Mindblasting!

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

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...

... 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!

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...

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!

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"...

... 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.