Monday 23 June 2008

A page before 30

In slightly less than 24 hours, I will have to bid my 20s farewell and welcome a whole new adventure… life in the 30s… the bid 3-O. To me, it has been an eventful time. I spent some time reflecting on my life and realised how blessed I am. I may not have the best things in life… perhaps not yet, but I will never exchange it for anything else.

If I am given the chance to relive a period of my life, it will definitely be my secondary school days. Those were the formative days of my life, the times when I learned so much, a time when I felt I finally blossomed. I must say, huge credit has to be given to this organisation called…
The Boys’ Brigade (“BB”)

Being born into a very notorious neighbour led to my Mom locking me in the house and not allowing me to mix with others in the area. But all that changed when I hit 13, the year I entered secondary school. I told parents that I will be kicked out of school if I don’t join any uniform organisation. I lied, there was no such rule and I merely want to join BB.

It was in BB that I learned so many things. From sports to music to other skills, my life was transformed, literally. It was also a time when I developed in character. It was also the time I got to be on stage doing something I truly enjoy… performing arts, be it acting or singing. It was also in BB that my face appeared in the papers.
Without BB, I don’t think I will be who I am today. It was also the time when I first heard about God and accepted Christ. It also got my church life going and gave me many beautiful memories.

Sad to say, BB is slowly dying. Being in uniform and standing in the sun on a Saturday afternoon doing marching is no longer cool. Going camping and spending nights in the jungle acting all macho is no longer cool. “Cool-ness” is now defined by what kind of gadgets you have, how expensive are your garments and having non-mamak coffee.

Then it was time to leave school. My father wanted me to start working after form 5 because that’s what all my cousins did. They were doing quite well earning a nominal income and a having typical Chinese parents means I am to start making money as soon as possible. I remember crying and begging and then I threw a big tantrum saying that I will not work but I will study. I managed to get my message across, a decision my father never regrets.

I still remember it as thought it was only yesterday… the euphoria of entering college, no more school uniform, long breaks in between classes and of course… girls!!! Coming from an all-boys school, college life was like a whole new world. But it was bad, results in college were not as good as though I used to get in school… far from it. Guess freedom did a big damage there.

Thank God I still managed to get into Uni and due to the financial crisis then, I did a twinning programme with UK. I remember my father’s eyes nearly popped out of his eyes when I told him how much everything will cost. But I guess getting partial scholarship helped a lot. I also got a bit funding from an association of former BB-members.
I remember feeling really big after graduating, as though I can conquer the world. I was wrong, the end of education life is the beginning of life in the real world. I have written quite a number of entries on life as a modern slave so I guess I don’t really need to go there.

But besides the hard work and late night and feeling so small working in a big corporation, I have to say one thing… being in a relationship with someone as a working individual as compared to being in a relationship as a student are two distinct realms. Life is no longer about taking the bus together or sharing the same plate of meal or helping each other with homework. It’s now a whole new phase in life. I am sure many of you will agree with me on this.

As I journeyed through my 20s, life taught me a lesson I will never forget… no matter how you feel towards your parents… always cherish them. Mom left me all in a sudden a little more than a year ago no matter how much time has passed or will pass, it will never take away the pain. If you screw up in a relationship with a guy/girl, you can make amend in the next one but with mothers, you only have one chance. Don’t screw it up!

Sad stories aside, one of the highs of my 20s is none other than meeting Jules. I first saw her in a dance club during my party animal days but we didn’t really talk until very much later. Things blossomed from our very first lunch date at McDonalds and the rest as they say… is history.
Of course, the latest sequence of events has taught me that life is indeed fragile and we are not to live as though we are invincible. But the beauty of it all is that God has brought me back to the light amidst it all. Perhaps everything is the work of His hands. Regardless, I thank Him for sustaining me for almost 30 years and I know in faith, that He will sustain me for many more to come.

P/S: For those of you who have been asking me to post pictures of yours truly, I hope this is more than enough.

P/S/S: New poll out… vote vote vote…

93 comments:

day-dreamer said...

Happy Birthday, zewt!

Theodwyn said...

Happy Birthday friend!

mh said...

Happy Birthday. You both look so happy and contented in the picture. Sometimes, that is what matters most!

ikanbilis said...

happy birthday~

Novinthen said...

Happy Buffday man :)

-=SiN=- said...

"Though in the mind hath made us.
What we are by thought was wrought and built,
Values life and treasures those around us."

Happy 30th B'day... and thanks for the prayer. =)

Anonymous said...

May the Lord bless you with good health & happiness.

Have a Blessed Birthday! :)

Anonymous said...

hey....you were quite a cute kid! what happened? heh heh....two or three of my friends who are in their late 30s have recently told me that their 30s were the best years of their life. Here's hoping that when we sit down for a cup of coffee (mamak coffeelah of course, you and I are simple souls after all)in 10 years, you think so too. Take care and have a great week ahead.

Anonymous said...

hey! blessed birthday!!! yay!!!! may u have a greater year ahead, filled with blessings and love!

kyh said...

Have a bombastic 30th birthday, my fren!

So being in your 30's... it's time to get a pair of Peter & Jane into your world! :P

narrowband said...

Happy thirtieth birthday Zewt! Thanks for sharing with us your early days of adulthood and childhood. I think the BB is still very much a cool organization that I'd join even today.

Damn I need to start going to dance clubs. The last pic is very nicely taken. Did you set up a tripod or get a passer by to take?

Angie Tan said...

Before I forget, Happy B'day... ;-)

You're still about 1/2 way on your journey my friend...

God Bless!!

U-Jean said...

happy birthday zewt!

Anonymous said...

That's a really cute photo of you! Looks real cheeky. :)
The last photo of you two looks lovely too!
Here's to another great decade ahead! Happy Birthday!

myop101 said...

Hehe... wishing you a happy 30th birthday in advance...:P

all the best ya...

She's Jess said...

Happy birthday Zewt!

My Rantings said...

Happy birthday, zewt! You are only 30, wait till you are in your 40s, that's when life begins! Hahaha! :)

Winn said...

happy birthday. thanks for the advice. so much :)

Winn said...

ur kid photo very cute la!! hahaha

me said...

so, lepak today huh? lazy bum, get back to work!!! *grins* happy birthday, little one.

Tine said...

Happy birthday, mate. Great pictures you posted. Hey when you getting here already?! Wii parties, hello? (ask Jules :p)

Anonymous said...

u are ex-mbskl too?

while u were with BB, i was with 10th KL Air Scout.

Anonymous said...

Zewt!!! Happy birthday!!!
You look very happy and content in the last pic, am so happy for u :)
I hope everything will go really good for you, take care!!

Jennifer said...

Happy Birthday!

Your photo with your wife is so lovely. Wish you a great birthday!

Sharon said...

Happy birthday! may u be blessed with all the good things in life and to a healthier life!

Loved the entry =)

Little Jennifer said...

happy birthday :)

am entering the same path as you did last time, going to the uk..new life. many question marks in my mind, many thoughts of who would i be then...am wondering. but overall, it is a good chance to explore myself, explore the entire new world that i have nvr been and training myself without my family surrounding

twosuperheroes said...

Loved the way you told your life story. Here's wishing you, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" Haha. Hope that we will all cherish all the people and every little things in our lives. And may you enjoy a blessed new life with your wifey from now. :p

Anonymous said...

fark! you're getting old! but not as old as me!

rainbow angeles said...

sang yat fai lok!

§pinzer said...

it's like a rebirth of all sorts for you eh? many happy returns zewt...

there's just too much of life to enjoy :)

Suit Lin said...

Happy 30th!

You actually make me look forward to being 30. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your life.

Anonymous said...

happy burfd@e Zewt!

btw, ur story is very touching..

"Joe" who is constantly craving said...

happy birthday mate..

sigh..i definitely will learn how to appreciate the 7 yrs b4 the big 3-0!

frostee said...

Nyehehe! Welcome to the club dude! About time!!

Oh... Happy burfday!

Miss Pharmacist said...

Happy Birthday!!! I love the pic of you and jules... so sweeet! =)
Oh oh... can i have the high school pic of yours? I ermmm... wanna look for 'someone' in there and it is a bit too small for me to spot... =D

Anonymous said...

happy birthday!
may this year be a good one and filled with joy, good health, serenity and wisdom! :)

KaDusMama said...

Happy Birthday to you Zewt!

*2nd photo, white pant guy's pose is sooo cool.. :)

Terra Shield said...

Happy Birthday, Zewt. Thanks for sharing your story with us. :)

WY said...

happy birthday zewt!!! i think this is the first time that you re posting ur personal pics...apart from ur wedding ones...:P

Horny Ang Moh said...

Happy b-day to u! Wellcum to 30 something! And trust me once u becum a father time pass even more quickly! Before u know it ur kids is in kiddy then primary then secondary & then to uni!Before u know it u r already 50 somethings! Time just past by so quickly!
Well enjoy ur life to the fullest! As I have always say 'Poke while u can'! To me so long as u can Poke u r always 24!!!!!!!
Oh! BTW I am always 24!!! He! He! Have a nice day!

Jun said...

happy bday "uncle" ;p

Grace Koh said...

Happy Birthday zewt! You and Jules look great together. :)

Arena Green said...

Happy Birthday Zewt! May GOD bless you and your loved ones always. :-)

Anonymous said...

May God give you a rainbow for every storm, a blessing for each trial, a sweet song for every sigh and an answer to every prayer. My special prayers for you on your birthday - may God bless you with good health and may your dream of going to Australia and be with Jules come true soon. Happy Birthday and many you have many, many more to come...from someone who's almost double ur age! :( LOL!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday bro!
How come that class pic brings back so much memories and familiar faces...
Heh heh heh
That makes me miss those times too

huntressmoon said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! sooo cute when u were a kid!.. eeee

My birthday is just 3 days away from you. Hail fellow cancerian!

rinnah said...

Happy 30th Birthda, zewt! So, can I call you uncle now? Hehehe.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday man! Hey you act and sing? wow... you're not the typical type owh kan...
Your advice on cherishing the relationship with mother is really touching... I'll remember that advice. More birthdays to come!

CK said...

happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!! my big 30 next yr haha

Purple~MushRooM said...

Happy Bday!!! Welcome to the 30s club! My bday is coming soon too... another 2 weeks to go.

-ritchie- said...

selamat hari jadi~~

TH said...

Happy Birthday! Best wishes and stay young!

King's wife said...

Ya hor...you and me same same, only age not same! ;)
Happy Birthday to you!!!

missironic said...

Happy Birthday, Zewt! Remember 30 is the new 20! Hahahaha...neway, i love the pic of you and jules..very nicely taken! *thumbs up!*

Unknown said...

happy bday man! nice pics btw. =)

zewt said...

day-dreamer / Theodwyn / u-jean - thanks :)

mh - yup... and it all begins from the heart :)

ikan bilis / Novinthen / She's Jess - hey, welcome to AZAIG. thanks for the wish.

-=Sin=- - you're welcome for the prayers man. let me know if u need more.

Jemima - thanks for all the prayers.

iamsickandnotgoingtoeytoday - looking forward to the mamak man... and hey... i think... youshouldreallynotgotoeythatoften.

zewt said...

Lynnwei - thanks... and all glory back to Him.

kyh - not so fast mate... ehhe...

narrowband - dance club... u dont always meet nice ppl... hehe... you need to be truly blessed :P as for the picture, it was taken by my friend's SLR :)

Angie Tan - about 1/2 way eh... hehe... :)

cc - yes, i am cheeky indeed :P

myop101 - thanks... and thanks for the prayer.

zewt said...

Dancing Queen - i shall enjoy my life in 30s first :P

Winn - kid sure cute mah... and always welcome for the advice :)

me - nope... yest no lepak... today i lepak.

Tine - she said she sucks at it... how ler... hehe...

anon @ 23/6 9.11am - yup... mbsskl... 10th air scout... we were rivals :P

Vino - thanks mate... looking forward to all the blessings :)

zewt said...

Jennifer - thanks... it is truly a very nice candid shot.

Sharon - healthier life... amen to that!

sugarbaby - trust me, you will enjoy the experience. just remember to come back.

twosuperheroes - wah... superheroes also wish me happy birthday... i feel so proud :)

wuching - no worries mate... i am getting there.

rainbow angeles - dou jeh...

zewt said...

§pinzer - thanks mate... truly... 30 is like a rebirth to a new journey.

Suit Lin - really? well, i am glad i changed some perspective.

drumsticks - thanks... glad you like the story.

constant craver joe - 7 years???? long time to go la... aiyooo...

frostee - hahahaha... got welcoming dinner or not?

Miss Pharmacist - thanks... sure, which e-mail i send to?

zewt said...

pavlova - thanks... and amen to all that!!

Kadus_Mama - hahaha... thanks. you're one of the few who can spot me eh?

Terra Shield - you're always welcome.

WY Kam - slowly... will post more :)

Hor ny Ang Moh - wahhh.... not so fast la... u make it sound as though i am going to fast forward ahead hehehe...

Jun - sigh... that's reality already...

zewt said...

Grace - thanks Grace.. Amen to that.

suituapui - Amen to that!!! hahaha... well, i wish you will live to more than double my age!

zeroimpact - hahaha... that place itself is a legend eh?

HuntressMoon - hahaha... so yours coming soon eh?

rinnah - dont lah.. i still look young ok :)

ArMs - thanks... yeah, i just love the stage :P... like attention konon :P

zewt said...

CK - better enjoy your 29 to the max :P

purple mushroom - any special celebration kah tak?

-ritchie- - terima kasih.

TH - stay young... i like that.

King's wife - think i recall that haha... happy birthday!

missironic - new 20? oh no... is it going to end very fast again? :P

Jason - thanks... some of the quality not very good leh :P

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to you, Zewt!

Wishing you all the best and good health!

Medie007 said...

happy 30th!

and wat a colourful 20s you've had! :D

william wang said...

Happy Birthday Zewt!
I think also it is about time you start investing for you future. All the best.

Anonymous said...

Bro, happy birthday!!! and a healthy one too!!!

Anonymous said...

A June baby! Happy 30th birthday!! BB has really touched and changed your life. Must tell my dad that (he helps in my church's BB.. all kids though).

missironic said...

hahaha...if over very fast, can alwiz be in denial and tell urself u're 20 at heart! ;P

Ivan said...

Happy Birthday mate! Haha...another phase in life huh? I'll catch you there in another two years ;p

Huei said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

nope! that's not enough..we want more! ;P

zewt said...

seokthong - thanks... good health is really important.

Ah-Bong - and i am hoping it will be a colourful 30s!

william wang - what kinda investment? :)

mrbherng - oh yeah... definitely!

lynnx01 - hmmm... dumc has BB?

missironic - i will always be 20s at heart.

Ivan - in another 2 years?

huei - more aging? no no no no no no... :P

Anonymous said...

Oh my God, that's Old Trafford!

Jorji said...

HAPPY BURPDAYYYY!!!

30s is when u cant do what the 20s can.but, to hell with numbers.

God bless u and Manchester United!
(bcuz ada gambar u kat OT!!)

ClaudiaMom said...

Happy Birthday, Zewt! Post more pictures

Anonymous said...

Hey! Happy birthday! Life begins at 30? :D Welcome to the big 30 club. The wilderness years are gone, now it's time to reap what we sow.. and enjoy every minute of it. Wishing you good health, blessings, lotsa love and of course, happiness always.

Bengbeng said...

Happy birthday dear Zewt. Big 30 is jus a dot on the journey of life. lots of great times ahead :)

Nichol Brooklyn said...

happy birthday mate!!!

Little Jennifer said...

i will come back very soon...dont say like am tht kind of ppl never come back after tht...>_<" here is my home

CharlemÂgne® said...

Hey Zewt, happy birthday!!!!
This is such a sweet entry:)) One of my favourite i would say.
You look very adorable in the first photo :))
Hmmm, I wonder what i should write on my blog when i turn a quarter of century old in a few months time...

zewt said...

jam - yup yup yup... hehehe...

j or ji - hahaha... takde gambar OT pun ok lah.

ClaudiaMom - in due time :)

gina - time to give... no more taking :)....

Bengbeng - life begins at 40 eh? hehe...

nikz - cheers mate.

Junie - thanks.

Jermayne - well, a quarter of the century is a landmark indeed... think of something :)

Anonymous said...

Going down memory lane eh...
That last pic so sweet....... :)

Anonymous said...

selamat hari lahir, wahai encik alvern ho.

wow, that sounded weird...happy belated birthday.

Huei said...

nah u've got nothing to worry about aging..yet! man in their 30s r erm..gold? ;P

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Zewt! Know what...? I was in the Girls' Brigade too....had my fair share of growing up there. Cheers and take care. Love that picture of you and Jules :)

zewt said...

mar - always like to down down that lane... very sentimental:)

Aput - terima kasih... :)

huei - hahaha.. so 40s... diamonds?

diggy tigress - ohhh... a GB member here eh? :)

HappySurfer said...

Belated Happy Birthday, Zewt, and many, many happy returns. Best wishes.

zewt said...

happysurfer - :) thanks

sharlydia said...

Happy belated birthday bro! Been away from blogs hopping for awhile so din get to read this post earlier...

It's good to have some time reflecting on our lives, and i'm sure many of us will agree that it's our 20-30 years old which made significant difference...at least to me it was...

Anonymous said...

happy belated b'day zewt!!
welcome to d world of 30s....hahaha
enjoy it coz very soon u will be heading towards 40s!!

zewt said...

sharlydia - thanks :)

jacss - wahh... hopefully i will get to enjoy the next 10 years more than the previous ones...

Susu Kacang said...

a belated happy birthday to you, zewt! i must say, you look cool in the BB photo. like you, i learned many wonderful things from BB too. sad to know that it is slowly fading....

zewt said...

susu kacang - oh really!! that's cool... what company were you from???