tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64439841291931294972024-03-06T15:53:03.172+08:00Chickerific JourneyMy Life Journey ContinuesAaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-38957599572303628632011-07-05T10:35:00.000+08:002011-07-05T10:35:37.755+08:00IT'S BEEN LONGIt's been long and again after reading some new updates from my fellow bloggers, decided I should do it as well. So what's up? how's everyone? Me? I'm okay okay la. As they say in Chinese, "Mo Chun Mo Lan". <div><br />
</div><div>Last month was quite an eventful month. First up I went to watch a musical at Sunway. The 'Magical Musical'. When I first saw the poster, I decided to check it out, and found the ticket price was a bit expensive. I thought of giving it a miss but then Mix FM had a competition, to guess the musical played. Cut story short, I won. Yup 4 tickets and they were VIP seats. In all I would say, thank God the tickets were free. The show was 4/10 I would say. The singing was good and the choreography was okok but the story line was flat and predictable. The main characters were suppose to be acting as 20 something but the main hero looks like he is 40 plus.... But it was a good time singing along most of the songs sung and I think Ben, Joseph and Peter thoroughly enjoyed it. As I said, thank God it's free </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf8N5UcnCUdUKh_9ZGrPUzEh4BlIOqxSZv35ps1qQfGqEf7tAIyDzh2OAov8VsI46W-FXY9V-AD_M_Bc0g_-l61Aw-gS-vpT_D4ezIfgBHvo8d1DWK0_sS_txb5t5Nu99oB6XGQ9N3W4/s1600/263505_10150219004293786_698583785_7472409_2295239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf8N5UcnCUdUKh_9ZGrPUzEh4BlIOqxSZv35ps1qQfGqEf7tAIyDzh2OAov8VsI46W-FXY9V-AD_M_Bc0g_-l61Aw-gS-vpT_D4ezIfgBHvo8d1DWK0_sS_txb5t5Nu99oB6XGQ9N3W4/s320/263505_10150219004293786_698583785_7472409_2295239_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben and Me with the free tickets</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpiiuWlIpuC_Oy-7K-1O9Pnh7M-dB1ZKOZeFlfywhGowLD_5V8pyHg-pNEqY59XRSyfRXmPgoG6N9PBlerQMKCpEncGJCMIQH74oDw96SXFYagvF84gmThzdiJl4-XSIvcNSiZdMLlcA/s1600/270030_10150219004043786_698583785_7472406_3614772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpiiuWlIpuC_Oy-7K-1O9Pnh7M-dB1ZKOZeFlfywhGowLD_5V8pyHg-pNEqY59XRSyfRXmPgoG6N9PBlerQMKCpEncGJCMIQH74oDw96SXFYagvF84gmThzdiJl4-XSIvcNSiZdMLlcA/s320/270030_10150219004043786_698583785_7472406_3614772_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My buddies from church and fellow musical lovers </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As you all know, one of my resolution this year was to complete a run. And I signed up for the Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Run. I took up the 10 km run (first time ma, not so big ambition). I trained almost every week and actually mapped a 6 km route for my run all the time (I'm now disputing it, I think it's much shorter :P ). Choulyin, Vinesh, Joyce, Ben Kee and myself am glad to say finished within the medal time limit. I finished in 1 hour 24 mins which is not bad although I think can be faster. The whole experience was exhilarating. Most of the time you are running alongside strangers and somehow (or maybe it's ego) you don't want to stop even when your legs are asking you to. At the 8 km, my legs were already asking me to stop. I told myself, another 2 more and you can rest. But by 9 km, my legs cramped up and I had to stop for a while. I was dissapointed at first cause I thought I could finish it without stopping. But my legs gave way. At the last 700 m I decided to fight off the pain and continue. And I started again and with a dash I finished. I'm actually quite proud that I finished the race. My aim was that, and not what time I finished it. I never thought I would run also in the first place but sometimes people need to push you to do something beyond your comfort zone (Thanks Vinesh). Is that all you ask? Nah... I just signed up to run 2 more runs. The first one in October, the KOTR run at the NPE. I hope to beat my time and better it. The other one will be in November, the Penang Bridge Run........ and drum roll.... 21 km will be my target (haha must finish by 3 hours and 30 mins). Go back Penang? Am I ready for it? well I have to go back sooner or later right? Oh well........</div><div><br />
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</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEvUMD5ZVfFyER1aXOk9M9-LhZkj5UppHwX-GEU6NC70ZTNdU8nqUaLxQO6DEgfBszsEt6PFKR-2RT82Xy3kZU0XYcwNrtuMoIJH5h20-kkjQIeaSO7eYfXzPnEt25TpenVz2-dtyo8c/s1600/272901_10150240394199767_738169766_7116282_4924327_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEvUMD5ZVfFyER1aXOk9M9-LhZkj5UppHwX-GEU6NC70ZTNdU8nqUaLxQO6DEgfBszsEt6PFKR-2RT82Xy3kZU0XYcwNrtuMoIJH5h20-kkjQIeaSO7eYfXzPnEt25TpenVz2-dtyo8c/s320/272901_10150240394199767_738169766_7116282_4924327_o.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Me and Bro Gideon who is an avid runner. I look to him for advice </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY1s984DPn_9mvcfhEFvyO5ZK0Wgq2YjHrED4bnoy8FakIAJt4UC6BVlQGq4Wt1_DqXoBXWIhi442Ge25xTAetcqEtARthus5Zho7-dDRqYi5NEVKzFzfiFQ8vLxtZW5RFIAtVeoVlQE/s1600/268351_10150215080727688_506467687_7362503_1842070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY1s984DPn_9mvcfhEFvyO5ZK0Wgq2YjHrED4bnoy8FakIAJt4UC6BVlQGq4Wt1_DqXoBXWIhi442Ge25xTAetcqEtARthus5Zho7-dDRqYi5NEVKzFzfiFQ8vLxtZW5RFIAtVeoVlQE/s320/268351_10150215080727688_506467687_7362503_1842070_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">My face after 10 km</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU3owsIXSqUYGylmakqhXCR6-3vEcsbK10F7ZizNEBoMtKVBm928y5P0J-l6MPetMcPvFjn7OkGgSVu7KNVx_RYIkL2GeR3qW4vJ2irbGE2uLZ1cm4EqfNxi8ITF0NXpNxZzNBBA_H-0/s1600/261378_10150215080902688_506467687_7362510_4742529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU3owsIXSqUYGylmakqhXCR6-3vEcsbK10F7ZizNEBoMtKVBm928y5P0J-l6MPetMcPvFjn7OkGgSVu7KNVx_RYIkL2GeR3qW4vJ2irbGE2uLZ1cm4EqfNxi8ITF0NXpNxZzNBBA_H-0/s320/261378_10150215080902688_506467687_7362510_4742529_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Tired but proud </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuyzlQiWTTtUP880entauR9Bj2E8dpzM6tRR7iyKKB-Gg5sUHTKASVkGF1sswptlBPHccXN9ooF2s5VuDYa0Y6JW6iTL0ClQofnC9b8c8GADud4jd54gNUQ0TgbuHkz78tpO3MIzTgWQ/s1600/268283_10150215081352688_506467687_7362525_4942164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuyzlQiWTTtUP880entauR9Bj2E8dpzM6tRR7iyKKB-Gg5sUHTKASVkGF1sswptlBPHccXN9ooF2s5VuDYa0Y6JW6iTL0ClQofnC9b8c8GADud4jd54gNUQ0TgbuHkz78tpO3MIzTgWQ/s320/268283_10150215081352688_506467687_7362525_4942164_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">The whole gang.... proud with our medals </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Pictures are courtesy of Benjamin and Choulyin </div></div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-43404508017570755312011-05-09T12:13:00.001+08:002011-05-09T12:13:06.245+08:00YAM CHAHmm I miss being able to call up someone for yam cha, go mamak or just go movie on a weekday. Just to chill and relax with someone. Now all I see is the four walls of my house. My friend said we all have to grow up? But I think grown ups do need time to chill...Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-11931160251619998012011-04-20T09:26:00.000+08:002011-04-20T09:26:06.732+08:00AM I READY?The day that I dread will be coming. Will I be ready? I have told myself that it would have to come one day. But I didn't think I'm actually not ready for it to happen. Surprisingly someone mentioned that he was shocked when I say I'm not ready. Well I'm not.. It hasn't been easy and I don't think it will. Lord you would have to help me in that.Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-78491395866474262912011-03-25T09:09:00.000+08:002011-03-25T09:09:47.103+08:00TODAY WILL YOU BE CHRISTIAN?Came across this article this morning. Have a read<br />
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<b>TODAY WILL YOU BE CHRISTIAN</b><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">MARCH 25 — I get asked what it means to be a Christian in a predominantly Muslim society a lot.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It happens so often that I’ve actually got a standard opening line: “The Islam that I grew up with is a religion of peace and tolerance.”</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It’s a response directed at the unasked question, the one about violence and intolerance that is never far below the surface.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I tell them about our neighbours, Pak Zainal and Makcik Maria, devout Muslims who have lived, in active harmony, next to my parents’ evangelical Christianity, for 35 years. I describe the solidarity of breaking fast with Muslim friends during Ramadan, wryly explaining that we are a food-obsessed society.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">My Islam is in the yellow crescent that appears on our flag, and in the red crescent of the ambulances that serve all Malaysians. I find its shape in daily encounters with bus-conductors, teachers, academics, and street vendors. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Their gentle utterances of “Inshallah” and “Alhamdulillah” resonate with me the way “God Bless You” might with a Southern Baptist in the US.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It’s in the silk tudung of my friend Nur Hanim, whose mind and spirit is more liberated and open than those who judge her by her headscarf. I struggle to convey how the soft call of the azan every morning is a thing of beauty to my ears, without tearing up.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">My sentimentality embarrasses me.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">However, in a world where suspicion and misconceptions about Islam abound, I am eager to share my experiences. I put my faith in personal testimony, hoping it will help others distinguish spiritual from political Islam.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Having spent a large part of my youth in a Christian fundamentalist church, I know first-hand that zealotry can worm its way into churches, temples, synagogues and mosques.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Some are intrigued and interested. Others are dismissive. They are not looking for a conversation about Islam. They seek an insider’s confirmation of their pre-existing view that it is an inflexible belief system.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For many, it just requires too much hard work to grasp the nuances of religion, race and politics as they converge in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301011569_0">Malaysia</span> for them to stay focused for long. Who can blame them? It would bore me to tears too, were I not so emotionally vested in the country myself.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It surprises foreigners that many non-Muslim Malaysians actively defend Islam. The expectation is that as minorities whose political and social space appears to be constricting, we would have an antipathy towards it.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">When Christopher Hitchens claimed there was “<a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Ag6z1H1nP9LqQikKxqh2qvRgV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTBxZ2l1MGs5BHBvcwMxBHNlYwNNZWRpYUFydGljbGVCb2R5;_ylg=X3oDMTJoc29sczVuBGludGwDbXkEbGFuZwNlbi1teQRwc3RhaWQDNmNhZjEyZTAtMWNkZS0zOGZlLTliODQtYWI0YmVlNjRkMDI1BHB0A3N0b3J5cGFnZQR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=0/SIG=11kpflbdi/EXP=1302222631/**http%3A//www.slate.com/id/2244045/" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">vicious rioting</a>” in Malaysia in the wake of the Allah controversy in early 2010, I (amongst many others), questioned the veracity of his description on the slate.com comment’s page.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The idea that a Malaysian Christian would speak out in defence of Muslims at a point when churches were being defaced was so inconceivable that some posters implied that I must in fact be a Muslim pretending to be a Christian defending Muslims who, of course, were viciously attacking Christians.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It was enough make my head spin and spark off an existential crisis. Am I real or am I a <a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AjZKff1Z2ocFa9i.YUWImQpgV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTBxbDN2NGxzBHBvcwMyBHNlYwNNZWRpYUFydGljbGVCb2R5;_ylg=X3oDMTJoc29sczVuBGludGwDbXkEbGFuZwNlbi1teQRwc3RhaWQDNmNhZjEyZTAtMWNkZS0zOGZlLTliODQtYWI0YmVlNjRkMDI1BHB0A3N0b3J5cGFnZQR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=0/SIG=1260hd3ik/EXP=1302222631/**http%3A//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sockpuppet_(Internet)" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">sock puppet</a>?</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">History is filled with accounts of people who step outside their own community to support, defend or protect the vulnerable.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bram Fisher, a fierce opponent of apartheid and one of Nelson Mandela’s lawyers, was born an Afrikaner, the political elite in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301011569_3">South Africa</span> responsible for apartheid.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Some of the strongest opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestine comes from within <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301011569_1">Israel</span>itself, led by Jews who have raised their voices in support of a Palestinian state.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Following the January 1, 2011 attack on a Coptic church in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1301011569_2">Alexandria</span>, scores of <a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Am1lzjOlGBc4f2ERgmB89qxgV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTBxc3BiZ3JjBHBvcwMzBHNlYwNNZWRpYUFydGljbGVCb2R5;_ylg=X3oDMTJoc29sczVuBGludGwDbXkEbGFuZwNlbi1teQRwc3RhaWQDNmNhZjEyZTAtMWNkZS0zOGZlLTliODQtYWI0YmVlNjRkMDI1BHB0A3N0b3J5cGFnZQR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=0/SIG=14nuqeakf/EXP=1302222631/**http%3A//latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/01/egypt-copts-and-muslims-come-together-for-once-during-orthodox-christmas.html" style="color: #005790; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Egyptian Muslims offered themselves as shields to protect Egyptian Christians.</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Imams and ordinary Muslims attended Mass after the bombing, because, as one Muslim man explained, “Copts have to know that we will share any pains or threats they go through.”</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It’s a sentiment echoed by non-Muslim Americans who last week gathered bearing signs saying, “Today I am Muslim too.” They were protesting the congressional hearings into home grown terrorism in the US that unfairly targeted Muslim-Americans.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">These individuals understand that when one segment of society is attacked or suppressed, it is an attack on everyone.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Over the past two weeks, 35,000 Bibles in Malay, have been stuck in limbo. The Ministry of Home Affairs impounded them two years ago, and last week hastily, and illegitimately, stamped the Bibles with a serial number and the phrase “For Christians Only. By order of the Ministry of Home Affairs.”</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I picture these imprisoned books, kept in darkness for the crime of being published in the national language. It’s redolent with the self-conscious symbolism you’d expect from a play staged by gauche drama students: Freedom of religion constrained by the State, Holy Scripture scared by political power.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Unfortunately, this is not bad art, easily cut down to size by a biting review.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It is the absurd reality of Malaysian politics, created by a corrupt government whose only path to power comes from manufacturing conflict and keeping us divided.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 11px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This is not a Christian fight. This is a Malaysian fight. Will you stand and say that today, you too are a Christian?</div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-55570302295912186782011-03-23T13:51:00.000+08:002011-03-23T13:51:57.301+08:00KAMPUNG BOY: A MUSICALI grew up with reading Lat as a kid. My mum would actually encourage us to read his comics. I still have them at home. I use to laugh and marvel at his comics and how he view things in his life. Last week, I had the opportunity to see the story of his life. Kampung Boy the musical. I enjoyed it a lot (new resolution this year is to see stage plays and musicals). Here are some of my thoughts on it:<br />
<br />
<u>The okays</u><br />
1) The sets were great. They used every part of Lat's comics to become the background. From Lat as a kid (black and white) till he grew up (coloured).<br />
2) Music was super nice and catchy. I find myself, Choulyin and Tsu Chong swaying left and right.<br />
3) Interchange of scenes were very interesting.<br />
4) Daniel Shariff (the kid who plays Lat as a young boy) was extremely talented. He potrayed the goofy kid we read in the comics very well.<br />
5) Omar Abdullah who plays Lat's boss Pak Samad was damn hilarious. Including the actor who played Lat's Father.<br />
<br />
<u>The so-so</u><br />
1) Awie and Atilla were great as Lat and Faezah (Lat's wife), but somehow don' really feel the chemistry there. Maybe cause I've always seen Awie as a rocker type rather than a goofy, comic type.<br />
2) Choreography was okay only. Too much dancing but the dancers were really good.<br />
3) Storyline. A bit tad too long. It did try to cover the characters of Lat's life.<br />
<br />
<u>The not so okay</u><br />
1) The audio. Half the time we were guessing what they were saying during the songs. Can only hear a bit (I think also we were sitting quite back also)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp2yASKeSx3G1l0T9BlOSIj1Ik3HqmR8vLqsMYDzyGWEQWPGQOQ41Laj7AsqfYyet1xEqGsrzcqgOKFEyAnr_uRwqSr3RHJWEuFgegS-1WVONF6-IIlD0jyqJ9tPZDavEUpl5Vk90RxU/s1600/lat+the+musical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp2yASKeSx3G1l0T9BlOSIj1Ik3HqmR8vLqsMYDzyGWEQWPGQOQ41Laj7AsqfYyet1xEqGsrzcqgOKFEyAnr_uRwqSr3RHJWEuFgegS-1WVONF6-IIlD0jyqJ9tPZDavEUpl5Vk90RxU/s320/lat+the+musical.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I would give it a 7/10. If you have the chance to go watch it go. It's playing till April 3. It's hilarious and funny. Do remember it's bilingual, so brush on your BM if not you might not understand the jokes.Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-81957006248988394542011-02-18T10:02:00.000+08:002011-02-18T10:02:35.469+08:00UPDATES FROM LIL OLD MESometimes I wonder why I still keep this blog.. Anyhoo... I am keeping to my quota of 1 blog per month haha.. So what's been happening? A lot actually. To summarize it's been an interesting month of January (plus February). Before that, let's recap a bit about 2010. Ah 2010, I was reading back on my resolutions and plans for 2010 and happy to announce that I accomplish about 70% of it. The year of new mountains was definitely a hard year. Some mountains were easy climb, some were not so easy to climb (and in fact still climbing). Most of all, I thank God for sending wonderful people who have made my life a bit easier to flow in Rasa. As I reflecting on how to name God for 2010... I realised that He was indeed with me, walking beside me. I named 2010, God who was with me.<br />
<br />
Let the drums roll for 2011... 2011 has been declared the year of big pictures. I've come to appreciate that God has special plans for us. Sometimes we may not agree with the things that have happened but if we try to step back and look at the situation, you'll appreciate what actually happens. 2 months ago, I wrote in my blog that I decided to jump ship. After sending resumes to a few companies, not only I didn't get a call back, I was rejected before even calling for an interview. I was well flabbergasted and heck am I that not wanted? I cursed God, I cursed the company haha and yet one day during service, God spoke, in His time... wow.... in His time. His timing is always perfect. And from that onwards, I decided to look at my work place a lil different. There is so much to appreciate here. There is no hustle and bustle of city life here. There is no jam. I don't have to spend so much on food and clothings. I don't have to wake up early to go to work. And guess what, I called up a tuition centre (cause they were looking for teachers) and I got a job. Now I'm teaching tuition at night. The big picture.. If I want to teach, teach small first.<br />
<br />
In terms of relationship, I have to be honest. I'm not ready to be in one again. Maybe the last break up has been hard on me (ah Lia says I still care for S... I think I still do though haha). I have yet to really move on to another person and to share my life. Although I have a crush (don't need to guess who, I won't mention haha) however, it remains to be seen whether anything can happen. But it has been hard. At my age, most of my peers are getting married and sometimes I feel the pressure of having a gf. When I go shopping, I always like to see couples hold hand or spending time together (shucks.. like stalker now). Haha.. oh well the big picture. In His time.....<br />
<br />
A lot of people know me as a person who makes resolution and plans every year. 2011 is no exception. Here are some of my resolutions.<br />
<br />
1) To finish the bible in 1 year. I have never really read the bible cover to cover. This year I have challenged myself to finish reading it.<br />
<br />
2) To run a 10 km marathon. What 10 km only? haha start small. At the moment I can run 3 km without stopping so still a challenge for me. But what's a challenge without diving into the sea... Will be running the Standard Chartered Run in June and hopefully The Penang Bridge run in November.<br />
<br />
3) To read 4 books. Haha yes.. I'm not a reader.. I'm more a visual kind of guy.<br />
<br />
4) I currently weigh 76 kg. Which is a 10 - 11 kg drop from last year. I plan to maintain and to lose another 2 kg. I am actually now a fitter person but there is much to be done.<br />
<br />
Alright, those are the mentionable resolutions. Haha that's all I can reveal...........<br />
<br />
So here's hoping to a great year ahead.Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-89759056519943413702011-01-10T12:45:00.000+08:002011-01-10T12:45:59.041+08:00Carrie Underwood - Temporary Home<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LraOiHUltak?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Happy new year to everyone... Here's a song from my American Idol, Carrie Underwood</div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-31645057927916481292010-12-03T21:54:00.000+08:002010-12-03T21:54:54.666+08:00WHO CAN UND?A bit tired of hearing ppl's problem. But then again in a dilemma. I always want to help people out. I think I help people out too much. But nobody wants to listen to me. I have been called emo, thinking too much. However, any of them know how I feel about certain things.<div> </div><div><br />
</div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-48700199390112979112010-11-05T22:45:00.000+08:002010-11-05T22:45:05.435+08:00SOMETIMESSometimes I wish things were much simpler. No need to think so much, no need to try too hard.Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-63847005512608502762010-11-02T10:12:00.002+08:002010-11-02T10:18:14.997+08:00IT TAKES TWOIt takes two to play a see-saw<br />It takes two to play catch<br />It takes two to play police and thief<br />It takes two to become a match<br />It takes two to agree<br />It takes two to disagree<br />It takes two to fight<br />It takes two to reconcile<br />It takes two to start a relationship<br />It takes two to build a relationship<br />It takes two to break a relationshipAaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-37756470286958882652010-09-30T22:57:00.000+08:002010-09-30T22:57:12.839+08:00Praise and Worship Songs with Lyrics- I Simply Live for YouAs I was driving home from Rawang, this song came up. And usually the CD will jerk and I will usually press the switch button. However, this time the song was smooth. As I was singing it, the song was so meaningful. I forgot that God is simply wonderful. I just have to simply for Him<div><br /><div><object style="background-image:url(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/p8khkgKtHFo/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p8khkgKtHFo?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p8khkgKtHFo?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div></div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-3529166270522790832010-09-14T22:29:00.003+08:002010-09-14T22:48:29.045+08:00SOME THINGS TO PONDER<div style="text-align: justify;">Heylo, haha I lied...supposed to blog every month. Sorry la guys have been lazy to open up blogger but then since got ppl complain about being not updated so I should try lor..</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During these two months I was constantly challenged by God. The many tribulations and also trials to go through each day has indeed shaped on how I react to people. Take for example, I have a colleague, let's call her C. I met C when I did my training at my current workplace. At that time, I do not really know her or how she operate with people cause I never really interacted with her. When I started my work here, I got to know her a little bit better. And boy oh boy she is hard to deal with. She's the sought of person who is very calculative and a wonderful tai chi master. Day in and day out I get angry at her for the things she does and say. Until one day it hit me, we are asked to be a light and salt into the world but if I cannot love her as she is, how can I love others. I remember one day during lunch, she kept asking me about Christianity and I thought to myself, is this a good time to share about Christ? So I shared her the Purpose Driven Life book which she faithfully finished and said it was the best book she ever read and now attending church nearby. Now I don't know but I still get angry at how she does things at work but I'm praying to God that she would one day by changed. So how do we react with people we don't like? Do we continue to shun them or do we try to understand them? Do we reach out to them? Let's think about it.....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In other news...I am planning a coup to leave this place soon. Haha Well pray with me and I hope God will bring me good news soon :) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-46419762540191168222010-06-24T21:11:00.002+08:002010-06-24T21:16:54.792+08:00WHAT HAS HAPPENEDHello everybody....yes CY the blog is mati-mati ikan la.......but hahaha sorry folks been busy and more over my blog has been a place for me to rant a lot...<div><br /></div><div>Can't believe so much has happened within a month:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) I made a complete fool of myself when I told somebody that I should not have to.</div><div>2) I became extremely jealous of the people closest to me.</div><div>3) I was test of my patience.</div><div>4) My laptop decided to give way and all my beloved keepsakes are now gone.</div><div>5) I've still yet to able to cry over so many things.</div><div><br /></div><div>Haha see more rants..I'll try to blog more okay people </div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-91141445318617528392010-05-08T17:28:00.002+08:002010-05-08T17:33:22.745+08:00For GoodHave been very emo lately....and was listening to some songs and I stumbled upon this song from the musical Wicked..It's called For Good and I dedicate this song for all those who were in my life and have left :)<div><br /></div><div><u>For Good</u></div><div><div>I've heard it said </div><div>That people come into our lives for a reason </div><div>Bringing something we must learn </div><div>And we are led </div><div>To those who help us most to grow </div><div>If we let them </div><div>And we help them in return </div><div>Well, I don't know if I believe that's true </div><div>But I know I'm who I am today </div><div>Because I knew you... </div><div><br /></div><div>Like a comet pulled from orbit </div><div>As it passes a sun </div><div>Like a stream that meets a boulder </div><div>Halfway through the wood </div><div>Who can say if I've been changed for the better? </div><div>But because I knew you </div><div>I have been changed for good </div><div><br /></div><div><div>It well may be </div><div>That we will never meet again </div><div>In this lifetime </div><div>So let me say before we part </div><div>So much of me </div><div>Is made of what I learned from you </div><div>You'll be with me </div><div>Like a handprint on my heart </div><div>And now whatever way our stories end </div><div>I know you have re-written mine </div><div>By being my friend... </div><div><br /></div><div>Like a ship blown from its mooring </div><div>By a wind off the sea </div><div>Like a seed dropped by a skybird </div><div>In a distant wood </div><div>Who can say if I've been changed for the better? </div><div>But because I knew you </div><div><br /></div><div><div>And just to clear the air </div><div>I ask forgiveness </div><div>For the things I've done you blame me for </div><div><br /></div><div>But then, I guess we know </div><div>There's blame to share </div><div>And none of it seems to matter anymore </div><div><br /></div><div>Who can say if I've been </div><div>Changed for the better? </div><div>I do believe I have been </div><div>Changed for the better </div><div><br /></div><div>Because I knew you... </div><div>I have been changed for good...</div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-10008236911253648852010-04-20T09:38:00.003+08:002010-04-20T10:00:44.191+08:00WHY? HOW?Hey everyone,<br /><br />My goal now is to blog at least once a month haha and hopefully able to stick to it more often. Well decided to blog today cause well don't just feel well inside. Yesterday in the morning I got a message from a close friend who told me that he is with someone now. I'm real happy for him cause I know it was a struggle for him. So M really happy for you, may you continue to walk this nice path soundly.<br /><br />Of course I didn't think of it tat much until of course came at nite. Now you all know kkb is a very small town and well can get lonely sometimes. And the fact that someone else told me that they are together (well the guy told me because I asked after so many news about them). I'm extremely happy cause both of them are people I care about. So I thought it was a great affair..den panic button set in....SHIT...then where am I now? And I couldn't sleep the whole nite thinking (yes a big flaw in me....think too much).<br /><br />To add salt to the wound, another close friend of mine just told me he is with someone now too....OMG.........in 2 days.....man....................<br /><br />Now I'm real happy for them la........cause I know they are goign to be good boy friends and girl friends to their partners....I think I just panic........1) Things are going to be different (I may not be in the top of food chain...whic is okay) 2) It does make me wonder....where am I now?<br /><br />SIGH...EMO DAYAaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-80216302495453363662010-03-24T10:53:00.003+08:002010-03-24T11:10:15.081+08:00COMMUNICATIONHey guys,<br /><br />I know I know I lied.......supposed to blog often but sorry la..........a lot of thing got in the way. Just to let you know I'm already an official employee of GAMUDA by February and by today I have already passed my 7 months mark. Kinda fast if you ask me.....before you know it, I would have finished my 1st year here.<br /><br />Anyway was back in SCF (my church) for a meeting last nite. Haha kinda cool to call it the Summit Meeting (not because it's near Summit Hotel). Summit meeting is a meeting for all leaders of the church in whatever area you are serving in and decided I needed to at least know the bigger leaders of the church.<br /><br />The elder of the church spoke about communication during sharing. I think communcation is so important. They are two types of wrong communication:<br /><br />1) Not sharing to the person<br />2) Sharing to the person<br /><br />Kinda paradox don't you think but hey most things are haha........Why do I say that?<br /><br /><u>1) Not sharing to the person</u><br />When we keep things to ourselves and say never mind they'll understand, it will continue to eat your heart out and slowly but surely will one day burst into flames.<br /><br /><u>2) Sharing to the person</u><br />Must be tactful in sharing...share with love.....don't suddenly point fingers.....As Bro Lai Yit says...it's not about reasoning, it's about purpose. We need to have good purpose in telling people about their weaknesses and your problems.<br /><br />One thing that I've learned all these years is being truthful. And that's what I tell my friends..if you don't like my attitude please tell me.......I'm not superman, I cannot read your minds. Up till today I have made my share of blunders with people (some who still hates me....and can act as if I'm not there) but I have learn also to move on and not be obssesed with them hating me. I can only do so much to help them realise it's a mistake but if they don't wanna forgive me then not my problem.<br /><br />Communication is very important in any organization. My boss always reminds us (all the engineers) to be truthful to him. I have always look up to him for being so patient and also affirming to people. I think the working world needs more people like him. Telling him about my problems is such an ease and even telling him about your weaknesses helps him to try to adapt to my working style and also help me to realise I need to brush up on that weakness.Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-76354511368773533022010-01-31T16:39:00.002+08:002010-01-31T16:52:08.249+08:002010Heylo everyone,<br /><br />Finally got time to actually blog again...haha my cousin already ranting on me to update. Well to start things off. Happy new year (yes I know it's late) but at least I still can wish u guys.<br /><br />Anyway....to kick start the blog.....I've decided to share about my 2010 resolutions and goal..clap clap. Yes I always name my year (a habit I picked up from attending too many FES camps) so that it helps me to focus. Like 2009 was the year of Empowerment. To help me to realise to empower others as other people empower me.<br /><br />2010 is drum roll....................the Year of New Mountains..........wah so vague. Well not really if you really think about it. I am in New Territory, a New Church, definitely a New Life and also New Relationships.<br /><br />New Territory - My new home, my new working place........Rasa....<br /><br />New Church - Subang Christian Fellowship, so much to learn and do<br /><br />New Life - I'm working now...stresses are different....and of course being single<br /><br />New Relationships - New friends in church, new friends at work.<br /><br />As I was trekking with some friends last weekend, I was also reflecting on the journey. It wasn't easy as there were some obstacles but with friends help and also cheering, could reach the end zone (Miley Cyrus The Climb plays at the background - It's still a cool song, I don't care what PY said). Of course my new adventure will be hard but I know with God's help and with friends around I'll be able to pull myself up. Haha after the trek, when reaching home, my muscle ache badly and reminded me that it times of need and dryness, just rest....there's nothign more to do.....<br /><br />So my friends here's to great 2010..and to many more posts (I hope).......Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-55821145927564405752010-01-05T09:41:00.002+08:002010-01-05T14:44:25.460+08:00A DECADE LOOKBACK<div align="justify">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) </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><p><u>2000</u><br />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!!! </p><p><u>2001</u><br />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.</p><p><u>2002</u><br />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. </p><p>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. </p><p><u>2003</u><br />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!!</p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p><u>2004</u><br />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. </p><p>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. </p><p><u>2005</u><br />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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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</p><p><u>2006</u><br />*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. </p><p>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. </p><p><u>2007</u><br />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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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!</p><p>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. </p><p><u>2008</u><br />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. </p><p>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. </p><p><u>2009</u><br />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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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!! </p><p>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>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. </p><p>Till next post </p>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-29007686829274618412009-11-26T14:13:00.002+08:002009-11-26T14:20:35.315+08:00MY SWEETHEART<div align="justify">I found something new.......I found something very very delicious and haha it's my new love affair </div><div align="justify"></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpxnjovJLviFVUTvR0CG4jEziuNOHp7uFXfA34gQg_KPu373qLCu1MXiYHGp2rzPE30Sz3fS48nqFiHpB93nER__P3WnHkxETccvYVmT8st2Q2BioVyFHtI4thDdx7Q0t894T_cWYa-0/s1600/DSC00784.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408292361891154770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpxnjovJLviFVUTvR0CG4jEziuNOHp7uFXfA34gQg_KPu373qLCu1MXiYHGp2rzPE30Sz3fS48nqFiHpB93nER__P3WnHkxETccvYVmT8st2Q2BioVyFHtI4thDdx7Q0t894T_cWYa-0/s320/DSC00784.JPG" /></a></p><p align="justify"> </p><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div> CUPCAKES.....found this lovely place to buy these cakes...it's just right opposite IKEA called Cupcake CHIC.......however it's a bit pricey...for 6 pieces about RM 25 (RM 4.50 for one). And the names are kinda cute....Naughty and nice, It's Chocolate, Black and white.....have rum and raisin too..Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-32026142010088090552009-11-25T14:55:00.002+08:002009-11-25T15:10:30.471+08:00ONE MONTH<div align="justify">How time flies...........seriously........by end of this week I would have finished 4 months here in Rasa. I'm beginning to love the people and the work here albeit still being a very ulu place. I love the church I'm in. I love the fact that I don't have strings attached to me.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">In a spur of the air asia promotion. I decided to treat myself and my mum. Bought 3 tickets to S'pore for next August. My mum has been ranting about how she had lost contact with her cousins and when I suggested to her to go S'pore she always say the same 3 things......1) No passport 2) Transport expensive and 3) No money. Haha this time I was already ready to answer her 3 worries 1) Got passport dee mah, some more use to go Hatyai so don't waste luh 2) Air asia promotion le........RM 150 per person both ways...where got such things wan..... 3) Aiyah already got place to stay....just need money for food and travel................................finally she said yes so Yipee!!!</div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><div align="justify">It's been one month since I've made the biggest decision in my life. At first kinda hard to make such a decision, but I needed to make a stand on it. I was tired of guessing and also tired of trying. Has it been easy? No.......it hasn't.....I still some days still wonder What if? or Did I? or If I? Questions that I don't think I can answer.................Where do I go on? Well step by step.....Can't really force myself to be fully healed from it but I guess God was the bigger man in this decision. I'm not sure what the future brings but I know it will be great :) </div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-37038068372298258822009-11-20T11:50:00.001+08:002009-11-20T11:52:08.384+08:00DON'T EVER EVER GIVE UPOne day I decided to quit....<br />I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. .. in fact I wanted to quit my life.<br />I went to the woods to have one last talk with God..<br /><br />"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"<br /><br />His answer surprised me...<br /><br />"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"<br /><br />"Yes", I replied.<br /><br />"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.<br />I gave them light.I gave them water.The fern quickly grew from the earth.<br />Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.<br /><br />In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.<br /><br />And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.. He said.<br /><br />"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.<br /><br />But I would not quit.<br /><br />In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would<br /><br />not quit." He said.<br /><br />"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. ..<br /><br />But just 6<br /><br />months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.<br /><br />It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave<br /><br />it what it needed to survive..<br /><br />I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.."<br /><br />He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling,<br /><br />you have actually been growing roots".<br /><br />"I would not quit on the bamboo.<br /><br />I will never quit on you."<br /><br />"Don't compare yourself to others."<br /><br />He said.<br /><br />"The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern.<br /><br />Yet they both make the forest beautiful."<br /><br />"Your time will come", God said to me.<br /><br />"You will rise high"<br /><br />"How high should I rise?"<br /><br />I asked.<br /><br />"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.<br /><br />"As high as it can?" I questioned.<br /><br />"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."<br /><br />I left the forest and brought back this story.<br /><br />I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.<br /><br />Never, Never, Never Give up.<br /><br />Don't tell God how big the problem is,<br /><br />tell the problem how Great God is!Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-28074098355341036942009-11-18T13:46:00.003+08:002009-11-18T14:00:17.104+08:00BEWARE ANGRY POST AHEAD<div align="left">Hmm yes it's going to be an angry post........I've been feeling shit these days and it's hard for me to rise up..........After much thought with a mentor, she said it's important to deal with those anger with me in order to move on. I thought tat's true but I'm not that person who likes to be angry. In fact I am the type who just says it's okay......no point getting angry but mayb this time I need to say some things out (Viewer discretion: the following may or may not have bad words)<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I'm angry at you:</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">1) For not being there for me when I needed you the most. Instead I got backfired for not being there for you.</div><div align="left">2) For hurting my feelings with your words and actions. I feel like someone punch and slap me in the face.</div><div align="left">3) For making things so hard for me, making me so conscious about what I do, what I say, what I choose.</div><div align="left">4) For not appreciating the little things but looking at my little mistakes. </div><div align="left">5) For just not trying ...........<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I'm angry at myself:</div><div align="left">1) For not maybe understanding you enough so that I can make you happy</div><div align="left">2) For being fat and not as good looking as other guys</div><div align="left">3) For not being a normal guy.....who doesn't love football, who cries, who might not fit as a macho guy, who is so emo</div><div align="left">4) For choosing to come to where I am now rather than not staying</div><div align="left">5) For not being the best of the best</div><div align="left">6) For always looking for attention....................<br /><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I'm angry at the world:</div><div align="left">1) For already draining me and yet stil wanting me to do more, but when I need help, excuses are everywhere</div><div align="left">2) For just brushing off and saying it will heal but not making the effort to check on me</div><div align="left">3) For keep asking me for help and yet brush me aside</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-55643216310276444272009-10-07T14:16:00.001+08:002009-10-07T14:16:42.704+08:00UPDATES<div align="justify">Updates! updates! so sorry for not updating haha</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">It's been one month since I last updated and 2 months since I moved down to Rasa.......a lot has happened and a lot is going to happen.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">I have finally gotten my name card haha.......well temporary.......you'll notice that it's a recycled name card</div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1t0m-wUG95M/Sswwcaf420I/AAAAAAAAAVA/spqfqKFVB0c/s1600-h/namecard.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389736118763182914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1t0m-wUG95M/Sswwcaf420I/AAAAAAAAAVA/spqfqKFVB0c/s320/namecard.bmp" /></a></p><p align="center"></p><p align="justify">Well better than nothing right? :P </p><p align="justify">In other news.......well........made a very major decision for my life..........whether I made the right choice...hard to say but I let God take the lead..........</p><p align="justify">Till then........ </p><p align="justify"></p><p align="justify"></p>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-53118546031738219022009-09-24T15:28:00.003+08:002009-10-07T14:14:50.114+08:00BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE<div align="justify">An easy sentence but not easy to do. Heck most of the time we are complain about our lifes. That was what happened to me these past few weeks. Everyday I complained about where I was (Rasa), my problems with relationships, the place where I stay, the place where I work (somehow it's all Rasa.......haha). It took me just a few days ago to realise, hey Aaron stop complaining!!</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I should be happy that I have a nice place to stay for free.....no rental, not even utility fees........</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I should be happy cause I'm now in a church that is so caring.....</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I should be happy cause I have so many brothers and sister who really care about me........</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I should be happy !</div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6443984129193129497.post-58770128292440226262009-09-08T14:34:00.002+08:002009-09-08T14:40:34.366+08:00JUST ONE PERSON<div align="justify">I heard this song on youtube recently....a great reminder to believe in yourself. Oddly this song came from a musical called Charlie Brown (you the one with Snoopy) but I heard it during a Jim Henson's memorial sung by the Muppets.....The lyrics are cool </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><u>Just One Person</u></div><div align="justify">If just one person believes in you,<br />Deep enough, and strong enough, believes in you...<br />Hard enough, and long enough,<br />It stands to reason, that someone else will think<br />"If he can do it, I can do it."</div><div align="justify">Making it: two whole people, who believe in you<br />Deep enough, and strong enough,<br />Believe in you.<br />Hard enough and long enough<br />There's bound to be some other person who<br />Believes in making it a threesome,<br />Making it three.....<br />People you can say: believe in me....</div><div align="justify">And if three whole people,<br />Why not -- four?<br />And if four whole people,<br />Why not--more, and<br />more, and<br />more....</div><div align="justify">And when all those people,<br />Believe in you,<br />Deep enough, and strong enough,<br />Believe in you...<br />Hard enough, and long enough</div><div align="justify">It stands to reason that you yourself will<br />Start to see what everybody sees in<br />You...</div><div align="justify">And maybe even you,<br />Can believe in you... too</div><div align="justify"> </div>Aaron Chan Chee Kinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13026632198598814980noreply@blogger.com0