Before The Next Season Starts…

Well, I can’t wait to get back underwater. So before I go back to my favourite realm, I just want to take a trip down memory lane:

Safety stop at the Vietnamese Wreck - March 2005
Performing safety stop with Nizar and Mior at the Vietnamese Wreck, Perhentian – March 2005

My first underwater shot
This was my first underwater shot using my (then) newly-purchased Nikon Coolpix 4200, Redang – May 2005

PD's best viz
This was Port Dickson at its best – a dive off Blue Lagoon – June 2005

Tukun Laut - Perhentian
This was taken by Andy Lim at Tukun Laut, Perhentian in July 2005. Still one of the best trips ever.

Long Beach, Tulai
This was taken during surface interval at Pasir Panjang, Pulau Tulai – September 2005

Hana and Iqa during night dive at Labas
Exactly a week later, I took my daughters Hana and Iqa to Tioman and they did their first night dive at Pulau Labas – September 2005

Little guy
2 weeks later I was back in Tioman to photograph this little guy – October 2005

Prepping the YBOD
2 weeks after that, I was back in Tioman, seen here prepping the YBOD (Yellow Box Of Death) for a dive – October 2005

Syed and I
A month later, Syed and I were doing work underwater during a dive trip to Pulau Jarak on the Kaleebso – November 2005

Lionfish at Lipe
Two months later, I was diving Koh Lipe in Thailand – January 2006

Monsoon still in Tioman
A month later, I went back to Tioman during the monsoon. And the usual 1 hour boat ride became 3.5 hours instead – February 2006

Little guy at Vietnamese Wreck
2 weeks later I was back in Perhentian and shot this little guy near the Vietnamese Wreck – March 2006

Kuala Besut jetty
2 weeks later I went back to Perhentian – April 2006

Deploying artificial reef
2 weeks after Perhentian, I was deploying artificial reefs in Tioman – April 2006

Gee and I
A week later, we (including Gee) were back in Tioman to complete the deployment – May 2006

Critter at Sugar Wreck
And a week after Tioman, I was back in Perhentian and took this pic at the Sugar Wreck – May 2006

Gee at Aquaria
Three weeks later, Nizar, Gee and I dived at the Aquaria. This is Gee feeling cold – May 2006

Turtle at Chebeh
5 days later I was back underwater in Tioman – May 2006

Me on Bali Hai's dive boat
Two weeks later I was back in Tioman for a technical diving dive trip – June 2006

Nembrotha kurbayana at Labas
Two weeks later I was on the Wavebreaker and took this pic of the Nembrotha kubaryana feeding on a sea squirt at Labas – July 2006

Me by the rudder of the Sugar Wreck
The next month I was in Perhentian experiencing the best visibility ever – August 2006

At Pinnacle One, Aur
A month later I was back on the Wavebreaker headed for Pulau Aur – September 2006

Me at Teluk Panglima Abu
12 days later I was in Perhentian before the season ended – September 2006

Monsoon diving at TRD
Two months later, we forced a dive center in Tioman to open up for us because we wanted to do some monsoon diving – and it was stormy but still good – November 2006

Me doing a video shot of the Tengkolok
Two weeks later, in the middle of the monsoon, I was at Pulau Bidong doing video shots of the underwater gallery – November 2006

Prep
Two months later we were missing the sea water again, so a group of us went to dive Port Dickson again – January 2007

Me, Peter and Syed on the kaleebso
A month later, we went on Kaleebso’s penultimate trip to Pulau Jarak – February 2007

Underwear at D'Lagoon
A month later, monsoon was still in full force but the four of us returned to Perhentian. There was a lot of rubbish underwater and I got this nice photo of a floating underwear – March 2007

Chew Sun, Ina, Me and Gee
Two weeks later, Gee and I went to Perhentian for 5 days and were joined by Nafi and Ina and the rest of the gang towards the end of the trip – March 2007

Moray
A month and a half later I was back in Perhentian – May 2007

At Sawasdee Wreck
3 weeks later, I went back to Tioman to do several technical dives – May 2007

Gee and I exploring wrecks
2 weeks later, Gee and I were in Bidong exploring wrecks – June 2007

Secret Reef
I went for a dive trip with Deepblu in July but do not have any photos taken except for this one of my 200th dive (which really was my 483rd)

Me and the flag
A month later, I went back to Perhentian with Trisha, Kurt and Bakawali. Bakawali took this pic of me and the Malaysian flag at the Sugar Wreck – August 2007

Holding hands in Kuala Terengganu
Early September 2007 I went to Perhentian with someone.

Perhentian again
Followed by another trip with another someone a week later – September 2007

Redang
A week after that, I was in Redang with the guys – September 2007\

On the way to Perhentian
On the second day of Hari Raya Puasa, I was back in Perhentian – October 2007

Chevrons
A month later I was in Sipadan. I went very happily, but came back a sad person – November 2007

Seahorse at Pulau Sembilan
And this was the first seahorse I saw on the trip to Pulau Sembilan on board the Kaleebso. A very sad trip indeed, a closure for everything and for the year – December 2007

Band Of Brothers

I watched the HBO miniseries again last night on DVD. Somehow, I have always admired the men of Easy Company even when I read the book written by the late Stephen Edward Ambrose. To see the real men behind the characters of that miniseries, and what they had to say about their wartime experiences, have never failed to bring tears to my eyes. Mind you, one of them, Carwood Lipton, who was Easy Company’s First Sergeant promoted to Second Lieutenant after the skirmish at Foy, at Haguenau, where Easy Company saw its last action in WW2, had died in 2001.

Here’s the video of that part:

Er Ling Ling Ba Nian Er Yue Qi Ri

It’s the chinese new year and I whistled this song to myself at around 2pm just now. It’s a favourite from Jay Chou’s album called “Fantasy” so here is the music video.

fan huang de chuan lian huan can liu zai qiang shang
yi xi ke jian ji ge zi “suai suai ping an”
zai wo mei hui qu guo de lao jia mi gang
ye ye yong kai shu xie yi ge man

huang jin ge pa man le diao hua de men shuang
xi yang xie xie ying zai ban bo de zhuan qiang
pu zhe ju mu ban de wu nei hai mi man
lao lao dang nian nian de dou ban jiang

wo dui zhe hei bai zhao pian kai shi xiang xiang
ba he ma dang nian de mo yang
shuo zhe yi kou wu nong ruan yu de gu niang huan huan zou guo wai tan

xiao shi de jiu shi guang yi jiu si san
zai hui yi de lu shang shi jian bian hao man
lao jie fang xiao nong tang
shi shu yu na nian dai bai qiang hei wa de dan dan de you shang

xiao shi de jiu shi guang yi jiu si san
hui tou kan de pian duan you yi xie feng shuang
lao chang pan jiu pi xiang
zhuang man le ming xin pian de tie he li cang zhe yi pian mei gui hua ban

Year Of the Tikus

Rat!

Let’s welcome the Year of the Rat.

Don’t ask me what rats do or how they are supposed to be good for all of us. The first things that come across my mind when I think about rats are phrases like” “You look like a drowned rat”; “That guy is a rat”; “I don’t give a rat’s arse about that”, so on and so forth. So how can the year of the rat be any good?

How did this topic come about?

Well, it was after paying phone bills at the machine, and I was walking back to my car when I saw a rat trying to eat something on the drain cover. It looked at me while quickly munching just to see which direction I would take. Finally it dawned upon it that I was heading its way when it grabbed another grub and scooted away. Such a greedy critter.

Then I read the chinese zodiac signs. Being a Fire Horse, I am most incompatible with either Rat or Snake – unfortunately, I have had one of either signs in my life before. I don’t have to describe their characteristics to you, but just looking at the type of animals they are is enough for me to know why they are so unsuitable for me. Then again, you will to take these predictions with a pinch of salt, because a Fire Horse is most compatible with the Fire Sheep – and Honey is a Fire Sheep; and so is my first ex-wife. So how do you explain that?

Whatever it is, my outlook for this year – things are going to get more expensive as oil prices have reached peak high, and the government can no longer afford to give hugh fuel subsidies. So, dive rates are going to get higher, as evident in an announcement made earlier by a dive shop here in KL on pool dives and pool usage rates.

Maybe it’s time to invest in my own boat and compressor, and a diesel or NGV-powered 4WD so I can tow the boat anywhere to go diving.

Otherwise, I’ll have to take up new hobbies like killing rats and snakes.

Underwater 2008

Jim (bottom), Me (center) and Kudinne (top) doing decompression stop
Jim (bottom), Me (center), and Kudinne (top) doing decompression stop

In two weeks time, I’ll be diving again. I just can’t wait to get back underwater.

I have two trips slated for February to Tioman with the usual group. Then come March, it would be time to hit Perhentian and Sipadan again. My first technical dive trip should be in April, followed by the (postponed) trip to Bunaken, Lembeh and Walea in May. June would probably take me to Sipadan again. June would also see me going to Tioman for another technical dive trip as well as for Tioman Mega Dive, as July would. August, of course would be Perhentian again. September – fasting month: REDANG!! October to Perhentian and one more technical diving, November to Tioman and Sipadan, and December to Pulau Sembilan and Payar.

Time to go deeper than usual.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Hong Bao Na Lai! Hehehe!

It’s what the kids would say in Mandarin when they want the ang pao (or hong bao in Mandarin). It simply means “Congratulations and Prosperity! Now give me a red envelope!” It’s what the kids always go for. Oh, unmarried adults get it too. So do parents, from their married children. Maybe I should pay Cincin, as well as Countloon and Cindy a visit on Thursday to collect the hong bao.

For those wanting to give hong bao but do not know certain taboos – just make sure you do not put any amount that has the number 4 in it. 4 is a homnym for ‘death’ – so any amount that has the number 4 in it is a no-no. Just don’t ask from me.

Honey will be going back to her parents’ place tomorrow afternoon. Buddhist Babe, I’m not sure. Mocha should be going back to Tanjung Malim (correct me if I am wrong). Icecool and Metalized? Not sure.

For those working at Uptown or frequent the Uptown Foodcourt, please be advised that Ah Keong will not be operating his Chee Cheong Fun stall from today until the 12th February. He will re-open for business on the 13th (Wednesday).

So for those driving back to their respective hometown, have a safe journey to and fro. Don’t drink and drive as you might spill precious alcohol onto your nice shirt. Drink before you drive is okay, or after you drive. I’ll be going for some drinks on my own on the eve of the New Year.

For all my chinese friends, here’s wishing you and family Xin Nian Kuai Le – Gong Xi Fa Cai.

As for me, ending an annus horribilis, I’ll just say out loud: Sui Sui Ping An and hope for things to get a lot better this new year. Maybe I should print the image below and hang it outside my door too.

Sui Sui Ping An (Peace Year After Year)

Kimi Wa Yatto Jiyuu Ni Natta – Perhaps Not

Furikaeranai hito wo miteru Boku ni dekiru koto wa mou nai
Hyakunen kakete mitemo kesenai Tsugunai kirenai kizu wo ataeta you de

Those fingers would rub my shoulders and back whenever I lie on my tummy; the smile would be the first thing that would greet me whenever you wake up. Your smile would always soothe my heart and prepare me to face another day. “Hi, Sayang!” would always be your first words to me, no matter how bad the day may be for us both: but never a day has been bad whenever you were with me.

Kimi ya boku no nakama tachi ni wa Wake wa kikanaide to negau yo
Kitto kimi wa boku no koto
Seiippai Seiippai Kabatteshimau kara

You would always make sure that I have my meals proper, that I would drink enough water throughout the day, that I would sleep enough, that I would never frown nor sigh. You would kiss me spontaneously no matter where we were. Never once would we walk without holding each other, even the slightest touch would generate enough warmth in our heart to last us both a lifetime. And anytime we stood and not move, I would hold you close to me as though I would want you as a part of me: body and soul.

“Sore ja ne” to boku kara kiridasu
“Sore ja ne” to tsubuyaku
Kimi wa machigaezuni aruita Boku kara hanareta

I did not have to do anything much. You would play the role of my complement, my symbiotic partner: you would never ask for anything, as though all that I have given you are more than just pure contentment for your heart. And I have never felt that warmth in me, so much life, so much love, so much joy, so much happiness: whenever and wherever I was with you.

Kimi wa yatto jiyuu ni natta Kimi wa mou kanashimu koto mo nai
Keredo tadoritsuita yakusoku wa Furidashi yori warui basho datta ne

Tonight, many miles away, you lie in a familiar world that is so alien to you; as I lie in mine. Tears roll down your cheeks as they do mine. Your body longs for my arms as my arms long for your body. Our hearts would speak as they always do: only this time of the sadness and utter desolation they both feel. How we could still feel for each other no matter the distance, no matter the time we have been apart; I know your tears still roll at night as they would whenever I drive past certain memory-rousing places. I feel, as do you, total emptiness and the great yearning for each other’s love.

Hitotsume no yoru wo koeretara Futatsume no yoru wo koete miyou
Sabishisa no binetsu ga tsudzuitemo
Omowazuni Omowazuni Mata kurikaesu kara

I remember the last time we woke up together: the Sunday morning’s sun burning bright. I shielded you from the sun and allowed you to continue sleeping for a little while longer; never would I budge for as long as you would feel comfortable in the little shade I could provide. In the end the heat was already unbearable, and at 9.21am, we hugged each other and kissed without saying a single thing.

Eight hours later, we hugged, and traded our final kisses, asked for each other’s forgiveness, and bade farewell for the last time: as lovers. My life was never the same ever again; that part of me just died and fade away.

I still dream of the way you would kiss me, hug me, care for me, tease me, smile at me, call me “Sayang” – the way you love me. The dream that may never come true.

“Sore ja ne” to boku kara kiridasu (“Well then,” I began to speak)
“Sore ja ne” to tsubuyaku (“Well then,” you murmured)
Kimi wa machigaezuni aruita (Without making a mistake you walked away)
Boku kara hanareta (Separated from me)

The Mystery Of A Man’s Heart

Calvin and Hobbes GROSS club

Some people hate me for the fact that I am almost always right – especially when it comes to understanding the human heart.

“A final comfort that is small, but not cold: The heart is the only broken instrument that works” said T.E Kalem. And mine has been broken over and over again to the point that smithereens would seem to huge a piece for each piece of my heart. But it still works. At one point, I was seen to be wallowing in pain, then suddenly people would SMS or e-mail me saying I have moved on and changed to a point that most do not recognise the old me anymore. The question is: Have I actually moved on? Do I not feel any pain?

So let me give you an insight into several categories a man’s heart.

Macho Man

Most men have this facade on them. No matter what, they will maintain an even strain; act cool; no soppy-soppy business. While some suffer inside, most would seem to be able to move on even faster than a Formula One race’s average pitstop times. To them, emotional displays are hogwash and unmanly. They get the chicks faster than a hen can hatch one, denying the fact that these chicks are just rebounds: which explains why they keep changing partners.

Sensitive Man

The sensitive man feels for his partner; other people; and himself. He adapts easily into the likes of the partner, and is always sensitive to her needs. He can be clingy and pressing at times, but she would almost always yearn for his love if he is being lost. To overcome sadness, the sensitive man will try to move on, and may seem to have moved on, putting up a happy facade to hide his pain. He is most vulnerable when he is alone. No matter how long, and how many partners he may have had along the way, he will continue to think about his greatest love that was lost.

Leopard Man

A leopard doesn’t change its spots – much like tigers don’t change their stripes.

Leopards and Tigers – male ones, never care much for their partners. To them, the task of bringing up the children lies in the spouse, as are house chores, making sure his work clothes are ready, his food on the table waiting for him, washing up after meals. He expects his spouse, partner, mate, to understand that he is the dominant figure, and that she should be sufficiently contented with the fact that she is his spouse, partner, mate that he has provided a roof over her head, food to eat, so on and so forth.

When threatened with the loss of his loved ones, he tries to change his stripes or spots, and adapts the culture and emulates the values of one person his spouse, partner, mate has always dreamt of having as her life partner. Like male cats, these are just stances they adapt to make sure the mating partner will always succumb to his needs and desires: be the nice person she has always wanted to see. Once the mate is securely within his grasp, he goes back to his old ways, finding other mates to mate with: as male cats do. This man will show no or very little remorse or regret for the things he’s done that could have cost him his marriage, relationship or whatever have you – typical Alpha-Male behaviour.

Old Dog Man

They are nothing but dogs – old dogs. And as the saying goes, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks, the saying applies to them aptly.

In a relationship, he would show jealousy, as male dogs would; but as male dogs are, he will show no commitment. he does not venture beyond his learning curve after a while and expects his mate to accept him as he is, and understand him for what he is. He will not reciprocate until and unless he is being threatened with the loss of his spouse, partner, mate; much like the Tiger/Leopard up there. But unlike the leopard/tiger up there, he is most afraid to show commitment, and most afraid of losing the love of his master (parents, first wife etc) than to lose the love of his spouse, partner, mate.

When threatened with the loss, much like a dog that has overstayed its welcome, he will attempt to show that he has changed and is willing to learn new things just so it won’t be chased out of its owner’s house. He will do anything extraordinary to him to win her heart. But as the tiger/leopard up there, he will soon wear out and will become himself back: back to wanting the partner to understand him and not reciprocating. Then he takes this stance of a chauvinist male and expects the partner to understand if he has to lose her, telling her she is strong and not to worry about life – as if he had no role to play in her being broken hearted.

So there you go, the four kinds of hearts men have. There are no middle of the road categories. So pick your choice. – and do so carefully.

Here Comes The Rain Again

Raining in PJ

The rain is a reflection of my heart
that’s in tatters and torn apart;
The howling wind and the patter of the rain
are the sounds of my heart screaming in pain