2nd Birthday For Daniel

Daniel will soon be celebrating his 2nd birthday. Boy, how fast he had grown. He is now 90cm tall and weighing 12.4kg. As heavy as he is now, he still wants to be carry all the time, especially after he had not seen me for the whole day. Manja boy ..

Sometimes, it's real funny to hear him speak. For the things that he didn't want, either a "No" or "Don't want" will come out from his mouth. He can also sing. Just ask him to sing to you Tuhan, Kasihani Kami, Tamaza, Lamb of God, Alleluia and Twinkle Twnkle Little Star. He'll sing the first word and the last word, with some words in the middle missing and not pronounced properly.

And he had a very strong leg as well. Really love playing ball and driving. Good mixture from the daddy and mummy, hehehehe....

Still unsure when to celebrate his birthday. This year, we are planning to do a small-scale for him. Maybe do it on the Christmas Day, together with my mum's birthday. Um, that shall be nice. My dad will also be around. Then, my bro-in-laws and their families can also be around. Plus, it will be nice to do a small-scale open house on Christmas. Need to suggest this to syg and do proper planning. But whatever it is, a birthday cake for Daniel in the shape of a ball is a must. And I know where I can get it - Secret Recipe...

Universal Studio Singapore (USS)

My next destination of holiday shall be the Universal Studio in Singapore. So, I have started conducting some research on where to stay, how to get to USS, ticket pricing, et cetera ...

I guess the main thing that was giving me headache was where to stay. Should I stay in a budget hotel, or should I opt for slightly higher rate of accomodation, which are causing RM100 and more per night. I do like staying in a better hotel, but then again, we will be out most of the time, so there wasnt any point in putting more money in rooms that we hardly stay.

So, I guess, my choice will be budget hotel in Taman U.

I have also found transportation to USS (or actually Resort World Sentosa). There is a bus departing from Kota Raya Terminal II, which brings you directly to RWS. So I think that will be a nice start - bringing Daniel to experience bus. He always pointed out busses whenever we pass by some on the road.

My next step is of course getting Daniel his own passport. Need to find some time to actually get to the Immigration Counter. Maybe on 24th ? Let just see how my schedule shall be in the upcoming weeks.

Advent Season Is Here !

Yeah.... We have come to the last month of the year - December ! And it is a season of Advent, a season of hope, joy and love. I have always look forward to celebrate Christmas. I think it is such a nice season - both Christmas and Easter. And I was get goosebumps whenever we started singing Gloria (with bells ringing) during Easter Vigil and Christmas Vigil masses. Tonight we have eucharistic celebration in Jenjarom as well as Penitential Services after that. Woah, haven't really prepare myself for the service. I know I have a lot to seek forgiveness for...

And this is also the month where we celebrate Daniel 2nd birthday for this year. Truly thankful for God's so many wonderful blessings on our family. Daniel is certainly growing up fast now, and getting more stubborn day by day. But his love for singing is grewing. He knows the song Tuhan Kasihani Kami, Tamaza (Our Father in Kadazan), Lamb of God, Alleluia, Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star. Every night, before sle ep, it will be our family routine to sing some of the songs above. Previously, all he knew was Tamaza. Lately, when his database of songs grew, he will be the one dictating which song to sing. And he will say "no" for the song which he didn't want to sing. Well, that's Daniel. From time to time, we are trying to introduce more songs but sometimes, he really surprised us coz he knew the song even before we started teaching him. Probably because he listened to us singing during mass times.

Bored

I was getting bored, so I decided to pen down some thoughts into this lovely (but abandoned) blog of mine.
I had been so busy lately, trying to get all the things done before Christmas. And the most important of it all, is trying to ensure that the budget is being maximised, if not utilised fully.

Now, we are having our 3rd Symposium of Space Research and Development. It has been an annual program ever since 2008, but frankly speaking, this is my first year presenting. I missed the one in year 2008 because I just delivered Daniel, I passed year 2009 because I had already presented in 2 international conferences, and this year, due to budget tighting, I was only able to present in one international conference (which was quite frustrating, but its over though), so here I am, presenting my paper in this Symposium.

I have done my part, but I can't say that I am happy with it. Felt as though it was just for the purpose of putting up a paper, not throughly doing my part as a researcher. My head has started giving numerous excuses but I have decided to ignore it. I put the blame solely on myself, for not having the drive to do a research. Shall this be my new year's resolution ? I think I should ....

Ok, I will try to do a bit more research next year onwards.... Hopefully I won't procrastinate (again !)

No Idea

My mind is blank, empty.....
My body felt as though it doesn't belong to me....
Why oh why ?

Annapolis, Maryland

I have been here for the past one week, and am actually leaving tonight.

Came here to attend the conference on Space Simulation, jointly organized by Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It was a fruitful conference I would say, for I have learned so much in just past 4 days. Things that I may need to implement back in Malaysia, certainly.

Also, managed to walked around the historic site of Annapolis yesterday, after the conclusion of the conference.  The hotel shuttle sent me to the historic site, and dropped me off there. I walked around, buying some souvenirs and I walked back to the hotel. Mind you, it was 3.2 miles and I walked for more than an hour. Well, it wasnt really tiring coz I was appreciating the sceneary laid before me. And I did got detour a few times when I saw first the Goodwill store along West Street, next I saw McD (which I went in and bought my lunch cum dinner set). Then I went into WholeFood at the Festival Riva (very much near the hotel actually, which means I am near to my destination) and bought some fruits, water and chips to last me till tomorrow.

I think it was nice making that decision to walk for only God knows when my next chance of exercising will be. I think I'll walk to the Westfield Mall today, before the shuttle come and pick me up at 5.

Oh, did I mentioned that I spent a lot here as well ? Beauty of shopping... I just love it. Muahahahahaha...

Lact Of Update

I'm so sorry folks... I can't seem to bring myself to pen down my thoughts. Blame it on my laziness.
What have I been doing lately ? Office works + Meetings + Travelling + Conference. That sums it up.

Daniel and His Love For Glasses

That's my little boy alright...

Prayer for Tracy Wong

The sister of my colleague was diagnosed with cancer (stage 2 going into stage 3) recently and is now undergoing treatment at Sime Darby Medical Centre.

I am not someone who knows how to speak eloquently or provide comforting words especially in times of need. All I can do is offer up prayers for Tracy - that she will be given the strength, courage and faith to undergo all these trials. For when the Lord closes a door, somehow He opens a window. Trials are placed unto our shoulder to make us stronger and more faithful in Him - I truly believe that.

I pray that she will recover soon, and the Lord will be merciful on her, sparing her with much pain. God bless you and keep you safe always, Tracy. Amen.

Happy Malaysia Day ...

For the first time since Independence Day, Malaysia will be celebrating another holiday - which is almost as important as the Independence Day. That is Malaysia Day, which falls on the 16th September every year. For readers who are non-malaysian, you may be wondering - "What is the difference between the two ?"

Well, to simplify things, Independence Day which is celebrated on 31st August every year is about how MALAYA obtained independence from United Kingdom. Yup, you read it right. Its MALAYA and not Malaysia. MALAYA at that time refers to the Penisular Malaysia and Singapore.

16th September 1963 is the date when Sabah and Sarawak decided to join Malaya and formed a new country called MALAYSIA. There you go, a little bit of history today. Don't ask me why Singapore decide not to join Malaysia and became an independent country by their own. They must have their own reasons... Maybe the forefathers of Singapore were ahli nujum - being able to predict the future perhaps?

So, happy birthday MALAYSIA ! Wish all of us continue to live in a peaceful and harmony country.

New Sultan For Kelantan

The Crown Regent of Kelantan succeed his father to become the new Sultan of Kelantan after his father suffered a stroke since May 2009.

Though the father is still alive, but he was unable to perform his duties. I guessed it is only right that there should be a new successor.

Hope that all Kelantanese will prosper under the new Sultan.

Back From Turin

On a happier note, syg just came back from Turin (Torinho), Italy for a 2 weeks course. So happy to have him safe and sound back home. Hehehehe...

Most of all, so happy to have him come back and cook for me. For the past two weeks that he wasn't around, I did not even lift a finger to cook. Nope, nothing at all. Not even for Daniel. Why ? Because the comfort of having my mum staying down the next road. Hehehe...

All I think during the past two weeks was to make sure my house is clean, my clothes are washed, dried and ironed and taking care of Daniel. Cooking ? Mummy is around, so just drove over to eat. Cheaper ma...

Yesterday, I had a very nice meal at home - syg cooked crabs. My bro-in-laws gave us lots of crabs (but very small one), and it took us more than 1 hour to finish our meal. What to do, we had more than 5 crabs per person. Hehehehehe.....

Thank you God... Muuaaahhh syg... What's for dinner tonight ?

Selamat Hari Raya

Though a bit belated, nevertheless, I would like to wish all my Muslim friends and readers Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Happy Eidul-Fitr.

Killed, Burned and Ashes Thrown

I thought this would only happen in movies. Boy, how wrong I was.

Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya, together with three others, were killed, burned and her ashes thrown into river. How can people be so inhuman ? What the Bible said is true - 'No man shall have two masters'.

Looked at what money can make one person do. Since her dissapearance was higlighted in the newspaper, I don't doubt that I did harbored a small hope that she and the rest will be save and they will return home to their families. I guess the 'happy ending thinking' in me like to believe this way.

I can't believe man can be this cruel, but reality, again, has pointed me wrong. Is this the sign of 'The End of the World' ?

Norman & Memey

Today, in Harian Metro, published the news of engagement between Norman and Memey. While I felt that I should congratulate them, be happy for them, I couldnt find it in my heart at all to even wish them all the best. Why ? Because I felt that it is because of this woman that the happy family between Norman and Abby and their three children was torn apart. I hate the fact that he did not try to salvage his marriage hard enough. Perhaps new blood is better.

I still remembered in the tabloid when the husband was caught for close proximity with Memey, their third child was just barely 2 months old, and the wife had just finished her 'pantang'. How her dreams were shattered on the very day her husband chosed to side with Memey, defending this woman being naive, and accusing his own wife for not being considerate at all.

I guessed I felt very strongly of inteference from 3rd party. Suffice to say that I hate 3rd party who wrecked another couple's marriage.

The reality of this world. What a sad reality it is.

Crowded

Yup. That is one word that describes my head now. Crowded.

There are lots of things that I wanna blog about, to share it out, but didn't have the mood to write. There are too many news that had kept my interest, plus the latest development of Daniel - all of theses are enough for me to write for hours long, but I choose not to. Basically, the mood of sharing my thoughts is just not there.

Finally, today, I am able to pen my thoughts.

" I'll Carry You Out Every Morning Till Death Do Us Part "

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, "I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart."

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.

My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage! Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.

So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matthew 19:6.

My Shoes

Thank God for my shoes - it fits.

I woke up one day and  I realized that there were many things about my life I was not satisfied with or better still, there were chalenges that were threatening my soul.

And I said to myself, 'Why should anyone envy me and want to be in my shoes?' They don't know how far I've come, they don't know what lies ahead of me, and neither do they know how dissatisfied I get with myself from time to time.

People don't know the troubles that you've had or the price you had to pay to get to where you are. All they want to know is that they wish they were like you.

Why should you wish you were in anybody's shoes when you hardly know how they fit?

When you've worn your shoes for a while, they take the shape of your feet and align to the way you walk. If you were to wear my shoes, you will not be comfortable in them.

So, I stopped wishing that I am in someone else's shoes because it might not fit; rather, I thank God for my shoes, because they fit!

I have learnt to be the best in what I do, and I know no-one can replace me anywhere and in any sphere.

I am an original, my God is not in the cloning business. He makes originals!

Make the best of that you do for you have this beautiful like to live ONLY ONCE.

Live it to the fullest !

Langkawi - Here I Come

Yippie ! Will be leaving for Langkawi on the 28th August, together with Dad, Mum and Lai Yenn. Unfortunately syg couldnt follow as he had to travel to Turin, Italy at the very last minute.
Syg oh ticket burned. But luckily the ticket is through enrich points redemption.

Can't wait to bring Daniel jalan-jalan. Hehehehe....

Headmistress A Racist

I am commenting on the recent news in The Star about a headmistress in SMK in Kulai Jaya uttered racist remarks.

I mean, I can't believe it. Here I thought the education system of Malaysia was suppose to instill the spirit of 1Malaysia. We are very fortunate of having a peaceful country - a country where different race and religion stay together peacefully.

I wonder why this headmistress utter such a remarks? I hope she will be sack for causing disharmony and disunity, especially in among the young generation, whom we rely to bring the country to the next step.

HCD Approval Status - Update 2

I guess it is final.

I am not going to Czech Republic. I will only be going to Annapolis, US. Why ?
My boss said no, and that's final.
My feeling ? "Saya yang menurut perintah" is all I can say and feel.

Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. That means, all of us can attend my cousin's wedding in September.
Well, I can only hope, but the ultimate decision lies on my boss, and he has made his stand.

Daily Prayer

I like the prayer which was on Christine @ Mariam's page (http://mariamaisha.blogspot.com/), therefore, I would like to share it with all of you:

Lord,
Teach me to be generous,
Teach me to serve You as You deserve,
To give and not to count the cost,
To fight and not to heed the wounds,
To toil and not to seek for rest,
To labour and not to seek for reward,
Save that of knowing I do Your most Holy Will

Selamat Berpuasa or Happy Fasting

Today marks the first day of fasting for all my Muslim friends. Therefore, wishing everyone, Happy Fasting and may this holy month of Ramadhan brings peace and solitude to all those who are seeking for it.

May it also bring us all closer to one another - after all, we are all human beings, brothers and sisters, who, by God's grace, were given a chance to live on the Earth.

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A True Leader ?

An excerpt taken from an email... I think this is very true, and all of us should reflect on what is happening in our beloved country now.

China is coming up, India is coming up, Vietnam is coming up and now even Russia is on the rise. In this flat but wired world regardless of whether we are Malaysian Malay, Chinese or Indian, if Malaysia fails to progress, all of us will become history of this country.

Without the Malays, Chinese could not do well in the country and without the Chinese, Malays will not do well either. Both have to work together to uplift Malaysia and mitigate the acute impact that is being brought about by globalisation.

A true leader is someone who has the vision that focuses not just on one particular ethnic group in the country but instead nurture the future for everyone. A good leader is someone who knows what the biggest threat the country is facing and directs the people to stave off that threat. A good leader is also someone who is impartial in his ability to promote harmony in the country for as long as possible.

Joke For Today - Nationwide

NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR HAIR LOSS:
Ajinomoto

NATIONAL INSTANT FOOD :
Maggi Mee

NATIONAL BREAKFAST :
Nasi Lemak

NATIONAL LUNCH :
Nasi Ayam

NATIONAL SUPPER :
Roti Canai & Teh Tarik

NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR BEING LATE:
Traffic Jam

NATIONAL FRUIT FOR INDUCING MENSTRUATION :
Pineapple

NATIONAL APHRODISIAC DRINK:
Stout. Many Malaysian men swear by it. But then after a few pints they start swearing at everything.. .

NATIONAL FAKE ILLNESS FOR GETTING MC (MEN):
Food Poisoning

NATIONAL FAKE ILLNESS FOR GETTING MC (WOMEN):
Menstrual Pain

NATIONAL EXCUSES GIVEN BY WOMEN WHEN REFUSING SEX:
Everything on earth..

NATIONAL EXCUSES GIVEN BY MEN WHEN REFUSING SEX:
None. Malaysian men never refuse sex.

NATIONAL CURE FOR DIARRHOEA :
Cap Kaki Tiga.

NATIONAL CURE FOR HEADACHES:
Panadol.

NATIONAL CURE FOR DIZZINESS:
Minyak Angin Cap Kapak.

NATIONAL CAUSE OF DIZZINESS (FOR YUPPIES):
Happy Hours.

NATIONAL INSTANT CURE FOR DIZZINESS (FOR YUPPIES):
The sight of a police road block.

NATIONAL RICE COOKER :
NATIONAL Rice Cooker

NATIONAL RUBBISH DUMP:
Anywhere. As long as it is not your house.

NATIONAL MOST MIS-PRONOUNCED NAME:
Carrefour.

NATIONAL ANSWER FOR 'WHERE ARE YOU?':
On the way.

NATIONAL OFFICIAL TIME FOR BEING LATE:
10 minutes

NATIONAL REASON FOR PRICE INCREASE:
Petrol naik

NATIONAL REASON FOR PETROL INCREASE:
Still cheaper than other country

NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR CAUSING TRAFFIC JAM:
There was accident on the other side of the road

NATIONAL REASON WHEN REJECTING INVITATION :
'I got some work to do..u all go first'

NATIONAL REASON FOR COLLAPSED BUILDINGS & LEAKY PARLIAMENT ROOFS:
An act of God.

NATIONAL EXCUSE FOR IRRESPONSIBLE POLITICAL STATEMENTS:
None. We were misquoted.

NATIONAL MINISTERIAL REASON FOR INCREASING TOLL RATES:
Lu ingat ini jalan saya punya bapak punya kah?

NATIONAL EXCUSE NOT PAYING SAMAN ACCORDING TO DUE DATE:
Government will give discount one of these days

NATIONAL EXCUSE TO BRIBE:
Minum kopi

They Pisses Me Off !

I hate people who don't owe up that they have made a mistake. And I further dislike people who blames others without knowing the actual fact.

Most of all, I dislike people who threaten others.

I am offended with these behaviours shown by the local sub-contractor. They really pisses me off.

Brooch 'n' Bracelets Closet - SALE

In conjuction of the month of Ramadhan and Syawal, we are pleased to announce that Brooch 'n' Bracelet Closet will be having a SALE.

Purchase any 2nd item for a 50% discount. Purchases above RM100 will get FREE DELIVERY SERVICE.

Hurry and get your favourite brooch and bracelets now. Terms and conditions applied.

 

Terms and Conditions:

1. To enjoy the 50% discount, minimum purchase of 2 item is required.
2. Discount on the 2nd item will based on the lower price between two items.
3. Free delivery applied for purchases made above RM100.

 

HCD Approval Status - Update

Finally got my approval yesterday.


And guess what - I was allowed to travel and present paper to both the conference. One is the 61st International Astronautical Congress which will be held at Czech Republic, and another conferece is the 26th Space Simulation Conference, which will be held at Annapolis, Maryland, US.

Ok, this certainly comes at a surprise, for I kinda expected that I'll have to forego the Czech Republice one.
So, once again, I thank my lucky star (which, in this case, I thank God) for giving me the opportunity.
Yahoo ! I get to present my paper after all !

But my colleague's application was rejected, because he travelled quite a number of times already for this year. So sad and frust for him.

The Biggest Loser (Couple Season)

I was watching Biggest Loser Couples Season 2 (I think), which was shown last night on Hallmark channel. These reality shows always put me to tears as I was so touched by the commitment they are putting in in order to change their lifestyle.

Last night's show was the 2nd last episode where they were down to four - Tara, Helen, Mike and Ron. And last night's show was the show that made me cry the entire time. They were given the final challenge - marathon. A whopping 26.2 mile was the distance they have to run, and marathon was never in the list of exercise and not even contemplating to do marathon at all. So, for all the finalists to be able to realize that they can actually do it and finish it was amazing. Tears rolled down as I saw each and everyone of them finishing the race. Some ran, some walk and they all had people cheering them on, running alongside with them.

I was pratically sobbing the way I see how determined Ron was to finish the marathon. Though he was the last in the group, and with an injury to the knee, plus blood pressure shoot up as he was at 9th mile, he continued. It may took him 13 hours to finally finish the race, but for me, I dare say, he had won that night. Knowing that he can't go on, he did. Knowing that his injury will hampered him, he marched on. Waiting on the other end was his son, Mike, also with tears rolling down.

I began to realized that only strong determination can pull us through. And whatever that happen in our life, our families and loved ones are there to anchor us. And that's all that matters. No matter who tries to bring us down, we will stand up again with the support of our family.

Perfect Living '10

My two sygs and I were scouting for new sofa last week. We spent 4 hours in and around Bukit Tinggi, into 8 or more shops, looking for a new set of sofa that we both like.

And this weekend, I am planning to go here :

Purpose ? To scout for more bargains and designs. Our choice seems to be fabric sofa (due to budget constraint), so hopefully we manage to find one that we both love. Hehehe...

Syg, syg, we go on Sat ah...  ;)

HCD Approval Status

Am still awaiting approval status of the long submitted HCD.
Da la lambat proses, now they are questioning me of being so active in submitting paper for conference. Since I went overseas last year 3 times, so this year they don't allow me to go so many times. Since there are two of my papers were reviewed for approval (mind you, those papers were already been accepted to be presented at the conference), they are asking me to choose only one.
The other one - "Ask your co-writer to go and present la" was their reply. I penat-penat tulis, senangnya you suruh orang lain untuk present kan ?

Sakitnya hati ku.

Cameron Highlands - July 2010

Just came back from Cameron Highland last weekend and it was really a superb holiday. First of all, kudos to Mr Mohd Khairul Hisham Ismail and Mr Abadi Azhar for organizing the trip for all of us - Pusat Angkasa Negara colleagues. The idea was definately a brilliant one, and not only we get closer in relationship among us, but also we can get to meet the family members as well. A truly enjoying weekend I would say.

Here are some of the pictures that we captured during the trip. Of course the pics are all about Daniel, me and syg... Hehehehe.... Enjoy ...

My favourite pic of all time. Daniel looked so cute with his face puckered up.

Strawberry Park Resort - Daniel getting ready to run

Still at the Strawberry Park - I looked so old ! Oh my gosh, I need facial liftment.... Hahahhaa

My two favourite guys in the world...

Daniel is really having a blast ...

Good boy look - I fell in love with this look. What about you ?

Attempting to dance away...

Just arrived at the Big Red Agro Farm

Daniel's fav car. He didn't like others at all.

Daniel's first taste of strawberries... He luv it until I decided to let him try the one with chocolate. Looks like he doesnt like sweet stuff.

Trying to reach for the grapes (more like trying to step on mymmy's face)

See those nice strawberries ? I ate 6 packets in 2 days... Dasyat or not ?

Rose behind those torns ... Hahahah...

Daniel looking at the fish or are those fishes looking at Daniel as food ?

Taking a break while trying to decide which potted plant I want to buy...

At the Butterfly farm (not so nice compared to the KL Butterfly Park if you ask me)

Syg didnt get to take much photo of himself coz he was busy snapping photos of others.

At Equatorial with the rest for buffet dinner.

Jessica and her husband, Weng

Daniel trying to mengurat Aqeela, Asni's daughter. Kici-kici so pandai already

How nice of everyone to celebrate our (Hamid and mine) birthday at Cameron....

It was an honour knowing all of you, and I am glad to be working with so many wonderful people... God bless everyone.

Blessed Day Today

Its such a blessed day today, receiving so many well wishes from families and friends, and most important of all, I felt blessed for I am still alive till this very moment... Thank you God.

Thank you to Syg for his never ending love, to little Daniel for his unconditional love, and most of all, thank you God for all the blessings that You have showered onto me ...

Yoke of Faith

I once knew a woman who called herself "a recovering Catholic." It seems that as a child, she was taught a religion that was all about guilt. Impossible demands were placed on her requiring strenuous efforts that were doomed to frustration. Turn the other cheek. Don't even THINK about romantic flings. Love your enemies.

Attempting this by sheer willpower was all too much for her, leading to an abiding sense of guilt. No wonder she rejected such a religion.

But clearly, what she rejected was not the religion of Jesus Christ. It rather resembles the approach of the Pharisees, who laid heavy burdens on people's backs, but did not lift a finger to help.

In Matthew 11:25-30, Jesus appeals to those who experience life as one unending chore. He offers rest and refreshment. His yoke is easy, he says. His burden is light.

Note though, that following Jesus does mean that you are foot-loose and fancy-free. To be a disciple means to come under the discipline of a master. It means voluntarily putting a yoke on ones shoulders, and walking in a direction set by the master. It just happens to be the direction that the master knows will lead to pasture, refreshment, and happiness. But when oxen are told to move, they can't necessarily see the pasture at the end of the trail. All they see is a long, dusty road leading to nowhere.

There are some masters that are harsh and overbearing. When the oxen slow down due to fatigue or stubbornness, out comes the bullwhip. The journey turns into a guilt trip. The Pharisees were such masters. But Jesus is not. He is gentle. Gentleness does not mean whimpiness. He is strong and decisive, insistent on the direction to go and the pace to keep. Yet his strength is quiet, loving strength that builds up rather than tears down.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus uses the image of the yoke? At least two oxen are hitched together by a yoke side by side. Oxen are called "beasts of burden." So why he calls his yoke easy, his burden light?

Because he humbly yokes himself to us. Simon of Cyrene helped carry his cross; he helps carry ours. And he bears most of the weight, if we let him. That's why his yoke is easy. And he gives us His Spirit within (Romans 8:9-10) to give us the inner strength to bear our share of the burden, which is, of course, the far lesser share to begin with.

Easy yoke, light burden. You may reply that it sure doesn't feel that way most of the time. This could be for one of two reasons. What we are carrying may simply not be the Lord's yoke. Sometimes we deliberately disobey the Lord (that's called sin) and allow a tyrannical master to dominate our lives. No problem. That's what the sacrament of baptism is all about. Renouncing an oppressive Pharaoh in favor of a liberating Lord. If we've betrayed our baptism and gone back to the fleshpots of Egypt, we have the sacrament of penance to bring us back across the Red Sea to the Promised Land of Freedom.

The other reason the yoke may seem heavy is because we are not allowing the Lord to carry the weight. Or because we are not keeping his pace. We could be dragging our heels or racing ahead of him. Either way, we are chafing and straining. Perhaps we need just to quiet down for a few moments in the green pasture of prayer and adoration to attune our ears once again to the voice of the Master. The solution is easy: Let go and let God.

Source: http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/644/Yoke_of_Faith.html

Melaka - July 2010

As I had mentioned earlier in my posting, Syg had to attend a course in Melaka. So, being a jakun, me, mummy and Lai Yenn decided to tag along. I have never been to Melaka Heritage City even though it is only about 2 hours drive from KL. So, all four of us went to Melaka on Friday night (16 July 201) and stayed at Baba House, right in the middle of the Heritage City Walk a.k.a Jonker Street.

The famous Melaka cendol - very delicioius and yummy....

Mummy, Daniel and Lai Yenn at the Stathuys...

The clock tower, right at the center of the Heritage Site

The building of Christ Church in the background

Eye of Malaysia and 'Flora de La Mars' overlooking the Straights of Malacca

Little Daniel was excited to be at the top of the hill

Walking up to St Paul ruins. This hill was called St Paul hill, naturally.

What used to be a Catholic Church (Church of Our Lady) when the Portugese were here, was turned into a Protestant Church, namely St Paul

In the Malacca Sultanate Palace - a replica palace actually. Daniel looked so cute kan ?

Flora de La Mars - It actually has another 2 stories below the upper deck where it potrayed all the history of the Portugese, Dutch and British invading Malacca

The famous restaurant - Nasi Ayam Hoe Kee, which sell its speciality - Chicken Rice Ball

The tired little boy who had not had any rest at all since 8.30am till now, which was about 3.30 pm. No wonder he dozed off the minute this pic was taken. Poor little boy...

Pantai Tanjung Aru - Mei 2010

This is a long awaited post. Remember we went back to Sabah in May 2010 ? So, the entire family (10 of us adults, excluding children) packed up in 2 small cars and drive down to Tanjung Aru beach. This is Daniel's first time to the beach. So, most of the pictures are all about Daniel, Audrey and Erwin... I didn't had the time to post these pictures up as Daniel got infected with the RotaVirus. So, here are they - playing happily together. And this is what family is all about...

Children - they grew up so fast, kan ? The last time Daniel was just a baby, learning how to walk, now he is running and we had do catch him. I wishes he wont grew up that fast .... Wanna enjoy his innocence for a little longer.