363: Less than a year and counting.

This is a photo of our friends' wedding in Ampang last year. Photo by Matt Gan


The countdown has officially began. Even with a year away, the planning for wedding both Melissa D and me has began.

We've drafted out a very brief plan for the wedding. The date has been set. One (or rather, two) which is somewhat suitable and low-peak on the Chinese superstitious calender. Parents from both side of the family have met up to clear the air on uncertainties, though some parts still need to be discussed in detail.

Honestly, if i was given a choice, i don't mind going to the National Registration Department, get registered, and *BAM*, we can legally and morally live in cohabitation. Why am i of such opinion? Because i believe in a life-long marriage, not a one-day wedding ceremony; an event where money is splurged unnecessarily to be bigger, grander and better than their friend's wedding. Ridiculous, i may say.

But this, of course, is not fair to Melissa D, her family, my family and many other friends and church leaders.

After all, there're still many things we need to cover, like where do we stay once we're married? How do we manage our shared finance? Our courier, etc.

We've got so much more to learn, ask, listen and observe from those who went before us into this chapter of life. There's very little time left, and God help us.


Love & Peace!~

BC?

Go East!

Don't you love how the sun hits you in the eye when you wake up early in the morning?

Last Saturday, Melissa D and myself participated in a mall hunt, the Charis Hospice Hunt for Charity Mall Hunt in Queensbay Mall. It was fun, and tricky, cracking our head as we move from one place, or rather, shop as we answered the questions given to us.

We finished third, but due to two careless mistakes, we landed in sixth place. But we had fun! Honestly, the questions given were slightly challenging, but it was easy to figure them out.

We'll enter in next year again. After all, it's for charity!


Today, both of us were at a wedding of her friends in Sg Nibong. It was good lah, as it gave us a lot of data on what we can plan for our own wedding. And at the same time, it was several eye-openers... like i always thought the best man should be an unmarried guy, and there should be grooms men and maid of honour present at the alter. Hmmmm....

And yeah... although we plan to get married next year, planning needs to beginning now. And just thinking about the matter exhausts me. God, give me strength... and wisdom!


On Monday, both of us and several people in church, predominantly the school leavers participating in the School of Youth Ministry (SYM) will be heading off to Sabah!

We'll be there for the next two weeks, moving from one church to another in the interior of that state as we carry haversacks and move through the jungle.

I hope to blog more when we return from the state in the east. Have a good weekend everyone!


Love & Peace!~

BC?

Losing it

I believe many viewers were glued to the TV last Tuesday as the first ever winner for Asia's Biggest Loser was announced on air. And BAM, it was a shocker to everyone that David Gurnani emerged the winner!

I looked at the pictures on the newspaper twice, trying to see if it was the same person.

"He looked to thin to be fit!" I thought to myself. And this thought (i believe) resonant with many of those who watched the live-telecast on TV or read about it in the newspaper the next day.

Losing almost half his weight to reach 81kg, this 25-year old Indonesian took six months off work to train 8 to 10 hours per day to achieve what his current weight.

And besides the title, David walked away with USD100,000 as well.

But everyone else were rooting for the other contestant Carlo Miguel, who was determined and when he appeared on the finale, he DID look fit... but then again, about the loser being the winner (hence the title), not about how healthy you look.

Maybe David thinks its all worth it. And he added he's planning on adding weight and muscles to his body.

Click HERE for more details about the Biggest Loser Asia and other things, including health and dieting tips.

Hmmm... maybe i should join in then?


Love & Peace!~

BC?

Chicken chicken!

I believe not a lot of people know this, since it did not come out in the newspaper, but People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was here in Malaysia last week!

PETA who? That group of people who champions the rights of animals all over the world, protesting against fur and leather industry, butchery, animal cruelty, etc. While they pop up in the media, for both good and bad reasons, every now and then, they rarely appear here in this country!

While, a group of these supporters decided to gather outside the KFC outlet in Larut Road at about noon on last Thursday, as two of them decided to cage themselves in a 'chicken coop', waving around placards which states "Confined, Tortured, Scalded: Boycott KFC".

After staying put for about an hour, the trio then left the place, wondering if they have left an impact on onlookers. Well, it somewhat left an impact on one person here.

Unfortunate, i don't think this piece of news saw the daylight here. But it makes you wonder, how you get your food, doesn't it?



Love & Peace!~

BC?

Tired, tired.

Physically and mentally, i'm tired. Add in procrastination and voila - things that i'm suppose to accomplish are not done on time. Blogging is one of them.

Last weekend, Melissa D and i stayed over in church for training. What training? It's the training before we leave for Sabah on a mission trip with the church's School of Youth Ministry members. Yup, we'll be heading down to interior parts of Sabah in less than two weeks.

It was really a energy-sapping experience, trying to get the know the time better as well as understanding what we should be doing for the mission trip. I have to admit that it's challenging, but we're excited about it! And there's a lot to do.

And i'm physically fatigue, that this means i would need to rely on God more (and of course, rest as much as possible!)

As stated in Psalms 55:22, 'Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.'





Love & Peace!~

BC?

The Penang Bridge!

One can't help to be pass through the Penang Bridge as they enter into the Pearl of the Orient, unless you prefer to use the ferry.

This 13.5km will be celebrating its' 25th birthday this year, and here's an article written about it:

PENANG: When veteran politician Dr Lim Chong Eu (now Tun) spoke about building a bridge linking Penang Island to Butterworth on the mainland way back in the 1950s and 60s, there were many sceptics.

They felt that such a massive infrastructural undertaking may not be feasible as no such bridge had been built in the region before.

But Dr Lim, who went on to become Chief Minister of Penang between 1969 and 1990, persevered with the idea of this important linkage.

Finally on April 13, 1985, a 13.5km bridge, with four towers in mid-span and standing 33m above water, was completed within four years after the federal government pumped in RM850mil for the project.

Before it was built, people mainly relied on the ferry services to cross the Penang Strait, making the conception of the bridge one of the most important developments in the history of Penang.

Click HERE for the rest of the story.

I have to admit, living here on the island, the bridge is crucial in getting me to places on mainland. And as much as i would want to take a relaxing ferry trip back to the island, the bridge is the fastest way to return to the island (unless you have a jetpack or an aeroplane to go).

This bridge have appeared in the news on several occasions in the past, include traffic congestion, accidents, and marathon events.

Well, with the second Penang Bridge project on the way, which would make lives of those living in the southwest district of the island easier.

Anyway, here's to many more years for the Penang Bridge!


Love & Peace!~

BC?

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?