Reunion @ Wabisabi, 10th Nov 2007

Thanks to Facebook, a few of us old classmates managed to locate each other. Hui Fern was to come back from Hong Kong for a few days and she , Yvonne and I wanted to meet up. Somehow, it turned into this reunion.

It was to be held as the same day as the Annual Dinner. Somehow, I didn't feel like going this year. The last couple of dinners I've been too weren't that great, especially the food!

Weng Wai managed to reserve a table for us at Wabisabi at TTDI Plaza. Apparently he's quite a regular/he knows the owners etc.

Frankly, I thought the name was funny, and I had trouble pronouncing it. I had never been there before. Then again, I don't have much of a night life since I've started working.

I would never have imagined that TTDI Plaza would be so hip and happening. Rows of pubs/clubs lined both blocks. According to the sign on the frosted glass doors, Wabisabi was a Yakitori Bar. I had no idea what that is, so I had to Wiki it here.

Yvonne and Hui Fern were already there when I arrived. Yvonne wanted to read the autograph book first. We were chatting on MSN the night before and I mentioned that I still had my old autograph book from 1991!

After that, the rest started arriving one by one. We had a good time catching up - we haven't seen each other since secondary school for some.

The Autograph Book - "Antique"





Checking out the contents



Laughing at the stuff that they wrote 16 years ago

It was a kick watching them laugh their asses off at what they've wrote in my autograph books all those years ago. Some of the reactions were:

"Holy shit! You still have that?"

"I wrote that?! I wrote poems?"

"It's still in such good condition"

"It's great you're still keeping that - nice one"

Nice one indeed - it was fun watching their expressions - It was priceless.

The guys - Weng Wai, me, Clement, Danny

Group Shot - Hui Fern, Weng Wai, Desmond, me, Clement, Yvonne, Leong Chern, Leong Leng, Danny



Another Group Shot - Weng Wai, Leong Leng, Yvonne, me, Leong Chern, Clement, Josephine, Danny

Some of these friendships started way back in 1985 - that's 22 years. Sometimes, I'm amazed its been so long. The autograph book reads 1991 when we were in standard 6. Some of us were classmates since standard 1.

This one's dedicated to everyone present that day to make it happen:

Yvonne Ong, Choo Hui Fern, Danny Leong Tin Soong, Wong Leong Chern, Desmond Chan Sam Wai, Clement Chaw Fook Onn, Koh Weng Wai, Lionel Lim Leong Leng & Josephine Tham

22 years and counting, here's to many more - CHEERS

Where's My Stuff?

I'm still waiting for my package from Play-Asia.com.

Where's my Ironhide?

According to the website, my order shipped on 5th November 2007. It did state it might take 5 - 14 days, but I'm getting impatient because my credit card has already been charged!

I'm looking out for the postman everyday. Am I really that desperate? Or am I just concerned about fuck ups from the sender or our local postal service?

The first time I tried buying something off eBay from the US and UK, it didn't turn out well but at least I got my money back that time.

Here's hoping for the best!

"I" before "E", except after "C"

Apparently, I have a problem with spelling the word "separate". I mis-spelt this word twice while chatting with Deidere online, spelling it as "sepErate". Must make mental note. Interestingly, she caught it again when I made the typo again today.

On the subject of spelling, you have to check out this video of Jim Carrey doing a David Caruso (Horatio Cane, CSI: Miami) impression. This is where the title of this post comes from. And after that you have to watch the next video (IN THAT ORDER!)

# 1 - Jim Carrey does Horatio Cane
# 2 - Scenes of Horation Cane from CSI: Miami

I can't stop laughing now when I watch CSI: Miami after I "discovered" the Jim Carrey clip. Enjoy!

This new change in shift timing still takes a little bit of getting used to. Not good! And I'm already suffering from the Monday blues. Don't really feel like going back to work. The weekends are just too short sometimes.

The diet I'm on is either working or its not. I'm currently going to start week-4 of the programme. If the scale is correct, I might have lost 2 kg. The problem is the reading fluctuates from 0kg change to a 2kg loss.

I don't know why, but I'm really desperate (Is it desperate or desparate? Because they are similar in spelling!) to get the Transformers Movie Ironhide.

I've been tracking an auction on eBay Malaysia, which finally ended at RM 191.50. The bidding actually jumped from RM 172.00 to RM 188.50 at one point. I guess I'm not the only one who wants this badly. Doesn't help that we can't find it anymore in Malaysia.

I want it so badly that I actually placed an order for it (Japanese TAKARA version) through www.play-asia.com, for about RM 150.00. Came across this info from the LowYat forums and there was a guy taking orders but charging RM 10 extra.

SY has bought from them before and says that they're pretty reliable and suggested I opened an account to order it myself and save the RM 10. I guess now I just have to wait and see. The item supposedly ships within 24 hours upon placing the order (assuming everything checks out in terms of credit card details etc). Then I have to wait a further 5 - 10 days or so for it to arrive. Shipping is free and SY hasn't encountered problems so far *touch wood*.

This is my 1st time buying something online. I did try to get some stuff previous off eBay with Mahen's help but that didn't end to well. 2 different sellers claimed to have sent off the 2 packages but they never arrived. Good thing PAYPAL reversed the transaction and I got my money back. Again, there shouldn't be any problems. *TOUCH WOOD*

Also found some more new pictures of the upcoming Hot Toys Superman/Clark Kent that's coming out in December 2007. That Superman is looking good - a very Brandon Routh-like resemblance, but do I see a slight hint of Tom Cruise in there as well?

Definitely an improvement compared to the old headsculpt.

HOT TOYS Superman Returns (December 2007 Re-Release)



HOT TOYS Superman Returns (Original)

Just got this in the mail, what will they think of next?

Just like something out of a Sci-Fi movie like "Minority Report" or something. Are these just working prototypes or have they already been manufactured?

And finally, a new photo of The Joker from the upcoming "The Dark Knight".

Another 8 months to go, just 8 ......

I take back. what I said .....

It looks like maintaining 2 seperate blogs isn't easy. It looks like I spend more time updating my "Wishlist" than doing actual blogging.

Speaking of which, "Wish List" updated!

I've been spending on things which are not really necessary - and it keeps adding up! Plus I have more orders on the way. Madness.

Work is getting crazy, the new Business Partners are demanding more and more things - and I'm only 1 man! Good thing the boss understands.

Managed to watch "Disturbia" last night. Pretty entertaining. What I like most about the show is how the main character Kale (Shia LeBeouf) gave me new recipe tips - he scoops out Skippy Crunchy Peanut Butter and dips it into Hershey's Chocolate syrup and eats it just like that! Now there's an idea! But then he also downs a can of soda resulting in problems with his stomach so I'll have to leave the soda out of the equation.

Anyway - Hershey's with peanut butter sounds delicious! Kinda like Reese's Peanut Buttercups I reckon. Might need to try that out one day!

Right now - I'm currently towards the end of week 2 of a 6-week diet program. Yes! A Diet! It's an AMWAY plan and the first 2 weeks are 1200 calorie-a-day meals. Alot of meal replacement shakes (Dutch Chocolate) and fruit. I don't think I've ever taken so much fruit ever!

No noticeable weight changes - but it seems that the "muscles" on my biceps are more "shaped" now - if there's such a word. It just looks different. Another 4 weeks to go - hopefully some more noticeable changes!

Having said that, I'm dying to try Tony Roma's at Cineleisure. Their signature dish overseas are the BBQ Ribs (Pork) but this being Malaysia, they've changed it to Beef Ribs. They've been opened for quite some time now but I've yet to try it.

I take back what I said about the Honda City being one of the ugliest cars I have seen. I've always preferred the Toyota Vios over the Honda City ANYDAY. Now that I've seen some on the road and some pictures online, it can look nice IF done up properly with a nice bodykit.

Example:

I don't know who this guy is, but good job!

That spot (IMO) has now been filled by the new Nissan Latio. Congratulations!

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.....

Yes, I'm back. Don't worry - I'm still alive and kicking! CJ asked what happened to me as there hasn't been any updates for over a month. I guess I wasn't really inspired, been caught up with a lot of changes at work. But - as the saying goes, "Better late than never"! There have been so many things going on its not funny! Work is hectic as hell and training has been postponed until some complications are sorted out. Looks like my new "team" will have to wait longer. Previously, Sylvia said that she had a hard time picking a present for my birthday. So she suggested a "Wish List". In fact, I do have one which I posted many years ago, I remember doing that wish list in a post when I was still in Melbourne. So, the truth is, I did update my blog, its just that it was another one. Roy's Wish List There is also a link on the sidebar, under "Links" - if you're feeling generous. Plus, Christmas is coming! I spent about RM 500 on toys yesterday at the grand opening of a new store. The worst thing is, the shop is just a stone's throw away! This is not good news for my wallet. I finally managed to get my hands on the Transformers movie Bumblebee, although its not the one that I was actually looking for. When I heard about the opening sale and saw the items on promotion, I was only planning to try to get one item, which was limited to only 1 per customer but got carried away. The shop was supposed to open at 11 am but I left the house early Saturday morning, to locate the shop and just in case there were lots of people already waiting. The shop was easier to locate than expected, and they actually let me in about 20 minutes before official opening hours. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! I seen so many movie Transformers toys at once place. It was funny feeling (no, not that kind!)!!!! I was only planning to get the "Evolution Of A Hero" 2-pack but in the end, not only did I manage to get my hands on Bumblebee, I have 3 versions of him!

Stung by the Bee! Ouch! About RM 500 worth!

So, why is he called the "Ultimate Bumblebee"

(Left To Right) Movie Optimus Prime, Ultimate Bumblebee, Masterpiece Optimus Prime

Standing at 14-inches tall, this is the biggest toy I've gotten so far. In comparison, the biggest one I had was the 12-inch MP-01 Masterpiece Optimus Prime.

It was a good deal, not cheap at all, but a good deal. People have paid up to RM 800 for the Ultimate Bumblebee. I was surprised to see it selling for retail price at the shop, and there were only 2 left. While standing around contemplating, someone actually took one.

It has animatronics (it moves when it detects sounds/voices nearby) on its arms, neck and "wings". It also has voice and music clips. Also, while in the car-mode, rolling its wheels will make the sound of an engine while stopping it activates the sounds of screeching tyres and activates its rear-brake lights.

"Evolution Of A Hero" 2-Pack

If you're a fan of the movie (like me), you'd remember that Bumblebee changes about 1/4 into the movie from a 1974 model Chevrolet Camaro to a 2008 Concept Camaro, when Mikaela questions why he chose such a crappy car as his Earth disguise.

This set was supposed to show that, (except that the 2008 version has black scorch marks all over if you look real close). I didn't have the 1974 Camaro in my collection, and the 2008 version was impossible to find for a reasonable price.

People were selling it for up to RM 200 on eBay Malaysia. That's for 1 figure. I paid RM 129 for 2 figures here. The average price of these figures are supposed to be RM 50. This 2-pack was originally priced at RM 110. These were selling like hot cakes as well, and was only limited to 1 per customer.

Still, it isn't really the Bumblebee that I want and now that I think about it, the best would be the "Capture Of Bumblebee" set - simply because he's more movie-accurate with a gray/silver body instead of the black body for the normal versions.

Re-moulded with Gray/Silver/Yellow



Original black/yellow Deluxe Bumblebee 2008

I've yet to see it in the stores but I'm planning to get the DVD for Transformers as well. My poor wallet.....

I'm thinking I might now just complete the whole collection of Autobots (movie version), meaning which I just need to get Ironhide (very, very, VERY hard to find) and Racthet. This will be updated in my "Wish List" :D

Ironhide


Ratchet

Of course life isn't all about toys. The amount of things happening the past month is just insane, I bought a house as well! Well, not I, but Daph and I got a housing loan approved, in a joint-account.

Hopefully this will be the last time we move. Moving house more than 10-times in a lifetime is just too much! The house won't be ready for at least another 1 - 1 1/2 years. But the thought of moving (again!) is just stressful enough.

We went to have a look at the re-decoed show house this afternoon. The location isn't that much further from where we're currently staying, so that's a good thing.

Show houses are nice to look at, to get ideas on interior design and furnishing, whether we'll actually use them is a different issue! It's got 3 + 1 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms - a corner unit.

Living Room

Dining Room and Kitchen

Upper Hall





Master Bedroom with walk-in closet area



Bedroom 1

Spoke to the developer - the layout of the house is not like the usual where the upstairs shared-bathroom is concerned. He said that his was a hotel-like concept where the bathrooms are that the front of the room, thereby enabling the room to be more square-ish, as shown in the photo above. No more funny angles or small spaces!

I also liked how they used a little divider thing which doubles as a storage compartment to split up the 2 single beds. Nice touch!

So, all this happening within a span of 1 month, it takes a toll on you..... but yes, I'm back. And I think I'm a little rusty.....