Mom to the rescue

Responding to my blog of 22nd August 2004, Sunday, entitled "Mommy dearest".

My mother offered to loan me money to survive the rest of the month - Her intuition leaves me aghast. I was low for the month and would only receive my pay next week. Sensing my plight, she offered me $50 for my daily expenses.

It goes to reiterate my point - Mothers know their children best. It's sad to hear stories of children not getting along with their parents. Nothing could hurt them more than a child disregarding them. With their concern often misinterpreted as nagging, I am largely guilty of it. I still get the "drink more water" and "sleep early" treatment, as well as the occasional "how's your school thing coming along?" Yes, I've been procrastinating on my application to a foreign university. Only makes sense for my mother to be concerned. As a young adult, I do feel that their "over-protectiveness" can be unnecessary - We all want to be independent and not do as we're told. They will always be who they are, and we will always be a child in their eyes.

I should get my application done soon, but I'll have to work out the mathematics first - It's gonna cost. I can't rely on my parents too much, and I won't. I don't think it's a pride issue here, just that it's time to embrace life's challenges and derive solutions for yourself. They won't be around forever you know..

Where's Milla?

Where's Milla?

I've always enjoyed a good parody - Here's one. We (Da Guyz) wanted to catch Resident Evil - Apocalypse, after our trip to the beach. To our horror, the only available slot for the day was at 5.30pm - And it was already 6.30pm! Dashed and loss, we resumed that circular formation (the one that every group gets into) to discuss what to do next.

Right next to us, the giant 3D poster of the film we wanted to catch, but with Milla lacking. So I got out my phone and asked Zhizhong take the picture above. Know of any good spoofs?

Brown Town

I love Fridays - Almost the end of work week (I have to work on Saturdays), which also means that I get to relax over the weekend. My routine is as such: I'll wake up, get prepared, have my breakfast, and leave the house by 7.20am, just in time to catch bus service 190 at 7.30am. The journey is 45 minutes and stops at C.H.I.J.M.E.S. - Which means I have to walk all the way to Millenia Tower in 15 minutes. Usually achievable if commuters would "Keep left (on the escalator) because it's the right thing to do". Would grab a copy of Streats at the top level of City Hall MRT, followed by a copy of Today at the bottom, before heading to my work place.

Why the heck do I need 2 copies of newspapers when they report the same thing? I have adopted the Singaporean mentality, and I'm not exactly proud of it - "Free mah, take loh!" What I'm looking out for are the comments of Mr Philip Lee of Streats, and the humour page of Mr Brown of Today. My preference would be Mr Brown - His observation on our society is so critical and hilarious, that it gives us insight of the dysfunctional side of Singaporeans. I'm in the service industry and the comments of his last entry is commendable. Treat the person that serves you right (especially those that bring you food), and you might get more than you actually bargained for.

I'm not endorsing his works, just that there's so much to look forward to on Fridays - I love Fridays...

Cabin-Mates Reunite

Had an appointment today at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The location - Terrible. The appointment - Horrendous. What's worse than traveling to the ends of the island to meet customers that didn't take up any of our online services. The only saving grace was that I had the honour to meet Mr Hall King, Jansen, and multi-award winner, including Mr Fresh Look, FK! Probably the only other 2 people that I've met up with after we've "ORDed" close to 3 months ago - The other would be Matthew.

Stepping into NTU only reminded me that I'm presently not engaged in a tertiary education. Like a fish out of water, I was very self conscious, but the familiar sight of FK sitting at the bus-stop soon comforted me. I don't think he remembered that I'll be visiting a client at NTU today because he seemed shocked to see me, but I'll like to think that it was some superior force that brought us to that same location at the point of time.

Was attending to my client when Jansen called me. I called him back after that and there we were, cabin-mates reunite. I failed to mention that these 2 were my cabin-mates. I've lived with them for the last 1½ years of our NS life. FK would always be beside me (literally) to listen to my every weal and woe - He was my bedside (gay) buddy, sandwiched between Jansen and me. Jansen was never far away. Matthew, though at the opposite corner of the cabin, would never be out of reach. Our meeting was brief as I had to go for another appointment around the area (which I found out later were worlds apart. Boon Lay and Tuas.. You'll think they'll all be the same..).

I'm glad to have been able to explore into that part of town. I hope my next visit would allow me to venture a bit more - God knows when that would be. It's good to hear that they're doing well over there. Most of them share the same dorm or even live close by. I would be lying if I said I missed my army life, but to say that I miss those guys would be an understatement.

Season 10, Episode 18 - The Last One (II)

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

"With the season finale of F.R.I.E.N.D.S., one can only wonder what would fill this void in my life."

Returning from the last episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S., I can't help but feel a flurry of mixed emotions following the compelling urge to put it down in words.

Following the series from its pilot to its finale, I am relieved to see a closure to the trials and tribulations of the characters. At the same time feeling forlorn knowing that I would never see this awe-inspiring ensemble from performing again. The only consolation is that I have purchased the series in VCD from season 1 to 9 - I'll be getting season 10 as soon as all the volumes are available. With the complexities of daily life, I've managed to find my sanctuary in the cast and their performance. As Jansen would put it, "A True Blue Friendster". I could watch re-runs of the past episodes (which I've already done so), but it's not the same, it won't be the same. People watch them because they can relate to them and want to know what turns out for them - At least I do.

It reminds me of my life, and my friends. For as long F.R.I.E.N.D.S. have been around, I've had Da Guyz - Well, probably we're a year short, but who's keeping count.

Weichoon, Zhizhong, Wenjun, Damien, Alex, Choon Kiat, Johann, Desmond, and Isaac.

The group seemed to have diminished over time, but the occasional gathering would rekindle the flames of nostalgia. It's good to have a bunch of people you can rely on - Knowing that they'll reach out to pick you up, or to give you that added boost, just as you would do the same for them. The only difference that comes to mind between Da Guyz and F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is that our season finale would probably be 50 years down the road, and I definitely won't want to be anything short of the first to go..

Of all people..

Eileen works where I am working presently. Well I don't exactly work there, but I do get stationed at that branch occasionally during my free time between appointments.

"Bryan Choy! What are you doing here!" she exclaimed with my back facing her - I was taken aback.

It's good to have a familiar face around, someone that I could talk to. I'm glad we managed to catch up - Never really kept in contact with her.

When shit happens.. It pours..

Ever had those days where everything never seemed to go right. You probably heard of it so often happening to other people to wonder when the load will hit you. Well it did for me - Today.

So I started my day as usual with my first appointment at Toa Payoh. It was rescheduled to the evening - Customer took half day leave to attend to his ill son.

Went to my next appointment around the area (fortunately), but my battery went flat. Went to a nearby public library but they refused to let me use the power socket. My customer was very patient and even suggested we headed to the community centre. Thank goodness for nice customers and community facilities.

At the branch, I missed a customer opportunity that was thrown to my face. I was attending to another customer whom didn't apply for anything, while another colleague was calling out for one of our guys to attend to a customer whom wanted to take up our services.

A last minute appointment was thrown to me at 8.30pm at Serangoon when I already bought tickets to watch a show at Suntec.

My appointment that was rescheduled this morning was rescheduled again when my customer took the rest of the day leave.

Realisation: I had to work on the coming Saturday and Sunday (11/12 September 04)

Took the wrong direction from Bishan MRT to Ang Mo Kio, when I wanted to go towards Orchard.

Realisation: That I was going to miss the first part to the finale of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. because of my movie plans tonight.

Customers of my last minute appointment did not take up E-Statement.

Despite pushing forward my appointment to 8.15pm instead, hoping to save some time for traveling back to Suntec from Serangoon, I waited 7 minutes at Serangoon, and 7 minutes at Douby Ghaut for the MRT.

Maybe I'm being too sensitive to all the trivial matters. Just when you think things couldn't get any worse, but I guess it happens.

Day 4 - Hong Kong - Watch & Clock Exhibition

My last day in Hong Kong, will be back tonight at 11:40pm. I'm still at the exhibition - My uncle doesn't waste time. I've walked so much for the past few days - Too much. It's like shopping, but specifically for watches. By now, I'm seriously sick of watches.

Didn't do much of other shopping though. Wish I had more time to go around looking at other stuff. Not that I didn't get to, but it wasn't what I was hoping for. Went to the usual night markets and all - The shops here close surprisingly late. You can still see people shopping at 12 midnight! Managed to get a cheap bag for myself.

Okay, there goes my uncle again. He's always done checking his mail before. I'm off for now, will be back soon. Home I mean.

4.30pm
Guess what I found at Hong Kong! Cher, if you're reading this, isn't it a coincidence that we were talking about it a few days ago - So much for not franchising.

PRET A MANGER

Day 3 - Hong Kong - Watch & Clock Exhibition

Backdrop of Hong Kong

Third day already, I'm be coming home tomorrow. For today, more walking around and there will be a meeting at 11.00am later with a watch supplier. My role? Extra. Heh.. I won't be joining in the meeting, probably just stay at the lounge and use the internet and eat a bit more.

There are 6 halls of watches and clocks, the components, hardware to make the watches - Basically everything that has got to do with watch and clocks. I've learnt quiet a bit for the past few days:-

What material would you like your watches? Alloy? Brass? Gold? Stainless steel? Sterling Silver?

How about the finish? Flash? 1, 2 or 3 Micron?

Bah, I'm at the Dragon Lounge now - VIP remember? Heh.. Alright I'm going for breakfast. Will blog again if I get the chance.

8.00pm
No reception today, so we walked around a bit. The people here are nocturnal! Shopping at 12 midnight? Who does that?

Day 2 - Hong Kong - Watch & Clock Exhibition

European Night

10:49am
It's been pretty interesting so far, spent half the day at the exhibition helping my uncle select designs for his jewelry business - Saw so many designs. Ivy should be here instead - She loves watches. If you're reading this.. Too bad! Haha.

Day 2 and we'll be spending the whole day here - From the time I post this, to 6.00pm this evening. The exhibition is extremely big, we only managed to finish from Row A to Row G of Hall 1 yesterday! I haven't mention how many halls there are right. Will update when I do know, doesn't look like there's only 1.

Anyway, my uncle is done checking his mail, and I better go. So till my next post, I'm out.

6:55pm
The exhibition ended, and I'm a little tipsy. Haha.. Was at a reception tonight - It was European Night. Had a few drinks and took a couple of pictures. Yesterday was some other reception - That's 2 nights of this already! I don't think there will be another one tomorrow. I must say, other than the walking all day scouting for designs, it's been pretty alright. I will post those pictures up when I get back. For now I'm off.

Day 1 - Hong Kong - Watch & Clock Exhibition

VIP Cocktail Reception

3:51pm

I have just touched down at Sunny Hong Kong with day 1 of the Clock & Watch Exhibition. The experience is something I've not felt before. Being treated like a professional business person and all - My uncle is the actual businessman. With VIP passes to the lounge and complementary stays at the Regal Kowloon Hotel for this whole trip - That's 3 nights!

I must go, I will continue with this again, with the chance - Business calls.

7:00pm

Did I mention that there was a cocktail reception for all the VIP? That's it, I'm exploiting the pass!