Jan
- Jun 2006
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30
Jun 06 - On The Move Again... Beijing!!! Top
of Page
It's been barely 3 weeks after coming back from
Cedar Rapids
and I will be on the road again. The difference is this
is a leisure trip with my mum. Destination? The capital
of China, Beijing!
It's been 18 months since I brought Mum out for a trip.
So, I am really feeling guilty about it while I travelled
to other places (e.g. Bali, ShenZhen, Medan, Kuala Lumpur,
Hanoi). But sensing a chance where I can "leave"
my dear colleagues in their piles of work (hey, we all got
to clear leave right?), I managed to get 1 week's leave.
Thus, I quickly rush into the system and booked 2 tickets
to Beijing. And just to show some urgency, I am leaving
tonight, IMMDIATELY after work!
I am going to pack
my bag tonight. Plain fatigue but sheer excitement. What
am I going to bring? My camera, my Lonely Planet guide and
an appetite (and liver) for more beer! |
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24
Jun 06 - I Am Irritating... Top
of Page
Another Saturday afternoon in irritating Sillypore.
An irritating fucke* is trying to see what I am
doing while I blog on the train. He turned away
after I "bold" the previous statement.
I don't think I was in a good mood.
Sometimes, I don't know why I am stuck in this plain irritating
world. First, irritating people invented irritating rules
for this society. Second, irritating people expects you
to conform to these irritating rules so that you can be
part of this society (or else you are out). Hmmm, will tell
u guys when I think of more.
It was pretty
irritating to be able to have the "irritating"
term in this short irritating blog. Maybe, I am the ONE
who is being irritating... |
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17
Jun 06 - Does Weekends Exist Anymore? Top
of Page
It does... Finally. Meetings meetings and more
meetings. It's crazy schedule really. My vendors must think
I am a slave driver. But we all have to deliver right?
My sleepy eyes are staring at Netherlands taking a free
kick against Ivory Coast. Bang, the score board displays
1 nil after Van Persie's free kick flew in like a teenage
boy who just ejaculated. Holland fans will think I am disgusting.
They will even be more disgusted when they know I am a member
of the Orange Army.
2-nil. Netherlands scored again. This was even before I
can finish the blog. |
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11
Jun 06 - The Shortest Day In My Life (So Far...) Top
of Page
I am tired, having just done 30 hours of flying.
Perhaps I should be sleeping but I am watching Angola playing
against their former colonial masters, Portugal. Yawn.
This was the shortest day of my life because I came home
from the Land Of Freedom and technically managed to grab
just 6 hours of the day after transiting in Seoul. Will
provide more information but already went ahead and updated
my "visited countries" list.
So folks, watch out for the travel blog on my 1st visit
to the Land Of Freedom. |
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9
Jun 06 - My Bartender has a Canon Ixus 6 Megapixels Camera
Top
of Page
Went to a microbrewery across the street and had
a red rocket ale (3.4%). A 25oz. mug costs around US$5.
It was a nice place with good ambience and nice drinks.
Especially when you are out looking like a loser while walking
around Cedar Rapids on a cold freezing night. Dear handphone
was playing "Against The Wind" by Bob Seger.
Sarah (the bartender) caught me playing with my camera and
told me that she had just got herself a 6 mega-pixel camera
so that she can take pictures of her dog. She told me that
the furtherest she went away from home was Hawaii (a good
6 hours flight away). She was kind of feeling aghast when
she knew that my flight will be 16 hours (excluding transit).
I hit 30 cans of beer in 10 days. Time for me to give myself
a pat. Afterall, it will be back to Sillypore soon. |
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8
Jun 06 - Getting Intoxicated In Public Top
of Page
Some folks in Yankee land told me that it is technically
illegal to get intoxicated while one is in a public location
or in a place not designated for alcohol infusion. Thus,
I have to drink a pint of "hillbilly" beer under
a disguise of a paper bag. To add insult to injury, I drank
that plain beer outside a microbrewery. I think I must have
looked like the most uncool cat in town. It's a shame. |
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7
Jun 06 - "Hillbilly" Beers Top
of Page
Into the second official workday in Cedar Rapids.
Basically, it's still pretty ok though and pretty busy (especially
when there's free wireless access in my room). Again, there
were some miscommunications here and there. Well, it's just
work and protecting your own agenda. Need to tell myself
I should not let it affect me constantly. Not to say that
it does, but sometimes we all get washed in without control.
It's not very good for health.
Was having
dinner with my vendors last evening and I asked him about
getting can beers in town. He says only hillbilly beers
(lousy beers) are sold in cans. Good ones come in draft
or in bottles. Ok. I already had 19 this month (equivalent
of what I had last month) and it should be rising. Hail
the yanks! |
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5
Jun 06 - Over The Rockies, Onto The Central Plains (Soon)
Top
of Page
I am onboard on a United Airlines flight this very
moment as I type. Destination is Denver, Colorado. This
will be the last transit point (after Hongkong and San Francisco)
before I reach my final destination Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Everything is kind of new and exciting since it's the first
time I got a "Land Of Freedom" stamp on my passport.
Didn't really sleep well last night and I am feeling kind
of weird. Took a walk at 12midnight and attempted to buy
something from a petrol kiosk nearby. A signboard says "Open
24 Hours" but the door was lock. A middle-aged attendant
(I think he is Hispanic) attempted to speak Spanish (I think
but do I looked like a Mexican?). Anyway, the point is I
can't browse on the items on display and have to settle
for a US$1.61 coke (551ml) through the cold hard steel barrier
(imagine that when you visit some banks).
Went through
the security clearance with ease this morning. My "army
issued" leather shoes got a field day. They get to
go through the X-ray machine while I went around bare-footed.
I am starting
to get a bit hungry. After the gastronomical challenge on
way to San Francisco on Business Class, all I had was 2
beers (Anchor Steam: a San Francisco own brew), chicken
wings, french fries and nachos. Hardly satisfying. And damn
they don't serve food on domestic flights and beers cost
$5/can. It smells like a budget flight coupled with a premium
ticket. |
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4
Jun 06 - The Longest Day In My Life (So Far...) Top
of Page
This was the longest day of my life because I flew
in a metal tube for more than 16 hours and still arrived in
the Land of Freedom technically 2 hours after I board the
plane. Just 17 years ago, while I was a toddler, 4 Jun 89
was for some the longest day of their life. Perhaps it was
a coincidence, I happened to be transiting in Hongkong and
managed to browse through South China Post. There was an article
recalling about the whole incident, the students on a hunger
strike, certain Chinese Leader begging the students to leave
and of course the tanks which brakes suddenly failed to work
on that dramatic day. Strangely enough, it is remembered everywhere,
except for the place where it impacts most.
Anyway, I'm in the San Francisco (trying to wear some flowers
on my head). It's now 0237hrs and I am blogging in my hotel
room. Catching a flight later@6am. Will try to blog as much
as possible provided my work doesn't get me overwhelmed. |
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30
May 06 - 400 Is The Magic Number... Top
of Page
Drank my 400th can of beer for the past year (1 Jun
05 - 30 May 06). Bb says I am indulging too much in life's
pleasure. I simply said God's dew was for the masses' enjoyment.
My friend says I am stir-frying my liver with all that alcohol.
I simply said I am stirring myself on to fly through the hall.
On train to work again (in fact, it's everyday). It's another
day of work. No big deal really. |
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27
May 06 - 1 More Week To The Land Of Freedom
Top of Page
Happiness
is to know where your pee and shit ends up finally...
Perhaps to the Land of Freedom? No, not yet. This
leads to the Straits Of Malacca, from the murky banks
of Kukup, Malaysia. |
Hey
folks, it's a lazy Saturday afternoon again. I pleased
to inform you that my Tanjong
Balai blog is ready for viewing. It's not lengthy,
but the contents are as corny as ever. Promise...
As the blog title suggests, I am going to the Land
Of Freedom (United States of America) in another week's
time!! Excited because it's the first time I am going
to such a faraway land. Although I am traveling on
duty (my company won't spend thousands to fly me half
around the world bumming around), I guess the traveling
will be interesting or at least insightful. The itinerary
(Sillypore-Seoul-San Francisco-Denver-Cedar Rapids)
was planned out and will take up 24 hours of flying
and transit time. I will then come back via Hong Kong
1 week later.
My colleagues are dreading the trip. They say spending
hours in the metal tube kills body cells. I wondered
how that can happen if you are stuck in a tube with
crates of beer waiting for you. Perhaps I had underestimated
the possible effects of long hours on the metal tube
and jet-lag. But surely, you can drink it off right?
I am still kind of hyped up about it. My colleague
says I am crazy.
Perhaps I should start packing now...
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24
May 06 - Stop Pointing When Things Go Wrong Top
of Page
On the way to work (City Hall Station) right this
moment as I write this blog. While passengers were "swimming"
around like sardines in a can, I managed to have a seat
from a lady who alights quite suddenly. She looks flustered.
I wondered what happened.
Had a late
night (can't help it because we were all spread out into
4 time zones) teleconference with my vendors last evening.
Anyway, there was something that went particularly wrong
and one can observe there were some sort of "pushing"
and "shoving". It became sad when the "pointing"
started. Sometimes I wondered if this is all worth it for
the mere chance of survival in this not-so-nice world. In
this case, it left a deep impression in me because I was
the one who got "pointed". People naturally remember
better when they were the focus in anything. After the phone
call, I frantically looked for evidence to clear my name
and fortunately I found that email (got really excitied
and informed my team members). The next thing that came
to my mind was on how to clear my name, and perhaps tell
the whole world (my vendors of course) that I am innocent.
As I was busily drafting that all-important email, something
struck me.
Wasn't I trying
to shift the blame away from me as well? Why can't everybody
just stop pointing at others and move on? |
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21
May 06 - To Kill Another For The Sake Of Protecting Oneself
Top of Page
Dear Arsey and Groiny (behind that pair of stretch
jeans) saying hello to all the wyattwang.com fans
out there... |
I was having a bowl
of Kebab
Laksa at some fusion (Turkish-Asian) restaurant
last Friday when my colleague pointed me to my left
hand. An ant was taking a relaxing stroll and I
was really ok with it apart from a funny sensation.
As I didn't want to kill it, I lightly brushed the
ant off and it landed on the ground.
My colleague stared at me for awhile and looked
for the ant on the ground as it was wriggling from
the shock after the fall. Without the slightest
of indication, my friend stepped on that ant and
I let out a short groan.
"Oh my goodness, you actually stepped on it.",
I said.
My friend retorted, "Well, if you don't kill
it, it may just come back and bite us. That will
be worse right?"
Thinking in retrospective, if me and that same ant
crossed paths 5 years ago, I would have just killed
it for the same reason. But now, I find it hard
to understand the rationale of killing something
especially when it has not harmed me. Perhaps one
can gain some sympathy by stating that this is simply
a natural act of preventive action. Well, like what
my friend said, a living ant can always bite.
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I
really have nothing against my colleague and you may
be wondering why this incident caused such a deep
impression in me. It's just about another ant afterall
and what is the big deal? Imagine you happen to walk
into an area for elephants and the elephants stepped
on you because they think you will bite. To kill another
for the sake of protecting oneself. This is how silly
it (the rationale not my colleague) can be sometimes.
Human beings can even kill another human being for
the exact same rationale. I can never understand how
can one's own life be more costly that others. Perhaps
only in fear of death.
Took a ferry over to Tanjung Balai: an Indonesian
town in the Riau islands commonly known as a sex haven
for middle-aged Malaysian and Singaporean man alike.
It was a one-day trip but I would have a short blog
for all the fans out there. My dear cousin took a
photo of me sleeping on the ferry. It didn't really
had a connection to the blog entry. Who says it got
to be? |
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14
May 06 - My Boss Tells Me I Must TRY Not To Work During
Weekends Top
of Page
When I was going to the library today, I closed
my eyes in attempt to concentrate on the monotonous/repetitive
noise that the train made. Try as I might, after 2 or 3
seconds, my mind will ALWAYS wander into reality (work in
the office and my website project). It was another failed
attempt in meditation.
People have often feedback to me that I walk too fast, work
too fast and think too fast (i.e. I am impatient). It doesn't
always work well. Instead, it works against me sometimes
because I do things without planning and thus undesirable
results follow. It is one of the many faults that I acknowledged
and I like to think I am trying to change. But it's taking
a long time. See... I am exhibiting my impatience again.
It was a long weekend (3 days of rest) for most Sillyporeans.
I spent a day celebrating Vesak Day, a day working on my
website project and a day clearing office emails. Perhaps
I should try to work less during weekends. But when one
is stuck in a costume of a shirt-and-tie executive, one
has no choice.
Or simply, I cannot strike a balance and this will mean
I am heading for destruction. |
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13
May 06 - Morning Greetings From Sillypore@0120hrs! Top
of Page
The past 4 weeks have been intensive: attending
political rallies as there were elections in Sillypore,
clearing the endless emails that creeps up my mailbox constantly,
being at rehearsals to co-ordinate those logistical stuff.
After a busy (very) weekend helping out as a stage crew
in a concert, the dust has settled and life seems back to
normal again. At least, I forced myself to have a rest on
Vesak Day.
Have been feeling jaded from life with all those activities.
Though it has been fulfilling, I think I really need a good
rest. Gone were the days where I can take afternoon naps
in my university days. Ha, this is a clear case of losing
a part of me (freedom to hibernate) while gaining other
life "privileges" (income, career). Yet still,
I longed for the time where I can infinitely rest till I
am sick of it. Incidentally, someone that I knew from the
net actually told me I am too young to rest. I am afterall
only 28. Resting seems to mean (at least to the majority)
giving up all current comforts of life. This is something
most people of my age group cannot give up.
Anyway, the Malacca
blog is up despite my busy schedule. Wrote most of the stuff
on the train journeys to and fro office. Hope it's something
interesting for readers out there, if any. |
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1
May 06 - Do You Labour On Labour Day? Top
of Page
Well,
I did labour at the foot of Fort Canning, Sillypore!
I tried to ride a cow so that I can get it inline
with others. The cow was hard (eh, I meant the material).
Another one of the playacting initiatives by wyattwang.com... |
The
Labour Day weekend gave me some time to catch up on
the website by doing up a quality blog. As of what
most will feel, I am pretty sick with those 2 liners
or those "more later" blogs (see blog entries
for the past month). Starting today, I will try my
very best to blog in quality, giving
whatever that is valuable to whoever that bothers
to read my blog. Meanwhile, keep a lookout on my travel
journal to Malacca (I stole a weekend trip to the
west coast of our northern neighbour). It's only half
done, so hang on.
1st May also marks the 1 year anniversary of my current
job. I suppose time passes fast especially when the
job has been a mixture of fun (mostly), surprises,
excitement, and sometimes downright boredom. It wasn't
smooth sailing all the way, but I suppose this adds
a perk to everything. I realised as long as one is
positive and forward-looking, even the most banal
job can be fun. It is all a matter of one self’s
mental strength. |
Had
a general discussion with my friend while we were
going home. Told him what I think I wanted from life
eventually and the point about how deviated it was
from the baseline I had formed when I was in University.
He told me he went through the same "turmoil"
as well and it was probably just a phase in life.
Although he didn't explicit used the term impermanence,
but I supposed he was probably trying to explain that
(if you do read this someday, do correct
me if I am wrong). I acknowledged that nothing is
permanent, but the current me cannot imagine myself
to lead a conventional life. Just the thought of it
freaks me out.
I do think about the stuff I am I going to do after
I did my rounds. Sometimes, I used to worry because
I have absolutely no idea. Going down further into
my thoughts, I begin to realise whether this actually
matters. Perhaps I can seek aspirations from a slogan
from an American Sports Giant: Just Do It! |
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23
Apr 06 - Another Week Gone... Top
of Page
Got an attack of the Sunday evening syndrome again
and I am sleepy. Vendors went back home last Friday and
I suppose I can have a short break from all those meetings
and concentrate on my work (the routines and the emails).
Not sure when I can take leave to go Cambodia (or anywhere),
but I wish it will be soon.
Anyway, I just got back from a very(!) short getaway in
Malacca (Malaysia) and will be doing up another travel journal
again. I hope it will be soon before my memory fails me
again. |
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16
Apr 06 - Me in Beerless Bangkok! Top
of Page
Hey folks, the Bangkok
travel blog is finally up. And guess what, I didn't get
drunk with all the Singhas and Beer Changs because there
was simply nothing to drink!! Get into the blog now and
have a good read. |
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13
Apr 06 - ... Top
of Page
Hasn't been blogging since I came back from Land
Of Smiles on 2 Apr. Vendors came to town for some meeting
and thus has been staying quite late to clear work and emails.
Trying to find some time to sit down and do up my Bangkok
pictures, but is real busy with work. I am yawning as I
am typing. Anyway, I am not very sure what I am typing but
my point is to tell all my fans to check out this site again
since I will be trying my very best to get my Bangkok pictures
up. |
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31
Mar 06 - Out Of Office Reply: Wyattwang.Com Is On Duty Travel
Top
of Page
Dear fans, I will be getting the hell out of Sillypore
and thus may not respond to you promptly. By the time you
read this post, I will have been dead drunk with cans of
Singha and Beer Chang. You may wish to contact me via email
or mobile phone, but please don't expect me to reply. Dreamers
never do. |
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29
Mar 06 - A Quick Note. Top
of Page
While I was enjoying a Molson Canadian Lager that
my friend (thanks Eddy!) brought back from Vancouver, I
decided to drop a quick note. Plans to Cambodia should be
fixed (I hope) and I am working hard towards it. Vendors
will be here again in mid-April which means I have to slog
for a couple of weeks more before I can have a rest. However,
I will be in Bangkok over the weekend to visit the open
ceremony of a Forest Monastery. A short break is better
than nothing. Daily news in Sillypore has been describing
how shitty Bangkok is though the lovely folks I met over
lonelyplanet.com are telling me all is fine. Maybe mass
media is at work again. Anyway, dear fans can expect a new
photo journal soon (that is if I can back safely). |
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25
Mar 06 - It Was A Friday Evening Top
of Page
Me in
the dark. Unshaven and obviously frightened like a
wounded animal.... |
Another
week flew past like no one else's business. Was busy
as usual and on average I slept for 5 hours a day.
Forced myself to leave office at 730pm as I left all
my work behind, only to remember that I should have
brought along a document so that I can read it when
I have free time (e.g. shitting, peeing). Guess once
my dear colleagues had read this, they won't be at
all interested to touch that document anymore.
I am going back to Malaysia for QingMing this weekend.
That's a good change of hibernating in my room for
the past weekends. For those farangs who don't know
what this is, let me explain. QingMing is a Chinese
festival where the family will gather together on
one fine morning (I am not mentioning about the beer
session the night before) and visit the deceased members
of the family by their tomb or urn. |
Perhaps
I shouldn't wash my dirty linden in public, but sad
to say, this seems the only festival (not Chinese
New Year, not Christmas) which every member of the
family can return and meet up. And all is not smiles
and laughter always. I will be glad if no one gets
angry and starts nagging (a sure symptom of menopause)
every single little thing. Guess I will be better
off going back to my un-drunk beer. |
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20
Mar 06 - Managing All Those Conversations Top
of Page
It's a Monday but my pigeon brain was forced into
going through various stupid documents. Was struggling with
the usual hot Sillyporean weather but got a surprise at
noon that Boss got promoted. Good for her and I think she
deserves it. The main point followed. What came along were
some comments (or views) between various colleagues, praises
and complaints. Felt so sick when I have to nod my head
to every statement. Felt pain when I feel their envy, happiness
or jealousy.
Trying to feel indifferent to everyone. But sometimes it's
really difficult. The sad thing is the whole world talks
about you and you are the only one who doesn't know. He
or she may be friendly to you but maybe he or she is talking
behind your back. Yah, you can say it's not important. But
sometimes, it still creeps up to you slowly. After all,
we are all not perfect. |
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19
Mar 06 - Can't You Provide More Suggestions? Top
of Page
Before I knew it, 2/3 of March is over. I hibernated
in my room whole day and forced myself to do some work after
dinner. Thought about options for my May Day escapade. Here's
my breakdown of my feasible and possibly failed options:
No. |
Destination |
Comments |
1 |
Beijing |
I
realised I was a Farang and thus I cannot visit
Beijing. Moreover, it's the golden week (Labour
Day). |
2 |
London |
This
was going well but my mum did an about turn and
I have to return the London guidebook back to the
library. |
3 |
Luang
Prabang |
1
week is probably too short for me to get myself
drunk in Beer Lao. |
4 |
Yogyakarta |
Plans
of doing Surabaya - Jakarta via Yogyakarta (Borobudur)
and Bogor. Timing constraints may lead me to reduce
the number of places to visit. My limited mind is
also secretly paranoid about the comments I heard
about Java. I need an INDICATION! |
5 |
Siem
Reap/Phnom Penn |
This
sounds like the most feasible plan. Also understand
from some website that Sillyporeans no longer needs
a visa (a.k.a. to pay administrative charges to
enter Cambodia). I'm keeping fingers crossed on
the Angkor Beer. |
Can't you provide more suggestions to confuse me on a boring
Sunday evening? |
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18
Mar 06 - I Wish I Had A Globe So That I Can Spin It Top
of Page
Woke up at 8am this morning and stared at my ceiling.
There were guests in my flat and thus going about my daily
routine (watching TV, surfing the internet) was rather difficult,
if not, uneasy. So I went downstairs to eat my favourite
sinful curry noodles and bought a copy of Straits Times
(the local English newspaper). Saw a picture of the peaceful
demonstration in Bangkok: they torched various symbols of
Singapore: Pictures of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, his
wife Mdm Ho Ching (who incidentally is the CEO of Temasek
Holdings), effigies of the Merlion and model of a Singapore
Airlines plane. Felt funny.
My mum told me that she had a change of mind and she doesn't
want to go to London in May. That will mean my travel plans
in May would be changed again. So what's next? No Beijing,
no London. Next idea will be Laos but one week is hardly
enough considering all the travels that are needed. Another
idea will be the Borobudur, Jogjakarta. But the amount of
traveling will be tremendous because I would like to do
Jakarta as well. I don't know. Perhaps a globe will be useful.
I can spin it and see where I want to go. Spending a week
of my precious leave isn't really my cup of tea. |
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15
Mar 06 - I Told You A Beer Can Be As High As A Building
Top of Page
A can
of Tiger. An evening by the river. When can I hear,
the bubbles of my next beer? - Clark Quay, Sillypore |
Weekend
is over before you knew it. Midweek is also gone before
you knew it. My schedule was really full for the first
half of the week as my project was expecting some
visitors and I was busily doing facilitation. Maybe
I get all excited too much during work. Just plain
tired and I think I need a rest. I told my colleagues
that. You know, a real rest. Oh yeah. Then, one of
the dummies reminded me that I just went to Bali in
January: reminding me that I had just taken a break
2 months ago. Damn.
It seems that I can't even be bothered to blog. I
am not even attempting to blog something that relates
to the photo or the title. Just typing gibberish on
the keyboard, tapping on the delete key, typing gibberish
on the keyboard again and so on. I think this is plain
attitude, something like what The Rolling Stones
had.. But I don't see any bitches throwing their soiled
undies to me. I wondered why. |
Had initially planned to go Beijing in May. Got a
big shock after I realised I was in fact a big fat
"Wai Lao" (farang). Thus, I am not qualified
to visit Beijing. Haha. Life is strange sometimes.
When a Beer Can can be as high as a building, anything
can happen. Isn't it? /*Ok, I did attempt to relate
to the picture eventually*/ |
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8
Mar 06 - Me After Work And The Tales Of A Chinese Beer
Top of Page
I caught
myself drinking a can of China-brewed QingDao after
work. It gave me temporary relief. I know it will
end. I knew it had ended when I was typing this stupid
paragraph. |
Another
day at work. It was in a rush but it was not in vain
as boss gave clear direction on how to deal with some
issues. At least I am quietly glad that I don't feel
blur during work as compared to my previous job. It's
tiring enough to have your mind wondering about on
other things. Also felt real sick in chasing my colleagues
for stuff but I suppose that's necessary when you
want to get things done. I must be a bloody loser
to talk about work in my blog (damn it). But then
again, I am all about work now, isn't it? :(
My cousin's girlfriend from China paid a visit to
my house and brought me some China-brewed beer. Actually,
she brought it for another cousin of mine (i.e. Black)
but I drank the beer nevertheless. I don't care though,
Black doesn't drink. He only collects beer cans. Instead
of wasting it, I rather drink it for him. |
I
was drinking a can of China-brewed Qingdao and it
unleashed my inner mind. The clear crystal taste (maybe
bland) of the Chinese beer reminded me of the time
in Shenzhen: Just getting plain drunk at 11am after
breakfast, sleeping through the afternoon in a RMB$100
hotel room that smells of passive smoke. Not that
I can do that for the rest of my life time, but at
least that is pure time for my body, my mind and myself.
In order to relax, I will take my mind off work and
concentrate on myself during my free time (please
don't think stray).
When it is not time to relax, I will behave in the
way that the society expects me to behave in. Nothing
wrong with that, I hope. I also know it is against
my religion to drink, but I wish I rather not think
about it now. This would stop someday, but I don't
know when.
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5
Mar 06 - Happy Birthday, wyattwang.com! Top
of Page
My
website in March 05. It was all about me and my stupid
comments. I hope it's still is now.
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What
did I do a year ago on 5 March 05? That was
when I felt fuck*ng restless after a banal day in
my previous job. I was dying to quit. It was absolutely
painful to go to office everyday, staring at the never-ending
piles of work, waiting for my brief glance. But at
least, I made up my mind to end the pain, rather than
some of my dear colleagues who stayed due to commitments.
Maybe the environment suited them. Maybe I don't know
but I wish them well though.
Thinking about it now seems really funny. I mean,
the feeling seems to happen so long ago, but it barely
"left" me for a year. On second thoughts,
did the feeling really leave me or I have grown spiritually
to accept it? I certainly hope it's the latter. I
am not saying that I have gotten out of everything.
I can't as it will always be there. Neither am I wishing
for it. All I need is a pure mind and plain courage
to believe in what I believe in. This will be enough. |
Oh, so what did I do a year ago? I finally realising
a dream of mine, putting thoughts in action, and started
this website. There were thousand of changes. For
example, it started as a travel website where my friends
can view my travel photos (it is still this now...
at least partly) and read my stupid gibberish beside
each photo. This has changed: wyattwang.com is now
my blog, my travel journals, my poematic
(not problematic) site, a budget travel site and whatever.
It's amazing how it can grow, even though sometimes
I doubt whether strangers do actually give a pathetic
glance. But deep down inside, I don't fucking care
because I know it will always be a part of my dreams,
my life and me. /*tears*/ |
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27
Feb 06 - This Too Will Pass. Top
of Page
It's nearly March. Time really files when work
and life managed to keep my mind and inner-self in check.
Life seems good currently and I constantly tell myself to
live it to the fullest. Sometimes, i feel strange thinking
in a positive way. But hey, people do change. It's high
time that I climb out of the depression pit.
Anyway, when my friend got into some sort of a relationship
problem with his partner, I actually told him something
(heard this from a Buddhist teacher) which I believed that
can pull me out from the worst shit in the event that I
actually ever fell in: Good times will pass. Bad times
will pass. This too will pass. |
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26
Feb 06 - Keeping Your Promises Top
of Page
Sunday morning, 3am. I was blogging the 25 Feb's
entry and I realised we should all keep our promises once
they are made. Sometimes, due to fear of misexpectations
or disappointment, we tend to commit or make promises which
we fail to keep. This causes alot of problems to the others
who are directly or indirectly affected by what one committed.
So, do keep your promises ok? |
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25
Feb 06 - A Pair Of Jeans Top
of Page
A man was just doing window shopping one fine day
and wandered into a boutique selling funky clothes. He went
in and found a pair of jeans which he found a liking to
it. He was so confident that it will fit and would wish
to buy it immediately. However, the usual paranoid him wanted
to be cautious and so he dutifully queued up for the changing
room. Alas! When he tried it, it was too large and the length
was too short. It felt really uncomfortable and that pair
of jeans must have suffered (feeling tight) as well. The
man wanted another similar pair but the sales girl told
him that it was the last (as expected). As of what all nice
salesgirls did, she advised him to look for another pair
(the shop was filled with jeans) or patiently wait until
some tailor (who may or may not appear) alters it.
The story
above may sound real weird. But that was what I thought
when I woke up 4am this morning to see my friend's sms telling
me about his problem with a girl he likes. I thought it
was a simple analogy: the man was meant to be my friend,
that pair of jeans was his object of interest, the tailor
(who may or may not appear) was unique events which may
or may not appear. And yes, the unfriendly salesgirl was
me.
Me and my
theories. |
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16
Feb 06 - It Took Me 6 Years To Finish A Book Top
of Page
I started reading a book when I was doing my 1st
year in university and it took me 6 years to finish it (last
Monday). Not that I was constantly reading it but rather
it was on and off. The funny thing is, I even lost it for
a year until I found hidden under a stack of dusty newspapers.
When my eyes were on the words found in the last page, I
realised that I have forgotten about what I have read. I
suppose the next best thing to do is to read the book again.
That may take me another 6 years. Who knows? |
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12
Feb 06 - When Can We Realise That We Need To Prioritize?
Top
of Page
Came up with this catchy phase when I sms someone
yesterday. It somehow sounds cool since it rhymes (realise
with prioritize). However, I am guilty of this: I often
don't prioritize and thus important issues get piled up.
Just like what my ex-boss had said, we often react to urgent
(i.e. usually unimportant) events and ignored the not-so-urgent
events (i.e. usually important). So, I do realise that we
need to prioritize. How do we then prioritize when there
are so many stupid and unnecessary issues to handle? If
I knew, I would have be a multi-millionaire guru who won't
spend time doing this stupid blog.
Anyway, this
was one of the few things he said that makes absolutely
sense. I thank him for this simple piece of truth. I should
now prioritize and go to bed immediately. Good folks like
me do not stay up late on boring Sunday nights so that when
I am in Shirt-and-Tie tomorrow, I can smile at you, nod
my head and slog like a log. |
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11
Feb 06 - The "Rotten" Orange Top
of Page
Went to the market with my mother this morning
and we went shopping for fruits. There was a huge box of
nice oranges laying in front of the stalls which the boss
was arranging and it seems that every orange looks so flawless
(as if they are so sweet and juicy). As I stood there watching,
I saw the boss picked up a slightly orange that was rotten
on one side. He must have "found" a light bulb
in his thoughts. What he did was to carefully slice the
rotten portion away, used some food wrap to wrap the nice
juicy pulp. He then placed that "rotten" orange
on the top of the remaining oranges as a sample. I walked
over and look at that sample; it looks brilliantly fresh
and juicy. None of it suggests that part of it was rotten
to the core; neither did it suggest that it was not edible.
Of course,
I am not trying to tell you how juicy oranges were. But
perhaps, this little scenario reminded me that no one is
perfect and everyone deserves a second chance (or third,
fourth, fifth...). In many times of our lives, we tend to
disagree and get angry at one's apparent "rottenness"
without realising that "goodness" in them. This
causes indirect unhappiness upon others and to you as well.
I am not god; neither do I want to be one. But this blog
shall act as a reminder to myself (or maybe to some of you
fans out there) of the ideas that were mentioned here.
For your information,
my mother bought 10 of the oranges home. Maybe I will have
a glass of orange juice tonight. |
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5
Feb 06 - I Came But You Didn't (a.k.a. The Right Hand Is
A Man's Best Friend) Top
of Page
Sunday morning. 0043hrs. You told me that we will
meet up high in the skies at 11pm yesterday. I was there
waiting since 9pm. You didn't appear but I am still waiting.
I don't know when will you finally appear, neither do I
know when I will stop waiting. But I am still waiting, though
it seems that I have left. It's fun to experience such disappointing
moments. It makes you think more about life and its surroundings.
My friend reminded me that the right hand is a man's best
friend, just like diamonds to a lady. I looked at my right
hand and thank him how loyal he has been on my side. I recalled
he never ever came while I always do. |
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4
Feb 06 - Boys And Girls Should Go Out And Play Top
of Page
Not really in the mood of thinking up a catchy
title for the posting today. So came up with this corny
title when I realised Bb was still in a work discussion
4pm SATURDAY afternoon. I wondered whether we were all created
to work so hard for peanuts (Perhaps this is not the right
term to use. Peanuts can mean quite alot of nowadays).
I am so sleepy after doing nothing for the whole day. Perhaps
I should retire on bed thinking of the days where I can
hibernate like a polar bear. |
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31
Jan 06 - And Here I Am Blogging Again... Top
of Page
Chinese New Year (CNY) is almost over here in Sillypore
and I will be back at work at 0830hrs tomorrow: that is,
after 4 days of activity (or inactivity, depending on how
you see it). I must have felt extremely strange for this
Lunar New Year. Switched on my computer laptop and watched
the DVDs that I had bought from Shenzhen and Bali. Did "Farewell
To My Concubine" (a show about 2 Beijing Opera Actors
and the different phases of China in the 20th Century) on
CNY's eve. Finished the holidays with "Motorcycle Diaries"
(it's about a young Che Guerrero doing some good old traveling
with a motorcycle and gaining a new perspective on life).
Both were not easy shows to digest: So is life, I realise.
There were
issues in my life that I am unable to explain in here, perhaps,
not even in my diary, not even in my mind, not anywhere.
Not that it's killing me, but it was something that confuses
me. I feel that I have increasing difficulty in understanding
others though I jolly well wish that others have difficulty
understanding me. Sometimes I asked myself whether I am
wrong (or even hurting others) in doing things my way, or
believing in what I believed. Maybe faith for my own beliefs
is lacking. But then again, why do you need faith when something
you do is correct (by your own judgment)? Do you really
need faith to believe the truth and logic?
On a side
note, I achieved a record of 79 beers (and double figures
in Coke intake) in the month of January. People asked me
why I don't stop drinking. Others also asked why I don't
just down another one to make it a full 80. Answers to both
questions are "I don't really care what others think".
You can say I deliberately did a 79 so that people can ask
me questions. I woke up one day and realised that all this
(my drinking) will end. It's really not THE light and the
end of the tunnel. But when? I don't really care though
I know it will come. Someday... |
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30
Jan 06 - All I Got For Lunar New Year Was A Big Blue Hangover
Top
of Page
A hangover? Geez, that sounds really foreign to
me. It's been awhile since I had a hangover. Anyway, I had
a good evening with my cousins in Malaysia. Lunar New Year
also means unlimited boozing and thus we make sure there
was free-flowing booze lying around. What did we have then?
A 5 liters Heineken "wonder box", a carton of
Carlsberg (tasted real weird) and lots of good company.
We were doing
just fine and I suddenly felt giddy. I lay down and knew
immediately the end (of the evening) was here. Got a bloody
headache and felt fucking giddy. Went to bed amidst all
the jeering from my dear cousins. When we woke up next day,
all of us blamed it on that cheap carton of Carlsberg (Rm70),
which we got it from some loser. Perhaps, all drinkers like
to pinpoint blame on someone to cover up for their weak
bodies. Anyway, I had 10 cans that evening.
One of my
cousins who suffered the worst effects of the hangover actually
announced that she won't be drinking again. I recalled the
instance when I suffered my first hangover, at a pub after
I broke up with my ex-girlfriend. I TOLD myself I won't
drink again: My next drink was 2 days later. Those were
really the days. |
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28
Jan 06 - Happy Lunar New Year And What's Really In My Mind
Top
of Page
It's Lunar New Year, one of the most important
festivals for the Chinese. The eve of the festival had greater
significance as this is the day families will all get back
together for a reunion dinner. I just had mine at home.
Had 2 beers and all I can say it is not the end of it yet.
However, I am not sure whether I am up for it. Have been
working for long hours for the past 3 weeks. Thus, feeling
kind of tired and sleepy. Perhaps just felt like getting
away from everything. Spending sometime with my own self.
Perhaps lie on bed and watch DVD (while drinking beer) or
something. I don't know. Just don't feel like bothering
or getting bothered by anyone.
Told my friend
about my plans for the next 5 years. He was glad that I
have come into terms with myself, thus there's no longer
the pain and anguish that I have been creating to myself.
But he thinks that I am fixing my plans too soon. I agree
with him partly. No one knows what will happen in the future.
But then again, how can I feel easy while I know I am clearly
not fulfilling the expectations of what others had given
me. Another question arises. How do I know I am not getting
there? Are the expectations really that high up that I can't
achieve?
Just get Lodger
from David Bowie. Kept repeating DJ. "I am a DJ, I
am what I play...” Sometimes, I wish I am really what
I play and nothing else. |
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27
Jan 06 - I Am Not Really In The Mind To Talk Now But...
Top
of Page
Yes, I had 4 Stella Artois and still counting.
Work had been tough (VERY!) but I managed to find time to
visit my ex-collegaues in the airport and we had great fun
at a mini-gathering with lots of food (e.g. curry chicken,
nasi brayani, fried noodles, pepper crab). I wasn't very
interested in the food, but I had quite some beers from
the fridge and spout all sorts of crappy nonsense. Haha.
Anyway, it's going to be Chinese New Year (CNY) soon. Everyone
knows i am blogging rubbsh during CNY but who really cares?
I think you had wasted your time reading this, mate... |
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23
Jan 06 - While My Liver Gently Weeps... Top
of Page
While my liver gently weeps, I had hit 55 cans
of pure fluid in the month of January 06, just 2 short of
the record I set in August 05. I think I am going to be
crazy soon. But with 7 more days to go, will I finally achieve
my target of 70? Check out the wyattwang.com as often as
possible please.
In a pretty jolly mood now. Perhaps I made extra effort
not to be bothered by stupid people in office. But then
again, if I did mention stupid people in my website, it
will denote that I had not managed to stop these unhappy
thoughts from following me back home. I am no saint, but
I will try.
Anyway, I added more sections of information in the front
page. This includes the usual "Useless Comments"
and have added 2 new sections "What's New?!" and
"In A Glance". "What's New?!" will contain
the hyperlinks to the pages where I added new content (this
will stop me of trying to add unnecessary hyperlinks in
my mental blogs). For fans who are concerned on the quantity
of beers (or coke) I drink, "In A Glance" provides
a one-stop corner for checking out the figures. |
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22
Jan 06 - Thoughts Of A Conventional Weekend Top
of Page
Spent most of the weekend doing some basic spring
cleaning (i.e. cleaning up my room) and stuff. Afterall,
there's only 1 week left to Chinese New Year (CNY). Managed
to gather about 3 bags of rubbish in my room. This must
go a long way to show that how dirty my room was. Anyway,
Brother is back in Sillypore for CNY and I think he really
deserves a good break.
It has been a real busy week at work. I get to sleep only
for 5 hours everyday but I shall not complain. Others had
worse. I presume workload will lighten with some of my other
team members returns to office. But I suppose I deserve
the hardwork: I had been pretty lazy since
I left my previous company.
I also spent some time doing up my Bali blogs, while do
some "catch up" drinking. It's up finally and
boy was I glad. So, do check out the Shenzhen
and Bali blogs if
you have nothing better to do. I hope fans out there will
have a great week ahead. It's CNY and this means it's time
for more boozing. I had 53
cans of beer so far for Jan 06 and I am hopeful of hitting
60. That is 2 cans per day. Am I trying to stir-fry my liver
or what? |
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17
Jan 06 - I Am So Tired, I Hardly Slept A Wink Top
of Page
Met up with ex-colleagues last evening, had a beer
in some funky pub and slept at 1am this morning. Woke up
at 540am and reach office at 750am to do some handover.
Was feeling all ok till the sudden realisation that I only
slept for roughly 5 hours. One can't complain with 5 hours
of sleep. But somehow, I feel sleepy, very sleepy. Decided
to skip lunch and to avoid all those shit in the canteen.
Alone in office blogging. There will another series of meetings
later, followed by a networking dinner. Wow, I'm "all" shirt,
tie and smiles.
Still trying to get settle down on my Bali travel blogs
but I completed only 2 out of 7 pages. When I was writing
the blogs, I asked myself the following questions:
1) What am I writing all these crap on the web?
2) Does anyone follow them as though as they are following
the bible?
3) Do I care whether anyone follows them as though as they
are following the bible?
The answers were "I don't know", "I don't know" and "I don't
care". It came pretty fast and it sounds real cool. So I
shall just fuck it and continue writing crappy blogs. |
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14
Jan 06 - Getting Married And 34 Cans Of Beer In A Bali Trip
Top
of Page
Ok, it's not me getting married. It's my colleague who is
getting married on a island. The point of discussion is
not about marriage, but on the fact that someone is getting
married on a Sillypore's island. Sillypore islands are not
well known for their tranquility or clear seas. Well, stranger
things had happened. And guess who will solemnize the ceremony?
It's my big boss!!
For faithful
fans out there, I can assure you that I didn't just blindly
copy and paste the blog entry on 29 Dec. For fans who are
new to this concept, I like to tell the whole world how
many cans (330ml) of beer I drink everyday. You can treat
me as a show-off (you won't most probably because if you
do, you aren't considered a fan), or you can think that
I am damn cool. Oh yes, I am....
06 Jan: 5 (3 Tigers, 2 Bintang)
07 Jan: 8 (6 Bintang, 2 Bali Hai)
08 Jan: 6 (6 Bintang)
09 Jan: 4 (4 Bintang)
10 Jan: 6 (6 Bintang)
11 Jan: 5 (3 Bintang, 2 Tigers, 1 Fosters)
Total: 34
For those who accidentally who actually came in here and
think that I am a piece of shit, go to hell and get the
fuc* out of here. |
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6
Jan 06 - Is Bali A Heaven On Earth? Top
of Page
Will be boarding the Bali flight in exactly 18 hours. Trusty
backpack include 3 t-shirts, 1 bottom, 1 tracking pants,
1 towel, 4 underwear and a pair of white socks. Don't irritated
me by asking what the white socks are for? They are not
for fuc*. I am damn sleepy now.
I wonder how
Bali is now. Jam packed with tourists and backpacker-wannabes
looking for some cheap fun? Yes, I am selfish but I hope
it's not crowded with drunken tourists. Plan is to arrive
late tomorrow evening and waste a night hanging around in
Kuta. Then we will head up to Ubud for some culture (bloody
corny), handicraft shopping (oh goodness!) and chill out
(Cold Beer, where are you?). It's back to the beaches after
a couple of days closely followed by some more shopping
and bargaining on touristy t-shirts with Bir Bintang prints.
Then, we are back on cattle class for a flight straight
back to Sillypore.
What's next?
It'll be all over by then. |
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4
Jan 06 - "Happy New Year" And I Am 4 Days Late
Top
of Page
Happy new year!!!! Ok, I know I am 4 days late (well...
coming to 5 because it's nearly 12 midnight now). It has
been a strange start. First, I celebrated new year because
replying an odd 10+ banal new year sms with an equally banal
revert ("Happy New Year to you as well"). Secondly,
my work duties in office got changed. I shall not get into
details to bore you. Last but not least, I am preparing
for my Bali trip this weekend. My second trip in 3 weekends,
with the first one in Shenzhen.
I still think of that place, especially the daily excursions
to the beer racks of Jia Le Fu (a.k.a. Carrerfour translated
to Mandarin). But I guess I have to move on somehow.
Perhaps I should tell you what I have done for my Bali trip
so far. I started a discussion thread in LonelyPlanet.com
asking dear people where to get authentic Bir Bintang T-Shirts
and Towels. Am I out of my mind? I am glad I didn't do an
all time low by asking where I can get Banana Pancakes in
Kuta. Hmmm... I did ask where to get a good mee goreng (a.k.a.
fried instant noodles) though.
People must think that my nickname is filthy rich boy. I
prefer to call myself a fascist pig. Backpackers-wannabes
(e.g. me) should have the rights to act stupid. |
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