Light Monday

I love this joke and seem to laugh over and over again everytime I read it

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), The FBI, and the CIA are all trying to prove that they are the best at apprehending criminals.
The President decides to give them a test.
He releases a rabbit into the forest and each of them has to catch it.

The CIA goes in. They place animal informants throughout the forest. They question all plant and mineral witnesses. After three months of extensive investigations they conclude that rabbits do not exist.

The FBI goes in. After two weeks with no leads they burn the forest, killing everything in it, including the rabbit. They make no apologies. The rabbit had it coming.

The LAPD goes in. They come out two hours later with a badly beaten bear. The bear is yelling: "Okay! Okay! I'm a rabbit! I'm a rabbit!"

BKk

*Hoot* *Hooooooooooot*

The fog horn blows as another ship leaves Port Klong Toey.

My condo overlooks the Bangkok port and I see everynight, cranes picking up cargos' and transferring them onboard for shipment. Its beautiful at night, with the lights orangey blending together the yellowness of the giant cranes. After a long day at the office, I come back, put on some music and glance out the balcony of this. Everynight. Moments before crashing out till the very next morning.

Work has been hectic. The company's expanding and I'm glad to be playing a keyrole in it heading north. I'm actually heading the business development department, and smiled when it was given to me as its also the same position as my brother, Shanne's.
We're presently busy preparing for the trade show coming up in a fortnight's time. We're expecting some interested multinational companies dropping by to visit our booths, so one can imagine the preparations for such an event.

At any rate, things are looking fine at the moment. Enjoying the challenges being thrown at. Kinda miss home, as in family, dogs Austin & Sandy, friends, and the simplicity that is so abundant in Penang. Pace of Bangkok life is perfect for my age, as some would prefer the term yuppies. Funny thing is, I always lose myself when in a restaurant with clients or dinner meetings. I'd look at their decos, tables, chairs, cutlery, waiters appearance, service, quality, comfortness...and I'd zap back again into reality.

When I've build up this company, I shall...no, I will open up another restaurant. And here I thought the F&B spirit had died...Cheers to the future.

This is my last post from Penang island. The past week has been very memorable and emotionally draining. I just want to thank my really wonderful crew for setting up two farewell drinking and dinner sessions. Really gonna miss you guys. Just a short post, as its 4 hours before I get up and 6 more before my plane departs.

Don't worry guys, I'll never forget my roots and I sure as hell won't forget my buddies. If all goes well, I'd like for you all to visit me during the opening of our new plant. We've always talked about achieving success in our lives, and if all goes to plan, I'd like to celebrate that moment with no one else but you guys and my family. Our frienship together has helped toughen each other and instill the sheer hunger for making it in life. For that, we have each of us to thank for.

So my friends, be the best you can be and always strive to aim for the top. I'm really going to miss you fools a lot.

Bittersweet

Feeling better, although its an off-on kinda behavioral pattern. Had a nice farewell dinner plus chit chat with family and a good time chilling after with the crew. Bill got back from his business trip from China so it was good seeing him again. KrishakaGrumps joined up later with some encouraging news of his first posting overseas by the company in India. Really happy for him. It was time the bright lights were shown upon him. I expect to see him in Bangkok in the near future.

Took a long, slow jog this evening around the neighbourhood. Of all the times I been doing that, today was the first time I really took to the surroundings. The weather was perfect, light sun with intermittent breeze. Left, right, left right. My heart beating faster as my steps quicken. I'm going to miss all this when I'm in the big city. No more laid back lifestyle. Its all ball busting from here. Suddenly I realized I didn't entirely want to leave. However, a challenge lies ahead, so what does one do? Back away? No siree. Going to grab this opportunity with both hands. Just taking some time to absorb what I'll be missing. I don't think anyone can argue with me when I say we take almost everything for granted. When its time to part, all the good memories rush out like gushing water from a broken hydrant.

Anyways, lots of nostalgia at the moment. Last weekend was forgetful. I am however, getting thru the pain of that numbing insensation. It only enhances my believe of fate - whatever happens, happens for a reason. You can quote me on that. Getting on with life. As I know it, so does someone special in my life. I've got a world to conquer.

May the force be with me...

Life goes on

Suffering personal losses are a real devastation in life, that goes without saying. Sometimes when its others' losses, we're not as adversely affected as they are. At most, we sympathize with their misfortune, bemoaning their unfortunate luck. Just like the 9/11, where so many were killed especially while running down the fire escape to exit WTC, or the plane that drove into the buildings' destruction with passengers seemingly knowing their fate. The tsunami devastation that wiped out some islands and its population which included holidaymakers in parts of Asia. The London bombings which took the lives of some, who heard the news of the underground destruction, then took the no.30 bus instead leading to their fated demise.

We all pick ourselves up and move on with life...in time. As the saying goes 'Life goes on'. We continue living for we are still alive, and those who perished would have wanted us to do what they won't be able to.
I too, suffered a personal loss. Devastated? Immensely. Feelings? Numb. Thoughts? Lost. I won't disclose this loss on my blog, as its a personal one that requires anonymity. I am however, writing this entry as a statement of going on living to the fullest as possible because we are, after all, still alive and potential for leaps and bounds.

Life throws us a lot of uncertainties which makes life unpredictable. Sometimes, it hits you when you least expect it. I know this devastation will blow over after some time, if I don't seem in high spirits of late, please excuse the partypooper in me. I will however try and put the saying into action because if I don't, I shouldn't have the luxury of living anyways...

Fate and its blessings

At the moment, I am sorting out for some personal effects to be sold and one of them is my wheels. Trusty Beemer, went on the papers the first day and I was flooded with calls while still in bed. Had some people all the way from KL inquiring, some nice father's asking on behalf of their sons, some rude 2nd hand car dealers and some idiots who ask about details already stated in the ad on the papers.

Was a slow Monday as I drove to the restaurant. The weathers been unbearable of late. Universal climate is somewhat screwed up. As I drive by, head turning left and right searching for a parking lot, a motorcyclist reverses and knocks into my passenger side door. I was truly annoyed.

I got down and confronted the culprit for his carelessness. He seemed old and his slow movement justified it, but I wasn't sure with his shades covering.

He was quiet as I questioned his way of compensation. At that point I began to calm down a little as he seemed rather lost for an explanation.

The thing that boiled my blood was this unassuming indian bloke walking by and telling me I wasn't supposed to enter this road. I immediately lashed back about how on earth did these vehicles managed to park the same direction and promptly told him to piss off.

At that point I almost lost the plot. My car's obviously evident dent. Target selling price will now take a dip.
Simultaneously the culprit who fender bendered my ride took off his shades to reveal an old, sickly looking bloke. He had transparent eyes that somehow looked connected to his deteriorating health.

He offered me RM50 for the damage. I said it was only good for workmanship fee alone and not the repairs. He countered he wasn't well off and was seeking free treatment from the clinic a few blocks from the restaurant. He really did look ill, however I was still seething from my misfortune and having to bear the repair costs.

I took it off him and trodded back to the restaurant. While pacing back I could feel myself trembling. It was the tremble from the sight that kept replaying in my mind. His pitiful facial expression.

As I look back at the scenario when he reached into his wallet to find a fifty, he had this look of daze. Wondering how he would be able to recoup that lost fifty for other neccessary uses.
As he handed me the bill, I could see he was close to tears.

There was nothing but flashbacks and I thought to myself about the whole incident again. Yes, he does look sickly.
Yes, the clinic he sought help was famous for its free treatment. Did I mentioned he looked frail? Everything suddenly was clear in my mind. I felt so guilty. So guilty that I was my concious was eating me up replaying the scenario over and over again.

The damage was easily ten times more but I made a decision.

I headed towards the clinic, with the nearby shops all looking at me from the earlier confrontation. They're probably thinking I'm going to demand more for the damage. I tapped the poor gentleman on the shoulder and he turned.

I say softly as a packed clinic hushed to eavesdrop. "Sir, its ok. Please use the money for your treatment. And ride carefully".

His expression changed and I will never forget his smile.
Like the ones we see from elderly people we help cross the street, or the ones we turn to say hi in our early morning jogs. I could see the people around the clinic whispering to each other while looking at me. I didn't care if it was praise or scorn. I walked out of there with my conscience clear and feeling a sense of relief. I looked back, my thoughts centered around his face, which I suddenly replaced with my dad's or even myself. I would have wanted that person to do the same too.

I am glad I did what I did. I am glad my parents instilled morality throughout my life. I am glad my religion taught me to forgive and forget. Most of all, I am glad I could make someone, with an unfortunate condition...

Smile.

Back

What a week its been. Past seven days were not wasted at all in Bangkok. In fact I wasn't even able to get souvenirs for friends and family. However, on the work front things seem to be positive. After inspecting the production line, studying the market potential and assessing the future of this entity, I decided to join Earth Born.

Its a total change from the restaurant biz but like I said, I've always wanted to be in the export front. I shall be joining in the capacity of International Sales Coordinator overseeing the foreign sales portfolio. I will soon be packing my bags and heading over to Thailand's capital to begin my new profession.

I'm sad leaving the food business that I have grown fond of, but everyone evaluates their potential and makes a decision that may vary. A new challenge is on the cards and I am both excited and nervous about this transition. I shall be leaving with a heavy heart especially when I've become closer to friends and family than ever before, but they have been great in supportiing and offering their best to my future.

I know there's someone who is equally thrilled with my transition. Thank you for believing in me even sometimes venting frustrations, I know deep down you care. I intend to work doubly hard. I am glad you inspire me.

Really am.

Winds of change?

There seems to be a winds of change at the career frontier. I am taking some time off to go Bangkok and study up about Virgin Coconut Oil(VCO). My ex university mates have founded a company, Earth Born Co,. Ltd - the only company on the planet to have a unique way of extracting VCO without compromising the amounts of left over nutrients.

I believe frienships forged during university life always has its blessings. We were a close knit group back in those days and knew each other inside out. I remembered last year during my visit to Bangkok to attend the funeral of a group members' father. There was a discussion then about hatching this idea and as time passed I thought it couldn't conceived, therefore shelved. Just recently I get a call from one of them asking me to jump on board this venture.

This sorta puts me in a fix as I'm actually working towards an expansion for the restaurant. I figure I'll just correspond from home for the time being and see thru the completion of the successful expansion, then the picture will be clearer. Mumsy and pops have given me their support for whatever decision I come to and that's really sweet. Guess they only want me to be happy.

So off I go to an adventure totally new and unknown, but its the challenge that excites me. I've always wanted to go into the exporting business. Too bad pops retired before I could join him. So now I'm presented with a golden opportunity and I shall take it with both hands. This slow, laid back town is making me stale. This could be just the thing to recharge myself.

Wish me luck...

Ignorance

It was a beautiful day while driving to the restaurant. I was in good spirits, singing along to Maroon 5's 'Sunday Morning' playing on the radio. At the traffic lights I come to a stop behind a brand spanking new Mercedes Benz C200 Kompressor. I was admiring the shape of the lights, the color on this fine machine when suddenly a can of drink was unceremoniously thrown out from the driver's side!

I was utterly amazed. You would think a person being able to afford a car made by a first world nation would at the very least have some first world manners. I just couldn't believe it. Mind you it was on a busy road and not anywhere near the curb so the council cleaners can get rid of it. Nevermind that, the main point is one being able to drive an RM200 over thousand car would at least have some education about littering. I shook my head in total disbelief.

Why is it that we have first world facilities but with a third world mentality? Here we are complaining day in day out to the city council about beautifying the city when we can't even cooperate in keeping it clean? What's the big deal in reaching your destination and depositing the rubbish into a waste basket or a trash bin?

Come on people, I'm not trying to make this world a better environment but we can all do our part in not being a litter bug. Rubbish bins are where the rubbish go. Not floors, roads, rivers, drains, and what I really was amazed while driving was the signage.
I actually laughed because it was a DENDA RM500 MEMBUANG SAMPAH SINI sign and around it was nothing but rubbish! All lying in a neat pile right under the penalty sign!

Maybe its just human behavior. Like the saying 'Rules are meant to be broken' comes to mind. Even in my restaurant, with the sign emblazooned 'NO SMOKING', I still get muppets lighting up on a busy lunch or a crowded dinner. Hello? Did you see any ashtrays on your table or others? Its nice when I have regulars telling the next table its a smoke-free restaurant and pointing to the warning across them. (They then embarrasingly stub out their ciggarettes)

I can only sum these behaviors up as one thing - Ignorance...

Monday...Blues?

I was annoyingly distracted at the restaurant of an issue that's been agonizing me this year. Due to my inability to halt a component in my system called 'feelings', I am therefore suffering the consequences. Closure has always been something I've had trouble achieving but finally rendering it as time goes by. Maybe its actually denial, rather than closure? Could be.

For a while now I've been pretty contented with my personal life as it is. P and I managed to come to an understanding about our feelings. Since then I feel happy because we're still entwined in each other's lives. We miss each other, but we don't say it. We feel it in the tone of our voices. P and I have a funny relationship. We obviously care for each other, but we aren't together. Officially or unofficially. There's still the fluttering heart when we see each other. Still the warm and beautiful moments everytime we're within each other.

The thing is its driving me crazy. Good feelings such as these are so so truly hard to find. So why are we doing this? One part of me just prefers it if this ended, but the other part of me? The other part of me actually sees her vividly in my life. Its like..picture perfect. Too scared to let go of a potentially good thing but also too cautious not to rush into uncertainty.
I play down this feeling. P will be back soon and from there we can slowly see if things work out.

"I might not come back till next year" she says.

She then proceeds to explain about her internship during the summer, holiday with friends and travel itinerary with parents. I was lost for words. All of a sudden my heart sank. We've maintained our confusing-yet-wanting relationship to a cautious extent, whereby we have our commitments in life that take first priority. So there's an understanding which makes us feel great about each other.

Last night's conversation just blew me away. Now I'm really afraid that the perfect momentum we've been maintaining just so to pass over before we can see each other again, will have taken a backseat. Sometimes, the reason we maintain our focus of such a behavior(of not exercizing our true feelings)is because we see a better time for it to happen therefore refrain. What happens now? Its the last day of May and we're talking about 6 months...minimum!

Maybe I should just move on and not linger in this love hazard. I don't know where this is headed and judging from this scenario, it doesn't look like its going to go too smoothly.
So many thoughts are running through my head. Why can't I just go with a person who is physically and mentally available here? Why is it my mind keeps telling me to go deeper, further into the unknown to find out..if I can be happy as I once was.

Just then, the phone rang and I was disconnected from my trip to La La Land.

Our elusive relationship is what propels me to want it to happen. Distance is a barrier, and true to its Thai saying -"Rak Tae Pae Klai Chid" (True love succumbs to close proximity).

Rekindling the past

Over the weekend, my mates and I dropped by a watering hole to convey our birthday wishes to a friend. I'd been there before. Lounge set up. Light music. Sofas' and comfy cushioned chairs of oak trimming. Various alcohol selections on menu. Perfect for business chats, family outings, close-knit group outings, and basically honeymoon period couples.

As I reached the second floor the music tempo was different from its usual fair. It was hard house blasting out speakers. There were at least 80 guests. He greeted us and we in turn wished him many happy returns. Then I realized it was a private party and immediately was transported back in time to my Bangkok Daze.

During my tenure as an artist-rep at a well known events management firm, I attended gazillions of private parties -drugs, alcohol, celebrities, gorgeous women, corporate bigwigs. Basically if you've been to one, you've been to all.

Why?

See, at one private party you'll meet the same people again and again at future private parties. These are the people who can't seem to stay away from the limelight.
I had the distinct pleasure to be introduced to Sonya Couling and Methinee Kingprayom -two of Thailand's best known supermodels.
I didn't last long at these parties cause I was already too knackered babysitting so-and-so who has come into the kingdom for a performance, but it looked exactly alike from my time in the city of angels.

I stood there smiling and saying hi to a few familiar faces for a maximum 20 minutes before bolting out of the noisy party. I've never seen a private party in full swing before on this island, so it was a real culture surprise in a way. But for that full twenty minutes, I was able to feel like I was back there again. How often is one able to relive the memory of the past even just as a bystander?

Rarely...

Shanne:"Is it possible for Michelle to get me a Liverpool shirt?"
I didn't even wanna ask why..
Shanne:"Maybe you could ask for me. Oh did you know Liverpool won?"
Jeremy:"I know they won. You left when the score was 0-3, remember?"
Shanne:"Ok, just thought you might like to know."

Prick was trying to wind me up cause I was cheering when Crespo hit the third. Grrr...

Cheers

I am in mourning. Milan lost. After leading 3-0 before half-time, the Italians lost their concentration in the second half and allowed Liverpool to regain their composure to square the game 3-3 and finally bringing it to a penalty shootout after the same scoreline as extra time expired.

Complacency came back and bit their arses with the semi-final clash against PSV Eindhoven a classic example. This time there was no Massimo Ambrosini. How incredibly Liverpool's usually error-prone keeper -Jerzy Dudek - kept out Shevchenko's extra time bullet header and follow up out? I have no idea. I had a gut feeling with those misses, the game looked to be swinging Liverpool's way.

Kudos to the English side for their fightback. They deserved it more than their opposition. Gerrard proved himself to be a true captain by inspiring his team to rise from the dead, and now, champions once again in Europe. I'm pretty sure my brother will be so thrilled. He left the tv room as soon as Milan scored the 3rd goal during the first half. How would that be to wake up finding your team winning the Champions League after being three goals down? Totally wicked.

Well done, Liverpool. Congratulations.

"Ben-ja-paed"

We believe in Thai culture of males in their mid twenties i.e. 25, are entering a phase in their lives. That is what we call "Ben-ja-paed". In another words, it will be a tricky period of that individual.

Currently I am in that phase and I really need to watch my step. Last night I got into an accident with a motorbike -with no headlights on. Him hitting me was bad enough but as I helped him upright his fallen machine, stepped on and broke his fallen side mirror. Great. Whether its a myth or not, I just hope I won't be subjected to seven unfortunate years.

One of my cooks explained to me in detailed that its like a make or break phase, either you hit it right or fail and fail miserably. That is why it is a strong belief one should make merit from time to time at temples. Then again, its up to individuals to believe this or not but in situation where this heritage is part of me, I'll just be very careful about my moves for the year. 'Better safe than sorry'.

Day off rant

Shit, I need to blow off some steam. On a positive note, a cigarette didn't come to mind. Funny how I thrived on them and now, I totally despise everything about it. Usually if I'm stressed out I'd go to the gym and torture the body but I've just had a late lunch so I'll let time pass for now.

The neighbours' youngest is playing the violin, one of the many musical tuitions her parents have given. Now I hear piano. Is it the school holidays?? Hmm..Usually they'll be on one of their instruments but only on the weekends and the school holidays. They're pretty decent, for their age I should say they're not bad at all.

I never learned any musical instruments during my childhood. It was mostly tennis and BB guns. A tiny regret. Wish I played the piano or the guitar. Maybe even the saxophone. I think its such a personal achievement for any guy to be able to enthral an audience, a friend, a loved one or anyone with their musical ability. Its not too late, but I haven't the luxury of time. I'll keep that in future reference.

I salute guys especially who are able to impress with their musical talents. Just seems like they had a more meaningful childhood. Mine was, just not in a musical sense.

Fish with lesser bones?

So today I had two very gorgeous patrons for dinner. One of which was at least 174cm tall, looked like a China doll with a hairstyle similar to Moe of 'The 3 Stooges'. I gave them some time to study our menu before waiting on them.

The usuals were ordered. Tom yum goong, crispy fried kang kong, mango kerabu salad and the popular, steamed Lemon fish. "Get me smaller fish. Too big cannot finish. Also find fish with less bone one".

For a moment there, one of my eyebrows rose while looking at her and trying to fathom her request. How on earth does one find a fish with less bone? I smiled as I jotted down China doll's order and went into the kitchen to translate it to my team of chefs. They were on the floor laughing at my order of such a request. I too laughed hard when those words came out from my mouth.

Being in the food business for six years, I'm not entire sure if there's anyone who could tell a fish with lesser bones. Hmm..I'll have to ask my supplier that question.

Got me thinking..

Forza Milan

I'm happy AC Milan made it to the finals of this season's UEFA Champions League. I admit they rode their luck thru both legs of the semi-finals against a fascinating PSV Eindhoven. The difference between the two sides was one took their chances clinically and the other just couldn't find their finishing touch.
I salute PSV's skipper, Mark Van Bommel for his performance and his never-give-up attitude but I couldn't accept the moaning he gave of playing better in the two legged series and to end up as the losing side. Well, Mark...in football, you don't just play 90 minutes, you play till the final whistle is blown and yes, your courageous and valiant fightback and performance were outstanding but at the end of the day if you let your guard down, you pay for it.

Credit can't be taken away from Milan for their converted chances, and also, ladyluck. It was their luck that PSV forgot their shooting boots in the first leg and lapse in concerntration in the second that allowed Ambrosini to plant a header past Gomes.
Hopefully Milan will take caution of their form when they take on Liverpool on the 25th of May. They just lost to arch-rivals, Juventus over the weekend which puts the latter in pole position to reclaim the scudetto from Milan. At least if they cease the Serie A crown, they will welcome back the Champions League trophy they secured in 2003.

Carlo Ancelotti has done a wonderful job at the San Siro by giving the opportunity to the vastly talented playmaker, Andrea Pirlo to shine. Pirlo had been languishing on the bench at Inter Milan before he was snapped up by Ancelotti and has been the mainstay of the engine room. With the emergence of Kaka, a brilliant talent who has kept Potuguese legend Rui Costa on the bench with scintilating displays has propelled the Serie A giants to familiar territory.
Milan were in doldrums when Fatih Terim took the reigns and was duly dispatched barely completing one season.

With Maldini, Nesta and Stam(when both not injured) marshalling a tight and fearsome defence, the midfield then reinforced with another protective layer in the shape of Gennaro Gattuso, a human pitbull breaking down play and distributing it to attackers with panache. In Clarence Seedorf we have another Dutch legend who has won three champions league medal with three different teams. Kaka is then given the license to roam just in front of the midfield to supply defence splitting passes to the lethal Andrei Shevchenko. The current European Footballer of the Year has been in fine form and it was he who drew first blood against PSV in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

I am however a very big fan of the Rossoneri captain, Paolo Maldini. He is undoubtedly an inspiration and is an icon at the Giuseppe Meazza. At 36 years of age, he is still a classy and competitive professional who is widely regarded as the best full-back of his era. Although not as fast as in his prime, he is still able to time his tackles perfectly and keep a tight leash on the opposite's offense. He reminds me of a typical Spartan soldier back in the Roman period. I hope Milan will win it for Maldini for all he has symbolized at the San Siro. A loyal servant who has spent his entire career at the club right from the youth setup. As a Milan tifosi(fan in Italian), I wish them the very best for this long, weary season with the triumph of the coveted, Champions League 2005.

Snatch

There was a case of snatch thef today around the restaurant. Apparently the thief had snatched a necklace off a bloke! What a genius. His accomplice fled the scene on a bike and he had to run for his life. A motorist, upon witnessing the incident gave chase in his car and as he neared the culprit, opened the driver's side door causing the robber to fall. The victim gave chase and shouted to the coffee shop just behind the restaurant for help and an entourage of hawkers and patrons stormed out to give this thief a beating he will never forget.

Apparently the daughter in-law of the coffee shop operator had her handbag snatched off her yesterday after having dinner at my restaurant. So her husband must have vented a lot of anger on this luckless thief. They certainly gave him a good beating before letting the authorities haul him away. I would have joined in but there was no room to stick my foot in. There you go, crime doesn't pay.

Shite day but great recovery

Today will go down as a rather unfortunate day for me. Since Shanne was away on business, I thought I'd be a considerate soul and pump his car with some petrol so it would save his missus the hassle of doing it on the way to work. All was fair just when I was turning off Western Rd, third in line when the first car stopped in the middle of the road! To my horror leaving me exposed to the oncoming traffic!! By the time I realized he'd stopped I crashed right into the second car. I was fuming because there wasn't any reason for him to do so. Then I realized he was from outstation(Kedah number plate, go figure) but still one doesn't stop in the middle of the road regardless of what state or country. What annoyed me was he looked back and saw what he caused and slowly drove off...Grrr!!!

Went down, apologized profusedly to the lady driver who happened to be taking her sick son to the clinic. She understood and pointed the finger at the outstation car in front of her for stopping suddenly. A quick call and her husband came to asses the damage(he being in the auto industry)and we both called our own mechanics about the price. An agreement was struck at RM240 for a broken tail light and he duly followed me to get the amount at a nearby cash dispenser. By this time, I was already running late to the restaurant, and not to mention having to tell dad I'd crashed my brother's car. I could picture his lecture already.
True enough as I was given a tongue lashing firstly for driving his car instead of mine, secondly for following too closely, and third for rushing.

Shanne was way cooler. He called from China when he'd heard about the news.
S:What happened?
J:Car stopped in the middle of the road and I couldn't jam the breaks in time
S:You ok?
J:Yeah
S:I've called the mechanic. He'll pick it up tomorrow in the morning. Don't worry.
J:Sorry...
S:No worries. Drive safe. You owe me one. See you when I get back.
J:Cheers

The damage could have been worst, but thankfully it wasn't. I rushed a bit but like many things in life it was unexpected. I was touched by his gesture. Anybody would after a tongue lashing from pops!! Guess that's pops way of showing his concern (=
From now on, I shall be keeping my distance from outstation cars...especially ones from Kedah!!

Perfect Sunday morning

The weekend went by without any nightlife activity so I managed to sleep early and got up fresh on a Sunday morning to go hiking. I'm quite pleased with the progress I've been making with a plus for quitting smoking altogether.
I managed to trek the youth park path all the way till number 10. I can't remember when was the last time I've ever been to that point..or maybe its even my first! I've always trekked to number 5 but I'm not sure about 10.

Anyways, I feel great finding a new and healthy lifestyle to live by. Gone are the smoking days, beer guzzling sessions. Jogging, gyming and hiking are to be a new curriculum. Getting fresh air, exercizing the body and mind, seeing nature, pushing oneself. I tagged along with me a camera just in case but I always think to myself as the reward to goin up -The view.
Overlooking the main part of the city, its skyscrapers, the sea and not forgetting the Penang bridge. What a sigh.

I'll always remember what dad taught me. He said if we worked really hard, they'd always be a reward at the end of your task..For me on that beautiful Sunday morning, it was this...