Music Room

Project C 2009

2009-12-19T19:32:00.002+08:00

I've just come back from a 4-day church youth camp at Highlands Christian Center on Cameron Highlands. It's been a long time since I've visited HCC, the last time being over 3 years ago during RBS. It sure brought back a lot of memories being there again.

Up on the hills where there is little distraction and much peace, I was expecting to receive much from God. Because sometimes, city life gets to you, and there are just too many things on your mind that you can't focus on listening to His small voice that's whispering into your ear.

Yes, I did receive much from God at camp. This has been the first time in my life that I have experienced God speak to me through another person. It was so real, and so assuring; and an experience that real compels me now to firmly decide to not ever turn from this God I have chosen to believe in. Because I believe that He is the only way, the truth, and the life.

As a Christian, I have often doubted the credibility of emotionally fueled spiritual experiences with God. As seen regularly at some bigger churches, it seems the pastor talks his way into making his audience break down in tears, even having some fall down on their knees in what seemed to me to be an exaggerated outward display of gratitude. I understood that many Christians enjoyed this spiritually 'high' experience, but when it was all over, their lives reverted to an all-time low. And I too thought that these displays of emotion was a turn-off for non-believers who witnessed it. Because it seemed that this experience was more like a holy drug that gave them temporary ecstasy.

But I have learned now that one need not hold back in the presence of God. Because it is a very personal experience, and just as how a parent soothes their crying child, so does our Father in heaven embrace us in his bosom when we cry out to Him.

Oh, this may all seem so preachy and boring. But I am writing all of this down because I never want to forget what God said to me during this camp. It has left a very profound impact on me. Having someone tell you that which is in your heart, that which you have never revealed to anybody; that can only be God at work.

So now, I will stop here and leave the details untold. Of course, other than these thoughts I did go on an interesting hike up Gunung Jasar (it rained halfway up). And some teahouse visiting in Tanah Rata. Will blog more with pictures soon. :)

And I will be still, and know You are God.

The New (?)

2009-09-23T13:40:00.002+08:00

I read some of my old blog posts.

Then it occurred to me:

I crave attention.

And I hate that.

A Glimpse of You

2009-09-05T20:58:00.001+08:00

Draw me close to You.

For the pros

2009-06-10T15:02:00.002+08:00

It finally arrived. I shure am happy. XD

Edit: I realized there is some static-hiss type of sound in the right earphone. It only appears during song playback, when there are loud cymbal crashs or sharp treblish sounds. It's a minor defect, but I'm concerned. I want to change, I hope the Shure dealer in Cheras can replace them for me. :(

BN and PR

2009-05-21T23:42:00.003+08:00

Perfection?

2009-05-14T01:33:00.002+08:00

Okay, I've finished my exams yay. This is my next new challenge:

When, oh when can I have FLAC everyday. Okay, first: someone explain to me what FLAC is all about? I've got my Shure SE-110 earphones! :D

Emo

2009-05-07T23:38:00.004+08:00

I haven't ever really found a place that I call home
I never stick around quite long enough to make it
I apologize that once again I'm not in love
But it's not as if I mind
that your heart ain't exactly breaking

It's just a thought, only a thought

But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'Cause nothing I have is truly mine

I've always thought
that I would love to live by the sea
To travel the world alone
and live more simply
I have no idea what's happened to that dream
'Cause there's really nothing left here to stop me

It's just a thought, only a thought

But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'Cause nothing I have is truly mine

If my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'Cause nothing I have is truly mine

While my heart is a shield and I won't let it down
While I am so afraid to fail so I won't even try
Well how can I say I'm alive

If my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'Cause nothing I have is truly mine

If my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'Cause nothing I have is truly mine

Life For Rent - Dido

Year 2 Semester 2 Final Exams

2009-04-24T10:59:00.002+08:00

First Exam: Pendidikan Moral (24/4, Tomorrow)
Questions: Mostly objective questions
Percentage of subject studied: 0%

Second Exam: Molecular Biology (27/4, Monday)
Scope of Study: The whole bloody textbook as far as I'm concerned
Percentage of subject studied: 0%

Third Exam: Genetics (28/4, Tuesday)
Scope of Study: Er, everything!
Percentage of subject studied: 0%

Fourth Exam (Resit): Ancillary Statistics (29/4, Wednesday)
Scope of Study: Everything
Percentage of subject studied: 60%

Fifth Exam: Culture and Communication (8/5, Friday)
Scope of Study: Unclear
Percentage of subject studied: 0%

Sixth Exam: Cell and Tissue Culture (12/5, Tuesday)
Scope of Study: Unclear
Percentage of subject studied: 0%

Time wasted doing this pointless blog post: 20 minutes
Time allocated today for studying (Expected): 8 hours
Actual time that will be used for studying (Observed): 2 hours

Guilt level: Not very high
Stress level: Not very high
Next activity on my mind: Check onemanga.com for updates

Current Individual Status: Hopeless

Study/Money

2009-04-16T00:19:00.004+08:00

I'm officially on full study-mode now. Classes are over and this is the preparation period for my final exams. It's kinda depressing once you realize that another semester has just come and gone. One more year to completion of my studies, then it's time for me to make another big decision again.

Even now, I'm working part-time to earn a little of my own money. It's really little; the money that I earn, but I do it so that I can feel a little independent being able to support my expenses a little. Because I realize that I spend much, and money is hard to earn.

Sigh. But I have to study first, graduate, then try to find a job with my degree. Which will hopefully earn me more money.

Wait, study for money. I need money for my studies. I'm getting confused, good night and bye and please ask me to go study if you see me online.

HAFD

2009-04-01T14:30:00.005+08:00

Edit: I feel really bad, so I'll just have to say that HAFD stands for Happy April Fool's Day and that I didn't actually meet with any accident at all. The cashier screw-up is real though, because it happened on the 31st.

And no, HAFD does not stand for 'Had A F***ed-up Day'.
I'm so misunderstood. XD

Don't kill me don't kill me don't kill me I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry.

Yesterday at work, I screwed up handling the cashier, and ended up having to pay a cash deficit of RM12. That's 2.5 hours of wage gone.

Today, I woke up late for class, and in my hurry to get to school, I hit another car from behind right outside Flamingo Hotel. The driver demanded I pay him RM300. I had no choice since I was rushing to submit an assignment.

I can't even sigh anymore. Bye.

Looking for earphones

2009-03-24T20:32:00.005+08:00

My line of cheap earphones have failed me for the last time! I want to get some high-end noise-cancelling/isolating in-ear earphones. I'm thinking either Sony, Sennheiser, Shure, or Apple. My first choice would be Sennheiser, but I'm not sure whether the price will kill me.

I'm willing to spend about RM200 and below for the earphones. Yes, I'm a cheap audiophile.

So help me out, people. I'd also want to get a decent but affordable mp3 player, since pairing good earphones with a China-brand mp3 player won't exactly help me in my quest for best sounds. I thought of the new iPod shuffle for rm309, but I also want at least a screen on it so that I can choose the precise song I want to listen to. The iPod nano, at rm599, is way above my budget.

Another consideration here: My N70 phone, should I just change it and get an mp3 phone altogether? Sigh. Torn between conserving my money and spending it to make myself feel happier. Give me your comments, comments, comments. :(

edit: Then again, I should probably use my money to change my guitar strings first. Sigh, what to do what to do.

2nd edit: I found Etymotic! HOW?

Starbucks: Day One

2009-03-14T18:16:00.002+08:00

The name comes from the story 'Moby Dick'; Starbucks was the name of the first mate on board the ship that went after the giant whale. The logo of Starbucks Coffee is actually a 16th century Norse depiction of a Siren; a mermaid-like creature with two tails that lures sailors to their watery deaths with their haunting melodies.

And you thought that I'd have at least learned something more about coffee than this historical bullshit right. Haha!

Anyway, today was my first day of work. I haven't gone for barista training at Starbucks HQ, so today was hands-on training. It was like one huge chunk of coffee-brewing-cum-cafe-cleaning-cum-other-stuff related knowledge crammed into my head in a few hours. My previous experience from working in Coffee Bean helped, so all's well; I didn't screw up. :)

I'm rather impressed with Starbucks; I learned more here than at Coffee Bean. Somehow I feel that their commitment to coffee is higher than Coffee Bean's. Starbucks actually has coffee-tasting sessions, and you learn all about the coffee; what kind of coffee it is, how it tastes, what food it goes with, what ways it can be prepared etc. They have a whole manual just explaining coffees and teas.

All you pro-Coffee Bean people don't come here and flame me okay. I seem to have a high affinity for flamers. Oh well.

A 30% discount on all Starbucks F&B for all my friends. Now's the time to come find me, even if you usually don't. Haha, just kidding!

First Love

2009-02-19T12:26:00.003+08:00

Seems like recently all I do is blog about my dreams. Kinda fun to read back on dreams I've had though.

Last night I had a dream; my dad sold my Electone and guitar to my neighbour, I believe. Years passed and one day we had a visit to this neighbour of mine, who had moved to a faraway place by then.

Upon arriving at his house, I asked where'd the instruments I'd sold him gone to. He pointed to a dark corner and there was my guitar there covered in dust. I picked it up, brushed off the dust and strummed a chord. I remembered I'd felt so happy just then. Like a reunion, an ethereal embrace.

I understand why some people cannot part with their guitars. The instrument you've spent years playing with brings out something in your soul; it bonds with your will to express, and the result is something another guitar will never be able to emulate.

Did you understand that? Ah, there I go again. Time for class now.

Interpretation

2009-02-18T07:46:00.002+08:00

I've just woken up from a dream.

I dreamed that there existed a secret cult, a group of people who reared dinosaurs in their backyard. It was all veiled in secrecy of course. And the rest of the world was always looking to killing off all these dinosaurs of theirs.

I was part of the group, with everybody else I know. All of us went on a little retreat together, leaving our pets at home, or somewhere else I've forgotten.

When we'd arrived at the retreat place, everybody had a get-together time. But I was always required somewhere else. They would all go off together, leaving me while I was occupied. Then, she was there with me. But even in my dreams, we don't talk.

I was typing this half-awake until I realized: what a piece of bullshit I'd dreamed up.

Sigh

2009-02-16T21:38:00.004+08:00

Sigh is right. I had a demotivating day.

I can't see well with my glasses anymore; I need to change them. Canteen gig today sucked, my guitar skills are deteriorating. Amps sucked too. Bloody noisy environment, how to perform la. Lousy acoustics.

Saw one really hot girl in the computer lab. White shirt, black bra. Sharp facial features that I will never forget, and flawless white skin. Surrounded by ugly guys. But it's time to face the truth; I will never be with you. Presentation afterwards was long-winded and boring. Next.

Walking in the hot sun in formal wear towards Taman Bunga Raya for lunch. All the stalls were closed, I had a very small portion of tasteless chicken chop rice which was overpriced. Iced Chrysanthemum tea for RM1.20 wth.

Waited at Wangsa Maju LRT for the bus home. Because I missed the previous bus by 5 minutes. Saw a disabled man in a wheelchair trying to go up a sloped road. Offered to help, but he refused impolitely.

Was late for job interview at Starbucks. Manager told me to come back tomorrow.

Sigh.

You Are

2009-02-15T00:16:00.008+08:00

'Come out upon my seas

Cursed missed opportunities
Am I part of the cure?
Or am I part of the disease?'

Clocks - Coldplay

Invisible

2009-02-13T08:53:00.002+08:00

I just woke up from a dream.

It started as a happy dream.

A big bunch of friends, headed towards our holiday destination for a week's stay.

Lots of fun to be expected.

Then, I realized it wasn't just 'a big bunch of friends'.

It was just me.

Because everybody else had somebody.

And I, I was invisible.

How depressing.

CNY '09

2009-01-27T11:34:00.002+08:00

Updates to come.

Rawr

2009-01-07T18:55:00.005+08:00

I've been watching some videos of RHCP today.

Saturday Night Live 1992, February the 22nd.

If you kick me while on a high, I'll go emo on the guitar afterwards.

Then, as Kiedis put it:

'Will I stay?'

Recap of 2008

2008-12-31T12:58:00.009+08:00

Man. Here we are again, at the last day of the year. And if you ask me if I wish I could've turned back time? I'd say no. Not that I had a bad year, but I've come to understand now; how life is meant to be lived only once, and that memories are special because they will never come by again.

This way, we learn to cherish every moment of our lives more.

I went through all my blog entries of 2008, and remembered once again the events that I'd been through this year. I will now do a quick recap. :)
Well, the year started with me being very emotional about life, the stars, the moon, and everything else. The year also started with me ignoring my resolutions for 2008 completely. Talk about a bad start. =/Then, started playing Cabal Online in March. Recently I discovered the game software left behind problems in my computer system and possibly even hardware. Idiot game.Took part in the Big Mac Chant in May. I never did win the RM10k, but the actual winner's video was the same 'reverse chant' concept as mine. Ish.
In June, we had our Amazing Race youth camp. That was a very good job done by Ian, Jeff and the committee. We hope to keep all future youth camps that way. :)
Then in July, went for a day trip to Raub with Kingsley, Yvonne, and Yee Young. Visited this waterfall called Lata Berembun, and had a really frightening jungle offroading experience on the way. Imagine a cliff to your right, and a muddy wall to your left, and only Just enough space for one car in between. One wrong move, and down you go. Also got my pair of Converse shoes then. Now, one of them has a hole in it. I need new shoes.

In August, I missed spending time with nature so much, that I skipped class with a bunch of my friends from uni, and went to a forest reserve nearby. Eheheh.

Then in September, my 20th birthday. I don't have pictures of my own birthday, how sad. But thank you all, once again; who made my day on that day. My birthday sparked off the beginning of my 3-month long semester holidays, so...
...I started working for Uncle Allan beginning November. Learned a great many number of skills and tricks there. I did promise to successfully learn how to ride a unicycle by the end of this year, but well. There are still some flaws; but I can ride on one for about 5 metres? Lol.

Then now, December has come and passed. We had our Christmas carolling, then Christmas Youth Retreat at Gracehill. And we had lots and lots of fun-filled but nevertheless hectic activities throughout this whole month. And now, it is all coming to an end. I'm sorry I can't be more specific and elaborate a little more. =/

The youth is looking forward to a new structure beginning next year. Some people are excited about it, some people are pessimistic about it. Nevertheless, we should all hope and work for the very best. God is in control.

Turn the pages with me. A new chapter awaits. Let's make it better than the last one.

Cheers, to all of you.

AGC Christmas Service - Planning

2008-12-22T22:51:00.003+08:00

[I'm co-emceeing with Sarah Loke on that day. So we decided to come up with a script.]

єlєстопєвоy says:
hmm
i can type out a simple script in MS Word

Sarah: Facebook so cacat. http://blessedrara.wordpress.com says:
yea
k
tat's better

єlєстопєвоy says:
or we can just impromptu brainstorm
each other's parts
i start now
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Jee Yann, and I will be your emcee today.

Sarah: Facebook so cacat. http://blessedrara.wordpress.com says:
yerr
serious ar?

єlєстопєвоy says:
'And my name is Sarah. I'm another emcee. Haha.'

Sarah: Facebook so cacat. http://blessedrara.wordpress.com says:
so the same-jee yann
haha

єlєстопєвоy says:
JY: We would like to welcome you formally to the AGC Christmas Service 2008.
Sarah: But wait, aren't we forgetting something?
JY: Excuse me?
Sarah: Oh yes, we forgot to invite our guests in.
JY: Ah. May all the lovely guests come in please.
Sarah: Alright, now that all the guests are seated,
JY: We would like to ask all of you to rise.
Sarah: What?
JY: That's so funny right. Hahahaha.
Sarah: I'm sorry, my co-emcee is not feeling well today. Please, all of you take your seat.
JY: No. Remain standing until I further instruct so.
Guests: We want to stand!
Sarah: Wow, you have such authority.
JY: Alright, now that we have everyone standing, shall we begin by wishing each other a blessed Christmas.
Sarah: Blessed Christmas!
Guests: Same here!
JY: Okay, let's sing our first song.
Sarah: Oh yes, what's the first song?
JY: I'm not sure. But let's start singing. Jingle Bells.
Guests: Jingle Bells
Sarah: Jingle Bells.
JY: Jingle Bells.
JY: This isn't going anywhere.
Sarah: That's right.
JY: Let's try something else with our guests.
Guests: Yay!
Sarah: Alright, let's ask everyone to walk around now.
JY: But they're not supposed to move.
Sarah: I don't care. I'm the co-emcee.
JY: Oh, fine.
Guests: (Start walking around.)
JY: Please do not touch the food; it's being sterilized.
Guests: (Touch food)
Sarah: They're touching the food!
JY: AGC will not be held responsible for your demise!
Guests: (Continue to touch food)
Sarah: Oh, this is madness.
JY: This is AGC.
Guests: (Begin to slowly die of poisoning.)
Guests: Help! We've been poisoned!
JY: I have already given the warning. Now, face your doom.
Sarah: But we should not judge our guests.
JY: Oh. I forgot about that. Let this judge them then.
JY: (Throws some confetti.)
Sarah: That was meaningless.
JY: I know. Let's go home.
*End of Service*

Soli Deo gloria

2008-12-21T01:14:00.003+08:00

It has been exhausting. It feels like a never-ending workload.

So burdened, so tired.

And everything seems to be in disarray.

Can we do it?

No, not by ourselves we can.

For it is not I who live.

But Him in me.

Soli Deo gloria,
Glory to God alone.

Don't Shit With Me

2008-12-16T17:04:00.005+08:00

A little bird was flying south for the winter.

It was so cold, the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.

While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.

The dung was actually thawing him out!

He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Morals of the story:
1. Not everyone who shits on you is an enemy.
2. Not everyone who gets you out of shit is a friend.
3. And when you're in deep shit, it's always best to keep your mouth shut.

Christmas is Here

2008-12-04T21:00:00.002+08:00

I've finished my 12-day job working for Dutch Lady. Being a storyteller was fun, and I'm very glad that I've gained more experience and confidence in speaking with other people in public. Initially, I was very worried as I didn't really like children that much, and I was scared I would not do a very good job at entertaining them with bedtime stories. On the contrary however, this job had allowed me to observe and understand children more, and now I think I've learned how to communicate more effectively with young children. I like children a little more now. :)

Now, I'm busy with preparations for Christmas. Many activities, many events. Busy, work, here, there. Is there anything else I have to say?

Yes, the Yuletide carols. Christmas is here!

My Choice

2008-11-20T22:36:00.002+08:00

Suddenly

2008-11-20T17:41:00.004+08:00

Starting tomorrow for 2 weeks, you'll find me at Exhibition Hall 1 of Mid Valley Megamall, dressed in a pirate costume and telling stories to little kids. My working hours are 10am to 4pm, but on certain days I'll be taking the night shift from 4pm to 10pm. Come visit me, as 6 hours of sitting around telling fairy tales is boring. I thought of bringing my guitar, so that I can sing and entertain the children with my silly songs.

A pirate with a guitar. Hmm.

Busy days are ahead of me. I am really looking forward to the AGC family camp and the youth Christmas retreat. Have to arrange carols. Have to make ridiculous UTAR song. Have to stop myself from thinking too much.

Phew.

Tagged

2008-11-07T11:27:00.002+08:00

By Lester.

The Golden Rules:
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn't make sense.
4. With the answers, give your own comments on how they relate to the questions.

~~5. Tag at least 5 people.~~

1. How are you feeling today? (23 by Jimmy Eat World)
I feel 3 years older already. I need to catch up with this world; don't leave me behind.
I won't get left behind.

2. If someone says, “Is this okay?” You say... (The Heart of Worship by Matt Redman)
I'll say, 'No it's not. I'll bring you more than a song, for a song in itself is not what you have required.'

3. What do you like in a guy/girl? (Objects of My Affection by Peter Bjorn & John)
It might mean I like the objects of most men's affection. But fear not, because not all men are perverts.

4. Will you get far in life? (You are so Beautiful to Me by Joe Cocker)
I don't know. I've been asked this question many times already; stop it and go look at your beautiful self in the mirror already.

5. What do you think about very often? (BYOB by System of a Down)
Contrary to what the song says, I don't think of bringing booze to parties, which I don't attend in the first place. I'm not really a big fan of beer.

6. What is 2 + 2? (Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol)
No idea how to explain this perplexing question. Just lie here with me and forget the world.

7. What's your best friend's theme song? (Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen)
He's just a poor boy, nobody loves him. No wonder I'm his best friend; I'm nobody.

8. What is the story of your life? (Who wants to Live Forever by Queen)
I want to live forever. That is the quest of my life; that is the destiny I was meant for.

9. What is/was your high school like? (Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy by Tchaikovsky)
I don't know why this is in my music playlist. Anyway, my high school memories are as old and boringly mellow like this song.

10. What is your motto? (I'm Yours by Jason Mraz)
Self-explanatory.

11. What’s the best thing about your friends? (Back at One by Brian McKnight)
If you make them angry, the friendship starts back at one. I'm feeling a bit emo this morning, so my answers don't really count. No offense.

12. What do you think of the person you like? (So Close by Jon McLaughlin)
So close, so close; and still so far.

13. What do you want to be when you grow up? (At the Beginning by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis)
In the end, I want to be standing at the beginning with you.

14. What do you think of when you see the person you like? (Dear God by Avenged Sevenfold)
I think that I'm miles away from her, my purpose is hard to find. Go read the lyrics.

15. Describe your grandparents. (Doesn't Remind Me by Audioslave)
They're the only ones on earth that don't nag me.

16. How's your life going? (Castles in the Sky by Paul Van Dyk)
I'm building castles in the sky. They might fall anytime soon, but heck; might as well enjoy building them while they last.

17. What is your biggest fear? (YYZ by Rush)
I have no comments at all. Laugh all you want.

18. What will be played at your funeral? (Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me by The Pipettes)
I will never be loved till the day I die. I'm hopeless. I'm the real hopeless romantic. Go away King.

19. What is your hobby/interest? (You'll Think of Me by Keith Urban)
Thinking of someone. I spend my days thinking away, till the day I die. What a hopelessly hopeless point of view. I need a mood booster.

20. Will you have a happy life? (Whatever It Takes by Lifehouse)
I'll do whatever it takes to have one.

21. What do your friends really think of you? (Turn Back Time by Aqua)
Yes, turn it back to the time when I didn't know you. They're better off without me I guess.

22. Do people secretly lust after you? (Lost by Michael Buble)
They're lost in their lust for me.

23. How can you make yourself happy? (Drown by Smashing Pumpkins)
Drown my sorrows with a couple of beers. But I don't drink.

24. Will you ever have children? (The Pretender by Foo Fighters)
I can have imaginary ones. We all pretend.

25. What song would you strip to? (Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss)
I think it's a great song to strip to. Check it up on Youtube, and imagine taking off your clothes one by one.

26. What does your mom think of you? (You are so Beautiful by Westlife)
She has a beautiful son. Here she comes to put some makeup on my pretty face.

27. What do you think of your parents? (Always Be My Baby by David Cook)
No, I have never thought of them that way. It should be the other way around.

28. What is your deepest, darkest secret? (A Little Too Late by Brian McKnight)
It's just a little too late for you to know.

29. What is your enemy's theme song? (Brother by Alice in Chains)
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17.

30. What will you dance to at your wedding? (Me and You by Fall Out Boy)
Yes, some appropriate Poprock will do. Me and you, setting in a honeymoon.

Joy to the World

2008-11-01T23:59:00.006+08:00

At the time of the last blog post, I was really free, and I was spending each day aimlessly finding something to do.

Now, I've got lots of things to do. Took up a part time job at Allan and Friends, doing multiple odd jobs and also heavy labour. Also, decided to get serious with this year's Christmas carolling and started writing and arranging choral sheets for the youth.

Things on my to-do list now include studying for the Insurance Agent Exam I'm supposed to take by this year, and also to study at least a bit for my upcoming university semester. Since I borrowed books for Genetics and Molecular Biology 2 weeks ago, I haven't gotten around to studying. I got bored after reading one ~~page~~ paragraph during lunch.

Joys of joys, my dad bought me new PC audio system: Altec Lansing with Subwoofer!

Ah. Now all my songs sound different. I don't think I can sleep early tonight. XD

Spoonerism

2008-10-16T23:59:00.003+08:00

(At the cinema)

Me: Alright, I got the tickets, let's go.

Friend: Okay, wait, I want to get a drink.

Me: Yeah, I want some copporn too.

Friend: What did you say?!

Me: ...Popcorn.

Friend: Lol! At least you didn't say cocporn.

Star Wars - KOTOR

2008-10-03T18:01:00.005+08:00

An old game, no doubt. After 20 hours of ~~bloody cheating~~ gameplay, I have finished it within two days. KOTOR 2 however, crashes my computer, and KOTOR 3 isn't happening; instead, they're making an online MMORPG which I will not be able to afford to play.

Sigh. Somebody bring me back to reality.

Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends

2008-09-26T20:19:00.002+08:00

I was bored.

So I double clicked Giacomo, then I selected 'Quick Battle'. Then I started a free for all map versus 3 computer players. I used Vinci, because I think it's the best race in the game, because Alin and Cuotl suck.

The first 20 minutes is cease-fire period. So I built as many merchant districts as I can, and hopefully obtain the nearby cities and mercenary camps faster. Build more mines, research clockwork miners to increase productivity. Then also build a research lab and turn it into a wealth-making machine (I forgot the name). 10 minutes left till the start of war. So I build a barracks, and start building clockwork men. Of course, I should've built spiders instead, because they kick infantry units away and can fire at air units. Then build more research labs and make things like telescope and garrison.

Once I had the garrison, I researched Land Leviathan at once. The most uber unit in the Vinci race. Then I built the Doge Hammer. By now I have already abused the military and industrial districts and obtained a lot of research and prototype points. Point the telescope at nearest enemy, and Doge Hammer levels the city. Send in air destroyers to finish the job, capture the city, and that's one foe taken care of.

Next, research King Leviathan and abuse its Burrow power. Pop up out of nowhere on another enemy territory, city is gone with one big bullet. Summon 3 heroes at once, and abuse researching since I have too much wealth and timonium. Now is the time to build mines everywhere, and capture all the neutral places. The last remaining AI resigns, but I refuse his resignation lol. I intend to torture him.

Sadly, he built all these air-to-air fighters that my air destroyers don't stand a chance against. Then he built all these infantry and steam cannons that nearly destory my King Leviathan. Good thing the giant can auto-heal. They summon Lenora as a hero, level 3. So I use my level 5 Lenora and eliminate her. Throughout the course of the entire game, I can't believe I didn't use the Doge or Giacomo. Sitting ducks, they were. I forgot to mention the map was in such a way that all players are separated from each other with ravines in between. So only air units and transportation are the way to attack the enemy.

I got frustrated, so I aimed the Doge Hammer and whack away at his city. But then he had another city. So I used Industrial Devastation to ruin his city. But not nearly enough. Then I sent in a fleet of super clockwork men and spiders to kill all the underlings. More air destroyers coming in. Leviathan on the move. Summon berserkers for the irritating infantry. Then I realised that the Leviathan can move to the infantry and trample on them for an instant kill. That saved me a lot of trouble.

In the end, I won.

Teen No More

2008-09-20T02:40:00.005+08:00

Thanks to my university mates for driving all the way from Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and some other places all the way to my humble abode in Ampang. Thanks for the cake, and for the meal. And for throwing me into the pool. I really and truly am thankful and I appreciate you guys for coming, even when I've probably not done the same for most of you. I suck. =X

Thanks for the SMSes, both local and long-distance ones. And for the wishes on MSN and facebook and my blog.

Thanks to my family for buying me a cake and calling some of the youth for a surprise party. Thanks to Joy for buying me banana cake lol. Thanks to the youth and care group members who came.

I don't mean to get emotional, but it's been awhile since I've cut my own birthday cake. All of you guys; thanks for making my day. I'm really happy. Turning 20 on 20. :)

Random thought of the past

2008-09-14T23:38:00.005+08:00

Putting our bags here.

Walking up to the door.

And we used to turn this place into a cybercafe.

My Counter-Strike skills are deteriorating. Sigh.

Paint Me

2008-09-10T23:13:00.007+08:00

You've got that smile
Which makes me wonder deep inside
All of your emotion
Who is it really for?

You say those words
Which keep me thinking in my mind
Never-ending, just compelling,
The way you keep me coming back for more

Why don't you stop
And paint me a picture of me?
Stop and give me a chance to see
What's behind your artistry

Stop and paint me a picture of me
Stop and tell me what you really mean
Or is this all just a dream?

I Believe

2008-09-04T19:44:00.004+08:00

I remade it with better sound samples. Hope you can hear the difference.

I just love this song.

Blurry

2008-09-04T00:15:00.005+08:00

I've realized what it is that caused me to become very irritable for the past few weeks. It's my eyes.

Recently my vision has begun to deteriorate at a faster rate. I've been pushing my glasses closer and closer to my eyes just to be able to see clearly. Not only that, but my focus has seemingly diminished as a side effect. I find it harder to concentrate now, especially in lectures; because I can't see the projector screen clearly. I even find myself making more typo errors on the keyboard now.

And so I remain quite oblivious to what's going on around me. My world seemed to have shrunk, confined only to the width of my spectacle lens. Soon I got a feeling that all the people around me were steadily getting ahead in the game of life, while I was still in a small world of my own. Making no progress at all.

Knowing that I couldn't see a lot of things that other people could see, I got depressed. Not just literally see, but just about everything else; while people were making plans and coordinating their daily activities with ease, I just couldn't help feeling that there was disorder in my life. Heck, I couldn't see any future for me at all.

Sometimes I have no choice but to close my eyes even when I want them to stay open, simply because they become dry so easily. Especially when I'm in air-conditioned areas. When I start blinking a lot and looking irritated, my friends think I'm being emo.

You know the song 'I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing'? I feel everytime I shut my eyes, when I open them again, it's like I've missed out on a lot of things happening around me. Like I was left behind.

When everything in life becomes blurry, things start to lose their significance and meaning. That's why.

So, I'm sorry.

Let Me Down

2008-08-27T10:30:00.003+08:00

It was a beautiful letdown when I crashed and burned.

Flip the Page

2008-08-18T11:08:00.004+08:00

With gloomy skies and an increasingly gloomy outlook on life, I'd decided on being emo today. Spending time alone, all by myself. Miserably alone.

Then, a flip of the pages of the ancient book.

'A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgement.' - Proverbs 18:1 (NKJV)

You got me again, Lord.

Beijing Olympics 2008

2008-08-09T00:05:00.007+08:00

I just came back from a gig at my university. 'Music Appreciation Night', they called it. Was awesome; I had fun jamming away on all the instruments. Will post up some pictures once I get my hands on them, soon.The rest are on Facebook. Bleh.

Just an afterthought: I wish that next time we would have ample time to practise and rehearse and also do all the necessary sound checks with the equipment. The feedback and noise is like a major turnoff for any event. And untuned guitars. And using a loudspeaker as a monitor. And tangled-up cables and power wires. Faulty keyboard stands. Shure mics that aren't turned on when I start backup singing. And forgetting the lyrics, lol.

And then, my friend had to sing an acapella bridge when I forgot the weird chords. Resumed play at the chorus, and the audience loved it. XD

Oh, the Bejing Olympics. Totally missed the opening ceremony. Yay.

Thought of the day

2008-08-06T22:50:00.005+08:00

You know you're getting old when you raise your hand to flag a train.

I really hope none of the students there noticed.

A Message

2008-08-03T15:01:00.004+08:00

This morning, I woke up to find that my Bible was open, and the pages were fluttering in the wind. I guess the fan must have blown it open, because it was closed last night. I glanced at the pages and a verse caught my eye.

Then the LORD appeared to him and said: "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father." - Genesis 26:2-3 (New King James Version)

I could only imagine that God was telling me not to feel so bad about still remaining in Malaysia when a whole lot of my friends were planning or had already went to further their studies overseas.

What to say, Lord? I shall trust Thee.

Here Comes the Sun

2008-08-01T18:48:00.005+08:00

'Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since we've been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right'

Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

Thought of the day

2008-07-28T20:38:00.010+08:00

Lata Berembun

2008-07-24T14:59:00.003+08:00

I long to visit that waterfall again. I'm sick of the city; let's all go back to nature.

Rainsunny

2008-07-22T20:07:00.006+08:00

I was waiting for my bus today outside my house around 11am. A while later, the skies of KL city to my right had turned cloudy, but to my left, the sun shone high in the Ulu Klang sky. Kind of reflects the way I am now; stuck between the good and the bad - whose side will I choose to be on?

Now then, who wants to live forever?

Replacement

2008-07-16T22:50:00.007+08:00

Thought of the day

2008-07-14T17:42:00.006+08:00

Change

2008-07-13T18:59:00.004+08:00

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer:
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

Man in the Mirror - Idea of North

Self-Improvement

2008-07-04T19:07:00.005+08:00

Okay, the emo-phase of my life just passed me by. Time for a fix.

Also, I realized some things a few days ago:

1. I'm spending more than I earn.
2. The vocals in a song matter more than the music.
3. Somehow, console games just don't attract me anymore.

For number one; I find myself getting broke more often now. I don't think I know the meaning of spending wisely or saving up for something I want. Instead, I use up whatever money comes to hand instantly. And thus, I need to stop spending so much. I've been thinking up a list of activities that don't require money doing.

Then, recently I started listening to some chinese songs again. I haven't been listening to them in a long time, and suddenly the chinese-pop genre feels appealing to me again. It's like hopeful emo sentimentals. And I realized that whoever the singer is does make the song sound completely different, even with the same background music. In other words, the singer infuses his/her feelings into the song and interprets the music another way. Now I know what I need to work on.

I tried playing Final Fantasy 12 on Andy's PS2 the other day. Sad to say, as they progress in the series, Final Fantasy just doesn't feel the way I used to know it when I played the classic FF7/FF8. The battle system's changed into real real-time battles, you can run around and get hit just like that; the characters speak English instead of not speaking at all, and for the latter it used to be up to you to determine what kind of imaginary voice they would have. Speaking of which, I used to like them not saying anything at all. It gave the game a more mysterious feel. Like the Final Fantasy games used to start with just a big font 'Final Fantasy' with the 'Start New Game' and 'Load Game'. In contrast, FF12's start screen comes with all the characters and every possible spoiler that you don't want to know (If I remember correctly).

I also feel like my typing skills are deteriorating. That goes for my writing skills as well. I find myself having to stop at every sentence just to ponder the next. Oh well. Time to get back to fruitylooping and more assignments.

Broken

2008-06-15T00:59:00.010+08:00

Broken - Lifehouse

The broken clock is a comfort
It helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can stop tomorrow
From stealing all my time
And I am here still waiting
Though I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like You've already figured out

I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain
There is healing
In Your name
I find meaning
So I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to You

The broken locks were a warning
You got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded
I'm an open book instead
And I still see Your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
They're still looking for life

I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain
Is there healing
In Your name
I find meaning
So I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to You

I'm hanging on another day
Just to see what You will throw my way
And I'm hanging on, to the words You say
You said that I will be okay

The broken lights on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
Haven't forgotten my way home

I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating
In the pain
There is healing
In Your name
I find meaning
So I'm holding on

I'm barely holding on to You.

The Government's New Fuel Subsidy Plan

2008-06-04T19:29:00.003+08:00

This is taken from The Star Online:

Petrol to cost RM2.70 from midnight (updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Wednesday announced price hikes for petrol, diesel and electricity.

He said the new price for petrol is RM2.70 a litre, effective midnight tonight. The price goes up by 78sen from the current RM1.92, a hike of 40%.

Abdullah also announced that the price of diesel would be increased by RM1 from RM1.58 to RM2.58.

He also said that Tenaga Nasional Bhd would be raising electricity rates by 18% for homes and 26% for business users.

The announcements are part of the new fuel subsidy plan.

Thank you for the subsidy, BN!

Run with Perseverance

2008-06-03T01:25:00.003+08:00

And AGC.Youth Turning Point Camp 2008 ends with this simple advice: Run with perseverance. I haven't any great pics from camp, you could probably see some at the agc.youth website. What I have though, are some afterthoughts on this year's youth camp.

Life is a journey, a long winding path. Each man has his own journey to complete; his own race to run. And we all aspire to successfully arrive at the finish line. However, life's race is quite different from a normal race. In a normal race, the finish line is clearly marked out for us. The tracks are assigned; each runner to his own track.

In life's race, there are no set tracks. Each person's finish line differs from one another. Where are you going to end up? What are your aspirations and goals in life? The direction we are headed in right now will determine the finish line we end up at. I have decided to put my trust in my God, following in His direction, and trusting that one day I too, will arrive at the finish line.

I will.

'It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope
Till I go the distance
And my journey is complete'

Go the Distance - Michael Bolton

Unproductive

2008-05-20T12:58:00.004+08:00

Well, my holidays have been wasted I guess. I've been spending my time in front of the computer too much, slacked a little too much, and I await the impending judgement my exam results will bring this week.
Other than that, I'm not very much confident of winning the Big Mac Chant contest anymore. But I've had lots of Big Macs this month, and I had fun redeeming them free burgers.
What should I do next? Oh well; Joy's blog is very nice now.

Big Mac Chant

2008-05-05T18:20:00.009+08:00

So I won't be talking about how well I failed my exams.

Recently McDonald's has come up with a new contest: The Big Mac Chant. If you manage to do the chant in under 4 seconds, you get a free Big Mac. I took them on, and so far the record is winning 2 free Big Macs.

There's also a contest on Nuffnang, where the most creative chant wins a grand prize of RM10,000. I fell to McDonald's marketing strategy.

Er. Vote for me here?

Edit: It's kind of embarrassing that I've had some people promote my video on their blogs. Even if I don't win, I really appreciate the ~~publicity~~ support. Thanks. :)

Tagged: By Tze Yang

2008-04-19T14:37:00.004+08:00

I don't like to use tags as filler-entries, but what the heck; I'm feeling up to it today.

Rules:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, than goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they done got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog.

I don't like rules. No rules.

5 things I was doing 10 years ago?

1. I celebrated my 10th birthday in Kidsports; if any of you remember, it was this gigantic playground which would've made a very good make out spot with all those 'hidden areas' deep inside the structure. That was random.
2. I used to think of making out there. Of course not making out; so young, still innocent. Just imagining a lovey-dovey-fairy-tale-like playing around in the 'plastic ball pool' with the girl I like.
3. Getting into trouble for asking my mother to help me do my homework.
4. Being proud for being in the second class in my primary school. I was never first anyway.
5. I used to wonder why the guys had to leave the classroom when the girls wanted to change their clothes for sports class.

5 things on my to-do list today:

1. What's my to-do list?
2. I think I'll play Cabal later.
3. I'm hungry; I need something to eat.
4. Now I'm thirsty; I need something to drink.
5. Darn, it's so late already. I need to sleep. I'll study tomorrow.

5 girls that I adore:

1. Firstly, what would the consequences be if I put their names here?
2. Think about it. What if they read my blog?
3. It'll make things awkward for us when we meet.
4. I mean, if a lowly jerk like me adores them, their girlfriends will make fun of them.
5. My mother and sister.

5 bad habits of mine:

1. I can't stand bad grammar. So shoot me all you want if I make mistakes, because I just corrected the title of this question from Tze Yang's blog post.
2. I dig my nose all the time. Love it.
3. I spit when I speak. It's really not my fault; I need to put on some braces.
4. I'm not lazy. Seriously.
5. I procrastinate, but who doesn't? We're the leaders of tomorrow.

5 places I have lived in:

1. Hong Kong
2. Malaysia
5. There never will be another place for me. Hooray.

5 things I'd do if I could change the world:

1. I'd eliminate mosquitoes from the face of the earth.
2. That goes for flies as well.
3. And all the household pests.
4. And also dust. Why does so much dust accumulate so fast in my room.
5. The disneyfication of the world. And we all lived happily ever after, Amen.

As usual, I'm lazy to finish the tag. I have to go now for band practice anyway, so it's not my fault. I'll do it later. I guess.

Cabunching

2008-04-19T01:38:00.004+08:00

If not how am I going to be better than Jeff Mun or Calvin Ngai. Cabunching; punching your way to success in Cabal Online.

Unfair

2008-04-15T00:07:00.005+08:00

'Who can believe you,
Who can believe you,
Let your mother pray'

'How do I feel,
What do I say,
In the end it all goes away'

Sugar - System of a Down

Beautiful Letdown

2008-04-13T21:35:00.004+08:00

'In a world full of bitter pain and bitter doubt
I was trying so hard to fit in, fit in,
Until I found out;
I don't belong here.'

Beautiful Letdown - Switchfoot

Call Of Duty 4

2008-04-12T00:17:00.005+08:00

Last week, I walked into a cybercafe alone because my friend didn't want to play games with me. And because I'm a feeder at DotA and a noob at Counter-Strike, I had to settle with playing single-player games. How pathetic.

But then I discovered this game. Call Of Duty 4 is a first-person shooter just like Half-Life, but the game physics are much more improved, and adds to the realism of the game. The game's AI is also really intelligent, making me feel like my comrades in the game are real players. Gordon Freeman fighting off an entire army seems so old school now. Then again, I used god-mode cheats playing Half-Life.

I got so into COD4 that I felt like a soldier in real war-scenarios. The plot and lines are well-scripted and the music is superb, playing strong marching beats during an enemy infiltration to haunting tremolo strings in tense situations. The game also gives the player a lot of freedom, for example in a battle the player can utilize different strategies to engage the enemy; either by sniping them from a distance, or running into them with explosives, which, certainly gets the job done, but you'd have to go back to the save point and start again.

In a nutshell, I guess I'm easily fascinated by 'new' games which actually came out quite some time ago. Just like with HL2E2, I spent hours playing in the cybercafe to finish playing COD4. This is because I do not have a computer fast enough to play either of them.

I'm technologically outdated. Again; how pathetic.

Joy

2008-04-05T20:19:00.002+08:00

I'm so glad Kingsley left his bass guitar with me. Now I have something to do. Yippee. :)

My Value

2008-03-30T19:56:00.004+08:00

I've been playing around with an application called 'Friends for Sale' on Facebook recently. What you do is that you buy and sell your friends, increasing their value with each successive sale.

I thought about it, and I guess it's the same in real life. We find ways to increase our self worth and value. We constantly strive to improve ourselves, upgrade our abilities, achieve something that's noteworthy. We reach for greater heights, doing everything we can to establish our identity that no one else can replicate.

What's my value? Does having many talents make me a higher grade human being? Being able to do something no one else can? The academic qualification I have? Having all the fame and money in the world?

So, what's your value?

To-do list

2008-03-27T23:29:00.003+08:00

I shouldn't be disclosing this. But this is a blog.

By right, I shouldn't even be this busy. Of course, if I had efficiently managed my time I would have no problems coping with my studies at all. Right now I've got a presentation to handle and a lab test to retake. I have tons more texts to catch up on if I don't want to get a GPA of 2.0. I feel like I've lost the motivation to continue studying.

I could go ahead and blame the lousy drone-like lecturers for their methods of teaching, but then again I haven't been doing a good job as a student either.

In fact, there are a lot of things required of me in my life which I don't feel motivated to do at all. I should strive for excellence, but what can I do if it's a flawed world I live in?

Tagged

2008-03-26T18:03:00.004+08:00

By Mei Sze.

1. At what age would you want to get married?
Dunno. Just hope I don't become a monk.

2. If you were stranded on an island who are the three blog buddies you would take with you?
Kingsley, Calvin and possibly David Lim? Enough to make a band.

3. Where is the place that you want to go the most?
Heaven. This is a wretched world.

4. If you can have one dream come true, what would it be?
To have a happy ending to this life.

5. Do you believe you can survive without money?
Yes. For a few minutes.

6. What are you afraid to lose the most?
My faith.

7. If you win $1 million, what would you do?
First, I would celebrate my winnings by spending it all.

8. If you meet someone that you love, would you confess to her?
For now, no.

9. List 3 good points of the person who tagged you.
Mei Tze is good, good, good!

10. What requirements do you expect from your other half?
Unconditional acceptance. That's too much to ask for, because I never got it.

11. What kind of people you hate the most?
Betrayers. They should die like Judas did.

12. If you could go back in time and make a difference in your past, would you?
I wouldn't. I would probably screw up and make my life right now even worse.

13. What do you think is the most important thing in your life?
My God. Because everything else never lasts.

14. What's the thing you're most proud of?
Right now, I really don't know.

I tag nobody because I didn't complete this tag anyway. Lazy, out.

I Need You

2008-03-18T16:43:00.005+08:00

'Your silence is like death to me
So won't You hear my desperate plea?'

'I need You, Oh, I need You.'

I Need You - The Swift

Imperfect Life

2008-03-05T00:45:00.004+08:00

'Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.' - Romans 12:2 (NLT)

I came across this verse a few days ago. I too think it's time for a renewal of mind. A divine reminder indeed.

So, what's been going on?

Getting through life with all the imperfectness of a human and the perfectness of God's grace. I've been exploring life's possibilities and learning from mistakes. Been emo to get attention. Been working out to laugh at fat people. Been under peer pressure getting dissed by my bandmates. Been building new friendships and losing some. Been making stupid songs depicting the lives of students nowadays.

Just been me. :)

February the 14th

2008-02-14T23:59:00.001+08:00

Spent the day attending classes. Came back at about 5 and worked out a while. Ate a potful of pasta my mother made. Ate a half-eaten kebab sandwich. Drank a can of Shandy. Went on MSN messenger and put on stupid nicknames. Played Gunbound while listening to love songs. Drove my sister to KFC to buy chicken. Ate a snack plate meal and cheesy wedges for dinner. Came back to the PC and played my guitar to the songs. Then took out my violin and played to the songs.

Good night.

Now

2008-02-05T19:38:00.000+08:00

'Light up, light up; As if you have a choice.'
Run - Snow Patrol

Back to classes

2008-01-21T18:22:00.000+08:00

Happy 2008 (Holding on)

2008-01-20T19:38:00.000+08:00

Everyone looks happier in this picture. = )

Be Right Back

2008-01-17T23:06:00.000+08:00

Is Jee Yann like, dead?

Nah, he's just too busy fixing up the church youth website, that's all. Be right back with updates. And fixing up this site as well, look at this mess. Ish.

Wishing

2007-12-31T19:15:00.000+08:00

God, bring us back together.

What's been going on

2007-12-26T18:34:00.001+08:00

Messed up

2007-12-07T23:48:00.000+08:00

Will blog when I'm in a right mind again.

HL2E2

2007-11-14T01:06:00.001+08:00

~~Gonna get my certificate of completion soon.~~
I rate it 10/10 because I've never played a better game before. The ending is so sad. Now, I can't wait for episode 3. Argh.

Say No to Spam

2007-11-10T01:50:00.000+08:00

Sorry I wasted your time reading this pointless post.

CBTL Ampang Point

2007-11-01T00:58:00.000+08:00

I decided to take some pictures at work.
This is the pantry/kitchen. It's where the dish-washing and food-preparing takes place.
It's also where I punch-in to report for work. If I'm late, I get paid less.If I'm unlucky, I'm stuck with washing dishes all day.
But when it's time to eat, everyone's happy.The real action happens up front, where all the drinks are made.And also where the orders are taken. Screw up handling the cashier, and your pay is affected.
These are the essential ingredients for Ice Blended drinks.
Er. Just a random photo of a Coffee Bean teddy bear we're selling.The espresso machine, where we steam milk and make espresso shots.The dreaded espresso tamper. This makes all the difference in making a perfect shot.
If you don't like espresso, we have brewed coffee as well.If you don't like coffee, take it out on the humble coffee-server. (See the perspiration on his face.)

As time goes by

2007-10-30T12:58:00.000+08:00

It almost looks like Armageddon in KL. Anyways.

Life's becoming routine again. My job's good, but I end up seeing the same regular customers everyday, ordering the same drinks again. Everyday it's 'stesen berikutnya: Ampang Point' then back home. Can something just happen?

Bleh.

I'm Garfield

2007-10-22T22:56:00.000+08:00

Milk and lasagna. Milk and lasagna. Milk and...never mind.

It's me!

2007-10-18T15:50:00.001+08:00

During RBS 2006, me and some friends from dormitory 3 came up with a ridiculous song. This song was composed impromptu, but since then it was dropped because it was simply ridiculous. I decided to arrange the song my style and post it up here. Lolz.

This song tells of one boy's brave endeavours to try to check out an unsuspecting girl. Enjoy!

It's Me - The boys from Dorm 3 & also one from Dorm 4

Today I looked out my window
And I saw someone passing by
I saw her back that was facing me
I think she's from the dorm nearby

And I felt the wind was so cold today
So I put on my sweater and then I said...

'It's me, watching from my dormitory window
It's me, it's me...I'm just Henry Goh'

I thought that she didn't hear me
So I shouted out to let her know
But then somebody else came along
And shouted out 'It's Henry Goh!'

And I felt the wind was so cold today
So I put on my sweater and then I said...

'It's me, watching from my dormitory window
It's me, it's me...I'm just Henry Goh'

I think she finally heard me
She seemed to be a little shy
She came right next to my window
But I felt like I wanted to hide

...But I still said,

'It's me, watching from my dormitory window
It's me, it's me...I'm just Henry Goh'

Work work

2007-10-17T01:03:00.000+08:00

Divert your eyes away from the newspaper headlines; that's not my point.

Anyway, this is what I get for a staff meal on the job. Chicken lasagna with pasta sauce. Mango creme Ice blended as a drink. A meal that would cost RM 20+ on the menu.

There's nice food and drinks; there's also a lot of work to do. I work 8 hours a day, usually from 4:30pm till midnight. Other than making drinks, I clean tables, sweep and mop floors, wash dishes, man the cashier, and there's even the occasional task of cleaning the latrine upstairs. I'm not complaining; I'm beginning to like my job a little, and meeting new customers each day gives that feeling of new possibilities that a regular office job wouldn't likely bring.

People whom I know get a 10% discount if you come visit. Alright then, it's back to work.

A job at last

2007-10-08T18:57:00.000+08:00

Guess where I'm working now.I decided to try out a job which would allow me to learn new skills. No awesome culinary skills required, but it's better than getting a boring office job.Today I went to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf training HQ in Pandan Jaya and went through 8 hours of lectures and hands-on practice. It was really fun.
There were 10 of us today, all signing up to be a barista. We watched some introductory company briefing videos, and went through the company's vision and mission. Then it was Ice-Blending time.You have no idea how easy it is to make an Original Ice Blended drink. You also have no idea how sick I have become of sampling the whole Ice-Blended menu today. Of course, I'm not complaining. It's a 12-ringgit drink free of charge. And it's 'the most delicious drink in the world' too. *burp*Starting work this Wednesday at the Ampang Point Coffee Bean outlet. No free drinks! =P

Bored

2007-09-28T19:08:00.000+08:00

Normal people would be complaining about the stress and frustration that work brings. Right now, I'm complaining about having nothing to do at all.

I've started my term holidays, and they'll last for 3 months. All the way until January. That's why I'm so freaking free. I find myself repeating the same things I'm doing day after day. Where are all the events? The activities? Sad to say, this would only mean I've still not found my balance in life yet.

Of course, one event that happened last week was Ian and Yi Hua's wedding.In my life I've been to very few weddings, so being able to witness this one firsthand was my pleasure. After seeing all the emotions that happened on that day, I've got this weird emo-ness inside of me now that I can't explain. Being so free means that I have all the capacity and time to think about it even more. I've really got to find something to distract myself.

So now, I'm on the lookout for jobs. For the past few days I've been wasting too much time in front of my monitor screen, and now I feel my eyes have gotten the worst of it. Will update when I find a job then. = )

My Last Teen

2007-09-20T23:49:00.000+08:00

Today is another milestone in my life. I've turned 19, and looking back at my life makes me happy I've made it thus far.

Firstly, I want to thank all of you who sent me birthday wishes. Thanks for remembering the day I came into existence. I don't want fancy gifts; your sincere wishes are enough to bring joy to my heart. Thanks a lot you guys. = )

I want to thank my family for loving and bearing with me till today, and for also the simple card Joy made me. Simple and sweet.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge and thank God in my life, being the one who has been guiding me step by step, teaching me how to live my life the right way. Also, for allowing me to see through my 19th birthday.

I've been carrying you on my back
from the day you were born,
And I'll keep on carrying you when you're old.
I'll be there, bearing you when you're old and gray.
I've done it and will keep on doing it,
carrying you on my back, saving you.

- Isaiah 46:3-4 (The Message)

Hopping around

2007-09-13T10:58:00.000+08:00

Because when I take one step forward, many things seem to come at me at the same time. So what's happened recently?

I accompanied Adam to the One in a Million auditions. And there I ended up registering myself. It was fun getting to see and meet the personalities, as well as the experience of seeing the great lengths people go to trying to impress the cameras. It wasn't until I was standing before Paul Moss that I sort of regretted trying out the auditions for fun.

Paul: So, what are you here for?
Me: Um. I actually accompanied my friend here...(noticing the expression change on Paul's face) but since I'm here, I want to see how far I can go.
Paul: ...Oookay.

The outcome?

Shucks, we'll try again next year.

Besides that, my semester exams are here. Its wrath pours down upon me, entangling me in a web of stress and anxiety. That is actually quite the contrary to what I'm doing. It kind of worries me that I'm not worried about my exams. I'm studying though. Asking people which chapters to study for tomorrow's Chemistry paper.

Also, Ian Yong's getting ~~marred~~ married on the 22nd. Yi Hua's sister will be doing a duet with me on wedding dinner night, and we've been having practices quite a few times now. ~~,since she still can’t get the song right.~~ I heard there's a grand piano for me to use at the restaurant...Cool.

Eventful days. Keep 'em coming!

Home Alone (again)

2007-09-03T22:52:00.000+08:00

For those who don't know, my parents have flown off to Hong Kong for a 1-week mission trip. They'll be making hospital visitations around the city along with mission teams from various churches. A great opportunity for them to serve the Lord. = )

And some opportunity for me to show how good a housekeeper I can be. Joy has school the whole week, and coincidentally, I'm on a 1-week study break. Thank God for the convenient timing, because no one else can ~~do a better job at housekeeping than me~~ come to help take care of the house and fetch Joy around if I had classes. On the first day of my duties, I've already made some blunders. I was supposed to fetch my aunt to the hospital to get her eyes checked, and I ended up leaving the house late. In my rush to get to the doctor's on time, I hit a cyclist down.

No joke...he wasn't hurt though. Right in front of Gleneagles Hospital was where I hit him. It really wasn't entirely my fault; he shouldn't have cycled across seeing me turning into the entrance. I got down from the car, flashed my emergency lights, picked up the bike, pushed it to one side, tried to brush him off, and hurried to find parking with a hysterical aunt in the car.

So that's one thing that happened today. I really don't have a talent with cooking, so from today onwards our breakfast, lunch and dinner will be...
I hope we don't run out. Oh well, there's always McDonald's.

My plea

2007-09-01T01:32:00.000+08:00

Lord, we need Your grace and mercy
We need to pray like never before
We need the power of Your Holy Spirit
To open heaven's doors

Spirit touch Your church, stir the hearts of men
Revive our souls with Your passion once again
I want to care for others
Like Jesus cared for me
Let your rain fall on me

Lord we humbly come before You
We don't deserve of You what we ask
But we long to see Your glory
Restore this dying land

(Original music and lyrics by Kim Bollinger )

Just another update

2007-08-28T23:55:00.000+08:00

What can I say about what's happening recently?

I thank God I got my voice back. Going through the painful ordeal taught me to cherish my health. It also taught me to be mindful of what food I eat, so now I have second thoughts about dousing my food with excessive curry and spices. And I learned to never doubt the miracles two hydrogen atoms linked to an oxygen atom do to your body.

If any of you didn't get that, I meant that I prefer water over soft drinks now. Anyway, I'm also facing my semester exams in the week after the next. ~~I won't say I'm fully prepared~~ I'm not prepared at all. In fact, I'm worried that I'm not worried about it at all. I'm deciding between investing more time into honing my music or my studies. After one semester of study, I have to admit that I still can't imagine myself graduating as a Biotechnology degree holder and spending the rest of my days working in a lab.

I want my life to have color! Why do you think I like Orange? It represents passion and fun!

It's a little too late to say that now, Lol. I'll have to trust in God's guidance on this, as always.

A Startling Discovery

2007-08-23T12:27:00.000+08:00

(I'm already on the road to recovery, thanks to all who cared.)

Today, I found out from Joy that you can check your MyKad info using your Astro decoder. It's easy; just insert your MyKad into the second slot beside your Astro card, and flip to channel 800. Choose to view your MyKad information, and there you are.

All of my information was correct; except that my religion stated on the MyKad was incorrect.

Not only me, but my sister and a friend of hers have had their religion 'modified' in the MyKad. At the end of the day, we're asking whether it's simply a careless coincidence that someone at the MyKad department inputted it wrongly, or is there a plan behind this to change the statistics of the percentage of religion in this country?

I'd like your comments.

Sick: Tonsillitis

2007-08-16T18:02:00.000+08:00

Now it's my turn to be sick. And just like Henry and Adeline, I have the same symptoms; a sore lump in my throat, fever, and a throbbing headache.

I was actually all well this morning, and this fever suddenly just came up while I was in the computer lab. First time I've gotten sick within a span of 2 hours. So I called Mom to pick me up, went home, took 2 panadol pills, drank some herbal tea my mother made, and slept for 4 hours. Right now, I'm still feeling feverish. I wonder if I should study for my 2 tests tomorrow or continue resting...

Pray for me...?

Update:
Sigh...Just let me turn this into an emo post for now.

Why is the pain still here? The swollen lymph nodes in my throat don't seem to be getting better. The antibiotics make it feel worse. I've had insomnia for two nights straight. I hope my cell group isn't blaming me for not organizing practice for the upcoming church song fest. My mother's fed up with me not being able to eat porridge when I already burn my throat drinking water. I'm fed up with this freaking 'ordeal' I have to go through.

I can only still be thankful. For being able to see a doctor; to get medicine; to be lavished with love and care; to be kept in your prayers.

Thank you.

Update:
I went to an Ear, Nose, and Mouth specialist clinic which told me I had tonsillitis. No wonder my throat burns. I was eating the wrong medicine all along. If this medication fails, the doctor says I'll have to be admitted to take injections. I'm weak from all that food around me that I'm unable to eat...Urgh.

Finding my balance again

2007-08-11T11:32:00.000+08:00

Everyone needs a healthy balance in life. In every aspect, there must be a time for everything. And my problem just is that I haven't found or decided on a balance in my life yet. Basically, I'm pretty muddled up right now. It's pretty frustrating not being able to prioritize accordingly, and I hope the people who have suffered the consequences of my decisions will forgive me.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Once upon a 31st...

2007-07-31T23:36:00.000+08:00

He bore it all

2007-07-30T23:43:00.000+08:00

But the fact is, it was our pains He carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought He brought it on Himself,
that God was punishing Him for His own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to Him,
that ripped and tore and crushed Him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
Through His bruises we get healed.
We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost.
We've all done our own thing, gone our own way.
And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong,
on Him, on Him.

- Isaiah 53:4-6 (The Message)

Lamborghini

2007-07-29T22:29:00.000+08:00

Adam's got a new car!Brand new Lamborghini Gallardo.He came over and parked it in my condo's car park overnight. It attracted a small crowd.
I was like...so proud.Then again...

Maybe not. XD

Elements Night 2007 Aftermath

2007-07-28T00:28:00.001+08:00

All smiles. The night was a Huge success. If I get my hands on any juicy photos, I'll post 'em up, okay? I'm gonna keep on rockin'.

Elements Night 2007

2007-07-26T00:40:00.000+08:00

For the past two weeks or so, I've been busy preparing for a gig on the 27th of July.
Organized by my Uni's Music Club, it's Elements Night, a music concert consisting of rock, punk, classics, fusion, and acoustic songs. DJ mixing session included for the 2nd half of the concert.And for this, I've spent a number of late nights at UTAR, rehearsing the songs again and again.
And while I'm spending most of my time jamming away in the music room, my friends do what real students are supposed to do.Oh well. XD

P.S Here's the promo video for that concert.

And, a candid shot if I may.

Giving the Green Light

2007-07-10T11:29:00.000+08:00

How many times have I jumped the red lights in my life?

On the Stage

2007-06-26T18:17:00.000+08:00

Today, I took part in the Unity in Music contest organized by ICOM (International College of Music) in conjunction with the Gegar U campaign. It was really fun and all, jamming on a truck-stage with a Yamaha Motif ES8. Chun!

We didn't win, however. My band-mates from the Music Club only received news of the contest a week ago. And our song (Home by Chris Daughtry) was only chosen a few days ago. All the inconsistencies...

'Let's just go up there and Have Some Fun!!'

This however, was the ultimate blooper.

Renovations

2007-06-23T13:30:00.000+08:00

There's been a lot of activity going on around me lately. More specifically, my house's under renovation. That's something I would notice the most, since it's going on around...my house.
My father decided to upgrade our house a bit, and expand our available housing space. So...from now on, I won't have a balcony anymore. It'll be changed into part of the living room, and the balcony sealed with windows. That means goodbye to the noise pollution that comes from the highway nearby. That also means goodbye to my air ventilation.That's not all. The kitchen is also being renovated; my father didn't like the holey wall which was previously there, so he decided to make a non-holey wall there. Which means goodbye to more air ventilation. So my dad put an exhaust fan at the top-right corner to help the air flow.

So...you can gather that my house isn't exactly in a neat condition now. Frankly, that somewhat reflects my current status, mentally and spiritually. You might count in physically for my gaining weight, but let's not.
I like playing with Kuma-Kuma because he represents the boyish side of me (that's the answer to one of my quiz questions). The boyish side of me knows nothing of the outside world, living in a dream world of his own, where everything is perfect. And his mind is simple, pure and childish, knowing not the reality of pain and suffering, of hate and evil. And most importantly, no matter how he feels like, he's always smiling.

Sometimes I feel all of us need a retreat from the world. For me, that's quieting myself down to spend more time with my God. Each one of us needs something, or someone, to cling onto. Because on our own, the tides of the world can sweep us off our feet and sway us to and fro, not knowing where we'll end up going. And that's what has happened to me recently since I've not clung on to Him. Like my house, I'm in quite a messy state inside.

So...I'm asking for some prayers. And also for those out there who need them. May we all keep on keeping on.

Jammin'

2007-06-15T18:16:00.000+08:00

At the beginning of this semester, I'd decided I wanted to join the Music Club. I didn't do that back in PJ because...there was no club. I dunno why, but the Music Club over at PJ seems to be non-existent even though they say there is one. Oh well.

Anyway, I have joined the Music Club. Thank God there are great musicians there, with most of them being church-goers. That would be expected, since we're really the only ones who make music on a regular basis as part of our worship to God. Sparks fly when we jam together. The feeling is just great. I can shed some pounds just by visiting the music room everyday.

Also, today I got enrolled into a band competition; something LimKokWing organized I heard. It happened so fast, I didn't know what hit me. All I knew was this guy passed me a paper, and I wrote down my name and IC no. and guess what? Wow.

Yeah, now I know why King wanted to leave his hair long. I wanna headbang, WOO!

Will be back with more updates!

Did I make the wrong choice?

2007-06-07T22:16:00.000+08:00

Your Learning Style: Expressive and Tenacious

You love to learn about new cultures, ideas, and theories.

You Should Study:

Anthropology
Counseling
Education
Ethnic Studies
Foreign Languages and Literature
History
Literature
Music
Philosophy
Eastern Religion

What Should You Study?

Saw this on Henry's blog, so I decided to do it out of boredom.

I knew I should've went for music.