Chickerific Journey

IT'S BEEN LONG

2011-07-05T10:35:00.000+08:00

It'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".

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

Ben and Me with the free tickets

My buddies from church and fellow musical lovers

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........

Me and Bro Gideon who is an avid runner. I look to him for advice

My face after 10 km

Tired but proud

The whole gang.... proud with our medals

Pictures are courtesy of Benjamin and Choulyin

YAM CHA

2011-05-09T12:13:00.001+08:00

Hmm 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...

AM I READY?

2011-04-20T09:26:00.000+08:00

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.

TODAY WILL YOU BE CHRISTIAN?

2011-03-25T09:09:00.000+08:00

Came across this article this morning. Have a read

TODAY WILL YOU BE CHRISTIAN

MARCH 25 — I get asked what it means to be a Christian in a predominantly Muslim society a lot.

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.”

It’s a response directed at the unasked question, the one about violence and intolerance that is never far below the surface.

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.

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.

Their gentle utterances of “Inshallah” and “Alhamdulillah” resonate with me the way “God Bless You” might with a Southern Baptist in the US.

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.

My sentimentality embarrasses me.

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.

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.

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.

For many, it just requires too much hard work to grasp the nuances of religion, race and politics as they converge in Malaysia 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.

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.

When Christopher Hitchens claimed there was “vicious rioting” 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.

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.

It was enough make my head spin and spark off an existential crisis. Am I real or am I a sock puppet?

History is filled with accounts of people who step outside their own community to support, defend or protect the vulnerable.

Bram Fisher, a fierce opponent of apartheid and one of Nelson Mandela’s lawyers, was born an Afrikaner, the political elite in South Africa responsible for apartheid.

Some of the strongest opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestine comes from within Israelitself, led by Jews who have raised their voices in support of a Palestinian state.

Following the January 1, 2011 attack on a Coptic church in Alexandria, scores of Egyptian Muslims offered themselves as shields to protect Egyptian Christians.

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.”

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.

These individuals understand that when one segment of society is attacked or suppressed, it is an attack on everyone.

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.”

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.

Unfortunately, this is not bad art, easily cut down to size by a biting review.

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.

This is not a Christian fight. This is a Malaysian fight. Will you stand and say that today, you too are a Christian?

KAMPUNG BOY: A MUSICAL

2011-03-23T13:51:00.000+08:00

I 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:

The okays
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).
2) Music was super nice and catchy. I find myself, Choulyin and Tsu Chong swaying left and right.
3) Interchange of scenes were very interesting.
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.
5) Omar Abdullah who plays Lat's boss Pak Samad was damn hilarious. Including the actor who played Lat's Father.

The so-so
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.
2) Choreography was okay only. Too much dancing but the dancers were really good.
3) Storyline. A bit tad too long. It did try to cover the characters of Lat's life.

The not so okay
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)

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.

UPDATES FROM LIL OLD ME

2011-02-18T10:02:00.000+08:00

Sometimes 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.

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.

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.....

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.

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.

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.

3) To read 4 books. Haha yes.. I'm not a reader.. I'm more a visual kind of guy.

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.

Alright, those are the mentionable resolutions. Haha that's all I can reveal...........

So here's hoping to a great year ahead.

Carrie Underwood - Temporary Home

2011-01-10T12:45:00.000+08:00

Happy new year to everyone... Here's a song from my American Idol, Carrie Underwood

WHO CAN UND?

2010-12-03T21:54:00.000+08:00

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.

SOMETIMES

2010-11-05T22:45:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I wish things were much simpler. No need to think so much, no need to try too hard.

IT TAKES TWO

2010-11-02T10:12:00.002+08:00

It takes two to play a see-saw
It takes two to play catch
It takes two to play police and thief
It takes two to become a match
It takes two to agree
It takes two to disagree
It takes two to fight
It takes two to reconcile
It takes two to start a relationship
It takes two to build a relationship
It takes two to break a relationship

Praise and Worship Songs with Lyrics- I Simply Live for You

2010-09-30T22:57:00.000+08:00

As 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

SOME THINGS TO PONDER

2010-09-14T22:29:00.003+08:00

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..

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.....

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 :)

WHAT HAS HAPPENED

2010-06-24T21:11:00.002+08:00

Hello 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...

Can't believe so much has happened within a month:

1) I made a complete fool of myself when I told somebody that I should not have to.

2) I became extremely jealous of the people closest to me.

3) I was test of my patience.

4) My laptop decided to give way and all my beloved keepsakes are now gone.

5) I've still yet to able to cry over so many things.

Haha see more rants..I'll try to blog more okay people

For Good

2010-05-08T17:28:00.002+08:00

Have 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 :)

For Good

I've heard it said

That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit

As it passes a sun

Like a stream that meets a boulder

Halfway through the wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

I have been changed for good

It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me

Is made of what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine

By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring

By a wind off the sea

Like a seed dropped by a skybird

In a distant wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

And just to clear the air

I ask forgiveness

For the things I've done you blame me for

But then, I guess we know

There's blame to share

And none of it seems to matter anymore

Who can say if I've been

Changed for the better?

I do believe I have been

Changed for the better

Because I knew you...

I have been changed for good...

WHY? HOW?

2010-04-20T09:38:00.003+08:00

Hey everyone,

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.

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).

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....................

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?

SIGH...EMO DAY

COMMUNICATION

2010-03-24T10:53:00.003+08:00

Hey guys,

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.

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.

The elder of the church spoke about communication during sharing. I think communcation is so important. They are two types of wrong communication:

1) Not sharing to the person
2) Sharing to the person

Kinda paradox don't you think but hey most things are haha........Why do I say that?

1) Not sharing to the person
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.

2) Sharing to the person
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.

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.

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.

2010

2010-01-31T16:39:00.002+08:00

Heylo everyone,

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.

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.

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.

New Territory - My new home, my new working place........Rasa....

New Church - Subang Christian Fellowship, so much to learn and do

New Life - I'm working now...stresses are different....and of course being single

New Relationships - New friends in church, new friends at work.

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.....

So my friends here's to great 2010..and to many more posts (I hope).......

A DECADE LOOKBACK

2010-01-05T09:41:00.002+08:00

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!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

MY SWEETHEART

2009-11-26T14:13:00.002+08:00

I found something new.......I found something very very delicious and haha it's my new love affair

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..

ONE MONTH

2009-11-25T14:55:00.002+08:00

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.

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!!!

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 :)

DON'T EVER EVER GIVE UP

2009-11-20T11:50:00.001+08:00

One day I decided to quit....
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. .. in fact I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God..

"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...

"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light.I gave them water.The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.

And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.. He said.

"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit.

In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would

not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. ..

But just 6

months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave

it what it needed to survive..

I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.."

He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling,

you have actually been growing roots".

"I would not quit on the bamboo.

I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others."

He said.

"The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern.

Yet they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come", God said to me.

"You will rise high"

"How high should I rise?"

I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story.

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

Never, Never, Never Give up.

Don't tell God how big the problem is,

tell the problem how Great God is!

BEWARE ANGRY POST AHEAD

2009-11-18T13:46:00.003+08:00

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)

I'm angry at you:

1) For not being there for me when I needed you the most. Instead I got backfired for not being there for you.

2) For hurting my feelings with your words and actions. I feel like someone punch and slap me in the face.

3) For making things so hard for me, making me so conscious about what I do, what I say, what I choose.

4) For not appreciating the little things but looking at my little mistakes.

5) For just not trying ...........

I'm angry at myself:

1) For not maybe understanding you enough so that I can make you happy

2) For being fat and not as good looking as other guys

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

4) For choosing to come to where I am now rather than not staying

5) For not being the best of the best

6) For always looking for attention....................

I'm angry at the world:

1) For already draining me and yet stil wanting me to do more, but when I need help, excuses are everywhere

2) For just brushing off and saying it will heal but not making the effort to check on me

3) For keep asking me for help and yet brush me aside

UPDATES

2009-10-07T14:16:00.001+08:00

Updates! updates! so sorry for not updating haha

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.

I have finally gotten my name card haha.......well temporary.......you'll notice that it's a recycled name card

Well better than nothing right? :P

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..........

Till then........

BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

2009-09-24T15:28:00.003+08:00

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!!

I should be happy that I have a nice place to stay for free.....no rental, not even utility fees........

I should be happy cause I'm now in a church that is so caring.....

I should be happy cause I have so many brothers and sister who really care about me........

I should be happy !

JUST ONE PERSON

2009-09-08T14:34:00.002+08:00

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

Just One Person

If just one person believes in you,
Deep enough, and strong enough, believes in you...
Hard enough, and long enough,
It stands to reason, that someone else will think
"If he can do it, I can do it."

Making it: two whole people, who believe in you
Deep enough, and strong enough,
Believe in you.
Hard enough and long enough
There's bound to be some other person who
Believes in making it a threesome,
Making it three.....
People you can say: believe in me....

And if three whole people,
Why not -- four?
And if four whole people,
Why not--more, and
more, and
more....

And when all those people,
Believe in you,
Deep enough, and strong enough,
Believe in you...
Hard enough, and long enough

It stands to reason that you yourself will
Start to see what everybody sees in
You...

And maybe even you,
Can believe in you... too

ONE MONTH and COUNTING

2009-09-01T09:45:00.002+08:00

Gosh, has it been that long? I've actually survived one month in this place. Woo Hoo!!! Bring out the wines, beers, booze.......but wait nobody to drink with -_-

Haha I'm actualy proud of myself for able to survive here. Mind you it's a really small town. It's much much smaller than Nibong Tebal. Heck I think it's smaller than Kampar for that matter. But I've made accustomed to this place I guess. You cannot imagine how I always wanted to travel out of this place at night to the bright lights in KL but after 2 weeks, I was already getting bored of travelling there. I have come to love Rasa (or trying to at least). Staying alone is a bit of a struggle but I got use to it. Things I have learnt about myself throughout this month.

1) I can cook! Surprisingly, I have learnt how to cook simple dishes and also experimented with some new dishes. I'm extremely proud of my fried rice.......first time around the rice actually can be eaten.

2) I love working out. Yes, I have been working out and actually lost 1 kg after 2 weeks. It's a start somewhere, but more pounds to shed before Christmas..........

3) I am losing my fear of heights. For those who know me long, I have a fear of heights. I can woozy and woobly when I stand near ledges. However, in my job here, I have to climb 40 feet or climb down into dark chambers for inspection. Haha I still feel woobly but at least I can climb.

Other than that, I'm glad to have make some good friends already at work. My boss is a great friend to be with. You are friends with your boss! And why not? He's great! No I'm not polishing his boots, he's just a nice guy to be with. Next is Ms Tan, our faithful HR assistant in the office. We gossip about everything haha (sorry kakak). As for my personal life.....it's hard being away from dear.....but we are trying hard to keep in touch with one another (looking forward to this weekend..yipee!)I miss Ben bro, bro, lil bro and lil sis a lot haha (who is who?) but thank God they keep updating me about the CF (let go right) and their lives. I'm still looking for an avenue to continue to serve students here but it seems God has other plans for me..more about that later......

BACK STABBERS

2009-08-17T11:36:00.002+08:00

There are two things I hate in life...liars and back stabbers........okay not hate but don't like. I don't like people who can tell me one thing in front of me and talk other things at the back of me. I prefer if you don't like me to tell me straight to the face or better still correct me. Or if you really don't like me, don't force other people to not like me. I don't like it. I prefer for other people to make judgements about me rather than you make judgements and tell others about me.

H is a foreign friend whom I got to know from my mutual friends. At first, I heard many sob stories about her, how she is treated poorly by other people. So being a good friend I tried to support her in many ways. A lot of times my supervisor would criticize her and I would just tell my sv to just be patient with her. Many a times I feel pity for her and I always ask her how she is doing etc. Then my perception of her started to change when she first had a fallin out with 2 of my friends. At first it was a small matter but somehow she made it into a very big issue. Ever since then, I've become wary of her. Just a few weeks ago before I left campus, she had another fallin out with another 2 (A & B) of my friends. And this time, I was shocked that she did the same thing as like the first time. A & B are at first wanting to patch things up until they found her blog. And in her blog she wrote many malicious things about both of them, while she maintains that she is innnocent and pitiful to be treated like that. I also got shock at the things she wrote and told A & B to just forget her and move on. Today A told me that she wrote things about me as well and actually for a long time they have talked about it. When I read, I was shock. There she wrote how I was 2 face. How I betrayed her and critisize her and other people to my supervisor just so that I can get ahead. Hello? for wat? if you can't take your own weaknesses don't criticize others about their weaknesses. My goodness.....actually What the fuck man? I mean woman? Who are you so great to say such things. Now it's becoming clear why some people look at me one kind it's because she has been spreading rumours about me.......I really regret helping her and also regret tyring to patch things up for her and her friends. You know what H if you are reading this. SCREW YOU!!!

MALAYSIAN

2009-08-11T11:54:00.001+08:00

Got this from Kelly....it is so true.....Happy Merdeka Everyone

1. A typical young Malaysian can name all the players from a top English Premier League club, but ask him to name one football player from Malaysia, he cannot!

2. When StreamyX come, you complain StreamyX too slow. When Maxis Broadband come, you complain Maxis Broadband always disconnects. When WiMax come, you complain Wimax too expensive. In the end, you say StreamyX still the best lah.

3. When highway toll price increase, you complain. When petrol price increase, you complain. When you go Starbucks buy RM10 coffee, NO COMPLAINTS.

4. When you cannot find parking in a shopping mall and have to walk very far, you complain. When you go inside the shopping mall and there's SALE, run from one end of 1Utama to the other, that one NO COMPLAINT.

5. You are always late. And the excuse you give when you're late is always either: (a) traffic jam (b) no transport or (c) cannot find parking.

6. You have a parent who forces you to take science stream in high school, study engineering in Uni, then when you graduate, they ask you to forget everything you learnt in Uni and do commerce.

7. You know someone who can specially develop an angmoh accent when speaking to an American / British / Australian.

8. You complain against the government in kopitiam, you talk loud loud. Leave anonymous comments on blogs, you also talk loud loud. Attend ceremah by DAP, you shout loud loud. Then when Opposition organise a protest and ask you to go, you dun wan. Scared later kena tangkap by ISA.

9. Every year on the 30th April, you are one of the people below queuing up last minute to submit your tax return at the IRB.

10. When an angmoh stranger kisses you on the cheek to say hello, you very happy. When a Malaysian guy kisses you on the cheek to say hello, you slap him in face.

Saya Anak Malaysia

RASA and HELLO

2009-08-05T10:05:00.002+08:00

My my I'm sorry guys for not updating. THe last two months was hectic with trying to finish my thesis so that I can graduate (which btw I'm still in LIMBO thanks to my ex boss). FYI officially I have not graduated yet as I haven't VIVA and haven't passed up my final draft to IPS. But I have until OCtober to do that so I'm good haha.

Currently, I'm working in Rasa Water Treatment Plant which is a potable water treatment plant situated in the jungles of Selangor. I'm the new Production Engineer meaning I'm suppose to be in charge of the daily production of water in the company. So far after working 3 days, I kinda love my job although there is much to learn. My boss is En Wakil.......super nice boss. One thing, he is a very patient man and very very pious but open man. He used to be the Production Engineer here before becoming the Plant Manager. I admire his wit and determination with his job here. It's always pleasing to see him cause I seldom (or maybe I haven't seen yet) his angry side. Right now my job is to make sure my men are doing their job. Yes I have 28 people to oversee. Technically only 4 as the 4 will help me see the rest. But as a department head I must be strict and have to know what's up. So far I have a lot of assignments and frankly speakign can feel the working life dee la........

More post ya and pics.........

OH MY GOODNESS

2009-06-01T13:29:00.002+08:00

I stumbled upon this blog which featured this old newspaper cutting about my school play in 2001. Showed it to dear and haha she said I've changed a lot hahah

Click on it to read it haha

PS I don't remember this news clip at all....

GATHERINGS

2009-05-31T16:54:00.003+08:00

The last month was a month of gatherings for me.....

First up was this

The annual CF reunion haha no la........It was Felix and Siou Lian's wedding. Usually these are the times when we can meet up as friends, seniors and juniors. The youngest batch there is Chuang Ki haha but actually the youngest batch there is Derrick and gang (Felix was final yr when he met them) and the oldest batch was Su Anne (I was in first yr when she jsut started her masters...and she was an undergrad before this). It was a good time to reunite with everyone else. I got to meet my big bro Jonathan and intro him to my small bro Derrick. Haha. And got to know who is still with who? Who is engaged to who? And time to make small networks.

The other gathering was this

This is my new family, SACC! haha. Had fun organizing the SACC FAmily Day 2009 with dear and also some of the young adults. Yesterday it has taught me and opened my eyes that hey, maybe I still have to serve here. So maybe planning to travel here more often to serve in this wonderful church.

ANGELS AND DEMONS

2009-05-26T21:17:00.000+08:00

Watched this during the weekend and it was great! It was nicer than Da Vinci Code. Truth be told there were some important lessons in the movie. One of the things that was so profound in the movie was this line at the end of the movie.

"Religion is flawed because man is flawed"
I think that is so true!

"Do you believe in God? I'm not asking do you believe in what man says about God.....Do you believe in God?
I'm an academic, my mind tells me that it is hard to understand God........but my heart says I that can't, it's about faith........."

ANGELS and DEMONS

2009-05-25T15:45:00.005+08:00

"Religion is flawed because man is flawed"

I think that is so true!

"Do you believe in God? I'm not asking you believe in what man says about God.....Do you believe in God?

I'm an academic, my mind tells me that it is hard to understand God........but my heart says I that can't, it's about faith........."

EMO

2009-05-12T12:22:00.002+08:00

Cute?

I KNOW IT'S TODAY

2009-04-08T00:32:00.002+08:00

This song is from Shrek the Musical (yes there is a musical). The musical is as funny as the movie so go check out in you tube cause it's there. It's super hilarious and the songs are funny. Like this song.....it is when Princess Fiona is trapped in her tower as a young princess. The lyrics are hilarious.

[Young Fiona: Spoken]
Settle in girls. It's story time! Isn't this fun? It's like a sleep over,
but instead of a pillow fight, there is an insane dragon who incenterates things.
Now where were we? Oh right,

[Sung:]
There’s a princess
In a tower
Oh my gosh, that’s just like me
Poor Rapunzel needs a haircut
But the witch won’t set her free
She passes time by singing
Like someone else I know
As years go by she sits and waits…
As years go by? Uh, oh
A torturous existence
I don’t remember this part!
She wishes she were dead?
Skip ahead skip ahead!
But in the end Rapunzel finds a millionaire
The prince is good at climbing and braiding golden hair!

So I know, he’ll appear
Cause there are rules and there are strictures
I believe the storybooks I read by candlelight
My white knight, and his steed
Will look just like these pictures!
It won’t be long now, I guarantee!
Day number…23.
I know its today
I know its today

[Teenage Fiona: Spoken]
Oh here's a good one! It's a classic!

[Sung:]
There’s a princess
In a coma
Glad its her instead of me.
Pretty maiden
In a glass box
How I wonder does she pee?
Blah blah blah, poison apple
Boring boring evil queen
Filler filler, been there, read that!
Seven shorties on the scene.
Skip ahead, skip ahead…
But in the end the princess wakes up with a start
The prince is good at kissing
And melting Snow White’s heart!

So I know, he’ll appear
And his armor will be blinding!
As shining as his perfect teeth
And manly clothes
He’ll propose, on one knee
And our prenupt will be binding!
About time we set the wedding date!
Day number…958.
I know its today.
[ Find more Lyrics on www.mp3lyrics.org/aI5U ]
He’ll show up today....

[Fiona:]
...ay...
There’s a princess
Any princess
Take your pick, they’re all like me
Not exactly, I’m still waiting
they’re living happily
Ever after better get here
I want love in seconds flat
No one needs these middle bits
Whoops, did I do that?

Cut the villains, cut the vamping
Cut this fairytale
Cut the peril and the pitfalls
Cut the puppet and the whale
Cut the monsters, cut the curses
Keep the intro, cut the verses
And the waiting, the waiting, the waiting, the waiting
The waiting!

But I know, he’ll appear
Though I seem a bit bipolar
And I’m a vandal now as well, though he won’t mind
I’m a find, I’m a catch
And a very gifted bowler!
It won’t be long now, I guarantee!
Day number…

Are you there God?
It’s me Fiona…

[All Fionas:]
It’s me Fiona!

Now I know, he’ll appear
Cause there are rules and there are strictures
I believe the storybooks I read by candlelight
My white knight, my knight and his steed
Will look just like these pictures!
It won’t be long now, I guarantee!

[Young Fiona:]
Day number 23

[Teenage Fiona:]
Day number 958

[Fiona:]
Day number 4,823

[Young Fiona:]
I know its today, oooo

[Teenage Fiona:]
I know its today, oooo

[Fiona:]
I know its today, oooo

[Young Fiona:]
I know its today, oooo

[Teenage Fiona:]
I know its today, oooo

[Fiona:]
I Know it's today

[All Fionas:]
I know it's today!

BETRAYED

2009-04-06T17:53:00.002+08:00

Hmm today did something which I felt so guilty about. I betrayed someone's trust. That person has trusted me to be a good senior but I've done something which I know this person would have a hard time to trust me again. I hope this person can look beyond what happened. I didn't mean for it to happen and didn't mean to do it (if I can remember what I did). The truth is I know it sucks being betrayed especially to someone whom look up to you.

I remember a few years back, I was heart broken when I found out my best friend back stabbed me. Just to win some hearts, he was willing to talk bad about me and told lies. He even let out a big secret and I almost got into trouble for it. Hmm I stil rememeber the hurt and the pain he caused. In camp cameron, I talked to the speaker about this issue and he said that I need to confront him and talk to him about it. I said how can I? but he said it is important to do so. So after many years of not talking to him I decided to ring him up and we met for yam cha. After yam cha we talked and I expressed my hurt. He said he didn't mean it to and that he didn't feel well after tat. After much prayer, I decided to forgive him. I still remember the hug he gave me and I can remember we both teared up. Now I'm still a good friend with him and still trust him with my life.

To that person I betrayed, I'm so sorry. I dunno how it happen or why it happen. I just know I'm sorry about it..........hope you can forgive me and we can move on......

THE LAND OVER THE SEA

2009-03-23T11:40:00.006+08:00

Yes just came back from Sabah. Haha ya most people didn't know about it cause I didn't want to make a big ho haa over it but yes was there for a week. Was quite excited to go there (yes my first time....Simon) but haha was a bit skeptical of going alone with Isa. Not that I don't like him but haha knowing our history working together, we are not best of friends but this trip made me realise something new in our relationship..haha more on that later.

The trip was of course for the Sabah regionals. Haha I was complaining to Isa that I have been to every region except Sabah for regionals (Actually i just realised I haven't been to Klang Valley yet....maybe next yr). Sabah ah the land where time is so different from Semenanjung. Serious. The sun rises at 6 in the morning -_- and sets super early. Come to think of it, my East Malaysia friends will just say the opposite about Semenanjung.

Let's talk about the regionals. Hmm it's very different if you ask me. Different from a lot of aspect. First I was there as a facilitator more than an OT so i didn't sit in for most of the meetings. Secondly the OTs there can say very lepak....haha their meetings very relaxed and non-intense. Isa did most of the talking and they just listened and nod. But they are a group who were eager to serve and learn. As for myself, I must say that I was not prepare at all for my sessions. I was still planning them the night before and also changing my thoughts an hour before my sessions. THough it looked flawless (haha from a comment I got), not happy with it myself. ANyway I have Southern Regions to redeem myself. The place for the regionals was lovely. It was held in St. Martin's Tambunan. Now this place is surrounded by hills and trees. IT's lovely. I can imagine walking to school everyday admiring the green hills and breathing in the fresh air. But the rain haha had to spoil it all.......... The only thing I didn't like was the loneliness. Haha coudln't really click with the kids and also didn't talk much with Isa. Most of the time, I locked myself in the room to do my work (which is still not done).

After finishing the regionals it was time to go back to Kota Kinabalu to do some tourist stuff. We stayed in 2 hotels. The first one was Mandarin Hotel at Gaya street. Now this place is damn runned down and the price for a room was expensive. We decided that after the regionals we would not come back to the same hotel. Luckily Isa's contact got us another hotel just opposite the main road. The place was so much nicer and the price was lower. After checking in, I did my first sight seeing, which was massage hunting. Heard so much about good massages in KK (not the one with happy endings :P) and found one nice place near Gaya Street and offers Shieat Su Massage and Reflexology for RM 70. I can tell you it hurt haha.....But after the session I was more relaxed but the next day can feel the muscle paining. Another wonderful thing I did was snorkeling. Thanks to miss mermaid aka Anidha (thanks gal!) who took me on a wonderful trip to the islands. Went to 2 island, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sapi. Both had wonderful scenary except Pulau Mamutik had a bigger surprise for me........JELLYFISH....yes I got stung, but thank God it was only baby jellyfishes. Other than tat, caught sight on some beautiful fishes (RAINBOW FISH.....which i call the gay fish.. haha). The only thing that disgusted me was the fact, these islands are seeing the affects of tourism la. A lot of empty bottles around and plastics here and there. Sigh...and we pay RM 3 for conservation purposes. Buck up Sabah if not you'll lose ur beauty. Shopping in Sabah is.......erm......okay only la....The only place I went shopping was the Filipino Market (Thanks Najeeb) . The place is cramped and I almost fainted because it was so cramped. But I got some huge bargains for my soveniours (Thanks Najeeb again).

Hmm the trip to Sabah was great actually. Although felt lonely at times and missing home but it was a great opportunity. Okay with Isa.........haha well most of you don't know but Isa and I fight alot. Haha I mean a lot. Both of us work differently and both of us have different principles in life. But I guess we meant well when we comment about each other. During this whole trip, we never fought once. I guess it was a conscious effort for the both of us to settle our differences to go and fulfill a work. I had a great time with him and I guess we have both mature in our relationship. I hope it will last la.........and Isa thanks for the treat haha......

100th POST AND THE UDHR

2009-03-02T12:57:00.002+08:00

Oh my, finally the 100th post....never thought it would come to this much hahaha.....Anyway was away in Ipoh and was back in centre a while, and Jerald reminded me about the UDHR or Universal Declaration of Human Rights.....I told him that I will be working in an 'evil' company and not feeling up to it. He said don't look at it that way, look as if you are infiltrating the enemy haha. SPY!!

The UDHR is a human rights declaration. It is a document which has 30 articles that should help a country/nation to champion human rights. On 2008, it celebrated it's 60th anniversary and 10th of December is declared Human Rights Day. What so important about human rights. Well I believe that all man are made equal (woman as well). No one can torture/enslave/make fun of one another just because he/she are different. No one can say that he has the right to make fun of us. No one can say my country is btter than you. The 30 articles read as:

Article 1
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 11
Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence. No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Article 12
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13
Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
Everyone has the right to leave any country, including their own, and to return to their country.

Article 14
Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15
Everyone has the right to a nationality.
No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 16
Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

Article 17
Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21
Everyone has the right to take part in the government of their country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in their country.
The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23
Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 24
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

Article 26
Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27
Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29
Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 30
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

It was an eye opener to read this document again...for years I have been not living it....thanks Jerald for the reminder......

THE COLD WITHIN

2009-02-26T10:47:00.002+08:00

This poem was written by James Patrick Kinney. It spoke a lot to me when I first heard it (Eric can by heart it) and when I read it again, it brings chills......

The Cold Within
Six humans trapped by happenstance
In dark and bitter cold
Each possessed a stick of wood--
Or so the story's told.

Their dying fire in need of logs,
But the first one held hers back,
For, of the faces around the fire,
She noticed one was black.

The next one looked cross the way
Saw one not of his church,
And could not bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes
He gave his coat a hitch,
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought
Of wealth he had in store,
And keeping all that he had earned
From the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man's face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight,
For he saw in his stick of wood
A chance to spite the white.

And the last man of this forlorn group
Did nought except for gain,
Giving just to those who gave
Was how he played the game,

Their sticks held tight in death's stilled hands
Was proof enough of sin;
They did not die from cold without--
They died from cold within.

This poem reminds me of why I do what I do....people ask me, what so much money to spend me ah? well the money I have is from God, and He blessed me with it, but I believe He blessed me because He wans me to bless others. Let's not all die from the cold within

THE LONG WAIT POST

2009-02-25T13:36:00.002+08:00

OH my goodness, I think my blog posts are all 2 per month.......hahaha sorry guys, am absolutely tied up with my work and also with other activities (or just plain lazy to update).....

Anyway some new updates about me:

Just finished 2 big events for the CF. 1 was the CF Concert last week. IT was a rocking concert. Although the hall was not filled to the rim but at least the audience this time stayed for the whole thing. That was more important than having 300 people coming. We had about 150 ish and well I believe God was in control and it was a fun nite. I got to do my last mime in USM (I think) with Jinny. It's freaking awesome cause thanks to Yew Kong I got to paint my face white. However, knowing that I sweat a lot the paint kinda smeared -_- . I'm waiting for the video to come out so I'll post pictures (as soon as Joshua Entol gives it to us). Just when I thought I could rest, remembered that there was a Final Year Retreat (FYR) that weekend and I was speaking for 2 sessions. Wah I really had little sleep and all but yet the retreat was great. We went back to MAxwell Hill for the retreat and believe me when I always say God is always speaking to me in the moutains. One of the things I really appreciate God was Derrick and Jinny. We were hikin up to our bungalow at Maxwell Hill and because of time, we had to rush up the hill. Now with my knee condition I knew that I would be able to make it up but don't rush me...I have to takemy time but becauswe of the rushing, my knee hurt like hell. Half way up I wantd to give up and ask them to leave me there. But Derrick keep pulling me up and keep cheering me. For that I trully love him (as a brother). Jinny on the other hand was my entertainer. haha We played mahjong till so late until we got fed up with mahjong. hahaha.... Jinny thanks for being there ya.................

I've finished my third chapter of my thesis and now starting on my first chapter (huh?). haha long story short, I've decided to do the easier chapters first before the harder chapters. But my boss is driving me crazy and keep delyaing me with my thesis. I hope to finish my 1st chapter soon......

Well all in all I'm still alive....but feeling down lately. Feeling very demotivated everyday. Keep having negative thoughts and feeling tension all the time. TO the extent I can't sleep at nite (sometimes)....pls pray for me :)

Cheers

FOR YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER

2009-02-10T10:37:00.003+08:00

What a way to end a book.......if u're thinking wat book I'm referring to, it's the book by Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner. The heart warming book about friendship, comradeship and forgiveness. It's really a good read and I couldn't put the book down until I finish all 25 chapters of it. Haha yes Aaron Chan has finally finished a book within a week. I've watched the movie before but I think the book is so much better (as in the case of many other books that have become movies).

The story revolves around Amir (the narrator). His whole life from a young boy in Afghanistan to an adult in the US. How he life had many significant people including his own father and of course the most important character of the story Hassan, his servant cum best friend cum ....haha spoiler so cannot tell so much. The backdrop of this story ranges from the good old years of Afghanistan to the terrible times of the Taliban.

The most important lesson that I've learnt of this story is about forgiveness. How bad things can happen to certain people and they still forgive those around him who didn't stood up for him. The other lesson I take to heart is to enjoy every moment and to love deeply the people around us.

Khaled Hosseini is a great writer and his next book is actually another best seller. Hope to get it (hint hint) haha......

FORGIVE AND FORGET

2009-01-19T14:36:00.002+08:00

Hmm something to blog about after lunch. A few days ago, our faculty organised an anniversary dinner to celebrate 15 years of it's existence. Of course when there's a faculty event, we the post grad students sure get caught in a lot of drama. First we were forced to go for the dinner. Not only that we were asked to pay for our dinner and not only that, we were forced to do so much work. Well who else would do such things to us, of course our beloved D......haha I can't say too much, I might get sued.

Oh well, if you know who our D is to us, you have to remember our history with him. He's the most ungrateful and selfish guy I've ever met. Not only that, He's always right! and we cannot argue with him. On the dinner itself, there was a lucky draw. And lo and behold none of the students won anything. You will say, well aren't you unlucky? but then it's obvious that our tickets were taken out earlier and was not part of the lucky draw (statistically we should have at least 1 or 2 winners). Anyway I guess it was D's way of getting us back for making him mad about asking for a cheaper dinner. Of course we were pissed off, how not to? Of course my weekend was spoilt by him. We were cursing him and gossiping about him and just complaining about him. But you know what? It hit me last nite, that we are no better from him if we do those things. I think for me, he won by just hurting our feelings. I decided hey you know what, i liked the event. I got to help kids to understand what I'm studying. I got to meet some old seniors and catch up. I got a new t shirt to wear............you see it's not all that bad.

I was sharing this to my friends a few minutes ago. At first they think I'm crazy but after explaning to them, they somehow had a "Ah-Ha" in their head and we were talking about forgiving someone and forgetting it. Well in my humble opinion. I think forgiving someone is easy, forgetting what that person has done to you is another matter. You know after all these years, I still harbour a certain hatred to those people in church who made fun of me. But I'm suppose to forgive them..HOW? hahaha.....not easy lor....but I always make this verse remind me

Be ye KIND to one another, tender LOVING, FORGIVING one another, even as God in Christ has FORGIVEN you....Ephesians 4:32

Christ has forgiven me....and I'm even worst.......

Something to reflect on right?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-05T16:52:00.004+08:00

Hello everyone,

Haha feel so shameful, that my blog is not being updated. Sorry la, been away and travelling but I'm here again. hahaha

Was away to Singapore (yes again) for Christmas with Dear, we had a lovely time. We were staying this time with Ah Lia and she is a good hostess. We had lots of fun but the only thing was the walking. We walked and walked for hours everyday until my mum said I lost weight. The highlight of the trip was the trip to the Singapore Museum. Seriously, if there is anybody here who is part of the Malaysian Museum Committee please go visit the Singapore Museum. It's super super super nice and great. It's almost like a One Life Exhibition style type of setting but the way History was presented was great. The only thing that I didn't like there was the fact they somehow played the merger between Malaysia and Singapore (and thereafter the split) always Malaysia's fault. Problem is they think we Malaysians are dumb and stupid (not all think like tat la). But I think it's kinda sad that they paint a slightly bad picture about us.

Hmm, since new year is here, it's always time for me to reflect what 2008 was. 2008 was hmm I wouldn't say it was the best year. I think I've had more downs than ups. I named 2008 the year of learnings because of the hurt I went through, I've learned to be a better person from them. 2009 I'm proclaiming the YEAR OF EMPOWERMENT. This word EMPOWERMENT has been ringing in my heart for the whole month of December. I believe that God wants me to continue to grow but at the same time help others grow. This year would be another transition year. I'm finishing my course and movin onto the coporate world. A few things to look forward to this year: A few of my seniors getting married, me starting work (finishing my masters), 20 years of convention (anniversary woo hoo) and of course my 3 years with Dear :)

2009 cheers to you..........

A WHOLE NEW EXPERIENCE

2008-12-23T15:25:00.003+08:00

Oh wow, December is here.......and going to end which means the year is about to end. I'm now in the office, feeling kinda emo and also feeling sickish....Hahaha all self inflicted actually. As you can see from my two previous post, I've been on camps recently and they were back to back.

Convention was great this year. One of the things I've learned this year, that it's worth it to be involved with my LaSallian family. I know as the years goes by, it's going to be harder to be involved but I pray that I'll be able to...Vinny and Prita if you are reading this, please remind me hahaha.....

After convention was my conference in G Hotel (organised by my school). I love G Hotel, the rooms are spacious, free internet, the atmosphere is great but the only thing I didn't like was the food. Thought the food was a bit bland and not much of a variety.

The last camp I went was my Committee Planning Retreat (CPR) in Camerons. Let me just say, I wouldn't want to go there during the holidays, cause it's super jam there. Haha my legs were all wobbly hahaha

Well more camps to come......

DID YOU KNOW

2008-12-02T13:48:00.003+08:00

I'm a sucker for did you know facts.......I got an email yesterday on some interesting did you know facts so.....here's some

DID YOU KNOW....
....A pig's orgasm lasts for 30 minutes (talk about too much pleasure)

....Statiscally, more people are afraid of spiders than they fear of death (hmm I think that's so true, reminds me of a friend who is so afraid of spiders....he actually thinks all spiders are tarantulas)

....A cockroach can last 9 days without it's head. (See they are mean insects)

....A statue in a park with a soldier on a horse with it's 2 feet in the air means the soldier died in combat. 1 feet in the air, the soldier was wounded. All feet on the ground, the soldier died of natural cause (Hmm....)

....During the civil war, when troops return without any casualities, a writing was put up so all can see which read '0' Killed....or O.K. that's where it came from....which means all is good.

....In ancient England, people can't have sex without the permission of the King. When people were married and they want to have a child, they needed to ask for permission from the King and the King would give them a plague to hang on their door. The plague read "Fornication Under Consent of the King"...of F.U.C.K. (hmm this sounds a bit weird)

....Elephants are the only animals which can't jump :)

NOVEMBER FEVER

2008-12-01T15:23:00.004+08:00

Hmm November just came and went but certain highlights for the month

1) AVENUE Q - Was in S'pore to watch tat.....it was super duper fucking (haha how could I not say that seems that's the show to say it innocently) cool show. Hahaha but the coolest of all was with my brother to watch it la.....For Ben it was more of the whole trip as it is his first trip to S'pore (and of course not his last trip :) ) S'pore itself was great......Kenny and gang again brought us out for loads of meals (went to my fav buffet place and had my durian pudding again).

2) Bienalle ART SHOW - Hahaha another highlight although most of the time, I was trying to think what in the world is the art trying to show. A lot of gila gila arts to see and of course arts that doesn't make sense at all (chewing gum art)

3) GENTING - After a week in S'pore, went to Gentings with a few of my post grad friends (imagine 6 guys in one room in First world). It was a great trip cause it was with great people. To Tai Lo, Mei Mei, Syed, Kelly, Kak Ziah, Fadhil, Jib, Awang, Eka, Zirah and Kon, you guys make the word Play Hard another catchphrase.......I love all of you and goign to miss Kelly and Syed....

The girls

The guys

4) A NEW SAGA - Yes, I'm a proud owner of a new Proton Saga........Black some more (although I wanted Blue a lot). My Black Saga right now is at 1888 km within 1 month hahaha..tat's how much I've traveled. With greater power comes greater responsibility (more money to fork out) But I thank God for the blessing la.........and the car is used to blessed others...and I'm learning to be generous with it. So if u need a ride please don't hesitate to call ya.. :)

5) LAB ALMOST OVER - Yeah......my lab is about 80% done...another few more thigns to tie up and I'm done. I hope to end everything by January so that I can just concentrate fully on my thesis. My target June 2009 so please pray for me ya :)

I guess that's a lil summary on my November.........on to December

1) Convention (6th - 14th) - Yup my usual LaSallan convention wil be held from this weekend. Thought I could run away from lots of thigns but end up have to become facilitator for workshops hahaha...oh well, you can't run from everything.

2) ICENV (15th - 17th) - Wll b part of the Organising Committee to help out with the conference and looking forward to it..

3) CPR (19th - 21st) - My last (hopefully) CPR for the CF..sob sob...but looking forward to go Camerons

4) CHRISTMAS NIGHTS (21st and 23rd) - Have 2 to attend this yr. One in dear's church and one more in PBBC (actually in charge of the program).

5) SINGAPORE (24th - 28th) - Hahah again? yup 3rd time this yr...what can I say I love the place :) but this time got special guest to go with....my one and only dear .......... yeah!!!!

Looks like goign to be another pack month.......cheerios

I'M STILL HERE

2008-11-17T22:35:00.001+08:00

Hehe a lot of you guys thought I've stopped blogging...NO LA..just no time.........will blog soon ya.....wait for these space

MALAYSIANS?

2008-10-23T10:06:00.003+08:00

I was thinking about being racist.......and sometimes I'm sad being Chinese. Here's two scenario

Scenario 1

EB is my good friend and also an Indian. He is like my mentor la in the LaSallian movement. Both of us were running a camp this year and were running errands in the town to get supplies for camp. We stopped by a Chinese owned sundry shop to get some of the stuffs. EB wanted to fix his shoes so he asked me to shop first. So I entered the shop first. Now the taukeh so (auntie boss) was so happy to see me and asked what I needed. So I started off with number 1 and so forth. About 5 mins later, EB entered and stood beside me. Then he remembered something which was not in the list. Some simple brown paper which we use to wrip gifts. So he asked the auntie nicely for it. The auntie gave him a stare and said "Don't kacau me, I'm very busy and the brown paper very hard to take" Hmm then I turned to EB and just started talking. When the auntie realise that I was with him. She suddenly said, "You with him?" I said yes and then she turned back and walked a few steps and then walah just took out 1 whole roll of brown paper. Hard to get? hmmm.........oh well......obviously she saw EB differently

Scenario 2

Went shopping with some coursemates. I needed to get a gift so a few of the girls decided to help me. Now my coursemates are a mix. In gang got Chinese and also Malays. We hang out almost all the time. Okay back to my story. We went round the whole shopping complex to find that perfect gift. I stopped at one shop looking at the gift and my other 2 friends went ahead to another shop. One of them actually saw a nice gift and called me. I said ok ok coming. As I approached the shop, the Chinese lady was shocked to see me as the friend. She asked me in Mandarin, "You are with them?". I said yah.......and she gave me a very weird look. Hmm.....

Pretty sad ain't it........

SAWADEE 3

2008-10-16T17:32:00.003+08:00

Shopping in Thailand is crazy. Crazily cheap. Everything is super cheap here but of course there are somethings you have to becareful of. For example, fruits here are extremely cheap but they look extremely huge. My lecturer said must be careful cause they might use chemicals to produce such big fruits.

Another place to really go shopping is Sam Peng. It's actually a whole saler's street. So everything is sold in bulk. You can actually get 1 dozens of flip flops for about 450 Baht (RM 45) or 2 dozens of mini handbags for 500 Baht (RM 50). Can say I hit the jackpot when I bought all my soveniurs here. The things are also nice and I think can become a great gift for your friends. Sam Peng is located in Chinatown. You can't miss it. Just ask around and you'll find it.

Chinatown...Sam Peng is near where the pink taxi is haha

All in all the trip to Thailand was great. Although I really believed there was an usual force from keeping me from going there....hahaha........

SAWADEE 2

2008-10-10T10:05:00.007+08:00

The next day I woke up late. Supposed to have woken by 7.30 to have breakfast at 8. Because Thailand's electric current is not stable and I made the mistake of letting my phone charge the whole night. My phone died. So it was my friend who woke me up at 8am and I rushed. Wah I thought my jinx will not stop. Oh ya before I forget, my hotel is called Royal Hills and Spa Resort. It's a nice place but haha sometimes brochures can really really bluff you. In their website the place looks like Cameron Highlands with mist etc.....however the temperatuer there is almost the same as any other place but definitely not Cameron Highlands (btw Bangkok City is realy really hot).

Something sweet for breakfast?

Breakfast was great at Royal Hills, real authentic Thai food. One thing about Thai food is that is really really sour. And the desserts are really really sweet. Their curry lagi canggih. It's not ours where the first bite and yikes you feel the heat. Oh no, it doesn't taste spicy at first, but the more you eat you feel yourself sweating and then boom it comes...gradually gradually......and boy was I drenched when I had their version of Tom Yam during dinner.

Lunch was like this

After breakfast, was the real reason why I was there in Thailand, my paper presentation. Overall I think did pretty well could answer the questions they posed. :)

Me at the presentation

After lunch, Dr Lee, me and my friend (Mei Mei) traveled back to Bangkok. Hmm let me just say that travelling in the morning is so much better than at night. It was so different compared to what I experienced the night before. We were dropped at the nearest LRT station and traveled to our new destination...Chinatown where our hotel was....the Grand Ville Hotel. A 3 star hotel which looks like a 4 star. From the concierge to the receptionist, they were extremely friendly. That's another thing about Thais. They are really really friendly. Everywhere you go, they'll say Sawadee. And after buying things, they will definitely say Thank You. I was almost run downed by a motor while walking and the motor stopped infront of me. Haha I thought die..sure kena scolding (imagining the Malaysian scenario) but to my surprise, the gangster looking motorcyclist turned back to apologize....wow never happens in Malaysia (seldom la). Another thing about Bangkok city is that the people dresses up like people in KL so it looked like mini KL only nicer people. People don't rush into buses or the LRTs. However the only thing I can really appreciate about KL is that the traffic there is not as bad compared to Bangkok. There is move or be moved...haha.

Grand Ville Hotel

more to come.........

SAWADEE

2008-10-07T09:49:00.007+08:00

Hey folks, just came back from a two weeks Raya break (yes I needed it). Before that actually went to Bangkok, Thailand to attend a conference. Boy was it an experiential trip. Actually the accompanying lecturer (Dr Lee) said I was jinx hahaha...I think so too but sometimes God is very very funny. Here's what happened. I was about to board into Air Asia with my friend when suddenly the Air Asia check in counter girl (from now know as Ms Bi.....yes you know what I mean) didn't allow me to check in. She 'claimed' that my passport is expiring and unable to fly. I told her that the immigration office allowed me, and she said she needed proof. So she asked me to go to immigration office to ask again. Now the immigration office is like the other end of the airport. So I ran all the way to the immigration office to ask. Now the immigration office is like a no entry zone unless you have a boarding pass so the officer at the gate said sorry I can't go in because I don't have a boarding pass but asked me to ask Air Asia aka Ms Bi to come to let me in. Fine I said...so off again I ran back to the counter to ask nicely Ms Bi to follow me. You know what? She refused and called me stupid. I'm like WTF? Who are you to call me that? Air Asia if you are reading this, I must say that you have really really bad staff..............................................I begged and begged and she insist that she is right and denied me from going in. Not long after that I had to say goodbye to my friend who travelled alone to Bangkok. Haih it was such a bad time. I was tired and angry. Thank God got dear who calmed me down and took me for a nice dinner. I bought my ticket to Bangkok again for the next day but had to make sure I renewed my passport.

The next day I got Yew Kong to pick me to the immigration office to renew it. It just took 2 hours and then was able to fly that evening. But again God is indeed a great God. If Yew Kong didn't pick me, then we wouldn't have time to have a bonding session and also got to know each other better. Maybe it was God's way of saying hey you two, better start talking hahaha.......and talked we did. Hey yewks if you are reading, already consider you my bro man......

Okay back to Bangkok.........I finally made it pass through the check in counter and was ready to fly to Bangkok. Haha Kelly and Pei Ching decided to see me off and was glad to see some familiar faces before I left. When all things looked like it was going well, there was an annoucement, "Paging to all Air Asia passengers to Bangkok, your flight has been delayed"..........really -_- Oh well more time to waste at the airport. But got on safely also la....

My flight number!

Before entering immigration

My plane

After a tiring plane trip I arrived in Bangkok at 6.30 pm (7.30pm Malaysian time). Suvarnabumi Airport looks great. It's super cool looking and the people at the airport are so damn nice and friendly. Was asked for taxi from like baggage claims until the main entrance. Now I was trying hard to save my money so I decided to get to my destination the cheapest way. Nakorn Nayok (where the conference is) is about 1 1/2 hours away from Bangkok city and Dr Lee actually said it costs about 800 - 900 Baht to get there. At first there were some Limo Taxi which wanted to charge me 1800 Baht to pick me. Too expensive I said......before I said no again, the lady said 1300 Baht I still said no, something I'm about to regret. I went out from the airport and found a local taxi. The taxi stand said the fare is 1500 Baht. I thought okay la...take la. Haih I was stuck with a taxi driver who knows minute English and I didn't speak a single word of Thai except Sawadee karp. The journey from Bangkok to Nakorn Nayok was excruitating. There was a traffic jam on the highway (that's when I'm grateful for our roads), there was total silence all the way cause I couldn't speak to the driver and the roads are super super dark. No street lamps at all. Of course at that time I was hungry, dirty and thirsty. But with the adrenaline of wanting to be in the hotel quick kept all these in check. 2 hours later I was still not at the hotel. My driver got lost. That time was really scary. I kept smsing Dr Lee and asking him about how to get there. My taxi driver was really great though. He never gave up and continued to find the hotel and even insisted in driving me into the hotel (from the hotel front gate to the lobby is about 6km). I was so touched that I paid the guy 2000 Baht cause he is going back to the airport again. Sigh should have stuck to the 1300 Baht more pro taxi........oh well........I arrived at the hotel at about 9.30 plus and was super hungry but the canteens were all closed so I had to eat mee maggi only. Hmm....oh well it was a great experience and I thought my jinx was up.

My hotel room....for a 3 star hotel, the room is great

Tune in tomorrow for Sawadee part 2..............

TAGGED BY AARON OO

2008-09-18T14:31:00.002+08:00

Haha I'm tagged, it's my first time though. Thanks Aaron Oo

1. The last person that tagged you is? Aaron Oo.

2. Your relationship with him/her? LaSallian friend.

3. Your 5 impression towards him/her. Straightforward - Cute - Cheeky - Smiley - Loud?

4. The most memorable thing that he/she has ever done for u? Hmm calling me his name sake.

5. The most memorable words that he/she spoke to you? Aaron......

6. If he/she becomes your lover, you will.. erm............hahaha

7. If she becomes your enemy, you will..So far, still friends.

8. If he/she become your lover, he/she has to improve on....He should know.

9. If he/she becomes your enemy, the reason is...I insulted him and vice versa

10. The most desirable things to do for him/her is... 0_0

11. Overall impression towards him/her is....Being himself.

12. How do you think the people around you feel about you? Cheerful.

13. The character for yourself is? I'm just me.

14. On the contrary, the character that you hate yourself is? Too emotional.

15. The most ideal person you want to be is? I don't believe in such things.

16. For the person/people who cares and like you, say something about him/her/them. My beloveds

17. 10 ppl to tag..
------------------
1. Alex Kuek
2. Yan Wai
3. Joshua Entol
4. Jinny Yew
5. Choulyee
6. Tsu Chong
7. Wan Ling
8. Joshua Johnson
9. Pui Fern
10. Paolo
------------------

18. Who is number 2 having relationship with? Somebody I don't know

19. Is 3 a male or female? Male

20. If number 7 and 10 got together, would that be a good thing? Haha would be cute.

21. How about 5 and 8? WAH.

22. What is number 1 studying about? Working.

23. When is the last time u chat with them? Once in a while for some. And some others everyday.

24. Is number 4 still single? Nope.

25. Say something about number 2. A great friend and junior

MALAYSIA DAY

2008-09-16T11:53:00.003+08:00

To all Malaysians,

Happy Malaysia Day. Yes I don't call it National Day buy Malaysia Day. Got difference. I believe that 31st August is the day, we got independance. But today is the day we celebrate with our friends from Sabah and Sarawak. Honestly, I don't think we need a public holiday on this day, we have enough holidays (rumour has it, we are the country with the most holidays).

Well I know it's a bit late to put this thing but here's something you can do for Malaysia Day. This letter was taken from Jonathan to us:

Dear Lasallians,

This year we celebrated 51 years of independence. This will be followed by 45 years of integration, of Malaysia, to be commemorated tomorrow. But have we much cause to celebrate? Truth be told, we are living in somewhat dark circumstances. Recent happenings in our country have brought about a great deal of tension and discord among her people. We are all responsible for our current state, in one way or another. We seem to be in an age where intolerance, injustice and strife are the order of the day.

As Lasallians, we always emphasise the need for solidarity with the last, the lost and the least. We mark it with symbolic actions during the national convention and with prayers during the day for prayers of peace, but what of now. And so it comes to mind that solidarity is what we need, this Malaysia Day. Solidarity as a sign of indivisibility and strength in unity. So dear Lasallians, wherever you are; and even non-Lasallians (should you be reading this), If you see nothing, feel nothing of this, then let this day pass like any other.But if you see as I see, feel as I feel, and seek as I seek, then let us be our best, on this day when our nation was formed. Let us mark this day by remembering that we are all brothers and sisters under our nation’s flag.

Let this day be remembered for our unity and solidarity with one another, more than everything else.Let us, on this September 16, celebrate our similarities AND diversity.This is the invitation to you. If you see yourself as BANGSA MALAYSIA, in the best sense of the word, then draw the Jalur Gemilang on the back of your non-writing hand (unless you possess the convenience of an accomplice). Include a personal statement. You may draw it, sketch it, colour it, paint it etc. That is up to you. No dimensions, no strict guidelines. We’re all different anyway. Just make sure it’s recognisable. And as we walk out of our rooms, homes, cells, corners on this day, together let us carry the flag of our nation with pride in our hearts, minds and on our hands.

P.S. I will be uploading my picture of my flag later.....hehehe

Jalur Gemilang di bawah naunganmu

WOUNDED HEALER

2008-09-15T00:44:00.003+08:00

Recently, I'm recovering from all the bruises and scracthes I have on my spirit. It hasn't been the best of weeks but I'm still moving on. I can see that my temper has shorten and I'm also getting irritated easily by people's remark. I've become too sensitive to many things now. Some people say somethings and then ouches it hurts. I guess the wounds are deep this time and it's taking time. What happened?

Well I can tell you that it's the lack of attention. Hah? Seriously it is. Not many people know that I struggle a lot every day and not many people see that I am also human, needs comforting and assurance. Sounds selfish right? but not when you yourself are doing it for people. Nope not asking that you give me back what I give you, but sometimes it hurts that not many people care about what you are going through. Today during the sermon, I remembered something I learnt in Camp Cameron. We are all wounded healers. All of us. We need to know that as much as we want people to help soothe our hurt, we need to soothe others as well. We cannot be lone rangers and we cannot even just think that our mission is the greatest mission. All of us are wounded healers, made equally in Christ.

At the moment, my wounds are deep and not only that, some people are rubbing salt into it. Annette said in camp that I'll be experiencing things that I have not experienced before. I guess this is it.

CHANGE

2008-09-10T10:51:00.001+08:00

Yes I don't like change as much as you guys know but haha we need to change the CF's website address as it is a hassle to type - and - all the time..

Behold the new website

http://usmkkjcf.blogspot.com

NEW BREATH, NEW SHOWERS

2008-09-10T10:35:00.002+08:00

That's the name I gave for my seed in family camp this year. The Lord has definitely given me some new breath and also showered me with new blessings. The family camp this year was great. I got to meet a lot of the juniors and got close to some seniors. I'm glad that I went this year and haha also my last time attending camps like this.

I have my reasons for choosing that name for my seed. New breath meaning I needed fresh anointing from the Lord. I was getting tired physically and spiritually. From my previous post, you can see how angry I am with the world, the Lord and with the CF. People don't care anymore. The weekend at home in Ipoh prove to be a resting of the body. I was physically and mentally recharged. The weekend at camp was different. My spirit was restored. Mind you it's still in repairing state and it's vulnerable. New showers was because of what Annette (speaker) said to me.....there are new dews in your life Aaron! Meaning new blessings and new challenges ahead which means exciting times are ahead.

"I HAVE NEVER LEFT YOU!"

A phrase that I will treasure..............

GROWING UP

2008-09-03T11:13:00.002+08:00

A little while ago, a junior of mine said........"We need to start growing up"....wow struck me hard....

Actually for a few weeks, have been feeling rather down lately. My whole spiritual life is in a mess. Haven't been reading the bible or spending quiet time regularly. I just have no more heart to do it. One of the reasons is I feel so lonely in campus and that I don't have much friends. You might say your juniors le? Well exactly they are my juniors. I'm also final year with them, but I don't feel final year with them. As much I love them, I sometimes think that they look down on me in certain areas. Haha naturally when you are as big me many people think you don't meet certain qualities. Hmm haven't really tried climbing Mt Kinabalu before though, yet to do it...someday.....

Another reason could have been my stress level. I'm a bad person with stress. I never deal with it properly (unfortunately in my home, I seemed to be the only one who handles it well). As you guys know, I have a very very very XX 10000000000 demanding boss....although she is a great boss but haha sometimes she can really drive me up the wall. A few times already I have broken down because of her.

Hmm but wat my junior said tat day made me think.. GROW UP!!!! I need to GROW UP......it's time that I stop whining and move on. If people don't like the way I am, screw them! If people think I'm like that, then so be it! If people don't care about me, I still care for them! It's a tough world out there but I guess we can only survive if we learn to GROW UP

I AM

2008-08-28T10:42:00.002+08:00

The last few days, there were so many words like racism, sexism, sizeism (fat). My question, are we not racist? not sexist? not sizeist? the things we do, we say and we react shows all that. My personal believe that there is no one who is not racist, not sexist and sizeist. We make judgement whether we like it or not.............the song from Avenue Q speaks a lot and would like to share with you guys.

Everyone's A Little Racist (Avenue Q)

Princeton: Say, Kate, can I ask you a question?
Kate Monster: Sure!
Princeton: Well, you know Trekkie Monster upstairs?
Kate Monster: Uh huh.
Princeton: Well, he's Trekkie Monster, and you're Kate Monster.
Kate Monster: Right.
Princeton: You're both Monsters.
Kate Monster: Yeah.
Princeton: Are you two related?
Kate Monster: What?! Princeton, I'm surprised at you! I find that racist!
Princeton: Oh, well, I'm sorry! I was just asking!
Kate Monster: Well, it's a touchy subject. No, not all Monsters are related. What are you trying say, huh? That we all look the same to you? Huh, huh, huh?
Princeton: No, no, no, not at all. I'm sorry, I guess that was a little racist.
Kate Monster: I should say so. You should be much more careful when you're talking about thesensitive subject of race.
Princeton: Well, look who's talking!
Kate Monster: What do you mean?
Princeton: What about that special Monster School you told me about?
Kate Monster: What about it?
Princeton: Could someone like me go there?
Kate Monster: No, we don't want people like you-
Princeton: You see?!
You're a little bit racist.
Kate Monster:Well, you're a little bit too.
Princeton:I guess we're both a little bit racist.
Kate Monster:Admitting it is not an easy thing to do...
Princeton:But I guess it's true.
Kate Monster:Between me and you, I think
Both:Everyone's a little bit racistSometimes.Doesn't mean we go Around committing hate crimes.Look around and you will findNo one's really color blind.Maybe it's a factWe all should faceEveryone makes judgmentsBased on race.
Princeton:Now not big judgments, like who to hire or who to buy a newspaper from -
Kate Monster:No!
Princeton:No, just little judgments like thinking that Mexican busboys should learn to speak goddamn English!
Kate Monster:Right!
Both:Everyone's a little bit racistToday.So, everyone's a little bit racistOkay!Ethinic jokes might be uncouth,But you laugh becauseThey're based on truth.Don't take them as Personal attacks.Everyone enjoys them - So relax!
Princeton:All right, stop me if you've heard this one.
Kate Monster:Okay!
Princeton:There's a plan going down and there's only one paracute. And there's a rabbi, a priest...
Kate Monster:And a black guy!
Gary Coleman:Whatchoo talkin' 'bout Kate?
Kate Monster:Uh...
Gary Coleman:You were telling a black joke!
Princeton:Well, sure, Gary, but lots of people tell black jokes.
Gary Coleman:I don't.
Princeton:Well, of course you don't - you're black! But I bet you tell Polack jokes, right?
Gary Coleman:Well, sure I do. Those stupid Polacks!
Princeton:Now, don't you think that's a little racist?
Gary Coleman:Well, damn, I guess you're right.
Kate Monster:You're a little bit racist.
Gary Coleman:Well, you're a little bit too.
Princeton:We're all a little bit racist.
Gary Coleman:I think that I wouldHave to agree with you.
Princeton/Kate Monster:We're glad you do.
Gary Coleman:It's sad but true!Everyone's a little bit racist -
All right!
Kate Monster:All right!
Princeton:All right!
Gary Coleman:All right!Bigotry has never beenExclusively white
All:If we all could just admitThat we are racist a little bit,Even though we all knowThat it's wrong,Maybe it would help usGet along.
Princeton:Oh, Christ do I feel good.
Gary Coleman:Now there was a fine upstanding black man!
Princeton:Who?
Gary Coleman:Jesus Christ.
Kate Monster:But, Gary, Jesus was white.
Gary Coleman:No, Jesus was black.
Kate Monster:No, Jesus was white.
Gary Coleman:No, I'm pretty sure that Jesus was black-
Princeton:Guys, guys...Jesus was Jewish!
Brian:Hey guys, what are you laughing about?
Gary Coleman:Racism!
Brian:Cool.
Christmas Eve:BRIAN! Come back here! You take out lecycuraburs!
Princeton:What's that mean?
Brian:Um, recyclables. Hey, don't laugh at her! How many languages do you speak?
Kate Monster:Oh, come off it, Brian!Everyone's a little bit racist.
Brian:I'm not!
Princeton:Oh no?
Brian:Nope!
How many Oriental wivesHave you got?
Christmas Eve:What? Brian!
Princeton:Brian, buddy, where you been?The term is Asian-American!
Christmas Eve:I know you are noIntending to beBut calling me Oriental - Offensive to me!
Brian:I'm sorry, honey, I love you.
Christmas Eve:And I love you.
Brian: But you're racist, too.
Christmas Eve:Yes, I know.The Jews have allThe moneyAnd the whites have allThe power.And I'm always in taxi-cabWith driver who no shower!
Princeton:Me too!
Kate Monster:Me too!
Gary Coleman:I can't even get a taxi!
All:Everyone's a little bit racistIt's true.But everyone is just aboutAs racist as you!If we all could just admitThat we are racist a little bit,And everyone stopped beingSo PCMaybe we could live in - Harmony!
Christmas Eve:Evlyone's a ritter bit lacist!

;)

CONVOCATION 2008

2008-08-20T11:04:00.006+08:00

Another year, another convocation. Haha well not mine, mine last year ma. This year is to celebrate my juniors and of my course my lovely Sui Ying :) Last year it was this pic

This year :

I kinda think, that those wearing robes must stand on the left side of a photo :P

Well this one I was in the middle. My two SMI juniors who became seniors. Both now in foreign countries. Remember your old senior here in USM oh. Waiting for your yearly gifts haha.

Jason wanted to take this 'couple' picture. He said haha we are an inspiration to them. But after that pic, we had to take this pic....

The official photos of CF couples haha

To those who graduated.....CONGRATS. May God continue to show you His ways in Your life.

ONE LIFE REVOLUTION

2008-08-19T17:01:00.006+08:00

Sorry gang for not updating. Pai seh Pai seh...was extrememly busy last week.

One of the reason was because of my involvement in an exhibition called One Life Revolution (OLR) organised by World Vision Malaysia. Now this is not like your ordinary exhibition where there are bantings and you just go around and see see. No No. It's very very different. OLR is actually a great way and unique way for an exhibition. For one, it's a maze and you get to walk in the shoes of a HIV victim. It's really really moving as the stories are real life stories and it could happen to anyone of us. The exhibition also deals with the issue of hate. For one, I know that I have some new insights on the life of a HIV victim and it helps me to know how they feel.

This whole exhibition is runned by World Vision staff members and also a huge amount of volunteers. I am very glad to be able to help them and actually looking forward to help them more. Their next stop is Kuantan, JB and back in KL by December.

I would like to thank Simon for the opportunity and also to my new found friends, Shu Yi, Ching Hui, Ayn, Steven and Jenna, the World Vision Malaysia staff. To Chris, Jackie, Alex, Wan Ye and many others, so glad to have worked with you guys.

You have One Life, Do Something :)

BIRTHDAY WEEK

2008-08-04T11:50:00.002+08:00

Yup my birthday came and went as any other yr. But I must say a quick shout out to all who sms-ed, faced-book, friendster-ed me with messages, THANK YOU. Also a great thank you to all who gave me presents...really appreciate it.

My birthday week started a week earlier. Kah Hon, suddenly messaged me on MSN a week before my birthday. Haha so sweet lor. Here are a few presents I got this year.

1) T-shirt: Mum bought me a t shirt with the words 'As for me and my house, we'll serve the Lord!'. The writings were all hand made by my mum's friend. It serves as a reminder to me that no matter where I go or where I'll be, I'll continue to serve the Lord.

2) Tennis shirt: Dear bought me this. Was actually thinking of getting one but never got around to survey. Now no need. hahaha Adidas you know!!! Thanks dear muacks...

3) 3D puzzle: Han Chen bought me a puzzle of the earth. Seems to be a popular hobby in Taiwan. I've yet to start it but I think will do it to release stress.

4) Body Glove Pencil Box: My best friend Tai Lo and Mei Meei bought me an all so nice pencil box from my fav brand. I love Body Glove's design so thanks TL and MM.

5) Dinner and Karaoke session: Tuesday had dinner with my course mates. Went to one of my fav restaurant for dinner. After that, a few of us decided to sing the night away literally. Karaoke nite was so great :)

6) Dinner at Pizza Hut: Well technically I paid for this, but was with my fav people in CF. Jason (cousin), Derrick (bro), Yan Wai, Simon and Jinny. Thank you guys for being such wonderful juniors. Can't believe I'm labeled as Final Yr like you guys :P

7) Surprise supper at Riyas: After CF, was treated to a melted ice cream cake by the CF. Thanks guys. I love the card that they made for me. 2 chicky's standing there haha.

8) Fridays: Dear took me to Fridays on a Saturday haha. The food there is so cool. Will take my parents there one day.

9) 2 movies in a weekend: Haha watched 2 movies....Dark Knight and also Mummy. Two contrasting movies. One so depressing, one so comedic. you guess which is which :P

Anyway my 1/4 of a century birthday was great. Thanks guys.........

THINGS....

2008-07-21T21:04:00.002+08:00

... I Have Heard

"If God can be proven by theories, equations and formuli then there is no reason to believe in Him, all He wants is your FAITH.." Grace, CPR

"What do you call a female transformer?.........Transistor" Joshua Prakash, CF Meeting

...I Have Seen

"Beer is cheaper than petrol now.....Drink Don't Drive" Eric, E-mail

"Ben lost weight....he is so thin and he wants to be cekap now!" Mum, SMS

Hell Boy.......not too bad a movie. Better than the first one.

...I Have Felt

Here I want to wish my condolence to Zhing Hui on the loss of her mother. People if you have met her, you would know that her spirit is so strong. She really shows the example of what Honouring Thy Parents means.

P.S. Sorry for not updating. :P

BIBLE NEST

2008-07-08T11:18:00.002+08:00

About a few days ago, as I was leaving for church, I opened my bible and urgh, ants built a nest in my bible. First of all it took just one night cause the night before I was reading it and the next day, the nest was built. It was disgusting and it took quite a while to actually destroyed it. Was really trying real hard not to get bitten but of course kena also la. Hmm I was looking at this situation as a Christian, how easy sin can creep into our lives. We can ask God to forgive us today and by the next day we are back to sinning. And each time we sin, God gets 'bitten' by it. We hurt Him. But yet we still do it.

Anyway in other news, was feeling a bit unappreciated the last few days. I just feel as if I was a ball to kick at. Left, right, left, right and when people got their goal, they just kick you to another side. I'm so sick of the ignorance and also the silent treatment I keep getting.....................................................................

PHASES

2008-07-02T10:10:00.002+08:00

Hey gang, sorry for not blogging soo long. Was having some bloggers block (but not tat I type out great posts haha). I have been blog hopping the last few days and I feel so small in the blogging world. I'm the type of person who is very simple so my blogs are simple and it's just an avenue of output and also to share some things that touched me, like what happened on Sunday.

We all grow up somehow. Sunday was a day I got to see my brother grow up. Ben was admitted to UKM in Bangi and it was kinda weird to see my little brother going to university. I have always viewed him as still the small boy that I love so much. Well he is literally no more small but he's still my brother. To see him entering his university, I'm proud to have a brother like him. Although now we are even further apart but distance make the heart grow fonder right?

Phases....we live through it, we face it everyday. Whether it is a short or long phase, we still need to face it with open hearts and minds. A lot of people have problems with moving through phases. I'm one of them. I'm a person who likes regularity and familiarity (for someone who is doing research where being spontaneous is important). I remembered my first week in university, I was so not accustomed to the whole uni life thing, that after 1 day I wanted to leave USM. But one thing about phases are that we get through it in differenct pace. I'm now on my 6th yr in USM and loving every second of it.

The Le Chatelier prinsip says in any changes in a reaction, the reaction will try to find a balance. I guess that's how we should live our lives. With balance. And if there are any changes to our system, find the balance of it............

In other news, I finally paid the order fee for my car. Another new phase =)

15th OF JUNE

2008-06-16T09:19:00.002+08:00

I can't believe it's been 1 year. Yes I've crossed my 5th year here in USM KKj. Today onwards, I'm starting my 6th year. Hmm........1 year so fast. Cannot really believe that

A year ago, I decided to make the biggest decision of staying back another few years for my masters. I still remember it was Friday that my dad took my back here. It was almost like being in first year. He helped me cleaned up before leaving and then asked whether I want to follow him back. I said no. After meeting my supervisor, it was only 3 pm. And I was feeling lonely all the sudden. So I decided to follow a friend back to Ipoh.

A year ago, I was kicked out of hostel and forced to live outside. For a while it was enjoyable, but I missed hostel life. Thank God after 3 months, I was able to move back into hostel and still enjoying every moment of it.

A year ago, I really had no clue what my research is about. I can still remember the tonnes of journal I had to read and the tonnes of websites I had to digest before moving on. The many proposals, corrections and craziness in preparing myself. Now I'm half way done, and I've learnt so much.

A year ago, I cannot imagine where my funds would come. Although Uncle Frank gave me my initial start, but that money won't last me until I finished. Praise God for his faithfulness, I got a scholarship from USM and currently just doing my work and fulfilling their needs as a GA.

A year ago, I was all ready to become an advisor to the CF. I've learnt so much from being a listener. But it was hard, I tend to give my views and comments as a senior. Learning to let go and learning to just listen. Give advices where needed.

So much has happened......and I really thank God for it all

GOSPEL TRUTH

2008-06-12T21:22:00.002+08:00

Was blog hopping some random blogs and stumbled upon a blog by one of my brother's friend....was intrigued and cannot stop thinking about one of the statments he put in his blog

"If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself"

Saint Augustine

How many times have we tried to reason with God about what believing in Him really means? Hmm I have to admit, I'm guilty in this area many times..........

NEVER ALONE

2008-06-12T16:46:00.003+08:00

A song introduced by a internet friend.

Never alone
-by Jim Brickman
May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
May you always have plenty
The glass never empty
Know in your belly
You're never alone

May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
As every year passes
They mean more than gold
May you win and stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone

Never alone
Never alone
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

I have to be honest
As much as I wanted
I'm not gonna promise that cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

HORTON HEARS A WHO

2008-06-09T22:05:00.004+08:00

Recently got to watch some animations. Haven't really seen one for a long time. And I stumbled upon this new animation called 'Horton Hears a Who'. An adaptation from a book of the same name by the famous Dr. Seuss. Now I remember watching an episode in Oprah about this. She said that Dr. Seuss is such a deep deep person. I really think he is. You can imagine the messages you can get from the movie. The movie has the voice of Jim Carrey, Steve Carell and the ever great Carol Burnett. 3 funny people to make this funny and yet touching movie. If you can go check it out.

Here are two quotes that inspired me:

"A person's a person, no matter how small...........................Horton"

"I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful, 100%.............Horton"

Hmm some things to think about don't you think so

ZONED OUT

2008-06-03T12:57:00.002+08:00

Hmm been feeling rather zoned out lately. Dunno is it because that not many people are around here to talk to anymore. Don't get me wrong, I do still talk to my coursemates and all but it's just something different when you have the people with he same wave length to talk to.

I have been feeling rather emo lately too (but some people claims that I'm very emo always). I keep thinking too much into the future and also too much into the negative side of it.

Had a great weekend in Camerons. Was involved with a Church Camp where I helped out in the Children's Department. The kids were fantastic (well almost all of them). Of course there are some wayward kids who cannot keep their mouth shut. But all in all a great camp to help me get in touch with God.

Another great news is that if I get my extension, my parents have agreed that it's time for me to get a CAR!!!! Praise God, something which I have been praying for like a few yrs dee. So please pray together with me so that my scholarship can be extended.

MAY

2008-05-28T14:05:00.002+08:00

Hmm a lot of people were asking me have I stopped blogging. Haha truth be told was super busy with work so no time to really pen down some events. Although I want to but in then also lazy la. Anyway, here's a little updates from me.........

I named my month of May as God is the God of faithfulness admist of troubles. To tell you the truth, May was not a good month at all. A lot of things happened during this month that left me in the dark sometimes and sometimes left me uncertain.

But I believe that God was in control of things. Last Sunday I played piano for service after a long absence from church. Auntie Emily sang one song that really touched my heart and would like to share with you guys.

You Are Faithful
Lord of all the earth
How You care for me
You have made me
You will save and carry me always

You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful
Your joy is my strength

Lord you are my God
I rely on You
I put my hope in things not seen
Your promises all true

Always you're with me
Your hand will lift me
My trust is in your hands

Somethings that have happened in snap shots:

Happy: 1) Attended Wan's wedding, congrats girl!
2) Had a pork party where HC cooked. Seriously everything was pork pork pork
3) My supervisor gave a very good review on my progress report
4) Had a good week with dear in Ipoh

Sad: 1) My supervisor resigned as deputy dean so it will be harder for me to get things
approved. But happy for her cause she is not in good of health
2) Lost 2 friendship :(
3) Was having stress when writing my journal

Prayer need: 1) My fellowship. Hopefuly can extend it

I pray that the month of June would be more fruitful and I hope to update and blog more.

Cheers

THINGS YOU LEARN FROM YOUR ROOM MATE

2008-05-13T11:03:00.002+08:00

Hmm I have always contemplated whether a not to talk about my room mate. But after talking to him last night, made me realised how thankful I am to be in Malaysia and to be thankful with life right now.

My room mate is from Iraq and I still remember the first day he came to the room. I was a bit shock cause I've been living alone and was being comfortable living alone (I actually turn my room from a double room to a single room :P) . My first reaction was OMG? A roomie? God how can? I was comfortable being alone. Now got room mate some more a foreigner. Now I have no qualms on who I live with but was feeling funny since this is my first time sharing a room with a foreigner.

Of course I wasn't too happy the first few days, but he tried his very best to accomodate me. He allowed Derrick to come anytime and allowed any of my friends to come in. But of course I still grumble. Hmm maybe I was not happy at all to have a room mate in the beginning (you know me and changes)

As months go by, I started to get annoyed with him. He doesn't like the room lights to be on. So we always stay in darkness. The only light is on in my room is my study lamp. If not there will be no lights at all. The fan in my room is cannot be more than the 3rd speed. Cause if not, it is too fast and he cannot sleep at night. Some nights, he complained about the frogs making noise and will wake me up to ask me what is that noise. Day after day, I complained to dear, complained to Derrick, complained to God. WHY WHY WHY?

Then I realised that hey he is another person. I think I annoy him too with my antics in the room. I started to see that the reason why we don't on the lights or the fan too fast is because it reminds him of the war in Iraq. And that it's still a nightmare there. He started opening to me his life by telling me his parents, his love life, his hobbies, fears, etc. and I just realised, that how thankful I am to be where I am. Some days, I really complained about my situation or how I'm living, but to have someone remind you that there are even more people far worst than us, shamed me.

Sunday was mother's day, I got to go back and see my mum. He could only see his mum on the pc. I feel sorry now that I have not appreciated him. Last nite as he told me about his ex gf, gave me light that he is just as normal as me......... Hmm things you learn from a room mate. Thank You God

WEEKEND IN MALACCA

2008-05-05T16:40:00.003+08:00

Last weekend was in Malacca to attend the Southern Regional Convention. Was really a great trip although it's not my first time there. The first thing I did when I touched the historical ground was a bowl of cendol which costs about RM 2. Expensive!!! but super nice........All you need to do is to head down to Jonker Street and you'll find this small little shop called No.1 Cendol stall. It's quite a funky little shop with lots of old antiques and lots and lots of coca-cola bottles. The guy manning the store is very slow but it's worth the wait.

Was really glad to be able to help out in this convention. Actually I was looking forward to a LaSallian programme. Haven't been attending one since FT meeting and I really feel disconnected from the mission work. Anyway was asked to become the summarizer of the camp so I had to force myself to listen every session. Oh well, the facilitators (who are all my wonderful friends) all did well, and for me to see them grow into the persons that they are, really encourage me to see how this small group can make a difference for our Malaysian youth (read LaSallian).

Another thing I must high lite is the satay celup outing which Han Siu brought us. Curious? Well it's like eating lok-lok (those from Ipoh and Penang will know this more) but the difference is you use a peanut sauce based soup to cook ur food. The peanut sauce is the normal sauce you'll get when eating normal satay. The food was great but can't each much because of all those peanut makes it very chai (jelak)

Sorry no pics though. Haha

All in all it was a great weekend away from USM. And it was great because I was back doing LaSallian work which I really miss for the last few months.

WHO AM I

2008-04-30T13:47:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday I was at dear's church. Pastor Teng Huat shared something very meaningful although it came from a very simple passage. He spoke on roles. What roles do we play?

Notice that Paul always start with to the saints in __________. Hmm I wonder whether Paul will write to the saints in Parit Buntar. Am I a saint? Do I work for the good of his Kingdom here in Parit Buntar?

Another famous quote that he likes to write is from the Servant (Slave) of God. Wow!!! Slave. Meaning you can't answer back to God. If we are really the servants of God, we need to just follow orders no matter how ridiculous it is.

So God wants us to be both A Saint and A Servant

Who Am I then?

ANGEL IN DISGUISE

2008-04-25T11:18:00.002+08:00

I woke up this morning feeling kind of blue
and I stumbled out of bedand dragged my feet across the room
Right outside my front door was a rose
and a note that said 'Somebody Loves You'

But out on the street it starts to pour
and before I get soaking wet,
A total stranger runs to give me
the jacket off his back
I turn around to thank him
But he waves me with a smile
I can hardly believe my eyes
He puts on a halo and starts to fly

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to look at paradise
You could be next to
an angel in disguise

I met a good friend for lunch
and we had a delicious meal
But I forgot to bring my wallet
I felt like an imbecile
But she was sweet,
she gave me a treat
and bought me a chicken sandwich
To take home for tea

But out on the street with nothing to eat
A man and his shopping cart go
Travelling to places,
Collecting social graces
I give him my sandwich
and we chatter for a while
I see a rainbow wash over his eyes
He gives me his halo and I start to fly

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to look for paradise
You could be next to an angel in disguise

Don't try to hide away from me
I know you're by my side

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to look for paradise
You could be next to
an angel in disguise

Everyday can be legendary
Every minute, an endless surprise
You could be the next angel in disguise
I woke up this morning
Feeling kind of new...

This song is written and sung by Corrinne May. Was introduced to her by Papa Bear a few years back and this song speaks a lot to me. It reminds me that we need to be an angel in disguise. We are all God's agent on earth. The bible says we need to do everything with love. And to be an Angel we need to have that love to help others.

DRUNK

2008-04-19T21:02:00.003+08:00

Last nite, I had the weirdest SMS from a friend. The conversation was like this:

SS: What do you think about gay relationships?

Me: Er....why ah you ask this?

SS: Cause I think I am and I've fallen for you

Me: (0_0) Er Is this a joke?

Try calling, nobody pick up phone

The next morning

SS: Eh sorry about last nite, I was drunk..........etc...

Hmm.........really -_-||||||

ANOTHER SEMESTER

2008-04-17T22:10:00.002+08:00

Wow another semester have come and gone. Well not for me at least. I'll still be in campus. But it will be so different this time around. Dear has finally graduated from USM and I'm so proud of her. She finally can breathe easily. Derrick is going to be gone for another 2 months, so I won't get to see him only can call :( The whole campus is going to be empty and I'll be alone once again. Oh well, that's the life of a master student.

But all not so bad. May will be a busy month for me. First week of May will be going to Melaka for Southern Convention and then the second week will be going Singapore with dear for about 4 days. After that I'll be at her place until Wesak Day and then back to campus. The last week of May I will be going to Camerons for a church camp where I'm helping out as a Children's Church teacher. So that's whole of May.

The only month where I'll be really 100% in campus will be June. Hmm it will be different this year cause last year I was really alone nobody in campus but this year at least got Tai Lo and the gang to teman me. So I don't think I'll be that sad.

Oh well...life goes on

NEW BLOG SITE

2008-04-17T09:41:00.002+08:00

Haha, no I'm not shifting.........I'm here to annouce another blog which I'm co-hosting. It's the new and improved (haha as if), KPK USM KKj's blog.......shorter version is CF's blog. :P

Here's the address, please feel free to enter and browse around

usm-eng-cf.blogspot.com

Sorry haven't been bloggin. Been super busy with my research and I'm going crazy.

SPORT SUCKER

2008-04-08T12:33:00.002+08:00

Haha it's official, I suck at sports. Oh well...you can't be good in everything. Haha it's true. Ever since in primary school, I've never excelled in sports. Don't get me wrong, I can play. I just don't play well.

For instance, I can't kick a damn football for nuts. So I never played it. Actually I don't even like it...(haha cannot understand why 22 ppl need to chase after one ball).

Badminton. I can hit the shuttle, but can't smash it.

Tennis. Just learnt how to play it, still bad but never won a match

Ping Pong. Can play but never won a match

Chess. Haha this is hilarious, I was the exco for the chess club in school but never won a match either

As u can see, I just naturally suck at sports. I pity those who have ever partnered me. I know they always feel frustrated when I'm playing next to them. So sorry guys, I'm just bad........Maybe I should stick to chasing games :P

GOODBYE KOK MUN

2008-04-03T01:07:00.003+08:00

Today had a farewell party for our beloved CGL, Kok Mun. Hmm Kok Mun, you have been a great ZCGL and a great friend. You are one person who can be annoying sometimes but you surely brightened up our day. Thank you for being you and thank you for serving in the CF. I pray that you will continue to shine in God's light in Japan. Most important don't forget me ya!!

My CG members.....Pui Fern, Kok Mun, Hooi Keng, Grace, Yan Wai, Jason, Nicholas, Giap Ho and me

Kok Mun and me.......going to miss you buddy

WATCH THE LAMB

2008-03-24T15:46:00.003+08:00

Hmm Easter came and went. Feel a bit guilty for not attending church cause was on holiday with some friends. But I did remember to observe Easter. I remembered doing this mime for Easter last year in PBBC. It is called 'Watch the Lamb". The mime is based on the song by Ray Boltz about Simon (the guy who carried Jesus' cross) and his experience on the day of Jesus' crucification.

What is so special about this mime is that it was created by Rachel Joy Scott. If you don't know who she is, she is one of the victims in the Columbine School Shooting massacre. She did this mime 2 weeks before she was shot. However, this mime is still being done all over the world, just type 'Watch the Lamb - mime' and you'll see a whole lot of videos on it.

Watch the Lamb
Walking On the RoadTo Jerusalem,
The time had come to sacrifice, Again,
My two small sons,
They walked beside me down the road,
The reason that they came,
Was to watch the lamb...

"Daddy daddy,What will we see there,
There's so much that we don't understand,"
So I told them of Moses,
And Father Abraham
And I said dear children,
"Watch the lamb....There will be so many,
In Jerusalem today,
We must be sure the lamb,
Doesn't run away,"
And I told them of Moses,
And Father Abraham,
And I said "Dear children,Watch the lamb...."

When we reached the city,
I knew something must be wrong,
There were no joyful worshippers,
No joyful worship songs,
And I stood there,
With my children,
In the midst of angry men,
Then I heard a crowd cry out,
"Crucify Him!"

We tried to leave the city,
But we could not get away,
Forced to play in this drama,
A part I did not want to play,
Why upon this day were men condemned to die,
Why were we standing right here,
Where soon they would pass by,
I looked and I said,"Even now they come,"

The first one cried for mercy,
The people gave him none,

The second one was violent,
He was arrogant and loud,
I can still hear his angry voice,
Screaming at the crowd,

Then someone said,
"There's Jesus,"
I scarce believed my eyes,
A man so badly beaten,
He barely looked alive,
Blood poured from His body,
From the thorns on His brow,

Running down the cross,
And falling to the ground,
I watched as He struggled,
And I watched Him when He fell,
The cross came down upon His back,
And the crowd began to yell,
In that moment I felt such agony,
In that moment I felt such loss,
Till two roman soldier grabbed my arm and screamed,
"YOU! Carry his cross!"

At first I tried to resist him,
But his hand reached for his sword,
So I knelt and I took
The cross from the Lord
I put it on my shoulders
We started down the street
And the blood that He'd been shedding,
Was running down my cheeck

They led us to Golgatha
They drove nails,
Deep in His feet and hands,
And on the cross,
I heard him pray,"Father, forgive them..."

Never have I seen such love
In any other eyes
"Into thy hands I commit my spirit,"He prayed,
And then He died.

I stood for what seemed like years,
I lost all sense of time,
Then I felt two tiny hands
Holding tight to mine
My children stood there weeping,
And I heard the oldest say
"Father please forgive us,The lamb,Ran away...
Daddy daddy,What've we seen here,
There's so much that we don't understand,"
So I took them in my arms,
We turned and faced the cross
And I said"Dear children
Watch the lamb..."

LIVE IN JOY

2008-03-18T01:23:00.003+08:00

Was in Penang on Sunday and visited a CF member's mum who was diagnosed with brain cancer. She is now admitted to the Lotus Hospice Centre, a Buddhist centre. When I was there, I came across a poster which realy struck me. Not only was this the sayings of Buddha but it is so biblical. I would like to share it with you guys.

Live In Joy

Live in Joy, In Love
Even Among Those Who Hate

Live in Joy, In Heath
Even Among The Afflicted

Live in Joy, In Peace
Even Among the Troubled

Look Within, Be Still
Free From Fear and Attachment
Know the Sweet Joy
Of Living in The Way

Another things I must mention was that how proud I was with Dear. She helped to pray for our friend's mum and also shared the gospel. Now we just need to continue to pray for her.

WHAT A WEEKEND

2008-03-09T18:15:00.002+08:00

Phew, can't believe it's Sunday and boy oh boy was this a memorable weekend:

Yesterday was the day Malaysia decided. I was so excited as I was a first time voter. Dad and I went after he finished work. You cannot imagine how nervous I was. As I was lining up to take my number, there was old uncle who came to the counter:

Uncle: Eh....sini DAP punya kaunter ah?

SPR 1: Bukan Encik, sini SPR kaunter...

Uncle: Aik...why you use this colour for your table? Nanti orang anggap sini DAP kawasan.

SPR 1: -_- huhuhuh............

After getting the number, went to a class room, wah damn tension so many people looking at you. Then after getting the ballot papers, have to go to a little booth to cross. So scared, my dad said have to cross within the square if not considered void. Wah.....like primary kids have to make sure I don't mark out the line.

Before you know it, I was done. Took only about 5 minutes and I was out of there. There was not much a drama during the day cause the drama started at 9 pm........

I was all ready with the score card from The Star and a pen and channel 501 for the latest. Let me tell you it was SHOCKING.............Okay it was no surprise that DAP won Penang but didn't know so good. And then even my church member from PBBC lost her seat with a larger majority. Okay then the news, Kedah was taken by the opposition den Kelantan den S'gor and den the big shock PERAK!!!!!! Yes.......DAP won in all seats in PERAK.... Nobody thought they could even the opposition were surprise. So by 4 am, BN has only 137 seats in Parliment (meaning they still rule the country) , opposition 85......( tat's about 1/3)....but the opposition has taken over 5 states.

Now I believe in the democracy process all this while. So I guess there was no vote rigging. But i have to admit BN was a gentleman and they just conceded.

Shocker for the night was : Sharizat and Mei Fun.....Both are my favourite politicians, oh well luck wasn't on their side and i can see that the trend of voters this year was voting for the party and not the personality (I could be wrong cause some strong personality also won).

1 thing I have admit, I was sad for Samy Vellu. He should have stepped down when he had the chance. Now he is ousted and I guess in shame.

So Malaysia, you have made your choices.........A new change has started so let's pray and hope that things will take off from here. To the people we voted in, you convinced us you can do a better job now prove it!!!!

Today something bad happened. On the way to church, my mum's handbag was snatched right in front of our eyes. I must say I was shocked and started chasing that fucker (sorry about the language). My mum is okay and thank God she was unhurt but I know now, my church will have to raise security........

ELECTION FEVER

2008-03-03T13:34:00.002+08:00

It's election fever this week, at last I get to finally vote...really exciting. Will be voting for the Ipoh Timur parliment seat and also the Canning state seat. Here are some of my insights on the election. Some people asked me, which party would u vote for. My answer is this, I don't really support a certain political party. I support the person who is competing. Why? well I really believe that there is no perfect party to support. Although I have my heart for DAP and also Gerakan. Parties like UMNO, MCA, keADILan, just don't excite me.

I believe that we should vote for the person. It's the MP who will help your constitutent and it is your MP who will listen to you not a party. I'm also on the mission to promote to vote in Christian MPs. But more for Christian MPs who are willing to fight in Parliment for God. Alas there are very few.

Anyway here's a few facts about the seat I'm voting in:

Ipoh Timur
Liew Mun Hon (MCA)
Lim Kit Siang (DAP) - Incumbent
Voters: 76,647
Malay: 12.3%, Chinese: 81.5%, Indian: 5.0%, Others: 0.7%

Canning
Vincent Hooi Wy Hon (Gerakan) - Incumbent
Wong Kar Woh (DAP)
Voters: 31,990
Malay: 13.0%, Chinese: 78.0%, Indian: 7.6%, Others: 1.3%
Who will I vote for? haha that's a secret........shh...........

CRACK POT

2008-02-24T15:15:00.003+08:00

How many of you are familiar with this story of the crack pot? You know the one where at the end of the day, the water bearer says to look at the flowers beside the road to see that it is the crack pot that waters the flowers each day. I have been hearing this story for about a few times this past few months and frankly speaking I'm getting a little bit scared that the true meaning behind this crack pot story is becoming watered down.

Now for those who really don't know the story...here goes. In a village far away, there lived a water bearer who goes to the river every day to collect water for the house. He usually brings with him two pots which he carries with a stick over his shoulder. One of the pot was perfect and beautiful and it always brings back a full load of water back into the house. However there is another pot which has a small crack on the bottom of the pot. As soon as it reaches the house, the pot only have 1/2 of the water left. This cracked pot was sad and one day the water bearer asked the pot why was it sad. The cracked pot said, that he feels that he is useless that he only brings half the water back not like the perfect pot. The water bearer answered, well tomorrow as you come back from the river, notice what you see along the way. The next day, as usual, the water bearer goes to the river to collect water. He reminded the pot to look at it's side of the road along the way home. The pot did what the water bearer said. He saw beautiful flowers that looks like the flowers that are on the table of it's master. When they reached home, the water bearer asked what the pot had saw. The pot answered about the flowers it saw. The water bearer then said that the flowers were watered by the water in the pot. Because of the crack, the water that flows will water the plant each day. The water bearer will then pick these flowers each day to decorate the house of the master.

There are actually two morales to this story:

1) This is the famous one, that God can use anyone to do His work including our weaknesses. He doesn't look at our strength only. So embrace the weakness.

2) Now this one, few ppl teach about it. God is teaching us to be perfect and teaching us not to always think of our crack side. Many people just learn to embrace their weaknesses and then forever saying sigh I have a weakness. And when they fall, they also said sigh because of my weakness. I think God wants to learn about our crack embrace it and also look at it and learn how to appreciate and also do something with it. Just like the water bearer he embraced the crack pot and did something with it. God wants us to help us seal our crackiness. But He doesn't do it alone. Some people think that only God can teach me. True God is the almighty and only He can teach us but God also uses everybody else to help teach us.

So the next time you hear this story again. Listen to it carefully again and learn that we should not just embrace our weaknesses, we should learn how to patch our crack pot.

CJ7

2008-02-13T16:49:00.004+08:00

Gong xi gong xi to all and to all good health and lifes.

Watched a movie with dear. It's called CJ7. The movie is produced and directed by the most funniest and no brainer funny man, Stephen Chow. For those who don't know him, he's the guy in Kung Fu Hustle and if you have seen his old shows the God of Cookery.

Anyway this show is a heart warmer but the best person in the show is none other than the small little boy in the movie. But wait, haha the little boy is not a little boy in real life. Meet Xu Jiao, a 7 yr old GIRL. According to sources, she auditioned and Stephen Chow was impressed by her antics, that she potrayed the boy more convincing than other boy actors. Well I think he is right, Xu Jiao was a great actress......I really thought she was a boy, if no one told me about her.

The other star in the show is CJ7 itself. It's actually an alien dog. It's so cute okay....... It looks like a cross between a dog, a cat and a vegetable. haha. I hope there is a soft toy version of CJ7 coming out from it.

My rating, 3 stars out of 5. A good movie to laugh at with a loved one...........

Isn't she...I mean he adorable...

BUTTERFLY

2008-01-30T14:28:00.000+08:00

Haha today very hardworking, blogged twice. Here's a story that I took from a Bulletin from friendster.

A man found a cocoon for a butterfly.One day a small opening appeared, he watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its bodythrough the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and could go no further. Then the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped the remaining bit of the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. Something was strange. The butterfly had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened. In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and deformed wings. It was never able to fly. What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand, was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the small opening of the cocoon are God`s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through all our life without any obstacles, that would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Not only that,we could never fly.

"Sunshine alone won't makes our life beautiful, In every person's life, some rain MUST fall"

How appropriate this wise saying, It does not say MAY or COULD fall, It say MUST fall.

Those who are struggling, keep pushing.......

WITHOUT LOVE

2008-01-30T11:49:00.000+08:00

Wanna share a song from the hit Movie Musical "Hairspray".......... speaks a lot about what love is really about........

LINK

Once I was a selfish fool

Who never understood I never looked inside myself

Though on the outside, I looked good!

Then we met and you made me

The man I am today Tracy, I'm in love with you

No matter what you weigh 'Cause...

LINK (& ENSEMBLE)

Without love Life is like the seasons with No summer

Without love Life is rock 'n' roll without A drummer

Tracy, I'll be yours forever

'Cause I never wanna be Without love

Tracy, never set me free

No, I ain't lyin' Never set me free, Tracy, No, no, no!!

SEAWEED

Living in the ghetto

Black is everywhere you go

Who'd have thought I'd love a girl

Whose skin as white as winter's snow

PENNY

In my ivory tower

Life was just a hostess snack

But now I've tasted chocolate

And I'm never going back

PENNY & SEAWEED & ENSEMBLE

'Cause without love

SEAWEED

Life is like a beat that you can't follow

PENNY & SEAWEED & ENSEMBLE

Without love

PENNY

Life is Doris Day at the Apollo

PENNY & SEAWEED & ENSEMBLE

Darling, I'll be yours forever

'Cause I never wanna be

Without love

SEAWEED

So darling, never set me free

No!

PENNY & SEAWEED

I'm yours forever

Never set me free

ENSEMBLE

No, no, no!

LINK

If I'm left without my baby doll

I don't know what I'll do

TRACY

Link, I've got to break out

So that I can get my hands on you

SEAWEED

And girl, if I can't touch you

Now I'm gonna lose control

PENNY

Seaweed, you're my black white knight I've found my blue-eyed soul

SEAWEED & ENSEMBLE

Sweet freedom is our goal

LINK

Trace, I wanna kiss ya!

TRACY

Let me out at the next toll!

ALL

Without love

SEAWEED

Life is like a prom that won't invite us

ALL

Without love

LINK

Like's getting my big break and laryngitis

ALL

Without love

PENNY

Life's a '45' when you can't buy it

ALL

Without love

TRACY

Life is like my mother on a diet

ALL

Like a week that's only Mondays

Only ice cream, never sundaes

Like a circle with no center

Like a door marked "do not enter!"

DARLING, I'LL BE YOURS FOREVER

'Cause I never wanna be...

Without love

PENNY & LINK Y

Yes now you've captured me

ENSEMBLE

Without love

SEAWEED & TRACY

I surrender happily

ENSEMBLE

Without love

PENNY

Oh seaweed

Never set me free

PENNY & SEAWEED

No, no, no

TRACY & LINK

No, I ain't lyin'

PENNY & SEAWEED

Never set me free

ALL

No, no, no

No, I dont wanna live without

PENNY

Love, love, love

LINK

Yeah, yeah, yeah

ALL

Darling, you had best believe me,

Never leave me without love!

For my dear.......

CHENDOL TALK

2008-01-28T01:02:00.000+08:00

Last week I had chendol with some juniors from campus. Haha as we were having our chendol the following took place at 1400 - 1500 (disclaimer: taken from Yanni's blog.....)

over a bowl of chendol with my friends, we happened to notice a former hot chick sitting all slone just a few tables away.When i say former, i don't mean she's any less hot. Only that she's already attached.

One of my friends commented : eh she looks old d lar.. what happened to her ar?

To which another commented :eh yala yala.. how come she looks so different geh. Is it cos she is attatched?

Me : -_-"" So i was just wondering... is it possible that she lost her 'youthfulness' since she got attatched?Then we wondered..so if girls look older when they get attatched. Hmm..

.................................... exactly

CHALLENGE

2008-01-26T18:48:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday (I know late dee), went for the mission trip briefing by Joshua E and Yew Khong. Yew Khong said something that struck me. He quoted a saying from Billy Graham to a bunch of University students

"Will you say to God, "I will go where you want me to go. I'll be what you want me to be, Oh God I want to be thy man, thy woman. I'll stand in the gap and make up the hedge. I will deny self and take up the cross and whatever the cost, I'll follow the Saviour"?"

Billy Graham, 1957

Something to think about.............

CHICKY THE ORIGIN

2008-01-20T14:23:00.001+08:00

Hmm I have a lot of people coming up to me and asking why the heck is my name Chicky...

It all started with in primary school . In standard 1, first day of class, got to know some new friends. And then they decided to give each other nicknames (so that we can remember each other). Well for those who dunno, my name is Chan Chee Kin. Haha so the closest they can think of for me is Chicken. Now before we can go on with that, I have another class mate whose name is Lau Chee Kin. So we can't be calling both of us chicken. So they decided to call him Kencing instead. Now being the new LaSallian (haha), I felt that the name Kencing sounds down grading (like chicken is not). I asked my friend when was his birthday. His birthday is earlier than mine, so I thought I have an idea. We should call him old chicken and then me young chicken. Haha well the gang was okay with it and for a few weeks I was called Young Chicken. I must add that we called each other in cantonese.

A few weeks later, the name kinda got harder to call, so they keep calling me Chick. Cause a baby chicken is called a chick. Now I think it's going to traumatize me if my friends call me Chick. Hmm so I decided to change it. So the whole night I was thinking what should I call myself.......And then it came to me CHICKY...........hahaha......told them the next day and hey presto I was Chicky ever since then.

Of course along the way, my name started to evolve. I had nicknames like Ken (Street Fighter), Alien, Baron, A.A., and many more.

Disclaimer: My nickname is no whatsoever related with Chicky from KFC haha. As far as I know it, my name came first!!!

TESTING

2008-01-18T14:58:00.000+08:00

I'm just testing

MLYC NO MORE

2008-01-16T17:25:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I officially stepped down as the Malaysian LaSallian Youth Commissioner after serving for almost 2 years. It was a great and humbling experience to be able to serve the LaSallian movement in a more administrative way.

It was not an easy task being a commissioner. The commission is made out of me, Prita, Sanjiv who was later replaced by Chee Fei because he had to go overseas and Doreen. For the 4 of us it was the first of many soughts as the commission was a new set up and us being the pioneers can say it was not easy. For months we were debating and trying to find out about our roles as commissioners. And even after stepping down I'm still questioning the role of a commissioner. Anyway that's for the new commissioners to figure out hahaha...

I'm actually missing being a commissioner. We get the inside scoop of what's happening in centre and I think I'm going to miss the many e-mails and also the many phone calls fromone another. I've made also good friends with my fellow commissioner. Prita is my gal pal where we would gossip, insult and also talk about anything under the sun. Doreen is like a role model and also my inspiration for still staying on in the movement. Chee Fei is the man la. Both of us actually became closer while working together. Sanjiv, missing the bugger and haha still wanting him to say sorry for leaving us like tat..Sanjiv you owe us big time. To the 4 of them, thank you so much for making my life more enriched as it is.

The new commissioners for the next term are Varun, Richard, Su Lynn and Wai Tien. All are exceptional people in the Formation Team. But most of all, I'm actually overwhelmed that Richard is a commissioner. Haha. For years I have always been his sucesssor for something. From the prefectorial board, to convention and even now as a commissioner, I'm happy to pass down my role to him. To the 4 of you, all the best yah..

Hmm what's next for me? Well I'm sure won't be quiting being in the movement and I'll definitely be a little more freer since I don't have to attend commissioner's meeting. I think it's time for me to take up new challenges.........

SAY GOODBYE

2008-01-10T22:42:00.000+08:00

This is a song by S Club 7. Ben gave me this and almost cried (haha I'm an emo boy okay).

In the years to come

Will you think about these moments that we shared

In the years to come

Are you gonna think it over

And how we lived each day with no regrets

Nothing lasts forever though we want it to

The road ahead holds different dreams for me and you

Sometimes goodbye, though it hurts in your heart,is the only way for destiny

Sometimes goodbye, though it hurts,is the only way now for you and me

Though it's the hardest thing to say

I'll miss your love in every way

So say goodbye

But don't you cry'

Cause true love never dies

In a year from now

Maybe there'll be things we'll wish we'd never said

In a year from now

Maybe we'll see each other

Standing on the same street corner, no regrets

Each and every end is always written in the stars

If only I could stop the world

I'd make this last

Sometimes goodbye, so it hurts in your heart,is the only way for destiny

Sometimes goodbye, so it hurts,is the only way now for you and me

Though it's the hardest thing to say

I'll miss your love in every way

So say goodbye (so say goodbye)

But don't you cry

'Cause true love never dies

And when you need my arms to run into

I'll comfort you

Nothing will ever change the way I feel

Sometimes goodbye, though it hurts in your heart,is the only way for destiny

Sometimes goodbye, though it hurts,is the only way now for you and me

Though it's the hardest thing to sayI'll miss your love in every day

So say goodbye

But don't you cry

`Cause a true love never dies

This is for all my friends.....all hellos must end with goodbyes..........

Max

Ah Lia

Matthew and Calvin

My coursemates

I miss you guys a lot...........

RANDOM PHOTOS

2008-01-09T13:07:00.000+08:00

Hmm just feel like updating some photos here....

APLYC 8 group photo. Good luck in finding me. Hint I'm at the last row haha.......

Eddy didi...meeting him after 3 years

Arghh tat's all wat USM allows me to upload haha......

2008 LET'S MAKE IT GREAT

2008-01-07T15:53:00.000+08:00

Hmm was actually remembering a choral speaking poem which I helped write 10 years ago. It was called 'The Year that was 1998'. Blink blink it's already 2008. Hmm time really flies.

As usual people will ask me what are my resolutions. And here peeps is my list

1) Lose Weight. Okay I know everybody says they also want to lose weight. Oh well I guess as we grow older we need to. The last I checked on the weighing scale I now weigh 78 kg. This means I actually added 3 kg from 2006. Argh. Therefore I resolute to lose until 74 kg now. Hard but I guess it can happen.

2) Read Books. Last year I only manage to read 5 books. Out of the 5, 3 are Christian books. This year decided to read more Christian books at least 5. I want to enrich myself and plus I have some Christian books which some friends of mine bought for my graduation gift. So time to read.

3) Caring. This year I'm adding another 2 people into my caring list. Haha I won't tell you who they are.

4) Family. This year I want to be a blessing to my family instead. My parents are already in their 50s (sorry dad and mum) and goign to retire soon. I just feel as the eldest son I need to care for my family.

5) Devotion. One thing that really felt last year was my daily devotion. Actually I really struggle everyday to do it. This year I've got Derrick who will be my accountability devotion partner. We will do devotion together as much as we can so that we won't miss it.

There are a few more things in my list but that is for me to know only...............................2008 I welcome you.

UPDATES

2008-01-04T11:06:00.000+08:00

Hello peeps,

First of all Happy New Year. I hope 2008 will continue to bring more joy into your lives. Secondly, sorry for not updating as much I as want. The connection in USM is getting bad to worse and it's not been cooperatin with me. ONly the last few days, the connection has become a little more stable.

What's new?

Hmm after a whole month of camps and travellin around, I'm actually quite happy to be settling down in Parit Buntar. Here's what happened in the past month.

The first camp I attended was APLYC 8. I was invited by Kenny to become an official emcee and also the head of the ice breakers sub comm. Hmm it was a different experience working with the Organising Team there. All of them are about 16 and 17 years old so mentality wise they are very happy go lucky. I've been working in the NLLC for like 6 years and working with university students is very very different. I also made some new friends there. Here's to Matthew, Calvin and also Ricardo. All are in my sub comm. It's a crazy bunch and I really enjoy working with them. I also got to help in the solidarity there. Haha....record script writing. Took us 20 minutes.........Oh ya I talk so long haven't told you what APLYC is. Well it's a congress of LaSallians from 12 nations around the Asia Pacific region. It is inspiring to see that many countries are doing good works in the name of La Salle so much so, I'm actually glad to be in this family.

After coming back from APLYC the next camp was the CF's CPR (Committee Planning Retreat). I was there for 1 1/2 days. But got to voice my opinion as the advisor of the CF.

By Saturday nite, I was in Ipoh for the 17th NLLC. You know the yearly camp which I must go. Haha. 2007 marks the second year I am chairperson for the convention. Believe me, you think after doing it for a year, you'll be wiser, trust me I was more stressed. But I think it was my own fault for giving myself unwanted pressure and stress. All in all the convention is great and had a great time getting to know the newbies. Hopefully this newbies stay on for more action.

After NLLC I rushed to Penang to see my dear for Christmas. I spent 3 days there and had a Christmas party organised by Dear's church. It was a grand affair. The buffet table was great and the message was simple (although I have to admit I fell asleep :P ). On Christmas eve, Dear and I travelled back to Ipoh. We celebrated our first Christmas together and had a lovely time.

Boxing day marks the day, both of us going back to campus. We already promised the CF Christmas nite committee that we will be there to help out. Haha this year's christmas nite was so fun and so relaxing. I have never been so relaxed (due to the fact I was only playing the advisory role). But Jason Tay did a good job..................

WOW one more event was New Year's Party we had in dear's house. She invited about 26 guests (all from CF) to her place for some fun and foood. It was tiring helping to prepare and clean up but it was also a great time.

Hmm.......guess tat's it

IF I SHOULD LOSE MY WAY

2007-12-12T14:55:00.000+08:00

A song I heard in APLYC

As we turn our lives
Down this complicated road
If you need a hand to hold
I promise you
I will be your friend
Through whatever life may send
And I know that you will be there too

If I should lose my way
Along this road we share
Please bring me home, come-what-may
If I should lose my way

When the wild wind blows
And the rain begins to fall
I will find you through it all
And comfort you
But as we move on
Should you turn and find me gone
Then just rest awhile, I'll be along

If I should lose my way
Along this road we share
Please wait for me, come-what-may
If I should lose my way

Day after day,
Never let the sun go down
'Till love is found once more

If I should lose my way
Along this road we share
Please look for me, come-what-may
If I should lose my way

Please look for me...If I should lose my way

APLYC 8

2007-12-08T11:39:00.001+08:00

Hey peeps,

So sorry was away for about 1 week. In Singapore now for the Asia Pacific LaSallian Youth Congress (APLYC). Will blog more about it once I get back. Still tired (actually very tired). You want to know more..........click here.......

CARING

2007-11-29T21:38:00.000+08:00

Hmm I've just learnt something about caring people.

If you care for someone don't expect the person to care as much as you do. So look at the motives of your caring. Do you care because you really care for his/her life or because you also want that person to care for you back. I always had this issue. I realise that in the bible it asks us to care because Jesus cares. But I guess the human side of me would want the other person to care back.

I remembered Su Anne told me, we all care differently....... and all of us have a certain limit to our caring. Someone once told me that I cared too much that it gave so much pressure for him. To that person let me say to you that it was not my intention to do so. I love caring for those whom I really care. I am able to give as much because I have the ability and resources too.

Caring for someone means you need to first love that person. Love meaning not the gf bf only but it also includes love from all aspects. I care for my own family because I love them. I care for Sui YIng so much because I love her. I care for Derrick so much because I love him. So without love we cannot care. Jesus loves us so much that's why he can care so much.

But be warned.........it can become frustrating. Why? because sometimes you love them too much you become emotional attached to them. So you figured out that you are not doing more or not doing a good job when they don't respond to you. I've learn that sometime the other party just can't care like you do. Give him/her the chance to care in his/her own way. HAha easier said than done but it's something that we got to learn if not it hurts bad.

Another thing I've learn is be honest with each other. If you feel that you have been neglected tell the person.....maybe he/she has cared for you but you didn't notice like maybe staying a few days more or even just spend time with you. Just tell each other how you guys feel, then hopefully both of you will come to an understanding.

Caring for people is not an easy task. We need God to actually sustain us when you feel emotionally dry. As for the cared for person, I know also......I was cared for too, and I sometimes do not appreciate it. So to those who are cared for remember the carer. Sometimes the things you do and say can hurt the person who is caring for you. Maybe you don't know it but sometimes the carer also needs some little attention from you the cared for.

To everyone........don't stop caring for one another. It is through caring that we can show love to each other and I guess it will make this world a better place

GOOD NEWS & BAD NEWS

2007-11-20T12:55:00.000+08:00

Heard this joke in Dear's church the other day. Goes like this:

A preacher on a Sunday morning was giving the annoucement. "Today I have some good news and some bad news to share with you"

"We want to hear the good news first", said one of his congregation

"Well I want to say that we have enough funds to sustain our church. We have enough money to renovate our church. We always wanted the new tiles for our floors, well now we can do it. Not only that, we have extras to be able to employ more workers while still able to support our current staff and pastors. We can even support 1 or 2 mission workers overseas", exclaimed the preacher.

The whole church then suddenly erupted in cheers and shout of Amen and Hallelujah. When the noise died down, another member of his congregation asked, "What is the bad news then?"

The preacher looked up and sigh, "The funds are all in your pocket!"

...........................................

Something to think about right?