10 May 2009
Mother's Day 09
Woke up and it was raining heavily. I was thinking of calling off the breakfast with my parents. The call came. My bro came to pick me up.
The family all came to the hawker centre and we had our fill and left. Another family day passed. Not much happened. Mom is still recovering from stones after admitting to the ER last month.
My sis-in-law gave me some sweet dessert to take back. Pumpkin with sweet potatoes. Didn't sound appetizing but took it anyway. Got home to catch up with waking on a lazy Sunday morning.
Woke up from nap and was hungry. Took out the pumpkin dessert and started to eat. Suddenly flashes of memories come rushing to me.
I remember mom's cooking, and how she tried to cook for us when we were kids. She even went to CC to learn cooking. Whenever she comes back from her class, she would bring some samples of food back; those that she learned. Fast forward many years ahead, we are all grown up, mom has taken over granny's fruit stalls. She has no time to cook and it is dad that took over the cooking. Mom would prepare the food before she leave for work and dad will cook the food for us when he wakes up in the afternoon. Granny will help him with the cooking. After eating his late lunch, dad will leave for work. Dinner would have been prepared for us when we come back from work.
I remember my favourite would be black pepper pork and lup cheong fried eggs. It has been a long while since I had home cooked meal. Of course except Chinese New Year eve as mom would be busy preparing all the food for the family. Mom used to be busy for 2 family occassions. The 1st would be Chinese New Year and 2nd would be granny's birthday. Since granny has passed on, she now only prepares for Chinese New Year.
I remember when sis-in-law just got married to my brother and when my nephews and neice was borned, she too, went for cooking class. Years later, her kids; my nephews and neices are all grown up. My sis-in-law is still at it with her cooking. She has since moved on the make cakes and desserts.
Hmm..maybe I might just see when mom or dad is free. I sure would love to go back home to have home cooked meal again....one day.
26 April 2009
A Singapore AJ Tour Guide's Log
Met B when I got his SMS on Friday. He met me at Chinatown Point. What to do next? Where should I bring him? Well, since we are already in Chinatown, might as well bring him and show him around Chinatown.
Day 1
First stop, SportmanAsia. - Singapore's very own gay apparel superstore. I really haven't been there for a long time and realised that it has moved and expanded. The amount of skimpy tongs, g-string, underwears, swim wears, etc. caught me speechless. It was really really an eye opener. As I will be bringing him for a swim, I suggest that he gets a swimming trunk. My friend finally decided on a branded swimming trunk which to him was rather expensive, but since he will be the only few to own a branded trunk in Taipei, he went ahead with the purchase.
Next, I guided him along Chinatown and showed him where is 10 men's sauna, Absolute, Backstage, Y Club, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and we ended the tour of Chinatown with a visit to Chinatown Food Court. We had Claypot rice which took about half and hour to wait. In the mean time, I bought Cha Kuay Teow and Pangkang Kaya toast with butter. He loves the Kaya toast which they don't have in Taiwan.
After dinner, brought him to One Seven sauna. He felt that the entry price was rather high for a sauna. He told me that most sauna in Taiwan was around 400 ~ 500NTD (S$18 ~ 22) except the a new sauna called Aniki which cost about 800NTD (S$32). We left around midnight and ended a nigt after supper.
Day 2
We met met in Parkway Parade Shopping mall and zoomed right into the food court for lunch. He had fish soup noodle while I had duck rice. After lunch, we headed toward Katong Swimming Pool. He was amazed how many guys with nice bod visits the pool. Some tan under the hot sun while others were in to pool. We did notic there was a particular uncle with baggy, bright yellowish swimming trunks which got translucent when it got wet, walking aorund aimelessly near the toilet entrance. It was a nice lazy afternoon, the sun was hot we chatted under some shade after a swim and watched those with nice gym tonned bod parade around the pool.
We met with another friend and decided to bring my friend to get a taste of our outdoor cruising area. My friend drove us to Tanjong Rhu car park. As we were walking towards the beach passing the construction site, we were stopped by some workers telling us that the way to the beach have been sealed. We have no choice but to turn back. Then we took my Taiwan friend toward the underpass where I showed him where some of the action happen will take place come nightfalls. As it was still daylight, not a soul was found. After which, we headed toward Old Airport Hawker Centre for some local food as it was approaching 5. This time round, I ordered, Nasi Lemak, Ota Ota, Satay while my other friend ordered, Laksa and fried oyster with eggs.
We rested in my place and later proceeded to City hall and then Central Mall trying to locate Zara outlet, which my friend wanted to see as they also have Zara outlet in Taiwan. Unfortunatelly, we weren't able to locate it as I am not an avid shopper. It was later that I found where Zara was located; Ngee Ann City. Leaving Central Mall, we proceed to Maxwell Hawker Centre to meet up with his Singapore friend he met while in Shanghai.
His friend was late and we waited till 11pm when 2 gym bod guys approach our table. His friend took us to "Does Your Mother Know" (DYMK for short). It was my first time back into the clubbing scene. Haven't been into a club for ages. The club which is located opposite the Kerta Ayer Theatre, attracts all the beautiful people; some more beautiful than others. Lots of eye candy gym bods some dressed to kill, while some dressed to thrill. My friend's friend started with about 2 gradually swelled to 10 and I lost count on how many new friends we met. A few guys caught my friend's attention and we had nice time chatting and wild away the time.
We left DYMK with the group and went over to Play. As one of the guy in the group had a place reserved. All eight of us were allowed to cut the queue and enter. Two bottles of champange was open at our table. At 12 midnight, the club was packed to the brim. I felt foreign and yet familiar going back into the club scene after so long. It does feel nice to see beautiful people around having a good time. After a few drinks, I was more relax. The new group of friends were friendly and I got hit by one of the guy which I was totally not interested. There were a couple of really nice looking guys next to our table which caught my friend's attention. Even I was mesmerized by the guys next to us. It was later that the guy my friend was interested came and talked to my friend. It made his day. It was a long day, but I did enjoy myself. We left the club at 2+ and went to Maxwell for some supper and later home for me and my friend, his hotel.
Day 3
I was too tired to climb out of bed this morning. Lazed till 10+. Called my friend to meet at 2+ for a day of shopping. My friend wanted to check out brands like Zara (1st time I heard it). Checked the internet and it is in Ngee Ann City. Brought my friend there and he did manage to buy a couple of items. Walking towards Paragon, we were treated with a nice surprise. Some Swing Band group was performing at the entrance of Paragon. There were also some dancers dancing to the music in front of a large group of Sunday shoppers and pedestrians. Quite an interesting afternoon I must say.
My friend was tired and wanted a massage, so took him to Wang Yang. Later I showed him where is Absolute and we parted ways as he make his way toward Absolute for the foam party. My friend messaged me that he left the place at 11pm. I think he must have enjoyed himself there.
That's pretty much sums up the trip for my friend.
22 April 2009
Marketing Lesson
Got this from an interesting blog. ==================================
* Good fxxks are just like good marketers
You see a handsome guy at a party. You go up to him and say, "I'm fantastic in bed." * That's Direct Marketing.
You're at a party with a bunch of friends and see a handsome guy. You pay your friend to go up to him and point at you saying, "He's fantastic in bed." * That's Advertising.
You see a handsome guy at a party. You go up to him, and get his telephone number. The next day you call and say, "Hi, I'm fantastic in bed." * That's Telemarketing.
You're at a party and see a handsome guy. You get up and straighten your pants. You walk up to him and pour him a drink. You say, "May I," and reach up to straighten his tie pressing your crotch lightly against his and then say, "By the way, I'm fantastic in bed." * That's Public Relations.
You're on your way to a party when you realize that there could be handsome men in all these houses you're passing. So you climb onto the roof of one situated towards the center and shout at the top of your lungs, "I'm fantastic in bed!" * That's Spam.
You're at a party and see a handsome guy. You talk him into going home with your friend. * That's a Sales Representative
Your friend can't satisfy him so he calls you. * That's Tech Support.
You are on the Blowingwind forum. You message a handsome guy online and say "I'm fantastic in bed" * That's Online Marketing
You walk into Shogun and see a handsome guy. He walks up to you and says, "I hear you're fantastic in bed." * That's Brand Recognition. (ULTIMATE)
-------- I added the following: -------- You wrote on BW Forum on,
"How to be fantastic in bed" and you got mails wanting to try out how good you are in bed. * That's Indirect Marketing.
You found out from others that someone had copied your "Techniques in bed" * That's Piracy.
You offer tips to your friends on, "How to be fantastic in bed". * That's Consultancy.
You bedded more than enough men to write a book on, "How to be fantastic in bed". * That's a Guru.
18 April 2009
Life Without Blowing Wind Forum
"our website have been hijacked?" I said.
"Don't know. It happened a few hours ago." came the reply.
"what happened?", I asked.
"Don't know yet, I have been trying to get in touch with the web support, but I could not reach them." said Hendry.
"Ok. Let me know once you get back online."
The thought of BW getting hijacked or hacked worries me. But there is nothing I can do. I suddenly remembered the same incident happened 2 years ago when BW were taken offline from Forumer. For a couple of days after BW was taken offline, life after work was aimless. It was then that we decided to migrate to a paid site to host BW. And we haven't looked back sinced.
Years ago, not being an avid surfer for newsy stories of polictics or porn like some of my friends. I chanced upon Blowing Wind and the then Hong Lim Park from friends. There was no short of stories, gossips and local gay news, etc. from the 2 popular forums. But due to some management thingy, Hong Lim Park have been inactive.
It was later that I was invited by the mod to join BW as one of the moderator. And that changed my life completely. Now, my life have somehow intertwine with BW and a day without logging in to BW is like a compass that has lost it's bearing.
Through BW, I have met many interesting people and learned tons of things. Made some really good friends and well, some really nasty anonymous enemies. Haha..My BW EC friend even says my England have improved.
I don't know about others, but Life would be boring without BW forum.
P/s : BW Forum is back in action now.
16 April 2009
BW Website Got Hijacked
Hendry is trying to rectify the problem to get BW online ASAP.
11 February 2009
Pressure Cooker
I think I might be bottling up lots of stuff of late and I can hear the loud hissing sound coming out from my thoughts. My mind is full and yet no particular thoughts come to my mind. I know some things needs to be done but yet I am procrastinating lots of stuff. Like clearing the back room to be rented out, cleaning the room, clearing my hard drives of it's files, etc. I am doing neither.
As I was flipping through my song list on my Omnia phone, the song by Garry Schyman - Praan; which I had downloaded, props up. Listening to it with my wireless Bluetooth headset, and although I do not understand a single word the Indian female was singing, I started to tear up as I suddenly got sentimental. I was wondering why my emotion was acts up on me. Was it the song, my hormones or was it because of too much things on my mind? Am I craking up?
I think my mood is swinging between nonchalant, happy, sentimental, abusive, bored, playful and bothered, not in any particular order. Something is wrong? Hope not. Physically I am fine. Hahaha. Maybe it can explain why some of the guests on the forum are getting flaks from me. I am highly combative when challenged.
I think I should whip myself back into shape. Hopefully the body is willing and the mind is not weak. Exercise should help me detoxify all nasty stuff and get me up and running.
06 February 2009
Mingling with Friendly Straight People
Upon reaching the house, I noticed it was a white 3 stories tall bungalow which was just renovated. There were already many people busying themselves at the courtyard. Suddenly, my old schoolmate walked out of the house. He and his wife was shocked to see me at their doorstep and asked me how I know they have moved here. Obviously they both knew that they did not invite me and was totally shocked to see me.
I was surprise to see them too. I told them I was invited by my ex colleague, who happens to be their friend. The proud owner of the new house was my ex schoolmate about 30 years ago. Back then, we studied together and we had a bunch of friends who goes out together. After graduation we kept in touched and organized get together dinners for many many years until everyone was married, less me and another classmates. Then I started to drift away from the group as I do not want to answer the never ending questions of why I am still single. I have not seen my friends for years although we did try to kept in touch on and off.
It turns out that my classmate and his wife had spent the last 6 years in MLM and had recently been awarded the highest title. The house they just bought is huge with many rooms, a front yard and back porch. The furnitures and dining tables were oozing opulence and extravagence, so much so that I felt nauseous. Activities were happening around me; mahjong, card games, etc. But I chosed to stay with my ex colleague watching her making dumplings with a few ladies at the kitchen.
Some how, I did not do much interaction with my ex classmate and his wife. Somehow, I was cornered to attend my classmate's achievement day on 5th Feb. I was conflicted. I would like to see my ex classmate do well but I never really like MLM. I know you will eventually be sucked in by the group dynamics. Still I couldn't find myself to say no to my ex colleague and my now distance ex classmate.
I did however find the group happy and cheerful and everyone seems to be having a great time at the CNY gathering. Their cheerfulness somehow rubbed off on me. We had Yu-Sheng and I took a few bites for luck.
I left the gathering making many new friends which names I couldn't recall but much more relax and yes, I did enjoy myself and the food and I did managed to catch some of the CNY spirit.
==================
The day of recognition for my ex classmate quickly came. They had booked a big hall in one of the building in Shenton Way. It was a formal dress event but I went there wearing jeans, T-shirt and a jacket. My ex colleague did not informed me and I felt so under dress for the event. Well, embarassement aside, I kept thinking how I could squirm my way out of the event.
But I didn't and stayed on till the end. My ex colleague was the MC for the event. After videos presentation and many speeches later, my ex classmate and his wife took to the stage and spoke about how they arrived at where they are.
I am humbled by what my friend said during his speech. I know his success comes to him with lots of hard work and sweat. It is also nice to see that he and his wife are still so loving. I am happy for him. Many wants to duplicate his success and the whole hall was accolading his success. He and his wife are like celebrities being mobbed my adoring fans wanting to congratulate them. The whole event finised at about 10pm.
I was cajoled by my ex colleague into joining them for supper at Lau Pasat. I went even though I was hoping to make a disappearing act. The whole Lau Pasat was filled with laughters and noise of about 30 to 40 over guests spilling over from the event. There were guests from Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan who flew here to witness the event.
My ex classmate and his wife was mobbed once again by his guest and downlines asking for their autographs on the name card they pass out. After dinner, I made some excuse and left Lau Pasat after bidding my goodbyes.
On my way back home, I pondered on the whole event from the SMS message I received before CNY till the event which has just ended. Trying to see with a clear mind what I've witness and what am I going to do with my future. I have no answer. But I do know that, I did felt a tad bit awkward mingling with so many straight strangers at one go. Friendly and welcoming as they maybe, I can't help but wonder if I should be spending time with them because I know the usual Q&A about me being single will eventually crop up. When it happens, I hate to see myself putting up my defences and going through the usual blah blah bullshit.
I better don't think too far ahead. Shit. I've already agreed to meet my ex colleague next Tuesday to start my detox program. Shit. More mingling with straight nice people.
Side note; there was a cute guy who did catches my attention.
28 January 2009
Celebrating Chinese New Year - 2009
Every year during CNY eve, all my sibilings, nephews & nices will gather at my parent's place for reunion dinner. It is a yearly event. My parents will cooked lots for food for the reunion. Mom will be pushing herself to prepare food for everybody. Dad will help out somewhat but mom won't get to rest till the 4th day of CNY.
Before the end of dinner, I would have developed a headache. My head would throb gradualy until it is unbearable. It has been so for the past few years. By then, I would have wanted the dinner to end and I quickly get back home to recover or I will have to swallow pain killers and hope that the pain goes away soon. Luckily, this year it wasn't that bad. The pain was very mild and I don't have to take any pain killers.
First day of CNY is as per the past many years. My sworn bro will bring his wife and kid for lunch and later I would go visiting my 2 uncles; one on dad's side and one on mom's side, with my bros and sis and their family. As usual, I would have collected all the ang pow from all my relatives; my parents, my bro, my 3 uncles and my aunt. It has been our tradition since I was a kid and had never change. Every year for the past many years since we were kids till we are grown ups, it has always been so. Anyway, it is also the only time I get to see my uncles and aunts. This year is no exception. It is a yearly routine.
CNY holidays came and went. Tomorrow is the 3rd day of CNY and it is also granny's death anniversay. As usual, we will be visiting the temple where my grandparent and uncles' ashes are kept. My parents had also bought and reserved "a place" at the temple for themselves when their time comes.
I wonder should I also reserve myself a place at the temple or should I just tell them to scattered my ashes in the sea when my time comes? Anyway, I don't think I want to think much about that at the moment. Life goes on even when your love one has pass on and the only thing that are left behind are just memories or photographs of them frozen in time.
06 January 2009
Admirers from BW
In Matthew 16:"I know who I am, with your reaction, all of you will tell me who you are."
Peter ask Jesus who he is, and Jesus respond "Who do you say I am; Who are you?"
I am not a Christian nor a religious person, I got the above quote from watching one of the episode of "Eli Stone" (Season 02 Ep 09).
I have responded with replies to some members and ignored some. It is interesting that my internet persona have it's admirers. I am flattered by the attention but then, it is not something I was expecting when I sign up as a mod.
Well, looking forward, I hope to meet and make more new friends and hopefully contribute more to the PLU community or the society at large.
2009
The only thing that lifted me up was a nice gathering I had with some friends before New year. We had dinner in a club and later proceed for karaoke. I sang my heart out till I had sore throat for the next few days. The sore throat got worst and I got to see a doc where I was given 2 days MC for NYE and NYD. Well, shit happens, but life goes on.
Let's hope 2009 is better than 2008.