Ushering a new year...

It's time again for us to usher a new year leaping into new challenges and also hoping that this new year will be a bountiful year for us. But before that, let us sit down and think for a moment what had 2009 given us.

For me, 2009 is another roller coaster ride as what I've been through in 2008 but the latter presents me with more excitement, happiness and quite a fair share of grief and despair.

I started 2009 with plenty of emptiness but that soon had me filled in with new hopes and dreams when I've found a soul-mate who is able to share my dreams and my happiness not to mentioned being by my side shouldering my gried and despair just when I need her. With an equal share of grief and despair, a mistake I've made quickly became an opportunity for some ungrateful wretches to stab me in the back which has been an regret for some time. It was hard to recover but we did. Enduring the days where these mongrels are by my side breathing the same air, eating the same food, waiting for another chance to hurt us again, it forms an excitement to makes their life difficult by exploiting their weakness and their greed for power. That turn out to be a pleasure for us after some time. However, by that time, we were focussing on our journey to Europe, therefore, the antics of these weasels are no more our pleasure nor attention, although we do get excited whenever there's a chance to slap them with a humilliating front. That's what they deserve for such betrayal earlier.

By Mid of 2009, I've travelled half of Europe covering France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Italy and also Budapest with my loved one. Sharing my dreams, discovering new cultures and marvelling at amazing architecture and nature as we journey through these countries through trains and flights. We learnt alot of their histories and adapted into the culture of sipping a cup of cappucino's on the side-walk while the world just bustling in and out. Otherwise, some light shopping on a raining afternoon presents you a galore of wonders which you never have thought existed. It is indeed a exiciting and new experiences exploring new cities by foot eating and drinking away. Those memories will be etched to my heart forever for it's my dreams to set foot on a continent with a fascinating histories and cultures.



Shortly my return to Malaysia which are filled with hopes, I started work in Singapore but that lasted only 3 months despite my commitment to the job. However, we can't force things if it doesn't work, therefore, I left to much relief. All the time, I was rushing here and there, being so tight and often discriminated by the employer due to my physical built. At the fourth quarter of 2009, I was jobless, without an income roaming the streets of Johor Bahru for opportunities.

Without any regrets, I thanks 2009 for the wonderful time it had given to me and the experiences I learnt grow from it.

I wishes everyone a Happy New Year and hopefully, your 2010 will bring you new hopes and challenges.

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Bed of Roses

Many says that Life ain't a bed of roses... But to me, life is like lying on a bed of roses. To enjoy the companion of the beautiful blossoms, you'll have to endure the thorns that protects the roses.

Life is all about pains and it's achievement. It has been several months I'm back in Malaysia now, and seasons has past on the other side of the globe where I've been the past 2 years. However, I still misses London and it's lifestyle as much as I misses home when I'm in UK. How was that to be? I wonder, but I never managed to get any answers till date.

I've come to realise that many things are so much different and influences our mindset and opinions that we became somewhat self-conflicting.

For instance, when I'm in UK, i misses home, family and friends and the places where memories lingers on to make me move on when I'm down and out. But, when I'm back here, when I should be delighted to be home. Such a feeling only lasted a moment. Just like how the roses lasted and now I misses UK. Going through all sorts of hiccups and bumps here at home.

Although the life in UK was harder than at home, hard to imagine but then, the roses of the life was enjoyable. The roses alone are enough to let the painful scorns of it's thorns to be forgotten, maybe only to be regretted when I'm there... Well, we never know.

However, facing the fact that what's done is done. I'm now where I call my home, I shall step back to reality, fulfill my commitment and work hard hoping one day, roses will blossoms here and the bushes will have lesser thorns that it will be.

May Uk stays on as beautiful as what it has shown to me and hopefully, it's glory will live on forever for my children to see and they shall feel and see the atmosphere I once saw.

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Countdown to Home...

It has been two winters ever since I came to England in 2007 and now, I'm counting my days with mixed emotions. I'm confused. I don't know if I'm happy to leave this place but I kinda like it here. At least, the living standard aren't that high here.

However, UK is not my Home no matter what. Home is where the family is and my home is in Malaysia where my loved ones are waiting for me. Anyway, I'm looking for the day to come where I can hug my mum after being away from here for that 2 years which I can only hear her voice but not being able to see her. I miss her and I want to see her. It's time to go back now. haha

Furthermore, this place consist too much of memories I wish to leave behind and starts a new one. Everytime I look back, memories stabs me in the heart, memories once was sweet had turn sour now and I don't intend to dwell on them too much. I already have someone who are good enough for me to live for and I want to start a new life with her. A new chapter in life with her, hopefully, till the end of my book.

But then, before I go back to settle down. I'll explore at least half of Europe to gain more experience and see as much as I can. For I can't foresee any opportunities of roaming the streets of any european cities in the near future once I'm back home. So, this will be the best time to do it, since I'm still young and strong enough.

Time does fly and I shall be off to work now, or else, my bank account will not be fat enough for my holidays.

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Heavy snow for 2 days

What happened on Sunday came as a shock for us. While we're busy sorting out, cleaning tables, as the lunch session are about to end, outside started snowing. That afternoon was a very busy one as everyone came for the lion dance performance and it was chaotic. Almost every table was occupied and there's still handful of people waiting in the bar for empty table, and thankfully, they waited patiently.



Sunday started with a gloomy morning then a sunny afternoon, when the lion dance performance started. As time passed on, clouds began to gather and blocked the sun away about 3pm. As the day began to tick nearer to four, snows began to every land it could. It stopped at 4pm and started again about 7pm. Pei Yee was hoping it would continue until late night so that we can have some fresh ones on our face as we walked home but it din't happened. But then, as we reaches home, it began snowing again. Heavy snowing and wind creates a scene like those you would only sees it in the movies. It was like a snowstorm, with snows falling from everywhere even into the house if you open the windows. Visibility are limited due to the snow and what used to be greens and tar are nothing but layers of white snow.



On Monday morning, as the snowing continues, the layers of snow on the ground reaches approximately 1 inch thick. It's almost impossible to drive or even to walk as normal but then, we took the best of it and had some fun. We came out early, had some snowballs flying around, snapping some pictures and took 15 minutes to make a very simple snowman. A normal walks to work only takes about 20 minutes max but we took almost 50 minutes to reach. All due to the thick snows and also snapping some pictures for memories. It was quite a beautiful scene with layers of white snows covered every inches of land or horizontal platform on the face of the earth surrounding us. Everything was white, the roof of the houses, the cars, grassland, trees, everywhere. Nothing else can be seen (except for the walls). It's the first time I've seen such heavy snow in UK. Not even in Iceland (well, it was snowing on the day I reached Iceland, but when I reached late at night, most of the snow had melted.).



On the Town centre, the first floor car park was empty as the ground was covered in snows as well and the pond was a No Entry due to safety reason. We can't use the stairsdue to slippery conditions. Some shops aren't open and everyone who's out are for some reason, definitely not for leisure. Only the kids are out for some fun in the snow. Business that day was bad as everyone prefers to stay indoor for the road was wet and slippery. Cars are slow on the road to avoid accident and we're extremely cautious when we cross the roads. We avoided crossing the main road on the way to work as a slip while crossing the road would be fatal.

It was truly a quite afternoon and later on in the evening, the management then decided to close early to minimise the loss and get to finish early. We did some shopping for groceries and then went home. On the way home, we had some fun with the snows throwing snowballs at each other, stepping on the fresh snows on the grassland. it was quite fun actually. Albeit the fact that the grounds was slippery and wet. We reached home about half eight and i did not waste any time bulding a proper snowman. It took me about an hour to build one at the height that reaches my shoulder. But the next day, someone took the head away.

Good thing don't last. On the sunny tuesday, the snows began to melt. The beaten track of snow became ice due to the low temperature and became extremely slippery as what I've experienced in Iceland when I was on the Golden Circle Tour walking on the Þingvellir national park and the Gullfoss waterfall. While on the way to work, Pris almost had an accident as we had no choice but to walk on the road and it was so slippery that she can't return to the footpath when there's a car approaching us. Somehow, I managed to pull her to the footpath.

It was indeed a nice experience and the scenery which we took for granted everyday was even better. Some may not like it, but for me, it was nice. A relaxing walk yesterday with Pei Yee within the white landscape will be a very good memories in time to come when I returned to Malaysie where's it's impossible to witness such scene again. But for now, I'll have some trouble walking to work later on...

It's foggy today maybe due to the condensation of the ice but then, according to BBC weather forecast, it's going to be a rainy day which I can foresee more walking problem and tomorrow will have a another session of snowing. We'll see how it goes then.

Cheers
Andy 'Shackks' Ooi

How Time Flies

Time really flies. February is here and the memories of Christmas when I went to Birmingham with Jack, Pris and Penny was still very vivid. January 2009 was very much of a fantasy which are worthy to be recorded into my history. It was a month of a roller coster where I'm really lost and the New Year still brings back some unwanted memories. However, towards the end of January, 2009 shows what changed it brought me.

True to some who said 'Being with someone who you loves are more painful than being with someone who loves you'. I now understand what it means. I've somehow, with some blessing found someone who loves me and she actually took the initiativeto make her feelings knowns. it was quite a funny story and we're now enjoying every day as minutes and hours passes by.

I now dare not think of the distant future and makes any plans for the both of us as I could not promise her anything, but I'm treasuring my moments with her everyday and hopefully, our relationship will blossom as days passed by. Never had I imagined we'll be together but then, I believe that Fate does have a way of surprising us everyday in our life when we least expected. We used to be bitter-heads but now, we are the talk of our colleagues teasing us and making jokes about our relationship.

Anyway, It's the 7th day of the Chinese New Year which stands for the birthday of Man. In Malaysia, it's the day where we has Yee Sang with our family. But for me, all I can imagine is a busy day ahead.

Cheers
Andy Ooi

Happy 2009

The year of 2008 has been a roller coaster ride for me. Happy moments, good memories and aching events which I've no intention to elaborate. All of them somehow found their way to me last year.

No matter what, I'm still grateful for those happy moments graced upon me and shall learn from what I've experienced throughout the year.

I wishes everyone a Happy 2009 with loads of happiness, fortunes and good health.

Snowing in November.

A year ago, I would be jumping with joy like a lil' boy whose his parents bought him something he wanted long long ago. But today, it's just so painful. Every drops of it are like sharp sword thrusted into my heart bringing out the memories of what happened 7 months ago when we first saw snow that thick in Acton.

A sudden drop of temperature this Autumn might means winter comes early it was snowing quite heavily this evening about 8pm something. It continues to snow until 9 plus leaving a thick trail of snow everywhere.

It was a beautiful sight, but to me, it's a sight which brought out painful memories. We had so much fun then when we first saw the snow which we're expecting since last year. We're so excited like lil' boys and girls and we even made a lil' snowman ourself and gave it a name. But now, it's just snow. Nothing more than that.

Couldn't resist taking some pictures while I'm on my way back from London, I've managed to get some shot:












Earlier today, I went to visit Vicky as we've been talking about meeting up but never did so. So, after a brief chat last night, we made up a date and we eventually met up today. I went over to their house mid day today in Hackney and to my surprise, there's a Bansky's work just opposite their flat. Lucky them.

I've been reading alot about this graffiti artist when I was in London and saw alot of his work through the newspaper and this is the first time I saw it with my own eyes. Lucky Nasri get to admire it everytime he's smoking outside. lol

From Vicky's flat

Closed Up

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

I've fucked my life.

Walking alone in the middle of a dark and cold autumn night after work.

"What the fuck am I doing here?" I asked myself.

My life is fucked up in England. I've got no life now. My girlfriend who I loved deeply left me. All my effort, my love for her has come to nought. All of it has become worthless now. Not even worthy compared to the fallen leaves during the cold and dry autumn. All the while, I've loved a woman who has been pining the hope the man who she loves will return to her. All the while, my love for her has not been able to penetrates deep into her heart, all cause her heart has been filled up with the hope that has nothing to do with me. My hope for the future which surrounded around her, my readiness to sacrifice for her happiness and well-being, are all for the sake of nothing.

What used to be sweet memories that has etched to my heart are nothing but sharp needles attached firmly causing aches and pain, which I believe, no physical pain I've endured during this lifetime will be able to surpass it. Every heartbeat are just as painful as every day without her. However, life still has to go on. The matter she has left has become a reality which can't be reversed, which I hoped it can be.

I'm now all alone. No friends or anyone who is ready to sit down and listen to me. All I do every night is to convince myself to sleep. So that, tomorrow, when the sun rises again, I too rises. For the sake of my future. As much I hated this job, but I've become a tool to earn money, as what everybody does. Except they've done it with a solid objective. While I, with my dreams and hopes being quashed, still searching for my objectives, my life.

Everyday is the same repetition of life. Nothing changes. It's not as colourful as it used to be. I've become dull and my "colour" has faded so much I can't even recognises myself anymore.

"Is that me?" Surprised.

What needed to be done to find my real me?

Cheers
Andy OOi

I pierced my ears!!

Yeap... That's what I did this afternoon after I cleaned the hostel. I was cleaning the hostel and suddenly, the idea of piercing my ears spring to my mind and I put everything down and changed my clothes. After that, I just went over to one of the shop and spent a £5 for 2 studs stuck on my ear lobs.

malas take photo of d other side la.

Now I'll have to live with this pair of gold studs for 6 weeks and gotta clean it twice daily. According to the lady, I must use hot water with some salt. However, I just use some antiseptic cream. Much much more convenient la. Hopefully, after 6 weeks, I'll be able to change to some nice nice earing liao. Or better still, enlarge the hole like some of them does it here.

See how lar. Depend on my mood. Perhaps, I'll just stick to the taditional earing, or maybe I'll be a lil' extraordinary and goes for the weird stuff.

Cheers
Andy Ooi

Foggy Morning in Harlow

For some reason, Friday morning was very foggy. The fog was still very visible when I started work at 12pm. I was surprise when I looked outside of the windows and visible wasn't very good for a sunny 9.15am.

From the corrider.

From my room.

Luckily, the fog was persistent enough so that I'm able to take this pictures after I bath.

Aniway, something happened this afternoon. A group of 14 celebrated a 13th year's old birthday at our restaurant. When they left, they left gradually, when everyone cleared the table, me, Chee Yong and Pei Yee went over and clear the tables of glasses, bowls, plates and other rubbish as usual.

After a while, one of them - a young lady - came over and ask if we saw a black box and some envelopes. We checked around but there's no such thing. Therefore, we continued with our cleaning. As I was just clearing the glasses and wares, I wasn't around that table anymore and only Chee Yong and Pei Yee was there. Out of curiousity, I went over and kaypoh.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Did you see a black box and some envelope?" Chee Yong replied.

"She says it contained money in the envelope." Continued Chee Yong.

"No leh." I answered.

That young lady looked anxiously but her items are still unrecoverable. After some querying, the young lady's grandfather then went over to Jack and had some conversation. Jack then came over to the station with the old man and dunno do wat. After a while, I went back to the station and the old man ask me if there's another bag being dumped already.

"No." I answered.

The young lady then said she wanted to see the CCTV recording and said she intends to lodge a police report.

"Well, go ahead lor" I thought.

I then referred them to Jack and after a while, I saw Jack calling somebody. Our lady boss then appeared and talked to them. As we were busy clearing the tables, I didn't really bothered about what was going on as our break is nearing.

I wonders what happened.

Cheers

Andy MH Ooi

My complaints

I was complained this afternoon for something I did not do. Worst of all, the act that I was alleged are so absurd that there's no way I will carried out during the job.

A pair of elderly indian couple actually complained me of digging my nose in the station and then serves them before washing my hands!!

This complaint is so absurd that I jumped at Jack who had received the complaint.

I've received 2 complaints so far and they are as follows:

1. I was being rude to the customer.
It was a very busy that night and the group of 5 or 7 of them requested me to take their orders for drinks. I checked their ticket and found that they're arranged to buy their own drinks at the bar and so I told them so. They told me they want to change to another table so that they can order their drinks and I told we do not work that way. And I walked off. Afterwards, I saw 2 ladies from the table talking to Pris.

2. Digging my nose in the station and not washing my hands.
This is the most absurd and funniest complaint I had so far. How would someone actually done that openly. Even I finds it disgusting and would leave the restaurant immediately. The nearest act I can recall is brushing my nose cause it was itchy, that's all.

Working in UK can be very demanding as customer can and will complain you for every lil' things you do. All they seeks is that lil' discounts off their meals thus will finds fault with anything they can. Yet, we're working our arse off for that lil' amount of coppers everyweek.

Cheers
Andy MH OOi

A scary dream came true...

It was funny to think that how a dream can can come true and woke your biggest fears and worries when it really happens.

Last nite after a good chat with mummy over the msn, I took two pills for my flu and went to sleep. Somehow, the pills wasn't that effective as it used to be the previous nite and I couldn't sleep so I ended up fiddling with the downloads which I'd let run overnite. After a while, I checked the clock and was surprised to realised the time is already 3.00am and quickly went to sleep forcing myself to sleep no matter what. Gotta work tomorrow, you see.

At some point of time, I was in a point of mid-conciousness and I dreamt of a teacher asking me for advice for her two pupils who had lost their passport. They're from abroad and needs to go back to their country after a cultural exchange activity between England and their home country. Thus, losing their passport will means they risk being misidentified as illegal immigrants which will be captured and imprisoned for a period of time before being sent back. The teacher was worried sick and do not how to do. I was nonchalant to their plight at first as I do not what is the best solution for them. After a while, I advice her to report the case to the police and then report to the their embassy or High Commision and see if there's anything the embassy can do about it. I'm sure they'll be able to reissue a passport or some temporary pass for them to leave the country and enters their home country.

After a while, i woke up. This dream lingers for quite a while in my head and I wonders what will I do if I happens to fall into this plight.

"Will there be anyone to help me?"

"What will happen if I failed to produce my passport if I was asked to on the streets?"

"Will the authority believes me and assist me in recovering my passport or even helps me to get a new one?"

Then, something springs up in my mind.

"Where is my passport?"

I remember bringing it out for dinner last nite as I'm unsure where I'm going next so I thought I'll bring it with me just in case. I remembered slotting it in my back pocket of my jeans before putting on my jacket. Somehow, my memory recalls that when I get home, my back pocket was empty. I starts to panicked. I then quickly checked my bag, my jeans and then my room... Shit!!! None. My passport was nowhere to be found!

So, I calmed myself and then recalled where I went and what I did last nite. Eventually, I took the decision to go back to the restaurant I went for dinner last night and try my luck if they kept my passport for me, if I really dropped it there.

After a minute of changing, I checked with my housemate where's the local police station if there's any event I need to go there to make a report. However, she does not know. Come to think of it, I wonder what that lil' brain of her's contain. haha

Aniwae, even without the idea of the whereabout of the local police station, I still rushes over to the restaurant immediately with the hope that I do not need to make a trip to the police station if they happens to keep my passport for me.

Alas, as the restaurant gets nearer and nearer, I noticed the door has an A4 notice.

They were not open for business today!!!

The notice reads "Due to a fault, we'll be closed until 1700pm ". So, I peeked thru the windows and fortunately, there's someone in the restaurant. I keep knocking the window and they keep telling they are shut.

"I'm not here to eat!!" I thought angrily.

Making silly gesture to plead them to the door, however, a waitress then saw me and went to their counter and got something and hurry to the door. When she opens the door, she handed me my passport (at this point of time, I heaved a huge sigh of relief immediately) and ask me if everything was intact. I flipped through my passport and makes sure two copies of paper attached to the passport are present and then replied to her everything was well and thank her profusedly.

She replied "It was nothing, and we tend to keep such important things and return to customers. it was nothing"

Then, i left the restaurant was a sense of gratefulness in my heart and luckily, I left a 10% tip last nite after the dinner. The tip really works well though. I then shopped around the town centre before goes back to the hostel...

Come to think of it, if I did not advice the teacher what to do in the dream, will I ever see my passport again??

Think about it.

Cheers
Andy M.H. Ooi

P.s. I still loves you, Jessie...

My New Job

It's been a month since I moved to this lil' quiet town in Harlow for my new job. It's just a normal waiting job but the catch is that it provides meals and accomodation... Which makes me save a plenty of ££ every week. However, I'm alone here as Jessie are working in the London's branch. So, it's kinda lonely here, fortunately, the colleagues are a good companies.

Comparitively, the people are more friendly from those in London and the lifestyle are more relaxed. This self-contained town has everything you need and the people here are quite diverse in race and ethnicity. Although shopping are quite limited compared from London, but then, there are enough retails to tempt you from parting your hard-earned money from your wallet or your bank account, which fortunately, I've been quite resistent enough. hahaha Furthermore, with Jessie controlling the finance, It's safe to say that I've been a good boy in terms of spending money on unnecessary clothing or gadgets.

Now that Jessie are going back to Malaysia for 3 weeks, I really do not know how to cope the loneliness as what keeps me going all these while is the thought of able to meet her once a week when I'm not working. However, it's not possible for me to fly to and fro once a week (unless I'm a rich tycoon). It's sad, but I know it's unavoidable as the trip are neccesary. The only thing I can hope for is the 3 weeks will just fly by with a blink of an eye.

Cheers
Andy MH Ooi

A new episode of life...

Life... It's capable of twisting you when you least expected. It makes you adapt and readapt to new environment and situation, when you're just starting to get comfortable of your current life. Maybe, that's what makes life interesting, but some may take it as tiring. To me, I don't know it's a challenge or a joke god has thrown to me. Nonetheless, I shall take it.

As said, my new episode shall unveil next Monday, I've accepted a new job in Harlow, Essex and the job starts this Monday. There shall be a very big changes in my life as I've to share my living spaces with a bunch of strangers, and greatest of all without Jessie. God knows how long will I last, as He's the one who's arranged this path which I've taken unwittingly.

After being unemployed for a month, I've mixed feelings for this new changes. Happy as I've got a job which will takes all frets away for awhile, however, sad as I've leave her. None is great enough for me to reverse my decision, as rationally, things has to move on, no matter what. Thus, let this episode be etched into my history. Hopefully, this decision of mine shall bring happiness and glory which I've failed to see now.

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Where Am I now??

London has the busiest the air traffic, among the other major city in the world, I presumed. No matter where am I, either walking to work, strolling, rushing to somewhere, outside having a breath of fresh air, as long as I'm expose to the sky of unknown boundary, I can easily spot an aircraft flying past. What the weather may be, or the time of the day, you'll never fail to see one, or even to hear their loud roar as they fly by.

Every casual glance or a purposeful find and your eyes will easily catch one, and that reminds me of my family, my homeland. What am I doing here? Whenever such question is thrown by me by a stranger engaged in a friendly chat, I would normally answer them "oh... I wanna experience a new culture."

Is that what I was really here for?

I don't know. I don't even know what's the purpose of my existence in a land filled with people from various background, ethnicity, religion and purpose to fill this "Land of Opportunity" anymore. I've forget all the aspirations, all those words I've said to assure everyone at home of my venture to the west. Cos none of them has been fulfilled and I felt like a liar, who are guilty of every single deeds they at home can think of. How am I to return and face them? I'm no master of glory nor wealth, even after 10 months being here.

However, all is not lost. God has been kind to me as I've able to get a job which feeds me and provides me a good place to shelter from the wind, rain and sun. With a comfortable settings to rest myself after a long day of self-humiliation. However, I don't know if my current predicament is a lil' prank of God - I don't blame Him or anyone, but myself, maybe - to humor himself after a busy day with the chores with mankind or a punishment of whatever I've done previously, this is certainly not the ideal career I'm seeking, or intend to extend it any further. But, I've given no choice only to stay on, while days just flow by like water in a fast flowing river. Never a day is the same. Some, are just best forgotten, else it be a nightmare which only makes me reluctant to leave the house. Others are memorable, yet nothing to be proud about. It's just the job and it's right if you're good at it.

Although I've amassed a number of gadgets all these while, however, they're just to fill the growing void which has an appetite of my future which is so bleak that may have charred my pride.

Until then, I shall go on until I get something which might restore my future and may that let me regain my control of my pride so I shall return home home proud and honorably.

Cheers

Just a thought today...

While I was on train to work today, I accidentally heard a sobbing mother's phone conversation about her child being caught for possessing cannabis. She was at a loss on what to do and are rushing to the school. She has no idea of what her child's addiction's to cannabis, so, such new really shock her.

Some years ago, when I was still in college, I do took that path behind my mother's back. It all begin's with mixing the wrong pack of friends, however, they are not to blame entirely as I wasn't forced to take it at gunpoint. I was curious and hoping to be 'in the pack'. Which all teenagers seeks - a sense of belonging and respect. My mum must have been depress when she learnt of what i'm doing outside.

Drugs is easily accessible in London, so, it's no surprise that youngsters here use them at young age. Moreover, the laws here are so lenient (cannabis is Class B drugs, which means it's only confiscated and fine, if found possessing tem) thus are not so much as a prevention nor deterrent to use drugs.

Furthermore, local artist like Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty and others big names like Britney Spears are constantly being linked with using drugs on the newspapers almost everyday. They are not being punished by the law and such circumstances sends a wrong message to the public, especially the young ones. They assumes that using drugs is not only harmless yet it may be glamorous as well. Yet, a recent death of a Hollywood artist - Heath Ledger -are also linked with drugs abuse (suspected). However, this doesn't translated as the consequence of drug abuse, but a great loss to Hollywood.

Having worked in one of the high crime area in London, i've came across teenagers as young as 11 or 12 shares a ciggie with their parents or grandparents and older ones - about 15-17 years - peddling drugs and has access to firearms. And no the laws simply can't control them or stops them.

I'm no preacher neither a morally perfect person, but it's understood that drugs does nothing good to individuals, families or the society. However, people takIng the plunge to the abbey only increases day by day and year by year. And there's no practical solution from the governments to help them or to prevent anyone having these harmful substances but only talks of hipocrisy.

Therefore, it's only up to us, ourself to really keeps these harmful substances away from our loved ones.

Cheers
Andy.

Merrrrry Christmas!!!

ho ho ho...
It's the season of the year again and Christmas seems to be a very big event for the English. Everywhere is having Christmas sales and people are all stress up for the DAY.

Aniwae, we had a simple christmas, which means we don't really celebrates much coz, if we're out in the city, we might end up walking back home which would take up hours of walking in the cold... reallllly cold out there!!! So, we decided to cuddle up at home watching I Am Legend with some wine. hehehee

Aniwae, I've got a Swatch watch for Jessie which we went to the Boutique in Oxford Street to choose weeks before Christmas to avoid the frenzy and the crowds. Well, she took almost 2 hours making choices, trying out before we saw the one in the display pillar... And, she loves it!!

Jessie's christmas present

And for my christmas present, Jess got me a Sony PSP which I've been pestering for many many months. And finally, she relented and got me one. hehehe... Darn happy when I got it and couldn't take my hands off it when I on it. hehehe

My christmas present

Well, no snow in London during Christmas, but then, out presents makes up the white christmas... hehehehe

We spent the whole day of Christmas at home eating, cooking and drinking wine with Jessie's friend Amy. She came over to for a nite. We had Bak Kut Teh, dumplings and few others simple dishes and we really enjoys the food...

Boxing Day in UK is more about shopping... All retail outlets are having reduction up to 70% but all I see is only 50% and we got our hand itchy and spent over £40 for 2 jackets, 2 tees from Uniqlo and a tees from French Connection... All these for only £40!!! cheap lor... Can't imagine the amount we gotta spend for all these if we're at Malaysia or Singapore. hahahahahaha Really love shopping in London.

Our Boxing Day Shopping Spree

Well, New Year is coming and I wishes all my readers a Happy New Year and may all Wealth and Health be with you all year round!!!!

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Autumn in Hyde Park

The Good and The Bad

Wee wee... It's been 3 lengthy months since the first day we landed in Heathrow Airport and things has pretty much changed for the better. However, there's still certain things which I'm still complaining about but to no avail.... sigh!!! thatz life, isn't it?? you'll never get the best of both world. damn.

Aniwae, letz get on with some good news rather than boring my readers (errr... have I got any??) with those whingeing... however, my mind is all about the lunch Jessie is preparing in the kitchen now. mai siao siao....

Aniwae, the good news is that I've managed to get a job so that there's some income to pays the rent and get some food (altho I got them free... hehehehe) on the table. It's just a counter job at a Chinese Take Away Restaurant situated in North West of Inner London.



The good thing about this job is that the boss is pretty much good people which are supposedly very rare in London, especially in food industries. Furthermore, I get to meet many types of people, bad, good, kind, humorous, chatty, rough, and the list goes on... the only bad side is that there's no rest day for this job. The only rest day is 25th December and that is still pending for a conformation... cannot complain lar. The boss edi say edi, this work no off day or Bank Holidays de (Bank Holidays equivalent to Public Holidays in Msia). Bo pian lor, jump into the river edi. Just swim lo... As long as got $$, then can edi.

As this job seem good and I see myself maybe dwelling in it for a few more months, me and Jessie decided to move somewhere nearer so that I can cut down travelling time and expenses as my previous place is only for short rent and it's time we pack and go.

Thatz where the bad news comes to light. Our new place has yet to get a phone line for a broadband!!! That means NO INTERNET!!! siao liao lor... No internet in this era means no access to nothing at all!!! even having a phone means nothing to us. It has been 2 months edi yet there's no progress on his application and whenever Jessie ask him, he's sure to use his ol' good set of explainations which we can do nothing to him. So, bo pian lor. Btw, dun ever ask me how did I get this uploaded... ehehehe

Aniwae, itz kinda late edi (yeap, I works on Sunday too) and Jessie is about to come back with lunch from the kitchen. Therefore, I gotta help clean up the table fer lunch before I starts my day earning ££....

Until next time, stay safe, stay well and most importantly, stay happy!!!

Cheers mate...

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Life's pretty hard in London...

Yeap..

Itz pretty hard in London; one of the most expensive city and the most populated city in the world. All those words about London is no fable at all. You need to be really really really really really really really lucky to get the job you like or wanted within a few months. This place is packed with all sorts of people with all sorts of skilled and talents from all sorts of places in the world. My landlord's a Mauritius, my flatmates a Hongkie and another an Irish but she's currently in Berlin teaching. It's of now surprise if someone next to you was speaking some funny accents and you don't even understand what is that.

It has been like 3 weeks since I landed in London, but I've not been able to secure a job although there's rumours many exployers prefers Malaysians over other nationalities to run their business.

Actually, I've been to two interviews and they're nothing but dissapointment only. Unlike Jess, her interviews are actualy hopefuls and she's still waiting for calls from a prospective employer. Big company leh.

The first one was a position for Management Trainees at Wembley Park. And going there from where I stay needs 1 hour of travelling by Tube. But then, after that 1 hour of journey which cost me £5 to and fro ( and itz £10 fer the both of us), it turns out to be a direct selling company. %&^*&^"£$" waste my blardi time and $$... But then, the positive part about the trip is that I saw the new Wembley Stadium. But then, sibeh paiseh, limpeh din take photo. hehehehe

Second one was a IT Trainees... The advertisement talks until sibeh steady. Give placement with training in IT Networking lar. So, I oso shiok shiok go interview lor. Skali.... the MCSE, MCP and the CCNA course altogether cost me a whopping £5340 leh. Siao one. Where I got such $$ to pay fer it. If I got such $$ in my pocket now, would I be roaming the street or scouring the newspaper or even surfing the recruitment website fer jobs. Aniwae, before that nice fella can continue, I stopped him and tells him I'm actually a poor bloke looking fer a job which can provide me a sensible amount of income so that I can get some hot meals on the table.

This one lagi worst. I have to travel to another satellite town by train de leh. Luckily Jess did not follow me. It cost £4.70 for a return ticket just for that. And worst of all. There's nothing to see in the town. Ultra boring journey which yield no result at all!! aih...



I've sent countless resumes for IT related jobs and also covered god-knows miles of streets and pavements scouring for jobs in retail shops, restaurants, take-aways or even groceries shops. All of their answers are actually the same: "I/We've already got someone already".



Niamar!! They got someone for the vacancy, yet they still have the notice on their windows!!!

That, Jessie got answer fer it... hahaha.

"It's simple." says Jessie.

"They are just being polite and they don't want you lor" she continues nonchalantly.

Thatz the cold hard truth shot at me that day. I was kinda stunned the moment Jess finished the last sentence and she was really kewl about it. As though, itz pretty common from her experience.

I mean, they need someone to work, to run their business, yet, they are picking on choosing over the choices they have. To be frank, I don't really see ppl walking around on the streets looking fer jobs just like wat we're doing all the time after the 3 days "honeymoon period" when we just arrived in London.

I can totally understands that the Turkish restaurants would prefers turkish and so on. But then, what about chinese food, Thai Restaurants and even Vietnamese restaurants. What are they looking for? Chinese from China, Thais or Vietnamese?

I still can't understand. These 3 races or nationalities are from the Asia region and other than the language and culture, they are kinda the same physically, isn't it...

Aniwae, we've kinda decided to move to Leeds and tries our luck there. Furthermore, the rent there is super cheap. Not like what we're paying here for this Master Bedroom.

And Jessie just clinched a deal for a double room in Leeds fer just £200 a month inclusive of all bills and internets. Can't u believe it?!?!?

I'm off to sleep now to end the day and tomolo shall be a brand new day. Hopefully, GOd will have a pleasant surprise for me as I've been a good boy for not smoking or boozing lately.

Cheers mate...
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Greetings from LONDON, UK!!!

Heeeeeelloooooo everyone...
Yeap.. me now in London. Flew in two weeks ago and has been here since then.

London, a town where they has a mixture of old architecture in the midst of a modern urban and the lifestyle here is totally different from JB. Even the people here is mixed!! U gets Asian, Europeans, Americas and many many more which I don't even know how to differentiate.

Aniwae, I'll write more later with plenty of pix, ya. I'm now finally sitting down uploading my 300++ pictures to a new online photo album which I just created after my princess keep rushing me repeatedly.

Meanwhile, I wondered why is the government is poking their nose on what people is writing about them instead of paying attention and making policy to meeting fellow's Malaysian needs. Ever since the last flood a few months ago, we've not heard any update on this matter although various state government and the federal government has been saying they've got plan and done deals with contractors to make sure such things will not happens again. What is the update on it? Anyone know?? How has the preparation done if there's a situation to occurs again? Are we in a position to prevent it altogether and the people of Malaysian who's been living in lowlands can sleep well knowing that the heavy rain will not cause something disastrous which not only destroy their properties but also their lives? To me, let what should be written be there and do what you can. As long as your conscience is clear, nothing can inflict harm to you physically or mentally.

Cheerio...
Andy "Shackks" Ooi