Crazy Little Thing Called ♥

The Footstool Players were as good as ever. I had tremendous joy watching them perform for God and the message in each skit impacted me. The title of the play was 'Crazy Little Thing Called L.O.V.E.'. So many different kinds of representations of love and the ways love conquers all arguments and conflicts were shown. It was really touching. I did not cry but that does not mean I am hard-hearted. I rarely show any signs of emotion unless if it's too overwhelming. A confession to make though: I did cry when I watched Titanic for the first and second time.

I wrote a story of a blown-away nest today with the inspiration credited to my mom. Here is how the story goes with some values that are worthy for imperfect humans such as us to learn. This story is based on a true story but I must clarify that although I am writing in the first person's point of view, the one who really saw the nest was not me. It was definitely someone else I am so closely acquainted too whose identity you could have guessed by now if you had paid attention.

An Ending Of Tragic Story Is The Beginning Of A Beautiful Story

I don't know since when, but as I opened the window one day, I saw a bird nest which is not in the least beautiful hanging in the coiled wire of the tv aerial. It first appeared to be a tiny little thing but as the days went by, the sparrows worked hard on it and it materialised into something that was capable of holding little nestlings. The story should have a happy ending with the Papa Sparrow and Mama Sparrow living with their young but it was not so. A few days later, nature took its course and sent a strong wind towards the direction of the tv aerial and poof, blew the nest away, which probably housed some eggs of the nestlings-to-be by then. The nest was gone in a blink of an eye.

Humans like us might overlook the tiny details around us as we are so caught up with other things claimed to be more major. Who cares for blown-away nests and pathetic birds anyway, some of you might say. If only we would stop and observe into the lives of others, not only the lives of other people but also the lives of species different from our own, we might be able to learn a thing or two from them.

Just like the sparrows, we work hard to gain or attain a higher level in life. The sparrows build nests for protection from rain or shine and also to be made into a home for their family. Day after day, they collected dust, hay, hair and other materials they could pick up from the ground to form their future home. The strong wind was something unexpected that destroyed the fruit of labour of the sparrows, just like the obstacles we face daily and everything we strive for seems pointless when they hinder us from moving forward or starting over when things turn sour. So, where do we go from there?

The story of the sparrows does not end after the nest was blown away. Life needs to move on and it is no use to lament over the destroyed nest. I am no sparrow but it is sensible that they build a new nest later on, this time, choosing carefully the location of the nest so that history does not repeat twice. If they are lucky, they are able to build a versatile nest free from the threat of destruction and then get their happy ending with the ever enlarging nest as a result from the increasing number of nestlings as time goes by.

Are we willing to start over and have brand new chances of success in the next try?

THE END

If only I can write that amount of words easily for assignments. Now I feel like turning into a sparrow and build nests all day long.

The first few days of the break

WARNING: No pictures ahead. So, be prepared to read all the way through. It's a short entry anyway, so it will not strain your eyes that badly.

First of all, I want to thank the Lord for giving me such great Raya visits and I get to eat good food on top of meeting people, sort of a reunion after not meeting for quite some time. From Sunday afternoon to last night, I had rendang and lemang/ketupat for every meal. I took the opportunity to eat all I could as I only get to eat this festive food once a year. Next year seems to be a long way to go so I better eat more this time round. =D

Wai Leng is back from uni and I will be meeting her at Secret Recipe at 1-ish later. I am finally going out again! I feel a little laid back this semester for a reason I am not even sure of. Might be due to the pandemic or I should just blame on my pure laziness. I realize that I need some time off so I am taking this one week break a chance to meet friends with the price of putting the assignment on hold to be paid. So much to do yet so little time. Yeah, that's always the excuse for the likes like me. Bad time management should be the real reason.

Miss lent me this novel by Frank McCourt (I always think it's McCaught, don't know why) entitled Teacher Man. It's a page turner. He's the first author I know who does not insert inverted commas for all the dialogues in his writings. Sometimes I have to guess who said this or that but it's still interesting.

Stalling period begins... AGAIN.

My Raya break officially starts today and I am stalling. Now it's confirmed I have another assignment coming up for F&B and if I have to do it individually, I will definitely protest because it's simply unfair. It has been one assignment per subject ever since forever and why change it when HND is going to phase out in two years' time (to be more accurate, it's only for another 4 semesters)? This is just ridiculous.

I should talk about happier things and forget about the dreadful assignments.

First thing on the list: I am going to celebrate this coming Raya with lemangs and ayam masak merah! I am now stuffed from dinner but the thought of more food makes me crave for more. I guess that's what festivals do to you. It has the food charm that you can never resist until they are over.

Second thing: Joanna's coming back! Will be planning to have a back-to-back movie session with her. Let's watch TheUgly Truth and G-Force/whatever else that is convenient. I can't wait.

Third thing: Haven't thought about it yet.

***

Dad suddenly suggested Kopitiam for lunch today. I ordered a set lunch of chicken curry rice and Pepsi float.


The curry had a little too much coconut milk in it. I don't really like it.


I ♥ vanilla ice-cream in soft drinks. They have a chemistry that cannot be explained.

P/S: I enjoyed today as I met some friends tonight unexpectedly. Catching up feels so good. I miss my high school friends even more now.

Stamped!

College has implemented a health scan for everyone. I was scanned (using a pistol-like thermometer) like the barcodes that you can find on items in the supermarket. Then, the guard stamped an 'OK' on the back of my right hand. Oh good, I am now college's property. It's just so weird. But I guess it's a necessary step to take against H1N1. Now I have excuse not to go to college whenever I have a temperature. =P

There'll be another 'OK' stamp on my hand tomorrow. Hey, I can start collecting them like collectibles. Haha.

I had a lovely lunch yesterday so I am going to brag about it.


A plate of roast ducks that is so appealing that I finished all of them on my own!

(Just kidding, sis shared them with me.)


No more ducks!

♥Lovely dinner♥

These days, I have the tendency to put up pictures of food. This entry will be of no exception. Had a lovely dinner at Ola Ola just now.

The first course was soup and bread. The bread was toasted to perfection. Sorry, no pic of the bread. It looked like, well, BREAD! So, there's nothing special in its appearance. Hehe!!


Spaghetti bolognaise

I ♥ the plate the most! It looked so Black Canyon-ish.


Tomato juice. Too much water. Too bland for my liking.

Plus, a scoop of chocolate ice-cream to finish off the courses. Love the icre-cream lots!

P/S: I am a potential graduate. First time I heard of such a thing. I guess everyone IS a potential graduate. =)

Green and round mooncake + dinner at 090909

As promised, here's a round and delicious mooncake that I wish to share with all of you. Just sharing the picture as the real thing is fully digested by now.

Please forgive me for insulting other photographers out there. I didn't mean to. Poor camera and poor lightings will give you this.


Before it is cut. The top is covered with flakes so you cannot see the words on the mooncake. It says '莲蓉' which means lotus paste.


Super yummy lotus paste inside.

Dinner at this auspicious date: 09/09/09


Clockwise from the chili sauce: fried chickens, steamed egg, watercress soup and fries

Simply delicious.

A plate of ham and egg rice to make you salivate. Yummy!

Lunch of the day. Ham and egg rice.


It's delicious and only costs RM3.50

I feel like posting up my lunch here as I am doing my F&B Operations assignment. How appropriate.

The temperature is rising and I am feeling very warm. Rain, please come back. I need you so that I can have a better mood to type and to do everything else. You make me sleep better at night too.

P/S: I am sorry I did not keep my promise about posting the mooncake picture in the previous entry. I will post the picture up as soon as possible. =)

A new field found

I have never stretched my muscles for quite a long time until a few days ago, my sis suggested, "Hey, let's go jogging." I thought for a while and I realized that I should start exercising again so I agreed to it. She found a nice field nearby. The pictures below will do the description of how nice it is.

I remember the first time we went to that field was Wednesday and there were very few people then. Probably due to the virus that people are staying home, or so I thought. It was only later that I realized that it's Hungry Ghost Festival. So that's what keeping the residences from taking a stroll or working out in the field.

Today, we went to the little gym in disguise again and this time, I did not forget to snap some pictures unlike the last time.

Pebbles/Stone path


Paved neatly. I walked on the stones for a while. It was painful at first but I soon got used to it.


Rough or smooth? You can choose whether to walk on the bigger stones or the smaller ones. I recommend the smaller ones.

Playground


Kids paradise. Only humans who are 12 years old and below are allowed.

(But I tried the swing. It looks durable.) =P

Field and track


Cycling/jogging/ strolling track and the vast space for kite-flying

Open space gym


Mini gym! You can see there is a stationary bike, air walker and some other interesting equipments for muscle-building at this part of the field. With this place in existence, I think I will be more hardworking to exercise from now on.


So colourful

Since I am speaking of keeping the body fit, here's a picture of some green apples that contribute a lot of benefits to great health.


GREEN APPLES! Eunice drilled the holes using her finger. Wow! We can save the money to buy drills on something else.

On another note, choir practice started today. Time to crack some mirrors! Eeeeekkk!!!

Smooth-sailing Saturday. The triple S.

Today everything went smoothly. The Holy Spirit works wonders, I tell you. I know I can never stand in front of people, speaking for a good few minutes without the help from God. All glory to God! I hope I did catch some lightnings today. =)

I have procrastinated again. I have always felt lazy on weekends hence, all my assignments have been put on hold today. Being able to finish the first assignment has got me complacent. I have 5 more weeks till the deadline. I shall finish one big chunk of it on Monday. I promise!

I bought another two mooncakes with my favourite type of dough. This time they are not the tiny ones but the regular-sized mooncakes. They are prised at RM2.50 each. Will reveal them in the next post.

Nothing much to say further for the time being so I shall end here with a picture of my twisted hair the day before yesterday.


I love the way my hair shone!

(Okay, narcissim strikes! I should just shut up and go to bed.)

Nitez, people!

Happy Mooncake Festival in advance! 中秋节快乐!!

Independence Day is over and I have no reasons left to take a break from assignments. I used up my entire day without making the attempt to at least type a few words for Management Accounting. I am contented with the self-declared break I took and tomorrow, I shall resume to typing like there's no tomorrow. I will be continually 'tortured' this way for another one month plus or so. It's really sad.

The Mooncake Festival is round the corner but I have never been a fan of the regular mooncakes (you know, the ones with brown skins) for a few years now. I used to love mooncakes very much but now that I am older, my taste buds have become more sensitive and find the sweetness in them overpowering. But ironically, I love mooncakes that are coated with this type of dough (shown as below).


The character '月' in the middle of the little mooncakes means 'moon'. These contain lotus paste within them. There is another one with the character '中' which means 'mid' but they contain red beans which I don't really like so we only bought the ones with lotus paste.

There are pigs for sale too! Albeit all the fuss about swine flu, I bought one. It's 100% harmless. Free from any flu whatsoever. Let me introduce to you my new pet.









TADAA!!!!





Isn't she cute? I always love to think that all cute animals are female because girls always look better than boys.

How can I eat you when you are so cute, piggy?

The last Sunday of the month

I don't know why I felt a little dizzy this morning. It's not headache as it felt kind of different. I guess it has got something to do with the lack of sleep.

September will be here in two days' time and I am very much afraid when the 5th comes. I will just try my best and do what I can and leave everything else in God's hands. All will definitely be well if I have faith in God.

Today was the last Sunday that we can see Jess and Nicole in church so we snap some pictures before they leave for England.


Group picture (Chee Foo trying to be cool)


Everyone looking good


Last picture before we meet again in the virtual world


Take care and have a safe journey back home. All the best in everything, Jess and Nicole!

***

I finished my half of the ice-cream. Can I have your share, Eunice?

Feeling lazy AGAIN

Ignyte meetings for the past few weeks have been fun with the addition of two new members, Jessica and Nicole. They were on their summer holidays in Malaysia (which has summer all year long with some rain=P). Time flies past us so swiftly that it's time for them to fly back to the west next week. I will miss you both!


Jess and I

We are so lucky to have Facebook and MSN today, enabling us to keep in touch 24/7 regardless of what time zone we are in. Interaction between people can never be easier.

Feeling lazy to go back to college tomorrow. I just want to sleep in this kind of cool weather. Help me get rid of the lazy chromosomes, people. If only that's possible.

Dad's gone to Vietnam to eat some disgusting (exotic) food. Poor snakes. Poor chameleons.

Dog killers are not human since humanity is not a part of them.

Assignment questions are still not here yet although it's the end of Week 2. I am happy and a little stressed at the same time. Happy because I can relax for another week and stressed because this means that I will have shorter duration of time to complete them.

Humans are imperfect, a truth that no one can deny. However, the flaws within the imperfection of humans can be so hideous that it shocked me a little. People can be so cruel. I heard a story from a distant neighbour this evening (while I was taking Crystle out for her daily walk) about how his two dogs were poisoned a few days ago/yesterday. They usually barked loudly but do they deserve to die just because they were acting naturally like dogs? It's not our right to take away the lives of another because we are all God's creation and only He has the power to control all things. Even we do not deserve the right to take our own lives. So why do the heartless people think they have the right to take away lives, whether they are just animals or not? It is still murder! Just because they cannot commit murder to another human doesn't mean that they can do whatever they like with other people's pets.

I know some of you might think, "Hey, what's the big deal? It's not even your pet. Just chill."

I have this soft spot for animals so there's no way I can be ignorant about what is happening around here. Crystle might be the next victim if there is really someone who is crazy enough to poison every single dog in the neighbourhood.

To cool off the heat that is building in this entry, here is a picture of the twilight sky I snapped two days ago. Simply serene.



Once again, I marvel at God's creativity. I thank the Lord for each passing day that I am still alive and well amidst the terrifying virus of H1N1 spreading around.

Psalm 91 is so appropriate and useful to keep our minds at peace at this period of transgression.

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a]

2 I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

First week

The first week of the new semester is over just like that. I love Management Accounting. I really do. I guess it has something to do with my loss of touch with numbers for such a long time that when I finally meet them again, I can't help feeling nostalgic. Haha, that's a word too great to describe it but I could not think of another word.

I surprise myself at times. I have agreed to join debate. What made me said 'yes' at that moment, I didn't know. I just felt like I have to oblige and it left me no choice. I am pretty stressed up about it since I am not the articulate kind and the thought of debating gives me shivers.

On Tuesday, I went to the optometrist to order a pair of new specs. I was thinking of replacing the chipped lens but I ended up getting my eyes tested to make a new pair. I think I will need some time to get use to my new look later. On the brighter side, my hyperopia has decreased! One day, I would have a 20/20 vision in my right eye. 125 more to go!! It had decrease by 75 so far these four years but my myopic eye had increased by 50. Sigh. It's never going down. =(

My grandma is still having the opinion that I am studying Hostel Management. An extra 'S' makes a big difference.

Last day for relaxation

Okay, so the trip to Bukit Merah is cancelled due to Mr. H1N1. I was anticipating that trip and now I have to stick to my usual itinerary on Saturday. Not a bad idea, though. I can give the youths at church a surprise visit since everyone thinks I won't be around.

I am having a slight flu now and I hope it's the type that come and pass as usual. I don't want more symptoms of the dreadful pandemic.

Miss Rachel sent me a message informing about the commencement of class tomorrow. Today is a day I must truly treasure. Last day for me to relax. Then it's back to taking notes and keeping my ears open for lectures. I haven't been writing for the past two weeks so my handwriting will be horrible for the first few days of classes. Sigh.

Just a few more semesters to go. I will perservere.

The Domination of Lazy Chromosomes

Tonight was Parents' Night of the annual drama (the title for this year's production is The Warlord of Terror) held in SMI. I tagged along since my bro had some extra tickets. Who doesn't love free tickets? I bought for the show next Sunday but since I have watched it, I am still wondering whether I should sell the ticket off or watch a second time.

Finally, I have finished reading all four books of the Twilight Saga. I know I am slow but at least I am faster than the movies. That's some kind of consolation. =P

A new semester will start in two days' time and yet I am still not prepared. I have this cluttered feeling that everything is still not in place. The file is still not emptied in preparation of welcoming the impending notes as I have no idea where to put my current notes. Maybe I shall do it tomorrow. IF the tomorrow ever comes. I am pretty sure I will end up emptying my file on Tuesday, right before I leave for college. Procrastination attacks AGAIN!

H1N1 is hitting Ipoh pretty badly now. I don't want to go out anymore. Hiding seems like a good way to prevent from getting infected. Even better, an excuse to take leave from college. Oh no, I haven't even started the semester and now I am already thinking of ways to escape. It's not my fault. It's the 'lazy chromosomes' in my cells that are doing all these wistful thinkings. The hardworking ones are diminishing in number each day. I wonder how much more time is left before they extinct completely from me. Getting crappy now. I should get some rest.

Good night, everyone.

Time to get the ball rolling

The first hurdle is gone and I am about to face the second one the next semester. God has been gracious. He has made my journey smooth so far and I believe it will stay this way so long that I continue to trust in Him. Praise God for the unexpected result. Everyone is happy. I do not have to retake any of my papers and my dad can gleefully save his RM300.

The bacteria from the shower water in My Gopeng is still causing my skin to itch. I need to soak myself in a tub filled with Dettol, I think. However, I should count my blessing as there are others who got it worse. Be grateful all the time, during good and bad times alike. I shall cling onto that.

Another week of break before I start a routine life all over again. My life is pretty routine during the holidays but it's the routine that I like because I get to choose what I want to do at home. I love the freedom I get during the holidays.

K-sessions, anyone?? I only have next week.

Currently looking forward to August 15th. I don't think it will be fun but I will try to enjoy myself as much as possible. Bukit Merah, be more interesting, okay?

Before I forget,

Happy 21st Birthday, Sarah!

My Gopeng Resort

Came back from My Gopeng Resort two days ago but I am still feeling the after effects of enjoying myself too much. Muscle aches, cuts and scratches and even the first allergy that pops up in the form of mosquito bites look-a-like have been tormenting me and I thought I had chicken pox at first. Thank God they are not. =)

26 July 2009

We gathered at college at ten in the morning before departing to our destination. Little time was taken to reach the secluded and natural resort because Rooney drove really fast even on a narrow road. It's definitely a free roller coaster ride.

As soon as we reached, we were required to fill up a form to pledge that we would be responsible for our own being and everything we did would be at our own risk. Sounds scary, but we signed anyway. Then Mr. Shawn Lau, the owner of the resort gave us some briefing of the resort as well as the electricity usage and how we can contribute to conserve energy to adhere to the eco-friendly theme practised by the resort residences.


Everyone paying attention or trying hard to.


I loved the bamboo table and chairs.

Lunch was served not long after that. I loved the ayam masak merah. Yummy!

There's a little monkey tied to a pole near one of the tables and we played with him. He tried to pull my specs and pendants and even tried to bite my pants and slipper straps. Aw, so cute!


Sleeping soundly like a baby


Looking at something interesting


So cute until I wanted to kidnap it!

The first activity that we had was the one we looked forward to the most for the few weeks before the excursion - waterfall!! We walked from the resort to the waterfall and the anticipation was so great that the walk seemed forever. We finally reached after more than half and hour of walk and that's when all the splashings began! This was also the place where the cuts were born. I realize now that enjoyment comes with sacrifices.


All drenched!

I shall skip to dinner time since nothing much happened in the evening when we returned from the waterfall. All we did was idling around the resort and I took a good shower, getting ready for dinner. We had barbecued and some cooked items. The beansprouts were too raw though but I still finished my share. The quantity of food was quite disappointing though as we only get a pathetic share of 1 chicken wing per person. That was because they prepared the food for us. So I guess they have the impression that we are all small eaters.


Enjoying their food


Anyone wants to buy chicken wing?


More chicken wings for sale!

The event after that was a beer-drinking session for some of the members and I joined in...

...with my glass of plain water. =) See, I didn't drink at all so I am more than sober than most of the people who drank. Later, when everyone was bloated with beers swimming in their bellies, someone came up to us and asked us various IQ questions and Ju Dee got her bottle smashed because we thought that was the answer to one of the questions. It was such a waste, I got to say.


The drinkers

Goosebumps Night:

As the night drew to a close, we listened to some paranormal stories which happened in college and also in schools. The topic then diverted to religions and one by one fell asleep. Only Kah Men, Kang Wei and Hoo Kit and I remained awake listening to Mr. Foong the story teller.

Around 2.30 a.m or so, my eyes began to droop and the rest who were still awake felt the same way. So that's how the story-telling night ended.

Next morning (27 July 2009):

I woke up at 5 something as the weather was so cold. Time seemed to move so slow and I can't wait for the sun to rise. I sat out at the verandah for quite a long time before I went back to sleep. The next time I woke up, the sun already rose. The breakfast was nasi lemak (sort of predictable) and it was not bad.

I had my first fishing experience and it was not a futile effort. I caught 5 to 6 fishes!! Bread can be such excellent baits. But the slice of bread was later stolen by a cheeky duck!


Me and my fish


The bread robber!

Time flies when everyone was enjoying themselves. It was soon time to pack and leave. At 10am, we checked out and braced ourselves for the winding, narrow road once again. Goodbye, My Gopeng!


Final look at the green pastures (although not as green as Internet photos)


With Bell, the founder of NKP term


Do Re Mi Ding Dong Bell with us

This trip had been a relaxing and really my type of retreat as it is not too cluttered with activities but left some space for me to find enjoyment on my own in the resort.

(All photos above are credited to Miss Nurainie and Ju Dee)

P/S: Just watched HP6 and I think it's better than the previous movie. Well, the book is always the best! =)

Post Examination

The last paper ended today. I did pretty bad, but I know I have no choice but to wait till the result is out to determine whether I will kiss RM300 goodbye. It'll be dad's money, but I will still feel sad for him. On the brighter side, exam's over and it's time for recuperation. I suspect I have overworked my brain these few days and the fact finally hit me when I felt a slight throb on my forehead during the Facilities Management paper.

The next event: Gopeng Retreat!!

I shall call it a retreat because it's a time when everyone will be feeling excited and gay. Games, games, games! It'll definitely be fun. Surprises await everyone. I can't wait for tomorrow.

Farewell, Ipoh. My bag is not even packed and I am saying goodbye already. I will miss my barn. Sis, take care of my barn while I am gone, will ya? I mean harvesting them, not stealing them when I said 'take care'.

Crystle

Have you ever experienced being in the present moment of time yet at the same time, you are aware that you are nowhere in the moment. The feeling is sort of having a veil that separates you from the present. I know it's weird but I experience that pretty often ever since I was young.

Exam's in two days. I can't wait for Saturday to come. I have seen the past year papers but I have no idea what kind of questions I will be getting. Whatever it is, I will depend on God to give me the wisdom to interprete the questions precisely and have the ability to answer coherently. I just wish to pass. It's not too much to ask, right? =)

Crystle got herself groomed by mom and now she looks so babyish. You know, like the young of a cross-breed of a dog and a sheep. So cute!







Bonding Time





Below is a video of Crystle avoiding from me tickling her. =)



P/S: I hate today. And it's not because of the ulcer below the gums.