Travel Blog – Day 1 in Shanghai

March 2, 2006 2 Comments


Shanghai welcomes us with coldness and harshness.
 
Arrived at Pudong airport at 6am, we knew what was coming our way. We have been "warned" by many about the sudden cold spell that occured just 2 days before we arrived. Our informers have warned us not to underestimate the cold temperature. For once, I decided to go with the warning.

 
Man, it was cold… It was so cold that my digital camera automatically switches off. The wind was so unbearable. Our "winter-clothing" wasn’t enough for all of us.
 
Thanks goodness… Echo’s mum spotted us and "packed" the 7 of us into 2 cars and sent us straight to our Service Apartment. When we arrived, Echo was there to welcome us. We were all very impressed with the apartment. It is well-furnished and equipped – just like a brand new condo.

 
After unloading our stuffs, Echo brought us to meet Hovman at their rented "Orchard Road" apartment. Next, we headed for a nice Dim Sum brunch at a very classy cafe – Jade Garden. The food is good and the price is very cheap. (Francis couldn’t join us as he was working)
 

After brunch, we started our process of "Economy Stimulation". Fresh from our bitterly cold lesson this morning, the gang started shopping for thicker winter wears and accessories. It was pure shopping from 2-5pm. Feeling really tired and cold, I decided to dismiss myself from the clique and headed back to the apartment. I took a 1 hour nap. (Commandos like Meijie, Kalinda and Tracy continued their shopping-road march!)
 
At 7pm, Francis gave us a sumptuous treat at one of China’s most famous restuarants. We had a 15-course dinner – we had the famous Peking Duck, shark fins, lamb’s bone and …..(listen to this)…a pig-nose turtle. I was quite disgusted to see my pet-alike lying on a dish…and seeing Echo de-boning it… 
 
After dinner, the gang walked to "Xin Tian Di" and we had coffee bean until 12am…  It was indeed a LOOONG 1st day…. Time to take a good sleep….now..
 
Enjoy the pixs. 

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1 Week at the “Whore of the Orient”

February 27, 2006 Leave a comment

In less than 48 hours, I will be embarking another holiday trip. This time, we are heading to Shanghai. Yes, it will be another big entourage – 9 of us. Indeed, it is a strange mix – 5 Wahbiangians (Kalinda, Tracy, Meijie, Felicia and me), 1 Ex-VOX (Hovman) and 3 family members (my mum, aunt and cousin). Just realised that the Wahbiangians who are coming for this Shanghai trip, coincidently didn’t attend our last Malacca trip. (Mm…are they hinting something…maybe Kalinda and Tracy prefer "flying trip").
 
For Kalinda, it is her 3rd country in less than 30 days. She was in Malaysia (KL) early Feb, Thailand (Phuket) mid Feb and now China (Shanghai) early March. For Tracy, it would be her 3rd out of 4th leg trip in 6 months. She just came back from India (Oct), Taiwan (Feb) and next USA (May).
 
For Meijie and Hovman, both of these high fliers will be doing their own street-casting for Shanghai Next Top Girlfriends. They should check out the expo hall where Francis met Echo. Maybe the chances of finding a good GF there are higher. For Felicia, she is not excited about this China trip. She is looking forward to wear all her nice winter clothing. For mum and aunt, I wonder what they are doing. For me, I will be everyone’s tour guide again – afterall, it is my 3rd trip to the Whore of the Orient (my 7th trip to China).
 
Nevertheless, we have a bigger mission to fulfil. We will be performing on stage at a grand dinner. We are going to show the Shanghai people how powerful and draggy our "Yam Seng" is…. lending our support for Echo and Francis.
 
Now, I am trying to suppress my "aerophobia"… I really hate flying… urgh…it just kill all those pre-holiday excitement for me. Can’t sleep thru the midnight flight too – scared I be banned from SQ (cos of my loud snore). Mm…must think of things to do onboard…(maybe make my gang play in-flight mahjong with me).
 
Me stress liao….can’t get those manifestation off my head. Sigh…will miss my little Elkan. 😦
 
p/s (Will post daily pixs from Shanghai from 3rd March – 7th March. Yixi, Gareth or Jimmy, hard luck, it is early spring at China – so no bikini shots of your fav Kalinda.)

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My 20th Companion in 10 Years

February 18, 2006 Leave a comment

Time flies so fast. I have been living with these companions for almost 10 years. Come July 2006, it will be our 10th Anniversary. (I am not talking about my 10-year friendship with my TP friends)
 
Yes, we did exchange rings and it was the rings that brought us together… However, our union couldn’t last long enough. In all, I have broke our contracts and have went through 19 different companions – some from Finland, USA and even Korea. Still, I prefer my Japanese companion.
 
I really can’t move my life without you guys. Yet, it didn’t really hurt when I decided to scrap you away. In fact, I take good care of you companions. Before, I spent a lot putting plastics over you…Now, I am wrapping "condoms" to give that rubbery feel. No matter how heavy or light, fat or slim, grey or colourful, you guys have been the voice of my life.
 
So, this year we celebrate our 10th Anniversary. Motorola, Ericsson, Siemens, Nokia,Samsung and Panasonic – we have indeed came a long way. Back then (in 1996), I was the first in my entire course (in poly) to own a mobile phone. It was you guys who gave me the chance to show off that "geek" in me.
 
I have spent the past 2 hours, searching your old photographs. (See, how sentimental I am …I still remember your names and colours).  Come May 2006, I will invited my 20th companion into our "club". It will be Sony Ericsson P990. I know my loved ones will nag (over my new fling).. but it will be a good attachment for us. Afterall, Sony P990 is a very capable photographer and secretary.
 
I marked and dedicated this 10th Anniversary to a good friend "Gareth Tan". Since Day 1, he has been there, advising me on all the new imports and giving me the reviews. I can’t call him a "handphone mamasan" but he has the best access to all the new foreign imports. Gareth loves his passion so much that he got himself a job with M1. Unlike me, he has more than 20 companions (at least 60). What’s worst, Gareth can be attached with more than 2 companions at the same time.
 
I have lost count the number of rings he had. If he has kept all the 60 phones… he can start his own "Handphone Museum"… Man, Gareth is indeed the "lord of the rings" in our clique.
 

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Election Time

February 13, 2006 Leave a comment

The Singapore Election is certainly coming our way.
 
That is the tell-sign in Singapore. The local loves to link all the goodies with the election. For instead, when SMRT decided to open up the "white elephant" MRT station off Seng Kang, there are talks about Election. When our PM Lee annouced more goodies over the past 1 month, everyone took that as "Election Sweeteners". Man, aren’t we living in a big urban zoo when there is often a catch for everything? 
 
Certainly, I dun care if there is sweetener or not? Cos’ for the past 2 Elections, I dun get a decent chance to vote. My Marine Parade GRC is so strong that no other opposition dare to challenge it. Of course, even the taxi drivers agreed with me – they would say "It is Lao Goh’s (Senior Goh) area, who dare to come? Sure lose money and time.." So, I experience 2 Election walk-overs with no one contesting for my area.
 
The only rights I have enjoyed being 21 was accessing RA movie and entry to night spots. Yet, I do not have the chance to cast my vote. Dun get me wrong, SM Goh has done a great job for my GRC and I may still vote for him if he is running the Election this time. At the same time, I wanted to see new faces to represent our country. When is the last time we see a strong, sensible, practical, positive and inspiring opposition party?
 
We dun need an opposition to dig up the dirty secrets of politics. We also dun need an opposition to oppose every curret policies that the current government has set. We also dun need emotionally unstable opposition to yell accusations and then got slapped with court charges after the Election.
 
We need a charmer. An inspiring and motivating individual who can do good to the nation. He need not to be empowered to make changes for the entire nation. Just do good within the GRC…and then grow his influence over the minstry and later our country. Win hearts, not command thy faith.
 
It is often sad and disturbing to have this notion that being opposition means you are anti the system. Being opposition has nothing to do with anti-government or rebelling against PAP. Being opposition symbolising a new voice in place – a young face to represent our voices. Grow this character, publicise him. Give him lots of exposures…credit his deeds.
 
So, do we have a candidate? If yes, perhaps he/she can help me push some of these policies:
 
1) Free medical for the old age (55 and above)
It is a real gift to have the ability to heal the old and sick. Medical should be free for those who are old, unemployed and sick. These seniors have been working hard for our nations. We owe them the fruits that we are enjoying today. Can’t we afford to sponsor good doctors and medical facilities for them. Most of these old folks are our parents, uncles and grandparents. Is it true that only the rich can afford to heal themselves – while the poor has to make do with what they can? Medisave is good but can it really cover everyone?
 
No one plans for his/her illness. It is unfortunate enough to be sick…and why let money-matters take more toll on them? Seriously, I dun mind have 3 more casinos if all their proceeds can cover these sick and poor.
 
2) Leave Benefits for Home Maids and Taxi Drivers
Give them a break. At least, offer them official leaves like the rest of us. 7 to 14 days of official leave aren’t too much to ask for.
 
3) Retirement Goodies for the Old
With little CPF and savings… Give our old folks free access to all places of interest… What is the point of working for a nation who doesn’t know how to reward us later?
 
4) Let our daughters do their part too in National Service
We have been sending our sons for National Service. What about our daughters? If everyone has a part to play to protect the nation, why can’t the daughters contribute too? Since there is often a shortage of nurses and staff in the medical industry, let our daughters serve 2 good years in medical sectors. At least, in terms of emergency, our sons can fight and our daughters can heal.
 

Filed under Jo's Thoughts

Thank You My Buddies

February 12, 2006 Leave a comment

Today is the last day of the Chinese New Year. 15th marks the day for "reunion of families and friends". While most of us are thinking about Valentine Day, I am thinking about my own friends.
 
When I was young, my mum often tell me to cherish my time with my friends. "Cos’ when they all grow up, with their own kids and family, friends will have lesser time for one another" she said. I accepted that as a natural course of life. Our children, aging parents certainly need our time.
 
With friends getting married, with heavy job commitments, raising children, migrating overseas – it would be very difficult to round friends up every weekend. I am very thankful that I have a group of pals who stick by one another – in one way or another.
 
For the past few years (even before the birth of Elkan), my regular buddies have been there for us. While it is almost like an unwritten routine rule that we will gather every Sat, both Felicia and I really appreciate those efforts and sacrifices they made. Especially those wee hours and mid-night cab fares that they have to pay every Sat. (That is why I felt even more guilty when Meijie chose to walk home after our party.)
 
This Valentine, I want to express thanks for the following pals. (How about a big candle-light dinner for all of us?)
 
Juliana and Duuk, you guys often made detour from Seng Kang to my place – rushing from places to places. (Hope you two have enough time to prepare for your first Baby Bonus). Joanne, I hope Ramesh isn’t neglected every weekends – and sorry for all those expensive midnight-taxi fares that you have to pay. Meijie and Tracy – I know you aren’t so keen in ping pong yet I dragged both of you to play with me at wee hours. And Auntie Amy and Uncle Benny, thanks for fetching us from our home to Seng Kang every Sundays. And not forgetting friends like Gareth (who fetched me back to Singapore), Yifu (who is often there when I needed him), Jimmy (my close business buddy and trustee) , Yixi (who is my Blog Fan and one who questions so much about my other GFs), Kendrick (my supporter), MC (our Mr. Nice Guy) and Kalinda (our sexy Goddess) + all my ex-colleagues who are still keeping so close contact with me after VOX (people like Jasbir, Francis Chay & Echo, Scott, Nadirah, Bettina, Karen,  Hovman and Francis Goh).
 
Thanks for filling up our lives. Have a lovely Valentine Week.
 
For those whose name I have missed. Please give me an sms. 😛

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A Reason to Celebrate, A Reason to Spend

February 11, 2006 Leave a comment

It may not be just our disposable incomes that keep our retail industry growing. Honestly, I think we should thank the creators of all these festivals, special "days" and other type of holidays. Why? We are talking about big A&P budget, high-spending power – only during the special marked days. Just ignore the basic rules of marketing, look at the spending and buying patterns of our consumers. When there is a reason to celebrate, there is a reason to spend.
 
Every special day seems to take care of a particular business sector. For instance, Valentine Day takes good care of the florists and Christmas + Birthday takes good care of the confectionary shops. Even the Hokkien has a day to take care of the sugercane sellers – "Pai Ti Kong" on the 9th of Chinese New Year. We also have Easter Day takes care of chocolate maker and egg seller and the "Dumpling Day" to take care of the rice and banana leaves seller. The most perculiar and strangest day is the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festivals – this day seems to take care of the "Fake Money Changers" (It is strange but Chinese like to exchange real money with paper hell money – and then burn the money. It is better than those real money changers) and the "incense shops". No matter what day is it, food industry people get to make most money out from these.
 
Maybe there isn’t a real need to celebrate Hungry Ghost Festival. Imagine, people in china in those times could be poor and dying. The leader from Beggar Sect may have thought of this brilliant idea to get the rich to leave cooked food and fruits outside their doors – not for cats and dogs (cos I dun think ancient Chinese are animal-lovers). They use "hungry ghost" as the convincing factor – should there is no food outside the house – the hungry members of the sect will howl like ghosts at night. Then what about the pile burning money – Well, it may be cold in the month of September, the burning pile and candles act as "heater + lightings" for these poor people to dine comfortably in the cold dark open street.  
 
Who knows, maybe the Beggar Sect partnered with the Food Associations back then. A smart con job? No, I would say this is the best marketing scam – in terms of scale (look, we are talking about a national event – not just micro-segements. It can be a worldwide thingy.)
 
While no one likes to hold a wedding dinner during the Ghost Festival, F&B outlets are creating banquets for "Fortune Auctions" dinners instead.
 
So the list of days go – Father’s Day, Children Day, Teacher Day and now Aids Day (to promote safe sex, so sales of condoms increased). When more and more new industry comes into the picture, the society will dream up of new day to celebrate. Remember the golden rule:  When there is a reason to celebrate, there is a reason to spend.
 
Even weather can be such special days. "Rainy Day" means business for some. Look at the number of umbrellas Giordana sell on rainy days. Not to forget the number of red t-shirt they sell on National day.) What about the new fashion collections from Armani every Spring/Summer and Fall?
 
So what’s next? A BestFriend-Day? Or Pet Day? A Ladies Day? How about a Neighbour Day? Mmm…. Oh yes, we have already covered all these days. We call it "The Great Singapore Sale" festival.
 
So, the chinese F&B bosses’ turn is coming to an end after tomorrow (last day if CNY). It will be the "Ang Moh" F&B bosses’ turn (for Valentine). Both celebrate dining in red, one in the prosperity red, the other – the romantic sexy red.
 
Yes…there is never a better day to celebrate. A great day to make money too.
 
 

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Wedding Seasons

February 10, 2006 Leave a comment

Mid last year, I attended a record-breaking of 6 weddings in 6 weeks (yes, one wedding every weekend – consecutively). My close friends are asking me how am I going to afford these endless "Red Bombing"…Not only the wedding took place at all 5-star hotels in Singapore, I attended the 6th wedding 280km up north at Kuala Lumpur. And not to mentioned the 15 birthdays, 2 funerals, 3 baby-showers I attended in the last 12 months.
 
The wedding seasons are back – just like the old favorite English Premier League. In fact, it started back in 2003 – when the average numbers of weddings that I attended superseded the numbers of funerals and birthdays.
 
Starting from Jan 2006 to May 2006, I have monthly wedding dinner to attend. From Singapore to Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai – can you just imagine the "Economy of Love"? Just imagine how much "economy" can 1 couple generate for the country? We are talking about hundreds of thousand – Wedding bands, Gowns, Wedding Dinner, Cakes, Cards, Hongbaos, Photography, House, Renovation, Furniture, Honeymoon. (Oh yes, let’s put aside more post wedding expenses: Valentine, Anniversary and Christmas). So, why are we paying tax when we contribute so much to local retail, F&B economy?
 
Dun get me wrong, I love weddings. I love attending wedding dinners. Why? Here are the reasons:
 
1) A good time to flirt with those sexy "sisters" sitting at the cocktail reception.
2) A good time for gossips, catching up and photo-taking (meeting old friends and families).
3) A good time to enjoy the latest "wedding stage games & sabo ".
4) A good time to catch up the impressive "wedding walk-in" presentation.
5) A good time to laugh over those silly, stupid 1st Dish performance by waiters (often choreographed by banquet managers). Do they have to make the 1st Dish walk-in so dramatic, clumsy and yucky?.
6) A good time to check out the latest "wedding fashions" – the bride’s hairdo, gown, photo-shoots.
7) A good time to scare your friend with an extra nameless "$2 Hongbao" for the groom. 
8) A good time to disturb and nag at those who aren’t attached or married.
9) A good time to "kaypo" with the couple later if they "made" or "lost" (from the proceeds of the hongbaos)
10) Just a great time to see more people joining my "MBA" club. (Dun worry, wives, your hubbies are in good hands)
 
Wedding dinners are like a mega grand family dinner. Even when you are just a seat-filler for someone’s wedding, be proud of it. You never know what you can gain out from there… (come on, you can never go home empty-handed. At least, you still get to go home with a box of chocolate or any other "wedding favors".)


(Photo Taken: From my block – A mafia way to "fetch" the bride. Quite an unique Malay Wedding)
 

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Today is 31st Hock’s Day

February 6, 2006 Leave a comment

Coincide with the Hokkien’s "Pai Ti Kong", today is certainly a "hock" day. Although the turnout is below expectation, we had an unusual dinner at Jack’s Place. Most of us acted quite strange tonight. Especially for Yixi, he was still in his own twilight zone when we called him.
 
First, we have "Big Joe" relating his romantic honeymoon getaway with Kal. Everyone is so keen to know where Bt Tinggi is. (Acutally, they are more interested to see Kal in bikini). "Big Joe" gave a 10-minute photo showcase.
 
Then, we have Gareth giving us a free talk on "D.I.S.C." – a study to differentiate different types of personalities. Download explanation in PDF. Mmm…interesting. Anyway, D.I.S.C. is a four-quadrant model that studies 4 different styles of human behaviour. D.I.S.C. stands for (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness). Other than "D", we got all the other 3 letters wrong. We thought Joanne is "Slow", Joe is "Intellectual" and Yifu "Charismatic".  (Yes, we were right about Jimmy being "Dominance")
 
Next, we have Jimmy and Yifu performing "synchronised body language". It was darn funny! Yes, we caught these 2 gays in actions. (They were doing some "Air-Your-Arm-Pit" posture)
 
Last, we have Gareth and Meijie hanky panky below the table. They were like "touching" each other underneath the table cloth, giggling like 2 pussies. Dun worry, they are just playing with Yifu’s birthday present. 
 
Quite an unusual birthday outing. We left with strange thoughts in our minds… And can you imagine this: Jimmy is kind enough to drive us home – at 20km/hour! I think his "D" also means "Delayed". Jimmy took more than 10 minutes to read his order.
 
My gosh, I must "pai ti kong" tonight.
 

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And when she smiles…

February 5, 2006 Leave a comment

For the past 5 days, I have been back-tracking with my friend, Kalinda, in Malaysia. At 26, she is still the "sex-goddess" in my clique. I bet some of my friends are envious about my solo trip with her. At least, I bet Sam will call me soon to query about my trip (again) with girls (other than my own wife). And certainly, Gareth, Jimmy, Sam & gang will be looking forward for those sun-bathing pix of Kalinda. Haa…sorry pals, hard luck, we were in the mountains this time, so no sun-tanning.
 
This is indeed an unusual trip. Nothing "wahbiang" or "caffeine" – simply just Kalinda and me. She is clearing her annual leaves and wanted to travel up north to Kuala Lumpur. She has never been to KL and most of our brothers felt unsafe for her to travel up north alone. At the final minute, I decided to accompany her – as none of our other friends are able to hit the road with her. So, for the next 60 hours, I am her sole escort and travel-photographer.
 
This trip brought Kalinda ane me closer (at least a few inches). Both Kal and I have been friends for almost 10 years. However, we kinda drifted away over the past 2-3 years. Our friendship is like the roller-coaster – there are plenty of ups and downs.
 
In fact, I have told Kalinda many times that our friendship is unusual. I didn’t really got acquainted with her; if not of a malay friend of mine back in Feb, 20th 1997. We were exhibiting our works in the school hall when my friend pointed to me that "Kal" was looking my way. He told me that Kal was pretty but I didn’t really care. It was only when Kal and Stephen fell in love after a video project – she kinda entered my circle.
 
Since then, I have respected Kal as my buddy’s girlfriend. Later, when Kal broke off with Stephen, she became my capable and trust-worthly art director at VOXmedia. For the next 4 years, she has helped me so much in my previous job. She was also the sole art director when we started Caffeine Media. And the day when Feli left for Perth, Kal was the emotional pillar back then. She accompanied me the entire day (from the airport to my house). For various reasons, Kal has been in and out my life – I have loved and respected her as schoolmate, buddy’s girl, colleague and good friend.  
 
My wife always say "Colleagues can be good friends. But good friends may not be good colleagues." How true it is – Somehow, Kal and I got drifted away during our working days in VOX and Caffeine. Eventually, she left me in Sept 2004. Over the next 2 years, we tried to stay in contact – however, we have own lives and it wasn’t like before.

 
This trip did a few wonders for me. I had a good 1 to 1, 60-hour session with Kal. For once, she has no choice but to face me, live me, endure me and dine me. Knowing she has a few major problems on her mind, I tried my best to make her smile everyday. However, my jokes were often nasty and rude, she pout her lips and ignored me for almost 80% of the trip. And when I asked her "why the slience", she would replied "PMS lah". (I just wish she be more responsive to me…)
 
I dun know if she enjoy this trip (I would certainly hope so)…I want to see that lost shine on her. Her job and personal life has taken such a heavy toll on her. As a friend, I really care a lot and hope she finds back the same "little carefree happy girl" spirit. (Girl, smile please…)
 
Over the past 4 days, we have went from ground zero to 3,500 feet above sea level, from France to Japan to Malaysia. There were moments when I captured the true essence of her beauty. Girl, she never knew how beautiful she looks when she smiles.. And I am glad to been through all these with her. (The sight-seeing, the heart-to-heart chat, the shopping, the roller-coaster rides and the fights etc)
 
For Kal, I guess she found the break she wanted. For me, I found back a close friend I’ve lost.
 
 
p/s (For Gareth – thanks for "teaching" me a trick to tickle Kal. Thanks for sending us back to Singapore. It is so good to have you around too. At least I got more replies from Kal in the final 12 hours of the trip. I hope Kal read this blog.. Man, it is a indeed a good trip.
 
For those guys who envy me, please call Kalinda for her next trip to Shanghai/Beijing in March… Haaa..)
 

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The Day I Fell in Love with my son

February 5, 2006 1 Comment

It is really hard to explain that mysterious fatherhood experience.
 
Saying “I love you” to my son is easy cos’ that is the most appropriate thing to express. Do I love my son? Yes – because he is my flesh and blood. And he is the love-product of me and Felicia. Is it real or just a cliché way of expression, I dun know. Or is it  because “We are blood-related so we must love one another”?
 
The truth is: I am excited and happy about this new member of my family. I am happy every time I see him. I think about him all the time. I am always keeping a look-out for his gifts. Is this love? I think so. But it is not the same kind of feelings I felt for my wife – that “butterfly feeling”.
 
Love must be nurtured over time. Love cannot be defined by titles, status, deity or even bloodline. When you felt pampered and needed, you feel love knocking on your door. Love is colorless, odorless and invisible. Love exists because we believe in it. Love exists because we feel it. We felt love because it is pure, mutual, unconditioned and well-received.
 
I was looking at my 15-month son the other day. He can’t speak yet; he has just started walking and is trying to explore every new object around him. I was wondering if my son loves me. How would someone of his age is able to express love – when he can’t even conduct the basic verbal communication?
 
Somehow, this Chinese New Year holidays changed all that.
 
Playing football with Elkan 
On Chinese New Year eve, I was playing football with Elkan in our house. It is a simple game. I dribbled the ball and he was chasing after it. Somehow, I slipped on his toy and took a very nasty fall. I hit the floor with a bang and bruised my elbow. I was murmuring in pain.
 
What happened in the next few seconds was totally unexpected. Elkan stood there and looked at me with a very worried face. Then he started crying and walked over to hug me. I was surprised. He knew I was hurt and he offered me a hug. I was touched by this little pure gesture. I was puzzled by his pure affection and reaction to my fall.
 
Elkan having high fever
The next day, something bad happened. This time, it was Elkan. He caught a very bad fever bug. It happened on the 1st day of Chinese New Year. Elkan had a high fever – 39.8 degrees. There was no sign, no hint and nothing indicative about his sudden bout of illness.
 
At that moment, a new feeling came into me. For that spilt second, I thought I am going to lose Elkan. I am so worried about him. My heart was crying and aching (like a rejected relationship) and I was desperate. Both Felicia and I couldn’t sleep over the next 2 nights. We took turns to sponge him and fed him with medicine.
 
Eventually, Elkan got well on the 3rd day of Chinese New Year. All these while, I have to tuck him to sleep. Elkan, on the other hand, would only extend his arms to me – signally me to carry him. He wouldn’t allow anyone (including my mum or sister) to carry him. Whenever I am just a couple of steps away from him, he would cry in tears, stretching his hands for me. Once he is in my arms, he would “tuck” himself comfortably within my grips and hugged me tightly. Many times, seconds before he dozed off, he would look at me and smile. That closeness we shared is indescribable.
 
On the 4th Day of Chinese New Year, I was leaving for KL. That morning, I went over to his bed, looked at his sleeping figure and gave him a little peck on his cheek.
 
That morning, I whispered that same 3 cliché words to him. Only this time, the feeling is real (Yes, I found back that butterfly). For once, I am lovesick with my son.
 

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