A DECADE LOOKBACK

Everyone Happy New Year!!! It's already 2010 gosh how time flew. I've just passed my 5 months mark in Gamuda Water and beginning to feel the motion of work already. I'm sorry I was unable to update my blog.....was seriously tied down with lots of audit work and also camps (you know my usual Decembers haha). Anyway was told off by some of my readers that they want me to update so here I am finally able to breathe for a moment before my gear shifts in again. I have been reading a lot of blogs and articles lately, and most of them talked about looking back into the past decade to reflect on it. Pastor Jazz actually sent me an email this morning stating that we need to look at our past to help us look ahead in the future. So because of that (and because I have time) will list down past events from 2000 - 2009 that really shaped me and moulded me (Imagine fading and dream music)

2000
SPM year....gosh that was 10 years ago? I still remembered not doing too well for my trials cause I was still busy with the school band at that time. But thank God I manage to score during the real exams. Haha funny moment was when Ho Yi (my bestest best friend) fell asleep during the English paper. He was snoring...sorry Ho Yi haha. Another memorable event was right after SPM, a day after actually, I was admitted to the hospital and tada my appendix needed to come out. I was in the hospital for about 1 week because my appendix rupture. Haha but that didn't stop me from going for youth camp which turned out to be quite traumatic because I had to had my stitches removed due to infection. I know ouch!!!

2001
The start of form 6. Was in the best class ever....go LSS3!! The only class that has a maths teacher who would ask you to sleep if you found his class boring (culprit number 1 here..lol). Was part of the school play and realised my potential in singing, acting, dancing and directing (would you believe that?). The other big thing that happened was when I was elected as deputy head prefect by the school. A surprising post to get but it helped me to shape who I am today. Had my heart broken because got rejected (my first rejection..wakaka) and of course stayed friends with her until now. Another big event that year was my first exposure to the whole La Sallian family. Was asked to become the Head of delegate for SMI to attend the 11th Nationals LaSallian Leaders' Convention. Something that I have devoted my life to for the last 9 years and maybe for more years to come. Oh yes and I finally passed my piano exams with flying colours.....of course with the help of my super strict teacher lol.

2002
A year to remember. STPM!!! The most excruitating and sleepless nights exam that anyone could face. I remembered when I took the exams, I couldn't sleep and by the final few papers I got sick and really sick until couldn't really do the paper. I got pretty good grades in the end. Really thank God for His grace on that matter. At home, things were not looking too good. I had my fair shares of arguments with my dad and almost we've had the worst falling out. In December 2002, Pastor Jazz took me out from my home and off I went to KL to find a job and I thank her for that because my dad and I had time to be away from each other and we began to miss each other's presence and until now our relationship is solid. I worked as an administrator for her church and worked as a part time salesman for Fajar. Although I was there for 4 months right until April 2003, I felt it was like 4 years cause I've learned so much from Pastor and her Uncle Tom. Lessons which still affect my daily decisions.

Actually this whole year I devoted it to relationships. By that time, I've realised that there were fake friends and true friends. Fake friends are those who wants things from you but end up ditching you after they have achieved their goal. True friends are those who sticks with you till the end. I also had my first falling out with a friend and up till now, he refuses to speak to me although I have had tried my best to apologize and also mend things. I've also came to learn about myself, how bossy I can get and how sometimes I say the wrong things to people.

2003
USM USM!! that's right, I've started university and where I've met my new 'family'....my CF :) I can still remember the many seniors who have made so much impact in my life. Christina, Kah Ling, Jonathan, Felix, Siou Lian, Loon Choong and many more. It was also the year, I fell into depression and also had bad spiritual attacks. But it was that same year, that God spoke to me through different individuals and confirmed that He has a purpose for me in USM KKj. 2003 also gave me a big brother....Jonathan Chai who still is my big brother. He really took care of me and also gave me the spiritual teaching that has shaped my life. This same year I met another person who has become another of my best friend in university. Thiam Leng aka Tai Lo!! I still remember how we met, on a car travelling to a senior's house for orientation and he became my translator for the whole night. From that day onwards, we were buddies and of course who can forget the 3rd party in our relationship, Chau Lan. Both of them were my best buds during my undergraduate years and we still are best buds. Miss you guys a lot!!

This same year brought me to another 'family'. My business family. GAMUDA! I thank God that He gave me a scholarship so that my parents won't need to worry about my financial needs in uni.

Another highlight of the year was when I met Kenny aka Papa Bear. Kenny was and still is my inspiration. It's so hard to find people who sacrifice their time and effort doing the things they love. I'm grateful and thankful that I'm able to meet him and also open my eyes to so many possibilities in life and of course introducing me to the Singapore gang which I will talk later.

2004
Worked in La Salle Centre for about 2 months during my semester break. Then gave myself a treat to go Singapore. This was the same year I fell in love with the tiny island. People still ask me if you love it so much go work there but you see I don't want to associate work with Singapore. It is still my retreat place, my parmenie, my rest.

A big highlight of the year was chosen to represent Malaysia in Hong Kong for the Asia Pacific LaSallian Youth Congress. And there I met Paolo aka Pao Pao, Wei Yang aka Yang Yang and Eddy aka Eddy chai. 3 of my buddies in Singapore who still are. In Hong Kong also got to strengthen my relationships with some fellow Malaysian delegates, Richard, Yee Ling and also Vinesh. After the whole Congress, I knew that my life in the LaSallian family will not stop and had fueled even more passion for me to be active in the family.

2005
By then Jonathan had left USM and before he left he told me to find a younger brother to take care and may the tradition continue. So I made 2005 a mission for me to find a younger brother. Of course things were not easy cause I couldn't find someone whom I can click very well and was down because I couldn't fulfill Jon's mission for me. Haha but don't be sad cause 2006 did bring someone but will share on that later.

2005 was also the year my life took a drastic turn. I went to Camp Cameron 2005 where God spoke to me very clearly about His plans for me. I was at that time feeling stagnant with my relationship with Him and found it strange that so much so I thought I am alone without God. But God gave me a word..STOP AARON you're moving too fast!! Profound words right? Here is also where I've met my greatest grandparents, Kim Cheng and Joshua Johnson. Not forgetting my crazy uncle, Chun Chung. The 3 of them helped me through my decisions in life and also up till now, I still value their inputs and sharings. Of course my CC family, Go NERITON, Papa Gerry, Mama Chor Yan, Da Jie, Er Jie Leena, Flo Mui, Ah Kong, Siew Fong Mui, Lin Da Mui, Ann Mui, Chai Ying Mui and of course Ah Boy Cheffrost. 3 weeks for us was like an eternity as we became so close as a family.

My yearly visits to Singapore also led me to find a new friend. Xian Yi aka XY! Funny thing we've only chat for 2 days and we clicked so fast. Up till today he is still my abang!! And I'm glad to have met him

2006
*phew* getting long dee haha. 2006 was a year of many many decisions and of course many God given people. First of all was the brother I talked about. This fella was already a junior in my CF however, I never got to talk to him cause he was very very quiet. Actually he said the same thing about me, thought I talk to much -_- However it took a camp to really open our eyes and hearts to each other. And therefore I became a big brother finally to my small brother Derrick. It was indeed hard at first because we were both so different. We like different things and yet when we get together, we can't stop talking. I believe that God was in control and I thank God for sending him into my life. We are still brothers and even closer than before. Of course that doesn't mean I don't love my own brother...I love Ben even more than before.

Of course 2006 was the year I got hitched. Yup I finally was in a serious relationship. Sui Ying and myself got together in October 2006. Although we are no more together, I still thank God for bringing her into my life and appreciate the times that we'd shared over the span of 3 years together.

2007
We are getting closer to 2009. hahaha bear with me ya! I graduated from USM...phew after 4 years of studying was already ready to move into the working world. But I felt something was not so right. I knew that God was not ready to let me go in USM. So I prayed and guessed what, doors opened and I was granted by GAMUDA and also USM to continue my studies. Haha another 2 years. That's when my Master life began. I stayed back and also became the adviser for the CF and a grad helper for FES. If talk about Masters, sure must talk about my supervisor, Dr. Mashitah aka Kak Ita. She is not only a good supervisor but a caring one too. Yes she does makes all her students crazy at times but it was for our own good.

Was also blessed cause was able to help FES in Camp Cameron 2007. I became an uncle to a group of crazy students and that's when I also had 2 more mentors. My mama, Annette and my rabbi, Swee Kit. Both have taught me about student work and also helped me journeyed through my walk with God.

2007 also a year I met the cutest girl ever who became my little sis aka lil sis aka Hooi Kheng aka HK. I met HK when I got an sms from Bro Mugan asking me to look for this young Christian who came to USM KKj. When I first met her, she was so shy but her sharing about her life and her faith marvelled me. I started seeing potential in her and I greatly challenged her to better herself spiritually. Now she is the CF president (the 1st female for USM KKj) and I'm so proud at how she has become so fired up for the Lord. Oh ya congrats on your baptism lil sis. Big bro is proud of you!

This year also I attended another APLYC. But this time I was there as part of the organising team. Thanks to Kenny who brought me and sponsored me to Singapore again. Speaking of Singapore this year was also significant cause I got to watch my favourite musical, Phatom of the Opera. Free!!! That was the best thanks Kenny again for the free tickets.

2008
2008 we had the Olympics and also the 12th General Election where I first voted. Who I voted for? shhh I won't tell haha. 2008 was also the year I met another interesting fella. Haha Edmond Teo. A very very complicated but caring kid. I'm glad I also made him an honourable small brother. We share the same thoughts, same interests and of course the same type of music.

One record for 2008 was the fact I went to Singapore 3 times haha....the most since I've started going there. The first time was with Derrick, second was with Ben and third was with Sui Ying to celebrate Christmas.

2009
Finally.....hahaha 2009. Wow where do I begin. Maybe I start with my Masters. I finally finished it and now still waiting for my results hopefully will come out soon. I also won 2 medals for my research and was also offered 3 jobs. I count it as God's blessing to be able to finish my Masters and the many awards that came along.

I also got a job with Gamuda Water and met 2 important people here. One is my boss, Wakil and the other one is our HR assistant, Ms Tan. Both of them helped me a lot when I first started out here in Rasa. OH yes and I have my own aparment. Mine all mine!! All 3 rooms sigh!! Well if anyone is interested in joining me come come. haha. But staying alone has helped me be independent. I can cook now and I do my own laundry so haha my mum says good training to become a good house husband.

Of course the biggest thing that happened this year was that me and Sui Ying parted ways. Hmm was not an easy decision to make but I guess we needed the space to explore our paths. I pray that God will keep us as friends but hard I guess. Sigh!!

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Oh well it's already 10 years. I'm already looking forward for 2010. As someone put it...it's going to be an adventure year for me, which I think is true. I named my year 2010 as the year of mountains as I know got a lot of new things to climb and try. So pray with me and I'll pray that 2010 and the next decade to come to be a decade of joy.

Till next post