Who would have thought

About an hour after my previous post, I got friendzoned...

Am I supposed to plant a girlfriend tree and pluck one of the fruits instead?

I'm getting quite frustrated

So I shall try to vent it out with this misused meme.

Haha You're Still Single

Valentines Day.

A day for me to watch and reflect on the world that has passed by; friends and relatives older than me already married, engaged, or at least in some stable relationship.

Those younger or about my age, and many of which, very recently, have found partners. These couples seem to be sprouting like mushrooms after rain; so sudden and in large numbers.

And then there's me. Still the same ever since I was born.

One time, I had put in genuine effort in a girl and she ended up liking somebody else (not that anything even managed to start between us).

One girl that I have liked for a while and have known for much much longer, didnt feel the chemistry.

And then there's the rest of them who:

 Look like the type I'd want to know better

Or

 Have known for a while or fairly close, would want to try and see if something works

but:

1) Barely reply

2) Are always busy (may go together with #1)

3) Are already eyeing someone else

4) Are already WITH someone else 

5) Gives the friend/brozone

6) Are leaving the country

This may make me look like a player by trying to get more than one girl, but then given my 0% progress rate thus far I dont think I can even be a player in the first place.

Am I missing or lacking something important?
Am I making the wrong approach?
Is life playing one big troll game with me?

Answers are needed.

General Updates

About time I'd clear my 2 months of backlogged life updates:

December

A very busy month hence the neglected blog. It had actually started back in September when our workshop saw a massive spike in accident claims. 

Somewhere in between we had a company training program where we got to experience some of Merc's latest high-powered AMG models:

Guess which of the three I got to drive :3

At the end of December came YDC 23, only my second youth camp since YDC 21 back in 2012. Despite the very short time frame we had to plan the camp we managed to pull it off spectacularly (albeit imperfectly).

 

 

Our A-Team :)

*************************

January

The same A-Team you see above gave me a belated birthday surprise in the form of a cake and a shirt that says:

I didnt become a blonde chick

Apart from that, another busy busy month especially with the Chinese New Year rush which only added to the stress

*************

February (So far)

Ah yes, Chinese New Year.

Unfortunately not as joyous as I had hoped because some of my relatives had different plans this year, and some had to work while I enjoyed a one-week break. I left my hometown just this morning, and even after 5 years of traveling to and fro it still gets to me, especially after long stays.

Sitiawan is more than just a hometown where I grew up and went to school.

With my mum still staying there, it has become a sanctuary. In fact she is the only reason why I'd want to go back.

An escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city and all with it that clouds my brain.

A place where I can just let go and walk around shirtless in the front garden, breaking away from the vigorous working life.

Maybe its because each time I leave Sitiawan to carry on with life, it serves as a reminder that my time here is running out. The time will come I wont have anymore reasons to make the 3-4 hour drive to escape reality and seek refuge in my sanctuary. And that disturbs me still.

Staying overnight in the office

It started out as a joke when rain is pouring and the roads are clogged with cars and water; leaving office so late and commutes so long, by the time you'd reach home its already time to sleep.

My half-argument-half-joke made some good sense:

We have nice bathrooms with water sprayer-thingys.

Couches in the resting area with aircond.

WiFi access.

Nearby food shops and a Giant supermarket.

I really could live in my office if I wished. Thats how simple I really am.

My commutes this whole week kinda helped me to turn my joke into a real action, no thanks to all the evening torrential rains.  Sick and tired or spending AT LEAST one and a half hours EACH DAY in my car, yesterday I packed up my bath towel, toiletries and a change of clothes - all I needed to make it through the night.

After cleaning up my office work and chilling for a while, I headed over to Giant for some grocery shopping. After dinner and reaching back to office at about 9-ish, I took my "shower" in one of the cubicles which had the water sprayer thingys.

I'm not sure how to justify installing heaters in the toilets.

Washing up all done, I headed upstairs to the staff resting room, aircond on, draped my towel over one sofa and plopped onto another.

The next thing I knew my alarm was ringing.

Before anyone came into office I washed up again, swapped into my office wear, and kept all my stuff back in the car.

Ingenious, yet insane.

The ideal guy that wasnt

Guy meets girl.

Girl shares her concept of the ideal man.

Guy sees himself fitting it quite well.

Guy and girl get along really well.

Girl says many nice things about guy.

Guy starts liking her.

Guy gets friendzoned.

Girl says she's falling for someone else.

Better luck next time, guy.

Singapore

Thats right!

Six years after my family trip to Thailand its time to cross borders again for my cousin's wedding (the groom is from SIngapore).

 

 

Me, my brother and my cousin pushed off at 9pm after he landed from Indonesia. Thanks to a clear road and some yolo attitude we reached customs in just 3 hours.

Must be all the SGians going home from work in Johor.

 

 

 We checked in to Resorts World Sentosa at 12.30. They charge for Wifi?!

 

Next morning we headed over to a rental house for the bride's side of the tea ceremony. It was actually inhabited by a French family. I'm not too sure why their 7-9 years old daughter decided to linger and play with her phone while the ceremony was going on. 

Was kinda too bad we couldnt have a more cheerful atmosphere since... it wasnt our house. And we're in Singapore. Not sure how other Singaporeans have their wedding ceremonies. But at least nothing went wrong.

Photos!

My adorable niece ❤️‍

After the tea ceremonies we took a short trip to Marina Square 

We drove along part of the F1 circuit!

Later that night we went to Chuckwagon BBQ & Grill for the wedding dinner. I guess you dont need a grand and lavish 5-star ballroom for a wedding dinner. A dinner attended by family and the groom's friends which was served buffet style. THEIR ROASTED PORK BELLY WAS DIVINE OMG.

Set up by yours truly (tablecloth, flowers and heart sticks) hehe

Miao.

After the wedding part was all done, we spent some time in Marina Bay Sands before going home. (Who wouldnt if you came here on holiday)

 

 We spent SGD23 to go up the Skytower and see Singapore covered in haze.

Marina Bay Sands is much like Pavilion KL; upmarket and on the luxury side. Their prices are actually proportional to ours; an RM80 shirt in Malaysia will be SGD80 over there, if only our economy and currency wasnt so screwed up.

My last view of Singapore~

We left customs at about 3.30-4.00 but thanks to some freak jams along the highway we only reached home at 9pm ughhh

Wonder what stamp will be next.

KL City GP 2015: The Videos

Rather than making you dig all the way to the bottom of the previous post, I'll just put them here!

Due to third party content detected by Youtube *glares*, embedding the video may not work, neither does watching on mobile. In which case, you can watch it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uf6iy51pDg

Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix 2015

Greetings loved ones.

April... May.... Junejuly August.

Working life is pretty routine. Well there was TDC 17 back in June but ehh I guess I got too caught up after it to write/type a post. Make no mistake though it was a brilliant camp, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and had a wonderful time with everyone.

So now on to the main story. As you may have known, last weekend we hosted our first ever city street race event, the KL City GP. Some of the world's famous race cars took to the streets, zooming by the KL Twin Towers and flying down Jalan Ampang. So excited I was, I bought my ticket one month in advance.

Come race day on Sunday, I was already up at 5.30 from sheer eagerness (Okay actually was stomach ache after eating a bad kuih).  Got on the trusty bus and monorail and by 9am I was right at the doorsteps of the track. The day started with the Formula Masters series followed by free practice for the Australia V8 Supercars exhibition race later. The participation of two masters, Craig Lowndes and Todd Kelly really made it something special, even if there were only 5 cars.

It was a nice variety as they took 1 car from each participating manufacturer: Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Nissan Altima, Mercedes E-Class and Volvo S60.

After that was the Lamborghini Supertrofeo Asia Cup. Boy let me tell you, not wearing earplugs with those monsters at full speed was a painful mistake. Race was interrupted twice with safety car periods due to crashes. I wasnt at the parts of the track where it happened though.

A cameo supercar parade by the Blue Jackets featured a freaking Ford GT40!

After lunch in Pavillion (so convenient it was for part of the track to be a stones throw from their back entrance), I went back for the afternoon Aussie V8 Supercars race and the finale which was the KL City GT Cup, including a Ford GT3, Ferrari 458 GT3 and some Lamborghini Huracan Supertrofeos among others. I kinda missed quite a bit as I was scrambling to look for a place to get aerial shots of the race. Fortunately I got what I wanted, and after a full day under the city sun it was time to go home.

I didnt take many photos considering I dont have the equipment and skills to capture fast moving things, and also because I used most of my batteries recording videos. But anyway you can check out all the stuff further on down:

A Confession

I find myself sitting at my desk, 10 minutes to 7pm.

Trapped by the horrendous jam wanting to make today's commute a nightmare.

A heavy shower just ended, the dark clouds and wet ground making things all the more gloomy.

The perfect setting for my next post.

I have known C for some 7 years. We've met only twice; the last being more than 2 years ago. I keep in touch with her every week, sometimes more often, sometimes less.

For about a year, I had a soft liking for her. I wasnt deeply head over heels or I-go-crazy-without-her, but yeah I had an attraction towards her. I felt like she was my sanctuary after a long week at work; sharing my ups and downs. I felt comfortable, cozy, and happy. Not to mention, she is absolutely beautiful. Making my heart flutter and melt like butter.

I knew it wouldnt mean anything if we never met and did things together. Time and time again I kept asking her out, to no avail.

She never showed much warmth or care either, or at least to suggest that I had a chance. Nevertheless I persisted, until finally I thoguht to myself "Maybe she's just not interested in you".

It may not have been a shock or a slap in the face, but once that realisation set in, you'd be at least a little let down that your efforts didnt quite bear success.

Last Sunday night, I gathered all my courage and popped the topic to her. I mentioned it in a third person view, saying that I liked 'a girl' when that girl was in fact herself. I didnt want to be too direct and make her uneasy, but eventually she got the message.

And as I had figured, she indeed never had any interest for me. Or anyone else. Her Mr Right just hasnt come along. Surprisingly she took my confession well and wasnt disturbed by it. Maybe because she had taken the hint sometime ago I had a liking for her. After a bit more of heart-to-heart talking, we ended our conversation on a (I guess) positive note. No mess, no awkwardness, no hurt feelings.

Of course, I'd be lying if I said I wasnt dejected. Hopes have been dashed afterall. Efforts have not come to fruition. That I wasnt the Mr Right for this nice, beautiful girl.

I guess my journey will have to continue a little longer.

The Accidental Salesman

It was 12.40 on a Friday afternoon at work.

Everyone's gone for their lunch break and I was left on shift duty. Being in the accident insurance claims department, inspecting accident vehicles is part of my job.

One of them was a white CLA 45 AMG Edition 1 which got smashed from behind by a truck.

I brought it inside the workshop and did my thing. About 15 minutes later I was done, firing up that turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and giving it a few cheeky revs (because, you know, AMGs sound awesome), it's trumpeting and crackling exhaust noise echoing throughout the deserted workshop.

As I was driving off, I heard my colleague shouting: "DERICC!!!! STOP STOP STOP!!!"

My assistant manager-cum fellow consultant walked up to me with a burly, past-middle-aged gentleman beside him.

"This it? This is the one? The CLA 45?"

"Eh how's the car ah? Is it any good?" he asked with an eager tone in his voice.

"It's not bad at all sir." I quipped.

He gazed around. Remarked at the styling. His eyes seduced by its looks, I gave a few prods of the pedal to then seduce his ears.

I then stepped out and let the gentleman have a seat inside. Despite having a large frame he still managed to snug and make himself comfortable.

He then shared his intentions to buy one of these but is waiting for GST rates to go down (I'm not sure if I heard that wrong or he's on to something). After a few more words of awe and admiration, he gave me a firm handshake, a beaming smile, and said

"That's it. I've just made up my mind"

Bloop bloop

So.................

Its been a while since I've last written anything. Not that I have much to write anyway.

Well, there was my birthday.

Two Ryans and a Jeff took me out for Burger Lab and cakes. Their Heart Attack special was sinfully awesome and sinfully huge and sinfully cheesy. After stuffing myself on three extra fat chicken patties I then stuffed myself even more with three slices of cakes; which was brilliantly explained by the JeffeRyans as being compensation for the past two birthdays without having cakes.

I got my raise. It was a generous amount, and a whole lot more than I expected. Mainly thanks to the entire company's business performance which exceeded targets last year. My transfer to Batu Caves might have been accounted for too. I gushed when I opened that letter.

In my third month going solo in Batu Caves, I had managed to exceed my personal revenue target for January. Thanks to that my pockets will be sightly fatter hehe. Hopefully I can keep this up, provided I land enough of big repairs to generate the income needed.

Now going into the final week before Chinese New Year, things are getting tense as many customers are  rushing to get their cars back before the holidays. 

Crunch time. Very reminiscent of VW days.

Recently, I've been watching more and more of my friends and friends of being partnered up with somebody. And here I am, already 22, still mulling my single life.

Wondering what's my problem.

Wondering where am I falling short.

Wondering when that moment; that person will come.

YBC

Over the past weekend I lent my time and energy helping at SJBA's Youth Buddhist Camp (YBC). Similar to the Youth Dhamma Camp I joined 2 years ago, but now they've dropped the Dhamma aspect and have taken a new approach to organising their year-end camp.

I didnt actually join it as a participant or a committee due to working commitments, but after Guan Sheng (of GuanyGuan TV) and Pei Hao called me to drop by and boost manpower, I happily agreed to it even if it was only for a day and a half. 

Upon reaching the Srijayanti Temple in Sentul I received warm welcomes from all those I knew. That made me happy :) Not too long after their lunch break I was already called away from camp to help a new friend Leon whose car was having engine problems. I accompanied him to the service center, had it fixed, and there went half of the afternoon. Not that I'm complaining.

After that we went to a nearby field where I stood aside and watched the participants play Quidditch....

 Later at night I helped the committees set up the place for their Cryana Mitra activity which lasted well into the AM, and by 3.30 my eyes couldnt keep open anymore when the the others were (seemingly) well awake and energized~

3 and a half hours later and we're all up again and ready to leave for the camp's KL Race finale.

As luck would have it, Guany's car battery was completely flat that morning. Me and Pei Hao spent the best part of 2 hours searching for a shop that would open on Sundays, and finally buying a new battery. If only I had my jumper cables with me.

With that out of the way me and Pei Hao then drove over to KTM Kuala Lumpur station to standby our leg of the KL race. We made participants search the station for locations/landmarks and have them take a group photo with the marks.

Once all the groups had finished and left I had a 5 minute panic episode when I couldnt find my car keys. Thankfully Pei Hao found them hanging on the door keyhole. That pretty much was my story in YBC.....

*Might be continued*

The year of many things

I got my first job.

I left my first job, even before my probation ended.

But I dont regret that decision.

I rejoined my apprentice company at Mercedes Benz.

I lost my phone (a long wait finally ended for some).

Fell out of love. Again.

Discovered a bunch of special bros to go to in hard times.

Joined my first ever Youth Fellowship Games.

And recently in this past two months:


I experienced my first job transfer.

I experienced my first company appraisal.

At the beginning of September I was given marching orders to pack up my things in PJ and move to the Batu Caves office. That's right, Batu Caves. My new office is literally a 5 minute drive from the sacred temple cave. On the back of one of their consultants suddenly going AWOL, higher management decided the newbie would be the best replacement there.

Over in BC, I've been placed in the bodyshop/ accident insurance department. This means my job now pertains only to accident cars and insurance claims. Its a new and interesting world with so many things to learn and discover. I've been quick to settle down in my new place, although the traffic jams after work at times is.... lets say seriously uncool. At least I'm getting allowance for it.

That said, I quite like working here, or at least the honeymoon phase of it. My new manager seems to like me to. He persuaded me to stay on and even offered me a decent remuneration once 2015 rolls in and I get my first increment.

When I weighed the factors, it was quite hard for me to turn it down. And even without actually saying yes, the deal was already done.

So then, here's to a new year, a new start, renewed motivation  *kaching* and new challenges.

Dear Home.

For 25 years you were our shelter, our warmth, and more recently our getaway from the bustling city life. You witnessed the growth of two little boys,  now young men out in the working world with a decent income. You may not be the biggest, most luxurious, or nicest looking, but we would always be happy to make the 3 hour drive to feel the comfort that you never failed to provide us, and which could not be felt anywhere else. After all, you're our one and only true home.

But now, the landlord would no longer let us enjoy your coziness. That's the problem with renting. Living at the mercy of somebody who can ask us to leave at anytime and there is nothing we can do about it. Your warmth and comfort will soon be at the pleasure of his son.

Back in 2010 my English SPM essay was about home. 4 years on, I dont think I'd be able to write an equally-long 350-word post about you. But that's okay, because now I only need 11 words :

Thanks for everything.

We'll miss you.

We'll never forget you.

Goodbye.

Life Updates

It hasnt been as long as I thought since my last write up here.

Ten days after my previous posting , I lost my phone at work. I suddenly realised it wasnt in my pocket anymore, and a frantic morning's search wasnt successful. By lunch time I had conceded that my phone was no more.

Which was somewhat.... I dont know, a silver lining of sorts because shortly before that the phone had trouble maintaining a steady signal; fluctuating from zero to full coverage almost anywhere. Then one time the alarm didnt ring, and another one time it suddenly turned off by itself. On the side, I've been consistently poked fun at for "not having a smartphone".

I got a replacement Lumia 525 the next day. I've always been eyeing the Lumia series as the next step, although I didnt think it would come in this manner.

Yeah, the Nokia family photo will never be complete now sadly.

That being said, I'm quite happy with the 525 so far. Lack of camera flash to double as a handy torchlight my only gripe at the moment, and even that's not a major issue. :)

*******

Yesterday evening I was called to my boss's room. I was told I would be temporarily transferred to Batu Caves to assist with the lack of service advisors there. 

It had to be the new guy eh.

I dont mind transfers but the sheer distance is more than enough to make me cringe. I will be reporting there starting Tuesday. So I was told that temporary transfers there would wind up being permanent.

I hope they have something to help balance out the traveling costs.

Mid Year Updates

Hello everyone!

It's been quite some time I know. Been busy with my new job at Mercedes, but not (yet.) as overwhelmed as at VW. Mainly because for this 2 1/2 months I've been attached to my senior consultant, helping him with his work most of the time. From time to time I did attend customers on my own, but starting next Monday I'll be officially out on my own two feet once again. And with Raya just around the corner my gut tells me it'll be a crazy week, but as I have experienced here so far, it's not a daily situation. So I should be able to (hopefully) hang in there for a longer time.

Next up in my updates is my 16th Teen Dhamma Camp which was held last month. Similar to my YDC21 camp but for the younger age group. I joined as their security committee (just like YDC21), so more of the same of first aid treatment, controlling participants and backing up in activities where needed. It was something new to be around a bunch of teens 5-7 years younger than me; a whole different generation. I did get along with a some of the kids during the camp, and a few more during the recent camp reunion dinner.

The thing I noticed from both camps was that, in YDC21 the impact of the camp mainly came from the end because of all the new and wonderful friends I made. In TDC16 I felt the impact, also at the end of the camp, but mainly because the whole journey from planning to executing the camp strengthened my bonds with the other committees.  (Jeeves, Tung and Rylee, here's to you (; )  That being said, I still have fun with the new bunch of kids I've met. All in all another great program from the folks as SJBA.

Sadly I couldnt stay till the very end of camp because it clashed with....

 Graduation day.

Seeing my family walk into the registration hall was the moment where two things hit me:

1) This is it. I'm finally officially ending my college years. a 2 1/2 year journey is finally ending.

2) I've been very fortunate to have a family that loves and supports me. Especially seeing my mum who came all the way up from Sitiawan just for those 4 hours of the ceremony. That really hit me in the soft spot.

My bunch of goodies for being one of the outstanding students of the 2011 batch. :) Loving the Ferrari mug and keychain, although I wished the keychain was thinner so it wouldnt make such a bulk in my pockets. But still. :D

And so.... that's about all my updates for this two and a half months. Till then!

Dear Datsun...

You've been my main means of transport since I moved down to KL in 2011, effectively being handed over from dad. You're officially my first car.

You've been mechanically solid and reliable during these 2.5 years; your only malfunction was the fuel pump, and that wasnt changed since it came out from the factory 31 years ago.

We've been through some interesting times. You had your battery stolen, your window smashed, and how can I forget that accident that left you with a broken door. Or that time dad ran you over the curb and ruined both right-side tires.

And yet, you carried on rolling, day after day, getting me where I want to go, when I want to go and never put a foot (or, wheel) wrong. I'm most happy and thankful for that.

However, your moodiness in refusing to start during cold weather recently became the headache of the family. How would I go to work? Its so troublesome to get help in the wee hours of the morning from others, especially on short notices. And with the rainy season in full swing, you've been giving that problem easily once or twice a week.

Sure, if I were back in my hometown I can just use my bike. But what about in KL? When my workplace is some 15 kilometers away? Am I going to be riding a bike along highway?

Eventhough you've been 99% fail-free under my use, your troublesome starting has become too much for us to  handle. Today, I hand over your keys to mum. She's still learning the technique on trying to get you started and warmed up in the mornings. Do give her your best co-operation and keep the breakdowns clean-sheet going for many more years. 

You may be slow, noisy and creaky and have some minor niggling problems, and have side mirrors on the front instead of by the door, yet you've positively appealed to a number of people and even my friends (I think). And I liked that; it sort of gave you a character, a personality. I'm gonna miss that. I'm gonna miss driving you.

Goodbye Datsun, thanks for all the miles you've served me.

And hello....

Post #200

I mark this blogging milestone, with my official resignation from -----.

Exactly 2 weeks ago I received confirmation of my offer to rejoin Mercedes as a frontliner (whoa). That same day I printed out my resignation letter which I had drafted another 2 weeks earlier. Presenting it to my manager, I saw the look on his face and hearing the tone of his voice saying "Oh shit this cannot be happening".

Despite needing only to give 24 hours notice as I was not a confirmed staff, I offered to clear off as much outstanding jobs as I can. I didnt do much clearing for the first 1 week or so due to the massive pile of paperwork I had to go through before closing the jobs. It was only on Tuesday that I managed to close off the bulk of my work, totaling about RM40,000 or so.

So, on my last day.  I parked a customer's car too close to the concrete curb (holyshit). The bumper (which was very newly painted) just barely cleared the height of the curb but the exhaust pipe took a little scraping. And to think I'm handling cars 2-10x more expensive next month. Gugh. Thankfully I have liaised with the customer several times before so I hope he lets us off without needing to answer to the big bosses.

After shaking hands and exchanging well wishes with the workshop guys, I went out for a farewell drinking session (first time everrr!!!). We had a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label (!!), some beer, pizza and potato wedges. I actually felt the buzz in my head after about 3 small glasses, so I decided to go easy after that. Good thing I could still walk straight and drive home safely.

My manager was full of praises for me. From my punctuality to my inquisitiveness, my attitude to being able to ask solid, logical yet unanswerable questions (i.e having intelligence), he expressed his regret how he was not able to retain me in the team. In fact, I was claimed to be the first ever departing employee from the branch under his charge to be treated to a farewell drinking session, because that was how much he valued and appreciated me.

However, amongst all the words he said to me last night, one phrase will forever be engraved in my memory; a confidence booster, a symbol that I am worth more than I thought. This, from a manager to his 3-months short subordinate:

"I know, that you will make it big one day; and when you do, I will be very proud enough to say that I had worked with you."

Ferrari Racing Days 2014

This post has been overdue for over a month. Gosh.

So on February 21st to 23rd Ferrari S.p.A (as in, the main Italian company itself and not our Malaysian dealer) organised a weekend trackday event at Sepang, called Ferrari Racing Days 2014. The event was mainly in conjunction with the Ferrari 458 Challenge Asia Pacific championship with round 2 being held here, but Ferrari decided to bring many many extra toys along.