For he's a jolly good fellow

Well, it's been a long while since my last post with colourless images and wobbly stickfigures! So what has Pui been up to within the time between this post and the last? Shopping, sleeping, gaming and competing with the girlfriend's korean idol group.

Perhaps it's just my lack of idol, or perhaps it's just a "girl thing", but when I walk into the room of a 18-21 year old girl, there would be around 3-4 posters of the same band or solo artist (depending on their idol), then there another 3-4 posters of another.

Disclaimer: This is not actually her room and this was just taken from the net

"But Pui," I hear you ask, "how does that have to do with competing with the idol?"
I'm glad you raised that point, or at least I'm glad I formed an imaginary you to raise the point. I will attempt to reenact the scenario that usually goes down when I'm over at the girlfriend's place.

After a time span of what feels like an hour, I can't take it I needed to look over her shoulder.

Pui's narcissistic nature kicked in. How can I be here right next to you, and you would be staring at a guy on the screen?

One day....one day, I too, will look like a idol.

------------------------------------------------------

A slice of vanity

Sometime during June was Pui's birthday. Normally I don't do this whole birthday celebrations but for some reason this year everyone really wanted to celebrate it for me.

My students at my workplace decided to bring in a cakes with too many candles because apparently I look like I'm 45.

My close friends decided to surprise me with pink wrapping paper and 2 really girly yet beautiful cards with delicate details.

So a shout out to every single one of you who deliberately went out of their way just to make an event I usually go out of my way to avoid, into something I will cherish dearly. Although...I'm still almost certain that the reason you guys want me to actually hold something is so you guys can finally pull out all that dirt on me.

This isn't everyone but...it's the newest group photo we have :)

-Pui.x


PS. How does one reign superior over their partner's idol?

Cuz baby I'm home sick.

Casual meetings. A grey and sensitive area when it's a one-on-one meeting with the opposite sex. For a more clear picture on why this is the case, let's break it down into sections.

Section 1: The Build Up

With today's technology, a majority of us, the youth, prefer contact via the means of Instant Messaging. Our first problem. Intended tones such as sarcasm are almost impossible to detect, so what do you say to make sure...for the sake of this guide, let's call them subjects. So what do you say to make sure said subject does not feel like you're flirting with them? It's not easy.

You: So it's a nice day today.
Subject: Yes it is.
You: So wanna go get drinks?

Perfect example that demonstrates someone who just wants sex.

You: So it's been a while.
Subject: Yeah it has...a year now?
You: Yeah, hey remember when we use to date?
Subject: Uh...sure...
You: Wanna get drinks?

There is no good way to do it without making it weird and awkward. Mind the exaggerated examples of course. But then, you do get stumped over. Which brings us to the next part...

Section 2: The Location

Where is a suitable place for 2 people who are not on a date to meet up without generating suspicions? I have prepared a list of places that are suitable for such a small amount of people and would likely pop up when arranging a one on one meeting.

• The Park
• The Bar
• The Cafe
• The Mall
• Over Lunch
• Over Dinner
• ETC.

Obviously, there are more to add to the list and the list by itself would appear to be innocent. However, if the 2 individuals that were meeting up were not both single, and in the worse case scenario, both in a committed relationship, red lights suddenly pop over the list. Let's have a closer examination at what go on in the subject's thoughts in a few of the locations aforementioned.

The Bar.
Female: Does he want me drunk?
Male: This will get interesting

Over Dinner
Female: This isn't anything serious right?
Male: Is she hitting on me?

The Mall
Female: Ah shopping.
Male: Why the hell do we want to go to the mall?

Suddenly, the list of locations that appear to be safe become much shorter.

• Over Lunch
• Cafe

Section 3: The Meet Up

So from personal experience, in order to avoid embarrassment and misunderstanding, precise arrangements and minimal communication works best.

Pui: Hey, we haven't seen in ages.
Subject: Yeah like a whole year now.
Pui: Cool, we should catch up sometime, over coffee/lunch?
Subject: Sounds good, how have you been?
Pui: Hey I got to go, how about next week? K cya.

So why minimal communication prior? It's so you can save all the talking in the meet up. You've arranged for a meeting and you have a few hours to kill with conversation. You can't bet that your amazing life is as amusing to you as it is to them so save every last drop of topic. If you don't listen to this advice...well...

You: So the other day I tripped and almost died.
Subject: You said that already
You: and then I almost got hit by a car the next day.
Subject: You said that already
You: blah blah blah
Subject: Said that.

...it becomes a little awkward.

You: So how's the weather?
Subject: Weather like.

Section 4: Dress Code

Whether the other sections went smoothly or not, they will not be able to cause the same horrid impact as this section. Don't believe me? Think about it now. You're going to meet up with a friend from the opposite sex that you haven't seen in a long period of time (Over 10 months), they have a partner and you do not wish them to think you are hitting on them. How do you dress? Let's begin with male attire:

• Formal Wear
• Smart Casual/Semi-formal Wear
• Stylish Casual Wear
• Casual Wear
• Hobo Wear

I'm sure most of you would agree that Hobo Wear and Formal Wear should come off immediately leaving Smart Casual, Stylish Casual and Casual. If you wear smart casual wear, would the subject think you're over dressing? If you wear stylish casual, would the subject think you're gay? If you wear casual wear, would the subject think you're slack?  As the subject's old friend, I hope you know their personality and your own to pick out the most fitting attire.

For females, it's a little bit more complicated. Firstly we have a similar list as above:

• Formal Wear
• Smart Casual/Semi-formal Wear
• Stylish Casual Wear
  
• Casual Wear
  
• Hobo Wear

And then we have the next part:

• Dresses
• Skirts
• Jeans
• Tights
• Stockings
• Short-shorts
• Heels
• Flats
• Boots

And then some might take a look at this list:

• Padded
• Push-up
• Nude

And finally:

• Low Cut
• High Cut
• Revealing one shoulder
• Strapless
• Low cut at the back
• Exposes the back
• Length of skirt/shorts

As I am no expert on female clothing, girls, I just hope you know how to unravel that list and put together  your outfit. Or if you can, help me out here to complete this guide.

-Pui.x

Seasons and Greetings

Although a little late, I'm sure we have yet to forget Christmas Eve/Day, New Years Eve/Day.

Throughout my short lived life, the week of Christmas is the most busy week of the entire year. Let's have a breakdown of my week before Christmas.

• 7 Days Remaining  (18th)
  Time to go shopping for presents, and to stock up food for Christmas Day. Shop, shop, shop.
• 6 Days Remaining (19th)
  Hm, we forgot to buy those Christmas baskets for family friends. Shop, shop, shop.
• 5 Days  Remaining (20th)
  Oh, now we need to send in the Baskets for the next couple of days for like 5+ hours.
• 3 Days Remaining (22nd)
  Twin Cousins' birthday, family dinner that lasts for hours and cleaning the house before hand.
• 2 Days Remaining (23rd)
  Mother's birthday, family dinner that once again lasts for hours and cleaning the house before hand.
• 1 Day Remaining (24th)
  Christmas Eve, last minute grocery shopping is down now, last minute presents shopping is also down now, eat out with close family friends, once again, lasts for hours.
• Christmas Day (25th)
  Family over, eat, eat, eat. And drinks.
• Boxing Day (26th)
  Spend the last bit of money on clothing.

As one can see this is how my year usually ends, save for the times I travel overseas, and in that case, it's just non-stop spending of cash. Admittedly, apart from the time wasted sitting in the restaurants waiting for food to be served, this period of time is remarkably enjoyed as I suppose it is with you, the readers.

Now, New Years is the next main big event. Rather, New Years Eve count down to welcome the beginning of the new year is the main big event.


Let's have a look at what occurred this year:

• Pui decides to finally submit a blog entry titled "Final Notes" to remind people that he is actually still alive and will blog.
• In 40 degree Celsius heat, Pui plays dress up in front of his bathroom mirror to demonstrate the rotating fashion style he has had throughout the year.
• Pui chose an outfit after playing dress up and got ready to go into the city to meet up with friends to have dinner.
• Dinner is had at a Japanese Restaurant after having indecisions and no clear leader in the group.
• Being still relatively early, Pui&Friends decided to rock up to Karaoke and have some fun.
• Disaster occurred.
• Pui&Friends were supposed to meet up with Friends'o'Friend's, however, they were late due to Karaoke.
• Still, fun was had at the Karaoke bar and Pui&Friends went to an entertainment complex in search of Friends'o'Friend's. Discouraged by the fact that FoF was obsessed with an arcade dancing game (DDR), PnF decides to get a few drinks at the bar near by and play some table soccer.
• Finally, PnF meets with FoF at a pub and camped out by the river side to watch fireworks.

New Years Eve was well spent and very much enjoyed despite being simplistic. As I am sure many of you with have similar stories to tell I would like to leave the post here and welcome everyone to the year of 2011.



.Pui'x

Shut your trap

Events in the holidays for a majority of us college kids? I figured that Movie Marathon or similar events would be one of the most hit activities held indoors in the time of holidays. After all, how many would you would find it a delight to head out in the hazardous Melbourne (Victoria, Australia) weather where it would hail, become extremely sunny reaching a top of 24 degrees Celsius before bucket down rain again in the matter of 1 and a half hours. This was also a repetitive cycle on that particular day...weather, it's actually a viable ice breaking conversation here in Melbourne.

As a responsible representative of your average population, I did the honours in attending a movie-afternoon-to-whenever-you-people-decide-to-leave event at a friend's house. Having experienced that I have a few things I like to discuss and a few tips to deal with events that are similar.

Body Pains

Although the name of the event does not suggest it, body pains is certainly in the terms and conditions with movie marathons or what ever marathon you are holding. Long hours of sitting still without moving around and staring at one direction whilst straining one's neck and eyes is the main culprit and a prerequisite for these events.

Don't be fooled by this seemingly relaxing posture.

In hope to find a solution for this treacherous inconvenience, our hero (or representative), attempted to do star jumps in front of the screen to loosen up tense muscles. This was accompanied by food appraisal from the rest of the audience, chips, biscuits, and assorted dry food would come flying in said person's direction. Grunts, boos and irritated voices would most likely be heard from the audience.

 

So uh...the tip here is to avoid doing any stupid movements, especially if they're large notable movements which interfere with the audiences viewing pleasure. If you still intend to, bring a large bag or container to salvage the dry food projectiles, it is a great way to loot snacks.

Comments

This one here is a tricky one. When you're in a group of good friends, one would feel comfortable with voicing his or her opinion with a particular topic (fatal mistake). However, in the cinema, one must shut the fuck up or comment on the topic in a subtle whisper...so then, what happens when this movie or show is watched with that group of good friends at one's home?

I have gathered from my experience that there are acceptable comments and unacceptable comments. For ease of assess, I have provided examples:

It is cute indeed.

Correct comment!

The puppy was shown to die 3 times.

WRONG COMMENT!

Tip? I don't have one, I live in constant fear of making the wrong comment at the wrong time.

My conclusion? Movie marathons are a life threatening and stressful experience, movies should be watched separately and not bunched up in one. Why it is such a hot event is beyond my comprehension; nevertheless, I will continue to put my life at risk and attend these events.

Fellow readers what do you enjoy doing indoors with friends during holidays? Do you have any tips you would like to add to my list of what not to do during movie/series marathon?

-Pui.x

Friendship

If you have noticed, I have skipped blogs...I'll do my best to refrain from doing that in the future. Here is a great explanation as to why this incident occurred: overwhelmed by work shifts, gatherings, sickness, errands, homework correction, and plain dissatisfaction of life...unfortunately, is what has been on my back the entire week. However, the biggest culprit of them all is the complete lack of motivation and ideas for an entertaining post.

To keep up the regulation of new post ideas, I have been taking pictures of things of interest, and have done things I usually would not have.

First thing I tried to do was introduce a plushie (bought from Hong Kong Disneyland) into my car of almost 3 weeks old.

Despite being absolutely adorable, this did not give me further incentive to create an entire story around it.

And so life trudged on...


Upon pondering and pondering and many more hours of this useless pondering, I have decided to dedicate this post to my close group of friends.

Life contains 3 groups important people in your life:

1. Family
2. Friends
3. Mentors

Family
Unarguably the group of people that would impact you the most throughout your entire lifetime. Born into a family, good or bad, would ultimately affect your entire life. Your future family, after settling down with a partner, would once again mature you, enlightening you with new perspectives as a husband/wife or parent or being an in-law.

Mentors
Leaders in your life, can be both friend and/or family or neither. This group of people will guide you in society within your profession or workplace. They are of utmost importance in assisting to shape the entire community and country.

Friends
The 2 groups above, are important, and both provide great impact on your life, but the group I want to focus on are friends.

Assuming one had grown up in an average healthy household, with an average loving family, their friends (or lack of it) would be the greatest determining factor of their persona and how they react towards different situations; placing friendship above the importance of mentors and right under the importance of family.

Throughout one's life time friends and acquaintances come and go as they mature and grow up, refining their interests and beliefs. Friends join together when common ground is found, and take their leave as beliefs are drawn further apart. I firmly believe that as we grow older, we would have less and less friends. Not because we become hated, not because they die off due to illness and old age, but because these friends would be the true and loyal to your relationship with them.They share common ground and common beliefs, but most of all, they would have become a secondary family.

I adore this extra family of mine from university. Despite appearing mindless, blond, and saying absolutely the most retarded things and asking the dumbest questions, when working together are extremely efficient. Having our studies as our common ground, and absolutely contrasting beliefs, I found it hard to believe that we can have so much fun together.

Then it occurred to me. Our common ground lies further than just our interest for studies, our south-east asian heritage; our trust in one another is our common ground. A particular one of them goes so far as to trusting me to disappoint him, and I assure you, his trust was not misplaced. Common beliefs was not non-existent, belief was always there between us, the belief that everyone is as transparent as they make themselves to appear to be.

So I thank this special group of family I have. For unknowingly brightening my week, just for being themselves.

-Pui.x

Lazy Days

Although I have been using beautifully drawn long comics to describe my average life, I have decided to use photographs for this post. I believe this post rightfully deserves the photographs.

I believe that it is safe to assume that the majority of you have finished exams by now and of course, to de-stress after all those stressful days: after exam party! ...Or outings... I have chosen the latter. After all, what better way is it for people to bond and relax than through the mutual love for a good meal?

A Representation of One's Stress-Free Day

So to depict a typical "after exams stress free day", I have personally volunteered to reenact the entire process. And offered tips to avoid during days like these.

So like any other holiday, one would sleep in until the time for the miraculous "brunch", and that I followed suit, and woke up at 10:30. Did my toiletries, and felt pretty bright about myself...and felt pretty hungry. I halted and then contemplated my next actions, trying to depict as accurately as possible: the typical brunch of a college kid. Toast, was decided as the perfect median, and I think we all agree, that a typical Asian college student living in a Western country would have eaten this on a regular day of brunch.

However, I made a fatal tactical error. I had decided to make toast without the modern technological aid of a toaster. As someone who does not eat breakfast or brunch on a daily basis, or even a weekly basis, the following picture is what would happen if you leave a piece of bread in the grill for too long.

Hmmm burnt toast

Not cool. So this time I decided to babysit the grill so I can add the cheese on it to achieve my delicious brunch.

Perfect crispy golden brown toast with cheese

And it was successful.

Tip 1: Do not ever try to make toast without the aid of a toaster, and then forget about it in the grill for 10 minutes.

                                                                                                                                     

That same evening, there was a dinner event to celebrate the finishing of exams and a feeble attempt to destroy the trauma of the exams. We had chosen a HK style restaurant and ordered our respective dishes, a mixture of chinese, japanese, HK-style, malaysian, and italian cuisine.

My Dish. HK style

Chinese style omulet on rice.

I'm not actually sure which style this is, but if you look hard enough, there's a massive piece of chicken hidden there.

Unfortunately I only took a few photos to represent what was being devoured mercilessly at the dinner table that eventful evening. Fascinated by my dish (first picture), I had decided it was the most visually appealing dish out of everything that everyone ordered. However, with ever ups there must be downs, my precious friend decided to ruin my joy by telling me it looked like spew. Thank you, oh dear friend, but I've never spewed out spaghetti before in my entire short lived 19 years.

Tip 2: When one remains fascinated about the visual appearance of one's food, their friend would most likely ruin one's appetite out of sheer jealousy.

                                                                                                                                     

Proceeding dinner conversations, dessert was up at Pancake Parlour.

This delicacy costs $27.90 AUD

We told by the waitress that the 8 of us were very "involved" in devouring this delicacy.

I wonder why...

Tip 3: When sharing food, please do it in a civilized manner to prevent gazes of disgust and wonder from other tables.

                                                                                                                                     

If you have sincerely felt that this was a complete waste of your time. I apologise, but I, too, felt like my entire day was wasted, not to mention that I most definitely gained a few pounds.

So readers, what do you do when you finished exams and what kind of food do you like to indulge yourself in to relief the stress?

-Pui.x

ps. I'm trying to see how many different kinds of clothing that I can wear and not look disgusting.What do you think of this?

Me in a singlet...I don't think I'm buff enough