Movie Marathon

I had always wondered what its like to go for a movie marathon and I finally found out how it really was. Wednesdays has always been the best day for movie goers to go catch a movie. This would also account to a crowd of people who seem to think the same as we do. Initially, we had planned to watch "Troy" but it seems a pretty good idea to watch "A Day After Tomorrow" since it was going to open tonight and the timing couldn't be any more perfect for us. This was what I thought about the movie overall.

Troy

There has been a certain trend in Hollywood recently. Historical figures tend to cause any interest to many directors that a long list of them had or will be turned into an epic story which include pre-modern customes, extra large sets, beautiful scenery and enormous battle scene. It dawn upon me that "Troy" would be another big budgetted movie that would fit into that criteria. It was an interesting two and a half hour movie that didn't really impressed me entirely. It could be due to its pretty weak ending. I had seen better movies such as this before such as "Gladiator", "Patriot" and "Braveheart". Noticable editting cause certain scenes to be poorly portrayed. The battle scenes were messy as you could really catch a clear glimpse of a real fight. Eric Bana and Brad Pitt did quite a good job in their roles. However, Orlando Bloom yet again lowered his acting credibility with such a poor performance. There was certainly no charisma in his portrayal and it was back again to the bow and arrow, which seem like the only thing he know how to do best. Overall, it was a relatively okay movie that didn't had much to shout about except Achilles super move which I found pretty amazing.

The Day After Tomorrow

I had come with much low expectation of this movie only to see it because of its special effect but I guess I was blown away by the movie that also produce a relatively well written script and storyline. The whole movie was one of the few natural disaster movies that was believable. Maybe that is why the movie left me in awe and amazed by how well balance and believable the special effects that were generated for the massive flood, hailstorm, tornados and the freezing icy temperature. One of the thing that my friend commented and which I agree was that the storyline was very positive. It spoke about keeping our environment and world clean that would help save mankind from its doom. Besides that, there was also a lot of family values that was included in it as well such as a father travelling from one end to another to rescus his son whom he know not of whether he would be alive or not. The key thing to this movie would certainly be survival in situation that are not familiar off. It also portray how we should always be ready and not take things likely. Jack Hall was pretty surprise that his research of another ice age would happened in another 500 years and would not imagine to happened in his lifetime. There many unknown actors and actresses in this film not including Dennis Quid.

One of the new stars which I found pretty interesting to watch was a young actress by the name of Emmy Rossum who played Laura Chapman. She reminds me alot like Penelope Cruz but better.




It was surprisingly interesting that I didn't feel tired and worn out after sitting through almost more than 4 hours in the cinema. The only thing that was killing me at that time was the air-con which seem to put be in the scene of "The Day After Tomorrow". This could be due to my training back in the good old days sitting in front of the television for hours. Today would be pretty much as close as I could get to feel the number of hours some people who sat through watching the marathon for Lord of the Rings.

After the show, we headed down to Serdang to get a drink and at the same time to collect Desmond's change which he left the day before when we visited the mamak stall. Thank God the owner of the stall for being honest and keeping the money for us until we came to collect it.

My Band

This would be the day that I would be joining with my band mates to jam and see if we could strike a good chemistry to make it as a band in the coming Audio Warfare, the battle of the bands in MMU. The rain was pouring outside. It had never rain for quite some time. We gathered at Terry's crib for quick run through on the songs that we would be playing tonight. There I met Sunny, Don's Kajang accomplice. We made our way to Subang with our empty stomach hoping to catch a bite before our practice at 8. However, our decent journey there was halted by a massive jam in Subang. It was simply unimaginable to get stuck in a jam such as this when time seems to creep ever more nearer to 8. We made a few detour hoping to beat the traffic but our effort took a toll when Don and Sunny began to get emotional and "bombastic" words began to fly out of their mouth. The emo got even greater when we met an interesting man in his Volvo who had no clue whatsoever about road manners or should I say courtesy.

I was in the midst of an emo as well looking at that driver oblivious ignorance to other driver who were trying to make a quick exit as well. At that moment, I realised how easy it could be for me to say a swear word considering the scenario I was in and also feud by the swears that my driver and co-driver were putting across. It happened to me before and I know unnoticingly easy to not realise it until it has been spoken. I respect Terry who was sitting beside me who remain quiet even in such a situation. In situation such as this, it would be wise to remain quiet and not speak a thing or even contribute to what was already in place.

We finally made it through the jam and reach the De' Rhymmix studio at almost 8.30pm. Looking at the time, we decided to push our practice time later and grab a bite at the nearby mamak stall. This had prove a bad move for Don when his appetite for nasi lemak took a tool on his voice. Our practice began soon after. Terry on Bass, Roland on lead guitar and me on drums. We played around with some songs that we had initially decided to play with Puddle of Mudd "She Hates Me", Toxicity, Greenday "Basketcase" and Incubus "Talk Show". Besides that, we were filling in with some spontaneous melodic blues and jazz rhythmm that got us filling up our studio time. As a band, I would say that we merge in quite well. However, we had one big problem. Our vocalist. It seems that he couldn't bring across a single song on note or on time. I guess our numerous mocking and frank opinion did break his ego a little. He realised that he did suck at it. He blamed it on the nasi lemak though my opinion tend to differ as I had listen to him sing and it was never near the Kurt Cobain that he proclain he was.

This had indeed broke down all the pride that we could make it through this competition. I seriously came in just for the fun of it although winning would be an added advantage. It seems that the dream of making it is fading away. We had decided to meet up on Sunday and polish on the vocal skills and see whether we could pull this through. If it doesn't become any better, I guess we would be pulling out from this competition or find ourselves looking for another vocalist. He assure us that it would be all good in the hood by Sunday and only time will tell when we meet up again. I am not dissapointed by whether he could sing or not. Honestly, I would encourage him and believe that he could make it through. However, I guess sometimes overconfident tend to stab you right at the back without you realising what his you in the first place.

I made some new friends as I got into this band namely the guitarist Roland who is from Uniten, our judge for the night Sunny from UM and a girl by the name of Dee, whom I guess was Roland's gal. I found Dee pretty interesting as she looked kinda cool with interesting features and somewhat looked like Esther Wee. Besides, she is also a drummer as well. We were off to the nearest mamak which was Darussalam which seem to be another decorated mamak stall for the sole purpose of charging extra. It was quite an awkward situation to be in with people who smokes. I for one is someone who tend to have a bad perception on smokers in general. Never like the smell or the act all together. Other than that, girls who smokes tend to turn me off. Maybe it is because of the people whom I am normally with who are not smokers themselves. But, it hard to judge someone who puff a cigarette. There are people I know who are smokers that strike a very good character as well.

Fear of Being Alone

I realise today that I have the fear of being alone. It doesn't mean that I need someone to accompany me all the time. However, I realised that my fear would be falling into sin whenever I am alone. It seem to dawn upon me that being alone is the best time that temptation would hit me in the face. Not having people look or see what I am doing when I am alone seem to allow me to indulge into sin unknowingly. It is subtle yet real. I guess at times I feel a hypocrite in some ways. In another words, having 2 personalities in 2 different scenarios. I realised that I am far more aware of people when I am in the open and less aware of God when I am alone. Thoughts and actions seems to take a tumble that would cost guilt and low self esteem to take control. In the open, I strike out as one who is care free and strong in character. Alone, I have anxieties and fearful. How do I strike a balance and learn to live one life and not two? This is one area of my life that seem to need a breakthrough.

The Question About Oppurtunities

It has been a couple of weeks that my parents have been quite worried my sister's future endeavours. She is currently studying in MMU but does not know why she is there at all or what course she should be taking. My parents had decided to place her in MMU first, with hopes that she be able to find a suitable course that she would be able to settle in. However, 3 weeks have passed by and she doens't seem interested to be in MMU in the first place. The reason behind this is she has no idea or clue what she wants to work as in the future.

My parents were had numerous talk with her and at the same time did not want to pressure her in making a decision. Time is passing by so very quickly and many oppurtunities that are before her right now may soon vanish if she does not take the appropriate action to decide on her future profession. My sister has the capability to make it through in life as she is the only one out of three sibblings who can really study. A straight A student and one who had manage to maintain top in class since Standard One. However, it is true that even with so much creditials it is seemingly pointless if one do not take the necessary steps to take the oppurtunity at hand. I worry for her just as much as my parents do. But, we are constantly explaining to her and giving her a clearer picture that what you study now isn't necessary what you will be doing as a courier. I have seen many people studying in one area and excelling in another. However, it would be good to study something that you would like to do in the future. I guess going to university is merely an experience where it helps you mature and see the world in a more bigger dimension. Just hoping that she would be able to make a choice between law or psychology. Management seem to be another alternative considering that psychology is included in it as well.

What About Me?

I was attending Database class earlier and was reminiscing about my time here in MMU. Frankly speaking, I guess I wasted the last 4 years studying engineering. Why do I say that? At this end of this 4 years, I could frankly say that I do not think I have the skills needed to be an engineer that would prepare me for the outside world. This thought was dawn upon me when my dad ask about my course and what I had learn so far. He didn't seem all the confident with the knowledge I had acquire thus far looking at the skills I have related to computer engineering. That is why today would be the last day I would be attending database class volunteerily. Initially, I decided to attend for the sole purpose of learning. I realised thereafter that at the end of the day I would be spending 1 hour passively listening without any understanding and producing no concrete results. I would have to admit that there are many times the reason I attend class is not to learn but solely to sign attendance so as to not get barred for exams. Guess if I do want to learn about something, practice would seem like the best option for me.

CG Launching Day

It was the time of the year where we got to know who would be in which CG and the excitement to find out who our new members would be. I truly enjoyed the presentation that was put forward by the CG leaders and assistants. It was a simple play yet it spoke a message. I was certainly proud of my dude, Terry for coming up with the poetic piece of work. Never knew he could rhymme. Then, it was followed by an impromptu skit of a teacher and 3 small kids. Ken, Chris and Chee Yong took up the kids role. Boy, were we laughing till out guts nearly fell out. However, it soon became a question as in "What does it all mean?" We finally found out that they were stating a point about sharing as each of the kids had only 2 colour pencil to draw their mom. I felt that the skit didn't send out a strong point that Joshua wanted to bring across. Anyway, it was all in the good name of laugh.

All of us were then split up into our respective CGs. I was pretty amazed when they began to allocate the newbies into my group. It was all guys. Initially we were conqured by girls and now balance is finally in its place. Another surprising discovery was most of them were from alpha FCM namely Teo, Shern, Johnson and Brian. We had Lu Vin as the other junior who soley represented the FOM's. Quite an interesting mixture. Besides that, I notice that Ting Ting and Terry were finding it pretty difficult to get the ball rolling. Me and datin decided to inject a little bit of interaction within out group less it became dry. I initially decided to remain quiet and allow the new leaders to carry out their duties. Guess, at times we need to lent a helping hand when the need is there. That is one of the interesting thing about Christian leadership. Can't really wait for our next meetup next Wednesday where we be starting it off with filling our stomachs as usual.

The Joy Of Being Home

It is certainly a joy to be back home. I feel so relax whenever I'm home. Rest assured. Appetite increased. Hours in front of the tele lenghtened incredibly. It is certainly good to get away from the norm of life and just enjoy the time with my sisters and parents. Sitting together to have a meal has always been a highlight of the weekends. Good food and fellowship.

I had the priviledge to go and visit my grandparents this weekend. Its not all the time that we visit them due to a tight schedule though we are both living in Seremban. Grandparents called us over for high tea. And as usual, I was pretty excited especially when it comes to my Grandma putting up a feast. I have always been a fan of her cooking no matter how simple the dish may seem to be. Grandparents would sometimes call us over for dinner, knowing the fact that my sisters and I do not really have the chance to gobble down home cook food. The array of dishes served before us was my Grandma's famous curry puff, Fried Bee Hoon, Nasi Dagang and Curry Ikan Haji. It was pretty surprising to see Grandma preparing Nasi Dagang, a Kelantanese speciality as I would only be able to have a taste at it once every Chinese New Year. Besides us, Grandparents has some close church friends over the house. Guess its always good to have a crowd in Grandparents place especially when she feels like cooking for a large crowd.

Church Annual Report Meeting

It was one of those rare occasion that I stayed back for a presentation on the church report meeting. Dad didn't want to go due to some personal reason on that matter and as a good son, i accompanied my mom. Attendance wasnt so encouraging comparing to the number of people in our congregation. It wasn't surprising to see that not many who attend Agape were members of the church. Even for myself. Why not become a member of the church? After spending a numerous good years in my church, I have not felt belong completely in the church for that matter. Though I am currently serving in the music ministry which require us to be member of the church, I have put that thought aside as I felt it isnt necessary at this point of time to commit myself to a church on a membership basis.

It's was interesting just to sit back and hear the views of various church members, both new and old, giving their feedback on the minutes that were given out a week earlier to the members to have a look. One of the very interesting concerns was about the mission pledge. It seem an irony and vague to see that breakdown in giving for missions seems not to be given to mission per say entirely. The definition of mission seem to vary a little bit as not all the funds collected would be given to mission totally. There will be some distribution toward other organisations such as AOG and BCM. This was pretty awkward and many question on that breakdown and suggested that mission be given to mission work entirely.

The opportunity to sit down with fellow brother and sister, at the same time listening each of their views and thoughts seem to have caught my attention as to how knowledgeble or matured each of this people. Some were frank and precise while some were unrelevant. Others were trying to keep the peace while there were a few who were trying to rub shoulders with the leaders. It rather interesting to see how a church performs its meeting and looking at the different reaction that people give towards the issues that were being raised up where some were technical and order while some tried to give reference to the bible that seemingly look spiritual.

The Church Today

It has always come to my knowledge that the new millineum churches seem to loose their focus all together why they first exist. Many churches nowadays have began to grow at an enomous rate and naturally turn into an organisation. They have began to generate income that surpases the million dollar mark, acquire million dollar properties that are free from interest and develop a hierachical structure where the pastor of the church sits at the very top. I am not against growth or big churches in all but I queationed at times why churches exist today? Is it to show the world that the church is able to be gather riches and fame that would be on par with other worldy organisation? It seem that the world view has begun to creep into the church system unnoticely. Shouldn't it be the other way round?

World management skills has slowly began to take shape in church organisation today. Planning and restructuring the church in order to maintain a constant growth seem to be a popular strategy to so called "win souls". Is this how it should be? I really do not know. Probably I'm more towards looking at the church as a group of people who believe in Jesus Christ that are geared into reaching to the lost that have yet to hear the Word. Why has the term organisation be associated in the church context?

It's hard at times for me to join a ministry. I sometimes am confuse why to ministry exist in the first place. Is it mainly to bless the peoplein church or help utilise the gift that God has given to us to bless the people out in the world? Where is our target audience? Church members or the unsave? What is our motive? To get more offerings to build a bigger church or to humble ourselves and use whatever we have to reach out to the lost. I may tend to agree at times maybe the problem with the world today isnt what the world lacks but what the church has failed to address at this point of time.

I was certainly humbled when a friend of mine told me what the society that he is currently attached to as a volunteer, Tzu Chi has been effortlessly doing around the world. Initially I would have though that this group were of Buddhist belief. But, I was wrong. Tzu Chi was a foundation that was geared at meeting the 8 different areas of needs in society based on Budddhism. Mind you, Buddhism is not a religion, it is a way of life. I was pretty amazed to hear that Christians were apart of this foundation as well. It was interesting to hear the numerous work that this people were doing volunteerily to meet the needs of the world today. Many of their finances in carrying this kinda of project come from small yet profittable ways such as recycling. I just realise how much the non Christian are doing in meeting the needs of society today. Where have all the Christians gone? We have been so caught up with perfecting our music skills, building a church and organising big events to win the lost when there is a whole big world out there just waiting for us to help them. Besides, I realise that there are many such organisation such as this out there. What is the church respond towards this issue? Put aside our pride and our different and start to make an impact in the life of many by filling in the gaps and joining this people in supporting and addressing social issues. It is time to work together as one and through this we would be able to show effectively what God's love truly is.

Back In Business

It has certainly been such a long time since i set foot here again. The tendency for me to not constantly update this writing space of mine seems ironic although I had often told myself to. It had seem like a more difficult task to update it even with round the clock Internet connection compared to when I was back homes during the holidays where I had to type my entries in Wordpad before posting it online through the not so trusty dial-up. The reasons ranges from my active involment in preparation for CF activities to not having to sit down and start writing it down. I do agree to a statement made by Dr. Tan Soo Inn "Sitting down to write a journal or blogging requires one to slow the down the paste of life activities to sit and reflect on what has happened throughout the day." I had not prepared myself to take up that task until now.

Many things had happened throughout my absence from my blog. Some were good, some were not so good. I was so caught up with so many things that I didnt have time to sit down to reflect what had happened and what I had learned throughout the day. What I regret most is not having to be able to write it all down in detail. However, I thank God for always being by my side at all times whether I was busy with activities, worrying about my FYP title, felling disorientated by family matters and realising how inedequatte and vulnerable I was. He had thought me patience and understanding, providing for my needs by giving us the FYP title I wanted, brought peace and closeness between my parents and I and learning to always give with a cheerful hard without expecting anything in return.

I am truly blessed. Its hard to imagine or comprehend God's grace for my life. He has already giving me so much that I sometimes feel that I do not deserve this. A good life, loving family, providing for my wants even when I didn't really prayed much about it (eg. a person to consider as my soulmate, a much dreamt of band, 2 person in a room) and teaching me to grow up (eg. learning to be early for meetings and classes, sleeping early most of the time, a healthy lifestyle, planning my life). Its simply remarkable what a God or should i say a friend who has always given so much and never expecting anything in return. This is the God I believe in and serve all my life.

CG Leaders Training

I had just return after paying a visit to the upcomin CG leaders of the CF for this academic year. It was simply interesting to sit and observed the people during the games session, at the same time participating myself in the discussion by reviewing the CG as a whole. I was simply impress by the way it was conducted and seen how some of them had grown so much from the time I knew them to know. Peace came to my heart knowing that in the future, the CF and CGs will indeed be in good hands of those who will come and rise up as leaders in the future.