Frozen Green Therapy

in the light of dawn

2011-12-29T23:44:00.000Z

the calling

2011-12-27T00:57:00.001Z

"Do you want me to help you to cut them? I would be happy to."
"No, it's fine. I can handle it. The worse is over; cutting the onions is not as painful as peeling its skin..."

Have we all been there before? The onion, represents life: you peel off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.. sharing the tears, the solemn moments... But most of the time, you silently suffer on your own. It stings, it may stink.. but it gets better. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of it. That hurting; it's fleeting, a passing dark cloud over what would be a majestic scenery. No, reality never quite match up to dreams. You may plan the "perfect getaway"... but nothing ever goes as planned. They are just two parallel, but contradicting paths of a timeline.

If you think about it, whatever dreams we conjure; it never satisfies. You envision yourself being the object of admiration of someone you fancy. Does it ever materialise? I think it doesn't. But even if it does, is it always enough? If we have everything; glory, power, money, brains... etc.. can our thirst honestly be quenched? Amidst my observation of the Boxing Day Madness, I see on the tele, we, humans, always want so much more. Different classes of people, people with different spending power, will always want something that is out of reach for them... Somehow we still feel empty, regardless of how fortunate we already are. It is a bit rather blase that some people recognise year end sales at the end of December rather than Christmas. I think it's hard to accept that there are certain gaps that cannot be filled... that these aches cannot be mended with anything that can be purchased. Satisfaction cannot be guaranteed, whether it's with an abundance of money, brains, or power.

Only by knowing The Creator, and after finding His favour, that you may escape this void. We are all design this way, to trod through adversaries and crisis, knowing Someone is watching over us, making sure we are alright. The life-giving water that He gives is enough to satisfy us for a lifetime. We would never need to feel parched anymore.

It's difficult to have to accept that there is only a hero for all mankind. After all, what can One Man do? But what if He is no man, but God. Would it make it any easier to believe? Everything you see is not made in China, it's made by God. For through the single random.. or not... act of kindness, the whole world was spared from condemnation but only if we accept and believe in Him. It isn't easy I am sure. We, humans, prefer that fate is in our hands. If something is out of our control, we naturally would be fearful, and that's not acceptable. Everything has to be within reach. "I want to be the want pulling the strings, not someone else to do for me!"

Not even if The Creator of the universe is on the other end of the string? Do we not trust in Him?
People nowadays, make no reference to God... they lead their life as they wish. They sit in the leather reclining "boss" chair, and direct commands. They feel perfected content, without a superior in their life. And most people feel that they are good enough, do charity, volunteer, and that they don't need anyone... even a God to judge them. Do we believe, if there's a heaven, that we would go there one day? Can all the good that we do - charities, lifestyle, volunteering we do in our lifetime earn us enough merit to go to heaven? Is it enough to offset the bad things we have ever done?

Imagine you are at a coffee shop, you notice that the barista accidentally sneezed into your coffee, and present you the cup.

"Excuse me, could you give me a new cup of coffee, that's just gross."
"Sorry about that, I would give you extra cream and sugar to offset the taste of the sneeze."

No matter how much good deeds you think you have done. It still wouldn't make you perfect any more if you have just a tiny bit of misdoing. It's not going to change the fact that you are now "gross".

So imagine if everything was laid out... including all our guilts and embarrassments, would you be ashamed? Can we all say that we have not committed any sins? Have you lied before? Have you steal anything before? Have you used God's name as a cuss before? Have you looked at a man/woman and have any form of lust? If yes to all, you are liar, thief, blasphemous, and a fornicator/adulterer. That's already breaking 4 out of the 10 commandments. If you stand before the judgement of God, do you think you deserve to pass the pearly gates? In any case, Someone has already vouch for you. You have already been saved even before you are born; that when Christ stretched His arms to show you how much He loves you, and died on the cross for your sins, it is like your debts have been cleared; it's like you have been given a "get out of jail free card"... it's like you are assured a place in His Kingdom, and be granted everlasting life.

You only need to trust in Him, and repent and turn away from your wrongdoings. And that if you keep your eyes focus on Him, everything will fall right into place...

And just to share something I have found over the internet :)

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes." The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, " I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things-your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions-things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else-the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal." Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

The Queen's Christmas Speech:

So, I hope you vacate that leather chair you may be sitting on, and let the Boss, our Boss perch on it instead. May you all have a blessed Christmas.. tis the day to remember the birth of our Saviour so that no more may die :)

the call of the bells

2011-12-22T01:43:00.003Z

So Christmas is cominggg! My playlist is now looping on Christmas songs by default.. it reminds me of the caroling I went a few weeks back.. :)

But I was recently troubled. As I lie defeated from the possibilities of what life has handed me, I listen to the gentle hum of the wind. Somewhere out there, is my purpose, something that would make sense of everything. I wonder how many more anecdotes my life would accumulate. I wonder if I could ever recount them all.

If nothing should go as planned, would you be concerned? Sometimes I think I may have expected things to go as I wish a little bit too much. But I guess it's part and parcel of life, the excitement, the UNexpectedness. Perhaps we could dodge the lemons thrown at us, by just being random, take the route we decided only moments ago, avoid the adjustment bureau.

I think we are all born with desires that we seek to fulfill. When we are hungry, we buy/cook some food. When we want to relax, we seek the comfort of doing absolutely nothing with no regrets. When we want to do succeed, we work hard for it. When we want to be happy, we seek for what will, and we pursue it...

We are not BORN with desires, unless those desires exist. But what happens when we are UNBORN? What happen when we are no longer around? We desire to always be loved, have comfort, and security. Would it not satisfy our desire to know that there is life after life, and that we are meant for somewhere better? I hope when His Kingdom calls for you, your innate desire alarm bells will ring for Him..

Because we are all Children of God by default.

walking

2011-11-16T12:59:00.006Z

I was playing a game recently (merely to de-stress), when it got me thinking.. life is really like a race.. like the Amazing Race.

But unlike the reality TV counterpart, we run this race alone, or rather, we begin with the support and cheers from the crowd, like how we got from our loving parents. And even so, do we not disagree to say that, for most points in our lives, we make our own informed choices at the crossroads, at the junctions, at the detours?

Along the routes/paths that is set out for us, we meet with many wonders, transgressions, love ones, obstacles, good fortune, misleading information (foreign taxi drivers), fast forwards, or sabotages. Each willing us on, or holding us back. Are we capable, strong enough, to carry on? Or does the scratch/bruise from the last fall make us weak, succumbing to a time penalty, of letting life just pass-by wastefully?

The scab on my knee has nearly healed... but.. I am not sure I want to remove it yet..

In our own race, one thing I know, even though each of us got our own route, a different means of getting there, and at different times; we may still end up at there, at the same place. But even so, we are now at different points of the race..

In our own race, one thing I know; at times when that happens, I find that there is nothing good in goodbyes. You may be a tad too late, you may be a tad too early, and after some time... I realised some people are only meant to stay in my heart.. not in my life.. not in this race.

One thing I know, I find all I need is in Your unending love.

If your can't fly, then run,
If you can't run, then walk,
If you can't walk, then crawl,
But whatever we do,
We have to keep MOVING FORWARD.

less than three

2011-10-30T01:53:00.002+01:00

If waking up is an option, if being in a dream is all where you want to be, you might be bordering on insanity; or you may be be in love. If every breath you pour out, is only for that special someone, if you could fall for that person every day over and over again, you might have hypotension (low blood pressure); or you may be in love. If you have palpitations when you see her, and if it hurts to silently keep the secret to yourself, you might be having a cardiac arrest; or you may be in love.

How do you love the one who means the most to you? The one who is guilty of making you sleepless every day; the one whose attention you crave the most, the one whom you feel torn without.

There are apparently 5 principle ways of doing so; by sweet charming words, spending time with each other, giving gifts (particularly remembering important dates), simple touch/strokes/or holding hands, and one which I firmly believe; practising little meaningful acts. It trumps them all.

But the biggest emotional experience, is the love of our Father. It's something which we would never know, unless we experience it. It's something which is there, but sometimes we don't know it. We all just need to find it on our own. But you can be sure, He's there for you.

One thing which probably makes some friends feel uncomfortable is when I say I want to pray for them. It's not like a curse, or something bad, or to show how self-righteous/religious I am; rather I pray so that He comes to your life, reveal Himself to you, and draw yourself to Him. At the end of the day, it's not that I want to be proven right, it is because, believe it or not, it is the best thing that could ever happen to you. So a prayer for you, the 6th way we could do for our love ones, is a supreme act of love, the best we can ask, and hope for you. <3

blue october

2011-10-29T00:29:00.008+01:00

What is in someone who is egoistic? Is it something which has a life span? Is it untouchable? Can fire and flame diminish it?

I have always considered myself as one. I was born and bred in a school which cultivates our massive ego. But after stepping out of the school, it has not serve me like it had used to anymore... well maybe I have put an end to that part of me... suffocated and gone. Right now, it's nothing more than what I consider a "confidence projectile". It has made myself into a known stranger. Someone whom I am sure I know very well, but different in a way, like the smell of your pillow after a two week holiday.

Perhaps, it's no more me and the juniors, anymore. Perhaps, I have grown so much, and now it's more like me and the world. Perhaps, standing amongst the others made me feel a little smaller. Perhaps, I am just a little older and wiser.

I have endured so much of what life has thrown at me. Hardships have corroded and thin my ego. Hardships have made me, shaped me, into a great man.

God doesn't give you the person you want, he gives you the person you need; to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you, and to make you the person you were meant to be...

parable of the emperor's new clothes

2011-10-29T00:29:00.006+01:00

There once lived an emperor who cared about his outer appearance more than anything else. One day he was visited by the "two best tailors in the world" who promised him the finest piece of fabric the land has ever seen. Enticed by this promise, the emperor was blinded into believing them, and hired them immediately.

Each day the emperor observed the tailors' progress. At first he was slightly skeptical, as nothing could be seen at all. The tailors assured the emperor that the suit was made up of the most sought-after fabric, and that it can only be seen by the the enlightened and by the wise. Not wanting to look like a fool, the emperor agreed that the suit was becoming to take shape, and was marvelous in fact.

When the suit was complete, the tailors delicately put it on for the emperor to wear. Looking at the mirror, the emperor couldn't hide his delight, at his exquisite stunning new clothes. He paid the tailors handsomely, and they left. The emperor then decided to parade his latest wardrobe collection to his subjects.

As he marched along with his procession, "oohs and ahhs" could have been heard from the crowd. Not until a child cried "he's not wearing anything!", that the people realised the truth.

I think most of us are alike to the emperor in so many ways..

vain..
narcissistic..
egoistical..
neurotic..

we can't hide them, even behind our finest branded new clothes..

and above all, we may feel we know everything. However, we ought not to believe so; because sometimes, someone, even a child, may know something more than you.

speak for change

2011-10-25T23:32:00.003+01:00

First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
- Martin Niemöller -

ruin

2011-10-04T16:29:00.001+01:00

Dear God,

Please take my hand, and guide me now, because I have no idea what to do.

Ruin my life the plans I have made, ruin desires for my selfish gains.

poops

2011-09-27T15:28:00.002+01:00

Everything is so hazy, fuzzy. It feels like a drill being thrust up my right ears and the adjacent temple to it. In my head I was like a broken radio, like a wrecked stereo.

Like when you have your index finger into your ears; it was like that. I was speaking too soft, and I had no idea about it. When I was singing, I suddenly realised, my pitching was all over the place.

Funnily enough I was not too concern about my hearing.. or by the fact that if I were a bat, I would totally be flying into trees, and hunting insects would be a problem for me.

I lost my head.

I keep telling myself everyone poops. It may be painful at first, it may deliver relief... but it sure is messy.

not just about the mangos...

2011-09-27T14:31:00.000+01:00

Campus was looking a whole lot like home today. The gorgeous weather brought warmth everywhere while the indian summer sunlight carved through every nook and cranny of the campus, leaving a certain glint, and sparkle, to be reckon with. It's my fourth and final year from yesterday onwards. Compared with last year, we are somewhat more comfortable, chilled, and familiar with our surroundings, the people, and the culture. From when the juniors came I watched them learn to crawl, urged on by many supportive "parents", till they learned to take baby steps. They stumbled a few times along the way, with unfamiliar faux pax, but with exceptional curiosity and yearnings. It reminded a lot of ourselves.

It's nice to just sit back and just watch how they handle and enjoy their third year. It would be interesting whether they will end up like us.

push

2011-09-23T22:38:00.001+01:00

Perhaps my most debilitating handicap would be to allow myself to be fooled into thinking the very best things in life would never happen to me. Such certainty and sureness may be underlined by my paradoxical intuitive nature. There are times when I am at a bowling alley, only to hope that I can proof myself that I wouldn't get a strike just because I know I can. I sometimes wish I could negate these negative thoughts, but then again, I hope not to be left like a chicken being reared as a 'pet'. False hope is perhaps worse than being given the bad news early on. I rather a quick pull of the band-aid. However the case, if only I could ensure both of them could cohabit, and that I could clearly see them as a balance.

My admiration for people who never seemed to be under pressure, never ceased. They always seem to know what to do at times of crisis and chaos. Who would be able to see the silver lining of a wet beach day?

I guess we are all inclined to desperately push ourselves to please others, to be respected in the eyes of our society. But perhaps, it is best that we dutifully try to make our ownself happy for a change. With significantly less effort than I normally should I have, I forgo pampering me. Sometimes I don't remember or don't know what I want...

...till I have it in front of me...

...or till it's gone...

Even if something seems so improbable; so far beyond your reach, do PUSH..

Pray Until Something Happens.

hope

2011-09-18T21:11:00.002+01:00

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,

And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

let these remain..

2011-09-11T00:41:00.002+01:00

I still have vivid memories of that September day 10 years ago. When news of two planes crashed into the world trade center, it abruptly interrupted other programs on the news channels. It interrupted whatever the rest of us were doing. Around the world, people stuck in traffic tuned into their radios, office workers perhaps went online to get the latest scoops and news, even classes in schools might have been affected with absentees.

The world was largely at a standstill.

There was something so unreal about the captured images and videos by amateur cameramen. People were in a public panic pandemonium. They were running about, screaming, crying, disorientated, lost, with the look of disbelief in their eyes. No one knew what was going on.

Fire, and smog enveloped the city skyline, and dust shrouds visibility. Survivors covered in dirt and blood walked the streets in down town, aimlessly, confused as most of us were. I blinked blankly as the newscaster was presenting the report. It just seemed so unreal to me, like a nightmare. I was only there 5 years earlier for a holiday.

"What can we do?"

This is the questions most asked. People asked the rescue team. People asked the paramedics. People asked the police. People asked the politicians. People asked themselves.

"What can we do?"

As I have quoted in my previous post, we are all connected. At times, in times of need, when the world just needed help standing, when all people needed was hope, when we all needed something to believe in. We are all one. We are all united. We are all bound together.

People just want to help.

It's our nature, to step up and be counted. For that day, man's strength and faith were tested. For that day, when doubts were cast upon people's love for humanity, someone stood up to challenge and prove that we are not alone, that a hero can rise from the darkest of days.

That someone is each and every one of us.

For when the towers collapsed, amidst the rubble and ashes, two phoenix rose, and with them, the power of faith, hope and love.

out from sunshine

2011-09-07T20:51:00.007+01:00

Something has struck me the other day, and I was thinking. When would the world ever be peaceful? What are the basis of humans' obsession for violence, till news channels are always over-flooded? The anger, the anguish, the fear... all too much to bear. Do we not have moral compasses when we do what we do? Are we all born to be self-righteous, selfish, and self-reliant?

Some cynics claim that there's no heaven on earth, and no utopia can exist with man...

There's a famous experiment conducted to test how altruistic a person could be, given some money a subject is presented to them. Alright, supposed you are given an orange. If you have a friend who didn't know you were given the orange, how many of the 10 slices (just an arbitrary value) would you have given, if any at all?

Most people would say they would give about 3-4 slices.

Okays. But say you are given an opportunity to charge your friend, say 1 slice of an orange. How many would you give, if any at all? Or would you rip your friend off?

Most people would say they would give about 1-2 slices.

In the third situation, if you are given an orange, and if you knew your friend also has an orange, how many slices would you give?

I guess it's none right? Or you might even take a slice or two from your friend. Suddenly, you are no more as generous.

C'est la vie. It's all about emotions and empathy.

I have been following lots of modern history of late. The struggles men had over one another, the greed and rise in power, usurpation, the murder of innocent lives; all are the cause of man's own downfall... our own downfall.

These were mankind at the very lowest depths, now only a reminder, and a warning to the rest of us. Were there not empathy then? Only the selfish kind of course. Apparently empathy is probably not extended to "aliens" or people who has no blood ties or relation to the perpetrators.

70 years later, and 10 years after black Tuesday on that September morning, the world still seemed in peril, a scary place to be in.

But there's always the other side of the card. Something good did came out of every disaster.. a silver lining. I believe that all man is good, that even the most diabolical one has a conscience, telling them what is right, and wrong. It may just be their judgement which may be misconstrued.

When the earthquake and nuclear disaster hit the shores of Japan, when the Russian hockey team was killed in a plane crash, when Lybia was liberating themselves from tyranny of their leader, those things got the world to empathise them. When people see those things happening, they feel the hurt those people are going through.

The world would then pour in their funds and aids, or any other forms of moral supports, and kind sympathies. People willingly feel the hurt when they see others in vulnerable situations, or going through a struggle. That's why we always have a strong feeling to root for the underdogs. That's why we can show we care for people who sometimes have doubts over themselves.

Also, why shouldn't empathy be extended to animals? They are our sub-bloodline. I feel warm deep down when I see videos of lions playfully wrestle with owners they have not seen in years. I feel touched when I see excited pets greeting soldiers who have come home from serving in the battlefields. I feel happy seeing chimpanzees who have been locked up all their lives, experience their first ever sunshine.

Technology has improved the way how we socialise with one another. As a result of Facebook, Twitter, etc, there are no more "aliens" now among us. We are all one. The six degrees of separation is even more true than ever. The world is getting smaller. As we all know, we came from the same two people. Maybe that's why we can and I believe if we try, experience brotherhood and sisterhood with one another. He never wanted us to feel different, as we are all created just the same.

May God's Love Be With You Always <3

finding

2011-09-05T16:41:00.002+01:00

So, it is like this. It's ~~summer~~ my holidays, and I haven't got much to do. Sometimes I wouldn't mind, as I think I would recharge my batteries that way. I could read my novels and watch movies I always wanted to.

But on other days, I feel that I am too idle. And every time I said "I'm bored", I feel a unicorn dies, or well.. I feel completely useless.. and then remain so.

I often rebuked myself for "letting a unicorn die". Why shan't I defend the poor unicorn? It's the fighting spirit that I need to seek at times like this. It's the character-building which I know is good for me.

But why is it so hard to do those things? Maybe it's easier to stay in bed an extra 15 minutes than to get up as soon as the alarm rings. Maybe it's easier to forgo a jog just because the sky looks overcast. Maybe it's easier to give an excuse than to instigate an initiative. *Easy?* I think I just abhorred that word.

I think I have slacked enough. I shall do something about this. What I may need is to ignite the motivational fuse at the prefrontal cortex of my brain.

I just need to remind myself that nothing in this world is ever easy; similar to nothing is ever free. There's always a catch. Every time we do something easy, we are unknowingly shackled at our legs with balls and chains. Try swimming or running in that situation. Either you sink, or you fall; there won't be any glory.

So how would you lift yourself out from such a mess? Well, you could struggle back to survive, or stand up and carry that burden with you all the way without any fuss about it. Above all, I think you need to believe. Nothing is impossible. We are all humans, we are not perfect, everyone has fallen short before. Don't feel inferior. We just need to pick ourselves up, and fix our eyes upon the goal that we are aiming for. Sometimes we all just need a good reminder that easy stuffs may be attractive, but a good hard work gives satisfaction.

People with religion should be happy, because they can always turn to a higher power and pray for guidance or help. Sometimes when I am troubled, and when I am weary, and when I feel lost, I find my purpose again when I speak to God. It may be easy for skeptics to scoff this idea. But if you would try to believe, you would experience what I feel or what I see, in this relationship with Him.

humpty-dumpty

2011-09-02T17:44:00.002+01:00

People always say we shouldn't moan of history, but rather embrace it..

No point feeling sorry for yourself...

I was just done with my grocery; so I unpacked and arranged them nicely into the fridge. As I was still unpacking, I heard something dropped..

My kitchen floor immediately became flooded with the very contents of the bottle. I wonder how this could have happened! It was as if the bottle of milk stepped out of the fridge's door shelf, and like humpty-dumpty, fell a great fall onto my kitchen floor...

I wished I could have seen it happened. The bottle of milk must have not known Newton and the rules of gravity. No matter how badly of a position I probably placed the bottle onto the shelf, gravity would and should have kept it in an upright position.

I checked the shelf. No secret trap door which I should know about.

I opened the cap of the bottle. The seal was still intact. It's so sad.. all that wasted dairy! I guess this means no cereal this week.

Some crazy guy once said we shouldn't cry over spilled milk. That guy didn't need to do the cleaning-up on his own.. :(

life's a rhapsody

2011-08-31T23:21:00.004+01:00

August rushed through this year. It's the dawn of September. The rustling of the leaves is evident now. I shiver as the wind ripped through my summer coat. Would I have to bid farewell to Summer so soon? Too soon. I shuddered and bit my tongue. I licked my dry lips. The howling of the wind left me mustering COURAGE to fight. I listened and fell deep into the music I was listening on my iPod. They seemed to be in a harmonious symphony with the voices of nature around. I lowered the volume and the two seemed more coherent. Soon, the leaves would come falling, calling on to Autumn.

P/s. Okay.. so this is my ear --> 3. Now what is annoying is that, I got this . in my 3. So this . irritates my ear so badly till the point I am getting a headache. Hope it goes away soon. Take care peeps.

beat.......

2011-08-31T17:32:00.003+01:00

Hello world. Just to let you know, I have already deposited nearly 3 kg to the local sewers today. Just thought you might wanna know. Teehee.

Okay.. brb.. continue this post later..

An hour later....

So...

So...

out of breath now...

Just came back from jhogging...

It has been awhikle... *huff puff*

okay... beef stew.. time to cook.. pheewww... how did i get so tired??/

okayyy..

let me regain my balance first..... hahaaa...fdizzyy...

ermm okayyyysss.... maybe i will lie dojwn fiirstt

fuzzin' side

2011-08-30T01:18:00.005+01:00

It's only been a few days since I last do something; I mean actually doing something besides settling my future. What else can one do besides all the blah-dee-blahblahs of movie marathons and cyber-surfing? I know I won't be able to survive like this. It's always draining this way... depressing-much...

By the way, it's getting cold where I am now.. again. [Apparently it's the coldest summer in nearly 20 years (13.63C) compared to 1993's 13.39C.] But I can't wait for the first snow this year :) Oh. And today marks one year since I came to Nottingham. To celebrate the occasion (LOL-nesome-ness), I had some tiramisu (Yum), while I lie like a couch potato with my hoody over my head. I look like a stereotypical bachelor - messy rooms, lazzzyy, unwashed dishes, lying around with my laptop, staring like an idiot..

But this is bliss.. some time on my own :) Today I can live like this... tomorrow time to stop procrastinating and do a bit of cleaning and perhaps a little bit of jogging.

Cheers =)

P/s Happiness is found deep down in our hearts, either they are glowing like a warm furnace, or they have yet to be unveiled, like a handful of dirty charcoal. Find it. I don't know how you would do it, but what I would do is fearlessly look up to the heavens. Somewhere out there, waiting for you, is happiness. You can find it...

Don't throw the dirty charcoal away...

Hope you find your eternal bliss x

ode to the manifestations of a sleepy head

2011-08-27T01:15:00.002+01:00

The drizzly weather has begun.... again. I was awoken with a start the other day. The creaking of the staircase, and the clicking of the toilet lock, alerted my sensories. Immediate thought was somebody shouldn't be in my house. Well, anyway, soon I realised it had to be the renovation crew.

I started imagining what I could do supposed the "intruder" wasn't them. I surveyed my window. I could jump; might get an ankle (or two) sprained; but definitely would survive. Then I started thinking of home alone. The kid in the movie was really brave, and I always kinda admire the booby traps he set up. Would I be able to set those in my house?

Anyway, I could discern the "intruder" was heading downstairs. If I had to do something, going downstairs will gather lots of attention. Old houses have really old noisy stairs. I continued lying and started imagining whatever kungfu or martial art moves that I may come up with. I LOL-ed for allowing myself to imagine those.

Time to wake up...

hmm

2011-08-26T13:35:00.002+01:00

Oh what plan depicts our future,
who writes it, who decides it,
making a choice, the rolling of a dice,
the darkened sky, the burgeoning clouds,
but whatever it takes,
just remember,
an umbrella or a hat matters.

and i am me..

2011-07-17T17:01:00.003+01:00

Immeasurable

I'm me as U r able.

Today, I found another reason why I want to help people; why I would like to be a great pharmacist... Thank God it was nothing serious.

haihzzz..........

2011-07-14T19:15:00.002+01:00

~~speech~~ and absolutely tired.. but i know i need to persist and be more alert....

daring to...

2011-07-02T16:57:00.002+01:00

double-sided knife

2011-06-26T23:39:00.004+01:00

One thing we can never let ourselves assume is how hard of soft a texture of an apple is. Using a fruit knife, you might end up injuring yourself, particularly if the apple is too soft.

Just like when you hurt someone's heart deeply... you could end up hurting yourself;
especially that which belongs to someone who trust their heart in your hands...

NOT this Apple

THIS Apple

tearjerker

2011-06-26T17:14:00.002+01:00

I may have posted this before; but I really like this video... very moving.

Our own lives is a race; it need not be a competition in its own right. All that matters is that we know where the finish line is, and that we keep our eyes focus on that. Follow no one, just know where you should be, whether we need to stumble there, hobble there, crawl there; as long as we find our way there.

Our Father upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

pieces

2011-06-26T00:50:00.003+01:00

I waved my arms up, reached out towards the imaginary sky. It is always nice to have a good stretch in the morning. I looked at the clock. Fooled by the premature brightening of the sky, I checked my messages.

I smiled, but feeling inarticulate, my mind wondered off knowing ever so well that that day had to come to past. I turned my head away from the window, tucked myself back in and dozed off, telling myself, that I would wait...

*** *** *** *** ***

For all the reasons I couldn't deal with, I ensured my thoughts went to an overdrive; and like a chess player mentally calculating and studying my steps, my index finger hovered over the white bell button. I looked at the ticking clock, and then across the board. A window opportunity opens and closes all the time. We need to act at the right moment. I made my move.

Not locked out, but a strong pang lingered. I made no gambit, not expecting much. Like the King, a hollow piece more than anything else, I stood there. But a quick embrace and exchanges followed, and I was the last piece standing on the driveway...

...the world wants you...

2011-06-25T22:17:00.002+01:00

Something on my playlist..

ANDRE & FIRMIN
Prima donna first lady of the stage!
Your devotees are on their knees to implore you!
Can you bow out when they're shouting your name?
Think of how they all adore you!

Prima donna, enchant us once again!
Think of your muse... And of the queues round the theatre!
Can you deny us the triumph in store?
Sing, prima donna, once more!

RAOUL
Christine spoke of an angel...

CARLOTTA
Prima donna, your song shall live again!

ANDRE & FIRMIN
Think of your public!

CARLOTTA
You took a snub, but there's a public who needs you!

MME. GIRY
She has heard the voice of the angel of music...

ANDRE & FIRMIN
Those who hear your voice liken you to an angel!

CARLOTTA
Think of their cry of undying support!

ANDRE
We get our opera

CARLOTTA
Follow where the limelight leads you!

FIRMIN
She gets her limelight!

ANDRE & FIRMIN
Leading ladies are a trial!

CARLOTTA
Prima donna, your song shall never die!
You'll sing again, and to unending ovation!

RAOUL
Orders! Warnings! Lunatic demands!

ANDRE & FIRMIN
Tears... oaths... lunatic demands are regular occurrences!

CARLOTTA
Think how you'll shine in that final encore!

ANDRE & FIRMIN
Surely there'll be further scenes worse than this!

RAOUL
Think, before these demands are rejected!

ANDRE & FIRMIN
Who'd believe a diva happy to relieve a chorus girl,
who's gone and slept with the patron?
Raoul and the soubrette,
entwined in love's duet!
Although he may demure,
he must have been with her!
You'd never get away with all this in a play,
but if it's loudly sung and in a foreign tongue
it's just the sort of story audiences adore,
in fact a perfect opera!

ALL
Prima donna the world is at your feet!
A nation waits, and how it hates to be cheated!
Light up the stage with that age old rapport!
Sing, prima donna, once more!

just a stop

2011-06-20T23:19:00.000+01:00

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me.” - Erma Bombeck

heavy head

2011-06-19T14:39:00.003+01:00

It's days like this I wish I have a bunk bed; so that I could wake up, and knock my head on the top bunk until I faint...

pic(fu)

2011-06-13T01:38:00.002+01:00

A train to nowhere; decides where we ought to be. The dawn and beginning of summer writes possible routes for which we may venture. It saddens me of the untimely need for us to go where we are suppose to be. What connection to the universe made this inevitable?

Oh woe is the short lifespan we have to endure being apart. Early hurts; may test the will of a mind. We all crave for something to believe in, to find meaning for everything to make sense. A dream; lets hope won't fade away; paints a pretty pic(fu)ture. Whatever God plans for me, by His almighty grace, it is exactly what I would stand for.

for you

2011-06-10T01:54:00.001+01:00

When there is no light to guide you
When all hope is being challenged
When darkness is overwhelming
When the compass doesn't point North

Would you trust in your instinct
Would your endure
Would you stop trying
Would you reach out your hands
and look to the sky

Whatever our future brings
No matter the weights of past which holds me down
Despite the acts and trials of time and space
Forever more, again and again,
I will keep on coming
For you.

a potato in my throat

2011-05-25T23:25:00.003+01:00

It's been forever since I last blogged...

Just to say; a tough one week has come and gone. Only a few days remaining. Feeling so weary.. so exhausted today. AND this is soooo confusing! Gah! okays.. goodnights!

just a lump of flesh?

2011-04-26T02:58:00.003+01:00

We were looking at each others' legs the other day and...

I thought my bicycle scars make me unique. Apparently everyone has them too!

But I guess we all have different stories, each unique and tailored to our own scars.

What's your scar stories?

under the sun

2011-04-23T00:10:00.002+01:00

Under the warmth of the spring's sunny glow, of bold and bright, one can only hope for bliss, an ethereal world only concocted by a mind of a poet. Clear skies, and the stillness of the air, almost tranquil, a sense of calming, familiarity, comfort, home.

Childhood memories finds its way out. I lifted out my hand, allowing a dandelion seed to gently land on it. The shadows that formed seemed to grow under my feet as the sun commence. Cares and stress that have etched on our faces seemed to have swept away. The golden hue which envelopes our soul made sure we see beauty everywhere.

Much promise is seen in the beams of our reflection. Much dreams are made under the rays of hope. The Sun is everlasting. It represents a sense of hope, trust, worth, and love... always. It's p'wer reigns upon us, always there, high above, like an eye in the sky, keeping watch on all of us.

I stole a glance across... breaking free from my reverie.

besame much o..

2011-04-22T15:32:00.004+01:00

One for sorrow, two for joy,
three for a girl, four for a boy,
five for silver, six for gold,
seven for a secret, never to be told,
eight for a wish, nine for a kiss,
ten for a time of joyous bliss.

- Counting Crows -

with needle and thread

2011-04-13T11:36:00.004+01:00

A few weeks back... (yes call me a procrastinator), the button of my shorts came loose. At that point, with the coursework datelines looming, I could not be bothered. And I have no one to ask for help. So I just washed it.. the shorts of course.. and left it lying in my drawer.

What does this mean? Should I lose weight? Should I just turn my pants into rags? But it's still fairly new.

I guess I achieved something today...

Broken seams, torn fabrics, loose buttons. They all can be fixed. Although it may be untidy initially, with practice, they can look as if they were brand new.

All with needle and thread...

come outside. it's spring!

2011-04-13T01:19:00.002+01:00

The sun is out, colours have returned in place of grey,

Greyness soaked and dissipates away.
Shades are lit up, warmness overcomes gloom,
A flower never needs to know how to bloom.

-JL-

stronghold

2011-04-05T16:24:00.006+01:00

Rocky ledges, shifting sands. Which would you rather be? Something which endures, everlasting; or something which crumbles, cursory.

What kind of foundation is your life built based on? I choose the one which weathers all storm.

sweet misery

2011-02-21T10:17:00.001Z

"An eye for an eye,
Makes the whole world go blind"

no one else

2011-02-13T02:24:00.003Z

strangely there was no longing of any sorts when I was out from one gift shop to another today. perhaps the numbness of truth and realization serves as a much needed panacea.

also...

"Good news? what good news?"
"X told me.." =)
"Owh" =))

knowing that someone is watching over you is all the special feeling that you need :)

great cover!

2011-02-09T14:56:00.001Z

Hope

2011-01-22T21:58:00.003Z

"A Light, no shadow can hide."

That's the beauty of music. They can't get that from you... Haven't you ever felt that way about music? Although it never and wouldn't make sense, it make sense when things are tough. You need it so you don't forget. Forget that... there are places in this world that aren't made out of stone. That there's something inside... that they can't get to, that they can't touch. That's yours.

That's Hope.

Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.

- Shawshank Redemption -

!!!

2011-01-09T17:58:00.001Z

Exams coming soon! Won't be posting in awhile... Meanwhile, read this thought-provoking article I found from The Star... enjoy :)

ONCE a professor asked his students: “Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?” The students thought for a while before one of them said: “We shout because we lose our calm.”

“But why shout when the other person is just next to you? Isn’t it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice?”

The students gave various answers, none of which satisfied the professor.

Finally he explained: “When two people are angry with each other, their hearts distance. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the louder they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.”

Then he asked: “What happens when two people fall in love? They don’t shout at each other but talk softly. Why? Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small.

“When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak – they only whisper and get closer to each other in their love.

“Finally they do not even need to whisper. They only look at each other, that’s all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.”

So, when you argue, do not let your hearts get distant or say words that distance each other even more, or there may come a day when the distance is so great you will not find the path back to each other.

nothing doesn't happen for a reason...

2011-01-08T17:40:00.001Z

There are no coincidences... only the illusion of coincidence.

or better yet...

There are no coincidences... just God incidents.

once upon a new year..

2011-01-01T21:19:00.006Z

So it's once again a brand new year. It's coming to the second day of the year from where I am. It got slightly chillier today. Rain showered in across the sleepy town of Nottingham, and to me, it's like a new beginning, starting the new year with a clean slate. Whatever that has happened in the last year or before that is of history, a major part of my life, but no more than needed-heeded lessons. It's a bit like how Jesus came, and took the nails for us. Because of His love, He died for us, to spare us and redeem us from all our sins. This humbling thought sometimes is the assurance I need to get through my days.

When we are lost, when we feel that no compass can guide us, whether it's a bright or cloudy day, with everything we wish for, we look up...

My resolution this year sounds simple, but requires much striving, dedication, discipline, and hard work; that is, to succeed.

There are two rules for success: 1) Never tell everything you know...
Roger H. Lincoln

post-christmas

2010-12-29T17:28:00.004Z

Omgosh.. everything is so cheap... okay la.. a bit disappointed with some of the sales in Oxford Street, London. But I guess that's the only way they can get rid of the old stocks. I wished they would have sales for some of the new stuffs though.

On the hindsight, if you look carefully, you may uncover some gems that would suit you. It may be less popular, not the sale-able kind, but somehow it can work, and you can make it your own.

Also, things in supermarket is really cheap!! Picture this, from a 12 pounds salmon to 2.50! How's that for a 80% discount! Anyway, Tesco has been super generous to us today. Somehow, I picked a blur cashier, and yeah, she missed out on a couple of things :p I guess she was still in the giving mood :) :)

Oh.. and somehow I think I can see the silver lining in the cloudy/foggy days we have been having recently :) At least it keeps the place slightly milder here. Surprisingly, if it's sunnier, it could be colder around here.

P/s why is there a need to declare a public holiday for winning just one game. It isn't like we made a huge leap towards winning the world cup >.<

have a good holidays!

2010-12-22T14:13:00.001Z

the gift

2010-12-19T12:03:00.004Z

Stepping into the snow covered trail,
Can't believe I was so impatient.

Snow drifted across my face.

In football, in certain positions,
you know the goal is coming.
But sometimes, when it's left a bit late,
when it goes to injury time,
you get a little anxious.
You may try a different approach/tactic.
You speak to the Captain.
He says he trusts the team.
And so, I have to trust them as well.

And with the memories of Park's double in each half's injury time against Wolves.
I believed.

And even when the snow came down a little harder,
I believed.

And with the calmness of the Captain,
I believed.

And even when the clock is winding down, and the fat lady is starting to clear her throat,
I believed.

Because that's what Christmas is all about right?
Because when the snow fell, it felt like Christmas.
Because when I felt calm, it felt like Christmas.
Because when all I hear is joy and laughter, it felt like Christmas.
Because when the goal came, when you came, it felt like an angel's presence,
It felt like Christmas.

And I was there, and you were there.
And a group of candles flickered all around us.
And they have been flickering all this while,
my hope, my supporter, my friends.
And that is what happened.
And that is how I felt.

And like some drunk guy,
I speak of nonsense.
I laughed, and I thought it made no sense to laugh.
Because I was happy.
And I don't know why.

I guess it never did change.
I guess each time when the world is between us,
we had our arms around it,
keeping ourselves within reach.

We were that close, always together, and never apart.
Like the orbit of the Earth around the Sun,
Like the coming of seasons,
tomorrow shall come,
and so will you.

And when we part,
I never wanted to feel the pain,
Like the ripping of a plaster,
I wanted it to be swift.

The anticipation is never what I wanted.
Oh I wish it was Christmas everyday.
Because when the first day of after-Christmas comes,
I know I would have to wait again.
The feeling of missing is mixed with both joyous and longing.

So I said my goodbyes,
something which left something hard in my throat.
I wanted to turn away.
Because I couldn't bear seeing you walk away.
But you were still there.
And I was knew I was wrong.
Because I am glad, this was done slowly.
Even though a vortex was sucking me away from these place,
I knew I could be back again.
And with a hug and long farewells,
I tried to hide the unexpected tearing.
A long deep breathe helped,
and we were on our way.

Oh when you’re still waiting for the snow to fall
Those Christmas lights will light up the streets
And, maybe they’ll bring her back to me...

stay

2010-12-11T02:48:00.001Z

I love this place

But it's haunted without you

snowmen

2010-12-01T14:12:00.004Z

It has been snowing and snowmen have been popping up from lawns and yards of every home around the neighbourhood. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some look like these....

Chunky snowman... like those being the subject of target practice.

Fat and round... perfect and ideal snowman

Amateurs make snowmen looking like ghosts!

through my window

2010-11-26T11:56:00.002Z

I love it that I am writing this at the spur of the moment.

I love it that we are going out for lunch shortly.

I love it that I have time to write this.

I love it that I sing about God everyday.

I love it that I can still stay up till 6am even though I had only 5 hours sleep the day before.

I love it that I can still write a decent report right up to 6am, on the dateline day.

I love it that I have got only one day of classes this week.

I love it that I am attending a good school.

I love it that I can still make some friends happy.

I love it that I am surrounded by friends.

I love it that we do homework together.

I love it that we can stay warm in our living room.

I love it that I have my down jacket when I am out.

I love it that UK's desserts are awesome.

I love it that my parents call when I am super busy.

I love it that I am still updated with things from home.

I love it that I am still part of the conversation at home.

I love it that I can wake up from sleep as I like.

I love it that the sun has been has been waking me up everyday at the same time, for the last 3 days.

I love it that the sun shines through my window.

I love it that You are part of my life.

- Happy Thanksgiving -

oh my sunshine

2010-11-24T15:49:00.002Z

FML.. I slept at 6am on Tuesday morning.. and woke up at 2.30pm. And at 2.30pm, it was nearly dark.

I slept when it was dark, and woke up when it was barely bright. FML. Who took my sunshine while I was snoozing?

It will get worse I think. Sunset could be as early 3pm i think.

Here's hoping, wherever you are, enjoy your sunlight!

fall at Your feet

2010-11-24T14:32:00.004Z

Freely You gave it all for us
Surrendered Your life upon that cross
Great is Your love
Poured out for all
This is our God

Lifted on high from death to life
Forever our God is glorified
Servant and King
Rescued the world
This is our God

let it snow

2010-11-23T22:17:00.002Z

This place shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun will forbear to shine

But I will still wait everyday to see your glow
And hope will forever be mine

imagine

2010-11-23T17:15:00.001Z

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

carry on

2010-11-22T17:15:00.002Z

Another autumn day has come and gone away.
The last leaf has fall, cue start of chilly days.

As I stroll carefully yonder the hills
Knowing so well how I truly feel.
And then up I came to meet you
I smiled and so did you.

Heavans twinkled, out came the stars,
You never would know how lovely you are...

paracytes

2010-11-20T12:20:00.003Z

I just find this really smart:

X issues a load of 10 pound coupons to their loyal customers.

And along comes Y; who didn't do anything at all but leech off X's hard work in promoting and distributing these coupons, by saying they too can accept the coupons at their store.

And, it's all fair game.

Bravo and well played to Y! Although, Y may lose about 10 pounds per customer, but they may have gained more new customers. X on the other hand... well just got p*wn-ed!

Truth about marketing, it's about getting new customers each time. Because loyal customers will usually always remain loyal customers, and new customers are hard to find.

This guerrilla marketing kinda reminded me of one which I was a part of. P was giving out free samples to customers who purchased a rival brand's products. And, yes, this is even fair game.

are you thirsty now?

2010-11-16T23:11:00.003Z

How do you get your H20? Do you boil it? Get it from the tap? Or just straight from the bottle? Recently, a friend who came to stay over at our house said that although UK water is "drinkable" but it may cause hair loss.

I was a bit skeptical at first. But seeing that this came out from the blue, I had to allow myself to just consider the possibility. Well for one thing....

Rooney is as bald as a baby...

Then again, you may argue that he's only among a few footballers who actually are naturally bald.

Anyway, I tried to do a bit of info-searching, and what I found is that it's always advisable to use filtered tap water even when you are in the UK or US. Somehow they are unsafe although some people might say otherwise.

Countless of claims and reports have prove that the followings make up the impurities found flowing through pipes around the country:
1. chlorine
2. farm fertilizers
3. female contraceptive chemicals (and so... drinking tap water may cause one to gain weight)
4. prozac

Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) also revealed that pharmaceuticals are finding their way into the water supply despite extensive purification treatments used by water companies. Trace levels of bleomycin, a cancer chemotherapy drug, and diazepam, a sedative, have been found during tests on drinking water.

Now... going back to Rooney... Is it a coincidence that more and more people are going bald these days? Are the chemicals the culprit?

Long term side effects of this have not been studied well enough yet, but already there is reduced male sperm counts in many countries, and even causes deformed babies.

So what can you do about this? Try having a look at your at the bottom of your boiler. Notice any calcification especially at the metallic heater?

If you still want more evidence, try leaving out a glass of water in the fridge... or even in the open now since it's soooooo cold. Sedimentation will form... It's probably hard water (lime); but there may be other things as well... There must be other impurities as well causing it to be cloudy.

So, what are your options?
a) Buy a simple charcoal filtering system
b) Filtering jug
c) Filter system fitted to main water supply
d) Buy bottled waters.... everyday... (but they are environmentally unfriendly)

I have already opted for option (b)... it's already on its way...

So, are you losing your hair over this problem yet? Truth be told, it's more likely that hair loss is due to water from the shower or the type of shampoo you use, rather than the tap water we drink.

dub dub..

2010-11-09T15:31:00.002Z

Random fact:

Washing a small enclosed toilet is like playing twister...

Especially when scrubbing the floor, you need to be a tad bit flexible...

tips to stay warm this winter part I

2010-11-09T10:44:00.004Z

It's early November, and I can say that it has been FRRRRREEEZIING! For four days, the temperature has remained as a single digit. It serves to remind us, that, the temperature will dive dovetail from now onwards. As I type this post, the heater is blazing on my left, while the right side of my face is cold as ice (well not quite... 6 Celcius). I could raise both my eyebrows (not a flirt-move by the way), and it would seem like I am accentuating irony. I could smile, and it would seem crooked, like the grin of Two-Face himself. But that's scary.. So I shall digress... well more like the moon.

Anyway, the point is, we need to keep ourselves warm. Here are some of my tips:

1. Wear a cap; if not a hoodie. We lose a lot of body through our head (25% - 75%)! So, why not look cool this winter, and don that beret you have been hiding in your closet! I know I would... especially to a certain ADD class.

2. Wear something insulated with down feathers! My mom just couriered one to me; and it has helped me stay warm the last couple of days. Thanks mom! Down feathers are the soft fluffy feathers from birds. It's one of the best insulators around. One drawback though, if your down feathers gets wet, ~~you won't be able to fly anymore~~ it will become flat, and loses its ability to insulate. So wear it with....

3. Polar fleece or wool! Both can still insulate well, even though you get wet in this wretched weather!

4. Well, the idea is also not to get wet, so get a proper umbrella. Like mine :D Solid even in the windiest of days! *Touches wood* If you get wet, you get cold faster. That's the general rule of thumb.

5. Speaking of thumbs, wear a pair of gloves! Being waterproof helps... I mean the gloves; not YOU. I know you are.

In conclusion, wear thin natural fibre clothings; like cotton or wool. They trap heat easily rather than thick bulky materials. Scarf and socks are a big help. If you are looking to buy some more jackets; I would like to share this tip my friend taught me... blow through the material, does it stop convection? (windbreaker) Keep that in mind when you shop. Oh and buy colours which can soak up the magnificent sun rays :D You know what they are ;)

If you have boots; then good for you! My shoes is falling apart, and sometimes, I can feel my socks a bit soggy when I step on puddles. Perhaps it's time to get a pair of waterproof boots.

Also eat right, keep warm. Potatoes... veg... meat... fish... eggs... basically proteins. Basically a balance diet should be fine. And fine cup of hot drink :) *Slurps* What I do is keep a flask of hot water by my bedside. So when I wake up... yay! Instant warmth from a cup!

Other things you may want:

1. Vitamins. I was taking Vitamin C with Zinc; for immune system. Now I put myself on the multi-vits... giving priorities on Vitamin B... to boost my energy. You can take either or... or alternately.

2. Stock up with can foods (like soups) for the winter. Or... hmm.. instant noodles. A bit of each, since neither are that beneficial. I keep stocks of cookies. Unfortunately my milo stock s dwindling. Please let my parcel arrive soon! :(

3. Above all, drink plenty of water. Water is the elixir of life. It helps in metabolism of food. Then you will feel warm.

4. Carry some brunch bars around; like my Cadbury ones I buy from BM Bargain at Beeston Bus Station. Only 1 Pound for 6 bars. Good deal! Or if you like, nuts and raisins from Holland and Barrett; or free chocolates from Hotel Chocolat at Broadmarsh! :p

5. Final tip, just move around. Exercise! Burn some ~~rubber~~ flubber around that belly. Push ups, weight lifting, brisk walking... whatever helps for you. Don't sit statically too long... Which reminds me.... I need to wash the toilet now! See ya!

Stay warm! :D

of passion within

2010-11-03T02:27:00.003Z

Each day, our life is touched by experiences; experiences we ourselves only know; but one which is understood and believed by others around us. These experiences does not need proof. These experiences are profound. These experiences remind us of the twist and turns of our lives. These experiences remind us of why we sing the song we sing.

These experiences does not need proof. These experiences may not be explainable to others. But these experiences are not incomprehensible. Why would there be a need to prove these? Would there be a need to have proofs of one's dream?

The deepest experiences of life does not require the fruit of reasoning, but of love.

my denim

2010-10-31T00:15:00.002+01:00

I finally washed my pair of jeans after wearing for 15 consecutive days. Why is that gross or dirty? Jeans are meant to be worn long! It's rugged, yo! Anyways... no one can tell the difference.

To be honest, I don't find my jeans dirty YET. Perhaps if I were back home, I would wash my jeans after every use. Sometimes, but only on rare occasions, I might save it for another day. Maybe it's because those were cheap jeans.

The one which I just washed is kinda expensive. I think washing jeans can somehow destroy its fabric. So, I would prefer that my jeans last as long as it can. In addition, I kinda like the feeling of a dirty pair of jeans ie. it's easier to slip on the pair. If it were fresh laundry, they can feel kinda tight.
Skinny jeans not my type.

So, how often do YOU wash your jeans?

okay enough

2010-10-20T01:50:00.003+01:00

Omgosh... this page really exist.... and I found my lecturer there.

Okay... I need to stop my habit of looking every single thing up on the internet...

Got better things to do...

Btw.. it's really cold.. 2 celcius.. gosh.. I need more warm clothings.......

pilgrimage to Manchester

2010-10-20T01:01:00.003+01:00

Every Man United has this calling; to visit Old Trafford at least once in their lifetime. I had the privilege to be part of this pilgrimage last weekend. Frozen fingers and the cold couldn't contain my excitement; especially on the bus ride to where dreams are made and shaped into reality.

The moment the stadium came into view; it just made me shudder. I was so moved and awed by the sheer majestic sight of the stadium. I was there. And it was awesome. The hair on the back of my neck erect as I got off the bus. It was one of the best feeling I have ever had.

breakfast thoughts

2010-10-03T16:12:00.003+01:00

Life in UK has not been bad so far. Living abroad teaches us plenty of things... of choices we make... of routes we take.

Whatever we do, there are either two types of decisions... being involved OR being committed.

I would like to share something I heard today....

It has something to do with the English breakfast below...

Bacons and eggs.

The chicken was involved. BUT the pig was committed.

Which one describes you? Are you a chicken or a pig?

tacos

2010-09-21T22:55:00.003+01:00

I woke up one day, and I realised someone took my cheese tacos.

Change is inevitable. But it's tough to face it. It's tough even admitting it. I prefer to cling on to the things which are familiar. It feels safe... just right... like home. I guess I just don't like changes. I am afraid to look it in the eye. It just never works out... well not for me at least.

I hope things are back to normal to save my heart...

Yet I am willing for some tacos.

into the door

2010-09-07T00:29:00.000+01:00

In a little town of Nottingham, that's where I will be in the next 2 years... perhaps more? Rain; of drizzle kind are a common coming. A brolly (umbrella) in a bag is a really good idea. A coat; preferably something waterproof which can keep you warm is a fantastic idea.

Nottingham, a city of history; of Sherwood forest, Maid Marian, and Robin Hood. The art of 'stealing from the rich and giving to the poor' thankfully (or not?) does not occur. When we will be sleeping; the droning sound of little pat-o-pat outside helps us drown further into sleep.

If we are out in this sort of weather, people like me may be tempted to use the umbrella. Locals; more often than not; choose to battle against the annoying-shiver-inducing droplets. The use of an umbrella basically labels yourself as an outsider... somewhat so. But at least it would keep me dry.

But....

I wondered, I contemplated; and I was curious; to be part of this country, I would need to blend in. So, on the next occasion; the umbrella and I would switch position. I will instead take the drops while shielding the umbrella. I shall be wet; and my umbrella shall remain bone dry.

Perhaps, in the coming weeks, I would start not to take notice of the rain anymore. I would see things differently, with a new set of 'eyes'.

red eye tonight

2010-08-23T05:20:00.001+01:00

Here we go...

listen

2010-08-22T05:15:00.003+01:00

I just cleaned my ears... I feel like I can hear better now...

Now if only I have that Ipod...

Mr R!! Please tell me who won!!

on the move...

2010-08-20T16:25:00.005+01:00

I have been doing some physio of late; (orthopaedic's orders... and insisted by my mom) for my back. Nothing that you should be alarmed about. Just a precautionary measure. So, I hope to learn some stretching methods before jetting off on Monday.

Hot packs will be put on my back; to help release the tension of some of my muscles on my back. Basically this is what is happening to my back....

One side's muscles is stronger than the other. So, it's kinda at an uneven strength/tension... kinda like strings on a guitar... a good one. This cumulative effect will cause my posture to be somewhat Crooked with a capital C, similar to the shape of my spine now. So, if you could strum my back muscles like a guitar, it would produce good music... but 20 years down the road, it could really hurt... a lot... and I might be hunched... sideways!

For a quick fix solution, the therapist hope to strengthen the muscles on one side, while reducing the tightness of the muscles on the other side. But of course I still would need to do my own stretching at home after the sessions. Also, the therapist put this type of plaster on my back to help my body re-accustom itself to my new posture.

Like the pink one here Mr Beckham is wearing. It's called a kinesio tape.

The customary tension on each plaster (there are two on my back) will help align my back to the 'correct' position. It is as if I am a puppet at the end of two strings of different tension. Although, the feeling is subtle, subconsciously, my body will try to position itself such that the tension in both plasters are at its minimum. I wouldn't have guess that this thing would actually work if the therapist had not said that my posture is getting better. I thought "Wow!". I was only having the therapy session for 4 days!

Along with this, I have been trying to get myself into shape ie. to build up my long-gone stamina. Did some jogging during the last 3 days... it hasn't been great, but hope it's enough.

Day 1: 4km in 31 mins.
Day 2: 5km in 37 mins.
Day 3: 4km in 31 mins.

Still slower than what I know I can do... hope to improve ;)

Anyway, I was resting on a bench near the playground after my jog. While huffing and puffing through my sweat soaked eyes, I could partially see some kids having fun. It allowed me to reminisce a bit about my childhood.

Then I remembered what a colleague ... well now ex-colleague told me when I was in GSK. Human interactions in the boardroom and in the playground are the same. In the boardroom, people squabble and debate their ideas, to convince everyone why their ideas deserved to be materialised. It's kinda the same as in the playground. There always seem to be a 'dominant' one. One who seems louder and bigger than the other kids. It reminded me of Rugrats.. the cartoon I used to watch as a kid. Hostility and cooperation can be identified among these kids. You can kinda figure out how they will be like as an adult.

So, there was this 'Angelica' there, on the swings and slides. You could see 'Angelica's' passion. It's great to see lively kids like that. So carefree.. nothing to worry about. Then another kid came by... I think this kid is a 'Chuckie'... seemingly shy; unsure of himself. 'Chuckie' wandered towards 'Angelica'... with hope that he could play together. 'Angelica' took one look and shunned poor 'Chuckie'. He was excluded. It probably didn't mean anything. It was probably my tired mind's conclusion. But what I saw and surmised is that those kind of things are the very foundation and fundamentally the future of our society's heartache. If only we learned to share when we are young. It's something that should be inculcated in all kids. Exclusion is hurtful. 'Chuckie' probably felt it. Or if he was a stronger lad that I saw, he probably just shrugged off what 'Angelica' said and play at the dirty grimy monkey bars although he was too short for it.

What 'Angelica' portray was an 'I' attitude. There should be more 'We' or 'Us' vocab among children. It helps in unifying themselves too. I got up to continue cooling myself down. Sweat was dripping all over myself. It was as if I was being squeezed bone dry. I imagined the hollow inner world that 'Angelica' was unknowingly creating for herself. A cave where one could get lost, where secrets can be kept, but where one would feel alone. If only she knew...

when the door opens...

2010-08-20T15:57:00.002+01:00

I guess I choke easily, especially when I am surprised. I am not used... or maybe I always don't expect to bump into someone...

I was at the hospital after my 4th day of physio. The escalator opened, and so amongst the crowd, was a vaguely familiar face. I wasn't sure; so I didn't say anything. Besides, I was in the hospital. No one goes around in the hospital hoping to bump into someone you know.

But she acknowledged me. And then I kinda knew, but I kept my silence. I guess I was just as surprised as my friend. Anyway, she asked why I was there. She was genuinely concern about my back, when I told her I was there for therapy. So, the escalator reopened at the ground floor; we shook hands and parted ways. I felt like such a douche for not asking why she was there.......... ..... ....... ..... and yet... maybe .... I hope there's nothing to be concerned about. She came from one of the ward floors...

in a moment

2010-08-16T19:45:00.003+01:00

life is lived forward...

...but can only be understood backward

- Soren Kierkegaard -

10

2010-08-13T16:46:00.004+01:00

Where will you be on the 10th of October 2010 (10-10-10)? Somewhere far or closer to home? Most importantly, what would you be doing that day? It is a date we should have marked down on our calendar. Special things, I mean wonderful things are meant to happen that day. When the day comes, when that very moment comes to be, why don't we try to put ourselves what we will do; say 10 minutes into the future, 10 days, 10 months; even 10 years forward!

We orchestrate our lives. We play our game. We make the moves. We earn what we deserved. We reap what we sow.

Recently, a book title caught my attention. It's exactly about this. Making resolutions. Making our lives meaningful. Setting goals. We have the power to decide. We are the master of our destiny. There are times when I feel that I may not have enough strength. This is when I feel vulnerable; that perhaps I have exhausted myself, and that I may not be good enough to do what I want... to be who I wanna be.

All this while, I have been relying on chances, listening to people telling me what I am supposed to be. I guess this book helps to guide my blinded attempts to make something out of myself. All this while, I prefer not to look too far into the future. I prefer to just go with the flow, to ride the waves. But I realised that it's important to actually know where this boat is taking me, and how I am getting there. By envisioning myself through this time line, I can have more focus in whatever I do. I am now able to recognise the possibility to use some of my strengths to overcome my weakness. The choices we make, determines our action; the action that proceeds, shapes our future. Life would be more balance, simpler. Life could be more of our own.

The thoughts of my future escalated as my colleagues in office asked me about my future, about life after graduation. What would I do? Who will I be? I would usually evade these sort of questions. But right now I am please to share my dreams; and by sharing, hopefully it would further motivate myself to strive to new heights. Today was my last day, the end of my internship. It has been swell. The people are awesome and it was such a fantastic learning experience on my part. I always tried to give my all, to accomplish things at my own initiative. It didn't start off that way, but I learn to do things on my own after that. I can say that I have learnt a lot, not only about marketing, but about myself. I learn I can sometimes surprise myself, if I wear my heart on my sleeve. It's all these little "other things" that we learn that will stick with us forever. Many "10s" to the team at GSK.

And so, at hindsight, I have 10 more days before I am off. What will I do? I will enjoy myself wholly. I will spend time at home, with my family as much as I can. I will do the jogging I have been putting off all this while. I will eat the buka puasa food at the gerai-gerai near my neighbourhood. I shall relax amidst the countdown people are doing for me on my behalf.

And now.. I need my sleep.. eye swollen.. got to be at the hospital by 10....

penultimate day

2010-08-12T17:11:00.003+01:00

There were some things I did today at work which I haven't done before.

1. Have a decent breakfast in the pantry. The bread there is free everyday, with an option of either:
a) Hot chocolate
b) Teh Tarik
c) Cappuccino

I chose option a). No kidding it was seriously hot. My tongue even feels a little desensitised now. Hoh worh ith.

2. My breakfast consisted of onions. Crunch. Ermm.. No.. I did not eat it like an apple. It was in my sandwich. So, I felt my breath was a bit overwhelming. I didn't have any breath mints. And I knew I had to talk to one of my colleague about something. If I were to approach her, it's anyone's guess what might her reaction be. So I squeeze some RR on my finger.. like on a toothbrush, sized up the situation, surveyed my perimeters, and put it into my mouth. I went straight to the toilet to gargle a bit, and 60 seconds later, my breath is as fresh as ever! :D

3. Raymond took me out for lunch. He gave me a choice.
a) Jusco
b) TGIF at Wangsa Walk
c) Korean food at Ampang Point

I picked c). Because, a), I am always eating there. b) I just went there about 2 weeks ago with my family. And c), it has been a long time since I ate Korean food. It was okay. Not bad.

4. I cleaned the "store" room. Well its name is actually the Future's room. It's not something I particularly enjoy doing. But someone has got to do it, and well... it's one way to leave a legacy.. here in GSK; although I am giving about 2 weeks tops before I think chaos will return to the room :p Anyway, I threw away some stuffs.. and sold off some. I should probably make about RM6k++ in the process. So now it's pretty decent. At least there's a proper route inside. I called it Lorong JL. :D

5. On a serious note, I learnt a bit about BTL materials (Below the Line). And I helped to raise the approval of an AW (Artwork) which I had instructed an agency of ours to do.

Lazy to explain about Above the Line and BTL.... SO I rip a paragraph off Wiki:

In a nutshell, while ATL promotions are tailored for a mass audience, BTL promotions are targeted at individuals according to their needs or preferences. While ATL promotions can establish brand identity, BTL can actually lead to a sale. ATL promotions are also difficult to measure well, while BTL promotions are highly measurable, giving marketers valuable insights into their return-on-investment.

I am quite happy with the AW. :) :)

So, even though it was my second last day, there were still plenty of firsts.... :) Fantastic time in GSK. :D

dazzling the night

2010-08-12T16:07:00.002+01:00

Waiting for a star to fall...

To know that my wish will come true...

dial S for Stucked!

2010-08-07T19:27:00.005+01:00

The other day, I was attempting to complete a puzzle on a game - The Mystery of Dire Grove. One of the puzzle had me thinking. It was something like this. A circular shaped puzzle which acts like a security barrier between me and another room - ala Lara Croft style. What I had to do to unlock the lock was to align all the pieces together ... something like aligning the planets like such:

but knowing that each 'planets' revolves the 'sun' at different time durations. SO.. to get them to align isn't as simple.

Or like turning the dial of a safe. Every time you lock in a number correctly, the locking mechanism behind it will slowly unlatch the hooks which encases the treasures stored within. If you get it wrong, the latch flicks back in, locking back everything in place.

Sometimes I feel this is exactly how problems come about. No matter how careful we are in avoiding them, but somehow, circumstances happen, which can challenge whatever SOPs (standard operating procedures) we have been following. Nothing is perfect. Whatever preparations can be undone easily.

However this is not to say we should stop planning ahead into the future. What I am trying to say is that we should not punish ourselves for every problem we did not expect. These things happen, albeit not often. Even if we tried to improve the system, there is this such thing called the "normalising effect".

Suppose if we installed the best possible anti-virus into our laptop; most definitely we would expect that our laptop would turn into Ford Knox right? Well, theoretically, yes. But, due to negligence, we would then tend to surf the net a little more, we would leave our laptop on all day long, we would download movies/songs indiscriminately. Now that is like a negative feedback working, a yin-yang universal law, the normalising effect. It may not occur immediately, but it does happen. Somehow when we try to improve an aspect of something, we end up compromising... or a better word... exposing the weakness of another.

But to reiterate again....

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. But be wary, no matter how much preparation effort into something, we should always expect the unexpected. Don't be afraid of not succeeding always.

Dial S for Solving. Solving your puzzles the best way you can.

What's the point you ask? A friend of mine would say, "A problem solved is a problem lessened". I say, "A problem solved, is a lesson learned".

leaving town....

2010-08-05T17:57:00.005+01:00

It's haunting me now..
That I have to go.
I am sad to leave...
But I will keep on moving.

Looking out of the window,
the smell,
the sight,
the feel...
it's hard to swallow...
I have to admit,
I will definitely...
miss Home...

And so I am on my way to UK,
I shall hope for the best... :)

Adapted from:
Daughtry - Tennessee Line

excelsheet

2010-08-05T15:04:00.004+01:00

Ever since I started on this new project in office, I feel an urge need to Excelsheet my life.

Suddenly I am curious how my breathing patterns are while I jog. Did I have any improvements in the matter of how I control my huffs and puffs compared to the last time I jogged? What about my heart rate? How high is it compared to my normal heart rate baseline? Will there be a spike in heart rate if some eye-candies walk pass me? Would there be any exponential rise in heartbeats if they decide to talk to me?

Haha. Maybe a set of data showing the time I wake up vs the time I nap. Or how much money I am spending, and see if there's any correlation to my mood. Perhaps how much food I eat, and whether there's an fluctuation to my weight. Oh course, a tabulation of my height won't show anything... just a plateau. Golly.. since when did I ever get so organised?

I am officially a true office-nerd.

unlocking meanings

2010-08-02T15:20:00.003+01:00

Man!! Inception was soooo good that I dreamt of it myself!!

But my totems were tops which were made of ice.

I rolled both in my hands, like they were a pair of dice. I don't remember feeling the cold or the frost bites. But I seemed to know they were ice. I picked one and let it spin. It bounces off the floor a few times, like pebble skipping across calm water. Shards of ice broke off the top; but it still spun perfectly, nearly confusing it for an over-enthusiastic ballerina.

Watching it spin, it seemed to take a long time, idleness fell upon me. I watched it, and let calmness fulfill my soul. The tension I have kept was released.. and I felt spared. I lose myself in the spinning top, observing every revolution, as it spins and spins... appearing in slow motion to me. I took in every moment. I wasted none at all. Flashes of other memories seemed to appear, as my focus on the spinning top was never broken.

A reflection of my own self sparkled out of the mirror-like-ice-top. Droplets seemed to form at the edge of the top. Some sloughed of the top, revealing stories of memories I never knew. Like a space-time continuum, I see my younger self. Some which are only memories of the last weekend.

As I observed each tale the top has to tell, some of which really strucked the chords of the elastic laminae in my heart, some of which made my heart feel larger than ever... heartbeats ever racing; I never realised that my hand holding the other top was clenched tightly into a fist. I never felt any pain, I never realised a puddle was forming around my shoes. And I guess I never knew I slipped...

And I was awoken... and I found my hands wet... but most importantly... I never saw the top wobbled... I never finished my dream...

very best

2010-08-01T16:17:00.000+01:00

super like!!

2010-07-31T19:04:00.001+01:00

Best goal celebration ever!!

powerful

2010-07-29T15:47:00.000+01:00

like the wind...

2010-07-26T16:51:00.002+01:00

What the pastor said the other day at church was true. Most of the things we do in life can only be pursued, but not achieved. There's a never ending desire for something we want in life, bak kata pepatah, kasi betis tapi nak paha. Something la.. my Malay is horripipible.

In other words, if our goal is to be rich; when will we ever say it's enough? Or when we are climbing the corporate ladder, when can we say, "oh... I think I have reached high enough, thank you very much. No more raise or promotions for me please. Give it to my rival." It's not very feasible. We are humans. We crave desire. We always want to outdo the other person, or rather outdo ourselves.

Mind you, this is not a bad quality. It's excellent in fact. But we have to know the limits, otherwise like what the pastor said, it's like chasing wind. I am not here to preach that I am holier than thou. I ain't perfect myself. Life's a gift. The time spent with those closest to you is the most important to you. Nothing else matters. Believe you me, nothing else is more fulfilling than spending time with your family and God Himself. Something which I haven't been doing much lately...

As I count down the days I have left in Malaysia... the days left I am at home..., yes... I am excited, but mostly I am living in denial. I am looking forward to going, but in retrospect, I am having anxieties as well. Either way, fact is.. I am going, and I am going to miss everyone, my family, my friends, my home...

People all go through the same thing, and along the way, they will undergo a journey of self-discovery. And it will all be revealed to them in daily lessons... It just doesn't involve me alone... It involves all of you as well.

As I lay in my bed, the clock ticks loudly, signaling the passing of time, in rhythmically haunting wave. It sweeps by and through me, not waiting a second for me at all. I can see... I can feel it, I can see what it does... like the wind. It registers to me what time does to us all. It leaves a mark we cannot trace back; we can't get it back. More precious than anything in this world, time should be our treasure. And I shall treasure every bit of it left with the ones I love...

It's happening... and just like time, and just like the wind... so fleeting... so brief... yet you would be able to feel it, you would be able to see what it does... It's Him, our Lord. And I thank God, I have Him in my life.

Let's share what we have left...

Pray for me...

Jordan

2010-07-26T07:02:00.000+01:00

montages...

2010-07-25T11:47:00.002+01:00

Who I am...

What I like...

What I do...

What I drink...

that's why Coke is numero uno!

2010-07-25T09:13:00.001+01:00

follow the wind

2010-07-24T12:15:00.006+01:00

Never fish in your own pond.

Sometimes I marvel how smart I was when I was younger. I wonder how come I knew the world much better then than I do now. They always say as you age, you gather more experience, ~~and then you can poke fun at the naive-ness of the younger ones.~~ Somehow or rather, I defied that logic, and ultimately the universal law, and I got myself caught in a predicament, I thought I didn't have to go through.

I love my neighbours. But if my young self was my Jiminy Cricket, and if he was standing on my shoulders, putting words into my ear, well.. what he would say is that I love my neighbours a bit too much... and that I should stay clear and not get involved.

But... I didn't heed his advice. Instead, I brushed him off my shoulders, while wearing a tight smug look/smirk on my face. I guess I can't blame myself. Things happen. Stars align. Stupid cupids.

1. It always start with an attraction, something which the person said or did which gets stuck in your mind. While other voices try to reach me, I will try to listen, but more often than not, I will scoff at them and proceed to just being me... persistent yet stubborn. And so, I began to believe.

2. Next I started noticing things that I would usually turn away from. At this point, I should have known that perhaps we wouldn't make it so far... that we might not belong; that we might never meant to be. But I was crazy. So I bargained. I crossed this barrier... where I couldn't look back, or change my mind anymore. I built something new in my heart.

3. So, when I realised that I could possibly live with that flaw; it was like submission. I give in to everything. I learn to accept. I was proud of myself in fact. Usually these flaws would cause me to look away, but now I am willing to have everything as a whole package. No more judging, just appreciating who the person really is. I look at these flaws, and I turned it into something beautiful.

4. Then there was the added perks. I started seeing the beauty of having so and so with me. It was simply amazing. I feel like we are both glowing among the thick crowd of people; that we were the centres of the universe.

5. However, then I was left making mistakes... saying the wrong things, overdoing things for so and so. These were perhaps the tipping point. From here on, it's a dovetail spiral. Every fantasy I ever conjured up were snatched away, and reality struck. Bubbles burst. Every song you hear suddenly are the emo ones. Everyday seems to be gloomy. Nothing seemed to be left for me...

6. We would talk to clear things up; to see where we are... and it would make sense for awhile. But even with all the things being cleared up, there's still the purgatory stage. You find that your life can't function as well anymore. Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night... and it's cold and dark, and I would realise she's not there. You start to question everything that has happen since the attraction. What happened between then and now?? While figuring that out, I feel very much to be taken somewhere else. For me, I tried to forget the world and just live...

7. If only that would work. But it's easier said than done. It is hard to give up on the things we believe so much in. I kept believing in destiny, that we are meant for each other. But I now I know, it's probably just a fairy tale. So, I decide to confront so and so and make everything clear to us once more. I was prepared for anything I guess. And so when when that was out of the way... I know I was by myself. Everything that I miss mean nothing anymore. Nothing hurts more than realizing she meant everything to you, but you meant nothing to her.

8. I always watch so and so from a distance, wishing the best... wishing for her happiness. But then... it went well... too well. The pain started to return to me. I didn't want to feel it. Nothing good can come from it. And somehow I couldn't take it, and so I was sucked into a mad world, and my alter ego was sent back to the real world. Someone who looked like me but who was the total opposite of me took my place. So there was the fallout. I was cold. I didn't watch the way I spoke. And immediately I knew I wasn't myself. To her, I was a stranger. To me, I was a monster... an out-of-control one. I lost my groove that day. I felt I don't know myself anymore.

It's so easy to feel sorry for yourself, to let the alter ego control you forever. But what's brave is to always take control of yourself once more and patch things up. Co-existence/mutualism is a natural occurrence. It does happen... everywhere; and I believe that's where we are right now :)

you can do it

2010-07-23T06:26:00.000+01:00

sigggghhhhssss

2010-07-22T17:27:00.000+01:00

"Your battery is able to charge normally. However it is reaching the end of its usable life. you can experience a longer operating time with a new battery. You might want to consider purchasing a replacement battery now."

about a mouse

2010-07-22T15:38:00.005+01:00

It all started with a mouse...

Zodiac Calendar

The best things always do...

Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie.

However, some mice including other animals like monkeys, cats, and dogs are being used as live subjects in laboratories. Why now in the 21st century must animal testing still be conducted?? We have cloned human body parts before; why can't we put those to testing. Animals are living things. They are God's gift to us. We have no rights at all to put them through this inhumane painful procedures for our own benefit. What do they get in return??? Ask yourselves. Just because we have the brains; it doesn't mean we can lose our heart and let animals pay dividends to help solve our needs.

It's a conscience problem. Vivisection is definitely con-science. All in the name of saving costs I would say. Like the girl in the video say... mouse or mice are not little men. Whatever tests they are put through, doesn't offer any conclusive results anyway. So why go through all that?

What makes us human is that we are able to make the right choices. We may fumble at first, but we always learn from mistakes. I will let you judge whether you can say animal testing is right or wrong.

We need another 2000 signature for this petition to stop the animal testing facility in Malacca.

The best things do start with a mouse. Click your mouse on the link, and make your choice.

the last lecture

2010-07-19T19:31:00.000+01:00

This video is about 75 mins long, but do watch it.
It's about how to live your life.

Okay.. for now...

2010-07-19T15:53:00.000+01:00

too cool

2010-07-17T11:02:00.001+01:00

straightening out priorities

2010-07-16T19:51:00.003+01:00

I am not good at juggling, I must admit.
Sometimes I get distracted.
Mind busy thinking about other things.
But can you say that I am not good if I purposely drop one of the balls?

1 more month

2010-07-12T16:15:00.010+01:00

I left office early today. I was all too exhausted from my lack of sleep due to the World Cup finals. Of course, I had the Oranje flag flying... and it was disappointing... I turned off the TV the moment the whistle was blown. Too much I have to comment about the game. The referee was questionable. Puyol was so unsportsmanlike. Robben was just wasteful.

It was the kind of game not parallel to the excitement exuded from the 3rd 4th placing game between Germany and Uruguay. At least I got half my predictions correct, but not like a certain Paul. Paul has become a pop culture. I hate him. (Okay.. I am talking like he's a person) But whatever la.. impressive record.. I am not an octopus person. The odds of him getting all 8 correct was 1/256. And his streak has not been broken yet. One would doubt that he will be retired now. Who knows? Can we use him to see if 2012 exist?

Overall... it was a good... wait... a great world cup :)

This song seems to befit the event... which brought the world together :)

Anyway... some pictures of GSK after exactly 2 months here.

A pouch containing a lavender soap...

Colleague got me this from Hokkaido from the recent company trip. Quite cute. It's funny how she said this is the most "boy-suitable" thing she could find in Japan.

Part of GSK.

Yean's New Ribena Artwork launch. The design on the bottle looks awesome! The purple is now really outstanding and eye-catching! And to the right, some drawings made by SCSOA. Very nice drawings.. All sold for charity :)

The New Sensodyne Rapid Relief Promo Truck starts its nationwide tour to promote the newest
variant.

Boss entering the "opened" Sensodyne Box. (Noticed it's 3D)

Anyway, do catch the truck! :D It started at Subang today. I can provide the schedule if you are interested. Basically there would be detailing about Rapid Relief - everything about it, including how it works; free dental check-ups, free samples.

Help overcome your sensitive teeth with Sensodyne Rapid Relief.. Just takes 60s to work ;)

what

2010-07-04T16:37:00.002+01:00

I would do to get back everything I have lost in the last two weeks...

in my blue jeans

2010-07-04T14:06:00.004+01:00

When I started working in GSK, I didn't quite know what I was expecting. I guess I wasn't thinking much. I kept wondering if I could survive the 12-week long placement. Now about halfway into it, I feel that the end can't come any slower. In other words, I am rather enjoying myself. I definitely could see myself in pharmaceutical industry. It's testament to GSK and how much they have exposed me so far. Although in some moments, I wished they would give me a little bit more responsibility, I can still safely say, I have no regrets trying this out. I am having the time of my life here.

It's true I am still fresh. Through my eyes, I still see things that could be better. I have not reached the stage where I would just accept things as it is. I guess it's good that I can rebel about things now. Improvements can be made, and I can see the future.

But I digress, I am only a guy in blue jeans. I am not yet a boss of the company; one who wears LV coats or Clark shoes... although I can confidently say that I am halfway there ;) No one can deny me the rights to see things my way. I guess I have my own ways... but I always sing my praises to the One who is always by my side to guide me what should be done.

In my opinion, I feel the best person to get advice from, or the ones who can tell you a lot about their job are those who are in the middle of the company; whether in terms of position or years served. If you ask the newer ones, they are pretty much like you, but they are able to share stories a bit on their previous company. Those can be quite interesting, a true representative of this versus that. But, if you ask those at the top, they won't reveal much. They have reputations to take care of... whether it is the company's or their very own. And I feel they choose their words too carefully.

Now.. if I am a reporter.. I think that's not what I want...

I would like to have the story told as it is... from all angles. And I know I can get that from the "middle". They are the true experts, the driving force of the company. They know everything about the things they are selling, they are the ones who make the money, they are the ones who can be honest to us.

But again I digress.... I am a student.. an inquisitive and curious one. All I want to do is learn as much as time allows me to...

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -- Benjamin Franklin

one of those days..

2010-07-03T19:56:00.003+01:00

:):

haha.. sighs..