A not so new Start

I'm finally ending up in Kuala Lumpur.

After 5 years of studying from one place to another, from as far east as Australia to the far west of California, USA, I will finally be embarking on my last study trip in Taylor's Lakeside University Campus on Monday.

I know many of my friend's don't understand what the hell I've been doing in the past 6 years since I've left high school, and I don't blame them. It's been a whirlwind of subjects ranging from Piloting, Graphic Design, Animation, and now lastly, Mass Comm. Yes, money has been spent (some will call it wasted), and yes, I should be a working adult by now. But if I'm not ready, I'm not ready. I know the results of my decisions, and the effect it has on my family, and I don't need any extra "advice" from other people who want to make it their personal life's mission to make me feel miserable and guilty.

I'm excited. Very excited. Truthfully, even more excited than when I was heading to San Jose State University back in 2009. At that time, I was nervous, I was anxious, friendless in an unfamiliar locale that did not feel safe, nor did I have my own transportation or someone close to keep me sane. They say that being alone makes you strong. True, but being alone can also lead to depression. And when you're not able to blend in to a programme with the people you mix with, you're are definitely going to suffer in your performance.

Taylor's.... will be a breath of fresh familiar air. Still the same stress of coping with assignments, but this time, with the familiarity of being with a culture and race I know. It helps also to be above the expected age in school. You know how to approach your lessons and ask for help. In a way, its like being given a chance to go back in time.

Judge me, critique me, whatever. I'm here to finish this, to enjoy myself, to be comfortable once again.

To those who can empathize and understand, thank you very much. See you guys soon.

Good night. ;)

Single Awareness Day (SAD)

Every year, around this time, I'm reminded everywhere I turn that it's Valentines Day. Baby Cupids fly around misfiring their arrows at couples that shouldn't be together, people buy overly expensive flowers and chocolates, restaurant's are packed to the brim, and cheesy love songs are played over and over again over the internet.

Personally, I've never had a reason to celebrate Valentines, namely because I've never had a girlfriend in my life. The only time I've remotely embraced the spirit of Valentine's was LAST year when I sent a bouquet of roses to someone in Malaysia despite being overseas. It was apparently very sweet,very charming, mushy, a moment that made me extremely nervous and happy at the same time. I still remember her mum suddenly appearing on her webcam when she received my flowers and said "Eh, i thought you're supposed to send 999 roses? Why only 12?". Unfortunately, things didn't work out the way I hoped in the end. I came back to Malaysia with a lighter wallet, crushed expectations, and still with no significant other.

But in a way, I like Single Awareness Day. It reminds you that you're free to do what you want, that you have the right to fish in the big ocean of women *I dont know if I'll still think this way when I'm 30 though*. It makes being a pervert a normal thing because after all, I'm still looking aren't I?

VDay is also a good chance to MEET new people whom most likely are single as well. Odds are, if you see a pretty girl alone on VDay, it means : (1) their significant other is OVERSEAS, or (2) their single. 50% - 50%. Not too bad right? :)

For this Valentines, I think I'll just contact that girl whom i sent roses to last year, say thank you for still being a great friend, and at the same time, just look around, open my eyes, and hope to spend this day having a great conversation with a girl who is as SAD as me.

Or I could go punch a pillow and wallow in misery or something.

Happy VDay to all you mushy couples and desperate singles!

Rabbit New Year

Its a long time since I've been able to celebrate Chinese New Year in Malaysia. 5 years to be exact. And despite the gatherings I have had overseas with friends to usher in the new year, nothing beats being back home with family over food and talk.


The opportunity to meet up with my uncles, aunties, cousins, my niece and nephews is an occasion to be savored. An atmosphere where you are surrounded by the ones that you can count on to be there for you no matter what. And of course, the delight of feasting on a variety of meats and dishes! :)


I must admit im blessed to have great uncles who are especially good with a grill, and whom also have a tendency to purchase "Cream" rum flavored beverages. And of course, the taste of rum is 10 times stronger than any rum flavored ice cream you can get. This coupled with BBQ chicken, salads, steaks, beef, and banana layered cake just made me wish Chinese New Year would never end.

I also finally had the chance to participate in a "Yee Sang", a cultural procedure for Chinese New Year. It's something that I've seen many times on TV and chinese drama shows, but an event that I've strangely missed out on all this while.

The idea is that you have a batch of ingredients compromised of various salty/sour veges, add in peanut powders, crackers, SASHIMI *I cant imagine EVERY family throwing in bits of sashimi though*, pour in some sweet sauces, then, on the count of 3, the whole family sticks their chopsticks in at the same time and STIRS, all while wishing everyone the best of luck in their future endeavors and love life.

Still, amidst all the savoring of food and drinks, the thing that surprises me the most is the growth of my niece and nephews. 5 years is long time to miss out on meeting your relatives, and if they are still babies the last time you saw them , you better EXPECT extraordinary growth rates.

Ryan's understanding of RPG games at his age (6) is just astounding. No way i was as good as him at his age. Probably nowhere as good as him even right now. @@

Andrea, 8, has grown into an extremely photogenic girl, posing at will whenever a camera turns her way. I expect her to be quite the showstopper in 15 years time ;)

I'm still not used to being called Uncle. I rather they called me "Koko". We're not really that different in age are we??? *beats self in denial*~~

But of course, Chinese New Year is always going to be about the "Ang Pows" for us "youngsters" *again, living in denial*.

No matter the amount received from "Ang Pows", the general message of CNY is the spirit of giving , of knowing that family is there to care for you (and to provide more ang pows so long as you're not married) and to share moments together. And this, I hope to experience for the years to come now that I will be remaining in Malaysia for the foreseeable moment.

Happy Rabbit New Year everyone!