Saturday, December 31, 2005

The Year That Was 2005.

Just a small note before i start my blog:
I was chasing black rabbits 4 am in the morning! Plus, i wasn't high, drunk or stoned at that time. Perhaps it belongs to some neighbour of mine, because chances of spotting rabbits on the street that early in the morning is the same as discovering a koala bear in your backyard in Malaysia or a tiger on the road. That explains why i was late for practice this afternoon. NOW, back to the main entry....


As the minutes passes by we're nearing the end of the year 2005. And as it goes by, 2006 will arrived to be ushered. So, let's look back into our lives: what happened in the pass 364 days since 2005 began? Anything significant or remarkable?

The year 2005 was something to me. Good and bad things had a share of play in my life this year, thus dull and boring doesn't describe what this year meant to me. I dare say 2004 isn't as cool as 2005. Many events had happened this year, and these are the ten events that i would like to share with you readers:


1. Re-entering UTAR

After being a dropout from my university, i've decided to re-enter the university again; only this time i'm entering as a new student in a different course and starting afresh. And since almost none of my ex-classmates from Business Admin course read this blog, i just want to say that being in Journalism rocks big time, and it's definately much lively than being in BA!


Not only did i perform better here, but i get t know crazy, funky, helpful and out-going friends/classmates now. Perhaps being in this course has been my calling all this while. Having a second chance here means a lot to me.


2. Shifting to Sri Petaling

I did not a want to, but now i've to submit. I'm now no more staying in Bukit Indah, but in Sri Petaling. No more being near to Justin, Edwin, Kevan, Jeremy, Megan, Ashleigh, John Reuben and the other youths, but nearer to my campus, Mid-Valley Megamall and friends in CF.

Do i miss Bukit Indah? Yes, i miss this place i called home ever since i was in Standard 3. But i guess as time passes by, people and circumstances change. Change maybe uncertain and scary, but we had to face it; one way or another.



3. Turning 21

This is one stage of live everyone living will pass. Being 21 means i'm an adult, though i don't feel like being one anytime soon. But sooner or later, i need to shed this childish image of mine and ambrace manhood when it's most needed.



4. Celebrating Chinese New Year without My Family

While my dad and two brothers were out celebrating Chinese New Year this year with another family in Melaka, i decided not to join them. One reason was because i had a heap of workload to do, and the other was i didn't feel like it at that time.

Fortunately, Justin's family welcomed me with arms wide open to celebrate it with them. I was honoured to do so, and i might add, had enjoyed myself getting to know them more, and more of their family members.



5. The Depature and Return Of Justin

Yup, Justin did leave us for (a better) place to pursue his studies; Australia.

At that time, i missed my one of my closest buddies. I missed the time where we hangout at the mamak stall. I missed the time we chatted till the wee hours of the day. I missed the deep, non-superficial talks, debates and conversations we had. Those were the times.

But know, for those still unaware, he's back! Yes, Justin is now back, with a whole load of stories and experience to share, a degree and a girlfriend (surprise, surprise is not a caucasian!)



6. Twice bitten, no shy!

This year, i was beaten by two different dogs. Not fun. Thank goodness i'm rabies-free, though i didn't visit the doctor have being bitten in the two incidents.


7. Learning to Give; it's Christmas

Yup, this year i learn to give than to receive. Although i've received presents like candy-canes, a Naruto key-chain, a squishy face thingy and a soft toy snail, i've gave presents to my cell group members and christmas cards to other church members that i'm close to.

It seems that what is stated in the Bible is true: It's better to give than to receive! And boy, despite spending a lot of money in the gifts and cards, i forgot how much i spent and felt great giving them those gifts and seeing the look on their faces after they open their presents. After all, didn't God gave us His only son, Jesus Christ, so that whomever who believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16)?


8. Leading a group of carollers

Leading them all by myself for two nights were scary, stressful and challenging. But at the end, it was all worth it!

9. Cars

My dad got us more cars (not the toy one, mind you) for us this year. So, guess how many cars we have this year. Not one, not two, but FIVE CARS!

Yes, five cars, four Protons and a Mercedes. Though all the Protons are second hands, i guess my dad was out for quantity than quality(?) Perhaps my dad wants to come out with a second hand car rental store? I can imagine the signboard now:

Cheah & Sons Motors.



10. NO barber/saloon visits!

HAHAHA!~ All hair lovers unite. No scissors or shaver has touched my head yet this year, and i intend to keep it that way. If i ever were to visit a hair saloon, it's to get a funky haircut or getting a dreadlock.


In a nutshell, 2005 to me it's about second chances, redemption, trying new things and change. But now, as the new year approaches, let make an impact in our lives as we come face to face with the unseen future.


So long, 2005.
Hello, 2006.


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Friday, December 30, 2005

HUGE 2005 through the eye of a camper.

This is one entry that should have been up before Christmas. But better late than never, right? I'm spliting my experience there according to categories. And here it goes:

General camp details

Date: 12th – 15th December 2005 (Monday - Thursday)
Venue: Puteri Resort, Malacca
Speaker: Chad Jacobson
Theme: Snatch
Key Verse: Jude 23 (…snatch others from the fire and save them....)



The view of the mand-made river and swimming pool of the resort. Beyond that is the REAL river.














The praise and worship sessions

The Youth Alive Malaysia (YAM) and other bands (like COP, Metro Tabernacle) that came up were good. Some bands play old songs from United Live (UL) Albums and even VEGGIE TALES! Only complain is that the songs in the latest UL album, Look To You, have been played one time too many. It was up to a point where the guitarist tried to outplay each other during the guitar solo.


Accomodation

Sharing the room with Iggy, Alwin and Julius was ok as not only are we in the same cell group, but we got to bond together. And staying next door to Mark, Brandon, Jonathan Chia and Benedict meant having access to the PS2 (yeah, they brought the game console over there!)


Food

What i thought to be muscle fatigue was actual food poisoning. Not complaining that the food was bad; it's just that i got sick from either eating under cooked, poorly prepared food or from unclean cutlery. Missed the Prayer Tunnel and the last sermon due to it.

The Sermons

Pastor Clement preached at the first session, and his sermon was about being a Christian. Sometimes it's hard when people around you tease you about being a Christian, or when you're afraid to admit that you are one.

But it's stated in Romans 1:16-17, 'I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.... For in a gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.'

We should live by faith, not fearing others who presecute you or taunt you, for we are to live by faith and the righteousness of God.

The next four sessions were preached by Chad Jacobson, a funky pastor who tries to grab the attention of the listens with his funny reactions and a little acting. Let me put in a nutshell what he talked about in all the four sermons:

1. Refering to Mark 5:25- 34.
If we seek God, God will take notice of you trying to catch His attention, and He'll bless you.

2. Refering to Psalm 107:10-17. (Going into Dark Territory)
The devil doesn't like us to step into his territory/trying to save the unsave. He'll do anything to make sure that you don't success and will fall. He makes sin looks fun as it slowly eats takes up your life using varieties things like girlfriend, money, work, etc.

However, God wants to use you, for through Him all things are possible. Plus, He cares about what's in your heart, and not what you have in order to do His will.

3. Refering to Acts 12:5-10,21
God allows bad things to happen to us, and at times it doesn't makes sense (like accidents and deaths). But it doesn't matter, for He has a plan prepared for you!

4. Refering to Genesis 32:22 - 32 (Never Give Up, Never Surrender)
Sometimes, the worst place to be is being alone, for all kinds of stuff can happen. But sometimes, you may encounter God in the process. And once you do, do not let go of Him till He blesses you. For with each encounter you have with God, you'll never be the same again. Think Jacob, the wrestling match and the limp!


(It pays to actually take notes during sermons. But it pay even more to actually read them back. Ask me if you need clarifications.)



The Workshops



During the workshop session, Pastor Julie Khoo (on stage in the pic) instructed Pastor's Kids (PK) to make a skit based on the following wrong methods to tell the gospel:

1. Painfully Direct: Telling people to very bluntly and directly. ("Believe or die!")
2. Indiscreetly Offensive: To stand in front of a porn shop and offer people warm words of fiery encouragement
3. Blatantly Condemning: Telling the person off ("You'll surely die and go to hell! TO HELL!")
4. Superficially Quick: "Part of the reason I was so painfully direct was because i tend to get it over quickly!"
5. Sincerely Wrong: Sharing the wrong confusingly, and compromising it.
6. Rudely Impatient: Not giving time to others, keep on pushing them. ("You want to accept or not? Want or not? Want or not?")
7. Powerful Conviction: Word of God should be shared with conviction and passion, letting the Holy Spirit work through you.

The other thing learnt was the list of reasons why people are afraid to share the gospel with others:

a. Fear of rejection
b. Fear of not knowing enough
c. Fear of offending family and friends
d. Fear of ridiculed and prececuted

And the other list mentioned was about why share the gospel:

i. The condition around us (dying world, humanity's suffering)
ii. Competition
iii. Credit-merit
iv. Conscius
v. Call to harvest
vi. Commision of Christ (do ask me if you don't understand any of these, ok?)

We also had a Q&A session about how to share the gospel to others with the panel of youth pastor. Boy, was the answers given witty and tad helpful.



Youth Alive Idle


Six crazy youths came up to stage, only one appeared as the Youth Alive Idle (YAI) 2005. Apparently from the competition, there was a clear distinctiveness between what's funny and what's plain lame.




Tommy (surname Tai, Thai, or Tie) (pic) from Thailand managed to claim the title of YAI 2005. He managed be victorious over Prakash and his i-can't-believe-it's-That-Boots-Are-Make-For-Walking-Song dance and Sirn Loong (again, no idea how to spell his name out) and his sexy body! Special guest appearance by YAI 2004, Samuel. And he somewhat influenced the performance of all the contestants.

Free Time

This time around, we had free time in the afternoon, meaning doing whatever we want from the list of the activities prepared by the camp committee.

The first afternoon (Monday) was spent unpacking our begs. Then, rest before dinner.

The second afternoon, i wanted to go abseiling, and managed to persuaded some of the youths to go. Unfortunately, they couldn't have the event. We then gathered at the dining hall and played some IQ games, which was really intriging. I managed to figure out how 2 of the 3 games work. Went back to rest an hour before dinner.

The third afternoon, we were excited to go abseiling. Unfortunately, they couldn't have the event, again. But we got to take our group photos, threw each other into the pool, played Leap of Faith (it's basically jumping backwards into a trampoline-like blanket held by the other youths) and swam a little. The youths should have threw each other properly as some of them got bruised in the process.

Friends

This time around, i got to meet up with old friends like Daniel Ding, Gary Chong, John Aiden, Sabrina Chan, Michelle Ong, Ju Yee and Lydia Sim. New friends i got to know are Roland, Lydia's sis, Mark, Shirley, and some other girls which i forgot their name. Iggy challenged us to befriend five new friends. Did i make the cut? Hmm....

Overall experince

It was great, i dare say better than last year's camp. Through this camp, God touched me, telling me i need to live more Christ-like, and spreading the Gospel to others. I'm going to try my best to do so.


For more info regarding the camp, do check out the blogs below:

Oliver's blog
Daniel Ding's blog

Sabrina Chan's blog



The youths of Youth Alive Revival Centre! My mouth can definately speak words of wisdom and folly!

Love & Peace!~


BC?


Thursday, December 29, 2005

Amazing Japanese T-Shirt!

This is one of the things that you must see for yourself at least once in your lifetime; besides a rainbow, a blue moon and TV. It's strunken T-shirt!






See this?
Actual size.
WOW!










Got the images from my friends via e-mail, and it really caught my attention. Apparently, this cool design is from Japan, and i believe it has already entered China and Taiwan. I wonder when it'll enter into our shores?










No matter how smart you are, it's vital to always read the instructions/manual written. It's more vital to actualy follow them too.
















As you can see, it's wrapped tightly in plastic, so careful cut it open with a blade. (or a puny knife as demonstrated in the picture beside.)















Then, dip it into a bowl of water. Kind of reminds me of instant noodles or sea monkeys. Japan is full of those toss-me-in-water-and-watch-me-expand stuff.
















Voila! You now have a t-shirt right before you!













Looking at the pictures now, i think this isn't something that great after all. It hit me now that it's a plain t-shirt, shrunk into least than a quarter of it's length, and nicely displayed to the target market that loves small-and-cute-stuffs. Plus, it fits nicely into suitcases while traveling abroad. I smell sales gimmick.

All i want know is a PDA.


Love & Peace!~


BC?



Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Twas The Day(s) After Christmas

The problem with not having Internet access whenever you want, wherever you are is bugging me. Plus, it has delayed this entry which was supposed to be logged in on Boxing day was postponed till now.

As i'm typing this, i'm now in a cyber cafe nearby my house. Having a hungry desire to update this blog and a selfish brother pushed me here. I guess it isn't that bad lah, since i'm actually blogging now.

Below are the events that happened chronologically backwards from today:


Today. (28th Dec)
Got up in Justin's place after staying overnight to watch Macross Zero with Kevan. If you find the storyline a little too complicated, watch it for the graphics. A must watch for mecha fans like Simon Lai!

Spend a little time shopping for groceries before heading home from Justin's. Had to go to Millenium Court in PJ for the Jan 2006 Orientation Telematch meeting. Manage to use the Internet in the campus before heading to MC, but not enough to cut in an entry. Left for home through a surpisingly light traffic after the meeting.

When i was going out for dinner at my dad's place, i realised i forgot to bring my wallet. This means that not only was i cash-less, but i was driving without a license or my I.D.! I panicked from the moment i was driving there till i was back home in the heavy rain. Fortunately, nothing bad happened through the whole ordeal.

After some time watching quality TV, here i am typing this entry.


Yesterday. (27th Dec)
Nothing significant happened during the day time. (Even if there was something significant, i must have forgotten it. Hence, insignificant) Just more TV time. Plan to go to the cyber cafe was scrapped.

Justin called in the evening about the sleepover, which i immediately agreed to. But before heading to Justin's, i first headed to Sher-Mayne's house, where there was a party going on, and there were leftovers (this is where i enter; as a DBKL.) Was surprised to discover that her house was near mine, and easy to locate! Plus, she's a good cook! Love the spaghetti, and Summer's just cute lah!

Later, headed to Justin's for anime (read above)


The day before yesterday. (26th Dec)
It was boxing day.
It was a day after Christmas.
It was the anniversary for the tsunami disaster in Asia that claimed many lives and properties as it went.
It was also the first day of HUGE Camp 2004: Unleashed.
It was also when i was supposed to enter in this entry. *sigh*
It was the day i got up late because i was too tired.


Christmas. (25th Dec)
The day where 2000 years ago, a savior was born to save us all! Ain't it great to know the fact that Jesus Christ died for your sins so that you can enter heaven if you believe in Him?

Anyway, I had only about 3 hours of sleep before i came to church for the usual morning prayers for those involved with the church duty (singing, playing instruments, ushering, etc.) I was shocked to see people rehearsing for the drama for Christmas services at 7.10 am! (I know, some of you are shocked to know i woke up that early....)

The drama was superb, probably because the fact that it was nicely timed, had a strong choir team and i was not involved with them. I guess they really pulled it off this time. But then again, it's to celebrate the reason for the season: Jesus!

What blew most of us was the fact that Justin was in church! Yes, that liar who said he wouldn't be able to make it back to Malaysia this year was in front of us. All the musicians (Kevan, Oliver, Jeremy, Daniel Sim and myself) were then intimidated, since the music expert is back. But it was indeed a relief to see one of my closest buddies back in KL.

After service, we headed for Wangsa Maju for a game of DotA (that's Defence of the Ancients for the clueless). That's when i realised the car air-con had some issues, as Daniel Loo, Nicholas and myself travelled there sweating.

At night, it was the second round of caroling. My group, including myself, wasn't up to par while caroling. Probably it was the fact that we had already carol at our best the night before and we had little rest. But nonetheless, we managed to get it over with and later joined Kevan's team. I finally got to use the snow and party spray properly!


Christmas' Eve. (24th Dec)
Had practice in the morning, since the rehearsal for caroling was in the evening, and we tried not to have a clash in schedule.

In the evening, we all gathered in the cafeteria to practice before we hit the road. I led a bunch of red-t-shirted and eagered youths while Kevan led another. Apparently, he had better control of them than i did.

But as we went singing at all three house, we all had a great time, despite facing glitches like leaving the list of carollers in church and the verses for Scripture Reading.

Unlike the previous years, we did not gather both groups togetherat Pastor Lisa's house at the end of the day because we had get up early the next day for Christmas service and Pastor Lisa had her elderly mom over to rest.

Caroling rocked lah!


Love & Peace!~


BC?


Tuesday, December 20, 2005

The Rojak Series #9

With a few entries still pending and too much to tell, i guess i'll just have to summarise what i want to say into a TRS:


1. Internet-less in Sri Petaling

Old news, but people around me have no idea about it. I can't update my blog, check my e-mails or go surfing! Plus, i've not use MSN Messenger for months now. That's just frustrating!

But then again, since i'm online now, i'm making the most of it by typing out this entry, and checking my e-mails. No time to chat lah, sorry.


2. H.U.G.E Camp 2005 ROCKED!

Yes, it really did!

Held in Melaka from 12th - 15th of December, the youths from church really had a great time! I'll really, really try and make an entry for this event. But what i can tell you now is that i met old and new friends, had fun with the youths, fell sick, and i the song"these boots are make for walking" is really an eye-opener at the camp.


3. Was sick

I was sick at camp. After breakfast, on the last day of camp to be exact. I nearly threw up, and had to sleep through the last session of the camp. That means i missed the last praise and worship session, last presentation(s), last sermon and the prayer tunnel.

At first i thought it was muscle fatigue, but later discovered it was food-poisoning. It seems like the symptoms i developed (headache, body-ache, nausea, fatigue, fever) was the same as the ones that many other campers had throughout the camp. Looks like it's my third time having a fever this year, only this time, it wasn't caused by my throat, but the water/dirty dishes in camp!

Fortunately, the fever was gone on Thursday itself, got my energy back and feeling much better. Unfortunately, i'm having a sore throat now. Hoping it doesn't spawn a fever, again!


4. Bitten, again!

Alwin Hoo's dog bit me last Sunday evening. Probably thanks to Oliver, for suggesting us to go to his place to get some MP3s. This time, not only did it bit me in the leg, but my right index finger as well. Still, it doesn't interfer with my typing and my love for animals. And i still haven't develop any rabies symptoms, yet!


5. Christmas party at the Loo's!

After a the dog bite at Alwin's and later a shower at Oliver's house, we headed down to Daniel Loo's house for the youth Christmas party! The Loo's (i know it sounds wrong, but i don't mean any disrespect to Daniel and his family!) wasn't hard to locate, since i've been to his house before. Yet, Oliver led me to the wrong road.... He'll pay, soon.

Back to the party, it rocked, because they had PIZZA! Well, besides other great stuff like drummets, nuggets, fried rice, and jelly (yum) the fellowship was great too. Over 40 over youths attended the Christmas party.

After the makan, we played a few games. By that time, i figured out how tough is it to get the younger ones to actually listen to you and get the program running. I feel the youth leaders. Though the first ice-breaker, memory cirlce wasn't a success, we had a blast while playing public caning and decorating team maskot/snowman.

Surprisingly, the night didn't end with gift exchange and birthday celebration. Rather, we had flour fight in the end. With both the gates and doors shut, and 5 kgs of flour left with a group of crazy youths, it was pure chaos. The scene was like a snowball fight in winter, only there isn't winter in Malaysia and it was flour instead of snow. Flour was everywhere! People were running everywhere. Chaos was everywhere.

But by 12, we had to stop or risked being public nuinsance. We cleaned ourselves, helped clean up the house and headed back home. After sending Kears, Daniel, Abigail and Seline back to their houses, i headed back home.

Flour was still in my ear after i took a shower a home.


6. Christmas' coming!

Only 5 days to go. There's a caroling team that i'm leading, and some other stuff i haven't done for Christmas yet.

Though i'll only be playing bass for the main service, i've got some other things to do; like buying myself Christmas presents! HAHAHA!~

And speaking of bass, the one in church got busted in the middle of 1st service session last Sunday. Apparently, it's the jack socket at the guitar that has been giving some problem. If Pastor Daniel doesn't get it fixed by this weekend, i'll be bass-less lah! *sigh*


Looks like that's all for this TRS. I've got to run now.



Love & Peace!~

BC?

Interlude.

Finally, after many days of not going online, i got the chance to do so!

Camps over, Christmas is coming, and i have so much to tell. After this, i'll be writing a TRS. So, stay tuned.



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Friday, December 09, 2005

A day at work.

It has almost been 10 days since i last worked in the company i used to work in. (i'm not mentioning the name of the company to avoid scrutiny and biasness) People say you'll gain experience in working, regardless of the job. But so far, i think there are 3 things you can pick up from work:

1. You learn more working skills (computer, communicating, technical, etc.)
2. You get to know more people and friends.
3. You hate the overall experience, wishing you didn't take the job in the first place.

From this, i can safely assume that one would either have a good job experience, or a bad one. IMHO, taking the job in the company as a temp data-entry clerk is sort of both good and bad. Read on to know more.

Let's talk about my current condition in my workplace. I work in a room to all myself, with an out-dated Windows 98 OS computer that's efficient enough to run the program i need to use. And it's quiet, except for the occasional loud, annoying voice of the person next door. She's loud! Plus, i could only heard Traxx.fm from there. A variety of radio station would be good, but with Traxx.fm, i'm not complaining.

Now, let's take a look at the pros and cons of working there. The pros are:

1. I get to keep my long hair.
2. I wear casually to work; cargo pants and t-shirt rocks!
3. It's near my university, where i can access the net via the Internet Lab.
4. The pay is ok (for the work i'm doing.)
5. Collagues are friendly.
6. I can apply for half day any time i want!
7. I learnt how to play SUDOKU there.

Now, the cons:

1. Monotonous, unchallenging and repeatitive job degrades my grey matter.
2. I get tired and sleepy easily. (refer to the above reason)
3. From where i'm working, it gets a little lonely sometimes.

After working in the company for more than a month, i'm ready to kick back, relax and prepare for Christmas. I leave behind a few friends, some great times, and a tonne of work for the other temps to continue on with.

I realise this job isn't for me. Perhaps is for someone who is alright with monotonous, non-challenging typing. Then again, there're all kinds of people around. Maybe i might comeback, during semester breaks. But i definately wouldn't want to do this for life. Period.


"Can't say I was never wrong
But some blame rests on you
Work and play but never okay
To mix the way we do"


taken from Work, Jimmy Eat World


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Monday, December 05, 2005

Something Some Dungu(s) Asked Me To Do.

I've been putting this off for awhile, not because i want to, but i've not Internet connection easily attainable to me. But since i'm on the net now, i should get this done and over with.

Christmas is coming and carolling practices has just started yesterday (it's a little too late, don't you think?) I'm helping Kevan and Oliver in those practices. Looks like we have to work extra hard.

Anyway, below are the list of 7 Things:


7 things that scare me
- Horror movies. (Why pay RM 6 to scare the daylights out of you, let alone getting a pirated VCD version of one?)
- God.
- Losing my hearing and/or sight.
- Losing my hand/arm/fingers that i might not play the bass guitar again.
- Truth(s) that i've been standing on crumble.
- Being unprepared before a presentation of all kinds.
- Myself.

7 random facts about me
- My brothers and i don't look alike.
- While people have 10 toes and 10 toenails, i've 10 toes, but 12 toenails, thanks to my in-grown toesnails operation.
- I'm single and available.
- I don't wear collared t-shirts when i'm out.
- Once i got my head shaved bald!
- I can perform under-stress.
- I enjoy being calm and happy all the time.

7 things I hope to do before I die
- Get married to my girl, and have two kids.
- Travel beyond Malaysia to other countries.
- Make an impact to the people around me.
- Leave behind a legacy.
- Bring my father to Christianity.
- Share the gospel to others.
- See my grandchildren?

7 things that I can do
- Play the bass guitar.
- Draw/doodle pictures and tattoos.
- Make a fool of myself/others in public. (It's a no-brainer skill)
- Write, but not writing poems.
- Sing parts, certain parts.
- Sleep in the middle of a disaster.
- Read notes and source-codings.
- Look cool?

7 people who should fill this out
- Those who read my blog.
- Those who don't read my blog.
- Those whose links are on this blog.
- Basically, you're in one of those three clusters mentioned above, so don't bother guessing if you need to do it or not.
- Refer above, there's just too many names to be mentioned.
- Refer above, many of you should do this.
- Refer above, i'm just plain lazy.



Hmm... i by doing this, i feel like i know myself a little better.






Love & Peace!~


BC?



Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Parkour?




Parkour... Apa binatang itu? Boleh makan ke?










Haven't heard of that word before? Fret not. Neither did i till i watched CSI: NY recently on satelite TV.

Basically, it's free running, where that person just runs, runs and runs while trying to clear obstacles on the way in the most fluid manner possible, with gymnastic-flexible-like moves. Think Jackie Chan.





Just think how at how reckless and dangerous they are! THEY'RE SO COOL!

I wonder if this sports is active in Malaysia? Perhaps this might catch up here, since we have many youths involved with extreme sports like in-line skating and skateboarding. But then again, the police might see this as a public threat. How many guys on the streets walk without wearing a shirt under the hot sun of Malaysia?
























Do check out the following websites for more info about this mind bending and adrenaline accelerating sport:









Love & Peace!~


BC?



Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Sudoku... addictive.



Sudoku. :-

Sudoku (Japanese: 数独, sÅ«doku), sometimes spelled Su Doku, is a placement puzzle, also known as Number Place in the United States. The aim of the puzzle is to enter a number from 1 through 9 in each cell of a grid, most frequently a 9×9 grid made up of 3×3 subgrids (called "regions"), starting with various numbers given in some cells (the "givens"). Each row, column and region must contain only one instance of each number. Completing the puzzle requires patience and modest logical ability (although some puzzles can be very difficult). Its classic grid layout is reminiscent of other newspaper puzzles like crosswords and chess problems. First published in the United States, Sudoku initially became popular in Japan in 1986 and attained international popularity in 2005.

*Click here for more info from answers.com


This game is just addictive. A few months back, our local publishing companies have placed this game in the leisure section of its newspaper. Go back and check StarTwo of The Star paper or Malay Mail.

When this puzzle first appeared, i didn't take notice of its existence. Day after day of reading the comic section, it was left there untouched. Many Sudoku puzzles untouched....

Until the day i started to work.

My colleague at where i worked part-time was doing it, and that stirred curiousity in me. She did that one puzzle in under ten minutes after lunch? Shocked and surprised, i asked her what was all the game about, and she explained it to me. At that moment, i was bitten lah; bitten by the Sudoku-bug!

Since then, I've been trying to solve the daily Sudoku puzzles everyday. It has become my daily ritual besides listening to the radio, doing my devotion, watching TV and eating. Some puzzles are simple, while others can take up an hour or so of your time. But at the end of the day, managing to solve the enigma can be really relaxing.

I've told my friends about this great game. And up to date, other bloggers and friends like Oliver, Sui Li, Anna and Michelle are into the game as well! I wonder who else is also stuck to it?

However, this past few days, the puzzle has become slightly difficult. They emped the challenge to another level. Basically, the strategy for solving a puzzle may be regarded as comprising a combination of three processes: scanning, marking up, and analysing. And probably i'm stuck at the analysing part. But nevertheless, i'll keep on going!

Now, back to a game of Sudoku!





Love & Peace!~


BC?


Monday, November 21, 2005

Singing to the rain.






Driving in the rain is bad enough, try not to kill yourself by taking pictures while you're behind the wheel!










Remember, after the rain comes the beautiful rainbow. A sign of God's covenant with Moses.










I guess the monsoon season's here.

It's has been raining cows and elephant (kind of makes cats and dogs rain look a little wimpy) the past week. I guess a lot of people are complaining, right?

A good date ruined. A planned group outing destoryed. Satelite TV channel aren't working well. Clothes aren't getting dried. Staying indoor is the next best thing, most people would think.

But look at it in another perspective. It just goes to prove that God is so awesome. He can command the rain to appear and keep on pouring for a couple of hours. He can either make it a sunny, cloudless day, or a windy rainy day. So, why not focus that frustration into aweness in God's amazing works.

By the way, here's the list of songs I've came up with that has to with rain (or some sort of connection to it):


  1. Nursery Rhyme - Rain, Rain, Go Away
  2. Jars of Clay - Flood
  3. Planet Shakers - Rain Down
  4. B.J. Thomas - Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
  5. Daniel Powter - Bad Day ( A rainy day shouldn't be a bad one. Watch the MTV)
  6. Bonnie Pink - It's Gonna Rain
  7. Switchfoot - Stars (refer to the MTV)
  8. B*Witched - Blame It On The Weatherman
  9. Ashanti - Rain On Me (not into R&B, but it has rain in it.)
  10. Matchbox Twenty - Real World
  11. Guns & Roses - November Rain

Hmmm... can i get back to my office in this rain now?



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Have a great day.


Having a bad day?

Well, during this holiday period, i've discovered (and rediscovered) a few things that you can do that can brighten up your day and turn your frown upside down.

  1. Sleep early
  2. Give people around you a smile
  3. Relax and chill out doing the things you like
  4. Think positive
  5. Exercise at least twice a week
  6. Listening to your favourite music/CD
  7. Trusting your life in Jesus Christ!

If you're a believer, do remember not only to do your devotion daily, but to pray and maintain a constant walk with the LORD.

If you're not one, accept Him into your life. What's there to lose?

I feel great! All glory to Jesus!



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Christian music in local airwaves!

Relient K.

Relient K's Be My Escape on Traxx FM! I was shocked to hear that a Christian song made airwaves here.

I've heard other songs, like Jars of Clay's Liquid and Flood (the remixed version), and Switchfoot's Dare You To Move, Meant to Live, and Stars on radio before. (Stars is still on air, and it's many's favorite!) And those songs are awesome!

Jars of Clay performing in at The University of Texas at Austin. Seen here is lead singer, Dan Haseltine
Switchfoot comprises of (from left) Chad Butler (on drums), Jerome Fontamillas (guitar, keyboards), Jon Foreman (vocals, guitar), Tim Foreman (bass) and Andrew Shirley (guitar - not in picture)


And once I heard in F.O.S. in One Utama the song, Gone by TobyMac (one of trio of DC Talk). Interesting.

TobyMac of DC Talk.

I mean, i once heard from Andy Yeoh, of Altered Frequency, that Hitz.fm played their song, Exalted on air once, but the deejay got a piece of the management's mind, and didn't play the song again. But then again, Altered Frequency has another song being played on XFresh FM, which will be in their up-coming second album.

Fortunately, there're songs from other Malaysian Christian artist/bands, like Juwita Suwito and Fallen Leaves that are still on air.

Not only are Malaysian bands getting better nowadays, but local and foreign Christian music is making its way into a radio set near you!



Love & Peace!~


BC?

The Reason for The Season


Christmas is a much celebrated season that conjures a myriad fo feelings and meanings in the heart of each. It is a time for caring, sharing and being with loved ones.....or is there more?

You and your friends are invited to join us on the road to discover the true meaning of Christmas and share in the treasure that awaits you.....

DATE: 16 NOVEMBER 2005
TIME: 2.30PM
VENUE: KA512, UTAR FAM, SG.LONG
WEBSITE: http://www.utarcf.org



A celebration brought to you by
UTAR Christian Fellowship

Contact no:
Sg.Long - Angel (012-3553772)
PJ - Michelle (016-3986711)
Setapak - Sey Yen ( 017-4632032)


Christman gift for first 100 people...!!!!



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Monday, November 07, 2005

A Report of the UTAR Christian Fellowship Camp: Soar Like An Eagle

* Timeliness is one of the important elements that contribute to a newsworthy article. If the report is viewed to late, it might not be of value. Being the editor of this blog, i feel like banging my head on the wall for not being able to publish this entry quickly enough. Forgive me for publishing a lousy, un-edited entry. Will polish it soon. Not having Internet connection sucks.


It has been a month since the 2nd UTAR Christian Fellowship (CF) Camp. Below are brief details of the camp;

Theme: Soar Like An Eagle
Date: 5th - 8th October 2005
Venue: Golden Sands, Port Dickson
Speaker: Bro Keith of City Harvest Church, KL

I'm not going to write my camp experience like a camp log, like what i did for the last UTAR Camp. Instead, I’m going to write it all in an entry, and external links to other blogs/websites for extra info.






A game of Captain Ball by the seaside






When a person signs up for a camp, one would probably expect one of the two: A renewal encounter with God or excitement from the activities held throughout the period of stay. I was expecting of both elements. We left from UTAR PD Block in PJ in the morning, and zoomed of to Golden Sand, PD (repetition not intended). Upon arrival, we divided ourselves into groups.






The first Ice breaker we had. Here, I was not only the first to participate in this game, but also the first camper to hurt hims/herself. Scraped my right elbow for being too hyped playing this game.





First, dorm groups, then game group. I shared my dorm with hommies like Lai Seng, Joshua Ng, Calvin Loo, Wen Chung and later, Pastor Andrew (who joined us on the third day of camp.) As a group, we are to look out for each other, and make sure the dorm key is with one of the members. Plus, we did devotion together.

In my game team, the BLUE TEAM, were Hui Wen (Game co-ordinator), Joshua Ng, Jocelyn Yeoh, Margaret, Mary, Mun Kit, Pamela, Racheal Lee, Simon and myself as the motivative and opponent-taunting group leader.



BLUE TEAM, with Nancy Low (lower left), the Game Coordinator









As a team we played hard, co-operated in unity and acted in one accorded. It was no surprise that we won not only the best team, but also best drama (acting the scene of Elijah and the false prophets from the book of 1 Kings.) Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team members:

To Hui Wen, for being a supportive game co-ordinator, giving us tips and hints, here and there. To Joshua Ng, though he maybe blur, but he sure knows what to do and have fun at the same time!
To Jocelyn Yeoh, for holding down the ball during the game, and helping others when it was needed.
To Margaret Lee, for being Queen Jezebel and sacrificed her hair to cheap gel in one of the games.
To Mary Khoh, for being a natural fairy (again) for the team.
To Mun Kit, for being the widow's son and had half his face creamed for us to shoot peanuts into it.
To Pamela Por, for giving emergency ideas and figuring out what the others were drawing behind your back.
To Racheal Lee, the widow, for being super euthusiastic in whatever we did.
And lastly, to Simon Lai, the evil multi-talented genius, who can do almost anything but be serious!







A picture of the BLUE TEAM, with Margaret (sitted on the chair in the middle) as the hair model.

















Kevin Khoo, as usual, comes up with something like this.


The camp speaker, Brother Keith, is indeed an interesting chap. One of the pastoral staff of City Harvest Church, KL, not only did he preached good messages, he also tried to get the campers attention, as he does not want the campers to miss out on message (I guess all pastors should try working hard to catch the attention of their audiences.)

Bro Keith (left), the camp speaker receiving a token of appreciation from Dean Lai of FAM.


In the sessions, he spoke about passion, faith, attitude and vision of a Christian youth. In a nutshell, all his sermons were about how to live zealously for God as a young Christian in the world today. It’s important to have a heart of worship and living our dreams to the fullest according to God’s plan.

But the greatest thing about him is his gift of interceding. During the alter call, I came forward, and he laid his hand on me, and prayed. I just cried there and then, as what he prayed for me touched my heart, and so did the Holy Spirit. I’ve never felt or cried like that in a very long time. I just kneed on my knees and prayed. His presence was indeed in our mist at that moment. In fact, it was all the time, but we’re blinded by the things around us daily, that we fail to hear His voice. But at that moment, when everything around me was totally shut off, He was there among us. I want to run after God like how David did, and I want to fulfill what He has planned for me.

I believe God places you in a dire situation not for kicks. Like how Job was tested by devil with a series of misfortunate events, God allows such things to happen so that we may turn to Him, and seek Him daily. He wants us to realize that we need Him. Without His strength, we’re weak. Without His guidance, we’re lost. Without Him, we are nothing.

Given little sleep, food and an overdose of creativity, campers can go to the extreme in whatever they do. Take this picture of Joshua as Bathsheba for explain. I rest my case.


Overall, the camp was great. And i feel that i need to pursuit Jesus in this constant, ever-challenging battle called LIFE.



For more information or related sites regarding this camp, visit the following sites:
Sui Li's blog
Tan Jo-Anne's blog (1)
Tan Jo-Anne's blog (2)
Lydia Sim's blog
UTAR Christian Fellowship Website
UTAR Christian Fellowship Picture Gallery



The campers of Soaring Like An Eagle Camp.


Love & Peace!~


BC?



Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Blogging: Year Two

Time does fly by in a blink, and i've just realised that i've been blogging for more than a year!

Hmm.... Looking back at past entries, i dare say that i'm humiliated by the way i wrote last time, and what i used to post on this blog. But as time passes by, so does the style of writing, content and what i put into the blog. I guess we do change as time passes by, and a change does do you good, doesn't it?

Click HERE to see my first post.

And till today, i'm lagging behind numerous number of stuff that i should be putting up here! Sorry for keeping you readers waiting.


This is a fluke picture of me.... Spooky, eh? One of the first pictures posted on my blog.



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Thursday, October 20, 2005

It's raining today.

Today's a heck of a gloomy day.

Not only is it raining, but the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood has just passed away this morning, at 7.55 am.

For more information, click HERE.

I overheard the news on the radio at about 10 am, when the officials publically announced this sad piece of news. Since then, all radio stations have been airing either sentimental instrumental or Quran reading in her honor.

Probably people who either have not heard the news, ignorant or do not know how to enjoy a quiet piece of instrumental will wonder why almost all the station sounds like Light & Easy. This would definately bring around (probably it already has!) a buzz.

My condolences to Pak Lah and family regarding this miserable and unfortunate lost. I pray that God will confort him and his family in this time of sadness, need and voidness. For every great man, there's a great woman supporting him. And in this case, Endon had Pak Lah's back through it all.

Man, it's still raining.


PS I'm still in the process of getting the entry about my CF Camp here, and also about Sudoku, the addictive game!



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Saturday, October 15, 2005

It has been awhile: Seven.

Today makes it seven years.
Seven years since you're were not by our side.
Seven years since we missed you.
Seven years since you last saw us grow up.
Seven years since we last saw you smile.
Seven years since you last scolded us.
Seven years since we heard from you.
Seven years since you left.
But one day...
We'll see each other in the heavenlies,
Mommy.



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Friday, October 14, 2005

Feeling thristy?

I got this off one of the forwards sent by Melissa Lian. At least THIS ONE is worth it! click and enlarge the picture to read the words.


So, i guess water is the next best alternative to quench your thrist and keep your wallet intact?


Love & Peace!~


BC?

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Away... TOO LONG!

WOW!~

I've been away from the Internet for too long already! And this blog seems to be dusty.

Forgive me, fellow bloggers, for not updating my blog frequently these few days. Living without the Internet is like a fish out of water, a thirsty traveller in the desert, and me without food.

What's been going on with me the recently?
Well, I was at one of the most AWESOME CF Camp, been working, living life to the fullest and on fire for Jesus!

There are a few things i would like to post up on my blog, but due to proximity and time constraint, i have to type as fast as my shaking fingers can go. Looks like using the university's Internet Lab is the next best thing than having no Internet access at all.

The following would be what you would expect to come here:


  • Soaring Like An Eagle UTAR Christian Fellowship Camp
  • My work
  • Stuff i've been getting on the Internet
  • Stuff I watch on TV
  • Nickelback's Photograph
  • UTAR Orientation Committee Jan '06
  • The CF and it's wacky members

Hmm... Looks like my lunch time is over. Got to get back to my office.

See you!




"I'll rise on Your wings of wind,
I'll soar like on eagle's wings..."



Love & Peace!~


BC?


Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Away...

From tomorrow (Wednesday, 5th October) morning till Saturday (8th October), i'll be away at the UTAR Christian Fellowship Camp in Port Dickson.

I'll try to enjoy myself as much as possible before going to work on Monday, but let's see how things go. And i'm eager to know what i can learn from this camp. I've been in-directly facing dilemmas regarding the organisation of this particular camp since i was pulled into the committee.

But then again, i gain nothing by frowning and whinning. Therefore, i shouldn't make myself pitiful and miserable just because of that tiny matter. I should enjoy it at large!



Port Dickson: that's where i'll be.

Love & Peace!~


BC?

Saturday, October 01, 2005

Guess what?

What do you do when you feel stressed out?

I guess some would kill time eating, or hanging out in a cybercafe. others might indulge in unhealthy habits like drinking, smoking and over-eating. What would i do?

I clean my room and exercise.

Weird, eh? But i managed to let go of some steam after doing that. Reminded me of what the Andy Lau and Sammy Cheng did in Needing You. It seems to be theraputic, and relaxing. The more i cleaned, the more my worries disolves. Plus, at least my room's now clean.

But then again, how clean can a guy's room be?



Kinki (played by Sammy Cheng) and her boss, Wah-Siu (Andy Lau) in Needing You.



Love & Peace!~


BC?

Disappointed?: PJ UTAR CF Planning Retreat.


From left, clockwise: Malcolm, Joshua Ng, Lai Seng, Kelvin, me, Joshua Wong, Derick, Jo-anne, Joelle, Michelle, Racheal, Roxanne and Hui Wen.


Disappointed. That’s how Malcolm and I felt when we were in front of the theme park, realizing that not only was it really misty and cold, but most of the cool rides are closed either due to the wet mist or monthly maintenance. Of all the times!

However, that wasn’t at all why we were there in Genting Highlands in the first place. While there are those who were seeking jobs or an adrenaline rush, the whole focus of us going there was to plan Christian Fellowship (CF) activities for the coming semester(s).

A total of 13 PJ CF current and ex-committee members went up there and resided in RIA Apartment on the 19th and 20th of September recently. Despite the fact that it was really windy and foggy when we were there, it did not stop us from fellowshipping and planning. The freezing environment didn’t hinder the fellowship of God’s children. But instead, we got to know each other closer through a series of ice-breakers, worship, jokes and small chats.

Mr Jeffery, one of the CF advisors from Sg Long came later in the evening to not only supply ideas, but food stuff as well. It was a relief to have a wise chaperon to watch over us so that we didn’t go astray.

The planning went on till late at night. Unfortunately, we managed to plan for the coming short semester. But all is not lost as we did throw a lot of ideas around, thus, no time or effort was wasted.

We went down back to KL the next day, and bid each other farewell as we left the bus station, hoping to meet up with one another soon.

In the end, was it the whole ordeal disappointing? With a group of all-fired God-chasers and great friends, I beg to defer!




Youths are known for their tidiness...


Look, even Mr Jeffery (left) is joining us in our ice-breaker!


And at the same time, we've discovered the liability in that game! Hahaha!~


A great time of praise and worship, led by Roxanne.


Our chairperson, Michelle. Stunned is she?


Posing before we headed down to KL.




Love & Peace!~


BC?