My New Toy

I have been eyeing a big boy 'toy' at a shop a week back but could not touch or see close-up as it was being assembled at another place. Shop owner asked me to come back in a few days.

Today, I made the trip to that shop hoping to see the finished product.

Wow, I was impressed with the details but still not fully completed.

The shop owner recommended I upgraded a few key components of the 'toy' to ensure I do not regret later. I agreed and he gave me a quote.

OMG, the figure is insane, man!!!!

Nevertheless, I agreed to get it from him. As he is still waiting for a component for the upgrade, I was asked to come back in a couple of days.

Damned, I have to pay a deposit!

Well, I will continue in my subsequent post and maybe a pix or 2 of my new 'toy'.

My Farewell Dinner on 25.10.2008 - Finally

Wow, I finally hosted my farewell dinner as planned, for my ex-colleagues, friends and family members from Brunei. After a month of planning and deciding on the venue last minute really wore me out. The reason I had to wait till a week before the dinner as I needed the feedback from those I have invited, especially from my Muslim friends. If they confirmed not going for my dinner, then I would have chosen a Chinese restaurant.

I have also arranged a surprise for my honoured guests which I will reveal later.

Come 25th October 2008, I went down early as I was the host. After most of them have arrived and it was already around 7.30pm, I asked to have the dinner served. Sorry I did not take any pix on the dishes which were recommended by one of the staff.

Charlie's Angels?


One for the Album


Entertaining themselves


Tummies getting full

About half an hour into the dinner, time for my surprise!!!

I have engaged a magician to perform during my dinner as I did not want it to be just another dinner. When the magician started the music, all eyes were glued towards the magician who introduced himself. The show was an eye opener for my guests as it was unexpected. The magician performed well and won applause from my guests as well as others who happened to be at the restaurant. Even the restaurant staff was pleasantly surprised.


Above pix showing the magician in action, entertaining my guests

We continued our dinner after the performance.

We finished dinner around 9.30pm and my guests started to leave, with their tummies filled with good food.


My daughter in the middle, rubbing the magic off the magician

I am sure this dinner will be a memorable one to them.

Farewell, my friends!

1st October 2008

The day came and went quietly for me. Hey! It's Hari Raya Day 1. Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends, colleagues and acquaintances. A big day for those celebrating this special occasion. The young ones and those young at heart, even not so young at heart will look forward to this celebration.

Yes, I heard the firework bombs in the neighbourhood but not as bad as during Chinese New Year. My ears hurt, my nose sucking in those polluted air that time. I remembered in the early days, they did not let off firecrackers or shooting star fireworks. They merely played with these sparklers and sometimes these loud booms from bamboo (nowadays steel - for safety reasons?) cannons.

When I went around the place, it's pretty quiet too. Guess everyone avoids visiting and giving away those hard earned cash. It has become a tradition to give 'Green' Paus during this time. Must admit I did see some houses full of visitors though but far in between.

With cost of living going through the roof, everyone is extra careful to spend unnecessarily. The future so uncertain.

Anyway, wondering if any Muslim can comment/refresh our memories on how this celebration came about in the first place. It will be interesting I guess. Later, later, when my postings go 'public'.

Again, Selamat Hari Raya!!!