Happy Endings - Peculiar Chris

I must congratulate Johann S. Lee for finally seeing his dream realised by a very talented cast. Being the first book written by a Singaporean young writer, it had become an iconic gay textbook to many growing-up individuals. I did not want to watch the play initially, I thought, nothing beats reading the actual book right? Why watch something that might possibly downplay the magic. Boy oh boy... was I surprised. It was fabulous!!

The first half re-enacted the whole book's key points tastefully, with a little bit more of drama and music. The Characters from the book started coming to life in front of me. From Chris (cute, reserved and full of feel for life), Nicholas (bold, flamboyant, no-regrets and full of vigor for living life), Sylvia (Smart, sharp tongue, elusive at times, no-nonsense and sophisticated), Kenneth (Strong convictions in life, pious and fillial, confused and in denial) and Samuel (Loving, strong pillar of strength but always haunted by past and the tragic present, an understanding and caring lover).

I was most taken from the scene where Nicholas sang Wilson Phillip's Hold On (For One More Day). It was most hilarious. And of course, the underlying purpose of this play, which was also timed correctly, at the addressing of the current hot topic of decriminalizing the Penal Code 377A. Sex between same sex adults. There are too many things to say about this current issue, and many had written about it on their blogs and to the papers. Forums and seminars have been organized by the government to openly discuss their views and concerns, and to collect the feedback of the general public. What is my say then? I am, of course, pro-decriminalizing it. There are other concerns. About the general conservative singaporeans. We are, after all, a country of tolerance where a balance is almost excruciatingly difficult to strike. We did not get by to our state now, of religious and racial harmony and peace without shedding of much sweat and blood. There no one moment I want to see the opening up of our gay culture, exposed other forms of violence and indiscriminate prejudice and bias.

Let them kiss in public, let them have sex in the privacy of their homes. Let them marry publicly and let them have status which is recognized by the government. Let them share in some rights that legally married straight couple have. For housing and for medical care etc. That is perhaps what we all want for our gay community. It is never simple. Will this corrode the family values and the so-called basic building of our society? The vision is just too massive for me to grasp. How possible that 2 guy, who decides to come together, can come to erode our family values away? Aren't my boyfriend, my family too? I would love to call him my husband.

Anyway, the book is currently out of print, and from the light of it, I would not be surprised if they start start printing it again. I'd gotten a copy of it from a friend many years ago. Nicholas. (.. not that the flailing-arms Nicole you may think. ). One of my very gay friend when I was younger. That was more than 10 years ago, when everything still seemed so reserved in Singapore. I reallyl hope they will do that thing which is necessary. But never at the expense of our country's foremost interest of peace and harmony. Step by Step and let's go at it slowly.

Semplice Simon

Done your Tuesdays with Morrie?

I'd always been wanting to read this book since it's first published 2 years back. Being a very thin book, one probably could finish it within 1 day or so. I decided to do what I always wanted to do. This little fantasy of mine to read a novel while flying out to somewhere. Which of course, I did when I took my flight to Tokyo the last round. Read the book the airport, read it on the plane, making full use of my time while waiting to board. There was also the occasional updates to my blog when I could log in and steal somebody's wireless. The book was fabulous. It was short but it kept me on my toes through the pages. I think my drive was very much fuelled by th desire to know more, of what lessons of life have an extraordinary man to share, when his body is gradually wasting away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. and his mind and slowing down to a thin line on the meter.

I finished the book within the week I was in tokyo. And my review is a bit late. I have had read Mitch Albom's books, and now am on his third. The first two being "For One More Day", and the previous being "The Five People You'll Meet in Heaven". I couldn't finish the review on time and the date now I am ending this para is on 13 Jan 2008. Sorry guys, I left the book with Thomas and I can't get a grip on any more details than I ought to.

Just to end this off, I thought this Morrie guys with all his cliches and philosophies was most noble, using his degenerative road to death, to open the eyes and regenerate passion in life for those that holds to his testimony. You should read it if you haven't.

Semplice Simon

7 Days in Tokyo (My full Iti)

Day 0 (01 Jul 2007 Sunday)
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Touched Down Narita Airport at 746AM. Checked out and clear customs, claim my luggage, came out from Narita by 845am. Booked Airport Limo Bus Service over the counter, 1 way ticket to Shinjuku Station. Boarded 9am bus at Bus Stop 11, reached Shinjuku station at 1020am. Went around Odakyu Mall/Keio Mall/Taxi Terminal looking for Shingjuku New City Hotel Shuttle Bus. Couldn’t find it. Gosh I was so lost!. This second largest/busiest station in Tokyo is like a maze. Decided to jump taxi instead. Apparently, hotel was just min away.

Reach Hotel at 11am. Hotel Staff says earliest check in was at 2pm. Left my Luggage there with them, locked up. Went to Shingjuku Washington Hotel around the corner to get my 7 July Limo ticket booked. Went up the Tokyo Government Building at level 45 to view city. Took a walk at Shingjuku Central Park, saw make-shift flea market selling used goods. Walked down to Tochomae station, went to Shopping Areas like Odakyu, Keio Plaza, L Plaza, Subaru Building, Mitsui Building etc. Turned back to hotel to check in at 2pm, left the hotel at 3pm to Harajuku on train. Walked down Takeshita Dori (Harajuku Fashion Street). Turned back to Harajuku and took train to Shinjuku Sanchome Station. Ate dinner at Isetan and browse through all the nice food. Took a walk down to Nichome. Saw 2 Gay shop there, didn’t buy anything. Night life is very quiet, decided to return. Reach back hotel at 9pm.

It was a tiring first day!!



Day 1 (02 July 2007 Monday)
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Woke up at 715am, dwindled around in bed until 730am. Washed up and went down to Café for Breakfast. My ABF is included for the whole week. I ate the same thing everyday! Caught the 910am shuttle bus from hotel to Shinjuku Station. Took Chuo Rapid Line to Tokyo Station. Reach there around 11am, got stuck in the station because of rain. Decided to run for the nearest building which is Marunouchi Building. Had coffee there and waited for rain to stop.

After the rain stopped, I started to walk towards Wadakura Fountain Park. Imperial East Garden was closed on Monday/Friday. Shoots .. bad planning on my part. Walked to Nijubashi Iron Bridge and went towards Hibiya Park. Went past Yurakucho Station and had lunch at some cheap noodle place. Went to Sony building, after which started raining again. Spotted this Crackers Store and Bought some Japanese Crackers from there. Walked down Ginza area, browse through the shops carry expensive brands. Walked to Kabukiza Theatre to look at the oldest theatre in Tokyo.

Took train from Ginza down to Roppongi. Made my way down to Hard Rock Café Tokyo and bought some shirts and gifts. The cafe was definitely not easy to find. The map I had wasn't that clean and had to study the street maps there. Remember to orientate yourself to the Almond Shop!!! Bought some gift snacks from a shop round the corner. I was carrying too many things, so decided to head back to Shingjuku Station, walked back to hotel. Rested for a while and took the 625pm Shuttle bus back to Shinjuku. Took a train down to Shinjuku Sanchome station. Had dinner at this nice cheap underground sushi restaurant. Walked to Kinokuniya Bookstore and tried to find Munhoe’s CD from there. Couldn’t find his, ended with my Long Lost Yuki Nishimura CD. All thanks to a helpful Jap Girl Salesperson. Rushed back by train to Shinjuku Station and took the 930pm last shuttle bus back.



Day 2 (03 July 2007 Tuesday)
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Morning breakfast as usual at New City Hotel, time was 8am. Left on foot to Tochomae Station, bought ticket to Ryogoku on the Oedo Line. Reach around 10am plus. Went to Edo-Tokyo Museum, bought 2 shirts there. This museum detailed a lot of history on how the Japan Edo period developed into modern Tokyo. Continued for a quick look at the Sumo Arena, which is not open to public. Browse through the small Sumo Museum instead. Some Sumo history was documented. Secretly took some pictures :P

Went back to Ryogoku Station and had this awfully strange peppery Curry with small pieces of tough pork. Ok, this was quite disappointing. :P Went back to buy a ticket to Ueno Station. Walked to Ueno Park where all the happenings were. Took a quick look at the Famous Tokyo Culture Hall. Nothing much, there’s concerts going on but I’ll be mad to buy tickets there. Went towards the National Museum of Western Arts, took a quick look at the statues outside, but didn’t buy tickets to go in. Proceeded to National Science Center. This was interesting, Japan seemed to had documented their historical developments very well. The explanations were mostly in Japanese though, so I didn’t get much here. There was a 360 Degree Theater!! It was fascinating.

Left the Museum and went towards the Ueno Park Grand Fountain. A group of China Performers aka East Coast Watermelon Performers. Went to Benteen Hall and followed by the Gojo Shrine. Took a train out to Akihabrara Electric Town. NOW THIS, is the most amazing place ever. Imagine Sim Lim Square but at least 30 buildings of it. Bought a DVD from the Import Shop where there were lots of classy gay movies never found in Singapore. Not going to buy too many though, since I was on a tight budget. Bought this cheap China Gay Show… much of a disappointment. It was suppose to be one of the few first gay movies from China. Wandered around the streets for around 2 hours. It was tiring. So many many things to see!! Decided to eat dinner at this Tongkichi-like Pork Cutlet shop. Fabulous. Decided to head back earlier. Caught the 750pm shuttle bus back to the hotel.




Day 3 (04 July 2007 Wednesday)
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Took the shuttle bus to Shinjuku Station, walked via the New South Exit towards Takashimaya Time Square. Started raining, so decided to take a short coffee break at StarBucks before the Shopping Mall. Finished coffee and went to Takeshimaya Times Square HMV. Browse through the CD/DVD. Bought the new release of Ghimbli Studios – Tales from EarthSea, and 3 more cds. 2 for Yeukie and 1 for Munhoe. Proceeded to Lumine 2 Shopping Center to look at Towers Records. Browse through the Magazines segment. Took a train out to Asakusa, reached there around 3pm. Had lunch at Matsuya Plaza Tongkichi Style again. Quite Good!! Started raining again, took a quick run through the drizzle to the Asakusa Culture and Sightseeing Area. Bought some presents for mum and Mingzhu there. Went to a Café and had another Latte there while waiting. After the rain stopped, went to the famous Sensoji Temple and the 5 storey pagoda. Walked back to Sumida River, took the Tokyo Cruise. Went down Sumida River to look at the total 13 bridges built across. Only managed to catch 9 of them. Berthed at Hidone Pier. Started raining again. Walked to Toshiba Building and went to wait at the Macdonald. Finally stopped raining. Took the Train back to Shinjuku. Ta Bao dinner back to hotel and eat.



Day 4 (05 July 2007 Thursday)
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Took train to the Akanabanashi Station on the Oedo Line. Target destination was Shiba’s Tokyo Tower. Walked from Station to Tokyo Tower and took pictures there. Proceeded to the Tokyo Guiness World of Records museum.
Wanted to take a look at the Wax museum, but it was guarded by this very bored looking auntie, so I guess that’s that. Walked back to the Station and took the Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro. Going look at the gigantic shopping area called Sunshine City. Browse around the place a bit, but was quite tired so decided to take a break at the Starbucks Café. Walked past the Hello Kitty Shop and decided to buy a few things back. Had lunch at this Sushi Belt Bar thing at Ikebukoro. Quite embarrassing as the waitress was quite surprise I didn’t know how to serve myself. Went on to Shibuya!! Went another round of shopping and browsing the major CD/DVD Shops. It was amazingly well varied selection. Went back to Iseatan and ta bao dinner back to hotel again.



Day 5 (06 July 2007 Friday)
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Took train via Oedo Line to the Tsukiji Station. Went to the Biggest Fish Wholesale market in the world. Took some pictures only since most of the shops had already closed. Browse through the Eateries around the market.
Had Lunch at Jonathans’, some kind of egg friend rice in Seafood stew. Looks like Mui Fan actually. Wanted to try their paella but that would only be for dinner. Took train to Shiodome, transit on the YurikaMome Monorail Line into Odaiba. Reach the Daiba Station, went through Le Medidien Hotel, took pictures of the Rainbow Bridge in day time, as well as the Liberty Stature. I wonder why? Went to Odaiba Aqua City, had tea at StarBucks. Browse through the shops. Went to the Fuji TV Tower. Decks Tokyo next, see the mini theme shopping areas and funland. Went to the Odaiba Kaiklun Koen and proceeded to walk to Palette Town. Took picture of the Big Mega Web Ferry’s wheel. Proceeded to look through the Toyota Mega Show Room. Browse through the shops and ended eating Strawberry Ice Cream Crepe in the funland. Took another break drinking tea. Walked to Venus Front shopping center, had dinner Italian style there. Went back to the Mega Web and took the Ferry Wheel Ride. Went back the same route, took picture of the rainbow bridge at night time. Beautifully breathtaking at night. Took train back and started packing in the hotel.



Day 6 (07 July 2007 Saturday)
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Woke up around 3am to pack my things final and to do a checkout. Cleared my stuff out of my room and went down to the counter to clear my things by 345am. So early! The Checkout was done within 1 min, and I didn’t know what to do next. Decided to wait in the Lobby until 4am and took a slow walk to the Washington Hotel where I would be taking the bus. Walked for while.. and decided… I was lost!! The thing about the hotel was that it was located on another level of ground above the one that I was walking on. I was too tired to lug the luggage around and decided to take a taxi instead. Left me 660yen poorer. Now I am waiting for the bus. Would be arriving at Narita in 2 hours time. Reached Narita airport 3 hours prior to 10am. I had ample time to rest and catch a Latte. Going to finish the book and also this summary before flying back. It’s Singapore!!!!! I’m on my way home!!! Yipppee!!!



Conclusion of my Tokyo Trip.
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I think the most important impression that I have left Tokyo with, was the manners and precision in how things are done in Japan. People was extremely courteous and polite, everything is in place properly and queued. No rushing, no pushing. Even accidentally bumping into another, or stepping into somebody’s way was greeted with a Sumimasen. ie. I’m sorry. The fashion and techie products here are really beyond Singapore. We have a lot of catching up to do. Customer Service everywhere was Superb. Training around was very convenient and not that difficult or scary as expected. As long as you can read the signs and follow the lines, differentiate the color coding, it would be sufficient. There are too many things to see and as usual, too little time. All in all, I was quite satisfied with what I had done in Tokyo.


Semplice Simon

How do I Justify Love?

Just went in through gate C24, and am now sitting at the waiting area for boarding onto the next plane out to Tokyo/Narita Airport. There’s this strange mix of feelings, foreboding, apprehension, excitement, loneliness, nervousness and delight. The most important thing is that I am traveling alone today. Marcus would not be joining me as I had ended our relationship on the 13 June 2007. I insisted that we still go Tokyo and that we might continue to build a friendship together. But that would be too much and too selfish for me to ask. I understand how he feels. It may seem that I have done this hideously wicked thing to him. I know he loves me a lot, and there’s no doubt that we had put a lot of effort into the relationship. As I look around me in the airport, I felt something was missing. His presence? He had always given me such a strong sense of security and surety that now, his absence seems have naturally robbed me of it.

We had been together for 1 1/2 years. There were many sweet and slightly bitter times together. Without realizing it, our lives have intertwine and knitted itself very closely together. Everything around me reminds me of him. The items in my car, the things in my bedroom and study room, the things in my office and the things I wear. I was contemplating removing them all away. But that is not to be so. I so willed in my heart that I should not forget this person that I had tried working out a relationship with. For whom we gave our hearts to each other for the period of time. I refuse to just disappear. He may feel anger or bitter reproach against me. I can only hope that time will change things.

Why did I break up with him? That is a question I’d asked myself for quite sometimes. What justification did I give myself this time? Whether we were suitable together? I thought I could work out gradually but there was always something missing in my feelings towards him. And how do I know this? It would be too sensitive to reveal here. Suffice to say that I thought I could do without feeling that way about him. It turned out, amidst working so hard on something, I just need to sit back and ask myself, is this really what I wanted?

Often times we ask ourselves, would you go after someone whom you love but may not love you in return, or simple stay with someone who loves you but you don’t feel that strongly towards. I chose the former this day. Even though I will never be sure how Thomas will feel towards me, whether he’ll give us a chance together, or whether we will last a long time, or whether our values are similar and whether we were meant for each other, there will always be that 101 questions asked. But I want to do it. He’s attached and I was attached and everything broke out quite quickly. I confessed my liking with him for many years and he was surprised. Pleasantly I hope. He’s the guy whom I have always loved from the beginning. I don’t think it’s a crush turn puppy love. How do you explain me having to feel the same after 17 years? The crush would have died off. How do I authenticate my interest in him as genuine then? One might ask me, I do not even know him that well. But to a certain level, I do, actually. From hearsay, from observations, from us working together during our Secondary school days. There's one thing incredible in him I feel, that he had kept himself somewhat unchanged and pristine over the years. Deep down I felt, he was still the same guy. There were changes of course, there will always be.

How does Thomas Tan fit in the jigsaw then? By many strange chances and a very important opportunity we manage to start rebuilding our friendship again. Back in my younger days, I would look at him from a distance but never risk telling him. I never knew he sexuality, not until recently. We are colleagues now, working in the same company since last year.

Everything happened in a short time. And what I felt for him was exactly, the feeling, which was missing with Marcus. I still remember the dinner session that we had together at Carnivore Restaurant, a group of us Secondary school friends having a birthday gathering. I couldn’t help but to look at him constantly during the whole dinner. That was too obvious. It was that sunshine he exuberated. Again, one would ask, would this feeling go? I don’t think so. How do you explain me having to feel the same after 17 years? There may be a long gap in between where we were both missing from each other for a long decade. But that did not displace my feelings for him. I merely put it aside at the back of my mind. Wandering in circles in life, I’m glad we met up again.

I feel this overwhelming sense of love and desire for him. Even until now. The next logical question would be, would this feeling last even if I pursue it? I cannot say. I can only say, there’s a very strong mix of feelings now for me. I am taking this Japan trip, to hopefully think things through carefully. The best way is to be selfish perhaps, that is to bare our own feelings plainly and be honest with what we truly want. I do not have any doubts about Thomas. He’s perhaps the only one guy I have been waiting for my whole life. hat happened between us was a matter of days too. Day 1 - 5 and Step 1 to 5. He would understand what i'm saying here. The only real concern I had was this, I didn't want him to be with him just because I told him I was so into him for so long. He reassured me that he was mature enough to know what he wants. I hope so too.

Our lives had never the chance to overlap, our paths rarely crossed, but up until now. It is amazing how separated our lives were. It was a good period of molding for us perhaps. Having each to gone through our fair share of loving and hating, falling in and out of love. I sincerely hope we will approach each other and this relationship maturely, and with help from our past experiences, to decipher what is to be built between us.

Semplice Simon

Eternal Summer

When I first heard about this movie, I thought earnestly about making the effort to catch it on big screen. I was apprehensive of it being another typical gay soap opera chinese movie aka Bishonen and Lan Yu..Most times these chinese gay movies had not wavered far away from portraying gay relationships as tragedies to happen, I sort of gave up wanting to catch anymore of them. In my view, directors who tries to portray in the alternative lifestyle had fared palely in bringing out problems faced other than the big old sleazy sleep arounds and heart breaks leading to dearth (ie Self inflicted by gay sucidal individuals or some miraculous accident that kills 1 party off when the stone can't sink further).

I was delighted to find this show quite under-rated and had touched on something very different. Perhaps about something that I'd felt in life. Might be the reason why I could feel the connection. The actors are cute.. very cute indeed. and the actress.. hmm.. none of that please.. Their acting were without question, refined and brings out the depth in each character, no doubt as what the director as intended. For more details please refer to the original website or grab a copy of the movie from me.

Story goes like this. Gay boy meets Lonely boy (sexuality uncertain even though he initiated sex when drunk when the other guy threaten discontinuity of friendship), grows up together over the years.. went to the same university. Meets Short Girl. Short Girl like Gay boy, found out he's gay, dumps him for Lonely boy, who reciprocated. Gay boy found out and was furious, confronted them. Lonely boy admits sincerely in love with Short Girl, Short Girl wants them to hang out together like last time (for whatever perverse reason go figures.. ). Gay boy threaten to leave them alone, Lonely boy was devasted and while drunk initiated sex with Gay boy. Gay boy was pleasantly surprised, yet confused and decided still to leave them. All three manage to end up at the beach where Gay boy tells Lonely boy all his feelings and waits to see whether Lonely boy still wants him as his best friend. Lonely boy admits finally that Gay boy will always be his good friend no matter what.

What so different about this show, is the director's highlighting another faint dimension to a gay relationship. It's what I call the "I want more than Best Friend" Syndrome. When only 1 of the 2 is gay and when the other may be str8 or otherwise confuse, and yet friendship may be more important to him, while the other gets tormented with the "Can't have him" predicament. When will friendship becomes less important in having him? I like the part about them when they were young, when their School teacher had to make Gay boy promise an innocent promise, that he should be a friend to Lonely boy and be a guide to keep him out of trouble. And from this pact of friendship brews many other complications down the journey of their lives. Lonely boy was too lonely to forego this chance of having a friend finally. He was willing to do anything. Whereas Gay boy develops a feeling beyond the boundaries of the pact he had, and got more than he bargained for.

The show had been shone a very refreshing and yet intriguing part of a gay-str8 friendship. The bitter sweet ending can be a bit puzzling. It's really up to the person watching the show to figure what had happened after that. Personally, I think they will be continuing their friendship and eventually, Lonely Boy would probably get married to somebody nice and Gay Boy would find his Prince Charming. As for the Short Short Girl... she will grow old, bitter and tormented by every str8 man around her becoming Gay. kekekekkekekekkeek KIDDING LAR!!!


Semplice Simon

My Five in Heaven

i'd recently finishd a book by Mitch Albom, entitled "The Five People You Meet in Heaven". It's a very thin book, simple to understand but profound with a truths we can all learn in life. I can't fully agree with the picture painted by the Author about God and Heaven, but nonetheless, I applaud the fantastic take he had given to teach us very important lessons in life. These life lessons, I don't think it's just that saving money and be happy kinda shit.. but it's really quite a different context. The author portray these important lessons in life, as different chapters of 5 important person, who had one way or another, directly or indirectedly impacted some focal changes in the key character's life. Mr Eddie Main-te-nace.

In Summary, I won't repeat the story but do read it if you have the time. The author is basically telling us, nothing happen around is by chance. And they are just a concidental drop of rain on our head. Things happen around us for a purpose; purposes which we might or never get to explain to ourselves. We may spend our whole life searching a that futile search, and may end up nowhere, even the wrong place. We may also intepret life's lessons wrongly, and as such, bring along the rest of our lives, the bitterness and anguish which denies us the very freedom of living life. According to the author, we have each of us, five major characters in our lives, which will open our eyes in full and help decipher what we could not, or misunderstood while on earth.

I cannot help but wonder candidly, who would be my five characters in heaven waiting for me, and what lessons will they teach me. According to the book, my first ought to be someone whom I had never met. Someone who has a very contrasting life from mine. What matters would be that little crossroad and junction where our paths crossed briefly. I have had made a great impact in changing in his or her life without knowing. A small insignificant action or word that is of little worth, and of small regard from me; had greatly changed the destiny of this someone. Perhaps we don't realise it but sometimes, we only need the smallest effort the throw things off equillibrium for many others around us, unknowingly. It can be to their misfortune, and may be to their blessing, but it did make a difference.

My second person would have to be someone of no blood relation to me, a person of authority whom I look up to. To mould myself towards his likeness and find solace, protection, acceptance and guidiance from. Since no human being is ever perfect, including this role model, inevitably he would have left something negative and burdensome for me to carry for the rest of my life. Perhaps the role models in each of our individual lives doesn't really help much in shaping and moulding our character. They might just be lone beacons out in the sea. It might be well that we might not need these obscure guides in life.

My third would have to be the one person that can single handedly carved out my homeland and my country. Mr Lee perhaps? hahah..we all know what kind of questions we have for his never ceasing hold and iron fist on our country. And yet we cannot deny that without him, we wouldn't have a safe roof over our head. But what has this man have, an influence in my life that ought I to me him in heaven? Of all the elements that shaped my physical life, my country and the man who had moulded it, would have had unintendedly gave me a template to live my life.

My fourth would have to be somebody very dear and intimate to me. Somebody whom I would spent the rest of my life with. My partner in life that is. What question do I have for him and him for me when we get there? Perhaps to tell him what he had missed out during the absence from each other. No two person can ever spend their lives together eternally. And in this book, even this shortmeeting in heaven would have to be temporal and to release all the pent up memories and feelings that could not have had the chance to be uttered. Seemingly when all hopes seemed lost, we would be offered this one last chance to express the deepest part of our soul.

Who would be the last person I might meet in heaven? Oh gosh I'm not even sure whether I'm even bothered.

Sempllice Simon

Short Little Moosings - 14

I must say.. today was really one of those days which I could never have enough. Long day, relaxing away with Marcus with no rush here or there. We slept in till 12 in the afternoon. Gosh.. who's complaining.. after which we brushed teeth, bathed and finished an hour plus of "duh-duh-duh" :P Went out to Tiong Bahru for late Brunch around 3pm plus.. Chit chat for a while, came straight back home. Watched Tom Cruise's Minority Report.. finished around 8pm.. went to his office for a while.. did some of his admin stuff.. went to VivoCity had dinner and Marche.. talked and walked around for a while and went back home.

I was just too resolved not to rush through the day. Last few weekends were such a rush to go many different places.. driving here and there between appointments. I simply did not enjoy my day. I didn't really know whether I enjoyed passing time quickly and going around places and squeezing with crowds and crowds of people, or I would rather laze around bed, read a good book and hang out idle-big-time with Marcus.

After today, I really think the latter would worked for us. Neither of us like rowdy crowdy places.. we don't like to rush around places .. A little spontaneity is fun too. Sometimes is good to not know where we want to go and what we want to do. And let's decide then and then where to. A litte disorganize scheduling sure beats the mad rush at the office every weekday isn't it?

Semplice Simon

GayLesBoChester United!!!

I always have a problem with a bunch of str8 guys engaging in a fervent conversation of balls and soccer. Especially the recent Asean Big Gulp, I couldn't have been prayinf for peace of ear. Not until I met up 6 lesbians for dinner would I begin to realise, both sides of the coin, is quite the same. :P It was refreshing but yet dejavu-eee, having to see 6 lesbian dykes and femmes talking about their favorite soccer team and favorite matches. One big diff... they are not ooo-gahing over the cute soccer players. Leave that to us fags then.

It was really an eye opener.. . I had wanted to gather a few good friends to have dinner. Been doing this regularly for almost 1 year now. Going out with lesbians is starkingly different. We have had gay outings before where the lesbians would always be outnumbered. And for once, I felt diminished, almost.. smaller.. LOL. At least.. it was just me and my gay friend. Two guys, six gals. I didn't go with much expectations. I knew it would be fun and interesting. I was already familiar with three of them, but slightly apprehensive about the new girls. I knew they would generally be easy to get alone. After the whole thing, my fears were proved unfounded.I had have good impressions of most lesbos that crossed my life. In the gay man's world, there's always the good mix of queens and bitches, gentleman, cutie twinks and the muscular macho marys'. In the lesbian world, the whole two groups being the masculine tomboyish girls.. and the feministic girls. That was how deep it went, my knowledge of them that is..

I met my first lesbian back in 1998/99 where I was with the initial SgBoy team. The whole idea was quite raw, having a gay portal for GLBT people. It was quite ambitious, and I never stay beyond the firist anniversary. There was this girl named Fran, still remember how she look. Femm.. demure and reserved. She was of course, quick to contribute with a little of that no nonsense attitude. Nice gal. Lost track of what's happenin now. Last heard she ended being the Australia correspondent for the website.

If you look at it, we must admit that the whole GLBT thing in Singapore is not fully evolved to state of perfect harmonized union, organized and holding any joint events together. Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transsexual united. Our circle of friends is much isolated to that sexual preference of ours. Perhaps we simple do not find anything common with girls that love girls, and guys that loves both of them. Less talking about the drags and the guys which will prefer dressing up as curvy and full figured woman along changi beach. Let's face it. Our circle just does not mix that well yet. At besides the PLU group that's still trying to register, there seemd not much of any other organized group in singapore.

At least that was what OurActivities was trying to do. To which I realised, having everybody 's a critic, the idea could not take off quite well with members who were so sarcastic and cynical. The new committee who took over were constantly derided for being insincere, unorganized, without a proper vision/mission and objectives. Not too sure who were really the delusional ones, but our GLBT cause could not have been more raw and obvious.

As I sat there basking in their company, I could feel a bit of that expression, the willingness to accomodate and understand the fact that gays and lesbians are not that far apart in difference. We do have common ground even though we both prefer our own sex. Are we that buzy? With time only to the things of our circle? Do we organize parties only for all str8 guys, all gay guys or all lesbians girls? What good can we get out this gradual blending of our groups? For one, I really hope that this common understanding within our GLBT community, may drive us to take on the common cause, of advocating understanding and tolerance, gaining acceptance and acknowledgement from the government, our friends and families.

Semplice Simon

Resolutions 2007

Resolutions 2007
===========

1. Eat Non Fatty Food on Monday/Wednesday/Friday Lunches, in the same league of bee hoon soup.
2. Loose and maintain my weight at 68 by July 2007. (Now 71.3)
3. Finish all my books which I haven't read, by Sep 2007.
4. Save up/Plan for US Trip End of Year
5. I need to look around for a place to practice vocals/maybe look for a vocal teacher soon.
6. Sign up for FEBC Night classes with MH , second half of 2007.
7. Do my Full Marathon this year.

May add on to the List.

Semplice Simon

3.5 out of 6

1. Participate in the 21 Km Half Marathon end of the year
2. Get my GMAT Done
3. Get my ABRSM Grade 5 Done
4. Save up for A Trip end of Year 2006
5. Drive Safely
6. Learn to drive with all my different shoes

Ok Please see the above. These were the resolutions which I'd set for myself at the beginning of year 2006. Let's see how much I had been slacking.

1 Point - I've done my 21 Km..
0 Point - I gave up doing GMAT!! It's so difficult.. think I will study when Cookie goes overseas for studies next year. Was hoping to do a MBA together when he comes back.
0 Point - ABRSM no more.. somehow was convinced that I didn't really need this..
0.5 Point - I went BKK with Cookie.. was supposed to go HKG, but decided for a cheaper alternative end Jan 2007 to Genting instead :P. I would need to save up for a longer trip.. From Singapore down to Boston then New York and goodness know where... :P
1 Point - I drove safely the whole of 2006. Safe enough.. at least I haven't killed myself yet... kekekke..
1 Point - I AM driving with all my shoes in th closet. It wasn't that difficult after all... I don't think my clutch is don't that well though..

OK so much for review.
Let's think of something more serious for the current year 2007. Give me another 1 week and will probably get up here.

Semplice Simon ( Year 2007 )

Happy New Year to one and all !!

1 Year Anniversary

8 Dec is our first anniversary. I had an exceptionally enjoyable weekend. Both of us found a new haunt together. Nothing beats the new VivoCity and it's GV. We use to go Great World City cos of the lesser crowd on weekend, and the extremely comfortable seats in the cinema. But more to the fact that we both didn't like crowded places. (ie. unless there are lots of cute boys to look at). We spend our friday and sunday roaming Vivo and saturday was at taka shopping. It was a bit frustrating on Friday, cos we couldn't really find a nice place to have dinner. Both of us didn't make prior reservations anywhere. I was thinking of not making it too much of a celebration actually.. Too much fireworks kills off the stars. I thought we just wanted to quietly mark the special occasion. After walking up and down we decided to eat the doll up japanese restaurant. It was nice. We had prawn tempura, soft-shell crab, nigiri sushi, grilled eel and beef thingie.. a bit pricey but was quite worth it. We had seats overlooking the harbourfront and view can be breath taking at night. Chatted for quite a while until 930pm++ before deciding to leave.

After dinner, we took a walk down habourfront, poked fun a bit at the decor. They have a gigantic snow man and looking like a bowling pin, and a flower tree that looks more evil and poisonous than enchanted. Nice breezy breeze... :) Drove back to his place to exchange AnniGifts. It's really fun to exchange presents with him. I love surprising him and vice versa. It's interesting what kind of gifts we buy for each other. He's always buying something which I thought I might get it myself in the future, or something which I didn't know that I needed it, or something which I will find of good use in my life. We would always be there to discover and try to provide for each other's needs.

After spending a year plus plus with him and with seeing him almost every other day and most weekend. We went through a lot of chatting and talking, many heated discussions, some thorny arguments and a few major quarrels.. I have learnt many things from him and about him. I am very thankful that we made it for this one year. He has been most patient and tolerant towards me. And I am beginning to see that the hard nut isn't that tough to crack after all. I guess we can both agree it's because of age and maturity. Our temperaments and moods, feelings and thoughts on our experiences in life, cannot carry us off our feet that easily anymore. We think more logically with our heads and exerts a firm control on emotions, better I think. I'm beginning to realize what it means to just cherish the moment and make it work better for us. That's the most important I wish to have in our relationship. To make right for the present, to be able to talk about things and communicate everything objectively, to know when to stand firm and when to let go.

It's amazing that through this 1 year, there are quite a few things in a relationship that I have had never knew about... and also putting in practice those oft talked about formulas to work out love. It's never easy to make things perfect. But it's the cherishing of the moment and loving of each other with as little conditions as possible, which really make things happen.

Semplice Simon

He left us forever...

I'm not sure how I should approach this writing on someone whom I'd known for years yet not deep enough to even call him as a good friend. Li Kai is gone forever, as his sister had described to us over the SMS. He had left us. A fleeting moment of the precious bloom, a single bow to the pending sunshine before disappearing like that dew of the morning dawn. It was indeed premature of him, as time had always been against him.

I got the news this morning. Dumbstruck and horrified.. It's not everyday that a friend of yours whom you had known for years, jumps out of a window and kills himself. My monday mood was deeply affected by this sudden break of news. He was up and well, healthy and happy weeks back according to a few others. I saw him a couple times when running, and had always had long long chats with him downstairs even though I have had missed half of my run. I fixed his PC twice, with much complaints though. I rejected to help him the third time with much regrets now. How silly could I be? Fixing his PC wouldn't had taken much of my time, same as making an appointment with him, asking him out of coffee and finding out how life's been treating him.

I got to know him through Desmond, another gay friend of mine. Des and I knew each other from JC for a short while, before meeting each other on IRC a year or so down the road. I met Des' friends and LiKai was one of his. Very nice and somewhat melancholic. All in all, a person who's full of passion and struggles like the rest of us. I knew he was facing some problems over the years. Depression perhaps? He had much problems and troubles at work and home and with friends and boyfriends. He never had much luck with relationships too. I gathered that many broke his heart.. and he could never really work himself out of these problems. It's like a web which tightens its grip on him when the more he struggled. Knowing all these, and knowing what happened today, how I wished I had taken up my coffee chat offer with him seriously, and to sit down and find out in what manner I could had helped him resolve things in life. But it's all too late now.

I just came back from his wake... saw his body in the casket. I held my breath and uttered.. "Farewell my friend... you'll be remembered.."† I am still grappling with the fact of his violent death. If it would had been anybody else, the impression wouldn't be that deep. In this case, when friends whom you had somewhat joined part of your life with, they inevitably takes a piece of your soul into their body. I might be post traumatic, but I can almost feel every bit of his terror when he took the plunge. I can feel it. It strikes me even deeper now how important Des' friendship will be to me, and many others. This is worthy of note... because of his departure, I now am reminded again of how each moment is precious with people around me.

Semplice Simone

Nipping it at the Bud

I'd recently spied a few interesting news on the Chinese Newspapers. Something which I felt was quite surprising. You may find it as normal as any other day. Something different I hope you might see after you read my blog. The first incident was the recent death of a 46 year old odd job labourer, who jumped to his death on that fateful night at Chinese Gardens MRT. He died a tragic death and his body had to be picked up in pieces after the train had its head on go at him. He was poor. Only an amount 16 dollars was found on him. The news reported that he left a wife with polio, a factory worker with two sons. The media didn't fail to pick details on this misfortune, engaging the attention of the general public (ie. like me) easily. The ball started and the donations came rolling in. The last I heard, they were drawing in 150K. It's quite amazing the compassion Singaporeans readily shows to people who had seen that end of the road.

But wat struck me most was the answer and question which I searched for earnestly that evening at the news stand. I grabbed a copy of the NewPaper, hoping blankly that somebody's eyes had finally opened to the obvious question. Reading through the details I found it. There was one complete column written by counsellor calling on the appropriate officials to consider the same burning question I had. How did this family missed out on the multi channels available to them for help? There were people out there so willing to reach out to the poor, the struggling person down and out in life. The counsellor claimed that maybe it was a matter of communication, education or mere pride that stopped them asking for help.

Maybe it was a chinese thing. But according to Marcus, the main providence of a living for the family is the basis of life the chinese family fights to meet. Anything compromising this providence of the father male figures, compromise his very dignity in life. They simply refused to seek help. The mother despite not having to able to use her left hand, starts works in a factory and yet keeping mum that they had paid the utilities bills for 4 months. Owing the officials, a hefty 400++ dollars.

To look a further step, my other burning question was... Could this people and their problems be picked out quickly even though they did not initiate and seeks rescue? I could really find the answer as a simple yes. The school teachers could have identify the children who were nutrition or at least paid house visits? How come nobody's checking on people who are missing out on paying their utilities bills? The mother's factory? Does the HR Departmet follows up the the immediate family and their financial status? The income tax declaration.. does anybody analyse or at least pivot off the families having problems, filtering them off to the correct channel or facet of help?

All the above preventive measures could have happened to prevent this tragedy. The truth was it didn't. The questions are many with many more other possible answers. My conclusion? Maybe there are too many quick singaporeans to share their money with the unfortunate, but not enough precious human love to go around when they are alive?

Semplice Simon.

One Short of Thirty

I woke up this morning determined and cautious, counting my stars right that it would be simply a pleasant and non traumatically explosive day for me. It's my birthday!! Yipeee..Marcus was the first to sing me a birthday song. The born-in-the-zoo thing... Mingzhu was next. Meiyi's baby son was born yesterday. So that's another miraculous coincidence. A list of friends came wishing me a Happy and Blessed birthday and there were the usual couple of surprise as usual. Friends whom I never thought remembered, actually remembered. Not that I would ever blame anybody for forgetting my birthday, I don't really remember theirs either. It's time to find out theirs, or at least set in reminders in my Palm.

Nothing exceptionally irritating at work today. Nearly couldn't leave on time. My accountant was chasing me for some stupid Cash Accounting Reporting. Due to system constraints, I have to report how our Cash Flow is doing and what are the variuos element breaking that "flow". Nope, nothing much else at work. Quickly grabbed my bag and ran like the wind. It's my birthday godamnit!!!

I was very excited with what Marcus is doing today. He asked me what I wanted months back. I told him a Sandwich will do. He's always so amazing with his creative ideas and calculated planning in prepare the "Sandwich". We went off the Chen Fu Ji to eat the incredible fried rice with the not-so impressive hot plate toufu and pork ribs. He came up with the sandwich, place a candle on it and I made a wish. What's with the sandwich? I was expecting a simple ham or turkey sandwich, but instead, he spend the afternoon putting together a 9-layered. : Bread, Cheese, Ham, Sun dried tomatos, lettuce, Pork Floss, Olives, frresh strawberry, Fresh tomatos ...hehee.. I ate it all up. YUMS..! It tastes quite interesting....I could taste italian... chinese... Fruit Fresh.. preserved sourness.. they all stand out quite well.

After dinner, we took a walk around Riverside Point.. going Liang Court, bought chocolates, bought some bargain books and music scores from kino. Went down to see an open field area to see guys flying doodle plane thingie. It's a light weight remote controlled propellor plan. Lit up with neon colored wings and zooming and gliding pass in the air. He kept stressing that my birthday was "just-like-that..".. i knew he had something up his sleeves. I have no qualms with my birthday going past peacefully, going thirty but short of 1, we could all appreciate a pleasant non-exciting day.

We went back to his place after dinner. :) He bought a few things for my Birthday, there was a "Stella" Dvd by Bette Midler imported from the states. I was always looking for it ever since I saw it many years ago. It's not widely known. Thus most shops wouldn't bother to bring it in. There were a few more other gifts. A set of Aaron Speakers.. a NAD amplifier, Vincent Ng latest book for oogling, Josh Groban sing-along-cd plus book!! Gosh .. I always like Josh Groban's Music, but not everybody can sing his songs. There was "Parallels for Mac", a program used to run other OS as a virtual machine. Very useful indeed!!



I generally do not bother much with birthday, left on my own I don't thinkI would have bothered to do anything at all. My parents will cook etc. But after coming to certain age like 30, it's probably not a glad thing to remember and celebrate another life token taken away. I'd ot bee ntoo fruitful over the last 1 year and thus, not reassuring to know that I am short off 1 year to accomplish what we had set out to do in life. Birthdays are like, milestones perhaps. In a project, I was taught in PM course that we were suppose to plot in milestone in my project plan, so as to stop pause and examine a few thing. Like budget, resources, deliverables and timing etc.. We will find ouselves to be oddly out of sync with what we initially put up, a fabulous plan it was.

Life's like a big gantt chart perhaps, with many milestone and everytime we review it, we are falling short of it. There are the lucky ones, who achieves almost everything they had planned for, and when the birthday comes, it's tick they put on the check box. Tasks completed.

Perhaps the reason why I have had been letting my birthday past with not much of excitment, is the fact that I did not achieve substantial and important milestone in my life. Coming to think of it, what is there to celebrate actually? An increment in my job? A new and more exciting job? Quite shallow hor? Must think of something. Maybe by next year before my Sep birthday, I can work out a milestone that's worth celebarating the birthday to !!!

Semplice Simon

A Singaporean Dreaming

I finished watching the movie "Singapore Dreaming" directed by Dr Woo Yen Yen. The show basically depicts life's big dreams being unfulfilled in modern Singapore Living. I never did pin very high hopes on local singapore productions, but over the years' of improved productions both on the big screen and in theater, it would do justice to local directors and producers/writers, to see their works and appreciate a taste besides the hollybollywoods. And I wasn't disappointed at all.

The show started with the lady singing an oldie in Hokkien, for which I was too motified to think it would carry the signature singlish and half past english hokkien kind of language for the whole show. It did not turn out that bad. There was a good mix of Hokkien, Chinese, Good english, good singlish etc... If you can't understand Hokkien well, you might just miss a few good hearty jokes here and there.

The story is about a family living in Singapore, heavily in debts and struggling to make ends meet. When the father struck the 2 million lottery, it might seems that the sudden wealth will solve all problems they faced. It is not to be so, watch how the married sister struggles with the bitterness to having second best to her brother, and the second preferred to the parents. See how the husband she married had to fit into the big Singapore dream of making it rich, and to suppress his deepest desire to become a rock musician. By the way, I still don't undestand why the china beer lady asked him for $100 and he turned up later the next morning for the funeral. I am trying not to think that he slept with her. The father, having slogged half his life away in debts of his son's oversea studies 's school fees, had to himself helped his boss work as a credit collector. The son Ah Seng, whom the whole family had pinned their hopes on, tried to led everybody into a false hope and confidence that he actually made it. He only managed to study in a Polytechnical University? That's apparently not a big thing in singapore... according to the indian interviewer. There's also the future to be daughter in law and wife to be of Ah Seng, whose simple world revolves around taking pictures via phone of every other days' mundane events and put in her blog, and faithfully awaits and wishing hard for the day Ah Seng comes and marries her. And last by not least, I applaud the wife, who gave a stunning, refined and precise representation of the whole essence and spirit of the movie.

The bottom line of the show would be what the China lady said : "Some gave up their dreams to work hard and earn money, regardless iif t's the things they don't enjoy. Some use what talents they have and work hard now, so as to fulfill those dreams they have, in the future."

Which one are you? I can only raise my hand in surrender to note, I'm of the first kind. I never really did enjoyed doing Computing and IT. I took it in Poly and Uni simply because it allows me to make a living. My first love was music. I love to play the French horn, the flute and to do conducting. I picked up singing later but still, all these were my first love. After watching the movie, perhaps I should make a long term plan, to see whether I can return to fulfill my dreams. Without realising our visons in life, and living it to fulfill those dreams and passions, wouldn't it be that we are safe but only half real?

Simply Simple MacCookiest Simon

Thou Shalt Surely Crash

Guess what? I was trying to organise my picture in my iPhotos just and MacCooki crashed! Can you believe that? The pop up screen came up neatly and politely addressed the apparent horror I was feeling, telling me that something not "nice" had happened and none of my other applications were affected. It even asked me to provide Apple with details on what was happening before IT actually happened. I wasn't resenting the fact the Mac actually aborted a program prematurely, rather bitter at the realization; Nothing is ever dependable in life. Nothing is indefinitely unchangeable, null-degenerative and immutable. My dependabe little air con might break down know, my fan my start making choky noise and fail on me. My bed might break one of its leg, the window might fall off the hinges and as I am typing away, my wardrobe might just decide to collaspe on me. Nothing and I repeat, nothing is dependable. As Murphy always put it, as something is too go wrong, it will surely come to pass. This is to say of all computer gadgets and devices.

I had recently witnessed a few of my friends being caught in panic when their computers were invaded by an unknown virus or spyware. There was much hooha as expected with the usual rushing around to seek help.. From the knowledgeable Techies, the the whimisical Computer Geeks to the unorthodox Computer Bomohs... None to which, were able to solve their problems. The best solution that i could anyone? The Three Golden Rules of Computer Usage (ie. applies only the Windows and PC users).

They are :

1. Never keep important documents on the same partition/hard disk.
2. Makes sure Virus Scan is up, Windows Firewall is up, Windows/Office Update done.
3. Back up a set of your Programs/Documents externally, and know how to redo your own computer.

In fact, I make it a half yearly event to format my pc. Not just for the fun of it, but to get rid of any strange programs/spyware that might have been written in without my knowledge. There you have it. My point being, not to be too dependent on machines and gadgets. If you even need them for life, make sure you know how to survive resurrecting them.

MacCookiest Simon

Panic Attacks!

I just had a panic attack yesterday. Made an appointment with my hairdresser to have her (butch friend) cut my hair in the newly opened salon at east point simei. Didn't manage to make it clear in the telephone conversation and she ended up having to wait for me at temesek towers instead. Now that's a big boo boo... given that i had even asked my other buch friend MZ to join me. She wanted to see the other butch friend of mine. ok. I'm not too sure whether it's even appropriate to use the term butch on them but they are two very good lesbo friends of mine. MZ being with me for 16 years already and the other, having to had cut my hair since 1994. From my short sec school hair cut.. to the Poly big bob pong pong hair.. to the sudden short clip, to the army shaved and finally ending up today... Anyway back to the topic.. she was later and I was waiting.. waited for 1.5 hours before she came... cut my hair and rushed off to the library to collect a book with MZ.

Marcus was having dinner with Keith.. hmm.. his long time crush. Ok.. nothing's between them but I do feel a bit uneasy whenever they meet up. I don't really mind them actually.. but the fact that it's a long time crush and he's quite cute.. makes me feel a bit .. jealous? insecure? haha i'm not too sure myself. But they are alright. Waited for the carparks here and there. finally collected my book and had to watch MZ have dinner. All the while, we were talking lesbos and their relationships, their uncertaintiies etc.. We aren't that different after all!

I was quite eager to get home. Since i needed to read a couple of books and to pick a few thing, iTuned my music play with my mac etc.. I was quite desperate. Finally MZ fini her Fuzhou Fishballs and rushed again and sent her back home finally reaching home around 930pm. Gosh.. haven't even eaten my dinner yet. Complained a bit about mum having to cook everytime I have outside appointment.. had a bit of lashing out from Dad about me being an ingrate.. and finally hitting the weights. Did 6 x 12 sets of squats and itunes at the same time... and bathed. My books!!!

Start reading around 1030.. really pissed by then.. i was feeling a bit breathless... i not have enough time to finish my stuff. I felt my skin turning cold and felt some jitters crawling up. I tried to catch my breath. To my horror .. i saw visions of the problems I am facing.. the things I am supposed to do.. all turned into life like statues and pointing fingers at me accusingly. I tried suppressing but the silent scream escaped.

Slammed my book shut grab my mac and went back to my bed room. Switched off the bedroom light and sms Marcus.. knew he might still be dwindling with Keith so decided to sleep. Still felt panicky. Marcus called.. I told him wat i was doing and the problems I was facing the whole day. As usual... he's always so patient and sweet at the right times... anyway.. I told him it was a ridiculous time to discuss matters like this pass midnight.. i just wanted to sleep.

This was a panic attack for me .. I never felt time as so strain and thin and my life line hanging thread before. It's an alarming experience. Woke up this morning and told myself.. i need to prioritise.. focus and relax. Life need not be so messy. Take it one at a time. Who's gonna ruin my life beside myself? :)

Simon MacCooki

A Simple Reason

How many things in our lives allows us to make a split second decision and convince ourselves that it's the right thing to do? Blabbering nonsense again yes? Yes! Well, I am quitting my current job now. And the reason which I gave? I'm not happy anymore. Like the many other things in life and the way I approach them nowadays, is the need for urgent let's-not-waste-another-thought-on-it kinda of decisions. Having most of the colleagues which I used to worked with quitting and having their jobs dumped on me, and plus the fact that my lady boss favours fat and charismatically woman please bald man to work for her. I don't exactly fall into her list of pampered babies. She needs to express her materal instincts desperately. As such, much work had been dumped on me because of the fact that I am capable and intelligent .. ( vomit. ) and also, I have the courage to make difference and stand up for my views.

But those reason aren't enough to keep my shoes down and my leg on the ground. I give up. Totally. When she pulled me into the room and asked me for the reason, I told her straight without the slightest tinge of hesitation. I am not happy. I can't possibly see any reason better than that to stop me from changing job. Isn't that the same with many other things we should do in life after 30? I am not happy, I am fedup, don't give me this crap i don't need this.. blah blah.

It took me another 3 months plus to push into the gear of job hunting and finally finding myself one in an established logistic firm in Changi.. near my house thank God. I am happier now, well at least until I start work. But hey, can't blame me for trying to myself happier yes? It's a simple reason.

Simple MacCookiest

MacFun

There are still so many things to learn on this MacBook. There are countless softwares and other cool utilities to explore. Planning to get a book on it this weekend and to read througt. Getting many sources of information from MH too. From magazine, the forum etc. It makes me wonder why I didn't really bothered to learn about it last time. Why do I find it so fun now? But not then? Perhaps I am just another 5 min heat on this short craziness. I hope not. I didn't incur this sudden expense on a short heated feeling.

I guess I am very much like this in life. I never really favored Technology stuff and following up on the trends and gigs of this IT New World has not really been m favorite past time. I would seriously be doing some other things. Singing? Continuing with my horn playing? Hanging out with friends and of course, spending more time with Marcus. All this fun things sometime chokes up more than it oughts to. What am I blabbering about again? Nowadays I cannot even get my train of thoughts correct and in sequentially linked and logical manner.

Did I mention that I am changing job again? Yes... again. I cannot stand my current company anymore. Fancy having to work more when your boss thinks you are able to manage with the extra manpower that just resigned. One of my favorite colleauge's last day today. It was fun with to have her around. I didn't really enjoy her company initially when we first met. The usual happend. As time passes we find the likes of each other and hit it off better. To somehow realise this joy and fun of a companion which I'd found in her. Well, she's no more.

Somethings takes a long time for to realise the loveliness of it, some other things we realised within a short while. While it may still stand to test whether whither of which is able to stand the test of enduring interest, I can only say, I have just begun enjoying MacFun!

Simon MacCooki

My MacCounter

As the man walked to the store behind and emerged with a box in his right hand, my heart beat increased and could faintly taste that dry eagerness on the back of my throat. My fingers had a tingling sensation to them, something which I have long awaited for weeks have finally come. This man is going to give it to me. As he approached, i briefly stuck out my tongue and lick my lips and poised myself for the coming orgasmic experience. It's mine!! Finally...

He placed the box on small little panel in front of me, i rubbed my hands with glee as we brushed our shoulders. I could see the glitter in his eyes mirroring mine. As his hands reached for the box and lifted the lid, rays of glorious light beamed fast out of the inner treasure onto our faces. I held my breath as his quivering hands reached further and pulled free the one thing I have been yearning after. The MacBook!!!

I have been planning to dive into the Mac Technology for quite a number of years. I never did get the chance to fully try and test. Adopting this set of skills was not necessary for me still. But with upcoming Intel Duo Core and the vast possibilities Apple could explore with this realization of Intel Technology and its architecture, there are many wonders that will come about from acquiring this new experience. It has now become important for me as an IT Professional to tell others, I have a Apple Mac at home!

I do not think my skills are ever complete without learning this part or at least experience as a Entry Level beginner to the world of Max OS. I cannot afford to tell my IT peers that know not that one thing which has brought much joy to the computing experience of others. I must learn it!

Of course there are more things I can still do with this piece of gadget, and there are definitely more things to learn. I have still groping in the dark. I hope to get hold of the books and to at least master the essentials.

Wish me the best in this crusade into the world of Macs.

Simon MacCooki