Today is the last day of weekend workforce in this year as we are going to freeze the development until next year. I guess no one want to break something during this period and spoil everyone's Christmas holiday, no?

Hence, life is moving on slower as normal beats (it was on remix beats for 3 months!) starting today, and guess what, I don't have any critical issue to work on today, so I decided to do a mailbox housekeeping after a hectic battle which I didn't even have time to tidy up my mailbox, a lot of trash mails in my inbox and consuming a lot of spaces, until the mail server have been warning me for a couple of times to archieve my mails. Well, sorry about that, but I am doing it right now, finally =p

I found a funny comic in my mailbox, shared by a friend some times ago, which I think is kind of fitted into my job situation. I am sharing it here, for the sake of fun, no offence to any other team =)

After this, I will be meeting family and relatives from all around the world! Ok, this round we are going to have it seperately in many different places around the world. But here in KL, we have relatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and Hong Kong! Can't wait any longer to meeting them!

Besides that, I finally got my Starbucks Planner 2011, a very nice leather planner, for me to start taking down notes on the coming plan. Probably would be nice for me to plan my expenses as I have to really learn how to manage my finance taking into account that I have a big debt on house loan :(

Lastly, wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you peeps, another great year ahead!

And the same to myself too, all the best in 2011 Mr Stevo!

Labels: Family, Life, Thought

城市人讲的是速度和时机，我们乡下人讲的是耕耘和努力

要快高长大哦

Labels: Family, Life, Memories

I am lazy to type recently, so again I'll use the same phrase everytime when i am lazy.

"A picture tells a thousond words"

Labels: Career, Family, Memories, Trip

Time flies, it's another 24th of April. Though he has left us for 2 years, though slowly everyone forgot about this special date. But to me, it's carved on my heart, never ever will be forgotten, never! His greatness will never be left out in my memory, never! It's a scar on my heart, that he left to heaven. It's a wound that outbreaks on today of every year. Yes, my heart is bleeding again...

My blog's background music will be changed to the song that we sang during his funeral. It is a Christian song in Hokkien dialect. Like it or not, I'll leave it there for 5 days, just like 2 years ago, that we sang him the same song for 5 continuous days.

Today, my heart can never smile like the way my face does... No matter how hard I tried...

I miss you again, Yeh-Yeh! My beloved Grandfather...

Yeh-Yeh @ Segamat, Year 2005

Yeh-Yeh @ Perth, Year 2003

Labels: Family, Memories, Thought

If you think I am lazy to update my blog, you're very wrong, scroll down and you'll see I have transferred the posts from my old blog to here, with some major modification, most of the posts in my old blog were text based, and I've make my effort into conversion from text to images! xD

Well, last Saturday I was suppose to meet up Albert Wai who should have came to KL from JB. But Friday evening he SMS me to call off the trip to KL. So, as usual, after the nite shift work, I slept from 9:30am to 5:30pm, and woke up to get ready for the dinner with LKW gang. Wondering why everytime when they have outing plan for me and if I have another plan already, the other plan will automatically called off, probably it was fated for me to join them more frequent, yes they are nice to mix with.

Left home at 7:30pm and arrived Soho KL at about 8:00pm. Vincent, Wilson, and Grace were waiting for the rest at Starbucks opposite the restaurant, Ole-Ole Bali. The first thing I spotted when I arrived was that Grace was busy capturing pictures with her new Lumix semi pro digital camera. This girl looked so excited with her new so-called baby Lumix. We shifted to Ole-Ole Bali restaurant after that when there were finally seats for us. We have ordered a lot of food, which we couldn't finished them. Those who were there are Steve, Wilson, Vincent, Peter, Grace, Munyee, Cheryl, Debbie, KT, Siong, and Kam Wai.

Ole-Ole Bali

Dining mates

Click on the picture to enlarge it as this is the only photo you can see Grace's teeth xD

Dining mates again

Steve Kwok & Wilson Law

The view

At about 10pm++, party hours, so we decided to go for second round. Wilson suggested to go to Bamboo Club at TTDI Plaza. Headed to this club but then it was not so happening, so Grace suggested to go to Phuture Club. To be frank, I did not want a heavy party for that nite as I was kinda tired, but I chose to follow the majority. There we go! Another round of sardin-packing, as usual it was so damn crowded!

Velvet

Party people

Steve Kwok in pose no. 1

Steve Kwok in pose no. 2

Wilson, Ivan, Steve, Peter

Wilson & Grace, so sweet!

We have stayed there from 11pm to 3am, and then went for supper at a mamak nearby. So, we talked nonsense for 1 hour plus. All of them agreed that I should head to JB straight after supper. So, again I followed the majority. Went back to home for a shower and packing, and then headed down to Senai for an adhoc trip at 5:30am, to meet up with my family members.

My initial plan was to join the family gathering, better late than never. And then pay respect to my grandparent. After that, meet up my friends and buddies for some drinks in the afternoon, and go into Singapore after dinner, to meet up another gang of buddies, sightseeing, and also photo shooting. Then go to shopping in Singapore on the second day. Meet up with Debbie and her friend, before heading back to KL. But guess what? I couldn't make it, because I have left out my passport!!!!!! WTH!?! Just too bad. By the time I realised that I did not bring along my passport, I was already at Pagoh highway, somewhere in Johore, nearby Muar. So I played the song "Apologise" by Timbaland, and sang it in my own way, "It's too late to make a U-turn, it too late... I said it's too late to make a U-turn, it's too late...". Felt like falling down from the top of the hill, God damn it!

Reached Sofitel Palm Resort, Senai at 8:15am. It is located nearby Senai Airport. Right before I reached, I gave my dad a call to double confirm the path to take, and he was so worried about me as he always don't want me to drive alone for long hours. Sorry dad, I didn't mean to make you worry, my bad! The family members were having buffet breakfast by the time I reached. Most of them were surprised to see me there as earlier I have told them I cannot make it for the family gathering.

I sat down for the breakfast with the family, and then went to my parent's room for a nap. After 15 minutes, my mummy came in and told me that everyone is moving out and gonna check out then head to Nirvana Memorial Park to pay respect to my grandparent. So I was like WTH? It is only 9.15am, I was told we will only leave at 10:00am to 10:30am, I want to SLEEP lar mum! To avoid being nagged, I woke up and changed my clothes, and then went to the lobby to see what can I help.

The buffet breakfast @ Sofitel Palm Resort

The dessert @ Sofitel Palm Resort

The corridor @ Sofitel Palm Resort

The room @ Sofitel Palm Resort

Met Uncle Roger Kwok and auntie Catherine at the lobby, they were glad to announce that our next family trip will be in China during Christmas 2009! The best thing is Uncle Roger Kwok gonna sponsor the young generation some allowance for the trip, haha! Thanks for the offer Uncle Roger, love you so much!

As predicted, everyone was ready at 10:30am. I have then became one of the drivers to fetch the family. Arrived Nirvana Memorial Park at about 11am. It was again mixture of Buddhist and Christian styles of obeisance. Simply because there are family members from both religions, and we respect each other. We sang the song that played during Nai-Nai's funeral, "Amazing Grace", and also the song played during Ye-Ye's funeral, "Hold My Hand". As usual, guided by the Feng-Shui master, we followed the Chinese rules, burnt the papar made household supplies, and also lighted firecrackers.

Grandparent's grave

Getting ready to pay respect to grandparent

In Buddhist style

In Christian style (Video clip)

Stayed there until 1:00pm, and then headed to the town of Senai for our lunch. Again, it was the same restaurant again! Wondering how much commission this restaurant offering to the Feng-Shui master that guided us there. To be frank I don't really like the Feng-Shui master, but he is Uncle Roger's favourite Feng-Shui sifu, what to do? Two years ago, it was a rainy day when we were paying respect to the grandparent, he told us that it was a good sign, "Fong Shan Sui Qi" in Mandarin, means something like great wealth to the descendant. But I don't see big increment in both investment and salary. xD

Family lunch

Family lunch

After the lunch, the family gathering dismissed and everyone went back. And I have then headed to JB town to meet up with my buddies, Danny Pang, Nick Chai, Raymond Teh, and David Yew. They were having lunch at Angsana by the time I reached. After lunch, Raymond Teh went back to Segamat while David Yew went back to KL. So, together with the two new Nikon DSLR members, Danny Pang and Nick Chai, we headed to Danga Bay for photoshooting. As we were talking about the bokeh photography, we were so excited that decided to go and try out some lenses at Angsana Plaza. Played around with all the accessories as the promoter was kind enough to allow us to do so. Plug in the external flash, it doesn't look fit into the D60 body, sort of alien look, the flash is too big for D60. Finally, got my Nikon DSLR camera a new wife, the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D lens, which was recommended by Danny Pang before I came to JB. Just love its bokeh technology!

Headed to Danga Bay to try shooting photo with bokeh effect

Went to a shop in Angsana Plaza to check out the better bokeh lenses

Trying out the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D lens

Bought this Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D lens that highly recommended by Danny before I came to JB

Trying out the new lens in car

In love with bokeh effect!

Reached Danny Pang's house at Johore Jaya at 7:00pm, was freaking tired and quickly went to bed! Took 1 hour nap before I wake up to prepare for the dinner. Went out at about 9pm plus to fetch Stella Yap from Taman Daya for a tea at Austin Heights. It has been like 1.5 year since I last met her, in KL. Guess what, she was in a very funny myopy-less spectacles that nite, hah!

It has been like 1.5 year since I last met this girl

Danny's bokeh shot failed! Haha, because the background objects are too close to the focused object

Steve Kwok in Stella's funny spectacles

After that, we sent her back to Taman Daya and headed down to Taman Pelangi for second round with Mandy Low. Never know she has moved to Taman Perling from Taman Pelangi. Last met her in KL few months back. This girl gonna seek for new job in KL soon, so probably we will meet in KL again later then.

Now you see the effect of bokeh lens? It was my shot ok! xD

Nice bokeh shot by Danny Pang

At about 1:00am, we decided to call it a day. I was so damn tired, if you are awared, I have only slept for 1 hour from Saturday evening 6pm to Monday early morning 1am! Rushed back to Danny Pang house and quickly jumped into the blanket!

Second day, woke up at about 11am, went to lunch with Danny Pang and Albert Wai before I go back to KL. Albert Wai told me that his wife's aunty, which is my hairstylist, Lisa, has just passed away few days back. OMG! Life is short, so make sure you do whatever you wanted to do as soon as possible.

After the lunch, headed back to KL from JB. Goodbye JB! It was raining heavily while I was on my way back. It was a really tiring trip. Reached home at 5pm something, quickly went for another nap before preparing to work at 11pm.

That's basically how my weekend gone.

Labels: Clubbing, Dining, Family, Party, Trip

It's about 12 hours to go before Chinese New Year! I am melting in excitement welcoming a brand new lunar year =p

First and foremost, I'd like to wish everyone good health, great wealth, lots of luck, pots of wisdom all year round, and have a prosperous Chinese New Year! Those who are in my mailing list should have received my non-commercial greating earlier.

Apart from that, I'd like to thank everyone for everything in lunar year 2008, especially those who left significant memories in my life. Thanks Papa Mama for pampering me with so much love since I have been single, lmao. Thanks God for giving me so much chances but too bad I did not really treasure the best chance, but I promise I'll do my best in 2009.

Thanks for all the companies during my trips in 2008, Langkawi, Kukup, JB, Bukit Tinggi, Genting, Penang, Thailand, and Australia, and the incoming one in April, Pulau Redang. Thanks Shell for all the memories and experiences. Thanks Cadbury for all the OT works. Thanks Northgate Arinso for the Sony T2.

Too many people for me to thank, I'll keep the names in my heart instead of posting it here. For those who I've missed out, I apologise, but I don't have that much time to spare in my blog, my mummy is cooking downstair right now and has been asking for help few times, guess I have to go down and give her a hand now.

Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fatt Chai!

Labels: Family, Thought

Arrived at Perth International Airport in the early morning

Can you smell the Christmas atmosphere? xD

My brother was out to work when I woke up, so I have to be the chef to cook, and then Facebook-ing while waiting for my aunty and cousin to pick me up

On the way to Uncle Roger's house, with aunty Esther and Raymond

Arrived at Uncle Roger's house

I just feel so excited when I see Christmas tree!

TV room @ Uncle Roger's house

Jonathan was fighting with Joshua in the swimming pool!

Northbridge, the Chinatown

Street @ Northbridge

Christmas decorations

It took me a day to visit Swam Valley which is about 30 minutes drive from Perth. We arrived there in the afternoon, had our meal before the trip started. Right after that, we have visited the wineries, chocolate company, and nougat company. Swam Valley is famous of its wineries. You can enjoy fine wine, cheese, chocolates, nougats, dried fruits, honey, non alcoholic wine, grape juice and a variety of seasonal produce. Most of them, you can try for free before getting one. I enjoyed wine tasting at the wineries and chocolate tasting at the chocolate company!

Black Swam Winery & Cafe

Swam Valley

Swam Valley

The Margaret River Chocolate Company

Chocolates!

Mondo Nougat

Second day, we went to Uncle Roger's favourite Chinese restaurant in Northbridge for a DimSum lunch. Right after that, we went shopping in Harbour Town! Harbour Town sells a lots of stuff at reasonable price. Indeed a cool place for the shopping addicts especially the ladies. We also went to MYER, but I can't remember which branch was that, heh!

Lunch with cousins before shopping

Harbour Town, it's time to shop!

Harbour Town

MYER

And spared another day to visit Canning College, Curtin College, and also my brother CK's ex-school, University of Western Australia, also known as UWA. Just stayed there like 10 minutes each, to take some pictures, and my brother shared me some thought when he studied there. Guess what, I am regret to further my study in local college, I should have followed my brother or my sister, at least that's different experience, which I had missed out. Cut the crap, after that, we have also visited the famous park, Kings Park! You can enjoy the best view of Perth here!

My brother CK's ex-school, University of Western Australia

Kings Park

Rainbow @ Kings Park

Kings Park

Perth view from Kings Park

Perth view from Kings Park

We spared another day in the town for sightseeing and photoshooting. I've been nagging my brother to find out where is London Court as I remember I saw it from Vivent's album, it's a nice place. Who knows, it is actually a small street! But it is a nice place to shoot some pictures I'd say, heh, I am finding an excuse so that the rest of them not going to blame me for the trouble to find out the small street. xD

Perth City

Perth City

Perth City

Malaysia Airline!

The street that linked to London Court

Steve Kwok @ the same street

Finally we spotted London Court!

This is how its entrance looks like

London Court, a short and small street

Another nice place that we have visited is the Cottesloe Beach. Even though I don't really love water sport, but feeling the heat of the sun under the cold water is simply awesome! We went there on a windy day, so I was freaking cold even with jacket. But since it is such a nice place, I ended up took off my shirt and jumped into the water with my cousins.

Cottesloe Beach

Steve Kwok @ Cottesloe Beach

On Christmas eve, we had our dinner at Uncle Roger Kwok's house, together with some of his business partners. Another lobsters meal, yummy! After that, we gathered in the TV room for caroling. It has been so long since I last caroling, but I can still remember few carols well wuey! In case you don't know, I had joined the caroling team from Wesley Methodist Church Segamat to visit house by house during Christmas eve when I was in secondary school.

Christmas dinner

Christmas dinner

Dine & Wine!

Lobsters

BBQ lobsters

BBQ lobsters, ready to be served

The prayers before meal

The guests are seating

And the party people

Steve Kwok & cousin, Jonathan Beech

Thanks everyone for the Christmas gifts

The day after Christmas, we went to Wild Life Park to pay a visit to the kangaroos and koalas! I remember when I was young, my uncle and grandparent brought me alots of souvenirs from Australia with kangaroo and koala picture on it whenever they coming back from Australia. But this is the first time I could see and feel them that close! It reminds me of my grandparent, miss you both so much!!!

Steve Kwok with the kangaroo

The kangaroo

Steve Kwok with the kangaroo again

Kangaroo feeding

The koala is sleeping, so cute wuey!

The next day, we went to Frementle for our fish & chips lunch on CK's treat. Followed by sightseeing and photoshooting. We had our late breakfast thus were so full at lunch time, couldn't finish the nice fish & chips.

Frementle

Frementle

Frementle

Frementle

Frementle

The cousins - Jonathan, Jacqualine, Raymond, and Steve Kwok

In the nite, we attended Zoe's 25th birthday party. Erm, if I am not mistaken, the restaurant is located in Northbridge (Zoe, correct me if I am wrong k). And after that, headed to a KTV nearby, forgot the name as well, haha! Nice dinner treat from Zoe, thanks! Zoe is my sister-in-law's buddy, she was the bridesmaid during CK's wedding. So CK is going to share the gift with his wife. Raymond and I got Zoe an Ipod Shuffle, hope she likes it lar.

Zoe's birthday dinner

Karaoke niteout

Birthday girl, Zoe

Passed by a club named Library Club, a venue for the school boys to do revision?

10 days sound a lots, but if you look at my schedule, it wasn't enough! My cousins were heading to Rottnest Island on the day I left. :( Well, I guess I did not spend the days there wisely, that's why. I believe I have missed out a lot of nice places in Perth. You know, you have to wait for everybody in the family to get ready. By the time everyone is ready, it is already lunch time, and after lunch, you won't have too much time to be spared in Perth as many of the shops are closing down at 5pm! And sad thing, I did not manage to try out the famous Corica Apple Strudel due to its closure during year end holiday period! *Sigh* But I am sure I'm gonna try it out during my next trip to Perth! =p

Arriving at Perth International Airport, good bye, Perth!

In the flight, reaching KL soon! Phew!

Anyway, these are part of my memories in Perth, the rest are all in my mind, will keep them in my heart always. Thanks everyone for making my Christmas trip a memorable one!

Talking about migrating to Australia, erm, Perth is a dull city without too many entertainments especially nite life. But it will be fine if you are migrating with your family like my brother. You won't want to party all nite long when you have commitment with your spouse isn't it? xD But, to a Chinese education guy like me, I could foresee certain difficulties to survive in a foreign country, especially when it comes to English verbal communication, especially at the initial stage. But one thing I found is that their accent is not that difficult to be understood, I see the possibilities to survive. So to me, it sounds possible to migrate to Australia. Anyway, I guess it gonna take me at least 1 to 2 years before I start thinking about it. If you ask me now, my answer is "sorry I don't know".

Ok now, guess what, I will be leaving Shell next week! There are so much to be recalled during my 15 months project employment with Shell. Thanks for everything, you're always in my mind! I had great fun working there!

Today is the last day of year 2008, I've did a personal review, especially the mistakes made in the year. Learnt a lesson and will be doing better in the coming years, I promise. There are a lots more in my mind which I don't feel like sharing it with the public. Wish me luck in year 2009, will you?

Tonight, with the feeling of sweet yet bitter, I will be sending off year 2008.

Good bye 2008!

Labels: Family, Memories, Party, Thought, Trip