25 yo Melbournian. Born and bred in the shadows of a city called KL. Survives on chocolates, lots of sleep and the comfort of good company. Loves a good laugh, a good book, a good cry, a good movie.

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for." - Joseph Addison

30.8.04

Happy Birthday Seong!

My first impression of Seong was "Ohmygod, what a loudmouth!"
My second impression of Seong was "Ohmygod, he is LOUD!"
But some people just grow on you once you get to know them a little better. I used to be quite intimidated by Seong - probably coz of his loud voice, but as it turns out, he is quite a clown in his own way. He's one of those rare individuals who couldn't care less what anyone else thinks about him. Quite the daredevil he is. I can't decide if I should feel safe or worried when I am out with him.

Anyhoo, we've had some fun times together. And some not so fun times. I refuse to watch any movie with him, especially if he's watching it for the 2nd time because he just kills every joke that comes up. Hope you have a real good one. Time to start acting your age!!! *hugs*

To Kok Wing, it was nice seeing you around Melbourne the past few weeks - although I think I only saw you 4 times? Hope you had a good trip and have a safe flight back home!!!

Mel, Beth, Kok Wing & Steve

29.8.04

Fatigue makes you do the dumbest things. Things that you wouldn't normally do. Can't help but feel a little stupid after what happened last night. Distracted by all the excitement of getting to Embassy, or rather, by my lack of sleep, I left my car keys in the car! And I only realised what I did when we were leaving the club. So there we were, four girls on the streets in the wee hours of the morning. Thanks to Ben and Gavin for giving us a lift.

An especially big thanks to Mike for dragging your ass all the way up to the city at an ungodly hour. Spent a half hour trying to pick the lock with keys and a coat hanger. The whole coat hanger trick didn't work because of the way the lock was designed. So I came home, got the spare keys from my brother, then went back to get the car. Thankfully the battery didn't go flat because I left the ignition on. So basically, on a scale of 1 - 10 I feel a stupid factor of 20! Didn't get home till about 6 this morning.

Future note to self: Do not leave keys in ignition!!!

Hype - Pre-Merdeka party

28.8.04

It has been a long week indeed, and it ain't over! Stepped off the plane yesterday, headed home, took a half hour nap and then it was off to Hype. For the first time in awhile, it wasn't packed! There was no queue and I was glad. In typical Malaysian fashion, everyone just pretty much stood around with their drinks in hand, attempting to create conversation in a not so conversation friendly environment. The dance floor was EMPTY. After a couple of drinks, the girls and I (and Gavin) decided to start everyone off and away we went. 10 minutes later, everyone was groovin on the dance floor. So *hooray* to us for getting it going! To the boys who were tryin to get me smashed, I say TRY AGAIN!!! You guys didn't even get close!

From the beautiful scenery of Coogee yesterday afternoon...

... to the party scene in Melbourne

(1) Mel & Sui Lin (2) Kevin, Ru Hann & Gavin

L-R: Chiew Wai, Tania, Mel, Sui Lin, Ben, Lynn, Angeline & Rachel

... and here we are again after one too many drinks

(1) Gavin & Mel (2) Lynn, Sui Lin & Gavin

(1) Angeline & Tun Suan (2) Ben looking rather stoned

Time for me to get some rest before another late night at Embassy tonight!

27.8.04

I had ONE drink - a Screwdriver. And somehow, I think that was just one drink too many. Or maybe just gulping down the whole glass wasn't the brightest of ideas. I feel completely bloated. All I've been doing here has been eat, eat and then eat some more. My guess is that I have probably gained 2 kgs since I've been in Sydney. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, evening tea and dinner for the past 4 days. Absolutely fantastic.

The worst is over. 3 days of hard work... nah, I wouldn't exactly say we worked too hard. Although the three of us - Brian, John and myself, stayed up till 12.30am last night trying to complete our presentation. We could have probably finished it an hour earlier, but we were just too tired and we probably spent most of our time just chatting about absolute rubbish.

In hindsight, the trip wasn't all that bad (refer previous post). We had a few good laughs. Met a few interesting characters. Did the whole networking thing. And it was a good getaway from Melbourne and the office. I haven't so much as stepped out from this place as yet, so for anyone (Lynn specifically!!) who is expecting me to bring back a box of Krispy Kremes for them, keep dreaming!!! I haven't even tried them myself!!! Although when I think about it, it's not too bad living somewhere where my bed is made everyday. I've got fresh towels on the bench everyday. A new block of soap everyday. Aaaahhh.. how perfect would life be. It may not be New York, but it's all good. 12 more hours and i'm on my way back to party at Hype tonight. I'm still not a 100% recovered ever since I fell sick last week. It's taking a long time, and it's starting to worry me a little. I'm beginning to think that something is seriously wrong with my health. Having said that, I should really consider getting a medical examination. I haven't had one of those done in like, oh, say 6 years??!?!? That's pretty darn long ago.

Anyway, it's off to my nice bed with clean sheets. Toodles and catch some of you tomorrow!!!

24.8.04

Greetings from Coogee. Am I having the time of my life? Fuck no. Granted, I'm putting up in a nice little hotel, right across from the beach, all expenses paid for - yet, fun is not the first word that would spring to mind. Why you may ask? Let me explain. I have been here two days and I have stepped out of this hotel ONCE. The company has decided to work our little asses off by giving us some crap case study, which frankly, no one really cares about. My team mates and I have absolutely NO CLUE what to do and we have a presentation to give on Thursday - a presentation which will be judged, BUT yet, will in no way have any positive influence on our remuneration or work in the real world. Frankly, I couldn't really give a crap what we do / don't do, but at the same time, I don't wanna have to end up standing up there looking like a complete idiot. So yes, that is what we have been doing in our spare time - WORK! We started at 8.30 this morning, and we didn't finish up till 10pm before. And it's going to be pretty much this way up until Thursday evening. So, NO, fun isn't what it is.

The beach is great - I only got to catch a glimpse of it for like 10 minutes. The group of grads that I'm with they are MAD and FUN! But all the fun has been taken out by work. Why am I not out now instead of writing this entry? Well, nothing is open around here at this hour. We're nowhere near the city, everything's shut, and it's just me and the Olympics at this hour.

Damnit, I sound miserable. If I knew we had to work our asses off, I would have rather not come!!! I miss my bed and I miss Melbourne (never thought I would say that!!!) I guess I should be happy that I got to go on a "trip" but it hasn't really been much of a trip so far. Anyway, hope you guys are living it up in Melbourne having fun without me!!! *sobs and cries*

The Departure of LoLa

23.8.04

Last night was the last night I saw her. She has left us on a journey somewhere far away, high into the skies. Girl I hope you like it there where its always warm and sunny, have fun while you're at it. Missing you while you're gone..*hugs*. Come back LoLa....and clean your jungle!

- Gavin Tan -

22.8.04

I am not normally an impatient person, but I've been having a really bad couple of days on the road. I hate weekend drivers! They drive so slow. Yea, okay so the weekend is meant to be relaxing etc and it should be stress free. But some of us still have to get places on time, even though you don't! I admit I may not be the most perfect role model driver on the road. I can't park properly. I can't manoeuvre too fantastic in reverse mode (I just have trouble doing things in the opposite direction). I can't even drive a manual car. But I would like to think I'm a pretty considerate driver most of the time. Some of the things I cannot stand are:

1. Drivers who drive at 50km/h on an 80km/h stretch, on the RIGHT lane!!!

2. People who change lanes immediately after they indicate without giving a shit about how far / fast the car in the next lane is going, just because they drive a modified Lancer

3. People who cut into your lane and then slow down immediately, thus forcing you to jam on the brakes.

4. People who can't decide whether they want to drive on the right or on the left lane, and so make a compromise and drive in the middle of the road.

5. People who believe their car is worth twice as much as anyone else's and thus deserves TWO parking spots - irrespective of how much inconvenience it may cause to everyone else!

6. Drivers who choose to race down little laneways / alleys, knowing full well that pedestrians are constantly crossing - there's a time and place for this type of driving.

7. The burnout boys on Chapel St who choose to suffocate us all with the smell of burnt rubber.

8. Drivers who wait for parking 5 cars too far away and then claim that every available car space is THEIRS because they were waiting there first. This has happened to me more than once especially in shopping centres. These people wait in their cars for someone to leave, and there I am happily waiting a little bit further behind them and someone leaves just right where I am. So OBVIOUSLY I indicate and park. Then they drive over to me and tell me that I took their spot because they were waiting there first. First of all, WTF?! Secondly, TOUGH LUCK. They might just as well wait at the bloody entrance of the car park and then just claim the next available car spot even if it's at the other end of the car park! Sometimes, I just give it to them coz I refuse to argue with people who have such unreasonable mentality.

I will be away for a week, so until then, Sydney here I come!!!

21.8.04

I have awaken from my peaceful slumber. I slept from 7pm yesterday evening, to 1pm this afternoon. I have been feeling crook with severe stomach problems, and am probably dehydrated. But I was reminded yesterday of how lucky I am to have such great friends!!! Thanks to Ben & Chew for bringing me food at 1.30 in the morning!!! You guys are the BEST!!! Thanks so much!!! If it wasn't for you guys, I would have only consumed 3 Buscopans, 2 Ultracarbons and 2 Imodiums yesterday! Truly truly appreciated!!! *big big hugs*

Anyhoo, just a few random pics that were taken over the past couple of weeks:

(1) Mindy, Aaron, Mel & Angeline @ Hype (2) Lynn & Gavin @ Hype

(1) Sui Lin & Mel @ Hype (2) Mel, Yu Ann & Sui Lin @ Stellar Bar

(1) Mindy & Aaron @ Stellar Bar (2) Gavin, Chew & Kevin @ Stellar Bar

R.I.P. Frank

20.8.04

I never knew Frank personally. He would occassionally wave at me from across the road when he saw me. Frank lived across from Mike's house. An elderly gentleman, who kept to himself most of the time. From what I gathered, he was a very nice and pleasant man who lived by himself in a run down weatherboard house, just him and his cats. Mike and some friends used to get him christmas hampers with ham and food stuff during the festive season. They also very kindly volunteered to mow his overgrown lawn once, sometime last year.

No one noticed his absence for a few days, until a neighbour called the cops a couple of days ago. They found him sleeping peacefully. Rest in peace.

18.8.04

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUMMY!!!

Hope you liked the flowers! They got delivered a little too early, but it's the thought that counts! It's hard not being able to celebrate your birthdays with you ever since we started living in different continents. And it's only going to get even harder now that my dear mummy is half way across the globe from me. I'll make my way there one day... hopefully next year. *reminds myself to save save save!* I miss you loads, but I am so glad that you are happy where you are now.

Today is indeed a big day for birthdays...

Happy Birthday Skinner & Chiew Wai!!!

I have no idea where you are now Skinner. I have not seen you ever since I started working. I even had to sit down to think what your first name was... but I got it, Andrew!!! *haha* Catch up soon mate! Hope you're not still binge drinking and puffing away on cigars!!!

Chiew Wai, hmmm.. he's known as the 'gel boy'. Enough said. Happy Birthday dude!!!

16.8.04

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IVAN!!!

Cheng Leong, IVAN, yue meng, Mel

Dear abang fai *haha*... HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY!!! I have known this boy since primary 3!!! Which means we have actually known each other for 15 years or so. I don't really remember much about him in school. The only things I probably remember is a skinny.. no wait, a scrawny guy, quite noisy sometimes, and with whom we used to play 'Police & Thief' with during lunch breaks. We lost touch pretty much after primary school, even though we were still in the same school, we never really spoke much after. But being the small world that it is, we were recently reacquainted through some mutual friends. Barely recognised him .. all grown up and hubba hubba! hahaha. Anyway, this guy is a bundle of fun, someone who has kept me company online almost everyday with his endless flow of crap! Hope you have a good one!!!

Suicon Powahh!!

16.8.04

Showing the love....

-small ben

Life's a rollercoaster... just gotta ride it

15.8.04

Something just isn't quite right when you dread waking up every morning. When you just want to crawl back into bed, and hope for time to stand still. When your favourite foods stop exciting your senses like they used to. When the current album on your download list is 'The Greatest Love Songs Ever'. When someone has to actually ask you to smile. And a smile is nothing more than a motion. A unwilling manipulation of muscles.

Feels like a mad ride that I'm on. Reminds me of this rollercoaster that I went on while at Disneyland 8 years ago. Can't quite remember what it was called but it was some outerspace ride. There you are, sitting in completely darkness, travelling at an irresponsibly high speed. You have absolutely no idea when you'll hit a bend, or when you're about to be thrown into a downward spiral. Life's a little like that at the moment.

But, I do remember this. I remember getting out of the ride, totally pumped with adrenaline, and thinking to myself "WOW"!. And I couldn't wait to get back on it again, and again, and again. And that's the most comforting thought I have for myself.

11.8.04

Happy Birthday Erik & Angeline!!!

(1) Erik (2) Gerry, Mel, Mindy & Angeline

10.8.04

Why do I ALWAYS miss out on the blindingly obvious? I don't think I'm all that daft and dumb. In fact, I'm usually pretty quick at spotting the obvious from 10 miles away. Almost as if I've been blessed with the gift of foresight. Sure I may have missed a couple of things before (only because I wasn't present), but overall, my accuracy commands a 90% rating. But when it comes to matters that involves me personally, I am so completely ignorant. Or stupid. No, a lethal combination of ignorance and stupidity. I remain completely ignorant until I've rubbed my face in obvious-pie, licked my fingers and gone "hmm, now wasn't that fucking obvious?" And then, nothing beats the feeling of having been so completely dumb and stupid for failing to see it earlier. Today is one of those days. Kinda like that story of the Emperor's New Clothes (??). I mean, any sane, reasonable person could have seen the obvious - that he was stark naked, but yet they chose to believe otherwise.

I guess I can only blame myself for stepping on hot coals and getting burnt. Fortunately, only my feet got burnt this time. I will never learn.

the hidden side of me

9.8.04

I dont know why I'm particularly glad to be the joke, entertaining my friends. When my friends are happy it somehow lifts me. Most notice me as always in an uplifting mood, some even come to a conclusion I do not feel suppresed by any predicaments. In such cases when I am actually shot I am however amazed I can still portray the side I am best at.

Amongst all odds I am within troubled territory lately. Particularly with Uni project work and another that I cannot reveal. I will though in the end surface from the depths of what I'm going through...just need a place to blog this up. Well this something on my mind is bothering me, in time to come I'll reveal that and only to the right person if situation allows.

I will not succumb to meloncholy forever...for I am motivated to strive and survive. Now where's my music to suite my mood...*damn its in my iPod*

- Gavin 'Wei Hern' Tan

Time and tide waits for no man

9.8.04

If I had known that I would feel this way after sleeping, I would have rather not slept. I would rather be zombified then to be aching all over. I feel like I spent the whole of yesterday playing badminton, and then playing netball, and then doing a marathon swim... except that I didn't. Spent the whole day inserting columns and rows into a spreadsheet. Mind blowing stuff I tell ya!!!

I have a close to zero tolerance for tardiness. When you tell me that you will be doing something, I expect it to be done. It's been close to 3 weeks and yet there is no sign of progress. You used to preach to me about actions speaking louder than words, and how you would prefer to do something to prove yourself, instead of just talking about it. Well, you have proven this much to me. That your word means nothing. Sometimes I ask myself why I bother waiting, or even expecting you to come through for me. I can't even remember the reasons as to why I'm still standing here waiting. It's like waiting for a bus that will never come. Or could it be that I'm standing at the wrong intersection, waiting for the wrong bus?

9.8.04

Often times in life, we need people to look up to, in order to get through things. There is always someone in our lives that influence us and change the way we are. We want to be the best that we can at whatever we are doing and be an example on to others to follow. That is me at least.

I met someone at work by the name of Travis Bailey. This bloke is probably in his 40s and he looks old enough to be my dad. He was transfered to my department and I had the duty of training this guy up. For those that dont know, I have the "fun" task of being in charge of a customer service department, where we handle complaints and what have you. He only stayed for a few days before finding a better job. In my conversation with him when he was about to leave, I commented on how lucky he was to be going over to America for training and being able to leave behind the work here of dealing with "stupid customers". In his comment which I wont forget, he smiled and said "Ben, these people are the same as us. Even though we may appear different, we all want the same things in life. It is up to us whether we handle them in a positive or a negative manner". Never in my time at work have I ran into someone with such a positive attitude about the work and it amazes me till today how he could smile through every call he handled. In the end, I learned more from him then I could ever teach him.

We all go through difficult times in life. What seperates people who become successful and overcome their trouble times and those that fall on their faces is their attitude in handling the situation. I only regret not getting more time to learn from this man, but then again I wont forget him either.

To those who have been there for me when needed (and you know who you are), you have a special place with me. *big hugz. Never ever hesistate to give me a call if you ever need anything.

Anyway enough blabbing for my montly posting. Insomnia has kicked me hard tonight, I shall attempt to sleep again as reality known as the end of the weekend and the start of the work week is just a few hours away.
*crawls back into his cave.

-small ben

Food galore

8.8.04

Saturday dinner menu:
Entree : Bruschetta, Ham & Chicken sandwiches
Mains : Pad Thai, Roast Duck, Curry Chicken, Ma Po Tau Fu
Dessert: Fruits
Drinks : Spiked lemonade, Spiked cranberry juice, Spiked orange juice
Supper : Pancakes and hot chocolate

Saturday night entertainment: Floppy the bunny, Taboo, Eyes wide shut, Dirty Dancing 2, Corny cantonese movie, Combination lock, Drinking games, Crown casino

Saturday night verdict: Excellent

Saturday night pictures:

(1) Floppy - the star of the night (2) Clockwise from front left: Sui Lin, Kok Wing, Ben, Mel, Sau Yan, Elaine, Yu Ann & Floppy

(1) Mel & Kevin (2) Clockwise from front right: Elaine, Sui Lin, Mel, Sau Yan, Gerry, Beth, Pei Shing & Yu Ann

Ben, we will miss you!!!

Hype fever

7.8.04

It is 1pm on a Saturday afternoon and I am awake. Heck, I have been awake since 8.30 this morning! I'm so frustrated because I can't sleep. Sleep is what I do best, but I haven't been able to sleep this morning. I drove myself home at 6 this morning and I've only managed to get probably a couple of hours of sleep, which is so unlike me. I can't explain this strange phenomena. It could be the 2 cans of Redbull I had last night, or maybe I'm just hungry, or maybe it's just too cold to sleep. But they all seem unlikely reasons. I have been tossing and turning in bed since 8.30 and I haven't slept!!!! *ARRRGHHHH* My body's tired, I don't wanna move or do anything but I just can't sleep!!!

Anyway, Hype was alright yesterday. It was PACKED, in the R&B room at least. The music was average. As the night wore on, the music seemed to get softer and softer. The crowd was average as well. Everyone seemed YOUNG! And there was a serious lack of eye candy. But there was a fairly big bunch of us, so that made it all better. Didn't make it down to the NRG room last night, but I'm pretty sure the BA boys blew the crowd away as usual.

Bass Agents a.k.a Ganjaguru & Didjital

(1) Ben & Mel (2) Mel, Lynn & Sui Lin

(1) Mel & Jay Mee (2) Ru Hann, Mel & Sui Lin's fingers

I think I'll go lie in bed some more and try to get some shut eye. Tonight is going to be another long night and I would rather not pass out before the night is over. *starts dreaming of tonight's food*

Party on and on...

6.8.04

I've just been told off by someone for going out too much!!! I can't really argue with that though. I don't exactly remember the last time I've stayed home the whole night. It is really taking a toll on my health. I haven't been 100% well for a few weeks now. And this weekend, I'm off for more partying. I'm expecting this to be probably the last party weekend, and then it's down to some serious work for my exam in September!

We had a nice, nice dinner at Num Fong yesterday. I've never been to that place before because it looks so dodgy from the outside with the red curtains and all. But once you step inside, it's actually quite cosy and the staff are really friendly. Not like the typical Chinese restaurants where the staff are only polite and friendly with the Caucasian customers. Anyhoo, thank you Elaine for dinner! And thanks Ben for being so "fatherly". Haha. I know I'm spoilt!

The adorable birthday girl, Elaine

Back L-R: Sui Lin, Beth, Sau Yan, Mel, Gerry
Front L-R: Mindy, Jay Mee, Elaine

Kevin, Kelvin, Ben & Elaine

Time for some rest before a big night at Hype!!!

5.8.04

Happy Birthday my darling ELAINE and Happy Birthday JOY DENG!!!

Elaine & Mel

Elaine: It has been amazing to have known you for as long as I have. You are the cutest person I know. People just want to hug you till you explode because you're so damn adorable. I hope you have a great day, week, month and year ahead of you! Keep planning more outings to nice places okay! *Muax* I love you babe and happy birthday!!!

Joy Deng: Where have you disappeared to??? I have not seen this hot chick in over a year. She's too busy living it up in Europe, going places, seeing things and just having a good time. Miss you heaps and I hope you'll be around when I am back home next okay!!! *hugs* and happy birthday!!!

3.8.04

Four years for you and I. You have taught me so much, and I can only hope that I have repaid the favour. It has been such a long road, with every possible bend and turn imaginable. Yet here we are today, still standing side by side.
I am strong today because of you. I am independent today because of you.
We have had countless fights and constant disagreements. We will have to accept that they will never disappear. We will always disagree because we're both stubborn. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, right?
But at the end of the day, we both know where to go. And that's what makes us special.

1.8.04

Firstly, I just got back from work :( Tiring working an entire day at Monash Caulfield showing new prospective student and parents around.

I wanna clarify some stuff...:p I wasnt drunk last night...awhH come on that picture was fabricated *evil smile*. I had some whisky, a little beer and two shots of Vodka. I wanted Big Ben to drink it by playing a game. Well I lost so my plans backfired!!