This hobby.... is it for you?

This is an interesting article. I don't really trust online researches these days but having a hobby does make one happier. And I'm not just referring to Gunpla. It could be anything you like to do. It just has to be something you enjoy doing and derive satisfaction from it. You don't even have to be good at it as long as you spend quality time.

Coming back to this hobby, yeah it's a lot of fun. I have been doing the same thing for over a decade now and I have never felt bored once. To me, picking up that pair of nippers was perhaps one of the best decisions I made in my life. It has been wonderful trip and I am still raring to go everyday.

Over the years, I made a lot of friends from different countries. Language was a barrier but Gunpla brings all of us together regardless of our backgrounds and cultures. Some eventually become my buddies.

But like any thing we do, there is always a flip side that we have to deal with. Why? Because we are still dealing with people after all. Online, we encounter all sorts of people. But the type I despise most are trolls. They do nothing but create trouble. They seek to disrupt your momentum and waste your time. They are not in this for the hobby, they just want to stir shit (to put it simply).

Best thing you can do, walk away. And work on Gunpla. Devote your time, effort and creative energies on making something awesome. Serve the community by inspiring and enriching them with your work, ethics and energy. My contribution may be insignificant. But if everyone chips in and do their part, you will be surprised how fast the community will grow and flourish.

NO. I am not in this for the likes, fame, glory or whatever you think it is. I'm in this simply because I enjoy what I am doing. I want people to enjoy this hobby just like me.

So ask yourself again, what are you doing with Gunpla today?

Read More

Admit - Embrace - Let it go

I know today is my day. But I am just not in that celebratory mood at all. This is because there are too many tragedies around me. I was with a friend this week whose wife passed on in the most tragic of circumstances. Good friends getting sick, messed up and all. It's like every corner you turned, something bad is bound to happen.

Sometimes, I hope I can actually help people rather than just offer words of advice and consolation. And I admit I am not good at that as well.  I certainly wish for some powers where I can go back in time and put things right. And sometimes, I wish I didn't exist at all. No more sadness, disappointments and all those tears.   

I write this because I want you all to know this; when you think you are down in the slums and life is a bitch, there is someone out there who is having it worse than you, tenfold. Life is so unpredictable and full of uncertainties. I really missed the friends I lost touch. And the guiding light of my life that was snuffed out and taken away from me when I'm still trying to be my own man. 

Some scars are not meant to be healed. There are there to serve as reminders of how strong you were and how far you have came. Everybody will get hurt one way or another. But it's how we learn and recover from it that makes us who we are today. 

Over time, I learned three ways, Admit, Embrace and Let it go. Admit that there is a problem or something happened. Embrace it with open arms, acknowledge the problem. Then meet it head on. And lastly, Let it Go. Once you admit and embrace the issue, there is nothing much for you to do bit to move on. So let it go. There is only one way to go from there, that is forward. Time waits for nobody. Even the strongest bond can be broken if you are determined enough. 

So instead of me receiving presents today, how about I give you all something in return? 

     ...................        Admit - Embrace - Let it go    ...................

Read More

To blog or not to?

Yes. That has been the question that has been bugging me for the longest time. Facebook has changed everything. They have make it so easy for me to upload photos, write and place links at a click that I practically post everything there. And then I can do it on my mobile phone or desktop. 

But I started with blogging. My whole legacy is here. I went back to read my first post in 2006 till today. It was nostalgic and a wonderful trip back memory lane. This blog is practically my diary. It's my joys, disappointments, despairs all rolled into one. And the occasional skirmishes. There are life lessons I learnt. It was never about the hobby itself. It was a record of my journey as a modeler, a friend, a dad and a husband. It's things that are closer to my heart. Come to think of it, I had lot of fun. 

Through blogging, I made lots of friends. And when I learnt that I can inspire people to come onto this hobby, I was thrilled. Because I can make a difference in this hobby. Nothing beats that. 

So now, the all important question. Should I continue to blog? 

I got his feeling that the question has been answered above :) 

Read More

How long will I love you?

Mother's day came and gone. That night, I kept holding on to the photo. I ask myself, "how long?" How long do I have to carry this burden? The burden of losing someone dear. I been keeping myself busy to starve off these moments, making them few and far in between.

But you know, sometimes, just sometimes, you have to face the reality. 

So how long will I love you mum? As long as I don't have to lose you.

Read More

Memories

I walked past the store. And this lady peeked over the counter. "Noodles for you, young boy?" I looked up and thought that she came back. She resembled someone I miss dearly.

Read More

CHOICES...

"GET A LIFE" Yeah, you heard it. I'm beginning to ponder have I devoted too much time and energy for this hobby? And after 10 years, I am beginning to wonder, "what did I achieve?" Well, I wasn't really aiming for anything when I started out,  it's purely enjoyment and it keeps me sane in this crazy city life.

Read More

There she goes again...

It has been a long time since she came to me in my dreams. I was just thinking about her the other day. So caught up with life that I have little time for her. Come of think of it, maybe I have moved on (whatever that means)... Well until last night.

Read More

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura - Day 5.5 (3 November 2012)

Day 5.5

Good news and bad news. Good news is I can be discharged today. The bad news is my platelet has not increased since the last check. Considering my extremely low blood platelet count, doc told me that there are risks involved if I want to be discharged. But I reckon that it will be months later before the platelets go up to acceptable levels. That is one risk I have to take. Prolonged stay here may in fact, make my condition worse(if you get what I mean) LOL. 

Well, I'm still pondering I should jump right back to complete this monster. Anyway, it looks like a kitten now compared to Waylander's entry. At least I have the luxury to consider my next move. And I will take my time doing that. 

Will see how things unfold the next few days.... 

Read More

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura - Day 5 (2 November 2012)

Day 5

Another awful night, I am not sure I am here to recuperate or suffer. My "neighbor" was pretty restless last night, creating a din. Phew... And to add insult to injury, another "new uncle on the block" blatantly smoked on his bed and I was looking all over the ward for the source and didn't even realize it was from my room. He is one ninja i must say. Anyway he was caught later and told off. But at 5.30am, I was awoken by the stench of cigarette smell in the air. I had enough. I complained to the staff nurse and ask her to either remove his cigarette pack or him. 

Doc will check me tomorrow and if my platelet is on a upward trend, I may have some good news. Keeping my fingers crossed. I can't wait to put this hell behind me. 

 I continue to work on the Red Horn today. Managed to complete the whole body. Four legs and I will be done tomorrow. Looks like I need my wife to bring Dark Horn on as well. 

These few days of enforced rest was good. I have been caught in the rat race for so long that I lost touch of my inner self. Time to take a step back and assess my life. Family, Work and Passion. Usually, the three don't mixed. And it is tough to achieve a balance as well. I admit I am too absorbed and obsessed with my hobby and I need to pull out before I get burned out. But to be frank, it's my interaction with certain people that really "burned" me than the actual hobby itself. Anyway, I am going to leave that behind me. 

First step to recuperation is to spend more time with my family. You can't turn back the clock you know.... Before you know it, your kids are all grown up and you never really get to know them. That would be terrible. 

Well... yawnnn...talk more tomorrow... enough excitement for today. 

Read More

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura - Day 4 (1 November 2012)

Day 4

I did get some decent sleep today. Perhaps I tire myself too much for the past three days. Well, doc came in this morning and said there was a increase of platelet count to 5000 which was pretty insignificant. I told him even if it's only 50 points, I'm already happy. At least it increases. My wife was pretty happy about the news. 

Today, I worked a little longer on the Red Horn. Assembly is definitely more complex and fittings are pretty tight as well. The details are very intricate and complex. I really like what I am seeing so far... 

Read More

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura - Day 3 (31 October 2012)

Day 3 

I think i slept less than 3 hours. The effects of the steroids are kicking in making me very alert and at the same time, denying me sleep. That would be ideal for me if I was working on my GBWC project. 

Today, there are good news. The Specialist explained that my Platelet level had dropped to 3000 from 7000. At least it didn't plummet to 0. I supposed that's the good news. Anyway, it's fairly obvious. One small prick on my hand resulted in a huge bruise. An early discharge seems impossible. 

Read More

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura - Day 2 (30 October 2012)

Day 2.

Didn't get much sleep. A noisy neighbor who kept me up the whole night. Now I feel worse than before. But it can't be helped. Bed-ridden and possibly after a stroke, what do you expect that poor man to do? And that is the least of my concerns now. 

Well, no spitting of blood for today which is a good sign although more red spots appeared. That is to be expected. I am experiencing some back aches and a mild but dull headache too. Nothing  I can do about it.  Being a workaholic, I can't stand not doing anything. 

My hands became to itch into the second day of "idleness". I gave my wife a call and told her I needed medication, urgently. So she dropped by with the remedy during lunch time. Boy, am I glad. At least now I will be pre-occupied for the next few days. Provided I don't cut myself and bleed like nobody business LOL.. 

Read More

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura - Day 1 (29 October 2012)

The moment I saw the whole basin went red after I rinsed and spit out the water, I know something is not right. I took a quick look at my arms and true enough, little red spots everywhere. I told my wife I won't be working today and need to seek treatment immediately.

I packed some stuff and before heading out, sat in front of my GBWC entry for awhile. "Looks like I'm going to have to sit this one out." It's kinda suck with the finishing line in sight. All the effort and sleep I sacrificed have all come to nothing. 

Come to think of it, things have not been going well for the past two-three weeks. First my daughter had stomach flu and was hospitalized. And the following day, I had to sent my dad to the A&E Department for a very bad flu. After that hectic three days, I came down with flu myself and was effectively out the whole week. And when things look to be back to normal, my uncle was warded. I have not seen him for quite some time and was shocked when I visited him. He had withered a lot. I know it was a matter of time. 

(He passed away this afternoon when I was been admitted into the hospital.)

Read More

Toymaker goes Japan!

Yes! Like what  the title says, I'm going to Japan tonight! My last trip there was 10 years ago. So I am pretty excited about it. 

Being a Gunpla hobbists, I am like returning to the motherland of Gundams. I will visit as many hobby stores as possible over the span of 8 days. Mission: to research what makes our Japanese counterparts tick? Looking at completed models on magazine help very little. But seeing them  up close and personal will put things in perspective! Hopefully, I will find the breakthrough that I have been seeking for a while now. 

Well, I am going to indulge myself with the local delicacies and gorged myself to death! And I am going to visit this! 

So expect to see lots of pics one week from now. Woohoo...!!!!!

Read More

New Year, New Storage!

This problem has been bugging me for quite some time. Storage. I ran out of space in my workshop at home. And I have been stacking those boxes in every nook and cranny I can find in the house. But I think I had enough. All it took was one call and I got these gentlemen to bring my solution to me, more racks!!! 

The 12 feet long rack is not going to fit into my room. So I had them installed in my living room instead. With my wife's blessings of course! Needless to say, I am a happy boy all over again. More storage translate to more Gundams for me! 

Thank to you all brothers! 

Read More

A good cause

All of you all should know what happened to Japan recently. Hit by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and then ravaged by the tsunami, they are now coping with the risk of radiation from the nuclear reactors. For most of them, life can never be the same. 

Here, we feel for them and want to help. From fund raising events to donation drives, everyone is doing their part. This is very encouraging to see. 

The gruesome images and footage I seen for the past few weeks prompted me to write this post. I felt sorry for my Japanese friends and at the same time, count myself lucky that I do not have to face the wrath of Mother Nature, at least not at this moment. 

Likewise, Joyce and the rest of the guys at Hobby Art Gallery were deeply affected by what they seen in the news. Hence, she decided to chip in to help too. 

Hobby Art Gallery has targeted to raise S$10,000.00 as relief fund. To reach that target, they are:-

1. Pledging 10% of their sales proceed to the fund;

2. Full amount for the sale of completed model kits donated by various modelers; 

3. Full amount of sale of limited models. 

More details are on their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/HobbyArtGallery

Not to be outdone, I have given HAG the following works to raise funds.  

Kampfer Kanji 

Read More

Just not meant to be...

A few days ago, I wrote about this friend of mine who had brain hemorrhage. On Tuesday, she succumbed to the illness. It was all too sudden. We couldn't accept it. Someone so young and full of promise just gone like this. You know life is so unpredictable. I was at the wake earlier to pay my respects and when I saw the baby girl, my heart just sank. What will become of a child without the love of her mother? Life is going to be tough for this little one. But I can't imagine the incredible burden that falls on her father's shoulders now. I wish them all the best.

Suddenly I feel that it is not worth to slog my whole life. My earnings are not much but I know I am contented. Just now, my son was asking me for his seventh Nerf Gun. I was like "what the heck! buy loh... money keep so much also no point..." I think my son totally agrees with my philosophy lol.

"To Judy, you may have left the stage, but you will always be remembered for all the good things you have done and the lives you have touched. Take a well deserved rest and may we meet again in the future."

Always...

Kenny

Read More