RiPleY's CoLLecTioN

CNY is the time to gather with friends and family so my buddies and I decided to do steamboat at a friend’s house. It was a crazy idea since the weather is so hot lately but who cares as long as all of us are there to catch up, chat and enjoy each other’s company. Gambling was also on the agenda. Haha…

Some of the fresh ingredients for steamboat

We have 2 pots, 1 with tomyam and the other chicken soup

Let’s gamble!

Seems Chan Miu Ying in the TV don’t like what we’re doing.

(All photos taken with Canon S90)

On Saturday, I visited a friend who is recovering from a surgery recently. It is not just any other surgery. She had cancer growth in a few of her organs and this is a relapsed. The week before, she called me and a friend who are close to her right before she goes into the surgery room to let us know that she is going in for surgery and just in case she don’t make it out, she just want to let us know first. My friend and I were shocked of course but we knew she will get through the surgery. She is a tough and positive person.

As I spoke to her on Saturday, she told me frankly she had prepared for the worst and she had no regrets in life. She told me that right before her surgery, things were going through her head and she asked herself, “What if I can’t make it out? Is there anything that I forgot to do?”. She couldn’t think of anything. That was a good answer. If anyone of us were to be in her position now, I think there will be things that we wished we could have done.

Although she is still awaiting another result from the US and even if she makes it through the whole ordeal again, chemo and all, she don’t know how many more years she can live. 1 year, 2 years, 5 years maybe? No one knows. That hit me. I was speechless, I didn’t know how to react. I didn’t know how to reply her. I was lost for words. Things were running through my mind. I couldn’t bear losing a good friend whom we have shared so many great memories, the ups and downs over the years. The thought of her dying hit me like a rock. All this time I was trying to console myself saying things will be OK. Think positive. But at that moment, when she so openly accepted death. It was a new experience for me. I mean, I have experienced death before, like my grandparents and relatives, but I never had conversations like this with them before.

I was controlling myself not to cry. Hey, my friend was even stronger than me. I can’t be crying and let her console me? Geez….and so, we spent 3 hours talking about everything. The old times, the people we knew, the gossips and of course, her take on life.

I don’t know what else I can do. All I could do is to be there for her, give her support and let God decide the rest. I am sure there is a reason for all this. I don’t know when God needs my friend back with him, but I am just being slightly selfish and hope it is not so soon.

Gosh, it is just February and already so many bad news. Let’s just hope this is the end of it.

I guess everyone has to go through such life lessons to truly understand and cherish the people around them and not just say things without taking action. It is sad but that’s just how human beings are. I think I need to start writing things down on a piece of paper and keep it safely somewhere so that if anything were to happen to me, at least my family and friends know that I love them very much.

Can’t believe we had sushi again. Haha….anyway, was at a nice Japanese Restaurant to celebrate a friend’s belated birthday. The portion was quite big. Look at my bowl of beef soba below!

Sushi on the conveyor belt

Salmon & fish roe sushi

YEA!

(All photos taken with Canon S90)

Yea, season 9 is here and the top 24 is looking good. Unlike last year where the men were strong, this year, the girls are looking super strong. I think we could have a female winner this year! Gosh, some of them are so amazing and I already have a few favourites already.

My Facebook and MSN is full with condolence messages to a school friend who has always been a fun, cheerful and outgoing person. All of us are in shock, sad and could not believe that she decided to end her own life by jumping off a building. Just the thought of it scares me. The saddest part is that she just gave birth 1-2 weeks ago. Even her own family only came to know of the news from the newspaper. Newspaper reported that she may be in a depression after giving birth but still, can’t believe no one managed to see the signs.

Memories of her came flashing back. From the classes to the sports and to my last phone call to her. Her laugh lingers in my mind…so many “what ifs…”

Made me think…no matter how much pain and sorrow we’re going through, we should always find someone to talk to. As all of us (my group of friends) are entering into a new phase of our lives, every opportunity to spend time together should be cherished. We always say it but we are all guilty of being too busy with work. LIFE IS REALLY SHORT. Our friend’s passing serve as a reminder on how important support from friends and family really is. At least, I am blessed that I have a very supportive group of buddies and I know we will all be there for each other no matter what happen. Thank you god for the blessings and may you bless our friend with eternal happiness wherever she is now. R.I.P.

Was reading this review (below) on my new Canon S90 in a photography magazine. Pretty good review actually and I do agree it is a good 2nd camera if you’re using it with a DSLR. The quality of the photos (especially night shots) still amazes me and best of all, it is so small, can fit anywhere!