You know, the one thing about New Year's Resolution is that you never get it done, so from now on I'm never going to write another list of New Year's Resolution.
I received a pretty late Christmas gift from a former staff today, nevertheless it was really nice. She even handed me a letter of some sort which read:
"Dear Max,
Hellos, Merry x'mas! sorry for giving the present late Hmm. thanks for taking care of me, this 小妹 (little sister) huhs! All the food you cooked are nice. OF COURSE, YOU'RE A NICE GUY TOO :D
You said you like my working attitude, would like to work with me in the furture if there is chance. Hahahs. I'm ok with it :D Just give me a call or msg if I'm free & able to make it, I will. don't worry I will come back if i've the time too.
TAKE CARE :D
LOVES,
****** 小妹
9******* (don't prank me hor! :D)"
Well, I can't help but be delighted that I've met such an excellent young lady, mind you she's only 16 year old.
And for New Year's sakes, I decided to buy my colleagues a couple of pizzas and Jasmine's favourite Carbonara pasta(her face lit up like a bulb upon seeing the pasta); an appreciation for her hard work and all the help she offered to us guys. For the first time in my life, I spent money to entertain my colleagues, which I guess it worthwhile since everyone worked really hard together.
Anyway, I forgot to thank Xiaoqi, William, Koryn and gang for coming down to support me today. I apologise to you guys for not being able to show face as I was held up with unfinished business. If there's any chance you guys come down again in future and I should be around I promise I will make an effort to do something special. Happy New Year yeah?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
"I still remember you, MX Li!"
I was at the bus interchange on my way to work today when I bumped into my former Maths teacher Mr.Ng from Bukit Panjang Government High.
We had a casual conversation, from my present career to the news of my school before Mr. Ng annouced simply out of the blue "I still you remember you, MX Li!" I was surprised, especially when I wasn't even his star student.
"So which year you graduated? Was it year 2001 or 2002?" asked Mr.Ng
I thought for a moment before replying, "2000 I think, nearly 7 to 8 years since I graduate."
"MX Li right?" Mr.Ng asked and I simply nodded.
"Actually I remember that time Irene Gan come to our school for interview." He said.
"Then you stand up and ask a very good question, I can't remember what you ask but I remember you." the old man commented, smiling happily to himself.
I chuckled, surprised that my teachers would remember me after so many years. And of course, I would never forget being the one student who gained five minutes' fame by presenting Irene Gan (or whichever former Mediacorp artiste it was actually....) with an outstanding question. Well, I cannot however for the life of me remember whatever question that was.
Speaking of which, I'm starting to miss my teachers now. Aaawwhhh!
We had a casual conversation, from my present career to the news of my school before Mr. Ng annouced simply out of the blue "I still you remember you, MX Li!" I was surprised, especially when I wasn't even his star student.
"So which year you graduated? Was it year 2001 or 2002?" asked Mr.Ng
I thought for a moment before replying, "2000 I think, nearly 7 to 8 years since I graduate."
"MX Li right?" Mr.Ng asked and I simply nodded.
"Actually I remember that time Irene Gan come to our school for interview." He said.
"Then you stand up and ask a very good question, I can't remember what you ask but I remember you." the old man commented, smiling happily to himself.
I chuckled, surprised that my teachers would remember me after so many years. And of course, I would never forget being the one student who gained five minutes' fame by presenting Irene Gan (or whichever former Mediacorp artiste it was actually....) with an outstanding question. Well, I cannot however for the life of me remember whatever question that was.
Speaking of which, I'm starting to miss my teachers now. Aaawwhhh!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
"You've Been Living in Singapore For Too Long!"
I finally made a trip back to the academy today to pick up my transcript. While waiting outside the office, Chef Mizuho passed by and grabbed my bag, mischievously sliding it off my arms. "Somebody would've just took your bag and ran off you know?"
"Hahah! Now why would someone want my bag for?" I said, fully confident that nothing would be worth taking from me. Meanwhile, I fidgeted around to find a suitable position for my arms. Chef Mizuho simply took my hand and placed it where it should be. "You don't have to do that, just do this and your bag wouldn't slide off easily off your shoulders."
"Hmm, that's interesting." I remarked, looking down amused.
"Interesting? Obviously you've been living in Singapore for too long!" Chef Mizuho replied, grinning from ear to ear. "Trust me, if you had been elsewhere, things would be different."
"Mmmm... good point." I said, in agreement to Chef Mizuho's comment.
From that afternoon on after I left Fort Canning, I decided to leave my arms where my bag would be safest everywhere I go.
"Hahah! Now why would someone want my bag for?" I said, fully confident that nothing would be worth taking from me. Meanwhile, I fidgeted around to find a suitable position for my arms. Chef Mizuho simply took my hand and placed it where it should be. "You don't have to do that, just do this and your bag wouldn't slide off easily off your shoulders."
"Hmm, that's interesting." I remarked, looking down amused.
"Interesting? Obviously you've been living in Singapore for too long!" Chef Mizuho replied, grinning from ear to ear. "Trust me, if you had been elsewhere, things would be different."
"Mmmm... good point." I said, in agreement to Chef Mizuho's comment.
From that afternoon on after I left Fort Canning, I decided to leave my arms where my bag would be safest everywhere I go.
On another note, someone mistook me for Reuel Kong.... again. It seems till today, I cannot escape my twin brother's shadow. For your info my dear misleaded comrades, I am really his deviously evil clone.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
我不后悔
说好了不回头不想承诺
缘份尽了你别过头
如果还有什么值得我逗留
我想是你爱过我
只是路无尽头都是路过
什么感受我能带走
眼泪可以不流心碎不能救
看我能否得自由当我松开你的手
一些风沙哽住眼眸
爱你最后一幕却模糊带过
不让疼痛有路追究
我不后悔我曾爱过
只是天涯从此寂寞
远去的渡口彼岸的灯火
人在河流只许漂泊
我不后悔被你爱过
只是不能爱到最后
短暂的幸福拥有就足够
只要舍得就会快乐会快乐
Monday, November 17, 2008
Longing
ONE pair of sandals for a pair of rodent companions
an act of love, a secret that will remain between us forever.
A relationship that was never meant to be
thus one that must cease.
Remain best friends we will till the end of our lives,
two friends yet many hearts.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Revelations
After a chain of events, I realised that my life has reached a turning point where my career and personal life revolves around the friends and people I meet. Each of them seem to play a keyrole in my journey of transition.
While I feel sorry for losing a few friends, I am grateful for the remaining who proved to be worth keeping after some brief misunderstandings and disagreements. They came out as individuals who are kind, generous, forgiving, honest, sincere and most importantly influential, although there were few who were also scheming and perhaps calculating.
Nevertheless, these factors both human and external have continously contributed to my life one way or the other. I'm gradually seeing myself grow, and I've come to believe that whatever happens, it only for the best.
While I feel sorry for losing a few friends, I am grateful for the remaining who proved to be worth keeping after some brief misunderstandings and disagreements. They came out as individuals who are kind, generous, forgiving, honest, sincere and most importantly influential, although there were few who were also scheming and perhaps calculating.
Nevertheless, these factors both human and external have continously contributed to my life one way or the other. I'm gradually seeing myself grow, and I've come to believe that whatever happens, it only for the best.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Tarot Test
You are The Devil
Materiality. Material Force. Material temptation; sometimes obsession
The Devil is often a great card for business success; hard work and ambition.
Perhaps the most misunderstood of all the major arcana, the Devil is not really "Satan" at all, but Pan the half-goat nature god and/or Dionysius. These are gods of pleasure and abandon, of wild behavior and unbridled desires. This is a card about ambitions; it is also synonymous with temptation and addiction. On the flip side, however, the card can be a warning to someone who is too restrained, someone who never allows themselves to get passionate or messy or wild - or ambitious. This, too, is a form of enslavement. As a person, the Devil can stand for a man of money or erotic power, aggressive, controlling, or just persuasive. This is not to say a bad man, but certainly a powerful man who is hard to resist. The important thing is to remember that any chain is freely worn. In most cases, you are enslaved only because you allow it.
What Tarot Card are You?
LOL
x1aoq1's Entry of the Year - Voted by Yours Truly
"Suddenly, my status all screwed up~
LOL
Xiaolong is my official hubby.
Pink is my lao gong.
Im supposed to be HER Da Lao Po.
Ivory is HER Xiao Lao Po.
Max is also my lao gong.
Im supposed to be HIS Da Lao Po.
Pink is HIS Xiao Lao Po.
LOL!!! Funny right?
Totally screwed...
Then again, Im Ivory GF.
Ivory is my BF. WTF?
Im protected by all of them...
Haha!
By the way, for your infomation...
My Soul Mate is Addy, obviously =X
While I had a BFF, Kenneth aka Evil Fish =X
Some of u guys might not know the meaning of BFF.
This was inspired by Pink, actually.
Genesis aka Ben is Pink BFF... xD"
LOL
Xiaolong is my official hubby.
Pink is my lao gong.
Im supposed to be HER Da Lao Po.
Ivory is HER Xiao Lao Po.
Max is also my lao gong.
Im supposed to be HIS Da Lao Po.
Pink is HIS Xiao Lao Po.
LOL!!! Funny right?
Totally screwed...
Then again, Im Ivory GF.
Ivory is my BF. WTF?
Im protected by all of them...
Haha!
By the way, for your infomation...
My Soul Mate is Addy, obviously =X
While I had a BFF, Kenneth aka Evil Fish =X
Some of u guys might not know the meaning of BFF.
This was inspired by Pink, actually.
Genesis aka Ben is Pink BFF... xD"
PS: The conclusion is, Xiaoqi has 3 husbands(woah!) and 1 butch for a girlfriend, who happens to be Koryn's wife...hurhur!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Insanity
I've proven to myself thus far, that I'm capable of betraying my own principles, values and beliefs. I'm going to hell some day that's for sure. And guess what? I'm not just perverted, I'm obscene, vulgar and completely screwed up.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Faith
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” - Tennessee Williams
This is to anyone who might be reading my blog, whether or not you're related to me. I apologise to any friend who may feel I'm treating you differently or becoming more distant. I'm beginning to filter people from my network, and that includes friends. I will eliminate people whom I fail to get along with, any friends who no longer contribute to my life and alternatively friends I can contribute nothing to, etc.
I don't see the point of being related to you when we disagree on nearly everything, when you show me attitude or any signs of dislike and when we fail to connect to each other at all in every aspect of life.
If I spend less time with you or on you, it isn't because I dislike you but because I feel you no longer need more attention from me. I have to focus on my career and my life, just as all my better friends are doing. At some point in our lives, we all have to move on. In order to have a better future, in hopes of giving my family better life and in future have a family of my own, I have to work for it.
Friends aren't people you always have fun with, friends are people who see each through the years and grow together. Friends are people who constantly add value to each other's life, much like an investment. My point of view may be idealistic, but this is reality.
This is to anyone who might be reading my blog, whether or not you're related to me. I apologise to any friend who may feel I'm treating you differently or becoming more distant. I'm beginning to filter people from my network, and that includes friends. I will eliminate people whom I fail to get along with, any friends who no longer contribute to my life and alternatively friends I can contribute nothing to, etc.
I don't see the point of being related to you when we disagree on nearly everything, when you show me attitude or any signs of dislike and when we fail to connect to each other at all in every aspect of life.
If I spend less time with you or on you, it isn't because I dislike you but because I feel you no longer need more attention from me. I have to focus on my career and my life, just as all my better friends are doing. At some point in our lives, we all have to move on. In order to have a better future, in hopes of giving my family better life and in future have a family of my own, I have to work for it.
Friends aren't people you always have fun with, friends are people who see each through the years and grow together. Friends are people who constantly add value to each other's life, much like an investment. My point of view may be idealistic, but this is reality.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Just for Fun
1) The person who tagged me:
Sis, x1aoq1 and piNk
2) Your relationship with him/her is:
Brother, good friend and friend
3) Your five impressions of him/her:
1. fucked up
2. hilarious
3. paranoid
4. full of attitude
5. lovable
4) The most memorable thing that he/she had done for you:
wait out for hours to see me off work and go home with me.
5) The most memorable thing that he/she had said to you:
"What are friends for?"
6) If he/she becomes your lover, you will:
Be the happiest man on earth?
7) If he/she becomes your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
Absolutely nothing.
8) If he/she becomes your enemy, you will:
Do nothing.
9) If he/she becomes your enemy, the reason will be:
We ran out of things to do and decided to declare eternal war on each other
10) The most desired thing you want to do for him/her now is:
Give her endless bouts of multiple orgasm
11) Your overall impression of him/her is:
a good friend, good company, brother.
12) How you think people around you will feel about you?
egoistic, idealistic, ridiculous . . .
13) The characteristics you love of yourself are:
zero to none.
14) On the contrary, the characteristics you hate of yourself are:
countless.
15) The most ideal person you want to be is:
no longer alive.
16) For people who care for and like you, say something to them:
I owe you people a lifetime's gratitude.
17) Pass this quiz to 10 persons that you wish to know how they feel about you?
1. Mark
2. Lawrence
3. Jacqualine
4. Andy
5. Julia
6. Kai Ni
7. Tianpeng
8. Ben
9. Edward
10. HuiYee
18) Who is no.6 having relationship with?
Probably her husband.
19) Is no. 9 a male or female?
That's for me to know and for you to find out.
20) If no.7 and 10 are together, will it be a good thing?
Uh . . . that's a tough question.
22) What is no.2 studying about?
sex education . . . you wish!
23) When is the last time you had a chat with no.3?
10 to 11 months ago.
24) What kind of music band does no.8 like?
Can't be bothered.
26) Will you woo no.3?
been there done that.
27) How about no.7?
given a reasonable chance, I don't see why not.
28) Is no.4 single?
nope.
29) What is the surname of no.5?
Goh.
30) What's the hobby for no.4?
Cycling.
31) Does no.5 and 9 get along well?
They're not even related
32) Where is no.2 studying at?
Society University
33) Say something casual about no.1:
One of them is Fucked Up.
34) Have you tried developing feelings for no.8?
Yes.
35) Where does no.9 live at?
That's none of ya f**king business
36) What colour does no.3 like?
Blue
37)Are no.5 and no.1 best friends?
sort of
38) Does no.1 have any pets?
yes
39) Is no.7 the sexiest person in the world?
you can bet your life on it.
40) What is no. 10 doing now?
don't know, don't care
Sis, x1aoq1 and piNk
2) Your relationship with him/her is:
Brother, good friend and friend
3) Your five impressions of him/her:
1. fucked up
2. hilarious
3. paranoid
4. full of attitude
5. lovable
4) The most memorable thing that he/she had done for you:
wait out for hours to see me off work and go home with me.
5) The most memorable thing that he/she had said to you:
"What are friends for?"
6) If he/she becomes your lover, you will:
Be the happiest man on earth?
7) If he/she becomes your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
Absolutely nothing.
8) If he/she becomes your enemy, you will:
Do nothing.
9) If he/she becomes your enemy, the reason will be:
We ran out of things to do and decided to declare eternal war on each other
10) The most desired thing you want to do for him/her now is:
Give her endless bouts of multiple orgasm
11) Your overall impression of him/her is:
a good friend, good company, brother.
12) How you think people around you will feel about you?
egoistic, idealistic, ridiculous . . .
13) The characteristics you love of yourself are:
zero to none.
14) On the contrary, the characteristics you hate of yourself are:
countless.
15) The most ideal person you want to be is:
no longer alive.
16) For people who care for and like you, say something to them:
I owe you people a lifetime's gratitude.
17) Pass this quiz to 10 persons that you wish to know how they feel about you?
1. Mark
2. Lawrence
3. Jacqualine
4. Andy
5. Julia
6. Kai Ni
7. Tianpeng
8. Ben
9. Edward
10. HuiYee
18) Who is no.6 having relationship with?
Probably her husband.
19) Is no. 9 a male or female?
That's for me to know and for you to find out.
20) If no.7 and 10 are together, will it be a good thing?
Uh . . . that's a tough question.
22) What is no.2 studying about?
sex education . . . you wish!
23) When is the last time you had a chat with no.3?
10 to 11 months ago.
24) What kind of music band does no.8 like?
Can't be bothered.
26) Will you woo no.3?
been there done that.
27) How about no.7?
given a reasonable chance, I don't see why not.
28) Is no.4 single?
nope.
29) What is the surname of no.5?
Goh.
30) What's the hobby for no.4?
Cycling.
31) Does no.5 and 9 get along well?
They're not even related
32) Where is no.2 studying at?
Society University
33) Say something casual about no.1:
One of them is Fucked Up.
34) Have you tried developing feelings for no.8?
Yes.
35) Where does no.9 live at?
That's none of ya f**king business
36) What colour does no.3 like?
Blue
37)Are no.5 and no.1 best friends?
sort of
38) Does no.1 have any pets?
yes
39) Is no.7 the sexiest person in the world?
you can bet your life on it.
40) What is no. 10 doing now?
don't know, don't care
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Moving On
I've made the decision to stay at Mogu Kitchen for a year, after a brief chat with Clive. I know a lot of people are going to ask me, why? I'm determined to give it a shot since I'm still young. I can afford to take risks and Clive's willing to give me a good training ground to strengthen my foundations and accquire valuable skills which will give me an edge in the near future when I move on.
Lastly....the lametard quiz x1aoq1 tagged to my blog: er, I cannot cut and paste. So, I think I'm just gonna skip this one out. HaHaH~!
Lastly....the lametard quiz x1aoq1 tagged to my blog: er, I cannot cut and paste. So, I think I'm just gonna skip this one out. HaHaH~!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Overdue Photos
Sept 31st, The farewell ceremony and mini-graduation from At-Sunrice
Our final refreshments at-Sunrice (left to right); fruit cake, chocolate mousse cake, strawberry tart, lemongrass tea
The mischievous merlion, carved out of pumpkin and tapioca; courtesy of Chef Rapeepat
Danny and Koryn a.k.a piNk @ Pioneer Mall, McDonald's 
Sis with Patch the bunny (picture courtesy of Xiaoqi)
The chocolate caramel ice cream Xiaoqi and I shared at Benten, Jurong PointSunday, October 26, 2008
Photos From 12th October
Photography: Jacqualine and Lawrence
That's me feeling a liiiittle extra . . . if you know what I mean
Jacqualine on a.. rocking horse??
Left to right: Jacq's new boyfriend, Jacqualine, Mark and Michelle
Jacq and Michelle cam-whoring again, awwwhhhh how lovely..
Jacq and the Boyfriend
Mark and MichelleSomething to Blog About . . .
I went over to Koryn's place at Simei yesterday for KTV and mini party. I would say, it was awfully awkward. I owe my thanks to Koryn however because she gave me new experiences. Through Koryn, I've gotten to know auntie Christine and fellow chef Danny, boyfriend to Chevron, Koryn's future sister-in-law. The experience of being guest and also one evening only cook at Koryn's place; panic, nervous, challenging, embarrassing, awkwardness, panic panic. I got lectured by Koryn like a little kid and auntie Christine added on to the challenge. Koryn, in case you're reading this: I'm terribly sorry, my bad. I apologise for my horrid manners and attitude. I wouldn't blame you if you never invite me over ever again.
Anyway, I learnt valuable lessons from the cooking at Koryn's place. Firstly, never forget your role as a guest, dump your role as a chef because you're not at work. Secondly, fail once and your 'customers' will begin to doubt your culinary skills, so always be well prepared. Under any circumstances, never do your misc-en-place late. Always, and always, understand peoples' needs, listen attentively and note down their eating habits. Last but not least, eat humble pie. In any kitchen, at home, at a friend's house, etc; listen out, be observant even under informal setting and you will learn a thing or two. Finally, socialise, in any place and setting because you will never know where you'd find your next network. It could be your next customer, supplier, future colleague, etc.
And by being in different places with your friends, in another place out of your own comfort zone, I realised you actually see their various sides of their character, you learn how different people react to each other and how your friends react to your every move. From interacting with people, you'd understand yourself more and change to adapt to different situations.
Anyway, I learnt valuable lessons from the cooking at Koryn's place. Firstly, never forget your role as a guest, dump your role as a chef because you're not at work. Secondly, fail once and your 'customers' will begin to doubt your culinary skills, so always be well prepared. Under any circumstances, never do your misc-en-place late. Always, and always, understand peoples' needs, listen attentively and note down their eating habits. Last but not least, eat humble pie. In any kitchen, at home, at a friend's house, etc; listen out, be observant even under informal setting and you will learn a thing or two. Finally, socialise, in any place and setting because you will never know where you'd find your next network. It could be your next customer, supplier, future colleague, etc.
And by being in different places with your friends, in another place out of your own comfort zone, I realised you actually see their various sides of their character, you learn how different people react to each other and how your friends react to your every move. From interacting with people, you'd understand yourself more and change to adapt to different situations.
Something to Blog About
Finally recovered my lappie thanks to Xiaoqi, it like a month since I've blogged so, time for mass posting, starting from the first night I met Xiaoqi; now good friend and lesbian partner (just kidding), William and WeiYuan along with the sister.
I graduated the same week (add sighs of relieve), my very last dishes done were nasi lemak with steamed codfish and stir fried belachan kangkong, the most distasteful of all three items. Nevertheless, I'm glad I finally accomplished phase two of my life. Moving on(and living my life as though I'm making up for loss time accumulated over the years) my laptop crashes, had a graduation celebration with classmates at Melts The World Cafe at Marina Mandarin, met up with KJ, Mandy, Zell and friend for drinks at Boat Quay. That was the very last time I ever saw Mandy again. October 1st, the buffet dinner with Xiaoqi, William, Jacson, Johnsen and Koryn. October 5th, I met up again with the sister, Xiaoqi, Koryn and Daniel for window shopping. Koryn and I got dared by Xiaoqi and my sis (yes naughty you!) to kiss in public. Koryn proceeds to pounce on me and the rest is history. Ended up at Bugis Arcade the whole day, before hanging out with Koryn at night, and then the bike trip with her friends. We met up again with Xiaoqi and Jacson the same night. Ironically, Xiaoqi and I couldn't ride their bicycles so we had no choice but to push the bikes from Jalan Bahar to Jurong West. Chilled out at Pioneer Mall until Xiaoqi and Jacson headed home, then I rode out with Koryn and gang all over Jurong, got chased by dogs during the trip and got cut off from Koryn twice. Somethings to laugh about. My butt hurt the morning after and my legs were sore.
October 8th, the sister and Xiaoqi came over for lunch with the purpose of getting my lappie fixed. I made Nasi Lemak with Stir Fried Eggs, Caramelised Onions and Tom Yam Soup for them.
October 11th, I met up with the sister again along with Xiaoqi, Jacson and Daniel for supper. After Jacson and Daniel went home, the sister and Xiaoqi dropped by my place for the night. We played card games and amused ourselves like monkeys until we got tired and slept for an hour. I proceeded to Galilee Church again to see Shirlyn and folks after years of hiatus.
I started work that week at Mogu Kitchen, a Japanese fast food restaurant. First day at work was exciting. 2 days after, I went drinking alone at Boat Quay, feeling rather moody and all. Xiaoqi fell ill that night and I teased her, joking about pregnancy. She simply freaked out.
October 16th, I met up with Xiaoqi with the intention of watching a movie together at Vivo City, but we ended up at Tampines to see Koryn. We watched The Guardpost together that day, then Koryn invited us over to her boyfriend's place to spend the night. 4 days after, I went over Xiaoqi's apartment to check out her hamsters, then we had dinner together at Jurong Point before meeting up with Koryn for a movie, then we hung out at Jalan Bahar until the next morning. I ended up missing work that day. Upon waking up, I went down to Simei to see Koryn.
October 18th, spent the night with Koryn, Jacson and Xiaoqi. The trio proceeded to my place for the first time and we played poker before we retired to bed. Jacson and Koryn went home the next afternoon while Xiaoqi stayed over and we had a good chat until late night.
October 23rd: Work was tough, Koryn surprised me by dropping by after I knocked off, with the pretext of joining me, Xiaoqi and the sister overnight at my place. Ivory fell asleep and didn't turn up. Jacson invited himself over, the three of us slept pretty sound that night. The next day, Xiaoqi fixed my laptop. The trio spent the whole Friday over at my place until we finally went over to Koryn's the next Saturday morning.
I graduated the same week (add sighs of relieve), my very last dishes done were nasi lemak with steamed codfish and stir fried belachan kangkong, the most distasteful of all three items. Nevertheless, I'm glad I finally accomplished phase two of my life. Moving on(and living my life as though I'm making up for loss time accumulated over the years) my laptop crashes, had a graduation celebration with classmates at Melts The World Cafe at Marina Mandarin, met up with KJ, Mandy, Zell and friend for drinks at Boat Quay. That was the very last time I ever saw Mandy again. October 1st, the buffet dinner with Xiaoqi, William, Jacson, Johnsen and Koryn. October 5th, I met up again with the sister, Xiaoqi, Koryn and Daniel for window shopping. Koryn and I got dared by Xiaoqi and my sis (yes naughty you!) to kiss in public. Koryn proceeds to pounce on me and the rest is history. Ended up at Bugis Arcade the whole day, before hanging out with Koryn at night, and then the bike trip with her friends. We met up again with Xiaoqi and Jacson the same night. Ironically, Xiaoqi and I couldn't ride their bicycles so we had no choice but to push the bikes from Jalan Bahar to Jurong West. Chilled out at Pioneer Mall until Xiaoqi and Jacson headed home, then I rode out with Koryn and gang all over Jurong, got chased by dogs during the trip and got cut off from Koryn twice. Somethings to laugh about. My butt hurt the morning after and my legs were sore.
October 8th, the sister and Xiaoqi came over for lunch with the purpose of getting my lappie fixed. I made Nasi Lemak with Stir Fried Eggs, Caramelised Onions and Tom Yam Soup for them.
October 11th, I met up with the sister again along with Xiaoqi, Jacson and Daniel for supper. After Jacson and Daniel went home, the sister and Xiaoqi dropped by my place for the night. We played card games and amused ourselves like monkeys until we got tired and slept for an hour. I proceeded to Galilee Church again to see Shirlyn and folks after years of hiatus.
I started work that week at Mogu Kitchen, a Japanese fast food restaurant. First day at work was exciting. 2 days after, I went drinking alone at Boat Quay, feeling rather moody and all. Xiaoqi fell ill that night and I teased her, joking about pregnancy. She simply freaked out.
October 16th, I met up with Xiaoqi with the intention of watching a movie together at Vivo City, but we ended up at Tampines to see Koryn. We watched The Guardpost together that day, then Koryn invited us over to her boyfriend's place to spend the night. 4 days after, I went over Xiaoqi's apartment to check out her hamsters, then we had dinner together at Jurong Point before meeting up with Koryn for a movie, then we hung out at Jalan Bahar until the next morning. I ended up missing work that day. Upon waking up, I went down to Simei to see Koryn.
October 18th, spent the night with Koryn, Jacson and Xiaoqi. The trio proceeded to my place for the first time and we played poker before we retired to bed. Jacson and Koryn went home the next afternoon while Xiaoqi stayed over and we had a good chat until late night.
October 23rd: Work was tough, Koryn surprised me by dropping by after I knocked off, with the pretext of joining me, Xiaoqi and the sister overnight at my place. Ivory fell asleep and didn't turn up. Jacson invited himself over, the three of us slept pretty sound that night. The next day, Xiaoqi fixed my laptop. The trio spent the whole Friday over at my place until we finally went over to Koryn's the next Saturday morning.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Outing at Jurong West
Quote of the day : "Ku ku!" - piNk
My adorable little sis trying out Xiaoqi's hat
The cute little kitty decided to keep us company
Had an impromptu outing last night at Jalan Bahar, Jurong West with Xiaoqi, piNk aka Koryn, Johnsen, WeiYuan and my sister, Ivory. I laughed so hard at their jokes I thought I was going to die from laughter. Come to think of it, I think Koryn and Johnsen would beat Lawrence hands down with their silly jokes. Had a really good time with them.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Dear Mandy,
There are things I wished I could say to you, but very often there are things that are best left unsaid, thus I decided to post them here where you're never going to see.
Had this been a better day, the situation would have been different. I would've just welcomed you back home and we would catch up like normal friends, talk about your trip to Taiwan and all. Unfortunately, things are different now. I made a decision to walk because I have no wishes to upset you anymore. As long as I stay around, the scars of my past crimes are never going to go away. Perhaps Tingting has done us a favour by betraying the both of us, and although I'd never agree with you on this, she'd still be a good friend to you. Me? I've never been more than a jerk to you. It probably not fair why I'm leaving you since it wasn't your fault, but the whole incident between us was tied together and exploited. There isn't any way I can walk back into your life expecting us to see each other again as though nothing happened. Even if we manage to put our differences aside, Tingting will still attempt to come between us. Everything would eventually just drag on like a never ending soap opera and the longer it drags the more hurt it would do to you, so rather than let you feel the hurt, I'd rather be the one to disappear forever. I'm sure you'd forget me some years after and we'd just move on with our lives.
Whether or not you believe me, I never regretted knowing you.. and you know what really mattered the whole time I was with you? It was your eyes, your laughters, your smile, your voice and the way you slept in my arms. You're not just the most beautiful woman I've ever met but someone with personality, charm and most importantly, a good heart. You're a nice girl, I would've wished to be your pillar of support, the one you would come to trust and love. I guess it too late now. One mistake led to another, and to pay for all my crimes, I've been forced to leave. I'm really sorry. I can only pray that some day you will come to understand how I feel.
There are things I wished I could say to you, but very often there are things that are best left unsaid, thus I decided to post them here where you're never going to see.
Had this been a better day, the situation would have been different. I would've just welcomed you back home and we would catch up like normal friends, talk about your trip to Taiwan and all. Unfortunately, things are different now. I made a decision to walk because I have no wishes to upset you anymore. As long as I stay around, the scars of my past crimes are never going to go away. Perhaps Tingting has done us a favour by betraying the both of us, and although I'd never agree with you on this, she'd still be a good friend to you. Me? I've never been more than a jerk to you. It probably not fair why I'm leaving you since it wasn't your fault, but the whole incident between us was tied together and exploited. There isn't any way I can walk back into your life expecting us to see each other again as though nothing happened. Even if we manage to put our differences aside, Tingting will still attempt to come between us. Everything would eventually just drag on like a never ending soap opera and the longer it drags the more hurt it would do to you, so rather than let you feel the hurt, I'd rather be the one to disappear forever. I'm sure you'd forget me some years after and we'd just move on with our lives.
Whether or not you believe me, I never regretted knowing you.. and you know what really mattered the whole time I was with you? It was your eyes, your laughters, your smile, your voice and the way you slept in my arms. You're not just the most beautiful woman I've ever met but someone with personality, charm and most importantly, a good heart. You're a nice girl, I would've wished to be your pillar of support, the one you would come to trust and love. I guess it too late now. One mistake led to another, and to pay for all my crimes, I've been forced to leave. I'm really sorry. I can only pray that some day you will come to understand how I feel.
Friday, September 26, 2008
A Little Update
Finally met up with Pink (Koryn) after 2 months' absence. We window shopped around Lot1 before having dinner at New York New York where we sat down to have a good catch up, and then Kbox at Jurong Entertainment Plaza. Had a pleasant conversation with Pink, but from it I learnt that there were alot more news about me which were deliberately leaked and distorted, worse of all, I later realised that Mandy had heard everything, which would explain the widening gap and the distrust between us. I'm in a constant state of disarray, plagued with problems from every single aspect of my life.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Wake Up
If I accept the fact that I'm a monster, I'd have to accept the fact that I'd be fighting demons alone my whole life.
If I accept the fact that I can change, then I will be fighting to become who I am not the whole of my life.
Eitherways, I still don't have a choice.
If I accept the fact that I can change, then I will be fighting to become who I am not the whole of my life.
Eitherways, I still don't have a choice.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Dream's End
I've taken a plunge down the rabbit hole, pulled my last strings and putting my career and love life on the line. I'd better pray I survive this time.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Cook One
Jesse: Max, can you go and get the peach cook one?
Me: *walks to the chiller to get peaches*
Jesse: *looks at me amused* No~! I said the cook one.
Me: *thinks awhile and then finally realises*
Me: Ohhhh~!!! *goes back to get the cooked peaches*
I was stupified. Was it me or was her English too powderful to be understood? You know what? The longer I work in the kitchen, the more stupid I think I've becomed. Darn.
Me: *walks to the chiller to get peaches*
Jesse: *looks at me amused* No~! I said the cook one.
Me: *thinks awhile and then finally realises*
Me: Ohhhh~!!! *goes back to get the cooked peaches*
I was stupified. Was it me or was her English too powderful to be understood? You know what? The longer I work in the kitchen, the more stupid I think I've becomed. Darn.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Quote Worthy
"I always, out of pure stupidity (and resist to learn the most important lesson in life), put 101% in every relationship that i get into. although I tell myself time and again that I need to reserve 20% and only put in 80% in any relationship, so that I can re bounce back into perfect shape with that 20%. but my emotional self refuses to listen to my inner thoughts. i still offer a 100%. and I think I will continue to offer that. Nah, I'll offer 99%. 1% to remain alive to start munching on alcohol." - Anonymous
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Out of the blue, The Girlfriend asked me, "do you know what's the difference between a star and a satellite?"
I racked my brains for an answer before she hinted at a song. I looked at her suspiciously, "a star twinkles and a satellite doesn't?"
The next night, I was on my way home when I looked up to the skies and found a large white entity in the night sky. Just next to entity was a star, glimmering and glowing faintly. All of a sudden I realise The Girlfriend was right; a satellite when seen from earth hangs in the night sky glowing brightly while a star is smaller than the satellite and it "twinkles" and glows very softly.
My my, such a bright girl.
I racked my brains for an answer before she hinted at a song. I looked at her suspiciously, "a star twinkles and a satellite doesn't?"
The next night, I was on my way home when I looked up to the skies and found a large white entity in the night sky. Just next to entity was a star, glimmering and glowing faintly. All of a sudden I realise The Girlfriend was right; a satellite when seen from earth hangs in the night sky glowing brightly while a star is smaller than the satellite and it "twinkles" and glows very softly.
My my, such a bright girl.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Take Me For a Ride
Very often I just feel like I'm a ragdoll or a puppet, always at the losing end letting women pull my heart strings around.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Awe-Struck
I went out drinking with a group of strangers Sunday night, first time chilling out at a bar with people I hardly know, along with a few extremely hot females. They weren't the most beautiful I had ever met, in fact they were plump but they were sexy, exuding confidence and charm. Yes, confidence and charm, just two factors capable of making an average individual stand out like a star.
After some drinks, the girls kissed each other, with me sitting in between them. I stared, eyes wide open with my jaws nearly hanging loose, the image of two female frenching each other forever etched within the depths of my mind. I had an adrenaline rush just watching them smooch each other, and for the first time I began to understand why men find the sight of two females kissing a turn on. It was hard, and it was believe me extremely hard to contain myself as I watched on.
All of a sudden, life was filled with colors.
After some drinks, the girls kissed each other, with me sitting in between them. I stared, eyes wide open with my jaws nearly hanging loose, the image of two female frenching each other forever etched within the depths of my mind. I had an adrenaline rush just watching them smooch each other, and for the first time I began to understand why men find the sight of two females kissing a turn on. It was hard, and it was believe me extremely hard to contain myself as I watched on.
All of a sudden, life was filled with colors.
Blink And You'd Miss
As I sat down to read "The Art of Seduction", a figure walked passed infront of me and started to browse the books along the shelves where I sat. Not wanting to be a hindrance, I decided to shift to a corner.
Just as I stood up, a female voice responded, "That's a nice book you're reading." I looked at the girl, dumbstruck, my eyes opened wide, heart racing. Taken by surprise, I stammered, nearly lost for words.
"Er yeah.." I replied as I looked at her. She seemed slightly taller than me, long hair, oval shaped face, books in her arms, brown handbag, dressed in a white blouse, silver grey dress and black heels.
"Oh, I'm sorry." She apologised.
"Uh, no no it okay. It fine." I replied, completely amused.
"Are you a pyschology student?" She asked.
"Oh, uh no I just got interested in these kind of stuff." I replied, my eyes staring elsewhere, embarassed and guilty.
"Oh, I see." She said.
Not knowing whether to continue the conversation, I simply smiled, sat down and opened up the book. Probably not a good time to make friends, I thought.
Moments passed and no respond, all of a sudden I started hoping for her to throw the ball back at me. I hesitated, desperately searching for a line while glancing to the side, distracted by her presence.
After a while, she walked away leaving me to my own. I never took my eyes off her as she proceeded to the next shelf infront. I was strangely excited, like a kid who has never talked to a girl in his life. Still, I couldn't think of anything to begin a conversation without her wondering if I've made her my first target. Besides, she found me reading "The Art of Seduction", so what excuses would I have?
The next moment, just as I finally picked up courage to do something insane, the girl simply disappeared. F**k!! For the next twenty minutes or so I paced up and down the whole library, hoping to catch sight of her but she was nowhere to be found. F**k! Just way da' go tiger! I thought to myself, how many times in your life would you ever have a stranger opening a line like that? In the goddamn library? It was definitely my first. She was brave and that attracted me. I hesitated, I always hesitate, I always had doubts. URRGGHHH!!! Dumb-asssssss!
For the whole evening, I just wanted to smack myself across the face and send my head pummeling to the wall. After this experience, I began to realise that sometimes in life there are people who hit you like a meteor, leaving you with a large crater. Then there are times, (and possibly once in a lifetime) when someone passes you by like a falling star. Blink and you'd miss.
Just as I stood up, a female voice responded, "That's a nice book you're reading." I looked at the girl, dumbstruck, my eyes opened wide, heart racing. Taken by surprise, I stammered, nearly lost for words.
"Er yeah.." I replied as I looked at her. She seemed slightly taller than me, long hair, oval shaped face, books in her arms, brown handbag, dressed in a white blouse, silver grey dress and black heels.
"Oh, I'm sorry." She apologised.
"Uh, no no it okay. It fine." I replied, completely amused.
"Are you a pyschology student?" She asked.
"Oh, uh no I just got interested in these kind of stuff." I replied, my eyes staring elsewhere, embarassed and guilty.
"Oh, I see." She said.
Not knowing whether to continue the conversation, I simply smiled, sat down and opened up the book. Probably not a good time to make friends, I thought.
Moments passed and no respond, all of a sudden I started hoping for her to throw the ball back at me. I hesitated, desperately searching for a line while glancing to the side, distracted by her presence.
After a while, she walked away leaving me to my own. I never took my eyes off her as she proceeded to the next shelf infront. I was strangely excited, like a kid who has never talked to a girl in his life. Still, I couldn't think of anything to begin a conversation without her wondering if I've made her my first target. Besides, she found me reading "The Art of Seduction", so what excuses would I have?
The next moment, just as I finally picked up courage to do something insane, the girl simply disappeared. F**k!! For the next twenty minutes or so I paced up and down the whole library, hoping to catch sight of her but she was nowhere to be found. F**k! Just way da' go tiger! I thought to myself, how many times in your life would you ever have a stranger opening a line like that? In the goddamn library? It was definitely my first. She was brave and that attracted me. I hesitated, I always hesitate, I always had doubts. URRGGHHH!!! Dumb-asssssss!
For the whole evening, I just wanted to smack myself across the face and send my head pummeling to the wall. After this experience, I began to realise that sometimes in life there are people who hit you like a meteor, leaving you with a large crater. Then there are times, (and possibly once in a lifetime) when someone passes you by like a falling star. Blink and you'd miss.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Day At a Glance
Woke up first thing in the morning, only to find that some ass-f**ker son of a b***h had stolen my shoes. Thanks to that moron, I had no choice but to miss school . . . . for the third time in 2 months, this time not wanting to get sent home for breaking rules and regulations. Yes, I belong to a school or rather an academy that holds high reputation, standards and enforces strict rules and regulations. ARGH!
Took a nap before shopping round the neighbourhood and then realised in horror after 2 hours' hunt, that either no boutiques sold safety shoes, or there wasn't a single decent shoe shop around the neighbourhoods. It took awhile before it finally dawned on me that I could've worn army boots instead, after recalling Lawrence's biking adventures in boots.
Went to work.... reluctantly, as always. First thing the chef informed me, was that my "teacher" would be visiting on Monday. "What's the name? A woman, Buc... Puck.. Per...?"
"Pearlyn?" I suggested.
"Yah, your teacher lah." The chef replied in an absolutely non-chalant tone.
I was extremely annoyed and insulted that he could not for the life for him remember a guest's name, especially when it a staff from an academy with which he has a business partnership with. The previous time, he could not even spell the name of my CEO.
Absolute bastard, I can't believe you call yourself a chef. For your information, you swine, Pearlyn is not a teacher but a students' affair officer and we don't have teachers in school but instructors, chefs and office staffs; basically we run like a business organisation.
Moving on. Rabbit stew was introduced to our menu today and I unwittingly took a sip before realising to my disgust, that it was the rabbit stew! My colleagues laughed at me after learning that I have a principle of not eating anything categorised under pet; which includes in my list dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and *ahem!* bears (my favourite species for some reasons), or according to my judgement anything cute and cuddly.
The next thing I know, Azahar calls me a wuss and a pussy because I said I don't drink beer out of fear of getting fat. I was annoyed but nevertheless hid my annoyance behind smiles because my colleagues had been very nice to me. Firstly, I am for one, not an individual to bow to peer influence, secondly I actually prefer wine to beer.
Took a nap before shopping round the neighbourhood and then realised in horror after 2 hours' hunt, that either no boutiques sold safety shoes, or there wasn't a single decent shoe shop around the neighbourhoods. It took awhile before it finally dawned on me that I could've worn army boots instead, after recalling Lawrence's biking adventures in boots.
Went to work.... reluctantly, as always. First thing the chef informed me, was that my "teacher" would be visiting on Monday. "What's the name? A woman, Buc... Puck.. Per...?"
"Pearlyn?" I suggested.
"Yah, your teacher lah." The chef replied in an absolutely non-chalant tone.
I was extremely annoyed and insulted that he could not for the life for him remember a guest's name, especially when it a staff from an academy with which he has a business partnership with. The previous time, he could not even spell the name of my CEO.
Absolute bastard, I can't believe you call yourself a chef. For your information, you swine, Pearlyn is not a teacher but a students' affair officer and we don't have teachers in school but instructors, chefs and office staffs; basically we run like a business organisation.
Moving on. Rabbit stew was introduced to our menu today and I unwittingly took a sip before realising to my disgust, that it was the rabbit stew! My colleagues laughed at me after learning that I have a principle of not eating anything categorised under pet; which includes in my list dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and *ahem!* bears (my favourite species for some reasons), or according to my judgement anything cute and cuddly.
The next thing I know, Azahar calls me a wuss and a pussy because I said I don't drink beer out of fear of getting fat. I was annoyed but nevertheless hid my annoyance behind smiles because my colleagues had been very nice to me. Firstly, I am for one, not an individual to bow to peer influence, secondly I actually prefer wine to beer.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Quote of The Month
"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place... and I don´t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently, if you let it. You, me or nobody, is gonna hit as hard as life. But ain't about how hard you hit... It's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward... how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That´s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you worth, go out and get what you worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying: You ain´t what you wanna be because of him or her or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain´t you! You´re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Waddaya Know? I Do Take-Aways Too!
First time cooking and packing dinner for a friend with one and a half hours' time limit . . . . challenging, would love to do it again someday. Ala' Minute Recipe I did:
- Lemongrass and Ginger Chicken Pilaf, Seasoned with Sesame Oil.
- Pan Seared Garlic Chicken
- Steamed Sweet Corn with Julienned Carrots
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Ben & Jerry's Made My Day
I raced down to VivoCity this afternoon from work after Eileen informed me about the Free Cones' Day at Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. The good news, I did get my free ice cream; the bad news, I did not see her around, or perhaps we failed to recognise each other. Yes, I am a freakin' cheapskate but c'mon, you don't get free ice creams everyday right?
The moment I got there I was surprised by the queue, although I should've expected it (typical Singaporean mah). I stood around for the next few minutes until one of the staffs directed me to the queue entrance . . . . out at the foyer! Fortunately the queue moved pretty fast and it wasn't long until I finally reached the second queue. Along the way, the usherer caught my eye, a young lady with the most sexiest pair of legs I had ever seen. Long hair, fair skin, pink radiant cheeks with light makeup and a rather thick eyeliner, wearing a Ben and Jerry's tee(which I sworn were nearly semi-transparent!) and a pair of sexy hotpants. Then, she spoke. The next thing I know, my heart paused and my eyes fell wide open, she had the most cutest and sugary(make that extra) sweet voice I had ever heard with an American accent. I could not for the life of me believe the voice came from her lips, it was as though I had died and gone to the Loony Tunes at Warner Bros.
Anyway, I departed after I got my free ice cream cone and I never talked to the girl-with-the-cute-voice, although we exchanged glances and giggled like shy little kids.
I snapped a picture before I left, check it out. The moment I saw this fella, I just had to stiffle a laughter:
The Malnutritioned Ben and Jerry Cow with *ahem!* very suggestive erm..... glands.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Forbidden Kingdom
I had my mom watch the movie with me, yes I'm still a mommy's boy despite being a rebel and all. Anyway, the long awaited film was nothing short of wonders. Not everyone might like the movie but hey, to each his own.
Magically transported to ancient China by a twist of fate, Jason Tripitakas(Michael Angarano) finds himself holding the legendary Golden Staff of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Along the way, he meets Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), Xiao Yanzi A.K.A Golden Sparrow (Liu Yifei), and The Silent Monk (Jet Li), who aids him in his mission to return the Golden Staff while teaching him the way of martial arts in hopes of freeing the Monkey King and finally returning Jason back to modern day Boston. It simply a western made Wu Xia film, paying homage to kungfu legends(during the intro) and lifelong accomplishment of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Collin Chou stars as the Jade Warlord, a villain whom I thought could equal that of Mr.Smith from The Matrix trilogy. And finally, Li Bing Bing as the White Witch (yes, a tribute to the Bride With White Hair)
Unfortunately, the whole film falls short of expectation with Jet Li as Monkey King. He didn't look half like it nor had the nimbleness and agility of Sun Wukong, in fact he looked like a very old man with overgrown golden hair. The only time when Jet Li displayed any nimbleness was during the eight minute duel with Jackie Chan, using the Mantis Fist Style. Meanwhile, I guarantee you'd be amazed to find Jackie Chan disguised as an old man at the start of the movie.
If you're able to catch the plot at all, it quite an entertaining movie, in fact it left me wanting more. There are profound moments when Lu Yan and The Silent Monk teaches Jason kungfu. Somewhere between the lines of what I remembered, Lu Yan said, "kungfu can be applied even to the butcher who is so skillful that when slicing meat his blade does not touch the bones, or the poet whose poems are so graceful that it touches the emperor himself and makes him weep." Or during a short scene when Jason asked The Silent Monk, what if he freezes from hypothermia and Jet Li's character simply replies, "don't forget to breathe."
If you're a Zen buddhist, or have any knowledge of Zen, you'd be able to catch the famous Zen koan, Empty Your Cup when Jason Tripitakas tries to tell Lu Yan that his cup is full and the drunken immortal tells him, "exactly, how can you learn when you already know so much? Empty your cup!"
All in all, this is quite an enjoyable movie but don't expect much. Most dialogue in the movie is actually English and as my mom commented, "funny isn't it? even the Jade Emperor can speak English." In reply I simply say, that's why they're deities mah!
Magically transported to ancient China by a twist of fate, Jason Tripitakas(Michael Angarano) finds himself holding the legendary Golden Staff of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Along the way, he meets Lu Yan (Jackie Chan), Xiao Yanzi A.K.A Golden Sparrow (Liu Yifei), and The Silent Monk (Jet Li), who aids him in his mission to return the Golden Staff while teaching him the way of martial arts in hopes of freeing the Monkey King and finally returning Jason back to modern day Boston. It simply a western made Wu Xia film, paying homage to kungfu legends(during the intro) and lifelong accomplishment of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Collin Chou stars as the Jade Warlord, a villain whom I thought could equal that of Mr.Smith from The Matrix trilogy. And finally, Li Bing Bing as the White Witch (yes, a tribute to the Bride With White Hair)
Unfortunately, the whole film falls short of expectation with Jet Li as Monkey King. He didn't look half like it nor had the nimbleness and agility of Sun Wukong, in fact he looked like a very old man with overgrown golden hair. The only time when Jet Li displayed any nimbleness was during the eight minute duel with Jackie Chan, using the Mantis Fist Style. Meanwhile, I guarantee you'd be amazed to find Jackie Chan disguised as an old man at the start of the movie.
If you're able to catch the plot at all, it quite an entertaining movie, in fact it left me wanting more. There are profound moments when Lu Yan and The Silent Monk teaches Jason kungfu. Somewhere between the lines of what I remembered, Lu Yan said, "kungfu can be applied even to the butcher who is so skillful that when slicing meat his blade does not touch the bones, or the poet whose poems are so graceful that it touches the emperor himself and makes him weep." Or during a short scene when Jason asked The Silent Monk, what if he freezes from hypothermia and Jet Li's character simply replies, "don't forget to breathe."
If you're a Zen buddhist, or have any knowledge of Zen, you'd be able to catch the famous Zen koan, Empty Your Cup when Jason Tripitakas tries to tell Lu Yan that his cup is full and the drunken immortal tells him, "exactly, how can you learn when you already know so much? Empty your cup!"
All in all, this is quite an enjoyable movie but don't expect much. Most dialogue in the movie is actually English and as my mom commented, "funny isn't it? even the Jade Emperor can speak English." In reply I simply say, that's why they're deities mah!
Okay Fine I Know I'm An Oddball
I've developed a malfunction lately, and it apparent I've been noticed; I was working in the kitchen halfway when the Chef walked up to me with an unusually friendly smile and said, "Ey, Max how are you?"
"Erm, I'm good Chef, thank you very much." I said, trying my best not to look disturbed. I mean, there's always a catch when he comes to you in such manners.
"I saw you walking around the streets today you know? You didn't come back to rest, you were talking to yourself know? I saw you." The Chef said, looking extremely amused. "Are you okay Max?"
At that point of time, I sort of freaked out. Oh f**k! Just when I didn't want to be seen. I gave my best blur look and said, "Yes Chef I'm okay thank you."
"You really okay Max? I thought something wrong with you know? Why? Why you talk to yourself hmm?" The Chef queried.
"Oh, I er talk to myself because there's no one to talk to so I just talk to myself." I replied.
"You should go out with the guys know? You never go out with them?" The Chef persisted, still looking amused.
"Yes Chef, yah I did for lunch just now."
"You you okay a not? You should carry a earphone know?" The Chef suggested, pointing to his right ear. "Cause people will think you talking on the phone, I thought you were talking on the phone but I didn't see a earphone know? You were talking to yourself."
"I thought something wrong with you know?" The Chef repeated.
Still looking blur, I simply smiled and said. "Alright, yes Chef."
After a while, the Chef smiled back then turned around to talk to someone else.
Oh f**k, I thought. Was I seriously that obvious? Yes I know I'm a little dysfunctional, or to be precise I've been abnormal since I was a kid but I didn't think I was too obvious. Yes, looks like I'm talking to myself again but who am I to blame?
A - I don't have friends who are free for little chit chats as though they've nothing better to do with their time.
B - It the only mean to keep myself occupied while I'm alone.
Yes, I am fast becoming senile, so sue me.
"Erm, I'm good Chef, thank you very much." I said, trying my best not to look disturbed. I mean, there's always a catch when he comes to you in such manners.
"I saw you walking around the streets today you know? You didn't come back to rest, you were talking to yourself know? I saw you." The Chef said, looking extremely amused. "Are you okay Max?"
At that point of time, I sort of freaked out. Oh f**k! Just when I didn't want to be seen. I gave my best blur look and said, "Yes Chef I'm okay thank you."
"You really okay Max? I thought something wrong with you know? Why? Why you talk to yourself hmm?" The Chef queried.
"Oh, I er talk to myself because there's no one to talk to so I just talk to myself." I replied.
"You should go out with the guys know? You never go out with them?" The Chef persisted, still looking amused.
"Yes Chef, yah I did for lunch just now."
"You you okay a not? You should carry a earphone know?" The Chef suggested, pointing to his right ear. "Cause people will think you talking on the phone, I thought you were talking on the phone but I didn't see a earphone know? You were talking to yourself."
"I thought something wrong with you know?" The Chef repeated.
Still looking blur, I simply smiled and said. "Alright, yes Chef."
After a while, the Chef smiled back then turned around to talk to someone else.
Oh f**k, I thought. Was I seriously that obvious? Yes I know I'm a little dysfunctional, or to be precise I've been abnormal since I was a kid but I didn't think I was too obvious. Yes, looks like I'm talking to myself again but who am I to blame?
A - I don't have friends who are free for little chit chats as though they've nothing better to do with their time.
B - It the only mean to keep myself occupied while I'm alone.
Yes, I am fast becoming senile, so sue me.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Mr.Grumpy / FHA 2008
I swear to God I will never ever step into another polyclinic. I had to wait nearly 2 freaking hours to see the doctor despite the tiny crowd, and for that goddamn 2 hours I sat watching as the television replayed 4 absolutely dumb episodes of Mr.Bean Animated over and over again while I anxiously waited for my number to flash. And you know what? My queue number was 2417, and every so often the panel would flash anything between 2400 to 2418 but never 2417 (What the f**k right??). After 2 mad hours, my patience was exhausted and I simply left.
The worse thing was, I had to wait nearly another half an hour in a private clinic before I finally sat down in the doctor's office. I practically cursed and swore the whole afternoon, wondering why it was so hard just to get some medical attention. Just what the f***k do people do in there?! Anal examination?? Geesh~!
On to FHA, despite all the buzz, the Food Hotel Asia exhibition at Singapore Expo was a big disappointment. Seven halls and just one tiny corner was set aside for the annual culinary competitions, a far cry from which many of us in the industry were truly looking forward to. It was obvious that this exhibition was meant solely for commercial purposes and not the true celebration of food just as Desmond had described.
The worse thing was, I had to wait nearly another half an hour in a private clinic before I finally sat down in the doctor's office. I practically cursed and swore the whole afternoon, wondering why it was so hard just to get some medical attention. Just what the f***k do people do in there?! Anal examination?? Geesh~!
On to FHA, despite all the buzz, the Food Hotel Asia exhibition at Singapore Expo was a big disappointment. Seven halls and just one tiny corner was set aside for the annual culinary competitions, a far cry from which many of us in the industry were truly looking forward to. It was obvious that this exhibition was meant solely for commercial purposes and not the true celebration of food just as Desmond had described.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Life Has Been Reduced to This...
All I do from day to day is work, work and more work. I'm banging out plates and plates of food, sweat dripping from my head, temperatures escalating, chef's cursing, adrenaline's pumping.
I get home from work, rid myself of sweat stained clothes, gets in the shower then it a quick dinner cum supper before I hit the sack. 6 days a week, 13 hours a day non - stop including school days then wash, rinse and repeat. I've zero social life and zero time to mingle with anyone. MSN is always quiet, I've little friends left to approach by the time I get home and no gal pal to talk to. I regret not making KaiLee mine when I had the chance.
I'm constantly under the whims of the chef, who enjoys nothing more than breathing down his employees' neck. Pressurised to perform, compete and pushed to go beyond our limits without a single complain, without sufficient rest, my body and mind is threatening to break. I don't know if I should love or hate my life and career.
I get home from work, rid myself of sweat stained clothes, gets in the shower then it a quick dinner cum supper before I hit the sack. 6 days a week, 13 hours a day non - stop including school days then wash, rinse and repeat. I've zero social life and zero time to mingle with anyone. MSN is always quiet, I've little friends left to approach by the time I get home and no gal pal to talk to. I regret not making KaiLee mine when I had the chance.
I'm constantly under the whims of the chef, who enjoys nothing more than breathing down his employees' neck. Pressurised to perform, compete and pushed to go beyond our limits without a single complain, without sufficient rest, my body and mind is threatening to break. I don't know if I should love or hate my life and career.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Mission
Having lost focus of my destination, I must today remind myself of my own true mission as a chef; I did not embark upon this journey to seek fame, fortune or recognition.
I took up the chef's jacket from day one, in hopes of a better future. My mission is to create a fighting chance for survival, not just for my family and friends but for the masses, especially the needy.
I hope to create solutions that will reduce famine and starvation as well as promoting healthier and affordable meals for my fellow countrymen if not the world.
In the future as a chef, I will in the long run create an industry that will provide job options for the general public, retirees, unemployed workers from all walks of life, handicaps and gifted individuals until no one is left to starve, wander or sleep along the streets.
It may be ambitious and insane but I swore upon this oath, and fight to fulfill it.
I took up the chef's jacket from day one, in hopes of a better future. My mission is to create a fighting chance for survival, not just for my family and friends but for the masses, especially the needy.
I hope to create solutions that will reduce famine and starvation as well as promoting healthier and affordable meals for my fellow countrymen if not the world.
In the future as a chef, I will in the long run create an industry that will provide job options for the general public, retirees, unemployed workers from all walks of life, handicaps and gifted individuals until no one is left to starve, wander or sleep along the streets.
It may be ambitious and insane but I swore upon this oath, and fight to fulfill it.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Neccessary Distractions
For once out of my busy days, I shall allow myself a little distraction just for fun to keep my brains functioning. Ziyi posted me a question the other day, "why didn't you make me your victim?"
I was deeply amused although to be honest, I never actually found an answer nor gave half a thought to it. So, I'm going to think about it. In the meantime, everyone will just have to play guessing games.
Other matters aside, I apologise to all my friends for neglecting everyone. Work has kept me, so I swear once I've done my time I will make it up to you guys. Tianpeng suggested that I serve French cuisine for Christmas this year, not my favourite but I shall consider. If you'd like to try something, simply send your wishes by end of August 2008 and I will customise recipes just for each and everyone of you. If things go well, I will invite all for dinner after mid September, I promise. Oh and Jacq, could you be a darling and remember to get me a Rubik Cube? Love ya lots.
Lastly, I was absolutely thrilled and surprised to find out that one of my junior from secondary school is getting married the end of this year (solemnisation at July). She was one of the 4 juniors I was most proud of and adored. Even though I'm full of envies and despite the fact that it makes me feel like I'm getting old, I have nothing but blessings and congratulations for her. Whether or not I will have time to participate, this will be an event I definitely look forward to.
I was deeply amused although to be honest, I never actually found an answer nor gave half a thought to it. So, I'm going to think about it. In the meantime, everyone will just have to play guessing games.
Other matters aside, I apologise to all my friends for neglecting everyone. Work has kept me, so I swear once I've done my time I will make it up to you guys. Tianpeng suggested that I serve French cuisine for Christmas this year, not my favourite but I shall consider. If you'd like to try something, simply send your wishes by end of August 2008 and I will customise recipes just for each and everyone of you. If things go well, I will invite all for dinner after mid September, I promise. Oh and Jacq, could you be a darling and remember to get me a Rubik Cube? Love ya lots.
Lastly, I was absolutely thrilled and surprised to find out that one of my junior from secondary school is getting married the end of this year (solemnisation at July). She was one of the 4 juniors I was most proud of and adored. Even though I'm full of envies and despite the fact that it makes me feel like I'm getting old, I have nothing but blessings and congratulations for her. Whether or not I will have time to participate, this will be an event I definitely look forward to.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
At What Cost?
Today, I returned to Cosafe after my parents called to inform me that I no longer needed to join them for dinner with my relatives.
As I sat eating my dinner, Mr.L(not named to protect identities) came in, "Sheena, they're my friends, just pour 10ml more for those orders please."
Bemused, Sheena retorted, "No, I'm not going to do that and I don't want to."
Not wanting to attract unnecessary attention, I waited until Mr.L disappeared before I asked, "is that his usual habit?"
Sheena smiled and without a need for words I knew what she meant. "Always got alot of buddy buddy." She said.
It was only a couple of weeks ago when I visited Desmond at Swiss Culture, and as I was told, it was Mr.L's brash, irrational behaviors that ended their partnership and left a bitter taste between two friends.
My visits to Cosafe has since then been awkward. Friend or not I'd had wished I could give my honest advice to Mr.L, but at the end everyone has to stumble somewhere before they learn and I can only pray it will not be at the expense of his family.
After dinner and a short chat with Indra, Mdm. Tan, XueHui and Sheena, I paid my bill then thanked Mdm.Tan before leaving in a hurry. I don't know when I'd be back there again but I hope the next time I step inside things will be better.
Speaking of dinner, I had Indra specially recommend me a pasta. "I'd eat anything you cook." I said, knowing well he would not disappoint me. Indeed, he amazed me with a plate of Grain-fed Pasta. It was al dente(firm but not hard), with a smoky aroma and a cheesy flavour that was not overwhelming. Dinner was simply so delicious I forgot to snap a picture of it.
As I sat eating my dinner, Mr.L(not named to protect identities) came in, "Sheena, they're my friends, just pour 10ml more for those orders please."
Bemused, Sheena retorted, "No, I'm not going to do that and I don't want to."
Not wanting to attract unnecessary attention, I waited until Mr.L disappeared before I asked, "is that his usual habit?"
Sheena smiled and without a need for words I knew what she meant. "Always got alot of buddy buddy." She said.
It was only a couple of weeks ago when I visited Desmond at Swiss Culture, and as I was told, it was Mr.L's brash, irrational behaviors that ended their partnership and left a bitter taste between two friends.
My visits to Cosafe has since then been awkward. Friend or not I'd had wished I could give my honest advice to Mr.L, but at the end everyone has to stumble somewhere before they learn and I can only pray it will not be at the expense of his family.
After dinner and a short chat with Indra, Mdm. Tan, XueHui and Sheena, I paid my bill then thanked Mdm.Tan before leaving in a hurry. I don't know when I'd be back there again but I hope the next time I step inside things will be better.
Speaking of dinner, I had Indra specially recommend me a pasta. "I'd eat anything you cook." I said, knowing well he would not disappoint me. Indeed, he amazed me with a plate of Grain-fed Pasta. It was al dente(firm but not hard), with a smoky aroma and a cheesy flavour that was not overwhelming. Dinner was simply so delicious I forgot to snap a picture of it.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Because The World Isn't a Nice Place
I've learnt that overtime, somewhere during the course of our lives we all become selfish people, toughen by the society. To protect ourselves we'd throw in the towel, close our doors and instead rely on our survival instinct, choosing to forsake hope so that we'd not stumble again. Life all of a sudden, does not seem so surprising after some time.
Friday, February 29, 2008
A Step Into The Kitchen
After a constant period of confusion, self doubts and downfall, I believe it is today I must look back and remind myself of the real reason; why I decided to become a chef. I have told various stories when asked why I want to be a chef and none has been closest to the truth than this.
To begin, I must bring myself back to 5 years from today. It was in fact to be accurate; 5 years ago, nearly 3 weeks from today when I met the first love of my life, Madeline. How we met was a miracle and no one knows until this day. It was this girl who changed my life forever. I was 18 then, a young boy with no love for a kitchen life. To me, a chef was merely another high paying job without any prospects. At that period in Singapore, yes it was most likely so.
The first night I got to know Madeline, we talked on the phone as though we had been friends for years. I had an ambition, and that was to be an artist. I had a talent(or so I believed) for art and I was determined to paint for a career. She however, had a different outlook on arts despite our similar interest to get into NYP(Nanyang Polytechnic) to take up Multimedia Design. Arts to her, was no more than a hobby which in the long run would never sustain an artist's life. I disagreed but took her advice to heart.
3 months later our relationship ended for some reasons. I was devastated. For some time, I suffered from mild depression. I was out of school and jobless until November 2003 when I took up a job at DeliFrance. I said to myself, "This is what Madeline would have wanted for me, so for once, I have to start proper." So I took myself down to the DeliFrance and landed myself a position as a Counter Sales Assistant. Back then, DeliFrance was still a cafe where they served sandwiches and coffee the old way and there was no fancy layered coffee; 1 part espresso and 2 parts warm milk to make a Latte. (Today, it one button for all beverages whether it Black Coffee, Latte or Cappuccino) As a Sales Assistant, I naturally learnt to make all sorts of beverages there was, including sandwiches and custard cream for tarts.
I was however curious and developed a thirst for knowledge later on. I wanted to know how to make a baguette from scratch, how to make those delicious chocolate cookies and how they made those crispy, sweet and unique tasting croissants. From then on, the desire to become a chef, eventually became my personal ambitions, I wanted not only to fulfill Madeline's dreams but my own as well. I made a plan that year, I knew where I wanted to go and where to begin. I had a dream, when one day I would open a restaurant with a signature pastry dedicated to Madeline. That dream of course, has changed along the years but that's another story.
3 years later at the age 21 after National Service, I made a decision to focus on Culinary, so Mark recommended me a place where I toiled for 8 months as a line cook. I loved the job, and I loved being in the kitchen. After my days in MacDonald's and DeliFrance, I decided I wanted to serve customers in another way. To me, being able to create and cook a dish made a difference between bringing food to the table and putting in the personal touch. You know what goes in and how much to put in. At the end, it is the food that led me places, the desire to define and revolutionise.
To begin, I must bring myself back to 5 years from today. It was in fact to be accurate; 5 years ago, nearly 3 weeks from today when I met the first love of my life, Madeline. How we met was a miracle and no one knows until this day. It was this girl who changed my life forever. I was 18 then, a young boy with no love for a kitchen life. To me, a chef was merely another high paying job without any prospects. At that period in Singapore, yes it was most likely so.
The first night I got to know Madeline, we talked on the phone as though we had been friends for years. I had an ambition, and that was to be an artist. I had a talent(or so I believed) for art and I was determined to paint for a career. She however, had a different outlook on arts despite our similar interest to get into NYP(Nanyang Polytechnic) to take up Multimedia Design. Arts to her, was no more than a hobby which in the long run would never sustain an artist's life. I disagreed but took her advice to heart.
3 months later our relationship ended for some reasons. I was devastated. For some time, I suffered from mild depression. I was out of school and jobless until November 2003 when I took up a job at DeliFrance. I said to myself, "This is what Madeline would have wanted for me, so for once, I have to start proper." So I took myself down to the DeliFrance and landed myself a position as a Counter Sales Assistant. Back then, DeliFrance was still a cafe where they served sandwiches and coffee the old way and there was no fancy layered coffee; 1 part espresso and 2 parts warm milk to make a Latte. (Today, it one button for all beverages whether it Black Coffee, Latte or Cappuccino) As a Sales Assistant, I naturally learnt to make all sorts of beverages there was, including sandwiches and custard cream for tarts.
I was however curious and developed a thirst for knowledge later on. I wanted to know how to make a baguette from scratch, how to make those delicious chocolate cookies and how they made those crispy, sweet and unique tasting croissants. From then on, the desire to become a chef, eventually became my personal ambitions, I wanted not only to fulfill Madeline's dreams but my own as well. I made a plan that year, I knew where I wanted to go and where to begin. I had a dream, when one day I would open a restaurant with a signature pastry dedicated to Madeline. That dream of course, has changed along the years but that's another story.
3 years later at the age 21 after National Service, I made a decision to focus on Culinary, so Mark recommended me a place where I toiled for 8 months as a line cook. I loved the job, and I loved being in the kitchen. After my days in MacDonald's and DeliFrance, I decided I wanted to serve customers in another way. To me, being able to create and cook a dish made a difference between bringing food to the table and putting in the personal touch. You know what goes in and how much to put in. At the end, it is the food that led me places, the desire to define and revolutionise.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Dining At Swiss Culture (With HuiYee)
Grill Combo: cheese sausage with wedges on side, rack of lamb, chicken thigh and beef steak served with red wine sauce and mushroom sauce(not seen in photo).
Swiss Culture Specialty: chocolate fondue served with strawberries, bananas and marshmallows (compliments from Desmond Png)
The potato wedges were crisp as well as delicious. The portion for the Grill Combo(meant for 2 persons) were more than generous, so if you've got a small appetite you might prefer something else. To start off, the rack of lamb were seared to the right degree, giving it the right texture, color and a good overall flavour, especially due to the fact that it cooked bone on. I ordered my beef steak medium rare(to which I found wasn't HuiYee's preference), and despite the tenderness and flavour of the meat, it lacked moisture, could've been done better. The sausage? Well, no comments. Not the best I've tasted but it was good. The best thing I like about the whole Grill Combo, is the red wine sauce. Not too heavy on the flavour of wine, has a fairly good body and the right consistency. It matches with the beef, so thumbs up for the sauce.
Moving on to dessert, the Chocolate fondue with compliments from Desmond(my thanks for the evening). HuiYee went straight for the marshmallows the moment she sat down. Firstly, if you like pure chocolate you might not wanna go for this because it half sweeten chocolate, which is probably 50 or 60 percent chocolate. The strawberries and apples were sweet, but apples and chocolate did not go down for me the right way. Bananas and chocolate are an excellent match, same goes for the marshmallows which HuiYee gleefully gobbled down. Unfortunately, both of us couldn't finish everything in one sitting and I got home later with a full stomach.
Monday, February 18, 2008
SCA / Annual General Meeting 2008 @ Swissotel Merchant
The Singapore Chefs Association Committee Members toasting to a brand New Year
Huat ah! Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Torment
After a long time, I'm beginning to understand how I caused my own downfall. Back at home no one bothers to listen to me, my own family doesn't care about my thoughts or respect my decisions. At work, it all about stress and putting on a facade. While I do have friends, even with them I never truly feel at ease, not even the few I pledged to sacrifice my life for in times of need; such as Andy, Jacqualine, Lawrence and Mark.
The only comfort I have is when I'm completely alone, ironically for years I've also longed for affection and company that my friends are unable to give and my family never gave. It seems that no one, not even people closest to me accept me for who I am.
I eventually turned to other channels, but search after search failed me. It is as though I will never find peace, acceptance or love in this life.
The only comfort I have is when I'm completely alone, ironically for years I've also longed for affection and company that my friends are unable to give and my family never gave. It seems that no one, not even people closest to me accept me for who I am.
I eventually turned to other channels, but search after search failed me. It is as though I will never find peace, acceptance or love in this life.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Dial M for Murder
Need a hitman? Clean job guaranteed with an arsenal of razor sharp kitchen knives.
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