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Photo 1&2 with Glasgow friends; Photo 3 with travel friends; Photo 4 with Davide; Photo 5 with Alan

2009 (below)  | 2008  | 2007  | 2006  | 2005  | 2004

December 2009 : Happy New Year

Well the year is almost drawing to a close so what has been the highlight of my year?

The most important moments have been captured here on my homepage including Judy & Gordon's wedding, Poland Stag Weekend, Thailand, Brighton and my incredible Surprise Party!

Thank you for all the lovely gifts! Alan got me an amazing digital SLR camera! Alan's parents for the Camera add-on and Clarin's Men Set; Lokman, thank you for the lovely Marc Jacobs t-shirt and wallet; Raych, Phan, Romain and Tomasz for the SuperSuper t-shirt, and Danny & Matthew for the Lush Happy Bathday set. Cheers!

Its been a year of London life, Muji life, and Desperate Housewives.

Whilst I've had an amazing year, I'll be looking to making some changes in the year ahead.

I've made new friends, learned who my real friends are, and have dealt with some minor disappointments. But don't we all?

Life is short, but life is sweet, lets make the most of it.

Happy New Year!

26 September 2009 : Goodnight & Goodbye

The last few days before you travel are always great, the anticipation on my trip to Thailand finally begins to take shape. Tomorrow is the big day. Rollback 24 hours before and I'm currently preparing my rucksack. I don't know what to take, I don't have much so far, just a few T's and shorts.

Today I met up with Lokman, was a lovely day, the sun was shining, birds singing.. I was having a sandwich at the Seven Dials when a gay couple and their dog sat next to me. They were on their first date - I was listening. The dog wanted my food and I was stroking it, it was so cute! The owner was saying sorry and started talking. I think I gatecrashed their date. Owner was older than the young guy - who looked puny. Well I decided to leave as I was due to meet Lokman. I was after his advice on changing money, but it turned out to be an affair - a shopping affair! There was that much-needed retail therapy, we hit Oxford Street. After changing money in M&S - exchange rate was a disappointing 49 Thai Baht to the £ (65 Thai Baht in 2004/6), we head towards the newly open 2 floor Topman! I played Gok Wan and picked a lovely Burgundy blazer jacket for Lokman, it was different to his usual colours of navy and navy. It worked wonders, Lokman was a blaze with warmth.. very autumny/wintery, and trendy look. We even had strangers complimenting - job done! Also, I need to put note that a lovely lady thought I'd wear XS clothes (please do not comment). The shop had recently been refurbished and we were really impressed by it. The quality of the clothes seem and feel alot better. I was strong enough to stop myself, I seen a few tops I wanted. The colours this season is Navy and Burgundy.

So Alan's been in China for nearly a week, I can't wait to hear what he's been up to. I got a text from him the other day, he seen a mother with a cute Chinese baby, he said he wanted to adopt. (If you're reading this, please don't kill me) Shanghai has changed alot since he lived and teached there in 2005.

I'll be meeting him in Bangkok, unless he runs off with a Thai boy!

22 September 2009 : Dinner For One

So Alan left for Shanghai today, we took the bus together to Covent Garden where he got on the tube to Heathrow. As soon as he walked through the barriers and into the lift, I realised I was still carrying one of his bags - the one with the passport! So I quickly ran back, scanning my Oyster card and bolted down the stairs (195 to be exact). It felt like it was going for ages, I was panicking he'd jump on a train without noticing. As soon as I reached the last few steps, I shouted for Alan. I ran around and later found Alan coming back. He only realised when he heard me. The whole thing could have been worse, I ended up sending him off in the platform, how romantic, haha.

So I'm back home, dinner for one, the flat somewhat feels quiet - there is absolute silence. I've been reading up the Lonely Planet for my forthcoming trip to Thailand (not long now). I can't wait to return to my favourite country. The plan is to stop off in bustling Bangkok, then visit previously unseen sites such as Pattaya. We also have ambitious plans to visit Burma (Myanmar) but only if we can schedule this. I'll be making the most of Thai Massages and sunbathing on the white sand, crystal clear, beaches - paradise!

I got a 'wee' plain journal from Stanford's (travel bookshop) today, I hope to do some writing which I failed dramatically during my travels, it'll be a nice little read in the future. I still laugh when I read back at my trip in India, I sounded like a pussy (see for yourself).

3 September 2009 : Launching The Next Step

In an attempt to recognize more in my life, I've recently started work on my new company. Its still early stages at the moment and the name of my business is still kept under wraps. Atleast this helps me to be creative and achieve a little something in which I enjoy doing. There is no dead-end job.

Just under a month now until I fly to Thailand. Under all the gloom atleast I have something to look forward to. Alan flies to China a week before and I will be meeting him in Bangkok Airport when I arrive. That is unless he decides to run off with some Thai boy.

Sunday was supposed to be a relaxing day with me working on my new project, however, the net was out and I quickly grew bored. A short text to Romain and we quickly got a few drinks in Vauxhall. Its amazing how things can change in a matter of seconds, sometimes by impulse. You have to get out of that normal routine and live a bit differently. Variety is the spice of life.

I'm liking the new Kylie video for forthcoming Bollywood movie 'Blue'. Watch a short clip of 'Chiggy Wiggy' on my homepage.

Thanks to everyone for signing my Guestbook, its a pleasure to know that there are people visiting my site. I'm planning some changes to co-inside with my new business and that may mean the dissapearance of Phili.co.uk or be it replaced by a similiar web address.

p.s. Guestbook Reply : Rickaaayy, for you only, I have decorated the homepage with photos of you and I'm sure there'll be more in the future.. the Asian sandwich, I'm sure we can work something out;)

19 August 2009 : Escape, My Quick Trip Back Home

On Sunday night, I decided to make a quick, last minute booking for my very short trip back home - the following day.

After work, I quickly made my journey to London City Airport. However, this was not to be a smooth journey, but for entirely the opposite. The DLR was f***ed, it stopped for ages between stops - people had planes to catch! I jumped off in Poplar and ended up running all the way to West India Quay, only because there was no bus on sight, despite the DLR cancelling all trips to the airport. We were advised to make alternative travel arrangements. Crossing the bridge over the highway, the sun beating down on me, I was pretty sure I had to act quick - so I had to take a flippin' black cab - outside the Cineworld!

After the £12 journey, I checked in - atleast by now nothing can come in my way. I got through customs and everything seemed smooth until I got a phonecall. Ah.. MUJI! Well, not exactly! Danny had tried to call. I got a phone call from Margarita - she sounded stressed - long story short - I had her keys, so she was on her way to the airport. I actually wasn't stressed by this time, I had atleast an hour to spare. I had to get myself out of Departures. After a while, I was relieved and indeed happy to see Margarita - kinda lightened my day. She was there for a while to send me off - during then we just chilled and got a photo taken - that was very sweet.

BA served Bangers & Mash! I didn't expect hot food on the flight. So things did turn out smoother in the end.

My trip back home was short but sweet, I wanted to catch up with family. I only had one full day so it didn't feel enough. In the end, I didn't want to leave. Saying goodbyes felt alot harder, I wonder when I'll see them again. I just wish I could be there for them at the same time.

So my way back to London (already) felt sombre. I was/am depressing myself. Journey from the airport was dire - why can't a city like London run a decent transport system? Back home (London) I am faced with a mountain of mess. And, I am not looking forward to work. Yes, its all down from here, until the weekend.

p.s. Just wanted to add that Ismail's Birthday Party was nice. Great Host, tasty meal, lovely company, I felt really relaxed, in the company of beautiful, lovely people. Thanks alot Ismail and John.

9 August 2009 : Thailand, Five Years Later

Abit like last season's Desperate Housewives (which I've dearly missed), Alan and I will be jetting of to Thailand, five years on. This will be my third time.. I know what everyones thinking - again?! Everyone should know how much I love this paradise. White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, you just have to look at my pictures.

Flight tickets have been booked. We're planning a slight change to our itenary this time round, we want to explore new areas - Pattaya, and maybe even Burma. We will however, return to lovely Phuket, its like my second home!

So that leaves me just under two months to tone up for a beach body - will I succeed? or will I give in to temptation of Tesco Finest Chocolate Sundae?  Either way, I've been trying to be a bit healthier but need to get my ass to the gym.

It all sounds fun, fun, but lately, I've been feeling somewhat stressed. Its just worrying thoughts about the future. I've learnt its better to talk to friends about this rather than just building it up. Alan has been my rock - I just don't want to be too much of a disappointment.

So its been over a month since my last update, what else has happened I hear you say. There was Brighton Pride which I missed - there's too many Prides and I just couldn't be assed - the weather was shite and I guess I was in my depressing self. Had a nice day in London though, wandering around Victoria to Oxford Street.

There was Corey's Toga/Birthday Party, dancing with ghetto boys in Embankment and plenty of drinks in Covent Garden, other than that its been work, work, work.

So I've finally joined Twitter - as you can see there is a new Twitter status box on the homepage - this means you get up to the minute info on my daily life. Since I'm a bit slow in updating my blog, you will now be updated regularly on my movements, ie. when I sleep, when I'm on the bus, my thoughts on the stupid bus driver.. so on, you get the drift. Follow me on Twitter.

28 June 2009 : Sunshine.. Moonlight.. Good times..

I'm sweating as I type this, its 10:16pm, windows open and yet there's very little breeze outside. Quite calm. Quiet.

Its been a great week of Sunshine, we kicked off our Summer Solstice in Brighton last week, and boy have we got many photos to show you!

Also, a trip is never complete unless I'm there filming away - so I did just that. Watch the new Babewatch video I made, I spent alot more time and effort than the last one (Sushi Party - sorry guys). It was a great day, the weather got better by the day and we all got sunburnt!

On Friday after work, myself, Raych and Romain went out for a few drinks with Alan. We needed it after a long shitty week. Afterwards, we found ourselves in Trafalgar Square where tribute were paid to the late Michael Jackson. I still can't believe I'm typing this. It's surreal, Michael Jackson - dead. We all have something to say, we all have great memories. We have lost the King of Pop, but he will always be remembered. His music will forever be played - if not even more. R.I.P. Michael.

11 June 2009 : Fit But Not As You Know It

I've been going to the gym alot more - as a means to beat depression. Okay, I wouldn't call it depression but its something to do afterhours despite how rediculously tired I get after work.

I'd like to say I've changed, but I guess its a gradual phase. I'm going to train myself harder, especially to fit in with the environment - and what a hot environment that is.

Tomz away to Poland and we threw a lovely Sushi party at his house last week. It was nice to have all the girls (inc. Romain). Alan was all red - like Asian red - did he drink too much?

I've just spotted a photo of Romain and I must say I did a great job in cutting his hair. The feedback has been great. I will post photos up soon. I think I could make a living out of this.

Yes, I am a man of many talents.

Quote of the Month - By Phan

"I saw those big sausages in Tesco's and it reminded me of you"

Nice one Phan, nice one..

27 May 2009 : 4 Years

From Glasgow to London its been four years since I met Alan - we'll be celebrating along the River Thames!

So its just over a week since Judy & Gordon's wedding and the photos just keep coming in! Saying this, I decided to film the event (since everyone was taking pictures). Both Wedding and Stag videos are now up and running. The Wedding video alone has received over 100 viewings for the first week!

Judging by everyones posts, its seems most of us are homesick. Indeed, once again we leave our loved ones, our home, our roots. But its being away from it all that builds up such emotions. And, being away makes us learn from our mistakes.

The weekend brought the warmest weather I've experienced in London. I decided to go sunbathing in St James Park with Romain who was 1 hour and 40 mins late! I've got quite a tan as a result.

Now go watch the videos, they're class!

22 May 2009 : Soong To Be / The Wedding / Polska / Glasgow

After a week's break, it's life as usual in London. Gordon & Judy tied the knot on Tuesday (19 May) at the prestigious Dalmeny Castle in Barrhead, Scotland. It's been eight years since they first laid eyes on one another and how marvellous it was to witness one of those important days in our lives.

The Stag Do took place in Krakow, Poland; which after alot of drinking, we still got to visit alot of touristic sites as well as sampling the local cuisine. It was great pleasure to reunite with some old buddies from Scotland, it is rare these days that we see one another but everytime we do unite, there is that bond that made us all friends in the first place.

I dedicate the following video to Judy & Gordon, congratulations and I hope you like it - J&G Wedding in Ten Mins

Coming Soon - The Stag Do Video, Wedding Photos and Poland photos.

28 April 2009 : "Chinese" to Takeaway

I've been avoiding my local takeaway, not only for health reasons, but the number of times the owners have tried to set me up with some girl from China (no doubt for a VISA)!

On my 'last' visit - which you'll see why, they tried to take my mobile number. My quick thinking lead to, "my mobile is back home and I don't know the number, next time!"

Throughout my torturing 20 min wait, I was dreading someone would call or text me. I could not switch off my phone, I was grilled with questions!

Why not tell them the truth? Next time I will say I've met someone. I just hope they won't spit or put poison in my food, that is if I ever return to this joint.

5 April 2009 : Question My Existence

My mum phoned me the other day, she warned me not to take part in the G20 protests. Infact, it was her second reminder, she was very convinced I'd join! Bless.

Its been abit of a burdening moment for me. Certain aspects of the week have triggered my thoughts about my life now and in the future.

I feel angry at times.. unappreciated, failure, pointless. What have I got to offer? What are my achievements?

Those are questions that I find difficult to answer. When somebody questions me, I take it as criticism and I do not take it likely. Perhaps I'm just going through a phase, a mid-life crisis at 27, or just realising in reality that I've done nothing that I'm proud of.

I know I've bought this up myself. So I've only got myself to blame.

I cherish my family and my closest friends. People who oversee my weakness and my faults. This is just a rough edge.

16 February 2009 : Relax

Guys, you've waited long enough, the Chinese New Year video is finally - here!

So the question is, did I get my Valentines card? Well, considering I never got my Birthday card, no, zilch, nada! Instead I spent Valentines in Vauxhall! We tried out Fire to see what everyone was raving about. Unfortunately, the place was shite. Full of addicts, like the ones who suggested. Lol!

Dwayne dropped by, and hopefully he enjoyed it. I was probably a shit host.

10 January 2009 : Another Night In The Cold

Whilst you read this in the warmth of your room, spare a thought for poor Alan and I who have to put up with another night in our flat in the freezing cold! It's been a shitty week, my life has gone from dull to duller not helped from my long-term cold. I was looking forward to the weekend but instead I shall be spending my Saturday in what feels like an igloo. Not even with telly. Atleast there's internet.

6 January 2009 : First Week of New Year

What a week its been? I'm still not well, think I have a 'new' flu on the way.. thanks Muji. Alan is out at some "guy's" house so I'm going to bore you with my life to date.

So here it goes, I seen a pair of Adidas trainers on Sale at JD Sports, Westfield, but they didn't have my size! Which I must boast, a UK size 11, though I'm ussually a 10 max. "I had to have it!!" so the following day I made it into the JD in Oxford Street, none, then Whiteleys, none, then until all hope fails, the shop in High Street Kensington had my size!! I was chuffed!! Never before have I been so attached to a pair of trainers let alone do a tour of all JD Sport stores in London.

The New Year has arrived therefore new resolutions. I am going to get fit for summer, just like all the previous years. However, someone pointed out that I should think about my future/career. Now that paints alot of questions. In a way, I have more things to worry about.