Blessed to be Selfless

Blessings. I was reminded once again about my life, how God has blessed my life. At times, I take for granted or even forget that I am blessed. Its quite my nature to be blur or forgetful at times. My parents were quick to remind me again. It seems that God had seen me through even before I was born. I was miraculously born after two of my would be sibblings didn't made it. My mum was given treatment straightaway from the doctor even when she was late to arrived to give birth to me. I went through a normal childhood without much trouble or problems. My SPM results was a miracle as I received 7As and an aggregrate of 6 in my important papers without even studying as much as I should have. I managed to enter MMU even after submitting my entry at the last day of registration. There were many oppurtunities given to me in terms of leaderships roles both in CF and Cyber Christmas even when I do not deserve it or have the leadership qualities to carry out those roles. I had the FYP title that I wanted with a good moderator and was fortunate to submit my FYP report even when the time had passed. I was fortunate enought to visit China for my holidays, do mission in Sarawak, attend Hillsongs conference in Australia and soon to attend my church camp in Genting before I start work. Last but not least, I managed to acquire a job after only applying only one company and even not making the interview. These are some of the list of testimony that I have of God's blessings in my life.

I look at the list and the thought of seeing God's hand on my life is simply astounding. The fact that I am saved by grace is already a blessing, knowing about it is a gift from God. I wouldn't be able to see His hand if I am not a born again.

Looking at all this blessings in my life, there is no words or works that can repay God's grace but to surrender my life before Him and be used by Him. I made a vow that whatever I do in the future that God would be in the picture. The vision in a camp about a mike and big group of people is still vivid in my mind. I do not know what it means but I believe there would be a reason for that vision some day. My thoughts about relationship and in waiting for a life partner have changed. It would not be a list of criteria I set before me but a person that I can complement and be complemented with so that we would walk in accordance with God and be His servant. I am learning to place what God wants for my life and not what I want of Him because I know on judgement day, it is my relationship with Him that counts and the effort I place to share that relationship.

I was watching the diaries of Malaysian Idol earlier and could relate to what Ash commented.

"At times its hard to be yourself. Even when u try to be open, frank and transparent about your thoughts and opinion, people will think differently of you. They will have a perception that you are trying to be proud or egoistic but all you are trying to be is yourself. Its frustrating at times. We have to put own two mask each time we are out there, one on stage and one of stage. People will only get to know who we really are when they speak or have a conversation with you. One friend asked me if all this is hipocrasy. Indeed it is."

I cannot agree any less of what he said. Sometimes, I can't blame people for putting a mask. Many have I known portray different personalities. Its hard to distinguish who is who. Frustrating it must be to see this happening all around us. I try at times to be who I am but most of the time find myself the odd one out. The feeling of being different from everyone else whether be it in character or opinions. You just can't help being away or left out. Many times, one have to sacrifice self in order to be accepted by majority. That is why the question of "What would Jesus do?" have to remain in our heads. It seems we are not who we want to be. We are just instruments used by God having a path that is planned for us from the beginning. That is why we are more dependant than independant. Most of the time, its better to die to self and gain souls. Humility comes into the picture. This is a lesson that I am still learning from Him.

A Visit to A Showhouse

After visiting Centre Point, I suggested to my mum that we have a peek at the newly lauched Semi-D Link house at S2. I have always had an interest to visit show houses. This could be due to the influences of my dad who is a banker. I have an interest in buildings and structure which goes beyond to even design and interior. That explains my interest in architecture. I had a longing to study architecture before. However, due to long course of study and inability to secure a job in future, it was more practical that I take up something else. And here am I, a graduate in computer engineering.

As we made our way to the show house, we passed by the soon to be completed Jaya Jusco. Yes, JJ is coming to Seremban and is slated to be open in October. Theres word that TGV will be opening here as well. I see some similarities with 1U. Anyway, I was quite shocked to see the progress of the building. I had only been around here three weeks ago when I brought my grandparents for a ride here. They had only began to paint the end of the building. However, what I saw today was like, "How in the world that do it so fast?" Almost the entire exterior of the building is painted and the word "Jusco" is already up. I heard that JJ Club members are invited for a tree planting ceremony next week as well. Wow!



After a brief moment of amazement, I made my way to visit the new Semi D Link house which was situated on the way to Rasah Kemayan and opposite of Sri Carcosa. Link houses aren't my kind of house as it is connected with the behind house. I always prefer bungalow houses or the usual semi-D, where there is some land behind and the side of the house. As I surveyed the showhouse, I was quite impress with the layout of the place. All in all, there was 4 bedroom, one below and three above. The kitchen, seems big enough to accomadate a large amount of people. I was utterly impress with the other two rooms above which were spacious. The interior was slightly modest though I like the idea of having curtains around the the walls of the master bedroom to give it some texture instead of the usual plain straight walls. Other than that, I found out that the row where the showhouses is situated is slightly bigger from the other rows of houses, 30X67 compare to 30X60. Corner lot units are much bigger in terms of the side land. The price seems alright though initially I thought it was RM168,888 but was later told it was a Bumi price and people like myself would need to fork out another RM30k for the house. Quite a good gimic to lure people to the showroom to see the house. All in all, a nice house to consider buying.


View from in front

Living Hall

Funky chair in the living

Dining hall and Entrance of the house bounded by some frills.

Master Bedroom

Second Room

Third Room

Side Gardens

Side Gardens of corner unit

We made our way to the nearby showroom to get some brouchers of the house. As I was talking to one of the representative there, it was quite interesting to learn that if a house is above RM180k, the bank only provides 90% loan while if its below that amount, you receive 105% loan. Besides, it only takes a deposit of RM500 to secure a house and there is a tendency to have its price increase 15-20% once the house is completed. A good investment info I must say.

Looking at the picture,

and model,

of what is to come, I can't wait to see all this come to pass to see the up and coming S2.

A Sad State

I went out with my mum today. Being at home while awaiting to start work, I would be occupied with fetching my mum around town, mainly to pay some bills or to stop by the supermarket the get some stuff. We paid a visit to Seremban Centre Point where my mum wanted to inquire about making a new specs. I took the oppurtunity to walk around the mall. Its been quite a while since I stepped into Centre Point. The sight that I saw saddens me.



Shops that I knew were there before vanished. There were countless number of shops empty. Those who were still open seem to sit idle. Business seem slow. Workers seem to outnumber customers. I could see many of the promoter either sitting around or staring blankly at the pile of clothes that were before them. Some made some attempt to keep in touch with fellow promoter around their area. Everything seem quiet and barren. There was not much attraction that would enticed people to come and shop here. Maybe it is a weekday. However, I could foresee that many of the shops I see today would not be around any longer in future if nothing is done about it.



Its quite obvious that management seem to be the key in making sure a shopping complex survive or not. There has to be something that needs to be done in order to enticed shoppers to come. Most shopping complex in Seremban seem to suffer similar fate or atmosphere where most of the time it is empty. This maybe due to the close proximity of KL being only 45 minutes away that Serembanians prefer to go for their shoppings. What is left are just shops that are just trying to survive and cover the cost that is incur at every month. Its quite pathetic and sad to see this happening. However, I do believe that with proper management things can be turn for the better. Its quite an interesting field to venture into especially in the area of shopping complex management. How a place can be turn from nothing into something.

One Utama would be one example. During its earlier days when it just open, One Utama was situated far away from most of the other shopping centres. There were not many people initially and I would have not imagine that it would survive. However, management came into place and they had manage to build the image of the complex by offering a wide range of products and also aggressively advertising its centre to let people know about its whereabout. As time went by, the complex began to grew and in order to compete with other shopping complex like Mid Valley, they decided to expand the complex. Who would have imagine that Bandar Utama would become a shopping hub. Seeing the success of One Utama, other companies began to set up their centres around that area such as Ikea, Ikano Power, The Curve and upcoming Cineleisure Complex, a one stop entertainment centre. As of now, Bandar Utama has become one of the most sought after place to stay as property prices increase due to the many infractructure that have come out of the area. Its amazing how a shopping complex can help develop an area.

Back to where I started, it was saddening to see the state of the complex. However, it did not deter me from walking around to try to see if there were any good bargains even in this complex. Usually, I would walk around and normally end up in either the gifts or housing appliances section. I was quite amazed to see a good collection of photo albums in the gift section especially the self adhensive ones. There were alot of choices there. Prices were relatively normal at around RM21.90 to RM27.90. One of my current shopping list would be photo frames. As many would know, photo frames aren't cheap. I had just graduated and had various length of photos that I would like to frame up. I managed to see a couple of nice ones but decided not to buy any yet as I was in the midst of looking around and comparing prices. Its quite interesting that sometimes one can find some really nice stuff at good bargain in places that may look not so interesting. It goes to show that one need to be adventurous enough to look around even in places where you would not expect you would find something at all.

Photo Albums

Photo Frames

A cute photo frames with some tortoises on it

My Thoughts On Blogs

Privacy has seems to be an issue when it comes to blogging. Many are afraid that what they write on their blogs will be read by people whom they do not want them reading in the first place. Details about their life that seems sensitive or private are not posted up. They restrict only having to post certains things. However, some stop blogging entirely after realising that their blogs are read by the masses. The freedom of writing has turn into to fear. Fear of wanting to express their thoughts or more so be themselves. However, there is no stopping people from reading blogs as it is posted on the world wide web. A place where all can be found and even if you can't find them, there is always the trusted Google to help you with that. With as much privacy functions that some blogs site try to provide for their customers, surfers will only need a group of characters to find the URL for the blog sites.

This has been one of the discussion brought upon by the mission group in their attempt to set up a blog site to discuss certain issues pertaining to the spiritual aspects. There was a suggestion to have each one of us read a book from the Bible or a book where we can discuss and share our views after such reading. It was a good idea for one of them to suggest a blog as a replacement to the mailing list which have filled our mail box to the brink. However, thanks to large storage offered by Yahoo Mail and Gmail, we are able to still accomadate such flooding. It is good to still be able to communicate even after the missions. However, privacy seems to be an issue that some take seriously even when discussion is about the word that I believe could be share to others as well.

I have always envisioned blogs as one of the best platform for people to share their thoughts, what they have learn and their encounter with God that would be deem as a good testimony to be shared to others. Personally for me, privacy has never been an issue when it comes to blogging. I have come to realise that no matter how private we are, there are ways where people will find out. However, I do agree there are certain things that will remain private in our life, things that only we know that others don't. However, I have chosen to be open and transparent in most of my things as I believe that by doings so I be held accountable. Keeping too many things private may soon bog us down as we find ways of not having others know what we have been doing or up to. That is why there was a time I was sceptical about blogging after knowing that different individuals read my postings. I even had friend's mothers reading and knowing about what I do or been through. It was scary to hear of people wanting to know so much about you that I had thoughts to either stop my blog site or change to another one. However, after much thoughts I realise that there is no used doing so as people will soon find out even if I blog or not. But, I have always found fulfillment in sharing and hoping that my sharing will blessed someone or having someone respond and learning at the same time.

It seems that my views on blogging may differ from how others see as for me its more of a platform to share with one another and at the same time be humble to learn from one another as well. We are all going through life together but at different pace. Who knows the experience that we have gone through may help someone or may even encourage someone in their circumstances which may be similar to ours. Its just how we look and view blogging. Is it to fulfill our personal goals or to bless others as well? Just a thought

My Initiatives to Relationships and Dealing With Critics

I had a conversation with one of my good friend over the messenger and I was reminded once again of how complacent I can get in terms of keeping in touch with people. My friend did point out to me that I seldom take the initiatives to actually SMS or message someone over messenger, even to people who I considered myself close to. It seems I had a tendency of communicating when someone initiates and its funny how I had lost that sense of having to initiate conversation during my pre-U days. Have I gone complacent or have I lost the desire to want to keep in touch with people?

I realise that I have many people whom I have not kept in touched with for quite some times. The people I had least kept in touch were some of my classmates back in secondary days. Many have already gone overseas while others were already pursuing different fields of interest around Malaysia. There are some that I do keep in touch but many of those whom I was close to had seem to fizzle out. Then there is another thought about family. It seems that I lack closeness with some of family members especially my cousins. I guess I am close to a small group of family members in particular immediate members and grandparents. Come to think of it, it is quite sad that I have done nothing much about it all this while yet cannot see myself just sitting and doing nothing.

I was out with mum around KL doing some groceries at the nearby hypermart. There was nothing that interest me which is quite different as normally I would be going around every nook and crany of the hypermarket to see any interesting items and also to check the prices of good, just to keep in touch with the general pricing of things. I took out my phone and began SMS people. One such person was my uncle and cousin whose birthday happened to fall on that day. I have not actually made much contact with this cousin and only see him during family functions which is around once a year. Even then, its hard to make a conversation although we were supposedly cousins. I find it quite sad that we do not have that relationship. A relationship that I see common with some of friends where they are close with their cousins. However, I decided to send him a message with hopes that it would be a starting point in building a relationship with him. This does not only go out to him but also to the many other cousins that I have yet made any or much contact with.

Alot can be said upon relationships for me. I seem not to not have a big group of friends that I mixed with or that I am close with. The people that are really close to me are just a handful. Though at times I enjoy being in the midst of a big group of people, I do not seem to have any relationship with them that would seem deep enough to be call a good friend. Many are just surface level friendship where we laugh and have a nice time but barely know who they really are. I tend to feel awkward at times in such a big group and prefer to move into a more personal encounter sometimes prefering a one to one talk as I get to know the person more. However, there always seem to be a gender bias in this sense. It seems rather alright to be having talks between a guy and guy but arouses sceptics when its between a girl and guy. I think its natural for people to think otherwise as why would a guy and girl have a private conversation unless they are up to something. I admit I do join in such discussions at times as well. In that sense, gossips arises and people began to tease you with one another. A innocent action of wanting to get to know a friend better becomes a topic of discussion that makes both parties feel uncomfortable.

I come to realise that there is always people watching your every move. What you do, which company you applied for jobs and which girl you went out with. Its seems natural that we love to talk about someone or less know about what they been up to. That explains why gossip news or entertainment news sells. People always wants to know what other people are doing. How do we respond to such situation when one is in it? I believe in being yourself and knowing what your intentions are that really matters. Don't succumb to pressure and loose yourself in the midst of it. However, be mindful of such critic and take it as a form of self evaluation. If such critics are found to be true, its a good indication that there are somethings in your life that needs a change. However, if you that you are innocent before God Himself of such critics, just be cool and carry on with life with having a sense of hate or anger in oneself. Besides, it always feels good to be open and transparent with your intention. This helps you get in check with yourselves.

These are just some of my thoughts for the week.

Medical Checkup

I finally was called for my medical after having to wait for a gruelling two weeks. Things had taken such a long time that I was relieved to have received the call to get it done. At least, its one step closer in hoping to start work as soon as possible. Its been a dread having to stay at home and finding things to do while most of my friends are out there working. Though, some might say, "Enjoy your holiday while you can. You can't find time like this once you work." Thats why I can't wait to find out for myself whether or not life stops right after you enter into the working world.

The Counter

I travelled to PJ Newtown to get myself checked into Dr. Newton Young and Rakan Rakan Clinic. It was 10.45am and I had not eaten anything as I was asked to fast the day before. I checked myself in without any documents but found out that my details were already faxed in from my company. The place was decently clean although it was in a quite an old building looking at the structure of the building. To my surprise, it wasn't any of the normal clinics I have seen. This clinic takes up a floor space of three storeys high. Each floor was designated with different functions. I would have imagine that there would be more than two doctors in this facilities.

First Floor

Urine Sample

My course of medical checkup took me all together two and half hours. I started out having my urine examined on the ground floor, then proceeding to the first floor to have some documents filled in and also having my sight examined, blood test and overal physical checkup. Then, I proceeded to the second floor for an X-ray and also an audio test where I was put into a sound prove cubicle where I had to acknowledge different sound frequencies. My last and final test was the lung test where I had to blow into this machine which calculated my breath and a chart was drawn up. Unfortunately, I missed by a point to pass but the nurse who attended to me said she would help me.

Second Floor

Third Floor

It was an interesting outing to the clinic for a medical checkup. I remember doing it once and it wasn't as thorough as this. Besides, I managed to meet a person by the name of Wong who works for the same company and he happens to be also a Seremban. It seems like there is so many Seremban people working in KL as well. According to him, there is at least two out of ten people he works with are from Seremban. Its unimaginable to have so many people come out from such a small state like Negeri Sembilan.

I wonder what this is. I pressume its a lift to hand things down from above to bottom

Gol & Gincu

I went to watch Gol & Gincu with Peaky. There was no expectation of the movie at all, just that she mention that it was a film that could be compared with Sepet. I decided to go and have alook at it since I was free. As I sat back and watch it in a near empty cinema place on the opening day of the show, I was happy with what I saw and enjoyed the 1 hour and 40 minutes production. I was utterly impressed with the story, the characters in the movie, the videography and how they incorporated advertisement into the movie. One of the view scenes I particularly like was the angle taken in the futsal court toilet, the dream that Putri had of her and Shasha battling it out on the field and the moment when Putri wept tears of frustration closeup. I was impressed. Impressed with the quality and the message that came across from the movie.

It is time to see Malaysian movies rising to the occasion and producing more quality movies, movies that Malaysians were regarded for in the 50s especially during the P. Ramlee era. I was happy to see films such as Gol dan Gincu rising to the challenge after the success of Sepet. I can't wait to see the upcoming sequal to Sepet called Gubra and the many movies that independant film makers in Malaysia is working on at the moment. There is a lot of talent out there. It is whether we recognise them and support them with hope that Malaysian movies may one day appeal to the international audience.

A summary of the movie.

Reviews : Malay Mail, The Star, Jeff Ooi, As Suanie Sees It and Midnite Lily's

Hazy

Clouds of smog has enveloped our country once again. Winds have shifted direction and smoke from peat fires from our neighbouring country have grace our skies covering the sunlight and making it difficult to breathe. The API in Shah Alam has reached 394 today. It was eminent from outside my window. Visibility was near to 200m. I managed to capture some of this places while in my car. I couldn't imagine the seriousness of it when buildings that I used to see so clearly were invincible before my very eyes. State of emergencies had to be declare in places like Klang and Kuala Selangor where it had reached the danger level of more than 500. Schools and universities were close as a precautious measure to the health of the people. So stay indoors! And if you really need to go out, find yourself an air conditioned place like the malls or supermarket.

Shah Alam-USJ

Puchong Tol on the way to Cyberjaya

Summit USJ

Great to be Back In CF

I paid a visit to the CF today. It has been long since I return. My initial attempt to come on the first day of CF was marred by not having permision from my parents to come. However, I had came down to KL and decided to take this oppurtunity to come back mainly to visit a few friends back here. I had come down to Cyber a couple of times to visit my friends but not to CF. It was great to worship God back in the place which I had been for the past four years. The feelings that I had before this were still present when I went there. I hope that this would not be my last trip down and hope to stop by as much as I can especially when I start working in the vicinity soon.

MMU 6th Convocation

Early in the morning I had to awake to begin my journey to the historical town of Malacca where I would conclude another milestone in my life, the convocation of my studies in MMU. It has been five years since I had stepped into MMU. In a twinkle of an eye, it was time for me to put on the robe and mortar board, walking up to our beloved chancellor Tun Dr. Sit Hasmah and receive the recognition that was due. In addition to that, there would be two in the Wong family doing that very thing. I would have the honour of graduating with my sister as well.





It was an auspicious event for me. What made it even more better was being in the midst of two great leaders of our country, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad who came with no recognition or titles whatsoever except the husband of the chancellor and Dato Seri Najib who was bestowed upon an honoury masters in arts. The speeches from both Tun Dr. Siti and Dato Seri Najib was very impressive considering the spoke very fluent English which I found better than their spoken Malay. I was impress by most of liners that Dato Seri Najib mentioned in his speech namely "We should not seek for long term employment but lifetime employability."

It took just a well 5 minutes to get on stage, swap the Touch n Go, have my name announce by the computer, walk towards the chancellor with my face smiling for the camera and shaking her hand to receive an empty box which I would collect the CD later. My words to her were,

"Hi, Mam! A very good speech. Thank you!" Those were the word I had prepared as I got on to the stage. Though, it was just a few minutes but I guess the feeling is awesome to receive this recognition in the company of ur family and friends. However, the crowd in the hall, my comrades weren't that participative especially when one of my friends tried to rally the people in the throwing of their mortar board, which was considered a sign of "I Did It."

It was great to have met so many friends and take so many photos that at times I felt numbness in my face due to all that smiling. Even the rain didn't hinder us from taking more photos. I even went to the extend of going for my fellow FET friends the following day and having myself being stared at from many people as I walk around in my shorts, slippers and robe. Despite the stares, it didn't bother me that much though I was abit paiseh. However, I managed to take alot of pictures with my friends, some I had not seen for a long time and also to get their contacts for future catch up. It was a great atmosphere, thanks to those who graduated and those who came to support, friends and family. Without all of them, it wouldn't have been a memorable day.



P/s : Stay tuned for more pictures updates