The Sarikei Trip

I went back this time with a mission. To spend time with people I care and show them that I mean it. Time is not on my side, but I'm really grateful to the management that I'm given chance to visit my Father-in-Law.

Most of time back I spend accompanying and driving my in laws around, going between hospitals and coffee shop which I am very happy because I'm able to help in the littles things.

In fact, I didn't have much time to hang out with friends this time around. But I'm definitely satisfied that the trip was fruitful. I'm super happy to see that he's feeling contented and well. We're all praying for miracle now and nothing is impossible in the Lord. For His thoughts are not our thoughts and ways are not ours. We have heard of miracles from Mt Hosanna in Sri Aman and we're praying for one now. Seek and you shall receive.

I went back this time and took photo of Felicia's house to remind me of where we began, where we call home, where we grow up, and remember our roots and never to let it go.

The trip was refreshing and invigorating for the soul. It reminds you the value of life and to appreciate family members around you. I still remember a teacher who once said: Time and tide waits for no men. True.. So true

Of Strawberries and Rockingham

More time to kill on a Sunday, where should we go this time? Beach is the generic place, but which beach exactly? After much delibration, its off south to Rockingham. I had high expectation of beaches here since my visit to the sand separating Indian Ocean.

About half an hour drive from Jandakot, we went south along the Kwinana Freeway. As we are about to exit off the Freeway, we saw some signs saying fresh strawberries for sale. Well, being strawberry deprived, went made the detour to the small farm and bought a $4 pack worth of strawberry. Although the size of the berries are small and medium, it is one of the sweetest strawberries that we've tasted (endorsed by 4 cadet pilots).

The day was too cold for a beach outing. I was in my shorts but everyone else were in their jeans. There's nobody in sight on the beach as well. Well, quickly took some snapshots of photo and off we go for dinner since most of us are hungry. Couple of typical restaurants are available: fish and chips, kebabs, KFC, Chicken Treat and a non typical - Roasters. So, I went for a beef roaster which comes with vegetables. I wasn't disappointed at all. It was quite filling but I manage to squeeze in some pretty decently priced fish and chips.

Rockingham itself is just a small town with two major rows of shops. There's few jetties lining the beach. The beach is very calm as it is sheltered by Garden Island just offshore of the beach. Just another beautiful day in Western Australia...

Route to the Skies

Every achievement comes from small little steps. To proceed on with this flying career, every person (politically correct compared to 'man') has to take the step of clearing his solo. I've done almost 18 hrs of flight and now its the next big step. Big for me because it will be significant in getting that confidence 'boost' to proceed on with the next training.

Most people says that going solo is the most memorable part of the training. It is so simply because you'd put your life on the line. But of course, proper instruction was given prior to that to build confidence with proper technique. Suddenly I realize it is similar with our life as well. Literally, how we want our life to be lies in our own hands as well!

With few more flights, I hope to have achieve something here before I return to see the loved ones soon....

Life is Fragile

Life is fragile, life is like a smile,
Time permits there's ups and downs
Take our day as it comes
Make it thine O Creator one

A life is worth the living as it is
See the beauty that's within
Live each moment as it last
Make each minute as your last

Reach out to them while you can
There's not a second to delay
Felicitate with the company every day
Rejoice at the chance to be there

Happy are those who have seen
How wonderful the world have been
Who has no regrets or doubt
The road they took and beyond

Though far a yonder you may be
My thoughts and prayers goes to thee
Respect is all that I can give
To follow a life as fulfilling as thine

To a life I shall salute
No tears shall flow a smile instead
Each happy moments in my head
Shall forever be engraved

Why dwell in past oh you precious
When the present is at hand
Rejoice rejoice I shall sing
At the company of the Kings

See the smile at his face
Its not fading but growing strong
Life is fragile life is sweet
Life is good just keep the spirit

Viral Gastroenteritis Attacks!

Attention all earthlings.. you are now being attacked by gastroenteritis virus! You shall feel dizzy when you try to sit straight or walk. You shall feel nausea and thus feels like vomiting. In worse case scenario, you will vomit and loose bodily fluid. You will feel stomach discomfort and also diarrhea.
Lucky for me, it was all very mild- no vomiting or diarrhea, nevertheless not any comforting than a full blown fever like feeling. For whole of beautiful Saturday, I had no appetite to have any breakfast or lunch. Only after consulting doctor in evening, I manage to eat some porridge cooked by Kai..
Lesson for the day, watch your hygene where ever you are... I thought I had stomach made of stainless steel. Today you won virus, tomorrow I'll fight back by eating twice as much!! Mwahahaha!!

Room Entertainment System

To keep myself entertained in my room, we acquired a TV, a DVD, Yamaha 5.1 Sound system and X-box with some original games. Its not that I'm extreme by buying so much, but its just that it all comes as a whole package. The seniors are graduating and therefore they're selling it all off. They got it from some other seniors as a package and therefore passing it down as such. Well, part of my aim of spending my limited income on them is because I would like to save more money!

How's that possible? By having an entertainment in room, hopefully I'd be less tempted to go out and spend money.. hehe.. but so far, I've yet to see the investment doing its job.

And to get around in Perth? Couple of us shared a car as well, namely Kai, Mark, Devan and myself bought a Nissan Pintara. 4D anyone? 8DC-328 is the plate number. Looks decent and price is within our budget. The seller was a friendly guy as well. Car is a necessity, just like in Kuching and Sarikei (although cycling and bike in Sarikei can get you lots of places as well), and that's why there's a certain homey feel here.

With wheels, everywhere is within reach. With wings, we can go even more places!!

Most of the expenditure when I go out is on food. One of the example of the favorite eatery is Nandos. Here, Nandos Peri Peri Chicken is very popular. Unlike its counterpart in KL, the chicken here taste a kazillion (if that's even a measurement for quantity) times better that the dry and tasteless chicken in Key El. Another culprit is the Fish and Chips from Freo. I've tried every shop F&C shops there and the last row was Joe's. Not the best compared to Kaili's and Cicerello's.

Guess I better start budgeting for other things that I would like to buy and do here with limited resources (and by that I mean $$$):

1. Go whale watching boat trip

2. Go Swan Valley for Winery visit (would need a driver as I'm planning to indulge on the fermented grapes)

3. Buy a nice leather Bush hat for summer

4. Buy some Kangaroo parts for souvenier

5. Scout for some nice leather jacket (saw some but sadly out of size)

6. Boomerang (was thinking of that but where the heck to use that in Singapore?)

7. Buy a house here? Ok, lets leave this KIV for the next 30 years..