Happy Anniversary!~

I can't believe that both Melissa D and i have been through this courtship for a year!

It feels surreal, but i thank God for my blessing. There are a lot of room for improvement for the both of us, but with God's mercy and grace, we can do it!~



I LOVE YOU DEAR!~ Happy Anniversary!~

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Saying goodbye... yet?

I gotta admit - i'm careless.

Careless enough to lock my keys in the car, leave my notebook in the office when i'm out for assignments and dropping my mobile phone every now and then. And now my mobile phone (BlackCell, as i call it) is acting up.

It is covered with dents and hairline cracks. Yesterday, one of those crack, the one near the joint, became severe and it's somewhat disrupting the 'flipping process'. *sigh*

So, i'm currently comtempalating, if i should get a new mobile phone now or just continue using this till it breaks down... hopefully by next April. Should i continue using Sony Ericsson or another brand. Should i say goodbye to my phone now?

Speaking of goodbyes, contreversial film director Yasmin Ahmad recently passed away. May she rest in peace. Her movies and commercials are simple touching and amazing!

Oh, and today we have the second death related to the Influenza A(H1N1) in the country. I wish these idiots had when to the doctor immediately once they were not feeling well. But no, they took days to seek treatment, when they've somewhat passed the point of no return!

The same advice goes to all feeling sick recently! Get help early!

Well, gotta survey a little on what mobile phone i should get. And what laptop should i get?

"It’s no surprise I won’t be here tomorrow
I can’t believe that I stayed till today
There’s nothing here in this heart left to borrow
There’s nothing here in this soul left to say..."

Taken from Chris Daughtry's No Surprise

Love & Peace!~

BC?

And the Demon dragon swallowed the Sun!

Millions in India and China were in awe at the longest solar eclipse of the 21st century! All this occurred today. And from here, we were able to see a partial solar eclipse from between 8.23am to 9.48am.

Though, i didn't get to see it since i was on the way to work and had no proper equipment to look at the sun without burning off my corneas.

It's interesting to read about superstitions and fables that an eclipse happens when a dragon-demon swallows the sun, while its rays then can harm unborn children.

A total solar eclipse is seen in Varanasi, India, Wednesday, July 22, 2009. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century pitched a swath of Asia from India to China into near darkness Wednesday as millions gathered to watch the phenomenon. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das)


Anyway, i was reminded of the TV series Heroes when i heard about news on this eclipse. About how individuals got their abilities... which has something to do with this natural phenomena.

So, can i now fly? No.
Teleport from one place to another? No.
Read minds? No.
Shoot electricity from my palms? No.

I guess i'm stuck with my abilities as a lame duck. Melissa D can attest to that. *sigh*

Anyway, i suppose the next solar eclipse can be seen on Jan 15, 2010, March 9, 2016 and Dec 26, 2019! Keep those dates free, ya?!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Congrats!

Angeline and Kevan

"We're engaged!" This was what was stated on the screen as i read Kevan's text message. Earlier in the week, he told us that he wanted to propose to his girlfriend Angeline.

Early this morning, both of them went jogging up Taman Tar. Up, a group of guys ('choirboys' and photographer) were waiting there, to witness Kevan proposed to Angeline. And things went as planned!

Congratulations, both Melissa D and i wish them. Heard that they plan to get married next year! All the best!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Back from Cameron... and now to work! (Part 2)

I wanted to post this up earlier, but i was stuck with work. As the matter of fact, i'm somewhat still stuck with work, waiting with my boss and other counterparts in Komtar, as Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng have a heart-to-heart talk with several residents of the Kampung Buah Pala... which will be demolished early August.

As the saga unfolds, since the 'illegal lands transfer' back in 2001, there were a lot of politics being played, harsh words exchanged, finger-pointing and many sad cows... and cow herders.

So, sitting down in Komtar, a lot of talks on the fate of this 'High Chapparal' as well as the death of the Selangor state exco aide, who plunged to his death. Poor Teoh... dying on the eve of his engagement. I pray neither i or Melissa D will ever have to face something like this.

Anyway, i'm just trying to chill and type out ten reasons why i enjoyed the recent CG retreat in Cameron Highlands. And in no particular order, here are the reasons;

1. Chocolate-dipped strawberries.
2. The fellowship between CG members.
3. Urban Legend board game!
4. The strawberry ice-cream... and not the creamy-flavoured one
5. The cool- freezing breeze.
6. Photo-taking sessions.
7. The road trip - to and from.
8. Purchase of various strawberry products!
9. Makan time... both in Ipoh and Cameron.
10. Suffering from diarrhea for two days isn't one of them. (Ok... i ran out of ideas!)


Gotta go... nothing much here from the private, closed-door discussion. Good night!~

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Back from Cameron... and now to work!

Boy, did we had a good time in Cameron Highlands over the weekend! The Courage CG retreat was good! (And too bad for those who couldn't make it. Maybe next time?)

Besides the fact that there was little time, and too many places to go, I enjoyed being on the (high)land of strawberries, tea, and fresh veggies. Not to forget that we bought too many strawberry products back home - from freshly packed ones and dried variants to chocolates and tea infused with that red berries. And i can't believe i still have strawberry milk and ice-cream in the fridge!~

Oh, and did you know that 30 hectares of land in Cameron Highlands grown with strawberries is capable of producing RM70 million worth of the fruit each year? Shocking!

We had discussion on where our CG is heading, and i wish we had more time to give more ideas, discuss them throughly and allow those who can't come voice out their opinion. *sigh* It's not like i'm going against the current leadership here, but i wish more things can be done.

I personally did not like how things were carried out in my KL church, where, despite having plans, meetings and group discussions, at the end of the day, the decisions made are veto - by the youth top leader.

From this i learn - don't argue with church leaders, they are humans too. Just get things done, if you can.

Anyway, it's back to work now. Will post up more photos, if possible.


Melissa D and me

Melissa D and me looking at the tea plantation at Cameron Bharat Plantation.

Melissa D and cacti at the Cactus Valley


(Most) of the Courage Cell Group members, at Cameron Highlands!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Cameron HIghlands, here we come!

I've got so many things to write, but so little time. Not to mention, being in this line of work, i run of mood (or rather, words!) to type the time i submit in my work.
*sigh*

In a few hour's time, most of us from the church cell group, including Melissa D and myself, will be heading down to Cameron Highlands for our CG retreat! Looking forward to it! Will post pictures.

Anyway, in briefs:

1. Watched Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with Melissa D; and i agree with most people that it is OVERRATED! But having said that, i enjoyed watching it for the action scenes. The only problem i had was my seat had issues, and we had to move.

2. Got some comments on Kampung Buah Pala and the sunken road near Gurney Park Condominium... both on the island here. Got pictures of both incidents. Hope to upload them soon!

3. Heard about the news of two Catholics lodging a police report against two men (non-believers) who 'spied' in a KL Catholic church? I wonder if this issue would blow out of proportion?

Anyway... gotta go! Good night and have a nice weekend!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Gonna watch a Movie!

While meeting up with Kevan and Justin in KL few weeks back, Kevan mentioned a hilarious Ice Age 3 trailer, and i got hold of it; it was funny indeed!~

Here it is:




Will watch this one of these days.


Anyway, gonna watch Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with Melissa D now. Heard mixed reviews, but i'm watching it to chill out lah!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Paying more?

I can't believe i have to pay an extra RM30 for power and water bills for the past two months living in this flat on the island.

Before moving into this place, i was told that RM240 included the utility bills, and now the 'landlord' denied this. *sigh* And my former housemates were the ones who leaves the lights on unnecessarily.

Anyway, i'm considering looking for another place to stay. One which is below RM300, in the central part of the island, with a parking lot and a swimming pool. A gym would be a plus.

But i'm currently content with the place i'm staying in. But i would need to conserve as much electricity possible.

On another note, No Plastic Day, an initiative by the state government here, starts today. (click HERE for more details on the news.) Those who would want to use plastic bags to bag their goods would have to pay an 20 sen per plastic bag, every Monday. And the proceeds would go to the hardcore poor program here. Noble, eh?

Living here, i've learnt to reduce the usage of plastic bags as much as possible. And while shopping for mushroom potage and bread nearby my place just now, i was surprised to see the shoppers in front of me paid 20 sen and 40 sen for plastic bags! I can't how many people would actually pay for plastic bags than to use their own shopping bag.

The coin box used to collect the 20 sen per plastic bag on No Plastic Bag Day today.


Well, i believe in using plastic bags only for disposal, but i believe the public need to learn more on reducing the use of plastic... or their ignorance could cost our environment, which is at stake. What a price to pay.

I wanna see how effective this environmental-friendly effort would be.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

It's July!~

It's July, and half a year has passed by. Another six months to go before we reach 2010!

What have you done so far?

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Not Coming Home Yet... revisited

I miss home (or KL, to be specific). And i don't deny that. Though, my papa and brothers moved into a new place in KL last year.

Like i've said before, besides my family and friends, i don't have anything back in KL that's holding me back.

But at this juncture of my life, i would want to settle down here on the island. Not my birth place, where traffic jams prevails, tolls are set up almost everywhere and it's a dog-eat-dog competitive working environment as compared to this calm (but hot) island.

Not to mention my parents are from this island, which means i'm returning to my 'motherland'.

Anyway, with the existence of more people, there will be more demand and sometimes there isn't enough supply to cope with the demand. And at times, prices of land do not depreciate.

I read this column by academic Goh Ban Lee on houses on the island, and here's part of it:

"....Today, young graduates earning from RM2,500 to RM3,500 a month in Penang Island do not think of landed properties anymore, even if their spouses earn similar salaries. Their combined income of RM5,000 to RM7,000 a month can only allow them to buy houses of RM300,000 to RM400,000, that is, if they have saved between RM30,000 and RM50,000 for down-payments or are lucky enough to have parents who can and are willing to contribute.

The double-storey terrace houses in Island Glades are selling from RM500,000 to RM700,000 each! Most new landed properties in the Northeast District of Penang Island are in three-storey format costing about RM800,000! Semi-detached variety costs more than a million ringgit...."

Read more about the article HERE


I wanted to cry, because when both of us combine our income, it's only almost RM5,000. I lament at this fact - it's not easy to purchase a house.

My buddies Justin and Kevan have bought a house and buying one, respectively. And i'm stuck with a room in a shaby looking flat on the island.

I would want a place, which i can call home when i get married to the love of my life. A place where it would be open for fellowship meetings, gatherings and even for a couple of people to bunk; in other words, to bless others with.

And it would be nice to be able to move Melissa D out of her house when we get married, assuring both Uncle Chow and Aunty Moy that i'll be able to take care of the both of us.

But every now and then, I feel like crying every time i think about this matter; it's depressing. But there other things like how we'll manage as a married couple, paying for bills and loans, raise children, organising a family, etc. These thoughts can be depressing.

But life's too short to live in regret and wasted wandering away. So, i'll just leave it to God, seeking Him for wisdom, strength and encouragement to move forward... as well as from our peers.

The day will come when i'll be able to say, home sweet home. One day.


P/S I'm now typing this story from the island, after my assignments. And i'll be coming back to KL in a few days time! Do call me if you wanna meet up, ya?

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Quarter.

I turned 25 last Friday, and i'm glad to be able to celebrate it here with Melissa D, the CG members as well as the music team in church.

I didn't know the music team would get me cheese cake (which was pretty good and affordable) on the eve of my birthday. And when i brought the cake to Bintang, the boss asked if we wanted to lights off so that we can celebrate my birthday there!~

Melissa D and i went for lunch at TGI Fridays in Queensbay Mall and later watched Night at the Museum 2, which was a pretty hilarious and entertaining movie.

For dinner, we were at OXO cafe, where we had our CG meeting. But it's not a place i would want to go very often. But they have these fun hats me and Melissa D both wear in the pictures!

The pink cake... and it doesn't taste as good as the cheese cake. But since it's free, i'm not complaining.


Melissa D and me

The party animal!


Well, i wish for happiness, love and peace for all those around me; my loved ones, family and friends. And i pray that God will allow me to do that.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Losing Control to Anger.

Like Bruce Banner said, "You wouldn't like me when i'm angry," this phrase sings true to me too.

I think i'm one person who's slow to anger, but it doesn't mean i never get frustrated at all.

One of the fears i have, is to stay angry with another, more so with Melissa D. At times, she can really drive me up the wall, or 'hurt' me.

But i really can't stay angry with her for long, as it wouldn't be fair for the both of us. I remember a close friend telling me that if the man in the relationship isn't happy or confident, the woman can't be as well.

Another told me that there're two elements that can't be denied in a relationship - conflict and sexual tension.

Anyway, it does take effort to calm myself down, and when all's okay, i do enjoy the time we spend together. Without bad and down times, we wouldn't enjoy the good times, eh? And who does enjoy stagnant relationships, eh? It should be dynamic, and everchanging - for the best.

"...And I can't stand you
Must everything you do make me wanna smile
Can I not like you for awhile?

But you won't let me
You upset me girl
And then you kiss my lips
All of a sudden I forget (that I was upset)
Can't remember what you did

But I hate it...
You know exactly what to do
So that I can't stay mad at you
For too long that's wrong

But I hate it...
You know exactly how to touch
So that I don't want to fuss.. and fight no more
Said I despise that I adore you

And I hate how much I love you boy
I can't stand how much I need you
And I hate how much I love you boy
But I just can't let you go
And I hate that I love you so...."

Taken from Hate That I Love You by Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo

Few nights back, both Melissa D and i watched Demons and Angels, it was a good thriller film. But like many of my friends said, it would be better to read it straight from the novel.

And from the movie, i give Dan Brown the thumbs up for doing his research well. But what he has done was to take pieces of facts, sew it up with a 'fiction' string, and present it as another piece of 'facts'.

That's why a lot of religious parties were all railed on the issue, especially when the other book/movie, The Da Vinci Code (which i watched) was out. Hence, knowledge is power, and knowing what's right and what's wrong put you ahead of a lot of things.

A few weeks back, both of us watched a few movies, including:

Terminator Salvation
This is a good sci-fi and action film. But the film doesn't really focus on John Connor, the leader of the Resistance, but on another character, Marcus Wright. Thus, some die hard fans for the earlier Terminator films might not enjoy it that much.

From how the movie ended, there are bound to be one or two more movies, which hopefully, will be show how John will lead the Resistance against Skynet and its machines.


Star Trek
I'm no trekkie, but this is one movie i did enjoy.  It does bring a fresh air to the series (and movie), which has disappeared from the tube for awhile now.

Focusing on the U.S.S Enterprise crew's first 'official' mission against an unknown enemy with advance weaponary, this movie is it a re-vamp from the original. Don't miss out Leonard Nimoy's appearance in the film.

I love you, Man
This is obviously a dude-flick, as oppose to a chick flick. About a man, who is about to be married, but has to find a guy to be his best man, which turns out to be a hilarious journey of friendship and what it takes to be a man!

If you enjoyed watching Forgeting Sarah Marshall, you might enjoy this 'man movie' as well. (both movies feature Jason Segel in them!)

Anyway, looking forward to watch Monsters Vs Aliens, Up, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Oatmeal!

After making a small batch of oatmeal, i tasted it and said, "YUCK!"

But mixing it with (a lot of) Milo did help make it better.

Hmmm... i've got a bag full of oats. How should i use it properly?

Anyway, have a nice weekend ahead!


Note: Gotta upload two entries by this weekend!~

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Not coming home yet. (Ver 1.2)

The last time i came back to KL was in March.

Last month, i was suppose to come back, but the by-elections in Penanti held me back. And i pushed it to this month. But due to conflicting schedules with my colleagues, i would have to postpone my return trip to July.

*sigh*

But it doesn't change the fact that there's still work to be done, and no one is dying or crying with me being stuck here on the island. Haven't heard anyone begging me to come back to KL.

I try my best to keep in contact with those i can keep in contact with. But when no one contacts me, the communication is left at status quo. Hmmmm... it's up to there lah.

But if anyone wants to meet up with me, either on the island (and mainland) or KL, i'm more than happy to see you, provided i've got the time.

Looks like i have to apologise to several people for not being able to see them this month, which includes my papa. Not to forget, Justin Yap, Kevan, David and Dewgem and Gideon, Justin Tan, Pek Mei, Julius and bros, HG members, etc.

Gotta call my papa now.

Love & Peace!~

BC?