Cap Goh Meh

Was doing my daily visit to my best friend Shaun's blog, and read this very heartfelt message from him:

今日乃华人农历新年元宵节，旭感到很寂寞与无奈。更让旭感到无奈的是无法上线，错过了和家人视讯的机会，让旭无法看见远在家乡的家人。旭感到非常抱歉，尤其是从小宠爱旭的外婆。我想，外婆必定在挂念她在大澳的外孙吃得饱不饱，穿的暖不暖。也让旭感到抱歉的是，旭无法在大日子里亲手上香。

以前，旭无法完全去体会诗人远在他乡思念家人的感受。今天，旭终于感受到了那种思念。旭也在这里跟大家分享这首王维的诗：

独在异乡为异客
每逢佳节倍思亲
遥知兄弟登高处
遍插茱萸少一人

祝 元宵节快乐
爱你们的旭

I still remember the long night both of us spend in the mamak talking about our future and life experiences. Often he couldn't see my point of view, or truly comprehend what I feel. Now, I'm very happy to know that he has grown mentally stronger. Stay strong, bro.

Such deep and meaningful words, and the poem just hits the spot. Shaun, you've always been the artistic one. In fact, Shaun won first prize in every promary school competition for calligraphy and art. He was the best of the best. My interest in art was sparked from this very buddy of mine. ^^

I remember there was once this art competition in primary school. He is well equiped as usual, with his set of 100 colourful crayons and black marker pen. He'd even bring his prelimenary drawings from practicing a few nights ago to refresh his memory. Towards the end, he was struggling to finish his artwork. He broke into tears, but he kept going and going. Even the teacher took pity on him and gave him more time to finish it. He won first prize, yet again.

Shaun, if your reading this: try not to give up your love of art. Even though it might not be a career path like mine, it will be a great part of your character.

Speaking of Cap Goh Meh - I haven't celebrate it for so long, I forgotten what exactly is Cap Goh Meh...

PS: If anyone requires translation, I can try... When I return from China. ^^

5KG!

Just recently, I realised how small this world actually is. My boarding school good friend Yuan Zhang invited me to London School of Economics (LSE) for a function. Although I might not know anyone in particular, but I thought it would be nice to catch up with him.

As it turns out: I met quite a few friends from my secondary boarding school days in Oundle; a few Methodist College juniors whom we all thought each other were very familiar; a couple of friends from Manchester during my university days; as well as many other new aquantances.

I realised: 1) This is the first time since clubbing during "Chinese Night" in Manchester which I met such a large group of concentrated Malaysians and Singaporeans. 2) How long I haven't been clubbing. 3) Man... I can socialise and fit in well. ^^

I'm not surprise when I travel to China next Thursday for 2 weeks, I'll probably bump into old friends there. Speaking of which: yes, I'll be missing in action for 2 weeks, returning 15th March 2008. Take care people, and be good while I'm gone, ok?

Perhaps partly keeping fit and healthy not just for the China/Silk Road trip; but also partly stressed - I've been going to the gym pretty often. Yesterday when I stepped on to the electronic weighing machine, I just couldn't believe my eyes! I'VE LOST 5 KG SINCE 30TH JANUARY 2008!

Still, I don't see much changes when I stand in front of the mirror, perhaps its up to you guys, gals and people out there to tell me. HAH! IN YOUR FACE, LILLIAN! ^^

Recent Changes to My Blog

After many months, I finally took the effort to shift around some things in my blog.

For the overall decoration of my blog: I still kinda like the empty and simple "Vietnamese looking wiseman" picture on the top-left corner. Resembles the name-boards of those new-age Vietnamese/Thai restaurants. You know, those that come with logo printed on the tissues, menus and waiters' white polo-neck shirts.

Finally, the "What I'm Watching" video has changed. Did anyone enjoy the "Negarakuku" video as much as I do? I guess it takes a Malaysian who understands Mandarin to truly appreciate it. I think its just so bold and so well-sung, for an amatuer production. ^^ It has been replaced by this video I found absolutely hilarious! Just watch it and tell me what you think! ^^ I've got a few others to put there, but I'll let you guys and gals enjoy the present one for now. =P

O vigilant ones: you will notice my music player is gone! Yes, stupid http://www.myflashfetish.com/ has for some bloody good reason, always hang my Windows Explorer when I'm accessing the "create a new player" page. Damn bloody pissed off! Anyone facing the same problem? Maybe I try using another computer. I got this wicked song to put there... It creates a mysterious atmosphere... Wooo... Exciting eh? =P

Pay attention to my friend list and you will find my best buddy from Malaysia, Shaun. Sorry Shaun, I know its unrequired publicity stunt, but you're finally blogging! So no more complaining you have not enough people to tag. ^^ Shaun a.k.a "Portalese" (the reason for his nickname dates way back, lazy to explain) have just departed from Malaysia to Perth to further his univeristy education. He has this "daily picture blog" of his life in Perth, but I have a feeling when he is busy it won't be "daily" anymore. Anyhow, do pay a visit and drop a message, saying "Chungy sent me..." ^^ Walau... Like some assasin only...

What else, what else...

1) Wendy refuses to do my meme eventhough she is tagged. 2 other friends have complain how come I never tag them, and you don't even feel privileged. Shame on you... ^^

2) Yuanie has stopped spamming my chatterbox. HMPH!

3) Lillian is back from the dead, now alive in my chatterbox once again. =P

4) Hui Lynn apparently blocked me from visitng her blog... How rude! ^^

5) Allison shifted her blog just by adding another "o" into her blog address. Aiya, so MAFAN! The link has been mended. =)

6) Allysa is back, giving excuses she din't have internet connection, which made me wonder how she survived these few months. ^^"

Anyhow, I've done my share of picking on a few of you. Welcome back everyone!

Been Tagged by the Brat

Introduction

First name: Chung Fui
Nickname: Chungy, Dr. Love
Name you wish you had: Parents should have provided me with a Christian name. =(
What do people normally mistake your name as: "Hi, my name is Chong." "John???"
Birthday: 9th January
Birthplace: Pantai Medical Centre in Bangsar
Time of Birth: I think it was the early hours of the morning.
Single or taken: Taken liao lor.
Zodiac sign: Capricorn

Appearance

Height: Last I measured I was 5'11 1/2"
Wish you were taller: Enuf liao ler.
Eye color: Dark brown
Color you want: Green is kinda exotic... ^^"
Natural hair color: Black
Current hair color: After trying red and lala blond-ish, I think black is still the best. ^^
Short or long hair: Short. Long will never work due to curly hair genes.
Ever dyed your hair a bizarre color: Red for Chinese New Year once; lala blond mohawk + patches (bleaching-technique-gone-wrong) once.
Curly, straight or wavy: Curly like curly fries.
Last time you did something dramatic with your hair: The bleaching was bad.
Glasses or contacts: Glasses to look intelligent, contacts for looking cool and for sports.
Do you wear make-up: Last I checked... Never... -_-"
Ever had hair extensions: If I ever want to be like Nicholas Tze. I don't.

In the Opposite Gender

What color eyes: Depends on what type of girls no?
What color hair: Depends on what type of girls again right?
Shy or outgoing: A lil' bit of both I suppose.
Looks or personality: A good compromise I suppose.
Sexy or cute: I'm leaning towards cute more, but a guy digs sexy once in a while. ^^
Serious or fun: Fun, I guess.
Older or younger than you: Preferably younger... Male ego you see... -_-"
A turn on: Large watery eyes and heart-melting sweet smile.
A turn off: Insecure girls whom are not comfortable with themselves and try hard to be someone they are not.

This or That

Flowers or chocolate: Not a sweet-tooth, flowers are nice.
Pepsi or Coke: Coke... Pepsi leaves a sticky warm aftertaste.
Rock or rap: R&B rap is alright; certain rock songs are good.
Relationship or one-night-stand: Relationship
School or work: Both have their merits.
Love or money: Love
Movies or music: Music
Country or city: Work in city; retire in country. ^^
Sunny or rainy days: Sunny
Friends or family: Family and blood related comes first; but friends comes very close behind.

Have You Ever...

Lied: Who hasn't?
Stole something: Yes, now stop haunting me.
Smoked: Can't say I haven't.
Hurt someone close to you: One way or another in different levels I guess.
Broke someone's heart: Never... Why do you think they call me Dr. Love?
Had your heart broken: Everytime
Wondered what was wrong with you: Once in a while.
Wish you were a prince/princess: A long time ago perhaps.
Liked someone who was taken: Only normal for a guy... But there's a thing called self-control and sensibility.
Shaved your head: Does having my hair menacingly short count?
Been in love: You're talking to a specialist here...
Used chopsticks: Manageable. At least I don't cross them.
Sang in the mirror to yourself: Not just in front of the mirror.

Favorites

Flower: Only giving away gives me pleasure.
Candy: Not much of a sweets person.
Song: I'm one of those people who will criticise and disect a song, thanks to my mum's musical genes.
Scent: Fion's perfume - Sheer Stella
Color: Blue, black, white and brown.
Movie: Latest favorite was 300. SPARTA! ^^
Singer: Too many depends on genre.
Word: Sorry
Junk food: Hardly eat.
Website: http://www.chongchungfui.blogspot.com/
Lotion: Nivea for Men, only because my skin is so dry in UK.
Animal: I wish I could own a white tiger.
Ever cried over someone: I'm not a tearful person.
Is there anything you wish you could change about yourself: Increase my metabolism rate.
Do you think you're attractive: As a decent person, yes.
If you had to choose a fairytale as your life what would you choose: Every fairy tale requirese an ending; my life is just beginning.
Do you play any sports: Rugby, skiing, football, volleyball, badminton, tae-kwon-do, muay thai.

List 8 random facts about yourself and tag 8 people:

1) During winter I suddenly get strange cravings for fried chicken and Coke.
2) I get grouchy throughout the day if I don't get my cup of coffee.
3) My eyes are super red when I first wake up.
4) No matter how short my nap is, I always set my alarm.
5) I have a bad habit of not covering my mouth when I yawn.
6) I hate it, but I shake my legs.
7) I'm genetically quite alchohol-resistant.
8) If I did not pursue my current career path, I would have become a doctor.

1) Shaun
2) Tess
3) Valz
4) Wendy
5) Toudai Mei Tien
6) Junie
7) June
8) Jennifer

Picking Up the Pieces

After my grandma's funeral, everyone is starting to get back on their feet and carry on with their lives. No Chinese New Year celebrations for us this year, but we did have many dinners together as a whole family - to the extent most of us caught a bad case of food poisoining. Well... At least we got closer, and bonded quite alot.

As I was saying before, one of the comforting outcome of my grandmothers funeral was that she brought back all the grandchildren scattered around the world. So, the grandchildren decided and organised a full family photoshoot on Chinese New Year eve.

Rare opportunity it was, who knows when we'll all be together again?

[The full family portrait...]

Goodbye Grandma

Putting aside all the latest in updates (I'm sure all of you guys are wondering what on earth have I disappeared to), it is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of my beloved grandmother at the age of 70+. She had liver cancer but eventually passed away peacefully of a heart failure on Wednesday morning 30th January 2008.

Ironic date really. 30th January 2008 was my darling Fion's birthday. She was very understanding about the situation but I still felt guitly about not being able to celebrate with her.

Also, I received the dreadul SMS only minutes after returning from Linkin Park's Minutes to Midnight Tour 2008 in London, O2 Arena. It was the first time I went to a live concert and it was pretty exciting and surprising actually. This was the belated birthday present from my sister which she hesitated from telling me until we reached the venue. It was a fantastic concert. Will post up pictures and videos when I have the time.

Back to my grandmother's funeral: All of us (10 cousins) rushed home from all over the world just to pay our respects to her. I'm thinking back now, it has been almost 10 years since all 10 cousins were together for an occassion. My grandmother would have been very happy and proud that we are all back.

My sister and I dashed right to the scene after 12+ hours of flight. Staring into the coffin to see the pale grey-ish complexion of my grandmother was... Simply too much to bear. All the memories came flushing back into my brain, and the solomn environment was not helful either.

Tomorrow is the cremation ceremony of my grandmother. Gosh, I wonder how its going to be. I'm going to be home for another week, leaving 10th February 2008 after Chinese New Year.

Will hopefully be able to update soon.