Little Big Imaginations

Injured Wrist, Injured Back, and A Birthday Story

2011-09-12T00:33:00.001+08:00

Clearing the cobwebs…

Injured Wrist
Just a few weeks ago, I went for a wedding photoshoot. Everyone was trying all sorts of things for the shoot and a friend and I figured, let's do a handstand. Not being so smart, thinking my hands could handle my body weight when I actually don't exercise and I have weak wrists. I end up with slightly sprained wrists. It wasn't much of a deal at first, but weirdly, the pain escalated through the night until I couldn't move my wrist, the right one that is. Had a doctor friend check it out and my tendons were swollen. Bummer. Had to drive around and do my daily work with one hand. Couldn't move it for about 2 days. It was challenging as I had to play the keys for a few worship sessions in that week. Had to keep reminding myself not to overplay but relax and be gentle. Now it's better but weak, and sometimes hurts if I bend it in a certain way.

Injured Back
2 weeks ago, I woke up with a bad lower back. The pain stayed with me for a while. I usually have lower back problems, so I never really give it much thought and just waited it out, thinking it would go away. After a week, it got worst. And one night, the pain just escalated and it became really painful. I couldn't sleep, every position I tried, the pain was awful. The next morning, I was zombified from the lack of sleep, AND I couldn't stand nor walk properly! I knew I had to see the doctor asap. That very morning, I had to go to work (church) to perform at a Staff Birthday Breakfast event and had to endure my situation for a few hours before I went to see the doc. After everything, I got myself to the clinic, the doc tested me to see if it was a spinal or muscular problem. Thankfully, it was just muscular. He gave me a jab in the butt and some medication, a form of muscle relaxen. I couldn't really walk after that coz one side of my back is painful, and now one side of my butt is cramp/sore from the jab. I limped by the inches, from the clinic to the car opposite the road, and from the gate into the house, while carrying all my heavy bags. It was interesting and funny all at the same time. It's been 4 days since then. I'm way much better now.

Staff Birthday Breakfast
So at the staff birthday breakfast, I had to perform a song. I forgot that I was supposed to perform only until 2 days before. I manage to find a song 1 day later and started to practice it. I was extremely unprepared and I went to perform the song without any confidence. Gosh, my nerves really got to me and I fumbled with my words, I forgot my arrangement, and played the guitar and sang badly. On top of trying not to melt under pressure, I had to endure my back pain. URGH! So anyway, here is the video of my horrible performance. I sang one of my favourite songs, "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts. Totally didn't do the song and my favourite band any justice. Sorry Gary, Jay and Joe! Probably the song was a bit too big for me, but anyhoo, I do hope, the lyrics really spoke to everyone who heard it that morning.

Weird + Unfortunate + Unfortunate

2011-05-30T21:39:00.004+08:00

*Clears the cobwebs*

Today I decided to take my mom to Pyramid coz my dad isn't around. He has gone on a road trip with his friends all around Peninsular without a definite timeline. I tell you, my parents are seriously way cooler than me, how depressing.

My mom and I went to Elianto coz I wanted to introduce her to their liquid foundation, Sand Beige colour. It is a really good one coz it blends so well with general light skin colour. We use it for our productions :) Anyway, so we got there and my mum decided to pick out the colours of her nail polish first. She asked for my opinion and I gave her mind and the salesgirl had a look of intrigue on her face? I get that from time to time coz my mom consults me often when we go shopping together, even for shoes, clothes and bags...ferh...hahaha...Then I took a walk to the other side of the counter to find the liquid foundation and checked out their 4 shades, Almond, Sand Beige, Natural Beige, Ivory Beige. The salesgirl had an even more intrigued look on her face. This was roughly how the conversation went between the 3 of us:

Mom: Eh what colour should I pick?

Darren: You want the glossy sparkly kind or the normal one?

Mom: Normal one.

Darren: It's all here.

Mom: Maybe the sparkly one.

Darren: It's there.

Salesgirl: Oh ini ada diskaun...

* I let them be and walked over the counter to look for the foundation

Mom: Which one ar? *still looking at the nail polishes

Darren: Anyone lar

*Mom picks the colours she needed

Mom: Where's the foundation?

Darren: It's here. You can try them.

Salesgirl: Oh you can try this... *takes us to their Moisturizer + Foundation + SPF 50 collection

Mom: What do you think?

Darren: Nah, I'd personally just go for the liquid foundation coz you're hardly in the sun anyway and you have all your facial moisturizers at home.

Salesgirl: Errr....Is this for you? *looks at me

Mom: No this is for me. This is my son!

*awkward....

Mom: Ok so which colour?

Salesgirl: Which colour you want?

Darren: Try the Sand Beige and the Natural Beige

*Salesgirl spreads two colours on my mom's hand, I helped with the dabbing on my mom's hand...a few conversations went on. The salesgirl was trying to explain to my mom which colour is best for which race, I didn't agree with her on that one, but I continued anyway to help my mom rationalize her choice.

Salesgirl: This if for you ke?

Darren: No no no...

I'm like, what on earth? Harlow... She probably meant well and didn't want to assume that I may or may not be buying this makeup for myself but you could rephrase your question better to find out what your customer wants? It'll be worrying to think that she's use to having men come to her shop to buy makeup for themselves. I think seeing how I had my opinion on makeup was surprising for her. Oh well, we continued to get other stuff from the shop and it was just awkward all the way lar -_-

After that, the first unfortunate event happened. Later in the course of our shopping, we went down an escalator and it stopped out of the blue. My mom yelped loudly coz she and I nearly toppled down the escalator! That was a shocker. Don't know what happened. Thank God we were safe!

The second and final unfortunate event of the day happened right after the escalator incident. We went to Jusco to buy a few tubs of ice cream home. While picking the flavours straight out from the horizontal freezer, my arch enemy (the cockroach, it was a baby) appeared at the side groove of the freezer door.

Darren: Grose!!!

*Slides the plastic door hoping to squash the enemy right at the groove. It survived.

*Slides again with great force. It's still alive!

Mom: Aiya cannot kill lar

*Reaches into her handbag to take tissue

Darren: No no no can wan can wan

*Mom reaches out with the tissue to kill it

*Darren slides the freezer door with his might.....SLAM!!!

*Mom yelps the most painful silent cry

Yes, I slammed the plastic freezer door right into my mom's last two fingers and immediately she was bleeding a lot. I panicked and kept apologizing. Gosh the blood kept coming and I was so stressed out.

Then she felt a wave a nausea and light headedness. Had to quickly take her to sit down and I fanned her. She was just sweating in pain. Man I wanted to cry! I just couldn't believe I just did that to her!

Well now her fingers are swollen, blue-black in colour. I don't know if it is broken. But we'll wait till tomorrow to see how it is. Me and my vendetta against my enemy has caused my mom to suffer....sigh...I loath you even more!!!

Golly, I remember the time when my brother closed the car boot on my mother's nose causing a fracture in the bridge of her nose. Gaaaah! These Ong brothers I tell you...

Joke

2011-04-01T22:24:00.002+08:00

A passenger in a taxi tapped the driver on

the shoulder to hand him the money. The

driver screamed, lost control of the cab,

nearly hit a bus, drove up over the curb

and stopped just inches from a large plate

glass window.

For a few moments everything was silent in

the cab, then the driver said, "Please, don't

ever do that again. You scared the daylights

out of me!".

The passenger, who was also frightened,

apologized and said he didn't realize that

just a tap on the shoulder could frighten

him so much, to which the driver replied,

"I'm sorry, it's really not your fault at all.

Today is my first day driving a cab. I have

been driving a hearse for the last 25 years.

Pet Peeve 2

2011-03-02T10:52:00.000+08:00

I just realised my second pet peeve in the office today. There was an angpow lying on the floor next to me, and there's money in it. The cleaner lady picked it up and started speaking in Cantonese, saying who could have dropped it, bla bla bla...I did roughly understood what she was saying, but I didn't pay any much attention and continued doing my own thing. She talked to the pastor near me and they both asked me about it. I replied I don't know who's is it and she called me a banana!

Woah! Talk about massive irritation in the morning! The weight of the irritation adds on when you're tired, cranky, and you've been dealing with annoying staffs in the1 month!

Jokingly call me a banana, I can take it, well depends on the context actually. Condescendingly call me a banana, now that, I want to just punch you in the face. What's your problem?? Seriously! And for the record, I am not a full banana, I can speak Hokkien. I can say Kin Cheo (banana)!!

Stuff the banana in your face then you know! BA.NA.NA. Can't even pronounce it properly!

Taking The Toys Out

2011-02-17T01:15:00.000+08:00

It has been a while since I've worked with the toys in my room. I shelved them for a reason and now taking them out to play again was somewhat refreshing. I was extra clumsy with the equipment compared to before, like accidentally deleted my recordings and have to re-record them again, in agony, and accidentally switched off the main plug of the computer midway while working. Talk about scares. Haha :) The toys are here to stay for a while I guess, a project has come in and that's gonna be a BIG CHALLENGE, score to film! Hoo hoo!

Catching Up On Movies

2011-02-10T00:19:00.000+08:00

They showed this tonight on HBO and it was my first time watching it (even though it was an old film). I knew this was a heartbreaking movie and tried to watch it without any emotional attachment. But goodness, I was crying three quarter of the way till the end! Terrible I tell you these film makers, messing with people's emotions...tsk! After the show, I looked at my dog and...all the feelings went away. I thought to myself, "dumb dog".

After Hachi, HBO aired Sherlock Homes. It too, was my first time watching it. Love the show though half the time, I can't make out what they were saying. Probably it was the British accent, but I think I was straining more of the mix of the audio. The dialogue was almost mumble-like. Robert Downey Jr. is truly one of my favourites and I'm liking Jude Law in this too, though I was never a fan before this. Can't wait for part 2 :)

My Chinese New Year

2011-02-05T01:52:00.002+08:00

It's a bit weird (and creepy to a certain extend) to see your 'visitor counter' for your blog keeps moving up and you have no idea who actually reads this site! Hahaha thanks for tuning in all the time, my silent stalk-ish readers, hope you've been entertained thus far :D

How has your New Year been? I hope it's going great for everyone? Mine has been pretty slow and quiet. Maybe coz my family and I decided not to go back to Penang this year, and my existing KL relatives have decided to return to Penang and Sabah. For our Reunion dinner, it was just my parents, my bro and sis-in-law and myself. We had steam pomfret fish, joo hoo char with lettuce and belacan (very typical Penang dish), Curry Chicken (from Klang) and awesome Lin Ngau Tong by my mom. Gosh we were all UBER FULL at the end of it, had to walk it off.

The next day was the 1st Day of the New Year, and it was ALSO my mom's birthday. We went out for a good simple dinner at a Thai Restaurant called Seeri Thai. The owners are both Penangnite and Thai, husband and wife, who cooks great Thai food! If you want to go, let me know, I can hook you up...or my parents can hook you up! HAHA! Later I spent my parents on Swensons Ice-Cream :) You see, the next day is my dad's birthday! Yup, one after the other, both the same age and both from Penang. So belanja one shot.

Today is the 2nd Day of the New Year and my bro and sis-in-law were suppose to come over in the night to have steamboat. At first we thought it was just the 5 of us, but at the end the numbers kept adding until we got almost the whole family from Klang in our living room! :D It was a bit overwhelming at first but it was good. I'm learning to mingle, to get to know and to be comfortable with everyone, even though I'm my usual quiet self. I wonder if I come off as quirky sometimes...hmm... :p

Anyway, here are a few pictures of our steamboat night:

We had to borrow tables, chairs, utensils and cutleries from our neighbours and bro to accommodate for the night.
Here's roughly the food spread, slightly more came in after that:

I've got to learn how to eat crabs more often. I injured my thumb while trying to break the shell...two injuries on the same thumb!
After dinner, the relatives bought cakes for both my mom and dad. Oh that's my sis-in-law's niece, Emily:

That sums up my New Year thus far. I've been pretty restless and lethargic all at the same time. I've been quite in a pensive mood as well...I wonder why...I guess I'll leave that for another day. Till the next post, Gong Hei Fatt Choi!

My Office Pt.2

2011-02-02T18:20:00.002+08:00

Every morning at the office, we would start our day with 'Staff Devotions'. It starts at 8.30am right up to 9am++. We would have a time of worship, a pastor would preach, watch a sermon video or pray for a particular focus. Every once in a while, I think it's once a month or once in two months, we would replace Staff Devotions with 'Departmental Breakfast'! Hahaha yeap! It's good bonding time and helps loosen up the office :) Sometimes we'll have breakfast in our own individual departments, sometimes we'll have it inter-departmental.

I manage to catch the FIRST Dept. Breakkie of the year! Apparently, Pastor Jeremy Ian has been assigned to organized all Dept. Breakkies and I wondered since when?? Usually it's a casual thing, a few would suggest a place and they'd all just drive there and eat. He tells me that he does it alone, and no one helps, they just come to eat! Such vultures these church workers are...haha! I thought I'd give him a hand since I love coming up with ideas to spice things up.

So for our 1st breakfast of the year, we thought lets do something different and go healthy coz our demographics are mainly older ones and they've been constantly having Nasi Lemak and Mamak for the pass umpteen years. We proposed to the staff two sets of menu. Fuh got menu okay, don't pray pray:

1. Set A - Breakfast Cereal

Corn Flakes + Cocoa Crunch
Bananas
Raisins
Strawberries

2. Set B - Breakfast Toast

Bread Toast
Jam + Peanut Butter
Ham, Lettuce, Tomatoes (almost a BLT)
Coffee, Tea, Milo

So we sent the orders around to see who would want to come for the Breakkie and what would they like to have coz it'll help us gauge how much to buy. There isn't a budget for these breakkies, and apparently, the staff would only chip in a small nominal fee and if there's left over cost, Ps. Jeremy would cover it. I'm like NOoooo! You want to eat, you pay up! If not have your own breakkie! Hahaha...so only 20 ppl responded to it and most of them wanted Set B. Some others said they would come with their own food, which was fine.

The morning came and some of us younger ones came together to set the place up early and spread out the food. The staff came, and lo and behold, 50 ppl showed up! Such vultures they are. We were worried that there weren't enough food plus the majority who placed their orders on Set B decided to have Set A as well! Such vultures they are...HAHA! Aih next time, if you want to eat extra, tell lar so we can buy more! Aduhai. In the end it was alright, we almost ran out of food. I THINK they relatively enjoyed the spread and time together. Well they better! :p

Ps. Jeremy and I ate towards the end of the session coz we wanted to make sure everyone had theirs first. There was left over lettuces and we didn't want to keep it anymore, so Ps. Jeremy decides to throw the vege into his cereal! O.o I know right?! Here's what it looked like:

The next Breakkie, Ps. Jeremy and I are planning to have American Breakfast. It'll involve cooking on the spot, pancakes (YUMmm!) with honey, baked beans, BLTs and coffee/tea/milo. We're planning to block off part of the semi-open carpark(P1), lay the tables out, get a few portable stoves or induction cookers and have a great cook out time. THIS needs a lot of pre-planning and man power. It's still in the works, we may or may not do it. You'll find out at the end of this month :)

Till the next post. Have a good Chinese New Year everyone!

My Office Pt. 1

2011-01-31T01:16:00.003+08:00

Hello hello everyone, the few who reads my blog...hahaha! Chinese New Year is just around the corner, people have started to 'Loh Sang', stock up on the 'Ang Pows', clean their houses, buy new furnitures and clothes, decorate everything in red, exchange 'kam' (mandarin oranges), and get fat early on Chinese Cookies.

This week, the church office is closing from Tues - Fri (hooray!). Time really flies, and it's already the end of my 2nd week at work, and the start of my 3rd week. How bizarre is that?? Work has been slow, which is great coz I'm getting my body adjusted with waking up early, lasting the whole day, and trying to sleep early again for the next day. I have been unsuccessful! The first week was all about migraines and the second week was all about staying awake (in my cubicle).

While keeping my mind occupied when the body was idle, I thought, "hey I should post a picture of my cubicle." So here it is:

Well, actually that WAS my cubicle. You see, when I came in, they didn't have a place for me yet coz a reshuffling of the office was going to take place soon. So I waited and lived with this simple set up for one and half weeks.

Here's another picture of the office, part of the surrounding area where I sit:

Last Thursday and Friday, the move (reshuffling) begun. The office ended up being a disaster site. It was a little crazy. There wasn't any plan so everyone just moved out TOGETHER causing jams and backlocks among the office aisles. Staffs were shifting out their desks, cupboards, shelves, books, computers, etc. Imagine this, A is moving into B's room, B is moving into C's room and C is moving into D's room. So if D isn't ready to shift, B is stuck in the aisles with the desk, and A can't move out coz there's no where to walk, coz E - Z's are doing the exact same thing, how could anything move??

Anyway, this was on Thursday, the Pre-move. As you can see, some of the pastors were lepak-ing after packing and getting rid of things:

This was on Friday, when it got crazy. I didn't get to take more shots coz I was busy helping others with their stuff.

Being a little OCD, I was irked by the years of dirt, dust, grime and bacteria that surfaced during the move...hahaha...it was gross I tell you. Plus they didn't open the office windows during the shift. Thank goodness I came prepared with my bandana and wore it as a mask. When I finally moved to my place, I had to baby clean wipe the entire cubicle, from the partition to the desk to the phone. You could see on the wipe, green, yellow and black stuff on it...bluegh! It felt good and sterilized after that. Phew :) I'll take a photo of my new clean desk (doesn't look much different from the previous one) and post it up soon. I'm looking at decorating it but that's still in the works.

Before I end, you should clean and sterilized your desk, cubicle and computer/laptop this week (especially your mouse and keyboard). Really. Give it a go. Trust me, after this, you would see the need to do this frequently every once in 3 weeks.

English To German

2011-01-24T23:49:00.002+08:00

Ok so I just got this off the email. It's really funny. Enjoy :)

European English:

The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.

As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5- year phase-in plan that would become known as 'Euro-English' .

In the first year, 's' will replace the soft 'c'. Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard 'c' will be dropped in favour of 'k'. This should klear up konfusion, and keyboards kan have one less letter. There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year when the troublesome 'ph' will be replaced with 'f'. This will make words like fotograf 20% shorter.

In the 3rd year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reach the stage where! more komplikated changes are possible.

Governments will enkourage the removal of double letters which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling.

Also, al wil agre that the horibl mes of the silent 'e' in the languag is disgrasful and it should go away.

By the 4th yer people wil be reseptiv to steps such as
replasing 'th' with 'z' and 'w' with 'v'.

During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary 'o' kan be dropd from vords kontaining 'ou' and after ziz fifz yer, ve vil hav a reil sensi bl riten styl.

Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi tu understand ech oza. Ze drem of a united urop vil finali kum tru.

Und efter ze fifz yer, ve vil al be speking German like zey vunted in ze forst plas.

If zis mad you smil, pleas pas on to oza pepl.

Korean Food

2011-01-21T00:54:00.000+08:00

Today my family decides to take me out for my belated birthday dinner. We went to a Korean BBQ restaurant in Taipan, USJ. It's called Han Woo Ri, above Old Town Coffee. The food was nice, not over powering as some Asian food can be especially if you're not familiar with that food culture. This is only my 2nd time eating Korean food, the last I had was like 3 years ago I think? I used my phone camera this round:

I was trying to arrange my cutleries and saucers (pic above) in this manner so as to take a nice geometric picture but the waiter kept moving it back into it's original position as how the food was to be displayed. It was quite funny, before I could snap, he comes back to put it back, then I'd rearrange ready to snap again. This time I snapped in time before he moved it again.

The charcoal. It's donut shaped...interesting.

I think Korea is famous for their Plum Wine? Not too sure.

The family and friend, check out the amount of stuff on the table, wait it gets more!

We had beef, pork, and chicken. Below is the beef.

Oh my first time trying Rice Water...interesting too, it's suppose to be cooling for you. It tasted somewhat like barley but I wasn't use to the concept. Every sip reminds me of me washing the rice before cooking it and how mirky the water and that's what I'm possibly drinking. Hahahaha...Overall I like how the waiters were really attentive to your table and needs, though they need to work on their speech :) Good dinner thanks to my bro. Oh if you want to see more pics, I got this link from other people's blogs:

http://riceballz.lilnut.net/2010/01/17/han-woo-ri-usj-taipan/ or http://www.tianchad.com/2011/01/han-woo-ri-korea-bbq-restaurant-usj.html

Came home and watched a bit of American Idol Season 10. I'm liking Steve Tyler and Jennifer Lopez :) Today's opening episode, seem to feature more good singers than the usual contestants they try to poke fun of. I wonder if they are changing their style to be more serious, which I love!

After that I watched Junior Master Chef Australia. GOODNESS! I was in shocked and awe at the maturity and talent this 8-12 year olds have! Really cannot believe what I was seeing. TOO AMAZING! And I'm loving the judges too! They are so encouraging, constantly affirming the kids while they cook under pressure and stress, always joking, playing and having fun with them, and not wanting them to get caught up in putting their self-worth into the competition/talent coz that would have been damaging if they lost or did not meet the expectation. I just love how the whole programme is so building and inspiring!

Sailing Through 26

2011-01-19T00:01:00.000+08:00

I have finally tipped over the quarter year mark :) It isn't daunting at all compared to last year when I hit 25, man that was scary. I spent the day just taking time to reflect and be more still than usual, it was a good calm day. Some celebration plans didn't work out for the weekend, and that was ok and I preferred it that anyway. I end up just going for a service at church and got prayed and spoken over which was what I needed, it was a significant moment actually but I won't talk about it here. Later that night, had a small ad hoc dinner with some friends and it was good :)

As I begin my new year, being 26, I also started my new job, holding a full-time position at church as a musician :) Today was my first day and I didn't do much in the first part of the morning. Just sat around and chat with my colleagues (ceh wah), and requested for internet. I decided not to request for any office supplies yet coz where I am now isn't my permanent place. Admin is going to reshuffle the office somewhere in the next 2 weeks. So I'll have to wait around and see where they'll put me. Later in the afternoon, I shifted instruments with the help of friends and reorganize the layout of the Main Sanctuary stage. It was good and satisfying :) That took up like nearly 2 hours and by the time I got back to the office, it was almost the end of the day. So fast, one day just went poof :) I hope tomorrow I'll get to settle some stuff and be more productive.

Another Chapter Closing

2010-12-31T16:02:00.001+08:00

It's New Year's Eve...wow...I'm feeling emotional already. Looking back, man what a tough year it has been for me. It feels like there's this big void, a huge gap in the year because I struggled so much mainly in my health, faith and work. It left me most of the time, incapacitated, in so many ways. Until today, I still don't have the answers that I'm looking for, and wondering how all the pieces fit together.

But in the past 3 months, I was challenged to hope again, to have faith, to fight even when I'm down, to push through even when there's nothing left in me to do so, and learn to give thanks through every season, for there is power in thanksgiving coz you proclaim and say God is still God, He is Sovereign, surrendering in humility to His plans and will that we cannot fathom or understand, and speak blessings into your situation and future when you say "I am blessed".

Despite the heart aches and a little less joy this year, I will close this year with thanksgiving. Father, I thank you for:

My family, even though they didn't understand or how to cope, but they were still tolerant and tried to be patient with me.
My friends, for always challenging and encouraging me, for being there and loving me.
Bringing back old friends that I've not seen in a long time.
My moving on from JCWorks and from YC to Evening Service, a new time of growth again, not just for me, but for everyone.
The first trip to Sabah for the Worship Central Conference, despite my health going haywire, You still used me powerfully to teach and minister to Your church.
Our combine Worship Camp with FGA Singapore and we wrote a bunch of amazing songs.
The job interviews that I've got and some miscellaneous opportunities like Data Entry and Teaching.
Provision, and that it never runs out.
The Creative opportunities that I had, which some were things that I've dreamt about:

- Juicer Events - choreographing performances and decos

- Weddings - coordinations, choreography, song performances (wrote a song)

- Starring in a Video Shoot - Ladies' Night Juicer

- Directing a Video Shoot - My Life In Christ (Greater Things Conference 2010)

- Auditioning, performing with and arranging choir scores for Caipifruta

- Recording and sequencing for Public Bank's Event

- Choreography for Accenture Company Event

- Performing at Family Life Movie Night & Father's Day

What I look forward to in this coming year, is getting a job and working again for that would help ease the financial burden on my family and myself plus it'll be healthy to get this body going again. I'm also looking forward to better health, over coming my struggles, and fresh new exciting things.

I hope you too, would close your year with thanksgiving and hope for the new year. My dear family, friends and readers, have a Blessed New Year. God bless.

I Was Tricky...Still Am

2010-12-30T02:32:00.000+08:00

The other day, I had a family+friends dinner on Christmas Eve. One conversation lead to another and my dad told us of an interesting story that happened to me and I don't even remember. When I was a small kid, my dad was holding my hand and we were walking in the mall. He suddenly had a whacky idea, and decided to do some self 'social psychology' experiment. He asked me to hide one side of my hand in my shirt, making me look like I was armless on one side. So I did, and he took me around the mall, observing everybody's reaction. It was interesting apparently to see everybody's expression and how they just stared. Hahaha...I feel so used as a young kid! But I've got to say that was pretty neat! No wonder I grew up scheming quietly all the time :p MuaHAhahHAA! I'll probably do the same with my kid next time HAHA! Apparently I'm not the only one in my family. My brother has quite a few stories as well. The one I remembered was, he and his friend tried to cross a busy street but no one was giving way, so he and his partner in crime decided to act spastic (for a lack of a better word) and just CROSS! Believe it or not, everybody halted for them! Hahaha...brave huh :)

Social Network Christmas

2010-12-23T00:40:00.004+08:00

Add A Little Laughter To Your Day

2010-12-22T10:46:00.000+08:00

I got this through email. It's a bit lame but some are quite funny. You HAVE to imagine this in a Mexican accent for full effect :D My favourite "July" & "Chicken Wing"

Mexican Words Of Th e Day

The teacher told Pepito to use the Following words in a sentence:

1. *Cheese*

Maria likes me, but cheese ugly.

2. *Mushroom*

When all my family get in the car, there's not mushroom.

3. *Shoulder*

My fren wants 2 become a citizen, but che didn't know how to read,

So I, shoulder.

4. * Texas *

When I'm not home, my fren always Texas me,

Che wonders where I am!

5. *Herpes*

Me and my fren ordered pizza.

I got mine piece,then che got herpes.

6. *July*

Ju told me ju were going to tha store, but ju went to see sum guy. July to me! Julyer!

7. *Rectum*

I had 2 cars, but my wife rectum!

8. *Chicken*

I was going to go to the store with my wife , but che said chicken go herself.

9. *Wheelchair*

We only have one enchilada left, but don't worry wheelchair

10. *Chicken* *wing*

My wife plays the lottery so chicken wing.

11. *Harassment*

My wife caught me in bed with another women.

I told her, "Honey, harassment nothen to me.

12. *Bishop*

My wife fell down the stair, so I had to pick the bishop.

13. *Body wash*

I want to go to the club, but no body wash my kids.

14. *Budweiser*

That women has a nice body, Budweiser face so ugly?

Glove Mime

2010-12-20T20:18:00.001+08:00

So this is a performance that was done at the Greater Things Conference 2010, titled Power of One by Israel Houghton & New Breed.

Mini Update

2010-12-20T17:48:00.000+08:00

Wow Christmas is this weekend! I'm still digesting the fact it's this weekend. All the hustle and bustle of the conference left no room for me to reflect on the season. But actually, if you think about it, the Conference is REALLY in line with Christmas eh? Going out and loving people! That's what Jesus came to do! Awesome season :) Pictures and videos from the conference will be on FB soon :)

Church Feud

2010-12-13T00:42:00.003+08:00

There was a feud between the Pastor and the Choir Director of The Hicksville Southern Baptist Church.

It seems the first hint of trouble came when the Pastor preached on "dedicating yourselves to service" and the Choir Director chose to sing: "I Shall Not Be Moved."

Trying to believe it was a coincidence, the Pastor put the incident behind him. The next Sunday he preached on "giving." Afterwards, the choir squirmed as the director led them in the hymn: "Jesus Paid It All."

By this time, the Pastor was losing his temper. Sunday Morning attendance swelled as the tension between the two built.

A large crowd showed up the next week to hear his sermon on "The sins of Gossiping." Would you believe the Choir Director selected: "I Love To Tell The Story?"

There was no turning back. The following Sunday the Pastor told the congregation that unless something changed, he was considering resignation.

The entire church gasped when the Choir Director led them in: "Why Not Tonight?"

Truthfully, no one was surprised when the Pastor resigned a week later, explaining that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was leading him away.

The Choir Director could not resist: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

One Last Christmas

2010-12-05T02:37:00.002+08:00

This is the video my new Christmas song - "One Last Christmas." This song is inspired by the true story of the Locke family and their son Dax.

At just thirteen months old, little Dax was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia. He was given two bone marrow transplants as a part of emergency treatment; one from each of his parents. The doctors then told his parents that Dax would most likely not make it to see Christmas.

This song is about the love of a family, and the coming together of an entire community to make sure that this little boy could have one last Christmas. His dad, determined that his son would see Christmas, put up the decorations early. The neighborhood caught on, and did the same. The whole town soon followed suit. A website was built telling his story. Soon, pictures were sent from all over the world of Christmas decorations that had been put up in his honor.

Dax did lose his battle with Leukemia, but not before he got to see one last Christmas. Today, this little boy's legacy lives on, and his parents are making sure it does. They were so touched by the care they received from St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, that they now have a desire to raise enough money to run the entire hospital for one day in honor of their son, Dax. The total cost to run St. Jude's for one day is $1.6 million dollars. Already, they have raised a quarter of a million dollars.

This Christmas, it is on my heart to join forces with the Locke family, and help them in their cause. I would like to encourage you to join us in raising money that will go to an amazing cause in St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital that cares for so many children each year.

To donate now to St. Jude's in memory of Dax please visit:
http://tiny.cc/m1mdo

To read more of Dax's story visit:
http://www.daxlocke.com/
or
http://www.matthewwest.com

Together, we can reach this goal -- and fund St. Jude's for an entire day in Dax Locke's memory!

-Matthew West

And It's Up!

2010-11-22T22:51:00.001+08:00

Decided to keep it simpler this year. Don't have money to buy new deco at the moment :D I'll get started on the Wreath for the door later :) Hope you guys have started putting up YOUR Christmas trees already.

Christmas Is Coming!!

2010-11-09T21:17:00.005+08:00

YAY! My favourite time of the year is coming. Shopping malls have begun selling Christmas decorations, coming up with Christmas deals, and doing up their malls. I've got to dig out all my Christmas albums and store them in my car for listening. Putting up the Christmas tree will commence soon, hopefully my complacency won't get the better of me :p

Ooo guess what? I've already received my first Christmas present from my mom, a sturdy music stand! :) This will come in handy for gigs/trips that don't provide 'em. I also thought, what else would I want for Christmas, so here it is and if you're wondering what to get for me, please refer to the list below...HAHAHA...I've decided might as well just throw in my life's wish list as well :P

Affordable:
1. Christian books
~~2. A Bible (not a Study Bible)~~
3. CDs:
   - Matthew West (album: The Story Of Your Life/ Happy/ Something To Say)
   - Jadon Lavik (album: Christmas)
   ~~- Hillsong Chapel: Yahweh~~
   - any other cool CDs
4. DVD:
   - Fireproof
   - LOTR Trilogy (extended version)
   - Sister Act 1 & 2
   - Mr. Holland's Opus
   - Pretty Woman
   - First Wives Club
   - You've Got Mail
4. Ukelele
5. Shaker
6. Tuner/pitcher/metronome device (a REALLY good one).
7. A pair of slip-ins snickers (plaid design)
8. Jacket (current blue jacket is looking old and faded)
9. A cool shaped toothbrush holder (the kind that your toothbrush is exposed)...I previously had a cow toothbrush holder :D
10. Belt (black, for formal wear)
11. Acoustic guitar Strap

For the rich people out there:
1. iPad
2. iPhone
3. iPod...anyone:
   - Nano (Product Red) - sales go to funds to fight HIV/AIDS victims
   - Classic
   - Touch
   **all with engravement**
4. A pair of Aviators
5. Cajon

For the extra rich people out there:
1. Acoustic guitar:
   - Gibson J-200
   - if not a cheaper alternative, Epiphone EJ-200
2. Canon DSLR camera
3. Steinway & Sons baby grand
4. Keyboard:
   - Nord Electro series
   - Roland G series
   - Yamaha S90

**in green are top priorities

I'll update this list as I go :)

Amazing Dogs

2010-10-22T21:08:00.003+08:00

Doggie Training

2010-10-18T22:32:00.000+08:00

It was a tiring Sunday for me yesterday. After a whole long weekend of services, I got home after lunch only to take my mom and Hailey for doggie training. The training centre is beside the Taman Desa Food Court, a small plot of ground in between the Food Court and the Shell Station. So if you ever feel like passing the time and see how dogs are trained, just go there around 4pm - 6pm. There are a few sessions. Hailey's session is from 4.15 - 5.15pm. Usually my dad would be the one who takes my mom and Hailey for training but he's on a holiday in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia. It was interesting to see how Hailey enjoys the drive but oh man she SMELLS, that's cause she hasn't bathe yet. But imagine being in the small Kelisa with her, to and fro?

That's me trying to take a snap shot of her while driving :p I missed the first time.

Tada!

And it's really true that dogs love the wind in their faces!

So here's a picture of her at the training sesion:

She was really struggling, she doesn't seem to be responding well to the commands and stuff. We figured it could be coz she's getting over weight. We have cut down on her diet as the trainer had advised but to our dismay, today we found out at the clinic she has put on extra 2 kgs in the pass 2 months!! Yikes! Well hope she loses weight soon and in time for her exam in a few weeks time.

Some of the other dogs weren't doing that great either and there's this fight that always goes on between the Husky next to her (in the pic) and the black breed Alsatian that's the other side of her. Quite scary! I manage to see the 'Star' dog of the school, a miniature poodle. You look at the owner also you know HE got 'air' lar...hahaha...Oh there's this dog name Cute Cute?? Goodness, the whole school is calling it Qiu Qiu! Qiu Qiu! I want to laugh! Also, you'll constantly hear owners shout 'STAY!' "STAY!" like the scene from Finding Nemo, when the Seagulls were constantly saying "Mine!Mine!Mine!Mine!"

Dogs really do have an effect on people. Driving Hailey everywhere in the past two days puts a smile on every motorist's face, who sees her sticking her snout out of the window. Even the hardest and toughest of men who drives huge lorry trucks can't stop looking at her and smile. I guess dogs like Hailey reminds me that this world needs, more love, more joy, more vulnerability and less cynicism.

Full Moon

2010-10-17T22:44:00.000+08:00

There are so many things that are connected to the Full Moon like celebrations, festivals, myths and legends.

As a child, I think one of the first things that I've associated the Full Moon with is Werewolves! Or anything scary for that matter, all thanks to the media. I was taught to believe that creatures, monsters and ghosts would come out during this time.

And on Halloween (which is coming up by the way, 31st Oct), Witches supposedly get their full powers!

Later on in my Primary School life, this came along:

A bunch of supernatural guardians protecting the earth and the Moon Princess from all danger, bringing love and justice to the people. Hahaha yes I was really engrossed with the series...don't laugh! In my defense, I love watching anything that has to do with magic or powers even if it's a B grade film.

As a kid, I went traveling a lot with my parents. We would back pack at least once a year to the southern part of Thailand. I remember coming to one of my favourite islands called Koh Phangan. There, we learn about a festival that happens every full moon. It's called the Full Moon Party at Haadrin Beach. Apparently, it's really wild, people dancing, getting drunk, getting laid, getting high (from their famous mushroom drug), and even getting arrested. I was so young then and didn't get to see it first hand BUT I did get a chance to see the beach. We rode pass it during the day and after one of the parties, the next day I got to see some Westerners in handcuffs on the ferry. It was an intriguing time for a 10 year old :)

If you want to see how wild it is, just google image "Full Moon Party Haadrin". The pictures will tell you.

Then we learn in Science about the tide and pull of the sea

and the Solar Eclipse which reminds me of Heroes:

Oh and not forgetting the famous love triangle:

Then we have Chinese Culture. Many chinese legends have something to do with the moon. One of it we often celebrate but don't really know the true story behind it is the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival.

Apart from the yummy pastries and fellowshipping with friends and family, my favourite part would be to see a garden lit up with beautiful lanterns. I just LOVE gazing at it.

We also have Cap Goh Meh which is translated, the 15th Day. It marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. That's when you'll see a nice big yellow full moon. On this day, it's custom for all the single ladies (not Beyonce) to throw oranges into the river or sea. It is believed that the man who finds and picks up that floating orange, would be her soul mate and that they'll find each other and live happily ever after. It's really romantic if you think about it. However, the women of today's generation, decided to be a bit more aggressive in getting their man by writing their numbers and email adds on the oranges and pollute our waters.

*All the single ladies, all the single ladies, throw the orange, throw the orange*

Another famous celebration in the Chinese Culture is the Full Moon of a new born baby. This marks the 1 month since the babies birth. You'll probably remember this when they serve you red dyed eggs, some kueh (especially the "ang ku") and roti jala with curry.

So today, my mum tells me this:

Mum: Darren, Andy (my nephew whom I'm not close to) has invited you and Cedric (my bro) for his baby's full moon.

Me: Oh...what do you actually do ar at Full Moon parties?

Mum: You eat and look at their condo.

I burst out laughing. It was the funniest answer yet so true. We usually would just go to the new loft bought by the young couple, look at the baby for a few minutes, go "awww" and then "eh your house very nice lar, did you deco it yourself?". And we eat free food and comment later if the caterer they hired was good or not.

The Italian Tomato Garden

2010-10-06T14:49:00.000+08:00

An old Italian lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to work on his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vinnie,

I am feeling pretty sad, because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days.

Love, Papa

A few days later he received a letter from his son.

Dear Pop,

Don't dig up that garden. That's where the bodies are buried!

Love,
Vinnie

At 4:00 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and the local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any body. They apologised to the old man and left.

That same day the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Pop,

Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances.

Love you,
Vinnie

What Next?

2010-10-01T21:26:00.000+08:00

Ah so I've finally finished my part-time job doing Data Entry. Last week I was given 5000 forms one shot, boy that was crazy just sorting it out. BUT IT'S DONE! YIPPY! In total, I have completed 8000 over forms.

Now what's next? *cricket sounds*

Hugh Jackman Takes Aussie Love Story Global

2010-09-14T13:25:00.000+08:00

(AFP) – 20 hours ago

SYDNEY — It was meant to be a romantic video message just for his wife, but cancer-stricken Kristian Anderson's four-minute tribute, starring Hollywood heart-throb Hugh Jackman, has become a global phenomenon.

Anderson, who was last year diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer, contacted the "Wolverine" star via an Australian radio host and within three days had an email from the actor's assistant containing a video clip, he said.

Jackman appears in the video to tell Anderson's wife of seven years, "He loves you Rachel, he loves you".

"Hugh Jackman certainly gave the clip some Hollywood glamour," Anderson, 35, told Australian magazine Woman's Day published on Monday.

"It's certainly taken its popularity to a whole new level."

Jackman's unlikely co-star in the touching video, which has been viewed some 295,000 times on the Vimeo website (http://vimeo.com/14325334) is New Zealand Prime Minister John Key who introduces the video with a birthday message to Rachel.

"I wanted someone from New Zealand, where Rachel was born, to be in the video and I thought 'Who better than the guy who runs the place?'" Anderson explained to the magazine.

Rachel said she did a "double take" on seeing Jackman addressing her onscreen, but it was seeing her two sons Cody, three, and Jakob, two, with their father in the video which made her cry.

"I was blown away," she told the magazine.

"I was gobsmacked when John Key and Hugh Jackman appeared. It's a good thing I was sitting down, I was like, 'Oh my goodness that's Hugh Jackman'."

Anderson, who in the video holds handwritten cards in which he thanks his wife for her support as he undergoes chemotherapy, said he decided on the format because he didn't think he could do justice to his feelings in words.

He said he was inspired by one of the couple's favourite films "Love Actually" in which a heartsick character tells a woman he loves her via placards.

In Anderson's video, one of these cards reads: "Without you... Life just doesn't work. I need you like I need a cure for cancer."

Anderson's blog (http://howthelightgetsin.net) has been inundated with messages of support from around the world since the mini movie was posted.

"I only ever put Rachel's video on the web in order to share it with our friends and family," he wrote.

"They live so far away and I wanted them to be able to share in Rachel's birthday in some small way. But then it got a little crazy and, well, here we are. I have no words to thank you for your support. I'm really at a loss."

Rachel's Birthday Video from Kristian Anderson on Vimeo.

Pet Peeves

2010-09-13T20:32:00.001+08:00

A pet peeve (or pet hate) is a minor annoyance that an individual identifies as particularly annoying to him or her, to a greater degree than others may find it. - Wikipedia-

I've never really known what my pet peeves were? I guess I've never really given thought to it, or I was never conscious about it being a pet peeve. Well today, I was in Pyramid and a minor annoying incident that annoyed me to a greater degree, happened! Then I realised, "OOO! I found my pet peeve!". It is Lift Etiquette. Man I boil every time when people don't let you come out of the lift first before they enter causing an undesirable 'clash' OR when people do not hold the lift open for you when you're trying to get in or out. WHOA I hate that! You have hands, hold the button GOBLOK! Don't just stand there like a dumb twit!

2nd Pet Peeve...When you are purposefully going grocery shopping for that day, please bring your grocery bag and stop using plastic bags. In case you didn't know, our world is dying at a rapid pace, and being Malaysians, we have a strong tendency not to care all that much. I preach this to myself too. I've personally got to learn to carry a spare grocery back with me everywhere I go just in case I wanna do any form of shopping. Our country should adopt the '7 Days A Week No Plastic Bag' Policy. That would be really cool :) It'll just force us to save our planet.

Pardon My French

2010-09-11T21:06:00.000+08:00

I really love the world of fashion, even though I don't know much about it. I've been having an overdose of fashion related TV programmes like America's Next Top Model, Canada's Next Top Model, Australia's Next Top Model, Stylista, and Project Runway. Once in a while you'll hear names of certain brands or designers being mentioned and you're like "OH! I've been pronouncing it wrong all this while." How Manglish! We typically try to pronounce foreign terms in 'Bahasa Baku'. Not cool la :) So I'm here to debunk a three names that I've discovered.

Usually we say: "Ghee - Vin - Chi"
Proper pronunciation: "Zee - Van - She" (the Z, you got to give that french sound like as in 'measure')

Usually we say: "Ives - Saint - Laurent"

Proper pronunciation: "Eve - Sane - Lo - Ran" (you have to nasal the 'saint' and 'lauren')

Usually we say: "Law - See - Tane" or "Law - See - Tan"

Proper pronunciation: "Lock - See - Tan - An - Pro - Vans" (you have to nasal the 'en' and 'provence')

Prone To Injuries

2010-09-11T00:07:00.000+08:00

You know, I realized that every time I wash the toilet or clean the house, I tend to injure myself for sure. I'll either get a cut, graze my skin off, get back aches or hurt some part of my body, somehow. I cleaned my toilet yesterday and for the first time I wore gloves, surgical gloves that is. Yes I usually just get down and dirty, RAW STYLE! *gives a manly roar and shows off biceps* I thought to myself, "ah now my hands would be free from the very abrasive cleaning liquids and I wouldn't get any cuts or grazes this round". *Buzzer!* Wrong! I successfully graze off the skin of my top right middle knuckle...youch! And it bled. Injury #1.

Injury #2. Today, I went for a meeting at church. In the main hall, where we met, was this potential-exploding-crippled-looking Stand Fan. The first time I adjust it, we couldn't feel the air. So I walked over again to adjust it once more. This time round, I don't know what happened, in a split second, simultaneously I hear the blades of the fan make a friction noise, there was a painful sensation and I yelped. I looked at my left index finger only to find part of the skin gone and it was bleeding! Hahaha you thought it was going to explode right? Ok I have to admit, everything wasn't so drama lar but this is just for entertainment value. The blade of the fan cut my skin off! What an experience! My first time. Now I know what may potentially happened if you actually put your fingers into a fan.

I was really thankful that I manage to finish my weekly Data Entry quota, last night. If not I won't be able to type. Now I have 2 days to heal. I hope I don't injure myself anymore :)

Now if only the story would go like this:

So I walked over again to adjust it once more. The fan started to make this funny noise and suddenly, it exploded! The blades came flying at us, missing our heads by an inch. To our horror, the walls and ceiling caught on fire *my theme song plays in the background* (keep listening to song while reading) We ran to look for the fire extinguishers and to sound the alarm. When we got back the whole hall was ablaze. It was a struggle to put out the fire. Next thing we knew, all around us was covered with thick black smoke, and the place started to collapse. We signal to each other to get out of there but the entrance caved in! By this time, oxygen was running low, making it difficult to breathe. Frantically we looked around to find a way out and we saw the window. We knew that was our only chance of escape, even if it means risking our lives climbing 3 stories down.

I got unto the ledge, thinking I'm not gonna make it. Then there was a lady on the ground, pointing up at me shouting "He's gonna jump!" A crowd started to gather and there was so much commotion going on down there. Out of nowhere, a man whipped out the guitar of my dreams and started singing! I shouted back at him "Your guitar is out of tune!.....and you're pitchy!" ..........

Haha that was short and fun!
Till next time :)

Update!

2010-09-10T00:27:00.000+08:00

Ok from where I left off from the previous post, Lauren Froderman won Season 7, as expected. Moving on...

Recently I've taken up a part-time project/job for Silverbird, the company that makes bread products like High 5 and all that. I am doing data entry for one of their competitions. So here I am, for the past 4 days, working through 3000+ forms (with the help of my dad...phew), sorting them out and keying in all the details. You might think, that's easy. Well yes in a way but have you done data entry before? And by the thousands? hahaha...it's quite an experience.

I'm currently bleeding data entry from my ears, nose, mouth and eyes :) What makes it difficult is trying to read people's horrendous handwriting and their lack of knowledge of how to write their names, addresses, and IC number properly. Yes you'll be surprise at how many people actually don't know how to do that the right way.

Lessons to be learned:

1. Write neatly and properly. Don't assume everyone sees your handwriting through your eyes.

2. Know where you live and write your address in a complete manner.

3. If you're gonna participate in a survey, give ALL your proper details for goodness sake. If not, don't participate at all. Do you know how hard it is to draw up statistics from the incomplete info given?

I hope I don't pull all my hair out by the end of the project...hahaha...fingers, shoulders and neck are already aching badly...urgh...I can do it! Go data entry! :D :D :D

Who's Gonna Win??

2010-08-13T00:02:00.000+08:00

Season 7 of So You Think You Can Dance has been the CRAZIEST season EVER!!! The standard now is almost unreachable, it's like ridiculous! These are the FINAL 3 who just performed and the result show is tomorrow night! Weeee!

Christian & Angel's Wedding

2010-08-03T17:59:00.000+08:00

In The Moment

When I Fall In Love

Coraline

2010-07-26T15:06:00.003+08:00

Certainly not a children's movie. Dark...dark...disturbing...but love certain concepts, designs and colours. A world of "other" family and friends, now that would be interesting, imagine me with Buttoned Eyes!

Be Blessed

2010-07-24T14:43:00.000+08:00

Thomson Airways Safety Video

2010-07-12T14:44:00.002+08:00

Received this through email. The cutest thing:

I was on a Thomson flight last week, and the announcement came we are now going to do the safety feature...yeah we all know how boring these can be, but I do always pay attention....well the IFE screens dropped down and on came the video....well what a breath of fresh air...this certainly captured the passengers attention, I have never seen so many people glued to a safety video and smiling and laughing...well done Thomson (TUI) you have certainly got this one right
Take a look and Alice & Co and see what you think

Virb No More

2010-07-10T14:19:00.000+08:00

My Virb account is gone. They've changed from being a Profile site to a Website. Whoever still sticks with them would need to pay monthly. Now I have to look for a place to host my music. Anyone knows which is the next best site?

Ugly Betty For A Day

2010-07-09T15:17:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I helped out a friend at a local publishing house, styling accessories for a photo spread for a magazine booklet. Well I didn't do the styling but I assisted my friend in prep-ing the accessories; taking them out from their covers, stuffing papers into bags to make them look poofy, and putting them back. It was an experience. It felt like I was in the movies, with all the lights, camera, music, models, and studios. Glad I had the chance to see this first hand and be part of it! :)

Unhappy With My Chicken!

2010-07-06T13:33:00.000+08:00

There is this eatery outlet that my family have gone to for years. The owners have seen me grow up since I was a kid. Their dishes are good and one of my favourite selections are the 'cap fan' and 'nasi lemak' spread. Their 'cap fan' serving is usually a bit smaller than usual and it's pricier compared to other kopitiams but usually I don't have a problem with it.

But today, today was different. I went there for lunch with my dad and I ordered my usual, rice with bayam in red dates, a strip of fish cake, and 'tau eu kei' (black sauce chicken). Now, I've never fancied this particular waitress who serves portions that are smaller than the already small portion. In the past, whenever she scoops my 'tau eu kei', she would only give me three small miserable pieces. And when I ask for more, she'd charge even more than the already pricier standard 'cap fan' price. Today, she decides to give me TWO small miserable chicken pieces. I didn't see it at first but as I ate through my food, I realised I'm scraping off meat from TWO BONEY pieces of chicken.

I was so dissatisfied after the meal. As I gulp down my 'leng teh' (herbal tea), I asked myself, "Darren, are you gonna be Choleric today and tell the owner about this?" My heart started to pound hard out of nervousness. Well you see, I'm a Melancholic Phlegmatic. It is not in my nature to stir anything up but rather make peace with everything and everyone if possible.

Anyway, the owner walked over to 'sau lui' (give us the bill) and I mustered enough courage to inform him of how the waitress should serve bigger portions. Hoping after I said my peace that he would comply (as how I imagined it in my head), he asked in Hokkien to repeat what I just said. Man I was caught of guard and fumbled through my American sounding Hokkien. By now I felt like a sheep, baa-ing through my complain. Apparently, they've made it standard that they'd give 2 - 3 pieces of chicken to their customers and if they want more, just ask. Out of respect to the owner who has seen me grown up as a child (also my Choleric side is no where in sight anymore), I kept quite and did not pursue this further.

Haih...I walked out of the shop feeling upset! This is injustice!! Right now, I'm contemplating whether to boycott this outlet...grrr...

Guys...why am I the only one who left my slipper outside??

2010-06-24T11:13:00.000+08:00

Last night we had a meeting over at Wei-Ming's house. After the meet, someone asked why everyone brought their slippers into the house and he's the only who left his outside. We didn't really answer him but I believe at that point, all of us were thinking the SAME THING...HAHAHA...True enough, as we proceed to leave the house, he couldn't find his one side of his slippers!

Someone: GUYS...where is my slipper??
Everyone: Uh...
   Uh oh...
   HAHAHAA
   Eh it's really gone!
   Don't tell me...
Someone: GUYS...really wan ar?
Wei-Ming: Err...Err...
   *Walks to the back of the house*
   *Laughs*
   REX!!! Oh no! REX!!! *Smacks*
   *Comes back*
   Err...your slipper...

There you go, my Sexy brotha! :D

Josh Ng's Birthday

2010-06-23T16:34:00.000+08:00

We gave Josh a belated Birthday lunch@Marmalade's. It was good food! Here's a teaser. I was asked by a certain someone not to put these pictures up together with the others on Facebook. So I'll post it here instead :p

And we give you Mr. Korean 2010

Actually after we messed his hair up, we realised he looks good with side parting, just need some touch up. So if you see Dalvin, encourage him to try something new for a change :D You can check out the rest of the picures HERE

Sick Again

2010-06-22T17:44:00.002+08:00

Aih, I seriously do not know how to take care of my health properly. It's the usual, sinus issue turned into flu, flu effects throat, now throat is sore and it's SO ANNOYING. If I don't get better soon, it'll progress into cough AND I HATE COUGH! I need more water and got to learn to sleep early. Bummer...

Father's Day Part 2

2010-06-21T12:21:00.000+08:00

So during the weekend, a few of us put together a song performance for Father's Day at church. These are the 3 services we sang at:

Evening Service:

1st Service: Terry joined us on Sunday morning coz the night before he was ministering at another state and couldn't join us at Evening Service.

2nd Service

Father's Day Part 1

2010-06-21T00:02:00.000+08:00

Howdy hoo!
So this year, I decided to get my dad something special...*drum roll*... A MAX LIQUIDATOR! *trumpets blowing*

So you're suppose to soak this whole 'weapon' in water and pump it. It's suppose to shoot about 30 feet (9 meters). Power right?! And this is only the medium size one. There is a smaller one that's as big as those giant pens you buy at novelty shops, then there's a HUGE one that if you put it on the ground standing up, it'll probably reach nearly my waste height? I wonder how far that could shoot :D

Ok you asked why on earth I bought my dad this. Well, apparently, my dad had been irritated with some cats and crows in the neighbourhood. They always make my dogs bark a lot causing a lot of noise. So my dad wanted to buy a huge water gun and TADA! Now he can shoot the living day lights out of all the cats and crows...hehehehehe...

God is that You, in that Cockroach?

2010-06-18T18:34:00.000+08:00

Last night at about 1.00am, I was praying. I said to God, "Speak to me, I need to hear You!". Suddenly, I hear a sound, something rattling on a metal object. I immediately opened my eyes and stared right at the window pane across from my bed. In horror, a HUGE cockroach appeared and sat at the window seal. With much fear, I ran out to get a bottle of insect repellant. I came back and tried to master up some courage to go near it and spray the living daylights out of that vermin. To my utter horror, it FLEW when I got closer to it, making me EXCLAIM aloud (a.k.a. shout as though I saw a ghost) and I head for the door. My mum got a shocked thinking there was a robber in the house!

So here came SuperMom with tissue paper and her bare hands! She said to me while entering my room to take down the Evil, "You please ah, don't shout like that, the neighbours might think what happened at this hour". "Where is it?" she asked. "It's somewhere lar, it can...AAAAAAAAA!!!!" I exclaimed again. The Evil just flew and ran around and within a few seconds, she crushed it with her mighty Scotts Tissue and bare hands.

I was left with a trauma, and I said to God "I bet You're laughing at me now". I couldn't continue with my prayer after that. I shut all windows and went to bed, trying to think happy thoughts...

Update :D

2010-06-15T11:47:00.001+08:00

So the weekend:

1. Went for Worship Camp 2010. It was a combine with FGA Singapore (AWESOME! We are SO family). Was on the topic of John 15 "Abide" and Songwriting. Heard really awesome materials; and who says people who don't write songs can't write songs?? :D

2. Came down a night earlier coz wasn't feeling well, had shoulder and neck aches (kept getting migraine), gastric issues and with the lack of sleep in camp itself. Arrived home at about 1.00am, showered and K.Oed till the next morning. Went for 2nd service. Impromptu sang backups for Terry's acoustic session and did sound as well :) Had lunch with Pastor Terrence Lim (guest speaker in YC), came home and K.Oed again!

3. Monday, construction workers came over to do repair works. Had to do major vacuuming and mopping of the house and washing of the toilet. Completely injured my whole body (you see, I don't exercise so...) Plus in the afternoon, I spent cutting 3 sets of guitar strings (for my 'make a Shaker' project) with a wirecutter... I can't move my wrists, fingers are so painful I can't even hold an object properly, palms are aching, ankles are hurting (can't walk properly), lower back pain, feet got some cuts, arms, limbs, neck and shoulders are sore...Imagine trying to go for dinner last night, I walked like a mummy!

This week's gonna be beeeezzzzyyyy. Have to rush for:

1. Father's Day performance, this coming weekend

2. A song for Christian+Angel's wedding (July!)

3. Music Training Syllabus for YM's Music Ministry (hoping to launch in July!)

I'll leave you with this video (got it from Josh). Irritatingly talented!

Male A Cappella - on Lady Gaga!

2010-06-07T01:18:00.000+08:00

Hahaha oh gosh you have to see this. We should have just done this for Ladies Night instead!

A Quick Update

2010-06-05T20:58:00.000+08:00

Yo what's up peeps! So what's been happening in MY life right now:

1. I didn't get the job at UCSI, cause there aren't any students for me, so hiring me would be redundant.
2. I didn't get a reply from Bentley Academy after submitting my CV. Well the lady did say "we MIGHT call you back"
3. I'm back to square one, in my little room, but with a difference. I'm writing songs coz I'm aspiring to be a great songwriter :D Well, I try to write songs *grins* Needing to practice this art if not I can't go anyway right? Right! So I've finished 2 songs! *claps* And I'm on to another, Church bells in July, hint hint ;)
4. In the mean time, I'm going through Star Jobs Section, and asking God a million questions.

Watching Glee today on Starworld, they aired an old episode, where Kurt sings about 'A Home Is Not A Home'. Originally by Luther Van Dross but the arrangement wasn't that great. Yes I dare say that to the Greats! Hehehe. I totally forgot about this song and how much I love it. This is the only good version I could find on YouTube, the rest are all previews or have been taken down due to copyright infringements. Enjoy.

In B Flat

2010-05-20T21:15:00.000+08:00

Hey hey! Sorry for the long absence. It has been pretty crazy for me for the past few weeks :) So just a quick short update. I was introduced to this site In B Flat. For all you music lovers, you will really love this one. All you have to do is:

1. Load all the videos first, don't play them yet.
2. Once all loaded, play all the videos at any time and any order

Enjoy this work of genius!

Keep Moving Forward

2010-04-28T00:50:00.001+08:00

Meet The Robinsons, a movie that always tug my heart and stir my thoughts. How I long to have a glimpse of my future and talk to my older self :) I wish I could go back in time and talk to my younger self too, spend a day with me. There would be so much to talk about! I bet my curious little self would be asking the present me so many questions about life and how we turn out as I, my present self, would be asking my future self the same things. I've been really inspired and all at the same time, challenged, even though I've failed so many times (and will continue to fail in the future) and just when I feel lousy about myself, to Keep Moving Forward...

"Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious...and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

- Walt Disney -

Let it go
Let it roll right off your shoulder
Don't you know
The hardest part is over
Let it in
Let your clarity define you
In the end
We will only just remember how it feels

Our lives are made
In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists & turns of fate
Time falls away
But these small hours
These small hours still remain

Let it slide
Let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine
Until you feel it all around you
And I don't mind
If it's me you need to turn to
We'll get by
It's the heart that really matters in the end

All of my regret
Will wash away some how
But I cannot forget
The way I feel right now

It's Over

2010-04-26T14:31:00.001+08:00

Phew...Interview is finally done! It went by pretty fast. I think I took longer to fill up the administrative forms then actually doing the interview/audition. The form took about 20 min and the interview/audition 10 min Hahaha...

It was good that they asked me to cut down to playing only 2 songs. So I immediately skipped the Jazz Waltz piece, "I'll Take Romance", which I couldn't play well, and went straight on to "Saving All My Love For You" which I "blatantly" hit a wrong loud chord, which doesn't belong to the key, just right at a climatic point! Grrr...I cringed, and so did the judges...Wua Wua Wua... The last piece I did was "Jauh Jauh" and I'm proud to say my improvisational part went WAY better then my practices at home.

Then we went on to the dialogue interview section. Not many questions, it was more conversational. But there was one formal question which I answered so idiotically making me sound arrogant and foolish. I was too focused on trying to get a "right answer" rather than speaking my heart out.

Did I get the job? The Interviewer phrased it in such a way that lead me to think it wasn't so much about whether I passed the interview, but rather it's about whether there is an overload of piano students and if there's a need for more teachers. He'll give me a call on Thursday. In the mean time I"ll wait :)

Next stop after Thursday, Bentley Academy.

Job Interview

2010-04-25T00:02:00.000+08:00

How do you like me new look? :D

Finally, after months and months of not exactly doing anything with my life, I'm beginning to be in motion again…haha yay for me! In this season, I've been warring against myself, my believes, and my situations. It hasn't been easy, most of the time I was defeated or left myself for dead coz it's easier to just not deal with frustrations, disappointments, hopelessness, and anything that brings unfamiliarity and uncomfortability(if there's even such a word) to myself. Yes, there are so many things that still needs sorting but by the grace and hand of God, I'm beginning to, in the words sung by Rascal Flatts, "Wipe my hands, shake if off and stand".

I'm blessed to have lend my first job interview after more than a year. I'm trying out for a Part-Time Lecturing position at my alma mater. In still discovering myself, I am unsure if I would be suitable for the job or whether I want the job. I've always had a passion for teaching since back in High School but when I finally got my chance to teach in my first year of work, that experienced wasn't tasteful. I definitely picked up valuable skills though. Then again, maybe I can't write it off just yet based on that one lousy experience right? It's pressurizing to teach at a tertiary level coz it is your responsibility to produce and release great people into the working world.

Keeping the latter in mind, I now have to pick up from where I left off 3 years ago. I think I've never practiced this hard in my life! My fingers are really aching and tired from all the massive Hanon drills and Scales just to strengthen my fingers and get back my agility. Originally I planned to clock in 10 hours a day BUT I realized that I was physically limited. My fingers just couldn't go on…hahaha…So I tried lessening my expectations to a minimum 6 hours a day. Even that I couldn't achieve so it was down to 3 hours a day. I'm proud to say that I've managed to push myself the whole week and day, was an achievement of 5 hours!! Now I feel like I have arthritis! In the midst of whipping my fingers (including my brain) into shape, I have to prepare 3 pieces to be perform for the judges. I searched high and low but was not successful at first. It's like American Idol, song choices are SO important to impress the judges. Unfortunately, song choices are limited for me coz of my finger incapabilities. They don't move like how they use to 3 years ago. After slight fretting, I FINALLY confirmed my repertoire yesterday but I'm not happy that I'm sounding like a student and not a lecturer. That's worrying me a whole lot. It's not so much about getting the job, but rather not wanting to make a fool out of myself at the interview/audition.

Monday is almost here, I have one more day to practice. Hopefully there'll be improvement tomorrow :) My next stop would be Bentley Academy after this interview. I heard they're looking for Standard Teachers. That, I'll leave for another day. Peace out...

Crystal Bowersox

2010-04-22T23:37:00.001+08:00

Man, she really is amazing. She's one of the main reasons I watch American Idol this season apart from Lee Dewyze.

Really love Crystal Bowersox's latest performance in the Top 7 session. Though she may have it tough in life, but I believe it has enriched her and when she sings, you 'hear' her. If you did not catch it, here you go :)

I'm rooting for her to win this season! She deserves it :)

Lyrics:
People get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

People get ready for the train to Jordan
It's picking up passengers from coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em
There's hope for all among those loved the most.

There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there's no hiding place against the Kingdom's throne

So people get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

God's Not Dead, He's Alive

2010-04-20T16:36:00.000+08:00

The other day, out of the blue I found myself singing that tune from Children's Church. It dawn upon me that it's a slightly disturbing song for a children song. You don't use words like "dead" or "death" or "kill" in a children song do you? It's like one of those movies, when it comes to the death or gory scenes, in the background it's playing happy music. It just gives you that 'disturbing' feel. Hahaha oh well, just a weird random thought I had :p

"I can feel it all over me...NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO..." :D

Glee Fans

2010-04-14T16:40:00.001+08:00

Hey to all you Glee fans, check out their interview with Oprah which just happened a week ago before their '2nd Half of The Season Opening' which happens today, Malaysian timing of course.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Don't Stop Believin'

Somebody To Love

Was About to Update

2010-03-24T22:22:00.000+08:00

Hmm I was about to update about my Sabah trip, when I realised that now blogger doesn't allow you to upload pictures straight from your computer. Instead you have to host your images online. Anyone can suggest a good site to host pictures? Is Flickr or Picasa Web good? Any others?

The Land Below The Wind

2010-03-18T01:11:00.000+08:00

Sabah here I come!

No no not for holiday...but for :

Will be conducting workshops and playing for the Worship Concert sessions. Pray for me...and the team :) Hope to come back with great news and pictures to show.

My Favourite Character of The Season!

2010-03-14T23:30:00.001+08:00

"I never get involved in politics" - Cheshire Cat

Man I really love this cat! You got to watch it!

Nightfall

2010-03-13T14:33:00.000+08:00

It was night fall, at an old train depot. All around us were trains dated since the 1900s. The ground that we walked on were covered with granite pebbles and it made that shuffling sound as you walk. The air was cold and we made smoke from our breathing and speaking.

We gathered for some unknown reason. As we discussed into the night, standing in the dark with just a little dim light coming from a single street lamp, something flew passed above our heads. Some of us had ducked, and we were alarmed. Another flew passed again. I feared and started to take flight. Next thing we knew, they were everywhere! The group dispersed frantically, screaming as they try to find a place to hide. I manage to take cover behind a train. I could hear shouts and screams from all directions but I couldn't tell where everyone was or what was happening. I looked around to see if I was secure but to my horror it had found me. I tried to fight if off...

....suddenly, I woke up. In my state of grogginess, I heard sounds in my room. I tried to focus my vision on the white wall above me while in my mind I was repeating to myself, "This is not happening, this is not happening, this is not happening!" With fear I head for the lights, holding my pillow as a weapon. I scouted the room for a while and there was nothing there but the sound of the rat or the civet cat that's walking at the top of my ceiling. It was 4.50am. I switched off the lights and went back to bed while groaning out of irritation but also with such great relief that my nightmare did not manifest in real life. I hoped for a better adventure before taking the next boat out into Dreamland again...Sigh...Oh Cockroach how I LOATH THEE!!!

Rush

2010-03-10T23:13:00.000+08:00

The past 1 week plus has been a rush. Got a project with a company and had to rush for a recording. I had to speed up my learning process of using my recording equipment at home, which was a stress killer!

In the midst of the project, I signed up for a class with RPBC. Boy this class is hard and the assignments are hard too! Had to rush the assignment last minute because was busy with the recording project, and trying to recover from lack of sleep.

After all that was done, I just moved on to the arrangement of a very simple A Cappella rendition of Lean On Me which some of the guys at church will be performing to, to promote All Bros Camp. The girls already performed an all-girl-band Pop/Rock performance 2 weeks ago to promote All Girls Camp. Will be running practices on that.

Next would be the Worship Central Conference at East Coast Sabah next week. I'll be flying off next Thursday in the morning. 4 sessions, 2 concert/message/ministry nights, 1 church service. This will be a new experience as I'm going to the East Coast for the first time, conducting some of the workshops without any notes. This is a conference, the participants are coming from all over and they individually possess various skill/knowledge/understanding levels. Unlike when you go to a specific church/camp/ministry trip, you can find out more details on the participants as to where they're at and what they wanna / need to learn. So I'm unable to prepare much for this trip.

While I anticipate next week for the concert and rushing practices with the A Cappella boys, I have to quickly get done my next class assignment! Interpreting Scriptures....OH MY GOODNeSS!

All these excitement is driving my gastric, stress, and anxiety levels up the wall! *BIG Sigh* Please PLEASE pray for me as I endure, prepare and fight through this next one week. I'm feeling very ill right this very moment. I get panic and anxiety attacks pretty frequent and badly. It aggravates the stomach badly causing me to have bad gastric, and I'll panic about that, and my stomach gets affected more and the vicious cycle just keeps on and on. I guess I'll explain more another time, about this Anxiety Disorder issue that I recently discovered that I may have. PLEASE I BESIEGE you my brethren, uphold me in prayer fervently and diligently, if you can lar :)

Till the next post once all this rush dies down a little bit and I have some space to breathe...

FSCC Music Workshop

2010-02-26T23:24:00.000+08:00

So this morning we had the music workshop at FSCC. It was good...I HOPE it was good for them...haha...I realised I'm so rusty, couldn't play my chops well and I've lost so much edge to teaching, performing, demonstrating and remembering information...Grrr...that's like everything a musician should not! Aih aih aih...

930am - 1pm was really a short time, wished we had more time like a whole day or a spend of a few days. But anyway, here are some pictures :)

We started the morning with some worship and also to gauge where the band is at

Drum workshop lead by Andrew Williams (on the drums)

Bass workshop lead by Victor (left)

Vocal workshop lead by Joann Foo (with the guitar)

Acoustic Guitar workshop lead by Heng Ian (far left). Don't know why Ellen is hiding behind the file...hahaha...She's one of the leaders at FSCC.

Keyboard workshop lead by yours truly. Well since I was holding the camera, I had to put part of me in the photo so there you go! MY FEET! WAKAKA! Oh we have an alien at the door :p That's Lake, he's the Worship Coordinator for FSCC.

This was the band dynamics session

And lastly, once again, my group :D

Unfortunately I can't put anymore photos up coz I either didn't take good pictures or the picture files are too big and takes too long too load. Hope you've enjoyed it.

The wisest best most truest thing I've heard today:

"We need to be thinking musicians." - Chong Heng Ian

Don Moen?

2010-02-26T01:49:00.000+08:00

Today I spent the evening preparing for a workshop that I would be conducting tomorrow at Pastor Daniel's church, Full Gospel Assembly Serdang Community Church (FSCC). I will only be running the keyboard section this time round, haven't done any sort of training in ages! I find myself at a lost.

Anyway, I went through some of my CD collections to look for examples on how you can apply certain sounds according to types of music, styles and compensating instrumentation, when I came across a Don Moen CD! Hahaha I thought to myself, I'm going to get a kick out of this one...

So I plugged it in into my stereo and hit the play button. All I can say is, I.T. W.A.S. N.O.S.T.A.L.G.I.C. As the brass players belt their notes and the 80s electric piano coloured the harmony section, I had an image of my church's previous sanctuary where it didn't run much from it's original form; an old theater. People holding up banners walking to the front from every aisle towards the stage while others waving flags and not forgetting the tambourine players, ringing those mini silver clappers. As a kid growing up in that culture, it was exciting and it was deemed 'cool' :) Oh wait, probably 'cool' wasn't even a slang yet. My my how much the sound has changed today. On one hand I missed it, on another I don't...Hahaha...

Those sounds don't fit in today's context easily. If you don't know how to use it, you can make it sound old and cheesy. It dawn upon me that growing up with those kind of visuals paired up with the sound, has spoiled my views of Intergrity/ Maranatha musics. Oh yeah you remember those music labels?? HAHAHA...When players in church do these old songs especially at prayer meetings, it can make me cringe and I wonder why it sounds like that. Also, straight away I think of old people with flags, banners and tambourines. As I hear the renditions of songs such as "God Is The Strength Of My Heart" and "I Offer My Life To You" done by Don Moen and team, WHOA! It's so different. It's amazing! I've never heard anybody played it like that before. The funk and gospel groove, and the arrangements are fantastic. They even have SOLOS just like Ron Kenoly's materials. As a church that's rich in brethren culture, that sings a lot of these old songs quite frequently till today, we got to learn to break out from what we know, have seen and heard. Probably need to revisit the original recordings of these songs and interpret them better :) I personally am challenged to better my arrangements and views.

I had a great time reminiscing about when these recordings were heard or played at one point in my life, be it in Children's Church, Home Fellowship, or at Main Service, or before I go to bed every night that my mum would put on these cassette tapes for me to dose off to :) Love it love it!

Blog?

2010-02-18T01:06:00.000+08:00

Hmm, the other day in the newspapers, there was an article about blogging becoming something of the past already. Like nobody blogs anymore (or at least as much) or nobody is as interested anymore? Coz communication is so much faster now like Facebook, Twitter and the latest fad, Gmail Buzz! This age, people want information fast and concise. Interesting huh? I never thought Blogs may phase out in the future.

I still remember, when the whole concept of a blog first came to be, everyone was rushing to get a Xanga blog. It was the IT! And all our conversations were revolving around the latest/updated post, pictures of people cam whoring, who's doing what when and with whom. Then came the Chatterbox! Hoo hoo, it was a new thing to add to all the blogging hype. People cracking jokes and commenting each other and when you ask them what's this all about? They reply, "It's an inside joke, go read his/her Chatterbox".

I still remember succumbing to the hype, pressure and fun of owning a blog. So I signed up with my very first Xanga site . *On a side note, as I'm typing this, I'm wondering if my old site is still there. Well what do you know! hahahaha... man I miss this blog * I was caught up with constantly updating people about my day, how I woke up, feeling so and so, then I brush my teeth and took a shower, rushed to school, go through the "perils" of school life, and feeling so and so, then I come home and just basically telling the world my whole day. Hahaha so detailed, funny, ridiculous, childish yet entertaining all at the same time! :D

From there I moved on to Blogspot, feeling I need a more mature outlook. My content started to change. I wrote less on how everyday went to trying to entertain my readers with funny and significant moments in my life, and deeper stuff about my heart and my thoughts. I've never really been a writer so that caught up with me and I find it hard to 'entertain' my readers. Laziness kicked in and the blog started to have it's roller coaster rides - one minute I'm full of inspiration to write all sorts, another I'm just too lazy and unmotivated.

In the midst of all these, I still kept up with as many other blogs as I can. The ones that I enjoy reading most are the ones who have a purpose for their blogs, so I realised. They know why they blog for and for whom. Got me thinking, why am I blogging? What do I want to blog about? For whom to read? For what purpose? Parallel to my personal season, I'm having a problem knowing what I want and knowing what I'm passionate about these days. It's strange. What I used to place my heart on no longer rings with me anymore.

So in the context of blogging, I've come to this, should I continue to blog?
If No, then this will probably be my last post or 2nd last post.
If Yes, then I need a new purpose for this blog or at least a more solid one rather than just being random at all times and nobody even comes to my blog to read.

What do you think? Help me out here by taking the poll test on the right. If you have a comment, then click comment below.

16th January

2010-01-16T15:20:00.000+08:00

I turn 25 today.

I have lived,

1,304.4643 weeks

9,131.25 days

219,150 hours

13,149,000 minutes

788,940,000 seconds

788,940,000,000 milliseconds

That's a lot of time huh? This whole week I've been pondering much about these past 25 years, how I have lived it, and my future, how I would live it. It's scary how time plays with you, it likes to throw curve balls, like "If only(s)", "then I could have(s)", and "but I'll never know(s)". Memories of the past and visions of the future filled my mind so much so it has caused me to have mood swings, monologues and mental overload…hahaha…gosh, never get a melancholy to think too much, it can kill them, literally.

As the day drew nearer, I was filled with more feelings of uncertainty and fear. I don't want to turn 25, I don't want to celebrate this year, I'm not ready to be 25, I'm not fit to be 25. It has been nothing but uninspiring. I even googled about turning 25! Yes I'm turning nuts. Lo and behold, I'm not the only one who's having a quarter-of-a-century-life-crisis. It seems, turning 25 does impact many people in a deep way.

I found people talking about seeing their friends achieving their dreams, getting that dream job, going round the globe doing great things, getting married to the love of their life, having kids that their crazy about, etc. It's always about making your life count for something, trying to bring meaning and fulfillment to this life, making it significant…and I identify with the writers.

Have I lived enough? Have I done enough up till this very moment? I don't know. Will I overcome tomorrow? Will I achieve tomorrow? I don't know. Come to think about it, I really will never know what the past, present or future has held, is holding, or will hold. But as I write this, I am so SO challenged to count my blessings, I am challenged to fight hard, I am challenged to hope, I am challenged to dream, I am challenged to love, I am challenged to have faith.

God, thank you for these 25 years, it has been quite a journey. To my family and friends, I thank God He has placed each and everyone of you in my life. May I continue to bless Your heart all the days of my life, and to bless and inspire everyone around me. Thank you everyone for your birthday wishes and prayers.

Back in 1987, I was FAT :D

Use Somebody Skit

2010-01-06T20:42:00.002+08:00

The stage was transformed for the conference :)

Conference Intro Video:

Use Somebody Skit

When I first heard this song 'Use Somebody' by Kings of Leon, I fell in love with the song straight away. At that time the musical side of stuff totally ringed with me. Didn't really give much thought at first about the lyrics but eventually did some reading up about it. The writer wrote this when the band was on tour. He talks about how lonely it can get on the road and that he could use somebody. That got me thinking, the amount of lonely people in the world or the amount of people in need in the the world are crying out for the exact same thing?

In line with Live.Revolution: Amplified, Youth Conference 2009 (click icon on sidebar, top right), this would be a great opportunity to share the message. So we hurriedly gather some people and work out the ideas with only 3 or 4 practices. It was crazy with the amount of time and resources we had but it was all worth it :) You know me la, 10 practices would be ideal…hahaha…we did some boo boos here and there but everyone did great!

We kinda gave the song a new perspective, that talks about everybody in the world needs someone to love or to be loved. It's just the way God has wired us to be. Every single person may seem fine busy running their own lives on the outside, but on the inside, we are all crying out for something more, it could be for someone to take notice of their needs, or for love maybe, some could be for answers, to others peace and comfort, etc. So as young Christian people, what are we doing with our lives? Really... John 14:12 talks about we are meant to do greater things, and our lives are not our own, for we are created by Him and for Him - Col 1:16. Are we living up to Luke 10:27 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself" ?

So in the skit, we've portrayed all sorts of people from different backgrounds/ lifestyles. These are the people that are constantly surrounding us EVERY SINGLE DAY but we never really take notice coz they are just…there. They could be the maid in your house, the road sweeper that comes by every alternate days to your neighborhood, the foreign guard that guards your neighborhood entrance, your colleague in the next cubicle, perhaps the tea lady who takes care of the office pantry, the cashier who waits on you at the shopping mall counter, the person who takes your parking ticket at the exit of the carpark basement, or maybe the friend in class who seems so unapproachable, or your teacher who tries to teach you. You will see the characters are just living up to their everyday normal lives, busy with their routines, trying to cope with everyday pressures and expectations. They may seem normal but on the inside, they are crying out.

In the third verse, I kinda made it sarcastic about what the writer was saying oppose to the Refugees we portrayed at that point of the music. Personally it suddenly makes our problems look so small. At the end of the skit, you will see that actually, everyone has struggles. Nobody is exempted from it. So why not we (who have struggles) help one another? We just need to stop, wake up, and look around us, get out of our own way to love the person next to us, wherever you are, be it at home, in class, at work, in your click, etc.

I'll be honest, I have been very challenged till today to stop living selfishly and humble myself to impact my world. This life is too short to live for myself. I hold the Answer for the person next to me. I hope you'll not only enjoy this video, but be challenged, inspired and changed. God bless you :)

P.s. Sometimes the simplest of gestures i.e. a smile or a "thank you" can really bless someone.

Video:

The cast in "character":

Out of character:

Blessed 2010

2010-01-01T03:18:00.003+08:00

Music Theory Joke

2009-12-30T18:35:00.000+08:00

To all you musicians and music lovers out there, this one is for you!

"C, E-flat and G go into a bar. The bartender says, "sorry,
but we don't serve minors." So E-flat leaves, and C and G
have an open fifth between them. After a few drinks, the
fifth is diminished and G is out flat. F comes in and tries
to augment the situation, but is not sharp enough.

D comes in and heads for the bathroom saying, "Excuse me.
I'll just be a second." Then A comes in, but the bartender
is not convinced that this relative of C is not a minor.
Then the bartender notices B-flat hiding at the end of the
bar and says, "Get out! You're the seventh minor I've found
in this bar tonight."

E-Flat comes back the next night in a three-piece suit with
nicely shined shoes. The bartender says, "you're looking
sharp tonight. Come on in, this could be a major
development." Sure enough, E-flat soon takes off his suit
and everything else, and is au natural.

Eventually C sobers up and realizes in horror that he's
under a rest. C is brought to trial, found guilty of
contributing to the diminution of a minor, and is sentenced
to 10 years of D.S. without Coda at an upscale correctional
facility."

Upgrade

2009-12-23T22:51:00.002+08:00

Wohoo! Getting an internet line upgrade tomorrow for only extra RM 10! I'll be surfing the web with my new 2Mbps connection! Hmm...now the question is, what to do with all that speed ar?

Greater Things

2009-12-22T11:51:00.001+08:00

So, on our last day of our Live.Revolution:Amplified Conference, I decided to donate my organs.

It feels scary and weird all at the same time. Although your parts will only be given after you're gone, but it felt as though I was giving it on the spot, watching my heart beating in my hands while I hand it over to the registration counter...hahahaha...I figured, what if my organs can give someone else a second chance in life you know? That will probably be my last greater thing that I can do for someone even after my death.

After that I was still a little shocked that I made that decision but moved on to doing the next greater thing the next day; Investing in my future by faith with the little that I have. Finally got me home gears! I pray God will multiply these investments of faith beyond what I can imagine! I'm contemplating of doing another greater thing this season, not sure yet, will blog about it if I do :D

Sigh...

2009-12-14T14:15:00.001+08:00

Went to this Mod branch at Subang Parade and found this sign right outside at the entrance for all to see...One Malaysia?

Quick Update...

2009-12-14T11:51:00.000+08:00

Haha ok so I've decided to put up a random picture of myself...nice? So what's been happening with me in my long absence:

1. I've just covered TWO major weddings, 2 Saturdays in a row.
2. From there, I fell very ill. From bad gastritis, to vomiting, fever, to sore throat, and now flu and cough. Getting better though just need to rest a lot.
3. In between all the preps for weddings, there were preps for Live.Revolution:Amplified Conference as well (starts today). There were tones of worship practices and skit practices...of which we're still not really 100% ready, but then again, who will be right in any event or production? Oh yes MJ... :)

I will only be attending the night sessions of the conference. Taking the day to recuperate, refresh, do my neglected house chores and Christmas shopping, and catching up with friends.

2009-11-24T16:52:00.002+08:00

I'll be back in 10 days...

Inspiring and Altogether Challenging

2009-11-23T15:58:00.000+08:00

When I saw the poster outside the cinema 2 weeks before it's premier, I was skeptical to whether a documentary style movie would be great to watch. I wasn't an ardent fan of the King of Pop but I really like his stuff. Thought about it and decided to give it a chance. I didn't regret it. I watched it twice, first time being in a 2-D Cinema with good sound system and the second time in a crappy small cinema with kids making a lot of noise, people kicking chairs, chairs in bad condition, bad screen clarity and terrible terrible sound (bummer). Yes it was both in GSC Mid Valley, such a contrast among their different auditoriums.

The show opens up with a brief word from the 10 or 12 principal dancers who made the cut, out of ALL the auditionees (I think 5000 applications and 500 who auditioned). Knowing that a dancer's lifestyle doesn't earn much and to see them drop everything just to get that expensive plane ticket and fly thousands of miles (some across the globe) to audition not knowing if they will get it, was just WHOA you know? You could see how desperate they were for the role, their eyes welling up with tears, voices were quivering for it has been an emotional ride, and the look of tired faces and exhausted bodies, you know this is their dream, this is their defining moment, 'this is it' for them. It was amazing to see them practice for hours and hours, dancing from one song to another while keeping up the passion, stamina and energy, pushing themselves to their maximum limit. It took a lot out of them - faith, guts and desperation. I found myself asking "Am I like that? Can I give that much?"

Then we have the musicians. Oh my goodness. Such a small band with such a big sound?? You wanna talk about excellence, this group has it. They are so tight. There are a few parts where the music breaks down and Michael is suppose to give spontaneous-out-of-the-blue-cues with a hand gesture or body movement, and they all have to come back in strong on the dot. No kidding. ON THE DOT. And they just deliver it. They're accuracy of groove, punctuation, and phrasing was tremendous!! What on earth I tell you. The singers blew me away! Apart from their amazing harmony, blend and all the technical stuff, what impressed me the most was they could simulate the right timbre for that particular song or sometimes singing in amazing falsetto/head voice to get that timbre? Whoa!

The set team really ran with the vision wholeheartedly, from pyrotechnics, lighting, stage set, music video set and contraptions to video recording, editing, hair, make up and costumes. One of the costume designers said this, "Breaking boundaries, that's what Michael is." What a quote. I would like my name to be in or associated with a sentence like that. Constantly reaching for the stars and not settling for second best.

Michael. The one man who I can safely say, has used his God-given talent, to it's fullest. One man, has touched billions of lives and yet he doesn't know Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. Something is missing here. What are we doing as young Christian people? By the way, I consider us young till we hit 45. We have THE God on our side, we have a Covenant with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is living in us. So why are we still living as though we're not in Victory? You know, Michael's death reminds me of one thing, when you die, all that you have and that you've been chasing for ends there. You don't take anything with you. Life is more than just making ends meet or fulfilling temporary pleasures. I begin to understand why Solomon said "Everything is meaningless" in Ecclesiastes. God reminds me to live, chase and fight for what matters for eternity. Come for Live.Revolution: Amplified and make a mark in history with other hundreds of young people, rising up to take their place, to change their world. This is it!

Support Me! Support Us!

2009-11-11T01:12:00.004+08:00

Heya all!

As you can see from my side bar, I've added some new stuff. Manage to embed my songs from my Virb site into my Blog :) I really hope you enjoy the music. Do comment, would love to learn and grow even more in this field. That reminds me, I really need to update my Virb site. It's dead and I haven't even written the stories behind the songs.

Below it, is the new cover for 'All The Nations' album. It looks great thanks to Cedric ! You must be wondering why are we promoting it again. Well you see, after all the excitement and countless of hours trying to put the album together and launching it, some of us were quickly moved into the next season of our lives. Joe was to get married so there was all the planning and preparation, and I got called out of the season of teaching and into the season of Paroimia :) We didn't had time to stop. It was just go go go. But now that our seasons are changing again, we felt the need to once again push for this album. So we improved the image and got it out into the stores finally! There is more. I also worked on the album's songbook so that others could learn up the songs more effectively. I haven't trancribe and notate music in a long time, so working on 11 songs in one week was certainly a challenge! I'm really proud to have come up with the book, my very own album songbook! I hope you guys will lend your support by buying or encouraging your friends to buy the CD AND SONGBOOK...wait wait wait...must stress again...S.O.N.G.B.O.O.K...HahaHaAAHA!

Lead With A Sexy Voice

2009-11-09T14:23:00.000+08:00

Haha so as the title says, I lead worship on Sunday with my all new very sexy voice. The day before at practice, I lost half my voice due to my sore throat and flu. I wondered how I was going to sing the next day for two services. Came home, rested and woke up with the most awesomeness bassy voice. I could play the Bass with my voice. So I kept silent the whole of Saturday as much as possible to save my voice and belt it out on Sunday 1st Service. It was fun. But for 2nd service, it was a struggle but manage to pull through :D

Later that evening, went to catch 'This Is It'. Man...speechless just watching it. Will blog this next.

Dog Wrangler

2009-11-07T21:59:00.000+08:00

The other day, one of my dogs got caught in his own leash and it pierced into his leg about a centimeter. My family tried to find a way to take it out but everytime we go near the dog, he would snarl. I guess when an animal is in pain, it doesn't know their owners anymore. My dad got bitten and had to get a jab at the clinic. Eventually we manage to get a dog wrangler. I was a little surprised. Didn't know our country had such a profession...hahaha...it was interesting to see how he tried to handle my dog as he fights back scarily. After all the commotion, I find out that the dog wrangler's name was Kulwan...man I just laughed. The best part, he really was cool.

Sick...AgaiN!

2009-11-06T21:33:00.001+08:00

Ok so I've fallen sick again! Fever, flu, sore throat, phlegm, slight cough...aiyooooohHH! When I fall sick, I become really really helpless. I hate it. Urgh and I'm stubborn to go to the doc's as well...Gonna try to drink lots of water and Vitamin C.

Pray for me. I need to be up and running. Much much to do. Can't afford to stare at the TV all day. Doesn't help that I need to lead this Sunday, rush for 2 Weddings that are happening in 3 weeks time, and settling Worship for the Conference.

Look out for a few updates coming soon ;) This blog will be revived just a little bit :D

Live.Revolution Amplified

2009-10-28T17:24:00.000+08:00

http://revolution.my

World Without Money

2009-10-23T02:38:00.001+08:00

If only our world did not run on money but rather hugs, kisses, thank yous and appreciations. Then there's no more poverty, no more selfishness, no more negative stress, loves, families and lives would be better. Unfortunately this had to be an alcohol ad, somehow they just come up with the best ads huh?

All The Nations New! IN STORES NOW!

2009-10-21T19:35:00.000+08:00

Heylo everyone! I've got great news. The album "All The Nations" by Joe Loy & The Ham Chim Pangs (The Warehouse Project) have gone through a face lift! Sorry didn't take a good picture, I will try to get my hands on the proper art album soon. Please please do support us and spread the word around! It is also IN STORES NOW i.e. Canaanland and Gladsounds. If you like a copy, you can buy it through me too :)

Funny Notice

2009-10-19T00:06:00.000+08:00

The other day, my cousin showed me this Notice that she took a picture of at a Vet. I can't post the picture now coz my laptop has no Bluetooth, so can't send it over from my phone but this is what it says:

What are the signs if my dog is infected?

Lethargy
Reduced appetite
Breathing difficulty
Ascites
Coughing
Reduced Stamina
Bloody Urine
Death

Hahahahahaha...DEATH??? It sure is a sign that your dog is TRULY infected...

Aglet

2009-10-17T20:49:00.000+08:00

Pronounce as Ag-lit.

Interesting huh. In one movie it was called a Flugelbinder but apparently it's wrong...oh well...

Trivia

2009-10-12T23:58:00.004+08:00

What is an Aglet?
You can't look it up. Guess.

Amazing Arrangement of Michael Jackson's Songs

2009-09-20T01:36:00.001+08:00

So I was surfing YouTube and I found this video about this duo, who rearranged a few of MJ's songs into a medley but in acappella vocal style. Now this is not an easy thing to do, vocal arrangements are tough! The layering of their voices were awesome. I'm in amazement...I won't say any further, Enjoy :)

Facebook Fever

2009-09-05T22:16:00.000+08:00

I saw this on Faye's blog. It's a good one:

Guess The Encoded Message Below

2009-08-28T17:43:00.000+08:00

2 Vids and A Joke

2009-08-24T01:01:00.001+08:00

Ok like the title says, got some hilarious(and stupid) stuff to share with you:

Ennio Marchetto Theater:
This is really good and creative yet hilarious. Most of the songs here are during my era...enjoy :)

Mystery Ticking Noise:
So random but interesting, funny and stupid hahaha...

And the last joke goes out to Jian Shen:

A Malaysian Ghost Story:

This story happened a while ago in Sabah, and even though it sounds like an Alfred Hitchcock tale, its true!

John Nonong, a University Malaysia Sabah student, was on the side of the road hitchhiking on a very dark night and in the midst of a big storm.

The night was rolling on and no car went by. The storm was so strong he could hardly see a few feet ahead of him..

Suddenly, he saw a car slowly coming towards him and stopped. John, desperate for shelter and without thinking about it, got into the car and closed the door only to realize there was nobody behind the wheel and the engine wasn't on.

The car started moving slowly. John looked at the road ahead and saw a curve approaching.. Scared, he started to pray, begging for his life. Then, just before the car hit the curve, a hand appeared out of no where through the window and turned the wheel. John, paralyzed with terror, watched as the hand came through the window, but never touched or harmed him..

Shortly thereafter John saw the lights of a pub appear down the road, so, gathering strength, he jumped out of the car and ran to it. Wet and out of breath, he rushed inside and started telling everybody about the horrible experience he had just had.

A silence enveloped the pub when everybody realized he was crying and....wasn't drunk.

Suddenly, the door opened, and two other people walked in from the dark and stormy night.. They, like John, were also soaked and out of breath. Looking around, and seeing John Nonong sobbing at the bar, one said to the other...

"Look Ahmad.....there's the idiot that got in the car while we were pushing it!"

Turning 25?!

2009-08-19T13:47:00.000+08:00

I realised yesterday that Christmas is almost around the corner. It's crazy! Certain shops are already out selling Christmas themed presents and decos. I feel like I've not done anything at all this year? I guess Paroimia took up a chunk of the year and the year before that. No wonder it felt like I've not lived through a full year at all. Next thing you know, hello year 2010. Gosh a decade into the millenium....and and *GaSP!*...I'll be TWENTY FIVE YEARS OoooOOOllllDDD!!! NOT COOL! I'm turning 25 in 5 months guys...how is that possible?? I don't feel 25, I don't act 25, I don't think like a 25 yr old!! Like Isaac Yap always say, "I'm only 16 lar!"...When I was younger, I never thought I will ever reach my 20s. It seemed so faaaarrr aaawwwaaayyyy....So much to think about and so much to do. Feels like a mid life crisis...ok a quarter life crisis....In the mean time, I'm just gonna live in denial...

This reminds me of the scene in Never Been Kissed when Josie answered the teacher's question and he asked "are you sure you're 17?" . She replies...."yes I'm 17!"

Maggots In My Fruit

2009-08-19T13:23:00.000+08:00

Last night, after posting about my horrific afternoon (post below), I decided to eat my Nona or you may know it as Custard Apple. Happily I was eating my chilled fruit and was channel surfing until I found a MAGGOT in my fruit!! In horror I ran to my mothers room (she was about to fall asleep) and exclaimed "MAaaa there's a maggot in my fruit!" and I ran to the kitchen sink to spit it all out and gargle me mouth. URGH! I hope there's none swimming in my tummy........Sigh.........

Road Rage

2009-08-18T22:48:00.000+08:00

Today when I was leaving church, something bad really happened to me. I turned out from the junction down the slope heading towards the traffic light when this motorcyclist came up next to me and started scolding me furiously. I wasn't sure why he was scolding me but it could have been when I shot out of the junction, he was coming but if I remember correctly, when I took that quick glance before I shot out, he could have slowed down with that distance he was traveling from me and the other lane was also clear for him to maneuver into. Next thing I know, his hands were all over the place just shouting at me non stop and he wouldn't let me go. He came so near that I had to stop and I think I was so scared that it didn't occur for me to drive off. So I just kept putting my hand up saying sorry but he wouldn't let go, he circled behind/in front of my car to the passenger side and kept on scolding and asking me some question lar. He was wearing a mask so I couldn't hear what he was saying (irony) and suddenly he smacks my car window with his bare hands. I thought the glass was going to break. I was so freaked out. And I started driving off slowly and he followed from the back...I started praying, worrying that he would not continue to tail me and harm me or something. Thank God he didn't as I race through all the traffic and traffic lights.

I was so effected by it. Really strucked by fear, never had anyone "assault" me like that. I was really mad at him for hitting my window. I wonder what I would have done if that happened? Let's see, possible scenarios:

1. I get angry and start shouting at him, telling him how uncivilized he is and try to win the debate.
2. Knock him down with my car, enough to injur him so that I could run away quickly before he hurts me.
3. Take my gear lock, come out of the car and with a stern voice say, "Don't you dare touch me or my car!"
4. Go to the police station, ask them to dust his hand prints that's on the window and press charges against him for attempting assault.
5. Get out of the car, stretch forth my hands towards him and bind him. HAha...Start speaking in tongues, maybe that will freak him out.

Anyway, lately a lot of bad stuff have been happening to me, not to get all spiritual or anything but I have this sensing it's really spiritual and it's just not me, a lot of others that I know is going through it as well. Personally I think the enemy is trying to discourage me and effect me so I can't focus like today's incident. I'm easily effected by bad things. Please pray for me!

Masked "Hero"

2009-07-31T21:49:00.000+08:00

I forgot to tell you about an incident that happened at the hospital. While waiting for me to be further examined by the doc, I saw a mother went up to the pharmacy counter to pick up her meds with her two young kids. One of them ran out of the ER to play, thinking the other people outside the ER were related (bad assumption). "The kid should be ok," so I thought and went back to staring at other people. Next thing I know, my mum yelps out and points outside the ER frantically. Everyone was alarmed and turned to look outside. The kid that I saw earlier, was behind a car, playing 'push the car'. In that car, was a couple, about to reverse! Suddenly a force came over me, I changed into a red super suite and dashed...ok...I wish lar yar...back to reality, I really did dashed out (close enough to my earlier fantasy heroic account) to grab that boy. While running, I was shouting at the car not to reverse but they couldn't hear me. Thank God, I reached in time, the boy just stared at me in shock and ran back into the ER by himself. Man that was a close call. Thank God nothing happened. I was so proud of myself that I didn't hesitate for others to do something about the situation.

So while walking back into the ER, I felt this really foolish feeling come over me. And I realised, what is a hero if he's dressed in slippers, shorts, baggy t-shirt, a bad hair-do and with a medical face mask on his face!?? In the words of Sexy, TENG! HAhAHaha aiyoh! No wonder lar the kid ran back after seeing an ugly scary looking masked man running towards him with arms streched out. AND no wonder the couple in the car couldn't hear me coz the mask was obstructing my voice! Makes me wonder, maybe all masked heroes have an in-built speaker within their mask for vocal amplication? Oh wait, that's right, masked heroes have their mouth area exposed except for their eye area, smart smart...

Hero for a day, what more could I ask for :D

Dr. Said

2009-07-29T21:17:00.001+08:00

Today my fever shot up as high as 39 degrees, my cough got worst, woke up with sore throat and back ache. I was really worried and finally went to the hopsital for check up. When I walk into the emergency ward, man it was a scary sight. There were people slouching over the chairs, teens lying on their parent's lap stretched out, people looked so sickly, many people wearing masks and with red tired eyes. I looked over at the pharmacy counter and they were despensing the same set of medications to every patient - cough, fever, flu, antibiotics. It was worrying, felt like the end of the world, no really.

Well Dr. Said....Hahaha you thought it was "the doctor said" oppose to his actual name right?? :D Anyway, he diagnosed me as having Sinunitis? It's my Sinus issue that lead me to this. I'm not surprised, everytime I get a bad sinus attack, it's a different outcome. He was worried it could be dengue? I'm like dengue and not H1N1? Apparently Dengue is on a rise in our nation quite bad and in regards to H1N1, only one Hospital in KL does the test and they'll only do it only if it's serious case. So weird right? Oh well, so he ask me to monitor in the next 2 days. He gave me a tip, saying how he always drinks honey everyday, making his immune system on a all time high. He boasts of how he has not taken any panadol in the past 10 years. I should try it. My mum told him how I don't like to eat medication and I don't know how he got the idea, he thought I don't take it because of my faith, that I just trust in God and don't believe in medication. So he lectures. I felt defensive, and I had to clear it out, so I said that it is not the matter of faith but rather it's just me, I hate medication. I wonder if we'd actually go into a religious debate, what would happen...haha...

Any how, the antibiotics kicked in just now and my fever left me, I was so HAPPY. I felt really good. But now my fever is building again, waiting for the right time to eat my next dose of medication. Please pray for me. Really need to get back on my feet ASAP. Too much too do. Oh yes yes pray also that my sickness is just mere sinunitis and not dengue or H1N1.

Sick.

2009-07-28T22:52:00.000+08:00

Man I'm sick. Bummer. Real bummer. Completely miserable now, not funny. Caught the cough on Sunday, the fever on Monday, sinus has been on for 3 weeks or so. Must be the late nights I've been having for a whole week, staying up till 4am/5am to finish up a project. Went to the clinic, doc said I have to wait it out, but monitor, lots of rest and stop every activity. Couldn't sleep the whole night. Took a medication that has a bad side effect - heart rate increases and shakey hands. Whole night, together with the fever, cough, nose and chest congestion, heart palpating away, I felt like I had anxiety attack. Didn't sleep whole night, all I could do was toss, turn and pray. Felt better today, but then towards the evening, fever shot up again. I feel soooo SICK! Please pray for me. I'm worried, when I'm sick, it can get quite tragic. PLEASE pray that I won't become Mr.Pig (H1N1) and that I'll recover really fast. I have so much work to do! Can't just sit around and do nothing. REally need your prayers if you're reading this or have heard of my condition. Thanks lots.

New Member of The Family

2009-07-26T21:43:00.001+08:00

We have a new member in the family. Her name is Hailey. No my parents didn't adopt a kid or neither did my mum give birth to one (although I still wish I had a baby brother or sister to pamper). We adopted her from Wei-Ming coz his Rex & JoJo had 6 kids :) Thanks Ming. I've not taken pictures of her yet but these are from my parents' camera:

As much as she's adorable, man she's a hand full! Being a Labrador, she loves companionship, biting things, and water. The porch always look like a tornado has just swept through the area, hence giving my mum a lot of work on top of the a lot of work she has.

Yea the other thing is coz she loves water (apparently they like to swim but funny she doesn't like to bathe), she gets herself wet most of the time resulting in rashes on her body and SMELL! OH MAN! THE SMELL! grrrr...she likes to go to her drinking bowl or a pail of water to scoop (dog-paddle) out all the water from it, deep her paws in it and just lie there, or roll around in the puddle of water and sleep there.

When she grows into full size, I wonder if the house can contain her. Oh yes, my the other dog, Fritz, is still around. He can't adjust to her at all. Whenever we're present among the two of them, and Hailey gets in the way of Fritz, he starts to growl fiercely and barks. I wonder if he'll bite her eventually. Hopefully not. Well seeing that's she's gonna out grow him, hahaha it's gonna be interesting. It's like the Bullied becomes the Bully-ER. hehehe....

Fastest Way To Get Ready For Work

2009-07-19T23:44:00.000+08:00

Like the title says, you really got to catch this clip. I tried the "tie" stunt and it really works man!
http://www.wimp.com/fastestdressed/

My National Geographic

2009-06-28T23:25:00.001+08:00

You know how we watch these Documentaries on animals and the experts somehow amazingly manage to catch moments that only people like you and I could dream off? We get pictures like

Well I was fortunate enough to have my share of the Wild Life. I was driving home one day when I saw a mouse, running across the road really quickly. It looked like it was bouncing and running all at the same time. Out of the blue, a hawk swooped down from a tree and caught the mouse with it's claws!

The hawk flew and waited at the hill while the mouse struggles. I had to stop in the middle of the road and just stare. Then suddenly, most unexpected, a cat prowled slowly and ran after the hawk and the mouse! WHOA!

Ok definitely not this one :p

The hawk immediately took flight up to another tree with the mouse still struggling.

Poor mouse I thought. I continued with my journey still feeling shocked and exhilarated all at the same time. You ONLY see this on TV or Magazines. It was so cool to see nature in action! If only nature's action would be like this all the time,

then no one get's hurt :D and it can start all over again the next day...hehe...I LOVE TOM & JERRY!

Front of The Class

2009-06-24T23:41:00.001+08:00

With all the bumming, comes the channel surfing and today I watched a show on Hallmark called 'Front of The Class'. A true life story about Brad Cohen. I first knew about Brad's story on Oprah years ago. He was a man who had Tourette Syndrome (TS). He struggled through childhood because at that time, TS was not very well known to the public. He was ostracized by society because he was misunderstood. Teachers and classmates thought he's either a delinquent, a freak or trying to be a classclown, often being rediculed or punished by his teachers. Despite all odds while growing up, he had a deep passion for teaching. He struggled to become an educator and today he is one of the most inspiring, passionate and well known teachers of our time. We all need to learn to be like Brad Cohen, we all need more educators like Brad Cohen. You really got to catch this show.

Thus Far...

2009-06-18T17:25:00.003+08:00

I've never really been a fan of Zac Efron's acting (sorry no offense), and when this show came out, I wasn't sure if I'd want to watch it. After hearing a couple of fellas saying it was good, decided to watch it myself last night and so my conclusion.........GOOD! hahaha...it's really funny and I really like the show. The jokes are hilarious. My favourite character has to be Mike O'Donell's best friend (Go catch it then you'll know what I mean). The only thing is the ending, I believe it there's room for better conclusion :) So far this show and Star Trek have been my favourite summer movies thus far :)

Star Trek really topped a lot of shows for me. It's been a long long time since I've seen a movie this good. It has topped it's own movie sequels in the past even! Very cool. I must say the Casting was fabulous. SO PERFECT! And if anyone wonders where the saying "Beem me up Scotty!" comes from, it's from Star Trek :) You should check out the original Star Trek and how it's like before this remake, and how it evolved over the years through it's TV series. You'll appreciate this movie even more.

I didn't manage to catch the other summer shows like Alien Vs Monster and Night At The Museum. Heard they were nice too. But for now, the WHOLE WORLD anticipates for:

Put My Faith In The One I Love

2009-06-14T02:16:00.000+08:00

Something hit me today. You know how we naturally or at least it comes by naturally, that we put our faith in the people we love? Example, I love my family yes? Naturally I will have faith that they love me back, they would want the best for me, they would take care of me, give me good gifts, they would catch me when I fall, etc... I love my friends yes? Naturally I trust that they will love me back, be there for me in time of need, they will support, challenge, rebuke and correct me when needed, etc...

Now, I love God...

If I say I love God, naturally, I would put my faith and trust in the one I love, but do I have faith in the ONE I love? Do I have faith that God loves me back, that He wants the best for me, He is always there, never leaving me nor forsaking me? Do I have faith that the One I love can heal me, can bring change, can save me, can cause walls to come down, chains to break, can carry me through my toughest season now, can speak to me, can listen to my prayer, can hear my heart and my cry, etc...

I put my faith in the one I love. Do I put my faith in the One I love? I am so so challenged!