Enchanted Visuals

KESAN MEDIA TERHADAP KANAK-KANAK DAN PERANAN IBU BAPA

2010-04-05T00:02:00.002+08:00

Oleh Lim Yi Hui dan Tang Mun Chee

Seluruh dunia termasuklah Malaysia sedang menuju ke arah modenisasi dan globalisasi. Tidak hairanlah bahawa setiap keluarga mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya sebuah televisyen. Data dalam kajian Anura Goonasekera telah menyatakan bahawa antara 1000 penduduk di Malaysia, akan ada 102 orang yang memiliki televisyen dan pada setiap tahun bilangannya semakin meningkat. Kini, televisyen boleh dimiliki oleh sesiapa sahaja berbanding dengan masa dahulukala dan telah pun menjadi sebahagian keperluan hidup masyarakat. Di Malaysia, kanak-kanak secara keseluruhannya lebih banyak menonton televisyen berbanding mendengar radio. Mengapa? Hal ini demikian kerana televisyen merupakan satu medium yang menceritakan sesuatu dengan gabungan suara, muzik, gambar dan gerakan. Di Amerika Syarikat, kanak-kanak yang berumur paling muda didapati mempunyai tabiat menonton televisyen untuk beberapa jam sehari. Setelah mereka tamat persekolahan menengah, kemungkinan masa yang digunakan ialah 10, 800 jam di sekolah dan lebih 200, 000 jam di depan televisyen (Holmes 1975, 10).

Antara elemen yang sering kali menarik perhatian kanak-kanak adalah iklan dan cerita kartun. Iklan-iklan yang dipaparkan mempunyai pertalian rapat dengan siaran televisyen. Gambaran yang disiarkan dalam iklan amat menarik perhatian kanak-kanak kerana mengandungi warna-warna yang menarik dan kandungan yang menghiburkan. Contohnya, iklan minuman Ribena. Dalam iklan ini, buah anggur hitam mempunyai perwatakan yang ceria dan ia turut dipersembahkan dengan menggunakan warna ungu yang menarik. Hal ini akan menyebabkan kanak-kanak menumpukan perhatian mereka terhadap produk tersebut dan terdorong untuk membelinya.

Begitu juga dengan cerita-cerita kartun yang disiarkan dalam televisyen. Contohnya, cerita kartun Mickey Mouse dan Donald Duck. Pihak media “Walt Disney Presents” telah memberikan haiwan tikus dan itik watak masing-masing dan melakukan aksi-aksi yang menarik seperti menari, menyanyi dan sebagainya. Kanak-kanak akan berasa teruja dan terikut-ikut meniru aksi nyanyian dan tarian mereka.

Menurut Wilbur Schramm, Jack Lyle, dan Edwin B. Parker (1961), mereka mengatakan bahawa terdapat satu persoalan yang sering kali ditanya dalam kajian terhadap media semasa hujung tahun 1930-an, iaitu: “ Antara pilihan saluran media berikut, yang manakah mampu memberikan kepercayaan atau keyakinan yang tinggi kepada anda? Televisyen, radio, atau berita dalam surat khabar? Dalam hasil kajian ini, majoriti telah menunjukkan kebanyakan orang lebih mempercayai berita dalam surat khabar berbanding dengan saluran media yang lain. Namun begitu, kanak-kanak amat mempercayai segala maklumat yang disampaikan oleh televisyen berbanding dengan saluran media yang lain.

Secara tidak langsung, kenyataan ini telah menimbulkan kebimbangan dalam kalangan masyarakat terutamanya golongan ibu bapa tentang mesej yang cuba disampaikan melalui iklan dan cerita kartun. Mereka berpendapat bahawa terdapat semakin banyak unsur negatif yang dipaparkan seperti keganasan. Menurut Sandra L. Calvert dalam bukunya “Children’s Journeys Through the Information Age” telah menyatakan, dalam rancangan televisyen yang disiarkan ketika masa kemuncak, 70 peratus daripada rancangan televisyen tersebut mengandungi unsur-unsur keganasan. Aksi-aksi ganas ini ditunjukkan sebanyak 5 kali dalam satu jam dan hampir kesemua watak dalam program televisyen melibatkan diri dalam kegiatan yang ganas malah melibatkan pembunuhan.

Sebenarnya, kandungan keganasan dalam cerita kartun kanak-kanak adalah lebih banyak berbanding dengan rancangan televisyen yang lain (Gerbner & Signorielli, 1990). Contohnya, cerita kartun “Ben 10” yang memaparkan aksi-aksi pergaduhan untuk menentang makhluk-makhluk asing. Hal ini menjadi kebimbangan utama para ibu bapa kerana kanak-kanak yang menontonnya akan mengikuti aksi-aksi melawan yang dimainkan oleh watak Ben. Persoalan yang timbul di sini adalah:

“Adakah media akan memberikan kesan terhadap kanak-kanak?”
“Adakah mesej-mesej keganasan dalam iklan mahupun cerita kartun akan memberi kesan kepada kanak-kanak?”

Berdasarkan persoalan ini, terdapat pengkaji-pengkaji yang membuat kajian tentang persoalan tersebut. Albert Bandura telah menjalankan satu kajian tentang kesan keganasan dalam media terhadap kanak-kanak. Kajian “Bobo dolls” telah dikemukakan bertujuan untuk melihat kesan dan pengaruh media ke atas audiens (kanak-kanak) dan bagaimana pendedahan kanak-kanak terhadap mesej media tertentu akan mengubah tingkah laku mereka. Pada peringkat awal, Bandura, Ross, dan Ross (1963) memerhati kelakuan kanak-kanak yang diletakkan di dalam sebuah bilik permainan yang mempunyai “Bobo doll” dan permainan yang lain. Kemudian, kanak-kanak ini telah dibahagikan ke dalam 4 keadaan eksperimen yang berbeza:
Dalam pemerhatian pengkaji, kanak-kanak berkecenderungan untuk menjadi lebih agresif setelah mereka dikeluarkan dari bilik permainan tadi. Sememangnya, kajian ini cuba menunjukkan media mempunyai kesan secara langsung ke atas individu serta tingkah laku dan sikap boleh ditiru terutamanya golongan kanak-kanak.

Akan tetapi, terdapat beberapa hipotesis yang telah diajukan berdasarkan kesan keganasan dalam televisyen terhadap kanak-kanak yang melihat kepada perspektif yang lebih luas dan berbeza, iaitu:
Pertama ialah catharsis (kelegaan emosi). Hipotesis ini telah menyatakan bahawa impuls keganasan yang terkumpul boleh dibuang oleh individu sekiranya mereka telah pun menyerap ke dalam aktiviti-aktiviti yang mempunyai unsur keganasan. Kajian hipotesis ini telah dilakukan oleh Feshbach pada tahun 1950 dan 1960. Beliau mengatakan seseorang individu boleh membuang tingkah laku yang agresif dengan memikirkan keganasan sebagai fantasi atau melihat pemaparan keganasan fiksyen bawah keadaan lab yang terkawal.

Selepas itu, laporan daripada Feshbach dan Singer (1971) mengatakan individu berkecenderungan untuk mengurangkan kelakuan agresif dalam keadaan semula jadi. Sekumpulan pelajar lelaki telah diletakkan dalam eksperimen dan kelakuan mereka diperhatikan sebelum, semasa dan selepas enam minggu mereka terdedah kepada kandungan keganasan televisyen yang terkawal. Mereka mendapati bahawa pelajar yang tidak menonton program keganasan mempunyai peratusan untuk melakukan kelakuan yang agresif berbanding dengan pelajar lelaki yang didedahkan kepada program keganasan sahaja.

Namun begitu, kajian ini dikritik kerana keupayaan untuk mengawal seseorang daripada melakukan atau membuang kelakuan agresif amat bergantung kepada kemahiran kognitif masing-masing di mana setiap orang adalah berbeza. Dengan ini, bagi orang yang mempunyai imaginasi dan kemahiran kognitif yang tinggi, mereka didapati mempunyai keupayaan yang lebih untuk mengurangkan kemarahan apabila menonton kandungan media yang ganas berbanding dengan orang yang lemah pemikirannya.

Hipotesis yang kedua ialah arousal. Hipotesis ini telah mengatakan bahawa penonton akan terangsang apabila menonton program yang mempunyai unsur-unsur keganasan. Jenis rangsangan atau kesan ini juga boleh berlaku terhadap kandungan program yang bersifat seksual dan lucu. Dengan ini, sekiranya penonton sedang menonton program yang ganas, mereka berkemungkinan untuk berasa marah dan mempunyai tindak balas yang agresif seperti mana mereka sedang mengalami keadaan yang sama. Akan tetapi, terdapat kritikan dan persoalan di mana sekiranya tiada peluang diberi untuk menunjukkan tindak balas agresif tersebut, emosi kemarahan dan agresif akan semakin berkurangan seterusnya mengurangkan peratusan untuk melakukan keganasan.

Hipotesis ketiga ialah desensitization (penyahpekaan) yang menyatakan menonton program keganasan secara berulang akan mengurangkan tindak balas emosi terhadap keganasan dan meningkatkan penerimaan terhadap keganasan dalam kehidupan seharian. Dalam kajian ini telah menunjukkan kanak-kanak yang selalu menonton program keganasan telah pun menjadikan unsur keganasan sebagai salah satu sifat yang semula jadi. Pemerhatian telah dilakukan terhadap seorang kanak yang berumur lapan tahun (A) sama ada menonton program keganasan akan mempengaruhi tindak balasnya yang sedang menyaksikan dua kanak-kanak sedang berebut untuk mendapatkan permainan. Keputusan telah menunjukkan bahawa A jarang-jarang akan meminta bantuan daripada ibu bapa untuk menghalang pergaduhan tersebut. Sementara itu, pengkaji juga mendapati bahawa kanak-kanak yang sering menonton program televisyen (25+ jam dalam satu minggu) yang mempunyai unsur keganasan mempunyai kecenderungan yang lebih rendah bertindak ganas berbanding dengan mereka yang hanya menonton program televisyen keganasan kurang daripada 4 jam seminggu.

Menurut artikel Teresa yang merupakan salah seorang staf daripada organisasi ‘The Cute Kid’ berpendapat bahawa media membawa kesan yang baik dan buruk kepada kanak-kanak. Oleh itu, ibu bapa memainkan peranan yang penting dalam mendidik kanak-kanak tentang isi kandungan yang dipaparkan oleh media. Sering kali, media memaparkan stereotaip tentang orang dan kaum-kaum yang berbeza. Kanak-kanak yang tidak mempunyai sebarang pengetahuan dan pengalaman akan menerima apa-apa sahaja yang mereka menonton dalam televisyen.

Antara peranan ibu bapa dalam mendidik anak-anak ialah mereka boleh memberikan pendapat mereka apabila sesuatu yang dipaparkan oleh media adalah tidak tepat. Selalunya, media memaparkan stereotaip terhadap kaum dalam filem-filem atau drama. Contohnya, kaum hitam sering kali dianggap sebagai penjenayah manakala kaum putih pula selalu diagung-agungkan seperti dalam cerita James Bond. Golongan Mexican pula dilihat sebagai perogol dan pembunuh seperti dalam cerita The Yellow Menace. Selepas tahun 1920, golongan hitam dianggap sebagai pengganas dan pembunuh seperti dalam cerita Birth of Nation. Dengan stereotaip-stereotaip tersebut, kanak-kanak akan berpendapat bahawa itulah kebenaran yang wujud dalam realiti sedangkan itu hanya merupakan adegan-adegan atau kandungan dalam media sahaja.

Dari segi pengiklanan pula, media telah mempengaruhi pemikiran kanak-kanak menyebabkan mereka ingin memiliki sesuatu produk. Dalam artikel ini, beliau telah memberikan contoh dalam kehidupan sehariannya.
“The other day my son told me that I should get a kitchen chopper, because it can cut things up so much faster than I can using a knife. I replied that I don't need a kitchen chopper because a knife works just fine.”

Kanak-kanak biasanya akan mempercayai dan tertarik kepada mesej dalam media (iklan). Pada peringkat ini, kanak-kanak tidak berupaya untuk membezakan dunia dalam media dengan realiti. Pandangan dunia (world view) mereka bermula di sini. Tetapi sebenarnya, media secara tidak langsung telah mewujudkan kesedaran palsu (false consciousness) dalam diri kanak-kanak. Misalnya, setiap tahun apabila keputusan peperiksaan awam diumumkan, media selalunya akan menanya, “Berapa bilangan A yang anda dapat?” lebih daripada “Apakah keputusan peperiksaan anda?” Kesedaran palsu ini juga dapat diaplikasikan dalam perbualan seharian antara ibu bapa malahan juga pelajar.

Selain itu, ibu bapa boleh memberitahu anak-anak tentang tindakan keganasan yang dipaparkan dalam media adalah berbahaya dan tidak benar. Kandungan dalam media yang sering kali menjadi kebimbangan ibu bapa adalah pergaduhan (keganasan), pergaulan bebas (seks) dan minuman keras (alkohol). Satu penyelidikan telah dijalankan oleh RAND dan University of North Carolina tentang remaja yang didedahkan kepada topik dan aksi-aksi seks dalam media lebih cenderung untuk melakukan perbuatan yang sama. Salah seorang pengkaji, Doktor Brown, mengatakan bahawa:
"Teens are defaulting to entertainment media for sexual information because they aren't getting this information in other places. Unfortunately, the media aren't the best sex educators. The media tend to leave out the crucial three C's: commitment, contraception and consequences."

Berdasarkan huraian dan perbincangan yang telah dinyatakan di atas, kita dapat melihat bahawa media sememangnya mempengaruhi pemikiran dan tingkah laku kanak-kanak. Dalam hal ini, ibu bapa memainkan peranan yang penting dalam mendidik anak-anak mereka supaya dapat membezakan dunia dalam media dan realiti. Ibu bapa haruslah bersikap sabar dan meluangkan lebih banyak masa membuat penerangan kepada anak-anak mereka mengenai mesej yang disampaikan dalam media dan bukannya memberikan kepercayaan sepenuhnya kepada mesej media yang diketengahkan. Hal ini akan mengelakkan kanak-kanak daripada mendapat pengaruh negatif dalam media.

disappearance

2009-11-23T16:18:00.002+08:00

The candle lights the workstation as the old wizard scribbles on his notes. A light knock on his door.
"Come in."
" So, is my old friend ready?"
"Yeah. Whatever"
"Typical"
His friend took a chalk and drew on the ground. The wizard finishes his final sentence and looks around again.
The time has come and the old wizard stands in the drawn circle. He has a final smirk in his smile.
"I'll see you again."
The friend spoke in an unknown language and a blinding light engulfed the wizard. The wizard was now gone.

One Word: Frog

2009-11-06T12:52:00.000+08:00

The frog leaped into the pond where the lovers were. They talked about this before. The girl unknowingly was surprised when the boy dropped to his knees and proposed.

Dragon Age : Origins

2009-11-06T11:54:00.003+08:00

Just to drop by and talk about this video that I had encountered about a new game. I'm a bit behind on the new ones, but I just love this video. It's awesome. "viewer discretion advised, as it contains violent dragon-killing scenes"

more info on www.dragonage.com

One Word: Arrow

2009-10-31T23:42:00.000+08:00

The arrow pierced his armor and into his heart. The world stood still at the time. It was not his physical heart that was bruised as much as it was his soul. The situation and the war, the loss of his beloved, the loss of his treasures are just the omen of a new one to come.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

2009-10-31T23:39:00.001+08:00

Having read the book "The Alchemist" I was reminded of the greatness of God. It was a gentle reminder also of looking for my dream and a great motivation in pursuing it. I admit, I had lost passion easily in all the things that I do, and now I seek it anew.

It was not a revival of hearts, but rather a soft push in the right direction that was needed.

Once again, the time to move is now. The tide is at hand, and the game is afoot ;-)

And to pursue it, I must.

OneWord: Microphone

2009-10-28T11:42:00.000+08:00

The microphone losts its connection to the speaker. The blonde singer was shocked, no longer able to project her voice. The crowds were agitated. Then, in a just a moment, the lights were out and an unworldly shriek was heard. She was no more..

Moving on...

2009-10-09T23:01:00.002+08:00

The young man looked at his empty pair of hands again. He sighed. He was depressed. Sadden by the state of things. It was too much. His mind ratted on...

"Stand Up! Move On! God is with you.." the voices in his mind and those of his friends kept him awake. People were walking about him. To and fro.Some stopped by to ask, to help. Some looked at him and walked on.

Sitting on the curb and feeling like your lost in the crowd. He thought again. And thought some more. He had a faint smile, probably a snigger at his thoughts. It was a mocking smile. He looked up, and he got up from his seat.

"Moving on eh?" asked his mind.

"Could you?" his heart responded.

He took the next step. Heavy and reluctant as it was. But things will now never be the same again. And he has to accept that. Losing something so close to his heart.....something he had to accept, no matter how hard it was.

OneWord: Orchid

2009-10-09T01:53:00.000+08:00

The purple orchid was one of its kind. Green stems and purple petals adorned its stature. These were the prized possessions of the weird man. The one who keeps himself locked in his laboratory with all these purple orchids. None of it seemed to be found at wild or at captivity. Something is truly wrong with the picture.

Her

2009-10-06T22:56:00.002+08:00

Her smiles are starting to hurt me deep on the inside. I can no longer see those eyes and hear those laughter. I can no longer be in places that were once memorable. And pain is such a constant companion. One that lingers on even when there is none left to feel. Is there not a sliver of hope? Is there not an ounce of trust?

Woe unto me, for I have been discouraged. Woe unto me for I have lost focus on that which I hold dear. Is there not a bond left that is worth more than what I ask for? Could I not be satisfied?

But the pain is ever present. The distant is not merely physical, for it has been emotional too.

Is it all lost in the winds? Is all left in the hands of Fate?

Can I not move on?

I guess, I am just afraid. Fearful that with each step forward, she would no longer smile. With each step, I would lose all thought of her smile, all hope for a friend, all understanding or memory of her. And yet, it became even harder, when she no longer extend her hands, no matter how callous it is...

One Word: Chase

2009-10-05T14:46:00.000+08:00

Police stormed through the streets giving chase to the elusive thief. The phantom figure weaved through the crowd, down into a tunnel and escaped beyond the reach of the arms of the law.

One Word: Balm

2009-10-02T08:56:00.001+08:00

The soothing balm could not heal her wounds. Tears roll down her cheeks as she stood there for a long time. Astounded and hurt deep withing the recesses of her heart. How could he? And yet he did...

One Word: Mercury

2009-09-22T00:08:00.000+08:00

Mercury flowed from the broken thermometer to the end of the table. The lifeless fingers at the other end. The deed is done. The villian is loose. The game is afoot. The mystery is now on.

p/s: this is after a long post. More oneword and posts to come ;-)

Of First Importance

2009-08-15T23:42:00.000+08:00

The God of the Gospel

“The gospel shows us that God is far more holy and absolute than the moralists’ god, because he could not be satisfied by our moral efforts, even the best! On the other hand, the gospel shows us that God is far mare loving and gracious than the relativists’ god. They say that God (if he exists) just loves everyone no matter what they do. The true God of the gospel had to suffer and die to save us, while the god of the relativist pays no price to love us.”

- Timothy Keller, “Being the Church in Our Culture” (2006)

My Moleskine

2009-08-10T20:26:00.004+08:00

I received this lovely gift from Lynnette Woo, a Moleskine notebook. Priced at over RM30 this gift is even more expensive due to its origin from the States ;-)

Thanks Lynnette! In it will contain previous words and muses...

A tale

2009-07-21T23:33:00.003+08:00

There once was a little boy who lived in a village. He drew a painting and felt very nice about it. It was precious to him. Then, he went to his parents to ask what do they think?
His mother was busy tending the garden, and told him, "You need to help me out more, dear".
His father, casting his net to fish, told him,"Make sure you study hard also son. You need education."
Both of them didn't even glance at his painting.

He went away a bit sad, but knowing how hard his parents provided for him, he just went his way.
He continued on and went to school to meet with his friends. "That's not a nice pic!","Draw about toys and cartoons!","That's ugly!".

Sadden further, he dragged his feet along the pavement. Right in the distance, there was a little girl sitting on a bench. He sat next to her, putting the painting beside him. She turned her head and smiled. It was the new girl in the village. She pointed to the paper and he showed her the painting.

She smiled even more, and opened her bag. Taking out a roll of paper, she showed the content to her. It was the same painting. They both smiled.

But the moment did not last long. The sky turned dark and he had to go back home. Same with her. Both of them separated.

The next day, the boy drew another painting and rushed to meet the girl. He sat on the park bench from the morning until the sun came down. She never came.

He was sad, really sad. No one was able to cheer him up. No one wanted to look at his paintings.

It would be a long time before he regained his cheer.

He was walking along the pavement one day, still thinking about the girl. Then it struck him.
He will draw paintings until he can find ppl who appreciate it.
Who knows?
The girl might just be around the corner, watching him ;-)

Waiting

2009-07-20T01:17:00.002+08:00

I am waiting for it...
For it to pass through the shark-infested Seas of Wanderers,
Frigid peaks on the Mountain of Giants,
high towering Cliffs of Illumination,
dark deep Valleys of Void,
muddy zombie-filled Swamps of Suffering,
Scorching Desert of Lost Souls,
and
reach
the hands of this lonely wordsmith.

A companion for the Chronicler.

A tool for the Wordsmith.

An art for the Journalist.

*waiting like a little kid outside the toy store*

Of First Importance

2009-07-14T20:23:00.001+08:00

“Christ is much more powerful to save than Adam was to destroy.”

- John Calvin, Commentary on Romans, Collected Works

Writing Partner

2009-07-11T18:29:00.002+08:00

It seems wasteful to not employ the technology in hand, especially the Internet as much as possible. In a ordinary conversation with my friend, Lynnette, we found out that both of us havnt been writing much.

Therefore, we try to encourage each other by being...."Writing Partners"!

It would be hard nonetheless, with both of us in different continents and timezone, but would that stop us as writers?! Of course not ;-)

So, to start our inaugural posts, I have suggested we write in www.oneword.com and post it in our blog. However, I do hope that when we have time, we can write longer on our post.

Anyways, here is today's keyword 'alert',

'The amber light came up. The coffee machine blips. It was morning, and the sun shone upon the lying soul. He awakes, not just from his deep slumber, but also from his tiring journey. And so, he is alerted to his surroundings and life was restored to him."

Rountines

2009-07-09T21:54:00.000+08:00

"Routines were meant to be broken, just like rules", I once heard it. But some routines are habits and systems that you have made to support yourself. To identify you. To define you. Sadly at times, these routines will fade away. Nothing last forever, and so are routines.

Currently, I am going through a phase of change. There is a major shift in my routines now, and I end up on the bad end. Trying to juggle everything at once, does take a toll on your body and mind.

And yet, change is of course inevitable. But what can you do in the midst of change?

For one, we can learn about who were are, and why we make such routines?

I found out, I was looking at the short direction, and missing out at God. It's the big pic that we miss, just because of the ones near us.

Do have routines, but do also embrace change. It may or may not be for the better, but acceptance of it, is half the battle won. It takes time to adapt, but it also takes the heart to follow...

Dedicated to Lynnette Woo

2009-07-04T12:27:00.002+08:00

For those who do not know me, I have something that I am really proud of...wakaka

I have THE COMPLETE COLLECTION of Hercule Poirot by Agatha Christie!!

All 39 copies, from the start to the end.

I was chatting with a friend, Lynnette and boasted about this collection. She wanted to see it to ooohhhh and aaahhh...;-)

So Lynnette, this post is for you to marvel at my collection.

For the uninitiated, the Hercule Poirot series is about this little Belgian detective who uses his mind and skillful understanding of criminal psychology to catch the crook.

So, that's all 39 of it. er...actually I missed one, it's with Matthew (lol...)

This is how it looks like on my table. Ignore the mess...;-)

The Return

2009-07-04T12:20:00.002+08:00

The quiet still night was engulfed in darkness. It beckons evil to draw near. To rise. A full moon brings forth a bad omen, one that harbors a distinctive sense of hate and vengeance. The stillness was barely broken with a thin fog. As the night progresses, the fog thickens, and so is the deathly silence.

A swirl of mass suddenly appears. A figure looms in the background, draped in darkness.

Two bloodshot eyes stares into the open space.

Razor-sharp fangs were bared. A piercing death glare was apparent.

*evil laugh* I HAVE RETURNED!!

p/s: anyways, I am back in penang :-p

The journey so far

2009-06-13T13:10:00.002+08:00

It seems that I have left this familiar place too long. Cracks are visible and spider webs roam the place. But then again, it wasn't really easy, finding time or rather, making time.

Interesting things happen to us humans for countless times. Sweet memories, painful and sad suffering with a triumphant change of the situation.

I learned a valuable lesson about loneliness these days. I learned that no matter how strong we think we are, we are simply created for each other. And that is not all, no matter how weak we think we may be, God will forever be strong. It doesn't matter the circumstance, nor the emotional roller-coaster. When we have finally decided to let go of our life, to put our faith in God, things take a different perspective.

It is of course not easy, but when a control freak like me did it, it was a relief. There was still pain and loneliness and all those emotions. And yet, that is what makes us human. For we need to lift up these emotions to God, and finally see the rainbow at the end of the storm.

I'm grateful to God for encouraging me through my friends. I had a group of good and encouraging brothers and sisters-in-Christ that took me through this time. A support system. Thank you.

We should always remember the suffering that Christ went through and count our blessings.
We will learn our life lesson, one at a time.....

Answers for questions...(part 1)

2009-05-07T21:23:00.003+08:00

On Wed, 6th of May, R.AGE came out with questions from adults to the youths. Being one of them, this is my personal perspective on the answers.

Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir: What do you really think of your parents (and no need to be politically correct and only say nice things!)?
- At this point of age, I feel that they are just trying their best with their own resources.

Shebby Singh: There are many things that can motivate us, but that is different from what our own motivation is. What is your motivation, and why?
- Hope. I do things with a hope, that I could do it with the best of my strength, a hope that I could have looked back and said I didn't regret it. Without hope, and without putting it in God, I don't think the world can move. Everything else would fade away. People around us would go away, not to mention material things too.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin: How would you like to see Malaysia in the future?
-I would like to see it filled with leaders who are responsible and transparent towards the people. I would like to see minority groups, the indigenous, the special ability, the women be empowered and given opportunities to be the best that they can be. We are all God's creation. Each and every one of us. Oh, and if possible, the 'race' column doesn't exist forms, I'm a human, that's it.

Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan: Do you feel disconnected from the politics of Malaysia and in this regard how much do you value your right to vote?
-I feel disconnected as there seems to be no proper channel that discusses our views or allows us to participate in civil society without the stigma or fear. It is a big challenge to come out from apathy and into active participation. I believe that it is also the same for a lot of us. I value my right to vote, although I feel that I can do more than just vote. Proper channels of discourses should exist.

Jit Murad: What things about us (adults) seem unfair to you?
- How some seemingly got out of being responsible for the wrong things they have done. Those that abandon their children, hurt their family, squander their life away, and yet, there seems to be nothing that can be done. On a lighter side, it has to be the acknowledgment of being someone whose views and opinions are heard. With great power, comes great responsibility, eh?

Khalid Samad: What are the characteristics of good governance and what is your role in ensuring that these characteristics are truly embodied by the government of the day?
- Governing a country is a tough job for a single individual, so the characteristics of good governance is connecting to the people and everyone. That would translate into transparency and accountability. When the people know what is happening to the very place they are, the resources, the economy, the lives around them, then the nation can grow better. If there is any human above the law, above reproach, then good governance would definitely be impossible. My role is keeping accountability and transparency where it is needed. But checking and double-checking facts. By thinking critically. BY seeing deeper. By having an open mind, but a good argument.

Jo Kukathas: When you close your eyes and see yourself, what do you dream you are and what do you dream you can become?
- I am a creation of God. The possibilities are endless. I dream to be someone different every time. Anyone, different depending on emotions, outward motivation and everything else.

Thought scribble: Whose history is it?

2009-05-06T10:50:00.004+08:00

Based on what Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said in a news report by Bernama, taken from The Edge Malaysia,

On the suggestion by his deputy, Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, for the contents of History textbooks to be reviewed, Muhyiddin said history which was something that happened in the past, could not be altered or added.

"It can be improved from time to time but you cannot add something that wasn't there. Maybe what Wee meant was you need to evaluate whether it qualifies to be considered as history or not," he said.

Wee had suggested that the contents of History textbooks be reviewed on the ground that it did not touch on the struggle and contributions of other races towards national development. — Bernama

I wonder whether he understood what he said by saying history can be 'improved' from time to time. On the more critical side, what defines something to be considered as history or not? Is it only defined by the powers that be? Or is it defined by the good results (as in opposing colonization)or made obsolete because of it's impressions (racial riots & protest rallies)?

réfléchir un moment

Returning to his roots....

2009-05-03T17:09:00.002+08:00

The young apprentice has finally returned. His journey of learning has brought him far and wide. His tired and weary figure, slowly travel the tracks leading to his town. The wide green plains were easing his sore eyes. He could sense the core's power rejuvenating his soul. With each step he took, he grew stronger. The town he left, was a sleepy one. Now, towers loomed and crowds were seen everywhere.

So much has changed. The knowledge he acquired, the friends he knew, and the adventures he experienced were irreplaceable. And yet, he was still the same person on the inside. With a new chapter of life now in front of him, he summons his strength and makes way to his dwellings.

things so far....

2009-04-04T11:27:00.002+08:00

It has been eons since the last post. Sigh, so much has really happened. There were ups and downs in my uni life. Not to mention, the changes I see in my friends. There were truly some interesting things that happen. Yet, bound by an oath of silence, I could not speak more. All I can say is that, time will tell.

Strange how man uses time to test things. To us, that is the ultimate tool for trial. It is true that man can only plan, and God has His own way. There can be nothing absolute for us. What we have today, would never be guaranteed to last tomorrow. Some choose to acknowledge this fact, and then live like there is no tomorrow. Rather, I would encourage Christians, to live well, for we have a tomorrow in Christ. Give thanks for what we have today, and cherish it well, yet not be too attached, that we could never be drawn away.

We came to this world with nothing, and in nothingness we shall leave it.

Prelude

2009-03-06T17:57:00.001+08:00

A quiet peaceful night on the 5th day of the 3rd month. A small chill gently touches the skin....

25 random things about me..hopefully...(as written in Facebook)

2009-02-23T16:03:00.000+08:00

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

25 random things about me

1. I am multilingual-I speak English, Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, French and I can understand Hokkien and Hakka.

2. I am sometimes obsessed with the color purple, not because I’m weird, but I just like it. Long background story.

3. I have 5 decks of Magic: The Gathering cards. I only started owning them since Upper 6.

4. I can wiggle my right ear, see? *wiggle*

5. I have the complete collection of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot (detective novel). I sometimes mimic his characteristics.

6. I like to observe people at times.

7. I went to my first and only play for now, “The Mousetrap”. I liked it so much, that I said “It was awesome” for more than 30 times. I now have a habit of doing that when I totally dig something. It was awesome! (34th time)

8. I am easily annoyed by certain repetitive behavior, repetitive behavior (did I just repeat myself?)

9. I can’t swim to save my life.

10. I love eating meat, especially pork. I learned from my aunt and mom how to make dishes that taste really nice ^.^

11. I can’t draw to save my life. Ironically, I have a good imagination. Pictures from my head just can’t get to my hands.

12. I learned to twirl a pen when I was 15.

13. I can’t dance to save my life, although I would love to learn how to waltz.

14. I love being complex. I enjoy reading the encyclopedia, the dictionary and other fact books. I have thought about trying to get into MENSA.

15. I wanted to be a hacker once. Failed.

16. I can’t make music to save my life. I have a basic in violin and guitar, but that’s just about it.

17. I am a highly curious person. I constantly need to find out how and why certain things tick.

18. I am hoping to win a Nobel prize, or maybe the Pulitzer prize, or maybe the PJK, whichever comes first and last.

19. I freak people out by thinking too far at times, way, way to far. Eg. I even thought about my future children, my house, my retirement, and yeah, even my demise.

20. I can’t sing to save my life. I am an advocate of free public singing. I believe totally in being able to sing wherever you are, whenever, just as long as you don’t disturb public peace. I feel weird singing into the mike and in karaoke.

21. I have a double standard with guys and ladies. Gents are supposed to take care of themselves, but ladies should be given a priority when there is a need. I still have close brotherhood though.

22. I am the jack of all trades, but master of none, for now. I am planning to master one skill at a time. Maybe i'll start with twirling a pen....

23. I am a hummingbird-person. That means I am neither a nocturnal being nor an early riser, but I suit my sleeping pattern according to the need.

24. I fell down from the first floor of my school once. I sprained my leg. I did that because a friend of mine threw my watch out to the windowed corridor. I removed the window panes and went out. I was struck by panic when I saw a prefect, and I jumped. I was only 9.

25. Nemo D. Gund, and Neo D Gundm, are anagrams of my name. I love anagrams. Oh, Enchanter is one of the 5 English word that has my full initials (ENCH) as the first 4 alphabets. Cool huh?

My descriptive article assignment

2009-02-21T17:38:00.003+08:00

The wafting aroma of good food coupled with the busyness of the crowd often indicates an eatery’s quality in preparing a wholesome meal. One doesn’t have to look too far to gauge it. Since the dawn of time, human beings were in need of replenishment, more so delicious ones. It has not been a wonder then, that Penang has also become a destination for gastronomical adventures. Food lovers or foodie alike would search high and low for a new place to dine and be merry. Neither the rush hour traffic, nor the apparent remoteness of a place would deter them. However, foodies rely heavily on word of mouth, and now food blogs to give them the insight on which is the best place to eat. It is then a purpose of this article to explore some of the famous and lesser known places to eat in Penang. Be warned before you proceed, contents are known to cause drooling, hunger pangs and the excessive need to grab the nearest thing to munch on.

A central icon to the gastronomical delight of Penang has to be it’s assam laksa. Many talk and rave about it, but which is truly the best? There are some great local selections and opinion on to which tastes the best. One famous hotspot for assam laksa would indefinitely be the Air Itam market. Air Itam is located at the foot of the Kek Lok Si temple. The stall that sells this delicious dish only opens in the afternoon. Locals can picture the 2 stove stall that is overflowing with mint leaves, shredded vegetables, cucumber, onions and the thick aroma that wafts through the air. Located at the side of a shop near the road, the prawn sauce noodle dish is coupled with an icy cool cendol from the neighboring stall.

Another gathering place for fans of assam laksa is in Penang Road. Just a stone’s throw away from Chowrasta Market, the humble kopitiam shop boasts of a special family recipe in assam laksa. This version is slightly different as the spiciness is milder and the broth is thicker. Nevertheless, patrons can also have a bowl of cendol to complete the picture. After a satisfying meal, patrons can stroll in the Chowrasta market and sample some of its sweet and sour preserved food and fruits, particularly the ever-popular nutmeg.

A lesser known version of the Penang laksa is the Malay version. The smooth broth flows with coconut milk, spinach, cucumber, onions and a generous serving of fish meat, even with eggs added to the signature of Malay laksa. A perfect example of this would be a small stall, located almost in the heart of Georgetown, at Lorong Haji Sulaiman.

In continuation with the noodle frenzy, a must try would be the mee sotong at Esplanade. Esplanade is a famous area for events and festivals where the green blades of grass dance in the gentle breeze. Across the green field would be the food court, right next to Fort Cornwallis. The Fort Cornwallis is a historical fort left by the British Empire. With over 20 cannons and infrastructures like bunkers and holding cells, it is a big tourist attraction. It is right next to this tourist spot, lies the modest stall that sells mee sotong. It opens for lunch hours and customers from the nearby government buildings are known to flock to the vicinity. The springy tenderness of the noodle is made heavenly with the succulent taste of the squids. With smooth and mild gravy, it is a taste that is chopstick licking good!

For those who have a knack for eateries with a long line of history, one can check out a shop at Lorong Seratus Tahun. Although not as long as the name of the street suggests, the shop has more that 30 years of history, and even a branch in Puchong, Selangor to boost, doing what it does best, serving piping hot bowls of white curry noodles. Opened only for breakfast, your bowl of white curry noodles here will be served steaming hot, and the spiciness can be adjusted on your own. Customers are given a separate bowl of sambal to be added in. You can add as much as your palate desires.

Not to be outdone by this, a unique Nyonya-style curry noodle is moreover available, once again in Air Itam’s market. To the delight of many, this is the sole stall that sells the noodles in the whole Penang Island! Its second to none status is achieved by a fresh supply of ingredients, comprising of mint leaves, fish ball and also its healthy option of less coconut milk. A wonderful affair of its supple noodles, palate pleasing broth and fresh ingredients mingles to tickle the taste buds.

Dessert aficionados would not be disappointed with the bubur gandum in Little India. Little India, as it’s name suggests, is a street lined with shops trading Hindu articles of worship and other Indian necessities including saris, henna art and Bollywood movies. Smacked in this plethora of sights and sounds, lies a stall offering bubur gandum. The dessert is made with boiling porridge with wheat and other ingredients. Its sweet taste is akin to a bowl of red bean soup, albeit, a notch higher in satisfaction. Upon request, soft and fresh home-baked bread is provided for dipping. Nothing lesser than heaven for the sweet tooth.

Penang not only boasts of its cultural heritage, but also a fusion of international food. A restaurant in Mount Erskine would be an impeccable example of western cuisine. Located in Mount Erskine, Batu Ferringhi, the restaurant is known for a full house every night. It’s fame is such that many just remember the place by the location, rather than the restaurant’s name. Signature dishes, including grilled meats, are made unto perfection, with its juice and tenderness intact. The chef’s high standard ensures a stable amount of juicy, tender ribs, flawless grilling, and ultimate customer satisfaction.

Last but not least, nasi kandar is an iconic famous food in Penang. An affordable but modest eatery would be Restoran Jaya, beside the 8 PAGI convenience store in Minden. Famous for it’s nasi daun pisang, a fresh serving of honey glazed chicken and goat milk is enough to melt your palate away. Not to mention also its steamy santan rice, and a variety of other side dishes to choose from. With such an option, dinner is never the same again.

There can be no end to fine eateries and dishes that please the stomach. Food has not just become a necessity, at times, it is even a luxury. An apt question before the next saliva-drooling, hunger-inducing food search is, do you eat to live, or do you live to eat?

*Thanks to the lynx for the information and matt, juliet, and gary for proofreading this..^.^v

Mistakes

2009-02-14T08:23:00.002+08:00

At times in our lives, we make mistakes. Rather, I made a mistake. I had taken things for granted, and I did not appreciate that which I have. Worse yet, I was for once, inconsiderate. The machinery was set into motion, and the result was catastrophic. I could not believe what I had done, but then, the damage was there already.

J'ai perdu un ami aujourd'hui. Il a été très mauvaise. It was my mistake

What can I do now? I will leave it for the person to decide. But I have set in my mind, that I need to change, and never once more lose a friend.

Thank you.

Whose side are you on?

2009-02-08T18:33:00.000+08:00

Of First Importance

Siding with God

Posted: 07 Feb 2009 11:11 PM PST

“The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian: when a non-Christian is convicted of sin, he sides with his sin. When a Christian is convicted of sin, he sides with God, against himself.”

- Mark Dever, The 2009 Desiring God Conference for Pastors

A reminder

2009-02-02T10:33:00.002+08:00

Today, I am reminded of something. I am reminded of my own futility at times, trying to prove to others my worth in this world. But then again, I am sure God has better plans for me.

Of First Importance

Nothing to prove

Posted: 31 Jan 2009 01:16 PM CST

“You don’t have anything to prove to us or the world. The work is finished at Calvary, and that work has unlimited meaning and value. Keep your focus there.”

- C. John Miller

Wake Up call !!

2009-01-28T18:20:00.002+08:00

It takes a mean punch to be a wake-up call for me. Now, I realized I had slipped into complacency, playing along the game 0f Life. It slowed me down. It made me slothful. And NO, I am NOT blaming LIFE.
It's time I took a different route.
It's time that the change I was so dreadful of facing, should now be taken.
It's time that I took the challenges that will hone my craft, that will perfect my skills.
It's time that I remove that lazy bone from my body, and put on a Li-Ion battery pack (or maybe a Hybrid?)
It's time for me to drop that complacency, inaction, passiveness and pride. And take up the humility and the zest for Life.
It's high time that the show will take a different twist. The plot thickens.....

The thought so far...

2009-01-26T23:43:00.003+08:00

Well, dear all, there has been a lot of happenings so far. And yet, I had little time to jot all of these down. One for sure, this year will be a year of change (to quote from Obama) As sad as it may seem to be, those friends close to me will also undergo change. I may not get to see them as often nowadays, but they are still dear to my heart. I have also been working on a few things, trying to balance my studies and activities, not to mention trying to get to No. 1 on my Word Challenge ranking. Esther currently holds that place.

Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year, really. However, as I was saying that it is a year of change, (contrary to the meaning of the Year of the Ox) even my families Chinese New Year celebration is different.

Usually, year after year, we would be going up to my grandma's place in Rawang, early in the morning. We would have a vegetarian meal (since grannie is a Buddhist) and then spend time until the afternoon. Then we would go back home to nap. Shortly after that, we would prepare to go back to Rawang for a scrumptious feast. Not to mention that we would also have reunion dinner at grannie's the night before.

This year, we had brunch at home, a simple meal of fish and pork for prosperity ;) Then, we went over to Aunt Elaine's place, for almost the rest of the day. Th house was full of activity, and I did get to mingle around a little bit. I just don't know why, I was quite a blunder when it comes to social activities like this, as friendly as I can be. Well, I guessed my self-worth is somehow tied to this :) We had lunch (again!) and then dinner. And we made our way back.

The ang pow collections until now are very good ;) but I'm gonna save it for another day.

Oh, I am doing some research on DSLR cameras. I may not be getting one soon, but it's good to plan, ain't it? So, for those who can help me with my research, do drop me comments. Looking for an entry-level model.

Anyways, thanks and have a prosperous New Year!

Long break

2009-01-19T23:26:00.002+08:00

Well, everyone, I seemed to have really taken a long break from blogging. Now, as the CNY approaches, I shall work towards improving this blog (as with my New Year resolution) and maybe introduce some new stuff. Well, stay tuned ^.^

Lost?

2008-12-21T01:19:00.002+08:00

The compass now seems to no longer point to a fixed direction. The heart could not muster strength to take a step. A seemingly endless void devours emotions and joy. Sigh. The momentary lull seemed so....disheartening, and discouraging, as peaceful as it may seems. Almost like an omen to an impending storm, a mighty disaster. But yet, if Christ is with me, who would be against me? TO pray my friends, I shall pray.

House of Ice (Horror content : Warning, Mental Images may, erm, haunt you!)

2008-12-11T13:01:00.003+08:00

The machines creaked, the generator roared and in an instant, the factory came alive. The cranes were moving all around and the conveyor belt began its treadmill. All this would have been a normal operation at the ice factory, had it not been that the factory, was no longer in use, for a long time. The trapped students in the factory panicked. Their first day on the trip and they are now in trouble. The signed said the exhibition was past the visiting time, but they all never thought it would hurt to go for a peek. As soon as they reached the end of the factory, they saw the exit was locked. They shrugged, after seeing the condition of the factory and steadily made their way to the entrance. They arrived, only to see the last tourist vehicle leaving the compound. And the entrance door being bolted and chained. No one seemed to know that they were trapped.

THEY WERE TRAPPED !

Panic trickled in slowly, and it was at this moment, the machinery came alive. It was as if someone, or something pushed a button. The temperature started to drop drastically. Icicles were forming on the roof.

E: Look here, we have to find a way out! How about the windows?
M: All of it seemed to be erm, frozen. We cant seem to pry it open, or ..or..or even break it.
A: Relax now, let's go and erm, check the communication center, maybe there's a phone.
X: Yeah, we can't even call out from our mobiles. Something is fishy.
E: Don't freak yourself out. We'll be out in no time. What' the worst that could happen?
J: (Shivering) well, being frozen meat is not the bright side of things, ok?

They were climbing up the ladder, when the last of the group, E, was at the end of a staircase, and saw something. A scream was all that was left, when the staircase gave way, and he plunged into the deep freezing pool. The others were left hanging for dear life. Until they slowly climbed their way up.

As soon as they reached the center, they saw the control panels were not functioning at all. The phone lines were useless. M tried to lower the thermostat and stop the production of the ice, but then

PRANGGGGG

A pipe burst containing liquid nitrogen and it sprayed M all over the body. In a matter of seconds, he cracked and fell to the ground, lifeless. The group was stunned by what had happened. The burst pipe now was only hissing the remainder of the gas. It seemed there was only enough gas to freeze a person, enough to freeze that person to death, it seems.

The group took a nearby cloth and covered the remains. They had to move on. They then strategised that the best step was to check where the ice are all being transported. They went to the conveyor belts, now hoping to find a way to end their nightmare. They had to move fast. On their way there, J heard an eerie laughter. It was almost inaudible. But she also heard the clanging sound of an ice hook. She did not entertain it further, thinking it was a figment of her imagination. They were finally there. They saw the ice blocks being put on the conveyor belt and transported through opening above. They now see stars and the moon. It must have been hours when they were stuck in the factory. The old factory was still operating in the night. A terrible omen.

They searched for ladders or anything that can bring them up. The exit was bolted tight. They tried to pry it open with their bare hands. J saw a crow bar drop at the far end. She made her way through, thinking that the crow bar would bring much help in prying open the bolts on the door. As soon as she reached the crow bar, she heard a clanging of chains above.

*creak..metal clanging..THUD!*

The chain from above fell onto J with a loud thud. Only her hand is seen clutching onto the crow bar. X and A, being left now, were almost out of their mind. Having 3 friends die in front if your eyes, is nothing short of a trauma. They had to get out. But how?

Searching the factory for clues, and staying together, they found an old newspaper clipping. It told of the factory's misfortune that it was closed because a ghost seemingly haunted the factory, the ghost of the grave on which the factory was built. Silly. There is no such things as ghost? Or was there?

They thought of a plan now. The only way out was to create a big situation. Stopping the ice production should alert somebody. Or trying to destory the factory in the process, nonetheless should grab some attention from the neighbouring houses.

They approached the generator. Unsure of a way, and driven by panic, A tried to pull down the lever and the handle broke. They took a bucket and filled it with water to short circuit the generator. It seemed to work. But after a few sparks of electricity, a back-up generator came on. The two were puzzled and frustrated. And as they were looking each other eye to eye, thinking of a fatal end, A spotted an imposing figure at the corner of his eye. He took the crow bar and started to swipe around. Sure enough, a figure came out and with ice hook in hand, fought back. A villian. The Grim Reaper.

There was no time to lose. They had to shut down the factory, or die trying. As A fought the villian, X took one look at the back-up generator, and asked A to pin the villian down to the generator. She took a nearby chain and struck at the shadowy figure. It slumped, but it grabbed A and they struck the generator together, causing a short circuit, and a small explosion. The last memory of the scene was X's bloodied hand, lifeless on the pavement.

(Blogger's note: This story was dedicated to the time when we really got stuck in the ice factory. Well, always read the signs *wink*)

Alor Star- Kaki Bukit-Sungai Petani Trip, Day 1

2008-12-11T12:02:00.006+08:00

I have been delaying this post for quite sometime now. Finally, I now get to start on it. Actually, I had another post on my mind, but then again, erm..I seemed to lost the pics for that one. So now, it's this one.

Ok, Matt began to tell me about a trip to Alor Star and Kaki Bukit during the weeks before the exams. It was to be during the exams. I checked my schedule and I felt it was entirely ok to have a break, because there was a gap about 4 days between my second last and my last paper. And after a few exam papers, I packed my bag and followed the gang to Alor Star..Wuhooo!

(At matt's aunt's place, in Alor Star)

We took Juliet (lynx's car) all the way up to Alor Star. We had some praise and worship session in the car. As soon as we got to matt's place, we were famished! we only had erm, curry mee and some pork for breakfast (hey, I'm growing, k?) Well, we put our bags and off we go to get some food.

(awesome assam laksa!)

So matt brought us to a place to have a great plate of assam laksa, and it's cheap too. It's just RM 1.80 for a plate. The broth is just right. There were two choices, one with lemak, and the other without. Needless to say, I tried the one with lemak. Well, the broth is just creamy and the noodles are good.

(fried yam with glutinious cake)

Matt also bought us some fried finger food. We had fried yam with glutinous cake and some friend corn with flour (below). The fried stuff was a god combo. And it's fresh too! Real crispy and nice.

Well...we then washed down the assam laksa with a bowl of ais kacang. I shared with Alex. And imagine that, a bowl for just RM 1.70. I don't think you can get that in KL nowadays. Well, it was refreshing, although the taste could have been better.

After the meal, we wanted to visit a famous tourist place, the birth house of the ex-Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir. But being there on a Friday noon was not a good idea, as the place was closed for Friday Prayers. So, we went back to watch "Wanted". After that erm...violent and parental guidance advised show.lol..we went out to the place again.

The place is not just a home now. Most of the original structure was preserved and there were additional buildings built around it to tell more of the leader's past. About his childhood, his writings, his marriage, his lineage, his practice and for sure, about his political involvement, prior to him being a Prime Minister. However, as my friend noted, there were only information before he was Prime Minister, not during his rule. Well, I guess there was something to be said, eh?

Anyways, there are no admission fees, but you do need a few hours, if you want to go through the exhibits in the other buildings. The original house were seen to be preserved well. The architecture brought back memories of a village life. It struck me on how a leader can always be born, no matter of the circumstances, or the origins. True, good tree bear good fruits but you can never say that the tree does not bear good fruit, when the time has not yet come to judge *wink*.

No photography or any other form of recording was allowed in the house. So, matt took a pic from the outside. well this pic does remind me of the four kings and queens of Narnia. Well, go figure. lol. We then made a trip to the fort in Kuala Kedah (I think*scratch head*) The fort was an old remnant and we took quite a number of pics.

The setting of the sun in the nearby see signaled the coming of dusk. We got one final picture there before we left. ^.^v

(group pic, especially loved this one !!)

There were much more pics and crazy stuff that we did, including erm a run from one end of the fort to the other.hehe. But too many pics may take a long time to download this page. Anyways, with our visual, and hearing sense satisfied, we proceed to feed a very important sense, the tummy (hey, I think it's a very important sense, you know?)

So, our stop was in one of the food courts (ask Matt). We spotted a stall that makes claypot chicken rice with charcoal, how cool is that? We immediately ordered one pot for each one of us. And lo and behold, it did not dissapoint. Although, we underestimated the size of the pot. It seemed tiny, barely able to have one plate of rice. But when we scooped it up, it was almost 2 plates.
The gravy was thick and the flavour and aroma was top-notch. well, matthew went to get some fried stuff and we had it before hte claypot came in. The claypot did take sometime, as the charcoal needs a longer cooking period. Well, good food needs time and effort, right? So, the fried stuff was good. Real crunchy and tasty. Mouth-watering.

(erm, I forgot about not asking for plastic bags)

Located next to the food court, was a peculiar sign that caught my eyes. It was a club for blood donation! How cool is that?! I had been an advocate of blood donation (but I slacked off recently) and organ donations, so seeing the sign was akin to rabbits seeing a horde of rabbits ( or something like that..lol..) So, that is a totaly cool club. I wonder what is the membership fee? Hmm..maybe a blood donation? And the club activities? Hmm..something to think about eh?

So, after a hearty meal, we returned to matt's place, to bathe and then take turn on the Playstation. After a few rounds of Tekken and Need for Speed, we settled for Hellboy 2: The Golden Army. I did stay up late to watch Mamma Mia after that and tried to erm appreciate Cats, but my tiredness got into the way. Hehe..I think I slept around 3am, or something.

The first day was a great one. The only regret was that it ended all too soon ;)

Today

2008-11-29T11:41:00.002+08:00

It has been a different day today, as all days are different. I was in the market, running errands. At that point of time, it struck me. Ideas flooded in, and sad as it is, I did not have pen and paper with me. My mind just ran with all the ideas, to a place beyond wildest imaginations. This morning, in the market, I had also met my former teacher, Mr. Ng Kim Hock. My class teacher from Form 4 and Form 5, and also my Maths and Add. Maths teacher. Hmm..it was nostalgic..He was also a former student of USM. What a coincidence. After a nice chat, I continued with mom to do my errands. And at that time, I saw the market place, in a different light. It was almost the marketplace of ideas, so much properted by the globalisation theorists. I saw issues that affects on a gobal scale starting from the local scene. I saw issues of poverty, issues of empowerment, issues of education, social ills and identity. Can we empower the poor? Can we taclke issues of poverty? Can we educate our future generation?
Well, who said the market place isn't a "marketplace of ideas" in it's own? *wink*

And on another note, my chat with my former teacher, sparked a thought in my mind.
Why did I choose my line of studies?
Was it for fame and glory?
Was it because I had no choice?
Was it the only thing that I can do?
Was it because I just picked it, without any plan whatsoever?
I realised, I studied journalism for a cause. Although it was not my dream to be a reporter, but then again, I knew the power of the pen. I was never a fighter, being erm...physically erm...ineffective (looks at my own physique), but I had always been drawn to the might of words and wit. It was not pure brute strength that I admire (although at times, it does come in handy) it was the subtle, gentlemanly, intellectual battles that I sought. I choosed the world of journalism, to be a Chronicler of Time. To write and to communicate, not so much as in propaganda's or advertorials, but to show the world, what needs to be seen. Little as these dreams may seem, these are the things that interest me. But do I plan on being a reporter for long?

Well..that is up to God. Only He will know. I may even end up in a different field after this. But for now, let me just say that with all the skills that I have (or lackthereof) language and curiousity is my sharpest. And yet, it is a craft that I need to seek to hone even more.

To wield a blade without knowledge is foolish. To seek a perfection of craft without commitment and sacrifice, would be all too naive.

I got tagged by the Lynx!!

2008-11-23T22:39:00.003+08:00

The RULES:

* Take a recent photo of yourself OR take a picture of yourself RIGHT NOW.
* DONT change your clothes. DON'T fix your hair, just take a picture.
* Post that picture with NO editing.
* Post this instruction with your picture.
* Tag 5 peoples to do this.

(First time doing this: I tag Matthew, Serena, Areen, Josette and Vanessa)

P/S: Pic was taken during the recording of Bicara Siswa. Taken by the Lynx. In Dewan Budaya, USM

Worldview Campaign

2008-11-18T15:05:00.003+08:00

Matt--> Da Chef!

The Kitchen Fellowship group had been busy last October. We had what was called as the Worldview Campaign. Every night, a theme country will be selected and the cuisines originated from the country.

Him again

We would be having a small of games and getting to know each other. Then, we proceed to satisfy our famished tummies with great delights of the night..lol..

Shrimps for Gumbo Nite!

Then, after the feast, we sit down and sign worship songs. Our guests who were not Christians also joined in singing. After a great time of worship, we sat around the living room and the speaker for the nite stood up to discuss and talk about the question that was posed for each nite. Starting from the likes of "Where do I come from?" to "Where do I go after I die?", these questions were meant to stimulate discussions and allow our friends to see our worldview, as we also try to understand theirs.

Cambodian Nite!

To learn more, follow Matt's blog as he writes snippets of what has happened in the Worldview Campaign. who knows? We might be making a special newsletter about it!

read the Kitchen Fellowship blog to find out more!!

Freshly baked cookies!!!

2008-11-18T14:51:00.002+08:00

Hi everyone! LWCF aka Persatuan Navigators will be selling baked cookies for Christmas. Come one and come all to get your share! The prices are also very affordable. There will be 2 types of cookies on sale.

a) Chocolate Peanut Cookies - 10 pieces of round shaped cookies with a sweet cherry on top. (RM5)

b) Decorated Christmas Cookies - 12 pieces of assorted shapes and decorated with colorful icing sugar! (RM 10)

This is just what you need for the Christmas Season!!

Please contact me asap for your orders before the 5th of December, (as the baking process will start after that!) and we would pass you the cookies around 20th of December, or when you return to USM on the 22nd. What are you still clicking the mouse for? Hurry up and place your orders!

nothing like a warm glass of tea, a box of delicious cookies and good friends to spend the Christmas Season with *wink*

Of First Importance

2008-11-10T09:57:00.000+08:00

Knowing God and Our own Wretchedness!

“Knowing God without knowing our own wretchedness makes for pride.

Knowing our own wretchedness without knowing God makes for despair.

Knowing Jesus Christ strikes the balance because he shows us both God and our own wretchedness.”

- Blaise Pascal, quoted by Thomas V. Morris in Making Sense of it All (Grand Rapids, Mi.: Eerdmans, 1992), 104.

Of First Importance

2008-11-06T19:53:00.000+08:00

“We are people that know politics is important, but not ultimate. We know that politics has its place, an urgent and important place where, in the City of Man, decisions are made that can make the difference between life and death, injustice and justice, mercy and no mercy, commonweal or common disaster.

But we also know that there is in this world at its very best only a hint of the kingdom that is to come, where God’s reign is supreme.

No government will ever be able to say, ‘Every tear has been wiped away.’ No government will ever be able to say, ‘The blind have received sight and the deaf have received hearing and the lame now walk.’…That power is God’s alone.”

—Albert Mohler, “After the Election”

Bicara Siswa

2008-11-04T17:40:00.004+08:00

There is a television programme called "Bicara Siswa" and LWCF was asked to send in representatives to warm the seats. (sadly) Although we were allowed to voice out and give questions in the later part of the show, it being recorded was a tad a bit less interactive. Anyhow, it was done in Dewan Budaya, USM. It was also recorded for 2 nights, and I was in both nights. The topic for the first night was " Universiti Di Hari Muka" (University in the future) and the

(moi)

(before going for the recoding. Thought is as a formal event)

(don't know why I looked serious..lol..)

second night was "AUKU- Apakah kelemahannya"(What is the weakness of the University and University College Act) Although I did not get the pics in the hall, what i did get was some pics of me and the rest of the gang.lol...

A Kitten's Tale

2008-11-04T11:55:00.005+08:00

Once upon a time, in the northern region of Malaysia, in the beautiful tropics of Penang. In the castle of U heights, there was a kitten. One so harshly treated by the world and it's savagery. The kitten was left alone to fend for itself. And it wandered in search of food and lodging.

Lo and behold, a fair maiden was on her journey to meet with her companions. She waited for the magical staircase to her friends abode. Upon her waiting. the kitten looped around the maiden's feet, feeling the warmth. It was reminded of it's mother's womb. And then, sadly, the maiden left.

However, after a while, the maiden returned with her friends for a walk outside of the castle. And after a few moments, the maiden decided, if the kitten were to be seen again, it must be fed and loved. And the true enough, the kitten was to be seen, as if it had understood the maiden's thought. The maiden's friend, a gentlemen, took it upon himself, to carry the kitten to his home. And the kitten enjoyed some fresh water and biscuits to nibble on. The strong wind made it shudder and it hid behind the warmth of the carpet.

The maiden returned to play with the kitten and bringing it food (tuna).
Sadly, after it's meal, it was time for the kitten to go. The homeowner would have no pets in his home. Dejectedly, the gentlemen took the kitten to a foreign place, and left it there.

Unknowingly, the kitten did return, with another occupant of the humble home, it dashed into the home and attempted to reach the balcony. Until it was stopped by the gentlemen, with the owner gasping at the sight of it.

Finally, bidding farewell to the kitten, the gentlemen left it further still, and the kitten was seen no more.

Lil' Juliet, this is a blog post to you

A Hat's Off to a Lecturer

2008-11-04T11:39:00.002+08:00

There comes a time in your life where you meet influential peoples. These are peoples who inspire you,

who look at you in the eye, and say "You can do it!"

I had the privilege to meet many people like these, and one of them was our lecturer, Dr. Zin.

He taught us Communication Theory and Research 2 this semester and we were thrilled by his enthusiasm.

He is a splendid lecturer and all I can say is this " Thanks Dr. Zin, All the best to you. I raise my hat to you!"

I hope that wherever he is, he would be able to touch lives, just like how he has with ours.

Of First Importance

2008-11-01T09:18:00.002+08:00

“Ready for some good news? . . .

“Jesus Christ is stronger!”

Jesus Christ is stronger!

Stronger than my fears about the future or my shame over a past that cannot be altered though I wish so much I could do some things differently.

Stronger than my tired prayers with well-worn phrases and weary pleas.

Stronger than my need to know now, and have the trial terminated.

Stronger than the enemy of my soul who would discourage me with my own failings and disillusion me with the faults of others.

Such a simple truth—Jesus Christ is Stronger. ‘Stronger than what,’ you ask? Stronger than whatever would cause you doubt or discouragement today.”

--James McDonald "Jesus Christ is Stronger"

(HT: Tim Challies)

Blogger's note: Truly Christ is stronger. In times of trials and tempations, the victory we have in Christ should be a constant reminder to us. And we should not be complacent in our actions towards it, we should claim that victory and move on with Life, be it running away from temptation or taking a courageous step.

Of First Importance

2008-10-29T14:41:00.002+08:00

“If you want rest come to Christ in Gethsemane, to Christ on Calvary, to Christ risen, to Christ ascended. If you want rest, O weary souls, ye can find it nowhere until ye come and lay your burdens down at his dear pierced feet, and find life in looking alone to him.”

- Charles Spurgeon, Rest, Rest

Blogger's note: This is the Absolute Truth, none more so than what Christ has done on the cross

The Train Ride Through the Lake

2008-10-25T12:42:00.000+08:00

Le Fleur de Lys

2008-10-25T11:54:00.002+08:00

(The White Lily)

The color stood out in the florist,

The purest of whites,
The stem, green it is,
Oh, how lovely its sight.

Yet, it signified even more,
meanings helds it never apart,
of a love on the furtherest shore,
Of a love, in the heart.

And so, this white creation,
reminded me evermore,
of my own birth and creation,
of my mother evermore,

I bought the white lily,
splendid in the florist,
evermore splendid and lively,
beautiful, lovely, it is.

And so the lily shall be,
white and pure in my heart,
as how is my mom to me,
deep in my heart.

by: ed

Train RIde from KL

2008-10-25T10:56:00.008+08:00

There has been a lot happening to me these past few weeks. I cannot stress more that God has put me through trials to build me up and I sincerely thank the brothers and sisters in Christ that has been praying and encouraging me.

Now, this post is about my trip up from KL. I took a train ride with Matthew and Paul.

Paul: Through the window

At one of the station

This is an awesome view as the train passes through a large lake. It is very large as I will upload a video to just show u how long it took for the train to pass through! It's also due to the fact that the train moves at a slower speed.

Matthew

Moi

Paul

Economy class: The lowest of them all

Station signs...Not all of it looks like that though.

The train that made the trip

A good reminder of my course..lol And the whole trip took the whole 8 hours. If you ever have any thought of getting a train from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur, don't forget to travel with a group of friends, and always have activities ready. Do not assume that you would be able to endure through it with sleep. You CAN'T sleep if it's in the day, mind you. And if you do get such an idea...I guess this sign is quite a reminder..LOL

(Taken on a platform in tha station)

pondering..

2008-10-11T00:04:00.002+08:00

Soul, remember, in thy pains,
God o'er all forever reigns,

- C. H. Spurgeon

Love is Color Blind by Sarah Connor feat. TQ.

2008-10-07T14:59:00.002+08:00

This vid is by request from enajuis and the lynx. Enjoy!!

Friday Fellowship-Forgiveness Walkthrough

2008-10-05T02:36:00.004+08:00

What do you do when people wrong you? DO you do these things? DO you forgive them?

Procrastination

2008-10-02T23:27:00.000+08:00

Don't do this...

Video

Back Home

2008-09-30T01:40:00.002+08:00

After a train journey or 8 hours, I finally set foot back in KL. It would have been an ardous journey, if it was not for Matt and Paul. They are good travelling companions. Upon arriving home, mom and dad brought them around to eat, Bak Kut Teh and also a great lunch. It was a great time also because my aunt cooked for dinner. I am really thankful to God for all these things. He has been really great to me. I'll post up the pics next time round..

However, since today is only Day 1 of my return, I have yet reach my objectives. I truly am confused at the moment. I do not know what is right and what is wrong. I am seeking earnestly form God. Apart from that, my old self is acting up again. I guessed it's time to gird up the loins of my mind and be prepared for a great war and battle... I seek God for His strength and guidance.

Passion?

2008-09-27T19:51:00.002+08:00

The thing I am searching for, and yet, it being elusive. For now, I stretch out my arm, and I could not reach it. I could not get near. I ask myself each time, I question my existence. I question my experience, I question my motivation. I question it all. And yet, I could not find any.

What is my passion?
What drives me?
What makes me tick?
What makes me cry?
What makes me question?
What are my talents?
What blessings can I give to the world?
What tires me?
What leads me home?

Mind to share?

Wake Up Call Now!

2008-09-25T21:14:00.000+08:00

It was a crude wake-up call to me. Yet, how timely it was. Right on monday, my lecturer for YKT 214 gave us some in-class assignments and discussions. And in that activity, me and a few other friends were asked to be a panel to discuss 2 questions.

1) Based on the statement, discuss. The statement made was regarding the nature of control over access to media. it says that although there is access, the access is made useless when large transational media corporations and certain government controls its direction.

2) To what extent can ICT be used to assisst minority groups?

Why is it a wake-up call to me? During our discussion, I realised that whatever the answer was, I knew it. But the bad part was my organisation being poor. I could not focus, neither could I be decisive. It was a realisation that, I can no longer run away from God. I can no longer use excuses and the stress around me, to let me be comfortable and pitied. Furthermore, I should not wallow in my despair, for God is there to pick me up.

And now, I make my choice and stand. Be it difficult and full of challenges, I have to let God pick me up and lead me on. I have decided to be a man of faith, and give me all in my remaining semesters. The time has come for me, to trust and depend on God. Who else can I do the same?

For family and friends that were with me in this journey, I greatly thank you. No words would suffice to express my gratitude. I will now move on......

Wake Up Call!!

2008-09-23T19:06:00.002+08:00

I got a wake up call...more on that later.

Fellowship

2008-09-22T03:42:00.008+08:00

(Malaysia Campus Crusade for Christ Hi-tea event)

(Ryan, Me and Alex)

(Child dedication service)

Things about fellowship is strange. It is just mind-boggling to think that a few mortal beings could converse and share some experiences of their lives for a couple of hours, and still have more to share the next time round.

Today, or rather 12 sumthing int he morning. me and teo close friends shared on some principles regarding some important matters. We articulated our opinions, we made certain things clear. We shook our head in disagreements on certain issues, but nodded on others. It's a great time. The thing is, its sad, to see something that should glorify God, not doing so. It brings a grim reminder to me of God's grace and providence. With Him nothing is impossible.

Oh, I went for Malaysia Campus Crusade for Christ's 40th Anniversary, hi-tea functio today. The CF president could not make it, so I went on his behalf (the church did sponsor...) Anyways, here are some beautiful pics, and I seriously meant it.

Me, joan, and bro. Gan

(Me and Joan, I borrowed Matt's shirt coz need to be matching to hers!)

(She looks stunning, but the thing is, its just bro and sis-in-Christ!, we thought it was a black tie event)

(Okay, u caught me SS)

Two-Face

2008-09-18T10:57:00.003+08:00

It has been some challenging days. This is due to the fact that I am battling some struggle that I have. And in response to that situation, I have decided to de-stress and help out whoever, or what ever I could, albeit with conscious choice. But anyhow, I did help out my friend, the lynx, to prepare her FYP (finay year project) . It entails spraying condensed milk cans with black paint. And that was what we did. Funny thing was, the way I held the can, ended up making my fingers black (with spray paint) on 1 side. I then decided that It would be like Two-Face, a nemesis of Batman. ....Lo and behold!

It wasn't really bad, helping out a friend. But other than that, I was also able to talk to many other people during this time of trial for me. I choose those I could trust, and I shared ym struggle with them. In the end, I was greatly encouraged. I know that I have made friends that God has prepared for me. Those who were there and those who gave support. Thanks y'all! There is much more road we need to walk....

Somethin for every one!!

2008-09-08T21:14:00.001+08:00

click here for more

God's greatness!!

2008-09-07T22:33:00.003+08:00

Many a times, we could not find the right word for the situation. We could not give the right response and we may not be able to make the wise choice at the moment. There are times, we have been stumped, where we could not even know what should we do, Times like this, we search and we look, for the book which tells us what to do. We seek for refuge in incomprehensible ways and we even hurt those we seek to protect. We feel weak and lonely, vulnerable and defensive, confused and angered. But what should we do? Do we not know of God's mercy? Do we not enjoy His ever soothing peace? Do we forget of His flowing providence and His everlasting strength?

Let it not be so. Rather, may we rise up from our ashes, may we stir from our slumber, may we fly out from our pit of despair. For in our weakness lies God's strength. In it, we can truly experience the joy that nothing else gives, the peace that goes through the storm, the comfort that embalms the deepest wounds. It is not us being helpless that amuses God! But it is us, knowing full well that He looks from the heavens, smiling at us, going through life, and depending on Him. With Him in our heart and life, what more can we ask? Riches? Money is cheap and lasts but a while.

There are meaningful things that money will never be able to buy. Success? But that too is fleeting, for what does it mean to be successful, if we could not pay for our own sins, nor could we be more righteous than the ragged sinner we are. Grades, careers, knowledge? Is it not ironic, when at times, all the knowledge of this world, is mere foolishness to God? Doesn't He knows already? Salvation? Nothing can be of more value, than where we would be spending eternity. Nothing can take away our sins but Christ's sacrifice. Nothing would suffice the grave nor the eternal damnation, but Him alone.

So, what should I do then? Depress my self? Ignore those who are trying to help me? Far be it from me! It should now be a time for me, to grow in Christ, and let Him lead me, where He knows best. Whatever may come, let Christ's greatness be. I know for sure, that He is there to guide me, to comfort me, to love me, to counsel me, to rebuke me, to pick me up, to give me peace, to lift me across oceans and mountains, to hold me close in His arms, to shelter me from harm, to build me up, to encourage me, to mould me, to give me hope, to let me be, to reach out to me, to provide for me, to never let me go, to never leave me alone, to be there, every, single, step, I, take. One, at, a, time. Just there, just right.

Penang AmazinGracE 2008

2008-08-29T18:44:00.005+08:00

As according to the previous video, I would like to talk about the Penang AmzinGracE conducted by the Living Word Christian Fellowship (LWCF) recently. The whole trip was awesome.(gonna continue with the post later, gotta catch dinner now!)

Penang AmzinGracE Vid

2008-08-22T00:46:00.000+08:00

More to come later!!

Combined Freshman

2008-08-18T09:57:00.003+08:00

The Combined Freshman 08 event was an awesome one. The 4 different Christian Fellowship was able to come together and present themselves well, especially to the 1st year believers and also non-believers. The whole event was truly blessed by God in being run smoothly and having only minor hiccups.

(Posters by the 4 CF's)

The crowd gathered was just right. This was considering the fact that the combined freshman was only allowed to be held slightly later than other societies meetings. The night started with light and entertaining games. One of which would require the participants to play "paper, scissors, stone". This ended up with a bunch of people on the stage. Then, we also had them grouped up according to their birth month. Further, we sang "Happy Birthday" to those who were in August.

(people playing "paper,scissors, stone")

After the games, we quieted down our hearts and had a wonderful time of worship. It was jsut a great time. Next, the emcee (my roomate and his friend) continued on by introducing the CF and passed the time over to the respective CF presidents.

They introduced their CF's themes and activities. Other than that, there was a great performance by Campus Life Connection (CLC). They wore white gloves and presented a sign language to a song. It was really wonderful.

In the end, the event wrapped u with some announcements on where the respective CF's will be meeting up and what are some of the activities. IT was truly God's blessing.

Preview

2008-08-18T09:52:00.001+08:00

As i have mentioned before, there are quite a lot of things happening in this semester. Sadly, i missed some great opportunities of posting it. Never fear, for now, I am on a mission, to post those experiences. Stay tuned...

Opportunities

2008-07-30T15:29:00.002+08:00

Opportunities abound in everywhere. Just recently I have been presented with the opportunity to start 2 new things. It was an opportunity to be a part of a new organization, a new chance to build up a novel idea. Opportunities really abound in our every day life. However, the question would then be, how much is building this new opportunity will demand of my time and efforts. After much contemplation, I do not think that I would be able to pick up the new opportunities, however interested I may be. And yet, who knows? Maybe I will, once I have set my sights to build up my own opportunity.

Vincent's Bday!!

2008-07-25T21:24:00.004+08:00

Today was a hectic day! Filled with activities and all. However, the highlight for today , was Vincent' Birthday. Vincent's my ex-roomate in the hostel and he is doing PR at the moment. We don't get to meet often because I am doing journalism.

Anyways, I managed to ask See Kee & her friends, and also Siew Tien and Pei Ting to join in. Before this, there was not much of a surprise because he sort of knew that we would be having lunch with him. However, I guessed we surprised him with us (me&ryan) inviting some of the other friends.

vincent* the birthday boy himself!! oopss, i mean MAN, since he's 21!
But the odd thing about it was, it totally did not look like a NORMAL birthday celebration. Guess it was a first time for everything. Most of us seem to be taking it as a normal gathering and all. True, it was a "normal" gathering, with a birthday cake and presents.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came for this and apologize for those that I was not able to invite due to short notice. And most importantly, a big hug and birthday wish for the birthday boy!!

I have been taking some vids up to this point and will be editing it and maybe, just maybe, I'll post it up on Youtube when I get the chance. I have been going around editing the vids that I took, just a new hobby...So do stay tune to this blog..and let me know of ur comments

Hear it from the guy himself Vincent!

Combined Freshman

2008-07-22T09:40:00.003+08:00

The combined freshman is an event where all the Christian Fellowship (Christian Society) come together to promote their activities. This is meant to better explain the reason why there are 4 CF in USM and also why each serves also a specific need. However, there are times when 2 of the CF would join efforts to reach out to evangelise. For those who are in USM and especially for Christians, you are invited to come to DK U, tomorow at 7pm! Non-Christians are also invited to the event.

The first week

2008-07-09T10:54:00.002+08:00

The first few days of the new semester was a tad a bit daunting. The new classes hat we were in, YKT 211 and YKT 214, were both conducted by the lecturers that we knew before. It seems that we would be going through another thrilling semester. Another exciting matter is that there would be a group blogging assignment for our YKT 214. I am looking forward to it. There would be 15 people in a group, and we would be give roles to play, like photographer, writer, creative editor, etc. These few days, I had also been in the Foyer, wanting to interview new students. It is our way of getting to know them and helping them in anyway possible.

Another matter worth mentioning would also be that USM is on a no plastic bag campaign. Or rather, as a follow-up to the White Coffin Campaign, launched a few semesters ago, USM is now encouraging the students to reduce the wastage of plastic.

U can read more in their website, Kampus Sejahtera, or their blog. I am getting interested and keen to see the outcome and also to encourage anyone that I know to change our lifestyle. The world is ours to protect and nurture anyways.

Matthew's Trip to Selayang, Part 2!!

2008-06-25T12:35:00.006+08:00

Dinner at Tak Fok Seafood Restaurant! The cheese crab is the best ever!!

Riding in the clouds at Eye on Malaysia

Having some late night satay nearby the Celcom Tower.

Me and chee oh in Old Town White Coffee In Central Market

Aahh... Batu Caves

272, if u r counting it....

View from the top

Taken from the Air Well inside of Batu Caves.

Mine is the .....

Roast duck in Kepong. Sigh, we missed the best one though..lol

Cheese crab (The pictures are not in particular order)

Matthew's Trip to Selayang

2008-06-25T11:53:00.002+08:00

Pics from Matthew's trip!, Due to errors, there will be part 2!

Having dim sum for breakfast after picking matthew up at the train station. This is in Kepong Baru Morning Market.

Taking a look at the signage. The etnobotany garden in FRIM (Forest Research Institute of Malaysia) in Kepong. Near my high school.

The Gigantic fish in the small lake in FRIM. It is as tall as me!!
Lush greenery!!

After some respite and lack of Willpower

2008-06-25T11:12:00.003+08:00

Well, It has been quite a long while now since the last post. I do apologize profusely as I am not posting as regularly as expected. Worse still, my holidays will be over soon and the new semester will dawn upon me. However, as promised, there are still some updates that I need to fil everyone up with. I will attempt to finish it before going back to my old routine, or perhaps, a new one?
I'll start to upload the pics and just to fill in the captions...

Ryan, vincent and brian with me concocting a grand scale plan!! (group study-kononnya)

The Air Itam Laksa! Famous bowl of fish paste noddle, served great with a bowl of cendol.Mmmm...(but my friends say that there is a better one in elsewhere! Gonna try that too!!)

A beautiful hydrangea i found on the trip up to Bukit Bendera.

I don't think u will notice it, but look closely at the bottom left corner of the signage. it says"Edmond" Now, that is really a rare sight to behold!

The three muskateers in Queensbay Mall! Touche!

This is a random post. Wait for the next one!!

Riot gathering in front of Pertama Complex

2008-06-13T14:55:00.002+08:00

Dear readers, curently, as we speak, a riot is in place today, at 3pm. The crowds have gathered in front of the Pertama Complex, after the Friday prayers. Helicopters are seen hovering the ground as news stations cover the reports of the situation. The purpose of the riot is unknown, but a good guess would be as a protest to the recent fuel hike. It seems that after 30 minutes, the crowd has already dispered (or have made their way to the Masjid Negara or KLCC) . Scenes are caught courtesy of the camera from Miss Suraya. Crowds that have gathered
Seen from futher away
The FRU unit trucks were seen parked further down the road.

A further pic. The blue buildng is the MARA building and to its left is the Pertama Complex.

A Little Note

2008-06-06T18:38:00.002+08:00

Hey there everyone! Just dropping by nowadays. Don't worry, nothing is wrong, it's just me being busy. There are a few updates that I need to do soon(when I have the time*grin*) That would include the pictures for MDN(Musical Drama Nite), Children Camp, the National Research and Innovation Competition 2008 and my holidays.lol. Do pardon the delay and don't be put off by the anticipation!! I am sourcing out the pictures and drafting the posts. I hope it would be some great posts. Am currently doing some part-time job, being back in K.L., would get to ya'll soon. Have a blessed time for those having holidays and all the best!!

signed,(digitally)
ange violette

Birthday?!!!

2008-05-16T02:49:00.003+08:00

Today, it has been a long day. Troubles just keep brewing here and there...sigh...And yet, when I recap on how those in the recent China earthquake, what I am going through, is just a fraction of what they are going through. Therefore, I would just try my best in the things that I go through. Even then, it would never measure up to what Christ Himself went through in Calvary. And yet, today is a 'special' day. The reason being, my friends celebrated my birthday early. My birthday is on the 24th of June, but my friends decided to celebrate it early... hehe...I was speechless. Here are some pictures to enjoy....Thanx guys...!!! Really appreciate it...

NRIC 08

2008-04-27T22:21:00.002+08:00

National Research and Innovation Competition 2008, or NRIC in short, is organised by the Student Representative Council of Universiti Sains Malaysia. This event provides a platform for the best final year projects from local and private universities to compete under a single banner besides being exhibited to the public.

Following from the success of NRIC 2007, NRIC 2008 has introduced a new concept and approach, and will be a bigger event. For this year’s event, this competition welcomes participation from universities in Malaysia and ASEAN countries. This will enhance the scope of the competition by showcasing current development in research and innovation in ASEAN countries.

“Innovation Towards Sustainable Transformation” has been selected as this year’s theme. It is hoped that this event will provide an opportunity for undergraduates to develop their creative and innovative talents by designing and developing environmentally friendly products of world class standards that will enhance the quality of life.

NRIC 2008 is scheduled to be held at the Dewan Utama Pelajar, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang from 20th-22nd May 2008.

Comfort

2008-04-27T22:10:00.001+08:00

Have you ever tries to comfort someone? Have you looked upon friends or family members who need that extra boost of hope and clarity? Comforting others is no simple task, mind you. It is much more than just giving tissues to wipe tears; it is much more than to just pretending to listen to the same complaints. It is even more than just saying words out of our own feelings and thoughts. It is about giving hope to those who are hopeless, giving peace to those who are restless and comfort to those who can find no place to pour out their emotions. Inevitably, I was in need of comfort and God comforted me. After that, God brings me to show comfort and care to those in need. He does not just provide for our needs, but He allows us the opportunity to provide for others who are in need.

My need occurred during the weeks leading to my semester exams. It was a hard journey, filled with turmoil and confusion. I had not been able to hold on to the promises of God, let alone the perseverance to seek Him daily. Everything else seems to just fall apart. My exams and the event that I organize were my main concerns. And it seems that I cannot do anything for both. Failure looms on both sides. And yet, at this depressing point of my life, God showered me with love and hope and mercy. He put me into the care of the church and the fellowship of the Brotherhood of Christ. Through small gestures of comforting and firm rebuke where necessary, I depended God’s grace more and more. I finally saw the purpose He wanted me in this situation. That is to learn dependence on Him. Finally, I went through my exams and I am now in the chaotic midst of organizing the event. Peace would only truly settle in when it is all over in June.

As I mentioned before, God arranged for times when friends around me needed comfort. Zyannitty needed it. For her, it was hard to look upon and realize that the relationship she had was now lost. The person that she had known before, now seems a different person altogether. It was not easy. But then, after much tears from her own, and persuasion and lending ears from me and another friend, I believe she would be on the long road to recovery. The environment around her (the event that we both have to organize) had a silver lining of its own. It kept her away from the negative thoughts. Plus, we (W and I) spent much time with her and we even went out for shopping therapy. It was also indirectly, a therapy for me too, for I had to leave the confines of stress. In the end, it gave me new perspectives on things pertaining to relationships, stress and support, not to also comfort from God.

So readers, take heed from the people around you. The times when you need comfort, look not into the temporary fulfillments of man, but gaze upon and stand in awe at the peace and comfort that Christ gives. Pray to Him not to take away the suffering, for we suffer to glorify Him. Rather, pray that He gives us strength and wisdom to carry on walking for Him. And when you see those who are in need of comfort, do not forget to extend your shoulder for them to cry on and a lending ear. Direct them to seek the eternal comfort from God. For readers who may not know of this God whom I speak of, ask the Christians around you or you could even ask me, and may you also find the true comfort

(This blog post is dedicated to Zyannitty, a friend, a younger “sister”, for she calls me ‘gor’-big bro in Cantonese, and one, whom I hope the harsh realities of the world would not take away the smile and the zest of life in her. You have more to live for my friend. Seek true comfort in Christ.)

If only....

2008-04-15T17:41:00.003+08:00

If only.....

They say that these words were meant for those who regretted. For those who could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. For those who do not know who to turn to. For those with whom, Life seemingly has left them. And yet, those were my words today. LAP 100 exam was tough. And not because it is tough, but because "if only" i put in more effort!! I guessed the exams are quite 'fair' in a way. You get what you deserve based on your efforts. After such struggle, NRIC pops into the picture.

If only....

We could have been better, we could have been quicker, and yet, what could we have done? It is truly the grace of God. I had a little chat with Bro. Abe, and he encouraged me to persevere on. I guessed being homesick and fatigued made me grumpy and all. He gave a thoughtful reminder that I was put into NRIC 08 for a purpose. For me to learn hoe to depend on God, and how to persevere through. To strive. I shall never again use the word in vain. With it, it carries the true meaning of struggling with difficulties and smiling at the perfect storm!

YKT 103 is NEVER easy

2008-04-12T22:53:00.003+08:00

It has been a tiring day. Tons of things happened in such a short while. Stories abound, enough to fill the deep abyss of Time. As I have mentioned, I have gone through some of my most stressful periods. It involved almost breaking down into tears. I truly understood then, the hopelessness of this world, the superficial value of things, the vanity of the human pursuit, and the eternal maze of Life which we are in. it makes you think of why Life was difficult, why all things seem unfair. But then again, God constantly reminded me of His grace. Of His power and might, through the friends that I have and the events that happened around me. Through the blessings and comfort of the Kitchen Fellowship, and through the trials of the exam period. It was a tough battle today. The wounded abounds, and the victory barely visible. The battleground was filled with the cries and lifelessness of the mortals. I could barely breathe in the midst of such atmosphere. Then again, it would be in vain to shed tears any longer. The fight has ended, the result uncertain, and my strength has left me alone. It is time for me to heal. To be well. To live again for another day!

The exam period has left me melancholic and desiring God's comfort. It caused me to be spending time here, now, at Roti Bakar to entertain myself(so seemingly). But then again, only God can comfort. Am looking forward to His word in the morning...All the best to those having examinations. May you have the comfort of God to guide you all the way!!

Kitchen Fellowship launched!!

2008-04-05T23:31:00.002+08:00

Intrigued? well.. if u need a quick explanation, pop by this post. Before it, I was having a tough and stressful period. Why stressful? Things that I have been doing did not go well and the team that I am with was not able to support and encourage each other continually. Study week came and so did the stress. Only then, I could understand why people would give up on life, especially those who do not know Christ. Those who have no place to turn to. For me, although I am sorrowful and stressed, but praying to God truly comforts me. It is not just that, for being with brothers in Christ lifts your spirit up also. And that is what happened.

The kitchen fellowship we had, brought me great comfort and joy. A simple meal, a simple time for devotion (i kid u not!) and a simple prayer, not to forget a simple fellowship...wait, an EXPLOSIVE FELLOWSHIP!! Those are the things that have been bringing me through. I could say, that if it was not for that, I may have succumbed to the pressure.

Stress is not all in vain. It contains in itself, the lessons of life. It has showed me the importance of choosing things of eternal value, the power of prayer, comfort, encouragement and fellowship. It showed me the frailty of man that lifts up the glory of God. Truly, it is in our weakness, that we could see Christ's glory greatly!!

For those who would like to try, join us for a meal. If not, just ask me , Abe, Matthew or Alex about it. Even better yet, get a few(not too many!) Christians that you can share heart-to-heart with, whip up a simple meal, and get that devotion book out of the dusty cupboard (including the recipe book*wink*) share your thoughts, give thanks to God fro the food, and fellowship(yeah, u can eat now!). Clean up with a cheerful heart!

Kitchen fellowship maybe something u have done before, or something new. Whatever it is, try it and furthermore, encourage those who have needs around you!

I take this opportunity to give thanks to God for Matthew, Abe and Alex for having Kitchen Fellowship with me! God bless you!

CF Retreat part 2

2008-03-24T15:16:00.001+08:00

As promised, I would like to share some of the things that I learned from the trip. Firstly, the trip itself was significant. Having a trip to just leave all the worries and the burden of the world is hard to come by. Heck, I wouldn’t even think that I would want 1. But then, with God’s provision and guidance, I attended it. It really pays to just leave your burdens and take a good rest for a while. Physically, it recharges you. Emotionally, you can be more stable and spiritually, if you are going with your church members, then you can get to enjoy the refreshing of the Holy Spirit.

Through the workshop that was organized and conducted by Bro. Matthew, a theme occurred. It is about surrendering our all. In my case, it’s about surrendering my whole life. When you come to think about it, Jesus Christ seems to be totally out-of-this-world. He is God, willingly coming to earth, to be human, and then, although blameless, was willing to bear our sins, and be crucified on the cross. At that time, dying on the cross was only for the filthiest criminal ever. And yet, He chose that death. Good news was, He didn’t stay dead, for on the 3^rd day He was resurrected and conquered death. He said, that He is the Way, The Truth and the Life, none can go to heaven except through Him. It truly is different from the world. The world says, ‘Keep your life, get whatever you want’ and He says,” Deny yourself, forsake your life and follow Me’! As we have decided to accept Him as God and Savior, He demands us to surrender our all. The world could not understand, but those who have experienced His loving mercy and grace, would. In the midst of the teaching about surrendering our all, Jesus also mentioned about the attitude of serving. In the Bible, Jesus washed His disciple’s feet.

They were reluctant because washing someone’s feet means that the person that does the washing is the lowliest of all servants. And yet, Jesus did it. This is the perfect example for us to follow. He didn’t just talk the talk, He walk His talk. As how He has served, we are therefore urged to follow. In essence, it is having a humble serving attitude. Are we willing to let go of our pride, cares and worries and just give our all to God? Bro. Matthew washed our feet that night. Yet, what’s more important, we realized that we ought to do so in the same manner of service to those around us. We may be working or studying. One thing is therefore certain, wherever God puts us in, we are to serve and glorify His Name! Bro. Matthew demonstrated to us what it really meant. Yes, he washed our feet, in the hope for us to understand what it means to humble ourselves and serve others. How to forsake our own selfish ambitions. And I could say, with utmost certainty, we had learned it. Now, the time comes for us to apply it.

--And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me--

Luke 14:27 (New Living Translation)

CF Retreat Part 1

2008-03-22T13:47:00.022+08:00

Taking time out from a hectic schedule is a must! It doesn’t help at all, being burdened and full of stress. These are then the times that we need to leave it all fro a moment, and seek God’s providence and comfort. I went for my church Christian Fellowship Retreat. It was very refreshing. The venue is Bethel House of Prayer and it’s located at the Middle Station (Viaduct) at Penang Hill. It’s my first time being up at Penang Hill. 11 of us were there. Many more were interested but couldn’t make it. This is the whole group.

Making our way up to the top was not hard. We just need to wait for the tram. It was quite efficient. There isn’t a single route straight up, rather, there’s a transit station in the middle.
We had to wait for quite a while in the transit station before boarding the tram. Even at that point, the view was amazing.

( view from the transit station)

After taking some pics and admiring the view, we got on to the tram and continued our journey. Along the way, there were some wooden houses and the air was getting cooler. It wasn’t after roughly 10 – 15 minutes before we got to our stop, Viaduct.

walking on our trail

viaduct station, alighting from the tram

Our destination required roughly 7 minutes of walking. The trail, view and atmosphere along the way is calm and cool. It really is great leaving the cares of the world and just escape to recharge ourselves with God. This was the first glimpse we had of our resting place! Look at the small pool. Unfortunately, our stay was brief and furthermore, we didn’t bring any swimming gear (it’s a small pool anyway!). So, we missed out on that. The interior of the house was just nice. It seems a bit colonial yet renovated. (with hot water shower!!) It retains that so-called country-side charm. It was definitely serenity. The view in from the place was also breath-taking. You could see half the island from here. You would be speechless from it all.

small swimming pool

The interior of the house was just nice. It seems a bit colonial yet renovated. (with hot water shower!!) It retains that so-called country-side charm. It was definitely serenity. The view in from the place was also breath-taking. You could see half the island from here. You would be speechless from it all.

view from the place

After unpacking and a little unwinding exercise, we gathered together for some games. We played Cat and Dog, if you’re familiar with it. And then had some free time to bathe and prepare for the night.

balcony

Dinnertime was awesome! It truly reminds me of Mom’s cooking! (It’s the best there is!) The soup was great too. Although 11 people, we were able to finish the dishes and the rice. Cleaning up after it was fairly easy and we started our night session after that. Due to some technicalities, the night time view isn’t good on camera. Yet, it could not be put on words here. It is simply….unimaginable. The creations of God are truly marvelous. The way God paints the sky everyday, what greatness!!

dishes for dinner

After our session, we had another small discussion for our CF appreciation night. Then, we retired to bed at 12.30am. Waking up at 6.30am didn’t seem tiring. Rather, I was truly refreshed from it all! Not to mention the cool breeze (brrr….) There were some mist and we could see the clouds blanketing the city down below. Our morning session included quiet time, praise and worship and a session of individual prayer too. Being there and then, having a clear heart, praying to God was truly sincere.

lazing down after individual prayer session

We also had a time to share what we have learned and encouraged one another. We then packed and left around 11.40am to catch the 12 noon tram coming down. The journey down was also filled with great view and some crying baby (sigh)

waiting at Viaduct station for the tram
Reaching at the station, we waited for a while before going to a nearby coffee shop for lunch, and then more rest (tired mah!) before going for church service in the night. All in all, I truly thank God for a smooth flow of events and guidance, Bro. Matthew for organizing the trip, and each and every one present for making it an enjoyable stay, even for a night only. Picture credits go to Bro. Zhong Hau and Sis. Jia Ning. Thanks so much!!

Children Camp and musical Drama Nite!!

2008-03-09T17:49:00.002+08:00

Well, it has been a while since I last written my post. Many things has happened, many more to come in the future. To say that the busiest time in my life has passed, would still be an understatement. But it has also been a scary situation to be in. If I could give you an advice, would be to not put yourselves into a situation where you will face burnout. Running from point A to B and then attending meeting C before ending the day with project D will take the living daylights out of anyone. It has been God's grace, His providence. it has been a struggle too, as stress ans pressure mounts to its peak. So, I will just roughly post about my 2 main activities, and try to add some pics soon! stay tuned!!

Children camp,
The flow went smoothly, thanks to God. The children were receptive to the workshops conducted. We taught them on how to show "LOVE", "PATIENCE", and "SELF-CONTROL". It was a handful though, as the children were really hyper active, and they could really shout. I truly agree and believe that past experiences (Vacation Bible School and Building Character Through Craft) truly helped. Another remark is that with kids, having an extra game or two doesn't hurt. =)

Musical Drama Nite
In the night time of the same day (8 march) as the Children's Camp, the Musical Drama Nite was held. I was the emcee, together with Ci Qi from CCC. We conducted the emceeing in mandarin(gasp!). The whole event went well, praise God again! The glitches here and there did not deter the group to give their best. We are certain that our main purpose of letting people know the gospel of Christ and pondering their most important thing in their lives were with the audiences as they return home.

What to do when your PC goes out on u!!

2008-03-02T21:27:00.002+08:00

There has been bad news. Hopefully there won't be more! I was typing on my laptop and just saved my work. Then, somehow (in a flash of automated silliness!) I shut down my gear. Thinking that it's something the pc can recover from (naively) I went out to get some fresh air. After that, I came back and started my pc. To my absolute horror! It kept on restarting, over and over again. It was disaster in the full extent. It was so, because I have an assignment to pass up the next day (it was 10pm at the time) and I lost all the 7 pages I had painstakingly typed!! So, I had to go around and borrowed my fren's laptop, and start to type, all 12 pages of it! It has been a very costly and strong lesson for me. I will NEVER forget it! I being in a place far from home, I wanted to try to reformat my pc. I had to. Gan was busy. In the end I asked around, and I decided to take matters into my own hands, and did what I could. I reformatted my computer with the Windows XP cd I had brought with me. But then I also came to realise, I don't have the driver disc. The ones for the wireless, audio and the nvidia graphic driver. (SIGH) SO, I had to find a few frens who can go online, and get whatever they could. I really had to back those files up!!anyway, I had become a technophile after that. I think I'm not afraid of 'technology, I just can't afford expensive lessons...

so, whenever your pc goes out on you, take a step back. ANALYSE. Then act on it. it doesn't take you long to find out that you need to reformat your comp. It just takes a COSTLY lesson..lol

Testing...testing...tested!!

2008-02-26T14:31:00.003+08:00

cool? was just rying the line in the free wifi zone to upload the pic. Ma senior told me it can be done( it really can!!) Fu-yoh! i got a place to upload my pics!!! Rock on!

stay tuned.....

Battle against the Assignments!

2008-02-22T18:47:00.003+08:00

It has been quite a battle! The pen and laptop still smoke from the heat of war. The cunning mind still contemplating on the plot and strategy to greater victory. The brave and mighty, barely surviving the onslaught. It has been a battle to end all. It has been a struggle to advance the ranks, to secure the beachhead, to claim victory. Rest for now, my fellow comrades, the war is far from over!!

The last two weeks were filled with assignments and their due dates. The first being 111 and then 103, with the deadline, just hours ago. The rush to type, research and type more, is evident. The strain on our mental and physical state of being was far from what we would call sane. Futhermore, with the addition of WUS 101 (don't even remind me!) and Sunday School and Musical Drama Nite, my body almost succumbed to the battery of lethargy. My worst came on Tue, when I over-exerted myself to rush for my French class, it took its toll on me. Until now, I have regained much of my strength, to thank the healing of God, but there is still more to do. I guessed, when my teachers in secondary school, talked about the best years of life in university, this must be the part that they skipped. (grin) And yet, a small part of me silently agrees to the fact that after this ordeal is over, after the final blow of victory and after the last wave of onslaught, I will be a different person. Hopefully, wiser, stronger, and humbler.

To all of my frens out there! May you have the best of strength and fortitude for your assignments!

Deja Vu

2008-02-19T12:37:00.003+08:00

Have you ever heard ppl saying that the lightning doesn't strike the same place twice? Or the banana does bear fruit twice? Have you even watched the movie, starring Denzel Washington? Well, deja vu means a feeling or a phenomena where you are in a a totally foreign surrounding, but you feel as if you have been there before. My frens, deja vu just happened to me this morning. In fact, it isn't about what I just said. I was late for my French class..again..(wa?) Yeap..you have heard me right. I had a blocked nose on Monday. Then, I woke up at 8am and rushed to catch a bus. The irony is that it we are going to have a spelling test today. sigh...I prayed hard...In the bus, I started thinking, and just felt tired. Arriving there, I just said bonjour.. and found a seat. It turns out, the test was postponed to next week, Tue. Ahhh...a breath of relief. and yet, I guessed the blocked nose, and all that running (I think I can audition for The Pursuit of Happiness 2!) sort of got to me. I just felt tired. So, I went and took a nap somewhere, and din't go for my 111 tutorial. I wonder how did the guys do?hmm... I just hope and pray I would be better and could finish my assignments. Heck, I din't even plan to go to NRIC meeting tonite. Just too tired.

Before I end, I want to write a few things. I had been thinking and considering about 'her'. It seems that the post in my blog has attracted a lot of attention (not that I'm complaining..) Apart from that, I felt a sense of duty to explain to you, my frens. I have decided that whatever is done, is done (not that I did a lot..) and that if I were to make a move, it would not be the best for both of us. I, myself can't be sure of my own feelings. Therefore, even before 'she' gives me an answer, I opt to say that we stay as frens. Besides, i guess it's just my nature to say that if you love a person, their happiness means much more than your own. Sounds kolot(old-fsashioned) I know, but hey, that's just me. Ppl come first. Why waste their time and emotions, if i am not willing to commit. Well...that's it. I hope I din't pull your hopes too high. Guess all my aunt's and mom's drilling(nagging) about being a responsible man got stuck in me. Truly, since you could only choose your spouse and have her for life, why not choose with care and consideration. I could only pray to God and hope that I am well-prepared when and if Ms. Right comes. And to you, my readers, thank you for lending your eyes in reading and your concerns in caring.. may you find the person you have been looking for.

Her

2008-02-15T12:47:00.000+08:00

It was a clear blue day. Waking up drowsy, I ended up being just on time for my meeting at the cafe. At the middle of the meeting, it was when the heavens looked like it opened and down came an angel. She came down from the flight of stairs and looked majestic nevertheless. I picked up my courage and went to where she was and started a conversation. I don't know whether she noticed, but I think I had been staring.., no...I mean captivated at her beauty. Gosh, I guess I need helpto sustain myself from smiling (I think I melted like chocolate!) all throughout the conversation. Such peace and calm. Sigh, yet I always have a pang of guilt and low self-esteem. How could I be compared to her? How could I even think about it? Well, I guess it would just end in the same way, as it seems to have always been. Me, being the one left one, the unlucky and lonely one in this game they call LOVE. I guess being friends doesn't really hurt anyone...does it? Maybe this is what they mean by loving someone and putting their happiness before anything else!!!

FEAR

2008-02-12T22:20:00.000+08:00

FEAR

What causes fear? What causes someone to be afraid? What is fear? Is it something that makes your hairs stand on its end? The things that go bump in the night? The cries of a tortured soul ? The howl of an animal, deep in the forest? The feelings of unrest? Or rather, is it something you could never control? The fear of the unknown? Have you ever been fearful? Have you ever heard tales of the supernatural? The unexplainable? The downright creepy? Have your ever truly questioned fear?

It seems that fear is part of our human nature. To feel small, to feel afraid, to feel helpless. Yet, it is at these times, that we truly know, we are but humans, walking on the face of the Earth.

I heard tales of mystery, supernatural and downright twisted last 2 weeks before Chinese New Year. It seems a certain being, or entity is on the prowl. A thing, so vile and evil, that seemingly walks in our midst, unharmed by the shackles of justice. The thing is claimed to have started a string of heinous crimes. Crimes that satisfy its lust for power, domination and evil. Allegations spread like wildfire. Victims seem to wound up everywhere, unable to do anything against it. Authorities tried their best to calm the situation, yet to no avail. People start leaving their rooms. Panic sets in. Late night activities seized. The whole vibrant surrounding suddenly came to a halt. No one knows what really happened. Theories sprung up. “It must be this….” “ No, I think its ….” And yet, the questions continue to crop up, more and more. Every soul started to look behind their backs everywhere they went. Skeptical, yet unwilling to let their guards down. Finally, a glimmer of hope vaguely appears. We are to have our scheduled holiday. And yet, in each of our hearts, we deeply hope, that on our return, the fear which had set in, will finally be taken away.

And yet, I could not help but wonder, whether I had taken a time machine and ended up in a modern setting of London, when Jack the Ripper roamed. It was truly fear, in its full entirety. May you find peace in God, my friends.

touchdown

2008-02-02T23:47:00.001+08:00

I have finally manage to take a flight to my home. Its my first time flying solo. Had a jolly good time (can't stop smiling and grinning aboard the plane!!) feels like i'm on a roller-coaster! especially during the take-off and landing. (wipe sweat) And had a great teatime and dinner also. Very exhausted by the time I got back home and writing this post.lol. I would find a time to write about FEAR, as i wanted to. However, i am now on the SAR(search and rescue) for my windows disc. You heard it rite. I kept my ori disc so well..i gotta search the whole house for it. sigh. My laptop got infected and the virus wiped out my entire anti-vi system. Cracking my brain now for the cure.

Gotta go now. Need to catch some zzz's !!

take care and have a prosperous Chinese New Year!!

The Middle Ground

2008-02-01T16:32:00.000+08:00

I'm in this middle ground between my works and holidays. Well, CNY is coming, and I will be going back to celebrate. The other thing is, I'll also be bringing my assignments back home. Yeap, you heard it right, my assigments. 5 mega-big things to do. I'm still doubting whether I could finish it all. on average, it'll be 1 assignment a day. Wish me luck!! After the holidays, I'll have to pass them all up, and engage in the preparation for exams. Sigh..Not to mention also being involved in NRIC, Musical Drama Nite (CCC&LWCF) and Children Workshop! I guess it is going to be one big, busy semester for me. Yet, it is through this storms of trials that I learn to seek God's grace and wisdom in leading me through.

Will keep y'all updated on the later things. Gotta go now.

p/s: have you truly seen FEAR?

Late again?

2008-01-22T15:53:00.000+08:00

As if yesterday wasn't sad enough, I overslept today. No dreams, but full of rushing. We are going to have a French Spelling test today..Sigh.. so? well...rest assured, I made it tho. After all those running (like in the Pursuit of Happyness) and taking the bus, I felt very stressed. I began to think of what to say to the lecturer. I entered the room, and she look SHOCKED.

moi: Je suis tres desolee, professeur. Je re tard.( catching for breath)
prof: Pourquoi?
moi: I overslept today (still catching for breath!)
prof: But, we have done the spelling test!
moi: It's ok, you can give me another one! (looking for place to sit, still catching breath!)

It wans't until I sat down, that I realised there were 2 more person who was late. So how? well...I was just late for 15 minutes, so, I was still able to do the test ( more like dictation). After that, I had to prepare for my 111 tutorial. It was also because I was doing research yesterday nite and then did the readings, that made me overslept. Still want to sleep now. Anyways, I think the tension was building up for me before the tutorial. In the end, it was okay, as I think? I got most of the concept roughly in the right direction. Seriously speaking, I wasn't really able to digest it all or comprehend. I still need some more time. I know that that isn't going to happen, so I am looking for ways to speed read or make utmost use of my time. Wish me well for my efforts.

I also got some feedback regarding my WUS project (thanx y'all!) I am therefore searching for some alternatives and approach. AM still looking for ways to empower my customers. My group may be having some form of online marketing strategy. Don't worry, I'll keep you updated.

p/s: how did the anagram go? din't get it? its ok. here's another. SYHONI H. NENE. It's variant will be HONEY N. SHINE. Best wishes. She's my coursemate. Do u want to make an anagram of your name?

A Sad Dream?

2008-01-21T12:11:00.000+08:00

Hmm..are sad dreams possible? are they just imaginations spurred on by the emotions. It is perplexing. I had a dream this morning. It was a sad one. I saw someone. We met. And the scene became one of despair and loss of hope. There seems to be no future for us anymore. It was way to difficult. I finally turned away, and walked off.

I woke up after that. Feeling really tired( either the dream? or my late sleep?) and drowsy. Then I looked at the clock and realised I woke up late. I needed to hurry if I wanted to catch the bus and reach the lecture hall in time. Worse still, my roomate was also just waking up. We had to rush our morning routines. And my left eye was red until after the lecture. I had a sad dream. It just shows some part fo me that I havn't resoleve yet, I guess. It has always been on my side. I kept on thinking the whole morning. And I have made a decision. I will let it go. Or rather, I will let my feeling for her to go. It will not do anyone good. Rest assured, family and friends, I have resolved this matter. And most importantly, I suggest that you get a dreamcatcher, just in case.

p/s: I think the anagram before was quite obvious, rite? Try this one on for size. Jean Khiro. And, she's not the one mentioned above(just in case you all get funny ideas). I know it ain't fair, but ces't la vie, mon ami, ces't la vie.

2008-01-19T20:18:00.000+08:00

These are some of the pics of my t-shirt. My group is offering a design service for our WUS 101. We discussed about the needs of society, and decided that people lacked a place for self-expression. We can't really find something that's not from the factory. Seeing this need, we decided to turn ordinary things into things that can be used for self-expression. We then decided to start with t-shirts. We can help u to design your own white tee. It can be a mode of self-expression and a great gift for the special someone. DO let me know if u r interested.(for those who r near me geographically. But for those who aren't, i think taking a deposit should be fine.lol.)

Completion!!

2008-01-17T16:12:00.000+08:00

Hmm..i do apologize for the late update. It has been (and may continue to be) a BUSY week. I think I am barely looking for a space to breathe. Well...it has been quite tremendous work. Not to mention my silliness.lol, for you see, I misunderstood (and did not clarify) the readings for YKT 111. I ended up being a fool (no kidding) and TRIED (in vain) to read 5 chapters in 3 days. I ended up not knowing much. But somehow, through God's grace, our tutorial class worked together quite well.Someone says a little bit here, someone guessed a bit there. At least that kept the wheel going. It didn't become a stagnant and eerie class with everyone's hair standing on it's end. After the class, I was relieved. It seems I had got the readings wrong (what did you expect?) and now, I have FOCUS. I would be in for a roller-coaster ride soon though. I have to continue the t-shirt production, assignment research and writing, meetings (NRIC,SHE,WUS,YKT 103), presentations. I guess I don't really need to complain about my "busyness", but I just think it's worth writing down.

I had also just started my french class. You will have no idea how much I miss my french accent (I think I had it), and french conversations. The first 2 classes started with the usual alphabets and some phrases and all. But, i think I should be quite ok with it. I hope I don't embarrass my french teacher(Alliance Francaise) though. Need a bit of time to get all those pronunciation rushing back. It's almost like doing ht eshort course all over again. This time, in slow-mo and with background info.lol. C'est interessant. I had also manage to seek permission in conversing in french with my coursemate. It would be nice to practice it more often.

p/s: Being all this busy, I think I'm starting to like to do anagrams (an anagrammist wannabe). Don't know where did that come from. lol. This one's quite obvious. NEO D. GUNDM. Let me noe if u find the answer.

THEFT

2008-01-11T22:03:00.000+08:00

My dear frens, allow me to tell u a true story. 4 guys went hiking one day. 2 of them left their bags safely in the driver's bonnet. Then, they hiked up and down. It took bout an hour. After enjoying the scenic view and tiring trek, they came back to the car. The driver was curious as the car door seemed to be unlocked. Then, 2 of the guys went behind to get their bag. As the bonnet opened, 1 of them asked, ' Isn't it a bit empty?'. Well, friends, their bags were stolen. I guees u might have known who is in the story. well, i'm the one that got my bag stolen. In it, was my umbrella(purple),mp3 player(purple), pencil case, orientation t-shirt, spectacle and worse still, my matrix card. So, what was my reaction? Well, I felt being angry and sad didn't really help. so, I decided that from my perspective, it was a test and lesson from God. It really shows how things should not be taken for granted. I also learned to trust more in Him. I thank God that my IC was not in the bag nor was my handphone. True, I was careless, but I now learn to be better. Anyways, if you see me from afar and start waving, and I didn't wave back, do not BLAME me as my specs got stolen..thanks..