moving on

There comes a point in life you just bite the bullet and take on whatever that comes to you. You know that it is about time. You trust that it better be good. And you just earnestly hope that it will be.

Last night was TS's leaving do.

While sitting at Wild Boar with TS, his beautiful other half, and our friends, I can't help reminising the times we all spent together. Since most of us worked together or used to worked together, it was nice to think about the banters and gossips we shared, the annoying customers we had, the times we had been spending together, and so on so forth.

But it does come to a point that we all have to move on. Me going to a new city, a new job, a new exciting phase of my life. TS moving home, to a better life, to be closer to his dreams. Mrs. T-to-be is engaged. And the others in their own time, going on to better things in their life, more exciting experience that each of them will savour.

I grinned at myself, for not wanting to move away from my comfort zone. All the cool people have move on. Some of them also move away from the city. It is just inevitable. Sometimes it is just better to leave the familiarity to something more exciting and pleasing.

I know I will miss the city that I have called home. And I will miss my friends, close friends and those whom I call family.

But it is a step that I must take. It is a step that eventually all of us will take.

Drink log: six Gin & Tonic (one was spilled by the clumsy cow!)

guitar day

Am so shattered!


Last night's David Buckingham's guitar performance was really good, in fact it was excellent! The opening performer, talented Ian Watt who is from The Broch (Fraserburgh) entertained the crowd sitting in the candle lit club.

Both performers had the crowd thirsting for more of their music.

At the last minute I managed to get KW to come along with me. We had so much fun at the concert and a good chat the whole night.

I only went to bed around 3am!

Drink log: 3 bottles of Magners, 3 Gin & Tonic


This morning's guitar workship with David Buckingham was ace!

No one turned up for the workshop except for me. So I had a private lesson from a professional. How priviliged is that!

David was very patient. I haven't played classical guitar for years and after two hours of lesson I left with a strained wrist, stretched and numb fingers. David was very encouraging and I learnt to play the Soleá. Now all I need is lots and lots of practice! It is a really good piece.

Anyways, if you are interested to listen to David's music, click on his name to his website.

It has been a glorious summer day. Came home from the workshop, quick vegetation at the computer and then out for some sun before meeting up for lunch (or in my case brunch) with AZ. Which in the end turned out to brunchner or breakfastlunchdinner. Man I'm so stuffed.

Being stuffed and shattered, the only way to end the day is to vegetate in front of the idiot box watching Heroes. Bliss!

it's here!

Guess what finally arrived!!!

Three things:
#1. My much awaited ipod video (black!)
#2. Western Digital My Book external drive
#3. Second birthday card from POCO (since the first one didn't arrived)


After much contemplation of getting an ipod, I finally took the plunge of buying it from Amazon with the external drive that POCO recommended a while ago.

I can't let POCO know that I bought an ipod, he will flip! I mean FLIP! He is so against ipod, for reasons probably only known to him, okie, he did tell me why...

Anyways, my first encounter with an ipod was TS's. I was very impressed by what this small object can do and being a sucker for packaging it is only a matter of time before I get my hands on one.

I'm not sure when those white distinctively looking headphones first appear, whether it was ipod or not. I remember once on the bus after tuition classes, my best friend June and I saw this boy with white headphones (or was it beige? hmmm.. ) that we first laugh at it. Mind you, that was easily twelve years ago. Well, I think it of course wouldn't have been ipod.. hehhee..

Now, you want to be caught with having an ipod! No more black headphones, unless you get those really good ones, huge black headphones. hehhee..

I'm so pleased with my newest indulgence. Though, I must slap my wrist for spending impulsively... Yikes!

Am a bit disappointed that I won't be able to attend Gary Straker's steel pan workshop as all the places were full. But am looking forward to David Buckingham's performance tonight and his workshop tomorrow morning.

music filled week

Last night's AIYF: World Music Night was just amazing!

It was my first experience of musical concert in the Music Hall even though I had visited the place on numerous occasions: graduations and career fairs.

It was really different compared to going to a concert at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (Petronas Philharmonic Hall). There was no announcement that the concert was about to start but concert goers were very 'disciplined' if that is the right word to use! When the lights dimmed, the hall was quiet and the concert started promptly. No numerous announcements to remind concert goers the dos and don'ts. It was the same for intervals as well. I was very impressed.

But then again, my last trip to the Dewan was quite a few years now. Things may be different now, who knows...

Music Hall is not as majestic as the Dewan but what was more important was the performances.

The concert started with Gary Straker's Pan School, followed by Edinburgh National Youth Choir of Scotland (NYCos), then by Ian Watt on the classical guitar, Kutapira and after the interval was Ceol Mor.

I was pleased to know now the name of the instrument that I was in awed of for quite a while, steel pan. I first saw a pan performer busking along Westminster and was very impressed at the instrument. You've got to hear it to understand what I meant!

Kutapira was another one of my favourites. The members were a very talented group, some playing more than one instrument or changing instruments in a performance. Same goes for Ceol Mor.

What I liked most about the concert is that it was a diversified concert, a taste of music from around the world. Of course, I can't deny that I would love to hear more of the steel pans and the percussion ensemble, Kutapira.

What I would have loved most was for all the performances come together and do a finale. It would have been a great closing for the night. Who knows, there may be something like this on the Festival Finale, which by the way I have bought ticket to! Am so looking forward to it!!!

The walk home was really nice as it was a really cool and breezy night, it would have been a really nice night to just sit in the garden and chat the night away, kind of night.

Now, I'm torn what I'm going to do next August!

Today I finally got my windows washed. After almost two years of living in this flat and saying so often that I will go and wash it, I finally got the deed done. And I must admit, I got a little emotional! Because the windows are so clean now! What a little work can do wonders! Am so going to take pics of it! Yeah, I know I need a life...

Next week, it will be days spending in front of the computer looking for flats (I hope!). I will be working at the restaurant on Monday, but the rest of the week is going to be busy (which I am sooo loving it!). Tuesday night: David Buckingham in Blue Lamp, Wednesday morning: guitar workshop with David Buckingham, Wednesday evening: Rotaract gathering (it's been too long!), Friday morning: pan workshop with Gary Straker's Pan School, Saturday night: Festival Finale! and Sunday: going down the road after church.

I need to call to book my music workshops tomorrow! Soooo excited!

tartan day 2007

In all my years living in Aberdeen, I've honestly never been to any of the Tartan Day celebrations. I'm so glad I had the chance this year. Just when I'm about to move away from this city I so love. :(

I was really pleased with myself that I could get up early (after the usual bed lounging, which POCO is still teasing me about until this very day...). The weather was excellent: sunny and breezy. It was one of the best for a few days, bear in mind, this is summer.

After some necesary wandering and shopping, I headed off to Castlegate where most of the action is taking place, it is where the Massed Pipe Band March and the enactment of King James IV visit to Aberdeen ends, so I thought, that would be the best place to wait. Armed with today's copy of The Scotman's, my favourites: pain au chocolat, pain au raisin and italian coffee, I was looking forward to nice and relaxing day.

Walking past the Town House, I saw some red Tartan Day signs there. And since I've never been into that building, why not? The Local History Fair was being held there. I was more impressed and excited with visiting the building! I later found out that the building is not normally open for public and I was really pleased. Too bad TS was working, otherwise he would be impressed with the ceilings and deco of the building too!

The Town House is where important decisions pertaining Aberdeen City (and possibly the Shire is being made there). The Town and County Hall have very impressive gables. There were many pictures of past Lord Provosts and beautiful paintings adorning the walls and along the stairs. I had the opportunity to visit the Lord Provost's room, which was very grand. One of the rooms, I didn't catch what was the name of it, was decorated full of clan crests on its ceiling.


Best part of visiting the Town House was I had a private tour of the top floor which was closed to public. Here, the local archives were kept and councillors' rooms are housed on this floor. It's the mini version of Palace of Westminster. Am so thankful to that kind stewart for bringing me around!

After the visit to the Town House, it was almost time for the parade on Union Street. Once again, it is amazing to see the usual busy street was closed to traffic for probably half an hour and all you see are people thronging on the streets.

Whilst waiting for the pipe band and the enactment of King James IV and beautiful sixteen year old wife Queen Margaret, his knights, heralds, musicians, bishops and noblemen coming down Union Street, I had a very nice chat with a nice elderly man.

The medieval parade ended at Castlegate where there was a medieval performance for the visiting King.


Later, I made my way to St. Nicholas Kirk for a guided tour and a look of the excavated east kirk.


My Tartan Day celebration ended with a nice relaxing afternoon in Union Terrace Gardens, reading my papers and listening to live concerts, where traditional music, entertainment and culture from the City and Shire were being showcased. If anyone knows the Brit soap (rather, Scottish soap) River City, Joyce Falconer who plays the character Roisin, made an appearance at the concert.

Whilst the Lord Provost (equivalent to Lord Mayor) Peter Stephen was introduced, Joyce informed the crowd that the council had just had their meeting on introducing ASSBO. ASBO - Anti Social Behaviour Order, in my opinion, has been much talked about in the past. Anyways, Joyce's ASSBO, with two 'S', actually meant Anti Social Seagull Behaviour Order. She then proceed with reciting a poem from a seagull.

It was really funny (note to self to look for that poem). And I must agree with her, this ASSBO should be introduce soon. Even one of the horses from today's parade was not excused, having seagull droppings on its bum!

With the Aberdeen International Youth Festival being held at the same time, I don't think I will make my way to Edinburgh's Fringe this year (as much as I want to). I think I will leave it for my plans next year, including attending the annual much acclaimed Edinburgh Military Tattoo (which by the way, sold out in January this year!).

Got myself a ticket to watch tonight's AIYF concert: World Music Night featuring Ceol Mor. Am soooo looking forward to it.

I must say, spending time alone is not that bad. Of course, with a lot of solo time and travelling, I'm actually really enjoying every bit of it. Doing what I want to do, when I want to do. Bliss!!!

Right, I better get some rest before tonight's concert!

face it

I've been rather stressed out with events that had been coming my way.

One thing that I didn't really expect, even though I DID read the post a few times, that Andrew's friend Ethan would have fake Andrew's death.

Of course it touched a nerve Ethan.

But at the end of the day, I'm glad it wasn't true. And yes, as gullible as I was, I did suspected the integrity of the post but I guess death is definitely not something you toy about. Yet, Ethan did it. Your writing is definitely commendable. Hats off to you!

That aside, looking for a flat in a city that you knew hardly of, is not easy.

I'm thankful for technology that I can find for flats online. But not understanding and knowing the location is somewhat stressful. Thank God a quick call to Craig made me felt a little calmer.

Yes, I know I have probably quite a lot of time. I shouldn't really rush it. But I guess I can be quite critical at stuff at times.

As much as it is nice to know that I don't have to start work until a week on Monday and that I'm so blessed to be paid for sorting things out, it is not an excuse not to get things done. Okay, I know I'm just stressing myself out unnecessarily.

Maybe I should just ignore all the logistics and issues, go and vegetate in the cinema watching one movie after another. hmmm...

There are so many questions that I want to ask. So many advice I want to seek. By giving a certain degree of respect to some, sometimes I feel that I'm not getting what I really want. Even worst, how can I politely turn down what I don't want?

At the end of the day, I guess one just have to be ruthless.

I know I'm different, complicated and fussy, not all in that order. Or maybe in that order, who knows?!

Whatever it is, I have to plough on. Stress less and get on with it.

It's the weekend after all...

By the way, I've finally got my provisional driving license. That was really fast!

closure

Just got back from Glasgow. Good closure.

Work started yesterday. Had a meeting with Client which I will be confirmed working for (since the last Client found someone more experience than me...). I'm supposed to be starting work in Client's office on Monday but has been postponed to the Monday after that. So here I am sitting at home, shaking legs, trying not to look like a wreck, and getting paid for it.

I'm so blessed!

In reality, I'm supposed to look for a flat, sort things out over here, pack and be prepared to move down once everything is settled. In the mean time, I will be shuttling between Glasgow and Aberdeen, with stopovers in Perth and Dundee (well, the bus stops at those cities... lol). 3 hours and 15 minutes, 149 miles each way. Again, I'm so blessed to get my temporary accommodation paid for in Glasgow.

Met one of my colleagues (woooh... work mate!!!) who is assigned to the same client yesterday. He's Malaysian and has a huge, I mean HUUUUUGE kalikai on his neck.

Malaysia memang boleh! (Malaysia absolutely can! - ask me if you don't understand)

It was good to finally(!) see Craig and Ally after much delays. We had a really nice and relaxing evening. We got some really fine Malaysian take away... Yum! Although, we did say that we must not frequent there once I move down. Since both of them love Malaysian food, I may as well unleash some of my cooking confidence cooking up some Malaysian food. After all, we all are skint pups... hehehhee...

This Malaysian Chinese restaurant (Asia Style, although I think the menu printed the name as Aisa) serves 'Malaysian Pancake'. Craig was telling me how amazing the pancake was. And looking at the chinese name for it 'poh piah', I was like why not, since it's been so long that I had one. Thinking that it is the usual Popiah we get in Malaysia, I was really anticipating it, since our dearest Craig said that it comes in a really big portion.

With visions of big, fat, filled Popiah in my mind I was already salivating. Only to find out it was Roti Canai (Roti Parata)! Much much MUCH to my disappointment. It was freaking £2.50 each!!! I could just go and buy the frozen ones and cook the curry to go with it! For that price there would easily be six or eight in a pack.

Anyways... it was good though, since haven't had that for a while, too. But STILL!!!

In some ways can't wait to go back to Glasgow, 'cos there is so much to sort out. So much to explore. So much to find out of.

TS must be laughing no, the usual sniggering of my antics. I think he will also be saying 'I told you so!' or at least throwing me that look.

Yes, you were right.

In a totally unrelated issue, it's so annoying that the postal workers has decided to go on strike when I'm waiting for my Amazon purchases!

In more randomness, was listening to The Feeling's 'Love it When You Call'. What's wrong with you calling her?! I'm sure she LOVES it when YOU call too!