REALITY AND BABBLE

The weekend...

2009-12-14T18:13:00.008+08:00

A weekend of celebration. A weekend of fun. A weekend of meeting ex-schoolmates. 100 years of Adventism in Sabah, and boy, was the campus full with people and cars! Enjoyed the weekend, just not being stuck in "traffic" for almost an hour!

Also, the first PKs Conference was held yesterday. It was a whole day event and by the time it was done at 10 p.m., I just wanted to crawl into my bed and sleep. When I was informed about the conference a couple of weeks ago, I didn't have high hopes of having fun. But at the end of the day, I think I did have fun meeting other PKs and participating in the activities. :)

The "Happy, Happy PKs" solving a puzzle

~~~

On a totally different note, yesterday marked the last day of me being confined to the red "P" sticker. I'm off the hook, finally, after two years! Hehe.

Bye bye "P"!

~~~

This coming weekend will be another hopefully, fun weekend.

Take care, people!

Survivor...

2009-12-06T21:05:00.004+08:00

One...

Two...

Three...

This puppy is the second of only two that has survived Mr. Parvovirus that has so far caused the deaths of Poncho, Mocha, Dobby and Bella this year.

Luckily this one survived...never fails to make me smile everyday :D

Realization

2009-11-20T20:08:00.003+08:00

My Dad was a teacher. My Mum was a teacher. My brother was a teacher. I remembered saying to myself that I will never end up being one, and yet I did just that last year. Do I regret my decision? Absolutely not. I think I now realize that my passion IS teaching. Haha!

Just a while ago, one of my Primary 3 Mars student called and hearing them say they appreciate you gives a strange, heartwarming feeling. I must have done something right to deserve their appreciation and that just makes me miss my students, my ex-colleagues, and the school itself all over again. It has been a year, and I still haven't gotten over it. I may act like I'm happy with my decision to quit, but inside there's still a feeling of regret. I guess it's good to feel like this because, to me, it means that I was not entirely unhappy with my first stint as a schoolteacher at such a challenging setting. :D

~~~

Feelings aside.

I've been listening to Josh Groban's "Noel" album over and over again - this means that I'm already in the mood for Christmas! Hehe!

December will be a busy, busy month. So will the months after it. Can't wait! :P

Anyway people, be safe always and have a good restful weekend wherever you are!

2009-10-17T10:01:00.017+08:00

This was what boredom led me to...

The three musketeers...

Bongkong...ha ha...don't ask me how that name came about...

We call this one "Raja the 2nd"...

KingKong...the one that looked very much like Raja

Bella...the smallest and the happiest pup :D

and this one we called "Raja Junior"...

Raja

~~~

Have a great weekend, people!

Korobushka

2009-10-10T23:02:00.003+08:00

My all-time favourite song by BOND. I finally found the piece and I am currently trying to learn the song by heart. The notes are not difficult to play, it's the speed.

I might not be able to play this fast, but I hope to at least play the notes correctly. Hi hi.

~~~

Have a great week ahead, people!

In case you forgot...

2009-09-19T09:37:00.003+08:00

I received this in my email today.

An angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say NO to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let
go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time
to go to bed to try to pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favourite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. God
has a way of turning things around for you.

2009-09-18T19:02:00.002+08:00

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
~ Isaiah 41:10

God is good all the time.

Happy Sabbath. :D

Silence...I keel you!

2009-09-18T12:53:00.007+08:00

I have been watching Jeff Dunham and his characters on Youtube over and over since Sunday, and I have decided that my favourite character is Achmed the Dead Terrorist, ha ha!

Enjoy Achmed's antics...

It's not Christmas yet, but here's Achmed singing "Jingle Bombs"...

Hehe.

Oklah...Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin. :D

Fun weekend!

2009-09-15T09:39:00.005+08:00

The weekend started with a concert by SASS Chords of Hope Choir and Orchestra concert. They have improved a lot since their new music instructor, Ruth Millard, arrived two weeks ago. Two weeks of intensive practice, and already they're sounding really good, I can't wait to hear what they sound like next year! I'm proud to say that I'm a fan now. Hehe :D

The next day was good too. I enjoyed the "Down Memory Lane" concert, seeing students of SASS back in the 1940s all the way up to the present being called to the front, some getting emotional, and others just being goofy with their long lost classmates/schoolmates. The scene was just awesome.

Sunday was a hot, hot day but I had fun nonetheless. Started the day by having mee sup for breakfast.

asadappp no moti tie..laid no gia aa nakaakan mee sup :)

Then I was off to the grandstand to enjoy some football matches. They were interesting although someone broke a leg in one of the matches. Sungguh kesiannn...

Then I noticed this jersey...guess who? Hehe!

Ended the day by playing volleyball - didn't plan on it but was pulled into it. Our team (Omong, Choco, Michele, Marsha, Tinah and myself) actually won the first game but lost the second and final games. Ha ha. Our team consisted of girls who haven't touched or played volleyball since our high school days (except for Omong, I guess) and we were playing against an all-boys team who probably play volleyball every day. Despite the sore arms and bruises, it was really fun! :D

Whew, what a weekend! The only thing is my batteries died on me so I couldn't capture the weekend in pictures, but I'm sure there'll be lots of pictures of the weekend available for viewing in FB sooner or later. :D

Looking forward to next year's alumni homecoming weekend!

The weekend...

2009-09-11T14:44:00.005+08:00

SASS celebrates its 70th anniversary of existence this year! This weekend is one of the weekends that I have been waiting for, and finally it's here.

I'm sure I'll have a great weekend, I sure do hope that you will too!

A song to share...

"Let God's promises shine on your problems." ~Corrie Ten Boom

Be safe, people.

M.V. Doulos is back in Sabah

2009-09-01T20:38:00.008+08:00

I love it when Doulos stops by KK - the books are wayyyyyy cheaper than those sold in, say, Salvation. The CDs are also cheap! Got a Mark Harris CD for only about RM6.70 (worth RM39.90 in Salvation!) at the buy-any-3-items-for-RM20 section. I also got a "Cook's Bible" and a book on baking for my Mom. I wanted to buy more but we were running out of time as the driver was in a hurry to go back.

Gotta find a time to go again soon before it sails away.

2009-08-21T15:58:00.005+08:00

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. ” ~Ephesians 2:8-9

Happy Sabbath.

Inspiration

2009-08-07T20:30:00.006+08:00

I would like to share this with you for today.

This excerpt was taken from "Life Without Limbs":

"I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and it's within God's will, you will achieve it in good time. As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all! What's worse is putting limits on God, who is well able to do all things! We put God in a "box". The awesome thing about the power of God is that if we want to do something for God, we must refocus. Instead of concentrating on our capability, our attention needs to shift to our availability. For, the Word of God is clear; it is God working through us. Without Him, we aren't capable of doing anything on our own. Once we make ourselves available for God's work, guess whose capabilities we rely on? God's! Philippians 4:13 highlights this point well, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." God has a truly great purpose for your life!"

"Never give up on God because God will never give up on you."

Happy Sabbath.

This time, I made it!

2009-08-06T19:17:00.009+08:00

Second hike this week, and I made it to the top this time! It feels great to be able to stand on top of the hill! The haze set aside, the view from the top was awesome! I thought it was going to be a little harder this time since my legs were a still a little sore from Tuesday's hike. It did feel like it was going to be harder at first, but as I made my way up, I realized that it was actually easier this time.

I didn't even realized that I was already at the spot where I stopped and almost gave up.

I passed that spot.

Then I reached the spot where I finally decided not to continue to the top.

This time I didn't puke. I didn't stop to sit down.

Stopped for a little while to take picture of Tamparuli. I can see my house from here, hehe.

With the State flag in sight, it suddenly seemed like my legs were not tired at all.

Finally, the top. I made it! Woohoo!

I set a goal of reaching the top and I did. I'm so proud of myself!

Planning to hike at least twice a week. Wanna join? Hehe. :D

I need to exercise...

2009-08-05T19:59:00.005+08:00

Bukit Perahu - a decade ago, climbing this hill behind my house was not that hard to do, but yesterday, I only managed to climb just a little more than halfway to the top. My goodness, I'm so not fit!! Ha ha!

Jerebu oh jerebu!

The picture above was taken from where I stopped and almost gave up. But, after a few minutes, I decided to go a little further up. People where coming down - kids and adults alike. I decided I was not ready to give up yet. So, ever so slowly, I forced myself to go a step further. I kept telling myself "another step... another step..." until I decided, that was it. I just couldn't take it anymore, my head was spinning and I felt like puking (for the second time). Haha! Hopefully tomorrow, I will be able to go all the way up! :D

Btw, not too long from now, paragliding will be available in Tamparuli (read Soaraway future for small village). This is exciting! Go Bukit Perahu!

"Fireproof"

2009-07-29T17:43:00.006+08:00

I watched "Fireproof" this afternoon. If you haven't watched it yet, I'd recommend you to watch the movie. :)

It's a movie about marriage but as I watched this movie, I began to see the relationship between the two main characters of the movie as a reflection of my own relationship with God. It's a personal struggle that I'm currently facing and I have been working on it, and I tell you, it's not an easy task.

This movie inspires me to challenge myself as I work on fireproofing my relationship with God.

Enjoy the song. :)

2009-07-27T17:15:00.002+08:00

I came home today and the first person I saw when I opened the door was Bob! Bob is in the house! Haha!

Catching up with MC (or should I say AIU) news. Hihihi.. :D

Just a thought...

2009-07-21T20:35:00.003+08:00

I feel like I need to get away from home for awhile. It's strange because in college, there were times where all I wanted was to be back home...badly. But now, being home for two years now, I just feel that I need to be somewhere.

Maybe not need, but want.

I want to be somewhere else aside from home at the moment.

But where?

Hmm.

Faith

2009-07-17T17:24:00.004+08:00

"As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit." ~Emmanuel

Have a blessed Sabbath Day and a very good weekend!

2009-07-11T07:43:00.005+08:00

"When we can't piece together the puzzle of our own lives, remember the best view of a puzzle is from above. Let Him help put you together." ~Amethyst Snow-Rivers

Happy Sabbath. :)

The Last Lecture by Dr. Randy Pausch

2009-06-03T20:21:00.004+08:00

Below are some of the things he said as part of the lecture series he gave on the Oprah Winfrey show:

"The brick walls that are in our way are there for a reason. They are not there to keep us out, they are there to give us a way to show how much we want it."

"You better decide early on whether you're a Tigger or an Eeyore. Tiggers are energetic, they're optimistic, they're curious, they're enthusiastic, and they have fun. And never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun. I am dying soon, and I am choosing to have fun today, tomorrow, and every other day I have left."

"If you want to achieve your dreams, you better work and play well with others. And that means you better live with integrity. Simple advice that you find hard to follow, just tell the truth."

"We all have people that we don't like, that have done things we don't like, and what I've found is that no one is pure evil. If you wait long enough, they will show you their good side. You can't make them do it in a hurry, but you can be patient."

"If you live properly, the dreams will come to you."

---

Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?

You decide.

2009-05-29T20:47:00.005+08:00

Happy Sabbath.

What happened today...

2009-05-24T18:21:00.002+08:00

Imagine this:

You are second in line to pay for your groceries. The person in front of you is a boy, probably 11 or 12 years old.

The boy's groceries sum up to, say for example, RM20.00. He hands over RM100 to the cashier. The cashier takes it, opens the cash register, counts the change and handed it over to him. As you're observing the exchange, you noticed that instead of a RM50 note stacked below three RM10 notes, it was the same RM100 note that he used to pay for his groceries.

You watched as the cashier counted the change for the second time before handing them to the boy and hoped that she would notice it. But she did not. She handed over the change to the boy, boy keeps the change in his wallet, boy walks out, and it's your turn to pay.

So, instead of giving RM80 for the kid's change, she gave RM130. What would you have done if you were in that situation?

I should have done something about it. But now when I think back about that incident, it's probably a RM50 note instead of a RM100. I'm not so sure now. But it was purple, not green.

Oh my.

He alone is the one true God...

2009-05-23T00:17:00.003+08:00

No God, no peace. Know God, know peace. ~Author Unknown

God be with you.

Happy Sabbath!

"I've Just Seen Jesus"

2009-05-04T21:03:00.005+08:00

I love this song!

I've been listening to this song over and over again. Every time I listen to it, it never fails to give me goosebumps. Awesome!

I just feel like sharing this song with you.

I'm...

2009-05-04T17:28:00.004+08:00

Sad. Shocked. Speechless.

Praying for a grieving family.

2009-04-25T22:52:00.003+08:00

I would like to be in a cold, cold place right now.

It's just so HOT!

2009-04-20T20:55:00.011+08:00

Every time the month of April rolls by every year, I think of the Songkran holidays I've had while studying at MC. It never fails to bring back good memories!

Songkran 2004

Our dear Thai friend, Wanwisa Watcharakaweesin (Kip), invited the 6 of us to her kampung in Roi Et to celebrate Songkran. I don't quite remember how many hours it took to reach her village, I only remember it was midnight (or past midnight) when we arrived.

That was when, for the first time, I threw water at someone without worrying that that person will get angry at me for doing so. That was when I had cold beer splashed right on my face. That was when I soaked myself in the Mekong river. That was when I got my first sun burn in Thailand.

Songkran 2005

This was when I had my first Songkran on campus. Had water fights with friends - FUN!!

Songkran 2006

No water fights for me this time.

However, I was fortunate enough to be in the MCCC and MCSE because this was when we had our first MC Promotion Tour! Destination - Sarawak and Sabah. Being a part of this group of people has taught me a lot of things. The ten days of singing and traveling with this group of people also created a bond and a friendship so close among the members.

I got to meet and get to know people. I got to go to places I've never been before. Lots of laughter. Lots of fun. I really did enjoy myself!

Songkran 2007

Another MC Promotion Tour, this time to Peninsula Malaysia and Singapore!

I got to meet ex-classmates, ex-schoolmates, cousins, and friends in Penang. In Ipoh, I got to meet the kid I babysat in college. I got to meet my favourite cousin and spend the evening with her. I got to step foot in Singapore again after 16 years.

Post MC Songkran Holidays

Songkran 2008

A group from MC came to Sabah. I had a good time hanging out with the group while they were here. :D

Songkran 2009

I had a great time accompanying the group from MC to churches in Sandakan, Ulu Dusun, Telupid, Ranau and Tamparuli! I'm so glad Pr. Konis requested me to accompany them because I had a really nice time with this group of people. Lots of jokes, riddles, and laughter involved!

I got to meet people who remembered me as a child. I got to know a second cousin whom I never met before. I got the chance to contribute my part in promoting MC. :D

~~~~~~~

I wonder what Songkran 2010 has in store for me. :D

It has been a while...

2009-04-11T00:37:00.003+08:00

since I last posted an entry.

It's 12.38 a.m.

I just came back from having, what I can consider, a good time, just talking, laughing and catching up on things and also reminiscing about the past. We just sat in the car and talked and talked until past midnight without realizing it.

There's just something about the campus that makes you do that when you are with someone you were close with in your high school days. It is even better if you still feel close to that person until now. Not many people I know maintain a good friendship after being hurt, and it does make me feel good, although this reminiscing-about-the-past thingy sometimes make me wish that I could turn back time. Back to the good old days.

Sigh.

Hmm... my eyes are closing even as I type and methinks it's about time I hit the sack. Have to be up in a few hours.

Shabbat shalom, people.

2009-03-20T21:25:00.004+08:00

Down with sore throat, flu, and cough. I think the avocado juice had something to do with this. Hmm.

Anyway, I really had fun yesterday! It was a long drive (took us about 3 hours to get there), but being there was just worth the tiredness. The weather was nice to us too, it only drizzled for a while then it was hot, hot, hot until we decided to leave.

Can you see the tip?

I want to upload more pictures but somehow this time I don't know what's taking it too long to upload a picture. Probably the size is too big, but I'm too lazy to resize them because I'm getting sleepy now even as I type.

Drifting off to lala-land.....

2009-03-19T07:24:00.002+08:00

In approximately an hour or two, I will be driving to Tanjung Sempang Mengayau (The Tip of Borneo) together with Fiona, Lorena, and Sondang! This will be my first time driving there. I've been there 3 times but I've never driven there, so this will be our little adventure for the day. I will just have to rely on the signs and hope that we will go in the correct junctions that will lead us to our destination.

It's gonna be fun! I just love it when friends come over for a visit because I get to do these kinda things! One thing I haven't done but would really like to do though is climbing Mt. Kinabalu. That mission is yet to come.

Will post photos of our exciting little adventure today :D

2009-03-11T23:45:00.004+08:00

I really do want to go far, far away. For now, at least.

I feel so disconnected to myself right now. It's as if I'm just looking at myself from a distance, watching this person walk and talk, faking feelings and expressions.

Right now, probably the only time I feel me is when I'm with my puppies. Weird, I know.

Didn't mean to come up with this after a 2-weeks hiatus, just not feeling the "me-ness" in me at the moment.

Heh.

2009-02-27T21:12:00.001+08:00

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin

Have a good weekend and Happy Sabbath!

Kaibigan

2009-02-27T20:26:00.004+08:00

Today, I reconnected with another childhood friend from the Philippines.

Through Facebook.

About 15 years ago. I don't quite remember the names of some of them, but I do still keep in touch with the ones I was close with in those days. :D

I'm so happy! And that's all I've got to say for now.

Bitten

2009-02-19T10:48:00.007+08:00

It was 2.31 a.m.

I was asleep, but somehow I felt my hand brushing the right side of my neck. I thought I felt something creeping, but didn't give it much thought. Then, I felt it. The pain. It got more and more painful by the minute. So, I jumped out of the bed and turned the light on. It was swelling, and I still didn't know what it was that bit me.

Turned the pillows, nothing. Looked under my macbook box, and there it was, trying to run away. A centipede. I think I panicked for a second when I saw it. Then I realized that I needed to kill it, otherwise I won't be able to have a peace of mind going back to sleep with it still lurking around.

Before I could hit it with a pencil box, it disappeared. I looked under the bed, couldn't spot it because it was dark. I wasn't going back to bed until I killed that creature. After a few minutes, it did appear, this time on the floor. I quickly hit it with the pencil box, silently cursing. I kept hitting it until I was convinced it was dead.

Dead.

It took me probably about an hour before being able to go back to sleep. The pain was just intense, being stung by a honey bee is better. Luckily, I wasn't allergic.

It's still slightly swollen and I could still feel the pain. That was the first for me, and I surely hope it's the last.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:17:00.001+08:00

Love may not make the world go round, but I must admit that it makes the ride worthwhile.
- Sean Connery

The ride was worthwhile. :D

2009-02-04T21:21:00.002+08:00

21:22.

I'm online while waiting for my cousin to be done with his rehearsals. There's no electricity at home now. I hate it whenever that happens. Well, I can accept it if it happens on any other night, but why Wednesday night??!! Haha, I have my reasons. :P

I'm chatting with a student (or should I say "ex-student") of mine from the school I worked at last year. He says his class misses me. Aww, I miss them too! Their class was my favourite class (are teachers allowed to have favourites?hehe :D), I loved going in their class!

Okay. Rehearsals done. Time to go back home. Hopefully the electricity's back by now.

Good night, people.

2009-02-02T10:03:00.002+08:00

Was down with knee and backache last week. Yes. I'm only 22, and I have these problems already. The knee problem has probably gotten worse sometime around last year. The back problem? It runs in the family. I remember there was one time in MC I had to go back to the dorm because the pain was just unbearable.

I went for a massage, and was told that this pain will probably be forever. Ha! Okay, yeah, whatever. I just hope I won't be bedridden anytime soon. Sigh...

Anyway.

Last Saturday, I was in Daron's house watching "When a Stranger Calls". It's a thriller, and though I'm not so much of a fan of thriller movies, I actually enjoyed watching the movie! Terima kasih, Daron, kerana menjemput kami menonton wayang di rumah kau. hihihihi...

Let's do it again this weekend! Haha!

2009-01-23T09:56:00.002+08:00

It's Friday. Another week comes to a close to make way for a new week.

Before entering a new week, I think back to what I'm thankful for this week.

1. I'm thankful for my students. Though sometimes they may disappoint you, you just have to make sure you are ever patient with them. In teaching, your students learn from you and at the same time, you also learn from them. It just warms up my heart to see a child learn something new and being very inquisitive about it. Kids. :D

2. I'm thankful that I get to know and feel how difficult it is for the people who heavily rely on their crops to survive. (Planting corn on a hill under blistering heat is definitely not an easy task.)

Of course there are a lot more to be thankful of, I just thought of sharing those two.

~~~

Have a nice long weekend for those of you who are working. Be safe on the road. :D

Happy Chinese New Year!

This song

2009-01-16T11:47:00.004+08:00

I heard this song from Amy's blog.

This song just simply touches my heart. The lyrics, the music, everything about it.

I guess there are people who go through a phase in their lives where they drift away from God for a while. I know I have gone through that phase, and am slowly working on renewing and improving my personal relationship with Him. It does feel good to know that there is Someone who loves us unconditionally, no matter what we did.

Have a pleasant weekend, people.

2009-01-15T13:31:00.001+08:00

I'm glad I got to know these two people. They were the ones who made my stay a fun and memorable one, full of laughter!

I miss them.

Looking forward to spend a day with them soon.

2009-01-14T08:36:00.003+08:00

I said I'll have a great weekend, and I DID!

Pulau Mamutik

Vuja, it was really fun to have you here! Come again okay, and we shall have the roti canai that we still owe you. :D

2009-01-09T13:41:00.002+08:00

It's Friday.

Will be back next week.

Happy Sabbath!

O.T.

2009-01-08T17:28:00.002+08:00

It's 5.29 and I'm still at my brother's shop. Now, who goes to work from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.? I have been here for 10 hours. Can't leave just yet, there is till one person on the computer and his time ends at 5.43. Hmm.

I should get paid for the long hours I spend here.

And I will. :P

Trust

2009-01-08T10:34:00.006+08:00

Sometimes I wonder, when someone says "I trust you", do they really mean it? Or when I say that to someone, do I really believe the words that come out of my mouth? Hmm.

I trusted that someone I was in a relationship with. He broke my trust once. Although we patched things up and got back together for another 2 years, things were not the same, so it ended...again. This time, maybe for good.

Friends. In my 22 years of life, I've had some trust issues with my friends, but nothing so severe. However, one did almost ruin the friendship that we had. Almost.

Last night, it got me thinking. I was all alone at home, and it was dark. As I was lying on my bed, waiting for the electricity to return, I decided to have a conversation with Him. About trust, of course. It turned out to be a good conversation because when the electricity returned, I felt a strange (in a good way) feeling of peace. If there's anybody I can fully put my trust on, it's Him. I say that because throughout my 22 years of life, He has proved to me over and over again that I can count on Him.

Just a thought.

~~~

On the other hand, another house has been licked by fire last night. I didn't realize a house was on fire, until my brother smsed me all the way from Kota Marudu to check whether that house is anywhere near our house. I had a look out of the window and it was dark everywhere. No people screaming. No noise outside. Quiet. So, I smsed him and told him no house was burning.

A few minutes after that, I got a call from my best friend asking me whether there was a house burning because she could see fire from where she lived. I decided to go for a drive. Indeed, there was a house on fire probably about 500 metres from our house. There were many cars parked on the roadside so I didn't stop. I only managed to snap this picture while driving slowly.

Took it with my phone from a distance. Night + phone camera + 100 metres, not exactly a perfect combination for a clear picture.

My heart goes to the unfortunate family. Heard it was a teacher's house. This is the second building burned to ashes in less than a month.

~~~

Tomorrow is Friday. I've been looking forward to this particular weekend since last year! Hopefully, it will be a blast. No. I know it WILL be a great weekend!!! :D You'll just have to wait and see why. Hihihihi! :P

Whateverness

2009-01-05T15:10:00.002+08:00

I'm unemployed and that gives an excuse for my mom and brother to ask me to be in I.T.I.K Productions from morning till evening. I do like it, sometimes. I can access the internet for free. I can photocopy things for free. I can print for free. Well actually, I'm just assuming it's free. Haha!

It's not entirely boring having to be here the whole day. I get to see people of different ages coming in here.

A few weeks ago, there were a few orang-orang tua coming in here. One of the conversations with one of them was:

Orang tua: Haro poki'renew' hiti'd dih?

Me: Nu hoi? Poki'renew'?(I have never heard that word being used here.)

Orang tua: Oh...poki'renew' ku daa iti diaa boh(showing his IC to me).

Me: Ohh..moki'photocopy' ko'd ti dia?

Orang tua: Oo daa...

New vocabulary learned. When they say 'renew', it means 'photocopy'.

And then....just a few minutes ago, this guy came in. I assumed he's probably still in high school. I was busy on my laptop, and he was asking a question.

Boy: boleh main game kah ni, auntie?

Me: boleh.

Then, I realised what he said. Chisssssssssssss.....I'm just a little older than him. Kurang asem betul. Haha!

I wonder what else will entertain me next.

This year, I'm looking forward...

2009-01-05T10:45:00.004+08:00

... to spend more time with family and friends

... to travel more

... to continue my studies

... to putting more time in practicing the violin and piano

... to renew commitments

... to explore the city (not that it's a big city, but i've never really familiarized myself with the city even though I've worked there for 11 months)

... to climb Mt. Kinabalu

... to learn how to bake

... to eat healthy

I'm also anticipating the start of American Idol Season 8. Just looking for things to entertain myself.

Oh, and I'm so looking forward for the weekend to arrive! :D

2008-12-31T11:52:00.003+08:00

This year has been a good one for me.

Tonight, as I await the clock to strike midnight, I shall be contemplating on everything -good or bad- that have happened to me this year. This year is rated among the best of my 22 years of existence. I once thought that life after college would suck for me, but I have come to realize that it's just another phase in my life that I have to go through. And this year has proved to me that it's not that bad to be in the 'real' world.

Next year, things will be different.

This is my last post for 2008. So, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all! :D

2008-12-25T11:17:00.002+08:00

Won't be blogging for a few days.

Family gathering. Friends. Engagement. Parties.

These will keep me away from staring at the computer for a few days.

A song for today - "It's About The Cross"

Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

Enjoy the remaining days of 2008...

A letter from Santa

2008-12-24T10:37:00.004+08:00

I was looking through some of my stuffs from when I was a kid and came across the letter my brother and I received from Santa.

I don't believe in Santa Claus. Wait...maybe when I was a kid, I did. Because I remembered I was really excited to receive the letter!

Here it is...

The letter goes like this:

Dear Juji & Julie,

You can hardly imagine how pleased I am to write to you and all my other good friends. Every evening when my little helpers have fallen asleep, tired after making so many Christmas gifts, I sit down in my rocking chair and think nice and happy thoughts. That's because I believe that kind thoughts will always reach the person one thinks of.

Every now and then I throw a glance through my frost-covered window out to Christmasland to admire the Finnish Lapland and the starlit night sky where the Northern lights dance in all the colors of the rainbow. Only wolves, bears, hares and other arctic animals wander about in the mountains. Otherwise the stillness is complete. That's the stillness people travel long ways to hear, often from the other ends of the Earth. Yes indeed, you can hear the stillness.

Did you actually know that my home is in Korvatunturi, which really is a mountain in the shape of an ear. That is why I hear the voices of all the world's children and grown-ups, both the happy laughter and the small whinings. I also have an enormous horn that I place on my ear to hear everything, even your voice. Wait a second, what was it you said right now...?

Try to guess how many baby gnomes were born here in Korvatunturi this year. As many as five newborn, tiny gnomes are rocking in their cradles in Santa's Nursery inside the mountain.

Soon it will be dawn and I and my helpers must again start packing gifts for the sleigh drawn by Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. But I think that we can agree already here and now that we'll together bring the Christmas light to the hearts of all people, and when we meet let's embrace each other as old friends.

Don't forget that you are always welcome to visit me and Santa's Post Office here at the Polar Circle to see how we answer the countless letters we receive from all around the world.

Happy Christmas to you and your beloved ones.

Santa Claus

I had an uncle who stayed with us for a few years after he returned from the U.S. His work at that time required him to travel to different countries. And once, it brought him to Finland. I don't exactly remember when I found out that he was the one who did it - I mean, he was not the one who wrote it but I guess there's a place in Finland where one can request "Santa Claus" to write letters to their children. I don't even know whether "Korvatunturi" really is a mountain in the shape of an ear. It probably is.

-------

Anyway.

I love it when this time of the year comes around. This is when the family would hold gatherings and reunions. This is when I get to travel around with my family and just enjoy being together. That is what I love about Christmas and I enjoy Christmas the most when I'm at home. I did enjoy the two Christmases I had in Thailand, maybe partly because of the weather. But MC had interesting Christmas programs planned out too and though I was not home with my family, I was spending Christmas with my college family. :)

The month of December this year will be packed with family gatherings, possibly a reunion with good friends from high school, traveling, parties and gaining weight.

So, here I am wishing that you have a wonderful Christmas wherever you are!

2008-12-22T11:40:00.006+08:00

I had a really nice weekend with my childhood friends. Whenever we get together, there's no surprise how loud we can get. Sometimes we laugh over nothing funny at all. It's embarrassing, but that's just...us.

Friday night after vespers...

adieu, straight hair...

Then on Saturday we went to Dantai beach. We took pictures (as usual) and even played king-king (hopscotch). It was Lem's idea. We ended up walking towards the right end of the beach, drew the squares on the sand and actually had a good time playing! :D

anak-anak gembira...

friends...

Last night was also a good one. 11 of us went out to eat at a restaurant in 1Borneo.

I was so surprised to see the 'pla krapong' dish inside! didn't get to taste it though because the price was just ... hmm!

On our way back, we decided to stop by Jesselton Point to chit chat and have a drink. I was so disappointed because they ran out of avocados! So I opted for carrot juice. Not bad, but I still wished they had avocados...

And today...I'm stuck in my brother's shop. It's raining outside and all I'm thinking of at the moment is my bed at home. I just want to lie down and sleep right now.

ZZZzzzz.....

2008-12-19T23:43:00.002+08:00

I'm home. Back to the usual routine of life at home.

It was a fun trip, and I hope to do that again sometime soon.

On the other hand, I'm happy because I am liking how my hair looks now! Just the way I like it, not small ones, but big ones! Never mind the cost and time, as long as I'm happy with the result. *grins widely

Okay, it's almost midnight.

I don't want to be left alone here, so have a good night people!

Another farewell...

2008-12-16T23:20:00.009+08:00

I tried to spend as much time outside as possible today...

The morning began with a series of unfortunate events...actually only an unfortunate event in which I refuse to elaborate further because of the extreme embarrassment it caused. Then we had pad pak, ka pao ghai and tom yam ghai for brunch at New Zealand, and later went to the cafe to accompany D for her lunch. Oh, I also did a stupid thing and totally regretted doing it.

Anyway.

Today...

Met with one of my favourite teachers, Mrs. Nebres. Had a little chat about our lives as teachers - she shared some insightful thoughts about being a teacher and how to handle the students. :D

Stopped by Julie's office too! :D

Auntie Ritha and family brought us out to dinner in Texas. Had a good meal!

It felt really good to be back in MC. I still feel closely connected to this place. Being here brought back the memories of the good old days of college - four years full of good friends, food (glorious food!), motorbike adventures, traveling, laughter, music, heartbreaks, happiness, arguments, study, study, study.

Okay, I'm being so nostalgic. I'm so not ready to leave this place just yet.

---

Will be leaving in 2 1/2 hours.

Thank you to all of you who have made our stay a very pleasant one! :D

And so it goes...

2008-12-12T10:37:00.011+08:00

Camera's alive again.

Adventures continued...

Wednesday night:

DALAH RESTAURANT - we came and we experienced.

The fish was uberdelicious!

Thursday afternoon:

At D's office the whole afternoon.

sempat lagi...

Thursday evening:

Food adventures in MC continues. See, that's the advantage of being in an International college. Thanks S for the very fulfilling dinner. It sent me to heaven...

Got this back too. :D

The adventures continue. Tonight, tomorrow, the day after...I so don't want this to end! Not just yet!

I feel like...

2008-12-12T00:16:00.006+08:00

...I can just go to heaven now. *grins*

Had a really nice dinner (thanks Sandy!) with friends a while ago. Sedapppp!! Pictures will have to come later as my camera's dead. It will be resurrected in the morning.

~

The weather is cold and I'm loving it. I don't need the sound of the fan to make me sleep. Oh, I'm so gonna miss this weather when I go home!

~

Tomorrow is Friday. On a normal working day, I would say TGIF, but at this moment I am not liking it. I'm so not looking forward to Friday, because it means the weekend is just around the corner. Weekends pass by quickly! Saturday...Sunday...Monday...Tuesday...then it's back home to rain, mud and humidity. Oh no, don't get me wrong. It's not that bad being back home. I just miss being here, that's all.

Eyes closing... Soon.

I'm off to la-la land.

Taking it all in...

2008-12-10T14:53:00.017+08:00

Just came back from brunch with Deanna, Ivonne and Tina.

Green tea noodles + prick pau + som tam + cha yen=aroi mak!. I couldn't ask for anything more. Perfect. Just perfect.

This used to be my bike and it felt really good to be able to drive it again! :D It took me a little while to get used to driving the bike again after more than a year.

After lunch, we stopped by the sunflower garden to take pictures.

More pictures here. Looking forward to more adventures in the Land of Smiles!

Destroyed...

2008-12-10T08:52:00.006+08:00

Photo by Lola

This is what is left after the fire early yesterday morning. My brother smsed me at 5 a.m. and woke me up just to tell me. It will be a different sight when I return home next week now. This block is located just before the junction to my house, so I'll have to pass the site every time I go home.

I used to stop by one of the shops in this block every morning before heading for work. Now, it's gone. Tiada apa-apa lagi yang tinggal. The Tamparuli town will no longer look and feel the same without these shops.

Sigh.

~~~

I'm feeling hungry.

I can't wait to eat the green noodles. MMmmmmm.....

It feels good to be back. Foreign land, familiar faces. Just what I need after a year of working. Relaxation.......

All I want for Christmas is...

2008-12-09T02:18:00.004+08:00

Haha!

2008-12-08T11:03:00.003+08:00

Currently feeling this song.

Thankful.

Have a great week ahead!

What makes me smile...

2008-12-05T10:30:00.011+08:00

The picture above is my current wallpaper. It just makes me smile. Puppies always makes me smile! :D The members of our family seem to grow in numbers as a result of the addition of animals. Before the school year ended, one student gave me two rabbits and another gave me two guinea pigs and two mice (I didn't ask for those, she wanted to give them to me). Juji has a snake too, but I don't think I will ever warm up to a snake, it freaks me out!

I especially like the rabbits (we have three, the other one is Juji's). I play with them every morning and evening - it's therapeutic. No, seriously, for me it is. I do the same with Patches. Playing with them makes me happy. I don't know why, but it does. I remember Fiona telling me last year that there was this one kid in the Special School at SRS Seri Insan who needs to see the fishes in the pond before starting his day at school. The kid is autistic, and the teacher says that the need to see the fishes is therapeutic for him. Sometimes there are days when I just sit in front of the aquarium and stare at the fishes. Or watch the snake eat its food. Or watch the mice play. It has become a habit, and I somehow don't feel the day is complete without doing any of the above.

Just some random thoughts and another fact revealed about myself.

Well.

Going to KK soon to do some business.

Enjoy this song by Third Day - "Mountain of God".

God is good.

All the time.

Blessed Sabbath everyone!

Britain's Got Talent Final - Connie Talbot

2008-12-04T17:43:00.002+08:00

Awwww! :D

HALLELUJAH!

2008-12-03T16:02:00.002+08:00

Reading this gives me a sense of relief.

Finally! :D

2008-12-03T11:36:00.004+08:00

I read here that the PAD agreed to leave the airports within 24 hours.

I'm praying they would.

The other day, I was watching the news with my relative. He liked watching the news. As for me, I was just waiting for the update on the situation in Bangkok. We were talking about the situation in Thailand and the possibility of bloodshed between the anti- and pro-government people. Suddenly he said, "it's getting nearer, I won't be surprised if it happens in Malaysia soon." I wouldn't too.

Hopefully the PAD will really get out of the airport soon.

The Book Game

2008-12-03T11:24:00.002+08:00

Okay, I'm playing the Book Game.

Rules:
* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 57.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence along with these instructions in a note to your wall, and post your sentence in a comment here as well. Include the title of book and author.

My book:

"And I actually ran forward toward my own reflection with a smile, ready to welcome that girl whose name I had lost but whose face was so familiar."

"Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Wordy Wednesday

2008-12-03T11:13:00.002+08:00

This is for this week's W.W.:

"WORDS"

The Real Group

Words

A letter and a letter on a string

Will hold forever humanity spellbound

Words

Possession of the beggar and the king

Everybody, everyday

You and I, we all can say

Words

Regarded as a complicated tool

Created by man, implicated by mankind

Words

Obsession of the genius and the fool

Everybody, everyday,

Everywhere and everyway

Words!

Find them, you can use them

Say them, you can hear them

Write them, you can read them

Love them, fear them

Words

Transmitted as we're fitted from the start

Received by all and we're sentenced to a life with

Words

Impression of the stupid and the smart

Everybody, everyday

You and I, we all can say

Words

Inside your head can come alive as they're said

Softly, loudly, modestly or proudly

Words

Expression by the living and the dead

Everybody, everyday

Everywhere and everyway

Words!

Find them, you can use them

Say them, you can hear them

Write them, you can read them

Love them, fear them

He is my hiding place...

2008-11-28T11:39:00.006+08:00

I love this song.

Have a great weekend and Happy Sabbath to all! :D

If life is all about relaxing...

2008-11-27T13:12:00.002+08:00

I wish.

2008-11-27T12:50:00.001+08:00

Based upon your current Body Mass Index (BMI) of ..., you are currently classed as at a healthy weight.

A healthy BMI for your gender and age is between 20 and 24 and a reasonable weight loss rate is 0.5-2 pounds a week.

Okay. I'm not over- or under-weight. That's good.

Wordy Wednesday

2008-11-26T09:47:00.006+08:00

Category for today: New Meanings for Old Words.

Cannibal, n., someone who is fed up with people.
Chicken, n., the only animal we eat before it is born and after it is dead.
Hangover, n. The wrath of grapes.
Oxymoron, n. someone who is as dumb as an ox.
Yawn, n. an honest opinion openly expressed.

These words are taken from alphadictionary.com

If you come up with something, do share with the rest of us.

2008-11-25T17:56:00.011+08:00

I have a new commitment - a commitment to keep this blog updated. But I'm really struggling for topics to write. I read all these blogs by wonderful people and most of the time, I just find nothing worthwhile to share.

But I will try to share something worthwhile, or maybe just randomly babble about something. For the sake of keeping this thing alive, I will do just that.

Maybe I should make up something like "A.Word.A.Wednesday". Or something like "Stuff Portrait Friday", as can be seen here.
Just maybe.

So this is it. A new layout that comes with the new commitment.

2008-10-07T19:03:00.003+08:00

It's almost two months since I last updated my pathetic blog. And Shimona just tagged me, hmmm... so I guess I have to tell you 5 facts about myself.

It goes like this...

Tell everybody 5 facts about yourself. Usually something unique or that you think few people know about you.

At the end of your facts. Tag 5 people (list their names down) and those people who are tagged will write 5 facts about themselves and tag 5 other people and so on and so forth!

5 facts about myself:

1. I like to look at the clouds during the day, sunsets in the evening, and stars at night.

2. I used to hate playing the violin, but am now loving the fact that I can play the instrument even though I am not so good at it.

3. I want to bungee jump before I reach 30.

4. I wished I had perfect eyesight.

5. I love speed.

I tag:

1. Kim

2. Amy

3. Lola

4. Roy

5. Ita

2008-08-18T22:04:00.003+08:00

I just finished reading this novel and I must say this is the first ever novel that I have read that has made me shed some tears.

"My Sister's Keeper" has a bittersweet and a surprise ending, and that's what makes it a thrill to read. At least, that's what I think.

Definitely worth the RM32.90 I spent.

2008-08-12T19:13:00.006+08:00

I don't know whether there are still souls who have the time to stop by my blog. Anyway, here goes a new entry after a long hiatus.

Deanna was back for a week, and we had the chance to get together last wednesday. I knew she was coming but Tina didn't so we planned a surprise for her which worked out just nice (I think! :D) Fie and Dee wanted to try the mee sup Tamparuli, however, the stall was closed so we ate at Restoran Istimewa instead. I had a really nice time getting together with them again, teringat masa-masa silam. We had our picture taking session, and had a gila-gila time taking lots of pictures! Too bad the lighting in Tina's class was not that good, but what mattered was that we had a great time together!

Here are some of the pictures:

On Saturday night, we went out again, this time with Freda, Fiona S. and my brother. We melepak at Jesselton Point and talked..laughed...talked....until it was 30 minutes past midnight! I really had a good time!

---

Tomorrow is Wednesday, and soon it will be Friday. Next week is a holiday, which is great! I can catch up on my lesson plans, recording music for the upcoming school annual dinner, correcting students' books, etc., etc...Ahhhhh, the joy of being a teacher!

2008-06-02T13:51:00.001+08:00

Latest interest: FISHING.

I think I got it from my parents. I have never thought of fishing as being interesting and fun, but now I think I do. :D I have already joined my parents and their gang going fishing, and it's really fun to listen to the old folks talking, even though I can only listen and laugh at their stories (I understand the Dusun language but I can't speak it..embarassing, I know). Going fishing sort of de-stresses me (so I figured). :D

Moving on. I am in my 6th month of being a teacher. It's stressful, but it has its fun side too! I complain a lot, but at the end of the day, seeing the kids learning something from the lesson is really rewarding! The little things that they do (especially the Primary 1 students) can really cheer me up in school! On my birthday, for example, one of my students went around the school singing "Happy Birthday to you!". Mind you, he was loud (for a little boy)! I tried to shut him up, but he continued singing! My class even invited me to their mini birthday party for me! Haha! Luckily, the tradition of throwing water + flour + eggs is not known to them. *Phew!*

Anyway, the internet connection is quite bad, so I'm just gonn end my post here for now. Uploading pictures with this connection is almost impossible with this connection, I'm not even going to try. So, pictures will have to come some other time. Hehe!

2008-04-21T09:42:00.002+08:00

The past week was great! Surprising people and getting a surprise myself! More on that later...I have a class to teach.....

Will be uploading pictures later.

2008-03-21T18:34:00.002+08:00

3 months have gone by and being a teacher has taught me to be more patient and aside from super naughty children who just don't have respect for their teachers (sometimes), life as a teacher is good. I am learning how to be a good teacher, to turn to God whenever I have questions and doubts about my abilities, whenever I feel like blowing up when the students just don't listen. It's certainly not easy, but I am taking baby steps, and hopefully, someday I will have an impact on the students' life.

I am facing a few situations regarding working on Saturday, and one is coming up just around the corner. I believe that God has taken care of this way before hand, and I just have to trust Him. Two others are coming really soon, but so far my colleagues have been very understanding of my situation (even though, they are probably a little upset about this). It's really not easy for me whenever this comes up, but I rather please my God and do what is right than pleasing my colleagues.

Moving on.

I am really looking forward to the month of April! Miss Julie is coming, and I heard from Fiona that a small group of people from MC are also coming to Sabah! I really miss travelling with the MCCC during the Songkran breaks of 2006 and 2007. Those times spent together as a group are memories that will stick in my heart for a very long time. I used to doubt about my decision of going to MC to study, but now, as I look back at the four years that I've been there, I realised that the decision was probably the best thing that I did at that time. I have no regrets at all, just thinking of the circle of friends I made and how I have grown spiritually. Definitely no regrets.

Have a great weekend everyone! :D

2008-01-03T16:53:00.001+08:00

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! I received an sms from a cousin which said "May 2008 be as good as 2007 had been, if not better" - the same goes to all of you out there! For me, the year 2007 was a roller coaster ride: my grandma's passing, a fun (though tiring) promotion trip with the Chamber Choir and Strings Ensemble, final FINAL exams, graduation,job interview (and getting a job!), and other small happenings that sort of made the previous year a mixture of experiences for me. That is the past, and as the saying goes, "The past is the past."

A little update on my life (after the long hiatus)...I officially started my job as a teacher at the school today. The first day of school was hectic! Running here and there, asking lots of questions, getting the students to shut up (hehe!) and being bullied just because I'm a new teacher. Sheesshhhh.. I am in the real world now, and I have to learn how to take care of myself and at the same time defend my rights. I'm like a fish out of the water, but I hope as time passes by, I'll be able to swim freely.

Honestly, I am not sure whether I will be able to stand the pressure/stress of working in a non-Adventist school because of the Sabbath problems that I might face. If it's not too much to ask for, please somehow include me in your prayers. :)

I hope that 2008 will pass by as quickly (if not quicker!) than 2007. Haha! Have a great year ahead everyone!

2007-11-27T13:18:00.002+08:00

Shiz, you were there for me earlier this year, I wish I could be there for you too. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

2007-11-20T15:58:00.000+08:00

Another long pause from updating my blog. A little update on my life so far:

For the past two weeks, I have been going to Seri Insan as a replacement teacher. It was a last minute thingy, and I was lucky I didn't have to do any teaching because by then, the students were already done with their final exams. I just had to help with the students' drama practice, which was fun but could be stressful and tiring too! Luckily the MD was satisfied with all the hard work the teachers and the students put in in making the drama a success at the Annual Dinner night.

I'm kinda glad for the two weeks, even though I was hesitant at first. I got to know the teachers. I got to know how things work in that school before I officially start work in January. Plus, I get to meet the students! It's really fun mingling with the students (outside the classroom..inside the classroom is a different story :P).

Anyway, I'm glad I'm not the only newbie at that school. I'm really happy and thankful that Fiona will also be there next year! Fie, good luck! :D

Other than that, I'm looking forward to December. It's my favourite time of the year! My Aunt's coming back, 3 weddings to look forward to (plus 1 in Thailand which I can hopefully attend), and some other exciting events that will take place which I will reveal probably later :D

Happy Holidays people!

2007-10-11T11:42:00.000+08:00

I'm sorry for the long hiatus. :D

Well, here's something I received in my Friendster inbox from an ex-classmate of mine:

Have you ever heard people ask us
Sabahan,
whether we still live in the jungle,
hunt for food and
wear clothing made out of leaves?

If I was asked so, I would proudly say
yes.(Cuba
imagine Linda AF2 pakai Nipah leaves
skirt
sama Coconut bra) hehe..

When you as a Sabahan start to feel
low just
because youre from Sabah, these facts
would
make you change your mind:

We have the second largest
International
airport in
Malaysia. While others might not even
have any.

We have FIVE major airports, while
others might
not have one

Car fuel is the cheapest here.

We have two official cities, KK and
Sandakan and
soon Tawau, while others might only
have
a town.

We are still the reason why tourist
comes to
Malaysia, for our mount Kinabalu.

Two out of the top three of the sexiest
girl in
Malaysia are from Sabah(Daphne Iking
and
Amber
Chia) according to FHM.

Sipadan Island, need I explain?

Everybody says Mokhtar Dahari is the
main
reason Malaysian football team
qualified
for the
Olympics, football event in the 80s.
With all due
respect, the two goals are scored by
Hassan Sani
and James Wong, both Sabahan. Not
forgetting the
man who kept Malaysia at bay, Peter
Rajah, also a
Sabahan as the goalie.

The most air travelers are from Sabah.
Almost all
Sabahan have atleast traveled once or
twice with
airplane, compared to the west
Malaysians.

We have our own daily newspaper, Daily
Express, Borneo Post and Sabah Times.

Every time theres a reality show, our
contestant
always reaches respectful level. AF,
Blast-Off etc.

We live in harmony, not just with
Malay,
Indian and
Chinese, but also with Kadazandusun,
Bajau,
Murut, Rungus etc. The term Sabah truly
Asia is
more like it.

First 'Survivor' series was held in
Pulau Tiga Sabah.

Most of us Sabahan speaks atleast 4
different
language.

1 Borneo will be the largest Mall
outside
Klang Valley

An internationally reknowned artist,
CheNelle is also Sabahan (Putatan girl
man!!) Its ok if
she fell in love with the DJ, we'd
forgive her!

Dun forget, Gary Cao Ge - Singer of
Chinese version Superwoman also from
Sabah.

This is just to name a few, but despite
all this, we
are still proud to be Sabahan!!!!!

Oh yes, I AM proud to be a Sabahan :D I've encountered such situations where I've seen people being skeptical about Sabah and whether we live on top of trees, or in the jungle or whether we even have paved roads in Sabah! Come visit Sabah, and you'll know :D

2007-09-10T12:09:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I played violin solo (for the first time since I came back) at the crossroad concert at Rani, Tenghilan. Jay was my pianist, and although it is his first time playing as an accompanist for me, I was pretty satisfied with his playing. Planning to make him my official accompanist, paying him each time he plays for me. I guess I'll be playing solo now, and that's something that I need to adjust myself to because all this while, I have been playing either with the String Ensemble or playing duet with Dael.

I met up with Tina at Rani and it was good seeing her. Time and experience have changed the situation and I'm glad that it did. :D

Dze kazens (me, Jay and Tina) ...

Another photo of the prominent cousins, this time with the addition of the little one.

And to end this post...two recent photos of my 7-month-old puppy, Patches:

She loves putting her head out the window of the car and feel the wind..and she also loves the river! :D

Sleeping with its bolster and Mr. Platypus (her constant companion)

Malaysiaku Gemilang!

2007-08-30T11:06:00.000+08:00

Malaysia will be celebrating its 50th year of Independence tomorrow. The spirit of "Merdeka" is everywhere! This is the first time, in four years, for me to be home during Merdeka and it is a different feeling being home celebrating and celebrating it away from home. I really enjoyed the Malaysian parties back in MC, especially the one celebrating Hari Merdeka! It was really fun!!

Btw, I am now tied to a semi-international primary school in KK and will be starting work officially in January. Hmmmm, good luck to me! :D

50 years ago...

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, MALAYSIA!

Patriotiknya aku...

2007-08-02T11:55:00.000+08:00

I visited the school. Met the principal and the managing director for interview. Interview went really well. Tomorrow will be the confirmation. So, we'll see what happens next! :D

2007-07-30T12:02:00.000+08:00

Time passes by quickly. I have been home for two months now and things are about to change for me really soon. If all goes well, I'll be a teacher soon. *crosses fingers*

I'm hoping to visit Mission College in December to attend a very special event. Air Asia, please reopen the direct flights to BKK. Pweety pweessee!! :D

What are you guys up to nowadays? Hihihi :)

I've been staring at the computer screen for almost two hours now. My contact lens are dry. Time to go home and prepare lunch.

2007-07-12T17:26:00.000+08:00

I took the exam this morning, and I PASSED!!! Yays! I did it in 21 mins 52 secs, and scored 47/50. The passing mark is 42, so yes, I did it! :D I was nervous (and my fingers were shaking!), but after I was done answering all 50 questions, I clicked on the results, and what a relief to see my score. Hehe. Now that the hard part is done, I'll just have to improve my driving skills, and take two more exams.

2007-07-09T15:58:00.000+08:00

My puppy has lost 4 teeth ... so far. And she's bound to lose more teeth if she doesn't stop biting all sorts of things. I hope it grows back. Hehe.

Here's a little update about my life:

- I teach violin and piano the whole day on Sunday.
- My students range from 5 yrs old to 17 yrs old.
- I am still maintaining my weight (hehe).
- I am watching TV again after almost 2 weeks of being Astro-less.
- I'll be taking the driver's license exam this Thursday. I hope I pass. *Crossfingers*
- I'm still waiting to get a real job. Hopefully soon.

Yep, that's it. I really hope that I pass the exam. I have never been good in answering exam questions that are in Malay, and four years of college with written exams in English, man, I'm really hoping that I could get pass this one. It's quite easy, but sometimes it's confusing. All those new terms, some of which I have never seen before. I studied..a little. But as my friend, Choco, said, "reading the book makes me sleep." She's just gonna use her common sense. Good for you my friend, I'll probably rely on using common sense too. We'll see what happens.

2007-06-27T18:42:00.001+08:00

The internet connection at home really frustrates me, so here I am again, at the cc just for the sake of uploading photos. I just got the CD that Damien gave us. The CD contains pictures he took before the Consecration service began. It was really fun taking pictures, we had some laughs about how we should look in the pictures. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures, and thank you Damien for all the pictures! :D

I like this picture. Thanks, Damien :D

I'll upload more of Damien's pictures some other time.

Meanwhile, here are some pictures of my 4-month-old pup, Patches and her favourite toy, THE tennis ball...

Presenting....Patches :D

I love this pose, hahahah...Shiz, it's a yoga pose, the uhm, "Downward Facing Dog" or the "Adho Mukha Svanasana" pose! Hahahahah! :D I'm just proud of her, she's just like her owner :P

Oh, and at this stage, she's super active and not only does she likes to lick, she has upgraded her charm by picking up another favourite thing to do, which is biting! Since her two front teeth grew, that's all she does...bite, bite, bite. I have several markings on my arms to prove it! :D

---

A few minutes ago, I entered the MC website, and the yearbook is out!! Yay!! I'm looking at it in its pdf. version now. It's fun looking at the pictures! :D

2007-06-22T14:21:00.000+08:00

Here I am again after a short break. So far, nothing really exciting happened in my life, just the usual things. I haven't started working yet, but I have gone through a very boring 1st step of getting a driver's license!

Well, life's not too bad for me now. For the past month, I have enjoyed doing stuff with my family and friends and it makes me happy :)

Two days ago, Fiona came over to give something to me and I was surprised to see Pappu! Suddenly, I missed MC more! It was great to have them over at my kampung house, Jr and Steve were also here. I had a great time talking to Fie and Paps, catching up with the latest happenings at MC, and, uhm, some other stuff :P

Great having them here, looking forward to more meetings with friends I made at MC :)

2007-06-12T21:32:00.000+08:00

So far, so good - made a new friend online, my pup is now 4 kg, and I am having sore throat.

Yesterday was the last episode of "One Tree Hill" (Season 3). Since I came back, I was hooked up on watching that show, but it ended too soon! And now, "O.C." takes its spot on Star World everyday at 10 a.m. "O.C." is a nice show too, but I want to know what happens to Lucas and Brooke, Nathan and Haley and Peyton and Jake! I want to watch it, not read it online. I shall go DVD hunting when I have the moolah to do so. I'll probably be hooked up on watching "O.C." until the season is over.

Anyway. There's a mosquito in the house, and it's attacking my legs from all angles.

Good night! :D

2007-06-09T18:14:00.000+08:00

The two special songs went well this morning. It was recorded, and I have yet to listen to it. The name printed on the buletin was "In Unity" , and the introduction made by Romeo was quite long. Haha, I managed to catch a little portion of what he said, it was something like this: "Kumpulan ini terdiri daripada pelajar and bekas pelajar SASS yang sekarang ini sedang bercuti." Those who sang were all ex-students, none of us were 'current' students of SASS. Hehe, maybe he didn't notice.

Singing with the group feels different for me. Daron, you know what I'm talking about. But, I'm glad we sang the song (which was supposed to be sang acapella) with accompaniment. Hehe.

Tomorrow, I'll be taking the first step of having a driver's license (finally!). I'm nervous, because I'll be all alone, no friends. Although it will just be listening to 6 hours of ceramah, still, I hate doing it alone. Choco wants to come, but she's going to KL tomorrow. *Sigh* I hope I won't be bored to death. Hehe. I have been driving illegally these past few years, but I can't do it anymore if/when I get the teaching job. I need a license...and a car. Hehe. Soon, soon.

2007-06-07T19:08:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the long delay in updating my blog. No easy access to the internet now, and it's not cheap either. Hehe.

Well, anyway, I'm happy tonight because I get to chat with Miss Dorothy and Asron!!It makes me miss MC more.

I can't write long because I'm not at home (again), I'm at the CC. So, this short post is for Shimona. Hehe. Hey Shiz, I'm sorry because I can't upload any new pictures of my puppy now. But puppy no.5 has a name now! :D This was how it got its name: Two days after arriving home, puppy no.5 got sick so I had to bring it to the vet to get a couple of injection. When I arrived at the vet, he asked me what the puppy's name was, and my response was, "Ehm, Patches". Heheheh. So Patches became its name. Sometimes its "Patchy-poo-poo", sometimes it's "Patchy", sometimes it can be another different name. I treat her as if she was a baby, hehe, you know baby-talk and stuff. And she's really a cutie! She does this cute stuff, I don't even know how to describe it. The stuff that makes you go "awwwww!" Since I'm the youngest in the family, so she's considered the 'baby' of the family now. Hehe.

I miss Cassi, Shiz! Hehe, I bet she's bigger and more active now, huh?

Well, can't stay long, singing practice in 13 minutes. Daron, we'll be singing "Prayer of Being" this Sabbath. Cikgu ArAr asked Mae2 to sing special song, so the sisa2 "In Unity" will be singing this Sabbath, plus Clarice lah. And "One Desire" (Choco sings in place of Marsha, hehe) will be singing for Sabbath School. We have a special phrase now, thanks to Douglas, which is "Kami akan buat yang terbaik."

2007-05-24T19:42:00.000+08:00

I'm home!

It feels great to be home, but I'm missing MC at the same time! Now, I have to get used to living at home once again.

Am having withdrawal symptoms right now.

I miss the place, the teachers, friends, New Zealand, Las Vegas...my room!!! :D

2007-05-03T09:54:00.000+08:00

Memories...

Festival of Faith

OSOKO

One of the many bike rides....

Getting injured...

Taking picture in the middle of the road?? Hmm...

Going to Bangkok for the AYA Rally...

At the football field..

Going to the talat

Friends

Sumandak Negeri di Bawah Bayu..Hihi...MC Cultural Night

News Writing (or Journalistic Writing) Class Field Trip

Music Rendezvous

Longgggg bus ride to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Shampoo Commercial Girls

Sabah Sarawak Tour

FRIENDS! :D

Four years and I survived.

2007-05-01T16:49:00.000+08:00

I'm DONE!

It's actually quite hard for me to believe that I have survived four years of study here at Mission College. My only hope now is that I'll pass all my final exams (I'll know the results by this Friday *crossing my fingers*) so that I can march, receive my degree from the princess and berambussss. Hehe.

No more exams. No more stress. :D

I can almost smell freedom.

2007-04-23T22:20:00.000+08:00

I'm back from a fun but very tiring trip. Am having withdrawal symptoms (again!). I miss the food. I miss the places. I miss the people.

The trip to Peninsula Malaysia and Singapore was really great!

In Penang, I finally got to taste Penang Laksa, and it was delicious! I had the opportunity to meet up with many of my ex-classmates and schoolmates, and really, it felt so good meeting them again after a few years. Lots of catching up, but there was little time. But it was nice to be able to meet them anyway.

In Ipoh, I had the chance to meet up with Pastor David Kumar and his family again after two years. It was nice meeting them again. We didn't stay long in Ipoh because we had to travel back to Penang the same night.

The five-hour bus ride from Penang to KL was not so bad after all. It was so comfortable riding on the bus that I was able to sleep soundly. The driver made one stop, and I was able to taste Ramly burger. Hehe.

Arriving in KL on Sunday evening, I went straight to the place where we stayed (PJ Chinese Church). I met one of my few favourite cousins and she took me out to Mid Valley and surprised me by wanting me to choose my own graduation gift. She gave me three choices, and I opted for option #1. I was really happy to be able to see her again, I've missed her so much although I've been keeping in touch with her. Kakak Bibi, if you're reading this post, thank you again for my graduation gift! Love you! :D

On Monday, Jayce brought us to KLCC and Sungei Wang. I finally got to take a picture of the twin towers (I didn't have a camera when I visited the towers in 2003). We met up with one of our good friend in Sungei Wang and he brought us around the shopping mall.

On Tuesday, we went to Aenon Health Farm. Ate healthy vegetarian food there and the people were nice.

On Wednesday, we headed down to Kulai, Johor. Stayed at one of the church member's house and our hosts were such an inspiration to me. I must remember to send an email of gratitude to them.

On Thursday, we went to Johor Bahru and stayed at the church. A group of us took a taxi and went to Plaza Kotaraya for the purpose of buying hangers and detergent, but I ended up buying some other things.

On Friday morning, we took 5 taxis to enter Singapore. No problems and we arrived at the SAUM safely. The room was awesome and the shopping places were great! I want to go back to Singapore to shop some day in the future. Oh, and we even sang on the streets. :D

Ending our singing performance at Jurong Church, we headed back to the guestrooms to change and went shopping!!

We landed at the Suvarnabhumi Airport at 7.30 p.m. and reached MC at 10.30.

Fun trip. Lots of memories to be treasured.

Will post more later...

2007-04-12T07:21:00.000+08:00

In a few hours, we'll be leaving for Suvarnabhumi Airport, then to KL, then to Penang! Will be gone for 10 days!

Happy Songkran to all!

2007-04-08T09:45:00.000+08:00

On Thursday the MC Chamber Choir and String Ensemble will be leaving for the Malaysia-Singapore tour. I'm excited to be going on this trip, but at the same time, I'm also sad because I'll miss my last Songkran here in Thailand. Of the two Songkrans I had here, the first one was the best. One of our Thai friends, Kip, invited us to go home with her to Roi Et (about 8 hours from MC). It was really fun! We sat at the back of her pickup truck all the way to her home (arrived at midnight). Playing water at her hometown, going to Ubon Ratchathani and swimming in the Mekong River - those were some of the things we did while we were there. Oh, and we also had the chance to participate in the 'blessing' ceremony held at her grandparents' home. :D

Taking picture at Pha Taem (Ubon Ratchathani)...Laos is just on the other side of the river. Hehe.

At Kip's grandparents' home.

Felly and I at the Mekong River. So "sakai", it was as if we have never seen sand before! Haha!

Good times. Good times. :D

2007-04-02T09:34:00.000+08:00

Ramai golongan muda belum daftar mengundi

Oleh Sazarina Shahrim

KUALA LUMPUR: Sebanyak 70 peratus daripada 4.9 juta rakyat yang belum mendaftar sebagai pengundi sehingga Disember lalu, adalah golongan muda berusia antara 21 hingga 35 tahun.

Timbalan Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR), Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, berkata kebanyakan mereka pelajar institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) dan yang baru bekerja.

“Kita sudah memberi segala kemudahan, seperti membuka kaunter pendaftaran setiap hari sepanjang tahun dan tempoh pendaftaran pula tidak sampai 10 minit.

“Bagaimanapun, mereka tidak begitu mengambil berat atas alasan sibuk,” katanya selepas melancarkan kempen pendaftaran sebagai pengundi anjuran Pergerakan Kebangsaan Sikh Malaysia (Geraksikh) di sini, semalam.

Kempen peringkat kebangsaan itu pertama kali dianjurkan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) berasaskan kaum di negara ini.

Wan Ahmad berkata, sehingga Disember lalu 15.2 juta rakyat layak mengundi selepas mencapai umur 21 tahun, tetapi hanya 10.3 juta yang mendaftar sebagai pengundi.

Selangor mencatat jumlah paling ramai penduduk yang belum mendaftar, iaitu 600,000 orang, diikuti Sarawak (450,000), Johor (400,0000), Perak (375,000) dan Kuala Lumpur (300,000).

Beliau berkata, pelbagai usaha dan program dijalankan SPR bagi memudahkan rakyat mendaftar sebagai pemilih, tetapi sambutannya tetap kurang memberangsangkan.

“Sikap menunggu saat akhir atau menjelang pilihan raya, tidak peduli hak di sisi Perlembagaan serta tidak mengetahui kepentingan menggunakan hak sebagai pengundi, menjadi faktor 4.9 juta rakyat Malaysia belum mendaftar,” katanya.

Wan Ahmad berkata, SPR memerlukan masa sehingga tiga bulan untuk memproses setiap pendaftaran sebelum disahkan sebagai pengundi. Selepas pembubaran Parlimen, SPR ada 60 hari untuk tentukan tarikh pilihan raya dan jika ketika itu, ada yang mahu mendaftar, ia sudah terlewat.

Wan Ahmad berharap NGO lain mencontohi kempen dianjurkan oleh Geraksikh bagi memastikan semua rakyat yang layak mengundi, mendaftar sebagai pemilih.

Sementara itu, Presiden Geraksikh, Tan Sri G Darshan Singh berkata kempen itu bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran warga Malaysia khususnya golongan muda untuk mendaftar sebagai pengundi sebagai persediaan menghadapi pilihan raya umum akan datang.

Beliau berkata, Geraksikh juga akan mengadakan beberapa aktiviti bersama SPR termasuk melawat Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (IPT), tempat ibadat dan sewaktu musim perayaan bagi menjayakan kempen pendaftaran pengundi itu.

In 22 days, I'm going to turn 21. :P

2007-04-02T09:14:00.000+08:00

Three weeks ago, I sent a package to my brother - it was a little 'shirt' for his puppy and 2 collars for my puppy and his puppy. He got it two weeks ago. :D

I can't wait to play with this pup!! :D

They're jealous of her.. Haha! The white puppy is my brother's.

6-1...don't know where the black pup is. They're getting used to being placed in a wheelbarrow!

I haven't decided on a name for her yet.

Have a good day!

2007-03-27T09:27:00.000+08:00

Classe de Sapienta - Class of 2002

The picture above was taken five years ago when I finished high school. The next year, I came to Mission College. Four years later, I am gonna walk down the aisle again. Before I came to MC, I promised myself that I will finish in four years, no matter how hard college life will be. Two motivation factors:
1) My parents
2) The comparison made of me and somebody by my own aunt.

I wanted to prove to her that the government exam results does not mean that I cannot succeed in college. Looking back through the four years I was here, I can see how God has led me through all the ups and downs of my studies and specifically, my life. He has been my Guide, and I attribute my success to His guidance and love. I also attribute my success to my parents who have always been there for me to give me support and encouragement.

In about six weeks, my parents and brother will arrive on campus. I have fulfilled my task to study hard and make them proud. There's nothing that could compare to the look on their faces as they see me receiving my degree. They have spent a lot of money in order to support me here in MC, and it is time for me to repay them (although I realize that I could never repay them fully). I love them very much and that is one of the reason why I want to go back home after graduation. I want to take a break from being away from them for four years...I want to be near my family.

---

On the other hand, in two week's time, we'll be heading to Malaysia! Last year, the MC Chamber Choir and String Ensemble went to Sabah and Sarawak during the Songkran break, and this year we'll be heading to Peninsula Malaysia and Singapore! I haven't been to any of the churches in Peninsula Malaysia. I have been to Singapore when I was a little kid but I don't remember much about Singapore. Some of the things that stand out in my memory of Singapore:
1) I got 2 stitches on the corner of my left eye...the doctor offered me an orange candy, at first I refused, but he insisted. So I took it and put it in my mouth, and spitted it out when we were outside the clinic. (I hated eating candy for quite a long time after that).
2) There was where I got chicken pox
3) I remember going to the zoo - I loved going to the zoo!
4) I think Singapore was the place where my two front teeth came off! :D

Yes, that's about what I could remember about being in Singapore. I have pictures of being in the shopping malls, but I don't remember anything much about it.

Sight seeing in Miri, Sarawak.

Performing in my former school, SASS

Met ex-schoolmates in Kuching, Sarawak.

I will be able to meet more ex-classmates and ex-schoolmates when we go to Penang. It will be exciting to meet them again after going our separate ways after graduation. I will also be able to meet my cousins (one of which I haven't seen in many, many years!) in Penang and KL, and they have offered to bring me around :D I hope there'll be time to do that.