Juan's World

Ouch!

2007-05-21T15:18:00.000+08:00

If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). The scripture also reads, “Everyone who calls out to the Lord for help will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Definition of Lord - One who has authority, control, or power over others; a master, chief, or ruler. Thus, by calling Jesus our Lord… it means that He is to have total and complete responsibility over our well-being.

Lucifer, the fallen angel… has seen God in His Glory and recognizes Him as God. However, Lucifer did not want to submit to His Lordship, having selfish ambitions to BE GOD.

Question:
If you have only acknowledged "Jesus as God", but not "Jesus as Lord"; what’s the difference between you and Satan?
*Ouch!*
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Sometimes we equate our well-being as comfort. It’s about our ambition, our finances, what house we want to live in, what car we want to drive, how healthy our bodies are, how WE want to be comfortable in this life… It’s all about our comfort level even in how WE want to serve and worship Him *weeps*.

Of course, God WILL bless, because that’s in His nature. But never in the Bible, it mentions that God MUST bless. That’s entirely up to Him - His wisdom, His sovereignty, His grace, HIS DECISION.

We’re delusioned to think that because God loves us, being responsible for our well-being, he will take care of our comfort level. Well, get this - God loved Joseph. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, selling him into slavery and thrown into prison. Who else does God love dearly? Jesus. Whatever happened to Him? He was ridiculed, condemned, slapped, whipped, crucified.
*Double Ooooouuucccchhhh!*
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In John 19:30, when Jesus said “It is finished!” try reading it as him saying, “IT IS FINISHEDDDD!!!!!” - His life purpose fulfilled. As mentioned, by calling Jesus as our Lord… it’s about entrusting our total well-being to Him.

Our well being is not our comfort.
Our well-being = our life’s FULFILLMENT.
Do you dare call Jesus, My Lord???

The Darwin Awards

2007-05-15T14:58:00.000+08:00

It's results time again! Am torn between laughing, shaking my head in disbelief, or just saddened by how the human race can just throw our lives away so easily. You can check out more about Darwin awards here.

And the nominees are:
Semi-finalist #1
A young Canadian man, searching for a way of getting drunk cheaply because he had no money with which to buy alcohol, mixed gasoline with milk. Not surprisingly, this concoction made him ill, and he vomited into the fireplace in his house. This resulting explosion and fire burned his house down killing both him and his sister.

Semi-finalist #2
Three Brazilian men were flying in a light aircraft at low altitude when another plane approached. It appears that they decided to moon the occupants of the other plane, but lost control of their own aircraft and crashed. They were all found dead in the wreckage with their pants around their ankles.

Semi-finalist #3
A 22-year-old Reston, VA, man was found dead after he tried to use octopus straps to bungee jump off a 70-foot rail road trestle. Fairfax County police said Eric Barcia, a fast food worker, taped a bunch of these straps together, wrapped an end around one foot and anchored the other end to the trestle at Lake Accotink Park, jumped and hit the ground at around 120 MPH. Warren Carmichael, a police spokesman, said investigators think Barcia was
alone because his car was found nearby. "The length of the cord that he had assembled was greater than the distance between the trestle and the ground," Carmichael said. Police say the apparent cause of death was "Major trauma." (With a touch of idiocy throw in)

Semi-finalist #4
A man in Alabama died from rattlesnake bites. It seems that he and a friend were playing a game of catch, using the rattlesnake as a ball. The friend, no doubt a future Darwin Awards candidate - was hospitalized.

Semi-finalist #5
Employees in a medium-sized warehouse in west Texas noticed the smell of a gas leak. Sensibly, management evacuated the building extinguishing all potential sources of ignition; lights, power, etc. After the building had been evacuated, two technicians from the gas company were dispatched. Upon entering the building, they found they had difficulty navigating in the dark. To their frustration, none of the lights worked. Witnesses later described the sight of one of the technicians reaching into his pocket and retrieving an object that resembled a cigarette lighter. Upon operation of the lighter-like object, the gas in the warehouse exploded, sending pieces of it up to three miles away. Nothing was found of the technicians, but the lighter was virtually untouched by the explosion. The technician suspected of causing the blast had never been thought of as ''bright'' by his peers.

The Winner
Now ladies and gentleman, the winner of this year's Darwin Award (awarded, as always, posthumously).

The Arizona Highway Patrol came upon a pile of smouldering metal embedded in the side of a cliff rising above the road at the apex of a curve. The wreckage resembled the site of an airplane crash, but it was in fact a car. The type of car was unidentifiable at the scene. Police investigators finally pieced together the mystery. An amateur rocket scientist had somehow gotten hold of a JATO unit (Jet Assisted Take Off).

That is actually a solid fuel rocket used to give heavy military transport planes an extra "push" for taking off from short airfields. He had driven his Chevy Impala out into the desert and found a long, straight stretch of road. He attached the JATO unit to the car, jumped in and got up some speed and fired off the JATO!

The facts as best as could be determined are that the driver of the 1967 Impala hit the JATO ignition at a distance of approximately 30 miles from the crash site. This was established by the scorched and melted asphalt at that location. The JATO, if operating properly, would have reached maximum thrust within 5 seconds, causing the Chevy to reach speeds well in excess of 350 mph and continuing at full power for an additional 20-25 seconds. The driver and soon to be pilot, would have experienced G-forces usually reserved for dog fighting F-14 jocks under full afterburners, causing him to become irrelevant for the remainder of the event. However, the automobile remained on the straight highway for about 2.5 miles (15-20 seconds) before the driver applied and completely melted the brakes, blowing the tires and leaving thick rubber marks on the road surface, He then becoming airborne for an additional 1.4 miles and impacting the cliff face at a height of 125 feet leaving a blackened crater 3 feet deep
in the rock.

Most of the driver's remains were not recoverable. However, small fragments of bone, teeth and hair were extracted from the crater, and fingernails and bone shards were removed from a piece of debris believed to be a portion of the steering wheel.

Epilogue: It has been calculated that this moron attained a ground speed of approximately 420-mph, though much of his voyage was not actually on the ground.

German classes...

2006-12-12T11:43:00.000+08:00

Me: Guten tag! Ich bin Juan.
Friend: Guten tag! Mein Name ist Jamal. Wie geht es Ihnen?
Me: Es geht. Und ihnen?
Friend: Danke, gut!

Translated...

Me: Good Day! I am Juan.
Friend: Good Day! My name is Jamal. How are you?
Me: So-so. And you?

Friend: Good, thanks!

And so, I’ve started taking weekly German classes. Sigh… it’s so difficult! Some people breeze through learning a new language, but it’s clearly not my forte :P Get this, if this is the range of numbers from one to five…

1) eins
2) zwei
3) drei
4) vier
5) funf

To make the number 34, it’s vierunddreizig. Basically, we direct translate to four and thirty… so it’s kind of upside down. Ehheheheh… as tough as the language is, I have to admit that there are their fun moments.

Scenario:
We’ve decorated our cubicles with some Christmas stuff. On my desk, there’s soft toy in a form of a cow that we’ve name him, “Moo Moo”.

*German colleague walks past and starts playing with Moo Moo*
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Chinese female colleague: Stop playing with my Moo Moo!!!
German male colleague: *stunned*
German female colleague: *laughs non-stop* You better explain what she said.
German male colleague: *laughs and looks a bit shy*

Chinese female colleague: It’s okay… I don't want to know.

Apparently, moo moo (apologies, cause I don’t really know how to spell it in German) is “female private part” in German.
*LOL*

Hari Kanak-kanak Bistari

2006-10-18T11:28:00.000+08:00

Gerald: Hey peeps. Seems like the haze is pretty badddddd…

Me: Uh huh… can have it at my condo’s hall. At least it’s indoors…
Chun Haw: Uh huh… contingency plan.
Sam: There’s only 2 things we can do. (1) Pray. (2) Pray some more.
*gurgle* spoken like a cell leader :P

But you know what? Sam was right! After a whole week of emails ding dong-ing around worrying about the haze, turned out on Saturday… we had GREAT weather!!! Slightly hazy… which was erm, kind of nice cause the day was cloudy and breezy :)

Our little friends really loved the name cards. There was actually a little boy who asked if he could keep his for memory sake *smiles*.

And the games began!!! Games one to five happened SIMULTANEOUSY! Game one… picking up sweets. Ahahhahahaha!!! Jonathan, one of our pre-schooler’s so cuteeeeee!!!! *pinch cheeks*

Game 2… Walking on bricks!!! Ain’t as easy as it looks. Look at Gerald having a go… uuuuffff! Uuuuuf!

Game 3… a game of coordination, balloon balancing! Cute little baby Abby…awww. Hai Bee and Joey having a ball!!! I mean… a balloon *nods*.

Game 4… the ping pong balancing act. Whoopsie…!!!!

Game 5… the ‘getting as much water into the bottle using this teensy-weensy sponge that Victor prepared’ game…. Hahahahhahaha…. So funny, the kids were trying soooo hard to get the water into the bottle but most of it ended OUTSIDE the bottle *giggle*.

Group game! The three-legged race!!! *trips* *falls* *laughs*

Hari ini ku rasa bahagia! Berkumpul bersama saudara semuaaaaaaa.... Our version of Bestari bridge is falling down (with tall bridges Yew Leong, Eddy, KayX and Mike).

Makan time!!! The kids were soooo happy. Bihun. Mee. Eggs. Sausages. Cake. Orange juice. Yummmmm… The kids liked the little gift prizes that were given out too *smiles*.

Cost for food : Approximately RM 300
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Cost for gifts: Approximately RM 200
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Cost of seeing Chun Haw looking like this?!?
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PRICELESS.

Happy Birthday Chun Haw!!!!!!

HR kiosk go LIVE

2006-08-01T17:40:00.000+08:00

Hr kiosk. The cause of my sleepless nights due to stress for the past week. The cause of working 14-16 hours a day daily. The cause of being deprived from mummy’s love cause no time to go home for dinner. Finally!!! The day has come for my baby to go live!!!! And so, on 1st August 2006, Thailand, Philippines, Korea, and Japan BASF employees will be using HR kiosk – Employee and Manager Self Service.

08:30am Issue Log (AHD) no issues.
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10:30am Checked AHD system again… no issues.
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12:30pm Checked AHD system for the third time… no issues, soooo happy. Went for lunch to celebrate successful go LIVE.
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02:30pm Checked AHD system again…. STILL no issues. Eh… this smelling a tad bit fishy dee…
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03:30pm Found out that Issue Log personnel was newly hired and didn’t know how to log issues and stuff was just PILING up in her mailbox

*gasp*

*scream*

*faints*

I Remember the Time…

2006-07-18T10:07:00.000+08:00

Inspired by David’s blog.

When he saved me from a sicko-man during SS2 Christmas Carnival *gallant knight in shining armour :P*.
When he bought me lunch after knighting episode, as a belated birthday pressie.
When we had so much fun being with God’s people and enjoying His creation on our group hiking and caving trips.
When we would share our hearts on YM using cute little emoticons to express how we felt *blink blink*.
When we had our first phone conversation and chatted from 11pm till 6am.
When he openly shares his vision, past, shortcomings, and insecurities.
When he pops over unexpectedly, he engages me in conversation before surprising me that he’s actually waiting downstairs.
On our first date he said, “I’m giving my heart to you, handle it with care…”.
When he stuck an apology note on a huge piece of paper to his car’s window below my apartment block, standing there waiting with a bouquet of roses in his hands *imagine my embarassment*.
When he asked me to join him for a walk at the streets of Damansara Perdana and it lasted till 5am cause I was uncomfortable having him up in my home.
When we worshiped, prayed, just chatted about everything and anything whilst on our walks.
When I was holidaying with family in Genting and he popped up suddenly with a friend.
When he prayed over my family during Chinese New Year visitation.
When we exercised together in gym.
When we hiked up Gasing and Kiara hill with friends.
When he would accompany me after working late at night to exercise at Kiara, cause work was stressing me out so much.
When he ‘unshamingly’ in front of snickering individuals passed me a filled-up-with-water new water bottle when he knew I’d be thirsty after psalming.
When he presented me with a bottle of Ridsect when I had trouble sleeping caused by mozzies buzzing around.
When he would pick up the guitar and we would worship together.
When we went for a midnight swim and we sang Disney cartoon songs in harmony *thank God there were no complaints from neighbours*.
When he would SMS prayers and greetings early in the morning...
When he would SMS or call me to wish me good night.
When he left a bouquet of sunflowers, my favourite MAGNUM, and a little gift at my doorstep when I wasn’t ready to spend Valentines with him.
When I was stressed and having trouble with sleeping in China and he surprised me with phone calls.
When we teleconferenced, he would speak into the mic whilst not receiving any vocal response, cause mine was broken.
When he picked me up from the airport all dressed up in the cuffed shirt and cuffs that I gave him.
When he hid a Braun wallet in the bottom of my car seat, after my Braun wallet was pick-pocketed in China.
When I was wondering why his shower was taking so long, and I found out that he was washing the toilet for me.
When he cleaned and tidied my house as I was going to have some people over for dinner.
When he planned a romantic trip to Port Dickson for us.
When he brought me to a place in Port Dickson and revealed he would like to have the wedding reception there with me.
When we did Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren together.
When he showed up at my home and surprised me with spaghetti for dinner.
On a day when I felt fat and he said, “I cannot believe God would give me someone who’s beautiful on the outside and on the inside…” *blush*
When he turned up at my office suddenly, presenting me with lunch when he knew I was too busy to eat anything.
When he sings me sweet, love songs.
When we trespassed into Avillion during church camp, and started worshipping lying on the white sands of the beach.
When he loved and played with the children during our Orang Asli trip.
When I was afraid something bad would happen when he heroically flung safety rope over a raging river when a hiking trip didn’t go as expected.
When he would naturally break into a prayer whenever we were happy, angry or sad.
When he would pray for the needs of those whom didn’t like him.
When he will never let me go off when I was upset.
When he drove all the way to my home at 12am+ fearing for my safety, cause he couldn’t get me on my mobile.
When he is ‘man’ enough to say, “I’m sorry, I was wrong” in front of the presence of many.
When he worshipped God with all his might, playing bass on stage, just trusting in Him when my ex returned to church.
When he trusted and left me be during the times when I needed to care for my ex.
When he said he would wait until I was ready to love again.
… when he DID wait and helped me sort things through even though I pushed him away again and again.
When he proved to me that shopping with another person (him) is a lot of fun. I like to shop alone.
When he picked my first tube dress for me to wear.
When he planned, flew himself over, whilst lugging a whole lot of snorkeling gear for us to Pulau Sibu.
When he slipped his ring on my finger and made me promise to bring it home to him when I had to be away.
When he took care of my car whenever I was away at work, returning it fully fueled and manually washed.
Ensuring my home was tidy and clean whenever I returned from my trips.
When he spends time with my friends, colleagues and family.
When he had a tear in his left eye when I said “Yes”.
When he planned for chocolate fondue and said, “I intend to continue to pursue you even though you’re now my girlfriend”.
When we took his dogs out for a run.
When we bathed his dogs together.
When we did menial chores together, like washing the car, just being with God and with each other.
When he happily join in my current and ex LF activities, getting to know the other members.
When he offered to help move house for his ex, putting aside any personal discomfort cause he knew it was important for me.
When he would lovingly stroke and comb my tangled-up hair.
When he bought me a new comb when he noticed mine was getting old.
Ahahhaha… the same goes for tooth paste, biscuits at work and other everyday grocery items. He takes note of everyday products that I need.
When he takes note and imitates my little grunts or expressions.
When I would return to my home, and find that he had popped by after work and tidied my mess left in the morning.
When he set up my fish tank and picked out the little mollies with me.
When he insisted me joining his family up to Genting to test-drive his car.
When he would support me physically and in prayer regards to my ministry with children, the same that I would support him with his band.

Sigh… I could go on and on… 70 points does not do justice to the blessings I have received. Last night, I was hit with 2 surprises. Surprise No 1… I went to get my car after work and found it in this condition:

After a temporary fix to the car, I went home to surprise number 2:

Stuck on my shoe cabinet was a note saying, “There’s something in the freezer”. And in the freezer was a MAGNUM *smiles widely*. He popped over after a busy day at work, just so that I could get a nice little MAGNUM surprise when I got back from work. Sighhh… yupz, yesterday night marks our one-month anniversary. Another “I remember the time…” point to add to the list :D

The Stock Market illustrated ...

2006-07-04T10:39:00.000+08:00

Just a little forwarded mail from my ex-boss... is there a lesson to be learnt here?

Once upon a time in a village, a man appeared and announced to the villagers that he would buy monkeys for RM10. The villagers seeing that there were many monkeys around, went out to the forest and started catching them.

The man bought thousands at RM10 and as supply started to diminish, the villagers stopped their effort. He further announced that he would now buy at RM20. This renewed the efforts of the villagers and they started catching monkeys again. Soon the supply diminished even further and people started going back to their farms.

The offer rate increased to RM25 and the supply of monkeys became so little that it was an effort to even see a monkey let alone catch it.

The man now announced that he would buy monkeys at RM50! However, since he had to go to the city on some business, his assistant would now buy on behalf of him.

In the absence of the man, the assistant told the villagers. "Look at all these monkeys in the big cage that the man has collected. I will sell them to you at RM35 and when the man returns from the city , you can sell it to him for RM50."

The villagers squeezed up with all their savings to buy the monkeys.

Then they never saw the man nor his assistant, only monkeys everywhere!!!!

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Hahahaha!!! Was just thinking about my moo-lah stuck with some JSPC shares. Much talk about it going up, but it never does >:( Sigh... just gonna give it another half a year, cut my losses and pay off some of my housing loan with whatever $$$ that's able to be recovered :P

My three weeks training at Titan, Johore

2006-06-08T09:45:00.000+08:00

The training assignment at Titan has been more like a paid vacation rather than a work assignment. Work starts at 8:30am and I get to go back to the luxurious, laden with duty-free chocolates Eden hotel by 5pm. Ahhh...

First weekend back at Klang Valley, a few of us decided to go for a hike up to Sungai Chilling, Kuala Kubu Baru *thanks to Mr Organizer Mr David Oh*. Tis a picture taken of Heidi and myself chilling out at the waterfall. So peaceful *giggle*… little did we know the “adventure” ahead of us. Out first time, hopefully the last… for the fire brigade to come save us from anything :P

We spent a night at Frasers - that’s David taking photographs of KayX’s leg scratches. And look… look at what Chun Haw is doing *LOL*.

That’s me pinching off everybody’s plate *slurp*. My goodness, The Tavern serves the most superb-tasting homemade strawberry jam…yum! From left: David, Chun Haw, KayX, *me*, Becky and Kevin.

Cute picture of Gerald, *me*, and KayX enjoying the breath-taking view of the lake.

At Johore, we treated ourselves to good meals every end of the week. First week, we went to Halo café for some Western food. Second week, we saw a Modesto’s banner saying, “50% off all pasta and FREE cocktails for ladies night!” Wow! I thought it was a really good deal UNTIL Poh Kiew started to get sleepy after a couple-a-drinks. Ekkekeke… luckily the next morning, she managed to wake up on time to get to work *whew!*. From left: *me*; salmon fettuccini and beef carbonara with long island cocktails; Poh Kiew ermmm… ‘down’.

Third week, we decided… definitely no drinking. FULL STOP. Went for seafood instead. Yumyum… Baby lobsters and crabs!!!

My last assignment with JSPC – From left: users at Titan with Poh Kiew and myself; *me* in a stolen uniform; a picture of the Titan petrochemical plant.

The weekend at Sibu Island. The seawater was soooooo green. The marine fishes were soooooo pretty. How I wish I knew how to properly use the flippers for snorkelling. Ankles were very sore cause I didn’t quite manage to get it right :P From left: *me* and some local doggies; on the hammock; Sibu Island from afar.

Yupz… it was a great working holiday indeed *grin widely from ear to ear*.

H-O-L-I-D-A-Y!!!

2006-05-26T14:50:00.000+08:00

A couple weeks back while I was in the midst of my interviewing process, I didn’t know I was going to be posted to Titan, Johore for my last assignment. A small plan cooked up in my head for my in-between-job vacation.

1st stop: Drive down Malacca to visit Heidi and Lavender spend 2 nights there
2nd stop: Park my car in Seremban, at an auntie’s house.
3rd stop: Take the train down to Singapore. Spend 2 nights with Yoke Keng and Chew Har. Spend a night with relatives there.
4th stop: Spend a night in Seremban before returning to KL.

Now since JSPC is paying for my return from Johore after my assignment, there’s a little change in plan:

Two weekends ago, had a rushed weekend hiking at Sungai Chiling, Kuala Kubu Baru; then spent a night at Frasers.
Last weekend, I stayed back in Johore and went snorkeling at Pulau Sibu. Took a cab to Tanjung Leman before taking a speedboat over to the island :D Amazingly green, clear waters…
This weekend, I will:

Take a bus from Johore to Singapore on Friday. That’s THIS evening after work, TODAY!!!
Spend two nights at Yoke Keng’s. She’s got the weekend all nailed; midnight shopping tonight (It’s Singapore’s mid year sales nowwwww!); birthday party and a all-girl’s night out tomorrow; zoo on Sunday…
Go visit my relatives at Compassvale Walk on Monday and spend a night there. Should be nice to able to see Eddie’s (my cousin) new baby girl.
Return to Wilby Residences, Bukit Timah for the last night in Singapore.
Take a bus to Johore’s Senai Airport and return to KL.

I promise lots of pictures when I return :) Now… leave me be in my deliriously happy state…

Holidayyyyyyy!!!
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Wheeeeee!!!
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Lalalalala….

Goodbye, JSPC

2006-05-19T14:16:00.000+08:00

From Juan to Regional Manager
Dear Kum Seng,

As we're both currently stationed on-project outside Klang Valley, I apologize that I could not meet you in person for this matter. I would like to resign from JSPC and after being with the company for more than 5 years; this was not an easy decision which took a lot of consideration.

Attached is the formal resignation letter…
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From Regional Manager
Hi Juan,

So my last "daughter" is finally "married out"!

I am sad that you are leaving us but am happy that you are going to do something that you believe it will be more fulfilling and rewarding. I enjoy your working company and am sure I will miss you.

It is not an easy email to reply as I really don't know what to say…
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From direct-reporting Manager
Hi Juan and Kum Seng,

Sob sob, Noriza is too distraught to say anything. Should be mixed feelings, I guess. General rule of thumb is that one will join new company if there is a better career prospect, be it in RM and etc. I have no doubt that the same rule applies to my last little sister here :-). I wish her all the best…
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And so, the deed is done. Hahahhahahha…. So funny that Papa Seng sees the correlation of me being ‘his daughter marrying out’ with me ‘leaving’ *giggle*. I am indeed very blessed by all my managers and colleagues who really are like family. Sighhh… to find bosses like Papa Seng and Abang Noriza is like searching for a needle in a haystack, and yet I found TWO of such needles!!! *starry eyed…*

Thought it would be nice to pay a small tribute to some very prized people that I’ve met along the way… the Alam Flora bunch doing the ‘Wendy’ pose… muahahahhahah. From left: Tim, Jong Jim, Jefery, *me*, Rachel, Jason, Wendy, Ramon, Mei Yee.

Ahhh… trips with Abang Noriza are always fun. This is us at FRIM. Mmmhhhh… was supposed to go for ATV mudtrekking, but had a little mishap during a little hiking trip with some other friends. We had the fire brigade come rescue us, which reminds me is another story altogether :P From left: Hui Jih, Normala, Carrie, Noriza, *me*, Celena, Jong Sim.

Some RHB staff during our training last year. Sigh… I received news about Kak Fiza (lady second from the left) that she had passed away after delivering her first child, while I was in China - I miss her bubbly character terribly.

Kak Mini with her tokens taken while she went for her trips to Korea. Imagine… these 40-something makciks goes gaga over these Korean and Japanese men. Once, Kak Fizah stuck a human size poster to ‘motivate’ her staff at work *LOL*.

Karaoke sessions… This was taken during our company’s annual trip to Avillion :)

Victor jai… my ‘partner in crime’… downloading mangas and animes. Oh oh oh… where am I going to get my Naruto and Bleach fix in future?!?! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

Jefery’s wedding. Ahhh… the youngest now-already-married friend. With Sand Dee getting married in July, Siew Fun in August, Ju Lian in September, Noriza and Hui Min in December, apart from Shing Onn and myself, everyone in the previous RHB team is tying the knot! Gosh… though I’m happy for all of them, there’s going to be this really big hole in my wallet giving out red packets by the end of the year :P From left: Shiao Peng, Ramon, Siew Bun, Jason, Mei Yee, Lillian, Ethan, *me*, Eugene, Jong Sim, Celena, Michelle.

Barbeque sessions…

Surprise birthday celebration sessions…

Indeed, great memories. Tis the picture taken with the China team at Wanglaoji.

I wouldn’t trade the experiences and all I’ve gone through with JSPC with any $$$$ offered to me. Yes, even with the experience of (1) having to get scolded at cause did not know how to read Chinese menu (2) having to line up like prison inmates to get food (3) being even lower than prison inmates cause I actually need to WASH MY OWN UTENSILS… kekeee.

Indeed, the years have been great:

Penerbit Fajar Bakti – as a starry-eyed fresh-grad started my SAP career as a Basis and ABAP programmer.
RHB Bank – Meeting great friends whom I repeat are ALL getting married by the end of the year *grin*.
Dow Chemicals – Wonderful international exposure where I got to make good friends with lots of great people whom were Indians, Hongkies, Japanese, Indonesians, Canadians..
Alam Flora – A place where suddenly I realize that I’m a ‘senior’ to many.
Wanglaoji Pharmeceutical – Working in another country certainly was challenging. Imagine, I was speaking to my Chinese team mates in Chinese, and they were replying me in English via MSN. *faints*
Miscellaneous other short assignments or support with companies like Petronas, Sharp Roxy, Titan, Genting Sanyen. Gosh... penning this down, I should really be thankful I was exposed to such big-brand firms through my stay with JSPC.

Wow… what a long post. But then again, any less would not justify my appreciation to how God has carried me through the years in my career by giving me great people to work with *thanks, Papa*. I know He’s called me into my new workplace though I love my present, and I’m excited to the things that He has in store for me…

Greetings from Johore, Malaysia

2006-05-11T20:16:00.000+08:00

20:30hrs
Juan: *Tucked in bed at Eden Hotel* Mmm … :)
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02:30 hrs
Neighbor: Hahahahahaah!
*insert LOUD laughter*
*insert LOUD giggles*
*insert LOUD mindless chatter*
*insert LOUD door banging*
Erm… did I mention that they were LOUD?!??
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04:30 hrs, Juan – Sob sob..... *still awake with splitting headache*

This depicted my sleeping environment for the past two nights. Eden put me up in a room with adjoining doors and it was ‘just-my-luck’ to end up with noisy neighbors. Called up a friend for ‘Oh-I’m –so-tired-I-wanna-dieeeee’ self-pity talk.

And he said, “Juan, I am very serious… you should:
1) Ring up the lobby and call for security. *which I already did :P*
2) Ring on their doorbell and hide quickly!
3) Call their room phone and hang up.”

*giggle*

Sighhh… after I hung up, I decided to shift my mind off the noise to much happier thoughts… Church camp 2006!!! :D

Never in my life I’ve enjoyed bowling soooooo much. Oh wait, I wasn’t bowling. I was on the pom-pom team cheering for my winning team, TIGERS! Roarrrrrrr!!!! Bruised hands from beating the kompang, lost my voice from the screaming, didn’t really matter if we didn’t win… I had a baaaalllll!!!!

Ahhhh… finally the awaited day has arrived!!! Sob sob… waited for so many years to witness this, Lily’s baptism. *bawlsssss…..*

Yeah yeah… I know, this has absolutely NOTHING to do with church camp. Was just taking a stroll on the beach at night and saw my favorite manga character… Naruto! Thought it was cute enough for me put this up ;)

I think there’s this little mamak stall in Port Dickson that suddenly saw the gates of Heaven open as 30-some of us turned up at the oh-so-empty stall during midnight *giggle*.

Pajama night, when I changed out of my pajamas already. Heheheh…. Doesn’t Emily and myself have the same smile? People can mistaken us as sisters :D

My entourage to camp. From left around the table: Lily, Wai Hun, Terence, Tony, Mike, Danette, Auntie, Uncle David, Ee Puay, Ian, Gerald and myself *holding the camera ma*. After praying for so many years with the LF, Uncle David accepted Christ this year! *rub hands together in glee* We managed to witness Eng in his best evangelistic form…ekekkeke. Uncle David went for altar call to receive healing…

Eng: Arr… uncle, why are you up here huh?
Uncle: I want to receive healing.
Eng: Emm… receive healing from who?
Uncle: From Jesus lor…
Eng: So, you believe there is a Jesus who can heals?
Uncle: *nods*
Eng: So, you want to accept Christ into your life now?

*Wah Lauuuuuu!!!*

Gua Tempurung on Prophet Muhhamad’s Birthday

2006-04-18T10:32:00.001+08:00

For those who’s thinking of going for a caving adventure, just a couple of pointers:

Wear sports shoes; Else you’ll be a caving litter-bug when your slippers float away as you’re wading through the waters >:(
Bring plastic bags; To keep your stuff dry even if your bag gets wet. Kevin brought an air-tight sandwich bag just to keep his car keys dry *how ingenious*
Bring waterproof torchlight or strap them to your neck; So you’ll be able to see where you’re going in the pitch-black caves, though most of the time you’re shining at someone’s butt as you’re crawling around ;)
Wear dark colored clothing; You’d be getting pretty wet, lights colored clothing would mean giving a ‘free show’ as your underwear peaks through *Phew-phweettt!* :P

Last but not least…

WATCH YOUR HEAD!!! The little bruise on my head still hurts *sob sob…*

Gua Tempurung is rather commercialized – most of the trails had stairs to ease the hike, which made the explorations a tad bit less exciting. Didn’t bring a tripod stand, so the night vision pictures are rather blurry. If we captured the pictures using normal scenery mode, the pictures were too dark to see the textures of the caves :( This is our best shot…

We went for the Top of the World and Short River Adventure tour, which costs RM11 per person. The Top of the World trip allows us to reach the ceilings of the marbled cave. The visitors will go through the Wind Tunnel where the hot air from the highway meets the cold air from the cave and we can feel a nice, cool breeze through the tunnel.

There was a 45 degrees natural slide which was about 1 story high. Hearsay is that the Full-Monty trail has a 2 story high natural slide *gasp*. We got down to our hands and knees and crawled through the cave’s waters. We slipped through a small hole in the ground, which made me feel like a rabbit going into its burrow *kekekeke…* I loved this shot the most; the night-vision effects almost made me look as if I’m stepping into Heaven :D

Ahhh… the ‘before/after pictures’…hehehehhe. No guessing which is the ‘before’ and which is the ‘after’ *giggle*. From left of first picture: Irene, Su Lin, Becky, Terence, Erica,*me*, Kevin, KayX, Michael, Andrew, Gerald.

The caving adventure fell a little short of expectation; mainly cause it was too short with a ‘too mild’ fear factor. Thoroughly enjoyed the company though; if you’re thinking of going to Gua Tempurung, go for the RM22 Gua Tempurung Grand Tour. Remember to ask me along, k? *blink blink*

Uh ohhhh… drop by Ipoh for lunch like we did :D Thanks to our guides KayX and Erica, we had yummy Ipoh Sar Hor Fun, beef noodles, ‘tried to have’ soya bean and tauhu fha, rojak which was amazingly huge for only RM7 *thank you Becky*, Ipoh white coffee, AND we tar-paued the famous wrapped salted herbal chicken for dinner/families. *pats stomach in satisfaction*

Sighhh… and sometimes I wonder why I haven’t lost the weight that has been gained from my China business trip *LOL*.

S.R.K. Sri Damai

2006-04-12T16:57:00.000+08:00

Was in a rather pensive mood and feeling a tad bit nostalgic today. So during my lunch break from work, I tar-paued a yummy chicken drumstick and roast pork rice from my favorite chicken rice stall at Section 17; wanted to have lunch under a shady tree outside my very-loved old terrace house.

On the way towards the terrace house, I nearly knocked into this little school girl who ran across the road to get to her transport. Ahhhhh… my old primary school. Hehhehehe… changed my mind about the lunch location and decided to dig in at the school canteen instead :D

Everything seemed different… yet there was this air of familiarity.

First thing that struck my mind was, ‘Wow… look at all these tiny table and chairs… Ooo… and all the tiny people… hehehehhe’. Can’t believe I was once as tiny as that ;) Staring into the mirror, the reflection that stared back was of a grown woman in work attire clutching a leather hand-bag – ‘Gosh, I’m really a grown up now, aren’t I?’ *sighhh…*

Saw a familiar ‘abang’ manning the canteen. He was once a teenager helping his dad out, now he’s taken over the family business. Had some kids playing catching the exact same way my friends and I did; using the steps of the line-up food area as our ‘safe house’ while running out to be possible victims of the ‘catcher’. Eeeeeeee…. Getah-players! Looking at all the laughing jumpy kids really made me want to join in their hopping!

Took a walk around the grounds. Wow… there was a new block of classrooms. Peered into where the school hall was and had a flashback some of my performances. *giggle* I remember I did a dance once with some friends. Will try to pen down as many lines from the lyrics:

Six little ducks that I once knew,
Fat ones, skinny ones fair ones too,
But the one little duck with a feather at the his back,
He ruled the others with a “Quack! Quack Quack!”

Up to the river they would sing,
“Widdle waddle, widdle waddle, Ho Hum Ho”…
But the one little duck with a feather at the his back,
He ruled the others with a “Quack! Quack Quack!”

Awww… that must’ve been one cute performance. We were waddling back and forth in our duck costumes and did our little actions as we sang along. For line 3 and 4 of the verses, I remember turning and showing our little behind to the audience *LOL*. Tinkering with the old piano in the adjoining music room brought back memories of when I used to show off to the other kids with my piano playing skills *was such an exhibitionist… kekeke*.

There was an area in the school field where we’d imagine there were dead bodies buried there when the Japanese attacked… hehehehhe. And there was this instance during Sports Day when some bird decided to drop its chocolate treasures on my head just as I was about to take off in one of 100 metres dash :P

The highlight of the short trip? Met Pn. Tay, my primary 5 form teacher… having quite a lot of white hair strands in her ‘in-my-memory-was-black-in-color-hair’.

Thank you Lord, for you have given me a wonderful childhood, thus now having beautiful memories. Amen. *hugs self*

Hey… why don’t some of you share some of your kiddy memories? *wink!*

Vroom vroooommmm…

2006-04-10T16:15:00.000+08:00

*Insert screeching sound*
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*BHAM!* Car from right crashed into mine…
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*Uuuuuufff!!!* I crashed into car of my left…
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Eh – go cart racing, or bumper car ride ar? :P

8 years ago when I came with my uni mates, this place in Shah Alam didn’t have a proper circuit. The route was molded using red-and-white road cones. I remember getting completely confused whilst driving then, cause the red-and-white caused my vision to blur up :P Now’s it has been done pretty nicely, nice curves … with sufficient straight routes to let the 60cc engines go at max speed.

Breakfast – RM10
Go-cart – RM70 for 20 minutes
Overtaking another go-cart on the track - Priceless

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 27

2006-03-12T23:53:00.000+08:00

*on MSN*
Shing Onn: telnet to 172.16.0.52. password : ****, login: ****.
Me: Uh-huh…
Shing Onn: “su - orawl1”. Then “c- tablespace admin”. After that, “a – tablespace”.
Me: Okay… !!!
Shing Onn: PSAPROLL. What’s the new size?
Me: New size 1298544k.
Shing Onn: Start the database altering…

Fuhhhhh… really felt like a scene from Mission impossible detonating some bomb. Shaky hands, heartbeat faster than normal, imaginary Mission Impossible background music, well… it didn’t help that I had 10 pairs of eyes looking over my shoulder *faints*. Resubmitted the job; it failed AGAIN at around 12:30am, changed the tablespace size again, slept that night with fingers crossed.

Got up at 6:30am, checked the job - it was cancelled!!!

*freak out*

Performed some database checks. Eihhhh???? Everything seems normal. How come the job still cancelled? Re-checked the job logs.

Huh? The job was completed successfully… I read the logs incorrectly previously? Didn’t want to get too happy yet, check through some Financial documents… they seemed to be restored properly back into the system. THEN, I rejoiced – Woo Hoo!!!!

Went out had had another great day moving around Guangzhou. Tell you all about it when I have more time to edit the photos and all. Till then… see you all, cause I AM GOING HOME SOONNNNNN!!!!!!

*does a silly dance*

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 26

2006-03-11T22:56:00.000+08:00

“Imagine you’re in a F1 race. It has been a neck-to-neck race since the beginning, tough and challenging. However, you’ve managed to do pretty well despite a couple of glitches here and there, not only due to having a fantastic driver… but a team that stuck their neck out TOGETHER throughout the race. During the very last lap, suddenly the ENGINE malfunctions …” – quoted by Mr. Lee Kum Seng, my manager :P

Sigh… the conversation above depicted my current situation in Guangzhou, when I stupidly deleted all of Wanglaoji's financial data, and am now trying to restore it. 9:00 a.m.; found that the previous night’s background job to delete the data has been completed successfully, almost 3 hours earlier than scheduled. Woo-Hoo! Quickly scheduled the background restore job, expecting the restore to be done at around 4pm.

We went out happily and had a pretty good time sight-seeing. First stop, Guangzhou Huoche Dong Zhan Bus Terminal. Next to the bus terminal, is the largest man-made waterfall in Guangzhou, backed with a pretty impressive garden by the side.

Guess what are these? Colorful candies?!?

Yupz, fishes!!! Fah Dei Wan – where all types stuff that has to do with marine life (plus a many other things) can be bought. From left to right - Shells; All types of fish; Fish with flower prints; Tortoises; Glow-in-the-dark fish; Garden items; Food carvings; Stones; Flea market. There were close to 50-70 stalls selling these items, we can never be able to see such a selection at such cheap prices back home in Malaysia. Kindly click on the pictures for a larger version.

Next stop, Hai Zhu Guang Chang. From left: Traditional Chinese writings on wood; Modern wood handicraft; My favourite Naruto figurines (which I bought a set of 10 for only RM12…kekekeke); Weaponry complete with battle and samurai swords; intricate designs for minute glass shoes; Dolls; Jades and stones; Modern clocks which cost a bomb back home; a whole complex of about 50-70 shops just selling SHOES a.k.a. Girl Heaven.

The highlight at Hai Zhu Guang Chang, toy guns. They’re actually illegally sold cause they’re too similar to the real thing. Cheah warned me not to try taking a photo cause the peddlers might think that I’m taking photos as evidence to get them in trouble. Thus, for this picture I risked my life… for the sake for worldofjuan blog :P

Got back after a great day of jalan-jalan and this is the news update, “Juan, how ar? The restore job cancelled THREE times while you were away”, Kenneth asked. *faints* Checked the error log – ‘For this operation, the ORACLE instance needed additional storage space in a rollback segment. The expansion of this rollback segment failed’.

What?!? Speak English please… *blink blink*

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 25

2006-03-11T03:53:00.000+08:00

My biggest job boo-boo in China. The reason why it’s 4:00am and I’m still up blogging. Can’t sleep cause was scared s***less for the past 5 hours since 11:00pm and I expect myself to be in this state for at least the next 10 hours. I normally name my archive jobs {date}_{company code}. For this particular archiving object, it was named 10032006_70. “10032006” being the date and “70” is the short form for company code G070.

So if you observe the parameters set, I was supposed to key in “G070” for the Company Code selection. But I accidentally left it blank. What does this mean?

The job scheduled is going to DELETE ALL FINANCIAL DATA that is present in the system.

And so, in my “trying-to-be-calm-but-failed-to” state, I:

Quickly called David and said, “Don’t you dare delete any files from the archive folder! I need to restore the deleted data!” Of which, he snickered. Grrr… he obviously doesn't understand the implications.
Cancelled the delete job at once.
Tried to restore the data but I couldn’t see the restore file.
Told Grace, she glanced up, went, “Oh..” and got back to work. After I explained that we would need to restore the server back to last week’s backup; of which all the work she has done for the past week will be gone, THEN she panicked WITH me.
Rushed up to Kenneth’s and David apartment, and we panicked together :P

Anyway, we needed to continue deleting all data in order for the restore file to be created. At least… this is our understanding at this point of time. Whaaaaa???? Have to delete ALL the data so that we can restore?!? How silly does THAT sound? *faints*

Errr… we’ll get some results in about 10 hours; which is why my stomach is tied up in knots.

Me: Kenneth, it’s been great knowing you *shakes his hand*
Kenneth: Errr… *shakes hand hesitantly*
Me: Shake hand cause going to get fired tomorrow…
David: I’m the one’s who’s getting fired!!! I didn’t do backup today, REMEMBER?

Need to face my manager Kum Seng, tomorrow at 8:30a.m. That's 4 1/2 hours away...

>:S

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 23

2006-03-09T01:24:00.000+08:00

Time: 1:30 a.m.
Hidden meaning: It’s late, Juan is tired, so it’s going to be a short post :P

Just got back from a superb supper with my colleagues – From left: David Labuda, Boon Siew and Grace. Been cooped up in my apartment for more than a week working, and it’s great just to loosen up and have some time-off (even if it’s just an hour of being away right outside the apartment having supper…ekekkeke).

It’s a nice barbeque place right outside the apartment we’re living. Grace kept commenting about how dirty it was; the oysters were cleaned with some tap water right next to the drain. But I’d like to think I’ve got a really strong Malaysia “mamak” stomach…ehehhehe. Well, if my post tomorrow is entitled, “Sick in Guangzhou”… at least I’ll read this blog item and remember what a great time I had.

Many tables set up next to the main road and everyone on the other tables were gambling with that little box thing with dices inside. Have absolutely no idea how it’s being played, took a quick candid shot (fingers crossed hoping that the guys don’t suddenly stand up and demanded I erased their photo).

Finally, some of the stuff we had. Mind you, I didn’t have enough space to show all the goodies our tum tums enjoyed tonight… :D To name just a few; there was bread, lamb, oysters cooked with chili and garlic, chicken wings, fish, pork ribs, mushrooms, calamari, cheap RM3 big bottles of beer, and my favorite RM1.50 MAGNUM (I still CANNOT believe that MAGNUM’s soooooooo cheap here in China, and with so many different types of flavors too!).

I think I shall go to sleep with a wide smile on my face tonight. And it’s not because of the beer... :P All four of us stuffed ourselves with all that great stuff and it costed us only RM40!!!!! Woo-hoo!!!

Me... a Benevolent Leader???

2006-03-07T13:21:00.000+08:00

Jess passed this link to me, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the tests and you’ll get instant results. Give it a go, and let me view your results, k? Below's mine:

Benevolent Leader

Don’t really see myself as a leader most of the time, but for some strange reason, I do somehow end up in that position pretty often. Juan; the unwilling leader *chuckle*.

Me… benevolent? Thesaurus.com defines benevolent as ‘all heart, big-hearted, caring, compassionate, go-good, generous, helpful, human, kind-hearted, tender-hearted, warm hearted etc’. Wow… thanks, I guess... :D For those who’s reading this and shaking their heads in disbelief… at least Yew Leong read my results and thinks it’s true. SO THERE! *sticks tongue out*…ahahhahahahha.

I loved it when the results said, "Your caring nature goes beyond a basic concern; you take time to understand the nuances of people's situations before passing any sort of judgement". This started off as a conscious action, it's great to learn that it has became part of who I am :)

My Personal Dna Report

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 20

2006-03-06T17:06:00.000+08:00

1) Run Production Planning background job – Server processor utilization 35%
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2) Add Finance archiving background job – Server processor utilization 77%
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3) Add Sales and Distribution foreground job – Server processor utilization 95%
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Juan’s reaction: WHAT??????!!!!!???

Sob sob… only a maximum of 3 processes at a time before the processor’s utilized at 95%. What does did mean? Crappy hardware specs = slow processing speed for jobs = Deadline cannot be met. Sighhh… As a result of a extremely frustrating week at work…

Last night, I dreamt of getting on a hamster wheel-like device and powered the server by running. AHhaahhahahaha! *wipes tears from eyes* Sincerely don’t know the dream was caused by frustration at work, or my body is missing gym.

:P

So far, haven’t really started missing home yet until a cousin sister sent me some pictures taken from Chinese New Year. Family portrait, minus sis and Daniel cause they back at Bidor.

The uncles and aunties whom are still in Malaysia. From left: 5th uncle and auntie, 4th uncle and auntie, 3rd uncle and uncle, my day’s the eldest, 8th uncle and auntie. Too bad the pictures of my cousins weren’t clear… but each family has 3 kids each. You do the maths and imagine the havoc when we have to line up to receive angpaus :D

Yupz, received the pictures on Saturday night. Started missing my family officially… Saturday night 4th of March *blink blink*.

You can give without loving…

2006-03-05T18:01:00.000+08:00

Friend: Life is so sick!!
Me: Eiii… why suddenly wan?
Friend: Just very sick with my life.
Me: Erm… care to share the details?
Friend: Everyday we live for some purpose. When that purpose’s gone, there’s nothing left.
Me: Purpose driven life… heard of that? What’s the lost purpose?
Friend: Well, very hard to find a purpose to live for… ahahhahaha…

Twas indeed bitter laughter.

This conversation began this morning at around 12+ a.m. Was getting ready for bed when I received such a MSN message from this Buddhist friend whom I’ve befriended whilst being here in China. After working non-stop for 6 whole days, I was DEAD tired and the last thing I needed was a long conversation into the wee hours of a Sunday morning. However, after the intense prayer time for the nation of China just about 2 hours ago, how could I ignore such a plea for help just to get some zzzzsssss…???

Had a fruitful time of sharing, woke up around 10am just in time for City Harvest 10am Live Webcast. Matthew 8:1-3 – A man with leprosy cam and knelt before him and said, “Lord if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing”, he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.

As I pondered the night before on how to reach the lost in China, this verse spoke to me. Jesus’s way of evangelism was never a hard-selling technique. His method was always by meeting needs. The verses spoke about a leper – like someone who has HIV in our age. He had a terminal, incurable disease; was disfigured, unloved, feared and dismissed by society. What was the first thing that Jesus did? Not preach a sermon… neither did he condemn by saying, “If you don’t accept me, you will go to hell!” He saw something deeper. He saw an emotional hurt within. Jesus reached out his hand and TOUCHED the leper.

You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving.

We live in a time when we’re always busy. What is the best gift that we can give? The gift of TIME to fulfill the NEED of another. Not all are called to be the stage-front evangelists, but each of us is called to be a soul winners. This applies to our daily walk, as well as looking past the physical in China. If there is no avenue to preach openly, it’s how we live our life that’s going to get committed Christians. The key-word is committed Christians, and NOT converted Christians. People are not going to be convinced by attending a service, listening to a sermon; but by reading our lives.

Though I avail myself for His Will daily, I hope I don’t get another 12+am conversation tonight. Make it a little earlier, Papa? Amen ;)

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 18

2006-03-04T22:10:00.000+08:00

There are no churches in Guangzhou, but a few really big Catholic churches in Shanghai. However, we have to show our passport upon entry because the locals are not allowed to go in. The odd Buddhist that I came across whilst being here prays; but cannot have an altar at home and they cannot use joss sticks. We’ve always hear from evangelists preaching in church about how Christians are persecuted in China and how the underground churches operates; until a very important point slipped my mind - The same way the Christians are persecuted… people of other religions are too.

I totally forgot about the lack of freedom in religion until I suddenly noticed my local colleagues looked at me strangely when I was giving thanks at the table. It’s like second nature, but I guess when it’s an anomaly… it really stands out ;) Have had local colleagues come up to me asking about Christianity, the same way they’ve asked Aun Chuan about Buddhism cause they’ve noticed that he does not take beef at the dinner table.

What does this really mean? Have personally noted how cautious they are when asking such questions – and while it’s apparent that they’re curious, so if I may dare to say; they’re hungry to just lap up any information provided. Indeed, So he said to his disciples, “The harvest is large, but there are few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest." – Matthew 9:37-38.

Whilst we’re on the topic in lack of freedom, I’ve personally experienced such a lack of freedom in information. Am guessing that it’s to disallow certain mindsets from infiltrating the minds of the locals; many sites in China are blocked. While Blogspots is blocked, I can still using blogger to post, then check the layout of my site using Google’s website translation tool to view (lucky me, the screening authorities seem to have forgotten this little loophole). Some sites have certain pictures blocked, for example CNN, Bloomberg.

My heart goes out to the people for an oppression that they might not even know they are in.

Papa in Heaven, I pray for the people here that they can meet with you, even with the lack of freedom to gain knowledge in the physical. You’ve said in Proverbs 8, that You raise your voice to all mankind. All who are simple will gain prudence. All who are foolish will gain understanding. Indeed, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom, the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Let them meet with you, so they would gain such wisdom and understanding, in Jesus Name, Amen.

B'day Wishes to a Special Someone…

2006-03-04T20:13:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday to someone who is...

Smart

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Attractive

.

Adventurous

Adorable

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDI!!!!!

I couldn’t sign on the card (lost/trapped/stranded/left to die in China) the LF bought for you, so 'Ze BRAINS' a.k.a. Meera thought up this amazing idea for them to direct you to my blog for the wishes this year!!! Here a wat'cha ma call it wet kiss all the way from China... *SMMMMMOOOOOOOCCCCCHHHH....!!!!!*

heehheehehhehe..... *wipes saliva from chin*

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 15

2006-03-01T22:07:00.001+08:00

My trip to China will NOT be a trip to China until the posting of today’s blog item – the foods that the people from this part of the world consumes *nyek nyek*. It’s like a stamp of confirmation, confirmation that I’ve indeed been here. This is a normal section of any other Chinese restaurant in Guangzhou – where all the ‘before cooked’ animals are placed. Around these little boxes, are the normal water tanks of various types of fishes.

Let's zoom in to box number ONE. Ta-daa! Terrapins / tortoises / or turtles… I really can’t read Chinese you see (like that isn’t obvious by now).

Box number TWO. *Ahem* Worms… I swear… I did not enlarge the pictures. Each of those worms are like ¾ inch wide and 12 inches long. Yupz… it’s huge. I asked my American colleague David Labuda (who’s been working in China for two years) how it tasted like. And he said, “It doesn’t taste like anything you’ve eaten before *duh-h…kekekek*. Err.. but the closest description, are clams. It’s kind of sproing-y”. Uh-huh… I’ll just take his word and not confirm it :P

Box number THREE. Snakes. Uh-huh.. I know I’ve carried one during Christmas. But eating them? *shivers*

Final box for the day. Sea beetles. When I first saw them I thought, “Oh my GOSH!!!! Are those ROACHES?!?” WWwwaaahhhhh…… *sob sob*

*takes deep breath* Needless to say, I haven’t mustered enough courage to try these erm… “delicacies”. Tonight we tried something special though… eel on ice. KEkekekke… it’s cooked eel, and they serve it in a bowl filled with ice. You’re supposed to eat it with wasabi and soy sauce. Sure, it’s like sushi back home, but it’s kind of different from all the suckling pigs and Peking ducks that I’ve been having daily since Day One I was here. I’d rather stick to my yummy calamaris and beef balls :D

From left: Grace and myself.

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 13

2006-02-27T22:52:00.000+08:00

*at the police station*
Police: Please sign here.
Me: Okay… *signs report*
Police: Write this above signature. *points to sign showing 20+ Chinese characters*
Me: What?!?
Police: *stifles giggle* You can take your time…

Whilst the policeman was very polite, my colleagues were not – they burst out laughing uncontrollably. Kum Seng, my manager even had the cheek to say, “If I could, I really want to take a picture of you writing Chinese characters” Grrrrr…

My office administrator told me to lodge a report with the Guangzhou police because I was covered under traveling insurance and can claim back the money taken. And so, there I was lodging a report in my broken Chinese, trying to tell Mr. Policeman about my incident the best I could. He wrote the whole report in Chinese, and needed me to write above my signature the standard, “I hereby validate that all within report is true etc etc” statement.

Trust me, that was the ugliest looking characters EVER WRITTEN in the history of Guangzhou police station *shakes head in disbelief*.

At least the policeman was kind with my language and written disadvantage, can’t say the same about the aunties at Wanglaoji factory serving my factory a.k.a. prison lunch. Am used at getting scolded already, “What do you mean, you know how to speak Chinese, look Chinese but cannot read our CHINESE MENU!??” *sob sob…*

Am pleasantly surprised with how advanced Guangzhou is. Their buses are very frequent – only about a 5 to 10 minute wait. MTR is very comfortable. The corridor of the apartment we’re staying in actually has ‘detect-sound’ lights, it saves lots of energy by switching on only when a person is around. Haven’t had a bad toilet experience; before I came everyone was telling me how the toilets in China does not have doors. The streets are really clean, they have rubbish bins every few metres; heck, even Malaysia isn’t this clean.

Economically and technologically they’re more advanced and competitive. There’s a wide range of cars on the road (I actually saw a police car that was a Honda City), mobiles, computer devices at very competitive prices (MP3, MP4 players, sound system players are dirt cheap), plus lots more. The only thing I find lacking is perhaps in the people. They’re very rude, rough and unhygienic by spitting everywhere :P

Very unfortunate that my human experiences hasn’t been too well…

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 10

2006-02-24T00:03:00.000+08:00

Dear Kum Seng and Seong Nien,

As per the project plan, the archiving activity is scheduled to complete by the 6th of March (Tuesday). Factoring in the offer for the 3 days extension, we should be completing by the 9th (Friday). Aun Chuan would like to leave on the 10th, whilst Grace and I would like a personal 3-day extension to move around Guangzhou hence leaving on the 13th (Monday). Kindly grant Aun Chuan the replacement leave for working on Saturdays whilst Grace and I will use them up upon project completion.

If this arrangement is agreeable, I will make flight arrangements with Siew Bun:
Aun Chuan: 10th Return to KL (3:05pm) -> Return to Penang (8:50pm)
Grace: 13th Return to KL (3:05pm) -> Return to Penang (8:50pm)
Juan: 13th Return to KL (3:05pm)

Regards, Juan
P/S: psssst… Papa Seng, tour guide service is very much appreciated from the 10th till 12th :D

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Thought you’d be interested in this little piece of information. JUAN IS COMING HOME SOON. Just drafted and sent out this email to my two managers. Decided to make the date formal; in case they decide to extend me till WHENEVER. Even though I don’t really miss home, I think being away from beautiful Malaysia for a whole month is long enough. Really didn’t like the whole, “Juan, it depends – maybe you’ll be here for 3 weeks or 3 months” deal. Figured that it would be better for me to get the dates in writing to at least firm up if they were serious about extending me.

Since now all of you know my departure dates, come slightly earlier while I’m working and you can move around a bit. My apartment = FREE lodging. Then, once I’m off and ready to go for my 3-day holiday, we can go round together. My manager, Kum Seng will be our tour guide :D

Today, we went to this place that actually served dog meat. Goshhh… luckily I picked up this piece of information in their heavily accented Mandarin and steered clear of it!!! Friend online just commented that I should have tried it. At least ONCE in a lifetime, he said. Made me wanna pukul him. I got myself a skipping rope and did some skipping tonight… muahahahahhaha. Ahhhhh…. Am feeling extremely healthy at the moment. Exercised and dog meat-free!!!

DISC Personality Test

2006-02-22T22:45:00.000+08:00

Feel like taking a break from talking about Guangzhou. Am working 6 days a week, so mostly all I can share are about the prison lunches, insane amount of food during dinners, and chicken/duck talks between me and my China-born team mates *LOL*.

Me: X, You should bla bla bla bla bla…
Friend: Juan, stop. Please stop. I will never accept whatever you say to me.
Me: ???!???
Friend: You’re a sweet girl to everyone else. Why do you treat me differently?

Today, I want to share something that I’ve learnt (painfully) these couple of years dealing with relationships; albeit love, parental or friendships in general. Does everyone know what a DISC personality test is? Check it out at DISCinsights.

Generally, all people exhibits 4 major personality styles, with varying degrees of intensity:

D (Drive) – Direct, Decisive, High Ego Strength, Problem Solver, Risk Taker, Self Starter
I (Influence) – Enthusiastic, Trusting, Optimistic, Persuasive, Talkative, Impulsive, Emotional
S (Steadiness) – Good listener, Team player, Possesive, Steady, Predictable, Understanding, Friendly
C (Compliance) – Accurate, Analytical, Conscientious, Careful, Fact-finder, Precise, High standards, Systematic

I used to have so much trouble with people who are High Ds. Their ‘direct, compulsive, sometimes proud, speaking their mind without taking other people’s feelings into consideration and without weighing consequences’ nature just drove me up the wall. The people closest to me are high Ds – my dad’s one, my ex-boyfriend’s another. Tis a curse, I tell you… a curse :D

And you know what the world teaches us? Fight fire with fire. Use poison against poison. That the person should be able to receive what they give. Uh huh… So, I believed that the only way to get through to people with a High D personality is to deal with them with the kind of stuff that they were made of, hence the conversation above commenced.

So, have you guessed what MY DISC Personality is?

I’m a CSI. My C shines like a star - I am a perfectionist and detailed in many ways. Can you imagine; when I was buying my phone… I actually created an Excel spreadsheet detailing all the phones I liked and gave it a point system with each extra feature it had to help me decide what to get :P My S is pretty prominent, I’m easily satisfied with status quo hence being with the same company for the 5th year now. My I… well you can see that in my writings judge for yourself, my friendliness level.

The uniqueness of a CSI, is when in pressure, the CSI will become a High D. Thus, when I dealt with the friend above, I was in a lot of pressure cause the stuff that was directed at me was very direct and very hurtful. So, when two hard fists hits together… guess what happens? Sighhh… a huge ugly FIGHT!

So, what does knowing one’s DISC means? The Personality Test to me, is to make ME a better person. Not as a tool to judge or handle another. Cause… when it comes to dealing with relationships, what does Christ say? Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 4:32 – 5:2).

Have you been fighting fire with fire in your relationships?

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 06

2006-02-20T22:02:00.000+08:00

After such a depressing post yesterday, I decided to go a little light today *smiles*. Song Nien and Kum Seng (project managers from Wanglaoji) each lent me some cash… and SO, I was able to shop, shop, and SHOP on Sunday from 9:30am till 9:30pm. I know, it’s a bit of a shopper’s overkill. Was nearly half-dead when I got home last night since am not really a shopping kind of person. Though, there’s a couple of items that I plan on getting on this trip:
1) Waterproof hiking Timberland shoes
2) Waterproof hiking bag
3) Sports shoe
4) Laptop backpack

We took the MTR to get downtown. Took a shot of this sign – No swinging. When I saw this my first thought was, “You mean that there’s actually enough number of instances of people behaving like a monkey swinging from handle to handle on the MTR?!?”

Next warning shot – No climbing. Hahhahaha… to think there were people trying to climb the poles. Errr… Maybe they should put there ‘No pole dancing instead’. Certainly the picture looked like it *wink*. So kinky eih…

Found in China… ONLY in China – No Spitting! I cannot believe the amount of phlegm and spit the Chinese here have. You can even see young, sweet-looking girls spitting all over the place on the streets *faints*.

Last sign shot on the MTR – Please don’t chase and create a disturbance in the train. *giggle* Must have been quite a lot of love birds on the train treating the setting like a garden in a typical Hindi movie :P

Self-explanatory shot of why I so gleefully took a shot to share with all of you – MEI DICK SHOES. Apparently, it’s quite a famous brand and I can see the adverts all over where we were shopping at. My sister’s name is “Mei Ling” and so I recognize the same Chinese character on the sign. Translated to English – Pretty D*** Shoes *LOL*.

So, after a full day of shopping what did I manage to purchase?
1) 2 PUMA sports shoe worth RMB150 (~RM70, so RM32 per pair)
2) 1 switch, there’s only 1 LAN point in the apartment worth RMB55 (~RM25)
3) 1 webcam worth RMB70 (~RM32)
4) Tea flavored plum and tea flavored Chinese plum. Dad willlove these :)

Wow, cheap right? They didn’t have the hiking shoes that I liked in my size. Sigh… guess I’d need to make another trip downtown next weekend to get my Mount Kinabalu/Tahan necessities *grin*.

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 05

2006-02-19T22:26:00.000+08:00

Tis a bleak bleak day *sob sob…* Was a victim of a pick pocket today. What was the damage?
1) My favorite Braun leather wallet
2) Credit card
3) RM150
4) Reminbi worth RM600

As I recalled that someone had bumped into me after we took this picture – a young chap that should be in his early 20s. Quickly called Maybank to cancel my credit card. Was a bit upset when the lady put me on hold for almost 5 minutes cause she was searching for my card number (AFTER I gave her my full name and IC number). After being put on hold TWICE, I knew I couldn’t afford holding the call anymore and just had to notify my parents to help me cancel my card from home. Sigh… it was really my last resort cause dad’s really jittery and would always be worried of his little girl’s safety.

Aun Chuan: Are you alright?
Grace: Hrm… you should be upset with the loss of money huh..
Me: I’m safe, that’s what matters. I can gain back the money that is lost :)

Am fine… just a bit distraught cause need to go through all the trouble of getting an advance with my company’s branch office in Shanghai. Plus, I just cannot remember if my identification card and my Maybank ATM card is in the wallet…. Sigh….

Tis a bleak bleak day indeed…

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 03

2006-02-17T09:36:00.000+08:00

This is the picture of the service apartment that Grace and I are living in. Beautiful and cozy, isn’t it? Simply amazing; the place is complete with water dispenser, washing machine, cooking stove, microwave oven, as well as pots and pans and cutlery!

Our welcoming present – nice-smelling carnations, local Fuji apples and name card holders.

Kitchen area. Grace was soooooo cute, throughout the entire day she was thinking about going to the supermarket below our apartment to get her instant noodles. We just couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw the assortment of noodles.

Ahhhh… my Queen size bed *smiles*. There’s the nice, small table and comfy chair that I use to write my blogs daily. Wardrobe provided (complete with clothes hangers) is even bigger than the one I have at home!!! Am going to really miss living here when we move out on Saturday. Too bad the area is a bit quiet and dangerous, else I would really love to live on.

Today, had an experience of a lifetime when we went for lunch. Each of us were given a spoon, 2 bowls (one bigger than the other), and 1 plate; all made out of metal. Lunch was served on the given utensils and we were responsible to wash our own plates and keeping them safe until the next meal. Ahahhahaha… kind of like a prison experience :D

Quiz for the day: How to ensure no man will ever set his eyes on Juan again?
Answer:
Just get her to continue to enjoy Guangzhou-ise food :P

12 of us went for dinner, and we had 15 dishes. FIFTEEN DISHES!!!!! Roast duck, lotus soup, steamed chicken, fried prawns, bean paste fish, 3 types of vegetables, roast pork with stuffed salted egg yoke, fried fish paste, duck innards, fried kuay teow with beef, plus something else that I just cannot remember. I have to remember to take a picture of tomorrow night’s dinner just to let some of you see the spread. Tis crazy… really crazy... *shakes head*

Greetings from Guangzhou – Day 02

2006-02-16T09:40:00.000+08:00

*gets out of Guangzhou arrival hall*
Local man: Hey…
Ang Chuan: Yes?
Local man: Ni yau xiao jie ma? *translated: You want a girl?
Ang Chuan: *dumb-founded and rushes off*
Juan: Eiii… you should have pointed at Grace and me, “U want these 2?”
:P

Once we got out of the airport, there was an old lady begging for money. Wow, 2 incidences and we haven’t even been in the country for more than 10 minutes!!!

Looking on the bright side, we touched down in China with very good weather; 25 degrees. Apparently, the weather rose just in time to welcome us. Tomorrow, the temperature is forecasted to drop 6 degrees….. brrr.

We arrived at Wanglaoji at around 2+ pm. Beautiful working environment. Reminded me more of campus life rather than being at work. Grounds are spacious and there was a big Koi pond right outside our workplace. We got there just in time for a status meeting…

Project Manager: *giving presentation* bla bla bla bla…
Ang Chuan: Oh my god….
Grace: *deep, slow breaths…*
Juan: What?
Ang Chuan: Do you even understand a word that he’s saying?

Hahahahah… this is what happens when you send three bananas (referring to our skin color – yellow on the outside, white on the inside) to China. All three of us have minimal Mandarin vocabulary plus zero Chinese written knowledge. Everything on the slides were in Chinese *snicker*.

Had our first dinner in Guangzhou in some restaurant near our workplace. So, what did a party of 11 have for dinner?
1) Vinegar drink – supposed to give us good appetite, tasted like vinaigrette coke
2) Roast duck
3) Huge flour-battered oysters
4) Sweet and sour pork
5) Braised mushrooms with vegetables
6) See-weed soup
7) Fried sour fish
8) Cold pork legs
9) Scallops – served on shell with a bit of glass noodles sprinkled on top

What a spread, and this was their normal everyday dinner. Everything was very tasty, but extremely oily *urgh!* Was kind of cute when initially, the pot of Chinese tea server was used to manually wash our plates (washed contents were poured to a bowl that was at the middle of the table). Only after the utensils were washed, a separate teapot was brought out for drinking. Then, when we did a “Cheers!!!” on our vinegar drink, everyone knocked on the turn-table instead of clashing cups.

Very interesting… very interesting indeed…

Had some trouble with the accommodation, so Grace and I ended up in a separate apartment at a quieter, more dangerous location. Should be moving in with the rest of the team on Saturday when another two team members moves out onto another project. Meantime, My God is my protection, and with him I am safe – 2Sa 22:3. Mm-hmm… *hugs self*.

My Waja… boo… hoo… hoo…

2006-02-08T09:54:00.000+08:00

First, it was the front passenger’s door handle that broke off about two month’s back. That has been fixed already. Last 3 weeks, the left back-passenger’s door handle broke off. This morning, the driver side’s power window won’t work anymore. And if I recall correctly, six months ago I’ve changed the exact power window before.

What is it with Proton Waja’s build quality?!?!?

*sob…*

Matthew 18:20

2006-02-07T10:15:00.000+08:00

Warning: Heavy Blog item

Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

This verse must be the most over-used verse EVER committed to prayer by believers. Come on… admit it. You’ve used it before too, right? ;) Whenever anyone wanted to ask the Lord for anything in a group, this verse would be conveniently used to add to the impact of the prayer. Makes me wonder… how many of us actually take the time to go to scripture where the verse was found and read the context of how the verse came about, instead of just immediately incorporating it into our prayers?

Hmm… kindly allow me to cut and paste a couple of verses before Matthew 18:20 from the New International Version bible.

15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Uh-huh… the verse was written in the context of how to handle a brother who sins against us. It is not a license for us to ask for things that we want in prayer within groups of two or three. Does this mean that we should stop praying using the verse above? Certainly not… I believe that it’s a powerful verse, and throughout the bible, we know that there is a power in the gathering of many. These are just a couple of examples:

Deuteronomy 17:6 - On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.
Deuteronomy 19:15 - One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
1 Timothy 5:19 - Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
John 8:17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.

Sometimes, we unknowingly allow “most commonly used verses” to slip into our daily sharing, testimonies or prayer life. It is our responsibility as a believer not to follow blindly, but know where the verses originate from; Let us be mindful of this, as we use His Word daily… :)

New Year 2006

2006-01-20T10:36:00.001+08:00

Year 2006 is off to a great start! In Heidi’s own words, “Achievement number 1 year 2006… Hulu Langat Hill!!!” *heheh…*. On the 2nd of January, we went on a 1.5 hour hike up to a beautiful waterfall. Chen En took the lead while Gerald held the back. This was the “before” picture when everyone was still energetic and fresh. From left: Ivan, KayX, Terence, Heidi, *me*, Su Lin, Chen En, and Thomas.

Our “after” picture when the sky has gone a bit dark and all already. There’s the other member that was missing from the “before” picture, he was holding my camera – Gerald on the far right.

We made friends with a couple on the hill, and they joined our hiking troupe. Apparently, they were *ahem* stalking us when made a pit stop at a stall for junk food and potty break (we erm… lost our way and had to ask for directions). So cute… the couple was thinking, “They look like hikers… let’s tail them!!!!” It’s really amazing how God brings people into our lives. Later this year, this young couple should be joining us to conquer Kinabalu…

We decided to go up again on the 11th, since we enjoyed the previous hike so much *grin*. Thanks to Yew Leong, I have more pictures to show off this trip :D This is the little bridge we need to take before the hike up…

Yupz… a bigger troupe this time around. Look… look… KayX sporting a new hairstyle *giggle*. This trip, I was leading the pack and there was one point when I was just admiring the beauty of nature. Didn’t realize that my second man was so far behind, suddenly I heard a grunt that went like “GGGGgggrrrrrrrrr…”. Had no idea what it was but when KayX caught up… I quickly grabbed the walkie-talkie and paged Gerald, “Wild animal nearby…. Be carefullllllllll!!!!” Am thinking that it should be a wild boar or something :P

Tis a nice shot of us at the waterfall; had to wade through icy-cold water and climb up the ledge to get to where we were. From left: Hork Loke, *me*, KayX, and Su Lin. P/S: I call Hork Loke.. Mr. Coca Cola cause his name sounds like it in Cantonese *giggle*.

Monkeys *oppppssss…* spidermen in action *kekekekekek……..* There were natural slides at the waterfall, but we figured that it’s too dangerous for us to try them cause we might injure our back bone of something :(

Allow me to pay tribute to our photographer, my ‘sai lou’ a.k.a. little brother Yew Leong. He was busy capturing photos that most of the pictures didn’t have him in it *Awwww….* From left: *me*, Yew Leong, and Gerald.

Yew Leong’s favourite photo… he insists that it looks like a scene from the show LOST! *LOL*

There’re a couple things that I’m looking forward to for year 2006:

Family’s salvation. Christmas 2005 was great. Brought mum to visit DUMC for their Christmas play with sis and bro in law. Slacked bringing mummy to church for more than a year (that whole ‘unsettled thing’ about which church/how to bring/ both siblings need to be there etc), we’re finally back on track again :)
Joy of my salvation and serving Him again. Was a dry season last few months of last year, and felt like I was running on reserves for far too long. Yet, I thank God for His faithfulness and loving kindness that His presence had been with me all the way and now finally, I’m out of it and ready to move forward.
Function in church. Not in regards to only CLGC alone, but functioning and living in his purposes beyond the 4 walls. ‘Tis going to be an exciting year, and He has begun to show me how I can use the things that He has been teaching me for the glory of His Kingdom.
Travel plans. I love Air Asia. I repeat. I love Air Asia *giggle*. Because of the free promotional tickets, am scheduled to go Bangkok in July, and Bandung in September. Should be going to climb Kinabalu in August, and seems like I’m going to be in China next month for business. Am planning to extend maybe 2-3 days after the archiving project is completed just to move around a bit.
Going to try as many new things as possible and not be fearful. Off to a good start, actually – carried snakes, played with spiders and maggots in Christmas. Started 2006 off with the Hulu Langat hike and planning to go for the Mount Kinabalu climb, if I survive that… I’ll try conquering Gunung Tahan. Cause of my fear of heights, have always shy-ed away from taking roller coaster rides… and just last weekend, took my first step of going on all the rides at Genting. Yeah, I know. It’s not much, but it’s a start ;)

Yupz… tis going to be an exciting year ahead :D

Off to Guangzhou, China on the 15th of February

2006-01-18T09:39:00.000+08:00

Direct Manager: You’ve only got 2 weeks to go get some warm winter clothing.
Support Manager: Yeah, lots of stuff to prepare just for that 15 days.
Resource Exec: Hey, bring your passport tomorrow for me to fix your visa.
Direct Manager: I’m going to miss my 9 to 5 girlfriend…
Me: What in the world are all of you talking about?!?

Full and sleepy from a heavy lunch, I just sat down in my cubicle and these people started crowding around me having a conversation, which absolutely made NO SENSE *sigh*. Apparently, before lunch they were having a chat on MSN and it absolutely slipped their mind that I wasn’t in the chat room :P

So, yeah… I’ve been assigned to a 15-day archiving project to China…

Am leaving in two weeks…
.
.
No hugs and kisses from mummy and daddy for three weeks…
.
.
No home cooked meal for three weeks…
.
.
No ‘one phone call away’, “Let’s go yum cha NOW” for three weeks…
.
.
No cell group for three weeks…
.
.
No nice, warm, humid weather for three weeks…
.
.
No gym for three weeks…
.
.
I MISS HOME ALREADY *sob sob…*

Offer up a simple prayer that everything goes smoothly, nothing gets delayed and I’d be back in no time, k? *hugz* Also, for Him to open up my spiritual eyes to see what He wants me to in that foreign land. I know this short trip is definitely from Him, cause of some of the stuff that’s been happening in my life, and that the job seems to be tailor-made specifically for me :D

Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho!

2006-01-05T15:08:00.000+08:00

Yes, I know that I’ve been lagging with updates. With bonus payments in December and January… ‘tis going to be a busy two months at work for me. Lots of bonus configuration and program bugs to fix since they’re only used once a year. This post is going to be filled with lots of pictures taken throughout the Christmas celebration…

SS2 Christmas Carnival in the park. This year, we invited children (about 140+ of them) from orphanage Rumah Charis, slum area Damansara Dalam and from the SS2 police force. Praise God for good weather. The slight drizzle probably deterred most of the public from joining in the carnival, so the whole event was more controlled :)

The ever-smiling hostesses at the reception point. We had the children chauffeured from their home to the reception point. They were then tagged (so that they can play games for free when we identify them), given some school-going goodies, and we routed about 2-3 kids to a host (for safety purposes – we wouldn’t want any kidnap or road accidents :P)

One of the booths had this sticker pull-off, pour colored-powder thingy, to create colored picture. Had no idea what’s the game called….ehehhehe… but kids from all ages were able to participate in this.

Arts and craft booth – amazing how all the seats were taken up right from the start and the kids were just having a ball creating stuff with colored papers, plasticines, etc.

Ooooo… this was one of the cutest game. These four kids actually VOLUNTEERED themselves to be sponged!!!!! Neh neh neh neh neh!!! To win prizes, participants threw wet sponges at their targets, the more targets they hit per turn. That second kid from the top readily stuck his head out whenever a sponge came anywhere NEAR his head *LOL*. Cute ‘lil fella…

Free haircuts for everyone!!! Tee-hee-hee… I regret not taking picture of this kid who sat really still in his seat; with a dazed and frightened look on his face; afraid that his hair stylist would screw up his haircut.

After a haircut, the little girls had their hair all prettied-up by Caryna and team…

Aunty Rita doing her ‘thing’. Not only the girls’ nails were given a coat of paint, nail-art was included – pretty little prints and flowers.

Vroom Vroom… car racing section; only the strong hearted to enter…muahahahha. Actually, this was the only with lots of difficulties and had to close-shop a tad bit early. Batteries died fast with problems with the cars brought :(

Hoop-a-Joy game. Suitable for little kids where they’d throw some rubber bands towards the hoops to win their prizes. Haih… couldn’t get Su Lin and Eddy to smile for the camera…grrr. Oooo.. that’s Josh in the background for the football game. Participants needed to kick the balls into the hoops. For younger children, to target ground cones…

Cupid Cove. Hmmm…Aiya… I should’ve just gotten one of those arrows and shoot some good-looking guy in sight. Aiks… did I just type that out? *blush*

Something for the older kids as well, Playstation 2. Eng was so funny when he said to me, “Juan ar Juan… I’m hosting these two kids that had totally different personalities. One of them very active, all the games also want to try. The other kid just want to play Playstation. How huh? I cannot split myself in two to take care of them…” *whimper whimper*.

Whoa… free medical checkup. Dr Mike was sooooooo busy.

Ahhh… finally some of pictures of myself…ekekkeke. That’s me and Christine having some fun with the clowns. The balloon-makers were all Victor’s colleague; that little red and pink bracelet was made by him *smiles*.

Some shots of my playing with the stuff at the petting zoo *grin*. That’s a furry little ferret; cute huh?

That’s me with Mr Tarantula. They have claws, so when it crawls around, it feels like the little fella is clawing into the skin. Must wash hand after playing with them cause their hair and web can cause skin irritation. When my camera’s flash startled it, I was *pooofed* by its web.

Yeah, I’m smiling in the photo and all… but I DID pucker up a lot of courage touching this monster. Tis certainly a year that I will not shy away from any challenges *chuckle*.

The photo is a bit over-exposed – some glitch with my digicam. The stuff in my hand… are maggots! And for your information, ladies and gentlemen… Dezzie boy DID eat one of those squirmers.

Joy to the world, our Lord has come! Let us receive the King!!!! What’s a Christmas celebration without joyful carolers? Although, hmm… the carolers in this photo captured not very joyful lehhh….ahahahahha.

Next up… some shots from the Christmas Eve dinner with family. Ahh… picture taken is “proof” of Juan able to cook :P

Mum said, “Juan arrr… invite Soon and her kids to join us for dinner tonight…”. So, with an additional adult with 3 extremely hungry kids, there was a quick panic attack as to whether we have enough food or not… eheheheh. Sigh… Daniel and my brother’s family not in the picture :(

Close-up picture of the feast we had. Onion soup, marinara spaghetti, turkey with onion and apple stuffing, gourmet sausages, fresh garden salad with homemade thousand-island sauce, and strawberry chocolate cake.

Had Christmas dinner at Edwin’s place. Early next morning, I received a SMS from Jess. Apparently, everyone had diarrhea during the night *yawn*. Praise God for a strong stomach. I was the only one without any stomach discomfort whatsoever. Nevertheless, we had fun chit-chatting away at Halo Café after dinner that night. From left: Yew Leong, Jess, *me*, Becky, and Kevin.

Was supposed to have some photos taken at Poppy Garden during a Christmas get-together with colleagues and ex-colleagues, which reminds me… have to get them soon *grin*. Mmmmhhh… was a tiring Christmas. Lots of partying, eating, and err… cooking *LOL*. Should be enough of pictures to last awhile before my next post… my overdue New Year update….

What is it about birthdays that make it so special?

2005-12-15T13:28:00.001+08:00

Have never bothered about birthdays since like erm… as long as I could remember. Blessed with an extremely bad memory, I kind of just went along with celebrations year after year, since there’s bound to have someone remembering someone else’s birthday :P. Then about three years ago, a light bulb suddenly turned on and I saw how a person’s face lit up when their birthdays are remembered. More so, when there’s a gift that comes along with it ;) It was then I began to fill up my little inventory of birthday dates and learnt the joy of giving. Hahahahha… there were times when I would buy items for others that I’m not willing to spend on myself. It felt great though… being able to pamper people that matters in my life :)

Yet, having obtained the joy of giving… this was the first year that I experienced the joy of receiving. Since I’ve never put much weight on birthdays, I don’t expect much when my day arrives. A small, quiet dinner with family members would be sufficient. A SMS or two from close friends would be nice. Then *BOOM*… I received an overwhelming amount of love this year *hugz self*.

The exact birth date is on 11th of December 1979 (Sunday).

Thu night This year, the celebration started with a surprise sprung by my cell group members on Thursday night. Imagine that... It started on THURSDAY night *faints*. It was pretty special cause I celebrated with Jessica (birthday also on the 11th) and Christine (birthday on the 12th). Aih… I wish my digital camera was around and we could have taken some photos :( But then… if I knew, then it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore …ekkekekeke.

Fri afternoon An old secondary school friend picked me up from work. He was supposed to be on leave, so when he picked me up in working attire I was like, “Huh?” And he went, “Err… I knew you were going to be in work clothes… so, I decided to dress up a little too” *LOL*. Feeling extremely full and bloated from a three-course menu, we had a birthday cake when he suddenly started to fiddle around his pocket. I’m like, “What are you doing?” Imagine my embarrassment when he whipped out a home-brought candle and lighter…. Ahahhahaha. Come to think of it, my beetroot face wasn’t too far off from the colour of HIS embarrassed face either. Yeah, my friend is sweet ;)

Fri night Mummy and brother going away to Parit Bunta to meet up with my sister-in-law’s family on Saturday. I sulked BIG-TIME when I found out initially… “What do you mean you all not going to be around for my birthday?!?!?” *sulk* But dinner more or less made up for everything. Had great food at Pizzeria with mum, dad, Daniel and Shireen. *kick self for forgetting digicam again….grrr*

Sat Was supposed to watch Chronicles of Narnia last night. But after we lost the bookings cause we were late, we decided to watch Perhaps Love instead. Wow… I had exactly no idea Perhaps Love was a musical. I NEVER watch Hong Kong-made love stories. Sooooo boring. So, I was really pleasantly surprised. Too bad it was a midnight show and I didn’t manage to appreciate it much. Hrm… maybe I should go watch it again. *ponder ponder* Oooo… btw, Narnia was GREAT!

Sun morning *yawn* Early morning was picked up by Yoke Keng to go Cheng’s house in Valencia for a picnic. THE DAY to spend with my beloved secondary school friends!!! Wharrrr…. Beautiful scenery, wonderful company, good food (Peng’s banana crumble was AMAZING!) and great *ahem* gifts. What more can a girl ask for?

Koon with the La Senza bag. I still cannot believe he bought those stuff on his own. Little Koon Koon is finally growing up *blink blink*

Me struggling with the gift-opening ceremony which was very beautifully wrapped by Koon, I must add *grin*.

Fui-yoh… look at that see-through lingerie *faints*. Personally, I’m more of a white, pink, light blue sort of girl… these looks kind of raunchy, but I guess that’s the reason why they got it for me…hahahhahaha.

Me with the people I love. How I wish Chew Har, Seon, Wan Yong, Paul, Yuet Wen, and Tsiau Way is around :(. Clock-wise from top left: Chris, Gary, Meng Koon, Luek, Kenneth, Kuan Cheng, Yoke Keng, *me*, Poh Peng, and Kian Lee.

A close-up of the spoils for the day…

Sun night Met up with two neighbors come church friends for Korean barbeque steamboat nearby home at Damansara Perdana. Yummy! From left: *me*, Chun How, and Chris.

Pleasantly surprised with the spread we got. Personally, their Thai fish cake, lamb, beef and ice-cream was heavenly *slurp!*.

Was already a bit tired from being out the whole day yet Chun How insisted he wanted drinks at Friendster *giggle*. Too bad Juan didn’t want to budge from the comfy sofa when asked to move. Hey, did you know that you can’t have alcoholic beverages near the coffee bar? There’s apparently some law against it *hrmm…* So, when the waitress asked us to move away from the sofa, I did my puppy dog eyes which begged, “We don’t drink alchohol and let me lie on this sofa, OK?” Ahhhhh… needless to say, the birthday girl always wins *nyek nyek…*

Me posing with the guys at Friendster. The snowman is really quite cute, right?

Mon afternoon Did you know that I’m terrified of kids? Anyway, these are about the ONLY kids that I’m NOT terrified of. Hahhahaha. This is the nanny that has been taking care of me since I was a baby till I was about twelve. Her children sticks to me like super glue….ekekkeke.

Just wanted to show off this cutie pie. He’s only two years old… but my word, DOES he have the gift of the gab? He just talks, talks, talks non-stop! ALL THE TIME! Found him pretty amazing cause we were watching some Hong Kong serial movie during the ancient Chinese setting, and the kid was repeating everything the actors and actresses were saying.

Mon night Was at Kelvin’s shop’s neighbor’s wine shop (*whew* look at all the apostrophes). I tried a few sips from this Chinese beer brand called Tsing Tao. Very nice… but I was careful not to drink more than four gulps… beer keeps me awake at night :P. Kelvin and Ian was from my old cell group. From left: Kelvin, *me*, and Ian.

We moved on to watch Alleycats at The Curve. The spoils for the night… Kelvin’s stout, Ian’s Long Island, my Margarita and Friday’s Chocolate Mud Pie!!! Wheeee!!! Chocolate mud pie makes me extremely happy!

Look at the air-fro hair *giggle*. We were there early, so had some time to catch a photo with them. Found them extremely down-to-earth.

The guys in action… They will be performing there till early-January. Catch them there if you can, they’re seasoned entertainers *smiles*.

Tue night One of the ‘most-prized’ get-together this birthday was with Su Lin. She’s a good friend from primary school, but had lost contact since. After a chance-encounter at Ikano, we had sworn that this time, we’ll keep in touch. Love ya lots… *hugz* Too bad Eugene, my kindergarten-come-primary school friend, couldn’t make it that night cause he had to meet his wedding planner. Twas a great get-together, nevertheless.

This year, somehow I managed to spend some quality time with all the gems I picked up throughout my short 26 years in life – from primary school, secondary school, old cell group, new cell group, Damansara Perdana neighbors, nanny and her kids, plus my very own family.

Wow, what a long post… and with so many pictures too. Had a great celebration this year, even though my family was not around on the very day. Sorry if I sound like I’m bragging… but it sure feels great to be loved, especially during this occasion. I take back all stupid notions I had previously about birthdays not being special ;)

Just Sail...

2005-12-08T11:34:00.000+08:00

Thought I'd like to share something inspirational that's been sitting on my desktop for the past one month...

Always remember,
Calm seas never make skillful sailors. *wow!*

Arms like it has been under a steamroller...

2005-12-07T16:45:00.000+08:00

Had this little conversation on MSN with a gym buddy last week:

Buddy: I think you better stop doing your cardio *(cardiovascular exercises).

Me: Huh? Stop cardio? Why????!!!???

Buddy: Err… Let’s just say that I noticed something.

Me: What?

Buddy: Just stop, k…

Me: But if I stop, I’ll get FAT!

Buddy: I can see you are losing weight. But you are doing cardio excessively.

Me: Excessively? So….????

Buddy: Sigh… excessive cardio will make you lose muscle. Causes flabbiness…

Me: Me? Flabby muscles???

Buddy: No… you got NO MUSCLES!!!! :P

As a result of this conversation, he has worked out an exercise regime for me. Firstly, to tighten muscle by lifting weights, then continue with cardio exercise to burn fats. With the muscle built-up, the muscles will be burning fat during sleep *smiles*. Would be sticking to this training schedule for at least 3-4 months, and then he’ll come up with a new regime. Apparently, we’ve got to keep changing our regimes so that our body do not adapt to the exercises. Then, our workout time can continue to be effective.

Did you know that our bodies will burn carbohydrates the first 20-25 minutes during cardio, and whatever after that is burning protein? That’s why excessive cardio will lead to muscle loss *Ooooooo…*. It’s better to do 5 minutes of cardio to warm-up, then 30 minutes of weights to tighten muscles, then the body should be a bit tired by now and another 20-25 minutes of cardio to burn fat would be good.

I started weight training last Sunday coached by my *ahem* unpaid gym buddy *giggle*. Very nice of him indeed to show me the proper techniques to weight lifting and to man the gym equipments. So, its:

Day 1: Work on chest and triceps; do the forward crunch; cardio.
Day 2: Cardio.
Day 3: Work on back and biceps; do the reverse crunch; cardio.
Day 4: Cardio
Day 5: Work on shoulders; do the forward crunch; cardio.
Day 6: (optional) Work on legs
Day 7: Rest

Actually, it’s really kind of fun going to gym regularly. Apart from feeling and looking better with the weight loss, I feel as if I’ve got more energy as I go about my daily routine. Using my apartment’s gym, I can afford to go daily cause it’s just a “lift” away… it’s so convenient *smiles*.

Today, I’m on Day 4 supposed to be doing simple cardio. So, am checking out Fitness First at The Curve this evening. Boss at work just joined as a member, and he invited me using one of his ‘free visitor passes’ *grin*. Just thought it would be great to check out the newest Fitness First center, just to see how much better the layout and environment is, compared to the one at Uptown. Not to join as a member of course, since now I have my gym buddy as a personal trainer… *giggle* ;)

From all the biceps and triceps training, my arms feel like it has been under a steamroller… *urgh!*

Total blurness

2005-11-23T09:25:00.000+08:00

A.M. Sat : *gurgleeee……..* Aik… sore throat!
P.M. Sat : *shiver shiver…* Fever…
P.M. Sun : *sniff sniff……..* Huh? Cold has started?!?
A.M. Mon : *ZZZzzzz…………* I’m SOOOO not going to go office today. Ahhh… MC!
P.M. Tue : *Cough cough…* Sigh… just when I thought it cannot get worse…

Took M.C. again on Friday and a colleague called my mobile whilst I was fast asleep in the afternoon…
Eugene: Juan… we’re in so much trouble. Client copy bombed… bla… bla…
Me: *groggy* Is it? Call Chen… he might be able to help.
Eugene: Who’s Chen? How about Po Li? What’s her number?
Me: Wait… it’s on my phone… *search for number on mobile for ‘Po Li’*
Eugene: {after long pause} Err…. Hello?
Me: Err… I cannot find wor… why huh?
Eugene: Err… arr… I… err… dunno…???
After I woke up from my slumber, it suddenly dawned on me how blur I was. ‘Chen’ was supposed to be ‘Chin’. Of course Eugene had no idea who I was talking about. AND I saved Po Li’s name in my Phonebook as ‘Cheang’… of course I couldn’t find her name on my mobile. And then… after whatever that was written above, I had absolutely no idea what else was in the conversation. Think I could have been telling him about all the Magnums I was dreaming about… or about sheep *shrug*.

Went out for dinner with parents and another couple, friends of my parents. During the car ride, was already in a SLEEP MODE whilst overhearing one of the weirdest parent conversations I’ve had.
Auntie: You know, we women must go for mammograms.
Mum: Aih, I don't have to go for one. Hubby, I OK or not?
Dad: OKAYYYY!!!!
Uncle: Juan, sorry to say this… but I think my wife is OK too!!!
Me: Huh? Mum… what are you all talking about? Zzzzz…
After I woke up, THEN I realized what they were implying *Duh-hhhh* For those who doesn’t know what mammograms are, please GOOGLE :P

What’s the saddest thing when one is sick?
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The headache?
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The coughing?
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The continuous interrupted sleep?
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No…
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It’s the lack of taste in all foods :( I want a MAGNUMMMMMM!!!!! Two minutes of happiness while savoring the luxurious Magnum chocolate, with delicious milky, creamy, vanilla ice-cream. Two minutes of Heaven... probably followed by another 2 weeks of Hell... *sob sob… cough cough… ueeeekkkk…*

To be a kid again...

2005-11-09T09:52:00.000+08:00

It’s time for missions again *smiles*. The building of the community hall for Ongkil is progressing well. It looks like it would be ready anytime now. Pretty soon, we will have a place to worship for about 30 to 40 people. We can have the space to minister to the adults separate from the children *grin*.

It was pretty amazing when we get to see children praying with all their might. Blew me away when I saw it the first time. Am still in awe. Children of faith reminds me how I should be; have child-like faith that everything is possible through Him *Amen*.

Our first communion together. Twas interesting to be with a roomful of people who had their first communion. I guess after being a Christian for so long, I kind of forgot how the first time felt…heheh.

We had a short discussion about their spiritual growth after accepting Christ over the past 2 years. Although they still lacked much understanding about the Word of God cause they were illiterate, it was wonderful hearing the Orang Asli’s testimonies about their dreams and visitations from the Lord. Look… look… that’s me posing with some of the children during their makan session.

Thought we were done for the day and headed back towards the van when we saw the children playing with their own make-shift ‘slides’ *giggle*. With just some basic card board-like wooden boards, they were sliding up and down so very happily. Ahhh… the simple pleasures of life!

One last pose with the infamous ‘slide’ before we left ….hahahahahahahah. Later, they were just running round and round the boards as Benjy and Darren held them up. Sigh… I wish I could show the impromptu video I shot. They were so so so cute just circling the two-grown men.

Hey, remember the time when we were kids and we could just create games out of everyday items and still have loads and loads of fun? Do you remember playing with:

Getah – A two-team game. String together rubber bands made into a rope with two people holding the ends up whilst the others try to jump over them. Apart from trying to jump over different heights, we had the ropes move in horizontal, vertical and circling motion. What fun! Was playing with them throughout my primary school days :)
Ice cream sticks – A two-person game with each person trying to get their stick to fall right on top of the other so that the other stick can be ‘won’.
Coloured Sticks – Made out of lidi, the thin sticks are painted to different colors for different marks. After the sticks are released, we’d try to retrieve as many sticks as possible one at a time without causing another to move. The competitor with the most marks will win. I think red colour sticks are worth 20 points whilst yellow ones are worth only 1 point; amidst other colours ;)
Five-stones – Uncooked rice stuffed and sewn into little packets of five. Can have as many players as possible with a series of stuff to be done. Start by throwing a single stone up and picking another up whilst it’s still in the air, so on, so forth.
Catching – Who could ever forget this simple yet fun game? Hahahhahahah… Basically, to just run wild whilst trying to get away from the ‘catcher’.

Sigh… think I’ll stop with 5… can probably come up with more than another 10 off the top of my head. Trip down memory lane whilst being a kid sure is fun.

I wish I were a kid again…

So carefree…

So easily fulfilled…

Ahhhhhhh…

Happy Deepa Raya!

2005-11-07T17:25:00.000+08:00

Last week, work was crazy. A certain factory decided to pay their staff earlier because of the Deepavali come Hari Raya holidays and hit some payroll problems. Apparently, their Unionized staff were given a pay-rise in April based on their work performances. The new Contractual Agreement (CA) was signed in September resulting in an adjusted-pay backdated to April for all affected employees. Normally if the staff is underpaid, the CA would take effect cause the main purpose of a CA is to actually protect the benefits of a so-called ‘under-privileged’ worker. So, I’m really dumb-founded as to why there were people who received a pay-cut because their performance-based increment were MORE than the minimal CA amount. This is soooo NOT right *shakes head... but what can I do?*.

Somehow, the system’s Overtime calculation was not configured to cater for back-payment resulting the payroll calculations to be totally off. Some of the employees were actually getting negative overtime *gasp!* causing major cuts to their pay *sigh!*. It was a tough week with just minimal hours of sleep daily, to adjust the figures to how it should be. Thanks for the prayers to those who were praying *hugz*. The thing bugging my mind throughout the entire time wasn’t about covering my own butt, but about those workers not getting their pay for the festivals. I cannot imagine how their holidays would be if they couldn’t get their money on-time, especially for those who already hardly have enough with their couple of hundreds of ringgits.

Luckily we managed to come up with a temporary solution that would buy us some time till the next payroll run to really fix everything up properly. Was supposed to go to Cameron Highlands with my ex-LF from Saturday till Monday but cancelled that just in case my payroll thingy was going to spill-over to the weekends. However, my week-long holiday did gun-off to a pretty good start *grin*.

On Saturday, went to this tattooing parlor at Desa Sri Hartamas. A gym buddy was gonna add another tattoo to his ‘already-filled-with tattoo’ arm *giggle*. Here’s a snapshot of the pin-up of the address just in case you’d want to get one as well *wink*.

There’s Eddie doing his thing. Fui-yoh… his handi-work was really steady. Warren got the designs off the Net; it was some tribal designs that looked really cool. He passed the designs to Eddie, and the result of the re-designing was completely different; just kind of maintained the basic shape and size of the original design. ‘Tis an artiste’s responsibility that no TWO designs of tattoos can be similar. Anyway, I guess tattoos are very personal, and somehow the design Warren chose suited his personality :) Eddie’s a real pro, I saw some snap-shots of him doing tattoos for the band BLUE.

Here’s a close-up picture of the tattooing done. The design was drawn onto a sheet and printed onto the arm before the outline was done. I could see the liquid bubbling out from where the ink was injected and thought it was the ink, but it was BLOOD!!! *shiver…brrrr*

The parlor does body piercing as well. Warren kept coaxing me to get some tattoo done, “Go get youself a sexy butterfly… or would you like to pierce ahem… wherever also can la”. Or like what another friend suggested, “You should get some Naruto design…” RIGHT. Very funny. I’m supposed to get a tattoo so that one-day when I’m 70 and wrinkled, my Naruto will look like a pack of sand? :P

Thanks for the suggestions… but no thanks *LOL*.

Taking out the trash

2005-10-26T23:21:00.000+08:00

*open door*
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*steps out*
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Bham! *door slams shut*
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*looks at what hands are carrying*
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Okay… trash bag in one hand… and err… wallet in the other…
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Err… where are my keys!?!?!?

Sigh… don’t know what was I thinking… Luckily I had my wallet with me and I used the public phone to call my mum who had a spare key. Come to think of it, it has been ages since I’ve operated one of those public phones :P It just got me thinking, ‘Hrm… I wonder what other things that I’ve not been using for awhile, huh?’ Erm…

Stamps – I’ve not received a single snail mail, which was not a bill for almost 5 years now *hint hint*.
Line up at the post office to pay bills – Maybank2u settles all my headache.
Call cab – my only means of transport before I got myself a car.
Dialup connections – Wifi’s the way to go, man! Cool that I don’t have to hear that annoying connecting modem sound.
Dot-matrix printers – Ahh… the day I upgraded to bubble jets and inkjets were the days my neighbors started to have restful sleep.
Alarm clock – Who needs an alarm clock now that we’ve got mobile alarms?

Relatives from Singapore are here for a visit and mum said this to them, “You know what this big prawn headed daughter of mine did last night? She thinks she can pay her house door to open for her.. guahahahahahaha.”

Sigh… I guess I had THAT coming…

When my Heart Runs Dry – Matt Redman

2005-10-25T10:36:00.000+08:00

When my heart runs dry
And there's no song to sing
No holy melody
No words of love within
I recall the height from which
The fragile heart has slipped

And I'll remember you
I will turn back and do
The things I used to do
For the love of You
Lord, I'll remember you
I will turn back and do
The things I used to do
For the love of You

You are my soul's desire
You are the hope within
You bring my heart to life
You make my spirit sing

It was funny but very on-the-dot of how I was feeling when Joshua shared about what he was going through, “I am not concerned with that God is doing at the moment. But then, it’s like when we want to walk left also cannot. Want to walk right also cannot. When we finally take a step, we fall into a longkang” *giggle* Just before he broke into this song, my mind was all over the place during worship. Taking in deep breaths to settle my thoughts I began to pray, “Lord, I really need your help for me to focus on you this morning”. However, at the back of my mind, I really began to doubt, ‘Would you really turn up? Even if you DID turn up, what sort of a rebuke would I receive? Would you really fill this empty well once again with your living water?’

Then, “Bham! Bham! Bham!” Everything that happened thereafter just broke everything in me. Is He really worthy to be worshipped in the midst of my circumstance? Tsk tsk… am I worthy to worship Him BECAUSE of my circumstance? Joo Na was reading some scripture *err… I need to find out from where she took it from* and I was thinking, ‘Urgh! I think if there’s an altar call, I will need to respond…’

Then Paulina spoke, “Blessed are those who are not offended with Him. When He falls short of your expectations.” Yes, I was angry. Angry at Him for many things that could change with the snap of His fingers, yet He does not do. Am angry that regardless of how hard I try to do what is right, the results are falling short of my expectation. Is this ungratefulness? *shrug* Am faithfully doing all that he has called me to do, yet I’m just going through the motions of not quitting but at the same time cannot see where I’m going. Is this called strife? *shrug* Am toying with thoughts of quitting, yet at the same time can’t as I’ve tasted His goodness before. I feel trapped… Is this called ‘being short of His grace’? *shrug*

There was no way I could respond to altar call while being bombarded with so many negative thoughts and feelings *groan*. All that could be done was to fall down on my knees in shame. Aih… and I thought THAT was going to be it throughout the service *tsk… tsk…*. Then, Raj laid his prophetic hands on me… aih… and I thought, “Okay.. okay… the rebuke’s coming. It’s definitely coming… here it comes… ” Sigh… but all that he spoke penetrated deeply, truths that I knew but was either hidden or forgotten in midst of all my confusion. His love and purposes for me has not changed regardless of my circumstance, and that He was doing a new thing with me. A new thing? Hmmm… a new level of brokenness and humility, perhaps? With my Worship? With the Orang Asli outreach? A new thing...

Sharon closed the whole chapter by empowering us with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Which drew me back to the song that we were singing, “I recall the height from which… This fragile heart has slipped… And I’ll remember you… I will turn and do the things I used to do… For the love of You…”

Lord, there MUST be more than this. Perfect the work that you have started within me. I’m so sorry for being ungrateful and proud to think I can live my life without you. Lift me up and help me to focus on you. Whenever I feel that you’re about to rebuke me, all I ever receive is goodness, love, grace and kindness. You are so wonderful… so beautiful… so full of grace… so beyond any words that I could ever make out. Amen.

JSPC Away Day 01.10.2005

2005-10-20T00:31:00.000+08:00

It has been more than 20 days since I’ve blogged. Have returned from Sungai Petani, went for my company’s Away Day, finished with RHB training, and even gone for a WHOLE WEEK’s holiday. This is the first time that I took a week off without making plans to go to some holiday spot. Spent the week:
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Meeting up with old colleagues and friends
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Swimming
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Gymming
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Shopping
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and *drumroll*
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SLEEPING! Ahhhh… that’s LIFE!

A little back-track blogging cause wanted to show off some good-time pictures I had with my colleagues during our Away Day *grin*. Oh… and also to share some pictures of the place that we were lodging at. We gathered in the morning for a Treasure Hunt pep-talk. I stepped into the office and suddenly realized, ‘Eh? Why is everyone in their JSPC T-shirt?’ *puzzled* Sigh… cause of all my traveling and lack of Net access, I haven’t received the notification *sob… sob…*A big Hurrah!!! to my dearest admin who whipped an extra T-shirt out of mid-air like a fairy Godmother :D Else I would’ve felt like an outcast throughout the trip *hugs Siew Bun*

These were my treasure hunt team members; Courtney, Pang Hwee and Siew Kee (from left). Siew Kee my director said, “Sigh… I own the company but how come I am the driver wan??” *ahahahhahahahaha!!!* The 4-hour treasure hunt was a great fun; reading the tulips whilst looking out for answers. I remember one of the questions, “Where does Jennifer Aniston do most of her experiments in?” And we found this shop called Rachel Laboratories *beams*

We checked into Avillion, Port Dickson at around 3 p.m. This was the only posing group photo we captured. Sigh… we should have found a bigger set of stairs to fit everyone in. This trip was great cause I can finally put a face to the phone conversations that I’ve had with some of them, especially those from the Penang branch :P But it’s amazing that even though we’ve grown this huge, I pretty much know most of them. Ahahahah… THAT comes with being with the same company for the past 4+ years!!!!

We went down to the beach for some telematches. Thank goodness they didn’t capture any photos of me doing the ‘duck-walk’… it sure ain’t a pretty sight *shivers* Because of the waddle-waddle, my legs were cramped for a week! We had this competition of making the longest line. Was another funny game cause everyone dug into everything they’ve got; shoelaces, coins, tissue paper *so kiasu*. Some jokers started pulling down some coconut trees and insisted that the leaves could be used cause they were going to be part of their dress code for Hawaiian night that night :P

If you look really closely, you can spot me carrying two balls leading my team to make the dash! I had to eat my words cause we weren’t the champion after I loudly screamed to my team members, “Now, WINNING TEAM 3 gather here!!!” *sheepish grin*

Hawaiian night was fun! The food was great – barbequed fish, lamb, beef and chicken with a wide selection of salads, local foods and deserts. Aih… too bad we didn’t snap some food shots – the pics would have made you salivate right at your seats. What’s better than pictures of mouth-watering foods? Babes posing for the camera ;) *Say CHEEEESSSEEEE!!!*

That’s me receiving my prize for ‘Best dressed’ from Mr Ang. To think that I kind of just borrowed the pareo from mummy the night before cause I nearly forgot about the Haiwaiian theme for the night. To set the record straight, I didn’t win cause of what I wore, k… they made us parade ourselves around, and I was just err… very sporting :P Won RM100 Jusco Voucher. Woo-hoo! Ahhhh… spent it last week during my holiday already…kee kee kee kee.

Would you just look at our limbo rock king… Andy!! Really, I was soooo amazed at his agility! I didn’t participate cause erm… pareo’s slit would’ve shown off more that just my limbo skills.

Then, we were off to some karaoke. Look at Sheng Yih doing her thing! Ya go girrrrrllll!!!! Goodness, there were more than 30 of us cramped into that little room. Most of them left after awhile cause maybe it was too hot or they didn’t have enough mike time… and THEN the real fun started *nyek nyek*. It was fun watching the normally serious-looking directors let loose – the funniest was when we were singing Sex Bomb, Noel and I started pointing at Kee Huat and almost on queue, he faked unbuttoning his shirt and did the sexy pose *LOL*.

That’s Mun Shih, my roomie posing from our balcony *smiles*. After karaoke, I didn’t get any restful sleep and decided to enjoy the sunrise. So, I got out to my balcony and was enjoying the sound of waves when suddenly, right in front of me, on an opposite unit’s balcony I saw two lesbians in action. I was soooo embarrassed that I quickly scurried back into my room. In the morning when I told Mun Shih, she screamed at me, “Why didn’t you wake me up!?!?” Shaking my head I said, “Mun Shih… the horror… the horror… it wasn’t a pretty sight… both were so obese, you cannot differentiate which is fat and which are their breasts… the horrorrrrrr” *Juan traumatized*

Ahhh… enough of story-telling while I show off some grounds of Avillion. I never thought that there would such a great, romantic getaway at Port Dickson. Was really pleasantly surprised. This is a picture of the chalet I was staying in. There’s a little love bed right next to the king-sized bed. Doesn’t the beds look really cosy? MMmmm…

Right from the beds… there’s a window that looks into the shower area. Foooh! The shower is open-concept. If a plane flew by and looked down, can see everything. *giggle* I didn’t notice the window initially… when I was just about to shower, suddenly I saw the bed… and I’m like, “Err… I can’t seem to put my finger to it, but something is wrong here…” Hahahahaha.

A sunset view from the beach…

The pool area… They had two pools at Avillion. Too bad I didn’t take shots of the second pool. It was really nice too… cascading waters. Somewhat like how my pool at Damansara Perdana looks like.

These were the chalets that we were staying in. Nice… but personally, I think the sound of waves were too loud. Maybe that’s why I didn’t get restful sleep at night :P

The dining area… doesn’t it look grand?!?

Today’s post is rather long with lots of photos. Guess I’m making up for lost time. Personal apologies made out to Kenneth and David for making them wait for sooooo long. Well, it’s Nuzul Al-Quran tomorrow and it’s a holiday for me again! *Hip Hip Hurray!*

Greetings from Sungai Petani, Kedah

2005-09-28T15:58:00.000+08:00

Wow! It has been a hectic couple of weeks. Work’s crazy but I’ve learnt so much these two months compared to the last two years when I was stuck in Petronas. So really, I’m not complaining *smiles*. Let’s look at my itinerary from here on:

Will be back from Sungai Petani in a couple of hours
Tomorrow and the day after will be conducting training in Bangi
Saturday and Sunday will be at Port Dickson for company’s annual trip *so cheap-o hor, PD only… sigh, though I think I’ll definitely enjoy myself for the Treasure Hunt and Hawaiian night*
Monday will be back in Bangi for a final day of training

Whar… look at that. And to think I’ve already been assigned to Infineon Malacca Project and the team has started prep work about 3 weeks back *pant pant* Typing this all out is making me tired. Bet reading it made you fall asleep, right? *giggle*

I was in for a nice surprise when I got here. Have never been here before, so I thought, “What kind of an ‘Ulu’ place did my company send me to this time?” *LOL* Honestly, it’s quite nice here – I’ll rate it as ‘around the same par of development’ as Kajang. The only weird thing is my hotel – am staying at Park Avenue that does not have a swimming pool, nor a gym, but they have a bowling alley :P And then, at 6:00 a.m. they switch this annoying pipe music that *boinks* me awake *shake head*.

Colleagues here are very laid back and friendly. A user brought me out for dinner and a Sungai Petani come Alor Setar tour. Pity me cause I’m a ‘jakun’ in Kedah *nyek nyek*. Funny guy… he brought me to see paddy fields and when he deliberately stopped in front of a railway crossing when he should’ve took another turn, I had to ask, “Err… excuse me… but what are you doing?” He SINCERELY thought that born and bred city girl like me have never seen paddy fields and trains before…ahhahahahahahah! *wipe tears from eyes*

Another embarrassing incident was when I was hanging out at the bowling alley and 4 guys approached me. Two were locals, and I think the other two were from Japan. I *poofed* immediately when they started to ask for my room number *so scaryyyy*. The next morning, I went to enquire at the reception area where my taxi was and this Japanese uncle approached me and said, “Why don’t I fetch you to work?” Haihh… needless to say, I *poofed* again and ran to the nearest taxi available. In the cab I was wondering, “Whar… I’m here for less than 24 hours - these Japanese men in Sungai Petani so scary. They’re not even like this in KL” When I stepped into the Sharp office, suddenly I saw the Japanese uncle. *slaps forehead* Turned out, he was the GM from Sharp, Japan who saw me around the previous day and was kind in offering to give me a ride. Sigh… what a big boo boo. Mistook a kind uncle for a pervert. And he HAD to be a GM…. *boo hoo hoo…*

Eh, I better pack up… else I’m going to miss my flight.

I’m going home… home… hoMEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Twas a tiring but fulfilling weekend…

2005-09-12T14:12:00.000+08:00

Thank goodness I had plentiful of rest on Saturday :P Sunday morning started off with an amazingly high note after basking in His presence during worship in church. After morning service, I had to quickly grab lunch *gobble gobble gobble* before assembling *rush rush rush* at Banner of God Church at Kota Damansara. It’s a month’s old church birthed from FGA church. It’s missions week *Wheeeee!!!!*

After a short briefing and prayer time we were off to Ulu Langat again. The team received a warm welcome and it was really cute having the kids shout at the top of their lungs, * “Selamat Datang, kakak Juan!!!” (*translation: “Welcome, big sis Juan!”) *giggle* There’s Darren reading passages on ‘spiritual fruits’ from Bible. It was really interesting how the familiar passages sound in Indonesian language :p

After a time of worship, the teaching was Gates of Jericho - the gates were kept shut to keep the Israelites out. To capture the city, the Lord had asked Joshua and his soldiers to march around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times while the priests blew the trumpets. Then, they were to sound one long note, the people were to give a loud shout, and city walls will collapse. What an amazing miracle! The people in Jericho must have thought these soldiers were idiots circling their city like musicians :P And so, we got the team act as the walls whilst the giggly kids circle round, sounding their make-believe trumpets. What a riot when the walls collapsed, “Oi! Careful that your ass doesn’t fall on the kids!”

Aww… the kids had so much fun coloring the Jericho fort. They built a game using two pieces of paper - the first piece was a picture of the fort with some holes cut for the second piece to turn around like the soldiers circling the city. The funniest thing that happened was, I was shocked by this chicken that came into the house pecking away at my crayons *LOL*

Then, it’s chow-time. It’s so easy to get a smile from these children, just need to serve them with something sweet. Heh… there he goes serving everyone with his mum’s cheesecake. Err… afraid that he might need to bring them home, perhaps? Naaa… it was very yummy *grin*

Ooo… I want to show off the little toddler that capture my heart *flutter flutter* That’s a quarter of me peeking out at the side. Eh? I remember making a mental note to myself that this trip, I was going to snap some photos of their water source and their toilet. They get 24-hour refreshingly cold, clean water from a source that connects straight to their pipe. And their toilet… had no doors! Ahahahahah! *LOL* We need to stand guard outside for each other. The last time, I was standing guard when suddenly a two year old rushed in before I could catch him and I heard a scream, “AAAAAaaa!”

We managed to get back early so I decided to pop over to Ian’s place for Uncle David’s (Ian’s dad) birthday celebration. Whar… would you just look at the spread on the table? It was a pot-bless and I think everyone outdid themselves (with ‘me’ as the exception, cause I just brought my tummy) kee kee… There goes my diet!!! Never mind… 1 hour of gym today. *wink!* Ahhh… slept with a full stomach last night… has been 2 months since my stomach felt so satisfied going to bed… mmmhhhhhh…

It wouldn’t be a night at Ian’s place if there was no karaoke. Okay, apart from the 'constipated' expression on Ian’s face *giggle*, the atmosphere caught in the picture DOES look kinda dead, right? Hrmph! What to do? I’m the one holding the camera… couldn’t very well capture myself doing the Britney Spears movements …ahahhahaha.

Happy Birthday Uncle David!!! Would you just look at the picture… the Lau family all grinning from ear to ear. So obvious where Ian gets his smiling genes from, right?

Ah, yes… me doing the cake-cutting. Juan, the official cake cutter. For the past three years, I have officially carried the title proudly as the Mess-Free, Perfectly-Portion-Sliced Cake Cutter *ta-daa!*

We sha-la-la-la-laaad until about midnight and were forced to go home cause needed to get to work the next day. Ian was boo-ed when he asked, "Anyone wants coffee?" Hrmph... easy for him to say, he's the only one who doesn't need to work the next day >:P Poor Lavender had a 5:30am shift. Lavender, if you’re reading this… “5:30am shift wor, not scared of ghost meh?” Ga-ahahahahhahaah!

Ahhh… am… dead… tired… but… feeling… extremely… happy… *snoreeeee…*

I remember a year back when everyone decided to go separate ways; we were so bummed cause we weren’t going to see each other every week anymore. Who would’ve thought that our friendships now are so much stronger? Perhaps, now there’s no pressure to bond; we actually take the effort to keep in touch; but most of all, we keep in touch because we just love being with each other. Sigh… strange how things ALWAYS work out in the end, doesn’t it? :D

Leo Ku Concert at Arena of Stars, Genting

2005-09-05T16:30:00.000+08:00

There’s a saying – A picture is worth a thousand words ;) *thanks Irene, for the photos* So, here they are…

Stage Setting - impressive, with fireworks and laser displays.

He emerges from an underground platform.

Comic like character with fighter outfit and bright blue hair. Very kawa-iiii.

Romantic number with angel-winged like mike pedestal.

Would you just look at that emotion-filled eyes… *sigh*

Outfit he wore during the encore. Look at those legs!!! *phew-phitttt!!!*

Apart from the great performance he gave, I loved the cheeky rapport he establishment with his audience.

Leo Ku: I trained like crazy for these dance steps. Wasn’t it great?!?
Crowd: YeahhhhhhHH!!!! *cheer cheer*
Leo Ku: My dancing was better than Aaron Kwok, right?!?
Crowd: YeahhhhhhHH!!! *cheer cheer*
Leo Ku: Sighhh…. Bunch of liars :P
*giggle*

Of course, it helped when the crowd was ultra-responsive to everything he said. We cheered! We did the Mexican wave! *LOL* The most heart-felt moment was when he shared, “It took me 11 years to have my first world tour. I have awaited this moment for 11 years… I’m not going to cry tonight. Leo Ku’s a big boy now…” Sigh… who could forget his ‘teary-years’ when he first started out in the music scene..?

After the karaoke-ed encore session, Leo left the stage, backup singers and musicians left the stage, lights came on, exit doors were wide open, most of the crowd just refused to budge and cheered… and cheered... and err, cheered. And cheered somemore! *Wow!* We kind of ‘forced’ him to get back on stage and he said, “Lights are on and Exit doors are opened. Why aren’t you leaving????!!!?” *giggle*

Star-ry star-ry night… mmmmhhhhh….

MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!

2005-09-01T09:21:00.000+08:00

Happy Merdeka Day everyone!
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Yay! That would also mean Happy Merdeka to me too!
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Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! My fast is OVER!!!! Wheeeeee!!!

Ahhh… so, yesterday was a public holiday for us Malaysians celebrating our Day of Independence. I wanted to blog about how much and why I love my country but after my previous extremely long post, I decided to make this one short and sweet ;)

Fast’s over and so, what did I do yesterday? *giggle* Woke up, went to gym, off to brunch. And then *ta-daa!!!* I watched anime the whole afternoon till it was time for dinner *smirk!*

I finally sunk my teeth into HAI BANE REN MEI; a 13 episode anime about Haibare, angelic-like beings. Summary from box - "Rakka becomes the newest Haibare, after she awakens from a strange dream and finds herself hatching from a massive cocoon. With no memories from her previous life, Rakka struggles to adjust to her new surroundings, however burning questions remain in the back of her mind. What is Hibare and what is their purpose? What lies beyond that huge, forbidden town walls? Thus, Rakka begins her wistful journey of self-discovery and wonderment."

At night, I turned on the TV and *gasp!* watched an hour of Love Story in Harvard, Korean serial drama. *LOL!* Ehh… I thought fasting supposed to help kick the addiction? :P Arr… I’ll worry about that later, after I finish watching Naruto’s latest episodes given by Victor. *nyek nyek!* >:-)

Aiya, give me a break, k? 40 days liao without my much-needed entertainment-wor… Oh yeah, what’re the updates on Malaysian Idol 2?? Tell… Tell…

Tough weekend

2005-09-01T09:10:00.000+08:00

Admin: Juan, we’ve scheduled you to go for an interview next Monday afternoon.
Me: Interview?
Admin: At Shell, for a HR support post – Payroll and Time module.
Me: Huh? Support? Payroll & Time? But I don’t have experience in these modules.
Admin: Drop by the office first so that Steven (one of my directors) can brief you.

I was happily co-training at RHB on Friday evening thinking of the soon-to-come weekend, when I received a call from my office’s Resource Administrator. Happy weekend thoughts ended as a series of emotions seeped in. I first felt really angry with my company. During my appraisal end of last year while I was still in Petronas, it took a lot of courage for me to tell management how I felt. There were two things that were requested:

No more Security assignments. For more than three years I’ve been building my resume in a direction that I do not enjoy. I’ve become so marketable, that once I’ve been offered a position to earn US$9k per month. That’s quite a lot of money - but I’ve decided to continue in a junior position in my current company cause I wanted an opportunity to switch to HR functional.
No more support work. Two years plus in a support environment has caused enough boredom and frustration. Feeling bored cause Security is b-o-r-i-n-g and support is s-l-o-w. Feeling frustrated cause I could see my juniors learning the ropes faster as they move from project to project. Though I learnt much during this support period, I believe I could be so much more in a project – by having the stress to complete an assignment within a given time frame.

The admin had the nerve to tell me that they were considering to slot me in for a Security interview. I swear I nearly screamed at her, “Do you want a on-the-spot RESIGNATION LETTER?!?!?” If I wanted another security assignment, I would’ve just said “Yes” to any of those head-hunters that were bugging me all the time!

Learning that I was going to go for an interview in Shell really sucked – BIG TIME. Shell assignments had this reputation of being a black hole; once a person gets hired, their contract will be renewed endlessly. Juan stuck in a black hole doing support?????!!??? *Aarrrghhhhh!* Please… no more support… I don’t want to waste anymore time waiting around for issues to pop up in my mailbox… I want to be in a project! Support teaches bits and pieces but never the full picture. I want to finally have a HR module under my belt – a module that I could really claim to be an expert in.

The biggest joke of all was, me being marketed by the company to Shell as a Payroll and Time (Leave Management) expert. Where as, I know nuts about these modules. Fine, I know about their full processes. And err, maybe whatever that’s in the SAP help file. But I had no configuration experience whatsoever – you can hardly call that an expert :P So, what was I supposed to do? LIE?!?!?

After the anger subsided, I got over the disappointment of my company's insensitive planning towards my career direction and began to reason with myself. “Wait a minute, Juan. You’re being called to an interview. You’re in control of whether Shell would like to hire you or not. Just flunk the technical interview lar”

*insert evil thoughts*. Sigh…

After much turmoil within self, I came to a conclusion that in everything that I did I need to have a clear conscience. A clear conscience towards self. And a clear conscience towards my employer. And so, I picked up whatever materials I could and studied throughout the weekend preparing for the technical interview. I cannot believe my professionalism… Imagine how my weekend was – preparing my hardest for something that I didn’t want. *sometimes I hate myself*

Missed church on Sunday *sigh*. Missed Orang Asli settlement outreach as well *double sigh*. Really great that my cell group members messaged me, being concerned with my absence. And when I told them about my preparation for an interview, I really didn’t know how to react with their, “Good luck for your interview” messages *headache*. But still, am comforted *hugz*.

It’s Monday afternoon – dreaded interview time. Honestly, I was more shaken going for that ‘briefing’ with Steven than going for the technical interview. After pouring out my grievances, I felt that I had indeed handled the situation the best I could. At that point, I knew that the interview had already been scheduled and there was no turning back regardless of how I felt. So, my only concern was to do well for the interview - if the results were successful, I know that my days with this company would not be long. But at least, I would have a clear conscience that I had given my best.

Let me share this principle that I’ve learnt - I take my job seriously as I feel that in small ways, I represent Christ in the marketplace. This weekend, even though every inch of my self-righteous ego screamed out in disappointment, I had chosen to honor Him by doing what is right. The result?

As a consultant going for an interview, we need to market ourselves, choosing our words wisely to project ourselves as an ‘expert’. Turned out - Jonathan, an ex-colleague was my interviewer *gasp!*. He was my senior when I was with RHB Bank 3 years ago. He took one look at me and knew that the ‘Juan’ he knew wasn’t a Payroll and Time expert. Glancing at my resume, he could see that the only experience I had as a HR consultant was with Alam Flora, which started this year. The other interviewer Sharon, was excited when she browsed through my resume and straight away asked, “Juan, we have an opening for Security. Would you be interested?” *faints*

After the interview Jonathan took me aside and told me, “I really admire you for pursuing the career path that you want. As a friend, I’m telling you that this environment is not suitable for someone that’s starting out. You’ll suffer if you get in. You might still have a chance. But I’m telling you that it’s slim…”

And so, as I had honored Christ, He had honored me. He gave me an ex-colleague to conduct the interview. There was no need for lies - my conscience is clear towards myself. I had given my best by preparing the best I could – my conscience is clear towards my employer *hugs self*. Company’s going to be a bit bummed when they hear about it later, of course they would – cause that’s RM1k per day less profit for them. But in the long run, given the proper growth opportunities, I’m confident that I’ll make up for their losses :D

Fact is not Truth

2005-08-29T11:46:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, amidst lots of stuff said in front of the pulpit, these four words were mentioned casually but it stuck in my head throughout the entire week. How could a fact NOT be the truth?

Fact – Knowledge or information based on real occurrences.
Truth – Supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning and value of existence.

As I pondered upon these words, the confusion began to unravel and I began to see its underlying meaning. Allow me to explain a real-life scenario that brought light to this contradicting phrase.

Scenario:
Person A had taken off due to a certain circumstance. Person B feels the betrayal and loss of Person A. While coping with the loss, Person B had taken the initiative to contact and care, however there was no response. The nagging question was, “Why isn’t there a slight bit of response to my efforts to reconciliation?”

Fact for Person B:

Person A was first in the wrong for taking off.
Had taken the initiative for reconciliation (being the party that was in hurt).
There was no response from Person A.

Fast-forward a couple of weeks at a local supermarket; the two sighted each other from a distance. Person A felt anger and hurt as Person B decided to steer off to a different direction to avoid direct contact. The nagging question was, “The incident happened so long ago. Is it so difficult just to come on over and greet me like a decent human being?”

Fact for Person A:

Person B is unforgiving and immature by steering off.
Taking off was just as difficult for both parties. Why be regarded as a lesser being for deciding what was thought best?

Truth, (perhaps?):

Though armed with good intentions for reconciliation, whenever in contact with Person A, Person B was very condescending. Feeling the rebuke instead of support, Person A responded negatively when contacted.
Person B did not want Person A to feel awkward with a direct confrontation, remembering the previous negative responses. However, this action had caused feelings of continued rejection.

Viewing the situation based on facts would bring about feelings of hurt and anger. The truth; however might not be what the facts had presented. Reacting to facts births forth self-righteousness and a judgmental spirit because one is unable to see the full picture.

Let us treat others with the same amount of grace Christ has given us. May the truth set us free…

I Love Promotional Vouchers

2005-08-22T09:42:00.000+08:00

Purchase 1: RM10 voucher for 2 sessions Yun Nam hair care for Mummy
Purchase 2: RM18 voucher for 2 sessions Sensualite slimming for self

And so, last week… I brought mummy to the Damansara Utama branch for her first hair treatment session. Dad demanded for me to accompany her throughout the entire time, for fear that she would take things one step further and sign off my entire inheritance to the Hair Care Centre *giggle*

Firstly, the consultant took out some charts and explained all that we needed to know about hair - hair follicles, hair loss diseases, hair loss preventions *snore…* Secondly, they did a hair analysis and explained that mummy’s hair loss condition (there were 3 small completely bald patches which was very unusual) could be either due to stress or a fungal infection. It was quite interesting when they did that scan, cause we could see the scalp condition up close and the way the hair grew in groups of 3-4 strands per opening. Thirdly, they gave her this treatment that was extremely smelly *urgh!* Yun Nam’s products uses traditional herbs that well, looked like sand on top of her head. So, yeah… like planting hair *LOL* Luckily, mum was alright with the smell, I think if it were me, I wouldn’t tolerate it for even a minute and would’ve washed it off with my Pantene in an instant.

What about my slimming session? Sigh… sis was with me as I purchased the voucher but only said this AFTER I paid, “Hey, you realize you need to get naked, right?” *stoned*

This week, after dropping mum off for her second Yun Nam session, I dropped by Sensualite for my first slimming session. Firstly, they took my weight and height. Referring to my previous reading, I’m glad to report that my height is indeed 171 cm, and not 170 cm :P and I’ve successfully lost 2 kgs since July 20th :D Secondly, they took out lots of charts (like at Yun Nam) and explained all I needed to know about one’s body - fat, cellulite, water retention *snore…* Thirdly, she did a body analysis which I had to *ulp!* strip. Fourthly, I was ushered into a spa cubicle (which was really relaxing I must add), proceeded to give me a aromatic salt scrub in between the spa experience and ended with a nice, hot bath *heaven…*.

Then, the interesting part starts. She hooked me up onto some kind of a machine that basically worked my muscles like crazy. Apparently, the machine was doing the exercise for me; sit-ups, running, rowings. I was thinking how it would be possible for that to take place, but after waking up today with sore stomach muscles… yeah - I believe in that machine :P Other parts of my body felt fine, perhaps it was because I’m already jogging regularly.

Lastly, I felt like a turkey being prepared for thanksgiving dinner. She err… 'glad-wrapped' and then covered me up in an electric blanket and proceeded to cook me till I felt like a prune. This… I did not enjoy at all, due to my low tolerance towards heat *grr…* Need to remind myself that for the 2nd slimming session, my ‘cooking’ time must be shortened. Nice body moisturizers, though. Oh yes, after the whole thing, she gave this calcium drink that was supposed to increase the metabolic rate – nice, cocoa drink *yum…*

All in all, the experience was quite enjoyable and relaxing. The only 3 negatives were:

For a short moment, while she was scrubbing me, I felt a bit err… ‘gay’. Definite awkward moment - 2 girls in a bathroom. Thank goodness she was very professional which made me feel at ease throughout the entire time.
Felt faint after the hot treatment 'cooking session' – probably caused by my low sugar and low blood pressure :(
The entire thing took about 3.5 hours (minus trial consultation time) – gee, for a normal working person… who has the time to spare 3 whole hours on a weekly basis??? Probably only some rich housewife can afford to do so…

Honestly, I don’t believe that these sessions can make a person slim down. After each session there’s a significant reduction in weight and centimeters – but that’s because they rid your body off water retention by drying you up like a raisin with their spa and thermal treatment. But then again, I really shouldn’t be complaining. After all… it’s was only RM18, right? *grin*

Normally, it would cost about RM200 per session. Breaking it down, that’s about 70 bucks per hour. *mmmmhhh…* The weight lost will happen as the nutrition analysts educate their customers on proper eating habits, which comes with a structured meal plan. Set your expectation right - Sign up for such programs expecting to lose weight by learning how to eat healthily and go for their slimming treatments for ‘relaxation’. *nods*.

Not ready for male attention

2005-08-22T09:22:00.000+08:00

How does it feel to get picked up by a guy, really?
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Initial feeling: Awkward… Shy… Weird…
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Followed by: Uncertain of what to do… Afraid of what he might do…
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Proceed to: Search for backup. When fail, run and hide as fast as possible.
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When already in a secure location: Erm… it feels kind of flattering, actually.

Well, *gurgle* I don’t have any recollection of EVER garnering any male attention. *ponder ponder* Well maybe, I’ve not been getting any every since I’ve had a steady boyfriend :P So yeah, *sigh…* now I’m single… and erm… available. And now suddenly...

Situation 1: Cable car line up with Jess and Christine in Genting
Unexpectedly, there were lots of travelers from Middle Eastern countries that weekend. The lines were really, really long (about 3 times of TGV cinema ticket line up in 1 Utama) forming a snake-like lineup. When we were in line, there was this ‘uncle’ who flashed me a smile and said, *“Ni hao mha?”. I thought he was kind of nice for trying to speak Mandarin and all, so I replied with a, “Hao…” I kept to that opinion until ‘snake formation lineup’ met in the middle again and he flashed me another smile with another, “Ni hao mha?” I was like, “Huh?”

When it happened for the THIRD times… *groan* It certainly didn’t help with Christine and Jess was snickering along going, “Hahahaha… the line’s still a long way to go-leh…” and “Ahhh… Middle Eastern guys like tall, fair girls wan” *shakes head* After that, I just kind of stared into space whenever we met in the middle :P

Uncle very scary :(

Situation 2: Dinner at TB Corner. Damansara Perdana
Guy: Are you Jane?
Me : Err…no. *maybe he mistook ‘Juan’ with ‘Jane’?*
Guy: Oh, sorry… I thought we met in Australia. Were you ever in Australia?
Me : Uhh… yes. I was studying there *Do I know this guy?*
Guy: Ahh… we met in Sydney, remember?
Me : Err… I was in Melbourne.
Guy: I’m a graphic designer *insert small talk* So, what do you do?
Me : mumble…mumble..
Guy: So, do you have a business card with you?
Me : Err… no. *what would a graphic designer want to do with an IT consultant?*
Guy: Oh, a mobile number’s fine… I’d like to give you a call…

Suddenly, the light bulb flicked on *duh-h... after such a long conversation, how stupid can one get?* and I frantically tried to call Chun How and Kelvin for backup. *sigh…* Chun How was in Penang and Kelvin had already gone back to Cheras. I don’t think my dinner digested very well… *burp*

Guy also very scary :( And to think this happened when I was in T-shirt, shorts, and without an ounce of make-up *shakes head*.

For now, I think I’ll stop at 2 examples *sigh…*. These stuff is so foreign and scares the living light bulbs out of me. I don’t get it. Why’s the attentions starting now? Whatever happened during the past 7 years? Well for starters, I look and feel and same (am aging, but surely that’s a minus point? :P). Do I suddenly have some neon-sign above head going, “AVAILABLE”? *scratch head* Whilst it’s kind of flattering and all, but a huge part of me would rather things return to normal. Normal… as in… being securely attached whilst having only to focus on things of God and things at work - in an air-headed, easy, sort of way.

Yeah… I really do feel things are kind of spinning out of control at the moment… Trying to adjust at work; between training in RHB, support at Alam Flora, internal projects at Phileo. Trying to adjust in church; new leadership, new cell group, maintaining relationships with my old cell group. Trying to adjust at home; *think I’ll keep this personal*. Trying to adjust to single-hood; there’s these pangs of loneliness especially on days when I’m down with some kind of illness and need a good bear hug. Sigh, I think I want to move back in with mum and dad. But then, it’s a toss between ‘loss of freedom’ and ‘gain of tender loving care’ :P

Juan screams, “STOP SPINNING, WORLD!!!!!!!” please… *sob sob*

And then, there’s that scary guy colleague at the office who…

:P

Conduct training at RHB Bank, Bangi

2005-08-12T18:26:00.000+08:00

*download email*
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*receive email*
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*30 unread emails?* <- I normally get about 5 unread emails in my corporate account

*open e-mails*

Manager: Juan, help to print the training materials for Monday, k?
Juan: *gulp!*
Manager: Thanks a million, else I would’ve needed to come in on Saturday :(
Juan: *sighhh…*

And so, it was a full day of printing and binding stuff. Really puts new meaning to ‘highly paid secretary’…eheheheh. Not that I’m complaining ;) My manager’s a dear and I absolutely love working under him.

The trainings are going to be from 15th August till 3rd October. So, from next week onwards, I’m off to my new client site in Bangi. It’s going to be a busy month and a half, as there’ll be materials to prepare and trainings to conduct. Hopefully, I would be getting Internet access. Else, I’d be ‘blog-deprived’ and ‘Messenger-deprived’ *sniff sniff*

P/S: You have been warned. World of Juan might be on hold for awhile…

Fresh Air up in Genting Highlands

2005-08-11T17:10:00.000+08:00

Had a great 3-days with some girl friends up the highlands. Jess, Christine and myself went up on Day 1 and met Janelle and Sean I (coincidently there for some conference :P) *whee!*. Heidi and Joo Na joined us Day 2 *double whee!*. If anyone's grubby hands has some free Awana vouchers, now’s the PERFECT time to make full use of them. I couldn’t believe the air quality as we descended the highlands.

Me: Eh? How come the fog’s getting thicker as we descend?
Christine: Whar…
Jess: Don’t wind down the windows! That’s not fog! It’s HAZE!

The stay at Awana includes complimentary passes to cable car rides… It’s like we were in Heaven for 3 days… cool, misty, fresh…

And then, I came home to this… *cough* *wheeze* *uek*

Makes me wanna jump onto a car back to Genting. At least we get good food…

Heck- I’d play more Scrabble and Taboo just to escape from bad air :P

Maybe we’ll just go for continuous round trips on the cable car?

Or, we can have another round of RM10 2-hour karaoke with on-the-house dinner and drink…

Oh, what I would give now to sip hot chocolate out in the chilly weather…

Well, we could try to find weird deco around the hotels… Can you believe those cylinders are actually filled with stuff like dried bihun and ikan bilis? *puzzled*

Ahhh… belles posing for the camera…

Just a couple of pointers to prevent haze-related ilnesses (extracted from an e-mail):

Close all windows and doors to your bedroom. Boil a kettle (electric) of water in the room and allow the steam to fill the room. Allow 10 - 15 minutes for the fine water vapor (steam) to collect the pollutants / particles in the air and settle down. After this the room should contain healthier air.
Usage of face and surgical masks are of no use if they are not regularly changed as they can act as a base for bacteria to grow and result in other infections. Only very close fitting masks that do not allow air to enter through the sides of the mask are effective.
Limit all outdoor activity as far as possible e.g avoid outdoor sport or physical activities.
Always wash / bathe as soon as you return from outdoors. This will minimize eye / skin irritation. For minor eye irritation try using over the counter eye drops e.g Eye Mo.
Use your car air-conditioner when traveling in the car.
Drink a lot of water.
Smokers are advised to quit smoking.
Those who suffer from diseases such as flu, bronchitis, asthma, conjunctivitis, heart diseases or chronic lung diseases should seek immediate treatment at the clinic or hospital if their condition worsens.

We got back into town around 11 in the morning and I thought, 'Ahh... there's time to go to gym this afternoon.' Figured that since the gym was air-conditioned, it was safe to do some cardio exercises. Boy, was I wrong. In just 15 minutes, I was already gasping for air *puff puff*....sigh, I thought I could work some calories off those Mr Potatoes that I had for the past few days :P

Lord, please give us rain.

Road Cruisers

2005-08-03T16:47:00.000+08:00

Colleague: Let’s have mamak for lunch.
Me: Ooo… I’ve been yearning for that for a few days dee… *salivating*
Colleague: Let’s go!!
Me: *ponder ponder* I packed cucumbers and carrots for my lunch wor…
Colleague: *scratch head*
Me: OK… OK… I'll forget healthy diet for a day. Let’s GO!

Stepped off the office Phileo II lift and guess what greeted me? PC Pro Malaysia Cruisers – for those who are not familiar with what it is, it’s a PC magazine. Got myself an inaugural 2005 issue and my eyes lighted up when the guy screamed from the top of his lungs, “HP iPAQ Pocket PC… HP iPAQ Pocket PC… who wants an iPAQ?” Yeah I got an iPAQ alright; an iPAQ k-e-y-c-h-a-i-n *LOL*.

The freebies I got

Browsing through the magazine, a chuckle arose as I read an article, “If it’s broke, it ain’t broke” by Ross Burrige. The guy was checking his e-mail on his mom’s dinosaur computer and the Windows 98 Update revealed that it was completely unpatched. He started to panic as he imagined the unending possibilities – hackers getting his mom’s online banking username and password, virus attacks. And so, he upgraded – the whole works of formatting the drive, installing Win XP. But what was his mom’s only reaction? “Where are my orang utans?” – previously, the pictures of monkeys were set as the background of her desktop.

Then again, how many of us believe that ‘prevention is better than cure’ and actually take the time to do something about it? To install the latest OS patches; update latest virus patches (the very least)? Only when something breaks down suddenly, then we’ll see how important it is.

Eih, I think I got a bit carried away with techno-talk. Back to the topic of Road Cruisers. The last time I came across these freebie-givers on the road were with my colleagues after lunch – Carltex station in Glenmarie. The road Cruisers were from 98.8. Funny thing was – none of us actually spoke Mandarin, much less actually tune to the channel. We were just raising our hands when they asked whether we wanted anything and couldn’t answer a single question. The only we COULD do? Dance some Indian dance to win some KFC vouchers *embarassing but all of us had a good laugh* Hey, our team were placed No 3, k? *grin*

The devil was in the parking lot

2005-08-02T17:10:00.000+08:00

The devil was in the parking lot, of my local church today.

He was standing there with sticks, an old Bible, and some hay.

So I ask him “What’s your purpose, why is it that you’ve come?”

He smiled “To burn the church down, it just seemed like it’d be fun.”

Then he spread the sticks, and hay around windows, and the door.

And I looked at the devil puzzled, “So what’s the Bible for?”

“The pages burn quite nice and you don’t use it.” He snapped as a reply.

I was angry, but he was right, and I hung my head to cry.

Then remembering the fire, I fell down to my knees.

“God send us rain, we need it now.” Was my urgent, helpless plea.

So He sent one drop, and it landed right here in my hand.

“We must have more.” Was my response, or should I say demand.

The devil laughed “There is no more, and look here comes the crowd.

To watch God’s house burn up, and probably cheer about it loud.”

And I stood there in the parking lot, defeated, without a clue.

Then God whispered in my ear, and I knew just what to do.

I walked into the crowd, to those staring at the blaze.

And looking at my single drop, I shouted, “Praise God, the church is saved!”

The people turned, looking confused, and not knowing what to think.

And I took my drop of Living Water, and gave them all a drink.

Amen.

The devil has come to destroy the church, let us not give him anymore fuel for his fires.
When we pray to God to bless the church, be assured He will answer our prayers, but it may not be the answer we were looking for.
Jesus did not come to earth to save the church; He came to save those that would see the church destroyed. The confused onlookers.

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

I was browsing around and came across this poem. It spoke volumes and I thought that it would be shared today. Seems timely for me to stumble upon this poem, even as we go through the 40-day fast for the nation. It reminded me that it’s not flesh and blood that we’re praying against, and that all prayers will not go unanswered. Just that the answers might not turn out to be what our personal expectations are *shrugs*.

The part about the Bible better off being burnt...akakakakakakak... yeah, better than to collect dust on our shelves, huh? *convicted*

Also, about our prayers are more like 'demands'... *double conviction* :P

How deep are his wisdom and knowledge. Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways? As the scripture says, “Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice?” For all things were created by him, and all things exists through him and for him.

Sorry if I've bored you with this entry, please don't mind me ranting my head off...

1 Cor 14:33-35

2005-08-01T11:10:00.000+08:00

Warning: Heavy Blog Item

Me: Hey, XXX just came back from Hawaii preaching in a women’s conference.
Friend: It would be best if she stopped doing it so often.
Me: Huh? Why? She’s a great preacher. I look up to her.
Friend: The bible says that women shouldn’t preach in church. Didn’t you know?
Me: *Kept quiet while having a faint memory of being taught of such verses*

This conversation took place about a month ago over supper with a friend. The thought of having such passages in the Bible was rather dirturbing, but I could not confirm the validity of such teaching, as I couldn’t remember where the passages were in scripture. Last week, reading through the book of 1 Corinthians, I came across these passages:

1 Cor 14:33-35 - For God is not God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church.

Whar… if we just read those couple of lines Apostle Paul sounds rather chauvinistic, doesn’t he? Disgraceful for a woman to speak in church? Just by looking at it squarely, made me understand how easily the passage could be distorted and misinterpreted to talk down to women today *pull hair*. I've blogged about this problem earlier; that many misinterprets passages out of context.

1 Corinthians was a letter written by Paul to the church of Corinth that had fallen into disunity. Prior to the letter written, the church in Corinth had actually sent Paul some questions and this letter was an answer meant to correct the abuses within the church. To me, it was disturbing to just take in the passage ‘as it is’ because:

I know the God I worship does not practice favoritism – thus, no favorites between genders.
Backtrack to Chapter 11:5 (And every woman who prays and prophecies…); So, we know that women were exercising their gifts in prophecy and prayer in church during the time.
Fast forward to Chapter 12:27 (Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it); We learn that each of us play a part within the body and are given spiritual gifts to exercise.

As I read through the totality of the book, somehow that passage just didn’t quite fit. Unable to figure out the answer, I picked a Life Application Study Bible and this explanation was taken from that source:

In the Corinthian culture, women were not allowed to confront men in public. Apparently, some of the women who had become Christians thought that their Christian freedom gave them the right to question men in public worship. This was causing division in the church. In addition, women on that day did not receive formal religious education, as did the men. Women may have been raising questions in the worship services that could have been answered at home without disrupting the service. Paul was asking the women not to flaunt their Christian freedom during worship. The purposes of Paul’s words were to promote unity, not teach about women’s role in the church.

Ooo… so, it was because of the culture at that time that caused Paul to make such a correction to the church. It was SO MISINTEPRETED :P So that's the reason why Paul wrote, “...but must be in submission, as the Law says” I was wondering why suddenly he was talking about ‘Law’ – actually, he was talking about the culture that it was disgraceful for women to speak in public.

*moment of enlightenment*

Sure is interesting, eh? This book called the Bible. Remind me to have a chat with my friend *wink!*

Photogenic

2005-07-29T16:39:00.000+08:00

Have been passed this compliment, “Juan, you’re very photogenic ar...” numerous of occasions. This morning, I’ve decided to look up the meaning using various sources:

Meriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary: Suitable for being photographed.
Compact Oxford English Dictionary: Looking attractive in photographs.
Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary: Having a face that looks attractive in photographs.
Wordsmyth Dictionary: Attractive as a subject for, or appearing attractive in photographs.

Uh-huh…

Juan’s Translation: You don’t look that nice in person :P

But err… don’t need to stop the compliments just because I’m complaining, k? Maybe if I hear it often enough, I might start believing it *gurgle* - Tough luck. *hahahahaha…*

Golden Screen Cinemas 1U: The Island

2005-07-27T16:20:00.000+08:00

Finally. Finally, I experienced the much-talked-about GSC at 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Carpets leading from the escalators towards the cinema, it kind of reminded me about Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia. It felt really classy – comfortable, spacious, with high ceilings. Thumbs up to the seats; Leathered head rests, the old ones were those velvet-like textures which tend to stink after awhile; Lots of space between the knees and the seat in front; and Great support for the backbone. Think our airlines engineers could learn a thing or two from the GSC seating design – we wouldn’t mind traveling long distances if they’re in place.

Golden Screen Cinema, 1 Utama

“Wanna watch The Island 9pm tonight?”

Had absolutely no idea what I was in for. From the movie title, I figured that it was going to be some kind of horror movie. Sigh… that’s alright. I’d probably enjoy the company anyways. Well, I was in for a pleasant surprise.

The Island

The world has been contaminated. The only survivors from the contamination were living in a facility. Lincoln Six-Echo (Ewan McGregor) like all the other survivors, live for only ONE PURPOSE – the chance to live on the last uncontaminated spot on Earth; The Island. The residents of The Island were determined via lotto, where all would gather expectantly for their names to be chosen. Lincoln Six was happy for his friend, Jordan Delta-Two (the extremely hot Scarlett Johansson) when she was chosen. It was then that he uncovered a great lie... Without disclosing the plot much further, allow me to share some thoughts about the show:

Why I didn’t like the movie:

GSC and TGV websites has revealed too much of the plot. The official website holding the trailers practically gave away the whole movie without one watching it. Word of advice: if you’re reading about this movie for the first time NOW, don’t surf to those sites. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting though the movie without even knowing what genre the movie was.
It’s genetically not possible to inherit memories via DNA. They could’ve NOT included this part of the plot, hence not lose credibility of its practicality.
Vertical drop from what seemed like an above 30-storey building was cushioned by an extremely flimsy looking net *giggle*. Sigh… a BIT unbelievable, that. But, the suspense factor was definitely there.

Why I liked the movie:

Wonderful script teamed with great action, WOW! If one did not read any summaries prior to the movie, he/she would be glued to their seats trying to figure out what the show was about for the first hour.
Gory scenes, lots of slime and blood - not for the faint hearted. A few shock factors included when one least expects it to.
Great futuristic, kick-ass mode of transportations. Makes me want to rush right up to the screen and grab one of those flying motorcycles.
I loved the fact that there were two very big ‘feel’ contrasts between the first and second half of the show. The first half builds the plot whilst the second half is action-filled. Not many movies are unfolded that way,but it’s exactly how I love to write my own scripts – totally contrasting beginnings to the ends.

Student ID can stop truancy

2005-07-26T17:43:00.000+08:00

THE Education Department has been asked to make student identification cards compulsory for secondary school children to stop them from playing truant and hiding out at Cyber Cafés. Subang Jaya Municipal councillor Aftar Singh said during a joint raid with police recently, 15 students were caught playing truant at a cyber café. “The cyber café owner when queried about their presence at his outlet said he did not know that they should have been in school in the afternoon as none of them were in uniform,'' said Aftar Singh. - The Star

I'm guessing that these identification cards would indicate whether the student is from the morning or afternoon session. Otherwise, our Malaysian Identity Cards would be sufficient in telling our age, right? So if I'm a student playing truant, would I actually admit having a Student ID on me? Would I go, "Yeah... I'm supossed to be in school now. Here's proof - my ID. So, err... yeah. I'm not supposed to come in here."? I would most probably admit to have forgotten my ID, or if I'm lucky and look slightly more mature than 17 years of age then I'd be off the hook.

This wouldn't be targetting cyber cafes only, right? So, does this mean that any commercial establishments be it fast food parlours, supermarkets, or theatres will be held accountable for not checking the ID of every individual entering its premises?

I've got loads of friends who looks like they're students but in fact are well over their 20s. So, how would this new rule affect us 'young-looking' adults as well? *ponder ponder* Sigh... I have my apprehensions whether this would actually take off or not :P

My first national Missions trip

2005-07-25T11:12:00.000+08:00

A little Orang Asli village, our very own Malaysian indigenous group village in Ulu Langat…

The villagers blessed us with some duku langsat and cempedak (local fruits).

A time of worship … aih, too bad the pictures didn’t turn out too well. Was tough trying to catch a sharp shot with everyone jumping up and down :P

Story-telling of Naaman the Warrior using some really cute pictures. Naaman was supposed to have diseased skin, but he kind of looked like he was going through puberty and had a load of pimples *giggle* The kids were so cute as they role-played with the characters.

Ahhh… coloring time!!!

Chow time. Those packets of nasi lemak looked hot hot hot!!!

So, how did I get involved in this? Well somehow early this year, I didn’t feel released to go for Missions overseas. ‘Strange, it was loads of fun doing Missions in India previously’, I thought. Then, during the Soul Survivor Festival, I met up with an old high school tuition mate who was with FGA. After meeting up for a drink later, he told me about this ministry to the Orang Aslis that they were doing, and everything kind of fell into place after that. NOW I know why I didn’t feel the peace earlier – cause THIS was what He had mind for me this year. *oooohhh…*

One extra soul was added to the kingdom yesterday :D I felt like that I was reaping what I had not sowed *bweh*. They’ve been reaching out since a year back, and now have a service attendance of about 20+ people - mostly ministering to the children. Every fortnight, a service on Sundays and a visitation on a weekly basis during the weekdays. Apparently, most of them can’t be categorized as ‘free-thinkers’ cause they worship stuff like rivers and stones *shrugs*. So, what did I find really challenging?

To converse and pray in Malay – sigh. “Semua Bahasa Melayu sudah bagi balik cikgu.”

Word that encouraged me as I went today – John 4:41, 42 Many more believed because of his message, and they told the woman, “We believe now, not because of what you said, but because we ourselves have heard him, and we know that he really is the Savior of the world”. Yeah, we just need to ‘GO!’ and be a messenger. It’s up to Him to meet with the people face to face *encouraged!*.

Wow! Missions in my own backyard. I don’t even need to hop on a plane and spend hundreds or even thousands of ringgits. Instead, it’s just an hour car ride away. Cool eh? Want to me join me the next time – 7th of August? *wink!*

90,000 Christians to fast and pray

2005-07-22T10:56:00.000+08:00

About 90,000 Christians from 500 churches nationwide will be participating in this year’s 40-Day Fast and Pray Rally. Themed “Turn to Our Father in Heaven”, it is a call for all Christians to remember to turn to the Lord in an age where evil and violence seem to be norm of society – The Star

Finally received the prayer booklet on Sunday. The fast is going to be from the 22nd of July till the 30th of August. Since a week back, I’ve have been thinking about how I should fast this year. Two years ago, it was a ‘non-meat’ fast; last year it was a ‘skip breakfast and lunch’ fast; so based on the progressive trend, this year should be a full fast, right”?

Well…

After fasting for a couple of occasions this year, somehow the idea of fasting from food doesn’t quite cause me to yearn for it as much anymore *like, not challenging ar*. Furthermore, with this, it was difficult to really commit to the purpose of fasting whole-heartedly. At the back of my head, the statement “Kill two birds with one stone” keeps popping up every now and then. I keep on thinking, 'The call to fast is so timely, can lose weight at the same time'. *ARGGGGHHHH!!!*. So how?

*open up prayer booklet*

Fasting brings a sacrificial dimension to prayer. Biblical fasting is most often the abstaining from food for a spiritual purpose; and there are various ways to fast. Some people also fast from non-food items.

Partial food fast refers to giving up either a meal or two or a type of food over a period of time
Full food fast refers to giving up all food except water and/or juices over a period of time
Absolute food fast is refraining from both food and drink, but should only be done for 3 days
Non food fasts include giving up something (for e.g. television) that interferes with your spiritual life

Hmm...

Did some serious soul-searching after the sermon on Sunday and after reading a friend's entry - Addictions. The question lead to two conclusions - for me, more difficult than abstaining from food is (1) to abstain from television (2) to abstain from manga and anime *brrr.. sooooo scary*.

Little by little the TV has slowly took a foothold and I realize now that I’m addicted to serials (TVB or Korean) and reality shows. It causes my daily timetable to revolve around the show times of these programs and at the end of the day, does absolutely NOTHING to my brain after the idiot box is turned off. So, no more TV serials and reality shows for forty days. Instead now in replacement, I'll go out with some friends; or go to the gym; or go home, do some reading and some praying *nods*.

Ditto goes to manga and anime. Being in between projects and back at the main office at the moment, I really should focus on expanding the knowledge of my field instead of downloading all these stuff to pass my time. So, will resist downloading and work on getting the standard SAP template up. Err... I had a plan to document down standard SAP configurations so it can be used as a Blueprint template for projects to come. Then my clients can select which ones they want to retain and add whatever they want to add *sorry, thoughts side-tracked a bit*.

So, for 40 days I’m going to give up TV serials, reality shows, manga and anime cause it’ll distract me from prayer and spiritual pursuits. Lord, give me strength *sigh*. Hey... don't judge, k? Maybe to some of you, it might be a piece of cake to abstain from these items. But, it's gonna be really tough for meeeeeeee....

Healthy Living

2005-07-20T11:57:00.000+08:00

Body Mass Index/BMI (assess weight relative to height) : 23.7
Basal Metabolic Rate/BMR (min energy for body functions) : 6037 kJ
Height (I think the nurse was short, should be 1-2cm taller :P) : 170 cm
Blood Pressure : 110/63
Pulse (normal-75/90min; athletes-50/60min) : 65/min
Fat % : 34 %

Err… wait… run that by me again. Fat percentage 34 %!!!???!!!??? *urgh* OK, clearly something is not quite right. Since I’m already taking pretty good care of my body; I mean… I’m exercising at least once a week and also keeping a careful watch to what’s going through the mouth. I’m practically eating like a hamster – cereals for breakfast; 3 times a week of cucumber, carrots and tomatoes for lunch; yeah, perhaps the ‘going to sleep after a full dinner part’ is the culprit.

Nevertheless, hey… I’ve lost 5 kg since the beginning of the year… and I’m still tagged with 34% fat?!?

FINE - it’s time to get serious. Decided to create an Excel spreadsheet (can’t get more serious than THAT :P) laying some ground rules, keeping in check the food intake, plus exercise records. Hmph! Ground rules… ground rules… let’s see:

No eating after 8 p.m.
Minimum intake of treats (ice-cream, chocolate, or cake) to once a week.
Minimum intake of fast food to once a week.
Minimum intake of sweetened drinks to once a week.
Minimum cardio exercise to twice a week (yup, upping it from once to twice a week).

I’m also giving it a go to change the method of consuming dinner – will start off with fruits; then soup; then to the solids (vegetables and meats). MMmmm… somehow the tummy starts to get a bit full after the soup *grin*. This might work…

It’s not so much about wanting to look good or trying to get slim. But I believe I’ve got a responsibility to keep my body fit and healthy. That’s the least I should do for my own health, right? *nods to self*. As for the ground rules, I’m not going to kid myself – if I totally cut out fast foods and treats, there’s NO WAY this healthy living is going to last. So, I’ll still indulge once in awhile :) Hey, you can get your BMI ratings at caloriesperhour.

I’ve been giving this idea some thought – that I don’t want to be the only one who get the kicks out of this new ‘healthy living’. So, to make things a little bit more fun, I’m going to donate RM100 for every kilogram loss. To start off, no matter what the outcome will be… there’s already RM50 in the donation piggy bank. It’s not much, but it’s the thought that counts, right? *smiles* So, on the 18th of December, I’m going to step on a weighing machine and see how much the contribution will be. As for the who or what’s the donation receiving party? Well, we have 5 months to figure that out. :D

Starlight Cinema

2005-07-18T12:14:00.000+08:00

Floor mat in the car boot?
*check*
.
.
KFC dinner for 5 bought?
*check*
.
.
Free passes in wallet?
*check*
.
.
In time to meet up with friends at 7?
*check*
.
.

Movie magic under the stars!!!!! *smiles excitedly* ‘Should be fun…’, I thought. Had 8 passes to watch any show from 22nd June till 16th July – decided we were going to be watching Batman Begins. Wheeeee!!!! And then… it RAINED!!! Actually, it POURED!!! 4 grown adults (1 cancelled last minute) had KFC at home; on a FRIDAY night *raise eyebrows*; whilst watching Malaysian Idol. How pathetic is that? *sigh*

For those that has done this before, please tell me:

It was hot and stuffy
The uncut grass causes extreme case of itchiness
Mosquito infested
Aromatic dog pie found every 3 feet

*sigh…*

Food for thought...

2005-07-15T10:12:00.000+08:00

"It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride".

Medical Checkup

2005-07-13T12:15:00.000+08:00

Back-track to 3 years ago…
Doctor Quack: You have two cysts in your womb.
Me: ???
Doctor Quack: Don’t worry, I can even cure cancer.
Me: Cancer???!!!???

Two days later at Megah Specialist Centre…
Gynecologist: All seems to be normal…
Me: Whew! *wipe sweat from forehead*
Gynecologist: Since you’re here, would you like to check breasts for lumps?
Me: Err… urm… ok…? *embarrassed*

Doctor Quack’s analysis 3 years ago prompted my first thorough medical checkup. Looking back, the situation was kind of scary having to receive such news and as if the shock factor wasn’t quite enough, the quack doctor proceeded to talk about cancer treatments *gurgle*.

Last Saturday I went for another checkup again :) Figured it was about time to get it done, considering the family’s history (Mum had fibroids, cysts and her womb removed, and sis just recently had an operation). So, it was *glug glug glug* 1.5 Litres of H2O. Went into the clinic, and the doctor wasn’t satisfied with the erm… ‘expansion’ of the bladder and I had to chug down another 1.5 Litres *urgh!*. Ultrasound results seem fine. Then it was:

*POW!* A hit to the head.
Doc: Hey! Why did you eat breakfast? Not supposed to eat before blood tests…
Me: I forgot… everytime when I go to donate blood, they'd ask me to eat.
Doc: You're not here for blood donation. After foods, how to check sugar level?
Me: sob sob… *rub head*

God wants spiritual fruits and not religious nuts

2005-07-11T11:57:00.000+08:00

Scenario: Man trapped on rooftop of his house because of flash flood. Neighbor in small sampan rows over to rescue him.
Neighbor: Hop on and I’ll bring you to higher ground.
Man: No worries. God will save me.
Neighbor: ?!?!?

Water continues to rise. A policeman in small motorboat nears the rooftop.
Policeman: Hop on and I’ll bring you to safety.
Man: That’s alright. God will save me.
Policeman: ?!?!?

The water has risen to a critical level. A fireman in a large motorboat nears the man.
Fireman: Get on. The water level is dangerously high.
Man: I do not fear. God will save me.
Fireman: ?!?!?

Final Scene: Man meets with God.
Man: God! Why didn’t you save me?
God: I DID! THREE TIMES! :P

The above is a really just an old joke; it was 5 years ago that I’ve first came across it. Firstly, I’d like to clear the air that in NO WAY I’m saying that signs, miracles and wonders have ceased to exist. Actually, I have faith that given the situation above, God is perfectly more-than-capable to (1) stop the storm; (2) zap the man to another location like some Star Trek transporter; or even (3) part the waters while the man walks to safer grounds.

In our lives, we will go through trying and difficult times where we will seek for answers. The point that I’d like to bring out is, ‘Not every answer which SOUNDS religious is from Him’. I believe that we need some sort of balance - Yes, to believe that all things are possible through Him, but on the other hand to also know that He is practical in many ways.

Such extremisms should not be taken lightly, as many have twisted the essence of the Word of God. For example, there is this cult that does not believe in taking medication or going for blood transfusion because they believe that God’s hand is upon everything, God has allowed the sickness to happen. And if the sickness is to be healed, the healing will come through Him and Him alone *shakes head*.

The example above is quite extreme in nature. But before you say “But that’s not me” … has this ever happened?

Have you spoken to someone when they are ill and they ONLY want to rely on faith healing? You just immediately clam up about recommending a doctor because you did not want to talk against the ‘faith’ that the person has.
Have you spoken to someone who wants to join ‘full-time ministry’ just because they are dissatisfied with their job? You then choose not to comment that the situation just calls for a change in environment for fear of it not sounding religious.
Have you spoken to someone who has been out of a job for many months and believes they are ‘trials and tribulations from God’? You then choose not to point out that their expected salary does not tally with their resume of experience and that’s probably the reason why they’re not getting any response from employers.

Yes, I believe in faith healings, calling to full-time ministries, trials and tribulations from Him. But in a situation uniquely for you, is it really what God wants and is it really from Him? Does solving a situation through practical methods make us less a Christian and prove that we have less faith?

God wants spiritual fruits and not religious nuts.

Thank You

2005-07-08T08:57:00.000+08:00

Finally, back to work after a three-day break! Apologies for the long hiatus cause have been really busy wrapping up the project to go for the break. This is going to be my last day with Alam Flora – thank God for a successful go LIVE. However, think I might be back for a week at the end of the month, just to be around just in case there are any glitches during the July payroll run. My first independent HR assignment; my bay-beee! *grin widely*

Thanks to all (you know who you are) whom have fasted, prayed, given words of comfort and encouragement through phone calls and SMSes. Thanks for all the love and care – big hugs and muaks from Juan *sniff sniff*. My darling sister had a successful operation thanks to Dirt Buster Prof. Eugene, whom zapped all those little buggers into infinity and beyondddd… I wish I brought my digicam along, then I could share how the cysts and fybroids looked like :P She has since been discharged and is now recuperating under the pampering eyes of mum and dad. But most of all, I thank God for His faithfulness, His presence, His comfort, His strength, and His healing power. *big bear hug for Papa in Heaven* ;)

Let's get our champagne glasses out!!!

2005-06-29T17:28:00.000+08:00

Today marks the day that my little baby is born. Wheeeee!!! Upgrade Project at Alam Flora officially goes LIVE today with minimal problems. Tonight, we'll be having a little project celebration after work. *ooo-laa-laa!*

Today also marks my first fasting day for my sister Shireen; which will end on the 5th of July, Tuesday. She will be going for an operation to remove a cyst in her womb on the 5th. For those whom are reading this right now, kindly say a short prayer for (1)a successful operation; (2)speedy recovery; (3)my unsaved family members will be ministered to through this trying time. Thanks a million *hugz*

Rules of Wisdom

2005-06-28T16:47:00.000+08:00

You know how sometimes we know certain things... but until we see it in black and white, it just doesn't seem as 'clear'? I received an e-mail from a colleague and decided to post it here together with some personal thought process that came with it:

God wants spiritual fruits, not religious nuts. *sigh... Lord, help me to strike a balance*
Dear God, I have a problem, it’s me. *sometimes I pray so much for a situation to change... but for the most part, the problem lies with me :(*
Growing old is inevitable, growing UP is optional. *Papa, preserve the child-like faith I have within me...*
There is no key to happiness, the door is always open. *Yeah. It's a choice whether to live in reality or to live by faith. Or, we could be like little Annie: Tomorrow. tomorrow. I love ya, tomorrrow. And you're just a day awayyyyy...*
Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted. *Sometimes, it's just wiser to keep our mouths shut rather than to yap stuff that we regret later*
Do some maths, count your blessings. *Thank you, Lord for all the blessings AND also the scars in my life*
Faith is the ability not to panic. *Picture that comes to mind is a turbulent plane ride with a grown man frantically going, "We're gonna die! We're gonna DIEEE! And a little old lady calmly continued on with her knitting. The guy goes, "How can you be so calm?!?!?" Little old lady replies, "Cause I know where I'm going..."*
Laugh everyday, it’s like inner jogging. *Try this: Gather some friends. Start laughing. A laughing chain effect has been initiated. You'll have a good laughing exercise fit*
If you worry, pray. If you pray, don’t worry. *Matthew 6:1-34 Say the prayer, and believe in it. Don't worry. Be Happy*
As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday. *Ewo Papa... I miss you. Lemme tell you what happened today. I broke a nail... sob sob*
Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape. *FLEX. Two Three Four. STRETCH. Two Three Four. BEND. Two Three Four.*
THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN YOUR HOME ARE THE PEOPLE. *Not the TV. Nor the computer. Nor the bed. So why do we spend more time on these items when we're home, rather than just sit and have a chat with our loved ones? Juan is guilty, Guilty, GUILTY!!!*
When we get tangled up in our problems, be still; God wants us to be still so that he can untangle the knot. *Be still and know that He is God*
A grudge is a heavy thing to carry. *sigh... I've learnt that to stay unforgiving and allowing the anger to burn within causes more damage to self. So daily, I choose to adhere to this - Eph 4:32 Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God had forgiven you.*
He who dies with the most toys is still dead. *I'll allow this to speak to you individually to do some soul-searching ;)*
We do not remember days, but moments. Life is moving too fast – so enjoy your precious moments. *Juan is enjoying this very moment, blogging, with faint country music playing in the background*
Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it’s just hearsay. *Anyone willing to go bungee-jumping with me?*
It’s alright to sit on your pity pot every now and then. Just be sure to flush when you are done. *giggle. Yeah... too much built-up crap within our system will definately make us ill*

Weekend at Frasers Hill

2005-06-27T17:40:00.000+08:00

Went up to Frasers Hill for a birthday surprise get-together last weekend with some friends and took note of a couple of stuff:

We’re 40-year-olds trapped in 25-year-old bodies. How else could we explain the willingness and enjoyment we experienced to spending our time ENTIRELY in the rented bungalow? We arrived, had tea, watched last season of Friends on DVD, played RISK, had dinner, played some more RISK, had supper, and err… played RISK *again* until it was time to crash :D RISK is fun, Fun, FUN!!! I love strategy games. I love lining up my infantries, riders, and cannons in a straight line facing my enemies to provoke them, and if you’ve not figured it out already, yes, I am extremely competitive. I LOVE CONQUERING THE WORLD!!!!! Muahahahahahahahah!!!!!!

Stop eating whatever that’s suspected not fresh. HAZARDOUS. Me and my greedy stomach *groan*. We had steamboat for dinner (which is great when the weather’s so chilly, I must add) and I continued helping myself to the prawns that seemed a bit ‘powdery’. The outcome? Was punished with a serious case of puking and diarrhea. Honestly, I think I'm jinxed. Last year whilst being with the SAME group of friends in Langkawi, I stepped on some bulu babi (sea urchins) when I got off my banana boat ride. Brings back memories *giggle*. Maybe I’ll blog about this sometime later… :) Next time I ever go out with them, I’ll remember to pack a first aid kit *nods furiously*.

Am loved. We were all dead tired from all the traveling. Yet, I had two good friends taking care of me the whole night. They brought me some hot water to drink, sacrificed a blanket to help me fight off my fever, woke up the bungalow’s caretaker to get me some medication, and erm… got me a chair for me to rest right next to the toilet bowl (hey, YOU try to sit on a cold toilet floor in the middle of the night at Frasers Hill) Hrmmm… I think my lil' girlfriend was more worried that I was *Juan glowing from all the TLC*.

Kenneth trusts me. How did I arrive to this statement? Arr… after he stumbled towards the toilet and I screamed, “Arrrrr… I seriously think you shouldn’t go in there”. Stopped in his tracks. He envisions the toilet after-mess. Proceeds to ignore. I said, “Kenneth… trust me”. He took one look at me, and abandons plan *LOL*.

Vacation plan was very timely. Sunday 8'clock, received a phone call requesting me to get back to work. Apparently, cutover activities were completed a day early, so my boss wanted to proceed with subsequent activities. My response? "Arr... sorry.... I'm up a hill playing with tigers!" :P I wished I had something warm to hug... freezing cold hill with a fever to beat. The blankets had no warming effect whatsoever. As kind as my girlfriend was, I couldn't get it past myself to hugging another girl to sleep >:-( Remind me to get a dog *wink*

All in all, I thank God for:
1) Great friends
2) Nice relaxing time (apart from the midnight mishap)
3) Safe from the tiger.
Amen. *smiles*

Lobsterman

2005-06-24T09:03:00.000+08:00

Did you know?

Lobster is not only delicious; it is low in fat, calories, and cholesterol! Lobsters are one of the healthiest and leanest proteins available. It contains less saturated fat, calories, and cholesterol than beef, pork, or even the light meat of chicken. It has 15 percent less dietary cholesterol than chicken. In addition, the lobster calorie count is nearly half that of chicken, and contains only a fraction of the fat. Furthermore, lobster not only is low in calories and cholesterol, but it also contains 0.1 gram of Omega-3 fatty acid per serving. According to the American Medical Association an intake of 5.5 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids per month was associated with a 50 percent reduction in the risk of primary cardiac arrest.

The picture above is taken on Father's Day in SS2, Lobsterman. Looks yummy-licious, doesn't it? We had braised lobster with yee mee, baked lobster lotus leaf rice, and lobster thermidor. Hey... stop salivating over your computer keyboard! *wink!* Head on over and have a lobster today :)

If this happened to you, what would you do?

2005-06-23T16:26:00.000+08:00

Rayne and Mick were rushing to save their friend Noel when they were suddenly *ahem* flashed by an old man at the bus stop:

I was 14, at a bus stop in Section 17, waiting for the very irregular and unreliable mini bus no 18 to go for a tuition class. The bus stop was situated right outside an old house, with a nice leafy tree providing shade for those waiting for their public transport. With me, there was a young mother with her 5-6 year old little boy.

After 10 minutes, suddenly I heard a grunting noise nearby. About 3 feet away, there was a motorcycle parked, with its engine still running. And there he was - an Indian man with a motorcycle helmet covering his face, standing next to his vehicle, jerking off, and grunting like a pig. The lady noticed the man’s presence and covered her child’s eyes and held the child close, fearfully.

I leapt to my feet, picked up a solid steel rod nearby, started hitting the guy silly while shouting obscenities at him, and called the cops cause I was satisfied with the results - the sick man lied on the ground… battered. The lady thanked me profusely for protecting her kid, while the police praised my bravery.

At least, that was what I WISHED I did…

What really happened was, too shocked to react, I stood bolted to the ground. Silently, and slowly the minutes passed until the shameless man finished satisfying himself, got onto his bike, and rode off. I could just imagine him smirking cause he had successfully traumatized 3 individuals.

The truth is, people who seek to traumatize others through such perverted methods are cowards, have low self-esteem, and just plain SICK. Else, he wouldn’t have prepared an escape route by leaving the motorcycle engine running and wearing a helmet to disable any face recognition.

Know what else I could’ve done? I should have just stared right at him, point at his mushroom and go, “So small??? Ahahahahahahhahahahahaah!!!!!!!”

I spent a night in a Police Station

2005-06-20T08:23:00.000+08:00

17 June 10:20pm Extreme loud drilling heard right outside my home. Stuck my head out and thought, “Oh no!!! They’re starting to drill AGAIN!” - Previously, there was this road construction on Sunday and Monday night that started about 10+ at night, ended around 6+ in the morning. *Can u believe that?*

17June 11:30pm Have a throbbing headache. Went to the security tower to see what management was doing about the noise. Their response, “Arr… it’s beyond our control cause it’s OUTSIDE the building, but we’ve talked to them with some other residents and they’ve promised to stop the drilling at 12:00am.

17 June 11:45pm Dialed 999 and was directed to the Uptown police station. Their response, “Arr… you need to come here physically to lodge a report.” Aiyoh… so troublesome. I resorted to counting sheep trying to sleep. Anyway, the noise is going to stop at 12, right? Err… RIGHT??!!??

18 June 1:30am Gosh… I cannot believe what I’m doing *shakes head* I suddenly find myself in my car, one something in the morning, driving towards the police station. Arrived, parked the car and a cute policeman said to me (hey, he had a set of dimples, k?), “You need to park down the alley. This parking lot is for the police residents.” I obliged. *smiles*

18 June 2:00am Finished lodging report. Overheard lots of ring rings from other residents complaining about the drilling. Good to know I wasn’t the only cuckoo bothering the police about it *nyek nyek* Walked towards car. Found large police truck blocking my exit. Cute policeman’s response, “Arr… sorry. The truck’s from another station. I have no idea who’s having the keys. Perhaps you can wait awhile?” Suddenly cute policeman wasn’t so cute anymore. *groan*

18 June 3:00am Car still stuck. Checked wallet. Total of RM2 in it. Just enough for a drink. Not enough to catch a cab. Went to a nearby mamak. Watched *gasp* football.

18 June 4:00am I began to wonder if I could lodge a police report AGAINST the police for holding me against my will.

18 June 5:00am Policemen tried to make me feel better by telling me that I could sue EMKAY (the developer) for public peace disturbance. I should get a lawyer. Did I feel better? Noooo…. I just wanna go homeeee… *whine whine*

18 June 5:20am Ooooo… look at that! I see birds flying in the air. No, wait. They’re pigs. Or Santa Claus. Serious sleep deprivation and stress causes hallucination. Sigh… there were no birds, nor pigs, nor Santa. Just a zombie-fied Juan driving home after a rough night. :P

I just wonder, “How many people reading this can actually say they’ve spent a night in a police station like me?” *grin* Strange how everything seems so comical when I write about this. For the entire night… I was feeling like crap and remember salty tears dripping over my cup of iced tea :P

Proof of my little misadventure:

Lesson learnt: Don’t listen to cute policemen.

But seriously… I learnt two hard lessons that night:

Trying situations WILL pass, find a way to laugh about it, and the experience can be a joke that will last a lifetime :)
Someone whom I had given a lot of myself to, and regarded as a good friend knew that I was stranded. What sort of a person is this friend that could sleep peacefully whilst knowing a girl was alone and needed help? *sigh* I am sure there is more to this lesson learnt.

Happy Father's Day!!

2005-06-17T18:00:00.000+08:00

Y - Yoke Mha words for daddy early in the morning (a "I Love You" would be nice)
J - Just give him a kiss and a great big huggggg
L - Let him have his favourite foods for dinner

We did an ice-breaker last night using the initials of our names to come up with stuff to do for our dads this Father's Day. A present? Err... I think he everything he needs and wants already. More lurve? Err... I think I haven't withheld any display of affection :P Cracked my head figuring out what to get dad this year and finally I got it - the perfect present for him. To pamper him. A day at the spa!!!

Since dad enjoyed off-and-on foot reflexology, he should really enjoy nice massage. I searched high and low for the perfect spa to bring him to. I decided to bring him out for a dimsum lunch (and have those yumyum durian deserts that they were famous for) at Mandarin Oriental followed by a full-body massage by Thalgo at the hotel. After all the head scratching and infomation digging, guess what was his response?

"Har? Massage? Don't waste your money!"

And that was that. Sighhh.... guess we're settling for a boring sit-down Chinese dinner this Sunday :P To all the fathers or fathers-to-be out there,

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!

Grief

2005-06-16T15:25:00.000+08:00

Grief is like taking a walk on a beach. The weather is warm and sunny with a slight breeze blowing in our hair. Tall coconut trees could be seen in a distance. A slight chirping of birds could be heard in the background. Little waves licking our toes as we soak in the panoramic view.

We think that we're safe and all is fine.

Then suddenly a big tsunami hits and we soon find ourselves gasping for air as we fight the torrid current. We might drown and lose ourselves in the struggle. If we survive, the serenity returns and calm walk continues... until the next big wave unsettles us again.

My source of comfort:

Psalms 23:4, 6
Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live.