Picking someone from the airport?

I was at Changi Airport today. After landing in Senai, my company's transporter told me that he was going to pick up my brand manager after dropping me off. Out of the blue, I agree to following him into Singapore. I did not have any plans so it seems giving my manager a surprise guten arban will do the trick.

Since her flight got delayed for over 50min, I transformed myself into observation kin. I started studying closely of people behaving at the arrival hall. Those who are sitting down, those who hold name boards, those who are lingering, those who are on duty, those who are walking out, the tall short pretty normal looking, everyone.

Everyone was there (or mostly) for one occasion. Reuniting with someone.

I notice that reunification of two individuals require a lot of resources. Travel time for one is crucial since most airports are really far from residential areas. Not to mentioned that with aviation consequences, one may bear the extra hours of waiting and swinging their leg if flights are delayed.

But I observe overwhelming power of patience and anticipation.

The smile of the flying stewardess walking out the gate only to be greeted by her caucasian boyfriend is all it takes to make the day. They walked hand in hand to a nearby cafe and it seems that she is catering to his need now of having something pretty western. Ironic that she should be tired since she had at least a few hours clocked into work, she seem to look good. OK, maybe it is make up.

Then another air steward was reunited with his family. His wife and daughter. Wife took the coat, he held the daughter and they were kissing. This is rare I thought. I am sure mr. air steward fly often but to have his family pick him up and greet him with such warmth, I know the kid had good parents.

All the couples were doing the usual, kiss hug kiss again and then help the other pull their luggage. But seeing this girl cried because his bf brought her favourite flowers was interesting. I can't help but feel romantically involved. They were definitely spreading love

Mum was brushing his son's hair, sister was ransacking her parent's "gift" paperbag, friends were chest bumping and bear hugging, colleagues shook hands and welcome their stay, backpackers begin to open their map and discussing their destination are so common these days.

While I took a break and had dinner at the food court, I notice the air filled with people spreading joy. They were mostly enjoying their meal with someone. I notice that singaporeans are also quite the romantic type. Most tables are filled with pilot, flight attendants dining with their loved ones (couple, partners or friends) and they are not dressed in uniform. So, it got me thinking ... people who pick someone up from the airport (despite those on duties) are usually "love" related.

But my case is coincident. My manager was shocked beyond the point to see me. She couldn't believe her eye when I greeted her. She was frozen, took few seconds to digest before flashes a smile and quickly asked, did i drove the company's taxi here?

LOL ... it was awkward 10 seconds before me moved on.

That aside, back to my earlier observation...I also begin to notice the soloist. Those who quickly adjourned to taxi stands, avoid eye contacts and just smiling to others waiting for the relative was equally a lot. And so I thought, have I been travelling alone most of the time? While on business trip, I always had mr eagle along. Whenever I travel, he will come along to save cost. We plan our trips in that sense. Hardly alone. Only occasions. Rare. Even when i flew alone, I had someone at the other side waiting. My most recent memorable occasion was of course having MC waiting for me early in the wee morning of a cold day in Beijing. Such a sweet heart and all the 6 hours of painstaking sleepless flight was flushed away when he flashes his smile, hugged me and helped with my luggage

So that's how it feels like having someone to pick you up?

I wonder if my friends ever feel that way when I make my way to the airport. I knew MK is very appreciative. He would thank me for the first few minutes, probably 15min and then thank me again non-stop when we are 15min away from his home. I picked Mr Watch before and he is always fun to pick up. Always have surprises and usually happy ones. Don't think I ever did pick him up from the national airpot itself though. Who would forget K then. Picking him has been the most fun of all ...

I guess when it comes to that, it boils down to how much you want to see and do for that person. It is always thoughtful but when the gesture is sincere and filled with anticipation to see the person walk out the gate and all ... people usually dont really care if they are tired, late or even if it logically consume time. Well, I will be happy to walk out to see someone giving me hug and welcome me. I mean, who doesnt rite?

So all that said, I don't know why I am writing such post. Maybe it is a sign for me to travel again soon ... to somewhere friends are waiting :-P

Sorry for wasting your time reading this. lol

The brand new year

Officially 2011 has passed. I guess many would have pondered in the last few minutes before the clock ticked 12 to celebrate the coming year, what significance have they achieved in the past months? Have they kept their resolutions? Have they fulfill promises made in year 2010 while ushering in 2011? Have they obtained or complete certain goals? Have they increase or rather nicely put, improve?

I guess nothing beats the celebration than giving yourself a pat on your shoulder for any occasion worth celebrating and remembering. I am not a big fan of festive or celebration. Every year I did it for the sake of just doing it. I guess it is because of that I never really do get invited for any form of countdown or party if any. This year, I had my parents on eve and when it was nearing 12, a phone call from a great soul wishing me the best and the rest was with Kurosaki San, famously known as Ichigo - Death God

So while dad snores away after his toast to new year with Teh Tarik and peanuts (so chinaman), I lay in my bed blogging with my iPhone thinking what have I achieved in year 2011. Am not even sure if I am proud of myself but one things for sure ... Many things happened, and time flew past ...

So some random not in order memorable moments was

1. My best girl friend and pet sis got married. They are close to heart and I dare say closest ever to me getting their knots tied first! Felt old

2. Completed and graduated from my MBA. Didn't know how it felt but I am happy I did it, met new friends and had my fair share of bitterness

3. Bought a house, and currently responsible for it. Fully and entirely random!

4. Decided to move south to a less hassle town and got into a surprise job doing something quite out of the box for me

5. Met a great date who made me believe that it is worth trying again. Although it didn't last, it was such honor to have you as a great supportive friend

6. Considered to bump into an old friend who is a true inspiration for me. Your courage, sincerity, love and strong will keeps me alive everyday. I am so happy to have met you after so many years again. Music lives!!!

7. Having a special someone requesting to sing for my first attempt of creating music. Not sure how it will turn out, but you had put me to tears so many times. You keep me swimming! You keep my soul alive!!!

8. Had so much laughter and fun in Sunway Lagoon! Cannot believe I sort of conquered my fear by accident in one of the ride. Will always remember the feeling of hanging up side down!!! And cursing !!! And then crying!!!

9. Climbing the great wall of China when I went to Beijing. Special thanks to my best buddy! You know who you are and hope to dine with you soon again, ala "our style" ... Hugs!

10. Receiving a surprised gift, wrapped in a turquoise box. Thank you so so much and I look forward in meeting you again! Owe you a big nice gift and dinner ...

Sending my appreciation to those who has made my 2011 both so good and bad! You guys complete Me!!! So the only things to do is getting use to writing the year date.

The and more

The past two days has been quite interesting,
The drive under the pour,
The unexpected passerby,
The chat that resume ended up in comfort

The dinner entertains
The eavesdrop we had on the couple next table
The stare and smile
The proximity going down the escalator

The wet staircase
The laugh on a breezy night
The invitation
The changing stares

The warmth sheets
The indoor rain
The sixth sense touch
The curtains we draw

The rock and roll
The perfect checkout photo
The departure and longing
The re invitation

The wishes hopes and missing link
The chatters
The night cold breeze
The anticipation

The coffee cafe
The bubble tea store
The formal boutique
The bubble tea store again

The free parking lot
The fitting room
The water space
The room that fits two

The chocolate bar, milk and bottle tea
The request to town
The walk back
The goodbye

Then ...

The nightly wish
The mysterious pisces
The laundry leo
The approval finally

To end the night

Merry Xmas 2011

A friend told me that it feels like I have three homes. One in KL, the one in JB and the other in SG. Since I was back in KL for the past 2 weekends for work and Betty's birthday, I've decided to spend my Christmas in SG. Honestly, it is not as if I have that many friends in SG and definitely I literally had not alot of plans or party to attend to here.

One of the few reason is to company my friend Markus, who at the end also went out to celebrate the festive greeting eve and the other is because my best buddy is here. It was awesome to have him for last year's new year eve and this year's XMas eve. We just sat at TCC and had drinks, watched couples kiss when the clock strike twelve and try our best not to puke eating this royal pumpkin cheese cake which is not really that royal afterall. Either than that, I spent most of my time watching TV, looking sleepy and sleeping ... lol

I want to thank all my friends who had took the opportunity to give me pressies, regardless it is wishes, videos you sent via whatsapp, chocolate, t-shirts, candies or attempt to help me reduce my wishlist (yay! one slashed!!!). It meant a lot to me because it shows that you guys cared even though I am that far away. Really! HUGS ...

MERRY XMAS ...

10 MUST have for festive

Read some interesting find on R29. So wanted to share with you guys. Important 10 THINGS that guys must buy in this holiday season. Or rather how I would like to put it, shopping list for this coming sale season

1. Fitted Suit

Have that slashed out. Nine to go!

Best place to get : Tailor them - Bangkok. Off the shelves - Korea and Japan!

2. Nice Plaid Shirt

Have that too, slashed out no2. Eight to go!

Best place to get : Brand Outlet stores ... VARIETY + COST EFFECTIVE

3. Overcoat

Don't think I need that in Malaysia. But, will consider since I am planning trips to Japan/HK for winter. Maybe Boston? LOL

Best place to get : Burberry ... or Jaspal ... or Uniqlo (in descending order of affordability)

4. Leather Shoes / Boots

Have em. But never enough. So this stays in my list ... hehehe

Best place to get : Pedro

5. Tie alternative

Bow tie a ? Hmm ... this is a tricky one. Regret not getting one the last time

Best place to get : Suggestions?

6. Hoody!

Definitely got. Quite a few actually. Slashed no3, Seven to go !

7. Jeans

I have 13 of them. Some friends told me I overstock my jeans because you can actually wear them over and over again. Yea, like DUH! I do that ok ... !!! Slashed no.4

Best place to get : True Religion, Dolce&Gabbana, 7 for Mankind ... else, CK Jeans, Levis

8. Crew Neck Sweater

I love pullovers! Haha ... Bought one w Mr Watch. Considered slashed la ... 50% through the list

Best place to get : Banana Republic ... Again, Brand outlets : DAMN ALOT!

9. Scarf

Essential lo ... But I have not bought one in years.

Best Place to get : Everywhere! Just find the right material ...

10. Colored Socks

Shit! I need to get these later when I go out shopping with mum

Best Place to get : Uniqlo ... cannot remember where else I saw tons of it!!! Hmm

So today's shopping list :

Scarf

Socks

;-)

Drown

An attempt I promise someone. My first draft ...

I ran under the rain,
Since you left me broken
I push through the tears
Letting it go

The bitterness of sweet memories
Haunting, crushing my skull
The loneliness after years
Left me settled in despair

I drown my heart
Pushing it deeper
Anguish cries, and I cry
I held my soul and let it fade

While it screams, begging
I shut my eyes
Stinging bitterness, and I cry
I held it softly and it stops

It stops, now cold as December
as still as silence and regrets

I broke myself when you fell apart
Since you walked out that door
I lied to myself
Still do, Do you?

Lost and often in fear
I am forced to rip it apart
Seeing you again
Stab the second time, again over and again

Now I cry and drown my heart
Pushing it deeper
Anguish cries, and I cry
I held my soul and let it fade

While it screams, begging
I shut my eyes
Stinging bitterness, and I cry
I held it softly and it stops

It stops, now cold as December
as still as silence and regrets

I can't never will let you leave
I long the embrace from behind, the smile and laughs
We were an item, never thought it will end
There forever in vow, never gone
But you did, without turning back

Shooting yourself at the feet

I find human amusing and very interesting. Not bragging or trying to defend a point but has generally Malaysians become so skeptical, negative and prone to complains? I mean if Singaporeans are at the level, I understand because they have reached a developed country stage... But Malaysians ... please, stop complaining and start doing something about your life. This goes with align with the next political election process. Don't complain life is hard if you are going to shoot yourself in the feet.

START LIVING LIFE

I don't know, maybe because ever since young ... I am exposed to many facts in life. Growing up in a family where cash wasn't always enough was sucky. Having friends being mean to you and having no proper vocabulary to spit back sucks. Seeing families going for vacation elsewhere while you are stuck home wondering why is life so dull is even suckier. And when the envies, loneliness sinks in, the complain in life begins.

I know friends who find their limitations, restrictions and lifestyle being controlled hard to live. Growing up in an urban state of mind is definitely not a walk in the park. Having corruption springing out, splatting shit on your face made life even harder. Fortunately I was lucky. Always brag about people who came into my life, inspirationally driving me for the better. Having my family to support and ever so encouraging, having my two best buddies to remind me on how life should always be on the move, having a sifu who inspires me to be mindful and balance in life, having an angel to remind me of contentment and peace and having someone far to always believe and be strong helped in every sense.

On the contrary, I find people who make their life different, bringing themselves to be more competitive and driven by positivity and yet down to earth really amuses me. I salute them ...

That drives me. To stay sane and always compare myself to the better, and then try to be better but yet subtly proud of my own achievements. It is so important for people to now look at how things have change and will change dramatically. Within short periods of time, huge companies had died. Institution such as families and education has changed. Values and social orders had been restructured. Often not, we find ourselves also entangled in the capitalist world... but that has become a fact

An economic guru which I have crossed path with told me and a bunch of friends that if Malaysian continues to stay unmoved, trapped in the middle income (RM3000 below), there will be domino effect where one will never bring themselves out of poverty. YES! because while other countries like China are skipping their way to luxury stores, here we are digging in to outlet stores.

I am not bashing what seem to be a mere ramble. But have you look yourself in the mirror and wonder why are we always complaining about life but when it comes to action, we are just sitting down often lying to ourselves that it is ok? I guess at the end of the day, the winner will still be the people (even if they are unethical) who uses themselves to the best advantage to fit into the demand of life

I find people incompetent in understanding the need to improvise and march forward. On many occasions, people receive what they are fed and never seen the bigger picture. Are we that blind and just replicate what is thrown at us? Or are we just voicing our concern because viral marketing has encouraged us to be voice but actually noise? Obviously facebook empowerment is nothing but just status.

This post has no intention to berate anyone. Just I find that while I have coffee with my friends, it is so weird that people are all just complaining about things without rethinking where they are. If you are not happy with life, don't live with it. Make that damn change. If you are not content with life, then you are obviously not happy. If you are content, then you will feel no effect reading this post.

Stop whining and crying ...

Most played song - DEC 2011

Most played song on my playlist at the moment.

Katy Perry - The one that got away

Fav line from the song : in another life, i would make you stay

Daydream everytime : the video ends with that heartbreaking lullaby ...

What I like most about the song : the arrangement, the drums and dramatic tone

Total play count today : 12

Current billboard position : 9

Fav line from the song : if you ever leave me, leave some morphine at the door

Daydream everytime : when the haunting melodic instrument starts when the chorus ends

What I like most about the song : I can relate to the song whenever I see that someone

Total play count today : 8

Current billboard position : 3

Day 4 work - PR media launch

So today we had our officially media launch and to be honest, it went quite well. I just hope the same excitement that the attendee gets in the event transcend to the actual press itself.

We of course unveil the technic coaster which is one of the main attractions at the park. This is just the first stage and to be frank, really is our first media approach. There will be more coming soon so beware of the press and media talking bout us

The highlight of the day of course was not only concentrated at the coaster, and the CEO behind the project but also on the Lego brand itself. The people who represented the brick, the mascot and the magical toy bricks lead equally a show stealer!!!

The event was a success and after my manager left the office, here I am doing my small effort to tell you guys that the park is worth visiting! Really it doesn't at least to take pic with the hundreds of different type of Lego brick man rite???

Johor update - Day 5

Ok so i promised a detail post. I am so sorry for the delayed reply and from the look of my schedule for work in the next few weeks, I doubt the time I have to actually post and write something here. Honestly speaking, I do not plan to install any wifi or internet back home too. Refering to JB home of course.

To dedicate this post to the people had made my move possibly the most fun and stress free ever!

MUM, DAD & LIL MERMAID

So let me quickly update my last 4 days in JB. For the first time in my life, I felt proud to be my mum and dad's son. This is because I literally had them helping me to clean the whole entire place before really staying in. I appreciate every single bit of detail they had put into furnishing and equipping the house for my basic survival from electronics, stocking up the fridge to even ensuring hygiene standards are on par with living comfortably. Even my lil sister did a fantastic job helping around. Seriously, without them - I would not have gotten the best of my move. They're like angels from the sky I tell you!

MR JOE WONG

For bringing my parents around for food, introducing me to the eateries and most importantly helping me to network with very important people in JB, like the electronic shop owners ... modern contemporary furniture manufacturer and of course teaching me two important words that I will forever carry in my life "感恩" which means appreciation. I honestly can't wait to meet him for drinks again once he is back from his business trip to catch up and discover life in JB!

MR YEO & Agent J

For ensuring the house was cleaned before we moved in. Left every bit of the house intact and live-able instantly (move in condition) after so many years. I indirectly owe the agent a huge favor too for introducing such a great and wonderful seller (currently landlord).

MR WATCH, MK & James

MWatch for every single bit of mentoring and reminder that he has showered me through out. Looking forward to showing you around this weekend. MK and James for calling me on alternate days. You guys are the best and I know very well that our friendship will last. I miss you guys lots and thank you so much for keeping me company through phone :-) ... Also would like to thank all my other friends who had keep in touch, it really meant a lot to me that you guys remember my first day at work, my move and concern about my whereabouts. I still feel like a small boy with you guys

Sappy thank you aside, my first day at Legoland was thrillingly fun. There are huge expectations and pressure but everyone here practices working with a smile. Something ironically hardly happened in such fast-paced, high demanding organization. Apparently, Merlin (who own darn a lot of theme parks and still acquiring others) is one of the best place to work. Lucky me I must say. So with my early reporting to work, briefing and introductory to the team, I fit in nicely at a corner with my immediate manager overseeing my computer screen. Apparently I am the first boy in the marketing and sales team and some how, I felt great because I kinda click off with the current senior and founding team. Better not count my eggs before it hatches

So what i did either than playing lego and just asking for work (cos my PC isn't quite functioning right yet) ... is attending meeting and after that had my entire month caught up in work! For now, I had to help oversee as much marketing and sales activities as possible. Time for pics!

Me on first day of job ... with my lego name tag! haha

close up of my cute name tag! love it

got my blackberry too ... company phone

spent my morning playing with lego, instruction from my manager

day5 - reporting to work ...

my block apartment ... where i am living now

apartment pic - kitchen

living room

living room

bedroom ...

attempt to cook after so long ...

salute the guy who installed my aircond, if he slips ... thats death

day 2 - cam whoring after i seen the doctor

super delicious vinegar pork noodle

local delicacies, not for the faint hearted or non-pork lover ....

Thats about it. For now, I am going to have dinner at home. Bread w peanut butter and milk. Cos I bought them and they may not last that long thanks to expiry date.

Caoz ...

PS - Do I look cute in my name tag? LOL