The guitar strums as he basks himself in sunset evening, he cast his eyes upon a mighty boat that becomes nearly as huge as the sun set crossing paths – vertically as the sun sets and horizontally as the boat crosses through causing an eclipse of a moment. As the strumming slows down, he slowly ends up plucking the tunes of his heart as if the heart strings were playing the melodies of his inner dreams.

The boy manages to see the boat in full glory and every intricate detail as if the dream was set in movie like platform zooming on its title catching the name of the boat – Wanderlust. A beautiful temptation surges before him hoping that we was on the boat but knowing that is only but a dream because only the upper class has such footing on well refined wooden platforms.

But that didn’t stop him, he plonked his guitar down and got straight up and in frame – it looked like this: a young boy standing tall at a tail end of a pier with the wind blowing through his hair, he smiles with his eyes closed and stretches his arms wide as if to take all of it in. He gently opens his eyes and brigs him arms close to center as though it was a gun pointing at the boat saying that I want a chance at Wanderlust too

And he did the unimaginable after that…

He jumped! *splash* (in light piano finger notes playing in the background, the birds casting over the surface waters)

In the pure moment of silence, much was happening beneath the water and soon all came to fruition at the open skies, the young boy casted out in young trigger happy joy and wolfed out whistles while swimming his heart out to Wanderlust as if he was chasing the love of his life.

It didn’t matter that he’ll never be able to touch Wanderlust but the journey of swimming there meant all to him. And very soon enough, he enjoyed the waters before him as he met friends such as dolphins and a faraway sight the whales shot upon water directions in symphony. Very soon he knew his heart was in many places, his dreams was his to own.

It became new to him that he was a dreamer. A dreamer that believed dreams were to come through ups and downs. If he was ordinary it would really meant being binary. But he is off to find his beautiful bird canary and one fine day, sipping wine at a really nice winery…

1. Outliers: the story of success by Malcolm Gladwell
2. The tipping point by Malcolm Gladwell
3. Blink: the power of thinking without thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
4. Freakanomics by Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner
5. The impulse factor: why some of us play it safe and others risk it all by Nick Tasler
6. Take joy: a writer’s guide to loving the craft by Jane Yolen.

I sent a sms to the pirate requesting for the above listings of books to be downloaded. He is probably beaming at his ability in crafting near perfection printed text plus well binded covers to boot. As for me, I need to digest the entire series and many more listings to come. I am stuck at the moment and some alphabets in long queues might just help me sleep better.

I think I have hit a wall (popularly term used when running). But this time is different, I look back and I see nothing, I face forward; it’s blank too. This idea state of limbo troubles me and gives birth to a lot of questions which dabbles my great art for circular reasoning. I don’t l-i-k-e that.

I have made an appointment with the pirate this weekend. Our long awaited Sunday lunch revives itself after many months wave over appointments on my end. We need to talk. Oh boy do we need to talk.

I like history, business, strategy, creativity: what I don’t like is the lack of time in investing behind them all: And what I would like is the ability to mash them up into something so layered that becomes a nerve wrecking strength.

For this moment, I feel helpless and more over talent-less. I don’t feel useless, no, but I am struggling to come to terms that I’ll never be good at anything and the road ahead is so long and wide and lonely. It doesn’t help when you fly solo most of the time.

It’s a risk when you engage the pirate because you have to take it all and some advice is better than no advice. I pray though, an open discussion with some degree of respect for one another will prevail.

I am talking future. And pirate knows best. He refuses to share the future but very well equips me. But I have no idea where all is going. My promotion is now a slap on my face instead of an over arching joy simply because of a personal pact I made with myself.

I’m now at a crossroad with a big dilemma. And the pirate is just across. Hi, dad…lunch right? Let’s go.

And there’s this faint voice as I cross over saying, “Keep going!”

Since Christmas is around the corner…

For the past 2 weekends, other than just fun filled weddings (I have 2 more weekends of those), I did some ‘work’ at the PC with Lin, MH and Nick. I think we have our fair share our fun but drawing closer to end of the event, I think we each began a strong affinity of wanting ‘new toys’ for Christmas.

Here’s mine.

The blackberry bold. It’s such a beauty, that comes with a price. But again, what a beauty Currently, using my Dopod PDA phone – I think I have given up on PDA phones now, it hangs and its slow and there’s more to the block however still functioning rather decently but losing against being on real time. I know, how much real time do you need. Again, it’s a wish list :p

However, I have enquired with mischief with Celom because they were having a promotion with phone. So I am exploring a possible move.

I moved from the green guy to the yellow guy. I really like the yellow guy (the service is excellent – customer service that is). I might be trying out the blue guy soon. I had to work my charm on a lady from the blue division to help me get a good package, I’m still working on it They are expecting exhorbitant monthly spending on phone bills (which I don’t have) – hence, the charm work needed here.

Did I say, how beautiful the bold is. But, still it doesn’t live up to its entirety so i have my second gadget wish list. hehe.

The Ipod Touch 16gb. But hey, you were looking for a phone, why not the iPhone 3G then, all in one?

I thought about it, but having another touchpad phone really doesn’t cut it for me as my current PDA fails for me at times too, I am trusting the blackberry keyboard and rollerball to navigate my future in communication. And, push email i.e. never leave anywhere without work, yay! just great, and what I needed (in a bit you shall know why. really, I bring it upon myself :p)

However, the Ipod touch would do wonders in terms of travel – music, wi-fi, loading in movies and Grey’s Anatomy (I have yet to see it), would be great on road trips. And thanks to Lin for a preview on the Ipod Touch with her sennheiser earphones, the sound quality is to die for. I felt so alive at the PC fair during our down time late afternoon session. I can’t wait to buy an Ipod dock connecting it to my home system

Again, why this? Well, I realized that you can actually trade in your old apple stuff and upgrade to new items. I was thinking of the new ipod nano initially and then after a quick discussion with Lin, I settled for this.

But my current Nano has sentimental value after all, fellow Singapore shadow, Da helped with my first Apple purchase, a bit sayang to throw it just yet. I enquired pricing versus KL and the US, and its fairly cheaper in US, of which I have made an order so tentatively – I’ll get a touch while keeping my nano. But I might uprgrade to a new nano later and give it to my brother as a Christmas present. Still thinking.

And naturally, because of the fact that you can trade it – I am so tempted to trade in my current macbook for the NEW macbook pro

Oh, the indulgence! I don’t like chocolates, so allow this gadget fantasy yea.

This post actually put a *smile* on my face.

But I should reveal, this Christmas, a great gift came through the door for me…

…I got a promotion

so here I am, writing longer emails than I should but when the spark of storytelling ignites before me, I quickly forget that there is no need to PTO (please turn over) to the next page when its done on the computer. What more in the comfort nest. 

I am in the midst of coining up emcee scripts for a wedding weekend (yet again). Not one to re-invent the wheel, I’m still waiting for some scripts previously done by mates to share and work from there. So to those out there, got any scripts (kindly email and share it with me, would greatly help) – yes, coz the wedding is this weekend and I haven’t gotten down to it!

I have to be witty and charming. Engaging yet heartfelt. And more importantly, enjoy the night and be very involved in ensuring that wonderful union is well memorized in the minds of our audience. how do you even begin for a couple who have dated for 12 years before sealing the deal and saying, “I do” would mean forever when it looks like they have been in forever since sweet 16? 

When your eyes first met, 

You both seem like teacher’s pet, 

When you first held hands,

Your friends became the laughing bands,

When you first proposed,

She said, “Well, definitely…I suppose”

When we first heard the news,

We were all lining up the pews,

You have our great applause,

This weekend, we make it for your cause

Congratulations! 

This time, I wonder what it feels like
To find the one in this life, the one we all dream of
But dreams just aren’t enough
So I’ll be waiting for the real thing, I’ll know it by the feeling
The moment when we’re meeting, will play out like a scene
Straight off the silver screen
So I’ll be holding my own breath, right up ’til the end
Until that moment when, I find the one that I’ll spend forever with

Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares
Someone to love with my life in their hands
There’s gotta be somebody for me like that
Cause nobody wants to do it on their own
And everyone wants to know they’re not alone
There’s somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There’s gotta be somebody for me out there

Tonight, out on the street, out in the moonlight
And dammit this feels too right, it’s just like deja vu
Me standing here with you
So I’ll be holding my own breath, could this be the end
Is it that moment when, I find the one that I’ll spend forever with

Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares
Someone to love with my life in their hands
There’s gotta be somebody for me like that
Cause nobody wants to do it on their own
And everyone wants to know they’re not alone
There’s somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There’s gotta be somebody for me out there

You can’t give up, looking for a diamond in the rough
You never know, when it shows up, make sure you’re holding on
Cause it could be the one, the one you’re waiting on
Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
And everyone wants to feel like someone cares
Someone to love with my life in their hands
There’s gotta be somebody for me, ohhh

Nobody wants to do it on their own
And everyone wants to know their not alone
There’s somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There’s gotta be somebody for me out there
Nobody wants to be the last one there
Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares
There’s somebody else that feels the same somewhere
There’s gotta be somebody for me out there

~song of the moment: Nickelback – Gotta be somebody
~I’m waiting for the official video to put in a link.

I am ill. It’s a viral infection that needs to serve its time. I need to serve myself with some good rest. Now, to say that I’m catching up on life would mean to me, “catching up with sleep and rest”. I only can hope for a speedy recovery.

How many times can I break till I shatter? 
Over the line can’t define what I’m after 
I always turn the car around 
Give me a break let me make my own pattern 
All that it takes is some time but I’m shattered 
I always turn the car around

~ OAR – Shattered (turn this car around)

I am coughing my lungs out. 

This morning really tested my patience.

RHB bank is a real joke. I just can’t believe it.

Breathe…breathe…I feel like murdering them!!

Thank you RHB, you suck BIG TIME! (I really didn’t need all this with all that is going on)

A blessing of a young man, who offered his expertise in making music through the plucking of fingers, and strumming through base worthy sounds and a pleasant voice to boot; I was stoked by the Han factor.

Graciously, he offered to teach and guide me through some guitar messing last night at my place. Learning Mraz’s – I’m yours on the G chord was pretty interesting. Thank you MH! Although it actually starts in B, this would suffice for now.

G, D, Em, C, G

Down Up Up Down Up Up Up Down

8 counts

4 counts

la la la la….please don’t please don’t…

It was a great feeling playing the guitar again and obviously I have a long way to go, but I’m hoping this would be a rebirth to the lost but founded interest, God willing.

I’ll remember the donated faded blue pick. May my fingers hardened for the sweet sweet sound of music and the aroma of lyrical opportunity. The bay window seat at my apartment will be the new haven of carefree melody.

So, to a 12 year old ovation – once broken now fixed

To, a music struggler but a deep appreciation for anything lyrical

Come what may.

:: I particularly enjoyed Mraz’s live act in Korea on I’m yours – it’s raw and just a sense of freedom, he definitely enjoys what he is doing. Excellent!

Monday blues didn’t kick in yesterday but I was very much still recovering from the tiring week. The episode of being James Bond took a toll on Mr. Ee. A massage over the weekend quickly confirmed how stiff my entire body was due to the quick and fast travels from flights and drive. Although, I’m pleased with the outing and that we have succeeded in giving the respective teams a license to kill.

The reality of corporate life is a tiring one. I suppose those who are with me can attest to that. But having said that, any kind of working life is tiring itself. The best to overcome tiredness of the daily working grind is to best enjoy and take in everyday as much as you can. And start afresh the next day.

I started Monday the very same way.

Just an hour before lunch, peeps from Pos Ad group came over and because we work closely with them; we have also become friends and its always a joy to see them in that sense. Furthermore, Sue Ann is a good friend that marks a more comfortable presence because fellow believer and fellow task maker in the relevant industry, we can share the struggles, the highs and lows of the business. Coming from familiar backgrounds too, it’s been a great friendship to discuss career life and what nots.

So in most natural sense after the greeting with the Pos Ad peeps, I went back to my work. Minutes later, my boss calls upon the entire marketing team to head over to the pantry. Naturally we gathered, and there was this circulating presence towards me and I was wondering what’s up? In response to their stares, I replied, “Am I getting fired or did I get in trouble?” sheepishly.

Sue Ann spoke in response for everyone along the lines, “SW, we have something here made for you from everyone, for your work on Crazy Little Thing Called Love. There, go see it”. I turned quarter left looking at a huge frame cover and took it up and turned it over to find this:

I was stoked. Seriously, I couldn’t believe the thoughtful gesture behind it all. Personally, the fact that they came to watch, I was overjoyed. The fact that they supported me during the time of rehearsals, and understanding my position, I was extremely thankful. The flowers and cute bears and applause that came with it was really a bonus. But that doesn’t matter, what matters are relationships built. And this memorabilia is a testimony to that – the support of the art, the faith and the person that you are. Reading their personal post it notes was a great encouragement to me. I don’t only take this for myself but I share this with the team, fellow footstoolers who have been on this incredible journey together, this memorabilia is very much theirs too because without them, none of this would have come about.

Furthermore, this was my personal ambition in a sense to make an impact in the environment that I’ll be in, in a non-threatening way. Gladly from this production, I have built a certain respect and credibility that for future productions, they will be there.

Salt and light, change agent, to be an influence, relevance and an impact to others. This is one clear example this year that has garnerned me the opportunity and trust that I will continue to use this platform to share and journey with them.

And to engrave this memory, the shots from the moment:

Some of the other colleagues were stuck in meetings, so after lunch and everything settled, email transactions best summed the moment of the day:

For those who joined in the ‘loudness’ of the event, thank you!

For those who wrote a note for Soon Wei, thank you!

For those who were disturbed by the “noise” in the meeting room next door = sorry!!!!!

For those who missed it, you can view the pictures!

And finally, for Soon Wei – all the best on future productions!!! We are all proud of you!

On behalf of Pos Ad Group,

Sue Ann

…The insecticide team was stuck in a meeting, and in response to SA’s email:

….. but we did not miss its Loudness

….. if we knew it was for Soon Wei

….. and Sue Ann you were here kindly organizing it,

we would had stop the meeting and join the fun, the pictures will have to do for now…

…and my thank you note to those involved and a well lesson learnt and a great reminder:

Thank you angela, I heard you worked with Sue Ann on getting the post-it notes collected.

To all, this memorabilia will be a reminder and a lesson to me that when you put your heart to something and the developing passion steers you to only wanting to do best. I hope will overflow in all areas of my life too.

Terima Kasih semua *sniff*