M.I.A

Hi guys, sorry for not posting here for quite some time now, i am currently away from the internet zone at my house, and will resume frequent posting once telekom decided to grant my house with broadband access. i will still be available online, but just for a short time. untill then, stay in touch through my cute chat box ya....:P

Howdy?

Haven’t been updating my blog for a while now, I guess I still have to get used to Cyber lifestyle. – morning 8 o clock till 6PM class classes, meeting and appointment, mien, its taking most of my time away, anyway, I’ll make it a point to update you guys

4 days had passed since the semester started, and I had a wonderful time fellowshipping with my friends again. Really glad to see all of them again, and this semester, I am taking 3 subjects, which can be tedious, cause it’s all theoretical subjects, with minimum calculations required. My timetable is arranged in such a way that I only have 4 days of classes each week, and minimum with four hours each day.

Monday this week was like every other Monday, where you just dreads to go to class, especially in the morning. It’s also the first day of the semester, where I had different feel when I saw the changes that happened in campus. Firstly it was the lecture rooms, then the PC’s, then the projector, and lastly, the food courts in hostel. Changes happened to benefit all of us, and really hope that it will bring more good then harm to the students.

Tuesday went by without much complains, except that I’d installed a new game to play throughout this semester. My housemate suggested having a LAN game competition, and the game is called Diablo 2 – Lord of Destruction. This is my first time playing RPG- hack and slash – kind of games, where one needs to complete certain quests before proceeding on with the game. It’s more of a story based game, where in Diablo2, the story is that the player is a good warrior, wanting to descend into hell to defeat the devil, something like that lah, I am not to sure about it myself. Then there was also CF in the night, where the “missionaries” from the recently concluded mission trip to Mentakab, Pahang, came up and gave us the report on their stay and experience with the aborigines tribe from Pahang. It thrills me to hear that they stayed in longhouses, and had tones and tones of fun there. It saddens my heart to hear that there are still these small groups of people in Malaysia, who are still living under the poverty line. It seemed that there’s nothing the government is doing to compensate their losses, where their long houses are being constantly under threat of getting torn down and they had been evicted several times by the authorities, all in the name of the development of Pahang. Well, I got to know their sufferings, and the mission team from CF really brought cheers and encouragement to them. Many a times we take things for granted, for instance, our money and our life here. Boss (Daniel) mentioned something that I really pondered upon, which is “ if you think you are poor, think again. RM 2000 may not be enough for us here in KL, but for the aborigines, it may mean a fortune”. Sometimes we do take things for granted, without thinking further. We based our thoughts on the things that happened to us, but never even thought of the rest of the population who suffered even greater. The mission report was really a call of alertness to all of us, as we are going all out to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ. Next we had a testimony session, with friends who just finished their Internship coming out and telling us about their experiences during their work time. it had equipped me with a certain knowledge as I’ll be going on industrial-training next April. Apparently a guy said he don’t like working, and I was like “What? Don’t like working? Hmm, I am dying to go out and work”. Hehehe, went home around 11PM, and had a short game of Diablo before “kong-ing” out on the bed.

Wednesday was a fun day, as I helped out a friend in revising for her supplementary papers. It’s a subject which I took during my Beta first semester, and I find it easy to teach. She had been sick and unable to attend her finals, and thus having to go for supplementary exam. Had SEED CG outing in the night, and as this is the first gathering of the semester, we went out to enjoy and at the same time to fellowship with one another. We reached The Mines at around 7.40 in the evening, due to some complications with the security in MMU. Anyway, upon reaching the place, we headed to Dave-Deli’s and ate our hearts out. Some had chicken, some had lagsania, some had spaghetti, and it was superb. This is a first time experience for many, and we had fellowship and bonding during our dinner. It was a complete different atmosphere, where people just talk and chat without fear of being shot at, and criticized That’s what a CG is all about, fellowship and a place to encourage one another.

After dinner, we dropped by the bowling centre to try our hands on bowling, but unfortunately, it was booked by some kind of association for training, and there goes the plan for 4 of us enthusiastic bowlers. We opted for a game of pool afterwards, and 2 tables were at our disposal. “Diam Diam Ubi Berisi”. This Malay proverb really describe some of the members, (especially girls) when they hold the cue and shot in the balls. Man, they were like professionals and of course, we have a few pool instructors on hand to teach those who don’t know how to play, and special thanks go out to Vincent and Kenneth (unexpected huh?) All of us had great fun, as we took on each other in the game, with me teaming up with several people in several games. It was real humorous when the white ball rolls into the hole instead of the target ball, and Jay Shen started to say” You’ve learned …” soon after everybody “learned” to hit the white ball in , much to the amusement of the rest of us professionals ( hahahhahaah ). Had some photos taken, and in the end, around 11.05, we called it a day and headed back to Cyberjaya.

Today (Thursday) went on well, with me playing even more rounds of Diablo, and had class at 2. the moment I came back from class, it started raining cats and dogs, and I m thankful that I m not caught in the rain.

Things are getting better then before, and I am really happy. Thank you friend, for encouraging me to face this trials.

Oh WOW, new look, new feel...

" Oh man, look at the walls of this room"...."Oh, Look at the projector!!"....."EeeEEk, where did my favourite HB3 foodcourt went?"....."AYke, what happenned to the lecture rooms?"...............These are some of the comments i made during my first day of "school", after holiday-ing for 3 weeks. i thought of the same old university where i'll be going back to, the food, the place...but today as i set foot in my first class at 12, behold...i got a shock when i see freshly painted walls in the lecture rooms, and not just that, the sight of a new PC in the lecture room suprised me more. the projector which was once a big black box on the table, is now hanging above our heads, with it's size shrinked 10 times from the previous one, and had its color changed to silver. i was amazed and couldn't believe it. MMU actually looked into our plights for a more condusive studying environment. i guess students had been complaining all these while, and i am sure some visitor also commented on the sights of some of the lecture rooms. Thje whole FIT building was given a face lift and it's now almost like new, with the exception of the toilets. they have yet to install automatic flushing system, and instant soup dispenser, like the one they have it at KLCC, but i guess they would change it soon. KUDOS to the MMU admin for doing this for the students, and beautifying the campus area.

lunch came with a different feel. foodcourts were myteriously teleported to a different location, and the once quiet HB1 were filled with humans once again, so to speak. anyway, the administration staffs decided to relocate all of the food courts in hostel blocks, as to give them a better "feng shui" in doing buisness. apparantly the strategy that was used is, all those "high profile" makan area were shifted to the back(HB1), and the "not-so-high-profile ones are being brought front(HB3). i spent my 20 minutes or so walking in search of my favourite VeGetArian stall, when one of my friends came up and said" why are you looking here?, you should go over to HB1", Mien.......got to sacrifice a bit for food, as one have to walk down a loooooooong distance to get the same food, which were right infront of them before the break. hmmm......No PaIn nO gAiN.....

i got back to Cyber yesterday(Sunday) night at around 11PM, and went staright to un-pack all that was brought here. had a heart warming chat with my long-time-no-see housemates, and all were seen busy preparing their timetable. somehow i wished to penned down a few thoughts last night, but was too tired, so i save this post till now. met up with a couple of friends, as we chat, talked, and have fun during this first day. boy it was fun,.....

well, MMU had its new look, and hope we as students also can produce a beter image for the University, as a campus with all top graduates....Cheers People.....All The Best in life and studies, and welcome back to The Intelligent City...:P

Multimedia University - Reflection 3.2

Continuation....Beta -> Gamma

Time flies. Another year had gone by, and its time for me to continue pursuing my degree. Having an attachment with Malacca, I was reluctant to shift to Cyberjaya to continue my Beta level, but somehow, God knows the way, and I shifted to Cyberjaya, leaving behind som sweet and bitter memories, and all the fun and friends. It was an emotional moment for a couple of us, as we bade everyone farewell a day after our final exam. We shed tears, some hugged each other, and indeed, to leave behind some things are just so hard.

Anyway, I made my way to Cyberjaya on the very first day of “school”. Having been labeled as Senior, and no more as newbie’s, there wasn’t any orientation program made available for us. We are expected to find on our own where are the lecture halls, lecturers’ offices, and all the other facilities. I should say that the campus is very big, and somehow, the first impression I got after one year of not visiting MMU Cyberjaya, is the phrase “ Man, I like this place”. Talking about double minded, but this campus is nice. With super “canggih” computers, easy access to food courts, although there are only 3 on-campus, big and comfortable lecture halls/room, this is something like what I labeled as “schooling paradise”. It has all the facilities one would always asked for in a university, be it tennis court, badminton court, football field, this place has everything (well, not really). As first year students ( in Cyberjaya ), I had the privilege to stay in the hostel , and it is really convenient for mw. Though I stayed only about half and hour from campus, my parents doesn’t want me to drive to and from home, and thus asked me to stayed on-campus. Besides, everything is provided for, electricity, water, 24/7 internet access, and of courses, easy access to all facilities on campus. I had a wonderful stay on-campus during my Beta level, and missed all the fun and experience having to share a common bathroom with >30+ males, having to put up with unsightly room condition, having to shout form one block to the other block to get ready for gaming session. The best experience I have during my hostel days is staying up till six in the morning just to play game. We started gaming around 10 in the night, and the session lasted till the next morning, and I have 8 o clock morning class at that time. Hahhahahha………that was one of the most favorable experience I had. Many more to talked about, but due to space constraint, mail me if you want to know more…J

Some of the moments of glory for my entire Beta year, as people of old have said ”Challenges are to make one stronger”. Well, I couldn’t have agreed better. I have more experience then what I had back in Malacca, and these challenges, or rather experience is what you get when you grow up. As a pre-adult, some things which are in-evitable happens, and its up to your conscious mind to take over. I started to attend Christian Fellowship in campus, and that’s what I like most. Unlike in Malacca, where I knew of the existence of CF, but didn’t attend, I made it a point to attend here, as it challenges my faith each time. I got involved in IT society, and also Tae-kwon-do. One thing I marveled at when I came to MMU Cyberjaya, is the variety of clubs and societies to choose from, and of course, the facilities here and the environment here, in my opinion, is more conducive and suitable for sporting and studying.

The days I had during my Beta, well, to sum it all up, is a year filled with the un-expected, and also full of fun. A lot of things happened when I did not want it to happen, and sometimes, it gets me on my nerves. I had friends who will stand by my side, and more importantly, I came to know God more, and thus having the strength to move on. I also learned not to be proud of whatever achievements that I might have, for there are hundreds who are better then I am. I have learned that many a times, we take things for granted, and it can destroy us if we do not realize what we have done. Beta year is one of the most challenging year, and the experiences I have gained throughout the year, made me wiser and more matured. I had known a lot of things, and I have had my fair share of sweet bitter memories to ponder.

After my Beta year, came the “Majoring” year, Gamma. It is the time where I get to study in-depth for my major. Things are a little more hectic, challenges are even tougher to break, and deadlines are hard to meet, subjects are getting tougher and tougher, and life is asking for more of me. One thing I realized, as we grow older, expectations for us are higher, and it’s even harder to fulfill those prospects. Now is my second sememster in Gamma, and I’ve learned pretty much, compare to last year. Perhaps the most significant event that occurred during my Gamma year is when I get to act in one of the classes I took. I’ll save the story for later, and also I’ve been involved in a lot of activities, and truly, it had made me a stronger and better person. A few more months to go before I actually step into adulthood, but I am well un-prepared for it. Hmmmm, gonna spend more time doing good and to learn more.

Finally, I have got to the end of my reflection series for the past semester. I have had many more stories to tell, not just 3, and I’ll try to find time to post it up here. Until then, Cheer up for those who are feeling un-well, for laughter is the best medicine. Take care…..

JOKES

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER: Are you chewing gum?
BILLY : No, I'm Billy Anderson.

TEACHER: Didn't you promise to behave?
STUDENT: Yes, Sir.
TEACHER: And didn't I promise to punish you if you didn't?
STUDENT: Yes, Sir, but since I broke my promise, I don't expect you to keep yours.

TEACHER: Ellen, give me a sentence starting with "I".
ELLEN : I is...
TEACHER: No, Ellen. Always say, "I am."
ELLEN : All right... "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet."

CHEERS…..!!!!!!!!!!!!

Multimedia Unversity - Reflection 3 point 1

Continuation from last post……Alpha

So here I was, away from home, away from PJ, away from all the comfort that I once have, and started my first year in Multimedia University, Malacca. I stayed in Emerald Park, an apartment situated right opposite the campus. It’s a place of accommodation build specially for MMU students, and we are provided with the basic necessities, such as electricity, water, phone line, although the phone can only be used for inter-unit communication, and not to mention, free internet service connection, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The internet speed,, I must comment, is relatively slower then dial up access, even though during weekends. I understand that they have servers in each block, but it can’t satisfies all the residents needs. At least there’s something compare to nothing, isn’t it?

The first day of class is really meaningful to me. I got a shock as I stepped foot into the lecture room. My timetable given me shows that I am supposed to have English in the morning, but then why is it I am attending another class? The lecturer was teaching mathematics for crying out loud. I was about to shout out to the lecturer that she’s teaching the wrong subject, when I glanced at the entrance of the room, B2021. I looked back at my timetable, it stated there “English 1 , 9AM, B3021. Mien, I was in the wrong class, and on the first day of school, and I was about to raised my voice to the lecturer! Then I excused myself from the class and apologize to the lecturer. It was already 10 minutes passed 9, and I was thinking to myself. Well, I haven’t had that experience before even when I was in Standard 1.. and I confused myself with the room numbers. Apparently, the ground floor is floor 1, so my class is supposed to be at the 3rd floor, not the 2nd floor. Oh, I couldn’t help but blushed and hurriedly exit the class. It wasn’t entirely my fault, as I missed the orientation week for freshies, conducted one week before. I got the offer letter just before school starts, how can it be? Oh well, I then told myself, better remember that mistake, and not make it again. I rushed over to my actual class, and of course, I was late, and the lecturer was already halfway through with the class. I was in group 36, for we, Alpha students were split into groups according to our respective programme. I was in Alpha Information Technology, and the first day of class made me wiser then before. I had a superb lecturer, whose name is Miss Lim. She’s married, but she preferred her student calling her miss, so as to make her look young, so to speak. She teach English with humor and style, which made the class laughed and it was really enjouyable being taught by her. I have not been taught by a teacher as good as her, and I respect her. Co-incidentally, she is the coordinator of the English department for foundation studies, and also she is in-charged of our group. We were so fortunate to have her, as studies wouldn’t be the same again.

Then came my next class, which is Mathematics, and I stared to mix around with my classmates. All were from different parts of The country, and this is the first time I am mixing with them. They were really nice people, which made me felt at home. we talked, and we shared about our experiences here, and as I haven’t got the chance to go Through the orientation, I asked them about it. They said I was lucky to have missed it, for I wouldn’t want to experience the food being served. Hehehe…… I still; remembered clearly that day, when I went to explore the whole campus till late at night. The campus in Malacca isn’t that big, but It thrills me to find out that its completely different from secondary/primary school. One thing I noticed is that during my campus tour, I was brought around by my newly met friends, and we climb up to the roof of the building. In case anyone don’t know what roof I am referring too, it’s the place where the water tanks are. Heheheh…..we went up there, and behold, I could see the night line of Malacca’s Bukit Beruang, and other adjacent gardens around. It was superb, and I couldn’t foret that night.( I wondered if I can go up to the roof again in MMU Cyberjaya, without being caught) it was indeed a beautiful scenery, and quiet surroundings. It made me forget where I was at that moment, as I stood there, admiring and enjoying the moment.:)

So far, the foundation year in Malacca had given me a sense of belonging to a place unknown to me initially. I started to like the place after a few months, with food available anytime within reach, beautiful environment to study, and wonderful friends who will be there for me. I’ve learned a lot of things, where it isn’t mentioned in books. I’ve learn how to be independent, as I have to do anything myself. At home, everything is done for me, whether its eating, or drinking, or cleaning up my bed. Now it’s like if-you-don’t-do-it, no-one-is-doing-it-for-you kind of things. I’ve learned discipline, for I have to sleep on-time, wake up on time, pass up assignments on time. I mean all these things are learned during my Alpha year, and it helped me a lot as time goes by. Through out my Alpha year also, I’ve made a lot of new friends, and this is what I really wants. In the beginning I thought university is just a place to get a degree, or even a master for that matter, but to me it’s more then that. It is through my Alpha years that had given me this foundation to excel in my social life, and it’s a year which I cherished the most in my studies life all this while. I have had my fair share of mistakes done during the year, I have had to go through uncertainties at time, I have had to go through a period of mourning, I have had to go through painful experiences with friends and I have had to go through life struggles as everyone did during that time. But then I have no regrets over those things that happened, for it trained me and have made me a stronger person mentally and emotionally. Throughout my days in my Alpha year, there had been a couple of misunderstanding between me and a friend. Thins does not look good at that time, and our friendship even come to a point where I have to call it off. Things were bad and that was when I learned to turn to friends for support. Before I came to university, it is my parents who will be there for me, and I have had no problem with any friends back in secondary school. It is my first time confiding in a friend, and this all took place during my time in Alpha. It was indeed a memorable year for me, with life throwing it challenges at me, and expects me to go through it with confidence, and hope. It had certainly taught me numerous lessons which I will never forget till this day, and I really am thankful that I got to lived and studied in Malacca for one year, as this is the year I once feared and disliked the most. But now when I think back at what happened, if I have not gone through that year, I wouldn’t be the same Jowen that I am now.

Then came the time where we have to decide where to go during our second year in MMU. I had the choice whether to remained studying in MMU Malacca, or to return to the place where I considered “schooling heaven”, where its just 30 minutes from home, and called The Intelligent City by the then Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Cyberjaya. It doesn’t matter to me where I chosed then, because my major of Software Engineering is being offered in both campuses. I had sleepless night thinking about this transfer thingy, and I consulted my lecturer and parents. They all sort of gave me the same advice, which is to think of where is best for me. My parents definitely suggested that I continue my studies in Cyberjaya, as it is near to home, and to have a change in environment, just like when I got here the first time. I wrestled with my thoughts day and night, as I have friends who are staying back in Malacca as well as shifting to Cyberjaya. I have friends from Malacca who wanted to shift to Cyberjaya as well, hmmmm, it was really a time of headache for me, with all sort of suggestion floods through my head, I didn’t made my decision even when the time came for us to submit our preference of studies. I hesitantly put down Cyberjaya as my choice, and pass it up. I have an affection for Malacca now, after one year, and its hard for me to leave and start a new life somewhere. I’ve just gotten used to the place, the people, the environment, the lecturer in Malacca, and to say bye bye is a sad thing. My friends offered to swap places with me, meaning that he will take my place in Cyberjaya, and I take his place here, upon seeing me in confusion and misery. But still, I have to stand by my own decision, and didn’t take up his offer. I chose Cyberjaya, and I will study in Cyberjaya.

Oh well, transition period can be real hard to adapt, and the outcome is up to us to analyze and evaluate. I have gone into a second level in my studies, and it will be penned down in my last and final post in my reflection series. Stay tuned

Multimedia University - Reflection 3

Looks like the holiday has taken it’s toil on me. I’ve been getting lazier and lazier each day, and as such, there’s nothing much to say during the holiday, except for the final part of my “Reflection” Series, which will be splited into 3 parts. With only 3 more days to go before “school” starts, I really can’t wait to be back at Cyberjaya, where Multimedia University stands.

After my SPM examination in the year 2000, I’d been approached by my parent, who obviously wanted the best in tertiary education for me. I at that time was to weak to make any decision regarding studying in college or university., mainly because I felt that I’ve been studying for the past 12 years, including 2 years at kindergarten. It sort of made me feel bored of studying, and wanted a break from studying, at least for now. I went to seek out my first job at Sunway Pyramid, and worked as a cashier in Memory Lane. Ironically, I was the first guy worker there, and also the youngest employee ever been hired by the employee, at only 18 years of age. I was exited upon getting the job, and deep down in my mind, I planned to work there until I get sacked, or my parents forced me to give up the job. I wasn’t really enthusiastic about enrolling in any college, but then before that, while I was still in form 5, I went to a career fair organized by the school, and sign up for enrollment in several colleges around PJ and KL area, namely APIIT, KDU, Informatics College, and also HELP Institute. I wasn’t really sure then where I would be heading in my education path and I leave it up for my parents to decide.

When the day came for me to take my SPM results. I was taken aback at what was put in front of me, a result slip. There before my eyes were results which I never expect to get. The result weren’t too bad, and I got higher results then I’ve expected. After discussing with my parents what would they suggest for me, my mum said she came across an advert in the press about Multimedia University’s May enrolment, and told me to enroll in it. Honestly at that time, I’ve not come across any University with that glamorous name, as the university I’ve came across are UM, USM, UPM….but MMU sounded alien to me then. Wanting to know more, my whole family went to the University’s open day in Cyberjaya, and I was amazed at what I saw. Huge buildings with state-of-the-art facilities, large campus area, beautiful landscape, and much more cool stuffs. Immediately I went over the Information Technology booth, and gathered information. I was told that since I am a SPM graduate, I have to take on one year foundation course in Malacca, and it really made me sad. I wasn’t ready yet to take on the challenge of going to a totally new place to study, and secondly, it’s so far from home. I told my mum after that, that I would concentrate on other colleges around, instead of just hoping for one intake from MMU. My mum agreed, and then I started my job in Sunway

5 months had passed since I started working. Most of my peers had already gotten into their respective institute of higher learning, and I was getting restless. “Will I work here forever?”, “when will my offer letter comes?” this were some of the things which I thought of while working. I wasn’t too sure either what is my next course of action should I not get the college I want. All I did was just to sign up for their intake, without even bother to follow up with the respective institutes.

It wasn’t too long before I received a mail from Multimedia University, which in there stated among others, that I’ve been received into the Alpha(foundation) programme, and I was told to report to MMU Malacca campus the next day. Prior to receiving the offer letter, I was praying hard to get into one of the colleges that I’ve applied, as it was already in mid-May. I was shocked and at the same time, ecstatic upon receiving the excellent news, that I couldn’t sleep that particular night, thinking all the things that will happen next. I imagine myself in 5 years time, holding up my graduation scroll, and wearing the robe, standing with m parents at my graduation ceremony. It was kind of naive for me to think of such event, given the fact that I haven’t even stepped foot in the university. I haven’t had time to tell my friends that I would be in Malacca all alone studying. I haven’t had time to tell my boss that I am resigning. And I haven’t had time to prepare for the sudden change of event. I would be a university undergraduate starting tomorrow( 16th of May 2001), and I was looking forward to it. Thoughts o campus life, told by my cousins who had studied in a university before, started to flood my mind. How would I cope with all the pressure? Will I be able to find new friends? Will I ever adapt myself to a town called Malacca, where I will be studying for one whole year? These are some of the things that came to mind that night.

After what seemed to be an endless night for me, it was already the next day, where I was expected to report myself to MMU. I packed everything that I can get my hands on, my clothes, toiletries, and every other necessities, and off go to Malacca. Throughout the 2 hours journey, my mum kept reminding me that I should be independent from now on, and all those advices, which made me touched and moved. My dad also advised me to be a good boy, and to study hard for the sake of my future. When I reached MMU Malacca, the place was not as what I expected. It wasn’t as big as the one I saw in Cyberjaya, and may be my perception of a university is different from what I saw. Upon setting foot in the formerly known Universiti Telekoin, I proceeded to the administration office, where I settled all the necessary documents, in the meantime, my family walked around the campus while waiting for me to finish. We had lunch soon after, and my mum and dad repeated all the words of advice for me. I wasn’t too sure about what is happening currently, as my mind was still back in my comfy home, with air-cond, nice home cook food, my cozy bed, and to think that now I am a stranger here in Multimedia University in Malacca, it’s really a new beginning for me.

My accommodation through out the days I lived in Malacca is an apartment opposite the university, named Emerald Park. My first impression of the place was to say out this phrase, ” No place more comfortable to stay then my own home” but then compare the place to hostel, this is much bigger and convenient, except for the fact that it’s more expensive compare to hostel. My family and I went and check out the unit, and I got to stay with 2 roommates,. There were 12 of us staying in 4 rooms, and I made friends with them that day. All of them were from different states around the country, and were friendly people.

Evening approaches, and soon my family had to go back. I bade them farewell, and there I was, all alone by myself in this land called Malacca, and I feel un-comfortable on my bed that night. The mattress was worn off, and there wasn’t much entertainment, whereas at home, I could just call my fiends out for drink. Loneliness sets in during the entire week I was there, and homesickness overtook me. I was feeling all alone, and can’t wait for the week to be over, so that I could go back home even for one night, I am satisfied

Well, this is just an introduction of my reflection on MMU. Stay tuned for more…..

Cyber-Christmas - Reflection 2

This is the second part to the Reflection series that I am doing for the past semester

Then it came a time where we had our CyberChristmas team being formed. I had the chance to be involved again, and to give what I can to make CyberChristmas a success. For the benefit of those who don’t know what CyberChristmas is all about, it is an annual event, organized by MMU Christian Fellowship, with the purpose of letting non-Christian on-campus know what Christmas is all about. This year, the theme for CyberChristmas is “Void-Fill Me In” It has a somewhat symbolic meaning and the activities lined up for the events are charity drive, caroling….just to name a few.

CyberChristmas started off a few years back, and there is no turning back since then. It had been an event where students on-campus knew about the existence of it. Through this event, we were able to share Christ’s love on campus. This year, I was put in charged of Caroling, and I like it very much. I’ve learned that no matter where you are posted, and to what rank are you chosen, the most important part is to learn to serve and to serve well. Throughout my involvement in CyberChristmas for the past two years, I’ve learned to be humble, and to do to others what you would have them do to you. This is especially important if you expect help from others in the future.

It may be a tough responsibility to some regarding serving in CyberChristmas, but I find it rather interesting and challenging, as I’d the opportunity to meet new people, and of course, to gain experience in terms of leading, and serving. Since my first involvement in CyberChristmas, I was elected chairperson of the event. But honestly speaking, I’ve my team to thank for the successful organization and execution of the entire program. From the Security department to the actors and actresses of the night, all ahd came toetehr and play their part, and the whole event doesn’t just lies upon a single individual, but on the whole team of committee and of course, the many volunteers and helpers.

The dates are set for CyberChristmas 2005/06, planning are currently on-going, and it is already all system go for the various departments in terms of planning and recruitment. I will continue to do my best for CyberChristmas, and to bear the name of Christ on-campus as well as in my home.

All for CyberChristmas , CyberChristmas for all.

My days as CG Leader - Reflection 1

Well, the 2nd semester is about to begin, with another one and a half more weeks to go. It signifies another milestone in my university life. I have gone through many ups and downs in the past, and now if I were to look back and analyze what I have achieved, I can say it had thought me tremendously on how to be a more matured person, and to tackle more challenges ahead.

Throughout the past semester, it had been a roller-coaster ride for me, with lots of experience gained and I had gone through lots of thick and thin alone and together with friends. Things had changed, and will never be the same again. Love, hatred, anger, lust, jealousy are just some of the emotions portrayed in me for the past semester

To start of with some of the things that happened in the past 3 months, I have been chosen to lead a Cell Group in University, and it was some what challenging. Looking at how the group was when it first started as Protoplasma CG, it splitted into two CG’s for the number was too large (we had 30+ members in there.) Then OHANA CG and D.U.H CG was formed. My former CG was Ohana, and well, the name was taken from the Disney animated movie, Finding Nemo, which means Family. That’s how CG should be, as a family, and no one gets left behind. I had great fun being in the C, where we laughed, we shared, we enjoyed, and most of all, we learned from each other without feeling left out or neglected. Of course, all good things must come to and end, for the 2 CG’s spitted again at the end of the 3rd semester last year, and then came SEED and THIRST from the parent OHANA, and CHUP and BLUR from the parent DUH. It was an emotional moment when our leaders then, WeeLiem announced the news of spitting. There were some members who can’t take the somewhat shocking news, and commented at their own will. But according to WeeLiem, he as a leader found it sad himself to split the CG, for we are so closely bonded with one another, and he reminded us from the Bible, that unless a seed kernel fall to the ground and die, it has no use at all. So was it with a CG. If we just cling on with our own people, and not willing to expand, we are of no use. We should adhere to the call that is to follow the Great Commandment of Christ, which is to make disciples of all nations. The 2 CG’s were splitted in the end, with me being given the responsibility to be in charge of SEED CG.

SEED, as funny it may sound for a CG name, actually means Seeing Everyday Experience Differently. What a glamorous name as you may say, but then that’s actually what I’d been planning for CG. I wished to see all members, irregardless of their year, faculty, and age difference, to see each day’s as a whole new experience. And as a CG, I don’t want members to come in, filling like they had been to CG last week, or before. The task of being a CG leader was not easy as I’ve mentioned, for I need to think of new ways to make my members feel belonged, and at the same time, share God’s word with them in a group. Acting, Bible study, games are just some of the activities being done during the first semester, and it some what encourages people to come. Before this I was afraid that I couldn’t take the lead. I feel that I am too weak and not ready for it. But WeeLiem encouraged me and so did the CG. And now at my side I have 12 members, with 4 people being new, the rest was from Ohana. I had Kenneth being my assistant, and speaking of him, I can say that I am truly blessed with this wonderful brother. He had shown his qualities of being a good leader himself, and I can work closely with him. Things have changed since I took on this challenge. My spiritual life wasn’t the same like before. My grades were more eye-pleasing then before, and I’ve learn and I am still learning, on how to manage people, and to be a good leader. I have once heard from a friend, that he aspired to be a people’s person, which means understanding and knowing what people wants. I guessed that applies to me now, since the day I told myself, I want to be a good leader, and at the same time, be a faithful servant. A pastor once said that we are not just to be servants, we should be leading servants, and that touches me, and make me all the more wanting to lead and serve at the same time. I thank God for the privilege to be a CG leader, and WeeLiem, who trusted me, and the CG, who had encouraged me and supported me thus far.

More to be revealed in my next post, stay tuned…J

You

You
Soften my heart when I am hard
Clearing my mind when I am blind
Being with me when I am lonely
And keeping up with me though you are busy

You
Had been my friend all this while
And I thank you for your patience and your smile
That keeps me going without stopping
Without you I don’t think I’ll be living
To face another day in that seemed so blurry

You
Never thought of yourself
When it comes to helping me
Uncertainties and confusion there might be
but you are still here with me

You
Through all the things that happens
You are the one which never dampens
My spirit to keep on going
To the place that I’ve been longing

You
Are the one
Who will make me want
All of your qualities and whatever grant
Because of the things you have done

You
Through all think and thin
Had been teaching me the ways not to sin
From the situation that you are in
Tells me that You are not finish with me

I thank God for you
Who had given me what I really need
In this time of my anxiety and misery
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Fun, Fun, and More Fun

Hello people, for 2 days I have been missing from cyberspace, and the person who gets the reason of my disappearance can get to read the rest of this blog…..3.....2.....1…Times out!!! And you are right, I am lazy, wahhahaha…….:) so, the prize for you is, read on….:))

My day started out like this. In the morning when I woke up, I realized its already 10.30AM. D***…..I remembered that I had an appointment with my friend in Sunway at 11.thirty AM, and the time for me to get ready and to take the transport there needs 1.5 hours( if there’s no traffic problem anywhere on the highway). So as fast as I could, I got myself dressed up and as I was in a hurry, I forgot to take breakfast, and I forgot to take my wallet as I got out of my house. So by the time I actually got on the transport, it was already 11.15. Mien……..this spelled trouble, so I prayed and thank God for the weather, and also for journey mercy, and finally I reached at 11.35AM. Oooops, you could say that I missed the time, but let’s faced the fact. We are Malaysian, and our timing is half and hour offset from the clock timing. Hahhahahahhaha…….no offence to those who are always punctual, but in the end, my friend arrived, and our program starts at 11.45AM: D…..

First stop for the day was the Sunway Pyramid Bowling Alley. I must tell you that since I stopped playing bowling 2 and a half years back, I had totally lost touch in this ball game. So when my friend suggested bowling, I was like “ Oh man, I haven’t played bowling for years, and I don’t know whether I still know the correct way to hold the ball.” And the reply was “me too, but we should try, and I like bowling.” Ohh….there goes a couple of ringgit for the shoes and the game itself. We played 2 games and Oh boy, I played like a total pro, that all eyes were on me. The first throw went in the “longkang”, and so does the second throw. Now how’s that for a pro eh? My friend did just as bad, and both of us were laughing at our “Pro-ness” of bowling. We ended the first game with a combine score of 86. YEA!!! (Don’t laugh k? we got no professional training). The second game went on track after about half and hour of rest and chat, and soon we began to get the hang of not just throwing the ball to hit pins, but to throw with accuracy to the middle of the lane. All was well, and of course, I didn’t deny that some throws just missed the middle, and prefer to steer on it’s own either to the extreme left or the extreme right. (Not to boast anything, but I got 2 strikes in 20 throws, wahahahahahahhaa). My friend got better also, for the total score for our last game was 167. WooooHoooo…..Kudos to the two amateur bowlers who declared themselves as “Pro” …….. Ok,ok. I exaggerated for this part, but that’s the fun of it la, I know of some guys who can throw 10 times better then me, and not to mentioned, every sports we play, whether its just throwing ball, or kicking ball, of poking ball, all that’s needed is practice, and for me who haven’t been to the alley for like 2 years, that’s consider good, in my point of view, hehehe….:P ( guys, don’t get excited of the word “ball” ok? ) :P

Ahhhh…..the game was nice, and painful, for out of my act of “Macho-ness”, I hurt my thumb and it’s kinda bad, all red and swollen….Ouch......but then, it’s just for the fun of it, and I don’t mind breaking my arm, if I can get all strikes in all 20 throws….hahhahahhahahhaha…..: D Soon after the game, we returned back the shoes and headed off for lunch. I suggested to have McDonald’s, for it’s my favorite choice of meal when ever I go to Sunway, and the replied I got was “Let’s try the mee-hoon soup at this place, kinda nice and yummy”. So the tribe had spoken, and I had fried rice and my friend had mee-hoon soup. Geeees, my comment of the food there will be ermmm, “nothing beats Mum’s cooking”. Well, to be honest, this is my first time eating at Pyramid bowl café, and the food there is actually not bad, just have to re-program your taste buds to get used to it. We sat there for almost an hour plus, and some one suggested Ice Skating.

OH MAN!!! Ice skating? Where you got t put on those shoes and the only part of you touching the ground is a blade? OH NO…I cried and I cried because I don’t want to go ( you believe me? ) . And my friend was like “guai la, guai la, later I buy sweet for you, you want??” Oh man, the dreaded game I could ever think of, Ice skating. I mean, I could play sports, like swimming, running, badminton,, but definitely not Ice skating?!?!?! I clinged on to the side railing, like a kid holding on to his mother because he’s going to get a jab on his “bum-bum”, and I kept on crying ( :D ) We reached downstairs, where the ticket counter is, and I hanged on to the pillar, like how Spiderman do his stunt. “ NO, I don’t want, any thing you want me to do, I’ll do, but not this…” I pleaded. Then finally I heard some one spoke to me” ok, I’ll buy 2 tickets, and it’s up to you whether you want to get on the ring or not ”…… The council had spoken once again, and like it or not, I dragged my (now weighing 100 pounds) feet to the pre-entrance of the skating ring, where u rent your shoes, and keeps your belongings. I put on the boots, and my gosh, the shoe is as heavy as a donkey, and as tight as how a 12 year old kid wearing a 5 year old kid’s shirt would feel. Oh, that’s bad, that’s really bad, I was thinking to myself. I had never skated before in my whole life, and even if I did, I would have dropped over a million times. But now, Oh……

My friend guided me to the entrance, and left me holding to the glass panel. I screamed and shouted” I want to go back,*started to cry* I want mummy *cried even louder*…” (Hahahhahahah, I didn’t). And well, since I am on the ice, I decided to take my first step. My legs were shaking vigorously as I made my step, and it didn’t went well. I went down on my backside, and it hurts big time. Soon I found courage to stand up again and tried to walk a couple more steps ahead, just as what I heard my friend told me. But soon after my third step ahead, I got down on my “boom-boom” again.. OuCh…..but after falling down a couple more times, plus some swelling of my feet, I managed to walk. Yes, you heard me right, I began to walk now, like a robot. Robocop could have walked better then me.

This made me realized how a baby starts walking when he reaches 1 year old. I mean, I could relate myself as taking my first step like a child, I can fall and fall, but if I don’t get up again, I will never learned, just like a child when he falls, and gets up again. The psychological mind of me being a baby came to me, as I started taking step by step around the ring. I could see many young ones ( and I mean really young ones, 4 years old may be?) zooming past me like a bullet train. I was envy, and jealous, and I tried to be ambitious, I started to glide, but then, how could a baby run, when he cannot even walk? So I gave up on gliding, as I experienced more falls, and more blue-blacks. Soon after, I got out of the ring before I get knocked down by speeding “cars” in the ring. My friend encouraged me, and I started to feel the joy and fun of skating. I mean, I am not afraid of falling anymore, and now I can walked on ice, like every other skater does.

So after the break, I resumed training, and soon after I could take 10 steps ahead without holding on to anything. I am proud of myself, as it gave me the courage to go further. I tried gliding, but to no avail, for I had not grasp the basic yet. So I continue walking and walking, instead of gliding. I could see many people like me, holding on to the side, and I am glad they fall too, for I know that I am not the only one. There are a couple of kids practicing their routines on ice, under the watchful eyes of their coaches. I marveled at their ability to skate, and I do wonder to myself. “If they can, why can’t I?” Based on this self motivational thought, I began making bigger and longer steps ahead, and I noticed that I could do it, without falling over. I tell you that I felt like jumping and doing somersaults, but I realized that I was just dreaming, and I continue walking…:D

Ohhhh goodie goodie, , I began to like ice skating, this was one of the things I feared in the past, and now, I sort of overcome it. I had my fair share of falling down, like every one did. I had my first experience on ice, and it was an experience I would never forget. I looked at those professional skaters as I decided to call it a day in skating, and I noticed they can just jump and walk and spin and glide like what we did on ground, and the experience I gained through ice skating made me wiser and I found out that the proverb “when there’s a will, there’s a way” holds true for me. I really want to encouraged those who haven’t tried skating on ice, to go and give it a shot. It’s really cool, and you’ll gained invaluable lessons from it. I tried, and I made it.

“That was fun, I like it” that was the first thing I mentioned to my friend when we were leaving the place. I felt like I don’t want to leave the ring, for I got “high” on skating already. But then my legs and my bum-bum were complaining that they had too much pain, and I had to give in. I had never had this satisfaction before in my life for a long time, and I am really glad I found it today. I Like Skating!!!

We walked around the shops after that, and it’s kind of nostalgic when I got down to Memory Lane, the place I worked for 5 months before coming to MMU. The shop changed, with renovations done and a couple more shelves added, and one of the staff there remembered me, and we chatted for quite a while… me and my friend got over to the bookshop after buying birthday cards, and hunger sets in. after those calories burned during ice skating, it’s about time we get some food. And we headed to McD, and sat there for 2.5 hours. It was fun chatting and eating, and the place was packed with people. I wondered why…may be it’s because of the weekend, or people like me who feels bored at home, just wanting to come out and have fun. We shared and we catch up on the good old days of our school lives.

Time sure don’t wait for no man, and soon darkness sets in, and we parted our own ways, *sob sob* ( so dramatic ) . But one thing I would never forget is the time I bowl, and the time I skate, man, it’s my first time, and I am happy of my performance. I dedicate this entry specially to my friend who accompanied me today, and to all of you who read till here, Thank You.

There’ll be more to come….Stay Tuned..:) Gnite…>:D<

* The part I wrote about me crying, that’s a big fat lie *
* The incident that happened, the drama, is real *
* Thank You friend *

U.S life is not for me.....:)

Today had been an uneventful day for me, as the holidays have reached it’s 5th day. Been wanting to do some reading in the library, but then woke up just before lunch hour, and thus don’t have the mood to go already. Played Warcraft 3 practically the whole day after I woke up, and got scolded by mum, hehehe….so much for a computer gamer. Anyway, I read some story books in the evening, and those books had been with me since primary, plus some novels for teenagers, boy, that took me almost 4 hours to finished.

My uncle came over for dinner, and we had a talk after that. He is working now, and based in the United States. So he shared his experience in Los Angeles ( where he was posted ) and I learned a great deal about the States. From taxes to law, culture to lifestyle, we talked about everything. I heard about a man, because his name was Prakash Kahn, was denied entry int the country. Apparently he was a terrorist very much wanted in the States, and co-incidentally this man had the same name as his. What an innocent man he is, US is now very strict on the entry requirement. They have all kinds of funny equip[ment to check for bombs, guns, and even drugs. I heard about this man, being told by the airport security to take off his shoes and socks, and also his outer coat, and also to empty out his pocket. Travelluing to the US is never to be easy again, after what happened in September 11th .

I also got to know that the State taxes are as high as 45%!! Can you believe it?? 45% + what ever the item cost….wow, living in the us going to kill us all. The standards of living are way higher then here in Malaysia, and they have fenceless house, and not to mentioned, gateless community. According to my uncle, the crime rate in LA is lower, compare to other parts in the States. With regards to law and human rights, we cannot use the word “S**P*d” in public. We can be sued in court for saying that. And also, at one time, my uncle was carrying a container and so happened it hit one of the pedestrian on the road. The person was injured on her face, and shoulders, and guess what? They have to settle this matter in court, WOW, not even a sorry is accepted, and boy, rules and enforcement are really tight in LA, and also their place and environm,ent are much cleaner then ours, no litterbugs can be seen anywhere, for when they are caught, they will be fined and told t clean up the streets. Now that is crazy to be practice here in Malaysia, else everyone will complain. I guess that’s the mindset of us Malaysian eh……

The chat lasted around 3 and a half hours, and I had a great deal of knowledge about the United States. We also talked about Singapore, and my dad was suggesting that I should work there next time. Hmmm, how’s that for the future planning? I stikll got 1.5 years before graduation, and certainly I am not worried bout where and what I will be woring as. Anyway, I had great fun with this uncle of mine, who had inspired and encouraged me to study hard and to keep up the expectation of my family. He had been a university graduate himself, and is now working as a high ranking executive in one of the company. I aspired to be like him, who is so successful in life. He left about 4 hours later, and its gaming time for me again, *grins*…..the holidays had certainly made me more addicted to games, but anyhow, it doesn’t matter, for I know, I will study hard to make my parents happy…..:D

Well, that’s one long story of my day, which happened on Wednesday. I hope tomorrow (Thursday) will be a better day. Good Night world…..

* Smile, and the whole world smiles with you *