Not too long ago, I was here…

With this bunch…

And I stayed here…

Most recently, made a trip back to have this…

Jetsetter. Wanderlust. Globe Trekker. Weekend Performer.

I may be seen as all of the above but all travels have been purposeful, hence the busy schedule/period may result in some backlogged entries such as the continuity of Macau. But don’t fret, it’s there somewhere and will present itself soon enough.

I have been busy, good busy. That’s a major plus point for me.

Previously mentioned, I was over at Penang for this:

Crazy Little Thing Called Love Program Book

I stayed on in Penang for  a whole week and it was a very productive time for me not just increasing my waistline gracefully but also expanding my mind and gaining knowledge and information in a very fun way (not to mentioned at a more relaxed stance too). The people in Penang definitely gave me a much needed booster for the coming months ahead and a particular female young (very young) shadow definitely captured my heart. Here are some moments from Penang. Note: I didn’t manage to snap many pictures of the hawker food because I was too busy eating half the time. Oh dear!

I wasn’t going around Penang in this.

I had 4 eggs and 4 pieces of toast for breakfast (it sets the mark for other meals)

My time in Penang gave me opportunities to be in discussion, timely moments to talk about some matters and over the week, we had many of those sessions and some became work sessions too. Productive nonetheless. The pace was much slower, I could take time to reflect, pray and slowly work around those issues. Thankful for the moments of wonder, honestly. Quiet and simple conversations. Just what I needed during this time of my major crossroad in life (I’m sure there are plenty more ahead)

Here’s the little darling that stole my heart, and convinced me that babies are really cool and approachable During my week, I spent much time with Caitlin who was just so easy to work with. I say work, because I thought I needed to make much effort and required heavy commitment from my end to communicate and get her attention. Zilch! She was totally fun to be with and there was so much curiosity oozing out of her, so much joy in her face that really brightens up any household. Very blessed parents, a gift from God. I manage to share those glimpse throughout the week which made think further myself.

I managed to teach her a facial expression and she uncannily replicated the Robert Ooi look, I’ll post them up once I have the pictures.

Baby Caitlin Joy & Peace.

Papa at work, while Caitlin goes on flight mode

Allow me to introduce the parents, here’s Charles, the father and have been instrumental to my time in Penang. I really expanded my mind throughout our conversations, sharing about thoughts on some books and authors, exchanging references and further encouraging me to take the bold step and giving support and guidance. Timely.

Charles

This is the mama, Sui Sim and now, with a joy laughter as such, it’s only indicative that the baby shares so much of that in herself. She’s got teeth too, to show for it – baby Caitlin

Tail end of my trip was spent with an evening of good food, great company and just kinda winding down from everything, so we all scooted off to Ferringhi Grill at Rasa Sayang, Shangrila. I definitely enjoyed dinner and it was a dvd night of a chick flick after that – Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past (DVD worthy, not cinema worthy).

Ferringhi Grill

Me, Sui Sim & Mike having a beer while they were setting up our table

I’m done with Penang and got home on Monday night, and hours later today, I’ll be on the plane again and I’m off to Singapore till next Monday. What’s going on there? I am going for this:

The seminar in Singapore is led by the founder and Exec Director of Christians in Theatre Arts (CITA), Dale Savidge. (Incidentally, Dale used to be Bruce Kuhn’s manager! Small world.) It’s my first theatre training/workshop out of the Footstool Players umbrella so it’ll be interesting to see what comes out of it. I’ll be traveling with some of the cast and some of us will stay on after to catch up with our own friends. Once I’m back from Singapore, the plane is going to settle and a new car ride begins for me, time to burn rubber then. Thankfully, I am lugging my laptop and my work along with me to keep me going on at a steady pace. I say this again, I like working remotely, having the mobility hence all my new attempts will pursue this lifestyle design.

Here’s bidding you guys farewell till I return, I hope to blog or share when I’m there. Otherwise, when I’m back yea

Cheers!

It’s shouldn’t be difficult to write this but yet the cursor blinks before me and I’m trying hard to put all my thoughts into words. The second sentence begins even slower than the first. Talk about warming up the engine.

I have been in Penang for close to a week now and it’s the most interesting time for me. I can’t place it all but somehow doors are begin to open and it becomes my choice on whether I want to take that step. I took it. Forward and not backwards. The more time I spend reflecting and thinking through my corporate experience in the last 3-4 years, the more I’m able to reassess the situation and choices made; I am clear about my direction.

Everything happens for a reason.

Although I’m enjoying less traffic (it’s been perfect for me!), flirting with the cool breeze in the evening, and tantalizing my taste buds with the charming Penang food selection; it’s been very comforting to be in prayer and also meditating with Him. I am having peace as I take each day with the Lord. For me, it’s great being away from KL because I get the opportunity to detach myself from everything and review the entire situation before I head back this coming Monday for a full action plan.

Thankful for computers and internet connection. Working remotely and living in mobility is a choice in lifestyle design. I’m pursuing this. Very much so.

I must believe in what I do. It’s only been baby steps, but I have been blessed by good people around, who are willing to teach and guide, by others who have been a great source of encouragement and myself, blessed by different gifts and talents which enables me to serve others and become a contributor to upcoming collaborations. It’s simple for me – I think about others before myself and that’s why I enjoy what I do most of the time.

I’m looking forward to the last few days here in Penang and looking beyond the months ahead from this point forward. I’ll never know where this may lead, and sometimes the blog just does this for me – to write this all down, as a dotted article so that when I look back at this in years to come, I may somewhat join the dots that link to that bridge of curiosity.

I wish the same for you, I do.

I’m taking a break so here I am doing a quick post before going back into my ‘working sessions’. I am also working on other things concurrently so that is keeping me busy. Very busy.

Our first stop over the weekend was Kledang Community Chapel (KCC), Ipoh. The place brought back memories because I remembered it being our last performance on one of our seasons. Also meant, no more notes for the first time!

I’m impressed with the hands on/DIY work that goes on in the church. Check this out, we came with our lighting gear, while they build their lighting equipment with tin cans:

(the classic black)

(traffic lights :p)

I think Rakuzen might enjoy moments of KCC once again and maybe this entry will help. The trusted pews that serves the visitors and we an encouraging reflective crowd that night.

When were given a choice for dinner after our performance, I think the most natural response was none other than this and we were famished. I totally enjoyed dinner, and the spread was amazing. What more after a performance which includes setting up and packing up. Many thanks to KCC for their kind hospitality not just warming our stomach but also our hearts.

(Ipoh Koay Teow – Dry style)

(needs no introduction, Mr. Bean Sprouts aka nga choy)

(the chick that warmed my stomach many times over)

(Some pork ball & fish ball to seal the deal for our meal)

The following morning, just before making our way to Penang, we stopped over for Dim Sum at House of Mirrors and I’m still thinking about the siew mai (Ipoh Road Trip must happen again!). Hopefully, I don’t meet the Ms. Table Stealer anymore (apparently she had been waiting but I had not seen her at all and she just sits down and books the whole table. Oh well, graciously, I said, “enjoy your breakfast”.grr.)

In Penang, our performance venue was a hospital; Penang Adventist Hospital to be exact. A NGO in nature with an amazing bakery (why the bread + hospital, go google – you’ll find something interesting ). And, here we are:

And while I’m here telling the stool that ”Shakespeare hates your emo poems” while pointing at it, we have Elena (our stage & sound manager) in her element and Sean attempting a ‘Robert Ooi’ moment with Colin next to him. Hehe. All shots taken by Linora. Yes, we are a crazy and fun bunch but full of love, yes.

I’m residing in Penang for the week, as I am taking some leisure time to indulge and also having some working sessions and so far have been blessed by it. Also, great hospitality and I didn’t joke when I meant I really heard birds chirping this morning and not my twitter/tweetdeck!

As I sit here and write, I’m already embracing my new life. Or at least the chosen path for now. Queries from abroad, my buddy from Germany sends his regards and wonders my decision was based on finally going in for the kill. I haven’t replied him yet.

Perhaps, once I’m done writing this, I would have a better piece of cake for him to chew on. But alas, I’m here. Finally, here?

I have done my corporate stint and enjoyed most of it. Recently, I spent another 6 weeks with another multinational and some of you are aware of the ‘various community days in the jungle’. Perhaps I left way too early, but given the circumstances and time and the moments collected – it was the best choice made for myself. And I know for a fact, it wasn’t too early. It was just right.

I made the choice. And I’m at peace about it. That’s most important. And you know what’s important; exit interviews. I never had mine. At  least not yet. But I left already.

But you know, while catching up with some friends, with permission to exercise my creativity, I painted a scenario in the case if an exit interview would have taken place. It would perhaps played out in my mind this way:

So tell us, why are you actually leaving us? Don’t you think it’s too soon? You can be honest.
Because I’m worth it.

Oh. In that case, do you have anything to say to us before we go?
Take Care

So do you think you’ll be able to find another job outside once you leave us, are you sure about this?
Maybe I’m just born with it.

Disclaimer: I’m merely enjoying my creativity, after all, I do have life experience. heh

And if I was to go back to my roots, I was taught this phrase – to simply delight  you everyday.

Most, will not get this, some will share the laughing jingle with me, but it’s all in good spirit I’m sure.

So what’s next? Ah, the beloved headhunters. They are here, around and continues to vouch for your best interest. Oh, I’ve learned. My journey of exploration remains. I’ve learnt human capital management more than anything else throughout this course.

But since I’m at a crossroad, and also in the interim. I am going to try something different.

I can’t remember if I read this off Tim Ferris’s 4HWW, but it should be right, I found this equation at least:

Time X Money = Freedom

Scenario A: SW works with MNC. He has money (salary) but no time (13-14 hrs/day). Therefore, 0 X Money = 0

or

Scenario B: SW has no work (no salary) but has time (i.e. not working). Therefore, Time X 0 = 0

So the key focus is balancing the both to have freedom. And freedom depicts, the flexibility that one can exercise upon his life comfortably.

I am working towards that. The timing will never be right. I guess it was due course that landed me in this situation. I’m not complaining though, because I see some opportunities and some are brewing, I just hope it makes some good coffee for pocket money soon.

And when the industry heard I left the job market, the word got out and some called to help and offered links while others spoke their mind and I particularly was encouraged by a mentor and friend from the advertising industry, whom I had the opportunity to work alongside with and he said after hearing I left:

“Soon Wei is meant to be creative, he shouldn’t fight it”

We’re suppose to have dinner together as a group soon with my other trusted mentors and friends. A good point of discussion as I build my next pillar.

If I can have it my way, the corporate sofa is going to have a backseat for a while. As long as I can hold it. I’m branching out and tomorrow begins the new attempt. Wish me luck, I need it! But you immediately begin with a different mindset, creating opportunities for yourself and the constant questioning of whether this is a need or a want.

I remember Alvin Toffler’s quote – The illiterate of the 21st century would not be one who can’t read or write, but one who can’t unlearn, learn and relearn. And that’s just the case, I am seeing (in my view at least), some are getting stuck in that world of security – the one and only way to climb. I’m sorry sister, but there’s a whole new world out there and it’s taking over your world before you know it, that’s what I would say. The other observation is the act of accumulation, I see that taking place so much in my previous job format. I have my question marks on those too.

One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always run to simplicity – Bruce Lee.

Yes, people. Keep it simple. And, live simply so others may simply live.

Simplicity. I’m working on that now. Less is more. Less complexity. I have seen the chaos. Not worth my time doing fire fighting. I wasn’t seeing the fireworks but waiting for an explosion.

I rather pop champagne, it’s more fun. Hopefully my new life gives me that opportunity to share with others.

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one – Albert Einstein.

And so it begins, the journey of experimenting with lifestyle design.

Crazy Little Thing Called Love first outstation performance this weekend was at Temerloh. In case you’re wondering where Temerloh is, it’s in Pahang. It’s neighboring city is Mentakab. Any clue? Well, time to get out more and travel out yea.

Temerloh brings back many memories, especially Temerloh Gospel Hall (TGH). When I first got into performing arts, touring with Footstool Players for our 2005 – 2006 production Runaway Bride, TGH was our very first venue, and my first public performance. I still remember the stomach upset I had during the performance that gave me so much intensity and energy that let me belt out all that I could, and the minute when we had lights off I zoomed past all possible doors looking for the nearest toilet.

And the rest the say, is history.

It’s been 4 years since, and we revisited yesterday and I was pretty excited going back to my roots if I could say, to that small town of my virgin performance and thoroughly reminisce the beginning of times and also enjoying the company of the people – their warmth, and appreciation for our visit.

I’m glad we managed to minister to about 200 pax comprising of mostly youths from Mentakab & Temerloh itself, and that our message of love was shared and positive and encouraging feedback was generated in how the play has spoken to them. That is key, ultimately it’s the message.

Sunday service is at 8am, and by the time we got to bed it was close to 1am. We needed to be awake by 6:30am to prepare for church but I found it difficult to sleep, tossing and turning till 4+am. Clearly, I’m utterly exhausted at the moment and will grab a quick shut eye after this entry.

It was a very warm performance for us. I was drenched on stage, I was dripping in sweat and apologies to my trusted actor/partner in which I was showering her with my sweat. Ewww. But yea, layers of sweat covered my face and by the time Act 1 was done, I was like…woah. Many shared the same sweaty moments. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every part of it – going back to basics, reaching out to all and experiencing the journey which was ultimately key for me.

Sunday message was a great seal as I think further about my future plans. Work so that you may give to those in need. Counter culture. Becoming the new man not only as heaven as the destination but growing in Christ likeness. Many brewing thoughts for myself. And I know that He is speaking to me throughout this time of deliberation given the circumstances of situations in my life at the moment.

I see positivity and peace in all of this, and thanking for the opportunity of going back to my roots. As I always say, always remember where you come from. And that, most times, less is more.

I may contradict myself at this very moment, thinking about sleep. Which I severely need. In peace I shall

edit:

These are some shots from Temerloh, shot by Albert, fellow church member of TGC. I think Robert finally found his colour, the red does a better Robert Ooi than the blue Haha.

Sketch – Be Real.

Sketch – The Ledger People

Sketch – Word Picture

The Team missing Elena

Our first stop for lunch happened to be the Afrikana BBQ Restaurant which is basically an African style restaurant which I found a tad bit weird. We were in Macau with supposed infused Chinese + Portuguese heritage, you would think that one would land up something more straight out Asian or Portuguese. But we were all hungry, okay I speak for myself – some food after the flight would have been comforting, so when I got seated, I quickly looked at our menu:

After browsing the menu, my first thoughts were, “What in the world is Fish Foo Foo?” And just as I began to think these thoughts, and thought that I was hearing voices in my head, the table naturally echoed what is the foo foo all about? Well, we have no idea!

I took the chicken and it look something like this. Some others, went for the lamb shank. Yes, we were hungry and strongly interested in filling our stomach with something delightful and comforting. No Foo Foo for us!

(chicken mondo yo!)

(shank the tank, yummy!)

The folks of the chicken and lamb crew, my initial pictures had my camera setting at F1.4 while it was best to put it at F5.6, well I’m still learning and once I got the hang of it, things became clearer; just like how I manage to bond with the group as well (Oh, did I tell you how much fun these people are? Read on at the other upcoming blog posts).

(Fr L -> R: Alan, Anansa, Lawrence, Janice, S.Fen, Josh & Jag)

And to flush out all the Foo Foo confusion, this is what Fish Foo Foo was, and totally harmless and it would’ve have been a great pick as well

After lunch, it was fitting to walk off our food, hence the tour of Fisherman’s Wharf begins. I am reserving this for the next entry and probably breaking them into parts of which I’ll begin with the Rock’s Hotel and my over assumption of the supposed silk bouquet of flowers that got me laughing so hard with folks like Renita and Anansa!

While writing this blog post, I was actually listening to Andrew Tan’s new single on his blog. Check him out here. Fellow friend, a pushmore-ian and dedicated to life and lives it out mightily. He’s a singer at heart and professionally, he delivers great quality music which has great exposure with the Chinese market and continues to reach out to many. Have a listen and if you like it, buy a CD and most importantly support our local music. They are worth every penny and more, because I am going to do just that!

I am actually really digging the ballad.

I will always remember my first trip to Macau. I will remember because:

• it was my first time visiting
• it was my first invited as a guest and a blogger to experience Macau (special thanks to Macau Government Tourism Office [MGTO])
• it was a splendid opportunity to meet people from different walks of life, and what do you know – we all have a pretty good time together!
• it also allowed me to connect the dots leading up to Macau.

By all these details, very soon we all met at LCCT, and supporting our favorite local carrier, Air Asia which promises now everyone can fly did just that for just and got us safely to Macau Most of us probably crashed during the 3hr 40min flight because of little rest the night before.

Perhaps the titling looks funny, the capitals on the former and the non-capitals on the latter. Maybe it was intentional. Maybe it just went over your head, but I hope the below doesn’t. I received this on facebook email this morning, was shocked and alarmed by the video I saw. With the video heading plus the graphic video, I was honestly not sure how true this was, and I needed a quick check. I basically shared the video on my profile with this comment – “got this from fb emai from a friend, anyone else seen this, any thoughts?”

I just had to google on how to do a print screen on a mac (the power of google and the internet). The answer: Apple key + shift + 3

I can’t post the video on the blog, but it’s linked to my facebook. Watch it here

And here’s a string of comments that came in after minutes after posting, clearly we can be a voice and what better knowledge with new mediums such as this to keep us informed or perhaps alarmed. We are at a stage where these platforms are more accessible and therefore keeping us informed about the ‘actual’ present and in hope we can be a presence of justice in our own way too.

And what are your thoughts?

I’m just done with a shower and still feeling extremely full from dinner. It’s been a weekend of late dinners as we usually only eat after performances. Such routine goes on till early October with the blessing of good food from the various states we visit starting next weekend.

But I thoroughly enjoyed the ikan bakar tonight at Everyday food junction at Puchong. Personally, one of the best I’ve had around the Klang Valley area.

It’s been quite a week, some of you might have read the quick Macau updates (there’s more, I assure you beginning tomorrow!), Crazy Little Thing Called Love tour and also the recent short lived but convincing change in my usual Monday – Friday routine hours (but we’ll save that for later).

I guess I have much to be thankful for, Macau has been a great blessing. Touching closer to home, I had the opportunity to hear stories or feedback from our play which warms my heart. Personally, I’m glad my Chinese teacher (yes, I’m learning Chinese), Eric/Hu Ren and his girlfriend who is visiting from China managed to avail themselves to watch the play. Considering that English is not their first language, they could relate strongly to the elements of the play itself which led to deeper conversations and also a chance to bond as friends. Anchoring a trustworthy relationship was indeed a big keeper for me. I managed to show them some local favourites after the play and we took a drive to Putrajaya to catch the night scene and I must say, I was impressed! It’s my first by the way. The Chinese were definitely amazed and asked if we were still in Malaysia

More came by tonight, some ex- Sara Lee folks, some Loreal folks and Niki and co as well. Yee Teng brought a friend from HK and I appreciate their presence and support. That in itself is a reward and a great closure for the weekend. Since starting tomorrow, things are going to be a tad or very different in my life but I’m taking it one step/day at a time.

On other exposures, I basically murdered my palm on Friday at Pushmore. I wouldn’t put my palm if I could realize earlier, but you live and learn. Doing some snatched in great effort focusing on form and technique to the best of my abilities, I grip the kettlebells way too hard for my own liking and resulted in this:

If these were my first blisters, I would have been horrified with the conditions. Fortunately, I have seen them before, on my other palm. If I could say the least, it’s pretty well torn this time round, but ever so sore and raw. I couldn’t shake hands of other shadows because any stretching of the skin will ignite a stinging pinch.

Nonetheless, I am very impressed with the Pushmore folks for their determination and attitude towards fitness and the overwhelming support in ensuring that everyone is inclusive whether near or far the bar of fitness. Considering I would have more time on my hands (and hopefully less blisters :p), I am going to pump up the frequency of workouts. It’s going to be tiring, painful and having to consistently remind myself that ”I can do this” but in the end it’s all worth it.

And so is love (relating to the bigger scheme of things), it may be a raw open wound for some moving towards recovery, the joy of healing is amazing – gives life! While others are working through their own lives on these issues and no matter how tiring it may be, through it all – this crazy little thing called love, we know someone, someone up there loves us.