EC®™

Chapter End. Begin Another!

2011-10-17T00:16:00.001+08:00

It's been so long I've last posted anything. Even thinking about an overhaul seems like an extremely tedious job. And then, the timely interface change in blogger. I don't think I will change anything on this blog for now.

Just a little something I feel like I should write it down. Again, it's been so long since I last wrote anything. Pardon the rust in the language or content or anything like that. Hard to believe something I loved to do can feel so different when I didn't do it for awhile. Probably takes some time to get it back.

As the title suggests, I'm documenting a remarkable time of life, a mark of an end to a wonderful chapter in life. A chapter that my life took a turnaround, growing more than I ever had in the past.

This whole chapter started somewhere around the end of 2009. I remember just finishing my diploma at Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) and barely know what to do next. Job searching was a sure dead end. Why? I wanted to work near home so that I be around for my family. That's priority. I didn't want to work in the mainstream media either.

Long story short, finding a job was just not what I was supposed to do. Early 2010, I got into a degree course offered by Oklahoma City University (OCU), USA that was available through Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS). Somehow, I felt that the door was intentionally left open, given that the registration deadline is just two days away, or so, if I remembered correctly.

In the end, I got in just like that. Paid my fees and await to explore the unknown. I got what I prayed for. Somewhere that I could stay close to family, making up the time I had lost with them. I went back to seek God when I had no where to go or have no idea what my future holds. His grace knows no bounds. He showered me with countless blessings. God is so faithful that He can never break our heart. We are always that unfaithful other half that breaks His heart. Again and again.

I was then surprised by how the course would be conducted. I will have 18 months to complete all my modules. Each module had only nine days worth of classes. Each class is three hours and 30 minutes. Most would think that it should be easy but it is just the contrary.

What every student learns back in US for 16 weeks is crammed down to nine days for us. Although they have multiple subjects in a semester, we didn't fair much better at all. During the nine days, we would usually have quizzes and even assignments that are to be done and handed in the very next day. We only have two weeks to finish up final assignment and study for exam right after the class.

We had at least a module every month. Then there was a month where two modules were back to back, thought by the same professor. Which meant, we only had two weeks to complete assignment and studies for the first module then just another week to do the same for the following module. It required a lot of work and I just kept finding the time too short.

Then more and more things start to string together, seeing God's grace in a bigger picture. When my sister had her first baby August last year, I was just available to be there for her and her new family. She had many problems then. Guess I shouldn't name too much. I'm thankful that God gave me a chance to see my niece born safely and I got to help take care for the first month.

I saw God putting me in my sis' family as part of His plan for them. Things would have been so different if I had went back to KL for anything at all. I never could have been so available, had not the course was conducted this way.

God watched me through each and every module. Even when I had to take time for my family, help my sis out, I still had time for studies. It was just an amazing experience of God's awesome and perfect plan being revealed and executed before me.

Now, I have graduated with a 3.1 CGPA. An achievement I never had before. I've never touched 3.0. Somehow, looking back at my transcript, I saw a trend. God didn't intend to have me score 3.9 CGPA, probably because I have my limits, although He could. He let me see something else. Amidst all kinds of things to do during this 18 months, He led me to a steady climb in my grades.

I'm talking about juggling between relationships with friends and family, helping my family, helping my sis' family, do my ministry work, plan things for my ministry, plan things for the church, attending events in church, organising or coordinating events in church, just too many to mention.

My grades? I started with 2.375 for my first two modules. I felt so lousy but I continued to trust God, knowing I can't do it by myself. Then the next three modules followed. I did better. CGPA climbed to 2.6. By then, I was satisfied as I knew that's my average points throughout my studies. Then the next three modules was even better. My CGPA rose to 2.719.

The following three again, CGPA went to 2.909. By then, I had no idea it had rose to this point. I was just so thankful that I did quite well for the modules, just by looking at what grade I got. Then came the modules I done in US, including a final Student's Showcase assignment. My CGPA went to 3.054.

The final and last module summed the whole transcript up, stunning me beyond words. My CGPA got to 3.117. I had no idea about this trend until I sat down and looked at my progress. Indeed, it was never my own capabilities. God really showed me how great He is through this. It didn't have to be spectacular. It was more than enough for me. As if it was tailored just for me to see. This is my personalised testimony!

God took care of my grades, showing me a steady growth I have never seen. Why? I've never thought of relying on Him in the past. How foolish. Yet He gracefully showed me His steadfast love. I'm just a sinner, not worthy of anything. To deserve Christ's blood is just an act of pure love and grace.

Graduation on October 15 was a day I just kept looking back at how impossible my results were. All I could really think of was "anything is possible through Christ". Indeed, He deserves all my praise and thanks! Glory to God!

So many things have changed in my life. God has really showed me that I could never go wrong if I choose to follow Him. This journey of experiencing Him has just only started. I know I will see even greater things done in future through Him.

What's next? I'm sure I will find out in due time. For now, I'm occupied with so many ministry work and I'm really enjoying them. Although there are some frustrations here and there, but God is good. Things never seem to be done in vain.

Who knows I may be able to go for full time ministry? I just want to experience God until the day He calls me home. I thank Him for everything He has done for me, good or bad, I will continue to praise Him!

A Wedding Gift

2011-09-12T00:20:00.000+08:00

Here's a wedding gift my friends and I did for a beloved sister who got married recently. It was hard to edit the whole thing together, especially soundtrack choices. Hope you guys enjoy and REMEMBER TO LIKE on YouTube!

Overhaul

2011-01-29T10:34:00.002+08:00

I guess it's time to overhaul this blog and give it a brand new outlook and content.

I have less and less time to blog about anything. Guess that's a good sign?

Nonetheless, I will think of something to keep this blog running, at least.

Thanks for whoever that's still reading or hoping I'd post something. Thanks for the support and I'm truly sorry for being MIA for so, so long.

Been Awhile...

2010-11-17T23:46:00.003+08:00

Hey! Wonder who else still reads this blog. Nonetheless, to those still reading, thank you for the support!

Been really busy lately. School and other stuff just keeps coming. But I think it's a blessing to be busy sometimes.

I may start to use "vlogging" now to speed up my blogging process. However, the editing and uploading actually kills it. So maybe a little of both is good.

I've got a new flip-like camcorder, a Samsung E10 Memory Cam. It works quite well but still if compared to a Flip Ultra/Mino HD and Kodak Zi8/Zx3 , it's still a little behind.

Here's a video from 13 Nov. Do click SUBSCRIBE on my channel!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7StN2_LT3W8&hd=1

Probably The Busiest Month of My Life Yet

2010-08-08T22:54:00.003+08:00

Hello. It has been quite some time since I last posted. It has been really busy for me. I still am.

Taking this short time off to post an update or else this blog is about to die.

Let's see, I have assignments running due soon which I haven't had enough time to do at all. The assignment has also become a nuisance since it's not letting me study for exam which is on the exact same day it's due! How annoying is that.

After this Advertising Campaign assignment and exam, I have less than 5 days to complete a Public Relations Campaign and study for the exam which also has the same assignment due date as the exam. What kind of stupid scheduling is that?

I'm also anticipating a new family member which only God knows when she'll join us. Which I definitely pray that it doesn't clash with me doing my work. It would be rather disastrous. Maybe I really should have just do everything casually like most people would. Yet I love this stuff. Advertising in particular. Yet this time, I don't have much space to flex the creativity at all. It's still a challenge anyways.

Hope all goes well and I think it will.

It's been awhile since I posted any photos here. Well most of them are on my Facebook. Here is something that happened today. A birthday prank me and some accomplices planned.

Advertising and PR

2010-07-14T11:09:00.002+08:00

It has been so busy that I could barely post any updates on my poor blog. Now I'm doing my next module right after the annoying Values and Cultures; Advertising and followed by PR immediately. Basically I don't have a break for now.

So far it has been good with this professor. I hope I can cope. The assignment scope is quite large and much to cover. Who knows how I'll do? Individual assignment. Yes I have control but no help. No idea what to advertise yet as well. Need to scout around for small businesses that are willing to assist me in Singapore. I hope there are "nice" people in this "dying" country.

I said dying because the society here are predominantly contended young females who don't intend to get married before 28. They instead prefer screwing guys and proving they don't need guys; buy anything they want under the sun because most are educated or have a rather good paying job to sustain their lavish lifestyle.

Funny how Singapore citizens are kicking the government's rears for importing so many foreign people. Hello? Don't you see why? You Singaporeans are killing yourselves and going extinct in the near future! You are not producing enough babies at an earlier age which promotes danger to giving birth at old age. Then when you know about the dangers, you don't want kids. So prepare to be extinct and continue your wonderful life with iPhones that all you do is play with it.

Note: this is just my stereotype. You can disagree. There are wonderful nice Singaporeans. I just haven't really met any.

A flourishing country isn't Singapore. Singapore is flourishing economically but its self bred civilization is going down. A proper country have their citizens not only having a good income but gets married around the age of 22-25 not 28-32.

I better get back to my work.

This Module is Killing Me!

2010-06-22T15:18:00.002+08:00

Apparently Values and Cultures involves an extensive study of Joseph Campbell's The Power of Myth book. It costs me S$33 when Kinokuniya only sells it at S$25.33 but happens to be out of stock!

I can't help but keep dozing off in class due to the fact that I have to learn some philosophy I can't really agree with. I basically wrote nothing for the quiz in the morning.

Explain what is "deshi".

Explain what is "marga"

Describe the Gaia principal.

What in the world are all these nonsense that I'm learning?! Joseph Campbell seems to have introduced a whole new religion by himself: Mythology.

What's worse is there are more to come for us to digest. Sadly the biggest chunk come from a person who relates all religion into one same cause. Now Buddha, Mohammed, Moses and Jesus are adventurers.

Spent money on unworthy books is way off my expenses principles. I rarely even buy books to start with.

I now feel like I am not attending class on Values and Cultures but a religious class. I wonder why I just can't keep my focus. Maybe God wants me to sleep this through? But I wouldn't be able to do the quizzes.

Please keep me in prayer. This is by far the worst class I have attended.

A New Beginning

2010-06-01T00:34:00.005+08:00

It's June 1st, 2010. I'm really happy that everything that had bothered me for the past 11 months have gone away. I'm embarking on a whole new journey of life. A life where I foresee many obstacles and challenges. It's going to be tough but surely fulfilling.

Overnight, a few weeks ago, I suddenly came out of everything. I felt light and joyful! Sometimes, it's amazing how prayers are answered in an instant. God really have a flexible agenda for everyone. So glad about it!

I'll be taking up a very huge challenge and definitely not an easy one. Not going to elaborate about it. It's personal.

All in all, I'm out of my misery. I seriously tried to feel or dig up those feelings. It's surprisingly non-existent already. I was jumping for joy! I never felt so happy for the past 11 months! I finally said goodbye!

Thanks also to everyone who encouraged and supported me in my weakest, darkest moments. I truly appreciate and will pay it forward! - anyone remembers/knows this term?

To That Someone

2010-05-25T22:50:00.002+08:00

This is my resolve

That Girl - David Choi

Oh, tonight I'm feeling fine
I'm alone, just wasting time
No Friday movie nights
Or romantic candle lights

I'm just having conversations
With the thoughts in my head
All I hear are angels crying
Oh, won't they just sing instead
It would be wrong for me to say

I don't need that girl by my side
I don't need that girl in my life
I don't want to talk it out
Or hold her when she cries

I don't want to say she's my kind
I don't want to say that she's mine
I don't want to tell her that
I love her more than life
More than life, Yeah
Love her more than life
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Honestly, this won't do
How is she doing?
I tell myself I'm feeling swell
But I know I'm such a fool

I could take it as a new beginning
But you know I don't feel that way
Who will take all this pain away?
I know it's wrong for me to say
I don't need that girl by my side
I don't need that girl in my life
I don't want to talk it out
Or hold her when she cries

I don't want to say she's my kind
I don't want to say that she's mine
I don't want to tell her that
I love her more than life
More than life, Yeah
Love her more than life
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Talk about a sin
Was the day I walked into the other side
I would run back in
I wouldn't waste no time
I know it's wrong for me to say

I don't need that girl by my side
I don't need that girl in my life
I don't want to talk it out
Or hold her when she cries

I don't want to say she's my kind
I don't want to say that she's mine
I don't want to tell her that
I love her more than life
More than life, Yeah
Love her more than life
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Lyrics from: lyricstime.com

我

2010-04-19T00:04:00.006+08:00

我会珍惜现在。。。过去，不值得去依依不舍。。。未来，有谁可以知道会如何。。。

我一定会用心去做自己。。。用真心去对待每个人。。。虽然会累，会受伤，但也不比每一天用面具活着来的累。需要隐瞒，欺骗，不累吗？

“没有人的记性可以好到让他能做一个很好的骗子。。。"

我知道，我身边有很多关心我的人。很谢谢他们一直以来的陪伴。坚强的面对问题，才是真真的感谢他们。

我也因该会不能再读我现在在写的一切。。。所以，大家可能问我的时候，我真的会不懂我写了什么。。。很肯定的告诉大家，别问我，因为在这里用电脑打出的，都是用Google Translate来确认，我用的字是对或错。哈哈哈，我很烂吧？

我只会说，会听，不会写，不会读。只靠着拼音，用电脑，慢慢的，小心的，打出这些字。。。对或错，只有你们会的人看得出来。。。变成笑话。。。没办法。。。只能说，对不起，我根本不懂吗。。。

好了啦。。。你们也因该不想被我这样的继续折磨吧。。。大家辛苦了。。。我也很辛苦的打这些字啊。。。

Right. I already forgotten what I wrote. I can't possibly read them again. Not a very nice feeling at all to not know what you just wrote. I have successfully posted 3 different languages on my blog. Achievement! Even if you guys want to correct me, it would be too damn hard. I won't know which one you are referring to and what you are trying to correct. Maybe explaining right beside me would help but, I won't be able to remember, since I don't even know the word.

Time to start learning I guess.

Semangat

2010-03-27T00:08:00.005+08:00

Adakah anda yang sedang membaca artikel ini memahami setitik segala yang akan saya menaip? Saya memohon maaf kepada sesiapa yang tidak memahami apa yang ditaip pada artikel ini kerana, saya sendiri tidak memahami mengapa, tiba-tiba, saya menaip dalam Bahasa Malaysia (BM).

Adakah ini suatu yang menghairankan rakan semua? Tentulah. Saya sendiri pun rasa hairan. Sejak kecil lagi, saya telah "dipaksa" mempelajari dan meggunakan BM dalam pelajaran saya. Betapa sukarnya untuk menguasai BM. Struktur ayat, tatabahasa, dan pelbagai lagi adalah amat berbeza berbanding dengan Bahasa Inggeris (BI).

Bagaimanakah BM membezakan dirinya dengan bahasa yang lebih dominan di Dunia ini? Salah satu perbezaan adalah cara mengeja sesuatu perkataan yang dipinjam daripada BI dan dimodifikasikan untuk menjadi suatu perkataan yang betul dalam BM.

Antara perkataan yang telah saya gunakan:

BM: Dominan BI: Dominant

BM: Modifikasi BI: Modify/Modification

BM: Dimodifikasikan BI: Modified

Walaubagaimanapun, BM telah wujud dalam hidup saya cukup lama sehinggalah akhir hayat saya. Sekolah rendah, sekolah menengah, hari-hari perlu menggunakan BM. Subjek-subjek sains yang sepatutnya dipelajari dalam BI juga diterjemahkan kepada BM. Apakah kebaikannya?

Berdasarkan alasan daripada pihak Kerajaan dan Kementerian Pelajaran, mempelajari mata pelajaran/subjek sains dalam BM adalah untuk mengekalkan identiti kita sebagai Rakyat Malaysia. Kita perlu mengingati bahawa Bahasa Malaysia merupakan "lingua franca" negara kita.

BM juga memupuk nilai-nilai yang membantu negara kita yang mempunyai berbagai-bagai kaum untuk berkomunikasi antara satu sama lain. Adakah BM mempunyai kuasa untuk mengekalkan toleransi antara kaum dan harmoni dalam negara? Mungkin. BM memang telah banyak membantu rakyat kita dalam aspek pertuturan/komunikasi.

Dimanakah kita boleh melihat suatu senario atau situasi yang menyokong pernyataan saya tadi? Hanya di kedai atau restoran "Mamak" yang tiada seorang rakyat Malaysia tidak tahu. Mamak adalah restoran yang kebanyakkannya didapati di mana-mana sahaja di Malaysia dan berurusniaga selama 24 jam sehari.

Kebanyakkan Mamak juga dimiliki oleh kaum India. Tetapi, Mamak mempunyai suatu keunikkan yang tidak dapat dilihat di mana-mana tempat di Malaysia, iaitu, integrasi antara kaum.

Kami memohon makanan dalam BM, tidak kira anda Cina, India ataupun Melayu. Kita duduk dan makan sesama kaum lain tanpa mempunyai setitik masalah perkauman. Kebanyakkan Mamak juga menyiarkan perlawanan bola sepak. Tidak kiralah English Premiere League ke, Kejohanan Bola Sepak Malaysia ke, kita semua boleh duduk bersama dan menyokong pasukan bola yang kita sukai.

Jika Perdana Menteri kita, Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak hendak menggalakkan rakyatnya bersikap sebagai satu negara yang bersatu-padu, 1Malaysia perlulah mempelajari daripada Mamak.

Bagaimana? Cuba fikirkanlah apa yang menyebabkan kebanyakkan di antara kita, boleh makan dan minum di Mamak tanpa sebarang pengaruh daripada sesiapa dan tidak berasa tertekan kewujudan kaum-kaum yang lain di keliling Mamak itu.

Baiklah. Cukuplah dengan kata-kata saya ini yang mungkin tidak akan mempengaruhi fikiran sesiapa yang sedang membaca artikel ini. Harap maaf jika telah membazirkan masa yang begitu berharga kepada setiap individu.

Jumpa lagi dan salam sejahtera.

ps: Aku masih tak faham kenapa aku ni tiba-tiba semangat sangat nak gunakan BM.

Confessions of a (You Name It)

2010-03-19T23:54:00.004+08:00

I don't quite get the term for what I am going through right now? So those of you with dictionary thick vocabs could give me a little suggestions here. I am seriously not myself for this month. For good or bad? Honestly, IDK.

There was a period of time, not too long ago, whereby I was able to share every bit of my life with someone. Thick or thin, good or bad. I have to admit that I enjoy sharing my life with someone. Thing have changed and I am kicking myself on how much I couldn't get over it.

Or was it because I was given no motivation to get over it? Most people normally get a huge upset from their partners and that would spur them to move on. Or at least I hope. Mine ended like, nothing ever happened. She made her decision and I followed? More like I didn't have the choice. What am I supposed to do?

I never doubted her but she doubted herself. She had to let me find out the hard way. Yet I guess, it was the best way for me to find out? On Facebook? No confrontation whatsoever. Just a clear indication, "EC, you're now my past."

Is it because it ended to quietly that I still have no idea how to get over it? Everything that we spent together, especially this month, keeps coming back to me. How she would be so tired and yet came all the way from where she stays to where I stayed in KL, just to bring me a birthday cake.

How she would do so many things for me. How I would also do the same. It's not about who's done more but the sincerity. I do sometimes question my own sincerity. I'm sorry for that. Yet I guess I never doubted yours. That silly girl who pretty much decides how my day would be at the time.

It's a struggle for me now. Every time I see her page with pictures of her being (hopefully) happy with someone else. I just felt, that would've been me. But it wasn't. The fact that when I thought I was still her partner, she was already someone else's. I knew nothing about it. I wondered if she ever knew I was going to not get out of this easily.

This year's birthday is so going to be different. Just because I don't have the mood. No anticipation on what "someone" is going to do for me. A short notice to whoever that is planning to do something to me this 21st birthday, I might not be too damn happy about it. I thank you guys for the planning but I really haven't got over this.

So how long has it been now? Probably near 8 months? I lost track. Don't know if she got over the 2 years we spent but she is with someone else now. Not like it was recently but before she even hinted about break-up. She couldn't take the physical distance. Sorry I kept you by my side almost every time that made you got so used to it.

Don't even know if she is reading now. If you are, I'm just trying to say out how I've been these few months. Good but not too good. I hope you are doing far better than I am. You being happy just keeps telling me you made the right choice alright?

I might not be able to even get over you. I just have to live with the fact that you have carved into my memories significantly enough that I have to live with it and move on. I will find a way. I will.

I refrain myself from trying to find a replacement. It would just be unfair for that girl. Until I find a way to love someone with you locked somewhere in my memories, and until some girl accepts this part of me, that would be the day I know I am spending the rest of my life with that girl.

I must say, I really try very hard to find a wife rather than just a girlfriend. Guess now I have to wait much longer to get myself fixed before I even have the chance to get married. Don't starting laughing off about a kid talking about marriage. In fact, I know more about it than most people (adults) thought they do.

I know very well how prepared I am to be committed to someone. I know what comes with marriage. What kind of responsibilities. I know I can have a great family in future. I just know it. I'm being realistic. I'm not dreaming about it because I know it's not a dream.

Marriage is not your funeral if you know what comes with it and have made sure you are up to it.

Tee Minus 4 Days (T - 4 Days)

2010-03-18T15:56:00.002+08:00

In four days, I'm going to hit Blackjack age. Feels like it was just recently that I last celebrated my last birthday. And that is not helping. There goes all the mood changes. No, I'm not pregnant, nor do I have PTSD, or whatever you are thinking right now.

I feel like I should just lock myself in the room and enjoy great jazz music the whole day. Probably chatting with God knows who that is free on that day. I just can't understand what's with the non-anticipative mood I have here. Maybe I do have the answer, but I'm just in denial.

I guess I shouldn't say anything in public. If any of you feel like asking, just drop me a message on MSN or e-mail me. I hope I could get out if this slump now. Who in the world gets emo over their coming birthday?! Oh right, ME. *Eason Cheah is a weirdo!* *slaps forehead*.

Enough. Something else to share about. I just completed classes of my first module and boy it was a nice one. I can't believe I'm about to say that I enjoyed my American History class. HISTORY! Can you believe it? Well, it's largely due to the lecturer. He's like a grandpa telling stories of his life, with much fun and love in it.

Dr. Llyod Musselman. I will miss you as a history lecturer. Nobody teaches history like you do. Well at least that is what it is for me so far. The guys in the course are all individually special. Hung out with some of them and it wasn't bad at all. Now I feel our class duration is just too short for us to bond. M-35, make more effort to bond please!

So exam and assignment deadline are on 10th April. I hope I could do well enough. I'm so not cut out for academic purposes. Books are literally my sleeping pills. I hope I could get through the chapters.

Maybe some of you could suggest what I should do for my first day of Blackjack age?

Fresh Start

2010-03-09T18:31:00.002+08:00

I felt I had to post at least a little of what has happened since the start of my classes, which was yesterday (8th March). I must say, it is quite good.

A small info on what my course is like first. I will be doing a module by module basis. Each module takes 9 days of classes. Exam and assignments deadline comes with it about 3 weeks later. As for my first module, my classes are from 8.30 A.M. to 12 P.M. Lecturers are all from the awarding university, Oklahoma City University.

It seems my first module has a large concentration on American history for now. Lecturer is American, he's old but young at heart. Very easy for me to keep listening just because the English isn't monotonous. Why can't our history classes be like that last time? He keeps sharing stories that really tends to keep me listening at least.

I got to know a few people and am trying hard to know all of them but maybe not yet as there isn't much time as you can see. For now, the majority are Singaporeans. There's one from PRC. 5 from Indonesia which I think 2 or 3 of them are Indochinese. 1 from India but already a resident in Singapore. Lastly, me and another girl from Boleh-land. I only have a class size of less than 20 students.

I am currently residing at my best mate's house. Really blessed to have such great friends around me. Thank God for them. Those of you who wants to know my Singapore cell number, please contact me via e-mail for now or when you see me. I will pass it to you if you need and haven't got a message from me.

Looking forward to all my classes and meeting new people.

Blessings in Disguise

2010-02-01T14:55:00.004+08:00

I just can't put into words to describe how happy I am now. Even over the moon seems unhappy enough!

Recently, I have been really busy on many things. All the way from December, I didn't have much time to look into my future studies. I did have a little spare time when it was early January. So I took some time to decide on a school to further my studies. So far, it only seemed like MDIS is the best choice for me after considering many circumstances.

I then contacted with the staff at MDIS for inquiries. As that went on for a few weeks, I was juggling between helping my sis out for her wedding as well. I've had so little time for myself but I really didn't worry too much. My worries only came when I was unsure if I am ready for studies.

So I left everything completely to God. Let it be if it's meant to be. Of course, nothing would be drop unto you just like that. Not all the time. Never take God for granted. I kept reminding myself on Abraham's case. His faith. Taking the first step. Whether if it's a mistake, if it's out of faith, God will make it right.

So I took my first step, although unsure, I went on to rush in my application for MDIS. Last Friday (29th Jan) was supposedly the deadline. I got it done on time. So I felt a load off my shoulders. I don't have to worry about what to do next. I was sure there's bound to be things to do already.

I was told that I needed to take up the Advanced Diploma course first in order to get my Bachelor of Arts Degree. It's a package. 8 months AD, 18 months BA. So it would take me 26 months approximately. And then I was just slightly concerned about the rush as the AD classes would start on 22nd February. I haven't settled my accommodation at all. So I just told myself, travel daily will be fine. Just trust God's strength.

Today, God gave me the biggest surprise of my life so far. I received an e-mail from the school saying that the university approved my diploma results, allowing me to go for the BA course directly! 18 months and starts on 8th March! I couldn't believe it but immediately I knew, God want's me there, He is telling me I am ready to study.

I went to the point that I was crying out of joy. Pure joy. I held it and started sending e-mail to my sis and bro-in-law. I just couldn't wait to share this joy. They were with me all this while and this is definitely how God works! I had to share it!

God always gives us more than what we expect. Just keep walking with Him. All He wants was us to Love Him. When we do, everything else is secondary. The greatest commandment that most of the time, we neglect or take it lightly.

Matthew 22:37-40 (New International Version)

³⁷Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ⁴⁰All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

This is my testimony. More will come and I'm sure of it. Looking forward to a great year indeed. Praise God!

Reasons Why Cafes in JB Will Not Make It

2010-01-21T19:48:00.004+08:00

Cafes in JB really are of abundance. Nearly everywhere we could find one. The problem: Only 1 out 10 are worth a second visit. That is how bad I think it is.

It almost seems like a stupid culture that JB people have. Seeing people open a cafe and have good business means you can do the same. Then you open one and don't know why in the world you fail and close down or hanging on for dear life financially.

First thing. The Menu race. I don't understand why every Menu I see in cafes are loaded with choices and only 10% or less are, well, at least better quality to eat. When someone orders something not your specialty, you give the excuse of "because it's not our specialty." Then why is it even in the Menu? And please, stop using the Menu if it's dirty or looked like it came from a rubbish dump!

And PLEASE stop showing me Menu with all kinds of grammar errors!

Lamp Chop? Appertizer? Smooties? Far too many to name.

Next, Service. Most of them charge a hefty 10% service tax. Most of them as well don't even deserve it. They don't give a damn on how bad your food or how good it was. Slow to serve. Inattentive. I understand the "budget" terms of hiring non-professionals. Yet how hard is it for you to train them to at least behave like one? No smiles. Can't understand English when the whole Menu is English.

Most important, Food. Why in the world do you serve lousy food and still expect customers? Overcooked steak, fish, spaghetti, under-seasoned, not fresh, can't even get chicken chop correct. Local food? There are far too many of you that mess that up. That is totally unforgivable. Don't sell when you can't even do it properly!

Desserts. Yes it's DESSERTS. Not DESERTS! I don't want to eat sand! (Although however most of the time what you make is as good as sand) And all you serve is ice-cream, especially those I can buy at any 7-Eleven! I can count with my fingers how many actually sells proper desserts like cake, brownie, puddings, fudge, so on. So far still no sufle available.

Also, stop telling me you are selling much cheaper Hot Chocolate than Starbucks/Coffee Bean that's why it's not as good. Please, it's not even near "not as good". It's appalling! It's just like a chocolate coloured water with loads of sugar in it! Same goes for your latte, mocha, coffee, anything ice-blended.

If you think it's so easy to open a proper dining place, then everyone would be millionaires. Cocky boss who thinks there's nothing wrong with his food, service and price, when customers complain every day, you are going down, Big time! If half your customers don't like your food, you're doomed.

We are paying customers, not there to see your mood and how much money you have. We have the right to reject your food and service! So far, with so many cafes in JB, only a handful are going to be successful. Just because they are people with the right mindset.

On an unrelated note, watch this video. Very much unintentionally revealed what some people don't know what they are doing.

When All We Do is Pray for Them.

2010-01-08T15:53:00.002+08:00

I guess it can't be avoided that the situation now in Malaysia is getting very bad. Speak about persecution. Just today, 2 churches were burnt by arsonists in displease of the "Allah" controversy.

Protests held in Masjid Negara. I'm seeing 2010 a start of tests for us followers. It was never mentioned that that word is strictly for them. And as far as translation goes, it's the most accurate translation available now.

What religion teaches to ignite violence at any time you feel slightly threatened? Are you not taught to reserve peace? Is this how you "show" your faith? By burning down another's Holy place? Did we ever come to physical violence with you at all? Did we try to bring down your nearly every mile available mosques?

As far as my faith goes. Persecution comes with it. And we are only asked to pray for our enemies at most. We are to love one another. What if there were civilians in the building when you burnt it down? Are you not called TERRORISTS then? Are you not igniting disharmony?

Why does violence flood your minds? Why do you threaten and inject fear into the public? Is this what you are taught? I highly doubt. Attacking when the opponent is unarmed, that is in every way unethical, immoral, and inhumane.

As for Christians, please keep the country in prayer.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edgemalaysia/sets/72157623039739167/show/

I'm Back!

2010-01-07T03:19:00.005+08:00

Right, I am very very sorry for the very long, overdue hiatus. December was very very busy for me. So now, I finally can give a little update on what has been going on.

Been busy with many important events in church. Tiring but really fulfilling. To bless is a blessing itself. From Christmas party to countdown, it was non-stop literally for me. I still did have fun though.

So, it's 2010 already. What is there to look forward to? I should most likely be heading to Singapore soon to further my studies. Not confirmed yet but shouldn't be much of a problem I hope. If you are following me on Facebook, you'd probably notice that there was a wedding that I went to shoot.

I'm not paid. I requested to be given a chance to shoot. As a form of practice. It was a pleasant experience. Normally you'd see photographs of the bride preparing in the morning. I got the groom side, since the bride side has been covered by pros.

I also went to Singapore the same day in the afternoon for a concert shoot and couple photo shoot. Rather nice scenery but really too little time. Needed to rush the couple shoot and head back to Malaysia for the same wedding's dinner banquet.

I still did manage to shoot a few decent shots for the couple. Not going to show too many here as they haven't seen the final outcome yet.

Also was my first time shooting a stage performance during the banquet. It wasn't easy. Well, many more chances in the future. I shall improve!

Here, I would sincerely like to thank Eric and May Ching and congratulate both of you as well. May God bless your marriage. Many thanks to Zoe and Thomas for allowing me to practice shooting them as I've never done couple photo shoot before. Thank Zoe again for the overwhelming gift. I really didn't deserve it.

Here are some photos. Sorry that full photos are on my Facebook. And a belated Happy New Year everyone!

Visit my flickr for more pictures.

Hiatus

2009-12-17T03:01:00.003+08:00

Sorry for the long hiatus and it's still going to go on.

Will be very busy throughout the end of this year and beginning next year.

One thing for sure, I should be back after Christmas.

Until then, Merry Christmas everyone!

Google Wave

2009-12-01T02:02:00.002+08:00

I got the Google Wave account!! And so far, it's pretty awesome to use!

My Early Christmas Gift

2009-11-30T11:03:00.003+08:00

If most of you have been facebook-ing lately, you would see me posting pictures that I consider probably the best Christmas present for me.

I visited some Orang Asli (Aboriginal People) last Friday for some community project. Mainly having a good time with the kids there.

Seeing the urban life of kids these days just further made life more and more idle. The abundance of Internet and technology that pre-occupy kids these days are really taking away some valuable meaning and essence of life in them.

The freedom and innocence of a kid is taken away at an early age by the urban world. Addiction to the Internet and games is one factor that is worsening as I write this blog post. In some countries, portable gaming gadgets like PSP is taking away the times for them to see this world's beauty which is depleting as well right now.

How would they learn how to appreciate what's around them and build better character if their eyes are glued to screens at this early age? Kids are a blank piece of paper that is being written as they grow up. Now this task is passed to the Internet and games, or simply said, "Screens".

Character building doesn't come from gaming. It comes from going through different life experiences in different stages of life, mainly with people around them, not screens.

Some would even think, "What is life without the great Internet?" I believe I would have started to pull my hair if the Internet went down for hours. Yet the kids in the Orang Asli settlement don't seem to be affected at all, in fact has much more joy and purity in them compared to anybody.

They are obedient, has fun whenever they can, not greedy (they didn't even dare to get a second round of food), accepting themselves and never complaining. How often do we do that?

Just look at the pictures.

Did they make you smile? If you didn't then you need to really do some reflection. Till my next post then.

Unboxing: Seagate FreeAgent Desk 1TB

2009-11-14T00:32:00.004+08:00

Sorry for the lifelessness of my blog. I don't have much to blog these days. Rather busy for this week too. I still managed to carve out some precious time to go get myself a much needed external "add-on" to my hard disk space.

I got myself a Seagate FreeAgent Desk 1TB. I waited 2 years for this. It is FINALLY affordable for me. RM350, 5 years limited warranty. A good bargain right?

Now here are the pictures.

Quality seal

USB Cable

Stand

Interchangeable head adapter

So you guys think it's worth it? I definitely think so. I gotta get back to work now. See you all soon!

Photoshop Fun

2009-11-03T15:10:00.005+08:00

Was playing with Photoshop with a few new things that I learned. Makeovers. It sure is more fun than playing around with new designs. It also tells how much things on the Internet are not what they are.

First, lip colour/lipstick/ lipgloss.

Before

After

Before

After

It may not necessary look better but I'm just showing that it can be done.

Next, make up. Can get a lot better. Eyeshadows and so on. But I decided to make 1 person look gay.

Before

After

Need to imagine how you would look with a potential Halloween make up? Try Photoshop your face first!

Last, altering face and enhancing looks.

Before

After

Before

After

First one may look slightly fake though. I really liked the result of the second set. So you can see here, enhancements differ from facial shape, eye size, facial defects, bust enlargements, eye enlargements.

Don't you just love Photoshop? It works wonders!!

I need to add doing eye-liner to my skills. Enhancing eye colour can be fun too but none of them I've showed in my samples. Don't have a good eye picture. Till then, hope you guys like the "enhancements".

Fresh Air

2009-11-02T20:06:00.002+08:00

I ended the month of October with a really nice outing with CG members and a good friend. Although it was a rainy/gloomy day, we still did enjoy ourselves.

The only thing that lacked in the outing was the company of Mr. Sun. We just needed a little of him yet he refuses to come out until 4PM. So in a way, it's good that the sun isn't around and bad because it's really hard to get a good picture.

Now, I really haven't been able to find a job. It seems that I should go study? Well, I still have a little bit of time. Shall continue to hunt for a job. There's no intakes anyway.

A Triggered Memory

2009-10-29T00:07:00.000+08:00

29/10...

No More McDonald's In The Near Future!

2009-10-28T15:56:00.004+08:00

I shall officially stop eating McDonald's. I've had it once a week for the past seven weeks. Just because I wanted to collect their contour glasses.

Now that I have collected them all, I better watch my diet all over again. Seven agonizing weeks of collecting one by one. Here are the pictures.

Now shall continue concentrate on collecting my never ending Hot Wheels production cars collection (not those stupid looking cars they have).

Note to Self: Make The Best of What You Have Now

2009-10-23T08:07:00.003+08:00

Lately, I've been on and off about getting a new phone, a new laptop, a new camera etc. Then again, I don't really need them.

My phone is still working, probably needs a battery replacement that's all. My laptop, well its kind of "Hot" as in it heats up like a microwave and I need a battery replacement for it as well. Camera? Let's just say, it's a tool to take pictures and don't mean better cameras will make my pictures better.

Well it's still no harm to want something right? Just that it doesn't mean you have to get it. I want a new phone. Not sure what but am considering a few models. Nokia E72, Blackberry Storm, Curve 8520, Curve 8900, iPhone 3GS. Wonder why iPhone is last? Because too many of you own it! Gets boring you see.

Laptop? Any decent laptop will be better than mine now I guess. But, I will want a Macbook at best. Don't mean I must get an iPhone though. I'd rather get an iPod Touch.

Camera? This is where everything starts to get out of hand. Expensive stuff. Sorry people, I love Nikon but I have to use Canon. Why? Simple as, I'm impatient when it comes to focusing. Nikon is really "SLOW" not sure though with "High-end" lenses. Tried D90 and it pissed me off! Even my standard 1000D focuses faster! Not to mention if I want a 7D or at least a 50D with USM lenses. Talk about speed!

Pardon me Nikon users, too used to photojournalism shooting. Speed is (nearly) everything. I have great respect for D700 and D3 though. Not too fancy about Canon's 1D Mk3/1Ds Mk3. Definitely not a fan of the D3X. D3 is still the best! However, let's see the replacement D3S will do better.

Alright, I should stop. All of these won't be anywhere near me in the near future anyway. I love what I have. I'm happy enough.

Whatever Happens, He Understands

2009-10-20T20:06:00.002+08:00

You know, every time we think, "Nobody will ever understand me! You have never been through losing a loved one!" we should always remember that there IS one person who understands.

So whenever we feel that nobody understands us, remember God does. He gave His Son to us. He watched His Son sacrifice for us humans so that we could all go back to Heaven and be with Him again. No greater love has been shown. The ultimate Salvation.

Christians out there, this is also an encouragement to you alright? Pray to Him. Hand your sorrows to Him and He will take you on the wings of the eagles.

I just felt that many people around me is suddenly getting very emotional and there isn't much I could do but to continue encouraging them. Hope you guys feel better soon!

Rainbow After The Rain

2009-10-15T15:28:00.002+08:00

It's quite amazing how much things would turn out in the end. When you thought what could be worse, sit and think, there actually is. And that would really help make me feel better. Sorry everyone to have all of you worrying for the bloody emotional me. And yes, this post is to tell all of you that I am feeling much better now.

Basically, I have got the answers I needed. I have cried all I want. I had my music, food and friends therapy. Definitely works. Well, the fact is that what happened to me was the best of all that could have happened to me. I thank God for that.

I would have been saving up enough money and buy me a bus ticket all the way back to KL just to see her again. Now I'm glad that it didn't turn out that way. This would just make things real hard for any of us. I would have to face the truth with my own eyes, and would definitely have been devastated and may hate her.

God wanted me to see it first and so that now, I don't have any reason to hate her at all. The more I should be glad about it. God didn't want me to have hate in anyone. I guess that's why I had to know it before I even want to go KL.

So, yes, everything is settled now. I don't hate you. I still love you, just that the love I have for you now is how I love a friend. People, all the more none of you are to judge her. Who are we to judge? We both have our reasons and we know it.

I am feeling a lot better. I waited for the rainbow after the rain. Now, seeing the rainbow, my heart will start to let go.

All the best to you and thank you for being part of my life. God bless you.

I Guess I Was A Fool

2009-10-14T14:17:00.003+08:00

I wonder how many agrees but in recent surveys done, over 60% of guys look for a potential wife in a girlfriend. And I can't help but to agree. At least for me, it is that way. And just when I thought I may have found one, everything had to go into the drain. Long distance relationship don't work for any of us? I don't know. I tried to keep it but I guess it was that way for her.

And now, after more than 3 months, only have I found out that I was a stupid fool. Why am I still so emotional about it? Why am I still hoping one day we could get together again? Why did I keep trying to plan a trip back to KL just to see her again? Why did everything had to come down to the truth that only can be found out in FB?

I tried to let go. I tried not to interfere with your life. I guess it is what you want me to do. Maybe you don't even read what I write anymore. I have no idea how you moved on but I just couldn't. Everything we been through always comes back to me. I even still dream of you yet it's all a dream.

Guess I'm just another idiot. Honestly, I never wanted it to end but because I loved you so much that I couldn't bare to see you suffer. I had to agree with what you wanted. I thought you were suppose to try living without me. And yes, maybe you have succeeded in doing so. And the fool in me isn't doing quite well.

I held on the every single hope to have you come back. I held every single hope to go back to KL and give you a hug. But I guess, it's no use anymore. Someone else has taken that place in such a short time. I guess I'm pretty worthless now. I can't even bare to see the things you give me get dirty or even touch the ground.

How long am I still going to have to be in this state? You've said nothing to me. I tried talking to you. I didn't want to check but I still did. Guess I'm a stupid idiot who had no idea he's been single for more than 3 months already.

Why do I keep crying whenever I think of you? Even as of now, typing this, I can't hold back my tears. I've tried so hard but now it's no longer a point. You should have just told me. And I guess what the heck? I'm no longer your priority.

What can I do? I'm just a fool 400KM away from you. Holding on to hopes that are bound to be dashed.

I loved you. I still do. No idea if it will ever go away any soon. Seems like you've moved on, I'm glad for you. As being glad, is all I can do.

114 and Counting

2009-10-10T15:15:00.003+08:00

Day 114. What does it mean? I know very well what it means. Time flies. How do I feel? Probably not so bad already. It's been rather packed for the past 114 days for me. Events, outings, movies, so on.

Let's just say, I've learned so much that the past 114 days have proven how much I've learned. I'm glad that the feelings I had had nothing to do with hate. This is by far the best outcome. Let's just hope for a better future. So many things lying ahead, unseen, unwritten. I guess we both gave each other the opportunity to open a new chapter in life.

I certainly hope it never had to be this way. However, I do understand. It's the wisest thing to do at this age. I sincerely want the best for you and I know you want that too. Everything has a reason why it happens, so I guess it's up to us to find the answer.

Hopefully, you have learned as much from me as I have from you. Applying it in our lives as we see fit. Everything of you will be kept vividly in my memories. You know very well how I keep memories. In a way, you were a blessing in my life. Hope it goes the same for you.

Let us focus on our future and leave everything to the hands of God. He will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways, we cannot see, He will make a way. May joy and peace be in the both of us.

Do take care of yourself. Love yourself alright? See you again someday. Looking forward to the day we meet again.

Mid-Autumn & Birthdays

2009-10-06T23:31:00.003+08:00

Very eventful past week I had. Celebrated Mid-Autumn and birthdays of 2 very gorgeous individuals. I guess I'd leave the talking to the pictures.

Who Says Secondary School Relations Don't Last?

2009-09-29T00:52:00.011+08:00

Was back in Melaka for the past weekend for my eldest cousin's wedding. I must say it's really tiring but very very rewarding.

A brief explanation of my title for this post. Yes, my cousin and his current wedded wife had known each other since secondary school and I guess its nearly 10 years now that they had been together? Not sure but it's really remarkable. Blessed marriage! p.s. I'M NOT ENCOURAGING ANYBODY TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP IN SECONDARY SCHOOL. You can try but don't expect much. One in a million chance you will be like my cousin. And Ronan Keating I think.

Being able to meet up with my far away, long time not seen Uncle and his family back from NZ was really nice. Apparently, April, has completely forgotten me. Sigh. And I managed to carve myself into her memory by being mean to a cat during Friday reunion dinner.

Let's just say, I love animals but definitely not cats that always gets too comfortable laying around. I just sometimes hate their arrogance. So I sort of, lightly rest my foot on the cat's tail and it reacted so fiercely that I had to give it a slight kick. And that was how I got the stare from April.

Anyway, I guess I could still apologize for being mean to cats. Sorry April. So, I was dead tired and crashed in bed once we got back to our, hotel/house. It's a house but bought by some smart businessman and renovated it, and made it look like such a nice home for guests to rent for a few nights. Next time I go to Melaka, this is where I'd stay!

So Saturday was the day. I was dead beat and woke up late. Hence, it lead to me rushing around to get ready and be at the tea ceremony in time, and astonishingly, to my surprise, I DID NOT BRING MY CAMERA ALONG!!!

So I did not get any kind of pictures during the tea ceremony. A seriously bad mistake that if I were to be working right now, I'd be fired almost certainly. So we went back after the lunch and I spent some time catching a few valuable winks. It didn't last long.

Everyone gathered downstairs and the conversations woke me up, reluctantly. So I went downstairs and had a chat with my uncles. Do a little catch up with my NZ uncle. Then we had to prepare for the dinner.

This time, my camera was with me at all times. And managed to get a few decent shots. I guess the hired photographer was already up to the task. Can't wait to see her work soon.

Here's some pictures I took at the dinner.

The one in green is April.

All the way from NZ

Visit stephtan.com

One of my favourite piece.

At least now you remember who I am?

So these are just part of the shots I have. I guess the best experience was being able to hold the photographer's camera for 10 secs? Thanks Steph Tan if you're reading this. I could only dream of holding a D300 fully equipped with a good lens and flash. Although its short lived but I am satisfied. Holding back my urge though to keep on shooting with your camera.

I still have loads of things I need to improve before even buying equipment that expensive. At least April gave me loads opportunities to shoot portraits, of her and others that is. I seldom shoot portraits. Explains my poor skill I guess? But no excuses. I'm just not good enough!

When The Ligths Go Out

2009-09-13T22:22:00.004+08:00

Just 2 hours ago, I was in a pitch dark house. The power supply got cut. No idea why it happened and on this really hot day. Well, was bored and it was stuffy, so I took out my camera and had a little fun to distract myself from being stuffed by the heat.

Sorry for the poor handwriting. It wasn't easy and it's my first time trying this out after coming across the art of it a year ago. Those "artists" drew landscapes of skyscrapers which I just couldn't draw. Probably on my next try.

Not bad for beginner light art I guess?

A Letter That May Never Reach

2009-09-09T22:37:00.004+08:00

I know this letter may never reach to any of you. Yet I still choose to write it because, perhaps I have bottled it up for far too many years. Maybe this is the only way I could pray and hope both of you may someday come to read it. I just don't know how to bring this up face to face. Probably it may be too complex. Probably it may be too hard to put it into a conversation with you both. Probably, all this is just another probability.

I would say, I basically grew up on my own. Not saying that you both have never brought me up but in a way that you were both always not around. I know since young, I had to live life with tremendous expectations and pressure. I know you both have worked so hard to give a life to both me and sis. And I know as well, at many points, we may have disappointed you both in ways we could never know how bad it is.

I remember the days where I had to be sent to kindergarten early in the morning. That includes waking up before the sun even shines and then reach kindergarten, giving just enough time for you both to go to work. I remember how I wished my parents could pick me up after kindergarten just like all the other kids. Yet I have to settle down with my daycare nanny.

I remember the days where I could only see you both properly when night comes. All I could do was wait for every night to come, and waiting for you both to pick me up from the daycare. I remembered I had so much to share about what happened in kindergarten but ended up too tired and never said a word.

I remember the days where you both sent me to church when I was young on Saturdays just so that I don't have to be alone at home on Saturdays. And I guess it's only Saturdays that I could expect to see you both for a longer time and not needing to wait until night comes. Not to mention Sundays, where I get a whole day with you both.

Then time had to move on. I stepped into primary school. The feeling back then was like being in a whole new environment. I remembered how you, Mom was there for me the first day. Probably because you were working nearby, so you could visit me during recess times. And as I made friends, you need not visit me so often anymore.

Throughout Primary 1 and 2, I enjoyed the privilage of having you both picking me up after school, just because you both have finished work as well. However there were a few times where I waited and waited, and waited again, until the sun went down, nobody was there to pick me. I had to be brave. Even the guard was closing the gate. Everytime I see a car, I would stand and wished it was you both. After many disappointments, you both finally came. All I could do was smile.

Primary 3 was a totally different experience. Sis got to Form 3 by then. She suddenly was in the morning session if I recalled correctly. I remembered waking up with nobody at home and had to prepare myself for school. The bus would always arrive at probably 11 A.M. I remembered you, Mom always calling home to make sure I am awake and tell me what you have prepared for me to eat in the rice cooker.

There were times where I woke up late and had to rush, flying in and out of the shower and dressing up. Often even skipping the food you prepared for me. Soon, I got used to going to school empty stomached and thank God I barely had any gastric attacks. Maybe I was still young and gastric was never my worry, or maybe I never knew what it was at all back then.

You, Mom, even visited me on Fridays where the school starts at 2.20 P.M. and I would have already be there by 12.40 P.M. because of the school bus. You would accompany me troughout your lunch hour and walk all the way back to your office again. I remembered waiting anxiously for you at the canteen gate, excited to have lunch with you. As time went by, I told you not to come anymore because it's way too tiring and far.

Then, it was my turn as well to be in the morning session. Now me and my sis will go to school together again. But it wasn't easy. I remembered Sis had to wake up at 4.30 A.M. to use the shower before I wake up at about 5 A.M. and it was my turn to use it or we would both be late. It was tough. But Mom, you still woke up earlier than us to make sure we were both ready to go to school.

Those were the time I picked up the habit of not taking any food until school's recess time. That was about 10 A.M. Everytime school ends, I would wait for the bus again and head back home. School ends at 1 P.M. and I often reach home about 2.30 P.M. You would call everyday to check if we got home. Sometimes I even go home alone when Sis had extra curricular activities to attend. Often too as well, there is always food you kept for us as lunch.

Then as I got to Primary 6, things were even more different. I had the pressure of UPSR on me. Sis already finished her studies and went on to further her studies. That was when you only had to wake me up in the mornings at 5 A.M. Most of the time I had the alarm set and was also then I got used to waking up with an alarm. The bus always comes at around 5.40 A.M. and you would always stay up until then to see me off.

UPSR was lurking near. I was pressurized and tried my best. I may not have got a very good result like you would have wanted me to, but I still made it through. Many of my friends got 5As and I only had 3As with 2Bs. That was also when my life started to change tremendously. Most of them got to elite schools, where as I, was given a place in a school just built beside our house. I got into the school where it has only been operating for the 2nd year.

You told me I deserved it because I didn't do as well as my friends and now I am seperated. Yet I think it opens a new chapter in my life. I wouldn't have met the friends I have now. I would have had the same friends I had in primary school. However, every new environment is a new challenge to get used to. It wasn't easy but I got the hang of it soon.

I got streamed into the morning session since Form 1. I only had to wake up at 6.15 A.M. and will be at school before 7.05 A.M. Walking to school is only 7 minutes max. Although I thought you, Mom wouldn't need to wake up so early anymore to wake me up for school, you still woke up at 5.30 A.M. everyday. Maybe because all those years of waking up early had made your bio-clock work this way.

Secondary school life was easier at the beginning. Home was only walking distance away. Yet the same scenario always occurs. I could only see you both at night. Maybe I got used to it. All the problems I had in school or in personal life, I deal with them by myself. I know that I am in no position to cause extra worries for you both. I grew rapidly. Getting used to the life where nobody will be home at all until at least 7 P.M. everyday.

PMR came closer. My pressure builds up again. You, Mom, would always make sure I am studying. You made me take up tuitions and crash courses to brush up my weak subjects. I got through it in the end. Yet my results don't seem to impress anybody. I got A's. Only for English, Bahasa, Maths, Science and KH (Living Skills). I didn't score Straight A's like many did. I still ended up in the science stream for Form 4.

I got lazier. I find things harder. I couldn't cope with my Maths and Additional Maths. Both of them were killing me. Everytime test results are out, I wouldn't dare let you see. I'd get much scolding from you with such poor results. Soon, I begin to also not do well in Bio, Chemistry and Physics. Probably because I couldn't catch the terms properly or work out the links necessary to understand. Or probably it was all in Bahasa.

I had all those problems and ended up with poor SPM results. I was sad and I know you were too. Maybe all those years in Secondary school, we have both quarreled at many times. And maybe some, I've hurt you with my words. I'm utterly sorry. Maybe it was stress, maybe it was desperation. I don't know. Probably saying sorry now is worth nothing at all too.

Probably, this was the way God wanted me to grow up. So that I could experience Him at times of distraught. Yet my foolishness and weak self always pulls me away from Him. I have disappointed Him time and time again. Forsaking Him. Then I had a chance, PLKN caught me and I had to leave home, just when I thought I could spend some quality time with the family after all those years.

3 months. I had to be somewhere by myself. Yet it seemed like almost I was born ready for it. I had no problems taking care of myself. Since I had been independent from a very very young age. I came back to Him, and He made my life better in camp. I called home every single day, apart from the few final weeks where activities were packed. I still manage to call home and say "Hi" to Mom at least.

Many things were awesome. Until the camp ended, SPM, results followed and like I said, it was poor. I only had A for both English papers and EST. Fancy scoring A for GCE-O English. Everything else was just rubbish. Then my dilemma came. I applied for Singapore and I didn't get any placing. Well, of course, look at my results. And I ended up taking a course I never thought of taking in TARC.

Journalism, how hard can it be? I was so wrong. I was exposed to so many things about the media and further proving my own believes at many points. Spending 2 years in KL was not what I wanted. Yet I have to. And again, this 2 years, I have forsaken Him. Forsaken myself as well. Things got really hard. I slowly learnt how hard it was to take life all by your ownself. I bet God was laughing at how foolish I was for the 2 years in KL.

I didn't have problem living by myself in KL though. I guess growing up the way I had, has benefits of itself too. I can control my homesickness. I only go back during breaks. I found myself a really great girlfriend. But I guess, we might never have any kind of future as far as I know now. Sin caught up to me like I let it take over. The devil must be so happy.

I did what I shouldn't. Drinking with friends. Yet probably, my own self dicipline was a good thing I had. I didn't resort to smoking, drugs, clubbing, and so on. But it is very tiring. God gave me a tough lesson on how hard it can be living life by yourself. It was seriously hard. And now I'm left with a path ahead of me that I could not see clearly, I really had to give up.

Coming back to Him was my only option and I sure took my time. I was so hesitant because I felt so guilty. I kept asking myself, "Keep coming back and leaving, who did I took God for?" However, somehow, I prompted myself, I have to make the decision to go back and stop being so foolish and stupid. It's time I go and redeem myself. I want to go back to Him.

Now that I have finally started to go back to live my life with God, I guess the devil is trying to get me back out again. It is really tough. But I already said to God, I will not forsake Him again. I must fight this fight.

Mom, Dad, I know now you both want me to further my studies immediately. I know you both have worked your lives just to get me through my studies. I'm sorry that I have been so useless. I'm sorry that I really want to go work for a year first before I decide which field to go to. I need the exposure. I'm sorry that by wanting to work 1 year means you both can't retire for another extra year. I really feel bad.

I know a degree is a security. I know it applies in any kind of way. But Mom, Dad, please try to understand, I don't want to waste your hard earned money on a rushed degree that I go blindly taking. I want a security myself too. I want to make sure I'm not wasting the money you both worked for. Mass Communication is not a field where paper qualifications win. People with SPM can anytime cast us out just because they pull strings and people happen to like their work.

It's such a subjective field whereby anybody can be replaced in no time at all. A field where a company will not fall just becaused they replaced someone with another that they like more. I'm just trying to let you know that, I will study once I know where I want to further. I have to be such a useless child to make you both work over your retirement age. I'm really, really sorry.

However, I thank you both. I didn't go to a wasted life. I didn't go astray. I grew so much more matured than my age dictates. I think so much more further than most of the people of my age. Somehow, I just grew for the better, eventhough you both were never around to see what I'm doing. But I am feeling very down. I just want a little acknowledgement from you both. I know my result have never been something you both could brag about. Yet I have done many other things, things not academic. But you both have never seen them.

You both have been saying I waste a lot of time on things I shouldn't. Yet I still defied that and did what I do. You both have never heard of testimonies of me yes? I don't know if those testimonies would make you both proud but I wish, maybe someday, you would hear some and acknowledge what I do.

When will you both ever see the non-academic part of me? God has given me many other qualities yet they are always hiden from both your sights. When will you ever see them? How long more will the devil continue to blindfold the both of you? And now, it all comes down to only 1 option left for me. All I could do was pray. I pray you both would see God some day and acknowledge Him. I pray you both will see the other side of me that I tried so hard to show. I pray we can be a family like many other families.

I certainly pray that we can accept each other and live like a loving family. Time is running short. I am desperate. Although I grew up with most part of my life being with friends. Yet I still yearn for the day to come where I can compensate the times we lost, the times where we should have been together. This is my greatest wish and my prayers every day.

Mom, Dad, I really love you both. I'm sorry for being such a lousy son. I just couldn't help myself at times when I see people having a family and whereas I have a family, but why is mine so different? I want to work things out. I want to change how you both look at me and accept me like my friends have accepted me, all the more, how God has accepted me. I pray for that day to come.

I love you both.

With love,

Your son,

Eason

Making Moments Last

2009-09-04T13:10:00.009+08:00

Been in some editing mode for this past few days. I must say I'm not too good at it yet but at least it is rewarding enough to even give it a try. I edited some really nice and memorable pictures I took in camp.

I hope I could do better though. No worries, I only added minor editing like filters and lighting effects. So basically, it's still pretty much original in a way.

Behold, my favourite piece.

"Time may never stop, but pictures put the best times to a stop."

That's my own quote f.y.i.

I Do

2009-08-31T19:27:00.006+08:00

Just got back from my 3 day Church Camp and it was colossal! Dr. Simon's 3 session talk was an eye opener and definitely turned perspectives. Given a great environment at Austin Hills Golf Resort, this camp is truly by far, the best yet!

We were given rooms that could fit 10 King sized beds and still had room to walk, not including yet the uber huge toilet too! 6 foot long air-cond blowers are seriously my 1st time seeing it in a hotel room. No wait, it's more like a suite! Imagine all that room space only being shared by 4 of us and 2 King sized beds, I have never had such a huge room!

It was fun and fulfilling until it all became a great surprise. It was a day to be remembered by anybody who attended the camp. Ps. Daniel proposed to Hui Kah! How could someone ever say no to a proposal with the person proposing playing the keyboard while singing to his partner her favourite song, a bouquet of flowers, kneeling on the ground, showing you a ring, with everyone else witnessing, both party's parents around and took everyone by surprise?

It was really joyous and touching. I would have said yes the moment he took out the ring. Tears of joy were flowing from many who are witenessing, what more could you expect from the bride-to-be?

I would like to congratulate both of them again and wish them a Blessed Marriage! Will post about the camp next time.

Bazaar Ramadan

2009-08-25T17:45:00.004+08:00

Been to bazaar ramadan nearby my house just now.

I was apparently spoiled of choices.

However, there was a bunch of stupid, inconsiderate, low EQ, no sense of respect, low class, full of themselves, selfish, jokers, and slap worthy, uneducated, uncivilized CHINESE family walking around drinking water they just bought in the bazaar in front of everybody who are 95% Malays that are fasting and hasn't drank or eaten anything since 5 or 6am in the morning.

They think it's no big deal? What they did was just disgraced themselves and carrying the CHINESE name into misunderstandings. Such existence of people in Malaysia are the main cause of racial disharmony and instability.

Its like they took everything for granted. Got water in hand, just drink. Got food in hand just eat. And when the Malays eat beef in front of you, you feel like killing them. So you think they all don't feel like killing you right there and then?

Just a tiny bit of respect was needed. Is it that hard for you to leave the bazaar then only eat all you want? If you think the Malays should respect that we don't have to FAST and you have every right to eat and drink in front of them during this whole month of fasting period, then you might as well don't even go to bazaars.

Why? Simple fact. You are just exercising your rights at the wrong place and time. At times and places like these at this time of the month, respect and understanding is far more important than your stupid nobody gives a damn rights. You want to fight for your rights so much? Why don't I see you fighting for a better country instead?

All it takes is just a small sense of respect and understanding from one individual that makes all the difference in the society. Yet people just choose to be selfish. "I don't die, that's all I need to care about"

Same goes to drivers around the roads. Same kind of attitude. We will never have safe roads thanks to selfish drivers.

So, if any of you who had no bloody idea how sensitive this issue can get, then don't even stick around in Malaysia. Wake up fools! We respect them, they respect us. They respect us, we respect them. At times like this, we HAVE TO respect them to gain respect from them. This is the social protocol. Live with it.

Merdeka Month Special

2009-08-17T00:48:00.004+08:00

Happy Birthday Malaysia!

Click for larger view.

No Donuts is Too Much.

2009-08-11T09:55:00.004+08:00

JOHOR BAHRU: 10 youths visited a Japanese Buffet Restaurant to celebrate a friend's birthday had something out-of-norm for their lucky friend, last Saturday.

It was a day where someone should and most probably would, be given a cake and had the number of candles matching his age on it lit.

That day however, one of them said, "Why cake? Let's get 20 donuts instead!" and all of a sudden, cakes seem to get more and more boring over the years.

20 candles on 20 donuts. What else could go more wrong for this "lucky" guy's birthday? It however did went even worse. Some of them tried to promote him like a product to the waitresses there. The waitresses there were seriously good in service. And better looking too... Than most others... Perhaps...

Eventually, they wrote down a "business card" of the birthday boy and passed it to the restaurant's waitresses and asked them to share it. In which they probably did. According to a source who only wants to be known as Lim said, "She SMS-ed that night."

The buffet dinner went on like it was a party with only them as customers. The food was not exactly "premium" but everything else was compensated with good service, not to mention good looking waitresses.

A photograph session was later held to remember that special day.

Wash Your Body, Wash Your Hands Too

2009-08-07T14:05:00.001+08:00

No need to say much. Just watch the video.

Guess Who's Back?

2009-07-30T06:55:00.006+08:00

As you all probably know or may not know, Felipe Massa, Ferrari's Formula 1 driver is suffering from injuries that he sustained while qualifying in the Hungarian GP. It was a heart stopping crash and was all caused by a spring that fell off a Brawn GP's car and hit Massa right in the head.

Sounds over-hyped right? Just look at how serious it is when you are doing 150 mph and a spring that size hit you point blank.

He was knocked unconscious almost immediately for 2 seconds and that was more than enough to cause him a huge crash. He is currently in stable condition and that's very good news.

Here are 2 videos. 1 during the real crash and another simulated in 3D.

What's the real big news? Someone is taking his place for the time being and Ferrari only had 1 option. They roped in the 7 time Formula 1 Champion, Michael Schumacher to replace Massa until he is fit for the seat again.

However, what bothers me is, is it really right for Schumi to come back? He's been out of Formula for about 3 years now. Can he still perform? It is really true that people say, retire when you're at the top. But coming back? Hope he don't get criticized if he don't do as well.

Here's a quote from Schumi's website.

"The most important thing first: thanks God, all news concerning Felipe are positive. I wish him all the best again.

I was meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe. Though it is true that the chapter Formula 1 has been closed for me since long and completely, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

What's Worth Sharing?

2009-07-23T08:57:00.011+08:00

Early in the morning, what's going on in my mind? Loads of things. But this song lingers in the background. Not sure why but I feel it's worth sharing.

It asks questions that the materialistic and selfish world today should at least give it a thought. It even asks people of different levels of lives of things they may have not thought of. But in the end, the overall question is, "Is it really worth it?" You make the decision.

However, the main message goes out to the warzones.

Solution? Live life to the fullest, enjoy every kind of freedom life can give. Sound so Michael Jackson yes? But he's gone already. This song comes from an unlikely American patriot band.

Green Day - 21 Guns.

*Note the Lyrics, yes?

Do you know what's worth fighting for?

When it's not worth dying for?

Does it take your breath away?

And you feel yourself suffocating

Does the pain weight out the pride?

And you look for a place to hide

Did someone break your heart inside?

You're in ruins

One, 21 guns

Lay down your arms, give up the fight

One, 21 guns

Throw up your arms into the sky

You and I

When you're at the end of the road

And you lost all sense of control

And your thoughts have taken their toll

When your mind breaks the spirit of your soul

Your faith walks on broken glass

And the hangover doesn't pass

Nothing's ever built to last

You're in ruins

One, 21 guns

Lay down your arms, give up the fight

One, 21 guns

Throw up your arms into the sky

You and I

Did you try to live on your own?

When you burned down the house and home?

Did you stand too close to the fire?

Like a liar looking for forgiveness from a stone

When it's time to live and let die

And you can't get another try

Something inside this heart has died

You're in ruins

One, 21 guns

Lay down your arms, give up the fight

One, 21 guns

Throw up your arms into the sky

One, 21 guns

Lay down your arms, give up the fight

One, 21 guns

Throw up your arms into the sky

You and I

The F Connection.

2009-07-20T14:12:00.004+08:00

It bothers me a lot how "F" has so many things to do in one's life. Well, in mine at least. Some of you may have overlooked this letter but I find if really interesting.

Let's start with the basic needs in life. Food. That's an "F" for you already. Everyone needs food and those who says "I don't", can just leave this world right now. Psst, you are not human. I personally am a food fanatic.

Then comes to Finance. Everyone needs money. The whole world is controlled by it. It is also the most crucial contributor to evil and goodness. Everyone wants it and many just can't live without it. How pathetic. Think of it this way, there was no such thing as money until we humans thought of it and ended up being controlled by it. Aren't we smart.

Maybe next up is Family. Family is part of everyone's life. Well at least most of us, as some aren't that lucky. It is part of my life and perhaps many others out there too. We have this special bond that can't be explained.

Also, Friends. Everyone has a friend they consider "friend". It may not necessary be human but that particular thing/individual is given the title "friend" in an individual. It is just something every human has. We basically spend our lives having loads of friends around us.

What do we call our to-be-wed partners? Fiance/Fiancee. Both with "F".

Then everyone wants Freedom. Everyone wants to have Fun. Every guy (not homos) can live with a Female and that explains why Male is non "F" because many women these days claim they can live without Male.

We all need a Fridge at home. It has become a crucial item in the household. Women (most of them) love Fashion and many men too (especially homos).

Everyone knows Football. Everyone knows Formula 1. Everyone gets worked up over the word Finals/Finale. World Cup Final. Olympic Finals. Season Finale. Grand Finals. Final edition. Finals exam. And as many as you can think of.

Even the most widely known and used vulgar/swearing starts with "F". You know it yourself.

Anybody fancies the word Free. Free meals. Free gifts. Free time. Free whatever you can think of.

We also can't deny that everyone has Feelings. All kinds of feelings flow through us.

We laugh over Funny things. We always do.

And in this 21st Century, "F" is even available digitally and we use them frequently. Friendster, Facebook, Flickr, and whatever you can think of.

And now, the most feared "F" is FLU.

I'm getting tired thinking of more "F"s. Do post in if you guys find some more "F" that is part of our lives.

Yes, I got nothing to blog about.

Of Mushrooms and Puppies

2009-07-07T03:17:00.003+08:00

All the best to you and I hope you can gain invaluable experiences. I will be waiting for your good news and I just want you to know, I haven't regretted anything.

I know the reason of this short test for us. Please, if you want to do this, do it properly. Put your heart in it alright?

Your mushrooms are fine and blend in well with the puppies. I have Rat to play with too. So I'll be fine. Just do your thing alright?

Take care. I'll miss you.

Singapore Short Trip

2009-06-27T23:33:00.008+08:00

Went in Singapore few days back for a short trip. Me and my friends drove in. It was easier but wrong idea at some points. Traffic jams and freaking loads of traffic lights took a lot of our time. The public transport is better.

I'll just let the pictures do the talking.

On the 2nd Link

-1KM

Singapore Customs

And the jam...

Reward in jam...

In case you were wondering, its a Maserati Quattroporte.

Our dinner. McDonald's McCafe.

The chilli sauce is different. This one has garlic.

Yes, Curry Sauce.

Something you never find in Malaysia.

Holland Village. (Holland V)

And what McDonald's gave me.

Before I end this, I just want to share the Michael Jackson that I knew when I was young. Rest in Peace.

Movie: Transformers Revenge of The Fallen

2009-06-24T22:12:00.002+08:00

Have any of you watched the movie? I have. And I totally have no proper words to describe the movie. Awesome seems too understating. Epic? I need something even greater word than that. Send in your suggestion.

For those who are still thinking, "Should I queue up like everyone else?", you can stop thinking. Just queue! Although I did not. Tickets were bought a week before today.

This year, given the high competition of Sci-Fi movies, Star Trek, Terminator (it was devestatingly bad), I dare say, Transformer is in another league. A league of its own.

This time, Megan Fox was hot. As always. Yet, the whole movie was able to stand on it's own without interfering with the amount of attention she would get from the audience. Just too well done.

What more can I say? I should really stop or I'll be spoiling it. Don't want to be a spoiler here. 2 hours 30 minutes movie. There is not a moment that would give you the chance to even want to go to the restroom. That's how good it is. There are many moments that keep you at the edge of your seat, there were also as much that keep you laughing.

Just watch it already!

No Subway, Not A Problem.

2009-06-20T16:49:00.005+08:00

Just in case many of you who don't know, there isn't any Subway left in any southern region of Malaysia. There was, but they all went bust. Why? The only reason I could think of was people in the Southern like JB, with aunties who thinks driving a 2.0E Camry is very rich, thinks Subway is just another bread with a hefty price tag.

They think they could make it themselves. Please, try even baking the Parmesan Bread Subway has. Or making the Sweet Onion Sauce. Also, even before you go and buy the ingredients to try, please try to look at the rear-view mirror like a proper driver should. Don't just anyhow slowdown or brake or turn like the whole road has only one bloody car of yours and think you are a very good driver! Bloody aunties.

I have gone to give my best shot at making my own Subway sandwich. I couldn't even find the kind of bread flavour I want. I could only settle for the good old French loaf.

So this time, I've got all the ingredients I want.

Cheese, Coral salad, Capsicum, Onion, Tomato. For the meat, I have a combo of Roasted Bacon and Chicken with Mushroom ham. Here are the pictures.

I still can't get the feeling that Subway gives. I only had tomato and chilli sauce. Only had French loaf. I want Subway!

Well, since it's so pathetic also that 24hr McDonald's here do not provide Wi-Fi service. What nonsense! People in JB needs a life!

Maybe my next meat combo would be Turkey Ham and Bacon!

Trip to Muar

2009-06-15T00:34:00.008+08:00

I was at Muar for the weekend. Attended a wedding dinner of someone I barely know. Main criteria was to bring my parents there, chauffer. It turned out rather rewarding though. Firstly, it was all about the food in Muar. Frankly speaking, the last time I had the hawker foods at Muar was probably nearly 10 years back.

Locally known as, "Tan Chiak Gua", or "Glutton Street" translated, is famous for it's line of hawkers selling various food. Starting off with the famous "Wan Tan" noodles. It is getting really rare these days to get a bowl of anything at RM 2.80. Here at Muar, it's like going back in time.

I must say, the "Otak-otak" is no longer as brilliant as before. I even had an undercooked one. Some tastes that I can never forget and the "otak-otak" is one of them.

I was craving for "Satay" all along. Not the chicken ones or beef or mutton. It's pork. I can never find this anywhere or maybe it's only available in Muar. Someone tip me off on where else to find "Satay Babi", please.

Some roasted pork too. It isn't all brilliant and this little amount, costs RM7. So, probably, not everything in Muar is cheap.

Having my taste buds pampered, I was in for another unexpected treat later in the evening. As scheduled, I arrived at the restaurant. What did I see? No, not the BMW 735i bridal car that my hosts had. There was another wedding dinner apparently at the 2nd floor of the restaurant. It was the Nissan GTR. And, it was "their" bridal car.

Just when I thought RM900K on the parking lot was quite a huge sum compared to the BMW 735i which is no where near the price, a fleet of Harleys came by. Turned out to be attending "their" wedding dinner. Not to mention some huge Honda bikes. I'm sorry I could not name any of the Harleys and Hondas because I'm a petrolhead. I must admit though, I am secretly admiring Harleys and superbikes. I guess it's time I find out the names and models.

Rough estimation of about 10 bikes appearing and judging that it probably costs about RM300K+ for a Harley, the price tag there was already over RM 3 million. Plus the car, the parking lot just for one side of the wedding banquets at the night was more than RM 4 million.

It just doesn't appeal to anybody from my side of the hosts that they are looking at RM 4 million in front of them. It appears that they are very interested in the BMW 735i instead, which in my opinion, it's all over the roads.

The sound of the Harleys were just wonderful. Not everybody get to listen to 10 Harleys blipping their throttles at the same time. It was just a treat. I'm sorry the photos have the license plates censored. Privacy issues.

I guess it was a very rewarding trip. Time to plan another date to go back there and have more food!

Annual Gathering @ Melaka

2009-05-31T22:36:00.009+08:00

Yesterday, I went to Melaka for my family's annual gathering. I must say it was a long journey. Driving all the way to Melaka shouldn't have been that tiring but if you had gone to other places before arriving at Melaka, that's another story.

We first dropped by Yong Peng. Bought some popular groundnut products. Went on to finally get to eat the best roast duck ever again after nearly 10 years last eating it. Cheap too! Barely RM4 per plate.

Continued to my Dad's hometown first, Labis. Visited one of my uncles. Then continued on our journey to Melaka using the old roads. Outskirts of Johor is quite special. Passed by estates of palm oil plantation and the good old rubber tree as well. The roads were nice to drive. All the bends and different levitations throughout the journey just makes driving less boring.

Took really long to reach Melaka though. We did arrive eventually. Settled down and await the dinner. It was quite an occasion actually. We booked 4 tables in a room. The whole top floor was occupied by a wedding dinner. Ground floor was a birthday banquet. Loads of people.

Yes, the family is big. With some members unable to make it as they were unable to get a leave and some were overseas, we already had 36 people! We could have easily went over 40 people. There was karaoke and of course food. Although I say that the food isn't too good, but we had our fun and it was all the gathering was about. Having fun together.

Surprisingly, we had duck in our menu too. I must say, it is far, far off the one I had back in Yong Peng few hours before. People, it's a must try!

Well, I am really tired. Here are some of the pictures I managed to shoot in the middle of so much fun.

Movie: Terminator Salvation; Monsters vs. Aliens

2009-05-29T14:27:00.004+08:00

So I went for the Premiere of 2 movies at once yesterday. Let's start with Terminator Salvation. I personally think, it isn't as blockbuster as I thought it would be. The story line is very normal. No much very thrilling scenes at all.

If compared to blockbusters like Star Trek, Wolverine, I'd say the blockbusters this year has raised the bar. Even the coming Transformers would surely be a bigger hit. Thing is, every time slot was packed with people! Everyone wants to watch Terminator so bad that before the theatre even opened for seating, everyone is waiting anxiously for it already. When it's calling for seating, everyone rushed in like there was Audi R8s on sale for RM1 instead of the million ringgit price tag.

I tell you, Night at The Museum 2 was way better to watch than Terminator yet people don't watch it. There is very minimal creativity in Terminator. Everything is the same! You get a fake Arnold for a few seconds near the end and that's it. Nothing really special about the movie at all. Given modern day CG, it is really very disappointing to watch for me.

Next up, Monsters vs Aliens. This is the next movie to watch after Night at The Museum. Storyline was not as good but, it was a good laugh as well. The whole movie, Bicarbonate Ostylezene Benzoate, a.k.a BOB was the essential character. Without him, there won't be as much laughs.

This movie by far, portrays the lowest IQ of Aliens ever seen on screens. Very short movie but very enjoyable.

Character of the day goes to BOB!

Chapter Finally Ended

2009-05-29T13:51:00.002+08:00

The chapter of my life in TARC has finally ended officially yesterday morning when I got my results. I couldn't sleep the whole night before. So I stayed up until about 5am to watch live streaming of the UEFA Champions League. I didn't watch football very much but I watched it just to see how Man Utd lose.

From the beginning I have been voting Barcelona to win. Part of the reason was Man Utd has got very cocky fans. Some can't even accept defeat by pointing out remarks such as "Messi on drugs", "Messi got artificial hormones" and so on. How much more of a sore loser can you idiots get? Barcelona obviously was the better team this year. Consistent perfomances from them. Very good team play.

What has Man Utd got to offer? Shabby defense. One man show Ronaldo. His pride got the better of him during the match. Cocks don't win matches you see. Barcelona don't even have a sponsor. Jersey's all printed with UNICEF. They play for a cause. The money that they win are partially donated to UNICEF.

Stop being sore losers alright Man Utd fans? Now, graduation is guaranteed. Quite relieved. I'm not so sure about the others but I think some of them didn't make it. Now, I need to consider loads of options. Further studies at various colleges both KL and Singapore in list. I might also just want to work first. We'll see.

People out there, if you are not taking Accounting in TARC, try not to go there at all. It is pointless. Uber lousy Student Affairs Department staff, always treat you like you are nobody. Mafia like attitude. Then comes time-table. Most of the time, it is planned to the lecturer's convenience. Never thought of the students. They can give you 6 hours of classes at once and throughout lunch time. How you expect students to eat? I can complain all day long.

Will be up at Melaka this weekend. Annual family gathering. Will try to get pictures. For some reason, MSN has been really hard to sign in these days. Including checking mail. Something is wrong with the Internet here in JB.

So, farewell to TARC, may we never cross paths again in future.

Chicken Ham & Smoked Chicken Ham with Cheese

2009-05-22T15:20:00.003+08:00

I went to buy Smoked Chicken Ham last night. I made another sandwich with it. This time, I added a few extra ingredients.

Sliced onions, oregano leaves and black pepper coarse.

Sliced onions are for the final toppings.

Oregano leaves and black pepper coarse however are for a little seasoning for the hams. Before you put your hams to the oven to toast, sprinkle a little bit of oregano leaves and black pepper coarse on them. Then toast. It really adds extra flavour to the sandwich in the end.

You need not buy the fresh oregano leaves as they are hard to find. You can buy the little bottled ones from brands like McCormick or Master Foods. They differ just by a few cents. Applies to the black pepper coarse as well.

You can use oregano leaves to top your spaghetti, soup, other meats and so on. Black pepper coarse can be used almost anytime. I like to also add it in mushroom soup for that extra flavour.

Here's the picture and I know it looks the same.

Movie: Night at The Museum: Battle of The Smithsonian

2009-05-21T23:16:00.004+08:00

If you have the day off or weekend, need something to relax and chill out, this is the best movie you can get. Totally stressless and relaxing. You'll laugh your head off in many occasions in the movie.

If you thought the first movie was fascinating enough, you've seen nothing yet. This is beyond the first movie. More people from history coming to life, so much of entertaining scenes. It just blows you out on how those historical people behave. You never imagined them to be so hilarious.

You will not regret this movie. It's a sit back, relax and laugh comedy. A highly recommended time-out movie.

GO CATCH IT IN CINEMAS NOW!!

Double Ham & Cheese Sandwich

2009-05-20T14:37:00.002+08:00

Well today my lunch was another rich homemade sandwich. This time, I doubled the Ham and Cheese. Just to make me extra full. The steps are the same as the last sandwich. You need not fry an egg this time though.

A simple tomato sauce and chilli sauce combination can really open up you appetite. I will be trying Subway style soon. Just need to find the appropriate ingredients. Capsicums and onions are easy. I may have to find other more attrative meat toppings like turkey.

Here are some pictures.

KISS by Tanya Chalkin

2009-05-19T13:59:00.004+08:00

I have bought a poster today. Its the famous Tanya Chalkin "KISS" poster. No, it's not original. The original has to be shipped and costs USD26. No money for that. The one I bought cost me RM10. Fair enough.

If you have no idea who she is, here's Wikipedia's entry:

Tanya Chalkin is a photographer best known for her iconic picture "Kiss". She is a graduate of both the Chelsea College of Art and Design and the London College of Printing. She has shot for Dazed & Confused, Esquire, and FHM, among others.^[1] Triumph Motorcycles has collaborated with Tanya Chalkin to create posters and their 2008 calendar, entitled "Girls On Bikes - The Official Tanya Chalkin 2008 Calendar". The models who posed for this calendar are Louise Donehan, Ivana Filipovic, Irene Bagach and Anna S.^[2] Kiss is a black-and-white photograph that features two women lying on a bed kissing each other. It has become popular as a poster in North America.

And this is the best picture I could find from the net.

Chicken Ham, Egg and Cheese Sandwich

2009-05-18T17:48:00.003+08:00

I had nothing to do, I went to Jusco to get some fresh ingredients for a simple tea time sandwich for myself.

It is quite fun.

Ingredients:

3 Slices of Wholemeal bread

1 Slice of Chicken Ham

1 Slice of Cheese

1 Egg

Tomato

Lettuce

Tomato Sauce

Salted Butter

Things you need:

Chopping board

Knife

Bread Knife

Oven

Frying Pan

Steps:

Wash lettuce and tomato. Slice tomato, remove seeds.

Heat your pan. Butter it all over. Add egg. Fry as how you like it cooked.

Preheat oven. Pre-toast breads.

Butter your bread with tomato sauce as well.

Place ham on bread. Place egg on another piece of bread. Toast both to preferred browness.

Place toasted bread on dry chopping board. Add tomato, lettuce, and cheese toppings while the last piece of bread goes into oven.

Tower up your breads, slice with bread knife diagonally or as you like. You're done!

Tips:

You can toast the cheese together if you like melted ones but watch the timing, it might spill.

Before frying your egg, season egg with some pepper. Optional addition of black pepper according to preferrence.

Those who hates wholemeal can use white bread of course.

Here are my sandwich pictures. Sorry I can't shoot the process.

I'll see what I can do next time. This one is most simple.

Movie: Angels & Demons

2009-05-17T04:08:00.004+08:00

Yes. I am posting this post at 4.15 a.m because I just got home from watching Angels & Demons at Cathay Cineplex, City Square, JB.

I must say, it is a really really long movie. More than 2 hours. It's all about how Tom Hanks cracked the ancient "codes". For what? Go watch yourself. Those who read the book will know and I'm sure you'll be impressed on how they put it on screen.

If you have very very high interest and, or good knowledge on history about Vaticon and so on in the movie, do let me know if everything uttered by Tom Hanks is true. Or, I'll find out myself somehow.

Anyway, not too bad. Quite fascinating at some point. Go watch if you have the time.

I'm off to bed now. Lights out.

Oh yes, Ewan McGregor was good in the movie.

Pet

2009-05-15T16:40:00.004+08:00

My latest pet. A rat. White one. It's old owner gave it to me. They had to dump the rat for a puppy. So I adopted the rat. It's name was DongDong. Judging that rats should not recognize their name, giving it a new name seems quite nice.

I think it's a female. So, I want to name it Rat. And here is it's picture.

She enjoys sunflower seeds and lettuce. Fruits, bread, cheese are great alternatives. It likes to get out of the cage which I allow most of the time. Then it get's naughty. Scratching me when I want to grab her back when she went too far. I dump her back into her cage.

She poops when she is utterly scared. Like when I wanted to bathe it this morning. It's normal for rats to "fear poop". I shall watch it grow larger and larger.

Rodent in the house. Well, at least rodents like rats are very good in keeping themselves clean. I just need to clean it occasionally. That's the hard part.

Hopeless Tag

2009-05-13T20:31:00.000+08:00

Name - Eason
Sister - 1
Brothers - 0
Shoe size - 8
Where do u live - Malaysia
Favourite drinks - Water
Favourite breakfast - None
Have you been on the plane - Yes
Swam in the ocean - No
Broken someone's heart - Yes
Fallen asleep in school - Habit
Fell of your chair - Yes
Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call - Yes
Saved e-mails - 95%
What is your room like - A room
What is the last thing you ate - Food

EVER HAD

Chicken pox - Yes
Stitches - No
Broken nose - No
Do you believe in love at first sight - No
Who was the last person you danced with - No idea
Last person who made you smile - A stupid girl

TODAY DID YOU

Talked to someone you like - Yes
Kissed anyone - No
get sick - No
Talked to an ex - No
Missing someone - Yes
Best feeling in the world - Feeling best
Do you sleep with stuffed animals - Yes
what's under your bed - Earth
What is the time now - 8.35p.m

RANDOM

Is there a person on your mind right now - Yes
Do you want children - Yes
Do you smile often - Often
What colour shirt are you wearing now - White
When did you cry last - No idea
Are you a friendly person - No idea
Where is the person you have feelings for right now - Malaysia
Do you eat healthy - Hopefully
Do you still have pictures with you and your ex - Never took picture
Have you ever cried because of something someone said to you - Maybe
If you're having a bad day , who are you most likely to go to - Random
Are you loud or quiet most of the time - No idea
Are you confident - Most of the time

5 SNACKS I ENJOY

1 . Cloud 9
2 . Rocky Strawberry
3 . Muazhi at Petaling Street
4 . Big Apple Donuts
5 . McDonald's Ice Cream

5 Person I have to tag

1 . -
2 . -
3 . -
4 . -
5 . -

Hari Nya Nya

2009-05-11T23:39:00.005+08:00

Yes. I just got back from KL and I have not watch Little Nyonya. I just finished watching it. It wasn't too bad.

Nya Nya meant mother for the Peranakans. Now, Peranakan culture is fading. Don't think Government would declare heritage protection for them. We might not see Peranakans in the near future. Extinct culture.

Anyway, 10th May was Mother's Day. Went out for dinner at a small restaurant but with pretty good food.

Pictures will tell. Simple post.

Some dishes

The right one is my mom. The other is another friend of hers.

So Father's Day is next. Why is there so many "Days" in a year? Like all these people are to be remembered only once a year.

Of Mother's Day

2009-05-05T21:00:00.002+08:00

It's coming up this Sunday. 10th May. I wonder how many people only celebrates it once a year? Does your mother only deserves all the credit during this occasion and no other? Why people are so fanatic about this day?

I know it is a day to "show" your appreciation. I'm starting to think that it has become a day where everyone thinks there is no other day anymore to thank their mothers. Restaurants fully booked. It's like a festival.

I guess this coming Sunday would be one heck of a day to be anywhere. Everywhere would be packed it seems. Have you made your reservations? I haven't because I have no idea where to eat given if there is even any place left to eat at.

I can cook. That's the last option I think? I just hope everyone remembers that you don't just thank your mothers on a day in a year. They are worthy to be thanked any time any day. Stop the over hype of this occasion. It's just another day of the year!

On My Way Home

2009-05-03T00:20:00.006+08:00

So my stop is at Melaka for Saturday. To celebrate my niece's 1 year old birthday. She is so chubby and adorable! I took a load of pictures but I'll just post some of them. I should be back in JB Sunday night. Time flies...

The cake is entirely 3KG of jelly. RM135. She's one lucky baby! That's her mom!

Ever wondered what love is? 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

The loving couples. Next in line. Wedding on September 2009.

Looking forward to an eventful year. I hope things go smoothly. At least not too rough. I'll be home soon!

"You Can't Stop Time. But Pictures Stop The Best Times."

2009-04-28T14:26:00.014+08:00

Well I guess its finally time to post my farewell post to TARC. As well as fellow DJR2 coursemates. It is funny how fast time flew past us and is now near graduation. Although there's no certainty of a graduation yet but one thing is cetain already, we are all parting.

Still remembered how much I dreaded TARC. And still am of course. At least it got better when coursemates are all unique individuals. It is also funny how a small course of less than 30 people gradually decreased to 25 and still have groups of their own.

Sad thing is, the course never really hung out together at any time at all. The only time the course really hung out together was actually the farewell. How sad? If any of you are thinking we should do this more often, sad to say, its over.

The days in TARC were somewhat eventful everyday. From crazy lecturers to utterly pathetic ones, supercool events to utterly "get a life" ones and the huge amount of Tarcians that some are cool and some are utterly dumb.

There are a big amount of pretty ladies. I am sure only a few are smart ones. The others just looked like some bimbo or dumb blonde who are in college just to show their fake LV bags and hopefully hook a guy up kind.

There are utterly weird overheard conversations that I came across as well. Some people who suck so badly in English and still want to make fun of a person who speaks it real well. Don't blame them for trying but please, you're just making yourself look more stupid.

Then again, the uber-slow Internet connection in CITC made me only visiting it in my first year first semester. That's it. And not to forget the amount of trojans and viruses found in those PCs. Never plug your pendrive in those PCs. It like HIV. "Do not simply put your pendrive into the PC's holes or it would get infected." They should provide condoms for pendrives at this rate.

There are good and bad moments but all of them now have just become memories. I'll stop here. And I guess you all already know how much I'm cursing one lecturer now.

Here are the pics.

Yep. We were there.

It's been quite awhile since we saw 3 of them together.

The "Salt then Coke" Philosophy.

Ex-JR

So is she. The boys just missed her.

The "mangge" Course rep.

Julia. Photographer of the future.

He was just so happy.

We sure missed RE.

Saying Goodbye.

And then after patronizing McDonalds, we headed for some bowling. Not all of us of course.

The picture I took for the day.

We were too busy bowling and enjoying to produce good pictures after that. Most of the pictures were taken by nearly everyone who held my camera. Julia took a lot. Photographer.

DJR2. See you some day in the future again.

-Thanks for The Memories-

The End. Tipsy.

2009-04-26T01:10:00.003+08:00

25th April 2009. Raped by Creative Writing paper. Totally no writing. All theories. I may not graduate. So to "celebrate" it off, we went off to bowling. Bowling pictures will be posted after I am sober again.

I am officially tipsy. Had about 5 or 6 bottles of Carlsberg. Lost count to be honest but it is around that figure. I am rather happy.

Having a full day later at Petaling Street and Pasar Seni (Central Market). Hope I can wake up. I think I'm talking drunk language now.

I am totally clear what's going on but my body is giving up.

Facts:

1. Talking loads

2. As I walk, I can't feel my legs.

3. Saying I know exactly what's going on with me.

4. I could barely type this post out.

5. I completely lost the ability to solve Rubik's. Despite being able to solve it normally.

6. My eyes are heavy.

7. I finally stepped int the shoe of those who drinks to escape from something.

8. I hope I graduate.

9. I can still sing.

10. I still can't walk properly.

Anyway, hope you guys have a good laugh at me. You won't see me like this everyday you know. I'm just happy it has ended. What better way to celebrate 2 years of agony?

Pictures will be up soon. DJR2, a wonderful memory. (The people of course)

I confess that the person I'd miss most is actually Psycho. He earns my respect. I'm sure I won't find someone like him anywhere anymore.

All the best everyone!

Time to get some sleep.

I AM NOT DRUNK! (konon)

I ♥ Eleanor

2009-04-11T02:49:00.005+08:00

It's not a girl. It's a car.

Behold, the only Ford Mustang to be given a Star tittle credit in a movie, "Eleanor". My all time favourite old school muscle car. This is Eleanor. A 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500. Until today, I think it's design is still one of the best in history books.

Here are some pictures of it:

Central Market (Pasar Seni) KL

2009-04-05T21:57:00.004+08:00

Finally, after 2 years in KL, I stepped foot into the well known Malaysian Heritage place. Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni.

5 minutes walk from Pasar Seni station of the Putra LRT and 15 minutes walk from Puduraya/Plaza Rakyat LRT. If you are a tourist and wish to find all 3 major ethnicity's traditional souveniors, this is the best place to find them.

Traditional clothing, handcrafts, and many more, big or small, Central Market has it all. Size is not the problem as a DHL booth is there where you can courier it back to your country!

Here are some pictures:

I saw a nice Mahjong set there. Too expensive though. I would love to buy one. Not everything there are expensive. You can find cheap and nice bargains if you try.

Prancing Horses' Day

2009-04-04T22:07:00.007+08:00

In conjunction with the F1 fever in Malaysia this weekend, Ferrari had a couple of roadshows at Pavilion KL. The F1 car is there. It's the real one but I bet it isn't the 100% car. Impossible unless you are at the F1 pits right now. Then at the main entrance, shoppers are greeted by the awesome 599 GTB Fiorano in signature red, presented by Naza Italia.

Here are the pictures:

Please people. The Renault ING F1 in front of the main entrance is a FAKE for goodness sake. Stop posing like you are "finally beside an F1 car" pose! So dumb! Real car, nobody there. Fake care, crowd around like never seen in your lifetime. It's plastic!

Earth Hour 2009 @ KLCC Twin Towers

2009-03-29T02:04:00.008+08:00

I don't give a damn on how many people are saying Earth Hour is another globalization plot, media propaganda, so on. You are right how little it affects the climate just by turning off the lights. So what? Media using it to generate income, so what? You people should just open up and accept the fact that this is how the world is today. Just live with it. It didn't harm your life just to turn off your lights. Why bother so much on the other aspects? You can't live with people earning money because of it or how easily people are persuaded to participate something that won't make a difference, then just stay at home and on your own lights. Simple right?

The thing about Earth Hour to me, it is to simply "show" that we are "keen" on fighting against global warming. Like I care if people only think about Earth during that hour. Let it be. Face the fact that however you think it is, you won't change the fact that people are still following the trend. Most people would know how little it helps with the lights off yet still taking part. What can you do? Condemn those who participate as gullible and stupid. Pointless.

It's not forced to start with. You want, you turn off the lights. End of story. Any guns pointed at your head? You know how to contribute to help stop global warming then do it in your own way. You think its pointless then by all means don't participate.

I am just around to watch how dark a city could get when most buildings shut their main lights off. Simple as that. You know the right way then do it. MYOB. Easy right?

So I was at KLCC to watch the Twin Towers shut their lights for the first time before midnight since they opened I guess. Pictures of it switching back on as well. It was all fun. My purpose was to watch the towers go dark. I know darn well how little lights contribute to global warming. Kill cows if you really want a significant change. Go search on how much cows contribute to global climate.

Here's the video of it shutting it's lights.

See you "off" again next year!

20 and Counting.

2009-03-23T03:14:00.005+08:00

Officially, my age is starting off with the number 2! Double digits that is. Funny how this birthday was. Nobody was free. Apart from my dear and Ryan. WTH. Anyway, it's already in the past. It's 23rd now. It's Joo's turn! HAHA! You hit 20 as well!

So, I wanted to celebrate it with a feast in Jogoya. Guess what? Fully booked! Guess everyone was excited about my birthday. Not. It was a Sunday. What you expect from such a well-known buffet restaurant? So we went off to Pavilion. Since nobody wants to make a decision on what to eat, including me, I still had to make one. So I went on with the idea of eating Chinese Cuisine. Dragon-i Signature @ Pavilion KL.

Ordered 4 dishes with 1 Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings). Seriously, the Xiao Long Bao was great. Hands down. The other dishes were great too! Felt satisfied. We did spend less than the initially planned Jogoya of course. I liked it.

I got a huge headed stuffed puppy from Ryan, adding to my stuffed pups collection. Thanks again man! I'll be keeping it in the box just to prevent it from getting dirty like my first puppy did. I had to wash it in the washing machine to get it back into white colour again. Poor thing.

Then I bought myself a huge sling bag, replacing my 5 year old sling bag which accompanied my during my secondary school days. I like it a lot! I can practically throw anything I want in it. I won't have a bloated bag anymore if i stuff my jacket in! Plus, I can bring my DSLR with me now more conveniently! RM 80 for it. Birthday present for myself.

When I got home, my attention was diverted by a whole bunch of D.I.Y arrows cut from magazine pages. Pointing me all the way to the kitchen, into cabinets, with notes telling me what to do next. Past the dustbin, and back to the kitchen, then onto the fridge. Opened it and got a bottle of beer waiting for me inside the freezer! Carlsberg Gold. Free beer on my birthday and ICE COLD! How nice of my housemates. Thanks guys!

Last but not least, the one who presented me the first present. None other than my dearest. A nice custom made phone accessory. It has a rice grain in it that has writings on it. Exquisite. Not going to say what it writes.

Basically, my birthday was complete. First time I celebrated it out of JB (as far as I recall). Not too bad. Only 1 thing missing. I haven't blown any candles.

Assignments shall occupy me for these 2 days. God help me. Take care peeps! Thanks again to those who wished me. Very much appreciated!

p/s: I'm too tired to use my DSLR to shoot pictures. Only one picture of the puppy. Other stuff, not yet. And the picture was shot with my phone. XD

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-21T22:57:00.003+08:00

Please register if you haven't at www.earthhour.org.my for Malaysians! Spread the word as we only have 6 days left prior to this post!

All you have to do is turn off your lights on 28th March 2009 8.30 p.m - 9.30 p.m to show your support in the fight against global warming.

Just to make it convincing enough, KLCC Twin Towers already pleged to participate in this event. Same goes to many prominent sites in Malaysia like the KL Tower, Penang Bridge, Dataran Merdeka and so on.

I might go to KLCC park to witness this historical event. Do support guys! No harm right? It's just lights. Register today!