Project 55.5 - Part 16

9th December - 11:35 p.m. (PST)

Don't judge the book by its cover. Vincent and Isaac may look cute (to me) but they are in their late 30s. My eyes don't believe them. 'coz they look much younger than me. Oh they are the same people I met this afternoon.

All because of a stupid love.

That's how I ended here in Vancouver.

Their love stories are really "informative" and musical. We're in a cafe of 20 tables, mind you. Every one turns to us when Isaac starts singing. 

I wish love can bring me over to Vancouver this easily.

Dear FY,

How are you?

Breka Bakey & Cafe

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

#1state1month2016 - Penang - January

It was 4 years ago I last visited Penang. This time around, I enjoyed the mobility in Penang in Little Oren. Besides, I spent a bit fortune on a nearly luxurious hotel. To be honest, I have never spent that much for accommodation but I couldn't care less that time.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

5 years

I couldn't find a science-related job after graduation. That was when they found me.

Aiyo call centre? 

All you do is answer calls. No future!

Find a better job!

No one has written "My ambition is to work in a call centre". Not me. True enough, no one studies and aims to be a call centre consultants. Few months ago I was so surprised when I interviewed a girl. She applied for the position in call centre and guess what she studied in university? CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! God damn there is such course now?

Anyway, for all I know, I am clear with the department direction and my roles.

The increment freeze is lifted. Though I will be happier if the salary is higher, I can't complain. I am satisfied with my job. Enough said.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

CNY 2016

It's no surprise when colleagues see me in office in Chinese New Year. I am among the few Chinese who work in the Chinese festive. The difference is, I volunteer to work while the rest couldn't get their leaves approved. This would be the 5th year I celebrated my Chinese New Year in office, to which I never regret doing so. It's better to save my leaves on more deserving days. After all, to spend my leave at home, sleeping, is a waste.

04/02/2016 - had my hair cut. Then Village Roast Duck, Midvalley.

05/02/2016 - pre-CNY damage : MYR 710.00.

05/02/2016 - shopping with old friend : Pavilion and Farenheit.

06/02/2016 - selfie before my class. Lou shang at home.

07/02/2016 - reunion dinner.

CNY daily selfies.

12/02/2016 - outing with mum : The Gardens.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Positive

A curse. A misfortune. That is how most people perceive when one is contracted and tested positive. If I learned that I am positive, I would feel scared, sad or even angry. It's going to be one of the most difficult news to go through in life. The stigma messes our thoughts more often than not.

Relationship isn't easy when positive. It requires honesty, communication, a profound commitment to the relationship. Not to mention a solid and mutual understanding of what they’re committing to.

I met this couple who had been together for 4 years. Yes they are positive. They talked about how they met and got together. The trips they went together. They left home after being disowned. They now own a house in KL. They work together to achieve their dream - go for more vacations. I can imagine the difficult times to be discriminated. But they shook their heads.

"We face the difficulties together" they said while holding the hands.

They made me believe in relationship once again. I learn to see things from the positive end (positive thinking). HIV is no longer a deadly disease. To me, HIV is the medium to build courage to believe. Believe that life is more beautiful when I am in acceptance. Subconsciously I become more forgiving. There is no need to remain denial. My confidence becomes the beauty I lack of. World is more beautiful this way. And most importantly, live a life you will remember.

p/s : I am still HIV- the last I checked in November 2015. - added on 17th February 2016.

Happy Chinese New Year.

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

Project 55.5 - Part 15

9th December - 7:35 p.m. (PST)

It's all about pictures. Screw the memory.

Says Jess, the tour guide.

I hold my phone so tightly my fingers start to bleed. Can't be helped. It's either bleed or drop 70m to the river.

True enough, this tour is costly but enough satisfying. I speak my name out to the aging forest, trees and branches, hopefully they will remember me when I return in the future.

And it's warm and real and bright

And the world has somehow shifted

All at once everything looks different

The totem poles in Capilano.

It is said to be the world's tallest living Christmas tree.

 The suspension bridge and the treetops.

From the treetop.

Reflection.

The bridge.

Santa house.

Panorama of a bit of every thing.

Manage to spot a sweet and cute Japanese couple while making a line into the bus. But have no chance to snap their picture is the sign of losing touch on my skill.

Anyway my phone rings. With a tap, the message appears.

Hey dinner yet?

No. Hungry like fuck.

Eight thirty... Eight thirty... That's when we're gonna date for dinner.

9th December - 4:00 p.m. (PST)

Sea to Sky Gondola? Yeah I know about it.

What would you like to know?

The shuttle bus booking to Sky Gondola is not available on the website. While I am hitting the dead end, the helpful assistant, Melissa in Visitor Information Centre does a great job! For travellers, it is never a crime to ask. Things I tried to work out for a night, she does it in 10 minutes!

[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot

I still believe

I have come to a stage to appreciate what I have, quite easily.

Colleague : It's a bad year Jino. After the hard work we don't get pay rise.

Jino : Well... I am grateful to have a job.

Deep in me I am still confident with the group's strategic priorities. MAOB.




[Jino] - A man's not a man unless he knows how to shoot