The Journey, My Life...

2011-02-09T00:46:00.003+08:00

This is sickening.

I am killing myself inside.

I am sick.

I need help.

温度计

2010-11-27T04:12:00.000+08:00

每一个人的心上，都应该设上一个温度计。在适时或需要时，作出适当的调整。

在心热的时候，将它温度调低。

在心冷的时候，将它温度调高。

过渡的热情，如火，那是会烧伤对方。

过渡的冷漠，如冰，那是会冻伤对方。

只有在对方能够接受的温度范围内，才能充分的发挥出心中所要作出的表达。

只有在对方能够感觉到舒服的温度下，才能真正给以对方所需要的爱与关怀。

在心上，设上一个温度计。不只是为了对方好，也是让自己不要太累了。

为他，为自己，设上一个心的温度计吧。

Positive Thinking

2010-11-23T20:30:00.002+08:00

Life can be changed, if you would change the way that you think.

三好，三好；生好，生好

2010-02-28T17:33:00.005+08:00

做人有三好，生命自然好。
好事多做到，福运自然到。
好话多说说，居心不用说。
好心多存点，安心多一点。

Before Cycle Meet

2010-02-28T17:09:00.002+08:00

What happens before cycle meetings of a company?

When cycle meeting is about to take place, one will start seeing the signs and symptoms of the approaching event.

Firstly, all will be busy getting prepared for the event, in particular, the management and the organizers of the event. Meetings after meetings will be conducted, in order to determined the contents and flow of the meetings. Late nights and working over the weekend is a norm, so is several sleepless nights for many due to the worries and stresses imposed on every tired minds trying so hard to make things possible.

And that is only at the management level. Down to the grassroots, where men are sent out to fight in this world of cruel competition. In addition to the many and increasing players in the field for the same piece of market pie, there are budget cuts and reduction in head counts. Thus, one would have to shoulder more responsibilities than before to produce the same, if not more, results. With the fixed amount of time allocated for each area over time coverage, the addition of a cycle meeting into the very tight schedule of each manpower means that each will have less time to work in order to reach their target sales. And for that, they would have to work harder and longer hours.

With more time spent on working and less time on resting, it is inevitable that many in the company will fall ill before the meet. Most notably, ailments with its nature in infection, pain and lethargy. An overworked mind and body means that the immune system of the body is low, thus the increase in the events of illness amoung those involved with the meeting.

Thus, it is advisable that reasonable amount of time be dedicated to the resting of the mind and the body, not only to allow sufficient rest for the participants, but also to allow the relative in time to achieve the coverage needed to satisfy the top management in their reports, and of course, the amount of sales to make everyone happy.

Waiter Rant

2009-11-08T21:47:00.005+08:00

The Book that I have been reading through the weekend.

It's a good book, recommended reading, and if you have no desire to purchase it, you could read the Waiter Rant's blog.

It's a Sign Board

2009-09-21T13:31:00.006+08:00

Ever thought that a sign board would speak rude to you?

"Maa Ku" Gallery

It's a shop for baby stuffs. :D

Tea Time in Bintulu

2009-09-15T23:04:00.004+08:00

Char Siew Pau from Medan Jaya, Bintulu

Custard bun, half eaten

A Preliminary View of My Bedroom

2009-09-06T13:11:00.003+08:00

My bedroom, with my new picture

I have just received a new picture for my bedroom wall, and I am super excited!!!

Now all that I need is to frame the picture up, and hang it up right. It will be such bliss and wonder to look at my room now. ^.^

2009-05-20T21:00:00.002+08:00

温柔似水是女人，恶如祸水亦是女人。

女人，女人。。可别为了一己之私而伤害了其他的女人。。。

女人，女人

2009-05-20T17:57:00.003+08:00

1。女人是水做的。

2。水可以载舟，亦可以覆舟。

所以, 女人亦可以载舟，亦可以覆舟。

女人，女人，何苦为难女人？

Could You Imagine?

2009-05-02T23:10:00.004+08:00

I was having lunch with KS the other day, the day when she told me that she was pregnant :-), and we came across a really funny, if not totally mindless, incident.

KS and I had ordered food from one of the noodle stalls in the Boulevard area, Miri, and we were served with no chilli and soy sauce. As do most Malaysians, I had always liked to dip my food in a little bit of soy sauce with chilli while I eat. Without that, my food would taste as though something was missing. So, I decided to ask for some soy sauce.

I called out to the lady who worked for the stall, and she came to my table. She, in my opinion, was a native who might not understand my Malay quite as much as I might expect her to. I asked politely for my soy sauce, and she went back to her stall and brought me a whole small bottle of soy sauce.

Ok, now, one would expect their soy sauce to be delivered in a small serving dish, as would common practice. I was served with one bottle of soy sauce. For all my aprreciation of her generosity, I had only needed a small amount of the sauce. So, I asked again, politely, for a small serving dish.

It turned out, she might have thought that I was asking for an extra dish, and she brought me a normal plate for eating!

I looked at the plate, and looked at KS. KS was sniggering at my struggle in getting a proper serving dish for my soy sauce, and I told her that I would try for another time.

Again, I asked politely, can I have a small serving dish for my soy sauce, indicating the soy sauce in an imaginary dish while trying my darn best to explain myself to the lady. She looked at my hands, and her face lit up, as though she had finally gotten my idea.

So, she went back and brought me a BOWL!!!!

KS was laughing her head off now.

I had not given up in asking for the right thing, and therefore, I gave another shot, asking the lady by pointing the soy sauce and the bowl and asked for a SMALL SERVING DISH!!!

And she did this.

She put the f***ing soy sauce bottle into the bowl and walked away!!!

What in the world it this!!! Had common sense escaped one's mind so much that it bordered stupidity??

What a world of TOTAL MINDLESSNESS!!!

MIndless rambling

2009-05-02T01:30:00.005+08:00

And where does all these goes?

It being late, and I'm still up, as do many of us.

Things aren't going as smoothly as I thought it should be.

May be it's the global recession, may be it's me...

Whatever it is, I am slowly changing.

I still want my friends and family. I still want to be a part of them.

I just don't really have the time and mood to just hang out nowadays.

I just wanna have some alone time, to think about the things that I've missed thinking while I was busy.

I meet them, many of them, tonight. But it has been different. I have been away for a long time.

Certain things, I do not regret.

Certain things, I hope I have done right by them.

But most of all, I just want to have peace in my heart. And be happy for what I am , who I am, and what I have.

I just wanna be me.

Earth Hour

2009-03-22T00:36:00.008+08:00

VOTE EARTH

Switch off your lights for one hour,
and join the world for Earth Hour.

Saturday, March 28
8:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Read the news, that we need

28 Million Scouts to Mobilise for Earth Hour

Stubborn or Hard-Willed?

2009-03-21T23:31:00.007+08:00

I was back in school one Sunday morning, and I was mortified to find my old school's front block being torn into pieces, literally!

明德楼

I am not exaggerating. The school was actually being taken apart!

However, we all know what that is for. It has been months since that tragic day in December, 2008. The fire that took away the part of Kuching High that holds many a memory of our good old school days. What was left standing was the front door of the administrative building, which stood as the significant monument for the school. That part of the building was named "明德楼", for once upon a time this school was called "明德中学"。

There had been a lot of talk since years ago about the building of new buildings for the school, but that was never truly substantiated. I guessed from my part that it was out of the old reminiscent for the school building that had stood on the school grounds for more than a hundred years. Students had come into the school through these doors, and left from these doors. Whoever had the heart to bring down a piece of history that meant so dearly to so many of us?

But I guess that it is time to let go. There will be new buildings. But the old walls stand tall and still, as if to tell the world that nothing in this world can thwart the spirit of the school, not even a fire.

Kuching High will thrive!

It's Two Different Things!!!

2009-03-21T22:55:00.004+08:00

With all due respect, I would like to state that even though I have great distaste for fake tattoos, I have no disrespect for those that had one (or two).

I have full RESPECT for all manners of expressions presented by each and every individuals, and understand that everyone has their rights and freedom to choose their expressions in whatever way that seem fitting, though that might not seem so to others. It is just that my respect does not exactly translate into agreeable taste in some occasions.

Forgive me if my taste is not at all on par with many others.

Fake Tattoos

2009-03-14T23:46:00.003+08:00

It is only natural in this world, that human beings, be them man or woman, beautifies themselves in ways that they see fit. Some colour their faces, others add or reduce parts of their anatomy. But all is fine, as long as they are the true expression of oneself, if not pleasing to the eyes.

However, there is one thing that I just find pathetic in a person, that is he/she would go about sporting a FAKE tattoo, and trying to look cool in it.

I like tattoos, though I have none myself. It shows character, and that is because one needs to go through pain and bleeding in order to obtain it. And that, itself, takes a lot of courage and endurance, particularly those tattoos done in sensitive places. I admire them, the people who has gone through the bloody ritual of being engrave with a symbol that represents something in themselves or their lifes. I respect this way of individual expression.

That is why it annoys me a lot to see someone wearing a fake one on the arm or the thigh, especially on people whom we all know from first look that they are the least likely person to go for a tattoo themselves. This, in my own way of seeing it, is a disgrace to themselves, as it only goes on to show how much of a chicken they are. These wannabes are so much without character, that it just turns me off.

My advice? Don't wear a tattoo unless you are sure that you had wanted it, and that you have found just that right one, on the right place. And never print the names of your boy/girlfriends, lovers, or husbands/wives in the tattoo. You'll never know when you will regret that tattoo.

Dr. Fish

2009-02-24T23:04:00.006+08:00

After reading and hearing about the fish spa from so many sources, so many times, I have decided that it is high time that I try my feet out in the famous fish-nipping therapy, to clean away my dead skins, while doing the fish owner a favor in feeding his / her pets.

I went to a local spa saloon located in Jalan Song, Kuching, and found one that allowed you to dipped you scaly-skinned feet into her fish tank for half-an-hour, all for an easy RM19.00.

Well, you'd got a choice of big, medium and small fishes. I had no idea what the size would matter to my spa, and being an impatient one, I decided to go for the big fish.

And the fish went frenzied!

For one moment, the fish looked calm and relaxed in their temperature-regulated home. For the next moment, when my feet were in the tank, all that I knew was that I had all the alpha-males/females nipping bits of my skin from me!

The sensation was... unique, and ticklish. I squirmed and wriggled in my seat. And I am telling you, it was no fun during the first few moments. I mean, I am a sensitive girl! I have got some really sensitive nerves! And to have so many tiny fish lips kissing and scraping my calves and feet, that was no enjoyment.

It took me a while to really get use to that sensation. I was literally enduring torture on my part, while the fish was happily enjoying their meal out of me!

I am not sure if I would go back to this fish spa or not. But knowing myself, and my spirit, I bet myself that I would always take the other chance to dip my legs into those skin-eating-fish-manifested tanks again, squirm-ish or not. I will get use to it. :D

But, it's RM19.00 for only half-an-hour!!!

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

2009-01-20T22:27:00.003+08:00

WELCOME! WELCOME!

WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE OX!

新年如意万事顺心

Scorpio would like to take this oppotunity to wish everyone the merriest new year to come!!!

Have a wonderful beginning of the year, and many fruitful achievements to come!!!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!

Oh~ Just Another Blog of the Day...

2009-01-20T20:31:00.007+08:00

It had been a while since I last blogged. A friend of mine was asking me when I would start writing again, and I was pleasantly surprised that anyone would want to read my writings.

I have, however, these days, been more fond of looking into Facebook and updating my status from time to time. I find that a better and easier way of expressing myself, with more interactions and feedback. Blogging can be quite a lonely task, as though you are talking and writing into an abyss.

One colleague of mine asked me one day, "Huh? You actually wrote in your FB about your sales?" Well, not so much in context, but more of the emotional side of it. :-)

Chinese New Year is just round the corner, and tonight I am sitting here in my hotel room writing to tell the world what I have to say, which is nothing much. Updating can be a pain in the ass when you already have to update your sales reports everyday. Furthermore, I do not want to bore my readers with what I had for breakfast this morning in the airport. But since I mentioned breakfast, McDonald's opened at 4 a.m. in the airport, and the freshly prepared Sausage McMuffin was heavenly on a cold morning.

I had two of that this morning.
(There, that was my "sinful act" of the morning).

And I am reading a book now documenting the life of a "Multiple Personalities Disordered" person. I found out that the more specific term for this condition is "Dissociative Identity Disorder, DID", whereby a person might display distinctly different personalities that would emerge when the person reached adulthood at different times and circumstances.

In many cases, the person had undergone childhood abuse, both physically and/or sexually, of which the child had chosen to blocked out during the event. These alters were the personalities that carried the memories of the abuse, while protecting the child from suffering since young.

I then googled the term "DID" on the net and found an interesting and comprehensive video on the condition, and it was heartbreaking to watch the people suffering from DID. Understanding brings sympathy and empathy for the victim and also the carer of the victim. It was a life of absolute distortion, of not remembering what really had happened to oneself, and the constant danger of hurting oneself. Self-mutilation is common. One woman set fire on her car and woke up later breathing through a respirator.

So much for now. Currently, I consider the book the most interesting thing in my life now, and had done a slight research of the content, apart from the fact that I had to get ready for the new year, bring in more sales, travel to places, furnish my room, supervise a gathering for the scout group, pinning a date down for the event, and make sure that the kids are doing okay. (Not my kids, the kids that are supposed to be organizing the gathering).

But I have made many good friends along the way, particularly when I am travelling alone. Busy is my life, but the fulfilment is there.

Durian and the Satisfaction It Brings

2008-11-07T19:57:00.005+08:00

I had durian today.

The fruit was not big. A rather small piece of thing, but since I was the only one to have it, the amount was just nice.

Grandpa had it cut up for me. He halved it and left it on the table. He was not taking any, as the time was after dinner. Grandpa was a borderline diabetic, and since his discovery he had reduced all intake of carbohydrates.

The fruit was nice. Just the way I like it. The flesh was off white and creamy, with a slight bitter taste to it. Just my kind of durian. I took almost ten nuts of it, and could not finish with the last three. I put them in the fridge. Someone can have them later.

I am satisfied now, and bloated.

Ah~~~

Frustration

2008-11-06T20:03:00.004+08:00

Sometimes there are so many things in my mind that I wish to say, but the moment I am in front of it, I do not seem to be able to say it right, or even say it out loud.

I am pretty bad with confrontations. Any sort of confrontation, however well I am in preparing it in my mind, will end up with me agreeing to the other party, or being manipulated by the other party.

Sometimes I get so frustrated, my anger boiling at it's boiling point, that all I could do was to kick myself so hard for the pain to numb my other feelings.

I never like being taken advantage of. I have my rights.

I never like being misunderstood. I have my virtues.

I never like being talked badly about behind my back. I have my dignity.

I never like being teased for with my confessions. I have my trust in you.

I will not comply, unless everything have been straightened out.

I will not change my principle, just because you think I should.

I am 28, not 35.

And I don't fucking care about what you think, just because you think that you are better than me.

You can fucking well go to hell with all your lover boys, just don't take me with you.

Do whatever you want with them, but not at my expenses. I will not fucking comply.

Survival Kit

2008-10-18T01:01:00.005+08:00

So, what if one day I were to go into the wilderness?

I wonder what I should be bringing with me?

Here are some suggestions from a friend.

A torch, a Swiss army knife and a blue flame light stick.

Hmmm.....

This blue flame light stick is suppose to be non-toxic and non-radioactive.
This should be very useful in dark places, such as the insides of caves.

More suggestions came in...

Tea leaves for tea breaks, safety clips to hold stuffs, and a deck of cards to pass time...

On top of that, one could still add in...

A cap for sun protection, some pills for flu and a bottle of tiger balm, that works miracles for itch and stuffy nose.

This should keep one safe enough from the terrain...

Mean Rat

2008-09-14T20:04:00.008+08:00

People has always being saying that the older one gets, the more backwards they are from their age. This holds true for my grandmother, who actually got a little black rubber rat and placed it under my bed one day.

It so happened that I was looking under my bed while cleaning the room, and I saw this black little monster staring back at me in the dark.

I was so damn scared just by looking at its size (which looked huge enough to bite), that I went over to the next house to ask for help.

My uncle, a burly big man, came over to my room with a huge staff, and stared under my bed. It took him also some time to decide whether it was real or not.

Finally, he extended his staff under the bed and swept the ugly little thing out from under the bed.

It was just a little rubber toy. But, it did kinda scare the shit out of me. I was afraid that it would bite!!! And imagine the bacterias growing on all its teeth!!!

Nah!!! I'm a mean little creature!!!! Ha ha ha ha!!!!

Learning Material

2008-09-14T12:48:00.004+08:00

How do you remember all the muscles on your arm?

Write it on your arm!!!

The live learning material for biology.

Picture

2008-09-13T20:21:00.002+08:00

I found a very beautiful picture the other day.

It was drawn by an Indonesian artist, and it was hung on the wall of one certain living room.

I thought I might just get a picture like that for my living room too. But, that was just me thinking.

Bad Table Service

2008-09-13T20:09:00.005+08:00

I hated it when the people in the restaurants were careless in their service.

It was considered ill manners to serve food with chipped utensils, to stack the plates up before the guests leave. Recently, I found a new example of ill table-utensil-service.

Giving your guest two chopsticks of different length!!!

Geez, if this was the way a restaurant treated their guest, imagine how they treated the food that was served?

Sze Jun's Wedding

2008-09-12T22:57:00.004+08:00

SJ is getting married this Saturday, but there was a reception dinner on Thursday for all her friends and family back home.

I had the honour of being invited to her wedding dinner that night, and the hen's night the night before.

SJ had been a part of my troop when I was leading it at that time. It still amazes me to see them all grown up with careers and families of their own. I guess I would always consider them like I did so many years ago. :)

Congratulations!!! SJ!!!

May your days of married life be a loving and eternal one.

Me Underwater

2008-09-09T19:58:00.005+08:00

I believe that many people who know me know that I love diving. Well, that could be an understatement. Diving has become a part of my life, something that I do whenever I had the chance, even if it is in the pool.

Wanna see how I looked like underwater?

Ta-da~~~!!!

Guess which one is me?

I came across this old picture while browsing through my archives. This was taken during my trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in December, 2006. I had a great time there. I guess every experience is unique, and this trip especially, since it was the first time that I really did some hard-core diving, to the extend that I was looking more like a worn-out rag than a diving diva at the end of the trip. :P

That was a trip that I was supposed to blog a long time ago. But given the magnitude of it, the greediness in me to try to put everything into my blog, the whole thing got so huge that I finally gave up the whole project.

Well, not really. I decided that if the pictures did not go in my blog, at least they would be displayed to the public to view, at least for my friends, in Facebook. For those who are interested, you can find me in Facebook using my full name. :)

Or, to a lesser extent, in my Friendster's photo album.

For those who had waited for my blog on this trip, please forgive me. I apologize for the delay of nearly two years. :P I hope it could still bring back some good memories of wonderful times back then. It was really a fun time. :)

A New Friend

2008-09-08T00:46:00.005+08:00

I met a new friend when I was in Miri. Cindy introduced us, and I was amused by her name.

Her name is, " Lulu Lu"

Cindy and Lulu Lu

Great name, eh? Never would one have to crack one's head to remember a name like that.

Simple and easy to remember. Her dad is a genius!!!

I was in Miri

2008-09-07T23:40:00.006+08:00

I was in Miri city the week after the Merdeka day (Independence day of Malaysia) to do my first round of calls after joining my new company. It was a week of new exploration and also a time to meet up with my mate from Kuching, who had moved to Miri a while ago.

My Area Supervisor came down with me to show me the ropes and the ins and outs of the place. I was glad that he could make it this trip with me. If not, I was afraid that I would have wasted so much time just trying to figure out who to see and where to go in a very limited period of time.

My Area Supervisor noting down in a map all the important people to see.

Besides my work, I guess the next fruitful event during this trip would be to meet up with my good friend, Cindy, from Kuching.

Cindy has moved to Miri since the middle of last year after having decided that she would come and work for an oil and gas company as an accountant. And, being a true accountant, she is very good with figures.

We had spent many nights with other friends in karaokes and happy hours in pubs before she moved here. Since she left us, the gang soon dissipated and continued on with our own lifes. None of us was really sure whether this was due to her leaving, or us having our own ways to go in life. I guess both played a part.

My first night in Miri Cindy came and pick me up in her new silver Citra. I was surprise to see her in her new car. I had known that she was looking for a car back in December last year, but it failed to register in my mind that she could have bought a car months ago.

Cindy and I went to Halo cafe for dinner. I did not even know that there was one in Miri. Frankly speaking, I was both surprised and not. Surprised because I never thought that Halo would actually thought about investing in a city like Miri and not Kuching. Not surprised because I had always thought of Miri for being more productive in terms of singing cultures and bands.

I ordered spaghetti and Cindy ordered something that looked like nachos, but not entirely a nacho. I was quite doubtful about the food, and hesitated in putting them into my mouth.

Cindy with the spaghetti from Halo cafe, Miri.

There was a stage where young people, mostly students, would come by and sing for the night. There is a romantic notion to the idea of singing in one of the cafes like Halo. It is something that a student would think of doing to be romantic while earning some bucks for the semester.

That night, three boys performed on stage. They looked like they were in their late teens. One of them can actually sing very well. The guitarist seemed to like to echo whatever his other mates had just said. It was rather amusing to listen to them talk.

Cindy and I started to send in our dedications after dinner. It was fun seeing them trying to fish out the lyrics for some of the songs that we had asked for, and others they had to cover with other similar songs, since none of them knew how to sing it. I liked the voice of the percussionist. I thought that he had a better voice.

Cindy and I talked about our friends back home, and how each of us had fared since our departures. She is doing pretty well now, and I am simply glad and happy for her.

Anna W. et. al.

2008-09-01T11:42:00.007+08:00

29 August 2008, Friday

Anna W. came back on Friday, and we went out for dinner that night.

Fridays have always been quite hectic for me, as I will always have to rush for things to be done before the weekend, especially when I have to leave for other places the coming week.

But Anna came back, and she texted me for dinner. I had a lot to finish before the coming week, and three full days of activities waiting for me come weekend, but I just could not refuse her. She had been an angel to me when I was in K. L.

I picked Anna up at around seven from her place. Kelly, Anna's sister, came with us too. I felt that something was up since the moment she told me that she would be back home for a night, but I did not ask much. It was then that she told me her true purpose of being home, and that took the wind out of me.

That was a little dramatic, to take the wind out of me, but literally, I was about to throw up, after the stress of the day, and now this? The excitement had worked my body to the extend of almost vomiting. I will not disclose the true purpose of Anna's reason being home, for she had made me swear to total discretion. Furthermore, what better blackmailing material do I have on her than this?!!! I was more than delighted to know and not to tell. Hehe....

Anna and I had dinner at Bla Bla Bla, which served us huge dishes of chinese food fused with a western touch. I could only managed a small portion of it, and left the others for the rest of the table to finish. Anna was trying to get me to eat more, which I refused. There were two other guys with us, they could take care of that.

The dinner was a long and mundane one. None of us wanted to be there in the first place. I felt like leaving the place just half an hour of arriving there. Friends were waiting for me in another place.

The relief was immense when the dinner was called to an end. Anything to get out of there. Little did I know that it was about to continue on for the rest of the night.

We proceeded to R. K. for a drink. My intention in the beginning was actually to bring Anna along to meet all our old friends from our high school days. Her appearance was meant to be a surprise for them. It did create the impact, but sadly, she was not able to join the gang as her parents were with her as well. Oh, well, I was thinking, let them be. It was not everyday that one gets to be joined by their parents in a pub.

I was sitting with Anna and her parents, upon her insistence. Nick K. texted me from the other side, "You looked so bored..." There was no better description of me then. And my reply was equally boring, "Imagine having to sit with parents..."

"Haha.. Kesian..."

The night ended uneventfully with the parents taking off, and I thought I could steal Anna for another hour or so. Knowing that she needed a break, I took her driving up to the beach. It was dark there, and I dared not leave my vehicle. We sat locked in the car, listening the the quietness of the night. It was a peaceful night, with very little stars in the sky, and the tide far out at the end of the beach.

We spoke very little, listening more than talking. She was fine, a little frustrated and worn out, but fine nevertheless. She needed a break, and the only way that I could think of getting her one, was actually to let nature help her.

We both got home around sometime after two. I cleaned myself up before hitting the pillow. Her last text came in, telling me that it was not in her intention initially to get me involved. But I understood. So, it was not a problem at all, I told her.

Good night, she said, with a smile.

Good night, I said to her. I went to sleep. Tomorrow would be another long day.

Johnny's Going-Away Dinner

2008-09-01T11:15:00.008+08:00

L to R: Ai Fern, Nick K., Wesley, Teresa, Johnny, Edward, Ah Nong, Edward's wife, Lucas, C. S., Valerie, Henry, Kim Leng

28 August 2008, Thursday

Johnny has finally graduated from Swinburne University of Technology from his engineering course.

In celebration of his graduation, and for his time with us in Kuching, the gang met up in Koreana for a joyful dinner.

It was a fun night, and Mrs. Kim, the owner of the restaurant, joined us for a chat too. She is a very wise woman, with deep insight with regards to the current Malaysian society and government. The young ones left the place that night with renewed respect for the lady.

But, at the end of the night, Johnny was still the main character. :) Therefore, Johnny, we wish you a great journey ahead, and don't forget to come pay us a visit anytime soon. ;)

Adios, amigo!!! Best wishes for all!!!

Kids and My Love

2008-08-10T19:28:00.003+08:00

I am a sucker for kids. Alright, I will admit that.

The moment a baby or a cute little thing appear within my field of vision, my head turns as fast as a man would in the direction of a beautiful woman. My eyes will shine like the stars in a clear night sky, and my body will move automatically towards the direction of the cute little thing.

I have no idea why I like them so much. They can be the noisiest and the most demanding of all people, yet one just cannot say no to them when they start to look at you with their pleading puppy eyes.

Not that I have kids of my own. I wonder if my love and perception for kids will change once I do have them? Having kids to play around is fun, but on the other hand, I am not the most patient person in this world. I might not like them that much anymore once I started to have them hanging around me 24/7.

Geez... I guess I might just have one kid in my life then... :)

The Second Month

2008-07-23T10:11:00.003+08:00

Nearly two months into my new job, and I am happy with what I am doing and where I am now. The pressure of the work has not set in for me , as I do not carry the target until after August.

I, however, am gearing myself up for it, not knowing what will it be like once the target for my achievement sets in.

Fingers cross, hoping that I will make it when the time comes.

A New Beginning

2008-06-23T21:00:00.000+08:00

I have finally ended my two years with the previous employment, and currently starting on a new career in sales.

I get a lot of people asking me why do I want to switch to a job like the one that I am having now.

My answers are:

1. I need a new field to further develop myself.
2. I need to make more money.
3. I just want out of my old company.

And now, I am finally in, for three weeks. I did not do too bad for myself for the past three weeks, and hopefully would do better in the coming.

I wish for myself, a grand and bright, happy future!!!

One Bite, One Go!!!

2008-05-09T01:01:00.006+08:00

Some can drink a jug of beer in one breath,
our Leo could do a drumstick with just ONE BITE!!!

Happy Birthday, ML!!!

2008-05-09T00:37:00.006+08:00

It is ML's birthday, and divers all around celebrated it with her on her birthday's eve.

Happy Birthday, ML!!!

The Gang, Bunch of Crazy Divers

The Master and the Protege, same dark skin...

Have a good one this year!!!

August Rush

2008-04-26T22:37:00.007+08:00

Shui came into the computer room the other evening, and asked me to watch this movie that she had in her computer. I put it on, and was immediately mesmerized by the sounds and voices of the movie.

It was like listening to the music talking. You could hear the music telling stories of love, hope and faith. Young Evan Taylor never gave up believing that his parents were dead, and set out on a journey to find them, all the while believing that they were all bonded by music.

Music has always been a second language to me. What I cannot speak with my words, I speak with my music, and the music that I listen to. Words are decorated, but music speaks the raw feeling of the soul. All that you have to do, is listen.

Music is everywhere.
All you have to do, is listen.

Monks in Coffee Bean

2008-04-26T21:32:00.007+08:00

This was in the Kuching International Airport, when I was sitting idly waiting to board my flight. MAS was delaying my flight, and I was rewarded with another two hours of boredom.

I saw two monks walking in my direction and into Coffee Bean.

They have clean and well-shaved head, and spoke Mandarin in an accent which indicated that they were not local.

The waitress serving their customers.

They ordered in English spoken in words and phrases, and their voices were loud and clear. It made me smile, for only those with a bright and open heart would speak with voices like that.

The monk with a white cap was tall and humble. The short monk was a female (forgive me for not knowing how to address a female monk). She was the bold one. :) I knew that from the manner of their speech.

What Is New In LCCT, Kuala Lumpur?

2008-04-26T21:07:00.009+08:00

In LCCT, KL, you get to...

Rest and Relax...

In the new Plaza Premium Lounge

with the welcome and services of a star VIP

At a charge of RM80.00 for three hours per pax.

Hey, you get free food and internet services in there. They even provide you with massage chairs.

Oh, and I think you can get a discount of RM 20.00, if your flight was scheduled at less than three hours away.

Money Changer in LCCT, Kuala Lumpur

2008-04-26T20:59:00.007+08:00

Friends and I were wondering the other day if they had any money changers in the LCCT (Low Cost Cargo Terminal) for Air Asia in Kuala Lumpur.

Apparently, they do, under the operation of Hong Leong bank.

Money Changer in the LCCT, Kuala Lumpur

Chocolates!!!

2008-04-26T20:40:00.010+08:00

I was bored while having to wait for my flight. Cadbury chocolate arranged in a systemic manner caught my attention. The varieties showed, and I took pictures.

They didn't have the one that I liked most though, I love the "Old Jamaican's Rum 'n' Raisins" the best!!!

Where I Went Today

2008-04-18T20:46:00.005+08:00

I went to that blue building today!!!

Manta! Manta!

2008-04-16T19:55:00.004+08:00

Manta Ray Near Talang Besar, Sematan, Sarawak, Borneo.

13 April 2008, Sunday

We saw a pair of manta rays, otherwise known as the devil rays, in Talang Besar!!!

It was near the end of the trip out, and I just got out of my third and last dive. Disassembling my gear, Mui Ling was laughing and dripping with water when she told me that she and CS had just saw a Manta while snorkeling out there.

I jumped at that moment, grabbed my mask and fins and jumped into the water swimming towards the patch of water that they pointed me.

Never was I so eager to see another sea creature as I did a Manta.

It took a few rounds of snorkeling before Edward finally spotted the Manta. I was about to give up looking for the Manta, and had actually started thinking that the Manta might have been scared off by the snorkellers. I was already at the side of the boat when ML asked me if I had seen it. I said no. Then she said to me that the group had just found it!!!!

I clambered out of the water, ML knew that I had no snorkel on, and passed me her mask and snorkel. Almost cursing, I flopped to the other side of the boat and jumped into the water. ML and Kim were both laughing at me.

I finned as hard as I could out there, and when I reached them, they told me that the Manta had gone. But I did not give up, no way was I to give up since I was this close to see the Manta!!!

And then, I saw it. As magnificent as I had always imagined it. A graceful, gliding Manta.

I could not help but felt the rush of happiness running through my veins. I dared not blink for one moment, afraid that at the next moment, it would be lost from my sight again.

And then, I saw them. Two of them!!! One bigger than the other, gliding towards each other at an angle. I was so happy that my heart could burst right there and then.

Following the smaller Manta, I saw it glide slowly towards a school of fish, and swooped in for food. It moved so fast, that for one second it was only a blur.

Slowly, it moved away, gliding as gracefully as nature had made it, and disappeared into the depth.

I have never been so happy to see another sea creature in my life. I just hope that my friend would be able to be there to see it too.

Derailment at Padas River, Borneo

2008-04-10T19:19:00.014+08:00

There was an incident of train derailment in Sabah, Borneo. Two people were killed and 39 injured after the locomotive came off the tracks and plunged into the Padas river.

Photos by the New Straits Times Press

It happened at 3.15p.m. today, and for three hours, rescue divers from the fire department tried to salvage the wreckage for any survivors.

The train operates daily, taking villagers and produces down from the inland of Padas River to the town of Beaufort, and sends white-water-rafters up to their entry point in the upstream.

Outlook of the derailed locomotive in Sabah, Borneo.

A section of the locomotive

The Padas River

The railway runs alongside the river bank.

The train at the end of the railway, near the upstream of the Padas river

Another view of the railway and the river

To think that I was rafting down that very river, and taking the very train more than a year ago.

You can read more about the news here.

Pictures are grabbed from the following sites:

1. Borneo Trekker
2. Matt Wegener

闷

2008-04-10T00:44:00.002+08:00

今天的我，心里面突然一阵郁闷。我知道，是我，也有一点责任。

说了一些话，然一个人把他的心给关了起来。

是我，让情况变得有些隔膜。

其实我也没做错什么。也许我们唯一的错，就是我并不是他一个可以推心置腹的朋友。

不知道为什么，心里会为这件事闷闷的。

Stanley Getting Married

2008-04-07T21:22:00.017+08:00

6 March 2008, Thursday

The day that Stanley got married. In the typical Chinese way.

I woke up late at four in the morning. Stanley said that he would be leaving for the bride's place at five.

I was still groggy and sleepy when I reached his place, which was packed with his family and friends. Even at the wee hour of the morning, the house was bustling with people getting ready to welcome the bride.

I had some breakfast at Stan's place before departing. Stan's mother gave some milo, and I added Nescafe powder to it. That would keep me up for a few more hours later. ;P

There were five cars forming the bride-receiving procession. We rode in a line, and it was quite a scene on the quiet morning road.

We finally reached the bride's place, and the whole lot of us packed the door to the bride's family flat.

Stan looking extremely please and happy on his big day :)

The day had not broken when we were at the bride's door.
Stan had to wait until the family of the bride allowed him to enter the house for the bride.

The "Brothers"

The band of "Brothers" was supposed to be there to support the groom in winning his bride over from the bride's family.

Stan, and his bride, after going through the "Sister's" obstacle

Stan got through the door without much difficulty.
The only thing was that his brothers would have to suffer on his behalf in order to get him into the door. ;P

Stan escorting his bride from her place

When the bride was ready, Stan took Ling's hand and walked her out of her house. Ling bowed to her parents before leaving the house, a sign of respect and gratitute from the child to the parents for all the years and effort in raising her up and caring for her.

Finally, at Stan's place

Stan had brought his bride home.

Stan wrote this calligraphy.
It meant, "Chi Ling and Phoenix reside here"
Chi Ling is a Chinese lucky mascot that represented the male or husband, and Phoenix was the lucky mascot that represented the female or wife.

The new room

The Wedding Lamps

Two red wedding lamps that represented the well wishing of "Forever One Heart".
The lamp was supposed to be light the whole day, or for a couple of days, depending on which culture.

Stan and Ling, Husband and Wife.

Congratulations, Stan. :)

Yau Yau's Wedding Dinner

2008-04-05T22:06:00.008+08:00

Yau Yau and her husband
28 March 2008

Yau Yau came back to organized a wedding dinner for her family and friends at home. She had done one previously in Kuala Lumpur, where she was residing, before coming back here to celebrate it with her family and friends.

I was honored to be invited to her occasion, and had the grace to help her in inviting many others.

The wedding was at the BDC Grand Hall, on the PTPL College. The whole occasion took up the whole school hall, and I was wondering if there might be nearly 600 people to attend her dinner.

Yau Yau talking casually with her friends after the dinner.

It must have been hectic for her, having to entertain the people from both places. But then again, you would want to share it with all your good friends and family, won't you?

Congratulations, YY!!! I just can't believe that you are finally getting married. It feels like yesterday since we last spent our school days together in one class.

Best wishes to you, my friend, and may your days with laced with the grace of God. :)

Friends I Have Not Seen In Eleven Years

2008-04-04T19:49:00.008+08:00

Ee Chia and Lee Na @ the Food Court, The Spring

I never gave much thought about this, but friends of mine from High School just met up last night to have dinner and drinks together at the Food Court in The Spring.

Both Ee Chia and Lee Na I had not seen since I graduated high school. Heck! I had not seen them even before graduation, after we were seperated into different classes after junior high.

Ee Chia just gave birth to a beautiful daughter a month ago, and Lee Na is expecting in another two months' time. Two mothers from my year, and I am still walking around single. :)

Both looked the same as they had a decade ago. Time had not age them, but life had put them into different catogories now. I wish them well in keeping their families. :) I am always happy to see my friends having good things in their life. :)

Anna @ Rain

Anna was from my class too in junior high. She had been quiet in her younger days, and spent her time doing God-knows-what, for she and I had beed seated a distance away, almost a room across. But I had always this memory of me teasing her rather "sad" look, and she would always tolerate me in a big-sisterly way.

Now, eleven years later, she came back from the city, and could nail me back whenever I started teasing her. But at the end of the day, I was the one with the oppotunity of having the last say. Haha!!! I might be a little older than our times in school, but my cheekiness had never failed to strike home. And as we were when we were young, she would tolerate me in her big-sisterly way, with a smile.

It was great to have our friends home.

Get Out of Your Life and Look Around!!!

2008-04-03T16:43:00.004+08:00

A spoilt brat just sat and drank with me two nights ago.

There are times when I tend to forget how naive and self-centered a person can be.

Life is a bitch, and shits around. We are bound to be at the receiving end of all and any sorts of crap to be thrown at us. But that does not mean that we should pick them all up and stink ourselves silly.

When shit happens, just take water and wash them away.

And one should never be angry with life shitting in our pot holes. It just happens, like rain falling onto the roof. Hey, you don't see the roof complaining about a rainy day.

I understand the anger of being unfairly treated, and the feeling of suffocation when one is under the pressure of being responsible for others. You may lashed out at me, with an acid tongue and even ill demeanor, but never forget that you still have yourself and your friends and family around you.

Know the persons who are truly good to you, and take them with you on your journey down. You might need to rest for a while, so rest on the shoulders of your friends. They are strong, and care for you more than you think they do. Trust them to help you, but never expect a particular kind of return, for that would only do more harm to your already tired and torn soul.

Please, take a step back and look around yourself. There are many others who are under the same kind of pressure, yet chose to be strong in the face of trials. Be like them, and you will be happy in the end.

We will all be happy for you.

Open Season Dive, 2008

2008-04-02T22:20:00.009+08:00

It has finally come to the time where the waters in Kuching are suitable for diving!!!

30 March 2008, Sunday.

I was up before the day broke into light. Grandpa sent me over to CS's place, and I was kicking myself behind because I had forgotten that it was the darkest hour and Grandpa was having problems with his vision at night. But he got on safely in his little Honda City. I was relieved.

CS came to let me into his place, all the while grumbling about the early hour to depart. It was, by means of the PADI students who could not do their Open Water Examination the year before, arranged that early so they could satisfy their urge to be submerged. I agreed with him half-heartedly, knowing full well that one hour could make a big difference in outing time, or none at all.

We reached the Sematan jetty a little past 8.30a.m., loaded our tanks and equipments, and was out towards the Talang-Talang islands just before 9.00 a.m. It was a sunny morning, and we were on Adi's new boat. Gotta love it for the space and speed. Though none the faster than a speedboat, it was faster than his previous little boat.

We did our first dive out beside Talang Besar. Ed had ten students to go that day, and I was the assistant that was assigned to be in the water with him. The students were divided up into three groups, all doing different levels of skills, since some of them had done part of it the year before. For two hours, I was in the water with strong currents, fly-away students, and a visibility of 2 to 3 metres.

I did four dives in that two hours, with no surface intervals in between. I knew that that was not ideal, but I had seen Ed doing it before. I wanted to try myself out, so I had asked earlier to follow him in all his dives. He had agreed to it, and that was what I did.

Little did I know that my body was worn out after that four dives. After a surface interval of forty minutes, at my fifth dive, I started to feel the sense of vomitting while herding the students towards Ed.

After that, I asked if Ed had still wanted me in the water, and he said he could handle it on his own, and asked me to abandon dive. I gladly took his advice, and climbed out of the water.

It took me only a while to disassemble my gear, throw them all into my basket, and crawl pathetically onto the tanks lined at the front. There, I lay like a kicked-in-the-belly kitten.

Kim was laughing at me good naturedly about how I was knocked out after five dives.

I was not strong enough yet, but I did my best. That was my best on that day, and I knew, that I would be stronger than that after that Sunday.

Disclaimer

2008-03-25T16:36:00.005+08:00

Please be notified that the Blood Donation Drive organized by the Borneo Scuba Diving and Adventure Centre in Kuching on 23 March 2008, Sunday is not an entity of the "Drive for Live" event.

First of all, the Blood Donation organizer had not approved the inclusion of the "Drive for Live" as part of the Blood Drive event, nor had it been agreed to be included as part of the "Drive for Live" event.

Second of all, the Blood Donation Drive organizer had not approved the use of the name "Drive for Live" to represent them.

Thirdly, the sponsors of the Blood Donation Drive had only agreed to the sponsorship of the Blood Donation Drive.

Kindly be informed.

Thank you.

Blood Donation Drive, 23 March 2008 (Sunday)

2008-03-13T15:42:00.004+08:00

To all Kuchingites and those who will be in Kuching on 23 March 2008 (Sunday),

There will be a Blood Donation Drive, which was organized by the Borneo Scuba Diving and Adventure Centre, in conjunction with its second anniversary on the 23rd of March, 2008 (Sunday).

Please come and bring along your family members or friends to join in the act of giving blood to those whose life depended on it.

Time and Venue will be as follow:

Date : 23 March 2008, Sunday

Time : 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Venue : Borneo Scuba Diving and Adventure Centre (Behind Pen View Inn, Jalan Tun Razak)

Kindly grace this occasion with your kind donations.

Thank you.

Finally, Diving on a Weekend (In the Pool!!!)

2008-03-11T16:16:00.003+08:00

I was down by the pool last Sunday, helping out Edward with his class of students. The weather was everchaging. It sunned and it rained within the seven-hour time frame that we were there. I thought I was alright with that, but no, I came back with a fever and a headached that lasted the whole day the next day.

After nearly half a year of non-diving, my body has lost its integrity to fight the diving environment.

Ed had many students, and many assistants. Some came for the lesson, some came to assist, and some came to assist with no proper skills or knowledge or even --- qualification. I presume that that would not be too unfair of me to say that. I did appreciate such assistance. But, I too, appreciate that the assistance be given in the correct and proper manner. I give the guy the credit for his willingness of share and help, but I would appreciate better if such assisted teaching was given in the right instructions.

We had fun during lunch time. Diving had always been fun. And I discovered that I could do a lot better with my buoyancy that Sunday than my last dive. I was pretty happy with that.

I love diving, and I do not mind that other divers, as long as they are not the gossipy type that talk behind your back and spread rumours. Such is a disgrace to the profession that they represent.

Now, my only problem would be to get myself well enough before Thursday for my interview in Kuala Lumpur. *Fingers crossed*

Simple Musing

2008-03-11T15:35:00.006+08:00

Life is kind of like a game played. You give a little, and hope for a better return. Many times that outcomes are not what we would have hoped to be, surprises seem to rule. Nevertheless, be it pleasant or nasty, a surprise is still something that we would have to learn to accept, to deal with, and later on, move on with our lifes, however it has changed us.

The people that you meet along your way, they are all different. One can never be sure that saying the same thing that pleases this person would bring out the same effect in the other. It takes a lot observation and tact to communicate and deal with every single person that you meet, from your aging grandparents, to your nagging parents, to your indifferent sister, and to the many others in the world around me that did not stop changing.

But it is these everchanging relationships that interests me. An approach, when dealt with in the right way, will yield a positive outcome, or else otherwise. Yet that does not depend on only one party. Relationship is something that the two parties involved will have to be equally responsible of. Not only does one party need to give, the other will need to give as much, if not more, to keep that balance in place. Similarly, the taking plays the same role too. Never take more than what you have given.

There would be times when you will be approached by people with certain foul intentions. Such intentions are mostly substancially visible to all if one would take a step back, and look back into the situation with a cool head. When such situation arises, any sort of assumption will not help with the situation. The best way will be to just sit back, and watch your opponents move. Then, try to figure out the real reasons behind those moves, and plan a protection plan, or a counter attack. Never sit and become a duck for the bullets.

Never fight your opponent according to his strength. Fight in favour of your own strength. Keep your profile low, and never show off to others what you know or what you have. For these may be the weapon that might just save you in the future.

Learn to be humble, and never lose faith. The foremost, never lose hope. Something good might just come out of a bad incident.

For those who has yet to do anything wrong, do it right the first time.

For those who has been wrong, repent, turn around, and do the right thing the next time round.

Never forget what we are, for it is what we are that determines who we are.

31 December 2007: Last Day of the Year!!!

2007-12-31T16:55:00.001+08:00

Last day of the year!!!

I cannot really tell how I feel about this, but hey, it is the end of 2007, and soon 2008 will begin!!!

Another year has passed............. ________________ Wow.....!!!!!

I survived another year!!! =__________="

Okay, I am getting older by the second.

Man, see how much rubbish I am talking here....

Coz it's the end of the year!!!!

I'm not high on booze, I have not even started drinking yet!!!

It's just me being disappointed not getting the chance to go diving on new year's day!!!

Damn!!!

Happy New Year to you all Johns and Janes!!!! May you have another GREAT year ahead!!!

Fed Up

2007-11-28T19:06:00.000+08:00

I have been working late these days, and the work load is starting to get to me.

Don't get me wrong, I still do get my rest, and I get enough of that.

What is getting onto me, is the monotony of my work, and the lack of companion to actually discuss about it.

Yes, I work alone in my place.

I am just starting to get very fed up with my job situation, which seems to be getting nowhere. Whenever there is a problem, I have only myself to handle it. Forget about getting help or support from the head quarter. I am happy enough if they did not give me more trouble to deal with.

Yes, my head quarter does not support their staffs at the other end of the country. Not only do they not provide help nor support, they create more problems and damage for you.

Yes, I not only have to manage my own problem, I have to take and clean up the mess that they create for me.

I am so f****** fed up with all this.

One Weekend Some Time Ago

2007-11-26T23:31:00.001+08:00

I was sitting in front of SOHO one Saturday night, sipping little sips of Black Label from a plastic cup (the pub had run out of glasses, it was a weekend night), while watching the people coming in and out of the place.

This really was an interesting place.

Like my friend Jude once told me,"People come in a couple, or they come in a group. Some come alone. Some come to make a group, some come to be in a group." This was very true for SOHO during weekends. (Jude was actually referring to another pub when he said that, but I guess that was the truth for most places.)

SOHO was packed that night. It was like the whole town of young people were there. The age group that came here each night seemed to be getting younger and younger. Everyone was drinking and laughing like a maniac all around. Yet, I still see a young girl sitting alone by the flower pots in front of the place. It was nearly midnight, and she was looking tired and bored. I guessed not everybody enjoyed the place.

I wonder if the people there were truly happy.

I suddenly felt tired. May be, I should just go home.

People Are Like Sea Urchins

2007-11-14T19:06:00.000+08:00

Let's face it. Life is a bitch, and I am like a sea urchin.

Ever saw a sea urchin before?

Let me put this picture in your mind. It is a circular piece of organism, with spikes as long as 3 to 20 cm all around it's body (test, to be exact, the "hide" of this organism is called test), and it moves around with their adhesive, tube feet around the bed of the ocean. Their colours vary from black to brown, green, olive and dull purple. Some have spines (or spikes, as I like to call it) that are so sharp that they could poke through one layer of 4mm thick rubber into your skin. The tip of the spikes will then be broken off and be embedded under your skin, in certain cases, through your flesh.

These creatures lives in a community. They group together in one colony to keep the predators away. That is how the human community lives, isn't it?

So, now you have an idea what a sea urchin is.

Right, so where do I fit in?

I cannot live without people around, yet I cannot bear to be too close to one.

Get it?

No?

We are all people with our own quikes and quirks (i.e. characteristics, individuality, uniqueness etc. etc.). Our quikes and quirks are like the spikes on the sea urchin. We, our hearts, our feelings, our emotions, or whatever it is that people call it in the similar sense, are like the body in the centre. The body is soft and fragile, and thus is vunerable to any kind of attack.

People are like sea urchins. They cannot live outside the community, for they need one another to keep one another safe, yet they cannot live too closely together. You get stung by the spikes of the other.

So, is it possible for us all to live together, without hurting the other?

Of course!

I stood there on the jetty stretching out from the Pom Pom island that day, and looked at the colony of black sea urchins under the jetty. I saw that each of the sea urchins kept a safe distance in between one another. This way, they are able to keep the community safe from predators, and yet live peacefully with one another.

I guess we all have to learn from the urchins, eh?

Hair Wash, Another Unsatisfactory Job Done

2007-11-07T12:50:00.000+08:00

I was wondering about the area in Crowne Tower (天阁）the day before, and I suddenly decided to have my hair washed.

So, I walked up to the saloon on the top-most floor of the shopping complex, went in and sat down.

The layout of the saloon was not too bad. The main colour was white, which gave the whole area a clean look. Even the chairs were white.

The attendant that came up to me was a boy advancing into his twenties. He had short hair that was dyed wooden-orange, and a pair of dark-rimmed spectacles. He asked what I needed, and I told him that I would like my hair washed.

I was lead to a chair and handed two magazines: "iFeel" and "风采". I was quite alright with "风采", but did I look like I was still a teenager? (Note: "iFeel" was a magazine for teenage girls).

The attendant then asked what shampoo would I like to use, the better "professional" shampoo, or the normal, standard shampoo. As they charged an additional RM 6.00 for the better shampoo, I opted for the normal one.

The shampoo boy was very strong with his hands. I had to tell him twice to stop squeezing my head because it was hurting me.

The wash area was behind the counter, and I asked for warm water. The water mix of the shower tap was not working as well as other saloons, as the hot and cold water were not mixed evenly, and I got periods of cold and hot splashes on my hair.

When it was time to blow-dry my hair, another guy, whom I presumed was the owner, or the stylist of the premise, came to the shampoo boy's rescue. He was doing an awkward job with my hair, tying too much hair up and pulling strands of my hair out.

The stylist was no better. I only asked for a normal blow-dry, straight hair, and he was awkward in doing that too. I noticed that he did not dare to pull my hair down more to straighten the tip, thus leaving it frizzy.

My bangs were done in yet another awkward fashion. I looked really weird in that.

When I paid at the counter, the lady charged me RM 18.00 for such unsatisfactory results. At the side of the counter was a certificate showing that one of the stylist was from Inspirational Alan Saloon. I had to resist rolling my eyes at that certificate. A stylist who could not even do a straight hair well dared to present to the world such certification, or was Alan no better?

The saloon was called McPhee.

FaceBook

2007-11-05T14:12:00.000+08:00

I have finally got myself into FaceBook!!!

Sigh...

Hehe....

When I first received an invitation to join FaceBook back nearly a year ago, I was thinking, hmm... not another "Friendster" or "Hi5" .....

Getting into these networks, it requires one to spend a certain amount of time to maintain it. From updating one's profile, to uploading your pictures, and reading your mails and comments.

Sometimes, most of the mails are junks.

But after a few invitations, I finally relented, and clicked join.

Now I am getting hooked trying to familiarize myself with the new thing, and it is fun!!! Haha!!!!

So, gals and guys!!! See you in FaceBook!!!

Sprained Muscle... Ouch!!!

2007-10-27T12:00:00.000+08:00

I sprained myself yesterday between my shoulder blades while I was about to take a shower. Can you believe that?

I never thought that one could sprain the muscles in between the shoulder blades. But if Dumbledore could be gay, and Harry Potter coming back from death, I guess anything's possible, right?

I took the day off, as I was not able to drive properly with my neck unable to twist at an angle of more than 30 degrees. I am wondering what my boss would be thinking about me taking my day off. But what the heck, he did not think about me when making stupid decisions and asking me to execute them. I felt so foolish.

I'll be home resting.

Annoying

2007-10-15T11:07:00.000+08:00

Miss, welcome to R***!!!

-Nod to the attendant.-

Hair cut?

No, just a hair wash.

Please be seated here.

-I walked over and sat down.-

The shampoo boy got busy with the shampoo and the water.

Miss, we have a special promotion for hair treatment, it's only RM35.00 only. Would you like to try it.

No, thank you.

Miss, why don't you curl your hair?

No, I like my hair the way it is.

Miss, the curl is the fashion now.

No, I'm fine as I am.

Miss, you could try to dye your hair.

No, I'm fine.

Miss, you should try the hair treatment, your hair seem a little dry.

No, thank you.

Miss, it's not expensive, only RM35.00....

Hurgh........!!!! *Roll my eyes*

...........

I am not coming back to this saloon ever again.

Miss, this is your bill.... RM 22.00 your wash.

What!!!

I am SOOOOO not coming back to this saloon EVER, EVER again!!!!

To Love A Selfish Lover

2007-10-13T04:01:00.000+08:00

I am down, and I am back in life.

A friend text me this evening and asked if I wrote that post "Selfish Lover". I said yes.

He said that he knew how that felt like, for he, too, was going through the same process. He then asked if there was any advice for such relationship.

I said I did not know any.

The one and only way to make a relationship work, is for those involved in such relationship to really want it to work.

Nothing can really work if there was no heart (sincerity) and effort.

In any relationship, the most that one could do, could only make up to 50% of the total effort, though that might take 100% of one's effort. The other 50% would depend on the other party.

This is why most that are involved in such relationships will constantly feel insecure. When one's effort exceeds the other, there is an imbalance in the give and take of the relationship, tipping the balance over. The one that gives will eventually get tired of giving, and the one that was given will feel the burden of the giver heavier and heavier.

We can never be sure of our partner unless they truly love us.

Loving someone who only loves him or herself is always and will forever be painful.

Please bear the pain if you truly love that person.

For, if you did not give up, there would still be 50% of chance for success.

Good luck, my dear friend. I hope that you will never abandon the love and hope that keep us all moving forward. May love and hope be with you throughout your journey.

Blog on the Riot in Myanmar

2007-09-28T15:57:00.000+08:00

CNN had reported from London a blog that told about the inside stories of the clashes between the monks and the military juntas of Myanmar.

(Click here for the story by CNN.com)

Ko-htike is a blogger that moved from Myanmar to the United Kingdom seven years ago for his studies. Now, he wakes up at three o'clock in the morning to view through e-mails and photos sent out from Myanmar telling the violence and inhumane treatment suffered by the Burmese people.

Ko-htike said that these people were putting their lives in danger just by doing that.

Few foreign media are allowed in the country. The latest news was that the internet had been cut off in Myanmar.

(Click here for Ko-thike's blog on the Myanmar situation.)

The blog is now calling for the action of foreign aids to help the people and stop the violence in Myanmar, which has been for more than one week now. The monks and the burmese have suffered much.

Selfish Lover

2007-09-26T15:23:00.000+08:00

You know how it is like to be in a relationship, where one of you is always the one to take one step back and let the other has his/her way?

Em-Hmm.. (Sorting through my documents)

Whenever there is a problem, you just do not want to say it out, for you are afraid that he/she would be unhappy, and you fear losing him/her.

Yeah... *I know, I've been through that,*(continuing with my work)

But keeping the problems inside does not solve the problem. Instead, it only adds tension to the relationship...

Mmm... (looking at my documents, *these numbers are wrong*)

With all the problems inside you, you are rigid when you are around him/her, or very quiet, or uneasy, or unhappy. And when you are like this, he/she will be affected. And he/she will feel like running away from you.

(Look up, then look down at my work again)

If you say it out, then he/she will say that you are giving them a lot of burden, and he/she will use that to break up with you.

Sigh...

So, the conclusion is, this is not a healthy relationship. He/she just does not love you that much. Not even enough for you to be yourself, to say whatever it is that you want in front of him/her. Given the chance, he/she will use every little reason to leave you, even petty ones.

These are the people who love themselves and only themselves.

Just let it go, bro.

Repentance

2007-09-24T18:57:00.000+08:00

Does she still call you?

Nope!

Why? What is the problem?

I don't know.

Hmm....

Right. Hmmm...

There will be times in your life, when you meet with people who will become your friend, then your good friend, then you close friend, and all of a sudden, for certain reasons, the two of you become enemies.

Now why would that happen?

It could have been due to those certain reasons, something that you said or did had hurt him/her. It could have been a misunderstanding. It could have been anything.

But whatever the reason is, whatever the mistake is, there will always be a way of resolving and amending. Nothing is unsolvable. And nothing can't not be forgiven. Even the death of Jesus.

I like the part of the bible, where Jesus asked the people who wanted to stone a sinner to death, and Jesus said, "Whoever has not sinned, can throw stones at this woman." Nobody in the crowd dared to throw the first stone.

I know that I have done many wrongs in my life, and that I am still unknowingly (sometimes knowingly, like sleeping in the afternoon when I am supposed to iron my clothes and cleaning my room ;P) making many of the mistakes known to mankind. But I also know that I am not a perfect person, that making mistakes is part of my journey in life, from the beginning to the end. I try to be good, and learn the good. I try to practise them in my daily life, though in many ways it brings a tougher journey than the other.

But I am bound to make mistakes, for I am still young and naive in many ways. There are many things that I am not taught right in the beginning, and I have to suffer on my way with that. For those things that are dark and nasty inside me, life has a way of cleaning it out. Through life itself, it presents difficulties and trials. Through difficulties and trials, it brings growth, cleansing and betterment.

We are a better and stronger person because of what life has to offer to us. Both the good and the bad, they help us to learn and grow strong. I am a better person because of what happened to me in the past. I may not talk about them to anyone else, but they stay in my heart, and I cherish those experiences.

My wish is to do right by my loved ones, my family and my friends. I may make mistakes, and I am bound to, and I will always take responsibility for what I have done wrong, and bear the consequences.

But please do not give up in me. For all the wrongs that I have done, that is the worst punishment.

I am not the best, nor the holiest. I am a commoner, and I am learning, and trying to be good.

Please forgive me for what I have done.

How Can It Be Wrong?

2007-09-23T00:48:00.000+08:00

There are a few things in life that I resent.

One, it is to be taught the wrong values in life.

Two, it is to be taught the wrong attitute in life.

Three, it is to suppress my original self and be forced to become someone or something that fits the "proper" way or behaviour of the community.

There are more, but these are the only ones that I can think of for the time being.

Many of us are brought up not knowing how to think for ourselves. We are taught that if something pleases, then that is the right thing.

We are not taught to stand up or stand by for what is right, but to think about our own benefit and stay the h*** away from any thing that could bring trouble to yourself, even if you know that there was something that you could do to help. Helping is troublesome.

We are taught to be selfish. When there is an accident on the road, slow down only to look, but don't pay any mind to that man laying there on the ground. If you gave him a ride, his blood might just dirty your back seat.

I believe that helping can never be troublesome. How could helping an old lady or a blind to cross the road be troublesome? How could slowing your vehicle for a pedestrian to pass be annoying?

When there is a break-in in your neighbour's house, should you just close you windows and pretend not to see it?

We are afraid of getting involved. We are afraid that if we tried to be the hero, we would get ourselves into greater trouble in the end.

No one is asking you to be the hero. Heroes only exist in the stories and the movies.

I believe that there is always a way of helping people, and turning things around.

Helping will only bring trouble if you did it the wrong or stupid way. Do it right, and you will minimize your risk of getting trouble.

But there will be incident when you help, you will have to pay a little, like letting your back seat being messed up with blood.

There will always be a way to help and contribute, as long as it is done right. If you do it the smart way, the effective way and the productive way, you will never go wrong.

Harmonious

2007-09-20T17:48:00.000+08:00

This is one picture that I love from Madonna and her three children/adopted children.

Each individual is unique, yet there is a sense of comfort in the presence of one another.

Even with differing skin tone or hair texture, love can make us all live harmoniously together.

Happy Birthday!!! Shun!!!

2007-09-20T14:17:00.000+08:00

It is the birthday of a friend, Shun, and I am writing this post to honour this day in which he was born 25 years ago.

He likes to photograph himself. Not a bad hobby, eh?

This is the Shun with the "executive look"

He can be cute at times...

His "specky-look"...

His "poster-look"...

And, His, erm..., "Greek-God look"....

:D HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Shun!!!
May your days be as bright as the sun shines!!! :-)

Pom Pom Island: The Group

2007-09-19T22:05:00.000+08:00

9 guys + 4 gals = 13 in a group

This is us!!!

Pom Pom Island: The Introduction

2007-09-19T20:38:00.000+08:00

Last August, I was very lucky to join the "expedition" group to explore the reefs of Pom Pom Island. Pom Pom is near the Sipadan island. From Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, it took only forty minutes of boat ride to reach the island.

Pom Pom is an island undergoing the process of being developed into a holiday resort. The owner of the resort, Mr. Peter Tiong, bought 30 acres of land on the island for such development.

The resort is still under construction, and Peter gave us a good price to put up in his luxurious resort, with minimal facilities. Though minimal, we had all that we needed to survive, even hot showers at night (but only at night).

Pom Pom island is absolutely beautiful. A haven for all who seeks the tranquility and serenity of mother nature. White sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, smooth like a mirror, and the soft quietness of the island land habitat. This is absolutely the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, to have a moment of peace.

We came here to dive, to explore the reefs all around the island, and we were all in for some "surprises". We did not initially have thought of such situations to be.

The view from the chalet that we spent our nights in. We were having a blissful time as a nature seeker.

There will be more updates of my Pom Pom trip in my following posts. For now, this is only an introduction of what mother nature has kindly and generously offered us. Please stay tuned for more. :)

All pictures in this post are contributed by Monsieur L. Longeau, who takes the most wonderful pictures I have seen. Thank you.

Kudat's Diver Down

2007-09-19T13:00:00.000+08:00

While I was hanging out in Edward's dive shop last night, I heard them talking about one particular diver who was sent to Labuan for decompression illness's treatment. Sources said that this man suffered from decompression illness after an one-hour dive in Kudat. It was believed that he stayed too long at a depth of 50m.

After starting diving myself, I have always being asked this question, "Diving? Is it dangerous?"

When I first attended classes for my "Open Water Diver"'s license, I was told that diving was one of the safest sports in this world. Statistically, there are more deaths and injuries in driving than diving. :) As long as the diver practises all safety precautions necessary, and have respect for the nature, I doubt that anything worse than a coral bite or a cramped muscle would happen.

To me, the only danger in diving is the STUPIDITY and ARROGANCE of a diver.

Teresa's 150th Dive Celebration

2007-09-19T08:31:00.000+08:00

Last night one lot of us gathered in Edward's dive shop to celebrate Teresa having done 150 dives!!! That was just incredible!!!

Congratulations, Teresa!! Hope you keep up that good work, and keep on diving.

Diving is living, living is diving!!! (That's her tagline...) :)

Oh, and she operates the smallest hostel in town...the BORNEO SEAHARE HOSTEL. Only online reservation is entertained. No walk-ins.

The Yoo Couple

2007-09-18T23:06:00.000+08:00

Dr. and Mrs. Yoo C. Y. came visiting 13 September 2007. I was able to take this picture of them in Cafe Cino, Hilton, while having a cheese cake and cappucino. This was the second night of their stay. They left on 15 September 2007.

I was able to ask some questions, which helped me in clarifying some of the issues that was bothering me for a while. It was good to have someone experienced to guide you.

Always respect your elders, even though they may not be as strong as before.

UNIMAS Snorkelling Session (16 Sep 2007)

2007-09-18T13:29:00.000+08:00

I hardly blog nowadays. I could say that I was busy, but in actual fact, not so busy that I had no time to blog. It was just that I was very occupied for a while with other aspects in my life, and when I finally got home, I was just too tired to turn on my PC and start blogging.

But here it is:

Sept 16, 2007

Edward was having some UNIMAS students coming over to Talang-Talang islands for snorkelling session. I went to help out. Most of the students that came were really young, I guessed less than twenty years in age. Both races of Chinese and Indians were there, and like our society, they tend to stick to the group that share their common appearances.

There were not too many divers this week. Just five of them, including one Kenny Sia, a famous local blogger. He came with Lawrence and his wife, both of whom I had not met before. Peggy was friendly, and she was easy to talk to. Lawrence had an underwater camera, but it suffered a leakage on his first dive.

The bunch of UNIMAS students, most of them were girls. Some of them were not very comfortable in the water, and tend to freeze while I took them in turn to snorkel around the area. One such girl told Edward that there were not many fishes, and Edward took her down diving in a coral patch just beside Talang Besar. Girl was stunned by the variety of fishes and their traffic down there. Ed was pretty smug after that.

Clare, David and I climbed to the roof of Adi's boat to boat jump. I just had my snacks and was feeling rather full and lazy. But Clare insisted on going up, so I went with her, with David following. When we jumped, I had a hard time burping myself.

I notice that whenever I was asked to do things that I did not really want to, yet was harmless doing it, I tend to complain like an old lady. I would keep on rambling until the task was finally done. I am just such an old "Lor-sor" (i.e. Someone who talks and reminds people about things endlessly).

The water was clear, thankfully. Visibility was about 5 to 7 metres. But I wonder for how long it would stay like this before the rainy season set in and brought the silt up from the bottom. The climate this year was very unusual. It had been raining really hard during the dry season. No one really knows what to expect for the end of the year.

Alwin

2007-05-23T16:36:00.001+08:00

Dr. Alwin Lee Kim Peng
(1981 - 2006)

Six months has passed since Alwin passed away last Christmas.

I was lazing on the couch on Christmas noon, easing my hangover from the rowdy night before, when I received this sms:

"Dr Alwin just pass away 25/12/06 @10.44am...Thank you. Fr: family"

For two heart beats, I just laid there staring at my phone screen, before it finally dawned on me.

Alwin was really gone.

The few months counting down to Alwin's last moment, I sent him more sms's and called him more times than any other times in college. He was still the same him. A little naughty, and being himself. I guess I regretted a little for not making the trip over to KL to visit him when he was hospitalized. At least WM did make it on one trip, after I told her that Alwin was suffering from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). My case, I had to fly over to his place, and that was not something I was willing to do at that time.

So, I made that up by calling him often, though not everyday, and prayed for him in the nights.

Alwin did a bone marrow transplant sometime in April or May last year, and was for a period at a slightly better condition. He even went home and had supper out in the market place with his family once. But AML was no easy disease. Every single effort was needed in order to fight it. It was one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancy that killed young people who was diagnosed with it.

Eventually, Alwin stopped replying my messages. He was getting too weak to even type a message on his cell phone.

I was getting more and more worried as the day passed by.

I kept another of his sms in my phone:

"still having discomfort & in hospital! will email u my progress later! dun call me now! can pray for me?"

It just broke my heart to read it.

Then, at 23 December 2006, I remembered another sms that told of him going into a coma. It was then that I knew that it won't be long.

Two days later, Alwin passed away.

Rest in peace, Al, and I hope that your stay here was good.

Heat

2007-05-23T15:21:00.000+08:00

I looked to the sky, and saw that it was greyish blue. I guess it would rain this afternoon.

I hoped that it would rain.

I had been having some heat spells for the past few days. My voice had changed due to that, and I kept feeling lazy and tired in midday. I never liked that.

During the days when I was in the U.K., Summer was the time when I spent the least time sleeping, for the day was long in summer. I could be up at six in the morning, and kept going on with life until eleven in the evening, yet not feel the slightest bit of tiredness.

Back here in Kuching, the heat really got to me, especially during the dry season.

One other thing that I did not like about the dry season, was that the neighbouring country would burn their jungles at this time. That was to prepare their land for a new year of planting. Burning of the land at such big scale, caused the whole region to be enveloped in smog and haze.

I hated that. Still do.

Let's just hope that I'll survive through this period once again for another year.

Talk

2007-05-21T23:46:00.000+08:00

I know that this is a little bit out of the blue, but.. I'm MARRIED!!!

Nah~

Never mind what I just said, the thing is, I'm happy. A little bit bordering blissfully happy. Well, may be not there yet, but I'm working my way there.

I have taken some of my weights off my shoulder and out of my heart. So, that gives me more freedom to move around. Or, should I say, I am just glad that I got what I wanted to say off my chest now.

Previously, I had been burdening myself with all my own thoughts and my emotions. With everything bottled up in me, I give myself no space and no air to breathe in. Not talking is most certainly not healthy, the same goes with talking too much. :)

But now, I have had my chance to talk, and to get those things of me, I am most definitely feeling absolutely happy.

I like to talk. It keeps the relationship healthy. But only with a few conditions that you are able to speak the truth, with no emotional or any other form of biases, and that you speak from your heart. Put the person you are talking to in front of you, and think about that person when you talk. Remember, the purpose is to get your point(s) across.

Talk and try to make that person understand, but don't expect him or her to fully grasp your meaning or your heart in one moment. Sometimes, we all need sometime before we could fully recognize another's journey and heart.

Thank you for talking to me, or should I say, letting my talk?

The Truth

2007-05-21T23:39:00.000+08:00

This was a blog that I had written on March 11, 2007, in my friendster account. Enjoy reading, people!!!

I have been reading the blogs of my friend, and I am quite surprised by the things that he/she writes.

There are blogs where people will just complain and complain, and there are blogs where people will just talk about their emotions with no concrete details. These are the blogs that won't usually attract any readers, apart from their inner circles.

I like blogs where people talk honestly about their lifes and their thinkings. Everyone is entitled to their own feelings. As long as one talks honestly, that would still be better than the sweetest lies in this world, though most of the time, the truth is a bitter taste worse than that of a bitter gourd. The truth would sting. But it would always be a thing that push a person to better himself.

I opt for the honest truth, brutally honest. I like to believe that people like Eminem succeeded because their songs were the real life painting of the society that he lives in. Although ugly, it is still the truth, and that is what all of us is looking for. The truth.

Oh well, I guess the other thing that turns me away from a person's blog, is that those blogs are written in English so bad, that it just hurts to read them. No offense to all, but I just cannot stand it when people would just ignore the simple rules of grammar and go, "I is..."!!!

Forgive me for saying it out loud, but this is the truth, and it is better than the sweetest lies in this world, is it not?

Sibu

2007-04-30T00:08:00.000+08:00

So, I had been up and into the town of Sibu. It was not all that bad. I mean, I did get to see my friend, the one from KL, and see another friend, that one was from Kuching, and finally, I got to make myself a new friend.

The story went like this.

It was finally Saturday morning, and I was all packed to go to the airport. It was silly of me, though not unfortunate, to think that my flight leaves one hour before the actual time, and arrived at the airport two hours earlier. I rushed to the check-in counter thinking that I was late, yet was absently wondering to myself why were there not more people checking in.

It was only when I went down to the lobby for a cup of coffee and some breakfast, that it hit me. My flight was not until an hour and a half later!!!

I took my time having my sandwiches, and reading the free "Eastern Times". They had it at the AirAsia check-in counter in the Kuching International Airport. Nothing very prominent or outstanding for the day. After a while, I got bored reading it.

I roamed around the area for some time, and took some effort to find the Mandarine fish in the tropical aquarium set in the departure hall. I could not see it. Morning was not their time of daily outing.

I was walking down the corridor towards my boarding gate when a girl seated to my left lifted her arm and waved enthusiatically at me. I looked at her and registered a familiar face, yet recognition failed me. She had a big smile, and a girlie character. I sat down beside her, out of politeness, and started talking.

The wonder of small talks, is that it allows you time to search through your mind the net of people connections, finding that one key name or identity, yet not offend the very person that you are having a animated converstation with, as though you know her from the very first minute your eyes are set on her. Ah, the art of communication, it never fails to save relationships!

Anyway, We were talking, and she found out that I was alone on my trip to Sibu, with no car to take me into town. This kind little lady offered me a ride down to town with her father. I was absolutely blessed!!! Why, thank you very much!!!

So, down into town I went with her family, in her wonderful white Toyota. It took her parents some effort to find the place where I was supposed to stay for the night. But we finally found it. And her father was absolutely kind and helpful, even reminded me to call them if I ever needed anything. Thank you, again. :)

The teacher of my friends came to the door and let me in. I looked at her and raised my eye brows. Teacher in her teacher's outfit. It took a little getting use to.

We sat around for a while, and she took me out for lunch at one of those kopitiam in the town centre. We ordered, and talked about life and people back home. It was nice, sometimes, to be able to just talk, a little deeper, a little more quietly.

We went for a hair wash later on. It was her favorite way of passing time. Oh, no, to her, hair washing was not a pass time for her. It was a neccessity. It was a part of life itself.

We were bewildered though, for that particular saloon that we went to, had their customers laid down for a hair wash. Imagine that.

The girls that did our hair talked to us, and asked us where we were from. I said that we came from the jungle. Teacher started to shake her head when I started my story. I told those girls the very details of my home origin, and Teacher would just sigh with a laugh and shake her head. Later on that evening, Teacher would tell me that I was really fooling people around. I retorted, asking her whether there was one word of a lie that I told those girls. Teacher was silent for a moment, and finally said no. I did not lie to those girls. I was just merely having some fun of our own with them. Harmless little fun.

That evening, we had dinner at a restaurant near the bus terminal. It was good, but the meal was too large for just two. We did not complain. Teacher was happy eating. I was just being careful not to overeat and had myself a stomachache later.

On our way back, my other friend, this one from KL, whom I came all the way down to meet, had finally called. She wanted me to come to her hotel to spend the night with her. And I was glad later that I did not, for I had to share a single bed with her, and a room with two other women.

Furthermore, it was late, and Teacher was tired. I could not possibly ask her to send me back into town just to meet her. That would just be too unfair and inappropriate.

I mean, respect me a little. I had come all this way, and you had not spare a single minute for me, nor the effort to arrange for the meeting, even accused me of not making the effort to meet up. What do you expect? Me to be your on-call friend and come to you only when you please?

So, We got back, showered and changed, and sat lazily in front of the TV. Teaher was sleepy. So, I asked her to go to bed.

We went to bed. I slept on the floor in a sleeping bag. I could not sleep the whole night. I listened to the dogs howled thrice in the night. The third time they howled, I knew that it was morning.

I spent only an hour an a half with my other friend the next day. Then, I asked Teacher to send me to the airport. So, there, my Sibu trip ended.

But it was not a lost. I spent quality time with a quality friend. I met another friend on my way back, and I totally allowed myself to relax during this whole trip. I mean, since I was there, might as well make it into a holiday!!

I was happy. Things may not alway work in your favour, but learn the art of turning the stakes around and make things work towards your advantage. Be open, and be smart. Life is beautiful.

In the end, I gained more than I thought I would lose.

Virginia Tech Shooting

2007-04-20T22:51:00.000+08:00

It was a shocking news to hear about the shooting spree in Virginia Tech.

33 deaths, including the shooter, Cho Seung-Hui himself.

This was a piece of saddening news. This is a maddening world.

But as quickly as the incident came, the whole issue ended as abruptly. For one moment, the whole world was looking at the shooting. Now, there was not even one article telling the aftermath of the event.

Oh, well. Life moves on.

But, my heart goes out to those who have lost someone to the shooting. I dare not say that I understand what it is like to lose someone you love in a split second, but I try to feel for you.

Please be strong, and may God blesses those souls lost.

Stupid

2007-04-10T22:12:00.000+08:00

You know how it was like when you had done something really stupid, yet there was no turning back? And while you were feeling stupid all the way, someone came along and started to laugh at you. That, made you felt even more stupid and the act worthless.

I had just paid RM200.00 for a trip down to Sibu, for less than 24 hours in town, to meet a friend. A friend who had been a mate to me during my time as a houseman in Kuala Lumpur.

I know that she is my mate, and that we have spent some really good times together. But that does not mean that she could use our friendship to threaten me to go into town to meet her.

I mean, it takes money and a day of leave to do just that.

Furthermore, she could be so busy with work that she might not have the time to really talk to me.

Now, I'm feeling really stupid.

To Trust, Or To Believe? What Should It Be?

2007-04-05T01:05:00.000+08:00

I have not been here for a month. My life has been busy, busy picking up things where I have left them before. Old friends to gather, new friends to meet, and my work. Everyday starts with me picking up the unfinished ends of yesterday and continuing with what should be done for the rest of it, and starting the whole cycle all over again.

Once in a while, something new would pop up. And that would most certainly disturbed your routine.

These surprises, they could be pleasant, or not.

But whether they were angels, or devils, they most certainly would leave you with a mark. Something for you to remember them by, be it a spot where you smiled at once you laid your eyes on it, or a scar that was just too ugly to bear sight.

Some scars may be ugly, but they are your medals that honour your growth and maturity. Some scars are just there because you chose to trust the wrong person.

I do not trust easily. People lie. This is a plain fact.

Never trust easily, nor fully. Always leave some space in between so you will have time to bulk. This was my lesson.

But once in a while, if it appears in front of me, I will choose to believe.

And once I believe, I hold on to it fast, and will never let go.

Trust and believe. They are not the same.

I may not trust a person's character to accomplish certain things, but I believe in the good in him, that he is capable of being kind to others.

It is hard to trust, harder still to believe. Yet believing can be so easy, the moment that you see it, you will know what to believe in.

It is hard to trust, but believing makes things easier. At least it makes living with that person more bearable.

有关距离的一篇书

2007-04-05T00:45:00.000+08:00

不知道这是谁，从朋友的部落客找到的。觉得他那关于距离的文章有趣，所以特将那篇文章连接过来，请各位看官读读：

http://lyh79.blogspot.com/2007/03/blog-post_30.html

Something New

2007-02-28T09:16:00.001+08:00

It was like deja vu...

I called up a friend's mother the night before, and she told me things that were scarily similar to what I had been going through for these past few days, without me telling her about my life.

And the night before I was with another friend, who talked to me all things regarding the spiritual side of the human being.

So now, I am making more friends of the spiritual aspect?

Oh well, it is just another phase in my life. At least it's interesting. Something new.

Burnt Out

2007-02-27T17:08:00.000+08:00

I came into work, gloomy to say the least. It was the tenth day of Chinese New Year, and I started to feel rather tired of my recent life.

Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely blissfully happy this Chinese New Year. It has been ten years since our lot graduated high school. Though we are able to meet a few of our friends in between these times, we do not get to see everyone.

Best of all, I get to make new good friends, many of whom are only "pass-by-give-you-a-look" kind of friends when we were in school.

Life is very interesting and fulfilling in it's own way, isn't it?

I am happy, to say the least.

But it has been nearly a full ten days of late night outing, and I am burnt out.

I need a break, guys. Real nice to see you all, but thankfully, you guys are all leaving these few days. No hard feelings, but I will still cherish the moments that we spend together, and your love and heart for me.

Please be safe and take care, wherever you are, my mates!!!

Rag

2007-02-27T09:37:00.000+08:00

I woke up this morning, and suddenly things became clear to me.

There were times when I spent too much time and energy doing things that reared no outcome. Yet I chose not to believe in that reality. I like to believe that with my effort, I could change things.

It was great to be able to think like that, and sometimes, things really did change if enough effort and time were invested.

But that does not work for every case.

A piece of torn clothing, however you mend it, will never be the same again, however much you wish it to be.

Reality hit this morning, and I finally decided to let it go.

I will have many more new clothing in the future, though this may be my favorite one, once torn, it will have to go.

Class of '97: Tenth Year Reunion

2007-02-26T19:23:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, without realizing it, time most certainly flies. Everyone has their own lifes to live on. But once in a while, some of us would slow down and start to think: How far have we all come?

Ladies and Gentlemen!!!! This is the night of the Tenth Year Reunion for the Class of '97, from the ever famous KHS!!!

It started one night when one of us had a little drink, and started to think about old friends and old school mates. It was then when he decided to have an occasion when everyone of us would gather together and have a wonderful time.

It only took him less than a minute to make that decision, a night to find four others to help him with this project, and less then three months to get eveything ready and everyone invited.

So the date was set on the third night of Chinese New Year, and the invitations sent out. By word of mouth this piece of news spread far and fast. Before Chinese New Year, we all received the news.

It was an anticipated occasion. Who would have thought, we had all graduated high school for ten years.

It was a wonderful night. We have a wonderful crowd, and a wonderful moment. Each and everyone of us is a jewel on its own accord. The night shone because of each and everyone of us.

This was a night of renewed friendship, a night when we said thank you to our teachers who were now older and wiser. A night where we see old faces with a new heart. A night where people are just glad that we were all there.

Blue-green was the colour of the night

Long-found Friend: Janet, you looked fabolous!!!

My pal, someone who took me in like a brother.

And a friend who cares a lot... I thank you... :)

The bunch of sweeties

And the bunch of naughties...

I guess no one would believe that one of us was a teacher retired just a few years ago...

And this, dear all, is the lovely son of the Kho's!!!

Don't we just look good with each other??? Ha ha!!!

Valentine

2007-02-15T02:01:00.000+08:00

It's valentine's day, and it started me thinking.

What was the purpose of valentine's day?

They said that it was a day to celebrate the love between two people. I do not object.

They said that it was a day to show your love to your loved one. I do not object.

They said that it was a day to take you love one out for a candle light dinner. Yes, that's romantic.

But was all that necessary?

Who said that one must send red roses to their valentine on this day?

Who decided that one must have dinner in a dimly-lit room with forks and knives with their valentine on this day?

Does it mean that the more roses that one sent, your love for the other is bigger or of more value or richer?

Don't get me wrong. I still blush with happiness whenever I receive flowers on this day, and smile at myself whenever I think of that someone. It's the little gimmicks like this that keep the love going.

But was that all necessary?

Here I am, sitting in front of my desk, looking at the flowers that I received in the day, yet only the feeling of tiredness and dread envelop me.

These flowers are dying. And I hate them.

Red roses are turning into black petals. Dark and ugly.

Until someone called me nearly one in the morning, and came to my place with a bunch of roses.

They were pink, fresh, and pure. They bloomed with the heart of the giver.

And I was happy. Not because I received flowers. But because someone still cared enough to know that I was alone on valentine's day and came to me, even though it might not be valentine's anymore.

I may still be alone. But I have friends who cared. Enough to search the area at midnight to get flowers and make the journey to my place. Friends who love me enough to take care of me in such a sense.

Never my lover, yet today, he was my valentine.

I thank you.

I may be alone, but my heart is warm.

Guys, people, I love you all!!! Happy valentine's day, and may all your days be as sweet as valentine!!!! Cheers!!!

50th Dive

2007-01-29T19:48:00.000+08:00

I just realized that I have done exactly fifty dives within a year of gaining my PADI Open Water!!! Wow!!!

I have never imagined that I could actually do it. I mean, it was not even in my mind to try out diving two Octobers ago. But now here I was making fifty dives in less than a year, I should probably give myself a good pat on my back!!! Ha ha!!!

Not that it was anything to babbled for many respectable, hard core divers, but it was a significant milestone for me.

Cheer, guys!!! I did fifty dives in ten months!!! Ha ha!!!

Diving in a Cave

2007-01-29T18:06:00.000+08:00

A few of us went diving in a cave somewhere in the area of Bau, Kuching the day before. Yes, we dived in a cave. A high-ceilinged cave, with a small body of water from the entrance halfway into the cave. This was no cave diving in the normal perception.

It was raining heavily in the morning before we went up to the cave in four vehicles. Some were worried about the weather, some were worried about the darkness underwater, some were worried about the cold water, but mostly, at least for me, I was more worried about the mountain rush of flood that was known to sweep people away.

The rain stopped when we reached the cave, which was situated off road, some distance away into the bushes. There was a trail for a single car to pass through, which was both rocky and muddy. Trees and underbushes had overgrown over the track, hitting the windscreen everytime we passed. I drove my Pajero as slow as I could, while CS and Angel chatted. Angel was all bubbly with excitement. It had been a while since I last saw her this elated.

We parked in a small clearing just outside the cave. Then, we changed and got our gears ready. I was a little slow and unorganized. It had been two months since I last dived. You get a little rusty after a while.

The cave was a lime-stoned cave, with high-rising walls that reached about eight metres in height. The walls were rough and red, with different rock formation. When light was shine upon them, it glittered with gold colours. It was once a gold mine.

The water was right at the entrance. When disturbed, the sediments at the bottom would muddied it. The sediment particles were red, like the walls. They were not exactly mud, nor sand, or even silt. I would just call them red sendiments for the time being.

With our fins and torch in hand, we wadded into the cold water. David was our guide, and he brought us in. Everyone was rather disorganised in the first place. It was dark, and the visibility rather bad. Everybody tried to stick together, which in the end caused us all to bump together, like a school of big fish.

The water was swallow, 4 to 5 metres deep at most. Thus, it was important that we keep ourselves buoyant and not disturbed the sediment bed. Lights were shining everywhere from torches and camera flashes (we brought underwater cameras). There was nothing much on the bottom except for rocks and sediments and a few near transparent fishes. These fishes were so small and thin, that it made you think of those who were never fed enough. The fishes were non-responsive when the lights were shone on them. They were either not used to having to run from danger, or they were just too starved tired to give you a damn.

It was not long before we came to the end of the water body in the cave. From the shore up it was another long passageway deep into the darkness. We could still see light from where we entered the water. There was a bend halfway down the cave, but it was not so steep that it blocked out the light.

The few of us took a few pictures at the end of the water body before we submerged again and dived our way back. We were getting colder by the minute. At one point, my light went out. It was not just mine. A few of us suffered the same fate underwater. The light would come again when we surfaced, and off a little while later underwater. We were guessing that it was the cold that turned the lights off.

This was not exactly cave diving. But it was really a unique experience, and a good introduction if one was interested in cave diving. I won't mind trying another cave dive, but not this cave anymore.

Filler Post, Again...

2007-01-15T13:31:00.000+08:00

My internet connection have been compromised with some problems with my computer back home. Therefore I was not able to update my blog as often. Furthermore all my pictures of Sipadan are in my PC back home. So, for Sipadan updates, no known date yet.

Life is still pretty much the same, except for the part that I will have to wait until at least March to start diving again. Working, eating, sleeping, hanging out with friends... that is pretty much it. My life.

One thing to note though, my sister just came back for holidays two days ago. She looked the same, although slightly tired. All the traces of late nights and hectic schedule, exposing themselves on her features.

Me, I'm at work now. And have to stop here. There is this one guy who likes to talk a lot and he's bugging me with all his TALK!!! Hey, I'm trying to concentrate here!!!

Oh boy, that's all for now.

Filler Post

2007-01-10T14:16:00.000+08:00

It has been a while since I last updated. Life has been busy, what with my work and my family. I guess being busy means that it was time-fulfilling, yet that should not be the reason to neglect some of the things important in life, like your family and friends.

I was in Johor Bahru for a day and three nights. Imagine that.

It had been almost four months since I last went there. The last time that I was here, I received a shock that made me more wary about making friends round and about. Things that you just cannot predict from a person, they are crazy and they make you crazy. However, having said that, I am pretty much a crazy person too. I make a lot of people go crazy. Haha!!!

Well, that's update for now.

Sipadan update will be coming soon.

Happy New Year!!!

2007-01-03T14:21:00.000+08:00

I got myself wasted on Christmas eve, so I decided to go sober on New Year's eve.

But heck!!! I still managed a few drinks!!!

I mean, com'mon, it's new year's eve!!!

The place that I went to was absolutely crowded. It was barely 10 p.m. and the pub was filled!!!

But I was getting bored. I mean, the place and crowd were alright. My friends were there, and there were familiar faces from the front to the back. No, the place was right. The crowd my crowd.

It was the waiting that brought me down. But that was not truly the main reason why. I was already bored even before I went to the pub.

What happened during the celebration on Christmas eve was very downheartening, and I just hated it when things got complicated, especially when it came to having fun.

Fun is a simple thing. If it complicates things, then I would rather not have it at all.

Call me boring, and call me extreme, I would rather stay away from all that.

So, I kept my crowd simple on new year's eve. A few close friends, and a familiar place. I want a trouble-free night of celebration!!!

So I did.

Thanks, guys, all of you, for being that good and fun bunch!!! I really appreciate it, and was happy and relaxed. I knew that I did not exactly get my head all in for the fun, but it was so much better than my Chirstmas eve.

So, once again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I'm glad that I get to welcome the new year with you all. May you all have a wonderous, blessed and fruitful year ahead!!!

Cheers!!!

Twin Watches

2006-12-26T23:30:00.000+08:00

Some months ago, I met this girl whom I noticed wore the same watch as mine. It was cartainly a surprise, seeing a watch similar to mine on the wrist of another, although it was of a different colour.

I mean, what are the chances of that?

So, I asked for our two watches to be photographed together, with the addition of our rings and our mobile phones. She graciously complied.

If you take a very good look at the two watches, you will notice that they portray the two very different characters of its owners. One of them indicates the time in the 24-hourly fashion, while the other chooses the a.m./p.m. style.

Even the mobile phones indicates time in a very different manner. One chooses the digital display, while the other is an analog clock.

With four different time displays, four different times were displayed.

Rock Climbing: My Climb

2006-12-20T21:18:00.000+08:00

Previously, I talked about the people and the place of rock climbing. Now, this is the real action!

I did three climbs that day. We all did three. We would get ourselves mounted to the rope at the harness, and start climbing.

The first two climbs were for us to get a feel of what rock climbing was. The wall that we climbed was refered to as the "Baby Wall". It therefore had a lot of holes and cracks for us to get a firm grip for support.

The third climb was just inches away from the "Baby Wall", yet it was a much harder climb. The nearer you were to the top, the less cracks or holes there were for you to grip. It would then require more skills and strength to climb it.

This was me getting a feel of sitting on a harness.

Learn to trust the rope, they said.

When I was ready, I started my climb.

Concentration and focus were both very important to get you up there.

This was me halfway through my climb, and looking down at the world below.

Eunice was my belayer when I was climbing.

I had reached the top of the "Baby Wall". Yeah!!!

Now this was me during the much harder climb. I was then one third the distance away from the top.

During that climb, I was too exhausted at some point to continue my climb. Therefore, I sat in my harness and took a breathing break.

Malcolm was my belayer then, and he had to wait patiently for me to gain my strength back. Poor guy...

Me trying to get a good right foot support, while wiping myself with my sleeve.

Now, I had to wedged myself in between the rocks, for there was no more holes or jutted edges for gripping.

Me moving out of the hanging rocks, and trying to move up.

Almost at the top, but still a few inches away...

This was me after the climb. Kim said that I looked like a kid monkey.
What do you guys think?

Rock Climbing: The Coaches and The Gears

2006-12-19T20:15:00.000+08:00

Rock Climbing is considered as an extreme sports. With extreme sports, you will need to be extremely cautious while you are at it. Therefore, one must always have in mind that the priority is SAFETY!!! For you will always want to walk back on your own two legs in one piece.

The two coaches, Malcolm and Eunice, taught us all about the uses of ropes, belaying devices, knots, and ways of climbing.

Eunice and Malcolm, with Bailey at the back.

They are helping Bailey to dismount after his climb.

(Sorry, guys, this is the best pic that I could find for the two coaches)

First of all, you will need a good pair of climbing shoes.

One good pair of climbing shoes will provide you with a good grip on the rocks.

Ropes are a must.
They said that climbers did not worship the rocks, but the ropes!!!
Then, there is the Gri Gri, which is a belaying device that allows the Belayer to hold onto the leader while he/she is climbing.
Finally, there is the climb harness, which is worn around the waist and thighs of the climbers.
This is so that if the climber falls, the ropes and all devices attached will prevent the climber to fall to his doom.

This was Eunice and Malcolm preparing our climbs.

Malcolm demonstrating the ways to climb the wall.
Trust me, guys, this was no one easy wall to climb.

Malcolm supporting himself with his two opened legs.
There were no cracks or holes for him to support his legs.

Malcolm reaching the top.

Malcolm hanging and talking to us from the top (of the world).

Malcolm, getting ready to come down.

These were us, all watching in awe...

Rock Climbing: Lesson I

2006-12-19T19:40:00.000+08:00

Teresa organised a rock climbing lesson for some of us divers the other day, and the lesson was on 17 December 2006, Sunday. There were only six of us, which was pretty much sufficient for a session, given that only one person could climb at any one time.

The climb took place at the Batman Wall, which was about 100m away from the Fairy Cave of Bau. It was named Batman Wall by some Aussies some time ago because during then, this place housed a lot of bats.

We each did three climbs that day, and was coached by two very wonderful coaches, Malcolm and Eunice. They will be in my next post.

For now, I would like to introduce to you, my lovely team mates!!!

A Tat, Bailey, Me and Ah Hii

Bailey and Ah Hii were both very kind to offer me a ride up to the caves.

Thanks so much, Guys!!! You Both Rock!!!

This is Teresa, the leader of the pack!!!

She is one of the coolest girl I have ever met.

Our group photo
Back, from Left: Bailey, Ah Hii & Malcolm
Front, from left: A Tat, Teresa, Karen, Me & Eunice

The Journey, My Life...

温度计

Positive Thinking

三好，三好；生好， 生好

Before Cycle Meet

Waiter Rant

It's a Sign Board

Tea Time in Bintulu

A Preliminary View of My Bedroom

女人，女人

1。 女人是水做的。

2。 水可以载舟，亦可以覆舟。

所以, 女人亦可以载舟，亦可以覆舟。

女人， 女人， 何苦为难女人？

Could You Imagine?

MIndless rambling

Earth Hour

28 Million Scouts to Mobilise for Earth Hour

Stubborn or Hard-Willed?

It's Two Different Things!!!

Fake Tattoos

Dr. Fish

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Oh~ Just Another Blog of the Day...

Durian and the Satisfaction It Brings

Frustration

Survival Kit

Mean Rat

Learning Material

Picture

Bad Table Service

Sze Jun's Wedding

Me Underwater

A New Friend

I was in Miri

Anna W. et. al.

Johnny's Going-Away Dinner

Kids and My Love

The Second Month

A New Beginning

One Bite, One Go!!!

Happy Birthday, ML!!!

August Rush

Monks in Coffee Bean

What Is New In LCCT, Kuala Lumpur?

Money Changer in LCCT, Kuala Lumpur

Chocolates!!!

Where I Went Today

Manta! Manta!

Derailment at Padas River, Borneo

闷

Stanley Getting Married

Yau Yau's Wedding Dinner

Friends I Have Not Seen In Eleven Years

Get Out of Your Life and Look Around!!!

Open Season Dive, 2008

Disclaimer

Blood Donation Drive, 23 March 2008 (Sunday)

Finally, Diving on a Weekend (In the Pool!!!)

Simple Musing

31 December 2007: Last Day of the Year!!!

Fed Up

One Weekend Some Time Ago

People Are Like Sea Urchins

Hair Wash, Another Unsatisfactory Job Done

FaceBook

Sprained Muscle... Ouch!!!

Annoying

To Love A Selfish Lover

Blog on the Riot in Myanmar

Selfish Lover

Repentance

How Can It Be Wrong?

Harmonious

Happy Birthday!!! Shun!!!

Pom Pom Island: The Group

Pom Pom Island: The Introduction

Kudat's Diver Down

Teresa's 150th Dive Celebration

The Yoo Couple

三好，三好；生好，生好

1。女人是水做的。

2。水可以载舟，亦可以覆舟。

女人，女人，何苦为难女人？