A Bad 'Hair Day

The clock was ticking, the alarm didn't trigger, and I was dead to the earth. Then a sudden inner rush woke me up and as I open my eye I was shocked to learn that I overslept. Quick as cat, I rushed to the airport and I was around 15 minutes late. As expected, my phone rang just before I reach the airport and I told them I was about to reach. They then told me the captain was waiting for me. There wasn't much time for us, pilot and cabin crew, to linger around, and we all were rushing to ensure that we weren't late. The boarding process (passenger board the aircraft) ran unusually smooth, and we managed to depart on time, despite the fact that I was late.

The flight took off at 6.45am, heading towards the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, on a brand new day and brand new morning. Everything and everyone seemed alive in this lively morning especially for those holiday-makers who were travelling abroad. The crew, however, was the exact opposite of those holiday-makers, as this brand new day was kicked off with unexpected and unforeseen circumstances due to the fact that I, the second person in command of this aircraft after captain, was late for flight. Knowing that the company will take disciplinary action against me, I was terrified, and yet felt so helpless because it wasn't my intention to be late. Unaware, when the flight settled down at its cruising altitude, the first index finger was about to point on me. The phone inside the cockpit rang, it was the purser (chief cabin crew) on the line, she said she wanted to come in and talk to us.

"I just wanna know what's happening just now, what was the cause of the late arrival of both of you (me and captain) to the aircraft," said the purser in a challenging voice tone. "We weren't late! The schedule departure was 6.30am and we arrived the aircraft at 6.10am! I thought it's pretty usual to arrive at this time, that's what I do everyday. Moreover, we departed on time, so what's the big deal?" said the captain. For me, the captain was right because we normally reach aircraft 20-30 minutes before schedule departure time, probably slight 5 minutes late today, but it seemed ok, no big deal. The purser then added, "yeah, I know the flight departed on time, but didn't you know that before you reach the refuelling process (putting fuel to aircraft) was running and without either one of you in the aircraft, I couldn't initiate the boarding!" In an slight angry tone, the captain then reply "so you are blaming us for coming in late? I just don't understand, as far as I'm concerned, we departed on time and so it doesn't matter what time we come in to aircraft". The atmosphere started to get tensed and uptight! "Captain! I know the flight departed on time, but the thing is, I could have started the boarding earlier, and according to the regulation, boarding must be started at least 25 minutes before departure, which in this case, is 6.05am. Yes, I could start the boarding without your permission, but the problem is the aircraft was having refuelling earlier on which according to regulation, one of you (me or captain) must be present in the aircraft. And yet you people show up at 6.10am and so the boarding started late, although we managed to complete and depart on time. And now I'm hold responsible for my department, they'll enquire me as to why the boarding started late, despite we were on time. In my report, I need to jot down the timing and reason for the delay of boarding. Can you give me a strong reason why you were late?" The captain replied, "ok, you write whatever you want in your report, and I'd write what I want in mine". "Fine!" she replied.

The captain still couldn't understand what the purser want and stubbornly he told her that as long as the flight departed on time, everything is fine. Knowing that I was the troublemaker, I quickly admitted it was my fault that caused the late arrival. Surprisingly, the captain didn't see it as an issue. The captain then went to toilet and the purser was standing behind me, she asked" Why your captain like that one? Why he want to provoke me???" I answered, "Maybe he is new and he didn't know what you're asking for. But I know that I was at fault!". She kept quiet.

The remaining for the three hours flight was tensed and stressed out for every party involved. There were zero communication between cabin crew and pilot. Apparently, the purser was provoked, so as the captain. We landed at Hanoi safely, and as I stepped out from the cockpit to submit the document to the airport authority, the purser said to me "actually, what I want is just a valid reason as to why you guys were late, it could be any reason, and in the past, I have captain who showed up late also, and we discussed and we made up a story, to cover each other and to back each other up, instead of accusing each other." I soon realised her good intention and was pretty amazed. But she could have persuaded the captain, if she could be more gentle.

After the failure of first round discussion, the matter didn't just leave untouched, as we eventually are hold responsible for our respective department. The flight departed from cold and misty Hanoi in early winter morning, resembling each of our heart's feeling. Before long, the second round of discussion took place. The purser seemed to be more polite this time. "Captain, if I've done anything wrong, being rude or straightforward, I apologize, and I still respect you as the commander of this flight. We're working as a team, and we try our best to cover each other. I know Wong (me) was late, I could have just blamed him if I want to. But it will harm his future, and I just want you to give me any reason to cover up this matter". Captained then added, "I don't want to blame Wong either". What an impressive remark! She then took out her report and explained everything to him. In the end, we all agreed to put the blame on immigration clearance at KL due to the fact that it's congested and only one personnel jaga the counter.

I knew we all were lying, but neither party wanted to be blamed, and I did admit my mistake. But they were helpful enough to save my ass, to cover me up, in order not to ruin my impression and future. Kudos to the captain and purser! Even though the purser has got some attitude problem, at least she has a heart of flesh. She could have just stabbed me at the back, like what she said.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God...(Roman 8:28). Recently, I came across this shoutout from my friend, which says "never a failure, always a lesson". I know that God wanted me to learn few lessons in today's event.

SELF DISCIPLINE: I've always had the bad habit of showing up late, in every occasion. Today I learnt a painful lesson of punctuality.

TEAM WORK: After all, it isn't about who is more superior, it's about the safety of the flight, the atmosphere of working environment, and the spirit of helping one another, to cover and back each other up. Mutual understanding is also important.

NORMALITY IS MIRACLE: Have you ever asked yourself why your life seem boring and uneventful? You admire your friend who has a lot of things to do and handle, so many activities, and they have lots friend, while you're sitting at the corner doing nothing, living a normal life, no friend, no event, and feeling pity for yourself. You feel like everyday is the same, going to work or school, not much changes and you want something interesting. In fact, if you have this sort of thinking, you may be wrong. There are a lot of people longing for a normal life, but they just cannot, you know what I mean. People used to tell me that everyday, as long as you are breathing, it's a miracle from God. I wasn't convinced. But now I know why everyday is a miracle, the moment you go to bed you are expecting a better tomorrow, but you will never know what will happen the next minute. You may be sicked the next morning, overslept, or you'll never get up forever. I couldn't believe I overslept, and yet, it happened.

Friends, I hope that you have learnt something today. Give thanks in all circumstances, because every breath you breathe, every step you take, and every minute you spend isn't an accident, it's God who enables you, and watching over you.

Unexpected Winter

Partial view of Gui Lin

Partial view of Gui Lin

The earth revolves around the sun and causes the change of four seasons. One full complete revolution takes 365.25 days. In fact, the earth rotates every day, every minute and every second. The only evidence of its rotation is the changing of day and night. Just as the earth revolves, we human being, too, are revolving. Our life revolves round the surrounding, busy schedule or let say a task too difficult to accomplish. Knowingly or unknowingly, we are revolving, either in a slow pace or fast pace.

Looking back the year 2009, there are some achievements as well as some incomplete tasks. It's been a hectic year in my life, and of course there are many ups and downs but I'm always grateful because God has been faithful and delivered me in each and every life's challenges. Before we realize, we have entered the month of December, a month of celebration and holiday for many, unaware that the end is near. Some people expect greater thing to happen in new year, but they never actually work hard for their life, and how can you receive your reward if you have this kind of thinking? Time flies! You have been taught in school, "time and tide wait for no man" . As much as we want to stop time from running, we just cannot!

In my childhood days, I'd always dreamt of living in a place where there is snow in winter. I'd always admired my aunts for they were studying in USA back then in eigthies. One of them has married to a local and reside in L.A. now. Sadly, I never had the chance to go oversea because my family's financial condition disallowed. Since then, going oversea has become the wildest dream in my life. I knew I'd see it happens one day, and I'm still waiting for that day. I know this dream is within reach now because I can get cheap ticket to London at rock bottom price(AirAsia's staff only).

The third day of December marks a historical moment in my life. For years I've heard people saying about China, and this time, I felt privileged to be given the opportunity to operate my company's aircraft with 160 passengers on board heading towards my fourth destination, Gui Lin（桂林） in China, after Macau, Hong Kong and Shen Zhen. I heard people saying about how beautiful this city is and I really wanted to witness its beauty with my own naked eye. Unknowing it's December already, I felt colder and colder as the aircraft continue flying up northernly. And then, Christmas flashed through my mind, then snow, then...."Oh my God, it's WINTER in northern hemisphere, it's winter in China as well". I was thinking, "would there be any snow upon arrival?". Seconds later I thought "nah, it ain't north enough", means it is still below latitude 30 degree, the city lies in 25 degree latitude north. In most places, snow will appear above 30 degree latitude north or south.

As we were approaching the airport, the surface wind on ground was getting stronger and stronger, and it almost blew the aircraft to one side just before touching down. Then we landed, on the soil of mainland China. After the disembarkation of passenger, we were required to declare at the immigration counter inside the terminal. So I went out from the aircraft and I felt so cold, then I put my hands into my pocket. I could see everyone was in their winter attire already, guy wear thick jacket and lady wear boot. We, the pilot and the cabin crew were the only human came there unprepared, hahaha..... Then I went outside to enjoy the cold winter air, it's freezing out there I could sense, with the ground temparature of only 9 degree celcius. My eyes started to fill with moisture as the wind continue to blow. I couldn't take it anymore and eventually went back in the aircraft where I could get some warmth.

Then we took off again, back to KL and as we continue to fly down south, it's getting warmer and warmer and at last we touched down at this land which lies in the heart of equator, sien!! It's so damn hot here in Malaysia, though it's rainy season nowadays. I have also planned for holiday next year, and I want a "white" xmas next year, no more tropical xmas for me please. London, here I come..........................

Pride and Joy

If there was one thing in my life which I consider my pride and joy, it will definitely be my flying career. A childhood dream came true, the hardwork and effort as well as the fighting spirit throughout these years did not go in vain. Little did I know that my job is highly "sought after" until I noticed the eye full of admiration staring at me every time I walk in and out the aircraft and airport. Some people glance, some stare, and some fix their eye on me with a smile. Of course, I give them back a quick look with a smile as well. There was one time the aircraft forward lavatory was not working properly and I had no choice but to use the rear lavatory. As I walked down the aisle, all eye was on me and that kind of feeling was like, WOW! On few occasions, after the aircraft had come to complete stop and all passengers disembarked, few would remain in the cabin and asked permission to enter the cockpit just to take a quick look. When they did so, they were overwhelmed with excitement and curiosity. Some managed to snap few pics before leaving, subject to captain's approval. Some shook my hand to express their gratitude for a safe flight and smooth journey. A small little gesture it seems, but the end result could be so much different as it helps to light up one's day and thus ease some pressures.

But life is always tough my friend. What you see today is not the whole picture. People only notice the glorious and successful part of my life, but very few will take note on the bad experience and failure I had in the past. For me, everyday is a challenge, every flight is a challenge, because I need to ensure that I perform to the required level, any lack in performance is unacceptable. From time to time, I need to remain vigilant, even if it's just a short flight. At times, when shit hit the fence and you were really having a "bad hair day", you just counldn't help making a lot of mistakes in flight. You couldn't imagine what you did, you felt like, "oh crap, what was I doing, what's happening, what's wrong with me today." Then you started to feel stupid and to lesser extent, giving up. Every time when such thought crossed my mind, I felt like defeated and shattered. But then I could never forget the conversation between the father and the son in a Japanese series movie. The father, an old fisherman, told his son who is a pilot and had a car crash and thus broke his leg that "I sailed in the sea for years and I encountered countless storm. But I never give up no matter how violent the storm is, I fight with the storm and I come back home safe and sound every time. How much more are you, a bird which soars in the sky, shouldn't you be tough and courageous as well? Why are you giving up so easily when it's just a small storm of life attacking you"? Eventually, the son stood up, once again, forsaking his past and threw his clutches away. Before long, his flying career restored and he moved on.

I have so much to tell you about the hardship of becoming a pilot. But that's not what I intended to talk right now, and I believe every career field has its own hardship as well. Putting hardship aside, there were also moments which I cherish in flying. From the time you walked in to the airport terminal, some lost passengers asked for direction as they were late, some asked about how to get a taxi, all sort of people. When you're doing a long flight, 3-4 hours across the ocean and above the clouds, you feel like you are so close to mother earth, you touch the sky, you soak in rain and cloud, or mist at times. The blue sky, seems to have soothing effect, and the deep blue ocean, they seem to calm my troubled soul down. Sometimes, when you're going eastward, you're running ahead of the sun, and it shines on you and almost blind your eye. At dawn, you can see the dark earth slowly being lit up by light. Sometimes, when you're going westward, at dusk especially, you're chasing the sun, but you can never overtake her, she moves swiftly and soon you will see lots of afterglow and the sky turns orange, with some blues also visible, kinda like two colours exist in one time. And then, the night engulfs, and at once the whole earth is in total darkness.

For many, flying was regarded as luxurious and glamorous in those days. But things have certainly changed a lot in the last decade. With the introduction of low cost carrier, flying is no longer a dream too far to achieve. But still, a lot of people still haven't been on airplane before. Some of us only travel once in a year, it's like a rare opportunity, something that will only happen when the moon is blue. Quite the contrary to many people, I fly almost everyday, and for this sake, I'm thankful for what God has placed in my life, and yes, I will persevere on, no matter how steep is the road ahead!

渐渐反感

我不晓得为设么我对你有种莫名的反感，路遥知马力，日久见人心，一点也没错，相识越久就发现越多的缺点。起初还以为可以包容一切，以为那些只不过是小事而已。但事情并不是想象中那么简单，日子久了就不知不觉中产生了反感，因为一路所累积的不满已经不能储存了，我再也无法忍耐下去了。告诉你，我好像在扮演一个不是自己的角色，有时我发现我在演独角戏，觉得自己不是真实的自己，我好累阿，真得够了。。。。。。。。。。。。我不想在这样下去了，只不过是浪费时间浪费青春而已。。。。。。。。。。。

倦鸟归巢

我是真的累了，我再也没有力气走下去了。一个人的生活原来是那末寂寞，那末疲倦。我以为自己很坚强而不必靠别人，但后来才发现我真的很渺小，我真正需要的是一颗关怀我的心，一双能为我分担责任与压力的手，而最重要是能够陪我一起走过人生的喜怒哀乐。在外头流浪奔波的日子已经够了，我想我这只倦鸟是时候回巢了。

一个偶然的机会把我带回家乡，起初还很担心会不习惯，可是短短的几天，虽然是平凡的日子，但却叫人流连忘返，回味无穷。母亲的细心照顾让我从此不想再踏出家门，每一个细节都为我打理得井井有条，可说是照顾周到。以前和父亲的关系并不好，但现在的他似乎变了，即使是那区区百分之一的改变也算是一个突破。小弟们的天真无邪，他们的欢笑声至今还在我耳边荡漾。



其实，在我的生命当中母亲是我最敬佩的人。她总是默默的关心，无时无刻，不管心情好或不好，不管是刮风还是下雨。在我人生的低潮期，是母亲的鼓励与支持才让我走出生命的阴霾。我一直都很渴望能够报答父母的恩惠，但是，很多时候我都没有这个能力，钱财方面或是其他方面都好。悄悄告诉你，其实阿，我觉得自己很没用因为到了这个年纪还要他们照顾。但我相信在不久的将来我一定能够为他们做些东西。



还记得在机场的那一幕，我的心情是多么沉重。眼睛虽然没泪水，我想内心是在哭泣，百感交集。我们都清楚知道会有离别的一天，自不过这一去不知何时才返回，或许几个月后，或是半年后。家里面也肯定少了吵杂声，一切又回到原先的平静。来时匆匆，去也匆匆。



我问我自己几时才可以回去长居。我想在短期内是不会有答案，前途茫茫，不知何去何从，只能够说一句，无可奈何！前方还有漫漫长路，我希望我可以早日回家，因为我真的累了！

藕断丝连？？！！

是突然想你又还是我真放不下？

见到你的那一刻我真得很开心，

时间虽然短暂但是却印象深刻，

离别时候还真的有点依依不舍，

你告诉我说一定要好好对待她，

当你的倩影离去时我几乎哭了，

我怎么啦难道这就是藕断丝连？

A Narrow Escape

It was truly a narrow escape. I was on the verge of death. I was "this close" to death. I couldn't believe that I made it, I still cannot believe it, and I'm still feeling depressed. It was an emotional moment, to stand in the gap between the living and the dead. I thought I had fallen, yes, I did fall, but before I hit the ground hardly, God's wings extended and they were so powerful that I was carried away and was lifted to the sky. I've survived the storm, of what could have been a disaster for me had God not intervene.

It was like sailing in the middle of a violent sea with my small boat, though I was tossed, the boat did not sink, nor did it break no matter how strong the wind and wave were. I blamed God for putting me through this, I questioned Him why, why must He allow this to happen. God said, "be still, and sit still, unfurl your sail, and sail on, do not look back, do not be distracted, and do not be terrified." In the end, I reached the port, a place of refuge where the water was calm and seagulls were all over the place. The storm and wave subsided gradually, and soon, they were no longer a threat to me, for God had calmed them down.

I stepped down to the shore, my body was weak and my mind was tired. And there, I met some friends on the shore who welcomed me with open arms and broad smile. They said, "Congratulation! You did it." I told them, "no", "I don't believe what has happened". They said, "my friend, forget the past and move on, do not look back, you have already succeeded, no matter how bad your past experience was". I nodded my head, and still remain in "disbelief", for it was too good to be true. But it was a fact, and it was a MIRACLE. Praise the Lord.