30 Dec - Alvin's going home
Kiok and I were awakened by Junior’s sms at 4.30am! She has forgotten about the time difference – we are five hours behind. Kiok told me to reply her saying that “Junior, mai cha. Ah Mee teh koon!” Hahaha. I replied, but failed to go back to sleep, suffering from colic. I thought only children have that. Whining non-stop, Kiok got out of bed and handed me a bottle of medicated oil. I'm blessed with a mummy at home and a "mummy" at work. Thank God for that!
I eventually got another hour of sleep, after which I went to the gym. The two ladies who were here yesterday morning weren’t around, though the two Japanese guys were already on the treadmills.
Kiok was already up when I went upstairs. She was calling the travel agency back home. Alvin will be on the next available flight back. The next thing I know, my mobile rang. Knowing its Erquan, I just went “I know, so what you want me to do?”
Apparently he had a lot of things to hand over, which he will as soon as the flight is confirmed. He would announce the news at IBC when everyone’s around. And since it has become a fact that Alvin will be going home, we just have to double up or even triple up and prayed that all goes well for the show. We all gathered at the work benches outside the main panel just before the BIG announcement. Alvin started taking pictures around our booth. I wondered what went on in his mind right now.
Kiok and I were quite happy with the accommodation and food here. We had initially thought that food is going to cost a lot on this trip. But in the end, the food court pricing in City Centre is reasonable and we could get a free meal at IBC. That very much settled our food problem. Now, my main headache is the heat emitted by the machines at the panel. Are we getting fans?
With the IBC located so near P9, we were all starting to plan to walk to and fro the IBC daily. That would free up the two cars for the producers who are doing ENG coverage. And since Alvin is going home, I guess I won’t be going out after all. So much for asking me to cover cue sports??!!
Thinking that the culprit to my stomach problem could be eggs, I decided to take out eggs in my diet from today onwards.
Upon reaching the IBC, I continued with my graphics at Clarity. Alvin wanted medal tally to stop only when we see Singapore. God! That meant doing logo fonts for 45 flags! Trust me, it was a painful process that I hope i don't have to go through again. And with the temperature in the room heating up, I had to use “Cool-It”.
Lunch was with Alvin at the IBC, together with Prem and Kiok. Alvin was very worried about leaving us behind. We were already very short on manpower, and without the editor, I don’t know what’s going to happen. Throughout lunch, he briefed me on a lot of stuff and I think a third of what he told me couldn’t get into my head. I was already overwhelmed with information. Kiok insisted I took a picture with Gou Gou before he goes home.
Simon, Jusri, Halid, Rabi, Ghandi, Dollah started to assembled at the work area after lunch. It was time for the big announcement. But the question on everyone's mind was, "Are you coming back?" Well, he wasn't sure. It all depends on his father's condition and Ah Gong's decision. Prem and Vivian will be taking over Today At the Games (TAG). I will do the Live Belt with Biao Shu. As for his share of events, it will be split among us. He will be handing his laptop, handphone that contained the SIM card from SSC and money.
Still not being able to accept the truth, I said I will only be safekeeping these stuff for him for three days. He had better come back after three days. Kiok too, mirrored my thoughts. His hands were tied, and he too, hoped that he would come back as that would mean his dad is fine.
Later at the IBC, we all had fun disturbing Biao Shu about his “too tight” t-shirt. Kiok said Biao shu is looking more and more like Aunty Gan, and I went like “yah, very soon, you will be needing bras!”
I was talking to Junior when Reg called about the interview. Cutting our conversation short, I completed the interview in the next 15 minutes. Soon, my stress level went up. I have to get this colour story out soon.
Later in the evening, Kiok and I sent Alvin off. I didn’t realise that I have become so dependent on him. He’s like the big brother who will always keep an eye on me. When the sense of helplessness hit me, added onto the stomach problems that I haven’t been able to get rid, I actually cried.
I will be doing the Opening Ceremony with Biao Shu. Not sure if he will be more stress than me or the other way round. The Games start tomorrow and we’ll be counting down for the next 15 days.
I need to seek solance from my angel.
Kiok, Vivian and I made a trip into the EP's apartment, Rm 2101. Kiok took some hangers and they both went off with a pillow each. Kiok hid the hangers in "HER" pillow. While we were in the lift, I told them I would pretend that I don't know them if anyone comes in.
