oh, SNAP!!

Quiet times in New York City

2011-06-06T21:53:00.000+10:00

As I woke up early on one morning, I decided to head to the Starbucks round the corner from the hostel. I ordered a strong latte which wasn’t strong at all and took a seat by the window. I strategically placed myself so that as I spent some time reading, I’d look up just to do some people watching.

There it was on a busy Wednesday morning, streams of people walking into Starbucks to get their caffeine fix for the day. On the outside, strangers walk past with intent. Everyone seems to be so purposeful and fixated on getting where they need to be. There is a pace and urgency in each step.

I stop and I wonder, are New Yorkers always that busy? How different is life in comparison to Melbourne? Is a work day there the same as what it is as I observe these people now? Is it only different because I now have the time to sit back and look at life around? As if time for this moment were to move at half count while everyone is moving at a full count. In the ‘city that never sleeps’, is there ever a quiet moment?

Quiet time in New York sounds like an oxymoron. At my slow pace, I go on to read a few more pages of each book, Have a little faith by Mitch Albom and the Bible by God. In the city where dreams are made, a world of glitz and glam, the stage, in the noise of everyday, what motivates each stranger? In the city where dreams are broken, a world of ‘could be-s’ and ‘one day’, reality, I wonder what’s the life story of that diner chic or that homeless person I walked past on the way here. Have they been deafened by the noise or left behind?

Post NYC: Jetlag

2011-05-26T05:25:00.000+10:00

It's 5 a.m. in the morn on the second day back from my trip abroad. I think it's jetlag. Or maybe some things just don't change.

I came home from work, had something to eat and scheduled a catch up with Ian. It was 7:15 p.m. when I set the alarm for 8:20 with 10 minute snooze intervals for a 9:10 p.m catch up. I woke up thinking i was late for work and was about to get ready when i looked at the clock and it was 12 a.m. I was so confused. Checked my phone and it was still snoozing and saw a message from Ian received at 10 p.m. saying how he guesses we're not catching up anymore. I'm sooo sorry.

The day before
I arrived home at 6 a.m. the day before and seeing that i slept throughout most of the flight, i did not feel all that tired. I only watced one complete movie which was the last one and one that i've watched before, Zoolander. I slept through most of Three Days, Harry Potter and The King's Speech.

Upon reaching home, I unpacked, did the laundry, headed out for lunch and voluntarily headed in for half a day's work. I thought it was a good idea and a cure for jetlag and resetting the body clock.

After waking up
So, upon waking up, I took in the laundry, made instant noodles, washed the dishes and sent out the song list for Sunday. All this between 12-5 a.m. I think i should get some sleep now.

Goodnight.

Coming up:

NYC: Convo with a taxi driver
NYC: Convo with a homeless
NYC: Convo with a hairstylist

the everyday

2011-01-12T06:43:00.000+11:00

Did anyone realise, it's not just a new year, it's a new decade? Well, I just did.

So, notes to self:

No matter what, we win!

Don't give ourselves to the trivial and miss the significant.

'He has put eternity in their hearts'... only people last for eternity.

The gift of God of eating, drinking and enjoying all his efforts is not about what we eat or drink (though sometimes I really like what I eat or drink) but who we share them with.

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. -Ecc 3:12-

Back to the daily grind

2011-01-08T10:03:00.000+11:00

Blessed Christmas and New Year!!

Firstly, when do we stop greeting people the above?? When is it too late? Right now, Christmas seems like a long time ago to me. But then again, Christmas is also everyday cause *cue singing* Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in your heart...

Anyway, I've been away for 2 weeks and a bit and I'm now back in Melb. And my observations upon coming back, traffic seems to crawl so slowly. Driving at 60km/h seems like a cruise compared to the zooming around in traffic in kay-elle. For the record, I try not to speed (I can't afford a traffic fine). The air, it's dry and nice smelling, unlike the pollutant-laden air of Msia. But, it's hot. Yes, compared to the rainy season AND La Nina effects on the motherland, it's currently hotter. It was humid but cool on most days and the weather was actually very bearable. Thoughts and prayers go out to those in Queensland suffering from the above mentioned La Nina that's resulting in crazy floods up there.

In and through all that rambling, I'm glad to be back! Bring on 2011!

Work Tales pt 1

2010-12-12T18:53:00.000+11:00

I'll start from where I currently am right now. This really isn't about who reads this cause I don't think anyone really visits anymore but really, it's a reminder to myself of this account and what this year has been.

I do recall having well and clearly, resigning from my previous job (which in itself was a blessing and i'll blog about that one some other day) by this time last year. When I considered submitting my resignation, I thought and prayed about it for weeks. In my mind, I could hear my parents lecturing me against doing so telling me how silly I am to resign from my job before securing another job. It came to one Manifest rally night that I had the peace and the prompting to resign and it'll be alright. I called my parents and told them and to my surprise they asked, "What was I waiting for?" I handed in my resignation that Monday morning.

I took an extended holiday and came back starting the new year without a full time job (I did have a few freelance things to keep me out of mischief). The moment I got back, I called an agency and told them that I was in the market for a job and scheduled to go in to update my details. They did say that there was this company with it's Asia Pac base in Malaysia and they're hiring an accountant here in Aust. I got excited imagining posisble frequent trips to Malaysia. The agent said she'll send me the details which I waited for but never received. I assumed that they were just not interested and oh well, what's new?

I look back and I've actually not gotten any of my jobs through an application that I've put in. And this alludes to the rest of the story. I got a call from the agent asking if I did not mind travelling to the bayside to work for a not for profit org. The interview is the next day with a view on starting right away. Without much thought, I said yes.

The interview was 2 minutes. No, like literrally. 2 minutes. I sat down and he asked me a few simple questions and he said I could start working now and my colleague would train me. I didn't think starting right away meant starting RIGHT AWAY but what else could it possibly mean?

A few weeks into the job, I did wonder whether I rushed into the job and did not really pray about it because I said yes right away. I also did think as it was on a contract basis at first, I could just find something else once the contract lapses. My superior then, did say that while I'm being trained and doing Accounts Payable (which is basically processing and paying invoices), they are looking for an accountant to do more. However, i took it a day at a time and it was Accounts Payable a day at a time. It's not the most stimulating job. As I questioned my decision to accept the job, my superior walked in that evening and he started asking me a few questions. I felt that that was more the interview rather than the first 2 minute meet and greet. He asked about my previous job and a few questions about my personal life and he concluded saying, "You are very lucky. I actually interviewed three other people before you and I didn't think that they were suited for the job. But when I interviewed you the other day, I thought you would be suitable for the job."

Really?? The cheeky thought was, "How bad did they stuff up a 2 minute interview??" But in actual fact, I cannot attribute any of this to myself but God's favour upon my life. Do I deserve it? Certainly not. I did not even apply for the job. I thought I wanted something more corporate which if I do blog soon, I'll blog about how I'm glad that I'm working where I am now and how it's impacted my life. And about how He opened the door from Accounts Payable to more interesting stuff. Yes, accounting in my eyes is amazing.

For now, this job fell out of the sky from nowhere. As I did let go of one job and with my little trust, trusted Him to provide, He provided. Beyond my expectations. He's got my back and if anyone else still reads this, He's got yours.

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Luke 12:24-26

United, my love

2010-10-31T19:23:00.000+11:00

I'm back!

I've been reading a few biographies lately and I do recall agreeing with a friend how a sports biography is no biography at all. What's so great about the achievements of a sports personality in comparison to someone who's shaped a nation or built a business aempire out of nothing, the risks and the challenges that came along the way.

I was sadly mistaken. One of my GMs who ardently supports the Scousers lent me Stevie G's autobiography. I remember looking at him and thinking, "you want me to read this trashy stuff?" Of course I was joking. But as he handed me the book, he said, "You should read about this fantastic Liverpool player." To which I replied cheekily, "Stevie who? I don't know about the club, but I know a player who plays quite well for his country." (Of course we all know that in actual fact, I think we've seen him perform better for his club than country but that was the best I could come up with on the spot than to acknowledge that anything good could come out of Liverpool! cept for Owen who's made the right choice)

Now that exams are over, I've found time to read the book and I must say it's quite a good read. Football through his eyes, his determination for every challenge and every game, makes me want to kick a ball right now!

As great as a footballer he is, this what he has to say about greater footballers in his first ever training sesh with the England boys.

"All around, the quality was frightening. This is the first time I had seen Beckham cross a ball close to. 'F*** me!' I said to Michael. 'How does he do that?' When it was my turn to run in to finish one of Beckham's crosses, it was a goal before I touched it. Honestly. He was dead accurate. Beckham puts his crosses in just the right place; it is in fact harder to miss. We had a game after the crossing and finishing, and Beckham was again sensational. After only a couple of hours of training with England it was obvious who the top players were.

A couple of weeks earlier, Michael and I had been at Melwood, chatting away. 'Just wait till you get to Bisham and see how good Paul Scholes is,' said Michael. 'Wait till you see with your own eyes.'
I looked at him. 'Well, I've watched Scholes loads of time and I know he's good.' Michael just smiled. That set me thinking. Michael was going on as if Scholesy was different gravy, streets ahead of everyone else. During that shooting session at Bisham, I realized where Michael was coming from. Scholes was just so sharp, so clever. He banging in goals from anywhere. Crossing, finishing, volleys, the power in his shots, the dip and movement. 'F***ing hellfire,' I said to Michael. 'How do I get to this level?' The Man United players were just brilliant. I swear it. 'Just watch the United boys,' Keegan told me. 'Just watch the way they are around the place and in training. Learn off them.' The United lads gave a master-class. Bisham was heaving with top players, like Shearer, but Beckham and Scholes seemed to be just on a different level."

-Gerrard, My Autobiography-

For a lot of us who've followed football recently, we've seen quite a fair bit of great freekick goals and setpieces and thunderous shots from the outside including some from this Scouser. Reading this has brought fond memories of when I'd put on my United jersey to watch a match and each time Becks steps up to a freekick there'd be a buzz of excitement, and almost a certainty that a goal would be coming up. I think if someone were to do a count on percentages of goals scored from freekicks taken, Becks might be up there. We're not talking about one great wonder free kick. But more to come after each freekick goal. Every time Scholesy has the ball outside the penalty box with a view on goal, we'd almost be ready to celebrate. And then celebrating when it hits the back of the net.

It's a good read and I can't wait to read more. He's a great player, but I'll always love United more. Michael knows what I'm talking about.

i don't want to judge

2010-07-17T01:39:00.001+10:00

but i will anyway.

That's what i think anyone who starts off a sentence before they make a remark ends up doing. Whether they mean well or not. Most of the time it's a negative judgment of someone or something they did and we try to make ourselves sound less judgmental.

As for me, i think i'd want to try and use that phrase only if i can have a positive input in that person's life rather than sound like someone who's got it all together and pin point the faults of others.

Moussaka

2010-06-06T21:38:00.001+10:00

So, we had Greek for dinner. it was aight. Not the greatest and not the worst but still I'm thankful. And we didn't end up ordering moussaka

Anyway, as we were discussing what to eat and where to eat online, Tiff and I were conversing in different languages on msn. Not because of our ability to master so many other languages but it was only possible because of google translate. Not that it did a fantastic job.

"Is this George's mother's mousska?" = "This is the mother of george moussaka?"

GG

2010-04-07T08:02:00.000+10:00

I initially thought that my coming exam was on the 20-something of May. Upon closer examining the dates and planning to start studying, I realised it's actually early May. This was 2 weeks ago.

I have started studying on a snail pace and finished Module 1 with 6 more modules to go. Today, as I was pulling out Module 2, I looked at the important dates and target weekly schedule and it says this week, I'm supposed to start Module 6.

GG
.
.
.

God's grace.

SNAPPED no more!!

2010-03-31T00:26:00.000+11:00

I was dead, and behold I am alive ~~for ever and ever~~.

Hellooo! ok, I did say watch this space and i had a lot of thoughts to pen down. I guess that didn't quite happen. Nor do I feel like blogging right now. I just do believe that today is a moment to pen down cause the camera is back!

Firstly, hi Stephanie! Yes, I know you read my blog. Sorry it's boring cause i seldom update.

For most of you who do know, my camera died on the day I left for Malaysia. I penned this whole 2 page ordeal while I was on the way back rotting on the plane and wanted to put it up on the log. Maybe I will one day, maybe and most likely, I'd be too lazy.

So, in the absence of my camera, all you got was some spew about the motherland while I was in KK when everyone was asleep and there was nothing else to do.

All in all, Hooray!! The camera is BACK!

Malaysia Truly Asia

2010-01-18T02:14:00.000+11:00

Currently blogging from the land of Kota Kinabalu. I've been back in Malaysia for about a month and a half and I've been doing a fair bit of observing and trying to note what has changed from my previous trip back and whether it's for better or for worse or was there any change to begin with.

Referring to the title of the blog, what does that even mean? Does it mean that by visiting Malaysia you don't have to go to any other Asian countries? Do you get the whole cultural experience that you'd get from visiting the other Asian countries? Is there no MORE Asian country than Malaysia? Does it make Malaysia the best out of all the Asian countries?

Same same but different?? Malaysia, be it gomen or people living in this land, I think it's fair to say that we'd visit some neighbouring country and think, "We're not like them." And carry on on this whinging tirade of how we Malaysians are better because we have the Twin Towers or this apparently world class F1 circuit. We like to think we are more developed, better, stronger and whatever else but in a lot of ways, i think we're the same. And that's where I may have offended a lot of people who are ready to stand up and point a finger at me saying how wrong I am.

I try to visualise looking at Malaysia as how an outsider would look at this country. What do they see? Whether the get off at KLIA or LCCT or cross the border into JB, what's their perspective? Is this a country that tries to represent and makes it's mark in this world by once having the tallest building? So what? Does it REALLY make Malaysia any more developed? As a tourist, whether one who stays at every 5-star hotel or a backpacker, I think that Malaysia is as much a developing nation as the other nations in this region. Having the tallest building does not make us any better. There's still the issue of poverty, discirmination, poor maintenance of buildings, poor road conditions, and the list goes on. Yes, each nation do have their strengths and weaknesses. In the eyes of an outsider, I believe they see us all as one and the same. You have that few interesting touristy destinations but everything else is run down.

By saying all of the above, I'm not writing off Malaysia. But that in many ways, we are not much better than our neighbouring states. And until we accept that fact and stop thinking so highly of ourselves, nothing much is going to change or worse, it could be a detrimental change. Forget that tallest building. Yes some people work in it but for the rest of Malaysia who hardly see it in their everyday lives, what really matters is proper rubbish collection and disposal, proper traffic control, better infrastructure, better systems, better behaviour, just to name a few.

Restless

2009-12-31T02:44:00.001+11:00

Watch this space! No, i'm not crying wolf. Yes, i'm blogging and i think i will be blogging a fair bit more just to pen down my thoughts. I've got a million thoughts racing through my head and i think i need to clear them by putting them into words. Maybe not a million, but enough that it's affecting my sleep. Therefore, the need to.

I've been back in Malaysia for exactly a month and don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying my time back here but...

Seasons in the sun

2009-10-17T23:30:00.001+11:00

Apparently this is my 50th post. As I had in mind what I wanted to write, verse and all, and as I read the chapter again, I was blown away about the comfort that it brought. I hope it does the same for you or if not, it's just a reminder for me about this season in my life.

The setting: I started working at a place this year where I felt it was all in God's timing; never early, never late but always on time. I believed God provided. Before I got the job, in my timing, there was quite a lot of angst, frustration and questions. Thoughts of, "Am I not good enough? What's taking so long? Why? Maybe I should just sell pineapple tarts." I felt it was all God's plan;that he has placed me in that workplace for a reason. I did question, "Hmm, I wanted a public practice, big or small, no matter, the bigger the better, corporate-ish, jet-setting business class, etc." Hey, a man can dream, can't he? In all that, I knew God was in control.

From Ecc 3
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... a time to plant and a time to uproot... He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it... So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot."

I believe that one season is coming to a close and I'm about to step into a new one. In this time, I'm happy to receive news about my permanent residence but in my mind, I toil with what the next move is. I look back at the season that has been and boy oh boy, there were heaps of lessons to learn. Things to be glad and things that could have been done better. I thank God for this season and how the joy of the Lord has been my strength. He has placed me in this season for a purpose and I think it's done and therefore, a transition into a new season. I do remember praying everyday before I step into the workplace for God to go before me, to help me and guide me and His presence to be real.

With all the noise around, I think I am now at peace to embrace a new season that awaits me. I remember telling myself a few week's back in reference to the centrality, supremacy and sovereignity of God in our lives, it's not our jobs that we find security in, but God in whom we find completeness and who provides the job as a means.

Surely, easier said than done. Out of one season and into another, He's got my back. And yours.

2009-10-04T21:54:00.002+11:00

"Sometimes I guess there just aren't enough rocks."

Forrest Gump

Faraway Land Retreat: the food

2009-09-18T15:18:00.001+10:00

Feasting at the table

Faraway Land Retreat: Port Melbourne

2009-09-18T15:13:00.000+10:00

Pictures from last weekend. Headed to Port Melbourne and stayed 2 nights as part of a planning retreat and to just get away from the usual.

I'm truly thankful to have them all as a part of my life. It's a real privilege to serve alongside them but also to just do life. ~~Friends forever!!!! s2s2s2 xoxo.~~ Friends.

For more, visit fb and flickr

relient K, YA 2009

2009-09-14T23:05:00.002+10:00

These are some snaps of relient K at Hi-Sense arena. For more,visit fb or flickr.

tech savvy

2009-09-13T19:48:00.002+10:00

NOT!

no wonder my phone lags and hangs every so often.
it's the first time i've picked my manual after using the phone for a year plus.

Firmware version

Current: 4.84
Update: 9.40

copycat

2009-09-13T18:23:00.002+10:00

I've changed the blog title as I'm sure you'd have noticed. And somehow, in my mind, it seems like I may have seen it elsewhere before. Have I? I can so vividly see the words on a white background in plain font. Is my mind playing tricks on me? If it does happen to be the title of your blog, I'll change it. Just give a shout out.

To come, pics of relient K

did you know...

2009-09-02T22:51:00.002+10:00

Cockroaches are actually cleaner than most of us. Why? Because cockroaches clean themselves fastidiously — all the time. Cockroaches in homes are only as dirty as the environment they are living in. If you have a filthy house, they will spread that filth around your kitchen, but if your kitchen is clean and hygienic, you won't be providing them with a food source and they won't bother so much. But if the odd cockroach does show up, at least you know they're not that bad. They're actually quite hygienic.

heads clash

2009-08-17T22:45:00.005+10:00

i recall a faint memory of a painful experience,
make that a few; different scenes, same experience.

it normally starts off being fun,
maybe a friendly wrestle or,
maybe looking at something so closely.

in that split second of excitement,
it brings our heads together for a clash.
at that point, all fun stops.

we writhe away, curled up in pain,
we ask, "What was that for?"
each in pain, each blaming the other.

to make sense of that it,
all we can do is laugh.

unlike a forceful hit,
never was it intended.

ouch, the pain,
and we wish for it to go away.

a swell, a bruise,
a touch and it still hurts.

until one fine day,
a touch and it's gone, healed.

while the car was being serviced

2009-08-07T14:38:00.002+10:00

I think of fast food.

and almost got blown away.

The car was due for a service and today, being a day off, I scheduled for a service to be done.

Decked in my running attire, I decided that I'd jog back home to wait for the car instead of loitering around or tramming home. It was about 5km to home which I jogged half the way and slowed down to a walk as my legs began to hurt.

It was such a relief when I could see the golden arches from not too far away. That was what sustained me and that was to be the treat to greet me at the end of the jog/walk. Sausage and Egg McMuffin and two hash browns never tasted so good. At times, I saw the trams approaching and thought, "should I?"

The call came in alerting me that the car was ready. No, I did not walk/jog back. I trammed. And as I trammed, I looked at the side of the road on which I jogged on and I was wondering why I did not recognise any of that at all. I don't remember that house, or that nice looking park. Have I missed my stop? I took a glance across the street and it all came clear. KFC in all it's glory was standing there and I remember thinking how good it was and if I could just have some now.

I got off the tram and made my way to the service centre. As I was nearing it, say 20 metres away, it just began to pour and the winds picked up. I tried making a dash for it before I got any wetter but I literally could not move. No, really, literally. I was running against the wind.I almost fell and had to steady myself and take really forceful strides to make my way to the service centre in which the manager laughed as he saw me coming in.

listen to the rhythm of the falling rain

2009-07-23T01:29:00.002+10:00

as a kid, i liked this song. i don't know why. i don't think it's because of the words. it's quite sad really. i like how it starts with the sound of rain, i like the melody, i like how the chorus sounds like it has so much emotions. obviously, i didn't think of all this as a kid.

well, i don't associate the rain with sadness and melancholy, doom and gloom, unless of course, it comes with crazy lightning and thunder.

i think it's peaceful and a time of respite. of cleansing and refreshing.

i love playing soccer in the rain. not torrential rain when your boots are soaked with water and they are heavy you can't even run properly.

i quite enjoy walking in really light drizzle. i don't roam around randomly when it rains, but when it happens to rain and i'm outside, i do enjoy the rain hitting the top of my head.

i like sitting indoors and looking out the window and you see droplets of water roll down the window. a good book in hand, a hot chocolate beside and a doona over.

no, this is not some totally random post. it was raining.

do you like the rain?

Parking

2009-06-18T22:17:00.002+10:00

Most driver's fear as they start off behind the wheel is to do a parallel park. In practical exams, that's what they would fear. Upon driving confidently on their P's, many would still struggle to do a parallel park and would any day do an angle or 90 degree park. I do not claim do be a good driver. Average. Many from school would have stories to tell about my driving. But I didn't really have too much of a problem when it came to orientation and parking.

What I have a problem with is this:

PARKING FINES.

I always get them. I hate them. I remember getting my car towed away many years ago. Was still in school then and we finshed exams and decided to have drinks. Coffee bean, that is. I came back from coffee only to realise that my car wasn't where i thought i had parked it. It was a tedious process retrieving the car when we were supposed to watch a movie.

In Malaysia, as far as I can remember, I've had a parking fine from almost every municipality that I've parked my car in. MPPJ (yes, that was what it was then), MPSJ, DBKL and the police themselves. All for parking.

It's not that I choose to park illegally. Sometimes carelessness, sometimes, I just didn't know. Sometimes, the time just lapsed.

It's SO annoying.

This parking fine saga continues. I've had a no standing fine once many years ago. I was busy and asked a friend to repark my car when the time lapsed, he moved it into a no standing zone. Not his fault, he was in Melbourne for a holiday.

In this year alone, i've picked up a few more parking fine to add to the collection. Frustrating, REALLY. Today, I added to that tally again. I remember parking in those lots during the day time previously and when I saw a vacant spot, I was delighted and said to myself, "that was easy." Thing was, after hours, that becomes a permit zone. Which means people with no parking permit are not permitted to park in that permit zone. Hence, a ticket.

To the City of Yarra Council, this is my donation in not so kind. May it add to your already masssive parking fine revenue and please beautify the streets. Maybe line it with gold. Just a suggestion.

not to us, but to you

2009-06-14T21:02:00.004+10:00

NOT TO us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name give glory,
for Your mercy and loving-kindness
and for the sake of Your truth and faithfulness!
Ps115:1

I'm more a pen and paper person. I figured that not cause I'm so bad at Typing Race but it feels more natural. Now, that does not mean that I always pen my thoughts down and it also does not mean that I have lovely nice handwriting. Some say I do, which flatters me, others are laughing even as they read this. I was at work with an excel sheet open right in front of me but there I was scribbling on a piece of recycled envelope working out costings. Strange, I know. On the blogging front, rather than putting pen to paper, maybe i should type my thoughts out here more. I'm still thinking about it, but who knows?? I would when I do, still pen my private thoughts but i think i do have a voice to anyone who would listen. I hope in that last sentence it does not come across as arrogant or smart alect, but if anything, anyone who would want to hear about what's in my head, I hope I can be a voice for how God is merciful and full of loving-kindness.

Lets plunge ahead. Hence, the verse.

It's mind blowing how half the year has come and gone. I can say that God never fails. NEVER. That does not mean that my life has been anything but peaches and cream. Mmm, peaches.

Where am I right now? Surrounded by family and friends (thank you), I've started working life, I'm doing my CPA, single (no, not a self promotion) and the anchor, God. He's the reason I breathe, the reason I live. I need Him to be. My motivator, my source of strength, my lifeline.

Has it been easy? NO. It could have been worse (I don't wish it to be). Fact is, He never fails. I look at work, not the way i envisaged it to be, but it's been good. It was frustrating waiting. He's never early, never late, but ALWAYS on time.

Relationship, ouch. Nuff said.

I'm still waiting for the PR. I've been wanting to go back to the land of Curry Laksa and Banana Leaf Rice. Lack of PR does not allow me to do so. I do miss the family and friends there. Much jealous that people are going to KK and I'm not.

Here I am today, for those who I see more often, you'd read the above and think, "Soo heard all of this before." For those who see less of me, a brief update.

Now, I'll end with what actually prompted me to blog in the first place. For those who did hear about it, you need to hear about it again, for those who have not, you need to hear it. I've embarked working life, CPA and the lot. Some did say, "whoa, that's tough." I thought so, and I know so, but I felt that I could pull through. NOT TO us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name give glory, for Your mercy and loving-kindness and for the sake of Your truth and faithfulness! I say this not to sound cliche, but every fibre of my being believes it. I always wait outside exam halls, nerve wrecked, quoting verses and reminding me God's truth. I don't think I wish for the nerves to go away in future, although that's what I pray before the exams. It's the nerves that I am forced to not look at my own abilities. I did study, but certainly, all credit to God. His wisdom, strength, empowerment and enablement. No, REALLY. His mercy and because he personally loves me (and you), and His faithfulness when I'm not, I don't deserve it, and that makes it so much more beautiful.

six degrees of...

2009-05-24T19:47:00.002+10:00

jogging.

on Friday morn, I decided to go for a jog.

From my room, i could see that the sun was shining brightly and I thought, "Great! looks like a nice day for a jog."

Got changed and did some stretching. I've never thought of jogging in anything more than shorts and t-shirt and I would always wonder when others would be fully clothed with skins, gloves, beanies and whatever-else-have-you, "Is it REALLY necessary?? Just suck it up and jog."

It was COLD!

Jogging in shorts and t-shirt on a six degree day is no joke. I came home from the jog with my hands frozen stiff, numb and not being able to feel them.

Now, i just might get some gloves.

kids just wanna have fun

2009-05-11T23:37:00.006+10:00

Mother's Day at the Park

australiana pt 2

2009-05-04T23:11:00.002+10:00

Victorian Arts Centre- The Eiffel Tower of Melbourne

And this is the footbridge across the Yarra

australiana pt 1

2009-04-30T16:57:00.005+10:00

So, while I was happily snapping pictures at Fed Sq, this guy sitting next to this girl on a bench suddenly yells out in my direction. "Take a picture of us." And I was like, "ok..." *SNAP* He quips, "there you go! that's a piece of Australiana for you."

This is the 6th year I'm here. I don't think I count as a tourist. Not surprising though.

Fed Sq + Camera + Asian= Tourist

This is St Pauls' Cathedral.

That street lamp is extremely bright, but I like the lights beaming out of those arches.

sigh of relief

2009-04-30T16:32:00.002+10:00

more photos will be uploaded real shortly.

before i do the photos, let me just rant and release some words here. nothing wise or anything.

so, exams are OVER. i'm so relieved it's not funny.

what was it like?? so, the exam venue was in box hill and on the exam information slip was some mention of a 'Cambridge International.' turned into the street and I just thought to myself , "ahh, should not be too difficult to find/" I walk down the road and saw a small group of people gathering around and i assume that must be it, even though I did not see no Cambridge International. What I saw was a bunch of people congregating near this stairwell. It's a restaurant. Doing 3 years of exams at a racecourse has become unbizarre and I kind of miss the ground level of the racecourse where you do you exams overlooking green, green grass.

Back to waiting outside this restaurant. As I would normally arrive slightly earlier for exams, I waited outside. Today happen to be the coldest April morning for decades. We're looking at 3 degrees. Hands were stiff, numb, cold.

Now, we're in the exam hall. Find my seat, etc. The exam has started. Part of it is MCQ. I don't know about anyone else, but I would always wonder with MCQ, about the alphabets I tick. "What?? B again?? did I get this right??" Or halfway answering, "Since there are so many Cs, the next one might be a D." And, I would kinda analyse the patterns of the answers. And if i were to find a little twist in the question, Iwould just think, "Hah! Tried to trick me there, huh?? Gotcha!"

I wonder how I actually still manage to finish my exam in time with all those questions in mind. Overall, I'm glad the exam is over. There were a few Gotcha! moments. It certainly was better than expected. And praise God for that. Thanks for sustaining me through this whole period, that I did not fall ill, that i could still manage despite the crazy workload recently.

the laporcs episode

2009-04-02T21:13:00.005+11:00

one fine sunny afternoon, a bunch of us decided to head to laporcs for lunch

while the boys are cool about it, Phoebe hasn't had her coffee RAWR

the spotlight (or rather, halogen) was lit and the scene was set.

it's the long table right at the end of the restaurant. the one they give to rowdy, loud obnoxious youth (which we are not)

hence,we try to behave ourselves, but end up with restrained, funny-looking constipated faces

meanwhile, iced coffee comes.
Phoebe is so relieved (she suffers from caffeine withdrawal syndrome).
Mark and Jason are glad on Phoebe's behalf.
The waitress is just wondering why are these people so excited to see coffee.
Don't know what Ken is doing

*hehe* Pheobe finds Ken hilarious (or maybe she was just yawning)

*LOL* Ken

Phoebe: I told you Ken was funny

Lem: Oh my, che, stop embarrasing me

He's glowing from the compliments

Akhmed: I kill you! (he's just jealous)

nephews

2009-04-02T02:44:00.003+11:00

These are the ever-adorable nephews

The ever-friendly sociable older brother (except when he's just woken up)

He's evolved to be a roaring dinosaur

Him playing with the cool piggy bank that's not a pig but an aquarium and the money is fish food. The cool thing is, it records and tabulates the coins deposited.

Still shots only possible with the TV on

Close up

The daddy

sic ride

2009-04-02T02:22:00.000+11:00

rockband

2009-03-30T20:54:00.002+11:00

testing 1, 2, 3

2009-03-29T23:12:00.003+11:00

testing

1.
2.3.

Project DIY Speaker Stand: Assembly

2008-12-02T01:18:00.004+11:00

Assembly

Ikea Vika Inge Leg A

Cost: $20 ea

Design: I decided to use 3 legs on each stand rather than 4 thinking it would be more sturdy and all the weight would be distributed evenly on all 3 legs rather than if the floor is imbalanced and the stand would be wobbly.

The surface was prepared and the board was measured and marked.

Holes for the screws were drilled before because screwing directly into the chopping board was not an easy task (hardwood). As the screws provided with the leg stands were 5mm thick, I used a 3mm drill bit.

Rather than screwing all 5 holes, 3 screws were sufficient to hold the plate in place.

The legs were then fastened to the base plate.

Isolators are used to separate speakers from stand. Blue tack could be used but as it does tend to disintegrate, it should be replaced every year or so.

And the result being:

This could be the front

Or this

Pluspoints

- - I think it looks uber stylish, rather than plain black stereotypical speaker stands that cost more. If I do not use it as a speaker stand in the future, it would make very weird looking bed side tables.

- -It does make quite a solid stand.

- -A satisfaction that comes DIY projects.

Setbacks

- -First and foremost, them being table legs, they can be a little tall. Ideally, the tweeters of the speakers should be around the height of your ears when listening. With my small frame, it certainly does not help if I’m slouched on the couch.

- -As the chopping board is of a certain size, the legs can only be spread a certain distance. It could be sturdier if spread further.

- -Current rubber pieces that come with the stand, does not sit too well on carpet. Might change these with proper speaker spikes at a future point in time.

Future work

- -I may try to see what it looks like with four legs

- -Will certainly change the rubber bits to speaker spikes in the future.

- -Looking to re-veneer my speakers.

Project DIY Speaker Stand: It's coming into being

2008-12-01T08:32:00.005+11:00

I have thought about it, talked about it, mulled over it. Went back to thinking and talking and mulling and thinking and talking and mulling. This has been a project that’s been on hold for more than a year.

I’ve made progress! I actually bought something to start.

Vue solid rubber wood chopping board

Dimensions: 36cm x 24cm x 4cm

Weight: 2.4kg each

Cost: $49.95 x 40% x 2 = $59.90

This makes one solid sturdy base for the speakers. Weight of the base is important in ensuring that speakers are sitting on a stand that is heavy and solid to dampen vibrations. That’s the concept anyway. It’s just as how hollow speaker stands are filled with sand to dampen vibrations and prevent unwanted ringing and resonance.

Alternatives: Any other solid block of wood. I chose the chopping board because of it’s solidity, weight and anything on sale makes a good bargain.

Before proceeding further, the two pieces of chopping boards were treated with lemon oil. I used Formby’s lemon oil treatment. This helps prevent the wood from drying and cracking.

Surfaces were wiped clean and lemon oil was applied with a kitchen towel.

Alternative: Any type of vegetable oil or wood treatment can do the job. I chose lemon oil because it’s an existing bottle that I have. I use it to treat my guitar occasionally.

Next up: Installation of stands.

Disclaimer: This is a documentation of a work of progress of an interest. It's not meant to be a try-hard wannabe post. Ideas were generated from forums and discussions of many brighter, smarter people.

could you do me a favour?

2008-10-23T22:46:00.003+11:00

A friends is known for telling Stevie Wonder jokes. Harsh and mean. At the wrong time or setting, it can come across as a terrible thing to say.

Have you seen Stevie Wonder's white piano? No? He too hasn't seen it before.
Do you know why he's always shaking his head when he sings? Cause he's looking for his microphone.
Did you know that Eric Clapton got into a car accident last week? Stevie Wonder was driving.

Today, i was listening to hamish and andy on the radio, and they interviewed Stevie Wonder. Like who doesn't know Stevie Wonder? Maybe some of us only heard of him through jokes that a friend makes about him.

It started off with talking about music and inspirations and song writing and yada yada yada. It moved on to a serious subject about his blindness and the lens that he sees the world.

Just as they were about to end the interview, Andy asks for a favour. "Could you please do us a big favour?" He goes on to explain how Hamish and Andy are beginning a caravan tour around Australia.

Now, this is gold. Least expected and quick.

He replies, "What? You want me to drive?"

Anyway, the favour was actually to soothe the aching girlfriend's heart of Andy as the caravaning would be during their anniversary and if the legend could sing just a line or two over the phone to her.

Hesitance

2008-10-21T08:31:00.003+11:00

There is a trend in how i start my posts, if i ever get to starting a post:

-there is an apology for not blogging for oh-so long a time.

-there is a mention of if anyone still reads this blog.

-if anyone is surprised after blog stalking that there is a new post.

-there is some sort of mention about this forsaken blog.

To a blog stalker, one thing relieves their nerves and frustrations: a new post. Whether they are dead interested in the lives of people or they are just a busybody (which is kinda the same thing depending on how you look at it) or they are procrastinating instead of studying. Let me soothe your nerve after the frustration of clicking on this link and wondering when will he post something.

What are the things that prevent me from blogging:
-sometimes, there are better things to do.

-sometimes, plain laziness

-other times, it feels like people don't really want to know. they just want something to tickle their fancy.

-also, there is a fine line between revealing too much and when the reader goes "ok, didn't need to know that"

-as with all forms media, we portray what we want the public want to read. And that can make a blog feel fake. There are blogs that are like that. Everything can seem happy and fine when their whole world is actually falling apart.

-people say that blogging, journaling, writing our thoughts out are good to articulate and express how we feel. but there are times when there's too much to think about. there are times when writing out something unpleasant brings unpleasant memories.

So, what's the purpose of this blog? It's not so much a fad anymore. If it's to write down my thoughts, i still use pen and paper. How much do i reveal without being fake or at the other end without being as some people say 'emo'? (HATE that word) Who am i writing for? Is it to update friends?

(i happen to just glance at the title) That was what it's about! Being positive. Telling anyone and everyone who would read that there is hope. Not false pretense, not made up emotional highs. Substantial hope. There is reason to stand and walk tall when everything is falling apart. We'll see how often i blog from hereon.

Blessed

2008-07-21T04:49:00.002+10:00

Every blessing you pour out, i'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in Lord, still i will say, Blessed be your Name.

Easier said than done. When all is well, we seem to forget the goodness of God in our lives. We seem to think we made it on our own. We seem to think maybe, we don't need God. We look at what we don't have and grumble about how others may have it better. When things don't go so well, we ask, "where is God?" We are quick to point our fingers at Him, blaming Him.

Here on earth, we will never fully understand God's perfect plan. Yes, perfect.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. Is 55:8

The many things that God has blessed me with, i take for granted. With this, i pause. There are question marks BUT, I thank God for my family; everyone of them. For provisions of food and shelter and many times, more than just necessities. I thank God for the people that God has brought into my life, every person brought into the various seasons of my life.

I thank God that He is love. God is love. And that He should love you and me.

I don't want to merely mark time

2008-06-12T20:33:00.004+10:00

Hellooo

It's been a long time since i posted anything on this forsaken blog. I did promise that i would blog sometime this week, and since i have time before my next exam, i thought i will blog.

The last time i blogged, i thought i would do more with it. I actually did change the skin of the blog, added two posts and that was it.

So, what has happened since then? In terms of blogging, as you can tell, nothing much. However, this year has started off really busy, with quite a fair bit to do. I can't say if i actually did a lot. Surely not as much as i wanted to, but here i am, on the brink of finishing my last exam as an undergrad.

Where to from here? I'm not too sure myself. But, one thing i do know is this, it's amazing to know God's grace. Really. Putting aside all humble pretense and saying the right stuff, I have made it this far in life (not 'that' far) just scraping the surface of what i think life has to offer. We start off as little boys (for some, girls) with big dreams of doctors and firefighters or knights in armor and all, only to stumble and bump ourselves left and right to get to wherever we are right now; flattering or unflattering, whether we like it or not.

Quoting Jim Cymbala, "I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how they desperately need Him..."

"I despaired at the thought that my life might slip by without seeing God show Himself mightily on our behalf. I didn't want merely to mark time."

I don't want to merely tread water throughout my life. Seemingly doing much but not moving anywhere. Yea sure, today many live life without the existence of God. Life as we live it, is at it is. Hard knocks or soft knocks. We ask questions like. "Why God?" "Surely IF there is a God..."

There IS more to this life. There IS hope for tomorrow. I stand as a testimony of imperfection and i stand as a testimony of i-don't-know-where-I'd-be without-God.

i'll be home

2008-01-28T02:29:00.000+11:00

the 10 day extension here has been amazing. whether or not i'm ready, come 2135, i'll be on that plane.

as how it normally is, the moment i'm about to step into the plane, with a deep breath inhaled and exhaled, words that run through my mind are, "let's do this. Melbourne is home for the season."

Looking at the above and the previous post, it seems as if i dread Melbourne. No, i don't. Just as i have things that i miss and am looking forward to in Melbourne, there are things that i will surely miss here in Malaysia. That's hard to leave behind. Family who will always be there. Friends that we've reminisced the past with. Crazy school life, crazy church life. Looking through old photos and laughing at ourselves silly. Picking up from where we left off and getting closer and growing from there.

So, don't get me wrong people, Melbourne is great! REALLY GREAT! If it ever occurs that it's time to leave Melbourne for good, it definitely won't be an easy thing to do. Is that convincing enough?

Melbourne, it's time to pick up from where we left off. I'll be home soon!

not quite ready

2008-01-24T19:59:00.000+11:00

hello to all,
this has got to be one of the most deserted blogs that you come across. a dear friend did comment saying something like, "how do you give hope, if there are no new posts?" well, here i am once again penning my thoughts. ok, maybe not my thoughts in it's entirety since i would like to think myself as a very reserved person. some may beg to differ.

i remember it so clearly. a week ago, i had all my bags packed, luggages weighed, clothes that were set apart to be worn for the remainder of my trip, all laid out. it seemed too soon to part with family, friends and surroundings that i've been so familiar with. you may think it weird, but, i've NEVER really felt homesick before. it has always been, that, home is where God wants me to be for that season.

today, i'm still here in the motherland. the statement does not change. Melbourne, you will be my home for the season, but i'm not quite ready. Give me a few more days. Please wait for my return. (not like you have a choice)

for now, Malaysia, you are my home even if it's only for a few more days. Bring me the best that you have to offer!

ta.

hola

2007-11-28T20:46:00.000+11:00

hey people!
to all young and not so young, not to disappoint you this time you click on the link to my blog, here's an update.
i know i've been tagged to answer some questions and stuff... will do that later.

for now, here's some pics of the adorable nephew eating dinner. which brings me a flashback of what it was like when i had to eat dinner when i was younger. PAIN! so much has changed.

SNOW!!

2007-07-29T22:48:00.000+10:00

Mt Buller '07, best snow coverage in many years.

I love snow-capped mountains. Breathtaking.

Henry, Myself, Sandra, Cat, Ray

Dinner after the first day, with beanie flattened hair.

Lil Buller Spur. Memorable. Why?

That's why
Boots off first.

Then the pants.

Then the shirt. (no, that stayed on)
Yes, Superman does ski.
And he does get injured once in awhile.

Rochford

2007-07-26T16:38:00.000+10:00

This is Rochford. with Ray, Cat, Henry and Sandra.

Good times.

Gold Coast

2007-07-24T12:24:00.000+10:00

It's been a long time. And a swell of a time. I'll let the pictures do the talking

That's Jon, who was the unfortunate one to spend 5 days with me. Or, maybe i was the unfortunate one. Nah, it was good times. We started the trip without knowing how to get to Avalon and without a Greater Melb map. And we were running late. Great start to the hols. Good thing the flight got delayed. We did wonder if we would have anything to say by the 5th day. We did. Even though it was a whole lot of @$#%$.

That was Sea World (if you couldn't tell). I will post up more pics of the other happenings next time. Photos are unedited.

So close yet so far

2007-05-31T15:47:00.000+10:00

If any of you readers, ever go to Sydney, or reside in Sydney, do yourselves a favour and visit Lindt cafe. Martin Place or Cockle Bay Wharf. I'm serious. Even if you don't like chocolates. If you do, you HAVE to go. You, not going, is at your own peril. (purposeful use of strong word)

Mark was in Sydney during the week and i did ask him a favour. At his convenience, to stop by the cafe and bring back a slice. If not, to not worry about it. While there, he called saying he got it. I was delighted. I could not wait. I remember how good it tasted and was imagining how good it will taste this time. I am not exagerating. I really was looking forward to eating it.

Yumm

...mmm

...ahh!!

Looking at this picture, i want it!!

But as for now, that's all i can do, together, let's just admire how nice it looks and imagine how good it tastes.

So sure of getting my hands on some, especially since Mark called saying that he bought it and it's in the fridge now (then). I called him when he arrived, only to hear him laughing on the other end asking me to "guess what?"

He left it in the fridge!

Thanks anyway Mark, it's the thought that counts. He left his chocolates in the fridge too.

Anyone coming from Sydney, please do me a favour? If it's not too much trouble, if it's not way out of your way, pretty please get me some. Thanks.

Looking everywhere else

2007-05-23T09:39:00.000+10:00

I find it interesting how many people blog frequently when they really have things to do. I on the other hand, will normally do other things. this being the exception. Where, i shall blog about the 'other things' that i've been doing.

activity #1: read news online, Aust news, Msian news, Soccernet, IHT

after doing that,

#2: stalking people's blogs, myspace, friendster (which i didn't even know i had-interesting?? i'm amused myself. what happened was, many years ago, i felt like registering for friendster. BUT i HATE registrations. Anything to do with filling up of any forms just drains the life out of me. Immigration, bank slips. So what happened was, i registered halfway and closed it. Thinking i have not finished registering, i ignored friendster. i didn't even get to activation. Meanwhile, i received e-mails from friendster occasionally. I thought it was spam. Deleted them. Until one fine day, a friend whom i shall not name and i was talking about friendster and at that same time, i had an e-mail from friendster which i decided to open. Lo and behold, i DO have friendster)

it's amazing if you've gotten this far. You must think it's the most ridiculous story. Don't worry, i think so too. But, it's true.

#3 (a procrastination idea) friendster is still as plain as ever. the question arises, should i do more with it? i'm kinda many years behind. although the date joined doesn't suggest so. What do YOU suggest? Yes YOU! who are reading my blog now, whether you're stalking other people's blog as well, a friend, or a friend of a friend and you saw my link on their blog. What do you think? Don't worry, i'm not judging.

How am i going for procrastination?

#4 Besides that, i was reading an old blog of mine as part of the procrastination. Something i wrote (edited/added) about 2 years ago:

Life

Life is like...

a box of chocholates

a roller coaster

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle,

you start off at the easy part,

working your way thru the difficult part.

One piece compliments the other,

forming a beautiful picture.

THAT is life, thru the ups and downs,

with one another, it forms a picture.

In life, there are pieces that can't fit,

You may not fit because you're not meant to.

Find your place, so that you fit in that picture.

Force it in? Cut it to fit?

It hurts. and you'd feel awkward.

Find your place, find your purpose in life.

#5, 6, 7 besides that, there are the other procrastination techniques. such as, the TV, music AND the love of FOOD.

now, after writing all that, i'm gonna force myself to sit down and study.

au revoir

FOOD

2007-04-11T13:00:00.000+10:00

It's been a very long time since i last blogged. Sorry to disappoint you who come hoping to see something updated.

Life is the filling of time between meals.

untitled

2007-01-15T23:42:00.000+11:00

hey peeps!

mmm BEER...

2006-10-19T09:12:00.000+10:00

CAUTION!: As a responsible citizen i have a duty of care to ENCOURAGE you all to drink responsibly.

ATTENTION!!

2006-10-16T07:43:00.000+10:00

A note to Henry upon turning 18 and to all other beer drinkers.

Life's Long Adventure Part 2

2006-10-13T00:20:00.000+10:00

I'm sorry for the excitement of visiting my blog hoping to find it updated only to be disappointed cause it has not been updated.

Have been a lil busy.

When it comes to studying time, EVERYTHING seems more attractive than studying. From eating (which is always attractive), to sleeping (equally attractive), to watching TV (how can i say no?), to cleaning my room (which is always messy esp during exam periods) to gardening (what?!).

As usual there's always the regular dose of Krispy Kremes and KFC.

Life's Long Adventure...

Last week, on Life’s Long Adventure, Jeremy was born, went to kinder, tried to kiss a girl and went to Yr 1 after.

In Yr 2- Of bikes and injuries.

Rode a bike and fell into a drain head first. Received 4 stitches for that. (That explains the loose nut in my head)

Later that year, rode a bike, raced with a neighbor, collided and broke my arm. Mother was hysterical, while I on the other hand did not know I broke my arm. I coolly walked into the driveway lifted up my left arm and said, “There’s something wrong with my arm.” It was only upon reaching the hospital that my arm began to swell and it started hurting. And that was when I cried. But there was this guy that sure did put things into perspective. He had his head drenched with blood after somehow hitting it into a ceiling fan. He asked me not to cry saying that I did not have blood all over me and asked me to be brave. That image of him could have made me cry even more. Gross. My arm was corrected but it shifted in the cast. Twice. After the second time, we decided to leave it as it is as the surgery would be more complicated. And that’s why I walk around with a crooked left arm.

Yr 3 was the transition year. Changed schools from public to private. I’m of the opinion that public school ed in Malaysia is better than private school ed. The only thing that kept me sane were the friends. Cheers to ALL you people.

Yr 5- Holiday in the U.S. of A.

Blessed that I had the opportunity to go there as a kid. From San Fran, to Las Vegas, to San Diego, to LA and to the many places in between. I loved every bit of it. I remember bumping into some familiar faces while in Disneyland. Shaun and Ben Lee and family. What a small world.

Sundays was Sunday School Day from when I was young till Yr 6. I loved Sunday School. The singing of songs, the lessons, the friends and the teachers who showed so much care and love.

To be continued….

Life's long adventure: Part 1

2006-09-25T08:10:00.000+10:00

i got tagged, i reckon this is the start of me being a famous blogger. not only did i get tagged, i was added to Ben's links (it's kinda obvious which is my link and in my defense, i am not short, i jus have tall friends). i should do more to interest you readers.

Life's long adventure

Born 24^th Feb 1985, I was the fattest baby in town. So fat, you’d think I stole someone else’s baby pics and called them my own.

I was the best baby in town. I would play quietly by myself and fall asleep. Mah jong chips were enough to keep me entertained.

It was 4 that I attended kindy and hated it. All I wanted to do was stay at home and play with my Lego. What I can remember is I jus received a cool Lego Technics set for my birthday and was playing with it the next morning and refused to get ready for kindy. My maid threatened me by saying if I do not get ready, she would throw it away. And I said “go ahead.” And she did. And I cried so bad.

But all that changed when I was 6. I met a girl on the bus to and from school. Her name, Sandra. She was a blonde (not a ‘blonde’ blonde) and I can dare say, she was my first crush. Since then, I loved going to kindy. Ooh we were also in the same class. Now this is where you’re gonna laugh your head off. It was this year that I watched ‘My Girl’. And in it, Thomas asks Vada to close her eyes and count to three and at three, he gives her a kiss. So there it was on the bus, after watching that movie, I decided to try it out. “Close ur eyes and count to three.” And it was at three that my best friend yelled out “HE’S GOING TO KISS YOU!!!” I thought she was going to freak out. Well, my best friend did. He was ‘EWW’ing the rest of the trip to school. But all she did was blush and smiled.

This was the time that I was actually cute (unlike now: plain hideous). We were taking our kindy ‘graduation’ pics with full on robes and scrolls. And the photographers liked my smile and actually recommended me to an advertising agency for commercials. Alas, things didn work out. If not, I’d be a child celeb. What happened was, I was an extremely shy kid (very hard to believe). During auditions, they asked me to pretend drinking milk from an empty glass. And my brother laughing behind thinking it was a dumb idea did not help. I was shy and I did my ‘shy’ thing. When shy, I used to bite my sleeves. They said come back in a year or two. But that was when I had the biggest buck teeth ever.

In year 1, I was really eager to go to school. I think it was the new uniforms. I woke up and put them on and waited eagerly for the bus to come. Rumour has it… that I got ready so early and waited so long for the bus that I got frustrated and changed out of my uniform and refused to go to school. When I finally did go to school, I got pushed into a puddle of mud and was covered from head to toe. (I was stick thin then and no longer the fat baby) And mum had to come to school with a new change of clothes for me.

Back to the Sandra episode. I did see her in Year 1. We were in different classes. Once as I was getting off the bus, walking to class, I saw her and she was walking in my direction. When she saw me, she grabbed my hand and pulled me aside. My brother who was in Yr 5, walking right behind, began to tease me with the rest of his friends. And it was then I was so embarrassed that I jus ran as fast as I could. Have not seen her since and have wondered how is she and how does she look like now and what is she doing??

To be continued...

KFC diaries

2006-08-25T12:44:00.000+10:00

i should rename my blog to the above title

why??

Today's meal included a Go Large Xtreme Burger Meal & 3 piece Wicked Wings & additional regular fries.

What does all that mean?

That means i had
-a zinger burger
-1 piece OR chicken
-3 piece wicked wings
-1 larger fries
-1 regular fries
-1 regular potato and gravy
-1 600ml mountain dew

I'M FULL!

Finite trying to understand the Infinite

2006-08-23T15:24:00.000+10:00

Disclaimer:
Parental Advisory: Christian Content. This post is not meant to offend the believes of anyone, so please do not get offended. Christianity is an integral part of my life and is therefore expressed through my thoughts and speech (and blog).

What was i thinking??

I was just stirred up when i came across a site that was trying to put logic and sense into everything.

And i came to this conclusion:
We just can't explain and have an answer for everything.

That doesn't mean we jus lay idle and accept blindly everything that comes our way cause God gave us a mind to think. By thinking, by using our intellect we would be able to appreciate the things around us.

And by thinking we would be able to realise that we are mere mortals with finite capabilities, trying to understand an infinite God and His creation. There is just so much we don't know. To think more highly of ourselves is just arrogance and ignorance.

-Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.-

To believe when i don't have all the answers, to trust when i don't see the whole picture, to hang on till i see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Lord I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.

are u serious??

2006-08-16T07:34:00.000+10:00

someone upon seeing my msn personal message:

"r u really gonna be 25 in 3 days?"

the next day...

someone else:

"hey r u really gonna be 25 in 3 days? i thought u r only 22....???!!???"

whoa!!!!!

it's alright... the more i look at the above statements i tell myself to take no offense...
seriously?? 25?? 22??

what '25 in 3 days' meant was...

i... had 25 of the above in 3 days!

i'm not that old...

i'm jus a fast food junkie(which i'm sure u can very well tell)

KFC Fix

2006-08-02T23:48:00.000+10:00

Macca's has a breakfast menu
So does Hunry Jacks
And Subway...

Why doesn't KFC have a breakfast menu??
Do they need one?

Not when there's people like ME.

9a.m.
6 wicked wings
reg fries
reg pepsi
right before a medical check up- sure is healthy stuff...

'weirdo' glances
'insane' stares

A vacumn only you can fill

2006-07-27T01:40:00.000+10:00

A whirlpool of emotions stirring up in me,
I can't tell if its both or one of joy or agony.
A mass of thoughts spinning through my mind,
Thoughts to sort out, whether or not there's time.

One minute ago I felt so close to you,
Now i cant help but wonder, where are you?
I know you did not distance yourself from me,
And if it's not you, it can only be me.

I'm sorry for the times I've wronged you.
Aware or unaware of what I do.
Oh how I've broken your heart,
When i only obey in part.

This seperation just doesn't feel right,
So cold, so dark, the lack of light.
That's what it feels like when you're absent,
My life is miserable when you're distant.

Oh the comfort of your assurance,
Oh the joy of your acceptance.
That you look beyond my faults,
Past my failures of all sorts.

My response is to love you more,
With a love untamed, one that is raw.
Draw me close to you,
Bring me back to you.

-Jeremy-

Do u think i will ever find God?

2006-07-23T22:57:00.000+10:00

I got this from a forwarded email. Read on. Something to think about.

John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in
>>Chicago writes about a student in his Theology of
>>Faith class named Tommy:
>>
>>Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my
>>university students file into the classroom for
>>our first session in the Theology of Faith. That
>>was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind
>>both blinked.
>>
>>He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung
>>six inches below his shoulders. It was the first
>>time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I
>>guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know
>>in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but
>>what's in it that counts; but on that day I was
>>unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately
>>filed Tommy under "S" for strange... very strange.
>>
>>Tommy turned out to be the "atheist in residence"
>>in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly
>>objected to, smirked at, or whined about the
>>possibility of an unconditionally loving
>>Father/God. We lived with each other in relative
>>peace for one semester, although I admit he was
>>for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.
>>
>>When he came up at the end of the course to turn
>>in his final exam, he asked in a cynical tone, "Do
>>you think I'll ever find God?"
>>
>>I decided instantly on a little shock therapy.
>>"No!" I said very emphatically.
>>"Why not," he responded, "I thought that was the
>>product you were pushing."
>>
>>I let him get five steps from the classroom door
>>and then called out, "Tommy! I don't think you'll
>>ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He
>>will find you!"
>>
>>He shrugged a little and left my class and my
>>life. I felt slightly disappointed at the thought
>>that he had missed my clever line --- He will find
>>you! At least I thought it was clever. Later I
>>heard that Tommy had graduated and I was duly
>>grateful.
>>
>>Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had
>>terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he
>>came to see me. When he walked into my office, his
>>body was very badly wasted and the long hair had
>>all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy. But
>>his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for
>>the first time, I believe.
>>
>>"Tommy, I've thought about you so often.. I hear
>>you are sick," I blurted out.
>>"Oh, yes, very sick. I have cancer in both lungs.
>>It's a matter of weeks."
>>"Can you talk about it, Tom?" I asked.
>>"Sure, what would you like to know?" he replied.
>>"What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?"
>>"Well, it could be worse."
>>"Like what?"
>>"Well, like being fifty and having no values or
>>ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze,
>>seducing women, and making money are the real
>>'biggies' in life."
>>
>>I began to look through my mental file cabinet
>>under 'S' where I had filed Tommy as strange. (It
>>seems as though everybody I try to reject by
>>classification, God sends back into my life to
>>educate me.)
>>
>>"But what I really came to see you about," Tom
>>said, "is something you said to me on the last day
>>of class." (He remembered!)
>>He continued, "I asked you if you thought I would
>>ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised
>>me. Then you said, 'But He will find you.' I
>>thought about that a lot, even though my search
>>for God was hardly intense at that time.
>>
>>(My clever line. He thought about that a lot!)
>>
>>"But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin
>>and told me that it was malignant, that's when I
>>got serious about locating God.
>>
>>And when the malignancy spread into my vital
>>organs, I really began banging bloody fists
>>against the bronze doors of heaven. But God did
>>not come out.. In fact, nothing happened. Did you
>>ever try anything for a long time with great
>>effort and with no success? You get
>>psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And
>>then you quit.
>>
>>Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a
>>few more futile appeals over that high brick wall
>>to a God who may be or may not be there, I just
>>quit. I decided that I didn't really care about
>>God, about an after life, or anything like that. I
>>decided to spend what time I had left doing
>>something more profitable. I thought about you and
>>your class and I remembered something else you had
>>said: 'The essential sadness is to go through life
>>without loving. But it would be almost equally sad
>>to go through life and leave this world without
>>ever telling those you loved that you had loved
>>them.' "
>>
>>"So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad. He was
>>reading the newspaper when I
>>approached him. "Dad."
>>
>>"Yes, what?" he asked without lowering the newspaper.
>>"Dad, I would like to talk with you."
>>"Well, talk."
>>"I mean. . . It's really important."
>>The newspaper came down three slow inches. "What
>>is it?"
>>"Dad, I love you. I just wanted you to know that."
>>
>>Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious
>>satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret
>>joy flowing inside of him.
>>
>>"The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my
>>father did two things I could never remember him
>>ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We
>>talked all night, even though he had to go to work
>>the next morning. It felt so good to be close to
>>my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to
>>hear him say that he loved me."
>>
>>"It was easier with my mother and little brother.
>>They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other,
>>and started saying real nice things to each other.
>>We shared the things we had been keeping secret
>>for so many years. I was only sorry about one
>>thing --- that I had waited so long.
>>
>>Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the
>>people I had actually been close to."
>>
>>"Then, one day I turned around and God was there.
>>He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I
>>guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a
>>hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give You
>>three days, three weeks.' Apparently God does
>>things in His own way and at His own hour. But the
>>important thing is that He was there. He found me!
>>You were right. He found me even after I stopped
>>looking for Him."
>>
>>"Tommy," I practically gasped, "I think you are
>>saying something very important and much more
>>universal than you realize. To me, at least, you
>>are saying that the surest way to find God is not
>>to make Him a private possession, a problem
>>solver, or an instant consolation in time of need,
>>but rather by opening to love. You know, the
>>Apostle John said that.
>>
>>He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in
>>love is living with God and God is living in him.'
>>Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had
>>you in class you were a real pain. But
>>(laughingly) you can make it all up to me now.
>>Would you come into my present Theology of Faith
>>course and tell them what you have just told me?
>>If I told them the same thing it wouldn't be half
>>as effective as if you were to tell them."
>>
>>"Ooh .... I was ready for you, but I don't know if
>>I'm ready for your class."
>>
>>"Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready,
>>give me a call. In a few days Tom called, said he
>>was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that
>>for God and for me. So we scheduled a date.
>>However, he never made it. He had another
>>appointment, far more important than the one with
>>me and my class. Of course, his life was not
>>really ended by his death, only changed. He made
>>the great step from faith into vision. He found a
>>life far more beautiful than the eye of man has
>>ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the
>>mind of man has ever imagined. Before he died, we
>>talked one last time.
>>
>>"I'm not going to make it to your class," he said.
>>"I know, Tom."
>>"Will you tell them for me? Will you ... tell the
>>whole world for me?"
>>"I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best."
>>
>>So, to all of you who have been kind enough to
>>read this simple story about God's love, thank you
>>for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the
>>sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them,
>>Tommy, as best I could.
>>
>>With thanks,
>>
>>Father John Powell, SJ
>>Associate Professor
>>Loyola University in Chicago