Boys to men

As I jogged on the treadmill today, I got to thinking those around me while growing up. I wondered what happened to my friends back in primary school? Then secondary? Coming from a small town like Penang, it isn't that difficult to bump into one another. Yet where have they all gone.. Many have probably left for the brighter lights of KL or even overseas, but I did see one of my closest friends during my secondary education. It was at a club when I was heading to the men's room that I saw him. I immediately recognized him but it seemed he was in a fit of rage as his facial expression showed while in an argument with two young ladies.
That was as close to seeing anybody back from my secondary school. From a local set up, my parents moved me to an international school known to the locals as the 'School of Brats'. Most kids there were children of expatriates holding executive positions here on this island. So coming from a well-to-do background many of these kids have no utter respect for anyone but themselves, with the full backing of their parents. But growing up during my high school life was somewhat difficult. I found myself struggling to blend into the community there. Of course I had friends, and being the numero uno tennis player only made things easier. I was brought up to respect just about everything around me like money, the elderly, professionals such as our own teachers, seniors, and even my own peers.
I chose my friends carefully but even they had the 'I-don't-give-a-damned' attitude. I really didn't enjoy my high school years because I was 'different'. Whenever I did something wrong, I'd apologize, much to the disgust of others in my class. I was often the target of Caucasian seniors whenever I walked past them. I remember one time, as I walked down the corridor to get my bag, I noticed three seniors standing with my bag. I knew I was in for some running now! Being plump during then didn't help at all but still I gave chase against the better physique they were born with and after a short chase they decided to unzip my bag and strew all its contents on the floor as they ran..I followed the trail picking up my books, notes, stationary equipment till the last stop, my bag. Thinking back, I shooked my head. Some days were just so forgettable..Having go through that made me a stronger person eventhough admittedly, also a quick tempered attitude. I never got anymore flak from any other person...again.

Friends

The weekend went by with a touch of bonding amongst friends. I must say, the word 'friend' has such a deeper meaning than what its given credit for. I mean we sometimes use it in a very insignificant way which, admittedly, Michelle says that a friend is very different from an acquaintance. She would always dispute when there comes a conversation about people- I'd always be the one using the term 'friends' even for those whom I am not close to, such as an acquaintance. According to the Oxford dictionary, an acquaintance means 'A person that you know but who is not a close friend'. Its true..I admit they don't bear any importance to warrantly label them as a friend, but more as an acquaintace. There's a saying 'People hear what you say, but friends hear what you don't say'. How true is that? Aside from our family, the second person of true importance are unquestionably, friends. I 'm so fortunate to have wonderful friends. Friends who make my life colorful and very much interesting. Every time we get together, time just doesn't seem important. We are able to talk about anything and everything even if some of it doesn't really make sense. Its the views of one another that we find so diverse yet interesting its as if we are learning from one another every time. Thanks guys.. 'Friend - A favoured companion' (Merriam-Webster dictionary)

Restaurateur / Intern Chef

After a long period of procrastination, my blog is up and running. Ironically, its also my off day so here goes... I've decided to get down and dirty by waking up early and heading to the restaurant to pick up the secrets of Thai cooking. I feel I have passed the stage of boring management at the establishment and want to churn out Hip & New ways of satisfying my clientele's hunger. Looking at Jamie Oliver having a ball of a time (besides being paid handsomely to do it)while cooking in his program inspires me to do the same. I have a good relationship with my kitchen staff, so why not get with the program and cook together? I have to admire my cooks. Weekends when it gets busy, they keep their cool and cook up a fabulous meal for my clients. Its really admirable that they maintain their professionalism eventhough it can be chaotic in the kitchen. I guess they are passionate people who live by their mottos' of being in this line. You can see how they delicately slice up raw materials, carefully place the garnish, gently sprinkling toppings and a long line of other dedicated, chefly moves. Wish me luck as I begin my journey into the world of cooking...