Review of 2005 - The year that was...

Wow... time sure flies... it's the end of the year, and I admit, it's a year full of changes, more than I'd ever imagined. It was a wonderful year, I went through tons of ups and downs, and there were all the events and people that made it such a colorful year. Here's my simple review of the more significant things that happened and people who complete me...

Graduation
Yeah, that intense moment that most of us waited so long for... that final step up the stage, to pick up that certificate you worked many sleepless nights for... to finally be able to say "I made it!". Yup, graduation was bittersweet for me, it signified the hard work of 4 years of studies, and all the sweet memories it brought, the friends, the lecturers, the assignments... It's sad to say goodbye to college life, and yeah, I did enjoy life in Limkokwing, even if it isn't perfect, it made me happy. And I was also glad to be able to experience the wonderful new campus, even if it wasn't fully completed as we finished our course. I met so many new people, new friends, mostly from places far and wide... it's just so priceless. It'll all be kept in my heart, always...



Working
Yeah, work... the next frontier... it was pretty darn daunting if you ask me... 4-5 interviews, and the numerous applications and sending of portfolios... but yeah, fate led me to work at Malaysian Today, a company which I was interviewed twice. It's quite a nice place to work, the environment's cool, fun and easygoing... but it's not perfect. Well, it may have horrendous working hours, tons of workload and a really-really low pay, but sigh, I'm making do with what I have now. I'm working to gain some experience before I move on to other things... I'm grateful enough to get a job that I'm comfortable with, and besides, it brought quite a number of good things, like free movies, parties, meals with staff and an opportunity to have a personal interview with Farah Asyikin AND lay out her page for the newspaper... And not forgetting the wonderful colleagues that make my worklife alive. Whether it's bad or good, I'm thankful for what I went through...



Excellent Close Friends
Yeah, working at my workplace wouldn't have been the same if it wasn't for one of my best friends and ex-collegemate Val. She's been through my ups and downs, and been my partner-in-crime. I have so much to thank her for, sometimes I wished she knew how much she means to me. But most of the time she'll show more towards her best friend, and at times it hurts me in a way. But well, I have to face it, even if I treat her as my best friend, she might not feel the same way, and that's just human. Well, I do have by best buddy Chong (and pet elder sis Boon) for the other times when I'm in need. Despite being miles apart and having their own new working lives to live, they're still always there for me, online or on the phone... I'm so grateful to have these nice people in my life. *HugZ*



Farah Asyikin
Ok, she has got to have one of the biggest impacts on my life this year. Hee hee... all my friends and family would say the same, I have NEVER been so supportive of anyone before. Yeah, I might be a big fan of BoA and Nikki before, but nothing compares to the blood, sweat and tears I put in supporting dear Farah. She's got to be one of the most funny and interesting friends I have, and I am so grateful for ever knowing such a wonderful person. Sporting, talkative and drop-dead cute, she's so fun to be with, to hang out or to have dinner with. Trust me, I even eat less (ha..ha...). From the early beginnings of her in Malaysian Idol, in which all I could do was to donate the dozens of votes (reaching 40+ on some weeks) because I was too busy with work... to the time when I finally got to actually support her live in Sri Pentas 2... and the effort to make the huge banner (which was super hard to make, mind you! The thourough thinking on the colors to make sure it is visible from hundreds of metres away... Thanks Val...) and actually go up to Genting to support her... to all the gatherings, meet-ups, the interview and finally getting to know her better. She's super friendly, down-to-earth, naughty and sweet at the same time. I was so much fun and I'd really like to thank her for all that. Yes dear, just like you said before, you may not be the Malaysian Idol, but you'll always be THE idol in all your fans' hearts! Love ya!



My Adopted Sister!
Yeah, 2006 also introduced me to someone really cute and special, and she's my new adopted sister Myn! Yup, she's just as talented as her sis (hopes to make it big one day and convert us all to Myniacs!) and my goodness, she's so super duper naughty! But still nak buat-buat innocent... But because she's so adorable, you just can't get mad at her. I sayang her like my own sister (not that I ever had any before). So whenever she needs help or anything I'll try my best to be like a big bro. Hee hee... Being around her is just pure fun, believe me... You're kakak is really lucky to have a munchkin like you as a sister, Myn!



My Extended Family
Hehehe... at a time when I was worried whether I'd be able to find new friends or not, I'm so lucky to be part of the Farahnatics. hey're such a wonderful bunch of people, so fun-loving and devoted... all connected and united for Farah. Meeting such nice people online and offline like Mandy, Ostro, Kuaci, Ivy, Teng, LeOn, Priest, Evon, Jeff, Jill, Ulee, MXV, Kak Angah, Kak Zai, Arjuna, Arjuni, Arjunu, Arju-shiny, Yumi, Ayame, Detnelat, Safarina, Boon Cheong... sorry if I miss any, but honestly you all mean alot to me, being the nice friends you are... especially to the closer ones, you know who you are. It's just so nice to see such a wide range of age groups and personalities united. You all became my friends at a time when I'd hope to have some to hang out with (most of my friends have moved back to their hometown or countries, and some are kinda busy nowadays). The number of outings we went out? The number of times we got together to support Farah? Goodness, there are too many that I even forgot! A million thanks to all of ya... love you all!



Friends
My buddies that mean alot to me, of course you know who you are! (sorry for the mix of online, college and old-timer buddies... not in any particular order...) Kelly, Annie, Joe, Angi, Calvin, WT, Tom, Rach, Jess, Huei Weun, Pey-Li, Wristy (yup, of course I remember you!), Azahir, Azri, Mars, Nomi, Sook, Gene, Markus, Eliza S, Mia, Eliza (yeah you!), Jin Fei, BALUN, Debster, Malisa, Vino, Jackie, Eleanor, Julia, Zali... Thanks you all, for making my life colorful...



Italian Thoroughbred
Yeah, my 155... went through a lot with me this year, through harsh and good times. Like most people might say, leave the bad behind, keep the good. Yeah, the 155 brought me tons of excitement and fun, numerous tapau sessions and of course interaction with Italia Auto. Spent my 1st pay on a set of Falken Azenis for her, because of a blown tyre... There goes my plans for a set of 17-inch rollers. Also installed JL Audio speakers and crossovers, a Bosch internal antennae, and Hella air horns. Hope the time comes when I'll find her a nice Zender spoiler, subwoofer + amp, 17-inchers and a fresh coat of paint.



Best Bug in the World
Yups... my cute lil Bug. Love her so much, went through a lot together. And I mean a LOT with me, for almost 4 years... but sadly the time has come when I have to announce that I need to let her go. Evelyn means alot to me, but I can't take care of 2 cars at the same time. It's just not financially possible for my current finances. So she's been put up for sale, only one person has test-driven so far, and no more since. Well, at least I can have fun with the Bug longer... Going to watch Herbie : Fully Loaded with the Bug was priceless!!!



Genting Trip
Yeah, managed to have my 1st ever experience of going on a short holiday on my own... with Val, Eliza and my bro. It was due to catching Farah at the Malaysian Idol finals. It was also the 1st outstation outing for the 155, and it was a really nice experience. The cool air, the fun and screams, the shopping, the adventures... it was so memorable! I hope there'll be more in 2006!



Jerebu
Yeah, who could forget the great haze that brought our city to the brink of emergency... we couldn't see more than 100m ahead of us, and we couldn't breathe... it was like night-time! OmG... it was just like a movie, except we were in it! We were wearing masks, driving with fog lights... but gladly it cleared... When will they ever learn?



Gatherings and Partying
Not forgetting my Juara Club, which we had an outing to the Sepang Circuit early in the year as part of the Proton Track Carnival. We showed the other clubs that Juaras can also run! It was super! I bet we shocked a lotta folks by actully bringing the Juara onto the circuit...



Also tried my best to be more active in Italia Auto, meeting some of the fellas in TT sessions... also managed to catch up on one of their outings, which was to Putrajaya, and they ran so fast! Some hit more than 200+kmh... me? I was trailing behind, still getting used to my 155, travelling at around 150kmh... Hee hee... it was fun, and it brought a lot of nice photos...



Also managed to party once in a while, with colleagues, friends and Farahnatics... okla, not that much but at least some. All work and no play is just plain dull...



Proton Savvy
Ok, a car which I have followed it's progress online for more than a year... When the Savvy was finally launched, I was so excited! Went to the nearby showroom near my house and sat, tried it out... took pics... well, would like to own one, but sadly I have my 155, which is of course a far superior car. But I just love the Savvy. It's definitely Proton's best achievement yet, a solid car, and above all, our own design.



Love...?Hmm... love life? What's that? Lol... Not like I'm gonna elaborate... sibuk la! All I can say is that those naughty rumors are NOT true! (Myn, Mandy... jaga ya!) Yup, there is someone, yup... sure, there are feelings for her (ehem), but what can I say... at times I feel I don't have a chance, but I keep telling myself to hold it all together, and have faith. If it's meant to be, it shall... If there was a year I grew up faster than normal, it would be 2005. Why? Because I just had to be...



Faith
2005 would be a year that I found myself searching more for God. Yeah, I'm still finding my way, searching for the Lord. And I truly, seriously hope that He'll guide me through this year, protect me, enlighten me and be with me always. And may He take care of our family, for I love them so much... Family's what you need most as you go through your days. May God bless us, Ameen.

2005 was a great year, it's sad to have to see it go, but hey, that's what you call memories. As long as we cheerish what we went through, it'll always stay in our hearts... PEACE and God Bless,

Aris Tee

Futsal, a Meeting and a Concert...

Futsal Fun
It was a wonderfully fun event, the Inter-Forum Futsal Tournament 2005. 8 Teams, each from either Malaysian Idol forums or fan clubs... all battle it out for fun and get-together. It was probably one of the bigger meet-ups between forummers, and it sure was fun to meet people who you normally talk to online... The 8 teams by the way are the Farahnatics (Farah fanclub), Pinkies (Daniel fanclub), MyNita (Nita fanclub), Paul Moss Fan Club, Jacsville (Jaclyn victor fanclub), Kreees.com, Bluehyppo and the Rojak Rangers (consists of players from the other teams). Ok, I was made captain of the Farahnatics (actually I don't think I did much, but Frankie told Farah dat I was quite organised..).

It was daunting at 1st, I was the goalie, and our 1st game was against MyNita. My goodness those guys were big and looked really well-trained. Nita was quite fit herself, and so many things crossed my mind because I admit that our team consisted of quite a number of small players... I did my best, catching every ball Nita kicked towards me, and it helped that there was Farah screaming my name out loud at the side... hee hee... Our guys played well? Sure they did... you should have seen the number of attacks to the goal... too bad there was a really good keeper there. We went against Paul Moss Fan Club next, and they were quite good too. Farah substituted with me and became goalie. And such a good goalie she was! She sure can defend well... hee hee... For the 3rd game we went against the Rojak Rangers. Faizal came and substituted Farah to be the goalie. She instead became the defender. Forgetting she was no longer the keeper, she went on to catch the ball... hehe... so cute. Caught that on video... We did a good game for this one, managing 3-3. But sadly we didn't qualify for the semifinals on points. But like Farah said, it's all in the name of fun, and we're all glad that everyone did their part. The players, the supporters... it was really great!



Went on to support the rest after that, and the games became tougher and tougher as it progressed. The Rojak Rangers couldn't make it past the semifinals, but I have lotsa respect with them because they fought to the end, with all the sweat and fatigue. 11-0 against Kreees.com doesn't sound too good, but they played really well. The finals was between Kreees.com and the Pinkies. Daniel came in for a while to see the team play. It was nice of him to drop by, despite just coming back from an event and having another event later in the day. I jokingly asked him to play, he gave a really funny expression and said "err...I don't think so...". Hee hee... yeah, I agree he shouldn't, because his hair was all nicely done for the upcoming event, and sweating wouldn't be too flattering wouldn't it? Anyways, Farah asked him for his autograph... hee hee... and being the friends they were, of course he couldn't say no. If fact it was cute to see him sign for Farah. Hopefully there will come a day which she'd do the same for him...












Kreees.com eventually won, and there were no hard feelings. Everyone played well, and we were all taking photos and laughing after that. Myn wanted to go to A&W, and asked me to ask her sis. Hee hee... Telling me not to tell her that it's her that wants it. Btw, I asked Myn whether she can be my adopted sis and she said "why not?"... Such a cute lil darling isn't she? Anyway, told Farah about our plan to go to A&W and we're off... in a 4-car convoy.

We sure had a great time at A&W... there was so much food and drinks... and the waffles... hee hee... Shared a waffle with Farah, ate so slow, until she even noticed and tegur "why are you eating so slowly?". Hee hee... Maybe too excited... Played with Myn too, complete with merajuk and all... The Farahnatics sure are one big nice family to be in, and I'm so glad to be part of it... The Rojak Rangers also joined in and there was such a huge amount of noise there... Eventually we had to call it a day. Farah said I played well, and that surely made my day. Myn pulak gave me a big tight hug (maybe sorry for merajuk kot... hee hee... cute la she). That would surely be one of those unforgettable days...




Meeting Tergempar
Barely days after the event, certain members of the Farahnatics were asked to attend a sudden meeting at night. It was at 9.30pm at Gazebo in Subang. We were quite hungry, so most of us ate there while waiting for the rest to come. I tried this thing called "Chicken Jerky with Hot and Spicy Jerky Sauce". Wow... my goodness it was sooo hot! I practically finished my drink... lol. Farah smsed and said she's not joining because she figured it'll be better if we had a meeting without her. So the Farahnatics did a really funny thing as in they all smsed her simultaneosly telling her that they all merajuk and want her to come. Hee hee... she then smsed me and said that she'll drop by later. We met with a representative ad person to discuss matters regarding Wassup.com.my... and it was a simple discussion really, although I can't elaborate on the matters here. Farah came soon after, wearing the cutest-looking baju kurung outfit I've ever seen. She said it was from her Form 2. And I was surely suprised that she could still wear it. The rest of the night became a chatting session, and I eventually had to reluctantly leave earlier, to send Arjuna back to his Uni campus. Farah laughed at me, saying she can see that I didn't wanna leave... hee hee... Didn't take any photos by the way, forgot... haha... with the cute baju kurung and all... Anyway, that's that... hmm... I never mentioned anything bout the meeting... hehe. Sometimes a blog nowadays isn't so personal anymore...

Taking My Leave...
I found out too late that I have taken only 1 day of leave for this entire year so far... which is sad, considering I had 10.5 left. And there wasn't enough days left in the year to utilise that. So I decided to take leave after the next press shutdown for Christmas, which ended on the 27th. Took leave till the end of the year. Hope to have some time to rest a lil, catch up with friends and go to visit Johore. I admit I really have been overworked lately. Late nights, waking up at 5am daily... work whole day, come home... you get the idea. And not being paid enough doesn't help... I seriously need more time to myself too, with cars not having time to go for maintenence checkups... heck, I don't even have time for a haircut! I hope this lil break can energise me in preparation for 2006.

Charity ConcertTook a day's leave for this, and well, it's for a good cause, so I guess it's ok. Hehehe... Picked Ulee and Detnelat at Bangsar, and also picked a lil Christmas gift from Ivy for Farah. She couldn't join us, a last-minute decision... And later when we were there, Myn smsed and told that she couldn't either. Had to teman her mummy to Seremban. By the way, the concert is a charity concert, in aid for the victims of the earthquake in Pakistan. There were a lot of unknown acts, and some just formed just for the event. But it's ok, because it's all for charity. The main event? Miss Farah Asyikin, who looked awesome and pretty that night (she does all the time, btw). She sang Hero (Mariah Carey), Don't Speak (No Doubt) and Sinaran (Sheila Majid). I tell you, it was soooooo nice... The stage and all... I was all smiles with Ulee. You can tell how proud we were of her.







We smsed her before she went on stage and asked her whether wanna meet up after the show. So she mentioned we can go to Steven's Corner after the show because her coordinator wants to go there. Guess what, after the show she just smsed me that she's on the way there. I was like "omG"... we didn't know the way! Anyways, she and Izwan guided us along the way and we found the place. Hee hee... Farah sure ate a lot. In addition to her nasi lemak ayam, she went and ordered roti canai with kari and gula. Wow... hee hee... She also *edited for her own good* after that! Hehe... Chatted a lot! Till almost 2am. Hehe... it was so much fun, we laughed so much that night too... I reached home at 3am, and jumped straight to bed. What a day!






Oh well... that's all for this post. I'll try to be more up-to-date, now that new year's around the corner... hehe...

PEACE and God Bless,
Aris Tee

All Fun and Games...

Hanging out at Espanda
It was quite spontaneous really, Eliza ajak me to go to Espanda on Thursday night, since Farah who was supposed to go there had other appointments, they say I can come along. It was some finals for some Fresh Faces thingy. I just joined in for the fun... Well, there were quite a number of performances that night, mostly were either just plain loud or err... maybe I shouldn't describe, in order to avoid being bashed. But Frequency Cannon wasn't too bad... Urban Groove were really awesome, they could really move! You can see that the crowd were really into them, and well it helps that they're a bunch of fit and pretty girls and boys... Of course the crowd wasn't really there for the performances or EVEN the Fresh Faces. They were there because of one person, Daniel. Hehehe... And boy he sure blew the crowd away. I think he was quite ok, although you know I'd be happier if someone else was performing as well... hee hee hee... Met Frankie (Milo) and Wendy there, they joined us and pretended to be Malaysian Today staff... haha... talked a bit bout our coming Inter-Forum Futsal Tournament. They bought HUGE Daniel calendars... and gave me a bookmark... yay... Now these are EXCELLENT quality merchandise. Honest! Now if there were Farah Asyikin posters, calendars and bookmarks I wonder what would happen... :-p







Futsal Practice and A&W
It was a simple practice session for the upcoming tournament, not many came, but we had a go and a few tip-sharing sessions. Farah couldn't make it, due to being tired from the previous schedule which finished at 3am... Me, Ulee, Estravada and Detnelat were there early, and later Ivy, Mandy, Myn, Teng and Yumi joined in... it was a pretty simple thing, and quite tame. But we sure sweated alot... Myn was complaining all along asking us to use deodorant... lol! She said make sure bathe and all before going to picnic later. After the practice we went to A&W in PJ for lunch (Myn calls it 'breakfast'). It was so funny that we got lost on the way, we were supposed to go to a restaurant in Subang itself, but due to the number of rounds we made, we decided to change the venue. Then again we got lost... when we arrived, Myn was like "Abang Aris, you are the worst driver ever!!!". Similar words came from Teng and Ostrova... haha... Food was really nice, all the waffles and floats... Conversations got really out of hand, rated 18SX... lol... oops, we have alot of underaged kiddies... hehe... the leader was of course the youngest, Myn (okla, better not continue in case big sis reads this eh?)...

Picnic at KLCC Park
This was really fun... we arrived slightly later than Farah, who was seen spreading out the place mats. I brought one too, and added to the ones she brought. There we were, in the middle of KLCC Park and surprisingly, nobody actually came up to us... hee hee... It was quite a nice turnout, there was MXV, LeOn, Ostrova, Priest, Arjuna, Arjuni, Arjunu, Detnelat, Ulee, Ivy, Mandy, Izwan, Teng, Kak Angah... oh my, the usual people... hee hee... And of course Farah and Myn. Food was aplenty, there was mee siam and drummets that I brought, Ulee's sandwiches, Arjuna's KFC, Kak Angah's snacks, and other varieties like kueh and desserts. We had a lotta chat, gossips and stuff... Farah let me read the lyrics of her latest performance, the "Hey Retailer" song, sung in the tune of "Big Spender"... hee hee... it was for a show with B.A.T. We had a number of games, like MXV's funny "idol" game, in which those who make mistakes get marked on their face with Farah's lipstick! Okay, most of us got our fair share of lipstick markings... the most was Myn, who got 7! Well, MXV said that the ones who got more markings tend to be more innocent and pure, while those who don't are more controlled and careful. Hahaha... Farah had none! Hmm... We started out in the evening at 4-something, and it just didn't wanna end! Till malam! lol... Playing "Taboo" non-stop and Teng was so into it she took over for about an hour (or more?) wow...The picnic would have been really great, if there wasn't this odd feeling of something not being right. Yeah, I could see from Farah's expression that something was bothering her, and for the sake of her privacy, I won't go on further. I gave her some words of encouragement and also pray that she'll be okay. Everyone went back at around 9-plus... Took a few nice photos of the Twin Towers at night... and one with Farah! Myn gave me a big tight hug, so cute la she... after all the marah-marah (play-play la) hee hee... Everyone was to sleep early to prepare for the big tournament the next day...










Well, I'd like to write more, but I didn't want the entry to go too long, maybe give it a day or so...
PEACE and God Bless,

Aris Tee