Physical Renderings of Psychological Wanderings

Hope of the world

2012-01-08T18:41:00.000+08:00

The local church is hopeless.

There is hope for the local church.

The local church is the hope of the world.

Was watching a sermon video by Pastor Bill Hybels, who said those statements and how God changed his view of the church over the years.

I grew up going to Sunday School with my brother. My mum would usually make a priority for us to go to church every Sunday. My dad was a non-Christian then. I still remember I would look forward to drop by the bakery next door to buy their yummy pastries, especially the sardine rolls. Wrong motivation, huh? I know ;).

My point is, some time after out-growing Sunday School, I followed my parents to the worship services. There was a point when there were some disagreements among the congregation about food; which they somehow couldn't reach upon an agreement or even to agree to disagree.

That, affected my view of the church as a young teen. I guess I was wondering why the adults who would preach and teach us kids on loving our neighbours was doing the exact opposite. Well, I wasn't totally adverse about churches after that, but the incident is evidently stuck in my mind.

Bringing us to the present...
There is a lot happening at All Saints' Cathedral. And I'm not talking about events and conferences here. I won't elaborate, but let's just say it's like deja vu. It absolutely breaks my heart to have family squabbles that goes public and global.

Thankfully, I'm more grounded in God's Word and His promises this time. I understand that we (across all demographics in the church) are still in the process of being made perfect, which pretty much explains our inevitable nature of making decisions that are followed by unpleasant consequences; making others wonder why we were so callous as so-called Christ followers. (Let me simplify that paragraph to Manglish - "Eh, why you so like that?")

Will All Saints' Cathedral survive the next 100 years? Well, if we take what Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 seriously:

"I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Definitely.

So, I'll tell you what I'm going to do for this year. In spite of our weaknesses, short-comings, disappointments, failures and a lot of why you so like that? moments. Instead of focusing on fixing all the wrong beings in this family, I'm going to focus on Christ and serve Him wholeheartedly, as He has placed me here in this season and believe that the local church is the hope of the world. I'll let God do the pruning, mending and molding.

"Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." ~Psalm 100:3

Darkest hour

2012-01-03T14:09:00.000+08:00

2011 ended, and 2012 arrived without much of a bang.

Mostly because we walked to the far end of the jetty, to discover that the fireworks were set off at the opposite direction.

* * *

There are some movies which would have done better as short films, rather than being expanded as a feature film.

The Darkest Hour is one of those. The trailer preview had us wanting more. The movie itself - quoting a friend of mine - "lets you experience the darkest hour in your entire movie-watching life." I had a premonition of that when the dialogue began in the starting scenes. All the characters in the entire movie seem to have a lot of difficulty having conversations with each other. I actually wonder now if they had scripts to rehearse with.

I had to wash off the bad aftertaste of the movie by re-watching episodes of Avatar: Last Airbender. In fact, one of the character's dialogue would have suited well in the aforementioned movie..."In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength."
But if those aliens had invaded Malaysia and started causing blackouts here... well, let's just say the blackout scene in the Russian disco automatically made me think of Nasi Lemak 2.0's transition/blackout scene. No electricity again ah?! Why always blackout one???

* * *

Prior to the movie, I was at the bookstore reading a book that caught my attention.

It Happened On The Way To War.
by Rye Barcott.

A biography/memoir of a former Marine who co-founded an NGO in Africa called Carolina for Kibera. I only managed to read a couple of chapters, but am definitely interested to go back and buy the book. A couple of phrases that were impressed on me -
"Talent is universal, opportunity is not."
"Most setbacks were temporary if you approached them with the right attitude."

Something to think about for this new year.

Advance.part II

2011-12-04T22:28:00.001+08:00

::Still in November::
A day after the conference, flew off to Sandakan for the Diocesan Young Adult Camp (yeah, November 2011 is a traveling month, barely spent a week inside the office...creating a lot of backlog >_<)...but it was kinda special and a blessing for me, as that's the first time on my birthday to fly somewhere and stay at a hotel (the date coincided with 2 other weddings of friends & colleagues as well).
Highlights of the camp:
- Food hunt. It was more like Amazing Race + Jalan jalan cari makan. Grouped into teams of ten, we drove ourselves around town stopping at popular eating outlets and ordering specific dishes which we then needed to take a group photo with. The restaurant and stall owners were bewildered at first when they had a few tables each with 10 people seated around but only ordering one dish with no drinks. Until they realized we were playing a game and they then sportingly accommodated us.
- Yumcha. This is probably the only camp that I've attended where participants go out for yumcha almost every night after the evening sessions. Particularly, on the last night where we occupied 3/4 of a new rooftop hangout.
- Iced grand mochachino. My Starbucks kaki brought me to a place equivalent to Starbucks at half the price...n_n

View from our room on the 6th floor of Sandakan Hotel.

View from inside our room.

The historical St Michael's Church.

Just before the Sunday service started.

Local delicacy. Some call it 'UFO'. Others call it 'Cow dung tart'.
Don't worry, it doesn't taste like the latter.

New friends from Lahad Datu.

A day after the camp, was the English Zone retreat at Kokol. It's supposed to be a time of refreshing and planning for next year...but I was honestly still exhausted from Sandakan and couldn't completely immerse myself in every activity up in the mountain...

And time flew past and it's now December with a few days till Christmas and the New Year... =P

Advance.part I

2011-12-04T20:52:00.001+08:00

Ok this post is way overdue.

But...just a recap of October, November and maybe a bit of December...

::October::
Finally celebrated the 100th Anniversary of All Saints' Cathedral as a church. Both Celebration Dinner and Service went well, after months of preparation. There were hiccups (especially in the book printing) but still am thankful for God's goodness and the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.

::November::
Finally took some time off to go back to KL and Ipoh for rest & relaxation, and also to join the celebration of 2 weddings of dear friends - Shu Jun + Daniel, Yeng Pooi + Ngai Bun.
Other highlights of the trip back:
- riding the LRT from KL Sentral to Kelana Jaya, enjoying the city nightscape and listening to the ever familiar announcement "Stesen seterusnya..."
- having fellowship with Ken Damansara sharegroup members, and witnessing one of our brothers getting confirmed at the Confirmation Service (although I had to leave half-way through the service because I already had dinner plans with my cousin before I knew about the service)
- eating a Subway sandwich outdoors under the trees, listening to the birds and the fountains at the Curve, before walking to Cineleisure for a movie
- watching Tangled at home with my mum, also some videos that my dad recorded of their trip to HK Disneyland
- experienced for the first time a traditional Chinese wedding, where the groom and his groom's men (heng dai) are 'barricaded' outside the house of the bride by us bride's maids (ji mui), with Fear Factor-like games such as brushing their teeth with wasabi or drinking a can of condensed milk...you get the idea...once the groom gets the bride, it was followed by the tea ceremony...another interesting aspect was the dai kam jie, who was conducting the whole event and was particular about the time (observing the feng shui perhaps) and cut the games short (much to the relief of the guys)...
- having family dinner together along with my bro's girlfriend...=)

Was involved in the Diocesan Children Worship Conference as projectionist again...always a blessing to praise & worship along with the children...

::to be continued.part II::

By faith

2011-10-08T22:22:00.000+08:00

Been feeling emo lately...partially terribly homesick...

Had a bit of free time today at the office, so spent it clearing away piles of papers before and during the production of the Centenary book, also some admin work and ministry related documents. Kesian the trees. There heaps of printed & photocopied texts, data, photos, scribbles, etc...and then some sketches and designs from last year...then came the gentle question in my mind: "Have I not been faithful to you?"

...pause...reluctantly agreed to God's faithfulness...and continued being emo...

Finished clearing my desk, sat back and decided to send an sms to a dear sister, whom I haven't contacted in months. Minutes later, to my surprise, she called back. It was good to hear from her, to know that she was doing well and still serving the Lord despite her own personal circumstances.

After the conversation, I headed off to choir practice to check on the powerpoint slides. Halfway through, one of the church members came over to me, requesting to add a slide for the offering challenge. We sat silent awhile. But soon we were chatting and getting to know more about each other. And I heard her stories of God's healing and how one of the hymns that was sung at the moment we were chatting, had given her peace and hope when she was struggling on a difficult decision many years ago. Then she shared some words that had impacted her before, which echoed my thoughts a few months back: ...Jesus had done everything for us on the cross and given us freedom and victory...we need to believe it, claim it and live it out...

At the moment that she was telling me how God has been good to her while she's been in All Saints' the last 13 years and there's in fact many more stories to hear from among the congregation, when an uncle walked past waving at us...and I remembered some of the stories he had shared when he dropped by the office one evening, and he told of his time in All Saints' since he was a young boy, and there were many families in the congregation who are closely linked (that I have much more to know of) and love the church (despite the politics...we're all in the process of being made perfect bah)...and also the encouragement he gave - to take my troubles and trials as lessons to learn in life...

On the way out to jalan-jalan cari makan (looking for grub), bumped into a cellgroup member and we went for dinner...originally wanting pasta but quickly changed my mind when I saw nasi lemak on the menu...had been craving for that since watching the movie of the same title, version 2.0...yes, the sambal was good...

"Have I not been faithful to you?"

...pause...yes, Lord...=)

"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." ~Lamentations 3:22-23

little army

2011-10-07T21:59:00.001+08:00

Centenary...

It happens once a hundred years.
It had to happen on this one year.

Publishing a book is not easy. Working on it [seemingly] alone is an even more difficult task.

This whole chapter of the past few weeks and months reminds me of being back in college or the previous animation studio I worked at, where the midnight oil was burned by the gallons and I get to feel the night air gradually turn cold and even the cat gets spooked when I open the office door to go home at 3am.

But I'm also reminded of a chapter taught in Children Cell of Gideon and his little army. From my own perspective, I was frustrated to the max that there wasn't a big team working together to produce this publication. Perhaps, if I looked through God's perspective, I'll understand that there was a purpose why the original team dwindled down to only a few of us working behind the scenes. Just like Gideon, maybe it was so that we could not boast on having the best people with the best skills to accomplish such a great task.

“You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength... Judges 7:2

It's kinda hard to accept in the midst of rushing a deadline and stress tahap maksimum. Even after today, when all 3 books (same content, 3 languages) have finally been sent out to the printer, this lesson will be a reminder to me that it was God who enabled us* to not give up and achieve the goal.

“With these 300* men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites... Judges 7:7

*credits to others who helped with translations, proofreading & editing, sourcing & taking photos, giving advice and encouragement, praying, dapao-ing food...

Commander Clark!

2011-09-06T18:52:00.000+08:00

Finally, after about two years we finished production of this animated series, it's on Youtube!!! Yay!

Well, 3 episodes of it so far...

If I remember correctly, I helped to animate some of Bob - the slug/accountant - scenes in this episode.

Time travel

2011-06-20T21:44:00.000+08:00

If I had a time machine now, I'd travel back to 2006 and give my younger self a big warm hug...

...coz she (I) really need it...

...but she (I) would probably reject it...

As I'm preparing for a short mission trip next month to Rangsit, Bangkok, we (the team) were briefed that we needed to prepare our personal testimonies. I recalled some major turning points in life for me during my college years in TOA, and I wondered if I could find any specific details or dates of those times. Well, apparently there wasn't much record of those exact moments...but as I read through some of my posts, I was surprised at how much hurt and pain I was carrying back then (self denial huh?)... My heart ached with compassion for my younger self...

And that made me realize how much I've changed since the past few years...how much healing had taken place on my bruised and wounded heart...how I've been slowly molded from grumpy to gentle (never in those days would I have imagined other people to describe me as gentle...neither would I have used that adjective to describe myself)...

Without Your gentle touch, Jesus, I'd still be a very grumpy person today. <3

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
~Ezekiel 36:26

i-Raja

2011-06-04T21:44:00.000+08:00

Ok, before I start posting pics of what happened after the conference...just wanna say, I enjoyed the trip to Tawau thoroughly (last time I was there was in 2005), had great food (finally got to try mango sago pudding and pisang goreng cheese) and great fellowship (was great to meet up with friends from FCC again and hangout with those from KK), had a fabulous stay with our fabulous host Dora and her family.

...on with the pics from Mataking! (which I didn't take much because I forgot to bring my camera charger...lol...so I'll leech some from fb)

that's the restaurant...you can even feed the fishes from the verandah...

fishies!!! you can see this many of them while standing on the jetty...

barney the dinosaur's cousin...we also saw smaller versions of him when we walked around the island...

long shot of small Mataking...we walked all the way there...equivalent distance = ASC to Suria to watch a movie...

here's the cast of the movie posing at a scenic spot at small mataking...=P

all the ladies, dressed up and ready to dine...why am i the only one looking at the other camera??

the ASC english staff team...before heading back to reality...

TaWOW

2011-06-04T20:42:00.000+08:00

Have you ever seen those evangelists or pastors laying their hands on people who faint at the touch, or people going on stage and getting healed after being prayed for?

I admit I was quite skeptical about it.

Seeing is believing? I doubt it.

The first two nights Bill Subritzky was over here in KK for the revival meetings, he called out people who had certain ailments, particularly back pains. They came forward, were prayed for and were healed. I watched from the side the first night, and from the balcony the second night...was on duty as projectionist. Impressed. But couldn't wrap my mind around it yet.

Then flew to Tawau for the Faith Revival Conference. Part of me was - "oh no, he's going to repeat the same routine from the last 2 nights...", another part of me was eager and expectant.

He did repeat the same thing. Even the same songs.

And this went on for the many sessions and the rallies at night. People were called out. Prayed for. Most fainted on stage. Many were healed. Even demons were cast out and silenced.

Even those sitting or standing where they were experienced healing.

Did I feel anything? Hmm...not even goosebumps.

But you know what...despite my lack of physical reaction, my mind could embrace it all. Just as Bill Subritzky emphasized that it was the Holy Spirit working through him and all the healing and deliverance was not by his own strength or manipulation, I began to acknowledge the full works of the Holy Spirit. It wasn't just impressive anymore. It wasn't possible either. It was a certainty. A certainty that we, too, can heal and drive out demons in the name of Jesus Christ.

Me attempting to do an 'animated' pose at St Patrick's House of Prayer on the final day of the conference.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. " ~Hebrews 11:1

may i, june?

2011-05-15T22:29:00.000+08:00

*flips through calendar*

hmm...church maintenance meeting, staff meeting, centenary celebration meeting, prayer meeting, mission trip meeting, alpha weekend away, cell leaders' equipping, drop by immigration office, revival meeting, revival conference...

...and that's only my schedule for this next two weeks till the end of May...somehow got a feeling i'm missing out a few more but can't recall right now...lol

...and then it's June...

Yes, listing it all down like that makes it really overwhelming. But I think I'm gonna take it day by day...or meeting by meeting...hahaha...and with lots of prayer and praise...definitely need to do those two, otherwise I'll be having a meltdown soon...

Mother's day was just over the week before...makes me really respect my mum and every mother out there who have to juggle work, housework, cooking, family time, etc...they're not perfect but mums are awesome! i <3 my mum.

Flowers

2011-04-23T21:48:00.002+08:00

Something smelled different at the cathedral today.

It took me a while to realize...oh, it's the flowers.

[pause]

oh! the flowers are back!

Taken from the Stall of Projectionist =P...while the choir was having their regular Saturday practice.

FYI, for the past 40 days of Lent, there had been no flowers which usually decorates the front of the cathedral weekly, especially before the Sunday services.

Seeing these white petals and smelling their sweet fragrance, made me think of flowers blossoming at the start of spring and also a bible verse...

"The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus*, it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy."
~Isaiah 35:1-2

And I was glad and rejoicing, because tomorrow's Easter. When Jesus, crucified and died; overcame and defeated my death, my sin and my shame, He took it all upon the cross and He rose again above it all.

Oh happy day~ happy day~

*a type of desert flower

when Love & Hate collide

2011-04-05T13:12:00.000+08:00

I confessed something recently to a colleague...

it was out of the blue, totally impulsive and emotional...

"I hate design."
(lol...hope you weren't thinking of something else)

It was one of those moments when I'm having a massive creative block; working on a project with a tight deadline and yet needing to juggle other tasks at the same time at the office.

But seriously thinking about it...I think I have more of a love and hate relationship with art. Which causes some conflict within me sometimes.

I love art...I still frequently browse through artists blogs, save their artworks and have their sites in my bookmarks...I still doodle and draw when bored or as an outlet of bottle-necked thoughts...I recently found a cool paint app that would be the only convincing reason to get an iPhone...

I hate art...it's really not so much of hating art itself but what comes with it...the deadlines and amount of design works that others expect me to do in a short amount of time while not understanding the other major tasks that I need to handle and even though I work fast but creativity and inspiration doesn't always appear at the snap of a finger...sometimes almost wishing I didn't have these talents...

almost...

Except that I'm gently reminded, that the work I do, every design that I've done over the past year, could be seeds sown into people's lives, waiting and being nurtured, slowly but surely to inspire others of God's love for them...

Dear Lord,
Lord, let the works of my hands inspire others to You, just as I am inspired by Your creative works.
Amen.

Apps for Life

2011-03-03T00:09:00.000+08:00

Everybody seems to be getting on the bandwagon of owning a smartphone...although some of these smartphones don't seem so smart at times...blame it on the apps, eh?

Been thinking myself to upgrade my almost 5-year old phone, but just can't make up my mind which to get. Of course the hype nowadays is on the latest, thinnest, biggest screen, highest pixel resolution camera, best deal promo, etc, etc.

I naturally googled for reviews to compare the various phones, from the i's to the droids. Most reviews I read were based on the hardware performance, the looks, the OS and whether it was any better than its predecessor. So I decided to take another approach...let's look at the free apps instead.

There's tons of it, especially on games and entertainment, the usual social networking apps, all-in-one-calendar-to do list-memo-stick it note, weather forecast tool, some other cool apps that can turn your phone into a flashlight or scanner or mouse or mirror...

Some useful...some not so useful (as some reviewers were complaining "i installed it but it sucks and now i can't uninstall it!?!"). Was wondering myself, can they ever develop a really useful app, maybe one you can use when you're feeling really down and all you need is a click...i mean, a tap of the screen, and you're immediately filled with joy and it also downloads solutions to your problems! ...or maybe an app that can give you a direction and purpose to your life when you're at a crossroads (complete with map, zoom-in or out for a better view and even rotate in 3D!) ...or an app that helps you find a future partner (compatible, competent and comparably better looking than any glamorous TV personality)...

Ok, none of that is ever going to be a down-loadable app...it's just pure fiction (of my momentarily hyper imagination)...even if there was, there's the moral application (no, it's also not an app...and i wouldn't download it because it reminds me of my high school syllabus =p) that we'll never learn and grow in our character, if we just skip the rough times in our life...

But, I take heart in one thing, there's one cool app that I have, given by my Father in Heaven...that's the Bible. It's not just words or a super long Wikipedia article...it's a flashlight in my darkest time, a weapon (oh yeah, this is way better than any weapons of mass destruction out there) that has divine power to demolish strongholds in the spiritual realm, a guidebook on friendships and relationships, even a mirror!...that's just the tip of the iceberg...for optimal performance, I need to maintain a good connection with God...always...

p/s. yes, there are already bible apps around...but, i was referring to the origins of the bible..."In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." ~John 1:1 ...profound but true...

Balance and Boundaries

2011-02-19T21:46:00.000+08:00

Something I'm learning a lot here as part of the admin support staff and serving at ASC...

Something I had not learnt much and taken advantage of at my previous working place or at college...

Something I'd struggled and was in denial of since childhood...

Knowing how to balance between being independent, self-reliant, taking initiative and making my own decisions while knowing when to find counsel from my superiors, submitting to others' decision and authority, humbly acknowledging when I made a mistake...

There's that fine, invisible boundary line that I'd over-stepped countless times...unintentionally and also intentionally...but now, thankfully, I'm learning from those mistakes...

It's a steep learning curve though...

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ~Hebrews 12:11

Hop-py CNY!

2011-02-08T15:41:00.000+08:00

Rewind >>

Yesterday: Trying to meet up different groups of friends in two different areas within less than 7 hours, while shopping and getting a haircut can be hazardous to my time management. But am thankful for the time spent them even though for a short while, and thankful to make two new friends in the process - Jackson (Jesc's Rockband Tues friend) & Gillian (turns out to be my 'sis-in-law' xD).

Day before yesterday: Balik from kampung to Damansara. Had a good time during dinner catching up with Ruthie, Diane and Edward.

The week before balik from kampung: Spent the whole week in Ipoh with family. Purposely went back early before CNY so I could spend some time with mum in the kitchen, learning and helping to make pineapple tarts and apple cakes.

Missed my dear cousin, Lace, who couldn't make it back this year for the family dinners and gatherings due to work. Only managed to meet up with a few old school friends this time round. Marriage brings most of them back to their husband's hometown.

*A few minutes ago* My 80GB external HD just crashed on me and I lost all of my files...especially my photos, which I haven't transferred to my new laptop, which I've mostly deleted from my old laptop....argh, the irony of technology...

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~2 Corinthians 4:18

Joyful New Year!

2010-12-31T00:03:00.000+08:00

Just when I've been having moments of doubt and uncertainty for next year's plan in 2011 (personally I don't seem to have any idea what to set for next year's goals/resolutions/etc...which makes me feel like there's nothing much to anticipate and look forward to...), You remind me through tonight's yumcha session with fellow FCC-ian's, Koinonians, 2005 mission trippers, that You know the plans that You have for me and my work for You is not in vain.

It's been a blessed year and a blessed Christmas (!!!): spending weeks in preparation (myself like Santa's elf working on different designs for Christmas invitation cards for different language zones and ministries), going out for Christmas caroling (perhaps next year we'll have another breakthrough after this year's caroling & sharing the Christmas story in a pub/club), Christmas dinners (so blessed by the warmth, welcome, generosity and hospitality by different ASC-ians), Christmas services (the Canticles, choir and Nativity performance were a joy to listen and watch).

And twas' the night before Christmas eve, when my PC half-comatosed because I was trying to animate a twinkling star for the Canticles in Imageready... adui...

2011...it's only about 24 hours away...it's hard for me to grasp what the future holds...I can only grab on to my God who knows everything... For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. ~Romans 11:36

Choir and concerto

2010-12-07T01:38:00.000+08:00

The closest I can get to a Broadway musical here in KK, was last Sunday night at UMS (University Malaysia Sabah) for 'Music Across Borders by a World Class Choir'.

Featuring the Carmina Slovenica choir, from Slovenia. Before I could come back home to google more about it (maybe I should have googled them before going), a few adjectives - haunting, european, mystical,.....hairography - popped into my mind while watching and trying to interpret the message/story from their movements, clapping, hooting, wailing and singing. It wasn't what I expected from the usual standing-in-one-spot-singing type of choir, although I did enjoy it all. Reading through the wikipedia entry helped to make sense why it didn't make sense, because their whole performance that night was actually a combination of some of their recent performances. From what I can recall and identify: Musica Inaudita, Vampirabile, Scivias (this one reminded me of the Kecak performance in Bali, minus the fire), Drum Cafe, Adiemus, Na Juris in the Mood (swing and blues, which the audience seemed to prefer more).

After the break, it was time to 'Support local product!'. The Malaysia Operafest Children's Choir was pretty impressive. Conducted by Mdm Kam Sun-Yoke (can sing soprano kau kau!) and accompanied by the pianist, Ng Teck Yeong (I wouldn't be surprised if he could play with his eyes closed, he's so very the geng!). They did a Broadway number from West Side Story, The Yellow River Concerto, etc. There was a part where the children went backstage to change costumes and came out looking ready to fight in a kungfu movie, which they did (acting lah)...before lining up to sing a famous Chinese song. I don't know the title, but I remember Kevin from TOA sang it like this "Long one~~~~ Short one~~~ Long one Short one~ Which one do you want?~~". It's okay if you're clueless at the moment...haha.

The finale was when both choirs combined to sing a Kadazan song (no, I don't know which one).

The second finale was when it was time to go home and clean-up; a few of the backstage crew syok sendiri on stage while Eagles - 'Love will keep us alive' was playing over the PA system.

Thank God for the night to just be part of the audience without worrying about the whole running of the show, although I'd automatically perk up at the times when there's a hiccup somewhere...lol. But it was a good night. So, good night~

Free from guilt

2010-12-02T21:46:00.000+08:00

Dear Jesus,

I thank You for the time at DT on Wednesday morning with the ladies, and how through their sharing helped remind me of your words when I faced accusation and condemnation unexpectedly later in the day. Although I struggled internally with my emotions after what a dear friend said to me, I could only cry out and hang on to You, my anchor in the storm. Your words gave me comfort and strength as I remembered and recognized that it wasn't a struggle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:12). This was Your battle, Lord, and I knew You were fighting for me and are totally in control.

I thank You as You lead me to read Your word, that freed me from my feelings of guilt. For the guilt I felt wasn't from the conviction of the Holy Spirit - leading to repentance, but from the condemnation of the Evil one - seeking to tear me apart from You. I am no longer bound by sin...but I am washed, I am sanctified, I am justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Cor 6:11). I thank You for the freedom You have given me and the restoration by the Holy Spirit.

So if the Son sets me free, I will be free indeed (John 8:36).

Amen.

I love the King

2010-11-28T16:13:00.001+08:00

I love the King, and the King loves me~

My heart melted listening to the 700+ children sing those words and worship God, our King and Creator. And I know surely God's heart melted to those sweet adoring voices also.

It's been an amazing and blessed week, praising and worshiping together with the children, children ministry leaders and youth helpers from all over the Diocese of Sabah. I was serving once again as projectionist for the whole 4-days conference.

From the viewpoint of a projectionist...
...I saw children respond to God as the Holy Spirit touched and ministered to each one in a special way
...even though there were children whom were naughty and mischievous during the workshops and worship sessions, I knew God loved them and would continue to do His great works in their life as they grow older
...children with a pure heart of worship can even lead adults into prayer and intercession
...when asked a question, most of the time children just love to raise their hands!

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." ~Joel 2:28

Indeed, during the workshops on 'I can Pray & Intercede', we heard from young boys and girls visions and prophecies that God gave them while they were praying for the churches, the Diocese, leaders, children ministry, etc. Thank God for He is raising up the next generation of intercessors and prayer warriors!

On a more personal note, my birthday this year was also on the last day of the conference with some memorable moments...
...getting unexpected wishes from some of the children, leaders and worship team members
...Roy leading the worship team to sing a birthday song in the midst of practicing the closing session and then a prayer by Ps Stella
...solo/duet rap at the end of the closing rally with Nelson (we were serving together as the PA and projectionist)

a screenshot of the projected rap "We're people working behind the scenes~ Serving God in a different capacity~ Do not worry if you are young and small~ The Lord sees and He will reward~ Nananananana~ ♪♫"

p/s. 29 years lived...One more year to 30! xD Praise the Lord! You made me who I'm meant to be~! Whoah whoah~ My God watches over me~! For this simple reason, I am happy to be me~!

the Sun

2010-11-16T17:55:00.000+08:00

Was reading about the Sun on wikipedia, after reading about the news of the birth of a black hole in the newspaper. Also because, the lifespan* of the Sun was briefly mentioned during one of the staff devotion a couple of weeks back but I only managed to check it out today.

According to an excerpt from the article...

[The Sun,] Once regarded by astronomers as a small and relatively insignificant star, the Sun is now thought to be brighter than about 85% of the stars in the Milky Way galaxy, most of which are red dwarfs.

A red dwarf star is a small and relatively cool star. Planets in the habitable zone of a red dwarf would be so close to the parent star that they would likely be tidally locked. This would mean that one side would be in perpetual daylight and the other in eternal night.

o.O

I wouldn't want to imagine living on Earth where one side is always in darkness and the other with no night at all... So yeah, I'm really thankful that God created the Sun and placed it at just the right distance from Earth so we could all enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets and enjoy the warmth as well... He's just so awesome!

God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.
~Genesis 1:16-18

*the Sun still has many billions of years to go before it expands to a red giant and then shrinking to a white dwarf...

Image taken from Wikipedia.

Perfect Sunday

2010-11-06T21:42:00.003+08:00

Feels like I've just had a long Saturday...

From waking up early to do projection for staff prayer meeting at 7am, having tuaran mee for breakfast with some of the staff, before heading to the office to prepare the Sunday service powerpoints and bulletins - double checking, proof reading, triple checking, printing (one machine not working, all 3 language zones sharing 1 machine printing more than 2000 copies), folding, inserting Mission envelopes, oops..realized there's a minor but noticeable mistake but too late to make changes; break for meeting, then off to choir practice to double check hymns powerpoint, back to folding the leftover 300 copies...

All the multitudes of checking, to ensure that the next day Sunday services are perfect.

If only.

I realized while folding the bulletins, no matter how much I'd pray that no mistakes would happen in the making of the bulletins or powerpoints or during service time, somehow there's usually one inevitable hiccup somewhere.

I had only one prayer in mind then...to have a perfect Sabbath day where I can rest in the Lord no matter the imperfections throughout the day, and the Lord's power and glory is made perfect through my flaws and weaknesses.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
~2 Corinthians 12:9

Have a blessed perfect Sunday~!!

Up and Down

2010-11-02T14:54:00.000+08:00

It's November!!!

and a week has passed...

...since I was transferred from my previous posting...from a Diocesan staff (2nd floor) to an All Saints' staff (1st floor). Although it was very unexpected for me (I've barely been there a year and was only beginning to settle into my role at the Diocesan office), and my new role requires me to work outside my comfort zone (from doing designs which I'm more familiar with to working as a front desk administrator...I had joked with a friend a week or so before I was told of this change that I didn't like admin & paperwork...haha) but I willingly accepted it, and only put my hope and trust that God has something good in store for me through these new responsibilities.

I am thankful that my current colleagues are familiar to me as I've been building up friendships with them throughout my time serving in ASC. ^_^

Within less than 24 hours from moving down to the 1st floor, I was already roped in as part of the team for No Apologies (a curriculum on the truth about life, love + sex) at SM All Saints', Likas. And I had less than 24 hours to prepare to speak and do a 2-hour presentation on 'Abstinence'. I managed to come up with a decent presentation late at night, after hours of googling for info and videos. Was really hanging on to God for strength while speaking to the students the next day (was starting to feel feverish as I'd caught the flu bug). It was a good experience, really. Would I do it again? Sure...but let me fully recover first...haha.

p/s. Oh, if you're wondering why I needed to be transferred down, was because a colleague had to be transferred up, because another colleague was moving Down Under...so, who's taking my place in this round of musical chairs? Well, we still welcome new players~

7.00am

2010-10-20T22:26:00.003+08:00

7.00am

Woke up early and was prepared for DT at 7.00am on Friday...but didn't realize it had been postponed to Monday morning, until I read the sms after my bath.

With one hour before work started, I spent some time doing my devotion...ended by pondering on a question after reading Matthew 3..."why did Jesus have to be baptized?"

I posted it up on fb...and here's the whole conversation [link] with some very thought provoking answers and questions.

Inspidea goes to Bollywood

haha...not yet...but the upcoming TV special featuring Cartoon Network's all famous 'Johnny Bravo' is! And guess who's animating him? Inspideans-lah.

Happy for them as they take on this exciting project...been hearing about it since last year...and it's finally happening. All the best! And rest yourselves too!

Here's the producer and creator of 'Johnny Bravo', Van Partible's take on Inspideans. [link]

Musical Chairs

Coming soon...will update more on this later.

Any graphic designer(s) want a full-time job in my current 'company'? Creative projects are in demand of creative talent. haha...Serious. Must be committed, dedicated, passionate, be a team player, takes the initiative...preferably Anglican...lol.

Yes, it could be you.

Experiencing God

2010-09-21T22:36:00.002+08:00

To answer Jason's question on my chatbox: "How you've been?" =P

For the past month, I feel like I've spent more time outside of the office attending conferences, trainings and recently Young Adult Camp. And it's almost as if I'm doing more powerpoint projections than updating the Diocese website, which should be my main duty as the webmaster.

But I've learned a lot through all those conferences and sharpening my sense of direction and vision serving here in the Diocese and All Saints' Cathedral. In other words, I don't feel so lost doing what I'm doing now. Yes, I felt lost sometimes and wished I could go back to do animation...maybe there'll be a chance to use that skill again in the future ;).

So, I really thank God, for all the opportunities to serve and learn, build friendships and being encouraged by others, experiencing Him in the good and bad times...it's all worthwhile.

Recap of events:
Diocesan Young Adult Camp - staying at Kokol Prayer Summit, first time learning to waltz, listening to the speakers while mists poured in the windows, Rev Sng's encouraging testimony of his days as a young Christian
Diocesan Children Ministry Leaders' Training - speaker Dorothy Jason sharing her testimony of her 2nd marriage, amazing children ministry in KhonKaen Thailand, God has nice things to say to you through prophesying, Hugs can minister to people, first time projecting for bi-lingual worship...St Patrick's team can work fast and efficiently!
Global Media Training Institute - flew back to KL for this, realized that production in live-action film vs. animation is more challenging (lighting up a scene in Maya is so much easier!! and cheaper too!), encouraged to know KL churches are reaching out to foreign workers from Myanmar, Nepal, etc., amazed that ministries in US are reaching out to Muslims in Africa and Arab, humbled by the speakers Ossie, Bob, Todd, Chip, Lisa, Cathy to take time and pray for each and every one of the participants on the last day

Currently...
I'm doing a lot of reading, researching and brainstorming on how to use social media tools (website, twitter, blog, facebook, etc.) to not only promote the Diocese and churches but also to get the church community involved and engaged for events, missions and others. Trying to figure out a proper guideline as well, so to make life easier when handling internet communities and information.

I guess that's why I don't blog so much anymore...haha. Thanks for dropping-by to read anyway :).

Why are you sleeping?

2010-06-16T20:51:00.003+08:00

Yesterday's prayer meeting message was like a wake up call.

I'd been feeling exhausted the past few days from staying late at the office catching up with work. This June is a really busy month with many events to prepare for. And being one of the only designers in Wisma Anglican (while the other is on leave), I've been getting a lot of requests lately.

Yesterday, I just felt so drained and utterly no energy in my braincells to think at all. Ok, well, there was one thought that kept playing on a loop - "I'm tired! I just want to rest and sleep!"

Here's the wake up call:

Luke 22:46. When Jesus found his disciples asleep, exhausted from sorrow. He said...

"Why are you sleeping?" ... "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

Whoa. Yep, that definitely pressed the Stop button on my repeated thoughts of sleeping.

Sleeping wasn't the temptation. But not wanting to find rest in God was. It's easier to cry myself to sleep and hope I'll feel better tomorrow when I wake up, rather than wake up now and cry to God so He'll give me strength to carry on even though I'm still feeling weak.

Are you sleeping? Time to wake up. =P

'like'

2010-05-14T22:24:00.003+08:00

Was pondering on some thoughts the other day...and it made me think...

"Why am I more eager to tell what's going on in my life and my thoughts and feelings on FB, than I am to tell God about these things?"

"Why do I look forward to see people 'like' and write comments about my updated status, than I am to wait to know that God would 'like' and hear His comments about it?"

It struck me that I had side tracked once again in putting God first in every area of my life and was doing things only to please others and myself. I shared during Discipleship Training with the ladies, when we studied Mark 1:35, that I spent more time FB-ing than on quiet time and devotion with God.

Dear Father in Heaven,
I want to know more what You 'like' and read Your comments when I update You on my life, thoughts and feelings.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Fishnet

2010-05-01T17:16:00.002+08:00

I'm seriously out of inspiration to blog lately...

Anyway, was having san nyuk mien for breakfast at Lintas this morning with a few other staff members, when I saw the man working at the restaurant was wearing a red fishnet shirt......which immediately reminded me of an inside joke we had in my previous share group, the Ken Damansara gang. After I got back to the office, I mass sms-ed them about it. And a few of them replied that they were talking about fishnet last night during share group time.

LOL!

yeah, i know...that was random...hahaha

Ladies' Nite

2010-04-15T17:11:00.002+08:00

A little get together for the ladies that Timmie is organizing at Pastor Stella's place this coming Sunday. Many thanks for the floral brushes from noniq.deviantart.com.

now...i need to figure out how to put that on a manila card size paper...hmm...

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T21:19:00.002+08:00

You know what I wrote in the last post about being excited about that coming week? Well, it got really tense for a few weeks...till I had to OT until about 10pm for a few nights, and even had to come in to work on my day-off...hahaha

But thank God for His sustenance. Thank God for friends around here for their care and concern. Thank God for Psalm 91.

Some random Easter un-tweets:
- jumped for joy at the front with the other young and not-so-young ones during 10am easter service during worship
- finally watched Sepet yesterday and was wondering if there's anyone else in ASC I could talk to about it and found out that Tony & Agnes were big fans of Yasmin Ahmad during lunch today
- exhausted after children's Big Egg Hunt...it rained heavily! yet Aunty Gillian gave thanks for the rain coz KK really needed it and the kids had their egg hunt indoors instead
- curious to know if more FCC-ians took home the Diocese bulletins this issue...feedback, anyone?
- Papparich is opening an outlet at Citymall, KK...right next to Oldtown...typical...haha

...ok my mind just went blank...guess it's time to sleep...

good night world~~
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.

I have loved you

2010-03-14T21:34:00.003+08:00

Some days, it seems as if the days are blended together or seamlessly sewn together that I don't really feel there's any difference between a weekday or weekend.

Maybe it comes from staying in the church compound, where the office and cathedral is just within walking distance, and every other event also happens within and I didn't go out much to town this past week.

Tomorrow's already Monday. It feels like Monday was just yesterday. But I'm not having Monday blues. I'm kinda excited, although it's going to be a busy week for me with designing and printing the event brochures. There's a lot of international speakers invited for conferences and trainings within May to August. Awesome stuff!

People here still ask me if I miss FCC. No hard feelings, I love FCC and I do miss it sometimes...but I do miss Inspidea more. And I probably still hang-out with Inspideans more than FCC-ians when I'm back in KL.

That said, I'm now learning to love the new friends I'm making and serving with in the Diocese and at All Saints' Cathedral, KK. Since I'm going to be here for quite a while... best not to dwell too much on nostalgia and miss the great opportunities to make lasting friendships and relationships here.

**a lesson from Malachi 1:2**
When God says -- "I have loved you."

let's not be ignorant of His amazing grace and answer --

"How have you loved us?"

flu symphony

2010-03-09T21:46:00.003+08:00

Am still recovering from a bout of flu and sore throat. Couldn't sleep well at all the past few nights because my nose was blocked by mucus. Also resulting in blurriness in actions and thinking.

Had a busy weekend with the start of Discipleship training at 7am Fri, Alpha course at night, on Sat noon finally got myself Digi broadband connection, morning services as usual on Sun, then almost missed children's ministry because I had to help Ps. Philip with some printing (had a good chat with him about the recent mission work going on in Bangkok), after that rushed to the Ordination service where some of us helped to serve dinner.

I KO-ed yesterday after coming back from work and slept for almost 12 hours, also because I took a couple of flu pills.

Everyone in the diocese office seemed to be busy today with the Pastor's training going on. I was pretty much alone in the office today... Although I kept myself busy working on the website (decided to redo from the previous design I was working on after getting feedback from Bishop) and intercepting calls. And some slight CSS complication almost driving me up the wall.

Well, gotta go sleep now. Flu flu go away~~~~

Go the Distance

2010-03-05T17:55:00.003+08:00

Go the Distance - Disney Hercules OST (Michael Bolton)

I have often dreamed
Of a far off place
Where a hero's welcome
Would be waiting for me
Where the crowds will cheer
When they see my face
And a voice keeps saying
This is where I'm meant to be

I'll be there someday
I can go the distance
I will find my way
If I can be strong
I know ev'ry mile
Will be worth my while
When I go the distance
I'll be right where I belong

Down an unknown road
To embrace my fate
Though the road may wander
It will lead me to you
And a thousand years
Would be worth the wait
It may take a lifetime
But somehow I'll see it through

And I won't look back
I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track
No I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope
Till I go the distance
And my journey is complete

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart

Like a shooting star
I will go the distance
I will search the world
I will face its harms
I don't care how far
I can go the distance
Till I find my hero's welcome
Waiting in your arms...

I will search the world
I will face its harms
Till I find my hero's welcome
Waiting in your arms...

Somehow recently, this song spurs me on my mission for God.

^"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
~ Hebrews 12:1-3

Cousins, Coffee & Charms

2010-02-21T15:23:00.003+08:00

Chinese New Year is almost over...

Counting down another 4 more days before I fly back to KK.

Had a good time back in Ipoh. This is one year where there's a few more new faces in the family and it makes the whole celebration more exciting. Had fun getting to know and be familiar with cousins Nicolette & Jayden (both who are getting more chatty than they were a couple of years back), lil' Jehann (who can walk & talk now), baby Renee & Adrianna (both only a few months old).

And the same ol' questions from grandma: "when are you getting married? do you have a boyfriend yet?"

Added by mum's: "don't wait too long..."

After one reunion dinner at a restaurant (that has got to be the fastest 8-course dinner ever served at a restaurant I've eaten at, done in less than an hour), a few of us 'singles' went to Starbucks to rinse off with caffeinated drinks (although one of my cousin's had vanilla milk). I had Honey Orange Frappuccino...yum.

Also had a good time meeting up with a few SMSI friends and then another meet-up with HSO friends at Oldtown. We didn't get to have the annual SMSI reunion like the previous years. Everyone's getting busier with work and married life =).

Back in KL, had a short drive in Ayon's car navigated by Ruthie and Diane to Cheras to meet up with Vienna and Heng and collected angpows (according to Heng in ancient chinese folklore, those red packets were used as 'charms'). Had a good time chatting and laughing despite the heat.

After Sunday service today (FCC has a new look!), had lunch (Nickson surprised us by giving angpows at Medan) and then dropped by Jean & Sio Yean's place where we got angpows as well. Planning to have lunch with FCC staff sometime this week, also before Danny and Auntie Annie goes off for the Rangsit Mission Trip. Go in peace and serve the Lord! yeah~~~

p/s. i'm looking forward to Alpha course and Discipleship Training when i get back to KK
p/s/s. also looking forward to a few people who are going to drop-by KK on their personal agenda in the coming months: uncle philip, jo nie and a few others from fcc (samentha, reuben, tracy, jonathan koh) because i have no idea yet where, when and how to bring them around KK...lol
p/s/s/s. i managed to meet up with other fcc-ians (nora, king vun) before i balik kampung

Writing-less

2010-02-12T12:26:00.003+08:00

I'm back in town~~~!!

Flew back on the 10th, arrived at noon. Had a short rest before heading out to get a haircut. And then had dinner with Ruthie and gang.

Will be going back to Ipoh tomorrow, following my uncle's car.

Two things that were noticeable to me while on the drive back from the airport to Damansara...1) the presence of big fluffy nimbus clouds covering the blue sky - There haven't been much clouds to dot or speckle the blue skies in KK for the past few weeks. The perfect kind of weather to get yourself a tan. 2) big billboards announcing the latest movies - I didn't realize how much out-dated I was of the latest movies until I saw those billboards...ooo, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland is coming soon...my bro had the game when we were young but the CD was corrupted...haiz, pirated bah...

p/s. I'm setting up my own artblog, with the hopes of getting myself to draw more...with an appropriate title 'Writing-less Drawing-more'...

along came a spider

2010-02-06T19:18:00.007+08:00

Okay let's upload some pictures just to keep this blog alive :P.

Was feeling bored and itching to draw with a wacom after so many months of...I'm not sure of the noun or adjective to describe someone who has not drawn in quite a while...anyway, I obviously didn't do any studies before I sketched and colored this so called self-portrait.

Had an outing with some of the English ministry staff to Kionsom waterfalls at Inanam. But first we had breakfast at Menggatal. Had Tuaran mee. erm...no i don't usually take food pictures, sorry.

This is a quieter spot I was sitting at at the waterfalls. The rest were upstream splashing around, climbing and slipping on rocks.

And then I felt like Little Miss Muffet when I looked up and saw this spider hanging around above me. For those unfamiliar with the nursery rhyme, it goes:

Little Miss Muffet
Sat on a tuffet,
Eating her curds and whey;
Along came a spider,
Who sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away.

p/s. other local delicacies tried so far....tarap icecream and wotiek~~~ next?
p/s/s. today's devotion of life and death reminds me of the need to let go and to 'put to death' (not in the literal sense of blood and killing...but about priority and sacrificing) certain things that I hold on too tight until God can't do His wonderful work in me.

rumah sakit*

2010-01-28T18:32:00.005+08:00

Haven't had the chance to update my blog. Internet line at my room is unstable, most of the time I'm unable to connect. So, whenever I'm online, it's usually at the office. But just too paiseh to blog at work lah...

But since it's past 6pm and I'm all alone at the office now, I'll just do a lil update.

Well, there's nothing much to update really. It's my second week serving at the Diocese office at KK now. Was working on a new design layout for the Diocese website, will continue tomorrow. Hectic times are during working hours and the phones ring non-stop and calls have to be transfered or messages taken down or questions answered. I don't really know all the answers yet and they're not googleable either. That's when I transfer the call to someone else who knows.

I had my off-day on Tuesday and decided to explore outside the church compound on foot. Had a couple of hours walking about Asia City and checking out what shops they had around there. ooo...they've got an indoor paintball arena there. Maybe one day I'll try walking to the nearest beach. It'll probably take me a couple of hours to reach it on foot...haha. It's not too bad to walk around here, no choking haze for one but it's good advice to bring along sunblock and an umbrella, in case of the change of weather.

I'll probably get myself involve in some ministries here by this weekend. I was still settling down last week, so I didn't join anything besides a cellgroup.

Many thanks to everyone over the South China Sea for their prayers, support and encouraging words that I may serve my best and adapt to life here. Sorry, if I keep whining about missing life and friends in KL. I'm surprised I'm taking so long to adapt here and feel homesick so quickly. It took me nearly a year before I felt homesick when I furthered my studies in Australia.

*issit 'tempat tinggal sakit'? what's the phrase in BM for homesick?

KL to KK

2010-01-21T21:59:00.002+08:00

I'm in Kota Kinabalu!!!

It's ok if you're shocked or surprised...so am I.

I was supposed to fly in to KK on the 26th February but the Bishop of the Diocese of Sabah requested me to come in earlier for an urgent task and also attend a meeting for an upcoming event. The request was on a Friday evening. They booked a ticket for me on Monday morning.

Yep, only two days to pack and hand over my previous tasks to the next person. so sorry bout this darren...kesian u jugak...

Thank God for Victor please remind me to type the usher testimonial and Nickson who fetched me from my place to the airport. I had breakfast at McD before my flight. Ate again on board the plane and remembered to watch Boo & Me that's shown on the MAS flight.

Once I reached KK, Hirai fetched me in the consecrated turbo church van. Sounds cool rite? After fetching Rev. Eric, whose flight was delayed, we headed to All Saints' Cathedral. I was still full from brunch and decided to only have a slice of fruit, but Auntie Esther blessed me with a brownie from the cafeteria.

Time to rest and unpack? Nope. Time to head off for the staff meeting. After that, since the internet was down at the apartment, I went to the office instead to start on the urgent task. Dinner time, we (me, Jenny, Danny, Michelle, Hirai, Rev. Eric) walked out to the nearby restaurant. Then I could finally get some rest.

p/s. Rev. Eric probably gave the whole Sunday morning congregation a shock when he announced that I was leaving on Monday and for everyone to pray for me. Even I was shocked that he made the announcement. But I'm thankful for it =)
p/s/s. I felt overwhelmed by the tasks that I'll be taking over when I was first briefed about them. With time I suppose I'll eventually adapt to it. I'm already assigned 2 brochure designs, website, newsletter and the printer is low on ink.
p/s/s/s. I'm really grateful for all the staff here, both Diocese and All Saints', as they're trying to help me to adapt to life here. Will have to try to remember all their faces and names.

Plans

2010-01-06T22:28:00.003+08:00

It's been a long year for 2009...reading my past entries brings back fond memories of great times spent with numerous friends...as I told a friend recently on New Year's eve, I don't wait till the end of the year before I started to count my blessings...365 days in a year...that's a lot of blessings to count in one day before the countdown to 2010...hahaha...that's why I prefer to count my blessings and give thanks to God each day instead...

As thankful as I am for last year, I'm already thankful for 2010...even though it's only 6 days old. Uncertain as I am of what this year has in store for me, I'm going to keep putting my hopes and faith in God who is ever faithful and knows what's best for me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11~

p/s. I started the New Year by going to the gym for the first time...gonna work out my aging body and improve my stamina within these two months...also hope to make more friends as I get accustomed to the gym culture
p/s/s. The most challenging part of updating a website is not the coding or designing...but 'chasing' people for photos and details/summaries of past events
p/s/s/s. Met the bishop recently, will be flying off to serve in KK at the end of February...

Four days

2009-12-28T20:02:00.004+08:00

I'm still exhausted after serving as an usher for four consecutive days starting on Christmas eve night.

Was really happy to see an ex-classmate, Wei Min and her boyfriend, attending the Christmas eve service although they were a lil late and it was already halfway through the sermon of Elizabeth and Zechariah (the other couple of the New Testament Gospels that preceded Mary and Joseph). Had supper with Sio Yean's sharegroup at a nearby mamak and rushed home before the clock struck twelve midnight and all the cars come out to jam.

Was again happy to see another friend and ex-colleague, Raymond with his mum, dad and sis during Christmas morning service. For dinner, I found out that my cousin, Lace (Christmas baby), was not back in Ipoh as well, so I invited her out for dinner at Midvalley. We were '2 months pregnant' by the end of our meal at Chilis.

Saturday morning. This service was such an anti-climax and yet a profound reminder of what Christmas was really about and the precursor to victory. It was the funeral service of Lee Kiat Ping, one of our brother in Christ who had passed away from cancer. But as pastor reminded the church staff a few days before, eventhough we feel sad or grieving, we should not be focused on death but be focused on God, as through Jesus Christ, whom we celebrate his birth on Christmas day, death has been overcome on the cross.

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?" ~1 Corinthians 15:55~

We will surely meet our loved ones in heaven someday. I was also reminded personally as I was ushering and while attending the burial at Nilai Memorial Park, that even during a funeral, we respect the deceased but it was more important to also serve the needs of their living family members and friends. Life must go on.

Saturday evening was preoccupied with a short rehearsal for the BM Faith Kids puppet show. And then I met up with an ex-classmate, Laura, for Christmas BBQ dinner at her place. I didn't recognize most of the other people she'd invited that night except for Amanda and Hanne (TOA-mates).

Sunday was service as usual, except for a special acknowledgement for the leaders of the church where they received gifts by pastor. I was helping handing the gifts to them as they were called to the stage. English service went well, where a friend remarked, "wow, you know all the leaders by name...". I laughed and replied, "yes...only for the English service...but not the Chinese service..." True enough, I had a small embarassing mix-up with a couple of the gifts, but managed to get them to the rightful owners at the end of the service.

During the BM service, the Faith Kids helpers and volunteers prepared ourselves handle the kids and to perform the puppet show. Everything went well and one of the kids even said aloud, "we want more!". We didn't give them an encore though. Kudos~~~ to the puppeteers and voice actors and especially to Samentha Chai and Tracy Lai for their heart to produce and direct the whole performance eventhough they had their struggles while in-the-making of the puppets.

I felt this year has to be the longest Christmas weekend I've had so far. Now, to prepare for the New Year 2010.

p/s. This is the second Christmas I'm celebrating without my family which usually gathers together for a reunion dinner. The first time was when I was in Australia. It's also the first time I'm celebrating in FCC since I first joined almost 6 years ago.
p/s/s. I was having an uncomfortable stomachache throughout the whole Saturday morning till evening, probably caused by the previous night's meal.

Inspideos

2009-12-22T18:45:00.004+08:00

Yay! Finally, get to share a couple of animation trailers from Inspidea. Although I was not involved in both projects. But I'm still proud of those who worked super hard throughout the whole series.

Below is the trailer for Boo & Me.

Here's an interesting and amusing article on the team that produced Boo & Me I googled on ToonBoom.com. I burst out laughing at the description of the team leaders. I wonder who wrote it? =P Look, there's even a picture of them!

top left to right: George, Fuad, Andrew, Raymond
bottom left to right: Daryl, Julius, Edward, Susan, Jane

The second video is a trailer for Mat Kacau.

A synopsis copy+pasted from Inspidea.com:
Mat Kacau (pronounced as mud.ka.chow) tells a story of a prankster named Mat Kacau who roams the city looking to spread happiness to every kid in town. He believes the world would be a happier place if everybody laughs more than usual. For him, if the prank is ten times bigger, then it is ten times more fun! Unfortunately his over-the-top actions annoy the kids rather than entertaining them. So the kids return the favor by serving his prank back to him and giving Mat Kacau his just dessert in the end.

I couldn't google any articles on the team (credits on this blog especially to Zul and his animation team, Heng & pre-pro team, Ijan & clean-up team, and a lot more) but the series is currently airing on Astro Ceria. Boo & Me is not showing in Malaysia yet though.

Christmas blessings

2009-12-22T17:33:00.003+08:00

Had a busy and blessed weekend.

After preparing for Saturday night service (which I couldn't attend that night) I drove off to meet my fellow sharegroup members for a Christmas dinner at one of our members, Jonathan Koh's new house at Puchong. We helped ourselves to chocolates which he'd bought from Langkawi, as our appetizers before having the main dishes. Before dessert time, we sang some Christmas carols and had some sharing time. I did a short sharing of the best Christmas gift I got in year 2007. After dessert, we randomly exchanged gifts with each other. And to my delighted surprise, unwrapping the gift revealed a Joseph and Mary (pregnant with baby Jesus) snowglobe!

On Sunday, was a little groggy when I woke up, as we had left Jonathan's place after 12pm. Still felt slightly blur before the service started, but the blurriness cleared as I had to prepare myself and my nerves to go up on stage to make some announcements for the XEE Recognition of the students who had completed their training. Yay! Keep up the good work everyone!

After service, I dropped off Soo Hoon at the Kelana LRT and drove back to Sunway for lunch. And then had to prepare myself to lead the worship songs for the first time for BM FaithKids. We sang Christmas songs in BM. Now I can sing 'Joy to the World' in BM...first verse only. I was still feeling awkward during the worship session. I guess with more experience gained, it'll get less awkward.

In the evening, I joined Sio Yean and his sharegroup to go caroling at Ridzuan Condo. They were planning to go and knock on strangers' doors and ask them if they'd like to welcome us into their homes to sing some Christmas carols and bless their home. Sio Yean reminded us of that morning's sermon, eventhough the group was small (only 6 of us), seemingly the weakest and the least...but God was with us! We did not have any contacts initially, but once we arrived there, Sio Yean informed us that he had a colleague who would like to welcome us to sing carols at his place on the 11th floor. So that's where we started, and we proceeded going downstairs and found an open door (literally) on the 8th floor, a student house where they welcomed us to sing carols although they were a bit shy to sing along; and also invited an Indonesian student who was waiting for her friend near the lift to come to our church for Christmas eve. On the 5th floor, we received a surprise, as we entered a unit, we were greeted by a pastor from Zimbabwe and a few of his church members. They gladly joined us in singing carols and they also sang a Christmas song in their own mother tongue. Double blessing in that place! Praise God! Found out that they were from Celebration church at Taipan. Also on the 5th floor, we sang 'Silent Night' to a couple and their grand-child, as the child was still asleep. Knocking on more doors, as we descended to the ground floor, we didn't get to sing anymore carols as most of the occupants would politely decline our offer. As we left for dinner, we were exhausted but elated at the same time.

p/s. received an unexpected blessing after Sunday service. wow~ thank You, God~
p/s/s. received some feedback that I did a good job doing the announcement...I'm amazed to receive such encouraging comments
p/s/s/s. found out yesterday that the video I edited for the XEE testimony had low quality audio output, figured out today the audio deterioration occurred during the input recording through my digital camera. Note-to-self: recording via digicam auto reverts it to Mono instead of Stereo.

Almost there

2009-12-16T20:54:00.006+08:00

It's been busy busy busy.

I guess because it's almost nearing Christmas.

Last week, I was kept pretty busy with the Christmas decorations. Even though I've had the cut-outs (image below: cut-out Christmas ball of baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary) prepared, I was still pretty clueless on how to fill up the rest of the spaces in the sanctuary and lobby area.

On Tuesday night, I had asked a few people to come and help (thanks Jean Tan and gang), and a couple of guys volunteered to climb up the scaffolding to put up the decor.

Sometime almost close to 11pm, the lights suddenly went out. Even those having caroling practice upstairs went quiet. Yeah, silent night~

I continued working on the decorations over the next few days, with some help from various random people during the Chinese and BM worship practices. I was completely blank on how to decorate the lobby area, and only got the idea and quickly put it up on Saturday itself. I really do hope the cellophane and fishing lines hold the decorations till after New Year 2010. Although a couple of ribbons fell off. Oops~

I took some time off by myself after Sunday's services to relax and rewind a bit, and managed to watch the animated feature film of the royal amphibian. It was cool to see familiar animator names on the credit roll at the end. Especially Mario Furmanzyck, whom I had read his blog entries while he was at CalArts and now an Apprentice Animator.

Yesterday, I spent time exploring and trying to figure out how to do a website using CSS on a different software than the one I usually use. After lunch, I did a short video recording of Garry for his XEE testimony. I wanted to do the recording with a digital video camera, but since it was low on battery and there was no charger around for it, I had to use my digital camera instead. The whole evening was spent on editing the video, plus finally getting a few mock webpages done.

Thank God for His providence...maybe not in the way I hoped through physical materials, but for the ability to think creatively and overcome certain hurdles in different tasks.

p/s. Had lunch last Wednesday with my ex-colleagues at Secret Recipe and they surprised me with a Snow White musical snowglobe. Thanks so much!! Lub ju all!

2 more years

2009-12-03T13:22:00.004+08:00

I'm twenty eight!!!
Just 2 more years to the big three-oh. xD

This year, I spent the day at a three-day No Apologies (a character-based abstinence curriculum) training for facilitators course.

On the second day, my fellow FCC-ians (Kitt, Irene, Victor, Tim, Danny, Darren, Lafir, Min Jun) who attended the course as well, out of the blue sang "Happy Birthday!" and then presented me with a card.

On the last day of the course, we had to do a short presentation on a chosen topic. Mine was on "How to say 'No' to negative peer pressure". State it (say No), Sell it (suggest to do something else), Move it (leave and don't look back). Below is the visual I presented for the last point.

If I had more time, more paper and a lightbox, I'd have animated a 12-frame walk cycle...haha. (although I can imagine hearing Jason Chan's critic on the proportion, gesture, etc.)

Thanks for all the wishes from everyone through FB and sms! Thanks also to my sharegroup and other church friends for their thoughtfulness to surprise me and got me a cake each on Thursday and Sunday. ^_^

Bagaikan sebilah kapak

2009-11-18T16:17:00.003+08:00

Had a time of devotion yesterday with the rest of the church staff in the morning before we started our work. We were reading from Isaiah 10:5-19. One particular verse:

15 "Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it,
or the saw boast against him who uses it?"

reminded us of how much we are to rely on and to be obedient to God who is our Lord and not to be overly arrogant of the skills and abilities that we have while we're serving Him whether full-time in church or in companies, colleges, etc.

It's a blessing that the staff team suddenly grew by 2 more part-timers last week.

I can't really record down chronologically everything that has happened in the past two weeks that I've been serving at FCC, since everyday there are pretty random events and things to do...

marketing yes the go-to-pasar type marketing! with Aunty Annie, peeling onions, chopping garlic, playing with lil Isaac, fetching Pastor Moses from KLIA, Senior Citizens meeting, staff meeting, Archdeaconry meeting, Saturday & Sunday service, BM Faithkids, cleaning toilet, buying & cutting paper for caroling book, wrapping gifts, fetching people, etc.

If you've seen my FB status sometime back...yes, I confess I'm still not very used to not having OT and be able to leave for home before 6pm. Especially nowadays that it rains heavily in the evening, I'm less than eager to drive home early and get stuck in the jam, and would rather stay back till after dinner time before hitting the road.

But I suppose, I'm beginning to settle down and adapt to the working environment. One challenging assignment I'm cracking my head over now, is the Christmas decorations...sure, I might have modeled 3D environments before, but in the real life 3D environment, there's no "Undo" or "Save". Really need to plan properly...

Woth Waiting For

2009-11-11T14:58:00.003+08:00

Before I share more about my experiences so far during the week of serving full-time in church, here's something I'd like to share from a blog I encountered, while blog-surfing...lol

It's a personal story by a lady named, Rebekah, of how she met her husband, her marriage and her relationship with God and her parents. An excerpt from her blog post:

"I wish I could share my story with you as a story of waiting upon God, heeding my parents' counsel, and seeing God's provision and reward of a godly husband. But I did not do things the right way. My story is one of rebellion, shame, and consequences. But thanks be to God, it is also a story of mercy and forgiveness."

Read more of her story here...[link]

New chapter

2009-11-10T21:29:00.005+08:00

It's been a week since I've started at my new job.

OK, there could be some of you who're probably still wondering where I'm working at now..."Is she at a better animation company?" "...with higher salary?" "...overseas?"

The answer is "No, no and no."

I'm currently working in a totally different industry which might seem to some... "Aiseh, what a waste of talent in animation...she probably won't be animating any more..."

Yes, I will not be animating as often everyday as I did before, but I can still hone my skills on my own, through personal projects or some other opportunities that might present themselves in the future. After all, I'm only leaving the animation industry, but not the art form.

Where I'm working full-time at now, is at church.

You can stop imagining me dressed up as a nun...I know a few friends who had that idea, when I first mentioned to them about my new workplace. =P

My current responsibilities cover updating the church website, helping coordinate a course that we're running, assisting the BM sunday school, and helping out in whatever area I can.

So yeah, as of last Thursday, I'm part of the church staff at FCC, Sunway under the Anglican Diocese of Sabah.

Lila-18 logging Off

2009-10-27T15:20:00.003+08:00

Since updating my FB status, the whole world probably knows about it now...well, the whole of my friend list definitely would know...

So, I'll get straight to the point.

Yesterday, on the 26th October...was my last day at Inspidea, my last scene was CC22-045 (checked and no current retake by ayon) macam buat report hahaha.

I will no longer be a full time animator (unless future circumstances somehow direct me back to the animation industry). Of course, leaving the industry doesn't mean I leave my talents, skills and knowledge behind as well.

After a few days rest till the end of this month, I'll be starting another chapter in [working] life...it'll probably take me a while to get used to the change from what I've been so familiar with for the past 2+ years...

...drive to office at KJ, eat breakfast, switch on PC, check email, turn on windows media player, open flash/toonboom, check storyboard/x-sheet/scenelist/HU/model sheet/etc., lunch (far far away again? so hot!), buy bubble tea, back to work, dinner (eat where ah?), back to work, balik???, sleep...repeat...well, there's variations to that from time to time, new faces, old faces, trips, movies, meetings, musical chairs, black out, visitors, birthday surprises, free food, etc...

I'm thankful for all the friends that I've made here, whether I hang out with them everyday or colleagues that I just say 'hi' and 'bye'; some I feel a certain bond with after working through certain projects or have been seating partners with for sometime, some are part of a 'twisted family tree'. There's been good times and bad times and a lot of stressful times, but it's all been memorable.

Will miss you all so much! Rindu kamu semua!!! T___T

Sorry if I didn't get to say goodbye and give you a hug before I left yesterday, as everyone was busy (i was also rushing my last scene...but try to keep the quality! xD) and some left earlier than me (i lepaked till past 10pm), and most didn't know it was my last day (it's okay, i still love you all).

Ganbatte CC team!!! Hope you all don't need to watch horror movies to keep you awake and finish your scenes.....fightoooooo OOOHHH!!!

Deko deko deko!

2009-10-24T14:16:00.002+08:00

Photos from Yannick!

During the visit of the awesome trio from Go-N (Yannick, Vang and Eric Garnett) to Inspidea, when there was just team Porko and team Foxy! Now there's team Sylvie and Juan Carlos!

p/s. don't try to spot me...coz i was on leave then for xee training...=P

The Quest

2009-10-19T22:15:00.003+08:00

I feel like I've been sent on a wild goose chase on the quest to seek treatment for my still injured toe.

On Saturday afternoon, I drove to TTDI heading off to see the podiatrist, but alas! the clinic was closed...for deepavali I suppose. So I proceeded to drive back home. However, I lost my sense of direction on which turning to take and ended up on Penchala link and while trying to find a way out, somehow ended up at Segambut. After several U-turns and numerous signboards stating places I don't recognize (such as Batu Kentomen???), I was really glad to see a signboard showing the way to Petaling Jaya.

I took a day off on Monday hoping to see the podiatrist again. Once I got there, the receptionist told me that the doctor was fully booked but I could make an appointment on Wednesday. I didn't want to wait that long or take another day off again, so she told me she'd call me if there were any cancellations by other patients by 2pm.

I drove home (taking the correct turning this time!) and went home to rest and wait for the call. Around 1.30pm, and no calls came, I decided to go to a poliklinik nearby my place instead. The clinic was closed...for lunch until 2.30pm. I limped to a nearby restaurant for lunch to pass the time and enjoyed a meal of soto ayam and bergedil plus a refreshing drink of teh botol.

In the clinic, it was a short wait before I finally could see the doctor. She was not as keen as me to pull out the toenail to ease the pain in my foot. Yes, I wasn't too keen about it at first but was getting tired of having people ask "what happened to your foot?" "your toe's still not healed yet?" "poor girl, you're still limping?". The doctor explained that the procedure will be painful and there might be complications after and the condition could get worse. So she prescribed me some painkillers and pills to ease the swelling and bleeding. With a few words of "...if it doesn't get better after a few days....then....we'll have to pull out the nail."

So do keep me in prayers that the medication works for my toe...or else...

Meng-cow!

2009-10-10T18:17:00.005+08:00

Last weekend I returned to Ipoh, which wasn't during the festive season (CNY/Xmas)...although it was during the Mooncake Festival. I didn't even realized the festival was going to be on the same weekend as my ex-classmate's wedding luncheon.

It was quite a short trip back, I spent the Saturday night at a relative's place at Gunung Rapat to have a family dinner. It was good home-cooked food; my dad even made of dish of meatballs which he bluffed to my aunts and uncles, were from IKEA. After dinner while watching TV, we were served food that were traditionally served during the mid-autumn festival....mooncakes (of course! although there was a coconut flavored one...still not as bizzare as a strawberry apple one that I had from my colleague), steamed baby yam and a funny looking buffalo-horned-shaped nut called 'Leng Kok'.

I googled it and found out it's a water caltrope, a type of water chestnut. Didn't get to take a picture of it, so here's one from the web.

The next morning, I attended the morning service with my dad at Bercham Methodist church before heading off to my friend's place; to then carpool to the restaurant at Menglembu. We were seated with the rest of our former secondary school classmates, where throughout the meal, one side of the table was talking while the other side avidly listened to the latest news, updates and gossip about each other. Most of the dishes went unfinished and a plate of prawns had to be passed to the next table. But it was a good time of getting together eventhough for just a few hours.

p/s. I had never noticed the difference of the landscape views of Klang valley and Kinta valley until this trip back. Next time, I wouldn't mind spending a whole day in Ipoh to take photographs
of the kampung houses along the roads and the old and sometimes abandoned shophouses...before all these get demolished to make way to more 'developed' structures. Oh, and we drove past the shoplot that collapsed recently in Fair Park...

p/s/s. This year, I've been having mooncakes weekly since the start of the fasting month, because someone would bring in a box or two and leave it in the pantry at the office. The latest one brought in, was a sambal flavored one!! I only took a sniff and left it for someone else to finish it. I like sambal but not in mooncakes! =P

Ribbit (2)

2009-10-10T17:57:00.003+08:00

I think I remember posting up a trailer of Princess and the Frog some time back...hmm...

Anyway, I just wanna share a behind-the-scenes clip from the same movie that I saw on Cartoon Brew TV. Totally awesome stuff. Just watching them flip those drawings gets me excited to do some character animation....which I am already doing every day and night but on Flash instead....So enjoy! The movie's releasing in December!! We had a false alarm at the office one early morning when a colleague saw the show times for October in a Chinese newspaper. Potong stim~

Toe-rrible

2009-09-19T22:59:00.003+08:00

I missed a second time to watch UP on Friday night.

But I had 'foot spa' treatment by 'Dr. Edward', finishing off with a striped 'Mat Kacau' band aid.

Confused?

Ok, to make you even more confused, there's three versions to the story...LOL
'I' version = I accidentally kicked Ed's (my colleague's) shoe while walking behind him
'He' version = He accidentally kicked me in reverse
'We' version = We accidentally kicked each other

So, if you see me walking around with a limp these days, and you find yourself asking me, "What happened to your foot??"...remember those three versions of the story.

My left big toe is still swollen as the nail almost came off after making extreme contact with Ed's shoe. It bled quite a bit and I had to ask the waiter for tissue when we reached our dinner destination. I had my dinner sitting like a taxi driver with one leg up on another chair.

Once we got back to the office, it was time for the 'foot spa'...meaning dipping my toe in a bucket of hot water and Dettol. After applying whatever medication in a first-aid box that could be applied on an injured toe, we proceeded to bandage the toe. But the only band aid to be found was only big enough for my pinky toe, which we ended up using tissue instead and stuck the band aid anyway so as not to waste it.

I was supposed to join some other friends for UP at Pyramid but the pain was still intense when I put my foot to the clutch (I drive a manual bah), so I had to give the movie a miss and went home to rest instead.

-R.I.P resting in pain-

p/s. karaoke session had to be cancelled as the team has to work this raya hols to chase the snowballing deadlines.

bu lo ge su po to

2009-09-14T22:57:00.003+08:00

haven't been blogging much although i do check on other's blogs.

didn't realize there's some cool gadgets and options on blogspot that i've yet to check out yet....they've got a gadget where u can invite friends to events...just like FB!! cool~

been busy at work as usual...i'm so used to just being busy at work and hanging out with colleagues...that i've pretty much neglected social networking outside of the company...so nowadays, when i'm online during weekends, i would try leave messages on friends' walls especially those i haven't seen or chatted with for so long...

yesterday evening, i managed to meet up with an ex-roomie for dinner and we had a good chat...

it was a fruitful weekend =)

looking forward to raya weekend...

Singin' in the room

2009-09-06T20:40:00.002+08:00

After Sunday service, there was supposedly a readers' reunion at Amp Square karaoke, Sunway Pyramid, but it was just a gimmick to actually surprise Sam Vun for his birthday. It worked, during a Craig David song and a Happy birthday song that suddenly played and other friends came in with a birthday cake and balloons.

After that we ate and sang and sang....a whole variety of songs and duets from hip hop/rap to pop (bsb, moffats) to oldies (elvis presley, beatles, beegees) to disney to MJ to malay/indo songs to chinese to 'Nobody Nobody but you!' to 'YMCA!' even to 'Go tell it on the mountains~~'.

XEE@FCC

2009-09-05T23:35:00.003+08:00

On Saturday, FCC had the pre-launch for the very first semester of XEE!

Ok, so since this was the first time for the eight of us (the ones who participated in the XEE training at Klang Methodist Church in July) to implement the course, we were slightly disorganized in certain aspects. I know I was, since I was given [on the spot] the task of handling the fees, receipts and handing out the folders to the 15 participants. I realized halfway while writing the details on the receipt that I had been spelling "83 ringgit" as "eigthy three ringgit".

But big thanks to Aunty Rubina (from EE Malaysia) who offered to help us with the pre-launch briefing of the students and the prayer partners.

It's exciting to finally get this started!

I believe it's no coincidence, when I was at Biblegateway.com...

...the verse of the day was...

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~Matthew 28:18-20~

Dear cousin Lace,

2009-08-30T23:05:00.004+08:00

...as I'd promised to do this for you =P

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 100 Truths about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you.(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, copy and paste this note, erase my answers and enter your own, tag people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

WHAT WAS YOUR:
1. Last beverage: hot green tea
2. Last phone call: my phone battery went dead... got 2 missed calls from edward
3. Last text message: from and to ting xiang...she missed called me
4. Last song you listened to: some japanese songs on ed's media player
5. Last time you cried: couple of weeks back

HAVE YOU EVER:
6. Dated someone twice: not even once...haha
7. Been cheated on: yeah...because i didn't know how to bargain bah
8. Kissed someone & regretted it: no regrets...it's a culture of greeting in italy...xD...not french kiss lah...
9. Lost someone special: hmm...not really
10. Been depressed: definitely
11. Been drunk and threw up: drunk yeah...threw up no...hangover yeah....

LIST THREE FAVORITE COLOURS:
12. #368B1C
13. #167FB6
14. #9E4CB5

THIS YEAR HAVE YOU: (2009)
15. Made a new friend: loads =D
16. Fallen out of love: maybe
17. Laughed until you cried: oh yeah...stress reliever...
18. Met someone who changed you: change not really...inspire is more like it...
19. Found out who your true friends were: found an extended & twisted family tree at work
20. Found out someone was talking about you: i'm not surprised...hahaha...everybody's talking about someone else
21. Kissed anyone on your friend's list: nope...no italians on my list
22. How many people on your friends list do you know in real life: 100%...i doubt anyone one of them were from my imagination
23. How many kids do you want to have: well, i'll need to discuss that with my future husband first
25. Do you want to change your name: yes, i found a new chinese name on FB...i am now Goh Zhi Hui ("clever wisdom")...hahahaha
26. What did you do for your last birthday: was at prayer meeting at FCC =D
27. What time did you wake up today: 6.45am...ushers have to be early bah
28. What were you doing at midnight last night: lying in bed and closed my eyes for a long time
29. Name something you CANNOT wait for: my heartbeat, my next breath...if wait, sure pengsan one...lol
30. Last time you saw your Mother: after the family KK trip in july
31. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life: honestly...nothing...everything happened for a purpose...
32. What are you listening to right now: the fan spinning on the ceiling
33. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: yeah....back at uni
34. What's getting on your nerves right now: my head is itching...
35. Most visited webpage: FB

36. Whats your real name: Beatrice Goh Jen Li
37. Nicknames: a new one i got "banana rice"...lol
38. Relationship Status: with my colleagues? i'm a sister, aunty, sister-in-law, daughter, granddaughther...hahaha
39. Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
40. Male or female?: Female
41. Elementary?: SRK Ho Seng Ong, Ipoh
42. Middle School?: SMK Seri Intan, Ipoh (Diamond High School!)
43. High school/college?: Cosmopoint & The One Academy
44. Hair colour: Dark brown
45. Long or short: Long
46. Height: Tall
47. Do you have a crush on someone?: i dont think so...
48: What do you like about yourself?: lame sense of humour
49. Piercings: voluntarily pierced my finger for a biology experiment in form5
50. Tattoos: temporary glitter tattoos and henna tattoos
51. Righty or lefty: slightly ambidextrous

FIRSTS :
52. First surgery: nope
53. First piercing: refer to #49
54. First best friend: Su Ee from primary school
55. First sport you joined: not really a sports person
56. First vacation: wow so long ago...must be the trips to taiping when i was younger
58. First pair of trainers: nada

59. Eating: had dinner at sushi zanmai...so full...
60. Drinking: water
61. I'm about to: go to sleep...after i'm done with this
62. Listening to: the cars outside
63. Waiting for : myself to finish this so i can sleep

YOUR FUTURE :
64. Want kids?: yep...if possible maybe even adopted
65. Get Married?: when i'm blessed with a partner who is ready to get married
66. Career?: leap of faith ;P

WHICH IS BETTER
67. Lips or eyes: eyes
68. Hugs or kisses: hugs
69. Shorter or taller: no preference
70. Older or Younger: maturity matters more
71. Romantic or spontaneous: both
72. Nice stomach or nice arms: nice butt...hahaa...kidding...don't really pay attention
73. Sensitive or loud: not too over sensitive
74. Hook-up or relationship: relationship
75. Trouble maker or hesitant: hesitant but able to make good decisions

HAVE YOU EVER :
76. Kissed a stranger: ref to #8
77. Drank hard liquor: whisky and coke
78. Lost glasses/contacts: not wearing any
79. Sex on first date: no way
80. Broken someone's heart : i guess i might have...but wasn't told of it
82. Been arrested: nope...but visited pudu jail before
83. Turned someone down: err...for movies, outings, etc? yeah...when i have another appointment scheduled
84. Cried when someone died: yeah...
85. Fallen for a friend?: girl friend? hahahaa....i don't swing that way...

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
86. Yourself: i know i'm not fake
87. Miracles: yep...God answers prayers
88. Love at first sight: crush at first sight yeah...love takes longer to develop than just one look
89. Heaven: and hell...yes
90. Santa Claus: i truly believe he doesn't fly on a reindeer sleigh and climb down chimneys...
91. Kiss on the first date: depending on the culture...ref #8 again...
92. Angels: yep
93. God, Jesus, Holy Spirit: Amen!

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
94. Had more than 1 girlfriend/boyfriend at a time: as friends only? of coz, more than 1 lah...hahaha
95. Did you sing today?: yep, during sunday service
96. Ever cheated on somebody?: usually cheat in pc games...xP
97. If you could go back in time what will you do? treat her better? or guide her to be better : siapa 'her'???? my younger self kah?
98. If you could pick a day from last year and relive it, what would it be?: definitely not the day we stayed back till early morning to fin AKOM and then watched wall.e at night...so exhausted and sleepy...hahahaha
99. Are you afraid of falling in love?: no...breaking up is harder to do i think
100. Posting this as 100 truths?: nope...refer to blog post title =P

Puji Tuhan!

2009-08-16T18:53:00.003+08:00

Had another busy weekend... at church =D.

Was ushering on Saturday afternoon for Reuben and Joanne's wedding. Yes, a second wedding for this month alone. No, there won't be a third...for me to usher at next week. But this week's wedding was probably the first time I've seen the decorations changed from the usual flowers to balloons!!! Ah, too bad the balloons were collected back by the decorating company. Otherwise, would have started a helium party...ala inhale helium to do chipmunk voice...hehehe

Then went home and was still so exhausted from staying till 5am at the office the night before, that I dozed off around 9pm. But I woke up a few times during the night and overslept a bit after I switched off the snooze alarm.

After having the usual lunch with my sharegroup after Sunday morning service, I stayed back at church to attend the BM service. Eventhough I've attended the Toraja service and other BM revival services at FCC, today's the first time I've attended the BM service. Well, the purpose I was there was because it was my turn to share about XEE. And I had been preparing on what to say a few weeks before and the things that I wanted to say kept changing even before I went up on stage. I was really nervous as it'd been some time ago since I had to share in BM to a congregation. The last time was during the 2005 short mission trip to promote FCC to the Sabah Anglican churches and we (me, Sio Yean, Michael) were requested to share during the BM service at St. Michael's church in Sandakan.

And it's a blessing to listen to one of the visiting SOMA team members, Grace, give her amazing testimony about her experience sharing the gospel to her colleagues, hospital patients and prison inmates!

And thanks to God for Archdeacon Moses's sermon. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." ~Matthew 11:28-30

Avalanche

2009-08-09T22:47:00.003+08:00

Had a good time at Vincent's and Siaw Ting's wedding last Saturday. Really happy for them both. It's no surprise that Vincent did a cute 3D animated clip for the video presentation for his own wedding. Also thank God, I had a good time to meet and catch up with ex-DG classmates and lecturers from TOA that I haven't seen for more than a year now.

Currently feeling like I'm buried under an avalanche....of responsibilities.

Each week seems more hectic than the last.

So much I'd want to do. But so little time to do them all.

One verse keeps repeating in my mind..."My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." ~2 Corinthians 12:9

Randomly August

2009-08-01T15:31:00.004+08:00

**random mode ON**

i miss blogging every weekend to update everyone on what's going on in my life

i use twitter more to update my status nowadays from my handphone

combo ninos is finally showing in Malaysia on TV3, saturday and sunday mornings, 1030am!!!

i'm going for BBQ tonight with my colleagues

i haven't prepared my XEE testimony in english and BM

my body is not coping well doing OT everyday recently

i haven't bought a white/pink dress to wear for vincent & siaw ting's wedding next saturday

i need to think of a retro costume as well?

i have to rush sooooo many hard scenes in one week to meet the deadline

**random mode OFF**

Mid July

2009-07-18T01:39:00.003+08:00

Already???

Wow, time flies really fast...

Am still having hectic days at work, from morning till midnite, Monday to Friday and on weekends too.

Haven't had much time to blog about the XEE training that I participated along with seven other brothers and sisters from FCC, a couple of weeks ago. Although, did manage to upload, tag and comment on photos, and add friends through FB. haha.

Four days (three and a half to be exact)...so much eXcitement, so much eXperienced, so many friends made, so blessed and thankful to be a part of it, and definitely looking forward to sharing it with more people.

Things are happening, decisions have to be made, tears to be shed, August will be a turning point, live life to the full...

"...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ~john 10:10

Other updates:
...attending an animator's acting workshop (arranged by the company) this sunday with my colleagues after sunday service...
...flying to KK on thursday till saturday with family...looking forward to see the changes in sabah since i was last there about 5 years ago...and have yumcha sessions with jon tse and more...

FCC Promo Clip

2009-06-27T15:05:00.002+08:00

Just want to share the latest promo clip for FCC.

I don't know who was involved in producing this, but I think they did a pretty good job =).

End of June

2009-06-27T14:29:00.003+08:00

Wow, this is my first post for June and the month's almost over...

I'm currently busy with a new project with a two week deadline per episode for 52 episodes...so I barely have the weekends off now...maybe until March....o.O!! *Dear Lord, strengthen me and keep me sane~

But I give thanks to God for still being able to attend sharegroup and the last two churchwide prayer meetings as well as Sunday morning services. Really blessed and rejuvenated through those meetings and fellowship.

July is going to be more hectic because I'm taking 5 days leave on two separate weeks...3 days for XEE and 2 days for a family trip to KK. It's going to be grueling rushing to finish my workload before I take leave and then just as grueling when I return. Seriously praying I don't burn out and the team stabilizes with more people who can churn up good quality animation.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Stop spying!!!

2009-05-30T18:58:00.006+08:00

Last Friday morning, there was a lot of activity at the main block of my company.

There was also a lot of dust.

We had been briefed the previous day that there was to be a major reshuffle for several teams affecting quite a number of people to change places from the 1st floor to the 2nd floor, inside to outside rooms and vice versa. Fortunately for us who have been around for a year or more, this has become a regular event. Up to the point where I started thinking of it as more of a game and called it 'Musical Chairs'. One of our colleagues, Ruthie, has moved about 9 times before the end of her first year here! No one has yet to break her record =P.

Those who moved upstairs settled down sooner than those of us who moved downstairs, because we were busy adjusting the height of the tables to a more comfortable level that we were used to on the 2nd floor. No, we didn't move our tables along, but we did move our precious chairs.

We were pretty much done and settled by around 10am, and were getting acquainted with our new neighbors who were sitting next to us. And it was back to work as usual.

I did realize I had a view of my team leader's monitor screens from my sitting place. Thanks to the mirrors that were on the walls behind him.

His words to me via email --- "Stop spying!!!" --- LOL

Toonvolution

2009-05-17T21:18:00.006+08:00

First off,

Congratulations to Daniel & Erna!!! May you both honor each other and God together~~ =D

Attended their wedding and served as usher on 16th May at FCC. It was a short, sweet and simple wedding with mostly their close friends attending it. The luncheon was from the regular caterer, Banana Cafe.

Right after that, I changed out of my dress into my jeans and tee shirt and rushed to catch the lrt to PWTC for the National Career Fair.

No, I didn't go there to be recruited by other companies. In fact, I was recruiting people to my company!

Throughout Saturday and Sunday noon till evening, I was basically handing out leaflets to interested candidates and also every other person that was passing by including underage kids. Yes, kids! ...actually they're just attracted to the leaflets that we were handing out.

I admit I wasn't really looking forward to helping out at the Career Fair initially. I was hoping to get some well needed rest during the weekend. But I must say I don't have any regrets spending my time there eventhough I'm now super exhausted, my feet are aching and still lacking of sleep (i know, i know, i should be sleeping rather than typing this entry =P).

It was a good experience and something out of my work-related comfort zone.

I met a few interesting people during my two day shift there.

Kashmir (sorry, not sure if I got the spelling right) who was part of the events organizers who has an interest in drawing but only as a hobby, and now enjoys travelling and meeting new people in his line of work.

Shaiful, whom I bumped into while I was looking for the exit from the fair to the lrt station. He's currently a Consumer Lending Specialist. We chatted and shared about our own experiences in our workplaces while walking to the lrt station. He came again the next day with his friend, Hafiz, whom I was briefly introduced to.

Ganesh, our next door booth neighbour, which I must embarassly admit I didn't even remember the name of the company. But it's IT related. He helped us take a picture with Jennifer's (my colleague) camera.

Yap, Sin Yap, Zeen, fellow animators from Animasia Studio (except for Sin Yap who's in the Marketing department). It was good being able to share some common opinions about the candidates who were interested to apply to our line of industry, and also to learn first-hand about their company.

It was an exhausting yet enjoyable weekend.

Me and Jennifer on Saturday at Inspidea's booth, with Edward's Osiana poster as a backdrop.

Me, Linda and Jennifer on Sunday at Inspidea's booth, with Edward's Osiana poster as a backdrop again.

p/s. The reason I was helping out at the career fair was because my HR&Admin colleagues were in Port Dickson along with everyone else in the company celebrating the 7th Anniversary. The reason I wasn't crashin' n' burnin' with everyone else was because I wanted to attend Daniel & Erna's wedding =D.

Kampung

2009-05-01T18:18:00.004+08:00

Didn't have much to share about anything. Just decided to scan and upload some rough sketches I did many weeks back at the office. Exploring and experimenting on some kampung houses.

Currently busy helping out another team with a Flash project by an Australian company.

Probably till the end of May or early June. Then I'll be moved to another team doing another project. I'll share with you some interesting stuff about that later on once it's started.

Till then, Happy Labour's Day, yo!

Darren's workshop

2009-04-25T15:24:00.002+08:00

Just helping to promote a former classmate with his new art center setup in Johor.

www.darrenhwang.com

All the best to you, Darren Lim!

One body

2009-04-19T22:47:00.003+08:00

Went to a colleague's baptism at Calvary Church, Damansara Heights today.

A few other colleagues and a former colleague went as well.

It was a blessing to see a colleague getting baptized into the family of Christ.

Even more of a blessing that we gathered this evening, even though we were all from different churches, but we were all together as brothers and sisters in the same family of Christ.

Congratz, Julius! We welcome you! =D

"For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."
~1 Corinthians 12:13

By His wounds

2009-04-11T17:42:00.004+08:00

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
~Isaiah 53:5

Yesterday was Good Friday.

More than 2000 years ago on that day, Jesus was crucified.
His hands and feet were pierced.
Nailed on the cross.
For us.
For our sins.


*                 *                   *

I'm at a lost of words right now on how to describe my feelings for yesterday's events.

I was...
Stressed at finishing my workload before taking half-day off.
Happy when my team leader approved my scenes and let me go.
Anxious while driving in the rain and jam.
Nervous before going on stage with the others.
Relieved when the drama was over.
Tired while having supper.
All these blended in with the overall feeling for that day: sadness.


*                 *                   *

Last night was what we had been preparing for for the past weeks.

After all the script writing and changes and adapting for the readers.
After all the practices every weekend and Wednesdays.
After all the synchronizing with the music and sound effects.
After all the screaming and shouting and crying.
After all the long make-up session for the actors and actresses.

It all went smoothly with minor, not too noticeable glitches, except when Ah Seng ran out from the backstage to the soundbox.


*                 *                   *

Thank God~
For the opportunity to serve with these wonderful talented brothers and sisters in Christ.
For the chance to use different areas of my talents in this event.

Most of all...
~thank You for the cross, Lord
~thank You for the price You've paid
~thank You for this love, Lord
~thank You for the nail pierced hands

Flat tyre

2009-04-05T15:37:00.004+08:00

This is the second time I've experienced April Fool where a man-made object fooled a human.

Last year, it was the toilet door.

This year, it was my car.

It was a dark and stormy night...

It wasn't raining yet, but the lightning and thunder was threatening enough.

We had just finished rehearsals for Good Friday that night. It ended around after 11pm. I had just dropped Gary off at his place at pjs9 and then needed to fetch Irene back to Ken Damansara before heading back to my place.

The moon hung like a pale yellow crescent in the sky, while both me and Irene chatted in the car. I was only a little over the speed limit of 60km/hr, but I maintained it around 70; never going faster than 80. While other cars were speeding past on the right lane.

Suddenly, our conversation was interrupted by a sound.
Something that went like *pHuwfLAaetttbpmmffhhh*
And then there was a *KLluNkk*

Irene asked, "What was that??"
I replied, "Oooh...My tyre.....It's my tyre...."

So, I slowly switched from the middle lane to the left lane, and made a turn into a quiet lane, where we could assess the situation without causing a major interruption to the traffic flow of the LDP. Irene quickly made a call to her husband while I looked at the tyre on the driver's front side. Yes, a look was all it took to confirm that it was a flat tyre.

I'll honestly confess at this point that I was absolutely clueless on how to handle changing a flat tyre. I completely had no idea that I had to unscrew first before taking out the spare tyre, let alone figure out which tools to use and how to use them.

With Irene's help, we manage to set the tools and the spare tyre next to the busted one. We then proceeded to squat down, where I could only observe her try to use the jack to lift the car. We also had to be cautious as a couple of cars would drive pass the narrow lane every few minutes or so.

To our surprise, one of the cars reversed back and as the window was rolled down, the driver asked us if we needed any help. Without waiting for us to respond, he parked his car and came out to take over Irene's task. Needless to say, he definitely knew what he was doing and did it really well. Additionally, when he saw how bad the flat tyre was, he rebuked me for not changing the tyre soon enough.

We made only brief conversations as my Cantonese vocabulary was pretty limited. However, it didn't take long for him to finish the job. While hefting the flat tyre into the car boot, I didn't get to thank him properly as he rushed back to his car, but not without reminding me to change the whole set of tyres ASAP.

Both me and Irene were really thankful to God that we received help almost immediately and that it did not rain at all at the moment.

I was also personally thankful for His perfect timing. I could have busted the tyre while on the way to rehearsals that night or the next morning to work during peak hour. Or if Irene hadn't hitched a ride with me, I'd probably take a longer time to figure out how to take out the spare tyre. Really, thank God~

We had a good laugh sharing this during sharegroup the next night.
And it was definitely good to have a new set of wheels on my ride.

Happy belated April Fool's!

March Madness

2009-03-28T17:52:00.004+08:00

It's almost the end of March...

The past week was quite hectic and sleep inducing...

...spent the first couple of days of the week staying till late doing my scenes because...

...there was Good Friday rehearsal on Wednesday night...

...and then a BM revival meeting on Thursday night...

...followed by going out with the girls for Jo Nie's birthday dinner last night...

...each night, I reached home about 12am or later...

...that's why today I had to sleep till around 12pm...

...later there'll be another rehearsal at 8.3opm....and another on Sunday...I'm probably spending the whole of tomorrow at Sunway...

Before I end this post, just want to share this photo (taken by Phoebe) especially with Nanie and Ruthie ;P. He's Jonathan Frizzy, an Indonesian actor who came to visit my church and give his testimony about how Jesus changed his life. Unfortunately, my grasp of Bahasa Indonesia only helped me understand less than 50% of what he was saying.

Bali Guling

2009-03-21T17:46:00.007+08:00

OK, so here's a very belated post on my second trip to Bali within less than a year.

Wow~

How was it? Everytime people asked me that, I gave them the answer -- "It's the same, with a difference..."

Why? Because I visited mostly the same places on this second trip and the only difference (besides the people I was travelling with) was the different time we went to each place and February is a rainy season in Bali while it's the dry season during August.

To help you understand better what I meant, here's a few comparison pictures...

[on the left: Tanah Lot on an August morning, it's low tide]
[on the right: Tanah Lot on a February evening, see the waves reaching further in-shore?]

[on the left: Still at Tanah Lot, but we're watching the horizon now, it's sunset in February]
[on the right: It's cloudless blue skies in August]

[at the top: Ulun Danu lake temple in August]
[at the bottom: In February, it might not seem that different with the mist, but the water level had actually risen]

[on the left: Mount Batur in February, it was raining the time I took the picture, if you look closely you can see the raindrops, and the smoke can be seen spewing from the mouth of the volcano]
[on the right: The same volcano in August, but the peak looks pretty obscured here]

[on the left: It's sunny at Taman Ayun in February, you can't feel it, but I'm telling you I was hot and sweaty after a few minutes out of the air-conditioned van]
[on the right: It's overcast in August]

[Disclaimer: All photos taken and observations made were from my own personal experience and there is NO GUARANTEE that you will get the same thing at the same time at the same places. =P]

Headache

2009-03-17T21:34:00.002+08:00

Am having a headache right now...more like a throbbing behind the eyes...

So I'm just going to type some random stuff and updates about the past week[s]...

...heard some really sad news from a colleague...don't really know how to comfort her as it's the first time i've known someone personally to go through something like that...
...heard good news from my dear cousin who'll be going to liverpool for further studies...congratz, lace!
...1st week of lent was busy during lunch time preparing script for upcoming Good Friday event at FCC...
...also busy rushing for work deadline
...spent the weekends travelling back and forth between damansara-kelana jaya-sunway
...erm...blank out for a moment here....oh had dinner and quick shopping at ikea last sunday night...was suppose to go watch watchmen too but canceled the movie last minute...
...attended 'how to read the bible' for two sunday nights...very interesting stuff taught by nickson...
...ok....i think i'd better get an early sleep tonite...ciaoz...God bless~

p/s. will have to postpone the bali update to sometime this weekend...hopefully...

Balik dari Bali

2009-02-25T22:08:00.004+08:00

Just got back from Bali yesterday night...close to midnight. Will post up pictures and a write-up about the trip sometime this weekend.

About the previous post, while I didn't get the replies I was hoping for but I got to appreciate and be humbled by God's grace through other unexpected people: girl friends from secondary school, my cousin, former colleague and current colleagues.

Minutes after I'd updated my FB status that I needed someone to talk to, my girl friends Jo Nie, Callie and Yeng Pooi responded on MSN and FB. I really appreciated their care and concern even though I rarely hangout together with them nowadays and talk about my problems.

On the flight back from Bali, I had a good long chat with a colleague whom I usually have lunch and joke with, but seldom talk about more deeper and personal stuff. Thanks, Ed =).

p/s. Today, is Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lent season.

I quit!

2009-02-18T21:18:00.005+08:00

Lately, I've been having trouble sleeping at night.
Lately, I've also been feeling constantly down and depressed.

I don't know if the sleeping problems are causing my mood swings or my mood swings are giving me problems sleeping.

Or it could be some other problems that's causing both of that.

Trying to figure out the problems while working is not a great idea at all because then I end up feeling really confused & frustrated, even more depressed, up to the point of just giving up and walking away from my desk, down the stairs, out the door and never come back...forever!

Praying, while not futile, is just gonna take a lot of patience for it to be answered, which sometimes I run out of quickly.

Sigh, all this is making me not feel any excitement at all about work...or even a trip to Bali! I mean, I'm more easily excited over church related projects and events...hmm, maybe it's just job stress.

There's no one really older or mature (in their relationship with God) enough to talk to at work...the younger ones are great...to hang out and have good laughs with...but not when it comes to giving the right guidance or counseling...

I really need and appreciate some wise advice right now.

p/s. Quitting is nagging me on my mind but I don't want it to be my first option. I don't want to quit out of convenience because the next time I face the same problem in a different setting, I might quit again.

Randomly Bea

2009-02-08T14:01:00.004+08:00

25 random things, facts, goals and habits about me that my cousin, Lace, wanted to know more about me...hahaha...she tagged me bah...

25. I support the Anaheim Ducks ice hockey team.
24. I'm allergic to star fruit.
23. I miss having a pet dog.
22. I don't mind spending days or weeks fixing a 2000+ piece jigsaw puzzle.
21. Some people think I'm athletic even though I'm not.
20. I love Sabah.
19. I have yet to go skydiving...no $$$!!!!!
18. I cracked my first code through an encrypted love-letter from a boy during primary school.
17. My piano theory grade didn't go past 2...I couldn't figure out all those latin terms then...bet I could do better now...haha.
16. My first on-stage performance with a group was during kindergarten.
15. When I first used computers, it was during the time of MS-DOS, Word star, Dbase and 5 1/4 inch floppy disks.
14. I've been at FCC for almost 5 years now & 2 years serving as usher.
13. I didn't like driving until I started watching Formula 1.
12. My phone is usually on silent mode.
11. When I was a teenager, I loved reading encyclopedias and the english oxford dictionary.
10. I learnt the russian alphabets from the back of the english oxford dictionary.
9. I learnt how to pick a lock through the internet.
8. I broke my front tooth while falling and failing to catch my dog which succeeded in running out of the house.
7. I wanted to be a zoologist...but I'm apparently bad at chemistry, physics & math.
6. I eat very slowly and can chew more than 50 times on a spoonful of food.
5. I used to have a fear of getting lost as a kid...I've overcome the fear...but I still get lost anyway.
4. I use the rabbit as my avatar because my cousin, Cheung Fong Bee, chose the bee way before I even knew about avatars.
3. I bop my head while listening to mp3s while working and my ex-colleague, Rina, did a good impersonation of me doing that.
2. My favourite sweet used to be 'frutips' until they stopped selling it.
1. I have not updated my firefox to version 3.0.

People to tag:
1. If you want me to know more about you, go ahead and tag yourself =P

TheoCartoons

2009-02-07T14:45:00.002+08:00

I'm truly excited by this project that's going on at Whitestone Media, an animation studio started 4 years ago by Michael and Brandon Joens.

Quoting from their website, Theo Cartoons was created in order to reach children, from preschool through elementary school, in ALL cultures, with the “Good News” of the Bible, truths that would be taught in such a way that children will not only enjoy the learning process, but also retain what they have learned.

It's a cartoon with a purpose! It also stands out in its animation quality and the use of various animation styles. Check out the youtube clips.

About this clip: Animation was done by Bob McKnight, John Pomeroy, and Kristen Sych.

About this clip: Animation and character designs were done by Bob McKnight.

About this clip: Animation was done by John Pomeroy and Huz.

They're currently working on episode 2. Exciting!

Rasa Sayang Hey!

2009-01-31T17:26:00.018+08:00

A thousand apologies to everyone who's been checking for updates here for the past two weeks...

Anyway, Bangkok trip update...

55 animation artists
...on 1 bus, 2 vans to LCCT
...on 2 AirAsia flights with one hour difference
...on 2 buses with the tour guides, Mr. Sukhum & Tony
...in 13 rooms in an apartment hotel on Sukhumvit soi 8 (no, Mr. Sukhum doesn't own the place in case you're wondering =P)
...on shopping sprees and cam whoring all over Bangkok City, Grand Palace, Chao Phraya dinner cruise, Chatuchak market
...handled & managed by 4 CBP members

As I said in my previous post, the whole trip was fun and hectic at the same time. Most probably because I was one of the 4 minority persons managing the 55 majority. I was head counting throughout the whole trip (this was much more challenging than head counting during Sunday morning service, where you don't really have to worry and be accountable for missing people).

There were some slight delays and technical problems at LCCT departure terminal, but both flights reached Bangkok safely and we were transported to the hotel. There were again some slight glitches with the room arrangements but the hotel staff were friendly (although I think, also confused and over-whelmed by us all) while we sorted out the rooms.

After that, I went out with Ruthie and the VIP guests. We took the Skytrain to Chitlom and went shopping at Platinum Mall. But not before grabbing some snacks along the way and trying out the taste of Bangkok bubble tea!

We bumped into other colleagues who were shopping in the mall too, but we went our separate ways again, as Ruthie and I had dinner with the VIP guests at a Thai restaurant in Isetan. While walking across the Skytrain platforms, we noticed a few temples located at certain junctions for the public to pray at and offer their offerings.

Through my observations from my previous travels, Bangkok's religious social culture (I don't know if there's such a term because I don't know how else to describe it) contrasts with the Balinese, not just of the difference between Buddhism and Hinduism, but by the temples that are built. Again, not the difference in physical structure and architectural design, but the way it functions in the society. Balinese temples in the cities or towns are constructed by individual families to pray at privately, while the temples at Bangkok city, I could see throngs of people on their knees with joss sticks in their hands.

The night didn't quite end without some minor hiccups which involved walking out to the two conveniently located 7-11s down the road from our hotel, some door knocking and phone calling. During the night around 3am, there was a call about Maggi mee cup. LOL

The next day after breakfast and head counting, everyone was herded down the street to the main road where the buses were waiting to take us to a tour of the Grand Palace. We spent about an hour and a half walking about the palace grounds amidst other tourists while snapping pictures of the buildings...

the surroundings...

ourselves...

each other...

and other people as well.

Our tour guides dropped us off at a gem gallery before taking us to a Muslim restaurant for lunch. Later while most went shopping or browsing at MBK shopping mall, a few of us hopped into taxis and had a two hour Thai massage at a massage parlour. We were stuck in a jam on the way back to the meeting point at the mall. While waiting for the buses, we stood from a distance watching some Thai girls and guys dancing and singing; impersonating their favorite Korean boy band idols.

We had our dinner on the upper deck of the Royal Chao Phraya Princess cruise. We had a singer entertain us while we were enjoying our meals. She was quite adept at singing in different languages, from English and Thai to Tagalog, Russian, Iranian to BM. Everything was mellow until she sang for the Russians sitting opposite us, and things started heating up when she sang for the Iranians as they started dancing along, and before you knew it, she was singing 'Rasa Sayang' which had us Malaysians clapping and singing along (for the chorus part only and falling silent during the rest of the lyrics). Then we went back to eating our meals.

As the boat cruised along the river, a few of us ventured out of the restaurant to take photos of the lighted up buildings, bridges and temples along the river banks.

However, the peace and serenity was broken as the singer came out as well and started performing again. The Iranians and Russians began to boogie once more and it took a while before we Malaysians joined in in the partying. As the night was still young, we danced away until the last song 'La Bamba' was over and the boat docked at the harbour.

The next morning, a few small groups of us took the Skytrain to Mo Chit for some bargaining and shopping at Chatuchak market. The place is huge enough that we needed maps to help us get us around without getting lost. Although we only walked mostly around the clothings area and bought T-shirts for ourselves and others back home. We also had an encounter with the law enforcers on patrol on Segway personal transporters/self-balancing scooters.

We were mostly exhausted as the buses drove us from the hotel to the airport and we checked-in for departure from Bangkok. Although a few still managed to do some last minute duty-free shopping, which almost caused them to miss the flight as it was a long, long walk to the gate. It was close to midnight when we finally reached back where we started.

I really, really give thanks to God for bringing everyone back safely and also to the very capable CBP members Jane, Wilson and Ruthie for carrying out their responsibilities so well and also to the rest of the 55 who co-operated throughout the whole trip...Thank you! It was a memorable time with you all~

Sawadee

2009-01-19T22:12:00.002+08:00

Just got back from Bangkok yesterday night.

Fun. Hectic. Will elaborate later when free.

Now, have to go do some homework.

Priceless

2009-01-11T22:52:00.003+08:00

Was at Pyramid earlier today, shopping for a digital camera. I have a second-hand one, but it's getting obsolete by its standard (4 megapixels, the pictures get blurry for close-ups and zoom-ins, and the rechargeable battery only lasts a few hours).

So, I scouted around the camera shops on the lower ground level looking for a good bargain for a certain model. Shop #1 was unmanned or so it seemed, the sales people were busier elsewhere. I headed off to Shop #2, they didn't have the model I was looking for but I tried out the other models and made further inquiries and better deals. The sales lady had me keen on a certain model, but I was still undecided, and I told her I'll go look around some more.

Went back to Shop #1 and requested for some customer service; they had the model I was looking for but didn't have it anymore. Tried out another model but wasn't really too interested to do business with them. Walked past Shop #3 without a second glance, it's a different brand anyway.

Almost missed Shop #4, but I gave it a shot and walked in. I was a little skeptical as I asked the sales girl about the model. She forwarded my question to her colleague, who said there was only one left and he'll have to go get it from the store room, which was located somewhere outside the shop's premises. While he was away, I asked the girl about the other models and tried them out. She gave me a better idea on the special features of the models and how to use them. While I was fiddling around with the cameras, we started chatting casually. To both our surprise, she knows FCC through a friend in common (she knows Kairin and my other ex-housemates of PJS9) and she's an IL student at The One Academy!

Her colleague was back by then, but I realized he'd brought back a different model. I corrected him and was informed the model I was looking for was an old one and they didn't have it in stock any more. So, I asked for the certain model that I was keen on from Shop #2, and off he went again to the store room. I continued on chatting with the sales girl about TOA and my ex-housemates.

Once her colleague came back, I apologized amicably for making him exercise so much and joked whether he could get another model from the store room again. Then, I started making deals and asked a bit more on the camera I decided to get. Satisfied, I paid them the amount in cash and thanked them for their service and acquaintance.

This is the total of what I spent...

Car parking at Pyramid: RM3.00
Panasonic Lumix FS3 digicam: RM699.00
Making a new friend: Priceless

Ten

2009-01-10T12:47:00.003+08:00

It's only ten days into the new year and a lot of exciting things have come and passed.

1. Helped Victor lead the Sunday morning usher team...and we had extra ushers joining us...praise God!

2. Blessed through the sermon...Psalm 147..."God is in control of every season of my life!"

3. Assisting Jason 'Teratai' and Lam 'Orchid' at work with scenes distribution...yeah, team Flower Power! XD

4. Had a first experience trying out voice acting...not as easy as I thought...I just can't lose my Manglish accent...salutes all voice actors/actresses who can convey the character's emotions by voice alone!

5. Busy preparing for Bangkok trip on 16th-18th January...preparing myself to help handle 60+ people, have a fun time and bring them back home safe...

6. Won't be able to go to KK...but found out I'll be going to Bali again...

7. I've Neil Gaiman's latest novel to read...thanks to 'Teratai' for lending it to me...

8. Will be getting some extra cash soon...so this year's budget won't be that tight...which means, more to save and more to give!

9. Attended The Vine Band's concert at FCC...later yumcha-ed with them at a mamak restaurant near Sioyean's place...

10. Thanks to God for providing all of the above!!!

Hello 2009

2009-01-01T16:01:00.003+08:00

Fireworks only last a few minutes, but the Word of God lasts forever.

What a way to end 2008. My first time counting down to the New Year in church. The service started at 11pm. There was a brief review of 2008 for FCC followed by praise & worship songs, prayer and the countdown (fireworks could be heard blasting off outside 2 minutes before we started counting, we were following the time on Peter Yap's watch). Then we had more prayers (the service is called 'Thanksgiving Prayer Night' after all) and a sermon and prayer and a closing song. After which some went home while some went for yumcha session. There was still a bit of a jam when I got back home around 130am.

While saying goodbye to 2008, I also had to say goodbye to a dear colleague who's returning to her family in Indonesia. Bye Dini~ Will miss you so much~ Take care!

2008 recap...

...need ah? just because everyone's blogging it doesn't mean i have to do it also kua??

OK, I'll put it this way. If 2008 was a dessert, then it's ice kacang with ice cream on top...no wait, it could be mango pudding with lychee...or cendol with gula melaka...yum...seriously, I just can't relate my year to a dessert. Let's just say, it's been flavorful~

Big thanks and Big hugz to God for bringing me through 2008 [ups & downs, good & bad times, holding on & letting go, sad & happy moments in every area of my life - family & friends, at work & church, friendships & relationships, skills & abilities] Thank You for being there for me always & forever! Thank You for providing all that You know I need (not just financially but especially for everyone that I know, love and care for), for keeping me safe in Your arms and never losing me from Your sight. Eventhough there were times when I went off track, You'd be there guiding me back again...and again... or just patiently waiting until I come running back again. Love You most!

2009 will be an exciting year; full of challenges as well and it's not going to be a smooth ride at all, but still, exciting!

Happy and blessed New Year everyone!!!

Somewhere over the rainbow...

2008-12-29T22:14:00.003+08:00

After yesterday morning's service (oh, did I mention that I got back from Ipoh on Saturday? I almost missed the bus, when we encountered a bit of a jam on a shortcut that my bro was driving through. Well, Thank God, I managed to get on the bus a few minutes before it departed. I arrived at the Kelana LRT and took a cab from there. The elderly Malay uncle who drove it never spoke a word the whole time, the strong silent type, I thought. When he turned left off the LDP towards my place, I had to start giving him directions. He still didn't say anything but would inquire by pointing his finger at the road. I was slightly perplexed when verbal communication with him failed because he seemed to rely more on hand signals whether to turn right/left or go straight. Tired as I was, I just didn't have the heart to feel frustrated or snobbish about it, and was also too pai seh to ask him about his non-verbal communication. So, I continued guiding him by pointing and signalling when and where to stop. After I paid him, I kindly smiled and said 'thank you'. He seemed surprised, maybe he wasn't familiar with English. Maybe. Or maybe, he was surprised that a passenger thanked him. I like the possibility of the second maybe. Anyway, a car from behind started honking and I had to get out. One phrase lingered in my mind as I walked, something I read in a forwarded junk mail - "Be kinder than necessary, everyone's fighting a battle of some kind.")

OK, that was a long detour. Back to: after yesterday's morning service, and after lunch with my sharegroup members, I went to watch 'Australia' with Yvonne. Personally, it was worth my money. Because I paid RM11 for a 2-hour plus movie! Besides that, it was an OK movie. Not great but it had its moments that almost made me cry. No matter how beautiful the Australian landscape was portrayed in the movie, I still can't make myself fall in love with it and think of any reasons or have any regrets of leaving the Land Down Under years ago.

Later, we hung out at Yvonne's new crib, she cooked dinner while I watched Mamma Mia. I was obviously too engrossed in the movie, because I didn't realize that I had eaten 2 packets of instant noodles, until she saw that my bowl was almost empty; then she told me.

With our full stomachs, we headed back to FCC for the Toraja Christmas service. The pastor was already preaching when we reached. The sanctuary was full so we sat at the lobby and watched the kids run around and play. It wasn't too long that the sermon was soon followed by a few Christmas songs in BM and Torajan, prayer and announcements. The women from the BM congregation had setup tables outside the porch where a short buffet dinner was served. The lobby was soon crowded with people eating and we waited for most of them to settle down. Although when we were invited again to help ourselves to the food by some of the congregation, we found Rick already standing by the buffet table enjoying the food. Even with small portions, I was beginning to feel bloated and rested on a stool at the cafe. Inside the sanctuary, chairs were being moved and people had gathered in a large circle hand-in-hand to dance. Kitt soon came and invited us to join in the dance. Shyly, Yvonne and I went in and dragged Danny, who dragged others with him. We were soon enjoying ourselves after learning the simple dance steps and rhythm of the Torajan music. Cleaning up the church came after, but it was less exhaustive for the church staff this time as some of the BM congregation helped out with most of it.

Another Sunday at Sunway, well spent.

Christmas in Ipoh [recap]

2008-12-29T11:53:00.007+08:00

On Christmas Eve night, went to my cousin's place for family dinner along with my relatives who are mostly living in Ipoh. My Singapore cousins had also returned along with their 1-year-old plus baby son, Jehann. When I saw him last earlier in the year, he was still crawling but now he's walking! So cute! After savouring the homecooked dishes, spent some time chatting with uncles, aunties and cousins (about work, life in KL and the unavoidable question: got boyfriend already or not?).

The last hours of Christmas Eve was spent wishing friends and distant cousins 'Merry Christmas' (& a Happy Birthday ;P) through sms as well as receiving wishes. I was asleep before 1am. So you could say it was pretty uneventful.

Meanwhile, my own sharegroup had gathered back at Ken Damansara and had a sharing session which I heard lasted till 3am.

* * *

Woke up early in the morning to attend Christmas service with my dad and bro. I had woken up too early thinking that the service started at 9am but my dad told me it's at 1030am. Tempted to go back to bed, but I sat at my desk and practiced my drawings instead.

It was a combine service at Bercham Methodist Church (Cantonese & English) and there's always this very noticeable age gap where there's a large number of senior citizens, medium range of adults and very little youths and kids. But don't underestimate these uncles and aunties. I remember last year, they enthusiastically acted out a short sketch (not the best drama in town but you know they're giving it with all their heart). This year's service was mostly taken up by baptism and confirmation.

Jusco was packed and we spent almost half-an-hour looking for parking on the rooftop before deciding to park outside and proceeded to walk inside for lunch. After some grocery shopping, I met up with a few old-skool friends at Tesco's Pelita mamak stall. We chatted and laughed some about a friend's experience of guys giving presents to girls. Her theory and experience says that guys give what a guy wants to girls, but girls give what a guy wants to guys.

Dinner was had at a restaurant where my cousin's church was hosting the dinner. Food was the usual 5-6 course chinese dishes. But we had to wait quite a while between each dish served. While waiting and eating, we had christmas carols, dancing, songs, gymnastics, more dancing, songs again, a sermon (in Mandarin! most of my relatives couldn't understand), yet more songs, that was performed on the stage.

That pretty much sums up how I celebrated Christmas in Ipoh. Nothing special. No mega celebrations. No countdown. No Christmas carolling from house to house. No snow. No getting loads of presents. No watching Christmas TV shows.

Just a simple knowledge and truth. That Christmas isn't Christmas until we have Jesus in our hearts. Christmas began with the birth of baby Jesus, but it doesn't end after just a day of celebration, but it lives on in our hearts.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Twas' the nights before xmas

2008-12-23T21:46:00.004+08:00

After a long evening and night as a secret agent, I woke up early on Sunday morning for the English service. Samentha lead the usher team this time and there were more guests that morning, though I didn't get a chance to talk with them.

After lunch at the usual place with my sharegroup, I dropped by the office for a while because Agent Jane had left her eyelash curlers at my place the night before when she came over to change. I could've passed it to her on Monday but I'd already be on-leave then.

When I reached home, I took a nap for a few hours before preparing a spaghetti dish (too watery) for the night's potluck dinner with Ken Damansara sharegroup. There were less people this time compared to last year, but we still had a good time of fellowship with each other over the satisfying meal, singing Christmas carols, playing games, gift exchanges and sharing session. We couldn't stay till late as it was going to be a working day, except for me.

Was supposed to leave for Ipoh on Monday but my brother had some appoinments with his friends so we postponed it till Tuesday. I woke up early but stayed in bed till noon, reading Coraline (so want to watch this next year!). Later in the day, I did the usual stuff on-line and managed to download some good reference for facial expressions. While trying to convert the file to pdf format, my disk space ran low and when I canceled the program, I found out I had missing hard disk space!!! The converted file was only a few Mbs but I couldn't figure out where did the rest of my nearly 1Gb went to. Went to bed while running the virus scan...

Was supposed to leave early in the morning, but some delays had us leaving around 1130am, and we reached home after lunchtime. It sure is warm in Ipoh, I've never had the a/c on back in my room in Damansara before or maybe it's because it's on the 7th floor so it's cooler.

Tomorrow it's already Christmas Eve. Alas, I'll be missing the Christmas musical concert at FCC.

Video courtesy of Zermi

Top Secret

2008-12-23T20:30:00.006+08:00

[Mission report by Agent 026: Start]
[1900 hours]
[20th December 2008 ]
More than 80 secret agents were gathered at Friendster Cafe to carry out their latest mission: let the kid out. Do not be alarmed, no children (below the age of 18) were kidnapped or involved during this mission. Although there was no red carpet, everyone was dressed to kill and armed with weapons (from toy guns, swords, bow and arrow, mace, plushies, prank candy, to a rubber chicken). Each brought a secret package to be delivered to an assigned target; in return they received their own secret agent bag [of goodies].

Agent 026 encountered some technical difficulties while handling the secret packages. She suspects a couple of hackers had infiltrated the system and swapped the names causing certain havoc before the mission briefing by the Top Agents. After calling for backup and aided by other agents while using her own l337 h4x0r skills, everything was back to normal operational procedure.

All the agents were then served two buffet tables of food (hopefully no diabolical nemesis had tried to poison the agents and laced the delicious main courses and desserts with cyanide) and a suspicious red coloured drink which tastes very similar to Ribena. Unbeknownst to anyone except for the CBP agents, there was a swiss roll cake masterfully planted with wasabi that was to be served to certain agents if they had failed to complete a mission successfully. By some mysterious brain-washing, the CBP agents had completely forgotten about it, instead they later found a slice of the cake had been eaten by, most probably and regrettably, an innocent civilian.

After all missions had been completed, including testing their skills of imitation and charade; the exchange of the secret packages and other top-secret hi-tech lucrative gadgets and documents, the secret agents had their profile pictures taken by other undercover agents before disappearing into the night.

[Mission report: End]

Reason for the Season

2008-12-22T14:19:00.004+08:00

With 3 Days before Christmas
REMEMBER:

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Ming bai bu ming bai

2008-12-14T21:31:00.004+08:00

This Sunday morning, we had a threesome. It wasn't as hectic as a twosome, it could've been amazing if it was a one-man-show.

I'm referring to the Sunday morning usher team at FCC.
Yes, we're lacking of man & woman power.
Victor, we better start preparing for CNY! Everyone [usher] balik kampung later then how ah? LOL...

Anyway, after the service, I had a shopping spree at Pyramid. I think I've spent more than enough for Christmas and I think I'll also include shopping for Chinese New Year done on my checklist.

What was the most interesting observation I've made of myself while shopping (no, I'm not talking financial or fashion observations here), is that whenever any salesgirl approaches and starts conversing in Mandarin, I don't stop or interrupt her by saying, "Sorry, I don't know how to speak Chinese".

In case, you didn't know yet, I'm a banana (yellow on the outside, white on the inside).

Instead, I would just listen to her speak. The amazing thing is, I actually understand at least 37.5% of what she's saying! Although, there were times she might ask a question and I wouldn't know how to answer or I might not have understood certain words; the only reaction I could do instinctively was nod my head and smile as friendly as I could, or say something nice with what little Mandarin that I can muster, with the hopes that she would not repeat the question again. Or I might just change the topic and ask about another piece of clothing perhaps, my basic Mandarin will fail at some point here and I would revert to Cantonese mixed with English instead and she will just go with the flow.

On this occasion, everything would turn out fine with a happy ending because I would be buying something from that shop even though it was a 'duck' selling to a 'chicken'.

All those years at FCC has improved my Mandarin. Now, I need to work on my Hakka.

Magic Part 3

2008-12-11T17:18:00.009+08:00

This magically appeared before my eyes while browsing through random artist's blogs. The image is courtesy of Gerald Guerlais, a French background painter who worked on 'A Kind of Magic' from February 2007 to March 2008 along with his other talented colleagues: Hugues Mahoas, Delphine Lacroix, David Gilson, Chuuing Iia and Mike Sanlaville; under the art direction of Cecile Thomas. More backgrounds can be found on his website [link].

The background below sure brings back some good ol' memories of working on an episode of AKOM. This scene was where I animated an elf falling in and then popping out of the hole.

Vamanos.Part5

2008-12-09T23:48:00.009+08:00

You can now watch a Combo Nino's episode on TFOU.fr! Currently showing is 'Sportivo Sportivo'.

The website is absolutely in French.
For the cautious, I'll guide you here on the navigation.
For the curious, you can just click on the website link and explore the site yourself.

Now, on with the walkthrough!
Once you've clicked on the link, you'll be brought to this page.

Click on 'Les Combo Ninos!', which will then start loading this page...

Once it's done loading, click on the button on the bottom that reads 'Entrer sans s'inscrire'. I'll hazard a guess it means 'Enter without registering'. If you are already a TFOUnaute, fill in your details on the right side of the robot-like character (his right, your left). If you're not yet a member and you want to be one, click on the image on the right side of the screen. But, I'm neither, so I'll go in sans s'inscrire...

And we're one step closer to watching the Ninos in action and speaking in French! But first, select 'Heros'...

Here we are! A couple more clicks on 'Combo Ninos' and on the current episode that's showing, wait for it to load and above that's a screenshot of the villains Diadoro and Gomez in the process of releasing a Divino. Below are more screenshots from that episode. Let's give some applause and credit to Raymond's animation team and the clean-up team (was it George's or Haseena's?), because the end credit roll wasn't included for me to -pause- and point excitedly -"hey, look! i know those names!!".

James Bird

2008-12-07T23:24:00.003+08:00

Clicked upon the US Secret Service FAQ the previous night, and had some interesting reading and information gathering. Anyway, I fell asleep with an idea consisting of a few comic panels. Tonight, I started doodling the character and settled on an old character of mine that came about during high school. Reintroducing: James Bird! Agent Double Egg Seven.

Oh, and here's the information source [link]

Smiley

2008-12-06T16:09:00.003+08:00

Monday...was driving home when I looked up and saw a smiley in the night sky; what I thought were two stars twinkling were actually two planets (Venus & Jupiter) reflecting the sun's light above a crescent moon.

Tuesday...went to watch 'Bolt' with my colleagues. My first time watching with 3D glasses! It looks so 3D! I mean it is already 3D but more 3D than it already is...erm, nevermind. My eyes soon accustomed themselves to the 3D images but my nose bridge was hurting because it wasn't used to having a pair of glasses on top of them.

Wednesday...was suddenly switched to another project for a week's deadline. Everything's going fine for now.

Thursday...almost lost a day and missed sharegroup because I somehow lost track of time and thought it was Wednesday.

Friday...had a long meeting in the morning and we finally get to get the ball rolling for the company annual dinner and invites were sent out 'secret agent style'. Will have to go shopping soon. My dad called to say he's planning a short family trip to Kota Kinabalu in January. Yes! A chance to go back to Sabah again!

Magic Part 2

2008-11-29T17:02:00.004+08:00

'A Kind of Magic' by Xilam Animation Studio has it's own website now! And it's got lots of goodies, too~ Images of the main characters and short video clips from several episodes. Although, the voices have already been dubbed in French. Some of the links are not working yet, I think those are for the interactive flash games.

We animated this episode!!! ^
You can catch the series on Malaysian Astro Disney Channel, 2pm, every Saturday.

Christmas Parade

2008-11-29T13:29:00.017+08:00

You think the Christmas decorations go up too early at your local shopping malls in Malaysia?

In Adelaide, they were already having a Christmas parade in early November! (no Deepavali bah)

But this was way back in 2002, when I was still studying there.

It's summer during Christmas in Australia, so it's hot as thai chilli sauce.

No pork!

"Y so serious?" No lah. It's more like "scary~~~~~"

Ah finally, a christmas tree.

A sockful of presents.

More prezzies.

Rudolph! So free to read newspaper ah?!

The man of the parade, Santa!

Twenty Seven

2008-11-27T12:50:00.004+08:00

Most memorable moments...
...having an appraisal, which kept me feeling anxious from morning until after lunch
...a not so surprise 'surprise' from my colleagues (can see your shadows from inside leh)
...i suddenly had a PR Manager in the form of Victor Lee who put me in the spotlight for a while after the church wide prayer meeting
...my facebook was flooded with birthday wishes, i almost shed a tear
...it rained ^.^

[edited]...at sharegroup, they surprised me with a birthday cake but the candle went out halfway through the song, so Ting Xiang and David went into the kitchen to relight it and came out again to sing the whole song

30 days!

2008-11-25T23:02:00.002+08:00

It's 30 days to Christmas!!
This is the christmas trees setup at Sunway Pyramid, old wing.
Shiny chandelier~~~
New wing side not that nice, so I didn't take a picture of it.

When I was your age...

2008-11-18T23:47:00.003+08:00

I was having dinner with my colleagues, and we had some sharings, discussions and short brainstorming session for an upcoming company event. One topic that kept recurring was what we did or played as a kid and we realized that our childhood experience bridged the age gap between us instantly. I remembered reading a nostalgic junkmail some time back, but I couldn't find it (must have deleted it), so I googled and found it back on other Malaysian blogs.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Signs that you are a Malaysian 70s' & 80s' baby:
You grew up watching G-Force, He-man,
Transformers, Thundercats,
Silver Hawk, Woody Woodpecker, Chipmunks and
Mickey Mouse. Not to
forget Ninja Turtles, Mask, Smurfs & Voltron too.
Girls watched Japanese cartoon like My Little
Pony, "Xiao Tian Tian","Hua Xian Zi" etc.
You grew up brushing your teeth with a mug in
primary school after recess time.

You squatted by a drain with all your classmates
beside you, & brushed your teeth with a colourful
mug.

Remember the days when the school nurse,
comes with a list for the dentist appointment, the
sound of the drilling when your friend has a
fill in his tooth.

You remember the packets of milk we get in
primary school to
encourage us to drink more milk. (It is only cost 30
cent per pack)

In secondary school, girls go to the library to
borrow their
favourite romance storybook.

In secondary school, girls altered their school skirt
to shorten it
and guys will go to the school appointed school
uniform tailor shop
to tailor make their school trousers to the then
fashionable "baggy
pants"!

During primary school days, the teacher will
punish you using a ruler
to hit your palm.

A bowl of noodles soup cost only 30cent in
primary school days.

When you were in primary school, girls like to go
to the bookshop to
buy cute stuff such as animal erasers, various
shape sharpeners,
colourful notebook etc.

Hankyu Jaya, Yaohan departmental stores used to
be a favourite
hangout for families during weekends.

In secondary school days, you buy the Bata BM
Turbo or Pallas Jazz
school shoes.
Some guys like to wear those china made ankle
high shoes.
Some even like to wear those very thick socks
with their school
shoes.

Internet? E-mail? What the hell is that?

So you thought a decade or more ago, your friends
don't have pagers
or handphones in school.

CDs? What's that? Cassette tapes were the norm.
Movie tickets used to
cost less than $5 last time.

The goodies from Mama shop used to be
Chickerdis, Mamee , Kum Kum,
UFO, O-Ya, Ding Dang chocolate balls with toys in
the box, colourful
hard "egg",
"cigerette" bubble gum, KIKI Bubble Gum, pink
bottle of bubbles c/w a
small tubes with yellow sticks to blow "more
lasting" bubbles that
you can pop more air in or slam it on.

You never forget 'Ti Kam'.
When exams are over, the board games (e.g
Monopoly,
Donkey, Transportation Comparison Card) & held !
video games will be
all over the class room.

Your favourite sound is the bell!
For it's the homemade ice cream man. The cream
that tops Haagan Dazs!

And the other peddler you love is the old lady who
sells juicy Muah
Chee and thick olden syrup rolled in a balloon the
tip of a chopstick
stick.

Another bell is the recess bell, a time to get away
from school work
and to eat.

Another time when there is no bell but all guys will
anxiously wait
for it...The PJ (Pendidikan Jasmani), PE time (time
for football)

Your favourite childhood games were playing "gu
li"(marbles), five
stones, five bottle cover, zero-point,
catching, "Pepsi-Cola one two
three" and/or "Police & Sentry"!

The best thirst quencher of all times is the yummy
colourful ice
tubes you can buy from provision shops for only 10
cent. To eat them,
break the tab and suck
while holding the freezing tube!

All gals have a girl doll/strawberry shortcake/my
little pony/pound
puppy, while all boys have a soldiers figurine
(combat) or a rubber
band catapult
that shoots folded paper!

Once was the era whereby ice-cream sticks were
valueable items, then
came the paper aircrafts, chalk fights.
Some boys made their own guns from wood, and
used 'Bacali' as the
bullets.
Some even used matches to shoot and burn
kids'lanterns during
MoonCake Festival.
And your favourite holiday was Lunar New Year!
New clothes, Ang Pows,
shopping, junk food and family outings!

Let's see, the majority of students in universities
today were born
in 1987 / 88.... They are called "youth".

For them, they have never heard of the song "We
are the World, we are
the Children..." And the "Uptown Girl" they know is
by 'West Life'
but not 'Billy Joel'.

For them, there have always been only one
Germany and only one
Vietnam.
AIDS exists since they were born.

CD exists since they were born.

Michael Jackson is already whitened.

John Travolta is always round in shape and they
can't imagine how
this fat guy could be a god of dance.

They believe that Spiderman and Incredible Hulk
are just new films.

They can never imagine a black and white screen
for a computer.

They never know what is Atari or 'Game & Watch'.

They can't believe a black and white television ever
existed and they
don't even know how to switch on a TV without a
remote control.

And they never understand how we can go out
without a mobile phone
when we were in university...

Let's check if we're getting old...

1. You understand what was written above and you
smile.

2. Most of your secondary school friends are
getting married.

3. You are always surprised to see small children
playing comfortably
with computer.

4. When you see teenagers with mobile phones,
you shake your head.

5. You spend less and less time talking on phone
with your friends
daily.

6. When you meet your old friends from time to
time, talking about
the good old days, repeating again and again all
funny stories you
experienced together.

7. Lastly, having read this mail, you are thinking of
forwarding it
to some other old friends. You think they will like it
too.....

Hahaha!.... Yes! We are getting old too...........

Brings back old memories huh?

Cheers to the 70s & 80s babies!!!

My enemy, my lover?

2008-11-15T12:55:00.006+08:00

Since I don't have much to blog about this week and since I've been tagged, I spent some time doing the tag instead. If you have no interest to see your name being tagged, I'll suggest checking back later next week for another post.

The last person to tag you is?
Victor Lee

What relationship of you with him/her?
sunday morning ushers and former ken damansara sharegroup member

Your 5 impressions towards him/her.
a) joker
b) helpful
c) reliable
d) faithful in serving
e) can eat a lot

The most memorable thing that he/she had done for you.
he sms-ed a very very early birthday wish only to realize he'd mistaken me for another beatrice...

If he/she becomes your lover, you will…
still be in the same sharegroup as his brother and his brother's wife....one big happy fami-lee!

If he/she becomes your enemy, you will...
not be doing this tag

If he/she becomes your lover , he/she has to improve on...
not becoming my enemy

If he/she becomes your enemy , the reason is...
we were playing on opposing teams on DoTA or CS

How do you think the people around you will feel about you?
well, i'm not worried about how they feel about me for now since i've yet to encounter a group of people that runs screaming away from me everytime i'm around them

The character for you for yourself is?
hmm, i haven't designed a character for myself yet...but i've seen caricatured versions from my colleagues

The most ideal person you want to be is?
me... but with no flaws and sins

For the person who cares and likes you, say something about them.
Thank God for creating you. I'm sorry. I forgive you. I love you.

Ten people to tag

1. jesc goh
2. lace
3. joets
4. yvonne loke
5. george
6. ruthie
7. joanne
8. mok
9. nanie
10. darren c. edward

Who is no.2 having relationship with?
if she had one, maybe a good looking rich athlete ;P

Is no.3 a female or a male?
female but more adventurous and outgoing than any male friend i know

If no.7 and no.10 be together would it be a good thing?
well, since no.7 is all the way in australia now...i suppose a class reunion would be a good thing

How about no.5 and 8?
if u mean collaborate together creatively, the stuff they could come up with will have me ROFLMAO

What is number 1 studying ?
maya, rigging, life drawing, reading visuals, writing lots of reports and essays, etc....degree in animation lah

When was the last time you have chat with them?
them? i don't know anyone named 'them'...if u mean adam, i briefly chatted with him last week

Is number 4 a single?
no, i don't know if there's a song titled 'yvonne loke', but i suppose considering her love of music, she could record a single one day

Pumpkin!

2008-11-09T16:20:00.005+08:00

Okay, I know it's kinda late to do a Halloween posting. But, thanks to my 'daily subscription' of junkmail from my sharegroup members, I was forwarded some impressive images of pumpkin carvings. Here's my favourite...

With a dose of curiosity and a few minutes of googling on Ray Villafane, I found his tutorial on pumpkin carving; and also, that he's a master sculptor, working for DC Direct (the peeps behind Batman and Superman) and his clients also include McFarlane Toys, Bowen Designs and Sideshow Toys.

Here's his advice to new sculptors or amateurs sculptors [source]:
As an art teacher for the past 12 years I would say it is important to push yourself. Never settle for a finished product that "just doesn't look right in your eyes". If you see a flaw in it, tackle that area, no matter how difficult it may be. THIS IS WHERE THE LEARNING PROCESS TAKES PLACE. If you find you are sculpting with ease and not experiencing that slight sense of frustration(fun challenging kind) and uncertainty in your work than the chances are you are not pushing yourself enough. Leave that comfort zone and take your work to new areas of discovery......GROW.

I'm looking at his advice not just from an artist's perspective to continuously challenge and improve my skills, but also from a point-of-view to develop and grow my character.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ~James 1:2-4~

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. ~Romans 5:3-5~

Ray Villafane will also be participating in this year's Nativity annual sand sculpture at Jesolo, Venice, Italy.

More images can be found here.

Freedom

2008-11-06T22:00:00.002+08:00

Today, I had a first attempt to write the story plot for an episode of a cartoon series but it ended up more of a horror thriller than a comedy. I was just helping out sharing my ideas, I'm not the officially appointed script or story writer. And it wasn't that horrifying, but if it's for kids and the emphasis is on cuteness, I guess I almost went overboard on the scary factor.

Anyway, I used to write quite a bit back in secondary school (Although, history records that my mum tutored me to write essays since primary school and my favourite topic would be 'A trip to the zoo'. The essay I wrote after my trip to Singapore's Zoological Gardens took quite a few pages, since it is more superior in size and number of animals compared to Zoo Negara). Writing short or chain stories were part of my student life with my fellow classmate, Jo Nie. And I had a bad habit of being too engrossed in writing a story during the English subjective exams, that a couple of times my English teacher would ask me after, "Beatrice, why is there no ending to your essay?" I'd smile sheepishly and she'd continue, "I really want to know what happened at the end. Can you finish writing the story?" Of course, I didn't get extra marks for completing it.

On rare occasions, I'd be able to give an ending to my essays by the end of the exam time (and even spare some time to count the number of words), instead of leaving them with cliff-hangers. Below is the first that I'd accomplish; that my teacher was also happy about.

[Freedom]

It had been years since I was locked in this confined space. It was claustrophobic, with cold brick walls and a small window as the only contact I had with the outside world. It was damp and dirty. The small room was my bedroom and bathroom. I had to sleep and eat in the presence of my own excrements. It was filthy.

What made things worse were that I had to share the room with several other creatures. They were the rats and cockroaches. These creatures fed on my faeces and leftover food, if there were any. Sleep was hard to find, as the place stank like the sewers. The pungent and nauseating smell frequently kept me awake. In addition to it, cockroaches and rats would crawl onto my body, which was badly in need of a bath. At times, the rodents would sink their teeth into my flesh, mistaking me for their midnight snack. Fortunately, I had gotten used to the smell, but the rats were still a problem.

My only solace was through the small window on the wall. Steel bars were fitted into it, to prevent me from escaping. I would usually awake to the rays of sunlight streaming through it into the room. Sometimes, I would just sit on the floor, bathing in the warmth of the sunlight. I would feel as if I was free again, away from the confinement where I was held captive. Everything was fine again. My thoughts would wander back to the days when I was younger. I could see myself running free in the fields with my friends and family again. I was happy. Why did I leave my family? I had everything- good friends, a family who loved me, good food, a comfortable home…why?

Those thoughts would not linger long in my mind, as they were rudely interrupted by the clanging of the food trays. As usual, it was bread and water, albeit there were times when I had some meat to chew on. I quickly grabbed the dry piece of bread from the tray before the rats had a chance to lay their tiny paws on them. I slowly nibbled on the bread for I knew it would be days before my captors would serve me my next meal.

As I sat there, I looked out of the window. Twilight was approaching. The sky had turned to a brilliant purple. The birds were returning to their nests in the trees. They were flying back to their homes. Back to their families.

I sighed. Home. The thought of returning home brought me a glimmer of hope. I shall return one day. But now, I had to get some sleep amidst my rodent ‘friends’.