Te Puke

We were supposed to go skiing today and explore the Tongariro national park for a three-day tour, but there is a slight change of plan, as usual...

Since i've planned to leave in a couple of days to another town, my houseparents have decided that they are gonna throw a 'Hangi' party for all of us...a Hangi is a traditional Maori Feast that is put up whenever there is some kinda celebration going on or when they want to honour a visiting guest...i would like to think that they are not celebrating of my departure but rather to let me experience the Maori culture, as ive mentioned to them before that i would like to try the Hangi one day...It is a real blessing staying in with a Maori family that i get to experience the real maori lifestyle instead of some commercialized village showcasing Maori people to the tourist...Like the one in Rotorua where they charge $20 per entry just to put on a show for you...im experiencing the real deal right now, for free...

so we are to have the feast tomorrow at lunch time where they will dig up a hole and buried the prepared food underneath the groud...a fire will then be lighted up on top of the soil and the food will be cooked with the heat generated...that's the whole idea from a theoretical point of view...ive only seen it on discovery channel to be quite honest...will describe more after tomorrow...

We went shopping earlier with Ada and Reg and i managed to buy some thermal underwears, pantyhose, scarf and beanie, for my skiing trip...ive never put on a pantyhose before, and ive always thought that only gals wear them, so when i told my kiwi friends such, they laughed and said that i will be freezing as hell if i dont put them on...it will be weird wearing tights underneath my pants, but i'll get used to it...

ive also bought a hot water bottle to keep myself warm, and right now im sure im ready to challenge the skiing field...it cant be that cold, right? I'll survive...

another plan diversion is that i think i wont be bringing my car down to south island...ive just checked on the ferry ticket online and it is a whopping $225, just to bring the car accross Cook Straits...such daylight robbery...so the tentative idea is to sell the car here, and get another one down in south island, i really need a car in south island, too many places to go to that is off the beated track...i aspire to grab lotsa breathtaking pictures for your viewing pleasure...

I will need to find a job soon after my skiing trip, as the ski resorts offer only expensive and more expensive packages...not to mention about hiring skiing gears and the lift service up the mountain...alot of money is involved here...

But it will be worthwhile...



Kiwi fruit orchard (i tried picking kiwi fruit for three days)

Self-drive trip has begun


My gorgeous car




Hot water beach, Whitianga


View from Auckland sky tower with Auckland University in between the domain


Rangitoto Volcanic island


Auckland, City of sail...


Car buried from high tide


Hole in the rock


Sand toboganning


ninety mile beach


This is where im currently staying

The meeting place of Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean


Cape Reinga, the northern most part of NZ


Ahipara bay in the background

Alexis mimicking a sheep


Alexis (France) getting all lunatic


Ahipara bay

haha, i have successfully uploaded my first picture....aint i proud of myself? will put in tonnes of photos from now on....

let's try another one...




pete(canada) and David(belgium) on the day i left KeriKeri


renee(holland) getting pissed...
barbeque session taking place

uploading photo attempt

I've warned you guys that i will be blogging pretty frequently right now that i have internet access...

just came back from watching Da Vinci code and thought it was really good...i've just decided that musee de louvre will be the next destination i will be travelling in...it's funny how when i see some foreign places in the movie that i will always wanna go there asap....just like LOTR, and talking bout that, i will be going to the movie set next week...think hobbiton, think mount doom...it will be awesome...

i will miss all my friends here nevertheless, really wish they could all travel with me...but as i move on to different places, there are always someone that i can meet up, the friends whom ive made while im in northland...the feeling is just so good, the reunion, and the stories that we will exchange...a german girl just called me up and asked if i will meet her in taupo next week, and that's where im heading to...it's just unbelievable...everyone is travelling down the same direction that it is not impossible bumping familiar faces on the street...

just the other day i ran into Adam (england) that i was still in awe of that coincidence when he came over and gave me a hug...i was dumbfounded....imagine meeting a foreign friend on the summit of a mountain, what are the chances? and right after that i bumped into a korean friend at the hot salt water pool...it's really such a small country u know...

Since ive been here i have learned how to cook....everyone is giving me a lesson of their country speciality..the french cook two gigantic pizza yesterday and it is sooo yummy...that we have salads by the czech and some stew beef from taiwan...cakes are provided by the kiwi, and i cooked some pasta...abel(brazil) didnt prepare anything...lazy ass...

my houseparents have been telling me how blessed they are having me staying with them that they will feel so sorry of me leaving next week...nevertheless i really have to move on, despite the weather being colder down there...it's snowing already...but again, im running out of time...

later...

Te Puke

Alright, im feeling very excited right now, as of today, i will be able to get in touch with the world again...my housefather has just set up the wireless connection at home today, and i will be able to log on to the internet in my comfortable room using laptop, with the heater turned to the max (30 degrees), and my favourite music playing...

so many things have happened in the past few weeks that i really don't know where to begin...i'm so glad that i found this nice maori family to stay with, and mark my word, they are like the nicest human being on earth...i dont feel like leaving te puke at all! But really, deep in my heart i know it's time to move on, if i want to cover south island before i return to malaysia...

I've spent some few days studying the map and choosing the most interesting route to travel in, asking the french couple who's currently staying with me, since they have been to everywhere in the country...It's so much easier to travel with a car and im glad i made the right decision this time around...i will sell it before i fly to Fiji and Melbourne in September..

On the other hand, i have also made a plan B, that is to fly from Aus back to Christchurch should i miss out any parts of the country by Sept...the objective of this backpacking trip is that i am able to explore most of the country, covering both tourist spots and local's secret sanctuary....at the rate im going, i'm doubtuful if i can really go to all these places that i have planned to go...there are just so many interesting spots that im having a hard time selecting which one to visit and spend time in...

Right now on the list is to first do my sky-diving in Taupo, followed by skiing and snowboarding in Mt. Ruapehu and Mt. Taranaki, where the famous Tongariro national park is...The Tongariro has earned a reputation that it is one of the few national parks with dual world heritage status...I'm hoping that i will be able to arrive in Wellington by mid July where i will take a ferry, with or without my car across to south island...

I'm really starting to get really complacent in this small beautiful town that i feel as is i have lived here forever...imagine bumping into the same person in two different supermarkets within three days...i'm getting to know the neighbourhood so well that i know where to get the right stuff and meet the right people...

We will be going to the cinema tomorrow for Da Vinci Code...it's always cheaper on a tuesday to watch movie (NZD $7.50), and im so looking forward to it...i adore the book to the utmost despite the pastor in church here telling me it is all fiction and there is no solid ground to the claims that Dan Brown has made...

I am still checking out the country and though this is a beautiful place, i dont think i will ever settle down here, not at my young age anyway...we cant just dwell on beautiful scenery alone you know, even though the grass is really GREENER and the moon is ROUNDER here....im not kidding ya...

should i decide otherwise, i already have the forms and documents ready to apply for a residency, and it's not that tough getting a PR here, the country is under-populated and i have the right channel and sponsors to see me through...

I've been hanging out with my roomies most of the time now and we often just chillout in our room....it's really too cold to sit outside now...Trent, a kiwi guy is an artist with fantastic sketches and ideas, he's currently writing a sci-fi book and would love to direct a film in the future...then there is John and Lucas from Czech Republic...it's always funny when we communicate because they speak little English, and i often have to guess what they are saying, and vice versa...Staying upstair there is Helen and Nicky from Taiwan, sweet girls who love to cook, you just cant turn down their invitation for a meal...

it is good that we are not allowed alcohol here and i can really save up some money, though the boys often smuggled some beer in...the ppl from czech really do consume the most beer per capita in the world...

There will be a huge party next week before i leave...tell ya more then....

Time for bed....

Te Puke

Moved it to a nice Christian family and will stay here for a couple of weeks...nice town with alot to do, great walks and awesome garden....

next stop: Rotorua, Taupo, and Waitomo...

currently travelling with a guy from Czech Republic and we got to know these girls from Taiwan, will possibly join us for the trip down south...

weather is getting extreme, frost bite every morning, car windows are all frozen up with ice...it's unbelievable...

but i'll survive...

Tauranga



Yesternight must be the coldest night ever, could hardly keep myself warm under the duvet...im currently working as a data keeper in a packhouse here, they paid me more this time, but the money is spent on travelling and hostels again....bummer...

Went to Mt. Maunganui the other day and the place is absolutely amazing...also, the Hotwater Beach, and the coromandel peninsula....

really must put up photos soon...


later...

Auckland


Gosh, i've had some fun for the past few days, spent two nights in Kaitaia and then took a tour up to Cape Reinga, the north most region of NZ, you cant go any farther...well, you can, if you jump into the ocean....

the place was fabulous, i've never seen anything that beautiful before....two ocean joining together, them being the tasman sea and the pacific ocean....it's just breathtaking...

i also went sand toboganning at the sand dunes, simply awesome....then we travelled down the 90 mile beach....can you imagine driving by the side of the water and getting all that splashes....fantastic...

*********


today i got up early to begin a great expedition....hitch hiking...

i was to hitchhike from Kaitaia to Auckland, some 400 kilometres, imagine hitching a hike from KL to Penang....it's never gonna happen back home...

so i chose a suitable spot where the drivers can see me and also have ample space to pull over should they wanna pick me up....i then stretched out my arm with my thumb up...just when i finished doing that, a car pulled over, asking me where im heading to, i told him im heading south, so he gave me a lift and dropped me off when our directions parted....

i went on to Hitch three other times, once being a very kind couple and the other times some very kewl guys whom we spent hours talking on our journey...Kiwis must be the nicest ppl on earth....

Now that im back to auckland, i will try to get a car tomorrow, cant hitch hike all the way with the heavy backpack that im carrying, im buying more stuff everyday...just got a nice fleece from the store, it does keep me warm at night...

It's weird that everyone's been telling me that i speak excellent English, i cant think of one time when i speak to a stranger that he doesn't comment on it....im not flaunting here, but im starting to take it as an insult, it's as if we malaysians are illiterate or something....we can fucking speak the language, cant we?

anyway, i cant wait to go down south to meet some new ppl, it's sad to say good bye to all my friends back in KeriKeri, but live goes on...everyone's leaving as well, some went to Australia, some to Fiji, tonga, Tahiti, Cooks island...

Will go to Coromandel next...

just luving the country more and more....

7th May 2006, KeriKeri, Northland, NZ...

It's about time to move on, but i really couldnt leave all these incredible ppl that i have met here...throughout my five weeks stay here, i have met travellers from Ireland, Sweden, Holland, England, Japan, Korea, Scotland, Germany, France, Belgium...and the list goes on...

Ppl always asked if im a japanese when i first met them, it has to be my eyes, grayish blue...they always amuse other ppl, and im liking the attention...i get on very well with the foreigners, and they always asked me where i learned my English from, because apparently i speak like an American native...that's really flattering...

Whenever i told the travellers that im from Malaysia, i never failed to receive response that sounded like: OOhh...Aahhh....Wow, really? As if the malaysians are rare species...but sadly, i have only met two malaysians throughout my stay here...and i have to admit to them that few young malaysians travel, unlike all the youngers that i met here, most of them are around 19-20ish...and how i wish i share their youth, ever so exuberant and eager to try out new stuff and new ideas...

I told them that most malaysians cant wait to get into college upon finishing high school, and then go Straightaway into the working world, few gave thoughts to taking a gap year to go travelling....im glad im breaking the norm and to take on this travelling experience....it's probably the best thing that happened in my entire life...the friendship that i have with all these new friends are so intense that im sure it wont be the end when i leave this place...

I have also been a very good Malaysian Ambassador, educating ppl about our country...just couple of days back i drew the swedish boys our country map and recommend them places to go, they are doing their asian tour now...it is really good exposure to learn about ppl from other country and other culture, i absorb new knowledge every day...

My plan is to move on North to Cape Reinga with an Israeli guy that i met at work, and then south back to Auckland...we will rent a car for now and to do all that interesting stuff up north like sand boarding, surfing, kayaking and fishing...Truth is, i found out about the disagreement between Israel and Malaysia, and then i recall seeing that our passport does not admit us into Israel, and vice versa....i have met alot of Israelites here, and they are such friendly ppl...im very much disturbed when they ask if the Malaysians hate them, i was like: Hell No...why should we? Im just hoping we will get to visit Israel some time in the future, im really curious about this country...

All right, gotta go, more later...

hehe, things just couldnt be better, went to two pubs in paihia yesterday, and everyone just went completely wild, i was wasted as well.....really needa control my drinking here....

will write more when i move on to coromandel in the bay of plenty...cant wait to see other parts of the island....

this place is just so awesome...


visit me when you have the time....im buying a car soon, so will be able to drive you around...


cheers...

Geez....it's been so long since i last post anything here, it's just too expensive to go online here, they charge me nzd1 for every ten minutes usage....it's crazy....

im currently in KeriKeri, northland...staying with two irish guys and a brazillian dude, they are all kewl, and we go wild every night drinking and playing card games...I found a job in the packhouse where they pay me around nzd100 a day, so i got to spend a little on liquor and accommodation...

will try to stay here for a month before moving down south again, i plan to buy a car to travel around as it is cheaper and i can sell it in august with a better price when the backpackers flock in that time...

I was bitten by a white tailed spider the other day and my leg was swollen for a week....everyone makes a fuss out of it and treated me like a king....the downfall is spending nzd50 on medical bills....the doctors are really professional and gave you such care that you will feel worth it....

It's getting really cold around here but im loving it....will go for winter sports soon...

talk more later....

Mt. Victoria

damn it, to burn a freakin cd cost me 7 bucks here....should have brought my laptop along....geez......

********

Today an american lady joined Shiho and me on a trip to Devonport...we took a ferry there and spent our entire day up two volcanic mountains...the scenery was breathtaking and the weather was beautiful...in NZ, weather is 'beautiful' whenever the sun is out....i cant believe how much i appreciate the sun until i step foot in Auckland...everyone worships the sun here...i'm so glad of the sun salutation i learned from Yoga...haha...

Anyway, the American insisted on buying me lunch and asked me to order whatever i like...so we had a nice lunch in one of the local diner before we parted...yeah, you get to know friends really quick around here but you will lose them in a few hours...the american has to go back to Colorado in the evening and has extended a heartfelt invitation for me to visit her anytime at all....she will bring me go horse riding, fruit picking, and do all the canyon thrill rides...I learned alot of flowers' name today at the park from her...she's a masseur and said it feels good making other ppl feel good....Im so gonna find her in colorado...

In the evening, i met up with LS and she brought me to have the famous Auckland fish and chip and insisted on footing the bill....everyone wants to buy me meals around here, i really do not know why...i might be dressing up poorly, i guess...we had a nice talk until it gets too cold to be seating at the park....so she fetched me back...

Im heading up north tomorrow to KeriKeri where everyone is telling me it is a sanctuary....will try to find out what it has to offer up there...it's warmer in the north and there's where everyone is heading to...

My leg hurts from all the walking and climbing....i must be in pretty good shape now...

catch'all later....

It's getting real cold...

So i was reading at the lounge, totally engrossed in my book, when suddenly someone said: ' Nihon Jin desu ka?' ...i looked up and saw this japanese gal staring at me, knew that she was talking to me and replied to her: No, Im from Malaysia..mareisha jin...and there it goes, a new friendship has begun...

we talked for hours...she's been in NZ for couple of months already, and will fly to Fiji for a while before coming back here to complete the rest of NZ up north, and yes, she has invited me to explore northland together...

she's a really nice gal...we went on a day tour together today, and we drank at the bar, exchanging stories and life experience...she's quit her job in Tokyo as a TV director to travel around the world, real kewl huh? Anyway, we visited alot of nice spot today, took lotsa pictures...

earlier she has cooked dinner for me, authentic japanese curry with meat and vege...SWEET....one thing that im sure of, i will have a place to stay if ever i were to visit Tokyo...that's how nice getting to know friends from all over the world...i will try to collect as many contacts as possible during my stay here so that i can continue to travel in the future...with free accommodation....you have no idea how expensive it is staying in hostel like what im doing now....

i need a job soon...

geez, the entire town is infested with JAPANESE....ive never seen such a large congregation of japs before in a foreign place, and it's not even japan...this is just so weird....

anyway, im meeting a fren i met online tomorrow...she's gonna bring me around....



stay tune....

greetings from Auckland...

hurray....im in Auckland now.....the flight was smooth, and the weather here is cooling...i regret to say that my backpack is a little heavy, but i'll get used to it...there was a little hiccup at the custom because of my visa, but it's all been sorted out...the kiwis are generally nice people, very willing to help....

i'll blog more in days to come, need to settle down first....

btw, im staying in YHA tonight....cool place....will post some pic when i have the time....

buhbye...

great...im all set to go...im feeling butterflies in my stomach now...is incomprehensible...

it's not like ive not done this b4...but it just feels so different this time around...i feel like im really gonna hafta be real independent this time, if i wanna survive out there...

i shall arrive in Auckland tmr morning with no one to pick me up and not a clue where to stay for the night...i'll needa find my ways around...im gonna be a REAL traveller...im feeling the excitement already...

Pray for me, peeps...that i'll be fine...

A bientot...


p/s: anyone knows how to post picture here?

bz week...

Wow, that was absolutely exhilarating, it gives you the high, keep the adrenaline pumping, and it makes you feel so small and vulnerable...

yeah, i went to KLtower yesterday to try out the GforceX reverse bungee, and didnt i feel my money well spent? havent felt that for a long while...

the general idea of the mechanism is to have you strapped to this comfortable seat, locked in a cage of steels, and then launch you up to the air as if you were cannon ball...unlike cannonball however, you do not fly up indefinitely, but held back when you reach an ideal height by two supporting elastic...

The kick is not when you were tossed up into the air, that was nothing but mere speed...but it was the first freefall that thrills you...i cant help yelling: OMG OMG...the challenge is to remove your hands from the support and lift them up in the air when you fall, the feeling is indescribable...

You will be left fluctuating up in the air for several moments before you find yourself on terra firma again...everything happens just too quickly for my liking...and then you were offered to have a second go at half the price...At the end of the session, you get to witness your terrified face during the whole course on telly, and they are selling the dvd for rm20...

It was a nice experience doing the reverse bungee, well at least i dun hafta try that in NZ anymore...the Kiwi operator there was telling me where to go in NZ for the best bungee jump, and he promised that: It is nothing like THIS...

gosh, i just cant wait...


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

saw 'A new world' yesterday at KLCC starring corin farrell and christian bale...apart from describing the film as a Pocahontas-lookalike, i really do not have anymore comments...

OMG, it has to be the most boring film ever...i dunno bout you guys, but i was dreading for the film to end, yeah..she likes him, he likes her, he left her, she misses him, another guy came along, he loves her, she didnt fancy him...and then im somewhat confused, she went back to the other guy whom she didnt love...
oh well...

i shall head back to KLCC very soon because of the two complimentary Aquaria ticket i got for spending some 700 bucks at suria yesterday...i dont really mind fish watching...they kinda tranquillize me in a special way...i can look at 'em for hours...

*****

Im leaving in three days...but i really do not feel anything at all...and i havent packed...

i really wish i can feel something...

just feeling a little bit under the weather...

i need a doc...

Blogging right now at StarBucks, Penang...Sam has driven me all the way from KL, so kind of her...

Weather is Scorching outside, the island is certainly getting hotter by the day...cant wait to get outta here...

shall spend these few days visiting some friends and chillout...

gotta go...

Mimes...

So on Friday night, we went to watch this Mime thingy as performed by Japanese duo of Hiropon and Ketch at ActorStudio(BSC)...for an hour of silent comedy, i think the ticket is a little pricey (rm82), but all the same, everyone was entertained...

The show started with the duo (they call themselves Gamarjobat, whatever that means..) storming out onto the stage and started right away to amuse the audiences with their silly antics...i must say, they are pretty good at it...we couldn't stop laughing for the entire length of the one-hour show...

For the next part, the boys performed a sketch with the story line much similar to the original Rocky movie (think sylvester) and they call it 'The Boxer'...the story aint something new but it was their superb performance that impressed us...and as i understand later, both actors have studied in Mime theatre in Japan since they were young (btw, they are late thirty-fortyish) and there are little doubts that they are doing what they do best; to entertain the crowds....

we left feeling contented, and i thought how nice it'd be for ppl who's stressed from work to visit ActorStudio once in a while to have their emotions adjusted...for the few times that ive been to ActorStudio, i was never disappointed with all the plays so far...trust me, they are good...

*******


I saw a close friend off at the airport yesterday...she's leaving for Melbourne...cant help feeling a little subdue because we are all eventually gonna head for different places in the world...no matter how close you were used to be or how much fun you had....those were the days...

On the contrary, i trust that with just a little effort, we can all stay in touch with our loved ones...there's internet, there's phone, there's mail, webcam, skype...or even AIRBUS...haha....

treasure the people that you care about...

life's short...

Catching up...

There was little time to indulge in a nice film in a cinema when i was working, fatigue has much to be blamed....so now that im having ample time and they are offering outdated movie tickets at half the price, i couldnt resist the temptation...i watched three movies in three days at the price of a movie ticket...

they were: King Kong, Constant Gardener and Nanny Mcphee

I love Constant gardener especially with its rich essence of humanity and british actress Rachel Weisz is a real winner...she deserved the oscar that she won on Sunday, she was...inspiring...

King Kong was entertaining and Nanny Mcphee, hmm....forget bout it...typical kids' film...what was i thinking venturing into such film? No right minded person would watch it, save the kids, of course...

I shall travel to Singapore next week for a three-day vacation...and also to fix my visa...bummer...

ive compiled a list of places to visit, among them: dolphin bay, night safari, calsberg sky tower, and yeah....sentosa...havent been there for ages...

It's time to chill...

freeandeasy...

Thought i would write something while waiting to go off Friday night party...

I've been enjoying myself chilling out for the past few days, meeting up with some old friends and getting myself stuff...

went to watch Pink Panther thismorning/midnight and thought the whole movie was pretty hmm....lame...just like FunWithDick&Jane...SteveMartin has lost his elements in throwing off laughterbombs and his antics were pretty dull, often forced...

There was nothing worth noting where the story line is concerned...everything was just mediocre...and just in case you think Pink Panther would make an appearance, dont count on it, the lovable panther was an ornament...

I have also been catching up on this japanese drama series ---> Antique

The story was about these few dudes who worked at this CakeHouse, just that...simple and interesting...

******

Life without work can be really fun...i have the time of my life, and do the things that i like...

went to Atria and got some books from Times' books clearance...Among them books from John Grisham, Nicholas Evans, Dan Brown and Paul Kilduff...they are so worth it! will finish them up in a couple of weeks...

Oh yeah, i plan to go to KL Tower and tryout this new attraction of theirs...something G Force X...and yeah, they are produced and run by international thrillrides giant AJ Hackett, who's responsible for the hightest Bungee jump in Queenstown...and i heard that they are bringing over the BJ technology to KL tower as well...wont that be awesome?

This G Force X thingy is something that launches you up in the air at some 120km/h or so against gravity and then freefall...and the good news is, they are offering the ride at an introductory price of RM60!! i promise you that you wont get this price anywhere else...it's a farcry from the NZD 250! I'm so gonna try it...

So is there anyone who's game to take up the challenge?? (think FinalDestination3)

let me know ya...

cant wait to get the adrenaline pumping...

Alright, i'm devastated....just got my new passport with a NEW NUMBER....now all my airtickets and VISA are screwed because they are registered with the old one....

how can i be so DUMB??

I'm upset...

The weather is too hot...

I have been watching Winter Olympic, live from Torino, Italy, religiously for the past few days...winter games always intrigue me as i feel im a 'cold' person rather than a 'warm' one....hence i really needa settle down in a colder country...hehe, lame excuse...

So i get to watch my favourite event of figure skating and see Evgeni Plushenko in action...im disappointed that Michelle Kwan didn't participate this year around, due to some injuries in the groin section...it was inevitable, everyone has looked forward to see her perform but has gotta settle with Cohen instead...

quote from Michelle:

“Taking myself off the team is the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make,” Kwan said, “but it’s the right decision. This injury prevents me from skating my best, and I’ve said all along that if I couldn’t skate to the level that I expected from myself I’d withdraw from the team. The Olympics is the greatest sporting event in the world and what's most important is that the United States fields the strongest team possible. As much as I'd love to represent the United States in Torino, I would never stand in the way of that.”

Let's hope we get to see her in 2010 winter olympic...The champion this year for female figure skating turned out to be a surprise for all...she was Shizuka from Japan! But really, she was good, there was minimal mistakes on her part and she has definitely outshone the other contenders to become the gold medalist this year...China was doing relatively well too in the couple skate dancing...the toss was challenging and the stunts were flawless, ive no doubt they have put in endless hours to perfect their skills...but alas, the russians took away the gold medals..

It has always been a fantasy of mine to be a pro skater, but things never came around...well, ive fantasized being lotsa other figures...think pro-pianist, think pro-cellist, think pro-painter....none of which is gonna come true if all i do is to sit at home and FANTASIZE....but really, i think im gonna pursue this skating thingy, it's never too late to start learning right? so they say...


********

Isetan started their sales yesterday, so after a pilates session at Maxis tower, i went to check out what they have to offer...I ended up with a pair of hiking shoes from Hi-tec and a pair of walking sandals from Fila...the discount wasnt too great and i still hafta pay a hefty amount for 'em...Nevertheless, the idea is to do as much walking and trekking as possible in NZ, hence potentially saving on commuting fares via transportation...the investment on a good pair of shoes is totally worth it...i think... :p

There was this jacket from Nautica that i really adore, but it came at a price tag of $999...hmm, maybe some other times...when some rich folks decide to adopt me...I guess i will just get some winter wear from Winter Time, to take advantage of the discounts using my International Youth card...yes, im a sucker for discounted items...

When i got back, i realized i havent the house keys with me, and no one was home...so i went happy hour at Slippery Senoritas with a friend...you know, they say time flies when you are drinking, and i cudnt agree more...

Alright, it's time to work...

Oh, have i mentioned? im working from home now... :p

Yippee...

Alright, it's final, it's confirmed, it's gonna happen...

I've booked my airticket scheduled to fly on the 24th of March, a day after Mel's bday so that i can celebrate for her before i go...

Geez, it seems so unreal, ive never imagined this is happening at all...i mean, ive always known im gonna do it, but knowing it and making it happen it's two different things...And when things finally happenned because you have pulled your weight in realising it...there you go, we have a winner...

The prolonged backpacking trip has been planned for some time now...it was initially planned to take place upon graduation (May2005) but other things kicked in that time where we went for ShangHai trip and then followed by missionary work in Cambodia...Lotsa money was spent and i didnt fancy backpacking with a loose wallet...Also, there was my convo to attend and by the time im free to go, they dont take in anymore applications for WHV.

So ive waited till 1st of Jan for them to start their new intake, applied the visa, and voila....just bought a cheap ticket to NZ for RM1277... Is that awesome or what? I give it to God that He has opened doors for me...Couldnt have done it without Him...

Boss called earlier and asked bout my plan, he's hoping i would actually postpone my trip and stick around with him for a while...He was like: 'i dun think u can survive there alone, picking apples and doing all that hardwork...', i told him im gonna prove him wrong and he took the challenge with a smirk: 'we shall see...', he said...
Anyway, he's asked me to come looking for him once im back from the trip and he shall offer me a job...He's so kewl...

I happened to meet a gal online yesterday who's currently there and doing all the extreme sports...she went for the highest bungee jump in the world and not 'feel a thing', but she's encouraged me to try it all the same, along with whitewater rafting and Zorb...Damn, the bungeejump thingy is a whopping NZ$250, the price of an airticket from NZ to Oz....uh huh, you pay people to push you off the edge and be hung midair...literally...

Good thing is, i've established few hostels where i could work couple of hours everyday in exchange for FOC accommodation...gotta save as much as possible, ya know...otherwise cant pay to experience suicide attempt...

Im all set for some good times...

i deserve it...

im half dead...

Yesterday i slept in the ENTIRE day....conveniently skipping all meals from morning till midnight...i was homealone and i was feeling terribly feeble...i just kept on SLEEPING...

i dunno why the abrupt exhaustion...it was totally uncalledfor, it's not like i have been partying late at night or did anything strenuous...but i collapsed all the same...

I'm gonna needa build up my stamina...

OK, it's time for some Hersheys...

cya..

I feel good....

Note to self: Never go clubbing on a wed night...

It was a terrible mistake...there was no one there....and they collected cover charge from me...

so after an hour sojourn, we left the miserable place...


***********

Today i relived the good old days of watching two movies back-to-back...well, we didnt literally watch it back-to-back, but there was an hour break when we caught up with dinner...

So i saw Keeping Mum and Prime today....

The former stars Rowan Atkinson from Mr. Bean fame and i actually thought it was a pretty entertaining film....It was short and the story line was simple but it was good for an occasional laugh or two...Maggie Smith was surprisingly kinda funny...as contrast to her role of Prof. McGonagall in Harry Potter....and she was a Murderer in the film....Dont mind the spoiler, as i dont think anyone would bother to give this film a shot...there was very little audience in the cineplex, very little...

The second movie that i caught was uhm....a chick flick...starring Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman, and Bryan Greenberg (Peyton's love interest in One Tree Hill)....it wasn't too bored given that it is a chick flick, and there was some humourous element in it...i like Meryl Streep in particular, she is just so funny....ive always like her...

Im hoping to catch more movies b4 i leave for NZ where it will be deprived of Cinemas...Actually im worried that i wont be able to watch Da Vinci Code when it will be up come Summer...I adore that book, dun i? well...sacrifice...sacrifice...I also will not be able to finish off TAR9, my all time fave reality TV show....again....give and take...

Mayb a year without telly and cinema will do me a whole lot of good....im so counting on that to get back on my life...dun wanna be a couch potato ya know...it's not good for the belly development, in fact, it ENCOURAGES it...perhaps i shd get a threadmill to be located in front of the telly...


********

They still havent released my Passport (apparently my case is categorized as SPECIAL...), for crying out loud...i dun care, im gonna go ahead and purchase the airticket, cant miss the MAS fair for the world...

Im keeping my fingers crossed now...

Series of unfortunate/fortunate events...

It's just another ordinary day...and really, as ordinary as it may sound, i spent my entire Valentine day in the Immigration Department...i wouldn't even want to talk about it, it makes me sick...just would like to tell you guys that i was there from 9am - 3pm...uh huh, government department sucks...

********

There was a welcoming downpour earlier, and i like it when i can cuddle under the blanket, hugging my bolster, and listen to the pouring and thunderous symphony outside...like 1812 Overture from Tchaikovski...

I have finished two books in two days...Finders Keepers from Fern Michaels and Horse Whisperer from Nicholas Evans...yeah...both belong to romance genre....well...it's Valentine, remember? gotta set the feelings right, if anything...

I will have lotsa time to catchup with my reading and telly crave when i'm off work next week...i have no freakin idea what's on Telly anymore...i know im gonna catch Project Runway, and possibly new season of TAR, will also try to finish off Desperate Housewives (half way through Season 2), Lost and Smallville...They said Veronica Mars is kewl, i will try to DL that too...and perhaps ANTM and Apprentice4 which is currently running on terrestrial...whatelse...oh yeah, 4400, Alias, and all the CSIs on AXN too....luv 'em...

I really need some time off...



********

Alright, this morning i was at FFMJH and had this dispute with the front desk gal...i've brought along Tasha so that i can transfer my membership to her before i go off...According to my contract with FF, i needa finish off my one year contract with 'em before i can terminate my membership, and i thought perhaps Tasha can continue on for me till July, when it will complete a whole year...

If you can recall this gorgerous babe by the name of Nina from FF@Curve (she looks like Angelina Jolie a lil', jz a lil'...), she has informed me earlier that my friend would be able to continue my membership till July and terminate the account, but now the folks from JH are telling me otherwise...apparently the rules have changed as of couple of weeks ago and that my friend MUST start a new contract and join FF for a whole damn YEAR...imagine how furious i was, i had them called Nina and i spoke to her on the phone, she apologized and said she will talk to her boss about it, since she promised me the old terms when i talked to her b4...

If it didnt work out...i will just stop paying when i leave the country, cancel my credit card so that they wont suck out my money, and im prepare to get a legal letter from 'em...such absurdity...they will lose customers if they go on with all these sales gimmicks of theirs...


***********


Earlier i got this gift and choc from my babe...

I'm happy....

Im in luv, Im in luv not, Im in luv...

Alright, so the mood's right and love should be in the air right? No...

On Sat, mom thought it would be a good idea if all of us leave the house and see what the city has to say for the coming much commercialized Valentine...

So we tagged along the love birds (mom and dad) and joined them for a Hi-Tea session in Shangri-La...One thing that i like about LemonGarden@Shang is its much welcoming decor, comes in an earthly tone of green and yellow, and with a modern setting that spells class...Since we first came here some severals years ago, dad has decided that this would be his favourite hotel cafe, after MandarinOriental and Mutiara...reason being: the food here suits his tastebud...uh huh, whatever...

It brought back some melancholy feeling as i've once dined here with my ex and what a fine time we had then...alright, let's not talk about the ex...it's valentine for goodness sake...

I do not mind the food here really, they come in four different main sections that feature the Western, Italian, Chinese and Indian Cuisine...as im not someone who has a big gut to digest them food, i do not have the luxury to savour all four cuisines...so i normally would only help myself from the western and italian sections...It upsets me when i leave no room for desserts...

Alright, when i like something, i tend to become obsessive over it...and because of that, i have a leg allergy NOW which prompts me to visit the family doctor earlier who WARNED me to consume no more OYSTERS, TIGER PRAWNS, MUSSELS, COLD SHRIMPS, SMOKED SALMON, and BABY LOBSTER...literally, no more seafood for the time being...sob sob...

As of NOW, my leg is hurting from the swell which has developed some pus in it which pinches you whenever you are in a standing position because of gravity which attracts blood downward and when it attacks the veins...forgive me, im not myself now...im in pain...

Ok, im gonna think of the rich cheese cake i had and the scrumptious tiramisu ice cream which was God-Sent...and ohhh....the chocolate fountain, dun i just wish i have one at home and let the liquid flow 24/7...Highly recommended, choc with strawberries...



*********


Earlier Mel asked me along to 1-U to get a last minute valentine gifts for her bf...I happily followed her as i needa get some gifts as well...when it comes to Valentine gifts, EDT is always a favourite and the most cliche gift one can give...so i passed...In the end, i got the perfect gift from Gizmo, aint gonna tell u guys what it is...it's special...i will also give away my gigantic Teddy Bear in my room that smells of me...im sure that is invaluable....WAHAHA...

We saw lotsa ppl buying platinum jewellery and was intrigued in getting one ourselves...but the crowd was too overwhelming, and overcharged items aint our priority at the moment...im pretty broke, ya know...We also agreed upon ourselves that ppl who buy flowers for this occassion are pretty dump (no offence to anyone)...be a little creative, peeps...dont let them florist become over night millionaire...


Happy Valentine everyone...

It's friday night, and i hafta be in the office...is that sad or what?

Looking on the bright side however....next week would be my last week working....YIPPEE....

Cant wait to be free again...

ciaoz...

It's gonna be valentine soon...



I dunno what to say...

sickening ppl...

That's it, i've had enough of Government servants...

I was at Immigration department in Damansara, asking them to process my application for me to modify my name in my Passport...and they said they CANT do it THERE, so they asked me to go to PUTRAJAYA to get it done...i stupidly obliged, drove all the way to the steel forest of our FT, to be treated by ignorant cum arrogant cum rude cum pig-headed staff...

and guess what, they escalated me back to Damansara...imagine my frustration when i hear that...

Me: So what's the procedure of doing this?
Pig: Tak tahu la, ini kamu mesti buat di damansara branch...
Me: what? but they told me to come over here...
Pig: No..No....we dun process passport here...
Me: But why would they refuse to help me there?
Pig: I dunno, must be miscommunication Lah...
Me: So i've gotta go back there now?
Pig: Yes..yes...just put in your application there...
Me: .....

So out of anger, i called the director of the passport division on the phone...and for an officer of the highest rank in that division....he was COURTEOUS...he apologized for his staff and the harsh treatment, and said that i should send in the application directly to his department, and he will see to it...he was so helpful in providing information and asked me when im leaving the country, so i said next month, and he said he will make sure his staff be prompt in their action...

Im relieved...he deserved to be the director...

Like Jesus said, all master should become servant, humility is the key...apparently the other staffs have not been told that...

guess what, i'm going to write to Star and MalayMail about that rude staff, yeah, being the smartass that i am, ive nailed down his name the entire time i was talking to him...he's so gonna get it...

watchout for my name in the Newspaper, k?

I'm evil....

when u gotta go, u gotta go...

This morning i went to FF@JohnHancock for a change...it was my first time there as i have a good feeling that the parking rate is gonna be high, so i've never really ventured there at all but just stick to Curve or uptown or Axis...

As it turned out, the rate was standard, they charged $2.10 per hour and FF members enjoy 50% off, so my 2h sojourn there only cost me $2.10...John Hancock building is actually located pretty near where im working (@phileoDmsr), so driving there aint really a hassle...I like the layout of the centre, pretty relaxing and not intimidating at all...there are more whites here than other outlets and i have joined them for bodycombat session....

I later proceeded to town to MSL travel agency to enquire bout the airticket and to apply for international youth card. And apparently the tax for airfare to NZ is a whopping RM1300...is that unbelievable or what? the government is actually punishing us for leaving the country? Absolutely ludicrous...i really dont mind paying the fare minus the tax, goodness knows that the tax payers' money will actually be used to spend on a lavish party by some ministers, or to fund some Twits on a space adventure, or you know...be used to repair the bridge that shouldn't be falling in the first place...ugh...

I have a number of calls today from unknown sources asking me to join their gym and apply for credit cards with them. This people must be really desperate to hit sales target huh? I just wonder where they got my number from...and as im a sucker when it comes to saying no, ive actually promised i would pay the gym (Celebrity@1U) a visit and also to apply the credit card (citybank) with another lass...

When it comes to doing sales with me, ive made it quite clear with my friends and relatives that: DO NOT APPROACH ME....coz i know i would eventually oblige and succumb to all that soliciting skills that they are so capable of...yeah, think Insurance, think Lampberger, think Amway...ive bought lotsa products from all that folks...telling me this ACE and B1-B12 vitamins are essential for me, that i shd take spirulina and some sorta pollents...i will die faster if i dun consume them...they said...

Maybe that's why i would nv wanna work as a salesman...i jz do not have that persuasive skills...and i do not want anyone to avoid me...i jz suck at selling...

perhaps i shd be contented with just plucking Kiwi fruit...

im a simple guy...

i luv my EDT....

Im feeling very tired lately...it has to do with the sleep deprivation because of too much hanging-out...My books have been lying on the bed untouched for days, screaming for attention....my clothes, clean and dirty ones (i cant tell them apart anymore...) are all over my double bed...and no, mom is not pleased at all...

So yesterday she came trotting into my room and addressed me disapprovingly of the state that my room has become...she was nagging that i should tidy up my room more often instead of leaving it unkempt...i nodded obligingly, telling myself that she's right, it's about time to get my acts together and be an obedient boy...well, perhaps tomorrow...

I blame it on my maid who likes to pile my clothes together, hence helpfully bunching up the clean and dirty laundry...To segregate them, i will have to sniff at them one by one, and those with EDT scent would be the ones that i have wore and need to be disposed into the laundry basket...i perform this sniffing task every four days or so...i know it sounds gross, but i kinda like the smell of left-over EDT plus sweat plus smoke from the clubs...

It's also become a concern now that im gonna need a larger wardrobe because my clothes collection has been multiplying at an alarming speed...im gonna needa stop buying clothes...it didn't help that Topshop and fcuk and esprit are having all these frequent sales...it's almost like a sin if you don't buy anything...geez...

On a similar note, im gonna need a helluva huge backpack if i intend to bring some of my favourite clotes on the trip...i've actually checked out the price of a decent size backpack and it is a remarkable 600 bucks and above...now where am im gonna come out with money like that...

i need cash...




(my stomach is a lil' screw up right now, it must be all the spicy food i took earlier at The Ship...seafood tom yam just dont go too well with Bombay steak...feel like puking now...)

Oops, they did it again...

Gosh, i have too much drinks tonight...i spent 160 in a single night...and i wasnt paying for anyone, at least i thought i wasn't...

I met my friends from alma mater and the folks are overwhelmed by my changes...i can't tell whether it's for the better or the worse...im thinking positively...no reason why it should be the other way...

We dined and drank at TGIF, all the way through Happy Hour...and when they announced that HH is up, we ordered a couple more beer and adjourned to Bernard's@centrepoint...The price of beer here aint as killing as in the city, so we got two jugs and resumed our catching up...

I stayed till midnight and then i set off to work...I shall go on working in midnight shift now until it's time for me to leave the company...The ever 'brilliant' government feels that it is a good idea to close down MRR2 because the folks from Kepong aint suffering enough from traffic woes...Good gracious, am i not liking the government more as days go by?

Yeah, apparently the bridge IS falling down, though it's been barely three years old...It's been closed down for months some time last year, then they 'fixed' it, claimed that it is safe to use, after that they decided it aint gonna hold, will need few months to restore it so that someone can earn somemore money out of it...Im blaming corrupted developers, im blaming irresponsible engineers, im blaming SV...so that's it, im not gonna get myself in the mess working in the morning...it aint gonna be pretty...on the other hand, im kinda looking forward to see the folks caught in the jam while im driving back on the opposite direction...i would anticipate a major uproar from the victims....im anticipating a riot to break, and they eventually turnover the government...M'sia is so going down...

*******

Things to do for the coming week...

1. Get airline ticket from STA
2. Get more sleep
3. Hit the gym...(it's been two weeks)
4. Get someone to takeover gym membership
5. Credit cards
6. Passport




I'm weary...

Drinking jz a lil' is good...

It was Friday night and im working sat morning, so it would be a bad idea to go clubbing...theoretically, i.e.

So instead of clubbing, we went to a bar for a casual drink...sometimes i prefer to drink at a bar rather than a club, the dancefloor is no longer my thing...im old, remember?

We enjoyed the quiet music and the romantic ambience while talking over some Jack&Coke, GinTonic and a jug of beer...thanks to the harmless dosage of liquor consumption, i woke up this morning feeling refresh, not a hint of headache and dehydration...i really should control myself more often...

Our sojourn at the bar ended when the crowd turns in...we left the place and took a stroll down the street, loving the night scene of KLcity and avoiding dark lanes...really wasnt in the mood of being mugged because there's lotsa cash in the wallet...

This lasted for some time and before 2am striked, we headed back...

Nice...

nice...

Yesterday after work, i went to meet Denise, Chloe and Serious at Pyramid...it was a happy occasion as i havent seen them for ages...everyone's looking good and feeling jolly...

There was alot of catching up to do and we did it over scrumptious seafood at Fish & Co. Everyone's getting rather numb over working life and couldn't wait to go on a vacation...and yeah, as Serious said, few people get to do what i plan to do, to just put down everything and travel as if nothing matters anymore...

I know im putting my career in jeopardy, but really, it's the least of my concern...i needa look at the world with a greater perspective, and i can't do that if im stuck under the well...

We later shop for a while and i got this boardpants from Ripcurl that only cost me 40 bucks (it's from FOS)...This would be my first time buying stuff from FOS as the fashion there rarely intrigues me...It just so happened that i followed the folks in there and came across this surfing pants that i always do adore...ive bought few from quiksilver and they cost me more than 100 per pair, so it was like as if i've discovered some sorta treasure when i see 'em...too bad most of 'em are too big for me or i would have gotten few more...

I dunno if surfing is exactly my sport...i've only tried it a few times while i was backpacking at Bondi, Sydney...The water was cold then and few could breathe well without the suit...and knowing the Australian water is infested with human-hungry sharks, i hadn't dared to venture far to catch the ride from gigantic waves...but as i recall, it was alot of fun...i was learning from other beginners and we had our fair share of falls before finally able to balance ourselves on the board...i was a slow learner and had taken more time than those physically fit...but really, i have enjoyed myself...

We later adjourned to Starbucks to fix some caffeine crave and KT joined us with his gf...we took some pic with everyone admiring my T9 and i promise i would visit them in Penang before i leave for NZ...

I just can't wait...

Im loaded...

It's the fourth day of CNY, and being the good employee that i am, i've decided that i would turn in for work this morning, saying no to friends who had asked me for a latenight rendezvous at Flam and tucked in early...geez...

So while the rest of the working whores are still enjoying their weeklong extended holidays, ive gotta pull myself together and comfort myself to the idea of a smooth drive to work in the morning...

It is indeed good for a change, traffic was minimal, and driving to the city was actually a bliss...i didnt grumble at all througout the entire journey...I just can't wait to start work...

***********

CNY is a time for family reunion, for the past five days or so i was having so much fun with my cousins and relatives...and of course, the same question that i have dreaded for years didn't fail to pop up this time around...The folks are tired of giving me the red packets, and asked me when i would be giving out instead...and literally, they said that they have waited until their neck has become so long (chinese expression) to see me bring my gf for family gathering...I have as usual replied them in a whimsical way and get outta the way within seconds....truth is, it aint gonna happen any time sooner, dun you guys get it?

And as like every other CNY, there was a lot of food and alot of games involved, and i mean ALOT...we played till the wee hours, as there was really nothing much that we can do...of course, we went visiting and all, collected lotsa money, drank lotsa heineken and calsberg (my waistline has broaden as a result of it) and watched CNY programs...

Everyone celebrated my lunar bday for me...it's on the first day of CNY, so i was among the few who ate the cake (they have to become a one-day vegan, some sorta chinese cultural thingy...) Mom threw a bash for me and cooked some scrumptious dishes which got the thumbs up from everybody...

I have also visited some friends and did some catching up before they flew off to some other countries again...how can they travel so extensively without any worries? I was green with envy looking at pictures from Sistine Chapel, The Louvre, Eiffel, Windmill, German street festival, and Swiss Alps...i NEEDA do what they're doing...

Im looking forward to an old-boys gathering this Sun, everyone has changed so much, and with so much to share and tell...i need some inspiration from them...

Gosh, i miss the high school days...

There goes my bday...

Today i went to get my camera at FotoShangrila, but alas, they didnt have the black T9 that i wanted, they only have a silver one...so out of desperation, i asked them to reserve one for me and call me whenever one is available...i really adore the cute lil' thing, although it is a lil' pricey as compared to other models with a similar feature...But then again, when something is attractive, it will needa cost a lil' more, rite? Just like me.....LOL....

Some folks are telling me that im selling myself a lil' too high for comfort, that i should tone down a lil' and accept anyone that comes along the way...Truth is, i wont mind a joyride or two, but i aint gonna settle for something that is halfway through my expectation...I needa be...satisfied...


******

Earlier i was having dinner with my family at SanFranSteakHouse@KLCC and then i received this phone call...I had to walk away from the table till a safe distance to answer it...and when i returned to the table, my parents looked at me one kind, suspecting something fishy...and when i took a second such call, they couldnt contain themselves anymore and asked if i was seeing someone...

and as usual, i denied it aggressively and asked them to quit asking bout my relationship...i wont want them to know that i am having a fling with anyone and that nothing serious is going on...

I know im 24, and that i should be going serious with someone already...thing is, im enjoying myself right now and there's no reason why i should be attached to a particular person...they say: explore your options, and that's exactly what im doing now...

So after some wine with my parents, i went to meet a friend who wanted to buy me a couple of drinks because it's my bday...i obliged as i always enjoy FOC drinks when one comes by...

It's all kewl and casual, we talked a lil', drink a lil', flirt a lil', and then i went off to work when the clock striked midnight...yeah, it's a lil' like cinderella...but when ive gotta go, ive gotta go...

Im looking forward to another such date next fri...

Im contented...

EVANESCENCE LYRICS

"My Immortal"

I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

[Chorus:]
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have
All of me

You used to captivate me
By your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

[Chorus]

I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone
But though you're still with me
I've been alone all along

[Chorus]

ready to go...

John Denver - Leaving On A Jetplane Lyrics

All my bags are packed I'm ready to go
I'm standing here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.
But the dawn is breaking it's early morning
The taxi is waiting, he is blowing his horn
Already I'm so lonesome, I could cry

So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you wait for meHold me like you never let me go

I'm leaving on a jetplane,I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe I hate to go

There is so many times I've let you down
So many times I've played around
I tell you now they don't mean a thing.
Every place I go I think of you
Every song I sing I sing for you.
When I come back I wear your wedding-ring


So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you wait for meHold me like you never let me go

I'm leaving on a jetplane,I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh babe I hate to go


Now the time has come to leave you
One more time let me kiss you
Close your eyes, and I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to comeI wont have to leave alone, and I
wont have to say:


So kiss me and smile for me
Tell me that you wait for meHold me like you never let me go

I'm leaving on a jetplane,I don't know when I'll be back again.
I'm leaving on a jetplane,I don't know when I'll be back again.
I'm leaving on a jetplane,I don't know when I'll be back again.

Oh babe I hate to go.

O'brien's...and Yoga...

This morning after work (yeah, im on graveyard shift again..), Ed thought he would treat me to a wholesome cum hearty breakfast at O'brien's...It has been a norm for us to frequent this favourite diner of ours whenever we are working on the same shift...he despised working midnight because of the lack of activities and that he had to sacrifce his hangingout with his friends and the irregular working hours disrupt his jogging rituals...

I, on the other hand, do not mind much working in the middle of the night...i mean, i dont particularly adore working this shift, but i really needa escape the morning rush...ive had enough of all this jam in the city, and it gets worse by days...more and more youngsters are driving on the road, well, thanks to all this packages as offered by the road department, one wont have to take a test to obtain a license anymore, will they? Geez, the Malaysian government never failed to make me sick, im very much appalled of how they never practised what they preach...but whatever, im leaving this damn place anyway...

Talking about bad drivers on the road as is much featured by the press nowadays...ive finally came up with a solution...and no, Im not proud of my decision...so pls dont judge...

Ive resorted to practising this motto to curb my annoyance for Malaysian Drivers...

'If you cant beat 'em, join 'em'

Yeah, im more proned to joining the selfish drivers cutting in from the road shoulders now, though i dont do it on a regular basis, but i guess that makes me one of them...Hurray, im a bad driver now...but do i care? No...Im actually hoping STAR would interview me one day as to why im doing what im doing, i jz cant wait to give 'em my two cents worth...

Alright, let's go back to the breakfast part, talking bout malaysian drivers makes me nauseous...

So we were tucking into our sandwiches and juices over a game of reversi...That dude claimed he's nv played the game before and he kicked my ASS...such liar...we talked bout future plans and what we would like to do down the road...he also gave me some advice as to where to go and what to see in NZ (he's been there b4), and he highly recommended me to stay longer in Wellington...

We eventually parted as i wanted to catch my yoga session in FF...and i later found out doing Yoga after such a hearty meal is not a good combination at all...where's my freakin common sense?

Im glad that i didnt puke in the studio as i can feel the sandwiches in my gut yelling to be released...especially when i was doing the Sun Salutation and Camel pose...i now know how camel can vomit water from their humps whenever they're thirsty...it would just come out naturally without much hassle if you are in their position...

After that i dont feel well anymore and dropped my plan to walk inside The Curve...i have wanted to collect my contact lens at focus point...but i was just too sick....thanks to O'brien's plus Power Yoga...i hurriedly got back home and slept the entire afternoon off...

Note to self: Never work out after meals.....DUH~~~~


***********

Mom gave me a big ang pau earlier for my bday...it actually made me feel bad as i feel that i should be giving them money and not the other way around...

I just wish i can start providing them sooner than later...

how'bout after NZ trip?

That sounds like a good idea.... :)

Im all good...

Happy CNY...

Alright, i lost some $200 in slots and games up there, and that's it for the year, i aint gonna feed anymore notes into the machines which wont reciprocate...It was all good fun none the less, my friends threw me a bash, they bought liquors, they treated me for all the meals while we were there, and we had such fine time together...

This year's bday is so much more different, first of all, i believe this year is my transition year, yeah, it's time to grow up and i feel so much older...it's time to take up certain responsibilities expected of me, and i aint gonna dodge it...

Secondly, i have that special someone celebrating with me this year...it's all so sweet, and it's nice being loved by someone again...

There is so much to be accomplished, but i guess im in good hands...just gonna do it one at a time...

'Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished' - Lau Tzu

********

Memoirs of a geisha, ive been anticipating this film for a while now since i read the book some few months back...but i should say im a lil' disappointed with it...

No doubt that the director has really been faithful to the book and has not altered much of its contents...the movie appeared to be rather bland...there was no excitement and lack of imagination...it was...boring...

Kudos to the girls/women who played the main casts, they were all good and has depicted the characters in the book relatively well...i just wish that they wouldnt seem so much like memorizing scripts when they speak...it was very unnatural...but considering English aint exactly their first language, i guess i'll pass...

Given that the film is based on an adaptation of a best seller, Rob Marshall could do little to portray the movie in a different direction...it is after all a memoir and i really shouldn't expect to see more japanese documentaries like how the Geisha dances, flipping of fans, performing tea ceremony, playing the shamisen or more on the kabuki theatre...i had also wanted to see more on how the kimono was being put on, since it was much elaborated by Arthur Golden in his book...well, i might as well just watch National Geographic or the discovery channel for that right?

*******

It's less than a week to CNY, just wanna wish y'all a prosperous new year...

Geez, speaking of which, i needa finish the 21 mandarin oranges now...an instruction from boss...i wish he will give us ang pau soon, i could certainly use the money...anytime...

jz some thoughts...

It's been quite a while (a fortnight) that i havent been drinking, and that is a good thing...I aspire to get back in shape for the CNY reunion, be it with relatives or friends...Im gonna frequent yoga and pilates session for a last minute attempt to trim up as much as possible....geez, i even rejected my friends' invitation to a drinking session yesternight...but that's because im working today...All the same, i will still be going for happy hour later with a colleague, can't miss out the good time of the day, can i?

Truth is, im gonna be so stripped of money this month...after the Braun Buffel wallet and all that buffet meals in Hotel, yeah, the poor wallet is bleeding...I have also booked two nights of hotel room in Genting Hotel (rm235 a night, and it's offpeak) to celebrate my bday with friends up in the mountain...needless to say, im gonna have to spend some money in the casino right? What's there to do up there anyway except for the casino and the late night chill in the 'coolest'(literally) coffee bean in Msia.

I will also be doing more online purchase for a Temporary mail service in NZ, to apply for the tax number, travel insurance and goodness knows what...I needa get a one year supply of cons (coloured ones, of course) which could cost up to rm90 per pair for a month's usage. That would strip away some thousand dollars from my account...

I dunno why i can be so poor being not so much an extravagant person...i dont buy high tech toys, i rarely buy designer's brand, i dont own a sport car and most important of all, i dont have a gf...hehe, i know, that saves a lot...perhaps when it comes to food, i tend to be more fussy, but other than that, im pretty decent when it comes to spending money...though ive set my eyes on this winter pullover from Zara which im sure im gonna get it... :)

Over the next few months until i leave for NZ (im hoping it will be somewhere before Easter...), i know im gonna hafta save up as much as possible for the travelling fare...reason being, as i would be proud to say: I aint getting any money from my parents!! This trip would be funded entirely by myself...you have no idea how proud i am...Though i wont be able to help it if mom wont take my money for the air ticket since she will be helping me to buy from her travel desk...LOL..

I'm hoping the Kiwis will be decent people as most have told me...i'm hoping they will help me out as a lone traveller in a foreign place...im hoping that i will get to meet alot of other travellers from other countries and then we can travel together...im hoping that i will be fine...

Due to the NZ trip, i will have to put my mission trip on hold this year...I have been participating in misson trips for the past two years to Sarawak and Cambodia and have sorta decided that i will make an effort to go for one mission trip every year, be it with MMUCF or church...this year, CF is going to the Phillipines while my home church would send a team to China...the third team, which consists of me, would be to NZ...the trip that was promised by Ps.Joanne but it nv happened...anyway, that's a different story altogether...

but i digress...

I guess bro wont come back from Aus for CNY this year...im hoping to ask him to get me some gadgets over there...I dont think im gonna bring the camcorder, no point getting yourself all loaded with stuff...the plan is to travel light...i will bring two of my favourite EDTs, namely Mania and Romance...and as the name implies, im hoping to get to meet someone over there...who knows what could happen?

btw, the indonesian gal called again yesternight...i really dunno what to say...except: what have i gotten myself into?

Stay kewl...

blind date

So on this eventful morning, Auntie called and invited me to meet this gal that she has not seen before...apparently the girl is the daughter of a friend of her husband (i.e. my uncle) when they were studying together in the same Uni in Taiwan...geez....

It happened the week before she was asking if i was still seeing anyone...so i said: 'No'...and what a mistake that was...

I obliged her upon her endless plea that i give it a shot and see how things turn out...truth is, i am not even looking for any relationship, im leaving the country, remember?

It was very unfortunate, and i dreaded it all the way why i had to promise that i'm meeting the gal...the jam after work was horrendous, and i had to drive along LDP all the way to Summit, SJ...it wasnt pleasant at all...

Aunt was telling me the gal is an Indonesian national (chi indonesian), in other words, she's filthy rich...and she said if it works out between us, the gal's mother would send us both to England to further our education...hmm, that sounds like a good plan...the plan is to woo the gal, get a free ride to Eng, and ditch her....LOL...isnt that evil? i love it...

I met the 20-year-old, she's actually quite fair, and has flawless skin...what turned me off was the fact that she was wearing a braces...we talked bout stuff, skewl, she told me bout her homework, and that she's studying hospitality management in Sunway coll...then i asked if she faces any prob in her work and regretted asking later on...

Apparently she's having difficulty in writing her internship report (her eng isnt that good) and yeah, being the nice guy that i am, i have actually offered to help her with the report...and that's it, she's grateful to me and i can sense that she fancies me too...judging from all the SMSes, MSN msg, and phone calls...

Let's put it this way, i really dont see anything in common between us, the fact that i offered to help her is just a way to say: im sorry...so, cya...

anyway, she's just too young, and such a mama's gal too...

Thanks for nothing, aunt...

Hurray...

I cant believe how excited i am....My visa has been APPROVED!! It's meant to be afterall...God has opened the door...

From what i heard from other traveller who's applying the same Visa, Malaysian of course, they were asked to produce X-ray cert, health cert, bank statement and whatnot....but i wasnt asked to produce anything...and they just approve my Visa...just like that...

I'm so thrilled...

I can start planning my trip...not so much on departure date though...more on what's to buy and bring over...and also...related documents to apply and update...

I've sorta come out with a to-do list...

1. Buy winter clothing
2. Buy Backpack
3. Buy DigiCam (Sony T7 or T9, please decide..)
4. Dark Glasses
5. Amend Driving License
6. Amend Passport
7. Collect National IC.
8. Apply for NZ tax number
9. Apply for NZ temp mail box
10. Buy travel Insurance.

Yeah...and all this accounts to lotsa money...so shall b working for few more months...anyway, the ideal travelling time is April...that's when Summer is coming to an end....:)

Im good to go...

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART (Bonnie Tyler )

Turnaround, every now and then I get a
little bit lonely and you're never coming around
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit tired of listening to the sound of my tears
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart

Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit restless and I dream of something wild
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit helpless and I'm lying like a child in your arms
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit angry and I know I've got to get out and cry
Turnaround, Every now and then I get a
little bit terrified but then I see the look in your eyes
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you'll only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong together
We can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart

Turnaround bright eyes
Turnaround bright eyes
Turnaround, every now and then I know
you'll never be the boy you always you wanted to be
Turnaround, every now and then I know
you'll always be the only boy who wanted me the way that I am
Turnaround, every now and then I know
there's no one in the universe as magical and wonderous as you
Turnaround, every now and then I know
there's nothing any better and there's nothing I just wouldn't do
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you'll only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong together
We can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart

Astrology...

It's been raining incessantly these days...if it's not pouring, gloomy clouds can be seen looming ahead, daytime is gray, and everyone feels blue, and...i like it...

I woke up to a drizzling morning today, it was cold, and i shivered when i came out from the steaming hot shower, i wish i could stay in the shower longer, but i had to work...

Meteorologist forcasted a wet January, and so far they have been right, surprisingly that is...I've been known to show a great deal of water element in me, i am an aquarius, i.e. water bearer...and according to Chinese Zodiac, i was born in the year of Water Dog...whatever that means...though i dont normally believe in this kinda zodiac thingy being a Christian, i like the fact that im somewhat related to the water...

The water element describes such a person as being emotional and nurture, at the same time determined. Aquarius, the Water-Bearer, is ruled by serious Saturn and outrageous Uranus, and this give rise to Masculine sign. Masculine Signs in astrology are signs which have traditionally been conceived as more active and less receptive, primarily focusing on the spiritual/mental world. A fixed (strong and solid) sign, Aquarius governs intellect and originality. It is an Air sign, which means Aquarians are intelligent, unorthodox and inventive, although you do tend to be eerily detached and personally uninvolved. I like that....

As an idealist, An aquarian champion the highest principles, while at the same time being an independent thinker. I find this true as few people has the same idea as i do, and im always thinking that my thoughts precede others...

Determined Aquarius, a fixed sign, can be rather stubborn, offhand and resistant to imposed changes. You accept the substantial alterations in life as a challenge, but are quite averse to those small changes which can throw a spanner in the works. When confronted with unreasonable authoritarian demands or dogmatic principles to which you do not subscribe, you rebel. You certainly resent being told what to do, although you can be quite co-operative when properly approached. Gosh, i cant agree more with this, it's hard to believe that it is actually describing me! Im sure my parents, my friends, and my boss will agree to this...I dont give a D*** to nobody, whoever you are, and NOBODY tells me what to do, what i can or cannot do....NOBODY...

Aquarians are naturally sceptical; they like to test things for themselves, but, once convinced, become firm in their determination to see things through. Anyone who wants to get on side with you needs to see what must be done and share the load without being asked. Again, that's my trademark...

In relationships, your intellectual approach makes you seem interested, but not particularly passionate or possessive. Of course you do not really lack passion, for when you focus your feelings, your passion is as intense as it is inspirational.hmm...somewhat true...

So far as sports are concerned, my dears, as long as you can participate in such activities with a partner, or as part of a team, you can get quite enthusiastic about it, so have little trouble keeping physically fit. You do have a tendency to laziness, however, so are reluctant to engage in any boring series of exercises on your own. Broad jumping, camping, ballooning, tennis, swimming, racquetball and baseball are cool for you. Science and engineering, international finance, writing, music, astrology, psychology or social work are all fields wherein you could find your niche. The laziness trait is just so me...

Charming, exciting and unpredictable, yet somehow strangely detached from the proceedings, you are one of the zodiac's most eccentric personalities. Your powerful intellect propels you into original thought and desire to take things to the limit in all manner of offbeat directions. You definitely look for the unusual and challenging, while at the same time seeking romance, tenderness and understanding in your relationships.Bingo!

Aquarius, a masculine sign, is adventurous and not averse to the thrill of risk-taking. No timidity for you! Your optimism and positivity, combined with idealism and the need to break new ground can lead you into quite unfamiliar territory - not that this bothers you, for you are willing to follow any new lead to its conclusion. Your sex-drive is not unduly strong, but your need to explore and be stimulated sometimes gives others the impression that your desires are rampant!Yeah, im a risk taker, always have been...

Your emblem is the Water Bearer, pouring the water of originality, idealism and consciousness onto the parched earth of materialism and dullness. You stand at the vanguard of original thinking and tolerance, so you are not averse to seeking partners from other cultures, or other races. Your freedom is extremely important and you hate to be tied down, although, because your mind may be absorbed in some challenging study, you may not notice infringements to this rule for some time. When you do notice, you may react explosively and head for the door.
Uh huh, finding partner from other races, yeah, love the idea...

Alright, i just want to say that im not particularly obsessed with all that was said about my personality...you determine who you are, and what kinda person you wanna be...and we can do just about anything through God...

Still, im the water boy...

Don't mess with me...

Im old...

This morning before i left home for work, mom gave me a brochure from Equatorial Hotel featuring the different restaurants and the promotion they are offering. She asked me to choose a restaurant for my bday bash and she has specifically singled out this promotion by the name of 'Enchanting Europe' as offered by Nipah Coffeeshop.

She always knew what i like best, she can tell of my feelings, she is a worm inside my body...I guess i will go with her selection, though it's kinda pricey, but i guess i wont b footing the bill...so...

The promotion features some diverse taste of European cuisine like Chicken Zurichoisse, Lamb Osso Bocco "Cremolata', Oyster Mornay, Seafood Thermidor, Salmon Quennels with Pomery Mustard sauce, Capelini Seafood salad, Saxon Pudding, Honey Pine Tart, among others...gosh, doesnt it just make your mouth water just by the name of the delights?

I'm turning 24...im getting so old...and i know this is the prime time to do what your heart's desire....The chinese Zodiac this year is the Dog...the year that i was born in...according to the almanac (i dont believe in 'em), there are good chances that im getting married this year, i will be wealthy too, it claimed...also, i will be in the pink of health whole year round...aint bad huh?

24 years old...gosh, i feel so grown up all of a sudden, i just wanna....get out of this confining cocoon, i wanna...fly....there are hundred and one things that i wanna do, i just cant wait to experience all of that...

God, hear me out...I will still be your vessel, but you needa open the doors for me, so that the vessel can reach out to other places...

I'm restless...

I love the Sun....do i?

I've heard from friends abroad how much they worship the sun, but where i am right now, the soleil is not a popular figure, worse, people try all ways possible to avoid any contact with it whatsoever, nobody wants to have anything to do with the source of life here...

It's not like we don't appreciate the power it's given us, it's not like we totally shut her off...it's just that...you make us hot and sweaty, then we don't like you hanging around with us...just that...

Now that i've returned to working in regular shift, yes...i hate regular shift...i need to once again bear with the morning traffic, the Sunshine, the heat (though im feeling very cold right now)...and the disruption of my gym routine...

I havent been to yoga and pilates for few days now...i don't like the crowd in the evening classes, everyone's stressed out, and they cant wait to de-stress, which stresses the instructor, and when she is stressed, she could stress/stretch you real hard...she will pressure you into doing some impossible posture...she will be mean...

Also, i cant see to other businesses like fixing my passport or do banking or enjoy a quiet breakfast at O'Brien's...nvm, they will put me back to graveyard shift real soon...upon request...

Gosh, im looking forward to play some slots up in genting sometime next week...The club has given me a free room because this month is my birthday month...along with some free meals and stuff...not bad, considering i dont gamble at all...fyi, playing slots are not gambling, im merely trying my luck, or testing the randomness of the machine, or getting ripped off by the one arm bandit...im looking for some quick ways to finance my backpacking trip...i will participate in the contest by The Star, i will...hmm....how can i get money? Asking from my parents is a No-No...i will be ashamed of myself if i did...

********

my head's feeling lighter now with my new hair-do...it will grow to an optimum length come CNY...yeah, i can get some money then, since my bday falls on the first day of CNY according to lunar calendar...i should expect some double ang pau again...

I love January....February too...since it's a short month, getting salary is relatively faster...and then March...

Time flies....right?

Ushering in 2006....

This is a good year...

Yeah, deep inside me, i do believe that it is gonna be a helluva year...

I dont know why im feeling what im feeling, i guess it's just a hunch...

So on New Year eve, Sally got married...it was a picture of bliss seeing them together...they were so happy...It makes me wonder...when will i find my soulmate? To be honest, i have seldom gave any thoughts to this...all this while i was busy thinking of where to go and which country to visit, that ive...sorta blush away the idea that im gonna hafta settle down one day and start a new family....

So as usual, i was inebriated at the party...Mel was giving me a hard time and tried incessantly to take away my drinks and to cold stare the waitress who has not failed to fillup my glass whenever im done with it...It was a jovial party none the less, we left early after congratulating the couple to catch the count down at Ikano...

The crowds were incredible...i have no idea where everyone came from and why they were there (im pretending not to know why)...it spoiled my mood totally having all these dont-know-who around me and im much pissed when people start pushing their way around...You guys STINK, doncha know that?

I wasted no time to gather my friends and adjourned to Hartamas after the fireworks were being displayed...i was trying not to let anger to get ahead of me since it was New Year day...and secretly allowed myself to imagine blithely that i wont hafta celebrate New Year Eve for the coming year HERE...Geez...that's a nice thought...you have no idea...

For two nights in a row, i was drinking heavily at Hartamas, enjoying the New Year mood, and set myself in an all-night-party mode...embracing new dreams, new ideas, new resolutions and a new self...

We also celebrated Jo's birthday at Concorde...i was disappointed with the buffet spread as they featured very little western and italian cuisine...I helped myself to more desserts than the main course, and was feeling very rich when we left the hotel...with all that cheese and cream...

Talking about her birthday, i have yet to get her the present...she wanted a Braun Buffel purse...i'll see if im free this weekend to buy it...

Later...im going to get my hair cut for CNY....made an appointment with Gibson at Peek-a-Boo, and will ask him to give me something funky...

Life's good...