2010

31 December 2010, 2:28PM: I've actually written a blog post, and scheduled it to publish at around 5PM today. However, an unexpected event happened yesterday night. At 10PM+, my dear grandpa, my ah gong has passed away at home. The moment I saw him lying on bed, lifeless, I cried... I cried because I miss him, I cried because I love him, I cried because he is free again. Ah gong has suffered as a stroke patient for more than 5 years. I know it has been very difficult for him-not being able to walk, not being to talk properly, not being to express himself freely... what more developing multiple cancer tumors approaching the end of his life. I am glad that he is reunited with grandma. I'm glad they are both now free from worldly worries and sadness. Words can't express how much I love them.

This was my scheduled blog post to end 2010....

2010 is the year of new experiences, loss and discovery.

Some notable events that happened within this 12-months:

Resigned from my full time job at Sapura. In my two-years of service there, I've learnt alot in terms of business & management. I also grew more confident and gain full financial independence.

Established Very Imaginative People Enterprise.

Travelled to China for the very first time. I went to Guangzhou with my parents for a business visit. Didn't like the weather, traffic and lifestyle... but I definitely enjoyed seeing new things with my parents.

Travelled to Indonesia for the very first time. What an experience it was! I had to arrange transportation, lodging and all in less than 8-hours. Went there to conduct workshops for Sinarmas World Academy and Jakarta World Academy teachers. The entire trip was physically and mentally draining. But once I pulled it through, I couldn't be happier with the entire experience.

Speaking gigs at various events such as Mac + iPod Discovery Week at Midvalley, Mac + iPod Discovery Week at 1Utama, Masterskill University etc...

My very first holiday with Boonyee (after 4-years). I still have very fond memories of the trip-the empty beach, great weather, soaking in the sea, cycling by the beach, long naps...

Traveled to Europe for the very first time and experienced 2 degree Celsius weather! This is definitely beyond my wildest dream... I never thought I could travel to Europe; I never though I would sit next to Boonyee in a plane, what more setting foot on a foreign land together. Unbelievable... I always revisit the memories in my head. It's such a precious memory.

Being in and out of the hospital regularly, and caring for my grandparents intensively.

Then, eventually losing my grandmother.

2010 passed by in a blink of an eye. It has been a great journey... May 2011 be greater and better!

Choices

This month alone, I've been feeling a lil' torn apart.

First, I found myself sitting for an interview at a renown University for a Lecturer position. Not many people know... well, actually I've not told anyone that being a Lecturer has always been one of my dreams and goals in life. I even listed it in my Bucket List. So, while sitting through the 3-hour interview (including a mock lecture session), everything felt surreal and I just couldn't believe I was actually interviewing for a Lecturer position.

While driving home, I felt so pumped up and ecstatic. I decided there and then that, yes, I will take up the position! Then, I thought about having a fixed salary again, career stability etc, which made me feel happy just thinking about it.

When I came home and told Papa about it, he said, 'What about your business?', and that brought me back to reality. I just can't put away my business just like that can I? And more importantly, I was reminded of the reason why I turned down job offers since I left Sapura-to help my dad with his business. Why? Because he's getting old, and I want to help my family; and be with them. I'm glad I chosen this path. If not, I wouldn't have had the luxury to visit my grandma everyday before she passed on, and so much more.

Then, another opportunity came knocking by-an invitation to relocate to Singapore. The adventurous side of me was so excited and thrilled of the idea. But very quickly, that excitement died down as reality hit me gently again.

Sometimes, it's necessary to give up a dream, to keep another dream alive. It's difficult, but I know I'm doing this for a greater reason or purpose than I can ever imagine.

Random picture taken in 2005 with my Canon Ixus 30.

Merry Christmas!

I kinda miss being stuck in traffic jams, squeezing through the crowd, wearing a Santa Claus cap, getting all dressed up, counting down with a street full of strangers, watching fireworks, shouting "Merry Christmas" to everyone I pass by, opening presents, decorating the Christmas tree, listening to Christmas songs, carols and songs of praises (my absolute favorite)...

I miss being a who-cares-if-theres-traffic-jam-and-let's-do-something-or-go-somewhere kind of girl. I miss being adventurous. I miss being reckless and carefree.

The one thing that hasn't changes though, throughout the years, is the fact that I have my family and loved ones here. I am thankful that I get to see them, talk with them, laugh with them, eat with them and just, be with them. I think that matters the most.

Merry Christmas again!

Mac + iPod Discovery Week X @ 1 Utama

I was fortunate to be selected as one of the speakers again for the Mac + iPod Discovery Week series.

Apart from the fact I had to wear the "Britney Spears" wireless headset mic (I still can't figure out how to put it on correctly), everything went great for me, personally. I really had fun speaking about Garageband 11's latest features, podcasting with Garageband and creating a stop motion animation.

I wanna thank Mursi, Chin Peng, the entire team from Apple Malaysia for the invitation, opportunity and hospitality. A big shout out to Frankie for always helping me with the Britney Spears mic. I feel like Miss Malaysia whenever he puts on the headset mic for me, lol.

Thanks Mom for coming with me on Friday. It's been a while since we last went shopping together and I feel touched to know that you've been watching me speak from the second floor, when you thought you would distract me if you've sat at the stage area. Thanks Boonyee for cheering me over the phone. You never fail to put a smile on my face :)

Before beginning my talk. Photo Credit: Prakash

Never Say Never

When I was younger, I couldn't understand why adults drink coffee like it's the greatest drink ever. I remember I tried making a cup of coffee, just to try it out, and out of curiosity, and I didn't like it. So I continue to wonder why adults, especially my parents, must drink 4-5 cups of coffee a day. If they don't, they get headaches and they just won't feel right.

Growing up, I told myself I would never touch coffee. First of all, just one sip of caffeine will keep me awake throughout the night. Secondly, I don't want my teeth to be yellowish. Thirdly, I don't want to be addicted and lastly, I don't want to fall into the category.

I remember the times when I visit grandma... she would always ask me if I want a cup of coffee. She knows I do not drink, yet, she tries her luck.

Just now, as I was making myself a cup of coffee, or rather Milo + coffee, I suddenly stopped and smiled silly to myself.

Grandma will be happy to know that her Maine Maine is now a coffee drinker.

Jacky Boy & 小米 Portraitures

© Jasemaine Gan. Please do not distribute or re-publish contents of Mainestage.blogspot.com without written permission.

I had a great time photographing Jacky Boy and 小米 over the weekend. It was their first time setting foot on a park! Can you imagine their excitement?! :)

They're such friendly and lovely pups... Jacky Boy is the big brother of the household and 小米 is his little sister. One funny thing about Jacky Boy is that, he dislikes camera! At times, when I direct the camera towards him, he would turn his head away very quickly. It was a real challenge... but I'm glad he opened up to me from time to time. Thanks Jacky Boy, you're a star! I officially name him the 'God Of Gamblers' pup (if you don't know what this means, drop me a comment and I'll explain it in detail).

Anyway, without further ado, I'm pleased to share with you the very cool Jacky Boy and sweet 小米.

This is 小米.

This is 小米 in her pink outfit!
On the left, Jacky Boy and on the right, 小米 looking cute.

Quite obvious which team Jacky Boy's owner supports huh :)

Loving owners of Jacky Boy and 小米. The little toy poodle in the middle is Yaya. She was sick that day so she wasn't fit to take any pictures. I hope she's better now :)

Hope you enjoyed this the images!

Aruna & Ravi

© Jasemaine Gan. Please do not distribute or re-publish the contents of Mainestage.blogspot.com without written permission.

Aruna and Ravi knew each other way back in high school. The spark, however, only ignited years after they graduated, when fate brought them back together via Facebook.

Aruna, who was then working in Switzerland, was homesick. She needed someone from home; someone to talk to, and guess who popped up on Facebook chat? *wink*

After months of working in a foreign land and chatting with her then potential soulmate through the net, Aruna flew back home for good, and eventually found her home with Ravi :)

Ravi, Aruna, thank you for being your natural and loving selfs. The camera loves you, and I personally enjoyed every minute of the shoot. I wish you both all the happiness in the world. Rock the wedding on 11 December 2010!

My First Europe Trip-Olomouc, Czech Republic

© Jasemaine Gan. Please do note distribute or publish the contents of Mainestage.blogspot.com without permission.

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, LONG ENTRY AHEAD!

I've always loved the idea of traveling, but unfortunately I rarely have the opportunity to go anywhere. It's always either bad timing or no travel buddy. So far, I've only been to a few Asian countries, mostly cities, which frankly, I don't really fancy. Cities are more or less the same everywhere. I've always preferred sceneries and experiencing the life of the locals...

This year, something totally unexpected happened. Boonyee asked if I wanted to go with him to Czech Republic for his annual meeting. He even suggested that we spend a few days at Vienna after his meeting. Did I want to go, he asked. HELL YEAH OF COURSE I SAID YES.

Europe has never been on my list of must-go-or-die destination but I will never, ever give up an opportunity to travel and explore the world. I had enough of watching travel programs! -_-"

So we did our research through the net, bought a travel book and did all the preparation. Few days before the big day, I was ecstatic!

The Emirates flight from Kuala Lumpur to Vienna Airport (with 4-hours transit at Dubai) was better than expected. I slept well throughout the journey.

Finally when we arrived at Vienna, I was pretty anxious before stepping out in the open. I was afraid I couldn't take the cold weather. Once we stepped out from the airport and headed towards the car park, I was sooooooo happy because the air was crisp fresh and the weather was just right!

From Vienna airport, we took a 4-hour car journey to Olomouc, Czech Republic, where Boonyee will be having his QC meeting. Again, I slept like a pig throughout the journey.

After a while, Boonyee nudged me and I woke up to a beautiful small town of Olomouc :)

It was only 3PM+ local time and the sky was already like 7PM Malaysian time! Once we checked in Hotel Flora, again, we slept like a pig. The room is very basic, but man, the bed, comforter and pillow is incredible. Olomouc is such a quiet place that our ear drum rang.

Around 7PM+ local time, Boonyee's colleagues and us took a short walk to a local restaurant. I love the rustic interior and details of the restaurant. The food was excellent too. I was super, duper stuffed at the end of the night. After dinner, we walked around the town and his colleague showed me a few landmarks for me to identify, so that I won't get lost tomorrow when I explore the town alone. So kind of them :)

The second day at Europe came very soon, and Boonyee and I had a hearty breakfast at the Hotel. I love the meatball and yogurt.

Soon after, Boonyee head off to his meeting and I was preparing myself to explore Olomouc when I received an sms from my brother. It was a grave sms. My grandma collapsed and was told by Hospis staff that she had only hours or days left. It was a terrible situation to be in. To receive this sort of news when you're thousand of miles away from home. My mind went blank and I felt paralyzed. I prayed long and hard... I prayed that I am able to be by her side when she leaves. That's all that I ask for.

My brother has been a great support during that day. He called to the Hotel and chatted with me. He even tried calling Emirates and enquire about my flight tickets. Boonyee had been my rock throughout the day as well. Though he was caught up with his meeting, he made arrangements and because of him, we were able to fly back the next day. This is one of those situations in life when you feel emotionally indebted to someone; something that you can never repay with money or anything; it's something you cherish and remember for life.

On the third day, after breakfast, we prepared ourselves, checked out and headed back to Vienna. The original plan was to head towards our hotel in Vienna, and spend the next three days there. Instead, we arrived at Vienna airport, checked in, walked around the airport and bought some souvenirs. The time for us to board came too soon. Europe was never in my must-go-or-die travel destination because I've always thought it would be a boring and gloomy place. But this short trip really changed my mind and proved me wrong about Europe. I have fallen in love with Europe. Most importantly, I love the part where my travel buddy is Boonyee.

Back in Malaysia, I'm thankful for the last three days I had with grandma. I'm glad my prayers were answered. God is good. I really can't ask for more.

Do enjoy the pictures I took at Olomouc, a 1000 year old town. I enjoyed walking alone in the town; discovering interesting architectures; breathing in the chilly air; wearing semi-winter clothing; getting lost in a foreign town and managing to find my way back to the hotel, and lots more.