The scene of my first ever live Formula 1 race, Sepang, the venue of the Malaysian Grand Prix has hosted races since 1997. In fact, it was the 1997 race which heralded the return of Michael Schumacher back to active racing since he was away for a few races recovering from a leg injury. The event was very hyped up, being the first Formula 1 race in Malaysia which got my attention and where my interest in the sport began.

I attended the Sepang race in 2003 and my main hero then was Raikkonen (second being Schumi). It was this year year in F1 and second year driving for McLaren (I don't support teams by the way, just the driver). That Grand Prix was also the place where he recorded his first race win, and at that point, he was ahead in the Driver Standing (number of points accumulated). Needless to say, I truly enjoyed my first live F1 experience.. the sound, the driving riding at the back of scooters to the pits after crashing out, the crowd, etc. 

Since then, the only two live Grand Prix I attended were in Melbourne in 2008 and 2009, and boy, those two races were exciting as they allowed you to roam around the circuit (except the grand stands). All other Grand Prix were experienced on television. While most guys watch football, F1 is the only sport I follow. 

So this year, 2012, I decided once again to experience it all - particularly since Raikkonen is back in Formula 1, having taken a break for 2 years, as well as Schumacher who has been gone even longer. 

My experience driving to Sepang wasn't that fantastic. Leaving home at 2pm, with a drive that would normally take just 40 minutes, turned out to be a just-in-time occasion with less than 5 minutes until race start at 4pm. The traffic police were not doing much and the three-lane road to Sepang International Circuit / LCCT turned into a six lane (3 regular lanes, 1 on emergency lane and 2 on the GRASS!). Should enforcement have taken place, there wouldn't be that much chaos. I pitty the fellas going to the airport even more. There should've been a dedicated lane(s) to LCCT, but instead, it was a free for all. I hope the police would do better next year. The race circuit and it's surroundings were in a sad state as well.. with grass untrimmed, faded or damaged road signs, unpainted road markings.. this certainly has been a ugly showcase to international tourist - not to mention the civics and mentality of typical Malaysians. All that put a dent my spirits even before reaching Sepang. 

However, Yen Mun and I arrived just on time with 5 minutes to spare. This was her first live race. A slight drizzle greeted us as we took our seats on the grass of section K2. Initially, no outside drinks were allowed on circuit (possibly to avoid flamable materials or explosives). I was about to loose my entire bottle of new 100 Plus and mineral water until one of the security personnel, who happened to be one of my ex-Boys in BB, Dhanvi, allowed us in. Many thanks to him!

F1 cars racing down the damped speedway 

The race was both very eventful and totally-uneventlful, probably because the start is always VERY exciting and the first few laps are equally so. It became lame when the rain started getting heavier and a safety car situation. Eventually, the rain was so heavy, the race had to be suspended or red flagged. By then, I've seen by stars drop further down the field. Schumi got touched an spun down to around 16-18, Vettel down a place or two.. but at least Kimi was up significantly despite his gearbox change. The race was red flagged early around lap 8 and it will take another 45 minutes before the rain eased off enough to resume the race.  

The weird man..

While waiting, we had the chance to observe the things around us. The half naked man who didn't have umbrellas, to the heap piles of rubbish strewed around the section. There was also this strange old man who was all alone and always standing (quite inconsiderate to stand, especially with an open umbrella as it will block the view of those seated) and kept pointing his video camera at Yen Mun.

Before long, we for the announcement that the race is to continue! Hoorahh! I was expecting it not to do be honest. There was similar story in 2009 at the same place. There was not enough "time" to complete the full race distance, so the race was stopped halfway. But we were back and running again around 5.15pm.

There was a painful moment seeing an overtaking move by Alonso for the lead. Everyone has their heroes and villains.. Alonso so happen to me mine who overtook a relatively new driver from an underdog team called Sauber who ended the race in 2nd Place, which is darn good. The thing is - I went to the race, live, to see Alonso overtake Perez and the lead. Ugh. Made me sick to my stomach. I had the moment all captured on camera.

We decided to leave the circuit early as I had to fetch my dad and uncle who happen to be on their way back from Kudat, Sabah are already waiting at the LCCT. Leaving at 5.50pm, there was already a crowd, though not a huge one, making their way out of the circuit. I thought the would be stopped at 6.00pm - but it turned out it went all the way. But it is a full race which ended close to 7.00pm. 

Left: Vettel, one of my favourite drivers. He ended up retiring just a few laps before the end of the race. He was 4th. Right: A bunch of freeloaders watching from a nearby hill. 

In the end of the day, it was a great experience for both Yen Mun and I. I would probably come back next year or another race in the future.. but I will certainly come like 4-5 hours in advance, rather than just 2 hours. 

 Since I could remember, I've always wanted my own cat. I sorta had one before when I was 8 or 9 years old, which was the neighbours cat which I "stole" (actually, I kept feeding and playing with it and it thought that I was it's actual master). Whenever I had school holidays and my parents basically didn't have time to take care of me due to work, I would be left with my grandparents and my cousins - their house had at least two to three cats. So my love of this animal really came from there. 

On the 16th October 2011, Yen Mun and I adopted a nice looking male kitten, which after some discussion, we named Elphar (pronounced Alpha). The people at SPCA said it was about six weeks old and it's such a joy adopting him. We paid a RM100 fee which covers most of the deworming and vaccinations (need to pay RM50 for a fourth deworming and second vaccination) which I think is a pretty good deal. The RM100 is tax deductible too. 

That visit was the third time I went to SPCA. The staff tell me there are around 3-5 kittens being delivered there everyday and about 1000 of these will be adopted. This means less than another thousand are put down every year =(. Quite a wake up call for me.. that if I don't need to buy a cat.. better to adopt to save a life. Surprisingly there are many old cats, pedigree ones which were there. So sad...

Anyway, preparations was elaborate getting the cat in. Read up a book and materials online.. all the way from food, to bathing, security, how it takes a dump and so on. Even got myself a carrier, bowl, kitty litter trays and food.. all set and invested weeks before the cat was brought in.

Elphar is quite a friendly fella.. doesn't seem to be too scared (though very cautious of surroundings). The only thing is he is very afraid of heights. I don't blame him.. so am I. Initially, I wanted a medium-hair.. which I'm not sure if Elphar is.. but I think I'll settle for him. He does have a pretty furr. Hopefully it will grow up to be even fluffier.

Whenever it is not sleeping, it is running around all over the place non-stop. It seems to have found a favourite spot in my bookshelf to nap whenever I open the carrier. When I go to sleep, since it is still vulnerable, I lock him up in the carrier. So yes, need to suffer early in the morning to let it out and play for awhile since it won't stop mewing if I don't.  I'm getting used to the routine - feed, clean, play, clean litter, clean carrier, change/wash cloth (bed) and so far one event of bathing (he smelled like pee when he first came in).  

I think we've warmed up to one other pretty well. Hope we both grow up to be best pals =)

My first time setting foot into Johor in living memory came in the form of the town of Kluang. I was there for a BB assignment to conduct a NCO Training School Coaches Clinic, essentially for the Officers. At the same time, I took time to see parts of this town. 

The most notable was the train station. Yes, haven't you heard of it? Go to Ikano and 1 Utama's New Wing. You will find a coffee shop called Kluang Rail Coffee. Well, me and Yen Mun went to the original place man!

But the place isn't much. It looks very much like any small town coffee shop. This one had a particularly "lauya" (lousy) feel to it as it was right at the train station. Lauya cause we normally associate these station restaurants and parlors to be substandard. But once you're inside the coffee shop, seeing it's dedicated employees and simple, yet charming food selection, you know that this isn't any typical coffee shop. 

One can argue how can half boil eggs, soy sauce and pepper be any different? Well, there is skill involved in getting the eggs just right too you know? Go try making them yourself and you get to appreciate process. But one cannot argue over the kaya bread. Kluang Rail has it's own unique recipe, rounded and crispy. A must try. The coffee wasn't too bad too.. but I have daily 3-in-1 Old Town's .. making this one feeling a little off par - but not bad none-the-less. 

The rest of my time in Kluang was to conduct the BB in Johor's clinic.. from 10.30am-4.30pm. Great bunch of Officers. Really excited to see the fruits from this clinic. 

By night time, 8.30pm I was back in KL attending another meeting. But what a great trip it was to Kluang, Johor =)

Oh my gosh.. I oughta punch myself in the nuts for not blogging for more than two months. It's not that "I've not put in the homework".. but more because there have been so many events I would have want to remember, hence blogging them down... such as... such.. as.. urm. See!

I have been around due to my work to places such as Sibu, Ayer Tawar and Pengkalan Hulu. There was this one interesting moment I bumped into Karpal Singh in the Sibu Market and I finally got to take a picture with him and shake his hand when he was campaigning around Sibu for the Sarawak State elections. DAP went on to do pretty well in the elections, winning 12 of 15 seats. I managed to shake hands with Alice Lau the night before the elections, but the next day she lost.. so.. I better not shake any contestants hands in the future.. unless I want them to loose. 

Yen and I possing with Karpal Singh, DAP President

Still, there is some room for a nutshell. The past couple two months have been rough in terms of my job. We've seen the most controversial things take place in BB.. which unfortunately have made me sick to my gut. In the next few months, the next few entries (if I bother putting them up) will reveal some small changes in my life. Nothing unplanned for though.

It is amazing how God works. Since the time I starting seriously believing in Jesus till now, all the good times and the bad in the past seem to have some connection and reason for happening. All the experience gained have indeed had it's purpose. 

I can sense my calling still being very much intact, not just because of some fuzzy feeling I have in my heart, nor all the logic in my mind.. but by looking back at the path God has laid behind me.. all the experiences made, people met, opportunities gained and so on. Even the less obvious ones like the day dreams and random deep thoughts have some relevance to where I am now. A good test of whether you are living your calling is if you're able to apply whatever you have learned in the past to whatever that is happening now. While I can't say I'm in the best spot right this second, I feel prepared to take everything on. As I wait on Him for the next move, I know whatever it is will surely be good.  Even with so many blessings, doors are still opening.. almost without any effort on my part. God is truly awesome. 

The year is moving so fast, perhaps it gets faster as we age and stress up. I can only look forward to more of His promises. 

Also, I want remembering my late grandfather for his passing on the 20th May 2011. I hope he is in a good place..   

Since I was a kid, I was always fascinated by war films and was in awe of the might of the US military (which now looking back was just me being suckered to pro-US/democratic propaganda during the Cold War). Even now, I would take time to read up military planes, ships and history (on Wikipedia). Not long ago, during my free time I marked scoured the US coast using Google Earth and managed to seek out most of their aircraft carriers. Movies like the 1976 made Midway made be believe that these floating boats were symbols of power and might. I had a chance to set my eyes on one in 2007 when the USS Kitty Hawk was in Sydney, already I thought I was the most blessed person on the planet.  

However - beyond my wildest dreams, on the 24th January 2011, we were (extremely-off-the-scale) privileged to be granted access to visit the USS Carl Vinson. Now, for me to just see a carrier 4 years ago was enough to leave me mind boggling.. to actually set my foot and touch a US Carrier - a nuclear powered Nimitz-class carrier, which currently is the biggest in the US Navy.. would just be an experience that will qualify me to enter Tanjung Rambutan when we're done. 

It all began with a tip-off from Lawrence Tay that another Navy ship is making port in Malaysia and we were given the invitation to visit their ship (we had earlier received the crew of the USS Dubuque weeks back). In another conversation, he confirmed that it was a carrier. From then on, there was no stopping me from getting on that ship. This trip was opened to 30 of us and many Boys showed their keen interest when this announcements were made.. some with absolutely zero doubt they would want to be on that ship.

The morning of the 24th itself we gathered at the bus stop of SMK Taman Desa at 7.20am (and I hate waking up early, but no choice since I was heading this group), the Boys were asked to come in their 3rd KL Company Blue t-shirts (something which will haunt me forever - I initially wanted them to wear full uniform). We left for Port Klang and was told to reach no later than 9am. We were spot on time at the former Star Cruise Terminal, now called Glen Cruise. We checked in at the guard house where I traded my IC for passes. 

At the guard house, we could see the first clues of the carrier - several fins above the tree line which indicated the presence of jet planes. Any tiredness at that point was replaced by seer excitement. When we were allowed to drive in we were greeted by marines and sailors all erect and smiley (they were wooden boards giving us directions to to the car park). At one point after a major turn, we could see the "Island" of the carrier. Freaking awesome. But nothing was to compare to what we had in store an hour later. 

I said an hour because apparently our tour guide was late. We were the group of many groups to visit the ship that day. A high ranking officer, who is also the ship's public relations officers was on his way back from KL. Apparently he was caught int the jam and it was only by 10.30am we were allowed to move on. While waiting, we spent some time talking to one or two of the US Navy sailors, all dressed in camo dress.. looked almost like Marines. Some off-duty shipmates were also sporting enough to take pictures with our Boys. It was certainly a constant flow of personnel in and out of the ships (two ships were docked).. but that's to be expected when the Carl Vinson was capable of housing 5 thousand people (about 3000 were aboard at the time). 

Soon after 10.30am, our "tour guide" returned, all dressed in ceremonial wear. We spent no time clearing "immigrations", which are scans for security reasons. This was after all, the most valued asset of the United States. 

Once we were on the pier, the sights were simply overwhelming – a full view of carrier (minus the center section which was blocked off by the pier’s roof). Right beside it was it was the USS Bunker Hill, a Ticonderoga-class Missile Cruiser which would’ve been pretty impressive on its own, but since it’s bigger sized brother with a big 70 next to it, it was pretty much overlooked. Our guide mentioned that their battle group consist of another 2 destroyers which made port in Singapore instead – truly a major PR job for this US fleet. Earlier on chatting with one of the sailors, they revealed that they just came from South Korea – something which certainly rang a bell as it was all over CNN where the North Korean’s artillery striked their Southern brothers, prompting a “joint exercise” between the South Korean and US Navies.

Continuing in the walk to the ship, we were able to see their hangar bay, which was inside the ship. Little did I realize at that point that it was our first stop. The first foot on the carrier was onboard the ships massive elevators, capable of carrying multiple aircraft at a time. Entrance guarded with a single armed personnel with an M16, all smiles and the hangar bay evidently in “exhibition mode”.  We were split up into two groups and which basically taken for a stroll towards selected sections of the ship.

First stop was an introduction of the ships emergency equipment, mainly those to put out fires. We were also introduced to several pilots to talked about their F/A-18 Fighter and Seahawk helicopters. The following stop was the ship’s museum, which was basically a memorial dedicated to US Congressman Carl Vinson of whom the ship was named after.

We made our way topside which was a long narrow walk through the ship’s less impressive interior. Some of us were still trying to grasp the reality that we were even on the ship. But our next stop proved to be the most thrilling part of the trip – a visit to the flight deck. I initially believe that this would be a restricted area. I mean, who would allow a bunch of kids and unknown outsiders to within literally zero distance to all their gear and aircraft. Too good to be true but were truly there on the flight deck. For a military buff like me, that was truly emotional. We were allowed to walk to the edge of the angled flight deck, with most of the ship’s F/A-18’s, hawkeyes, seahawks and another aircraft packing the deck. There was probably more aircraft there than YMCA’s carpark can ever fit.

Standing on top of the freaking flight deck baby!!!

The next spot was to be the bridge, a 4-5 storey climb via ladders, passing through the Executive Officer’s and Captain’s quarters. Unfortunately, no pictures were allowed inside.. and it was too bad we couldn’t see C&C.. which was basically their war room – for understandable reasons.

Despite such a short list of stops, it was already an hour which has passed. We made our way back to the hangar and final stop. Some of the Boys had a chance to buy souvenirs, but unfortunately they required US Dollars which only Mr Terence and Han Sheng had.

Soon, it was a say goodbye to the carrier.. and I doubt I’ll ever have another chance of seeing, yet alone setting foot on one. 

I would like to thank the YMCA, particularly Mr Ivan Christie for giving us this once in a life time opportunity.

Probably the closest any of us will ever get to US military equipment. Thank you God!

 The scene of my first ever live Formula 1 race, Sepang, the venue of the Malaysian Grand Prix has hosted races since 1997. In fact, it was the 1997 race which heralded the return of Michael Schumacher back to active racing since he was away for a few races recovering from a leg injury. The event was very hyped up, being the first Formula 1 race in Malaysia which got my attention and where my interest in the sport began.

I attended the Sepang race in 2003 and my main hero then was Raikkonen (second being Schumi). It was this year year in F1 and second year driving for McLaren (I don't support teams by the way, just the driver). That Grand Prix was also the place where he recorded his first race win, and at that point, he was ahead in the Driver Standing (number of points accumulated). Needless to say, I truly enjoyed my first live F1 experience.. the sound, the driving riding at the back of scooters to the pits after crashing out, the crowd, etc. 

Since then, the only two live Grand Prix I attended were in Melbourne in 2008 and 2009, and boy, those two races were exciting as they allowed you to roam around the circuit (except the grand stands). All other Grand Prix were experienced on television. While most guys watch football, F1 is the only sport I follow. 

So this year, 2012, I decided once again to experience it all - particularly since Raikkonen is back in Formula 1, having taken a break for 2 years, as well as Schumacher who has been gone even longer. 

My experience driving to Sepang wasn't that fantastic. Leaving home at 2pm, with a drive that would normally take just 40 minutes, turned out to be a just-in-time occasion with less than 5 minutes until race start at 4pm. The traffic police were not doing much and the three-lane road to Sepang International Circuit / LCCT turned into a six lane (3 regular lanes, 1 on emergency lane and 2 on the GRASS!). Should enforcement have taken place, there wouldn't be that much chaos. I pitty the fellas going to the airport even more. There should've been a dedicated lane(s) to LCCT, but instead, it was a free for all. I hope the police would do better next year. The race circuit and it's surroundings were in a sad state as well.. with grass untrimmed, faded or damaged road signs, unpainted road markings.. this certainly has been a ugly showcase to international tourist - not to mention the civics and mentality of typical Malaysians. All that put a dent my spirits even before reaching Sepang. 

However, Yen Mun and I arrived just on time with 5 minutes to spare. This was her first live race. A slight drizzle greeted us as we took our seats on the grass of section K2. Initially, no outside drinks were allowed on circuit (possibly to avoid flamable materials or explosives). I was about to loose my entire bottle of new 100 Plus and mineral water until one of the security personnel, who happened to be one of my ex-Boys in BB, Dhanvi, allowed us in. Many thanks to him!

F1 cars racing down the damped speedway 

The race was both very eventful and totally-uneventlful, probably because the start is always VERY exciting and the first few laps are equally so. It became lame when the rain started getting heavier and a safety car situation. Eventually, the rain was so heavy, the race had to be suspended or red flagged. By then, I've seen by stars drop further down the field. Schumi got touched an spun down to around 16-18, Vettel down a place or two.. but at least Kimi was up significantly despite his gearbox change. The race was red flagged early around lap 8 and it will take another 45 minutes before the rain eased off enough to resume the race.  

The weird man..

While waiting, we had the chance to observe the things around us. The half naked man who didn't have umbrellas, to the heap piles of rubbish strewed around the section. There was also this strange old man who was all alone and always standing (quite inconsiderate to stand, especially with an open umbrella as it will block the view of those seated) and kept pointing his video camera at Yen Mun.

Before long, we for the announcement that the race is to continue! Hoorahh! I was expecting it not to do be honest. There was similar story in 2009 at the same place. There was not enough "time" to complete the full race distance, so the race was stopped halfway. But we were back and running again around 5.15pm.

There was a painful moment seeing an overtaking move by Alonso for the lead. Everyone has their heroes and villains.. Alonso so happen to me mine who overtook a relatively new driver from an underdog team called Sauber who ended the race in 2nd Place, which is darn good. The thing is - I went to the race, live, to see Alonso overtake Perez and the lead. Ugh. Made me sick to my stomach. I had the moment all captured on camera.

We decided to leave the circuit early as I had to fetch my dad and uncle who happen to be on their way back from Kudat, Sabah are already waiting at the LCCT. Leaving at 5.50pm, there was already a crowd, though not a huge one, making their way out of the circuit. I thought the would be stopped at 6.00pm - but it turned out it went all the way. But it is a full race which ended close to 7.00pm. 

Left: Vettel, one of my favourite drivers. He ended up retiring just a few laps before the end of the race. He was 4th. Right: A bunch of freeloaders watching from a nearby hill. 

In the end of the day, it was a great experience for both Yen Mun and I. I would probably come back next year or another race in the future.. but I will certainly come like 4-5 hours in advance, rather than just 2 hours. 

 Since I could remember, I've always wanted my own cat. I sorta had one before when I was 8 or 9 years old, which was the neighbours cat which I "stole" (actually, I kept feeding and playing with it and it thought that I was it's actual master). Whenever I had school holidays and my parents basically didn't have time to take care of me due to work, I would be left with my grandparents and my cousins - their house had at least two to three cats. So my love of this animal really came from there. 

On the 16th October 2011, Yen Mun and I adopted a nice looking male kitten, which after some discussion, we named Elphar (pronounced Alpha). The people at SPCA said it was about six weeks old and it's such a joy adopting him. We paid a RM100 fee which covers most of the deworming and vaccinations (need to pay RM50 for a fourth deworming and second vaccination) which I think is a pretty good deal. The RM100 is tax deductible too. 

That visit was the third time I went to SPCA. The staff tell me there are around 3-5 kittens being delivered there everyday and about 1000 of these will be adopted. This means less than another thousand are put down every year =(. Quite a wake up call for me.. that if I don't need to buy a cat.. better to adopt to save a life. Surprisingly there are many old cats, pedigree ones which were there. So sad...

Anyway, preparations was elaborate getting the cat in. Read up a book and materials online.. all the way from food, to bathing, security, how it takes a dump and so on. Even got myself a carrier, bowl, kitty litter trays and food.. all set and invested weeks before the cat was brought in.

Elphar is quite a friendly fella.. doesn't seem to be too scared (though very cautious of surroundings). The only thing is he is very afraid of heights. I don't blame him.. so am I. Initially, I wanted a medium-hair.. which I'm not sure if Elphar is.. but I think I'll settle for him. He does have a pretty furr. Hopefully it will grow up to be even fluffier.

Whenever it is not sleeping, it is running around all over the place non-stop. It seems to have found a favourite spot in my bookshelf to nap whenever I open the carrier. When I go to sleep, since it is still vulnerable, I lock him up in the carrier. So yes, need to suffer early in the morning to let it out and play for awhile since it won't stop mewing if I don't.  I'm getting used to the routine - feed, clean, play, clean litter, clean carrier, change/wash cloth (bed) and so far one event of bathing (he smelled like pee when he first came in).  

I think we've warmed up to one other pretty well. Hope we both grow up to be best pals =)

My first time setting foot into Johor in living memory came in the form of the town of Kluang. I was there for a BB assignment to conduct a NCO Training School Coaches Clinic, essentially for the Officers. At the same time, I took time to see parts of this town. 

The most notable was the train station. Yes, haven't you heard of it? Go to Ikano and 1 Utama's New Wing. You will find a coffee shop called Kluang Rail Coffee. Well, me and Yen Mun went to the original place man!

But the place isn't much. It looks very much like any small town coffee shop. This one had a particularly "lauya" (lousy) feel to it as it was right at the train station. Lauya cause we normally associate these station restaurants and parlors to be substandard. But once you're inside the coffee shop, seeing it's dedicated employees and simple, yet charming food selection, you know that this isn't any typical coffee shop. 

One can argue how can half boil eggs, soy sauce and pepper be any different? Well, there is skill involved in getting the eggs just right too you know? Go try making them yourself and you get to appreciate process. But one cannot argue over the kaya bread. Kluang Rail has it's own unique recipe, rounded and crispy. A must try. The coffee wasn't too bad too.. but I have daily 3-in-1 Old Town's .. making this one feeling a little off par - but not bad none-the-less. 

The rest of my time in Kluang was to conduct the BB in Johor's clinic.. from 10.30am-4.30pm. Great bunch of Officers. Really excited to see the fruits from this clinic. 

By night time, 8.30pm I was back in KL attending another meeting. But what a great trip it was to Kluang, Johor =)