Happy Fly Day

 I was at Ipoh for another day trip, but this time it’s not about bike hunting. I bought this flying package from Groupon which includes on ground flight training and some air time in a single engine plane, Piper PA-28. There’s nothing much to plan in this trip except finding a friend or two who is willing to risk their lives sitting in my plane. Approached a few person but unfortunately they can’t make it due to commitment but one guy accepted my invitation and he is none other than Mr.Jason Chew. I don’t think he knows what he is getting himself.

So the night before Jason slept over at my place because I plan to leave Penang at 6am. My appointment is at 10am, so I was thinking reach there about  8am+++ have a nice breakfast and head straight to the airport. The plan went smoothly except the time and the breakfast. We left Penang at about almost 7am and we skipped breakfast because we got a little difficulty locating the airport due to the lousy GPS on our iPhones. 

Reason why we were late. This guy keep snoozing his phone. This pic has the evidence.

Slept all the way from Ipoh to Penang ><

The weather was not bright and sunny as I picture it in my head weeks and nights before the real day. I picture myself in aviator glasses, standing beside the plane with bright sun lights shining at me. The weather is always hot and humid but on the real day it was gloomy and cold. It was raining all the way from Penang to Ipoh, I was praying really hard that God would stop the rain and grant me a nice weather so I could enjoy this experience to the fullest and take nice photos of me and the planes. 

Rain rain rain

 We reached the Sultan Azlan Shah airport at about 9.30am, and there was no one in the airport. Even the air-con was still not on. Jason asked is this a ghost town. I checked the plasma TVs and the next flight would be at 11am SIN – IPH. I called Ms.Rajes, the lady who liaised with me from the booking till D-day. She met us 10minutes later, greeted us with a nice warm smile and handshake. We spoke briefly about our country and about ourselves. A van came right to the airport and picked us up to the designated location, which is probably 1km from the main terminal. Picked up our pilot/instructor and we were introduced to one another. He is an elderly man with vast experience about flying. Guess his age.

Captain Tony Thoo

The quiet Sultan Azlan Shah airport

Pick-up Van

Our access pass

Rain stopped!

73 years old with 50 years of flying experience. I told him to call me Wan, he replied you can call me two. I was like huh? Is his trying to be funny or what. He showed me his name tag, it was written Tony Thoo. WAH!!! I was like how rare is this to meet someone with a ‘Thoo’ surname. Had a great laugh over this matter. Anyways, to get through that security check point, we have to register ourselves and wear our badge. After some paper work, we were granted access and were brought to a hangar owned by Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA). I got down and the first thing I did was, took out my iPhone and started taking pictures of the planes. I can’t help it but I got really excited. Not many of them, but enough to make my heart jump with joy.

Company signboard just outside the hangar

Twin engine plane

More planes

Another twin engine plane owned by a Hongkie

 

The plane we flew in

Plane that matches Jason's shirt

 Another man appeared at the hangar, his name is Chief Dorai, he has really thick moustache. He shared a little bit about what he does and the course that are being offered. We then walked to their cabin where I was given a briefing. A nice cozy office with vintage photos hanged on most parts of the walls. There was a plane toy hanging above that cabin roof. Moses, 22 a undergrad piloting student gave me an basic introduction on the checklist, dos and don’ts before flying.

Future pilot Moses

The checlist which I don't really understand

Moses checking the fuel reading

Showing us the reading of the fuel which is sufficient for us to fly

  I asked a lot of questions and they gave me a lot of information but I can’t remember most of them since I don’t speak aviation language. The jargons are just too much for my accounting mind to absorb. All I remembered was all about numbers, i.e we flew up to 3,000 feet at about 110knots, we landed at 70knots, we were up in the air for about 25minutes and I spent RM459 for this experience. Just numbers!

Captain Tony Thoo briefing on the runway track

After going through our checklist, the moment that I’ve been waiting for has arrived. I helped the other engineers pushed the plane out of the hangar. Surprisingly, it's quite light and easy to push. Easier than pushing a car out. The pilot hops into the cockpit, Jason up to the passenger seat and finally me, beside the pilot. I was really excited and a bit nervous. I’ve never been so close to the front before. Mr.Tony Thoo started the engine, the propellers started to turn, few seconds later, it stopped. I was starting to have second thoughts about doing this. He turns off and on some switches and tried starting the engine again. This time, it was a success but I was getting all nervous inside. I was on radio communication with him and he started communicating with the people in the flight control tower. I can’t understand 90% of what they are speaking about, it’s all delta Charlie delta Charlie@#)$(U#@)$(*#@_$)(#@+_(@!+#!@+3 ipoh _#$*_#@($*@_#$*_@# delta charlie $#)@($*@#_($*_#($#@_(  ready _$(#*_@#*$_#@ permission )(#$*)#@($*_@#$*_)@(#_@( 04 #)($*@#)($*#)@($*_#@$(_ 22 #)($*#@)($*#@)($*)#@(*$#)@(*$#@)(*$_#@*. We then took off. 

Pushing the plane out with the crew

Captain Tony doing the checklist

Jason getting nervous. LOL

They have two sets of control. And my hands are on the 'controllers' all the time to feel the movement. 

 Up in the sky, he said when he flies, he feel s like he is half fairy and half human. Hahaha. Kinda funny when you try picturing him as a fairy. He then let me take control… that was MAGIC. That was the best experienced I’ve ever had. I did some mini dives and it really felt like a roller coaster. The scenery was beautiful the weather was perfect. The rain did stop just as we reached the hangar. My little prayer was answered, my dreamed was achieved and I just enjoy the experience as much as I could. It felt like driving a car without the traffic jam and worry of knocking into someone because you are up in the sky alone. It was like a big playground for me. Turn left right up down etc. It was time to get down on earth, he communicated to the control tower people and all I hear was )$(*@#)($*@)#($*)@#($*#@)(*  delta Charlie delta Charlie $*)(@#*$_(#@*$_#@($_#@($ permission )#($*#@)($*#_@$*#_@$*#@_ landing $)(#@*$)(*#@$)(*#@$)(*#@)($*#@_(*$_(@#*$_@(U$ left wing landing #)($)#@$*)#@(*$)#(@*$_#*$(U@!_#(*!@_#( Mr.Tony lowered the speed to 70knots and maneuver the plane towards the airport. His landing was perfect, we didn’t feel a single bump at all.

Giving a thumbs up for Captain Tony's landing

Wan & Thoo

Me & Jason

Trying to be funny

Friendly Ms.Rajes & I

Me & Moses

There was a man with those banner thing that directs him to the hangar. I asked about his responsibilities and all, Tony the pilot replied, “You cannot follow him blindly. You are the captain of the plane and you are responsible for anything that happens. If you see something suspicious, free feel to stop and check before going back into the hangar.” That lesson reminded me on the first LOV. Leadership is responsible. Lazy to elaborate on it further.

Got off the plane and started taking more photos. Jason and I exchange our experience excitedly with one another and I’m glad he was there with me. It was a great moment I shared with a good friend so it made this experience even sweeter. Went back to the cabin for a little debrief and presentation of souvenirs and certificate to ME! yahoo!!!!!

Receiving my certificate from the man himself. proud moments. kakaka

A personalized post card given to them by one of their friends. I asked them signed their names on it as a souvenir

Co-pilot Deswyn =)

 Now I can proudly say, I’ve pilot and fly a plane before! “WINGS!”

TYR Inseam Tri Shorts

My latest addition in my sports wardrobe is the TYR Inseam Tri Shorts. I got it off eBay for only USD25.03 + shipping fees of USD10.90 = Equivalent to RM109.01. That is a really good bargain for a high quality and comfortable tri shorts. This is my first tri shorts, the rest I have is a suit. And problem with a tri suit is you can't adjust your 'jewels' and peeing/pooing is quite a hassle. Thus, getting a tri shorts or a 2 piece suit will definitely give you more freedom if your 'jewels' tend to move a lot during rides or runs. =P If you know what I'm saying.

With a tri shorts, I can use it for swimming, cycling and running. 3 functions for the price of 1, RM109.01/3 = RM35.34 for each sport that I spent on. My hard earn money well spent. You might ask what about the quality. I've tested it for my 40k ride last night and it was really comfortable. The length is just nice, and even though the pad looks/feels thinner than my replica cycling shorts, it gave me more cushion and comfort compared to those. Don't be fooled by it's slimness.

The design is plain and simple, just like how I like it. What I like about this shorts is the small pocket behind where you can put your powergels or an Iphone while working out. No doubt this is my best purchase for 2013. With the price I'm paying, it's almost impossible to find a similar product with that kind of reputation in the local market or online store in Penang or Malaysia.

My advice is, before making any purchase, do visit eBay, the world's online marketplace that buys and sells practically anything.

It also comes together with a cool tag with simple quotes of motivation.

Click to purchase

"We're a company started by athletes and populated by athletes. The cultures and communities of competitive swimming and triathlons pervade our offices. We are dedicated to re-imagining technologies that help athletes attain peak performance. Like athletes, we work with an intense spirit of competition. We aim to create the fastest, most advanced technologies and products. Always."

Groupon Made My Dream Come True

It has been my dream job since primary school. Yup, being a pilot. I can always imagine myself being in the suit pulling my little rectangle brief case, clipping the cap underneath my armpit with a group of air stewardess following behind. Pilots are just super cool. When you are in the airport, they are the ones who capture most attention. 

I am far from being a pilot in real life. Way far. I work near the sea and not the airport. I wear uniform but a primary school lookalike uniform. I don't have a perfect vision. My academic result is the key thing that stopped me from pursuing this course of career BUT today, I will get to be a pilot for at least 30minutes. All this for only RM399 on Groupon. This is the best thing I've ever bought on Groupon without any hesitation.

The package includes a 30minutes ground training and 30minutes flight time. I will also be awarded with a certificate and a gift if I am still alive after my flight. My session will be on the 25 January 2013.

Captain Deswyn

I can't wait to fly! =)

2012 in 2013 words

I've been reading many summaries of a person's year 2012 through blogs and facebook wall, so I thought I should write one too. Let's see how did I fair in 2012. Overall, it was a good year for me with some changes. I'm gonna break it down here;

Job & Personal finance
I've left Crowe Horwarh in February and started working in a new old company at Butterworth. It's one of the last few remaining tin mining and smelting company in Malaysia. Getting this job wasn't in my career plan but God has His timing and purpose for granting me this job.

My last day at CW

Stock take at my new company

I started having CC debt since early 2011, don't really talk about it to others because it's really embarrassing to be in such a situation. It's not a big figure but it can never be zero-lized till 4th quarter of this year. With God's grace and discipline in my spending habits, I can now say, "It is finish". I understand the struggle one goes through when you're in debt. Crazy high interest rates and the temptation to spend what you don't have is really high. To make things worst, the bank sets high cap limit for a cc, that is the killer. I've learned to spend within my means and applied what my mum always tell me, "Wear a cap which suits the size of your head.".

I've achieved my personal target in my savings account. Don't ask how much. hehehe. P & C la. If I have not landed my  new job, it would be impossible to hit that amount. So it's really God's blessings upon my life.

God & Church
I've left youth for about 3 years now, I would be lying if I say I don't miss serving in Youth and mingling with the youth. I know I would enjoy being a mentor to this great young group of people. BUT...

I am still serving as a guitarist in Church, but now I play the bass and drums as and when needed. I feel the need to be a drummer. My bro really inspires. Young adult cell is picking up slowly and I consider myself a committed member la. hehe. I really hope we can have a regular meetings with committed bunch of young adults.

Walk with God and daily devotion is ... not good. Definitely the worst area in 2012. Have to pick up on this area. 

Family
Family is all good, grandmother is healthy, parents are in great shape, brother is happy, cousins are all over, one just got married and I have the privileged to emcee his wedding. Overall no death/birth in the family in 2012.

At Mansion 32

Parents went to Hong Kong which was good because they needed a vacation. They have been sacrifing for us all this while, so my bro and I co-sponsored their trip down. Then also went to Singapore early 2012. It would be great if I can sponsor them to Australia in 2013 then my "job" would be done since that is their dream vacation for now.

Relationship & Love
Did I make any new friends in 2012? Yes I did, most of them are through sports and I feel I can connect easily with them. Did I fall in love? hmmmm.

On a brighter note, Aaron started a group chat for the boys, Sam, Joshua Teh, Lin Ken, Rueben, Nicholes, Aaron and myself are in this chat. And I agree with Josh, this is one of the best thing ever, you will get an answer or a comment for anything you send in. The best thing about it is, it is FOC. One day, we talked about going to Singapore for a holiday, and it did turn to reality. Awesome buddies! We call ourselves, the 'bang bros' but now, we've changed it to, 'son of twelve'. Don't ask how we get that name.

Another group I am in, Awesome Three, is still doing well. We have A1, A2 and A3. Me being the youngest and greenest, is the A3 but this year I got a promotion. My rank is now A3**. They are my seniors with vast experience majoring in SYT and OL. Hanging out with them makes me realized a lot about parenting and how much it changes a person's life. Yet they can still have fun and be "young" when they are amongst friends. Really thank God for great friends and support group.

Awesome Three

Official promotion letter from A1

Others 
Most memorable moment for me was losing Orange and finding her back. On top of that, I have my own miniature Schnauzer which is not that miniature somehow. Being a "daddy" and spending most time at home with him really help me understand how parenting is like. I know this is just the tip of the iceberg of parenting but it helps. Sacrificing time, money and effort seems easier when  really love a person. Shadow brings out the love in me. ><

Missing Orange =(

Shadow and mum

Big boy now

I've finally subscribed to Astro after months of debating. I've been wanting to watch live matches of the BPL, Discovery channel, Animal planet, etc. Every time I'm back in my hotel room when I was auditing in Jakarta, there is definitely one interesting program (most of the time educational programs) screening and I would learn something from it. It kinda broaden my knowledge one way or another. I can now watch Tour de France!

watching Tour de France when I was in Jakarta

I shook our "beloved" deputy prime minister's hand and I almost got persecuted for posting this on my FB. This shows how "popular" he is among the rakyat. But how often a chance like this would come by? Just shake lo.

I read 3 books, completed 1. Damn it.

One and only completed book for the year ><

Sports & health
My knee is getting better. Don't feel that sharp pain as I use to feel. I can now do a full squat. I was surprise myself when I was able to do that. All thanks to Shadow. Because I have to keep cleaning his pee and poo, I got up and down till I forgot that I was 'cacat'. Besides that I have God to thank for His working miracles in my life. =)

Innebandy!Co made history with winning back to back titles and securing the champions title for both division. Something I would remember for the rest of my life because 2012 is a special year for many. We had one of the strongest team ever in Innebandy!Co and players were really committed.

Innebandy!Co Champions Div 1 & 2

We had our first every combined camp with Salibandy!Co, Gracebandy!Co and Tyttobandy!Co. Just before the year ended, Alvin introduced another new bandy!Co club, Tarcbandy!Co. It is really something when the vision you have is growing and progressing. A special thanks to all that made this possible!

Bandy!Co Combined Camp

I completed my first full marathon!

Standard Chartered 42k

I did my longest ride; 180km.

Ipoh Century ride 180k

Played paintball for the first time too. It was crazy! Heart rate was at the red zone all the way. Really good workout with lots of fun and excitement! Will do it again.

If I really think about it, I would never imagine doing all this after my knee surgery. Never in my mind. But all things are possible through God who strengthens me.

I did not upgrade my bike or anything. That is a great success. =)

Conclusion
Overall I would rate my 2012 at 8/10. Could be better but I have no regrets for the year. No major ones le, small wan sure have eh la. For this 2013, I hope to explore more new places, earn more PBs, cross out more things from my bucket list, be more advantageous, be more patient, learn something new, be a better son, brother, coach, friend, leader and bf.  If I can just be 50% of my dad, I would be a better man. 2013 bring it on!

Christmas with the Community 2012

Christmas in TOP is about being a blessing to others. This concept was introduced in 2010 and I've been involved in organizing game stall since then. The number of visitors has increased consistently every year hence the game I plan would be much simpler compared to the first year. In the first year, we played "Shoot the target", we used our Floorball goal post, stick and ball. Tied few bottles around the goal cage and participants had to hit the target to win a prize. In 2011, we played "Sink the cup" but due to time constraint and the work involved, Sam improvised and changed to game to something simpler. And this year, we played "Drop the Coin", inspired from the game show, "A minute to win it".

The concept of the game is simple yet challenging. Good thing about this game is, preparation time is minimal and the game is quick. We had 3 lanes running simultaneously, and participant takes about 30 - 45 seconds to complete their task. We had the most efficiently running lane and lines at our game stall was quite short.

Before D-day, I got Jason to help me design and decorate my stall. It was a good initiative by him, making 2 big coins and a bucket of water which he is really proud of. He also helped me to get 500+ packs of titbits. Without his help, it is gonna be tough doing all this by myself. I would also like to thank my helpers, Sam, Angeline, Jason, Elisa and Jane for their great work at the stall, super efficient workers.

Overall, the carnival was a success. The weather was good, visitors enjoyed themselves and were blessed by our small act of kindness towards them.

Press cutting on the event

The night after, I had company futsal tournament at Safira club. We played 7 games, won 1, drew 1 and lost 5 games. Didn't really had high expectations, as the other teams are really pros. But at least I tried my best and hopefully we would do better next year. It was a tiring night after CWC and the tournament. But it was a day well spent. Blessed Christmas.

The master

Acting helpful. LOL

End result

Sam and Angeline

My faithful helper 3years in a row

Awesome three + uniques's finger

Awesome three + more of unique's finger ><

Son of twelve (Missing aaron, linken and rueben) on Christmas morning

Christmas eve outing

Christmas not so happening countdown at Straits Quay

Sam visiting Doc. Josh on Christmas midnight

My turn for some blood pressure test

Santa Deswyn

Santa Yi Lin

Santa Joshua

Santa Sam

Forever Santa Shadow =)

Grandma and me probably 20 years ago <3 br="br">

 So that was how I celebrated Christmas this year, nothing big or special but small little fun with friends and family. Merry Christmas again! More pics, less words for now. hehehehe.