I thank God for...

Just came back from our friends' wedding dinner. Both Melissa D and i were a little taken aback when we heard about both Max and Celine getting married so soon. But both of them were meant for each other, and we're happy for them.

Anyway, if i have to list down five things i could thank God for now, this would be it:

1. A fiancee who loves me for me, even though she can be unpredictable and wants to pinch me so darn often!

2. Money in my wallet.

3. A roof over my head and a sleep-able bed.

4. A job that brings in the money.

5. My family in KL.

I suppose if you can think of five good things in your life daily, life would be that tough, wouldn't it?


Another week is coming, and March will start soon. Have a great week, dear readers!


Love & Peace!~

BC?

Before sentencing others....

Looking at court proceedings, i don't think it's easy to judge people fairly, the operative word being 'fairly'.

It's best to hear both side of the story before making any conclusions.

But being emotional human beings, it's only natural to blame, jump to conclusions or even shoot blunt, hurtful remarks without getting one's facts right.

Attending court proceedings, i noticed that judges tend to repeat themselves over the same facts, again and again; being consistent with their facts gathered from both the defendant and the plaintiff/prosecutor. Even every now and then, there are judges who even offer good advise to those on trial.

I suppose to put it into daily application, it's best to gather any information about something or someone before stating your views.


Love & Peace!~

BC?

Call it disconnected, but i call it an experiment.

After thinking it through, I've decided not to use my MSN messenger for awhile. As of late, i've not been active with it, not to mention that people rarely chat with me when there are at least 30 of them online at any given time.

Hence, i don't really see a reason in using MSN Messenger.

Even though i've not logged in a chat for awhile, but i'll leave it as it is for about six months or more, occasionally checking my email. But that does not mean i'm cutting ties with the people around me.

I'm still contactable via my mobile phone, email, facebook and this blog as well. Unless, of course, you only have my MSN and nothing else.

I think technology which is suppose to bridge people closer can also distant us. So, it's either absence makes the heart grow fonder; or out of sight, out of mind. Take your pick.




Love & Peace!~

BC?

Back at work.

I'm now back at work on the island. All Chinese New Year-holiday mood was been sucked out of me, leaving me as a dead as a tombstone.

I'm drained to the bone, tired physically, mentally and emotionally. I feel void.

As i'm typing this, i'm still wondering if my trip down to KL this time around was worth it.

Well, from how i view it, i was great to have be with my family for the reunion dinner, as well as to meet my step-mom, as well as her family members. Of course, it was great to be able to meet some friends while i was there.

At the same time, while being in KL, some unfortunate things happened as well, including Melissa D getting a bad alcohol reaction, not being able to meet up with my buddies and other friends as well as damaging Melissa D's car.

I can only blame circumstances and the way i feel, and i did learn a few things being down there - including being more patient while trying to reverse a car and not making plans i cannot fully commit.

I can't say i was happy or regret coming down to KL. But since all these had happened, i can't turn back the past. Let bygones be bygones.

Anyway, looking at how things are, like my current family's situation, i'm losing reasons to come back to KL. I'm losing whatever memories of home which i once had. I don't feel belonged in KL anymore.

Again, i'm reminded that i'm 'one who is among them, but not one of them'.

"...Why should I care

Cause you weren't there

When I was scared

I was so alone

You, you need to listen

I'm startin to trip

I'm losing my grip

And I'm in this thing alone..."

Taken from Avril Lavigne's Losing Grip.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

The train is moving.

I'm trying to type this entry as soon as possible, as Melissa D is waiting for me.

As i'm sitting in McD on mainland, i'm glad i'm blogging in the comfort of an air-conditioned room. The heat nowadays is crazy. I suppose it's the dry spell which usually tag along with the festive season. And the sun is just as round as a Mandarin orange.

And there were too many Mandarin oranges spawning in my office in the island, to a point the population started to be complacent and rot, literally. I decided to do some charity by giving some oranges to the security guard. I wish i could, but i can't send it to friends overseas who wants them. If there're leftovers, i'll give them away lah. If i keep eating, i think i'll just gain weight.

Speaking of plus sizes, ladies, do visit this website: http://beautifull-boutique.blogspot.com/, This Beautifull Boutique, is owned by my friend, and if you're looking for good, fashionable dresses and blouses, do visit the site. After all, shopping online is the new pink! I hope my KL friend can do well in promoting her business.

And both my dear and i are on the way to KL now. And we're not going on a train!


HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!


Love & Peace!~

BC?

In remembrance of Raymond

It's been a week since Raymond passed away. My friend's fiance passed away recently after slipping into a coma, less than a month being engaged to her. Not to mention, both Cassandra and Raymond been in a courtship for almost a year or so, after being friends for many years.

Yes, as much as it sounds like a story from a soap opera, but this is true.

Apparently, before he fell into a coma, Cassandra told me he was had high fever, and at the end of last year, he just became comatose. To rub salt into the wound, he was admitted into the ICU with a breathing machine.

I can't imagine what Cass been through. It must have been traumatic and stressful. If it was Melissa there, i don't know what i'll do.

Click HERE to read Cass' blog.

Rest In Peace Brother. And to Cass and family, be strong and have faith in God, that he is now in a better place, ok?



Love & Peace!~

BC?

A need to revamp?

It's been more than a couple of years since i've changed the layout of this blog.

In the past, i had time to experiment with the layout, putting pictures and editting source codes to my skin of the blog.

But looking at it now, it seems like the entries are new, but the pictures and links on the sidebar are unmoved.

I'll try my best to change some images on the side bar, as well as update the links on them when i'm free.

Currently, i'm in a McD on mainland, typed my story and prepared to head back to the office soon. Met the recently formed independent party Parti Cinta Malaysia just now, and the Vice-president hit out at the state Chief Minister, and also said the party was not 'fishing' for other party's Member of Parliament.

With politicians and leaders hitting out at each other, i think the people will come out as the ultimate loser lah. *sigh*

Do politicians in the state (and country) need a revamp as well? Not only on the surface, but within the party as well?

Love & Peace!~

BC?

The Rojak Series #21

It's been awhile since i did a TRS, where i clump together a series of events in one entry. Anyway, here's the first for 2010, which i've done in ala diary writing:

1. Jan 26

My colleague Hani gave birth to a girl, the second addition to her family. We were shocked that what suppose to be a routine check-up turned into a delivery instead.

With her absence, we noticed that there were many things left undone, and felt that this one colleague, who deals with many things in the office, is somewhat irreplaceable.

Well, hope we can survive for the next two months without her.


Jan 27

I realised when state authorities tries to right a wrong, it comes with opposition from several quarters of the public.

This was evidently seen in the attempt demolition of an illegal beach structure in Tanjung Bungah, which some claimed to serve as a tourists attraction.

Several people protested when the local authorities came to finish the demolition job. The owner was not happy, saying he'll lose his source of income of eight years. Heard of Do Re Mi Cafe? I've passed by it once, and surprise to find out that dude actually made a three-storey treehouse on the beach!

At a press conference, a group of angry people vented their frustration against the state government, saying they are cooking up a plan. What's the plan? It'll be shown in due time.

*sigh* I pity those who try to make a living. But the other question is, should we let unjust and ignorance prevail? Should the authorities continue to turn a blind eye towards mistakes done in the past?


Jan 28

Both my fiancee and i have been together in this courtship for one and a half years! I wonder if people think it's too early for us to get married as we embarked on this journey for only so long?

I enjoy the (good and bad) times being with her, and loving and caring for her daily. I thank God for her.

Anyway, i was thinking of replacing my bass guitar strings, which have not been changed for over 3 years. And as the team was practising for service at night, i broke my fourth bass string! Talk about timing!


Jan 29

Woke up to the strange smell of Indian fragrant oil, which oddly made its way to my room on the eleventh floor. Thaipusam is coming, and devotees have began with their procession, and one can expect jam, jam and more jam around the island over this weekend.

Happy Thaipusam to readers celebrating the occasion.

I'm now sitting down in McD in Greenlane, as i'm sipping tea and typing this entry. Apparently, my laptop has issues - once i turned it on, it gave me the default settings, and i had to reinstall several application. *sigh*

Well, the day is still young, and i have a lot to do, including getting the car checked, buying bass guitar strings and meeting my dear for lunch later!

Hope you have a good day ahead!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

One Month!

It's been a month since she said, "Yes" as i was down on one knee, holding a simple diamond rin in my hand. And now, both Melissa D and i are engaged!

In a few days' time, it'll be our one year and six month anniversary in our courtship. We both had good times and bad times, savoured the sweet and bitter experiences a courtship can offer, and we give all our praises to God, for bringing us together!

Here's to many more exciting and lovely days ahead!

I LOVE YOU MY SUNSHINE!

Love & Peace!~

BC?

What a way to start the year - part 2

Today, it's a week since the tragedy occurred - an accident which claimed six lives, a teacher and five students from Chung Ling High School, who might not have lived their lives to the fullest.

Who knew on that Sunday morning, while carrying out a routine weekly practice, these people would drown and never see another sunrise? Parents, friends, schoolmates, dragon boat enthusiasts and almost the whole nation (even politicians) mourned the deaths of these young people.

I suppose everyone who were present at the scene were (directly or indirectly) affected. I, who was covering the scene as well, was somewhat affected; i came home with sunburn around my neck, and an earful from my boss in KL for a mistake which i didn't do, but could have prevented. *sigh* but let's not talk about that.

In a situation like this, emotions are high, and people are trying to pin the problem on another, blaming them for allowing such a tragedy to happen.

But then again, it's an accident - not an event orchestrated by man for his own benefit. There are many things to ponder about.

Perhaps they should not have practiced at the seafront in the first place.
Perhaps they should not have gone another round of training.
Perhaps they should have all been geared up for the occasion.
Perhaps they should have listened to instructions from their (late) adviser.
Perhaps the authorities should have been strict on the training venue.
Perhaps land reclamation should not have taken place not too far from the scene, which could have caused strong undercurrent.

There are many speculations and possibilities of what could been. But it does not change history, that six lives were taken too soon; marking a black history here in the state.

The best thing to do, is to learn from this and try to avoid such accident from happening again.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

What a way to start the month/year.

The year kicked off with the church attacks in the country, and just this week, a teacher and five students from a vernacular school in Penang drowned after a dragon boat training accident.

Sad, isn't it.

I'll be posting up about the dragon boat incident soon, which i was indirectly disturbed.

Anyway, i wanted to post this picture up a couple of weeks ago, the light of the church attacks. Better late than never, here is the picture:

Awesome!

Apparently this is a picture taken from a church in Java, Indonesia. So, what's the fuss about using that one word (and several others) in the country? Making a mountain out of a mole hill or fear of losing dominance over the people?

In the end, besides having oxygen, water, food, clothes and a roof over our head to survive, we need love. And if i can add, a mutual understanding for one another, respect and

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Not Forgetting Your Ground.

This week, my office here on the island received two interns - one (the guy) from UTAR, and the other (the lass) from Han Chiang College. Judging by the fact they've only been on the job for just three days, there's a lot to teach before they can finish their internship and said, "It was fun!" (Or, at least, i think they might enjoy it)

The both of them are timid but eager to learn. I suppose given time, they'll be up and running without needing to cling on to others.

It reminded when i myself was an intern about four years ago. Being green and eager to know how to go about in this line of work, as well as getting to know the people in the office. Those were the good times.

But even now, i'm still learning as i'm being employed by the company which i've interned! I've still got a long way to go in being the best in what i do.

And speaking of which, i've entered the third year of being in this line of work. There are many ups and downs, and it takes me places.

I was once an intern, but i'm still learning.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Do we fight fire with fire?

The church attacks with happened on the wee hours of Friday morning has bring about uproar among many Christian quarters, regardless of denomination in the country.

Many are furious and angered by such move, crediting it to the outcry of those who were not happy with the High Court's ruling to allow a Catholic publication to use the word 'Allah' in its Bahasa Malaysia articles.

There are a lot of people who are unhappy with the church attacks, seeking justice to be served. A lot of politicians have condemned the attack as well.

But it's good to hear the church leaders forgiving their attackers. After all, as stated in Roman 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Personally, i'm not happy that there's an act of vandalism which occurred in places which i have been before. I was baptised in Metro Tabernacle more than a decade ago, since my KL church did not have its own pool then.

But then again, anything burned down, be it a church, a mosque, a temple, an abandoned public hall, a (under maintained, dirty) public toilet or even a cult leader's house, is not condoned by the masses in general. Right?

In this situation, we've been asked to stay calm, respond in love and pray over this. This would be the best advice to church goers nationwide. Be strong in your faith!


"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

1 John 4:4

Love & Peace!~

BC?

Ohana

On Monday night, my fiancee and i had dinner with Jolene at Nando's, and we had fun time chatting about the hectic life back in UTAR when both Jolene and myself were dealing with the Talent Time in early 2007, about wedding, family and other things.

Just now, the both of us had dinner with Carmel, and had a good chat. Among the things we talked about included family. To be specific, family members that has passed away.

Anyway, i just pondered about my extended family; how's my relationship with them.

The relationship i have with my dad and my brothers is good, better than what it was several years back, when i just started off in UTAR. And i try to improve on it.

I do not have any grandparents anymore. And when it comes to my extended family, I'm in contact with Aunty Karen, my mom's sister, as well as her family. She, Uncle Ong and my cousins, Joel, Justin and Victor migrated to Hong Kong more than a decade ago, and are happy there. Joel's currently studying in the LA.

On my dad side, my family meet up with them every now and then during Chinese New Year, as well as the Buddhist 'Kitchen God' festival. But we're not that close.

Meanwhile, besides Aunty Karen and family, i've not been in contact with relatives from my mom side. Ironic, as i'm now on the island, where most of them also live. The only time i did see them was somewhere in the middle of 2008, when i just drop by their shop and had a short chat with my uncle and aunty; my mom's older siblings. However, there's not much connection or communication there.

And there has been very little communication, since my mom leave us for heaven more than a decade ago.

Well, I don't know what they think of my family now. Maybe i should try and meet up with them, one day.

Love & Peace!~

BC?

New Year, New Hairstyle.

This is the first entry for 2010! *Yeah*

To those of you re-entering school/college/university/life, happy studying and learning! While those in the working world, welcome back to work! If you're still bumming around, time to get a life!

Anyway, in December 2009, i promised Melissa D that i would get my haircut after Christmas (yes, once i proposed to her), but she insisted that i get it done as fast as possible. Anyway, i managed to leave it long enough (pun not intended) until i popped the question, and got my hair cut on Boxing Day.

My first benevolent act as her fiance!

Yes, this is a look of how much i didn't enjoy the haircut!

I look crazy... CRAZY!


Anyway, besides what i've said in my last post, i would like to improve on certain aspects of my life as well this year.

This includes:

- being more focused, disciplined and responsible for my actions and responsibilities given to me.


Yeah... i can't think of the other point that i wanted to share. But this will do lah.

Oh, and i might not be leaving my hair long for awhile... maybe in 10 years of more. We'll see how things go lah.

Love & Peace!~

BC?