The Year It Was: 2008 - First Times

When this entry is up, i'll be at church with Melissa D to usher the new year! Yeah!


As i look back throughout this year, i believe the year 2008 can be summed up to me as 'the year of first times'! Here are some highlights of how 2008 has treated me:

1. Graduated with a degree!

Yup, after spending (more than) three years of my life in UTAR, i've finally graduated from there with a degree in Mass Communication (Hons) Journalism.

After many nights of burning the midnight oil and rushing assignments like there was no tomorrow, i'm kinda relieved that i'm done with this chapter of my life. Many things have i encountered, and many experiences have i learnt. But i believe one is a student for life, as learning is a lifetime process.

(from left) Ernest, myself and Rowen.

Me and my papa.

Like i said before, my dad is proud of this achievement of mine. He even puts wallpaper of the four of us with me in my graduation gown in his laptop.

If you ask me whether i'm proud of UTAR or if anyone should study there, here's my reply.

"Why not? What do you have to lose?"

But i wouldn't say 'it's my choice', as it's my father's choice. Seriously.


2. First job: Feeling Sun-ny!

I'm glad that my superior called me to offer me a job at the place where i interned two years ago.

I believe my job does not only involve reporting and writing, but also a lot of reading, researching, communicating and also putting things into perspective, making it easy for people to understand.

Coming January, i'll be one year old in this line, and five years down the road, i don't mind making this my career. But nonetheless, i need to be a better person - more focused, disciplined and hardworking in my line of work.


3. BN denied of two-third majority

With the power of democracy at work, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kelantan and Kedah are now under the hand of the Opposition - DAP, PKR and PAS... forming the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) states. It is indeed a political tsunami. READ HERE.

The General Election this year really speaks the thoughts of the rakyat. But now, will their new leaders be able to deliver what have been preached, what the people want? I guess we'll see how things will work out for 2009.


4. The Love of My Life.

Melissa D and me at Church Camp in Bukit Merah Lake Town.

Five wonderful months have passed and i couldn't ask more from God for bringing someone as wonderful as Melissa D into my life. I'm indeed very blessed to have a loving girlfriend, who loves me for me, and inspire me to be a better individual!

I don't think she's a perfect person, neither am i. We're both flawed beings, and we need God to help us through our daily lives... and we embark on this journey of courtship, leading towards marriage. There is something new to learn everyday... and life-long process of learning.

I just feel so darn happy being able to spend time with her, and loving her. Just waiting for that one special day to come... one day. I just want to be married to my first girlfriend, and with God authoring our lives, i'll do whatever it takes to make us happy; through good times and bad times.

I love you so much, Melissa D!


5. Being on the island

This is the first time i'm living in another state, away from my family in KL. When my boss asked my opinion of being transferred here to gain experience, i was all up for it. And true enough, there was a vacant in the bureau, which beaconed me to replace it.

It was a little frightening in the beginning, but my colleagues, counterparts and newly-acquired friends on the island made my feel comfortable. Not to mention the food, view and comfortable lifestyle this island has to offer.

Looking back, it was a good move. Honestly, besides my family and friends in KL, i've got nothing to look forward to back where i'm from. I'm determined to make myself here and settle here as well, away from the hectic, dog-eat-dog jungle from where i come from.


6. ISA arrest

It was a shock to the nation when a reporter, a blogger and state executive councillor were arrested under the Internal Security Act in Sept.

READ HERE for more on the news.

It was said that the Sin Chew reporter was detained for her own safety. And later, the same person who gave the statement said he didn't give out the order of arrest. Living in denial, anyone?

Somehow, i believe the act is still abused, but is it still relevant? Well, maybe.


7. Black Man in the White House

Many expected that Barack Obama would beat John McCain to be the 44th president of the United States of America. There was a mix reaction worldwide, from joyous celebrations to talks about he being the antichrist!

We'll see how USA would be with him around....


8. Many first times

I can write down a list of many first time i savoured with my love, from being at church camp with her, to caroling and celebrating Christmas with her and her parents and many more, but i don't want to bore you with the details, or make you all 'geli' with it.

But i just feel so darn happy; doing all this together with her!


To sum it all up, I thank God for every breath i breathe and every waking moment. 2009, i'm looking forward to that.


"Hello, good morning, how ya do?
What makes your rising sun so new?
I could use a fresh beginning too
All of my regrets are nothing new

So this is the way
that I say that I need You
This is the way
This is the way

That I'm learning to breathe
I'm learning to crawl
I'm finding that You and
You alone can break my fall
I'm living again, awake and alive
I'm dying to breathe in these abundant skies...."

Excerpt from Learning To Breathe by Switchfoot

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Super Duper Christmas!

Me and Melissa D in KL


It has been awhile since i last blogged, and i have a few days before the year ends... and i have one more entry to go. I maybe down with flu, but i can pull this through!

Anyway, i was back in KL few days back, and i brought Melissa D along with me. It was our maiden trip down to KL together, and she got to know many of my friends from uni and church.

It was great to get to meet up with them, and introduce the love of my life and my friends to each other.


(from left) Sher-Mayne and Justin Botak, Kevan and Angeline, Melissa D and me at Italiannies in The Gardens, Mid-Valley. Somewhat a triple date that we should do more often... followed by a few r0unds of 'mose' and 'heart-attack'!


My dad was really going all out to make Melissa D feel at home, and he tried a little too much. But i'm okay and glad that he really put in all that effort. It was something i really enjoyed lah. My dad made me proud, as he accepts her as family.

My dad (centre) with Rowen and Shannon (on the left) and Melissa D and me (on the right) after dinner at Chef & Brew in Damansara

And this year was the first time i'm celebrating Christmas away from home. And i do enjoy every moment of it, not only because i have my dear with me, but the church revealed to me the spirit of giving as they generously gave out gifts to everyone after yesterday's Christmas service.

I was really touched, and both Melissa D and i planned to be more generous in 2009. More than just candies in the basket to our cell group members. I believe i can do that!

For those celebrating Christmas, MERRY CHRISTMAS... and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Goodbye, Ah Kong.

Yesterday morning, i was abruptly awaken by the fact that my dad and Rowen tried to call me at about 7am. I return my brother's call, to find out that my grandpa, who we fondly call 'Ah Kong', has a passed away early that morning.

He was 75, died due to suffocation.

I came down from the island to KL for the wake in Xiao-En Funeral Parlour in Cheras. He'll be cremated tomorrow.

I haven't seen Ah Kong for about five years, since Ah Ma, my grandma passed away. And i can't believe i have to meet my last grandparent in such circumstances. To make matters worse, the Gospel was not shared to him.

Don't get me wrong, i'm mourning, but i'm not wailing and crying my eye balls out. Perhaps it's due to the estranged relationship my family had with him. The good thing is at least i can spent time with my brothers and papa here.

Reality is sinking in... and i miss my Ah Kong.


Ah Kong, may you rest in peace.


"...A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together..."

Taken from The Byrd's Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There Is A Season)

Love & Peace!~

BC?

December's here!~

Wow... Eleven months have passed for the year 2008, and in about a month's time, 2009 will come. Are you excited!?

I've got a few entries more to blog about, but i can't do it now as i still lack some info. But i'm in the midst of writing the last entry of the year; a recap of what 2008 has been for me - first times!

Christmas is coming up, and my trip to KL with Melissa D is looming near!

Well, i'm trying my best to make the best of 2008. What about you? What has 2008 been for you?

Oh, by the way, i hope you wore a red ribbon today, as it is World AIDS Day!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Fatwas that could possible come in the near future!

With the whole yoga issue being somewhat banned for all Muslims in the country, i've received this forwarded email from a couple of my friends.

If it's true, this is written by a Malay guy from Shah Alam, and this is how it goes:

Makin hari umat Islam makin ditindas dan dikongkong. Bukan oleh orang Cina, atau orang India atau orang Yahudi atau orang Kristian. Tetapi dianiya dan dikongkong oleh orang Islam/Melayu sendiri. Please read on.

Selepas fatwa pengharaman yoga, fatwa-fatwa yang akan datang adalah
seperti berikut :

Disember 2008
Orang Islam dilarang mandi di kolam renang awam. Di kolam renang awam, akan terdapat orang-orang yang bukan Islam yang memakai pakaian renang yang singkat dan mendedahkan aurat (terutamanya amoi-amoi china yang cun dan seksi). Ini boleh menjejaskan akidah orang Islam. Cara yang paling baik ialah kita haramkan orang Islam dari kolam renang awam.

Januari 2009
Orang Islam dilarang pergi ke Pulau Pinang. Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang adalah seorang yang bukan Islam and majoriti penduduk Pulau Pinang adalah orang yang bukan Islam. Apabila seorang Islam berada di Pulau Pinang, beliau mungkin terhidu bau char keoy tiaw yang dimasak oleh orang bukan Islam dan ini boleh merosakkan akidah kita. Cara yang paling baik ialah kita haramkan orang Islam dari pergi ke Pulau Pinang. Orang Islam yang kini tinggal di Pulau Pinang akan diberi elaun pindah sebanyak RM 3000 untuk membantu mereka berpindah ke negeri-negeri yang lain. Perpindahan ke negeri Kelantan dan Terengganu amat amat digalakkan.

Februari 2009
Orang Islam dilarang meminum root beer. Walaupun root beer tidak mengandungi alkohol, namun perkataan "beer" ini boleh menimbulkan keghairan dan kelakuan tidak senonoh di kalangan orang Islam. Dengan pengharaman root beer, orang Islam bolehlah meminum minuman ringan yang lain tanpa was-was. Ginger beer juga diharamkan.

March 2009
Orang Islam dilarang memakan di kedai Mamak. Walaupun mamak kebanyakkannya Islam, tetapi asal usul mereka adalah India dan ada kemungkinan terdapat unsur-unsur India di dalam perniagaan mereka seperti bercakap Tamil dan memakai seluar dalam buatan India. Untuk mengelakkan sebarang syak wasangka, mulai 1 Mac 2009, orang Islam
dilarang dari memakan di kedai mamak.

April 2009
Orang Islam dilarang bermain ping pong atau table tennis. Ping pong berasal dari negeri China dan oleh yang demikian, mungkin terdapat unsur-unsur agama Buddha atau Confuciusism di dalam permainan ping pong.
Ornag Islam yang terlalu banyak bermain ping pong akan terjejas akidah mereka. Sebagai permainan alternatif, orang Islam digalakkan bermain sepak raga (tetapi bola raga mesti buatan Malaysia, bukan dari Thailand).

Mei 2009
Orang Islam yang berkerja dengan kerajaan dilarang mengambil gaji masing-masing. Ini kerana sebahagian besar pendapatan kerajaan adalah cukai pendapatan yang dibayar oleh syarikat-syarikat orang bukan Islam.
Orang Islam digalakkan meminta sedekah dari orang Islam yang lain. Untuk memudahkan permintaan sedekah, bakal peminta sedekah digalakkan mencangkung di hadapan bangunan UMNO.

Jun 2009
Orang Islam dilarang keluar negara. Terdapat terlalu banyak godaan yang boleh meruntuhkan akhlak dan akidah orang Islam. Perkara ini telahpun dikaji dengan teliti hasil lawatan sambil belajar ke Bangkok oleh Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan baru-baru ini. Oleh yang demikian, orang Islam diminta menyerahkan balik paspot masing-masing ke jabatan immigresen secepat mungkin. Perjalanan keluar negara hanya dibenarkan untuk menteri-menteri dan orang kuat UMNO sahaja, itupun hanya jika diiringi oleh ahli Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan.

Julai 2009
Orang Islam dilarang berfikir di waktu siang. Kebanyakkan masalah jenayah dan maksiat wujud kerana orang-orang yang tak ada kerja berfikir yang bukan-bukan. Untuk membenteras maslah jeneyah dan maksiat, orang-orang Islam mulai 1 Julai 2009, dilarang dari menggunakan otak mereka diwaktu siang. Pemikiran mereka akan dipantau
oleh Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan dengan menggunakan sekumpulan specially trained monkeys.
Orang Islam boleh menggunakan otak mereka di waktu malam tetapi pemikiran dihadkan kepada perkara-perkara berkaitan dengan makan dan minum sahaja.



Please do not laugh. Many of the above will become a reality if we do not do anything. The rational-thinking muslims in this country are simply not doing anything. We let a very small minority of narrow-minded idiots to control our lives. We, especially the Malay muslims, are fast becoming a laughing stock worldwide. We are obsessed with the little little things.

When there are so many important things remain to be done, why must the Fatwa folks spend their time on little things.. tomboys, yoga, etc.

Why don't we ever hear anything from the Fatwa folks for social justice, eradicating corruption and poverty, protecting single mothers, helping the poors, educating the ummah, protecting the environment or ensuring fairness in society.

If you are a rationale, forward thinking muslim, please speak up. If you choose to remain silent, it only means that you agree with whatever is happening. And do not blame the non-muslims for all our troubles. We are asking for it.

I hope i don't get detained for my own good for putting this up. It's just funny lah. And hopefully, this doesn't really come true lah.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Penang Cultural Fest 2008 coming near you!~

Image taken from http://penangculturalfest.com/

With the city on the island awarded the Unesco World Heritage in July 7 this year, the state government, including several local and foreign corporations, NGOs, individuals, artists etc will have the Penang Cultural Fest 2008! (But with all the high-rise hotel development going on within the heritage zone, i hope we can still maintain the status!)

There will be many things going on within George Town from Dec 4 to 8, involving art exhibition, performance, street market, music, food and culture! And here are the events;

George Town : A Retrospective in the Visual Arts
What is it?: Art exhibition
Date : Dec 4-8
Time : 10am - 6pm
Venue : E&O Hotel

Goguryo Traditional Orchestra
What is it?: Concert featuring traditional Korean intruments
Date : Dec 4
Time : 8.30pm - 10.30pm
Venue : Auditorium of Dewan Sri Pinang

Penang Island Jazz Festival 2008
What is it?: Jazz music Festival
Date : Dec 4-7
Venue : Bayview Beach Hotel, Batu Ferringhi

Penang Food Hunt 2008 & Food Fest 2008
What is it?: Food/treasure hunt and food bazaar
Date : Dec 6-7
Venue : New World Park and other food venues.

Penang Cultural Nite
What is it?: Stage concert depicting cultures in Penang
Date : Dec 6
Time : 7.30pm - 11pm
Venue : Fort Cornwallis

Little Penang Street Market
What is it?: Street market
Date : 7 December
Time : 10am - 3pm
Venue : Upper Penang Road

The Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng will be launching the event on Dec 4, at E&O Hotel! Hopefully, this will be a great event lah. Do book your dates for this!~

For more details, visit http://penangculturalfest.com/

Love & Peace!~

BC?

PDA: Where's the limit?

Honestly, like i asked above... where's the limit?

Can't a couple just be lovey-dovey, holding hands and be close to each other as they're minding their own business in the midst of people? It's not they're heavily petting each other in front of everyone!

Are other people just too busybody for their own good, or just simply jealous and spiteful of others' close and secured relationship?

Sometimes, i do feel like we're fishes in a fish tank, and everyone is just looking at us to make a blunder. *sigh*

Do tell me, how does one draws the boundary of showing affection to his/her significant half without pissing others of?


"I'm caught, and everyone is looking at me." *sigh* - picture taken from Reuters


"Look at me
You can take it all because this face is free
Maybe next time use your eyes and look at me
I'm a drama queen if that's your thing baby
I can even do reality..."

Taken from Geri Halliwell's Look At Me

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Ring Ring (ver 1.2)

Yesterday, i got for my dear a ring.

Well, it's my gift to Melissa D for her birthday tomorrow, and i wanted to surprised her. But she managed to guessed it. So, me got her this ring:

Nice, eh?

Well, this promise/purity ring i gave her is from Lazo Diamond, which is made of white gold and has three diamonds... about 0.013 carat each (talk about me being cheap stake!), it has the shape with two circles, intertwined.

The ring represents my promise to her, that i'll marry her within three years, symbolised by the three minute diamonds. (Justin and Sher-Mayne, i know what you're thinking now! Thanks for the suggestion, Sher-Mayne.) And the intertwined circles symbolise two of us, being in this relationship and also the Holy Trinity.

And it also my promise and hope that the both of us will stay pure and holy, keeping each other for marriage... and enjoying each other when we get married. After all, intimacy is the reward of commitment.

Anyway, in a few minutes time, she'll turn 25 years old. Happy Blessed Birthday, Melissa D... my Sunshine!

I just feel so darn happy!


"I do cherish you
For the rest of my life
You don't have to think twice
I will love you still
From the depths of my soul
It's beyond my control
I've waited so long to say this to you
If you're asking do I love you this much
I do...."

Excerpt from 98 Degrees' I Do (Cherish You)

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Straight As!

Check out today's papers or on the tube yesterday, and you would read/watch stories on student achieving straight A's in their UPSR examinations. Many proud parents thanking teachers for their effort to raise their kids in school.

And also, the fact that many pupils answered in English and prefer the language! Hmmm... i think the federal government should listen to these future voters!

Anyway, back to the main story, I remember, more than a decade ago, when i received my results. I got 4A's (back then, before it was changed to five subjects), and i was really excited.

I was almost in tears when my teacher told me that, and i immediately called my dad over the public phone! I was really darn happy, thinking that i could then score straight As in both PMR and SPM examination.

But i was dead wrong. I got some B's in PMR and in SPM, a C as well.

It was then, i realised life is not always about achieving straight As... rather, it's giving your best, and be satisfied for what you get. It's important to try your best, in anything you do, than not to try at all.

Honestly speaking, i reap what i sow, and i'm happy with what i get. But if i ever get to get even 4A's now, i'm content with that!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Love as a choice, not just a feeling.

This is a forwarded email Melissa D got, and i decided to put it up here on this blog. Sounds a lot like a chapter from Dr Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages, which is an excellent read! I'm currently reading his other book, Love as a Way of Life: Seven Keys to Transforming Every Aspect of Your Life, and i expecting it to be equally as good, if not better!

Anyway, here's content of the forward:

During one of our seminars, a woman asked a common question.
She said, "How do I know if I married the right person?"
I noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so I said,
"It depends. Is that your husband?"
In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?"

Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's
weighing on your mind.

Here's the answer.
EVERY relationship has a cycle. In the beginning, you fell in love with your spouse / partner. You anticipated their call, wanted their touch, and liked their
idiosyncrasies (unconventional behavior/habit).

Falling in love with your spouse wasn't hard. In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called
"falling" in love... Because it's happening TO YOU .

People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet." Think about the imagery of that blank expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something came along and happened TO YOU.

Falling in love is easy . It's a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few years of marriage, the euphoria (excitement) of love fades. It's the natural cycle of EVERY relationship. Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies , instead of being cute, drive you nuts.

The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship, but if you think about your marriage, you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage.

At this point, you and/or your spouse might start asking, "Did I marry the right person?"

And as you and your spouse reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you may begin to desire that experience with someone else.. This is when marriages breakdown. People blame their spouse for their unhappiness and look outside their marriage for fulfillment.

Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes. Infidelity is the most obvious.

But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, a friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances.

But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your marriage. It lies within it.
I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could.

And TEMPORARILY you'll feel better.
But you'd be in the same situation a few years later.
Because (listen carefully to this):

THE KEY TO SUCCEEDING IN MARRIAGE IS NOT FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON;
IT'S LEARNING TO LOVE THE PERSON YOU FOUND.

SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience.
It'll NEVER just happen to you. You can't "find" LASTING
love.
You have to "make" it day in and day out.
That's why we have the blank expression "the labor of love."
Because it takes time, effort, and energy.
And most importantly, it takes WISDOM.
You have to know WHAT TO DO to make your marriage work.

Make no mistake about it. Love is NOT a mystery.
There are specific things you can do (with or without your spouse) to
succeed with your marriage.

Just as there are physical laws of the universe (such as gravity),
there are also laws for relationships.
Just as the right diet and exercise program makes you physically
stronger, certain habits in your relationship WILL make your marriage
stronger.
It's a direct cause and effect. If you know and apply the laws, the
results are predictable... you can "make" love.

Love in marriage is indeed a "decision"... Not just a feeling.

Remember this always:

"God determines who walks into your life. It is up to you to decide
who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let
go."

Have a nice day... and a great weekend ahead!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

The Rojak Series #19

"...I could sing you a tune or promise you the moon,
But if that's what it takes to hold you,
I'd just as soon let you go, but there's one thing I want you to know.
You better look before you leap, still waters run deep,
And there won't always be someone there to pull you out,
And you know what I'm talkin' about.
So smile for a while and let's be jolly:
Love shouldn't be so melancholy.
Come along and share the good times while we can.

I beg your pardon,
I never promised you a rose garden.
Along with the sunshine,
There's gotta be a little rain sometimes."

Taken from Lynn Anderson's Rose Garden

I've got a lot to blog about, but i'll write it all in short summaries lah! Let the TRS begin!

1. Black Man in The White House!

If you have not heard the news, Barack Obama is now the president of USA. Yes, the 44th president is the first African American to be president, after a long list of white men helming the post.

While many are happy with the choice Americans made, some are sceptical about him; ranging from how much he could change the future of American (and the world) to him being the harbinger of destruction.

But whatever it is, we'll wait and see. History will tell.


2. Facebook.

Yes, (I hate to admit it but) i'm officially addicted to facebook! The groups, the interaction, and the ability to tag one another on the photos are cool!

So, if you have an account, do add me. And i enjoy eating my words!


3. (Too many) Sunny Days

In the past, i complaint that there are too many raining days, which eventually led to flash floods in the area.

Nowadays, it has been really sunny and hot... good for drying clothes, bad for those constantly traveling under the sun.

Oh well, i'm now starting to appreciate the light showers every now and then. And you better watch for what you wish for, cause you just might get it!


4. Challenges and taking in Criticisms.

I believe as we grow older, there are more things in life we'll face and it'll be indeed challenging. Be it work or relationships, life isn't easy. But how we look at life, with the glass half full or negatively, is important. But at the same time, i believe we need to depend on God.

God do bring us through trials, not because He hates us or enjoy seeing people suffer, but to build our character and faith in Him.

And when we're given constructive criticisms, i believe we should take it in good faith, and learn to improve ourselves. It may be sharp and painful, but if we take time to reflect upon it, it could actually help us see who we really are through the eyes of others. And perhaps, change is indeed good for ourselves (and others).

I remember hearing this song in "The Pursuit of Happyness", where those in the church were singing, "Lord, don't move the mountain away, but give me the strength to overcome it."

That's my prayer.


6. The present... is now.

Just check this out. Very, very insightful.


Have a great weekend!~

Love & Peace!~

BC?

(No) Wet socks!

The light shower the islanders experienced here in the morning was welcoming. It has been hot in the past few days, and the rain was short. Plus, no floods on the island!

That's good. It looks cloudy though, but with the dry season coming up, i think we might have seen the last of the flash floods around here lah.

On a bright side, Melissa D and i have passed the three month mark of courtship, and i feel so darn happy! I heard from someone that if you pass the three months, all should be well. But i believe it's an effort taken by the both sides everyday that ensures that all's well, ends well.

Anyway, to celebrate it, we had dinner at La Manila in Gurney Plaza, (coincidentally, where we had our first dinner together before watching Iron Man!) and later watched High School Musical 3.

I have to (hatefully) admit that it's entertaining lah. And according to her, the music in this movie is good. But i can't swallow the fact people jump out of nowhere to join you in "singing and dancing". *sigh* But nonetheless, entertaining lah.

Well, i expect more exciting and challenging days to come as i love Melissa D and God, as He writes the story of our life together! I really cherish and enjoy the moments together. All glory to Him!


"Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you..."

Excerpt from Hanging By A Moment by Lifehouse

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Wet Sock Revisited: Continuous Downpour

It has been raining cats and dogs for the past few days. It's no fun. It's depressing when it rain, because it's depressing.

As fun as it is to walk under showers (like what my boss here occasionally does), it isn't as exciting when you walk in a heavy downpour, because if you're not swept away by the rushing waters in the drain, you might actually risk getting strike by lightning. Well, i think i'm tall enough, even if i don't swing a golf club!

I believe everyone on this island (and perhaps on mainland as well) cringe at the sight of dark clouds and strong winds approaching. Don't expect light showers, as these rains might actually bring along flash floods to low-land areas. And when that happens, many aren't happy.

I dare say in the past two month, there has been flash flood at an average rate of once in two weeks!

*sigh*

And it rained again today.


The picture above laments another tale of the same depressing note.

Nope, i'm not showing off the fact that i got a new dry-cell car battery, which costed RM170. Instead, i had purchase it to replace the one which got stolen on Monday night!

Someone jacked my car, parked outside Melissa D's flats, and i had to stay at her place overnight (no... no hanky-panky happened overnight!) It was so frustrating, having to spend MONEY for my car battery.

Being in this line of work, you can get beaten up by victim's family, sued by state assemblyman, humiliated via some CCTV, and (this takes the cake) detained under the dumb Idiotic Stupid Act!

And apparently, you are not excluded from getting your car battery stolen as well!

To look at the brighter side of things, at least i wasn't injured.

I could still move around and get my job done with my car.
I'm not injured or did i lose any limbs.
Melissa D and her family are safe and sound.
No oil was ciphered from my car.
Tires are still okay.
I'm still alive.

If only it would look brighter tomorrow morning!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Back on the Island (ver 1.1)

It's great to be back on the island, and i did enjoy my time back home in KL.

Really had a blast. This time, i stayed back in KL longer (for five days), and i did manage to get some rest lah.

I got to spend time with my dad and Rowen, even though it was short. Notably, i got to spend time with Pek Mei (though, she was tired and unhappy at one point of time), those in UTAR, like Mr Roland, Alex Woon, Victoria, Eileen, Li Yun, etc and also those from CF, like David, Dewgem, Justin Tan, TAN JO-ANNE!, Cheong Keen, Irene C, Joshua Chin, Darren TLC, Ian, Ms Louise and the rest of the new UTAR PJ CF committee.

Being at the new comm meeting, i think giving my two sens and ideas was the best thing an alumni and former committee member can give. I pray that God will continue leading not only this CF, but the other CFs in other UTAR campuses to work together and do His will and reach out to the other Utarians.

Meeting Justin, Kevan (and later, Sher-Mayne) was great too. It was a good stress reliever being able to have a good fellowship with them. The stag party over fruit juice and chips and salsa at Chilli's was good. Six plates is the limit. Will try and break that next time, ok guys? After all, that what friends are for, ya?

Yeah, and Daniel Sim too. I believe whatever problem you have, bring it to God, and do approach the necessary help. I remember watching The Pursuit of Happyness, where the church choir was singing a touching song. The lyrics went something like, "I do not pray to God for mountain to be moved, but the strength to cross it...." Yeah. That should be your prayer (and mine too).

Oh, not forgetting the surprised party the Home Group threw for Justin Yap aka Lol-ly after church on Sunday. That was fun lah, being around Julius, Fergarsen, Sook Kim, Sook Jan, Jonathan On, Melody On, Russel and Shannon, my brother's girlfriend, who was kind enough to print pictures of Melissa D and me. (Thanks, Shannon!) And i'll upload those pictures i took at the Taiwanese Noodle House soon!

Speaking of Melissa D, i thank God that she and Aunty Moy came back safely after almost a month being in USA to visit Melissa D's Godmom and relatives. I was overjoyed.

I remember saying that a man can cry, but it doesn't look cool; even though those are tears of joy! Like Bernard Yee said, i'm super jiwang! HAHAHA!~

I really thank God that my Sunshine is back here on the island (and yes, her mom as well). And it's true what they say, absence makes the heart grows fonder. I believe that our relationship shouldn't be based on just 'feeling love', but choosing to love as well. I pray for God to keep us strong and together, as we love not only each other day by day, but love Him as well.


"Hello world
Hope you're listening
Forgive me if I’m young
For speaking out of turn
There’s someone I’ve been missing
I think that they could be
The better half of me
They’re in the wrong place trying to make it right
But I’m tired of justifying
So i say you’ll

Come home
Come home
Cause I’ve been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all i see is you and me
The fight for you is all I’ve ever known
So come home...."

Excerpt from OneRepublic's Come Home

Love & Peace!~

BC?

X - How Much I Miss You.

I can't believe time passed by in a glimpse.
Left for heaven, leaving the rest behind
One day, i wish i could see you again
Valuable gem in my heart you are indeed
Eyes fills up with tears, as i think of you
You have guided me even up to that very day
One part of me, is left empty for eternity
Unknowingly however, you made me a better person.
My princess, i wish this beau could meet you.
A Queen of My heart, you'll always be to me....

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Hijacked Generosity : A Blog Action Day Post

Many times, as i walk down the road here in this country, i would notice these three things; rubbish on the side walk, annoying cars illegally parked by the road, and beggars begging for alms sitting on the road. I find the first two annoying. The third, rather disturbing. Yet, i sympathise them for their well being.

Why are they like that? With dirty all over their faces, smelly, and begging for sens for their next meal, and perhaps for hungry mouths to feed. Living in cardboard box homes and by the side of the street, they at times, go around asking for charity from others.

Yes, they're asking for some change to eat a decent meal, which could last them for a couple of days. But is that true? What if these people are just misusing people's generosity to purchase packs of smokes, bottles of booze or even drugs? Wouldn't then, you they be killing themselves slowly?

But the worst of all, is the fact that some beggars are doing it for a living, making it rich. Yes, by collecting change for about 10 hours or so per day in dirty clothes, can collect perhaps thousands of ringgit per day, and even depositing cash into banks while eating Nasi Kandar with fried chicken and sotong curry happily with his family. Not to forget, he can still splurge on getting the latest handphone! Don't you feel cheated?!

Earlier this month, there was a news article on this beggar who had RM9,000 in hand, and over Rm12,000 in his bank account; all collected from the kind general public.

How unfair is that? While normal people work their back to get decent pay, these people slyly live off their hard earn pay by playing the sympathetic card and sometimes, even hurt themselves and leave their limbs bleeding, to garner more cash.

Not to forget, perhaps there are syndicates using these 'poor people' to raise funds for their illegal works. And many other dark reasons.

This is why sometimes, people are sometimes heartless, leaving the people suffering in poverty cashless, and begging for mercy from passerbys.

But then again, aren't we suppose to help the helpless? If you can read this entry, think of these;
Do you have a comfortable bed to sleep on?
Do you have food to keep yourself filled for the next few hours?
Do you have money in your pocket to purchase books or the latest tech gadget?
Do you have a nice roof over your head to protect you from rain or shine?

If you can answer yes to all of the above, I believe, many of us are well off to care for the poor and needy. No matter how many deceivers and liars are out there waiting to cheat the innocent, i believe this shouldn't be the reason to stop one from being cold hearted.

I remember a pastor saying that she randomly gives beggars every now and then money, so that her heart wouldn't be stone cold. I find that noble.

So, the next time you want to give a beggar some cash to feed his (and his family's stomachs), just hope that it's for food, and nothing else.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Tagged: 10 random things

Got tagged by Abigail Tan.

1. He can going on watching anime or reading manga and skip a meal.

2. The only pink he enjoys is Sirap Bandung Ice, Pink Panther, Pink of Health and Pink Floyd

3. Tried to play the piano and violin when he was much younger.

4. Prefers long hair to short hair, and in natural black.

5. Has an addiction to sweet things (including Melissa D!)

6. Believes everyone is selfish, or to be politically correct, has his/her own agenda in anything he/she does.

7. He goes to work wearing sandals, keeps a pair of leather shoes in the car.

8. Enjoys spending time with friends and having good chats.

9. Is very stingy when it comes to spending money for myself.

10. Cannot drink coffee, so settles for tea instead.


Who i'm tagging? Sui Li, Dewgem, Tan Jo-Anne, Daniel Sim, Julius, Justin Yap, Cheong Keen, Oliver, Megan and Joshua!

Spreading the love.... Have a nice day!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

The Blur(Chu?) leading the Blind(s) in the Island

I have one thing to admit. Being on this island for more than six months, i'm clueless about where to bring friends coming up from KL or other parts of Malaysia around this island.

Where's the best Nasi Kandar? Where's the best Char Koay Teow? Where's the best place to see the sunrise? Where's a good place for cendol? Where's the most interesting place to place my graffiti?

At times, i asked myself the same question, "O, where should i go for some decent chicken chop?"

Before the Hari Raya festive season, i got a visit from two friends, Dewgem and Tracy, at two separate occasions.

First, i met up with Dewgem, who was on break, getting away from the hustle of work in KL.

We when she was here, we went to Queensbay Mall and ate at Sakae Sushi, since i was clueless in where to go in the first place. And yes, it's no different than being in KL to eat Japanese food.

The following day, i met her up for lunch at New World Park. On Saturday, i met her at Gurney Drive for dinner, and later brought her to Bintang near Penang Hill for murtabak and Roti John. And we went back to Pulau Jejerak (where she was bunking with JL for her trip) where we chatted till late at night lah.

Then, i met up with Tracy on Monday... as she was visiting her relatives here with her family. Well, i went to Bintang (again) with her, and try and guess what i ordered for us (if you guessed murtabak and roti John, you're right, but no points for you!)

Then, we went down to Gurney Drive, as we walked by the sea and talked. It was good to catch up on each others' progress lah.

Hence, this is how much i know about this place. I don't know where to go to get the best food, the best place to view things, etc. I'm a simple person and i'm not very excited when it comes to eating excellent food (I eat to live, not live to eat).

Perhaps, i should take up the initiative to see places around here, and try out more food here. Perhaps i'll do more of the former and less of the latter.

So, where on (Penang) should i bring people to next time?

Love & Peace!~

BC?

An Apology from A Sadistic

It's known that i take joy in the suffering of people. Not to the fullest extend, but sometimes, looking at problems faced by others, i feel better about myself.

But then again, i did not wish for them to be in that situation in the first place. If it's any consolation, i wish they will be brought out of any horrible situation. And if i could help, i will.

This is a confession from a sadistic with a heart.

But sometimes, there's a limit to doing all these lah. Life cannot be savoured from knowing people are worse off compared to you. It's not the comfort of knowing life is so much better because others are in hot soup.

Rather, it's about appreciating the people and things around you, helping those you can, and looking at life in a positive light. Do unto others what you want others to do to you.

So, i'm sorry if i hurt anyone (directly and indirectly).

Yes, i'm a sadistic. But at the same time, i want to have a conscience as well.

Sorry.


"I'm holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I'm hearing what you say
But I just can't make a sound
You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down
But wait...
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around and say..

That it's too late to apologize, it's too late..."

Taken from One Republic's Apologize

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Wet socks.

One of the most uncomfortable things to wear any given day is a pair of wet socks.

And why i'm wearing it is because i've been walking in the rain. It has been raining since yesterday evening. And until now, it has been pouring.

Just received news that the heavy continuous downpour have caused flash floods and landslides, putting hundreds of motorists in traffic jams.

Hopefully, the weather will improve tomorrow. Oh well... for Hari Raya celebration lah. That people can go menziarahi others.

*achoo*

Wet socks. *sigh*

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Month Two: How it all began

"We're both looking for something
We've been afraid to find
It's easier to be broken
It's easier to hide

Looking at you, holding my breath
For once in my life I'm scared to death
I'm taking a chance letting you inside

I'm feeling alive all over again
As deep as the scars that's under my skin
Like being in love, she says, for the first time
Maybe I'm wrong but I'm feeling right
Where I belong with you tonight
Like being in love to feel for the first time..."

Taken from First Time by Lifehouse

If you have no idea yet, i would like to inform you that i'm currently in a relationship with a sweet girl, and today is our 2nd month anniversary.

Yes, that beautiful gal is named Melissa D. And i really thank God that He brought us together. I just feel so darn happy and blessed to have someone as lovely as she is.

Melissa D and me.

Well, how did it all began? This unique story happened when this blogger (yours truly) was given a chance to the island here for work purposes. Thinking that he had nothing to loss, he decided to get himself exiled here, to his delight, was a good thing.

The first time i saw Melissa D was at Komtar, during one of my early assignments here. Then, she was just another friend in the industry which i got to know. But as we met more frequent at assignments, we got to know each other better.

We started spending time going out for lunches, sending many, many SMSes and even go out for movies. We became close friends. It was then i started for fall head over heels for her, as i don't have a girl who is not only close to me, but real nice as well.

We've shared to one another about things that happened in our past, our dreams and things we enjoyed doing. I really enjoyed spending time with this hot girl!


What we call Pinkie Hold


In mid-July, she came to pick me up to watch a movie. She was in her car, crying, over something that happened at her work. I told her to stop by the road, and allowed her to continue crying. As i sat beside her, i asked her to give me her hand, and she did... and i started praying for her.

We then headed down to Gurney Plaza for dinner before the movie began. It was then, she asked me why i asked her for her hand. I honestly told her that i wanted to pray for her, and i liked her. Truth be told, she did not freaked out and was okay with it. We became closer.

Towards the end of July, i returned to KL over the weekend. She then tells me that she missed me and vice versa... i couldn't wait to return back here. On Monday, we met up for lunch, and we talked about how we missed each other a lot. After lunch, while i sent her back to her office, i asked her if it was okay to hold hands, and we did; it was one of the best moments and experience i ever had, and she was loving it too.

That night, i went over to her house, as i wanted to talk to her, and Melissa wanted to tell me something; that she is in love. Hence, our friendship then went to the next level - courtship.



The two of us, just feeling so darn happy.


It was interesting that i didn't ask her to be my girlfriend, and vice versa; something which i hope to do, and it was achieved! Interesting.

Anyway, this is the first time the both of us been in a relationship. It was weird to be called a boyfriend, and calling Melissa D my girlfriend at first. Things felt so surreal. But i thank God that He has brought us together, and we pray that we'll love each other everyday as we love God... and that this relationship will eventually lead to marriage, and beyond!


Melissa D and I. The picture was taken before she and Aunty Moy left for USA last week.


I guess the saying "love comes unexpectedly' is really tangible to the both of us. And i'm really happy now... and i praise God for His goodness... appreciating ever moment i spend with my girl.



Melissa D and i at RGBC Gala Night dinner in Bukit Merah Lake Town... and we just feel so darn happy.

Well, she and Aunty Moy are currently in America... and i'm just counting the days until she comes back to the island.


Melissa D, I love you so much, Sunshine! Happy second month anniversary!


"...walking on the hills at night
with those fireworks and candlelight
you and I were made to get love right

cause this is real, and this is good
it warms the inside just like it should
but most of all
most of all, it's built to last

cause you are the sun in my universe
consider the best when we felt the worst..."

Excerpt from Melee's Built to Last

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Dah Mula Merindu Hati Jantung Saya.

Mak Cik Moy dan Melissa D. Manis senyuman mereka!

Pernah saya kata bahawa saya ingin menulis satu penyertaan blog dalam Bahasa Malaysia. Inilah dia!

Malam semalam, Melissa D bersama ibunya, Mak Cik Moy, telah berlepas ke Amerika Syarikat untuk tujuan menziarahi saudara-mara serta 'Emak Angkatnya', Cik Darlyne. Mereka berdua akan pergi ke beberapa negeri di situ dalam tempoh masa dua puluh empat hari.

Saya dan ayah Melissa D, Pak Cik Chow, menghantar kedua-dua orang wanita ini ke lapangan terbang di pulau ini.

Saya dan Melissa D berkongsi secawan kopi 'ice-blended Coffee Bean', dan membeli snek sebelum mereka berlepas. Di pintu pemergian, hati saya terasa pilu melihat jantung hati saya berlepas.

Semasa Melissa D melalui pintu itu, dia menoleh kepalanya ke arah saya, sambil menitis air mata. Tanpa disedari, air mata turut mengeburi permandangan saya. Inilah kali pertama saya berasa begitu untuk seorang perempuan.

Saya betul-betul berasa syukur dikurniakan oleh Tuhan dengan hubungan indah dengan perempuan suci dan manis ini. Dan saya ingin menunggu sehingga Melissa D dan Mak Cik Moy balik ke pulau ini bulan depan.

Hati saya telah dicuri oleh Melissa D. Saya sayangi dan mengasihimu, Melissa D, mentari hati saya!



Melissa D denganku, sebelum dia berlepas ke Amerika Syarikat.


P/S Teruknya penggunaan bahasa saya!

"Segala yang kau ragui akan ku padam habis dari hati mu
Mengingkari dalaman akal mu
Takkan puasku, mengiringi semua tawa dan tangisanmu,
Anggun jiwamu, pelita yg terang

Hatiku mahumu
Rupamu
Masih masih masih masih

Kau terindah
Masih ada
Yang tercantik
Itu Kamu..."

Dipetik dari lagu Itu Kamu,gubahan Estranged

Love & Peace!~

BC?

A long time

24 Days.
576 hours.
34,560 minutes.

This will be the longest 3 weeks plus of my life lah.

Waiting for Melissa D and Aunty Moy to come back. Missing you both already. Have a safe trip and a fun time. Looking forward to see you both back here on the island.

The both of us must be strong lah. Just the thought of you going of brings tears to my eyes... and i've never felt like this before for another gal.

I'll be waiting here on the island... and i'll make full use of my time while you're away.


Love you, Melissa D.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

I can't believe it happened!

Yes, i've been pushed to a corner. I can't believe i compromised myself, when against the odds and actually did it.

I feel ashamed of myself for not living up to what i've set up. *sigh* I dare say i've sin (according to my own rules). I've done what i never thought i'll do.

I...

I...

I got... a HAIR CUT!~



Yes, this is how i look now. Have i gained weight?


I was told by many people here on the island to get my hair cut, including Melissa D. So, just now, i decided to go to her hairdresser, and have a go at it. The last appointment i had was in January this year.

And boy, was it tough to see locks of hair dropping down to the floor with every cut.

But hey, at least i got to keep part of the tail.


Yup, there's a little rebel in me!

But Melissa D says i look extremely good looking, with my hair style now. Even Aunty Moy's also smiling at me, saying i look like a small kid.


Me and Melissa D.


Oh well, I'm not all that bumped. My hair can still grow. So, my tail will be back in its full glory.

Anyway, all i can say is i just feel so darn happy. I thank God for what He has blessed me with!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Not Fair!~ It's just stupid.

The people would have already know about what had happened yesterday; of the arrest of a journalist, a member of parliament and blogger under the draconian rule in this country known as the Idiotic Stupid Act.

It trouble those of us who are in the same line of work, when one of our kin's arrested for reporting the truth. Indeed it was saddening to hear that, as many of us gathered outside the police station up to 3am this morning to find out what happened to Cheng.

Thank goodness she arrived home today, unharmed. All of us, including politicians and NGOs, are happy over this matter. But nonetheless, the other two prominent people are still arrested. *sigh*

According to a certain dumb minister, Cheng was 'detained for her own safety, as there were threats on her life.' Ironically, the arrest warrant issued stated that she's arrested for causing racial tension?! Hmmm... someone is kidding himself.

Shouldn't the Datuk Annoying Idiot who allegedly made the statement at a certain ceremah last month, should be the one to be chucked into a slammer!

And another depressing news is that fact that a three papers were issued a show cause letters; two of which for reporting the truth.

Like what Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng here joked yesterday, "If you report the truth you would be given show-cause letters; but if you distort the truth, you'll get press awards! It seems to be the trend."

"They can twist the truth and write lies, and get away with it."

*sigh* Oh well, vengeance is the Lord's. That's what i believe, and i'll leave it at that.


"Say what you want, mean what you say
Remember the deepest seeds still find the light of day
Do as you please, and be who you be
Im telling you, this things gonna bring you to your knees

The truth is what we need, it is the end of mystery
You know the truth will set you free
The truth is out there...."

Taken from DC Talk's The Truth

P.S. Mansuhkan ISA!

Love & Peace!~

BC?