How My Parents Met

This is really interesting, but before we get to the cream of the chicken, let me just tell you how this topic came by.

A few days ago, I was accompanying my mum shopping around Manchester like any faithful obedient son would. My dress code however, was not very pleasing to my mum. I wore a grey t-shirt, dark navy blue jeans, brown belt, black lether jacket and a dominant blue scarf. (picture below) Reason: I look like a Pakistani. I asked her why, she answer, "neh, you know only those ah chas' like to wear lether jacket and scarfs of these patterns..." My brother, my sister and I exchanged looks and went, "yer, mamee... You're so racist wan."

It wasn't until later in the night, as she sat down on my sister's bed chatting with my sister and I did I found out the incident which haunts her past and present - but even more interestingly, how my father and mother got together. The flashback goes like this.

She once rented a house in Hammersmith in London to study hairdressing. The landord was an "ah cha". At first he was nice to her, but when she paid her deposit he became really irritating, accusing my mum of the things she did not do. That's how she came about having bad impressions of dark skined people.

As for my father: Before the house in Hammersmith, she lived in a flat, and my dad lived in the flat above. She disliked how my father and his friends behave and eventually moved out. But when this situation emerged - knowing not many friends and feeling helpless at that time, she had to call my father and his friends over so the landlord could be slightly intimidated. True enough, everything stopped, but my mum again decided to move back to the flat beneath my father's. Out of gratitude, by mum obviously thanked them and showed her appreciation in various lil' ways: and that was when my father began to woo her.

Funny thing this. My mother, the all most sensible person in the whole wide world said that, she knew - my father was not the man for her. He has got nothing in common with her. But she still ended up marrying him for reason which only feelings can explain at that time, unfortunately. And now look at both of them, already living seperately; on the brink of a divorce any day now.

Moral of the lesson from mother: when 2 people first meet, it's their passion and ideals which brings and holds them together. When 2 people get married, their marriage is the factor which binds them together, hence they think twice about divorcing. When a couple have children, their children becomes the binding factor for them to be together. When a couple's children grows up and leaves them, it is their common interests which holds them together until they die.

Anyway, what she basically meant was: factors which keep people together changes through time, hence the people will have to change in order to adapt accordingly.

PS: my sense of fashion is not THAT bad is it? =P

"Show Me the Money!"

My parents were the most practical people with gifts. My mother told me that day, that since its Christmas and that they did not give us any presents, they have decided to give us (sister, brother and me) 50 pounds each to spend. Remembering my 21st birthday is coming on 9th of January, my parents decided to award me an extra 50 pounds of spending money. 100 pounds to spend. That's alot of money.

On my sister's 21st birthday, my father bought her a Sony digicam. That was what she wanted. I was walking on the frozen streets of Manchester, thinking what I really want to spend my 100 pounds on. I walked and thought about it, but then it dawned upon me: I don't need anything. Even better, I don't want anything else. So, Am I happy the way I am now?

No, I want lots of things. There are in fact many important things in life that I really desire, but unfortunately: money can't buy what I really want, in fact, what I really need.

I ask myself why can't I just be more materialistic like some people, and indulge myself in happiness by buying something that will entertain or compliment myself. Perhaps throughout the years, many incidents hav made me realised, that materialistic things can be bought easily; but also lost just as easily. They are not worth cherrishing. A loaf of bread will go mouldy in a few days; a laptop will break down after a few years. But when I bought Christmas presents for people around me, I realised what life is all about.

I bought Ferrero Rocher chocolates for my chefs in the restaurant, and their awkward appreciative smiles were more than words for me. When I handed a few boxes of Lindor chocolates for the outside staff to share, each and everyone of their hugs, felt really warm and meaningful. When I was in London a few days ago, I bought a mouse for a family friend whom really needed it because his mouse was not sensative anymore: his pat on my shoulders, sent vibes of love all the way to my heart.

A person can be all genius in the mind, but I have re-educated myself this Christmas, that its all about the heart. I shall end this with a quote from the film Jerry Maguire (which I have just recently watched on TV), "if there's nothing here (touches heart); then there's nothing up here (touches brain)." Life is not always all about "show me the money!"

Restaurant Politics

Just came back from working in my restaurant, been working since 12noon until 12am with only an hours break in between. I wasn't supposed to be working, but something came up, and only when I was working today I found out, it was none other that the effect of restaurant politics.

We all know politics are dirty in someways, but did you know even a lil' restaurant has their own politic problems? I was asked to fill in for a lady whom did not turn up to work because she had an arguement with another member of staff. I have always noticed these things: how some people murmer chinese whispers about some other person, how some people are treated indifferently, how some people dominate conversations etc... Then, it dawned upon me: I'm not involved in any of these. Not at all. When we have quiet chats in the kitchen alone with my head chef during not busy nights, he commented that, in no way have I offended or caused any dislike for other people. I'm apparently, well liked. Hmmm... That's a nice thought.

But then it made me think deeper. Why everyone else but not me? I'm just as involved as everyone else. My chef answered me: its because I'm a simple person. At first I thought, "am I so simple minded that I don't know any of these things?" I began to think, perhaps I have been so silly and ignorant about things in my life, that I can't see and comprehend what is going on. After all, I AM the youngest of all. It was my mistake. He said it was a compliment.

He said the fact that I was simple, I have not got myself into any trouble. Yes, things like these affect me in some ways, but more importantly - I have done what I have supposed to do; done what I believe and have done them right. I told him that I might be ignorant, but he said, sometimes people can just be happier by not even going there. So, I should be happy but ignorant?

I was shocked when he said, "I don't think you are ignorant, in fact I think you understand these things pretty well. It's true now that he mentions it. He said, "Just because you don't go there doesn't mean you don't know what is going on - you were smart to not go there." It's s true: I knew what was happening and I could have easily got involved (I spend so much time working with my head chef, I know all the problem which arises), but I din't because by the nature of my simpleness - I avoided them unintentionally but still able to understand what is going on. Have I got the best of both worlds?

I guess the moral of the story is: it is important in life to be simple with things; but not be ignorant of the problems. You might understand what's happening; but it doesn't mean you have to indulge yourself in those problems. I guess it really does apply to my feelings right now.


Speaking of which, my head chef was, unexpectedly, the second person to give me a Christmas present. It was quite an unexpected gesture: my head chef was never a soft emotional type. He had to put on a hard face when he gave it to me, bless him. It was most meaningful to me, as I was the only one to get a present from him. How ironic: I used to hate Christmas because it was the season where I feel most depressed every year. It still is - but this year, I have received, so far, 2 Christmas present from 2 of the people that I really place close to my heart. One of them is the angel of my heart; another is close like my father.

Merry Christmas and happy holdays everybody.

Monopoly Madness

Recently, alot of things have been on my mind. Somethings I wish I could say or do, but I can't. All I can do, is try to take my mind off them: how effecient of me. Anyways, like I said, there's nothing I can do, so... Let's see, what happened lately... Ah yes, I rediscovered the joy of playing monopoly. I know its lame, but hell, what ever it takes to clear my mind.

The players consist of my sister, my brother, a close friend of sister's and me. Sister's friend was not very active at it, and was soon the first to go bankrupt. Sister was smart, but not smart enough, especially when she decided to sell Mayfair to me. Brother was good, too good in fact. As soon as he bought an entire coloured lot, he spend every penny he has on bulding houses. In some ways, it was his downfall too: he stepped on my hotelled Mayfair twice, hence his Vine Street often fluctuated between houses and hotels. As my brother jokingly puts it - his property kept falling and rising in the stars due to electricity cut, as I owned the electric company.

It was great fun to see my sister and her friend crumble before me and my brother, selling off mortgaged properties in return for favours so they won't go bankrupt. It was even greater fun watching the "kiasu" expression on my younger brother's face, you can literally see the changes: his excitement when I step on Vine Street; his crushed look when he lands on Park Lane. My sister was saying to her friend, "eiii, we are being destroyed by the young ones lar..."

Game lasted for 4 hours, and we finally stopped when we saw the dubbed version of Chow Yun Fatt's movie called "The Killer" is broadcasted on TV. Although an old movie and poorly dubbed, it was nostalgic, to see a Chinese movie production in UK. Old.... Hmmm... seems to be that day's theme. Even I feel old, like a dying 80 year old man. I'm actually a big fan of Chow Yun Fatt - not only because he looks really similar to my father. I wonder, is that why my mother married my father?
PS: Forgive me if my blog seems falt and tasteless these days. I have a few good reasons. Sincere appologies people.

High Noon Show Down: Part II

WARNING: NOT FOR THE SANE MINDED

NOTE FROM AUTHOR: It seems like I have collected enough information on how my story is going to end. A week ago, I chose 2 pictures for displaying in my finale: one, a heart with angelic wings and a halo; two, a heart with barbed wire surrounding it, bleeding. This is to compliment the outcome of the story. The trick is: only one will be displayed. Judging by recent research, it seems I'm finally able to complete my scriptwriting.

A REMINDER: bouquet of flower = BOF, meaning behind the flower = MBTF

BOF and MTBF stared at each others eyes intently. In a flash, both drawed their weapons and 2 gunshots were heard in succession. One gunshot was fired only slightly later than the other. One of them is shot. Both BOF and MTBF remained calm and still, as if they were frozen.

Then, MBTF holsters his gun. He straightens his tie and then, he turns around and walk away slowly towards the sunset. He din't get very far. After 5 steps he collapsed onto his knees, clutching his chest. BOF looked down and saw the horror that is a bullet hole which pierced straight through his heart. Fresh blood came gushing out like a fountain of raspberry juice. He starts to lose conciousness. With his final breath, he muttered, "how could evil prevail?" Then, he died.

BOF laughed an evil laugh so loud it echoed the entired town. The public quietly mourned for the death of the hero in sorrow, but the villain has won. MTBF imposed his tyranic rule over the poor town where the people there suffered and lived sadly forever and ever. The end.

MORAL BEHIND THE STORY: People do not cherrish meaningful love anymore; they prefer materialistic love instead.

Mummy Says...

Chirstmas holiday is here but I feel nothing has changed. When you start to get free time on your hands, at some point you start to think more about life. Time for a self review... Again.

I realise I am quite aimless in terms of short term commitments. Holidays are here, its usualy for people to start planning out their holidays, you know, the usual "I'm going to do this and that". For me, I am lost. I don't even ponder about it. All I can see is: working on Saturdays and Sundays, sleeping at the most odd hours, playing computer games, revise for examinations in January. Full stop. I realise I don't make things exciting. Do I like it monotonous and plain? Do I like my hotdog without mustard and ketchup? I wonder...

However, I'm a big dreamer. I dream of many great things to come. I dream of getting an interesting and exciting job, earning my own money, buying my own car, coming home to my own home, eating my wife's home cooked meals, playing with my children, falling asleep by my wife, dying old in bed peacefully.

My mum always tell me, "Chung Fui, don't talk so big, you're not even done studying university yet..." I know this but it makes me wonder, is it wrong to be a dreamer? or should a person be more realistic with life? I asked the literally, all knowing: mummy. Surprisingly, for the first time, instead of criticising me, she actually took this topic of conversation quite seriously, giving me her most wise and in depth advice. Is this finally the beginning of an adult conversation? =P

She said that: a person can dream, what's life without dreams anyway? Everybody must have a dream or aim which they can live towards but people tend to get carried away. Being realistic and down to earth is good, things can be planned out logical and systematically, but people whom are too realistic tend to look to pesimistic side of things at hand, they wouldn't do anything risky, taking uneccessary risks in life. So... Which one?

She continued: a balance of both, basically, but one line really did ring a bell. She said, "Chung Fui, a person needs to have an aim in life, BUT... There is no use dreaming over it unless you take determined actions in order to achieve your aims. If you achieve what you set out to do, then... You are a realistic person." I was left baffled as these words of wisdom as they set into my brain.

BUT... this wasn't the end! Here comes the criticisims. *SIGH* Somethings NEVER change. =(

She followed on: A lil' university undergraduate like you, think you own the world just because you start earning that lil' bit of money from the restaurant. Don't even get carried away enjoying the benefits of earning that lil' bit of spending money. A 20 year old like you have your entire life to work, you have to fill youself now with all the knowledge, then with your "full stomach of ink", you can strive for a better future.

STILL... this wasn't the end! Here comes the story telling time. =(

She lectured: You think getting rich when you're 20 years old is a great achievement? Let me tell you this - I started my singing career, earning my own money when I was 15 to support my family. Just look at your cousin A and cousin B. Cousin A din't pursue with studies and went to work; cousin B stayed and graduated from university. At first, cousin A seemed so well off, you know, able to buy what they liked, own things they want at their early 20s, how tempting it is. But when cousin B came out to find a job, straight away, with his experience and knowledge, he was able to get a salary more than twice of cousin A. Now, cousin A is struggling in life, still stagnant there, while cousin B is doing better and better.

Typical example. Parents just can't stop comparing. It does makes me think though. Call me vain; call me too proud, but my friends used to tell me to try out modelling. There used to be this "talent house" as they call it, where you can audition and if you're talented in some way, they guide you towards stardom, apparently. Now here comes the vain and proud part: they think I would've made it as a rich and successful teenager if I walked this path. The reasons my friends thought so was because, I've got a unique mixed "see once, can't forget" look, good height and build, sense of humour and charm. I even nearly got persuaded to participate in a MTV VJ audition.

However, it dawned upon me. There is something more important than life than just being rich, especially being rich quick. These days, you walk down the street, you see lil' grils with LV handbags; lil' boys driving Ferraris': they're perfectly nice decent people, they earn their money and spend it in the most legal and sensible way - but this picture just doesn't fit. I draw myself a mental picture: me, 20 years old, driving sports car, talking business, attending important events - no, its not me - maybe when I'm 30 years old, yes. =P If you gave me a million dollar when I'm 15, 20 and 25 years old respectively, I would have treated the money differently - well... Some people like my mummy managed her money well when she was 15, so it doesn't apply to everyone of course. I just think a 20 year old, should have more important things to focus on rather than worrying about growing up and be succesful - what happen to taking life step by step? Why the rush? So, like modelling, people get old, people get pimples, people even get accidental scars on their face: a sudden mishap might mean shattering a person's rice bowl. Now THAT would be tragic.

So I'm not a model now, I'm a 2nd year university student. Do I like my hotdog with mustard and ketchup you say? Let me answer you metaphorically: I dream of making a hotdog sauce containing a mixure of mustard and ketchup: although dreaming too far, but prepared to turn it into reality. *Eats plain hotdog* =P

I Love Cheap Movie Productions

No, I don't, really. But THIS particular one, I like. I just came accross this picture taken from a freezeframe of the movie yesterday on the internet, it brought back loads of loving memories as well as smiles on my face. =)

This movie that I'm talking about: it's called "Bamboo Shoot" or "Zi4 Yu2 Zi4 Le4" (numbers represent use of pin yin) in mandarin, which literally means "self entertain self happy". Oh, nearly forgot: it features Coco Lee too. =P

The plot? Quite unique actually. The story is regarding this young film director wannabe from a small village in China who wants to be a famous director one day, directing Chinese kungfu movies. However, because he is poor, all he could afford was his lil' handycam and a lot of supportive village labour. So everything looks very amatuerish. For example, he did a battle scene where the general was wearing cardboard armour and wore a motocycle helmet with horns, holding a frying pan lid as a sheild. It was hilarious! =)

But then: he became smarter and smarter and he devised ways he could make his movie look more impressive. For example: he reversed the frame where a person jumped down from a ridge hence it looks like the person defied gravity and leaped up the ridge; he built a roof top so he could film a roof top scene without actually having to be on the rooftop; he made the hero fly without actually flying by turning the camera 360 degrees having the hero running around the camera while extras hold different length bamboos revolving around the director. Ingenius! =P

Too bad I din't get to see the ending of the movie, I was busy warming up the sofa and eating yellow watermellon with my darling Valz, so I'm not too bothered missing the last bit. =P

My Christmas Star

I've said this many times. I don't like winter. Not because I don't like fluffy white snow and Christmas: I love them. Winter just never bode any good will and fortune for me. This winter, as the weather gets colder and the day gets shorter, so does the happiness of my life. The season to start thinking about ways to kill yourself emerges once again.

I fall, I drag every aspect of my life along with me. My studies have plunged an entire grade: 2nd year harder or I'm growing more stupid? Becuase I certainly HAVE been studying! Studying hard late at night have cost me my health. My eyebags are darker and larger than used tea bags and I have just caught a cough. A F***ING cough! This is the last thing you would want to catch in winter. Christmas comes and all my friends: both local UK and Malaysian are all going home. Me? I'm stuck here in this freezing shit hole, only able to dream what I would be doing back in Malaysia and looking forward to Summer holidays. At least my mother and brother are over. Also, my incompetence and insensitivity have led to many misunderstandings with my loved one, which I truely regret.

Just as I thought my life was gonna crumble like a fragile snowball, I recieved a red Christmas card. Inside, beared all the warmest greetings and passion enough to melt all the snow around me. The Christmas card did it, it managed to light up the rest of my winter. It gave me back the courage to face the rest of the harsh winter; gave me the faith to believe in what I believe in; and hope for the best in future.

I read the card again and again. I smiled, and I knew... Everything is going to be just fine. My Christmas star has send her blessings to me. =)

High Noon Show Down: Part I

WARNING: NOT FOR THE SANE MINDED

A "bouquet of flower" (BOF) walked into a bar. It walked towards the bartender and ordered a shot of whisky and downed it in one go. He then confidently stood on top of the stool and shouted to everyone in the bar, "I bet I'm the most important thing in a relationship!"

For the corner of the bar, a "meaning behind the flower" (MBTF) stood up and said in a cool tone, "I think I'm more important than you in a relationship!" They stared and clenched their teeth at each other. Its time for a show down on high noon.

Both BOF and MBTF stood facing each other on the long straight dusty road. The hot sun was shinning brightly, sweat poured down their foreheads like rain. Any moment: one of them would be lying dead on the road; the other walking into the bar for a victory drink.

Is BOF who claims that its expensive beautiful flowers, going to kill our hero and rule the town with his filthy greasy fingers? Or is MBTF whom claims that deep passion will save the town and shower the townsfolk with all the love in its heart? Fate will decided how this story ends. To be continued...

When Gays Play Chess

Ever heard of dumb blonde jokes where the dumb blonde can't play chess? Well: I've just realised recently that homosexuals can't play chess either... Some of them anyway.

I was at a Malaysian restaurant called "Jati" one night waiting for a friend to arrive for dinner. At the corner, laid a chess set, all set up. I sat on the sofa waiting for my friend, thinking it was too sad for me to play it by myself. As I sat down, a couple of twinks sat down as well and started playing chess. It was pretty obvious they were gays: *waves hands with limp wrists around* "Ooo... Arn't these lil' thingamagigies (chess peices) nice n pretty?" So they went on playing as I observe from nearby. It was clear both of them din't know how to play chess: one of them was a rookie. Fair enough, but he was teaching the other gay guy like an expert! The other gay guy was far worse: "so a this lil' dude here can move straight but eats diagonally? Can it fly here and eat your horse?" THAT stupid. Below was the climax where I din't know whether to laugh or cry:

Really Stupid Gay: *Moves king forward hence exposing it to threats*
Expert Wannabe Gay: "Errr... I don't think that's wise, you have to protect your king!"
Really Stupid Gay: "Is that my king?"
Me "..."
Expert Wannabe Gay: "Uhuh."
Really Stupid Gay: "But I wanna move it there!"
Me: "..."
Expert Wannabe Gay: "But its dangerous! You have to hide it behind your other pieces!"
Really Stupid Gay: "Pieces of what?"
Me: "..."
Expert Wannabe Gay: "Hide it behind your other chess pieces!"
Really Stupid Gay: *Sulks and puts his king back to place* "How am I supposed to hide it anyway? The king's the tallest among all other thingamagigies!"
Me: "..."
Expert Wannabe Gay: "Well, the queen is pretty tall too!"
Me: "..."
Really Stupid Gay: *Removes king from chessboard and puts it in his pocket* "I know, if I take it and hide it in my pocket, then it will be safe!"
Me: "..."
Expert Wannabe Gay: "That's a good idea!"
Me: "..."