the dreamer

a call and a reply

2009-05-28T18:33:00.005+08:00

Old Friend called last evening as i was exiting the parking lot of Dana 1 Commercial Centre. He's getting married this year and he called to ask some plans of mine. A call all the way from Brisbane is a rarity. Jon, congratulations to you! I do still thread down Kerslake Hall to our studio once in a while when day thoughts are gone.

Chee Pheng gave a reply to a question which i thought was interesting after mid week service last night. An uncle commented that his son's always online, when asked what how the boy was doing. The uncle then ended with a question, 'is it common?'

Cheepz's reply, 'It's common, but i'm not sure if it's normal.'

sketches

2009-05-27T19:19:00.001+08:00

The face feels unusually dry, or oily in my case. The sense of being dehydrated flavours the mouth pungently, and there’s a lingering sensation that one has not spent enough time doing what one does best in the mornings or sometimes, after meals. And after the second day, one wonders if enough sleep would ever reach the eyes till familiarity returns.

Then the issue of orientation, where available drinking water can be sourced, the eating area, various halls and who lives where and with whom to mentally recall. Circulation paths are mostly diagonally vertical, or organically horizontal along many corridors, foyers, open spaces, and sometimes over fields or open car parks.

One brings the note pad, Bible, handout (now folded into half if it’s any size beyond an A5), a pen to and fro, along with plates during meal times and a bottle of water during other occasions; A tag follows you for games as well as when you need to relieve yourself, or any time you leave your room/dorm.

Pockets of activities mushroom in dining areas, among clusters of chairs, in square-planned bedrooms after passing over a sea of slippers, surrounding folks with guitars and the choice range from cards, word games, verbal strategy games, jokes or group discussions headed by dedicated leaders.

There would be plenty and endless people to greet for the polite, or a great ordeal of people to avoid for the unsociable. You got to ask around as to who has seen your roommate for the keys or getting your backup singer come for a rehearsal; indeed, yellow-man Digi does not always follow you.

The last night might be the best for the speaker, for he/she could then fold the arms and relax. But it has also become a time which I particularly do not look forward to; to think, discuss, mobilize and practice for the value of entertainment is just something that…it might be an age factor…Haha! It usually would turn out to be a memorable night for the vast majority though.

That said, a process now becoming a procedure to get by, produces an end result of a usually well-fed soul. Visions become clear, values and priorities get more focused and new inner strength usually grow wings to soar.

My recollection of camps, Koinonia-centered camps.

Endless Love (Studio Recording) - Danny Gokey

2009-05-23T14:17:00.005+08:00

There's something just so lyrical about the way Danny delivers this song; your hear the very fibre of his soul in it. Hauntingly beautiful!

Today

2009-05-21T19:50:00.002+08:00

Let’s blog a little today. It’s half past six, and there are two CSD’s put to fax after a whole afternoon of client-consultant followed by a site meeting. It feels complete, the day I mean. There has been a surge of confidence lately, and the feeling is more than just being able to stand up and speak in public. Does the accumulation of age reduce the need of being nervous?

Tim Hughes and Al Gordon were/are in town. They held a concert on Tuesday, and it was a pleasant evening. Does that sound like I’d just attended a violin recital? Well, there were string instruments on stage, and two worship leaders. Below stage, the worshippers. While the music was good to the ear, I particularly felt fed by their sharing. The theme was a route along the paths of the servant-hood worship leader/musician, to having a passion and completing the race, letting go of all that hinders our sight and progress to reach the finishing line. There was a marked attitude difference from singers/song writers performing on stage to these two worship leaders, who directed all focus and attention to the One celebrated in the songs; the focus of worship.

Today taught me a lesson on perceptions. Exactly a week ago, I was having a conversation with an uncle at the threshold of his new place. There were decisions made, overriding open procedures that I felt were beyond the appropriate ethics of such a person in position. I told this uncle that I lost a little respect for the one who instructed such actions.

Today, my perception changed again. Instructions came from an immediate superior, and that person had to execute them. It took just another info to redeem him from an unethical person to a submissive worker. Perceptions change, and it sometimes brings about a question as to how should we base our views on; the facts presented or attaching a benefit of a doubt to everything seen while observing the process in which the facts would in time reveal themselves. Not to judge is a command while the casual observer cannot simply live in a society oblivious to what differentiates a cat from a dog. Probably the cat has just to live its life as one, and likewise a dog, in all that it has been made to be.

Tomorrow, Young Adults’ BAG would be finishing Session 9. Is a Christian independent of the church? How does a church live?

Discipleship has been a word pregnant with purpose for me, as EFC Gospel Centre focuses on our Lord’s call for His followers.

Off to dig into the Old Testament with Terk tonight.

Ah Mau, have a good trip as you backpack along the Peninsular this month.
Take care.

The wheel

2009-05-18T12:53:00.001+08:00

Hamster wheels are exercise toys used by hamsters and other rodents. Most of these toys are composed of a runged wheel held on a stand by a pair of stub axles. Hamster wheels allow rodents to run even when their space is confined….Like other rodents, hamsters are highly motivated to run in wheels; it is not uncommon to record distances of 9 km (6 miles) ran in one night.

~ From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ~

This hamster’s been trying to catch up with the pace of the revolving hamster wheel whole morning. Monday morning.

2009-04-17T08:57:00.000+08:00

Katherine Jenkins - I Will Pray For You

2009-04-08T17:39:00.001+08:00

I particularly like this song from Katherine's album 'Rejoice.' The words are meaningful:

I WILL PRAY FOR YOU

As you find your way
Through this life you make
I hope you live each day
For all it’s worth
I will pray for you
Go where your heart leads
And dream your biggest dreams
All of these things
I will pray for you

I will pray for you
I will pray for you
Through every darkness
Through every light
This road ahead of you
I cannot carry you
But I can promise
I will pray for you

If a love so true
Breaks your heart in two
And it hurts so much
That you can’t forgive
And even the smallest step
Feels like miles away
But you’ll get there one day
I will pray for you

I will pray for you
I will pray for you
Through every darkness
Through every light
This road ahead of you
I cannot carry you
But I can promise
I will pray for you

So if you ever start to wonder
If you’re in this world alone
I’ll be there to help you over
If you lose your way
If you lose your faith

When your time is through
My final wish for you
Is to count you blessings not your regrets
With peace inside your soul
And all that heaven holds
I hope you always know
I will pray for you

I will pray for you
I will pray for you
Through every darkness
Through every light
This road ahead of you
I cannot carry you
But I can promise
I will pray for you

nothing to fret about but music

2009-04-08T15:12:00.005+08:00

Above is the item in the black case that has been kept in my room since pre-PMR days. It has been unveiled un-many times for various reasons, at various stages in its 15 years since its presentation as a gift, but almost never as a performing instrument or a vessel of praise. It has a history of its own.

But now is the present. It would be a beautiful thing to awaken the dawn with its set of six strings; the gift in the present.

And it all has to begin from a skill level of a near zero.

tetras

2009-04-07T15:00:00.008+08:00

Characins - the famous neon, lesser known green, and South-African glowlight tetras. In a shoal, in my planted tank.

After weeks of waiting for the tank to mature, getting the nitrogen cycle established, landscaping the tank and finding out the right voltage of fluorescent bulb to use for plants to flourish, mastering the technique of conditioning pipe water, regular water changes by percentage, acclimatizing each and every scaly swimmer gradually and feeding them with diversified food types such as krill, brine shrimp, tubifex worms and the regular flakes, it almost felt like we would be housemates for a quite some time.

These mid-tank swimmers were a real delight to watch. Together with a couple of ghost shrimps, a flying fox, an otocinclus and another unidentified green algae eater, they were a hobby realized.

Then came the cardinals, bloodshot red with a fluorescent blue band across its entire body. Irresistible additions which were also the costliest; these less than an inch characins not only cost a meal each, they ushered the rest of the community of tetras to the place where all my past fishes had swam its last.

White spot disease. Fatal, deadly, unsightly. Medication did not help although it prolonged the last survivor’s battle for a week. They appear and disappear on the fish at various spots, but is never really gone until its host finds its way sucked under the filtration system, lifeless and emptied of its former glory.

For barely half a year, these tetras have been swimming in a shoal and in my planted tank. Seen above, in a shoal, in my planted tank and in my memory too.

To a wonderful person;

2009-03-26T16:08:00.004+08:00

If the morning sun does cease, trembling in fear to wake late sleepers, and rain drops held its reins, never to make a weather look bad again for a picnic, the streets would be safer at night and farmers would dance for not having to toil the earth again.

If all tress could only be cacti so that brown leaves would not disturb the lawn, and wild grasses grow only in jungles, the world would be a beautiful garden, and the gardener a happy man.

If diamonds held its place only in glasscutters and oil diggers, gems would suddenly sparkle a very more brilliant hue.

But they must be what they are, for they are good.

And so are you; you do not cease to be wonderful because of external reasons.

You, dear friend…

That you may appreciate and be confidant in who you are, to take your stand and to be secured in the love your God has for you. There’s so much goodness and beauty in you that no one should, or can take it away from you. His life for you, live for God, not for yourself or others. That goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life...if God is for you, who can be against you?

a beautiful day

2009-03-12T19:12:00.014+08:00

‘A beautiful day’ was the display on my colleague’s MSN; his reason for the beautiful day being the completion of drawings for the client’s approval. The drawings were completed and printed out on time, and it was a happy day, for him, the team and all of us. The client was happy too, and that capped it.

The next day was ‘a beautiful day 2,’ on his MSN. So, drawings were already delivered. What attributed to the beautiful day then?

It was last Saturday that we had to return office to continue on the drawings. And a senior remarked that it was a bad day. Bad, because it rained. I held my opinion to myself then; no point pointing out to a jug half full when the contents is perceived as poison in the first place.

So, my colleague Yeh Seh pronounced it a beautiful day yesterday as the day was unfolding itself. And I concurred to his displayed early blessing.

My colleague forgot to bring along his mobile. So during lunch time, we drove to his aunt’s place to get it, and had lunch outside Pusat Perdagangan Dana 1. As loyal as we all are to Bamboo Café, which is just at the other end of the same office block, eating somewhere else was a good break. Good food, good company. That was lunch.

Ching’s birthday is today. Yes, she’s a year older as of today. Haha! Happy birthday Sue! This birthday gal cooked dinner yesterday, and had a few of us over before congregating for MWS. PG and Dutt furnished the occasion with elaborate party stuff. PG, where's the picture of our masked cook? I know you are reading this. ☺

And so it was a pleasant evening, having home-cooked food and dining with the Voice of Light and Easy.

MWS – mid-week service. There was joy and the freedom of worship. When the Lord touches something, there is anointing. I felt that last night. There was great joy too in the presence of God and His people.

Supper was with Tham. Tham, though 5 years older, was a Uni-mate. He’s a person with a big heart. Big in terms of compassion, sincerity and a broad and embracing view of friendship and life. And since our last meeting which he claims was 5 years ago, he’s grown so much physically. A piling project manager with an architectural degree, Tham has been through a lot; his well-weathered complexion and selection of words reveal his years on the construction site. Tough job.

I’ve heard his story through another friend. It was a great testimony hearing it from him himself. After the demise of his eldest brother last August, he and his other brothers decided to go to church after seeing the love and care the church had when his brother was ill. He was in church and this amazing thing happened; He felt something burning within, and it passed through his whole body! And the fire was so real that the pain lasted for a week!

This perplexed him, but he knew that it was a tussle within. The ‘sensation’ wasn’t as intense during the second time in church although he did feel it again during worship. What put him off was the remark of one of the ministers who told him of the Way, the Only Way. A personal encounter with the Author of Life. He later on knew that it was the Holy Spirit. ‘Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.’

I sms-ed my colleague to share of the beautiful day he'd proclaimed earlier. It was a blessing.

A beautiful day. Beautiful not because it did not rain. Beautiful even without a client with complete drawings in hand to make him happy again. To experience a day, we need life. Life, the breath of God, and God is good; His goodness brings forth beauty. To live a day, that is a beautiful day.

'From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.'

A must

2009-03-12T16:44:00.001+08:00

I’m in the midst of tidying up the Schedule of finishes for a project. That takes me through samples and suppliers. Carpet selection was next after wall and floor tiles. And it was then that I remembered the supplier’s plea when she delivered her carpet samples. Before she left, said she, ‘you must support me ah.’

That was rather interesting, I thought to myself. An imperative. I gave her a gracious smile for her service and samples. There must be better carpets out there. Sales is tough.

A Christian?

2009-02-23T19:45:00.003+08:00

If you need to know how to play the piano to be a pianist, but not a pianist by just knowing how to play the piano, then it would be true that not all who can solve a maths problem should call themselves mathematicians.

A person who breaks a law is called a lawbreaker, but no lawbreaker breaks the law all the time; and no one is known as a lawbreaker all the time by breaking just one law.

An artist is a person who produces paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby. There needs to be a medium for their brilliance to shine. Yet some produce nothing that communicates so and rely on their believe that an artistic soul resides in them. You would just have to believe that too, that they are geniuses, similarly - by faith.

If swimming in an Olympic-sized pool places not one’s name next to Phelps, patronizing the MPO speaks more of one’s social circle rather than musical devotion, and believing with all your heart, soul, mind and strength in evolution makes you not an ape (sorry, but you aren't), what then makes a Christian, a Christian?

tab

2009-02-23T14:12:00.005+08:00

It was past midnight and I was making myself a cup of Nestum cereals. And as the lumps of cereal were still smoldering with steam, I decided to leave the kitchen and head into my room to do something while waiting. And since my hair was still damp, I felt I could do with a little towel massage too. And as I was about to abandon the cup of the still lumpy cereal drink, a thought stuck me and I held my reins.

What was I doing? And what was I trying to do? Here was I making a cup of drink and before that could be properly done, my mind was sifting through activities that could be done to maximize the wait, - the wait the beverage took to balance itself to the kitchen room temperature. And that was it! That was my problem I felt!

Distraction.

And it occurred to me that it’s the same phenomena as the tab function. How the thumb would instantaneously hold the command key while the index leaps for the T-key to open links while waiting for each page link to load. I was only looking for what I thought I needed to know, carelessly leaving out any details and certainly not entertaining the thought of waiting idly in front of the screen for info to appear.

What was I searching for? Nothing in particular. Probably nothing at all.

Multi-tasking. It gets a lot done for me, but does it really accomplish anything?

This evening

2009-02-19T18:58:00.001+08:00

To be unpinned by workload, to be able to get online to type and chat, to be able to leave office with something to look forward to besides coveted rest…sounds like a rather pleasant evening. And it’s happening today. :)

2009-02-17T16:27:00.000+08:00

The joy would have been mine were I to know
Were I to know, you would have been told.
I hold not the answers,
And your questions echo mine.
Why then, ask?

But for you, I am happy.

Lunch with Flo and Bill

2009-02-16T12:57:00.007+08:00

14 February 2009. More than half a year has bored a hole into the calendar since dinner on… 1st July 2008! Hunger must have gone on a holiday and found its way only after following the tiny arrow’s trail.

So it was Valentine’s Day and also our meet up day. Flo, Bill and HC. And their stories since that last pizza evening in Dominos, Midvalley.

11.30am. Secret Recipe, Midvalley City.

Some things as still as fresh as ever; the brewing thesis, busyness at work and the music. Yet in the freshness of it rudiments, 7 months have wrought a burgeoning tapestry of sorts in us.

And since it was such a special day (like all days are …), we spared not cupid’s mischief and little endeavors in our individual lives. ☺

Now, before being mislead into the subscription to Mr. Cupid’s services, the reader must note that it is in God that Flo, Bill and HC trust.

Till the next meeting…

Thanks, Flo and Bill.

Reunion

2009-01-09T09:01:00.005+08:00

Faces of people, East and West of Malaysia. Faces that spent years in the studio, drawing lines. Faces that had no one, but each other during those years abroad. Faces of friendship. Faces of hungry people. Haha! Friendships need to be nourished. :) Shall remember that always. Thank you.

Ambassador for world peace. Jon Tiong. A reunion.

superwoman

2008-12-22T19:33:00.004+08:00

glimpses of people

2008-12-22T19:20:00.001+08:00

glimpses of the sea

2008-12-22T19:09:00.002+08:00

Frames

2008-12-19T16:43:00.006+08:00

Where practicality meets elegance, photography meets fine dining moments, and where old friends meet. Frames.

T.T.D.I Plaza.

Mark Foong’s the name or ‘The Legend’, as I used to call him. It was more than 10 years ago when a new family came to our church in Malacca. Back then, it was a weekly diet of Team Fortress, sometimes Tekken on PS2 and Aunty Hong Meng's irresistible cheesecake would form the grand icing on any occasion. Taman Kasturi meant more than just grandma's house.

It's funny how time in the span of a decade could change things. It was I who first moved, to KL for further studies. Then the Foongs returned to KL. Though nearner, it felt further and harder to meet in the Klang Valley itself. Tertiary studies brought me even further and after 3 years, I returned back to Malacca. 2 years later, in the Klang Valley again; the weekly dosage of visits were but good memories of high school days.

There were occasional times where the fellowship was forged, through intentional meet-ups and also accidental trips such as Mark's eating spree to Malacca under the Big Tree. Mark has an enourmous load of stories; there would not be a beginning nor an end to anything, and the conversational pattern does not regulate in circles.

Yesterday was a day that held some significance for me. Well, it was exactly a week before Christmas and my mobile beeped with more SMSes than usual. Christmas, a season to be merry. Haha! :)

Frames. Mark. They are synonymous now.

Got a call from The Legend, inviting me over for dinner. Christmas Fellowship with Yeh Seh's CG was the default plan although I felt under the weather, consumed by all the food in Bangkok. Food consumes...hmm...haha! Mark was buying me dinner in the new eating outlet in TTDI Plaza called Frames. I'm not sure if one could call it buying dinner when one literally owns the place...I was more than impressed.

Frames. Thank you, bro! I'm so proud, and happy for you.

The Piano Player

2008-12-02T09:40:00.005+08:00

Maksim Mrvica, or simply Maksim. Listening to The Piano Player now, his 2003 album. Maksim is a great pianist; the year spent studying at the Franz Liszt Conservatoire and winning first prize at the Nikolai Rubinstein International Piano Competition says it far better than what’s contained in The Piano Player.

The album buds of with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumble-Bee, transcribed in this recording for piano by Jeff Wayne. It’s a virtuosic piece, an easy showcase for Maksim himself. Rachmaninoff and Cziffra, among the greatest pianists of their century, had their own transcriptions. Maksim’s version is rather enigmatic.

Next in line is Grieg’s piano concerto, the only piano concerto by the Norwegian composer. The Piano Player opens rather closely to the original piece, but before the theme is introduced, a techno pulse overshadows the entire Scandinavian landscape and the snow cap mountains are turned into peeling plastered brickwalls with thick fluorescent gravity paint and you can almost smell tobacco and see the confused spotlight beaming over a disorganized crowd.

It was no better for Chopin’s Etude in C minor and it did no justice to the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. To be brutal, it conjured a night market feel; classical music knocked down to fit the stereos of cars with blue lights of coloured haired owners.

To be creative with classical music, try Volodos, who has a great sense of delight (and respect) improvising classical pieces (listen to his rendition of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, or the way he takes Mozart’s Turkish March and almost plays the entire piece with one hand and does something else with the other).

Vanessa Mae has her own flavour with the violin in the classical-pop crossover. Hence, The Violin Player. But a treatment of classical music from a first prize winner at the Nikolai Rubinstein International Piano competition like this certainly shows little contextual respect for any musical genre and demonstrates no originality of his own.

With due respect, Maksim is a great pianist. But about playing classical remixes to reach out to a wider audience? There should be found in him more originality and taste.

happy moments

2008-11-26T18:56:00.000+08:00

happy moment

2008-11-25T19:07:00.001+08:00

Candid shot.

Nyonyas

2008-11-25T18:55:00.004+08:00

One for the album. Spotted in Saujana, KL. I actually think there's more Hainanese blood in this composition...

Il Divo - Amazing Grace

2008-11-24T17:56:00.005+08:00

The Promise, their 4th Album not including their Christmas Collection. Il Divo!!!

A very wise song selection. Other interesting tracks include Abba's 'The Winner Takes it All,' She, L'alba del mondo (I knew I loved you), Adagio and Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

Il Divo!!!

Britain's Got Talent - Andrew

2008-11-24T14:22:00.001+08:00

Just hear him sing! A cup of pure inspiration to wet the eyes...

The Priests

2008-11-24T10:31:00.007+08:00

There was a review in The Star yesterday about these priests and their new album.

Groban, Watson, Aled Jones (yet to get his album), Il Divo...The Priests would soon join in my collection of sound voices.

There's something in their singing which is different though. One might casually tag it as religiose, or maybe just Irish. But there's something very meek and natural about it. Maybe it's spiritual; they pray as they sing, they say.

I see meadows, feel the hilltop breeze, experience The Vatican and also foresee a few red notes fluttering over a counter listening to their voices.

Father Eugene O’Hagan, Father Martin O’Hagan, Father David Delargy.

The Priests.

Nothing, much

2008-11-21T09:00:00.003+08:00

I was reading through Bill's blog, quite a lot to read as it has been a while since I browsed through other blogs. It's when what i've been feeling (maybe end-year related) was amplified. What have i been doing? Honestly, not much.

No, that can't be it. If I've been doing a steady nothing, then i would have done much. Yea, a lot of nothing. But i think the question to me is what have i done that's deemed worthwhile?

Hmm...

A toast to you...

2008-11-19T18:28:00.003+08:00

dear cuz...and to Mr. Lim, my cousin-in-law...haha!
May the flame be kept burning.

Cuz Serene's wedding

2008-11-18T19:11:00.002+08:00

Where I was stationed.

2008-11-04T14:22:00.001+08:00

I’m not sure if it’s Jay Chow’s songs playing since morning, the cool rainy weather, the absence of people dear, or the realization that the year’s drawing to an end soon. I’m sure though, that I don’t particularly enjoy being bottled in sentimentality.

El-Sanctuary, Malacca

2008-11-03T13:57:00.001+08:00

Lim(n)

2008-10-28T08:57:00.001+08:00

Word of the Day for Friday, October 24, 2008

limn \LIM\, transitive verb:

1. To depict by drawing or painting.
2. To portray in words; to describe.

Oh, yes, I write, as I limn the familiar perfections of his profile, "you look very well."
-- Kimberly Elkins, "What Is Visible", The Atlantic, March 2003

In telling these people's stories Mr. Butler draws upon the same gifts of empathy and insight, the same ability to limn an entire life in a couple of pages.
-- Michiko Kakutani, "Earthlings May Endanger Your Peaceful Rationality", New York Times, March 10, 2000

But used faithfully and correctly, language can "limn the actual, imagined and possible lives of its speakers, readers, writers."
-- John Darnton, "In Sweden, Proof of The Power Of Words", New York Times, December 8, 1993

Limn is from Middle English limnen, alteration of luminen, from enluminen, from Medieval French enluminer, from Late Latin illuminare, "to illuminate," ultimately from Latin lumen, "light."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Very enlightening indeed...thanks Lennie! :)

visitors

2008-10-21T13:47:00.005+08:00

They were housemates.
We were classmates; Desmond since Year 3 and Edward, from Year 4 to 5th year.
The School of Architecture.
Launceston Preaching Centre then.
MYF
There were 5 of us + 1.
Turtles.

A surprise lunch visit, from KK and KL.
It's amazing how God brings people into our lives.
Sometimes, for a very brief moment; sometimes, out of our wildest imagination.
They came, we ate.

I'd been praying for company.
God hears.

footprints

2008-10-20T10:45:00.002+08:00

I was browsing through the project file for a document and found a familiar name in the correspondence column. The fax was issued by Foo MJ, a fellow course-mate since college days and we were classmates in Uni for 3 years. He'd been working here for a few months and left about two years before I came in.

For a while, that piece of fax felt different, in a way that my limited vocabulary cannot picture it in words.
We weren't particularly close as friends, and if memory serves me well, shared no common assignment as course-mates. Yet somehow, that name on the fax gave an impression of a footprint from a fellow line-drawer.

How we've moved on since Uni days.

monday

2008-10-20T09:08:00.003+08:00

Today is going to be beautiful. I'm saying it with a lot of faith. My mind's all over the place while I find my existence in the office. Monday morning. Beautiful morning, promising day.
Have a nice day! :)

Life. Passion. Dilemma

2008-10-07T13:19:00.001+08:00

Cameron Tea

2008-09-29T09:36:00.000+08:00

Tea for the eyes...

nature through the panes

2008-09-29T09:01:00.003+08:00

Shots from the reception room of Bala Chalet, Cameron Highlands. Beautiful place.

Orange

2008-09-26T14:03:00.002+08:00

Let's take blue as being hardworking, purple as being moderately productive and red as being lazy. Yes, they are not on the same plane, as hardworking does not equate being productive and being lazy doesn't mean idleness. But you get the coloured picture. I'm feeling orange today...red with yellow. Not sure what yellow stands for...but again, you do get the picture; there's a tinge of laziness in producing this effect.

I feel lazy, a bit, today.

Happy Friday! :)

up for hire

2008-09-24T18:24:00.009+08:00

On the steps of SS1 church, waiting for the next wedding to get into business again. Caught in the picture here, smiling eagerly to get noticed.

Anyone thinking of hiring a quartet? We do dancing, singing, making noise and blend in well in any crowd. At the very least, we can do the dishes too.

Edited from Chen Fei's pic.

Songs

2008-09-24T09:15:00.002+08:00

Good songs are good. Haha! My penchant for apparent redundancy…

Was looking for songs to listen to. C’arch’s server is a good pool of Malay, Korean, Mandarin and English ones of various genre to listen to, deposited by all who have come, gone and remained.

Then to my delight, there’s also a selection of Hillsongs to listen to! You guessed my pick for the day. Thanks, Seh. It’s a great encouragement and blessing to have a brother-in-Christ as a colleague.

Grace + Clement's wedding

2008-09-23T18:28:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday was Grace and Clement's wedding. It was a beautiful occasion; quiet, serene and joyous, the simplicity and grace of which one feels like in a pleasant dream about perfect weddings.
(Did I say quiet?? A quiet wedding? Yup, the kind of quietness which is peaceful, never minding the decibel levels, though at times high).

Congrats to Clement and Grace! :)

Terk and I were having dinner at one of the usual places after our weekly badminton. We covered many topics, and then out of the sudden, relishing an evil smile somewhere, I looked at Terk asked, an off-topic interception to our conversation;

'So, how many aunties asked?'

Without hesitation, without surprise, without ambiguity, 'two' came his unabashed reply.

I couldn't help but to burst into laughter! Gosh, how could he have guessed so accurately and instantaneously as to what I was referring to??! Hahaha! I guess it comes with age, much undue training and a polite spite to such questions.

On a more sober note, I do sometimes wonder the intent of such a question. I might doubt that it was delivered out of concern, or for the purpose of an accountability update.

But anyway, such questions are inevitably, though unpopular I must say.

Terk, you read minds well. Haha!

wallpaper

2008-09-22T09:06:00.007+08:00

My current wallpaper. Sigh...is this all i could muster as a post after so long? A shot from C'arch company trip a few months back. My Nikon has not been doing much since...

when you walk through a storm...

2008-09-06T14:42:00.004+08:00

Have you heard Judy Garland sing that song? It's a stirring song by Rodgers & Hammerstein. Elvis has also done a cover on it as well as many others. But Garland remains my favourite. Liverpool supporters would have memorized the song, but it wasn't from football that introduced me to it.

At the end of the storm is a golden sky, and the sweet silver song of a lark.

A bright silver lining it contains in it. Hope. But sometimes, we just don't know what specifically to hope for in a storm, except for a golden sky. Sometimes it is not the golden sky, but just an escape from the storm itself.

Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, and you'll never walk alone.

hope should be Hope in your heart. For then, with Him, you'll never walk alone.

It is even well to be in the storm, for a little longer. For once you know what it is to have Him, you'll know what it is to not walk alone.

It is not so much the golden sky anymore. Once God walks by your side, it is because you'll never walk alone.

When you walk through a storm
Keep your chin up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At he end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone.

You'll never walk alone.

alone
walk
never

God, is there.

21-18 , 13-21 , 21-13

2008-08-15T20:04:00.003+08:00

You're into the finals!!! And because of you, we're into the finals!!! Malaysia is in the badminton finals of Beijing Olympics 2008!!! Badminton halls would be packed for awhile after this...

Lee Chong Wei, congratulations!!!

403.1MB

2008-08-15T17:07:00.004+08:00

If you've been visiting this place a little more than rarely, then you'd notice that there has not been much updates in recent times. I've noticed that too. Truly. So we're both right that this blog is really seriously in need of updates. Deep down, I've been wondering too when will the author/owner of this blog do something about his blog. Should we write him a note? That's quite a good thought though. :) Waiting for a 403.1MB file to be transfered to my desktop from the server. Ta.

OGK

2008-08-05T19:04:00.001+08:00

You have no idea how I long to know you. Since Launceston days...OGK. What is your name?

Blogs

2008-07-30T20:00:00.002+08:00

It’s common practice (for me, that is), a procedure if u may call it; I get to know a person by name through some brief encounter, and if I have the time and interest, I’ll check out his/her particulars on faithful Friendster. Friendster contains testimonies, revealing how people view you, and a little personal data. But if there’s a blog link, all the better for in it is a window to glean how one sees the world and those around.

So it was, that I went for an audition of sorts, for a role I deemed had bright prospects of adding some colour, sound and possibly people into my life as a line drawer. Yeah, in short, it was mainly for the sheer fun of it, a harmless way of keeping oneself entertained on a typical Saturday morning.

The wait was long, the place was new, and the people, foreign. But as in all groups of people, there are a few who would venture to introduce themselves and start a conversation. We term them, rightfully, friendly people.

Anyway, back to this notion that blogs reveal a lot about a person. I did manage to locate a blog belonging to one of those (my colleague would say, ‘rajin kenal orang’ kind of person) I met on that Saturday morning.

Blog. Blogs.

Sometimes, I wonder what blogs are for. Meaning, how private they are, and if reading them sort of invades people’s privacy. That’s the feeling I got when reading a particular blog; I felt I read more than I should. Then again, it’s on the www one may argue. No matter the reason, for posting, for reading, for hosting a blog service, people are made up of years and seasons. Life is beautiful! Yeah you, I’ll not forget that!! Haha!

The feeling was…raw. Yet, edifying as it recoiled around Him. Thank you, you who had the courage to write all that you wrote. God bless! :)

Aled Jones - Always There (2008)

2008-07-17T18:45:00.001+08:00

Aled Jones. Heard him a long time ago. Stumbling back to his singing again, I can't help but think him as a male version of Julie Andrews...somehow. Refreshing voice.

10:20pm

2008-07-10T22:15:00.003+08:00

It's been a while since I blogged. Updates on myself? Haha! Hmm...

It's been a while since I felt really good. Good's a good feeling...a lame pun. But it's great to be able to feel good about, well, oneself and the things, people around you. But well, as in all feelings, it can't be relied on. What about it as an indicator? Can you use the feeling of general goodness surrounding oneself to gauge how one is doing. like in the world? Haha! Rattle on...rattle on.

I'd a chat with the cafe owner while having dinner just now. It must have been a long chat, for i left the office to the other end of this block for dinner at half past seven and had to leave when the workers were bringing down the roller shutters at the cafe; the boss still nonchalantly relating experiences prior to opening this cafe.

He's a nice person. Nice...a rather passively docile word. It's always nice getting to know people, nice people that is. Haha! Heart-warming at times to know that life hasn't always been...oh well, we know that life isn't easy, and no one can say for certain what another day could bring forth. Anyway, coming back to this cafe owner, it's nice to see him smile while relating to life's ...twist and turns.

Well, gtg now. The plotter would be doing the job for me throughout the night. Well, nitez.

Dinner with Bill and Flo

2008-07-02T08:33:00.004+08:00

Bill and Flo are people real. Apart from the occasional note-droppings in my C-box, the rare sms-es and the rarer still phone calls, Bill and Flo do exists. Yes, Bill and Flo do e-mails too, and according to custom, that too is rare. But things rare can sometimes be, well, precious.

It is like having Dominos again even though you have memorized all flavours on the 3-fold menu in name, taste and smell, or taking 2 trains to Midvalley in sardin-packed carriages after a grueling day at work.

It is like sacrificing precious time off a thesis, shedding off the Shakespearean accent and tuning back to coloqial Manglish, and afterwards having to find lodging in a friend's home before journeying back the next day.

It is like braving the Federal Jam at 7pm in an air-conditioned car with Dino Lipatti's recording on, time-keeping to be able to greet the seasons of Winter and Fall.

It is, abstract.

It is, rare.

It is, precious.

It was a great night with friends from i-bridge 2 years ago. We picked up from the time Flo was to write Bill's 'Thank you' speech. Now we are going to have an album. Then there were church pastors against members visiting other churches, functions or even attending Christian conferences. There was gate crashing too, oh poor maid and dog! Haha! Then there is i-bridge 2008. There was also mutual funds and an ingenious way to manufacture an album in a week. Dominos is inspirational, like the title of an album. And a combination of 3 different flavours leaves great ideas lingering on ice-lemonade-chilled tongues.

As Carole King sang,

Winter spring summer or fall,
Hey now, all you've got to do is call.
Lord, I'll be there, yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
You've got a friend.

Where now is summer? Haha!

Thanks, Bill and Flo! :)

Belum Rainforest Resort

2008-06-23T08:52:00.001+08:00

sales gallery

2008-06-11T19:42:00.004+08:00

This is completed before my probation period ends. Quite a rare opportunity while still under probation I should say. It's a sales gallery for the project that I am currently working on.

This is almost purely Interior Design work, a spillover from my TGV days. Boss gave me a lot of free hand, especially with the yellow ribbon bench, which is honestly, the first of its kind in terms of solid surface procurement. Yellow ribbon is doubt 'the banana' by my bosses.

Taken with my office camera.

Be with you

2008-06-06T09:09:00.003+08:00

As I left the apartment this morning to go to work, I was reminded of this part of the benediction, ‘…the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.’ And it was upon my thoughts as I pad-locked the grilles, went into the lift and got out of the building to unlock the car. I can hear those words being spoken by my dad as he is called upon to end the service.

the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

It spoke well to my soul this morning, a comforting reminder and a delightful promise. What a man yearns is for good and genuine friendship, healthy companionship and faithfulness through all seasons in life. No man’s an island after all, and I concur.

the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

He is not just there, with us, for us, someone to call to in our time of need. He is all that, and that all when He becomes our last resort or resource.

Remember the scene by the beach where you only see a pair of footprints when there used to be two? We need not yearn to only trace those moments where one set can be found, and we being carried by Him.

the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

He is there, walking beside us. And while footprints are traces left behind in the sand, it is the soul that knows and understands the meaning of a fellowship. Now knowing that His fellowship is there, always, what have I but to rejoice in having,

the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 13:13

2008-06-02T13:02:00.003+08:00

Sadness sustains. You don't feel hungry while filled with it. It's not a pun. It's lunch time and I don't feel like eating. Neither am I hungry.

In the stillness of the night

2008-06-02T08:16:00.003+08:00

In the uncertain, there is always fear. There is also trust and faith. In the stillness of the night, where this part of the world is at large, asleep, there is no one to talk to, no one to listen. With a troubled heart and outstretched arms, in desperation you cry for Him to be there. He has been there, all the while. Where was I in better days? Had He been there all the while waiting for me, and I relying on His graciousness to accept my tired condition in need of a good sleep a.s.a.p and without saying much more than a goodnight expect Him to be there only to watch me sleep? I doubt it's a cute picture. And yet I awake each morning thanking Him for His faithfulness. I think it can be well read also that I am thanking Him for His endless pardon for my selfishness in not wanting to do much on my part, but expect Him to be the ever faithful and never forsaking God. How marvelous! Yet He is faithful. Why should He cease to be lesser than what He is simply because I'm as phenomenal as the weather in my friendship with Him? Then again, remember the call to be a servant. I've elevated myself, yet again.

This part of the world may be asleep. In the stillness of the night, the glitter of the day is gone, all work cease, and souls are at rest. With outstretched arms, He will be there. There will be no one to talk to, no one to listen. Just me and Him, as what I'd longed for in desperation. There would not be need of another morning to thank Him for His faithfulness. I might not even physically sleep that night. Not when your eyes behold the streets of gold! I've said so much to Him. Gosh, how obnoxious even I might have been. What then will He say to me?

29th May 2008

2008-05-29T08:02:00.001+08:00

A toast to a faithful friend and brother,

"Blessed birthday, Dutt!" ^^

probation

2008-05-28T09:02:00.006+08:00

I reached Dana 1 at 8.15am this morning, which is equivalent to 8.00am on a normal Malaysian watch. I stopped the car just in front of the office; beside me on both sides, car parking spaces still available. Why do I always park at the same spot when spoilt with choices? I don’t know. It won’t make much difference anyway.

I turned off the engine. Looking at the olive green mild steel entrance gate, still locked, though with the office key in hand, it just feels extra comfortable being in the car even with the air condition off. This makes a good motivational story for any enthusiastic worker, I know. Plus the fact that it’s only just passed my second month in this new firm. That means I am still under probation.

How can one arrive office and not wanting to clock in and start another quality day at work? That’s what excites you out of your bed covers each morning when the alarm rings right?

Today, I felt so much like wearing a white robe, with a manuscript in hand with some Italian words on it. The rest of the words, or lyrics should be in English. I felt so much like being in a choir, being quite anonymous, listening to the music for the queue to come in and sing with my fellow singers. Without instrumental accompaniment would also be fine. I’d love to hear singing voices for now. And no, I don’t sing. That’s the beauty of being inspired I guess.

The olive green mild steel gate; my inspiration, aspirations and probation.

In the silence, hear

2008-05-26T18:52:00.002+08:00

When light falls short on reaching the eye,
Through veiled eyelids you'll see;
As in pure silence you'll hear,
. . . .

Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace

2008-05-24T09:10:00.002+08:00

A beautifully sung prayer.

Hi

2008-05-06T09:01:00.003+08:00

Something to say 'hi' and that I'm still well :)

Leaving a pic behind, from the Sunday School picnic. A green idea...wonder whose...haha! No time to properly edit it...

17th April 2008

2008-04-17T08:15:00.003+08:00

Colleagues 17, Mac machines, 3-storeys with renovation in a snail-pace progress. 0606 - the code name of the project; sheets of butter paper, 0.4 fine Artline pen and colour pencils of orange, yellow and blue - my favourite colour pencils. Inspiring, challenging, motivating, friendly, careful and bright, the new environment. A different pace, a different palette, a change in view point. 30 days, one month, March the 17th till now. It has been fast, but long. A driveway through different places. On a highway, this time. C'arch architecture + design sb.

American Idol 7 Top 8 - Shout To The Lord

2008-04-11T09:34:00.001+08:00

American Idol singing Shout to the Lord? Cool!

the new tank

2008-04-04T08:58:00.004+08:00

My new place of work. The only eMac turned on at 8.20am is where I sit. Renovation work is still in progress. It's a very organised office, system-wise, nonetheless. In it, I see promising days ahead. Thank You Lord for this new place.

fish

2008-04-04T08:49:00.005+08:00

My new pets. 20 years ago, I would have ventured to give them names. Then, they came and went..countlessly. These small fish has since grown. Their home too has been enlarged with filters, bubble blowers, artificial lighting, plants, gravel and pebbles. They have new tank mates too. Being 2 weeks plus old, it's quite symbolic of this one fish in new waters. Prosper, dear friends! :)

C'arch architecture + design

2008-03-21T14:01:00.010+08:00

Greetings from my new place! It's been a great week so far...and I'm still adapting to the newness of it all. But it's been great and promising.

Good Friday it is today, the day history was made where good and not-so-good people have hope, not in their moral integrity but by believing that someone did it all on their behalf. Then comes Easter Sunday where you and I can discard pretense and have a real reason to live.

the final curtain

2008-03-14T15:26:00.007+08:00

My last day of work in CK Chua Architect, and my last piece of work for TGV Cinemas Sdn. Bhd. I am not sure if this proposal would make its way through to the main entrance of TGV Sunway Pyramid as I won't be here to amend it any further come Monday. To all at CKC, a thank you and goodbye...you've been more to me than mere colleagues... :)

I will miss you all: Kak Ina, Kak Riz, Reita, Cek Siti, Alex, Abg Dell, and Man...not forgetting Kak Habsah.

2008-03-12T12:43:00.001+08:00

inevitable

2008-03-07T11:33:00.001+08:00

Have you noticed the faces littered all over the streets suspended on raffia strings? They demand you to give them an ‘x’. They are people-serving servants, genuinely believing that they can best serve you and the interest of the rakyat if given the chance. It is the battle of who-is-the-greatest/most trusted servant. How noble…little dear angels clad in amour. Would you not vote for them?

Change. *sighs….* I believe in it. In fact, I believe that everything changes except change.

dua sen

2008-03-05T11:18:00.012+08:00

Sitting here with a minty-white wall on the right, the computer screen in front, sandwiched between two other cubicles and sharing their transparent polycarbonate dividers, some thoughts come to mind:

1. I’ve heard uncles (related or not) relate about their experiences after the 1997 recession where the somber mood of depression hung on the faces of those who went to work… How could one be depressed whilst still employed and being paid for the little work required?

Yes, there were huge pay cuts, family members being retrenched or lost their jobs, others still jobless, and the fear of being retrenched confronted them each morning as sales dropped yet again the day before.

Sitting here, with 2 more proposals to study before I feedback some comments to the client on their new cinemas, I find that the lack of purpose is also fodder for depression.

2. Opinions weigh as much as facts

It should be amazing to note how our minds work. Like, how does it decide to convict, or be convicted and decide, being able to drink in some truth while soaking in some lies, be overtaken by emotions and heartlessly overriding things, believing to see justice but not quite the belief that Justice sees?

It's hard to form an opinion as to who deserves the X/axe, because the arguement has no end. Then again, it's not wise not to argue too, as that would impede any beginnings. Well excel, glory and be distinct in the status quo if you desireth not change. Má vlast Malaysia.

2008-03-03T16:06:00.001+08:00

2008-02-29T09:03:00.009+08:00

Found this article this morning while looking for a resignation letter sample for a friend.

Job Resignation Do’s and Don’ts
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Do know how to resign from your job gracefully and professionally.
Do make the transition as easy and as smooth as possible. And do offer to help find and/or train your replacement. But don’t make promises you can’t -- or won't -- keep.
Do be sure and give proper notice to your current employer.
Do the exit interview with your current employer, if required. But don’t say anything negative about your supervisor or co-workers during the interviewer -- no matter how tempted you are.
Do make sure you receive all your stored up compensation and benefits, including bonus checks and unused vacation time, personal days, etc.
Do make a plan to keep in touch with key coworkers, friends, and mentors. Keep your network strong.
Do your best to wrap up all your major assignments. And do leave a detailed progress report for your supervisor and/or successor.
Do be prepared for some employers to overreact to your resignation; some employers immediately dismiss employees who resign.
Do write a professional resignation letter or memo. Do submit your letter of resignation to your immediate supervisor, with a copy to the human resources department.

Don’t get caught off-guard, so do prepare to resign by removing all personal items and files from your office and computer for those instances when your employer will ask you to leave as soon as you tender your resignation.
Don’t make any statements or express any opinions that you may later regret. Remember that old adage: if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all.
Don’t burn any bridges. Do leave on good terms with your co-workers and supervisors.
Don’t disappear during your last weeks on the job. Do stay a productive member of the team.
Don’t consider a counteroffer unless you are sure it’s a better deal for you; studies show a high percentage of workers still leave the employer within a year of accepting a counteroffer, some being forced out.
Don’t feel guilty about leaving. It may be hard to leave, but focus on the fact that you are leaving to accept a great career opportunity. And don't brag about that great opportunity.

And the last is enlightening...which I wished I had known:

Don’t feel as though you need to tell your current employer any reason for leaving your job, but do be polite in thanking the employer for the opportunity to work there.

2008-02-28T12:26:00.018+08:00

What I did this morning:

1. Calculated and re-calculated floor areas for TGV Sunway

2. Confirmed colour codes for TGV Cap Sq for client

3. Got the plans from Garis Akitek and had our drawings upgraded accordingly

4. Tried photo editing (in the office...yes, inbetween the great workload I have).

Below is the before and after comparison.

before after

I wouldn't say that the after-effect looks better; the highlights are just too shimmering and uneven, colours too constrasting and the overall tones are not as polite to the eyes as the dull original. Well, this isn't a great photograph afterall, but I do think that you can tell the difference - the impact of a bored soul.

(items in pic are gifts from colleagues)

ah mak

2008-02-21T10:10:00.005+08:00

Uncle Eric was back for the Chinese New Year. It was a surprise appearance by him and Aunty Rose. With their presence, the other uncles and aunties took the opportunity to celebrate my grandma's birthday. Off the record, no one has enough surety to tell how old grandma really is. She has passed 80, that’s all we know. I’m sure she has an IC though…anyway, this is her first birthday celebration after living over 4 scores. My Ah Mak.

random morning shots

2008-02-21T09:15:00.002+08:00

a bye made good

2008-02-20T12:52:00.007+08:00

David called me into the conference room together with Alex this morning. He wore a tie and a deep blue long sleeve shirt. He looked like he was going for an important event later in the day. He looked professionally smart. His disposition would have looked complete, if only he had worn a smile too.

‘The reason I am so upset with you, is because I had high hopes on you!’

David’s stare took sometime before it felt comfortable and natural enough to return my gaze. From the silent act of childishness, he emerged from himself and spoke like a man, from his heart.

‘I don’t know why you would do this to someone who has treated you so well…’ He has indeed treated me very well, both as a mentor-boss and an employer-paymaster. ‘You should have discussed with me if you were not satisfied with anything…I am an approachable person.’ He went on to say that he had plans for me, plans which he being the boss, had the right to keep to himself until the appropriate time.

I revealed that it was as I saw that projects for TGV were drawing to an end for this season, and knowing that the remaining two projects which I am currently handling are comfortably well documented and under construction, I felt that I had the leeway to move on to do other things.

‘Architecture is a monotonous practice. We chose the profession, not the profession which choses us,’ replied David, saying that when he was in Australia, he did toilet layouts for 2 years, before moving on to do ceiling layouts for another 3 years. ‘We need perseverance, and for me it paid off,’ said he.

It just did not make sense to him that someone he cared for and treated so well would leave him. He doesn’t know what else to do. And I told him that he has been a very good boss and it’s not because of him that I am leaving.

I'm looking for a different palette, I told him. David is really a nice person, and he spoke very graciouly about my abilities and potential. He wished me all the best before we were dismissed.

I love Chopin, and if my sister is not around and the neighbours are away, I could play Chopin all day. Chopin wrote beautiful piano music, and the piano was his native language. His nocturnes speak to both fingers and soul, and his repertoire would be quite sufficient for any finger work with a wealth of technique to be explored and mastered. Chopin is not easy, but it is beautiful music worth the time and practice required.

After a while though, I would open Bach, or try Debussy. Was Chopin’s music insufficient? Did it not provide enough beauty to absorb one into its romantic world? As it is, even Chopin’s piano sang Bach’s music as well as those from other composer’s pen.

I thank God that David finally spoke. And to those who have been praying for me, thank you. ^^

NTLDR is missing

2008-02-18T10:04:00.003+08:00

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart

This is the message at the bottom of my black screen since morning. Kevin, the computer dude who comes in from time to time to upgrade our anti-virus program as well as solve all our computer problems, would be able to come in only after lunch today. I am currently using my colleague's pc now as she's on leave.

the white envelope

2008-02-15T10:11:00.005+08:00

I feel all alone. A moment ago, I mustered enough courage to knock on David’s door and entered to meet him face to face. It wasn’t as easy or conversational as I’d hoped, or prayed for.

David: Ya, anything? (still looking at his computer screen).

HC: David, I…wish to resign.

David: (turns and look at me in disbelieve, drops jaw slightly and brings his right hand to prop and turn his face to the left…staring away.)

'You all arr…what’s the matter?!'

He was upset, which grew instantly into anger.

David: What’s the reason? I want to know.

HC: David, I feel that I have to move on. I really like what I am doing here, the office and all…it’s nothing personal, but I feel that I need to move on.

David: Enough. I don’t want to know your reasons. Give me the letter.

HC hands over the white envelope, says below a whisper, ‘sorry David,’ and walks out of the room.

2008-02-14T17:22:00.003+08:00

I hate Valentine's day! Hate is a strong word, used only to denote a vehement dislike about something. And to that, the hype about the day of roses, lovers, candle-lights and romance is something I loathe. Show your love on Valentine's day is only 1/365.25 or 0.27% biblically sound. And that too, is love at its romantic level. Happy Valentine's day to you, dear florist, cook and gift makers!

colleague's wedding card

2008-02-11T16:47:00.000+08:00

It's been quite sometime since I helped anyone (except David...but that's work...) with some graphics. Here's my colleague's wedding invitation card which is in black and white as it's to be xeroxed and distributed to every mailbox in her village.

Tahniah, Reita!

Itch’s name

2008-02-05T09:10:00.000+08:00

I went to see the doctor because of some mouth ulcers. There’s some story behind it…I had to leave office early…so, mouth ulcers helped. Haha! Anyway, since I was already there, I felt prompted to ask the doc’s advice regarding this itch which I had since Saturday; an itch and rash that felt quite unlike a few mosquito bites.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases calls it Herpes zoster, Postherpetic neuralgia. To me, it just means painfully itchy.

It’s interesting that no one actually knows for sure what causes the virus, which abides in us who had two weeks off work or school at one point of time or another, scratching away, to become activated to cause this rash. But Wikipedia has this interesting bit to say: ‘It can occur at any age but the vast majority of patients diagnosed with it are more than 50 years old.’ Ouch!

Rest assured though, that unlike c.p., 'you can't catch ... from someone who has it.'

Anyway, I’d be celebrating this Chinese New Year with Herpes zoster since Wikipedia says that ‘the rash and pain usually subside within three to five weeks.’

Happy Chinese New Year!

2008-01-28T09:56:00.000+08:00

...because You are with me. And the reason is You.

Harlequin Rasbora

2008-01-24T10:39:00.001+08:00

New addition to my pond, 4 harlequins although the recommended shoaling number is 6. They'd be a week old in their new environment come tomorrow, if they do survive. Haha! But I do believe that they will...together with another 4 neon tetras in the breeding pool of Moonfish. Thrive, my dear friends!

since you've been gone

2008-01-24T10:06:00.000+08:00

My dear tooth,

It's been a week since,... and in the words of Miss Clarkson:

You had your chance you blew it
Out of sight, out of mind
Shut your mouth I just can't take it
Again and again and again and again

Since you've been gone
I can breathe for the first time
I'm so movin on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you (thanks to you)
Now I get
I get what I want
I can breathe for the first time
I'm so movin on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you (thanks to you)
Now I get (I get)
You should know (you should know)
That I get
I get what I want
Since you've been gone
Since you've been gone
Since you've been gone

But no one knows you as much as I...
And though it hurt to have you leave, it was for the good of you and I.
Moving on now...
For being there for me all this while,
No. 7,
Thank you.

little malaccan village girl

2008-01-09T16:18:00.000+08:00

2007-12-21T16:19:00.001+08:00

2007-12-21T10:17:00.001+08:00

Monk-e-mail

2007-12-13T14:03:00.000+08:00

'Hello Hui Chuan, don't you just love the llamas in the picture? They are so cute. Well, hope you have a good day ahead. And no, I don't smoke a cigar. It's just to make me look cool. Bye, bye.'

Haha! Thank you! :)

herbal day

2007-12-12T11:15:00.000+08:00

I did ask for a bottle of sunshine. This was prior to my knowledge that they come in cups in liquid form now...haha!

2 cups of sunshine on 10th December 2007:
The set meal for lunch is RM5, for a bowl of rice mixed with mince pork and a drink. I ate alone as I didn't feel like having Malay food with my colleagues, and Alex was away. I settled for just the bowl of rice, in this cafe next to D'Hati, Kota Kemuning.

Halfway through my meal, a waitress placed a cup of iced herbal tea next to my bowl. Feeling certain that I made my order clear that I only wanted the meal without the drink, I looked at her, with a mouth full of rice.

But before I could offer an explanation, she smiled at me and said, '送的.'And I felt speechless for a moment. What looked like chilled herbal tea turned out to be a cool refreshing glass of sunshine...and it tasted so good! And what a sweet smile it was delivered with!

Next was my brother, who after sending him home, gave me a mug of hot Ho Yan Hor Herbal Tea. 'For your cold,' said he. I didn't tell him about the free herbal tea earlier on...Haha! But well, hot or cold, sunshine does come in the form of herbal tea! And it does a lot to warm the heart. ^^

Jehovah Jireh = God our Provider

my paper plane

2007-12-10T12:22:00.000+08:00

It’s raining outside and it’s cold inside. The air-condition is aggravating the discomforting coldness in here. It’s a public holiday tomorrow and there are one or two more holidays coming up before the year draws to an end. Events lined up are as vague as the plans I have to accommodate them. The low work morale here is the resulting fusion of David’s absence and the typical year-end Monday mood. To show how indiscipline breeds in such an atmosphere, you have bloggers who blog, much in a manner where kids in their uniform would tear the center pages of their exercise books, fold them into paper planes and throw their winged origami at each other.

great poem

2007-12-10T11:30:00.000+08:00

I need fire, I need rain,
I need something to take away the...
Pain? Haha! This is totally lame.

I'm bored, I'm tired, I'm restless... where does one get a bottle of sunshine?

Flying without wings

2007-12-06T17:16:00.000+08:00

I posted pictures of my smashed Kancil on my blog. A call came asking if I needed a car to use. And in lending me the car, the co-owner had to wake up extra early to accommodate two timetables with one car.

I expressed once that I have no one to turn to in the Klang Valley. The listener later told me that that statement saddened the ears as the one I was chatting to was always there.

I said I wasn’t well. A few hours later, the one who knew that I’d a cold brought me a bottle of Vitamin C.

Sometimes it does feel that no one cares. No one really cares as each have their own concerns to care for. The heart grows cold, and we become inward looking. Someone then knocks on that door and you know it’s extra-terrestrial, like an angel. An angel not because of the mastery of golden harp playing, or the ability to hit high notes while gliding the skies; it’s an angel because it is sent by God.

To this particular person, thank you.

coming celebration

2007-12-05T10:13:00.000+08:00

Christmas, New Year’s Eve and the New Year are coming. In saying so, it feels like the days are traveling against time, coming towards us with out-stretched arms. All we need to do is to put on some patience, buy a gift or two, be in good spirits and start waiting, for their coming is a promise.

‘Coming,’ sounds poetic to me. In reality, I’m traveling towards them, almost mercilessly dragged on since I can’t fight the progression of Time. And it doesn’t matter if I am ‘ready’ or not, I’m coming/going towards them.

Big days scare me. They possess in them some expectations which make me uneasy just trying to relax. I really wish to be home on such days. Mum, dad, sis, the fishes and the piano would be around, and there is no pressure to decline invitations for activities as there would most likely be none. But the North-South Highway’s package of a fantastic jam-packed experience traveling on these occasions is a daunting offer to accept.

To be in league with loneliness up in the apartments in the City on these days sounds unhealthy. And as I generally dislike parties or big gatherings, I wouldn’t force myself to be in one too. Not many options for me, it seems on these big days.

Oh well, have yourself a merry little celebration of sorts this season.

Jordin Sparks - God Loves Ugly

2007-12-03T09:47:00.001+08:00

You said that I wasn't pretty
So I just believed you
And you said that I wasn't special
So I lived that way
With critical gazes and brutal amazement
And how my reflection could be so imperfect
With all of my blemishes, how could somebody want me?

[Chorus:]
But God loves ugly
He doesn't see the way I see
Oh God takes ugly
And turns it into to something that is beautiful
Apparently I'm beautiful
Cause you love me
Whoa, oh

I tried to clean up the outside
All shiny and new
Worked over time to thin up and look right
But inside I knew
That deep in the bottom were secrets I thought I could try to ignore
Old ghosts in my corridors
Never get tired of haunting the past that's in me

[Chorus:]
But God loves ugly
He doesn't see the way I see
Oh God takes ugly
And turns it into to something that is beautiful
Apparently I'm beautiful
Cause you love me

Help me believe why you love me
When I know you see
You see everything
Help me believe why you love me
When I know you see
Inside and you still say I'm beautiful

You're telling me I'm beautiful
Your screaming out I'm beautiful
And I'm finding out I'm beautiful
You're making me so beautiful
And I can I'm beautiful
Cause you love me
Whoa, oh

soon...

2007-11-29T17:28:00.001+08:00

Getting this approved for either CF or TCF has worked out a lot of stress and headache for many. But this job to-date has taught me plenty, an art if you would have it, dealing with the various parties involved. Spearheading the team of consultants while standing in the gap between the client and contractor, one would imagine a tightrope artist gingerly treading the rope with great balance and care. Fall has however, been much the act of this inexperienced tightrope artist to-date.

David called Alex and myself into his office this morning. His commanding stare was most of the time fixed on Alex, my colleague, but the shower of darts rained on me. General matters that applied to the both of us is the way in which he wants us to represent him and the firm.

'You guys are just too polite and nice,' says he, reproachfully. 'When contractors see you, I want them to see me!' That bright and salty commission...wonder what inspired him.

to Macau...

2007-11-28T08:17:00.001+08:00

Our housemate, Chung got a job in Macau. Previously a translator , our Sibu housemate would be working as a waiter in a casino there. Our last (and maybe first too...) supper together. First time praying together too. Farewell Chung.

Site pics on 2007-11-27

2007-11-27T16:54:00.000+08:00