but the crust was excellently crisp to the bite. I did enjoy the pizza dinner though, especially with the boys (Leo, Charles, Chris) and the girls (Winnie and Min Yi). Charlesy and I had a fit of sugar rush and we couldn't stop laughing at a stage when we had a bout of fart competition. Gross yeah.

In all it was a very fulfilling weekend and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

On the flying front, I have not been flying since last Monday and I am getting bored. Afraid that I will forget all the little mental notes that I have been making and afraid that I have lost the confidence to take to the air. My solo check is coming; a week ago I was bursting with confidence but now the confidence has dipped. Let's see how the next flight goes.

A shoutout for the good work to Leo for a good performance in his solo check today. Dude, I'm sure you will clear it in the next flight. Dinner at Springybark this Sat on you mate! :D

First Rain in Jandakot

2009-03-17T11:37:00.004+08:00

Having been here a week plus, today is the first overcast day and we experienced rain... pitter patter.

And thus...

... sortie in the morning cancelled. YES! :D

I do hope the afternoon sortie gets cancelled as well. Haha!

Just don't feel like going up today with an unfamiliar runway and bad weather conditions. It won't help me improve and I don't see the value in going up and wasting the hours. I think I will be better off lounging in bunk and catching a movie or enjoying a cool beer.

Rain, good work, keep going please!

Scarborough Beach

2009-03-16T16:35:00.011+08:00

We drove down to Scarborough Beach yesterday, just off Kwinana Freeway. Its about half an hour's drive from Jandakot. In the morning, I went to church with Uncle Pat & Aunty Agnes and thereafter we went to Uncle Albert & Aunty Agnes Toh's house for steamboat lunch. I went back college to catch the boys and we headed for the beach at about 4pm.

By the way I must mention that the weather here is getting hotter. Day temperature is about 35 to 38 degrees C. You can feel your skin burn! Gripping an unshielded steering wheel will sear your palm. No kidding!

The beach was beautiful with lots of ~~bikini babes~~ families out for a nice day by the beach for some good wholesome fun. The sun was searing but Aussies apparently don't care. Likewise, they show scant regard to prowling sharks out yonder and they do surf quite far away. I guess for me, a few too many shark attack reports freak me out and no way am I getting in the waters here.

Anyway here are some photos to share with you all. Enjoy!

She's beautiful. Simply gorgeous. Took my breath away :D

A myraid of colours on a beautiful day

Pakie and Dong

Leonard takes the first step into the cold waters as Dong and Caleb watch

The sun is setting and it is time to go back.

A Few Too Many Challenging Flights

2009-03-16T16:13:00.002+08:00

It has been a rough day for me and I badly need to drown my sorrows in a couple of Victoria Bitters.

I'm now on sortie number 107, having barely made it past 106 this morning. I was supposed to fly 107 this afternoon but thank God that it got cancelled because the traffic on circuits for the runway was tad too heavy. Still, I count my lucky stars that I didn't fail 106 as a couple of the boys got stuck for that sortie.

Anyway 106 made me sit up and realise how challenging the whole ball game is. After this morning's flight, I kinda lost confidence in my flying ability and my instincts. I would like to think myself as an instinctive flyboy rather than depend on fixed checkpoints and what altitude you should be at which checkpoint. But lesson learnt today: I think I better do what others around me do rather than be special.

For instance, I'm now doing circuits. Circuits around a runway are primarily semi-circular loops to enable aircraft to land for either heading back to parking (we call it a full stop) or to do touch-and-gos (just land and take off immediately). I did 4 touch-and-gos and 1 full stop landing today. All were okay but the last landing was particularly bad and I hit the runway hard. Too damn hard for my instructor's liking. Fuck. I gotta remember to flare (pull up) much earlier if I am descending too fast. My instincts didn't help me through that last landing and hence I think I better play it safe from here on.

109 is the solo check flight where your instructor deems you clear for your virginal solo flight. 110 is the definitive flight for most of the boys here. Most people have continually repeated 109s. When you repeat a sortie, you get to go again in alphabetic order (e.g. 109, 109A, 109B, 109C and so on). Should you fail to clear solo in 15 hours, your contract gets terminated and you get sent home. Stressful huh? Tell me about it, mate.

No doubt I'm only in my sixth hour and I have made reasonable progress in the last few sorties. I have never done circuits before, not in Seletar where its nil-wind conditions. Over here, winds gust up to 15 knots and even more. Imagine a seagull flapping his wings hard and remaining in the same spot in those winds. Its that bad! I still have got 9 hours to clear my solo but I'm putting high expectations on myself to nail it by 109. Every time I can't nail it is a frustrating back-to-bunk-and-think-where-you-gone-wrong exercise.

Anyway this is what my instructor wrote in my report after today's flight, word for word (he let me copy them down):

He needs to listen to the radio more. He doesn't have a good "picture" of where other aircraft are by listening to the RT. He is not using the radio enough to build up the mental picture.

Circuits were done to a reasonable standard for 106. Prompting required sometimes but getting less and less.

Pattern is consistent and good checks and calls. Base checks need to be made for 750', 70 knots. Finals checks need to be made earlier and track for centreline earlier.

Hold off and flare are improving.

Anyway what I took away from today's flight is that I need to listen more intently to the radio even if the transmissions do not concern me. Plus I need to be faster in my checks and workflow. Have to think ahead of the game. And of course, less hard landings in future.

Focus! Focus! Think ahead!!!

I'm feeling really low now after today's sortie. Tomorrow's better be better.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A New Beginning

2009-03-09T16:21:00.002+08:00

Pardon for cannibalizing your phrase, Daniel. Haha!

I've just got here in Perth on 6 March 2009, so I've been here for a couple of days now.

The air is so fresh, smelling of eucalyptus, so windy - this is where I wanna be! The skies are so darn blue, its beautiful! Cloudless, of course.

The bunks are very much improved from the dogholes we came from in Seletar and the food is awesome in comparison as well.

In short, everything is good and I am raring to go!

I'm flying with one of the strictest instructors here and he has a reputation for getting guys chopped for not meeting his expectations so that wasn't a pleasant surprise to me when I was assigned to him.

But you got to think positive and not let stuff like that get you down. I am confident I will nail it and fly as well as him and learn as much as possible from him.

My first sortie today was a mixed one. I am disappointed in myself somehow. Perhaps my expectations of myself are too high. My checks are okay, but my feel is not there when it came to the flying. Too gentle.

Must do better next sortie. I think tomorrow I will be flying two sorties in a day. A bit nervous as the learning curve for two sorties in a day is damn steep.

Relief

2009-02-16T23:22:00.004+08:00

I am pleased to announce that I have cleared all 8 papers of my exams with an average score of 90%. Thank God!

It was pure bliss and happiness when the instructor read out my name, followed by a pause, and then "All cleared". Shiok!

With the exception of one last paper to clear (we are now awaiting the results), we could be on our way to JDK as soon as this Friday!

Time is thus spent with family, family, family as I won't be seeing them for months on end. I will definitely be homesick, and I hope that the companionship of friends will keep me going till I complete the training.

I am very afraid for my final paper. I made so many careless mistakes due to my recklessness again and fell prey to several tricky boogey questions. I just hope that I did enough to pass. I don't care whether it is 95% or 75% as long as I pass. The stakes are high and I am terribly afraid of failure.

I also had the pleasure of flying on the 747 simulator at the company HQ, albeit in the wee hours of 4am to 6am on Sunday morning. It was like a dream come true to sit in your future office (though mine may not be 747, most likely 777 or A330), really manoevering the aircraft using the actual controls. Though we were not trained to fly using purely instruments, I am proud that I did well for the takeoff and landings. I am now affirmative that this is something I had been looking forward to for my entire life and I am keener than ever to finish my training and get the show on the road.

Just as long as I pass the last paper....

It's just... a routine takeoff

2009-02-07T18:21:00.006+08:00

You are cooped up in the aircraft, holding behind the white line on the taxiway. Temperature's almost 35 degrees C in the cockpit and sweat runs down your brow. Despite the wash from the propellers blowing in violently through the open windows, you still feel hot. Your shirt sticks to your back against the cushion. Despite the discomfort, you perservere and stay focussed, looking ahead at the converging sides of the taxiway.

You are awaiting clearance from ATC to proceed to line up or backtrack the runway. Mic jammed between your lips and its cushion partnering with your teeth, the earphones covering your entire ears and making it unbearably hot and itchy. You could hardly hear the following words amid the multiple correspondences on the air:

"XXX, backtrack runway 03."

You acknowledge the exact words back to ATC. Time to go.

Legs on brakes, left hand on steering column, right hand on throttle. Your right hand pulls back the throttle from min running speed to free, your legs simultaneously stepping to release the brakes and instinctively, your right hand pushes the throttle just a little forward to add some power. The engine guns loud and you check that the mix is rich and oil temperature isn't too high.

The aircraft starts to move slowly. You need to clear the taxiway and the runway fast as all the aircraft circling in the circuit above you and along the paralleling taxiways are waiting to use the runway. You control the drift of the aircraft using your rudders. You are moving too quickly, you feel. Your right hand eases off the throttle just a little and your legs apply a bit of brakes. Prior to entering the runway, you scan left and right, sounding out "Left and right clear!". Then you scan the skies left and right briefly for aircraft landing, sounding out "Approach clear, all clear!". Good to go.

You move out onto the runway, doing a quick teardrop (U-turn). Applying brakes, you stop along the centreline. Whole runway ahead of you is clear and in a distance, you can see shimmering heat waves from the talmac.

"XXX, cleared for takeoff." You repeat the same back.

Your right hand pushes forward all the way to apply full throttle. While the engine guns to its maximum, your legs jump off the brakes. The aircraft leaps to life, you are slightly thrown back in your seat as the aircraft throws itself forward, nose pitching up slightly. 20 knots, 30 knots, 35.... you do a quick glance at the instruments to check that the mix is rich and oil temperature is still green. You see the needle hit 50 knots and you pull the steering column back gently upon 55 knots. Suddenly the runway is now below you, getting further and further and the world's perspective changes as you rise higher into the skies. Your heart does a leap of excitement and pumps as hard as the engine.

Viva forever. Live forever for this moment.

Top Ten Insults Heard In Ground School

2009-02-07T13:42:00.002+08:00

Insults are a common thing in everyday life. Some are meant to shake you up and improve your performance, others are simply to jibe at your ego or to hit under the belt.

I present.... the top ten insults heard in my past six months in ground school. With practice you can soon tell which insults belong to the same instructor. Of course, it wasn't pleasant for the poor guy being torched at that instant but it provides a laugh for us here. Hence in no particular merit, here we go:

1. "There's a thing on your shoulders called a head and you are definitely not using it, goddammit!"

2. "I think you have reached the level of incompetence whereby you should just kill yourself."

3. "Some of you are beyond hope. A number of the others are simply beyond economic repair." *walks out of class*

4. "Let them continue talking, nevermind. When this question comes out in the exams, they will suffer and fail."

5. "So you punched in the wrong figures in your calculator? You are now blaming your calculator? Tell you what, next time you go for your sortie, when you are over the *** reservoir, you should just open the window and throw yourself and that calculator out."

6. "Some of you are really good at the charts. But you get complacent like *****. Yesterday he could get the figures right but this morning his figures are slightly off and now its totally wrong. What have you been doing ah, *****?"

7. "I think you do better when you don't study because when you say you do, your results prove otherwise. Why don't you leave it at that and don't study and have a good night out?"

8. "You can't even remember the colours correctly. Do you drive, *****? You do right? Then you better kill yourself first before you endanger the lives of others, you idiot."

9. "Good runup, good lift off. Hey what are you doing? You aiming for the moon ah? Push the nose down!"

(This one was told to me)
10. "Your flying is so horrible, I am going to fail you when we get back. I HAVE CONTROL! Fuck off!" *wrenches control over*

Happy Times!

2009-02-06T22:47:00.002+08:00

The episode that has been hanging over my head for the past 2 months has finally been cleared. I get to keep my job!!!

I can't tell you how relieved I am. The Lord works miracles!

Now what's left are the results... that one would take a miracle as well but nothing is impossible :)

Last paper next Friday is a tough one but I shall work hard at it and pass it on first attempt!

Food cravings: Salt-baked snow crab at Hooters. Woot!

Soccer Binge!

2009-02-03T19:35:00.004+08:00

To top up the morale, I played two matches over these two days.

Last evening, I joined my ex-colleagues at the clubhouse for a game. It has been so long since I played with them! Of course, my fitness which has hit rock-bottom could not sustain me for the entire match and I finished the game as a walking passenger.

It wasn't a good comeback for me. Apart from a few assists to WK and CP as well as a long range goal, I did nothing much to contribute to my team. I even ended up scoring an own goal. Terrible! The fact that the opponents were made up of all commandos (friends of Jack) didn't help and they ran rings around us old men. But we still took the game comfortably, to WK and CP's credit.

Today's game with my coursemates was much better. I netted a hat-trick and put two assists to Ronaldong to tap in. We were pretty amused when Abba Wee and S.Ming started arguing (they were on the same team and are room-mates what more). We took the game 6-4 in the end and we all got a good workout.

A little update... my results is expected to be out either tomorrow (Wednesday) or Thursday. I am praying for the best, especially for the three papers I don't feel good about (Nav, Radio and Met P). And the verdict on my disciplinary incident will be out on Thursday - will know on that day if I get to keep my job. Praying very hard in the meantime...

A big shoutout to Pixie and a big thank you for the post. Will keep my spirits up no matter what happens! The shoot awaits... zoo? Time for me to bring out the beloved 70-200! And I am yearning to try the 35!

Not A Good Start To The Year

2009-01-29T21:14:00.003+08:00

Yeah I know it has only been less than two months since the start of 2009 but I am already feeling the heat.

I made an error in judgment in work, and committed a disciplinary dismeanor unknowingly and I wonder if it will cost me my job. The jury is still out and I am praying fervently that I will make it. In other times, I am sure I don't have to worry about losing this job, but not in the current global economic meltdown. Damn those bankers!

I am feeling the heat from my exams too. Well prepared as I was, I was reckless during the exams (which I normally am not) and this may have cost me the assuage of passage in three papers. I lie awake at night and wonder why I have made those mistakes which I do not make in my daily work but I cannot explain why. I have been kicking myself so hard I can feel bruises inside me but if only I could turn back the clock and redo those papers again...

But in retrospect, everything is perfect.

I have already started making preparations for a backup job in case this one fails me. I guess chances are that I will go back to the industry that I have left so enthusiastically half a year ago. Not due to passion definitely, but due to circumstances. What puts bread on your table (and pays your cover charges into clubs) is most critical.

I will feel the regret no doubt, for I have already proven myself to be, not the most brilliant, but a competent aviator. Being axed from this will be of tremendous pain to me but I shall accept it.

My head is on the guillotine but I do hope the blade does not fall though.

I feel like bawling out loud but no one can hear me...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

:(

2009-01-12T12:50:00.001+08:00

Dark clouds are looming and I am scared.

Really scared.

God help me please.

President Bush's Farewell Party

2009-01-10T21:28:00.001+08:00

Goodbye 2008

2009-01-01T22:29:00.001+08:00

In many aspects, 2008 had been a vintage year for me. I can't ask for more and can only hope that 2009 would be better.

2007 ended on a terrible note with me hospitalized for dengue fever at the end of the year, so I started out 2008 just recovering and in weak health. My work attitude towards my (then) job got better (I guess the long medical break from work helped) and I dug myself out of the shambles I was in. I got selected for some high profile projects by some strokes (notice the plural) of luck and was honoured that at the end of the day, the COO knew me on a first-name basis in a company of 5,000 staff. Talk of an imminent promotion boosted my ego and expectations, though shamelessly I had to mention here that I thought the promotion was already late. Dah!

April saw our almost-annual Perth trip to visit Uncle Pat and Auntie Agnes. This time, Cousin William came along. With his help, I purchased my second DSLR plus two new lenses and an external flash. In case you are interested, it was a Canon EOS 40D with 17-55mm f2.8 EFS and 70-20mm f4 L IS USM plus the Canon Speedlite 580 EX II. A year earlier, I had started out my SLR experience with the Canon 350D, got acquainted with the system to some extent and finally decided to be more serious in it if I were to call it a hobby. That beloved 350D is now with Wee Ling so I feel comforted that it is in the hands of one of my best friends who will take good care of it.

My photography skills still suck so I dare not put up my shitty photos on this blog. In other words, I am just a amateur photographer who happens to have a good DSLR system. So for 2009, (I say this every year) I will work on improving my photography especially black and whites and night shots. I still daren't think about event photography yet :P

The Big Change in my life came around May when my sis pushed me to put up an application for a job that would be the stuff in little boys' wet dreams (no, not a gigolo dammit). Little did I know, I progressed in the selection one step at a time (the interviews, the many tests and medicals, etc) and eventually I couldn't believe it when I signed on the dotted line. I can't believe it still that I am in such a privileged position and I thank the Lord for every day that passes. No doubt, the ground school studies are tough (much tougher than university stuff, I must say) and the learning curve is so damn steep when it comes to the practical part (the actual operation of the machine) but I am enjoying every minute of it and putting in much more effort than I ever did in anything my entire life. Everyone has a calling, and I guess I have found mine :)

I hope that with the Lord's blessings, everything will turn out well in 2009 and I will be able to complete the second phase of my training in Australia smoothly. That of course encompasses my ground school exams which are looming fast and furious. Jan 20-22 will be the dreaded days when I take 9 papers in 3 days. Hopefully I can pass all the subjects and progress to the next phase of training. I have been maxing out my brains everyday waking early and sleeping at 2am so I do hope my efforts pay off.

Jan 22, 2009 - when all hell breaks loose. I am looking forward to it, catching all the movies I have missed, meeting up with friends and joining the chums for soccer!!!

Of course this post isn't as well composed as Pixie's on 2008 summations... haha. It's just that I have been too busy :P

Lastly, here's wishing everyone reading this a Happy New Year and blessings for 2009! :)

Supernatural Story

2008-12-18T19:02:00.004+08:00

Pardon me for taking so long to put this up. You see, I have been under a heavy barrage of tests and after the dust has settled, and three failures in two days later, I am back to talk about the unfateful nights that beheld me a couple of weeks ago.

It was on one of those nights that I was doing my usual area cleaning that I chanced upon a huge spider crawling on my bedsheets. I usually would have given the bugger two hoots and a headshot but that particular night, I chose to show mercy and the arachnid merrily crawled away to a new hiding place.

After I did my mugging and tired out, I went to sleep for the night. My roommate turned in too, tired from the day's activities.

(At this point in time, I must pause to mention that the previous nights prior to this night were not a peaceful one. I had weird dreams that shocked me awake.)

In the middle of the night, I happen to come awake suddenly. For some reason. I usually sleep through the night like a log so it was odd.

I felt a weight on my chest.

Moving.

It was not a heavy weight so as to speak, about the weight of a rat actually (not that I have actually felt the weight of a rat on my hand before). You can imagine.

I must take another pause to mention here that I have suriphobia. Google it up to find out the meaning of that word. See! You learn something new everyday!

Anyway back to the story...

By instinct, my hands reached to my chest to brush the weight off. When contact was made, the fella actually started running around on my chest! I shit you not! I got more and more paranoid and in a matter of seconds, I was panicking like a madman sweeping my chest violently and screaming for help.

Apparently my screams for help were so loud that Pakie sleeping across the other end of the room came to see what was going on. My roommate, awake by now, grabbed me.

By then the weight was gone. But we didn't see anything.

I mentioned this to my folks and a link was somehow made to the spider that I saw earlier. Apparently these arachnids have the ability to lie flat on you in your sleep! Not literally of course. You get the point.

I had a bad dream the following night, which concluded a terrible sleep-less week for me.

Now, do you see why I failed three tests in two days?

4 December. Happy Birthday.

2008-12-04T20:58:00.001+08:00

December is such a wet month.

This evening, I sat by the porch watching the raindrops falling. Such is the fresh smell of the rain, and of the grass. I do enjoy sitting outside even if some of the droplets splatters on me from time to time.

I felt sad as I sat there by the porch. For prior to knocking off from the day's lessons, I saw a fellow trainee, a junior, sitting inside the Chief Instructor's office.

He is under review, his nervous coursemates hovering outside told us. Meaning - he could be terminated from the training anytime the CI deems him not fit to carry on. Hence the need to sit with the CI and undergo a 1-to-1 session.

I cannot imagine how terrible that poor chap feels right now. It's not something you would wish on a fellow trainee, even if you don't like him. And the thing is, this guy under review is not at all a detestable person. In fact, he is well liked by his friends. And from my personal interaction with him, he is extremely helpful and courteous albeit a little anxious to get things done (which is not a flaw at all actually).

I wish the best for him and hope he won't get the axe.

Our current situation now is such a perilous one, I reflected. Any day, any time, someone could axe you from your training and end your career right away. You cannot afford to screw up. You cannot afford to flunk tests or your flying, even if you have not done it before ever in your life. You are expected to perform from Day 1.

The pressure we are undergoing is not something external parties can relate to easily.

I resolve to work harder and do better to avoid being under the radar. Not that I am not performing or anything, but having a larger buffer between you and the Devil always helps.

Oh yes, I have not related to you the supernatural events that have happened to me this week, night after night. It will definitely be the subject of my next post.

Stay tuned...

A very bad dream

2008-12-01T20:11:00.007+08:00

Anyway, it was on a warm and humid Sunday night that I went to bed last night. Little did I know that I would wake up in a shock after a horrible nightmare.

In the dream, she was back. The good old days came back. Holding hands in the sunshine, tinkling glasses in restaurants, hand-in-hand walking down the streets.

It was bliss. Just like the good old happy days.

And then the dream turned into a nightmare.

Somehow we were walking along a bridge connecting two blocks of HDB flats. She was talking on the phone; I was holding her hand.

All of a sudden, she lost balance and fell off the bridge. It happened in a flash. I flailed out trying to catch her but all I caught was her phone. My clutching hand grabbed thin air as she grew smaller and smaller, her screams echoing all around. I could see her bouncing off the walls and finally came to a stop below. No one could have survived that fall.

I panicked, dialing whatever number I could get my hands on. The police emergency hotline was engaged, and so was the ambulance's. I tried running down the stairs to get help but hit a cul-de-sac.

I was running out of ideas, and very desperate. I started thinking about how to break the news to her parents.

And then I woke up.

In a shock and gasping.

What a relief when I found that it was only a dream.

For the rest of the day, I was struggling through the work as I kept thinking about the episode and also from the loss of sleep.

My First Letter from a Law Firm

2008-11-30T23:41:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, Dad passed me a letter from the mailbox.

A letter from a law firm. Can't be anything good.

I viciously tore off the envelope to see what the contents entailed. To my shock, I found that M1 has decided to send me a Letter of Demand for the $261 I owe them! Plus the lawyer firm's fees, I now owe them $314!

It is a long story but summarily, I owe M1 (the smallest telecommunications company in the country) my last phone bill which was $61 but they decided to tag an extra $200 for "breaking my contract" after I jumped ship to SingTel following iPhone's release. But, my contract was over two years ago, I argued. They then said they gave me a 50% discount off my regular bills about a year ago, and that constituted an extension of contract. But I wasn't told anything about any extension of contract! It seemed more like a loyalty reward more than anything else.

So, a very peeved me decided not to pay them the $261 till the dispute was resolved.

And hence came the lawyer's letter.

Well done, M1. I will never be your customer ever again. Take the bloody $314 as a parting gift. You could have made more from me in the future but your myopic business sense and Neanderthal customer service is simply legendary in my eyes.

Lastly, thanks - and fuck you back.

Just me, my thoughts and my keyboard

2008-11-30T01:36:00.001+08:00

I was just ruminating...

... that exactly a year ago, I was lying in hospital from dengue fever.

Fast forward a year later to present, things are very much different.

I'm not sure about you but I do now think that things happen for a reason, good or bad. Previously when the shit hits the fan, I start to question my spiritual beliefs, why He is not helping, why is He letting it happen, etc.

I now communicate very well with God and I feel totally at peace spiritually. I look forward to Sunday masses now whereas (get ready for this) it used to be a drag sometimes in the past (oops!).

Things are going on well for me in my studies and training but I do wish time can pass faster during the studying!

Back to the dengue fever episode, it made me sit up and look around at the loved ones around me and realisation hits - lightning streaked across the sky, thunder rumbled and my eyes opened - that the one who was not there should not be a loved one anymore.

The Delete button was pressed and with it went all dodgy hopes and any clinging optimism along with it. Fresh water was poured into the then-empty glass.

I did not enjoy being ill and lying on the hospital bed, waiting for time to pass (where in reality it crawled). But I did enjoy the three weeks of medical leave after that. The mornings of leisurely walks to the coffeeshop to have my coffee, toast bread and eggs while catching up on the morning paper. They may not be expensive truffles or equally pretentious earl grey, but they brought out the best experience of that "sick" period. The rest of the morning was usually filled in with DVDs (I remember Click and Gwen Stefani very well) and a nap. And not to forget those mornings of medical reviews at Mount E along Orchard, followed by leisurely shopping walks and lunches with Cheryl who tottered out of her Wheelock Place office before her other colleagues do! Oops!

I do miss the days at my ex-company. The whole days of doing nothing but talking to other colleagues and acting busy (when workload is light, of course). And especially the days of rushing through proposals with the chums and meeting the datelines (and hence avoiding being screwed). The satisfaction of seeing through a successful project ~~and restraining the impulse to retort arrogant management fools~~.

Ah... those were the days.

Apologies if this post doesn't make sense at all. I will try to blog more often, just give me some time to rediscover my writing touch and blogging prose.

A Very Late Update

2008-11-11T17:26:00.001+08:00

After a long hiatus ~~and some pushing by Sam~~, I finally got down to putting this update down before my procrastinating Dark Side keeps me away from doing it again.

It's been such a long time since I updated the blog. Basically since I left my previous company and joined the new one - about 16 weeks ago. Gosh, it has been so long ago! Yet it felt like only yesterday that I was sitting in my old spacious cubicle and ~~slacking~~ ~~surfing~~ working.

Where I am working now, I got no cubicle, not if you count the 1m by 1m desk that I am using now. I must say the on-job training is wonderful, curriculum well structured and will lead me to professional accreditation. The instructors are experienced and knowledgeable though I do feel that they are erratic sometimes, which puts you off from asking them questions. To them, a question is an insult to their teaching ability and as welcome as a fart in a crowded lift. Nonetheless, the old-school methods used in some of the training exercises are truly amazing.

Oh yes, I do enjoy the flying around very much too :)

In a nutshell, there is not a single minute that I regretted choosing this new job over the last, though I had to take a severe pay cut and being put through the most gruelling training I have ever been on. But I'm savouring every minute of it. I have always wondered what I have always wanted to do and never been able to find an answer, but today I can honestly say that what I am doing now is something that I will want to do for the rest of my career.

I now have a new group of colleagues. Some good, some bad, some neither here nor there, but some are truly detestable. Good friends are hard to find these days, but I am glad to have found a small clique within to hang out with. We help each other out during the training and keep everyone on par with the curriculum so no one gets left behind.

There is also a group of soccer mates to have a game with after our training ends for the day. We play once weekly but so far I have been nearly injured twice so I guess I won't find it a hurry to join them any time soon.

The first phase of the training will end next February. The second phase will take me to Perth, Western Australia for about a year and thereafter to Brisbane for a further couple of months.

I'm looking forward to it!

Singaporean-isms we don't hear nowadays

2008-07-15T14:27:00.002+08:00

Overhead on radio this morning, this is a compilation of Uniquely Singaporean phrases from the old school that we don't hear in modern Singapore:

1. You confirm come, guarantee chop

2. Your grandfather road is it?

3. Pattern more than badminton

4. Ya ya papaya

5. You ownself do lor

6. Napshot kali pok

7. Gabra like zebra

8. You think I thought, who confirm?

9. You ask me, I ask who?

10. You see me no up, is it?

11. Can also can, cannot also can

12. Yellow yellow dirty fellow, green green eat dustbin

Invisible

2008-07-09T16:29:00.001+08:00

There is this guy in my (soon-to-be-ex) company that I am totally in awe of.

For the wrong reasons, of course.

Please let me gripe. I don't have much more to gripe about, having only 9 working days left in this company.

Anyway...

In my three years here, I have spoken less than a dozen times to him (if not less). That amounts to less than 5 times a year. Somehow I think this figure is overestimated and optimistic. It is probably 5 times over the past 3 years, sans the times we nodded heads to each other along the corridor.

Basically he sits in his cubicle from 8 to 5, doing his thing quietly, ~~not talking~~ ~~dumb dumb~~ refusing to talk to anyone. Even when you bump into him along the corridor to the gents, he looks at the ground and avoids eye contact with you. Nobody knows if he exists or comes to work. I think nobody notices!

The first few times, I was not used to it. "What's up with this guy?", I thought.

People come and go out of your life, sometimes fleetingly. But he is truly the quietest and least communicable human being I have come across in my whole life. And he is supposed to be some Excel genius whatmore.

In an office environment, I guess I have to accept that colleagues will remain colleagues, or "friends who happen to be colleagues" or even better (cynically, of course), "colleagues who happen to be friends". Even so, the next person sitting next to you is a human being. You have to talk to him or her. Even if its about some dumb topic like Ronaldo's latest masquerade or Malaysian politics, but at least it gets the throat vibrating.

I really wonder how some people can sit next to other people around them (talkative ones whatmore) and still be able put on a convincing performance of The Invisible Man.

And no, in case you are wondering, its not the 40-year-old-virginal Englishman I blogged about in my old blog.

The End, but a Beginning

2008-07-08T10:00:00.001+08:00

I am pleased to announce that I have resigned from my current job. I have been waiting for this day for a good long time. Finally, I did it last Tuesday, 1st July 2008.

After almost three years, this job has seen through some of the best and worst times in my life - happy, sad, confused, ridiculed, vengeful, etc. It has seen through one of the saddest events in my life - my breakup and one of the most indignant - missing out on a promotion.

I have had the chance to meet some really wonderful people and some of the nastiest and shadiest ~~idiots~~ ~~pieces of shit~~ characters you could find anywhere. The best gift this job has given me - never trust anyone.

I will be giving up a lot of things - my impending promotion, my involvement in high visibility projects, my pay, my ~~friends~~ colleagues, ~~the beautiful babes~~ the weekly soccer game I have with the guys... the list goes on.

Where am I going? I can't say much. But I will definitely be learning new things and flying around more, an opportunity which the company never gave me. While some ~~cocksucker~~ fellow peer (I won't mention names, of course) travelled twice in a year to exotic destinations, the furthest I ever went is Muar and Sentosa (the Melbourne trip doesn't count - it was a holiday on our own expenses).

For my next job, I will be taking a pay cut, needing to slog like a "mad dog" (like how Uncle Louis puts it) and living the next couple of years in training. It is something I have never tried before but I hope I will grow to be addicted to it.

I've never ever once thought that I would take up this job as a career but perhaps that is the path God wants me to tread. Things happen for a reason. And for this reason, I shall put in my best effort.

Goodbye. It was good while it lasted.

Soccer Update (18 June 2008)

2008-06-19T13:58:00.000+08:00

It was raining heavily for a good part of the afternoon and I thought the game would not go on. Thankfully the skies cleared and we have word from Lampard that lifted the spirits: "Game on. See you later".

It was 5 on 4 today and it looked like a slaughter was on the cards: Chng, Wee Kiat, Maurice and Jeremy versus Jack, myself, (one of the Commercial guys), Alvino and Lampard.

They led 4-0 at one stage, but we fought back and managed to lead 6-5, then 7-6, then 8-7 but lost in the end (11-12).

Wee Kiat was a constant thorn in our flesh and his irregular speed bursts gave us some issues. His one-twos with Maurice muddled our defence, and Jeremy was there to provide the throughpasses but luckily Jack was there to clean up. Still the trio scored goal after goal relentlessly.

One goal for me today, a long range left footer tunnelling in off the post. Other than that, I didn't have much contribution to the team apart from setting up a couple for Alvino and Jack.

Our game ended early as it was drizzling but it was a good workout.

A Day of Sorts

2008-06-18T12:26:00.001+08:00

We (Prata, WM and myself) drove into Malaysia on a day trip to settle some business matters.

We should have known it was not going to be an ordinary day when things started to cock up early in the morning with Prata not receiving our SMS texts and was late in meeting us.

I had burnt a couple of CDs to entertain ourselves for the long hours of driving. But when we put on the first CD and Madonna's "4 Minutes" came on, WM and I noticed Prata's pained look while the two of us were bouncing our heads up and down.

Evidently he is not a fan of hip hop. We had to change CDs. Chinese songs and competitions to see who can hit the high notes kept us going till we reached our destination.

In the end, we waited 3 hours to process our work with the authorities. Half of the time was because Prata forgot to bring a receipt to the post-office and had to come back for it. One hour gone because of that.

We left the place around 4 plus, bought some stuff, had durians and embarked on the journey back.

We were reaching the first toll plaza when WM had a brilliant idea - play the hip hop CD, max out the volume and bass, and ~~blast~~ shock the toll employee with our "mobile disco" through the wound-down windows.

It was a perfect plan and our "mobile disco" was rocking with Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps" when we pulled into the toll plaza.

I was first disturbed when I first noticed that the toll booth had no visible windows. Nobody reached out a hand to hand us a toll ticket.

Squinting our eyes through the darkened glass, we picked out a bearded face looking at us with a look of resignation. Following his cue and up-pointing finger, we looked up and saw the sign "For Touch-N-Go only".

We had entered the wrong toll lane.

It was a gargantuan mistake. A car had already pulled in behind us by now.

Making signs to the other car to reverse back and let us out, the driver grudgingly did so, definitely cursing beneath his breath. Sheepishly, we waved thank you in return.

We entered the right toll lane this time but somehow "My Humps" never quite hit the right note again. After we cleared the toll plaza, we were rolling around in laughter and embarrassment! :D

That was not the last of it.

After averaging 140~150kph, we reached the other toll plaza in no time. The battle plan was the same - shock and awe, hip hop style.

"My Humps" was once again blasting to the max volume when we pulled up beside the toll booth. The rear windscreen was actually shaking with the vibration from the bass!

With a deadpan face and nonchalent look, I handed over the ticket and cash to the shell-shocked minah who was manning the booth.

While waiting for the receipt, I maintained my deadpan look. I chanced to turn my head around and observed WM and Prata with red faces about to explode with laughter. Hurridly, I swung my face to the minah again and maintained my Don Corleone facade with composure.

The minah was restraining her laughter when she passed me the receipt. I could tell she was about to explode with laughter. I gave her a this-happens-every-day shrug and we drove off coolly. Soon we were doubling up in laughter... great success!!!

We thought of pulling it off again at the Singapore Customs checkpoint but thought better of it. The long massive jam killed off all our moods in the end!

This might be my last trip to Malaysia with the boys (the bosses are making noise why so many people need to go together) but I fully enjoyed it and will remember the funny incidents for a good long time.

:D

A Walk Into A Dating Agency

2008-06-18T12:24:00.002+08:00

On Monday, I found myself walking into a dating agency. I have no idea why my legs took me there, apart from some curiosity as to how this stuff works.

But I was told beforehand by the agency that a friend ~~sold me~~ gave my number to them and that is why they were able to call me. I have no idea who is responsible for it, but I do have my suspicions.

Now I must reiterate that I am not looking for any relationship when I went there. I believe that God will arrange something for me, and to go there with an open mind (which I did) and leave with my wallet as it is when I went in.

Now the process is kind of scientific; you fill up page after page of profile forms including your height and weight, your highest qualifications, your job, your hobbies, etc. The profiler, after talking to you for some time (we ended up talking for 2 hours) will give a detailed assessment of you. The details are confidential, of course.

Basically at the end of the day, your profiler will know why you are still single, how many past relationships you have had, your family background and how many times you orh pee sai a day.

But what I felt most interesting was that I had my profiler (she's quite a looker by the way) tell me she cannot understand why I am single except that by my own choice. She actually told me she knows someone personally (a friend, not a client) whom she feels would be compatible with me. She went on to list down why girls would want to date me. It sure was ego boosting but I won't tell you what the list contained except that among the reasons are that I am tall, smiley and mature (not too quite sure about the last one). :x

Strangely she never told me the reasons why girls wouldn't want to date me. I am actually more curious about that list.

Now you might be curious... did I sign up with the agency in the end? Well, of course not! Do I look like I would, hello? Its $2,199 for a year's membership for mingling events, one-on-one outings, etc. It cost more than my 40D! There is a more basic package for $499 but nah, I ain't the fish on a hook.

I think I can get by for $0. I never believed that one had to pay for love (and I am not talking about those ah peks visiting red light districts). Plus, the process was a little too scientific for me - match two profiles, tick the like attributes and filter away the non-matchables, set two applicants up and voila, hope they click. Ka-ching!

But the experience was interesting as long as it lasted. Still, one does not hunt for love - I still think its the other way round.

R.I.P.

2008-06-18T12:24:00.001+08:00

My uncle (husband of my auntie) passed away last week. He was 98. Amazing... he was a mere 2 years away from being a centurion (spelling correct?).

We visited him one Sunday when he was hospitalized, three days before he passed away. He still looked healthy and in the bright Sunday afternoon sunshine, kept waving us to go home.

A week later, we were standing before his coffin at his wake, paying our last respects.

Fragile this life, is.

Soccer Update (11 June 2008)

2008-06-16T16:47:00.001+08:00

The game didn't go as well as I expected... I was bursting with energy but was "wasted" (as Maurice put it) playing goalie as nobody else would do the job.

But bright side of it was that when it came to selecting teams, all the chosen team captains picked me as the first draft and had to settle for a scissors-paper-stone to see who got me. It sure was an ego booster.

Our new colleague Jack joined us for the first time. By the end of the game, we christened him "Makelele" as he is all over the place and even scored two debut goals.

I had a bad game, didn't run much, misplaced many passes and scored one silly goal (it was a innocuous tap-in after Wee Kiat hit the tiang).

It is worrying to note that I have slowed down considerably over the past weeks. In the past where I could beat most guys to poke the ball away in the last moment before they got it, I could no longer do it. I can no longer do speed bursts or mazy dribbles. This also meant that I got myself into a lot more bruises as I couldn't get my foot away in time. Has age caught up with me?

After spending last weekend in bed nursing a cold, I now worry about Wednesday. A third bad game in a row? My form sure sucks now man.

Soccer Update (4 June 2008)

2008-06-11T11:47:00.001+08:00

This post is one week overdue... my apologies!

I went to the game last Wednesday feeling like I just crawled out of one of Bear Gryll's peat-pits, very much in despair and in total trepidation.

As expected, I didn't play well, no goals, no outstanding contribution to my team and we lost most of our matches. I was a lone passenger on my team, left to walk around and unwilling to commit to any tackles.

Maurice, WK and Alvino asked me why I wasn't myself... to which I couldn't tell them the reason (but I know why). I just put it off as "a bad day" to which WK asked, "Bad day on your day off?"

Thankfully the week got better :)

And now I'm all geared up and bursting to perform for today's game. Stay tuned for the next update!

Soccer Update (28 May 2008)

2008-05-30T09:40:00.000+08:00

I received some good news before leaving the office so I boldly proclaimed to WM that I would score "five, six, ten" goals today.

By stroke of luck again (I assure you there was no match fixing), the dream team got back together just like last week. Wee Kiat, Maurice, myself, Chng and Lampard got on the same team. A slaughter was on the cards again.

We used a new match ball today as the old one was too koyak. We took some time to get used to the new ball as the flight pattern and weight is not the same. We ended up misplaying some passes which almost resulted in near goals by the opposition.

We won every match but one (the winning goal was scored after the scorer hand-balled, so I think that should not be allowed). There was fantasy football all over, inch-perfect one-twos, good wing-play, central striker knock-ins.

Lampard, Maurice and I whacked a hat-trick each, Wee Kiat got two. The latter was a bit out of form (scoring wise) but his movement and match fitness is still excellent. I teed two goals for Lampard and Maurice to shoot from long range, and they got them in, so I was pretty pleased.

Sometimes setting up your teammates to score is more satisfying than scoring it yourself!

No "five, six, ten" goals but three with two assists is just as good. =)

Reflections from the toilet

2008-05-30T09:28:00.000+08:00

It is perfectly acceptable for a female cleaner to enter the male toilet when it is occupied (with you in your full glory emptying the contents of your bladder) but not okay for a male cleaner to enter the female toilet before checking it is empty (you can get sued for sexual harrassment).

Why the disparity?

Does the sight of my dong hanging out any lesser than that of an exposed female contemporary? Female toilets have doors in cubicles; we guys just pee in the urinals! We are the ones who are exposed! Only the feminists or androgynous types would pee in cubicles anyway.

And then there are those guys who unzip, unbelt and let their pants fall to the ground, just to pee in a urinal... It is a weird sight for those who have not seen a long sleeved shirted guy in his underpants pissing into a urinal with his pants around his ankles (and soaking up the residual pee on the ground).

Moral of the story is, female cleaners should at least knock on male toilets before they enter. Lest they get shocked (or worse, turned on) at what they see.

What A Difference A Year Made

2008-05-26T16:20:00.001+08:00

By now, you guys probably know that I lost my mobile phone recently. Also with it went my contacts collected laboriously over the years.

I received a call the other night (on my new mobile phone). I have yet to restore all the numbers and the names to those numbers, but nonetheless I picked up the call quickly without looking at the blinking number.

"Hello", I went.

"Hi... you called me yesterday ah?"

The voice sounded familiar. I thought of asking who this is, but my instinct warned me better of it. Such is the speed of thought and counter-actions that only age and experience can give you.

I spared a quick down-look-up 1.5 seconds to look at the number. Indeed, the number belonged to who I thought the voice belonged to.

And so...

"No... I didn't call you. What's up?"

"But I got a missed call from you yesterday... so I was wondering..."

I suddenly reflected that had that point in time when I really needed someone at the end of the line in a life and death situation, it would have been faster for the police to find my now-deceased body than for the person to return my phone call more than 24 hours later.

Mentally I made a note in my head never to list that person first in my "Emergency" call list.

A year ago, I couldn't wait to pick up calls from this person. A year later now, I couldn't wait to hang up.

"Er ya...", I went, explaining briefly that I lost my phone the day before and it was probably the finder dialling randomly. "Anything else?"

"No lah... just thought I would return the call."

"Sure, thanks. Catch up with you another time. Bye!"

I actually felt happy after hanging up.

The only sourish feeling was that if the missed call belonged to some kind soul wanting to return my phone to me, this person had blown it away. Now there is one more reason to be sorry to me.

What a bummer.

Vending Machines

2008-05-23T16:09:00.005+08:00

Vending machines are solitary, lonesome creatures. Pretty much left alone most of the time, they only come to life when someone needs a drink.

When you put coins into a vending machine, you make your selection based on what the vending machine offers, rather than what you really like to drink.

But what if there and then, you really want your drink, be it Gatorade or whatever, and it is not available in the vending machine?

What would you do then?

(1) Look for another vending machine which has the drink you want? But what if such a vending machine is miles away? Are you going to walk that far just to get that drink?

(2) Go thirsty since you don't feel like drinking any of the other choices.

(3) Go with the flow and get the next best drink you like, anyway its just to quench a thirst.

It occurred to me that most people would take option (3). Which was what I did.

By now, you would probably be able to tell that I'm pretty bored at work.

An Adventure To The Unknown

2008-05-23T09:35:00.003+08:00

Last Sunday, I went cycling at East Coast Park with MZ and WL. We took a long walk from MZ's house (Joo Chiat area) to the East Coast where we rented three bikes for a horrendous amount of money.

(S$6 an hour and you get "a free hour for every hour you rent")

We were trawling around the Lagoon area when we saw this chap peddling furiously in the opposite direction. MZ called out and the mystery biker jammed his brakes suddenly and swung his bike around, narrowly missing decapitating other cyclists in the way.

It turned out to be Nori, MZ's cousin. What a small world!

And so the four of us continued cycling (Nori at a much slower pace, of course) towards Changi Village.

I was surprised to see a new connector linking the East Coast Parkway to Changi Village! So much safer than riding on the treacherous Changi Coast Road where budding F1 wannabes let loose their Lewis Hamilton fantasies. There were so many picturesque views of the sea from the park connector! My apologies for not having any photos to show... I was kicking myself half the time.

After a cold drink at Changi Village, MZ sounded the idea of visiting the infamous defunct Old Changi Hospital, a boon for paranormal enthusiasts. Nori and I got excited; WL was of course reluctant. Democracy won and we started our trek towards the foreboding hospital.

WL got tired during the climb up the steep slope that led to the hospital and so Nori and I reached the hospital first.

MZ and I almost had wet dreams when we reached the place; it was exactly the kind of place we wanted to stake out over a night!

I must admit the place was freaking creepy even if I am not one to be scared easily. I took the lead by riding into the building. The moment I crossed the boundary between courtyard and building (though only the external corridor), I was filled with an aura of gloom and doom. It was depressing. It was a peaceful evening; there were birds chirping outside and pretty silent otherwise, but my ears filled with a lot of soundless noise.

It was as if there were a lot of things going on in that hospital that we couldn't see or feel. But they certainly were there.

But I must say that the Old Changi Hospital is a great place for photography! The following picture was of this corridor that led to the innards of the foreboding building. It was a classic scene out of a horror movie.

We didn't manage to explore the building further as the sun was setting so we made a unanimous decision to leave the place. WL and Nori were pretty creeped out. I was shaken, to be honest. MZ and I discussed that we will be back one day to take some photos (but don't think we will want to stay overnight... no no).

Soon after, I discovered that I lost my mobile phone... bummer.

A long ride back and extra hours taken meant that we were to pay S$43 for the day's use of three bikes. Profit margin for the operators must be good.

(Photos' source: www.pbase.com/synapseman/och)

Soccer Update (21 May 2008)

2008-05-22T15:58:00.000+08:00

Maurice was at HQ today so I managed to hitch a ride from him to the clubhouse for our weekly game (preview to the Champions League final tonight).

I wasn't feeling too happy lately but I decided to give it my best effort today. But being placed in a team with Chng, Maurice, Jeremy and Chin Peng (all the superstars), I never had to work hard. We easily took the first game 5-3. We hardly broke a sweat.

More people arrived, including the guys from Commercial and so we broke off into three teams and the game went on on a losers-out basis.

We played like 6 to 7 matches in all and lost only one. We won every game! It was unbelievable how we thundered goal after goal and moved the ball with slick passing and aplomb. In one of the matches, the opponents had hardly touched the ball after kickoff when Jeremy slotted the ball home.

I scored twice today, both carbon copy goals - right flank, chip using inside of right boot, ball sailing into goal.

I had an injury though. There was a loose ball in our half, and Senderos was charging towards the ball, right foot swung back and preparing to shoot. I charged forward, just in time to nick the ball away and boot met boot with a loud clack. His boot glanced off my shin, taking a piece of my skin off. Blood flowed of course, but I continued playing (its a flesh wound after all).

We were soaked when we ended but we had loads of fun today.

PhotoAid 2008

2008-05-20T11:12:00.018+08:00

Over the weekend, I was volunteering at this event to raise funds for victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.

I thought I would earn some karma points but little did I know that 24 hours later, I was to lose my treasured handphone and all my contacts in it forever...

Anyway here are some of the photos I took during the charity event. The event was held at Merlion Park at Fullerton and we were helping tourists take portraits using our SLRs for $10 a pop.

Here we go.

#1: Boat ferrying tourists across the Marina Bay

#2: There were plenty of shutterbugs around
#3: Volunteer (right) explaining PhotoAid efforts to a tourist

#4: The Esplanade

#5: Babes galore! She's Korean, I think.

#6: The Merlion (the salt spray got into my precious lens)

#7: A volunteer and his family

#8: Gimme some brotherly lurve

#9: The Merlion

#10: The Singapore Flyer

#11: The Esplanade in resplendent evening view

#12: The lights come to life

#13: The Merlion in night lighting

#14: The city view at night

Soccer Update (14 May 2008)

2008-05-16T17:51:00.002+08:00

To be honest, I wasn't really looking forward to this week's game. This week saw the departure of three colleagues which made me rather sad. But thanks to some encouragement from WM, I decided to play my heart out.

After a day of threatening weather, not many people turned up for the game. I ended up on the same team as Maurice, Richard and Alvino while Wee Kiat, Senderos, Chng and Lampard played on the opposite team. By some weird rotation basis, Jeremy would change sides every time a goal is scored.

Now I find myself being really unhappy playing with Alvino. He didn't run much; he pretty stayed upfront the whole time and didn't bother to come down to defend while Maurice and me, the only outfield players (Richard was keeping goal) ran our lungs out running up and down the pitch. And he fumbled so many good chances today. He even missed an open goal from two metres! Even Maurice was complaining at the end of the game while we were sitting down and sweat steaming (there was literally steam from our jerseys and sweat pouring out like no tomorrow).

Though we lost 8-9 in the end, I scored a hat-trick and made two goals for Jeremy so I was pretty pleased with myself. My form is good lately; I have hit 11 goals in the past 3 matches. We have an upcoming 7-a-side game on 25th May, so I will be looking to do well in the tournament. Alvino, of course, must buck up too.

It is a sad week, thank goodness it's over, but let's focus on the task on hand and get ourselves going. Gan batte!

Football Coffeeshop Talk

2008-05-13T09:25:00.012+08:00

Wouldn't you like to be in his shoes? He has everything at his dancing feet. Women, song, drink and a hundred thousand pounds a week.

Flair players always have it better. In our daddies' era, there was George Best. Turning and twisting defenders into knots, he was the star of 1968 when Manchester United won the European Cup, the then-edition of today's Champions League Cup.

We also know he bathed and revelled in his success. He was a well-known playboy and often referred to as the "fifth Beetle". Every boy then wanted to be in his boots. Its a pity alcoholism claimed the great winger's life in the end.

Fast forward 40 years later to today, the star of the Manchester United team is (who else?) Cristiano Ronaldo.

I can't say I am a fan of the dancing winger though he has an outstanding record in front of goal. But to me, he hasn't lit up the stage that Best and some other players had single-handedly.

My yardstick for a great player (compared to a good one) is to be able to swing matches his team's way single-handedly. George Best is one. Gerrard is the heartbeat of under-achieving Liverpool. Ronaldo (the Brazilian) has done it too. Michael Ballack shone during the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Zidane, of course, is the successor in the same way that his predecessor Platini conducted the French symphony. And who can forget Gullit, van Basten, the Laudrups, Schmeichel...

I must reiterate that I am not a fan of Manchester United though lately over the past 2 years I have been rooting for them to win. In this age of your everyday coffeeshop EPL pretenders, it is not easy to separate the true-blue fans (e.g. my boss Aloysius who has supported Chelsea ever since the 1950s) from the um... pretenders who swing their allegiance every time there is a new champion.

I do have my personal favourites, both of whom are incidently Manchester United players.

Here's the first... the snarling Roy Keane.

He moved from Nottingham Forest to Manchester United for a record 3.75m pounds (which was then a British record) and went on to become the team's conductor and great leader. His snarling personality and biting tackles was constantly replicated by me on the pitch, but to much less success. Yet he remains very much an inspiration to me.

And the other... Paul Scholes.

Scholes is the best pass-master of the ball I have seen, though some contend that Zidane is better. To me, the Frenchman may have more flair and pull-back stepovers, but Scholes is the ultimate passer of the ball. Pin-point fifty yard cross-field swings to the feet of a charging rightback is not something a good player could do; it is rightfully great. He sits in front of the defence so he provides space for a tensed defender to pass the ball to, and makes play from there in his simple way. Of course, and many would agree with me, he isn't one of the better tacklers in the game but in terms of intelligence and playmaking, he is up there with the greats.

One of the other traits that I admire Scholes is that he does not revel in limelight the way C.Ron does. He does not even have an agent! Very much a family man and goes about doing his things quietly, he is very much a role model to how I could conduct myself in public.

But again, don't you wish you are in his shoes right now?

A Tale of an Honest Cheat

2008-05-13T08:52:00.001+08:00

In this age of moral-less and ruthless society, it sure is refreshing to see such honesty.

Or should I say, an honest mistake?

Bus-fare cheat says sorry...
...and sends $50 to SBS to pay for past misdeeds
By Maria Almenoar

ALL the recent news about commuters who cheat on fares seems to have left at least one person wracked by guilt.

Last week, the commuter finally decided to do something about it, and wrote an anonymous letter of apology to the chief executive of bus operator SBS Transit.

For good measure, $50 was included as compensation.

The note arrived at SBS Transit's Braddell Road headquarters last Friday.

The brown envelope contained a handwritten note in blue ink spread over two pieces of paper. It said: 'Please forgive me for my error and cheating. I deeply regret my actions.

'Thank you for all your forgiveness. I was short of money that time. I am sorry.'

SBS Transit said it would donate the $50 to its adopted charity, the Home Nursing Foundation.

Said Ms Tammy Tan, a spokesman for the company: 'It is heartwarming to know that the commuter decided to own up to his or her mistakes and sent us a refund for the underpayment of fares.

'He or she could have remained silent, and no one would have been any wiser.'

The belated confession came as laws are about to be toughened to crack down on bus-fare cheats.

The Public Transport Council announced last week that from July 1, those caught cheating on their bus and train fares will have to pay a $20 penalty.

Currently, a commuter who avoids payment by not tapping his ez-link card when boarding a bus, or who underpays by tapping his card at the exit reader too early, has to cough up the evaded fare.

SBS Transit said it detects about 10,000 cases of cheating every month, which works out to more than 330 cases a day. However, thousands more go undetected.

It said half of those caught cheating paid less than what they should by tapping their ez-link cards early.

Soccer Update (7 May 2008)

2008-05-08T10:45:00.000+08:00

I feel rather depressed lately. That was why I wasn't expecting a good game yesterday evening.

Quite a good crowd turned up so much so that we had to split into three teams and rotation of teams is on a one-goal knockout basis. The Commercial guys formed a team while I teamed up with Kian "Lampard" Tiong, Maurice aka Zizou and Jeremy aka Fabregas. My team was on paper far and away the strongest team despite only having 4 players compared the rest who had 5.

We won most of our matches but I did not enjoy myself. I hit three goals and set up two more. Halfway through, I sat out one of the matches, citing "fatigue". I just couldn't play on.

The Commercial guys were playing real rough. I locked boots with one of them as he was about to shoot, there was a loud clack. I was later to realise (upon getting home) that I have a huge blood clot on my right toe. Another launched a hard kick on my right shin. Lampard was roughly jousted onto the hard ground and had bloodied teeth. Most of us were shoved one way or another or had our jerseys tugged.

Normally when I face a rough opponent, I will keep my temper and answer them in the best way: by scoring. But yesterday I displayed my ugly Hyde. I wanted to hurt them so badly; I threw a couple of elbows, shoved, kicked wildly and tugged and even mouthed the F word. I think I need a break to rediscover myself (which is ironic since I just came back from Aussie).

After the game, I sat down in a playground and stayed there for almost an hour. I sorted out my thoughts and went home.

Let's hope everything turns out fine tomorrow.

To Go Or Not To Go

2008-05-06T09:02:00.001+08:00

Have you ever wondered how it is like to work overseas? That is, if you have never worked overseas before of course. Perhaps those who did can share their experiences with the rest of us.

I have been pondering over this question for a good few weeks. My Uncle Pat in Aussie has already laid down the gauntlet - he predicted that I will be working Down Under by the end of this year.

I am wondering if I should make his prophecy come true... and allow him to win all the bets he has taken.

And of course, accepting a job offer to work overseas should mean that you will be getting higher pay that you are currently commanding. If you are offered less than what you are now getting, I don't see why you should accept the new appointment, especially when you are paying for your accommodation and car when previously you could live right out of your parents' house.

Now I do look forward to the challenge of living independently overseas... no more maid (not that I am reliant on her anyway), no more family members around you, no more home-cooked food, being far away from your close friends, etc. I especially look forward to finding my own accommodation (although Uncle Pat has already booked a room in his house for me) and having my own set of wheels (choice of car is undecided but the scale tips towards a white Volkswagen Golf). But the pains of other administrative tasks pokes me in the rear, things like having to open a bank account, regular supermarket shopping, going to the post office, etc.

Of course, there are the challenges of working overseas. Coming from a different country, your colleagues are naturally of a different cultural background. Language may pose to be a barrier and not everyone can understand what "har?" means. The way of writing reports or drafting emails may be different. Going to a meeting may take hours as you need to drive long distances. You start off with zero friends and loneliness may set in and leave you depressed.

In short, it is a different kettle of fish altogether. I really salute those who work overseas on a whim, to leave everything behind and move into uncharted waters.

But being thrown into a different environment and into the deep end means that you must learn to float and swim faster than you did in the past. I think that one can really learn and be exposed to a lot more when placed in an unfamiliar environment compared to being in a comfort zone that he or she is accustomed to. Don't you think so?

I was thinking since I am still relatively young (but the big 30 is looming faster than I realise it) and no strings attached (less for my family and friends), I should do this crazy thing and work abroad for a few years. Who knows, I might even settle down there in the end. And maybe marry a local there eventually... haha. Also, before I get to a managerial level, my current junior position allows me to prod, ask and make mistakes (not big ones, of course) and learn at the same time. That is the advantage of doing this whilst young.

But this is a big move, probably the biggest decision of my life so far. Should I take the plunge or should I hold on first and hope that my next company will send me overseas on postings? I should think about it carefully and not commit without much thought given to it.

Looks like Uncle Pat will not be winning his bet easily.

Soccer Update (30 April 2008)

2008-05-02T09:25:00.001+08:00

Our game today coincided with one of the major events for the company this year which took up the entire morning. But it was not a good morning for me for some reasons. Thankfully the day got better as it went.

We had one of the weakest lineups of the year for today's game... only 7 people turned up! There was Chng, Maurice, Kian Tiong, myself, Jeremy, Khalid and Keng Guan. Alvino called in sick and had to miss the game because of flu. Richard was also missing for once, which was strange.

Due to some queer sleigh of luck (shhh), Maurice, Kian Tiong, Jeremy and myself got on the same team against Chng, Khalid and KG. I likened it to Barcelona vs West Ham. A slaughter was on the cards.

As it turned out, we plundered their goal mouth, peppering Chng with shots from all angles. When the dust had settled, I finished with five goals, one of which was whacked from just past the half way line and it soared into goal with a beautiful arc. I seldom hit long range goals so it was something special to me.

My jersey was totally soaked when the game ended but I thoroughly enjoyed today's session.

Air Supply Asia Tour 2008

2008-04-29T09:10:00.004+08:00

Air Supply is coming to Singapore and this time I decided to bring my parents to the concert! Its the first concert for us ever and I hope it will be smashing.

One of my favourite bands (up there with the Eagles and Red Hot Chilli Peppers), I have fond memories of long Aussie road trips with their songs providing lots of good accompaniment.

Hopefully I will be allowed to bring my camera gear in to sneak some shots of the Australian duo.

Flocking Birds

2008-04-24T09:34:00.000+08:00

It was raining heavily and I stopped by one of the buildings near my office to take shelter.

I was looking up at the sky and admiring the waters pouring down when a flash of lightning lit the skies, followed by a loud crack of thunder.

The moment the lightning struck, a flock of birds rose from a tree and took off together in the same direction. It was almost instinctive that every member of the flock knew where to go even when there is no clear leader.

I wonder if this applies to human society. For one, it certainly applies to the workplace - there's simply no place for stragglers; strength lies in unity.

Hmmm.

Football or footbrawl?

2008-04-10T17:35:00.000+08:00

Yesterday's kickabout almost ended in a brawl, which was a first at our clubhouse pitch. There was a loose ball and Mana-dona left his foot out for Rosicky to trip upon when the latter was about to break loose on goal. Picking himself up, our young friend uttered the four letter word and Mana took offence in that and threatened to punch him. Zizou and Lampard stepped in to diffuse the situation before it got worse. We never did enjoy the rest of the game after that.

I felt a little guilty because I was supposed to cover Rosicky on the flank but by some stroke of distraction, I was wandering somewhere on the pitch while Mana covered for me. Had I been there and gone in to nip the loose ball in the bud, the unfortunate incident would not have happened.

It makes me think though. Why do people get into a rage while doing something they like? Is it passion? Is it frustration for not being able to get the better of your opponent? How many times do we see soccer players in a brawl on the pitch? Or is it a man-ego thing - that the alpha male must not let another dominate him?

Combative as I am on the pitch, I am actually very subdued when it comes to matters like that. Once this guy threatened to take my head off after I got him in the shin. I just hung my head, wiped my sweat and walked away while he hurled abuses at me. Not wanting any trouble, definitely not spoiling for a fight. I got whacked once though, while trying to diffuse an angry situation. The over-zealous opponent threw a wild arm at my team-mate but got me instead. Sometimes peacekeepers do get shot while trying to restore peace and security. They are the true innocent ones.

I do, however, have a perfect solution to retaliate at angry opponents on the pitch. Not by screaming back at him or hurling arms or legs. Simply... hang your head, shrug and walk away...

... and with your next shot, aim for his eyes so he will go around looking like a panda for the next week.

Brilliant. Evil. But it works.

My New Camera System

2008-04-10T15:36:00.001+08:00

It is time to clear the old and enter the new.

Having disposed of my Canon 350D to Wee Ling a couple of weeks ago (but yet she wasn't tempted by my offer of accompanying lenses), into my world today arrived my new camera system!

Basically, I now have:

(1) Canon EOS 40D (a step-up from the 350D)
(2) Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
(3) Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 IS USM L (My first red-ring L lens!)
(4) Canon SpeedLite 580EX II

Thanks to Cousin William for helping me ~~smuggle~~ to purchase and bring in the setup despite close customs scrutiny. In all, the package saved me $500~$600 compared to if I had bought them in Singapore ~~at cut-throat prices~~. And thanks to Sam as well (for being so patient despite me bugging him persistently with all sorts of equipment questions).

I do hope I will not let my camera down by taking crap pictures. Watch this space for more shoots!

Blind Dates

2008-04-10T15:14:00.000+08:00

It is weird that the first thing I blog about (rustily, of course), is not about my favourite soccer players, my new camera (next post, I promise) or gripes about my work (of which I have plenty) but that of the two blind dates that I ~~was forced~~ went to lately, albeit reluctantly.

I am not exactly the type of guy who can snap his fingers and come up with 10,000 sweet nothings to charm a girl off her feet. I am an everyday journeyman who is used to silence. Your daily chee-hong pretender, I am not. While others may find it uncomfortable to be in the presence of one-who-does-not-speak, I feel perfectly at ease. I truly believe that empty vessels make the most noise and I am not eager to prove that I am one.

That was why the two blind dates turned out to be rather bland, as both subjects were not talkative girls. Single and attractive they may be, but chemistry is not something you can resolve by talking because you can say things to me and I will merely nod my head if I don't find a compelling reason to reply.

I don't fall in love easily but lately I have been swept off my feet. Thanks to level-headed advice and newly-found stubborn principles, I manage to find my feet firmly on the ground again. I now have a better idea what kind of a girl I am attracted to but heck, why can't they be not attached for once?

That said, I am still waiting for the Chosen One who will open the floodgates of noise and nonsense in me. Who shall be the terrorist of my heart? Until that day comes, I will continue to plod on... silently of course.

The Return of The Self-exiled

2008-04-10T14:51:00.000+08:00

After a short hiatus following my self-imposed exodus from blogging, I am pleased to be back!

This new blog is likely to be of the same style as my last (which has since been inactive and contents deleted), where I document my thoughts and muses and share my photographic memories, jokes and weird stuff I come across in my web journeys.

I really am glad to be back, really I am.