Reflecting on 2019

January : Did I have a good start for 2019? I would like to believe I did, So, what's up? Well, I was added into this Whatsapp Group with all the good people of DUN50 comprising of ADUN, local community leaders and MBSA. Thus began my life as a 'social activist' as one FB friend labelled me. The community activities and improvement projects are uploaded into FB as I would like the residents to know what's happening around them. At the same time, to promote the good people of DUN50 and let people know that their representative is working hard to serve them.

February : Besides the awesome Chinese New Year where I succeeded in making an egg stand during the Li Chun (early lunar spring). Yes, it actually stood up! I thought it was humbug all this while. Certainly lighted up my life, with this 'achievement'. After that, off I went to attend a week's training in Terengganu, a neighbouring state. Made new friends as I focused my energy on passing the examination in the 'prison'. The location was really isolated and there's nothing else to do except study! Glad the time has passed.

March : No, I didn't buy a new car. Well, at least it's not me. The new car arrived in May but I'll share on that later. After much publicity about the free installation of RFID tags for cars to pay toll fees, I decided to strike while the iron's hot and completed the process within 20 minutes. RFID tags will replace Smart Tags used currently, where the car will just drive through after the toll fee amount is deducted from the tag which is fixed to the headlight. Pretty satisfied with this technology.

April : This should be the highlight of the year. Ha! After obtaining my B license that enables me to ride bikes above 250 cc, slightly over 2 years ago and enjoying the bike trials of several makes in between, I finally traded in my trusty Yamaha FZ150i for the Yamaha MT-09 aka the Beast. A 900 cc two-wheeler giving out 115 hp (equivalent to my 1,600 cc car), it was a joy to own the Beast with its ready burst of energy at a moment's notice, to overtake vehicles and it's definitely more stable than the little FZ150i.

May : The moment came when we went to collect the new Toyota Yaris hatchback. This calls for a road trip and soon, we were headed to Ipoh for a weekend getaway while we hunted down many foodie locations. We stayed at The Haven, a luxurious apartment fronting the limestone hill and an awesome infinity pool awaited us! The previous car being a manual transmission MyVi, the feeling of driving an automatic transmission car was like driving a toy car in the video game arcade. Just put it into 'D' and the right leg handles both the throttle and brakes.

June : Ann-yeong-ha-se-yeo! It's mid-year and we celebrated it by flying off to Korea to experience the local culture and sights. Friends would wonder why we're visiting during summer and our reply was - so that our photos are unlike the common snow covered landscape that most tourists would share. Their summer is not really that hot as the temperature ranges from 16 - 24 degrees Celsius. Kimchi was had at every meal and we've learnt to savour it. Yummy!

July : Although voting is a normal process, never would I imagine getting involved in the elections process last year, by volunteering as a voting agent at the polling station. The next step was being involved in the DUN50 Whatsapp Group this January and a step further than all this was to join a political party. Why? By being a party member, I'll be directly involved with a political organisation and I'll learn to go along with a team decision. Unlike keyboard warriors who shoot from all directions without any responsibility and accountability.

August : What's Life without memories? My memory of working with the Keppel Group was revived when a Whatsapp Group was created. Thanks for the invitation! Independence Day celebrations used to be a humdrum affair for me. However, this year, I had the opportunity to participate in a bikers convoy to parade the national flag along the route which was managed by police escorts. Definitely a first for me. To fly the flag proudly, with the government of our choice. Definitely a fulfilling moment!

September : What's so special about this month? Well, it's my birth month and yes, I'm a Libra who's fastidious about fairness and justice. The lovely wife booked the family a night at Avani Sepang Goldcoast. Yet another weekend getaway for us, amongst the numerous we have in a year. They provide bicycles for free, for tenants to ride to various locations in the resort. And breakfast was really good, with the well managed bustling morning crowd. Thanks for the experience, wifey!

October : A relatively quiet month but it's not going to pass without any major activity. And what would that be? It's the purchase of a desktop scanner for me to embark on this project to scan old photos dating way back to 1951 and save the images from further deterioration by the environment. While scanning, I was brought back to the world where black & white photos reigned supreme. Brings smiles as memories are rekindled. Bought also a car dashcam camera since many cars are having it already. A really useful device to record accidents (hopefully none) and it's powered by the plug to the cigarette lighter. At least my car is up-to-date with the other cars now. Ho ho ho ...

November : A member of Parliament decided to leave this world abruptly and therefore, a by-election had to be called. So, took this opportunity for another weekend getaway. This time, to Tanjung Piai, the southern-most tip of South East Asia. It's symbolised by the metal-frame globe you see in the photo. A nature park by the sea and surrounded by mangrove trees. A peaceful place to be but foodie locations is scarce in this pretty isolated village near the Pontian district. Dropped by a friend's house, who hosted our stay for the night.

December : Before I know it, it's the end of the year already and I'll need to prepare myself for another year, a greater one hopefully? A time for reflection. Just like the bus stop which had repaired by the good people of DUN50 (and they've added the lights), I need to continue to shine light into people's lives. It's definitely not a chore as I revel at every opportunity to serve. Yes, that includes volunteering my services to capture the moments of a 40 years gathering of ex-schoolmates. Before the light goes off tonight, wishing you a Happy New Year ahead and may you also find a way to shine light for others and brighten up their lives in any way you can.

See? The egg is really standing!

Nami Island, Korea - Location scene for Winter Sonata