Love Matter, Love Matters

Ahhhhh love.

It's beautiful thing isn't it?

It's all about holding hands, kissing and getting hot and heavy.

At least, that's how it's portrait in Hollywood movies and the likes.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) begs to differ.

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Every time I read this chapter (not that I read it a lot), I'll go, "impossible."

This is literally God-like standards unachievable by human. BUT Jesus proved that it is possible. You may argue that he's Godsend or just a fictional character but it wouldn't be half-bad following his example, yea?

My love story is equivalent to the love in a game of tennis. Zero. Nil.

I've always thought of myself as a person proud of his status.

Single.

"I don't need another woman in my life. Having two to deal with is already bad enough!"

Ahhh....sweet not-so-distant thoughts. Guess I've grown out of that.

It's nice isn't it? Being in a relationship. Having someone to laugh with. To share with. To fight with. To venture with. Alas, as nice as it would be to have a partner, the time has yet to come. Why? I have many reasons actually:

1) I've long decided to trust in God's timing. Which leads to number 2.
2) I believe that God will provide without the need for me to lift a finger.
3) Can't be bother (refer to number 2).
4) I'm still too young. Spiritually.

How does being spiritual-mature links to being in a relationship?

I don't know. Dammit! I don't know.

I guess it just wouldn't sit right with me. and God. Right now I am still going through a period of growth and self-discovery. I'm guessing being in a relationship would just screw things up. But when the time comes, I pray to be ready.

Ready to fight and defend what's important to me.
Ready to make sacrifices.
Ready to endure the many hardships and heartbreaks.
Ready to love.

Love is not a game played by kids but grown ups. MEN.

May I be a real MAN by then.

As beautiful as the love between boyfriend and girlfriend / husband and wife may be, I still think that Jesus' love for us is the ultimate.

We curse him, we mock him, we use his name in vain. Yet he still chose to forgive us, to die for us, to love us. Have you ever wrong someone so badly but was forgiven not because of anything else but love? Let me repeat that. Have you ever wrong someone so badly but was forgiven not because of anything else but love?

Not because you apologised.
"Aiya, he said sorry already so nevermind la!"

Not because of that nice gift you bought for her.
"Aiya, he spend so much money to buy this. I'm sure he's sorry lorr!"

Not for the sake of your friendship.
"Aiya, we friend so long already. Funny after wards if we're not friends anymore bahhh."

Not even because, "I'm your parent. Therefore, I'm oblige to forgive you."
(at least, that's how I think some parents would think.)

But because of love.

Whoa.

Whoa! That's something else isn't it?

Dare I say, I want to love like that. I want to love like Jesus. Now I just feel sad cause I know that's not possible. HA! I just contradicted myself right there and then. Anyways, if there's someone we're striving to be, why not Jesus?

It's a high calling. A very high calling. But teach me to love like you do. To love my family and friends. Even those whom I'm not fond of and even those who irritates me.

Teach me to love like you do. AMEN!~

Well, that's my love matter and this is me signing off says, "Love matters!".


~ faith, hope and love; the greatest of these is love ~

Oh no, a Filler

Haven't been in the blogging mood lately. But here's what been happening of late.

The video that I made last month is finally up for voting:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/mathsgeo/studentvideocomp

Vote for Geomatics! Vote for me! Julian Tay, 'Follow The GPS'.

Voting closes by the 30th of October. So get all your friends to vote too. Remember, the 1st prize winner gets a camcorder! (And I want it!)

The past week was "rest" week. Stayed at home and rediscovered the joy of watching anime. I love those comedy ones. Always gives me a good laugh. Could anyone recommend me any good comedy shows?

Been wanting to shop for some b-boy clothing and a proper beanie. With my head shaved, I think a beanie would sit pretty nicely now. After watching a friend's performance last Saturday, I'm feeling rather pumped. Gonna practice more and maybe even get the windmill down by the end of this hols.

Mentoring sessions came to a close on Saturday. It's been an amazing 10 sessions and now it's time for me get things rolling. This is a pretty big "rock" for me, so it's definitely gonna take some time before I get it to roll. I've got a gut feeling this is something I'll be working on for the coming months or years. I won't be able to mentor anyone if I'm not capable of taking care of myself first.

The trial run for Project Clockwise has been entertaining to say the least. It's good to see that my drumming skills is still mada mada dane and capable of generating remarks such as, "What were you thinking!". This means that I suck and I can only get better from here on out. Our last session will be on tonight but I'm definitely looking forward to it again next year.

This week, I'm gonna be a little more productive. Gonna go job-hunting. Do some shopping. Maybe a little cooking. And wrap up the October Issue! I'm way behind schedule but I think I can get it done by the end of the week. There's a whole list of other things I wanna do but there's no rush. It's gonna be a long holiday, so I can afford to take it easy.

That practically sums up what's been happening for me.

Wooo, last week of uni for most peeps. Have fun! Uni rocks ma socks!


~ Love Matter, Love Matters........on next ~

Bipolar Disorder

It amazing how fast I was able to overcome this issue that's been bugging for months. With just one conversation, it's gone. Amazing. Simply amazing. Thanks, Chris. I thought that I was doing you a favor but you ended up doing me a favor. So, thank you.

You're probably lost and a little confused about what's happening but that's alright. It's for me to know and only me to know. Ha! Talk about a complete 180 within a span of.......less than a day!

Ok, I guess I got some clearing up to do. It's a girl problem. Technical, it WAS a girl problem. (No no. Nothing wrong with the girl. It's just me.) And I think the problem resolved itself within me. You could say I faced it unknowingly and suddenly chains are broken and hearts are transformed. I guess I've finally come in terms with the situation that I'm in.

Amazing. It feels like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I wonder. Is this one of those temporary highs? Nahh, couldn't been. But we'll see.

Sorry guys, what I posted earlier is now void. At least around 70% of it.

BUT

I'm a guy with lots of issues. So, still be anticipating some big thoughts, questions and self-discovery, just without the emo-ness attached.

So much for "materializes into coherent words". Give me a day or two. I'll try to clear things up by then.

If I can.


~ weird, totally weird ~

The Price of Freedom

With the 'holidays' here, I think I finally have the head space to just sit down and blog about the things that's been bogging me. I've been trying to do this for the past couple of weeks to no valid. But with no more schoolwork pestering me, I think I can do this.

I always have to remind myself what the purpose of this blog is:

This blog was created with the purpose of sharing my life's journey, to document my 'profound-moments' and as a place for me to express my interests and thoughts openly and truthfully. May this blog be one which marks my pursuit of my true self.

BUT

it's more than that.

I am the type of person who tends to keep his thoughts to himself. That is why I challenged myself this year to be more expressive, more honest and at the same time doing so with integrity. As I learn to share openly, I have discovered more about myself. Those thoughts and emotions which I am unable to describe in the heat of the moment, later materializes into coherent words in this digital space.

Truth to be told.

Lately, I haven't been honest with myself. I've been waving away thoughts and issues that's been coming up over and over again. Dismissing them as insignificant with the excuse of, "Oh, I can deal with it later." when the truth is, I'm afraid to face it.

Afraid of failure.
Afraid of judgment and isolation.
Afraid that I'm not strong enough to deal with it.
Afraid to even talk about it in this space that I've created.

Pathetic.

As much as I want this to be a fun blog, there isn't much fun now is there? Are you guys willing to bear with me? As I lay everything (almost everything) down before you. Ripping off the many masks I wear. Sealing off the many personae I assume. Wiping off that fake annoying smile which keeps creeping up my cheeks. Are you guys willing to bear witness to this? To shoulder the same burdens I do? Not that I could say or do anything to make you.

You may be wondering why I'm doing all this. I'm not too sure either.

But all I know right now, is that if I don't, these problems are gonna eat me inside out. It's gonna stop me right in my tracks and whatever progress that I've made so far will be for nothing. It's about time I set things right with myself.

This is me guys.
This is me as you are only able to see here.
This is me facing myself.




























This is the October Issue.


~ great, no backing out now ~

Heart It Races

UPDATE! Friday, Oct 16th, 2009

First year's over.....


First year's over.

at 6.40pm
________________________________________________________________________________________

Monday
SIS test (first blood)

Thursday
AGT presentation (too easy)

Friday
Physical Geo Class test (double kill)
Physical Geo Practical (triple kill)
AGT Portfolio (killing spree)
Physical Modeling Project (M-m-m-Monster kill!)

And so, it's the final week for this sem. Better yet, it's the final week of my first Year in uni!

To get me through this week, Vitamin Strings Quartet's epic rendition of 'Dare You To Move'.

This week is gonna be ta-no-shii. Right, neko-chan?

Neko: nya!~

Oh, great. I'm talking to a cat.


~ Hopeful and hoping for much much more ~

There Is No Charge For Awesomeness!

An article about punk:

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/getback/144976/hot-topic-punks-in-a-fake-punk-world/

What do you think? Is punk dead?

Recently discovered something cool on Youtube.

Japanese comedy skits!



Youtube "Jinnai Tomonori" for more!
________________________________________________________________________________________________

With the end of the year approaching faster than a speeding granny, I reckon everyone's feeling the pressure. There's a cloud hanging over everyone's head.

A cloud of worries.
A cloud of uncertainties.
A cloud of confusion.
A cloud.

It's such a depressing state and the weather isn't helping at all. Fortunately, the weather seems to be getting better. Unless the forecast is tricking me. Melbourne's weather is as unpredictable as a slow moving grandpa.

I reckon most of us needs a break. To just stop what ever that we're doing. Step back. Take a minute to recompose ourselves. Before jumping back into madness.

Well, since you guys are already here, why not take a five minute breather. Watch the video or let the music soothe your soul.

Forget about your Chinese oral.
Forget about your Spanish Exam.
Forget about your worries and your strife.
Forget.

It's times like these that I feel most thankful. Thankful that I have God.

A God who provides.
A God who makes a way.
A God who's there.
A God.

Funny. I tend to blog at the most busiest of times. Guess I prefer blogging compared to doing my assignments.

Cherish the days you have friends, for yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present."

And they say you learn nothing from cartoons. hmph.


















~ thoughts and reflections coming up soon ~

Five Days in

and so much has already happened.

Went swimming with the dolphins last Friday. I wouldn't exactly call it "swimming with the dolphins" but more like "holding-onto-a-rope-for-your-dear-life-in-the-freezing-cold-ocean-water-as-you-look-around-spastically-for-that-big-blue-fish". Besides dolphins, we swam with seals too. Like "swimming with the dolphins" I wouldn't exactly call it "swimming with the seals" but "floating-around-in-the-middle-of-the-ocean-as-the-salted-fish-smelling-animal-swims-around-us".

Regardless of what I've just said, I had fun. Though I doubt the same can be said for Ian. Motion sickness is his kryptonite.







On Saturday was the mooncake festival. Bought latterns and mooncakes from chinatown. Discovered that they sold snowskin mooncakes in Melbourne. Sweet. Celebrated with a Western-Asian fusion dinner with Kel, Ann and Ian in the comfort of our apartment. Hung latterns outside the balcony cause we got a little too cozy watching tv, eating mooncakes and drinking tea (was suppose to go latterning at a park).





Wii-ed at Grace's yesterday. Played Raving Rabbids and Super Smash Bros Brawl. 100 vs games! A few hundred more to unlock every single character. Who knew playing for 5 hours straight could give you a killer headache. I love videogames.

And it's Monday! Minus the Lab exam which is scheduled on the 6th of November, I have two more weeks of uni till Year 1 is officially over. It's gonna be a very busy two weeks with tests to study for and datelines to meet. But after that, it's the holidays. Let's go for goal babeh!

Since Ninja's taking a vacation, I'll be in charge of Corner of Memories' music for the next couple of weeks. Mann that guy runs off like nobody's business. Oh wells. Expect some J-pop and some boom boom pow!


~ apricot and jasmine snowy mooncake ~

The October Issue

~ Look forward to it! ~

Cold Fear of Hot Springs

Ahhhhh .....hello.

ummm ...bye bye.

I don't get it. Lately, I've been feeling real shy whenever I'm around this certain someone. Besides shyness, I feel fear as well. Shyness and fear. That's pretty nor-

Ninja: That's not normal at all.
Julian: Don't interrupt me dammit!

Ok, it's not that normal but still, she scares the crap out of me.

Ninja: Chicken-wuss.
Julian: Yea, whatever.

Been busy with the relationship conference and the final session's gonna be on tomorrow. So far it's been pretty interesting and I've learnt a lot of new stuff. But I won't be sharing about it now. Not today.

Watched a documentary at Physical Geography lecture today. It was amazing. Just watching it makes me feel smaller than I already am. It reminded me of how powerful and artistic God is. What geologists believe took millions of years to form, God created within a week.

The documentary's called EARTH: The Power of the Planet.

Now I feel like going to Iceland. Hot springs! Hot springs!

The weather's been raining and raining all week. So much for hot spring. Gloomy for us city kids but good for the farmers. Well look at the bright-side.

At least it's gonna be sunny on Tuesday.

~ lightning! ~

Changing Seasons

Okay. The first video is the one I made for the Relationship conference. The second video is the one I submitted for the video competition.

1st prize worthy? Let's hope there won't be much competition!

Once again, thanks to everyone who helped out with both videos. Hope you guys had fun and hope I did you guys justice. Excellent work team!

________________________________________________________________________________________

I had a great time on Saturday night helping out at the Juwita concert. Since we ran out of tickets, we resorted to tearing creating more tickets out of the few flyers we had. After realization of how dodgy it looked, we just decided to stamp the audiences' hands. Funny how Mr. Loo was generating graphs, diagrams and statistical data using Excel for his phone usage errr i mean ticket sales. Yes, ticket sales. He was playing some online game too.

Opening for Singapore-Indonesian Malaysia based singer/songwriter, Juwita was Singapore-New Zealander Sydney based singer/songwriter, Alarice Thio. (That's just confusing.) Accompanying them was a 37-piece orchestra conducted by Zach Tay, "Orchestre Nouveau".

Alarice Thio

Didn't get the chance to see Alarice perform that night but managed to catch her performing an acoustic set the night before together with Chris, Ann and Juwita at Cafe Crema. Juwita and Alarice are both amazing singers. (So are Chris and Ann.) Also had the opportunity to hear Juwita's story in church on Sunday. Makes me feel proud to be Malaysian.

Check out Juwita Suwito's official website:
http://www.juwitasuwito.com/

I have a thing for orchestras. I love listening to orchestral music. Must have been from all the videogames I've played eg. Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid. To pay $15 to watch Juwita perform with Orchestre Nouveau was totally worthy it. Which reminds me.

London Philharmonic Orchestra

is coming to Australia next month! Only problem is the tickets don't come cheap. One ticket can buy you 70 bowls of kolo mee. And that's before converting it to Malaysian dollars, 200 bowls of kolo mee. BUT, that's only if you want the best seat in the house. The ticket prices range from $240.50 to $25.

"The London Philharmonic Orchestra has long been recognised as one of the best ensembles in the world, an assertion borne out by continued acclaim from audiences and critics alike."

As much as I want to go, I probably won't. Lately, I've been caught up into too many events and activities. I should slow down and save some money while I'm at it. Relationship Conference's on this week and exam timetable's comes out today. Joy.

Since, everyone else is on holidays, it feels like I'm on holidays too. Not good. Time to be productive.





















Goodnight.


~ God put our eyes in the front so that we will look forward ~

Sket Dance

For the past week, I've been working on this short video competition. This competition was organized by my course program and it requires us to make a short video which promotes our area of study. In my case, Geomatics. If you're wondering what the *beep* Geomatics is, don't worry. That makes two of us.

Refer to one of my earlier post to find out what Geomatics is. Click for the link here.

Of course I wouldn't be interested in entering such a competition unless the prizes are yummy and well worth the effort. And boy are the prizes yummy.

3rd Prize - 4 Hoyts Movie Tickets
Not bad. There are a few good movies coming out and I'm yet to watch "UP".

2nd Prize - Digital Camera (10MP)
Okay. This would just be an upgrade for the camera I have now. Not something I really need but hey.

1st Prize. Now this is the reason I entered this competition. You ready?

1st Prize is a....

CAMCORDER!!

Gahhhhhh! A freakin' camcorder and all you have to do is submit a freakin' video. A freakin' FREE CAMCORDER!! Ahhhhhh I never knew I could want something, besides a PS3, so bad. Haa...okay, think I've calmed down a bit. *clears throat*

So why do I want a camcorder so bad? I think it all started when I was reading this manga, called Sket Dance (Don't judge me! and no, it's not a manga about making videos or some sort of magical camcorder....that's just corny).

Sket Dance is about a trio of high-schoolers who helps people out as part of their club activity. How the club came about is a vital part of the story so I won't spoil it for you guys. Technically, each of the member have some sort of tear-jerking, emotional past. And the main character, Bossun, discovered his past through footages his parents took with, you guessed it, a camcorder.

Whoever invented the camcorder is my hero. I'm sure there are times in your life which makes you go, "Mann I wished someone recorded it." Recording it would be a great way of "immortalizing" that day, event, moment etc. Maybe even better than a photo ever could. But that's just my opinion. Some of you would argue that a photo, journal or even a drawing would be better. Than again it would vary depending on the situation.

Just like how this blog serves as a way for me to document events in my life, the camcorder could assist me in taking this a step further. Afterall, there's only so much the grey matter in my head can store. Also, wouldn't it be nice to share the videos you've recorded with your families and friends 20, 50, 80 years from now?

Aha....looks like I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's be reasonable here. What are my chances of winning 1st Prize? Also, how often would I be using it anyways? Afterall, this may just be a temporary craze. Who knows? But we'll see, yea?

This post sounds like a serious soap opera when it's just about a kid entering some video competition. But you'll never know what might come out from all this. Life is full of surprises whether you like it or not.

Back to where I left off.

Sket Dance is an awesome manga.


~ will post the video at a later time ~

Cookies Rhymes With Kitties

I'm sure we all have those moments where by we're just busy doing our homework, taking a dump or in my case chopping some garlic, when suddenly *ping!* a thought comes to mind.

This isn't one of those million dollar ideas or random thoughts I usually have(random thoughts) but something quite relevant actually. It was,

"I won't be able to get into a boy/girl relationship unless I am able the put God first."

Now that I look at it, it's seem more like a statement than a thought.....hmmm could it be, could it be. I'm still trying to train my spiritual ears but maybe I'm just schizophrenic. But why while I'm chopping garlic? None can fathom.

So how is this relevant, say you? Next week my church will be running a relationship conference which I've been helping to publicize during the past couple of weeks. Me? A guy who's been single all his life promoting a relationship conference? Hmmm could it be, could it be. Maybe it's like Heroes, where certain events and people are connected. I just might learn a thing or two from this conference.

Since, it's the holidays for most of you guys, don't miss out on this conference! There'll be food, free goodies, attractive singles, a foot massage and disco lights. Okay, I lied. I'm not even sure how this conference's gonna run but I guarantee you it'll be........interesting.


So what have I been up to lately?

Hisense Arena

Went to a Youth Alive event last Saturday. RELIENT K performed! Unfortunately, I didn't manage to any pictures of 'em. Camera battery died on me because I got little too carried away taking pictures of the New Empire.

New Empire

New Empire's vocalist

The Youth Alive band were good, so good that the drummer broke his sticks while playing. The guest pastor who spoke that night was Pastor Preston Centuolo. Really got the crowd going with his wit and humour. If there one thing I'll definitely remember about this event is the song "Don't touch my Jesus music!" by Lecrae. At least that's what I think the song's called.

What I loved about Relient K was their stage performance. Each of the band members were pretty sync with one another. Even their jumps were syncronized and timed perfectly with the music. The xylophone was a nice touch and adds another layer to their music. So glad that they played "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" and "Be My Escape" cause those are the only two songs I know from them. What made me merrier was when they covered "Tomorrow" by Silverchair! Relient K are known for covering songs during their live performance and that's cool.

Had a great night spending time with friends and catching up with one.

Besides Youth Alive and the relationship conference, I've been working on a project, but I'll save that for a later time.

Juwita Suwito live in Melbourne this Saturday! Before that, Chris and Ann will be performing alongside her and Alarice Thio on Friday at Cafe Crema. It's just one thing after another! This is gonna be fun.


On a totally different note,

I still haz your kitty and no, I want cheezburger flavoured cookies!

~ catnapping is an art which requires good looks, feline agility, cat food and a floonie ~

Step Fourth

With hands that are shaking cold

He stumbles around before finding comfort with the wooden platform
on his bump.

With his band at the ready
and the crowd cast out by glares from the hovering spotlights
he speaks.

Hi, I'm Julian and I’ll be sharing a song and the journey I went through to “birth” this song. Last Easter camp, back when I was in Perth, was the first time God spoke to me. Usually when God speaks to you, you would expect something encouraging or comforting. But it wasn’t. And I’m glad that it wasn’t, cause what God said was true. Back then I was interested in joining the worship team but God said that I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready cause my heart wasn’t set right and my only motive for joining the worship team was that I could play the drums. It wasn’t for God but for my own selfish needs. But I only realized this later on.

After the camp I was inspired and it was during this time that I randomly picked up a friend’s guitar and stringed 4 chords together. Back then I only had the melody but not the lyrics. Since I wasn’t able to come up with any lyrics, I just left it as it was. But funny enough, I knew that this would be a Christian song.

In between completing the song, I was looking for acceptance. I was driven to prove to God that I was ready but at the same time I wasn’t sure if I’ll ever be ready. It was as though I was suffering from bipolar disorder. One minute I’ll be, “yea I can do this, just keep practicing and stay in the rhythm”. But the next minute I’ll be “owh, I can’t do this I can’t even play triplets or as good as Guo Jin. I’ll never be ready, know what I mean?” I was too caught up in trying to get God’s approval. And this blinded me.

Friends, you don’t have to fight for God approval. He already has. I realized that this Easter camp. Renewed and inspired once again, I revisited the song I composed last year. This time the words came to me and I managed to get the lyrics done it one sitting.

This song that I’m sharing with you today isn’t merely a song but a yearlong journey. In other words, something very personal to me. This song reflects a sense of hunger for God, proclaims God’s greatness and at the same time talks about how God lifted me up, healed my heart and rescued me from my sins and shames at the time I was just broken, hungry and lost. And I’m glad to say that till today I am able to stand before God unashamed and proud of who I am. The chorus of this song reflects the renewal of my spirit and how this song is a new beginning for me with God as the center.

I feel very convicted to share this song. I believe that this is a very powerful song because this is a song that was given to me by God. So this isn’t my song. So sing it however you like, dance to it, I don’t care this is between you and God. And for those you who are just so hungry, lost or think that your walk with God is going nowhere let me invite you to sing this song with me and let this be your new song to God.

Just because I’m sharing here today doesn’t mean I’ve hit the mark. I’m still struggling, trying to spend more time with God, trusting Him more, reading the bible, to be a genuine nice guy and trying not to get pissed off at my friends for not finishing their food, these little things. But when I chose to follow God he told me that I’ll be in for a wild ride but I’m holding on. Life’s just gonna get harder but God has it covered.




For You Are
by Julian, Ann, Si Hua, Leland, Leon, Phil
Sept 09

I need you to touch me again, oh Lord
I need you more than words can say
Come Jesus, make me new once again
With your love

To you I will sing new song today
For you I will sing at the top of my lungs
And I will praise you for all of my days
For you are

All powerful, you who created all things
So mighty, you hold the world in your hands
My saviour, redeemer and friend,
Yes you are, Yeshua

To you I will sing new song today
For you I will sing at the top of my lungs
And I will praise you for all of my days
For you are

You lift me up,
You healed my heart,
You rescued me, from my sins and shame

To you I will sing new song today
For you I will sing at the top of my lungs
And I will praise you for all of my days
For you are
Yes you are
Lord of All

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Hmmm I think I've talked enough so just wanted to put this here as a reminder for me when ever I'm lost and unsure of where I am going. I have so much to give thanks to God for. It's about time I do so!

With holidays over, it's back to the bittersweet life of uni.

Btw, Melbourne Zoo has many funny signs.

~ In the end, rest found me ~

Rest

~ ~

How're YOU~ doing?

And so another week has come to an end.

Hmmm it's mid-sem break but I'm occupied with loads of stuff, uni and non-uni related. Mainly non-uni stuff, so that's good. Was hoping to rest up and recover from a busy week but I guess I'll be having a productive week. Better than slacking off playing flashgames and watching anime.

Next Sunday, I'll be sharing a song I wrote with the Life* Expedition congregation. I reckon the band got it nailed down. My only worry is singing off-key. That would just spoil everything. I am living prove that drummers can't sing! Or maybe that's just me. But that's not important. What's important is my state of heart and how/what I want this song to communicate to the people. Humble me and empower me.

Also, our dance item will be on that Sunday! Oh, the excitement! Don't worry, I'm sure we'll get it down by then, I hope? Nahh, gotta be positive. We'll definitely get it down by then! Look forward to it and be awe by our prowess! wakakaka

Lately, my emotions been getting the better of me. Totally reminds me of an episode of "Two and a half men" where Charlie snapped after keeping his emotions bottled up for so long. It's been too long since I when into one of my infamous laughing fits that it left me tearing and choking.

Yes, "I choked on my own laughter". literally.

To think that I actually would after using that phrase to express sarcasm for all those years. Oh, the irony. sigh. totally ruin the cool facade I spent years perfecting. Good news is I can't possibly do more to further ruin my image.

Or can I?

Nahh I rather not.

Mann there are still some other stuff I wanna blog about but I guess they're all going into the drafts folder. Hopefully I'll get the chance to clear out that folder during this short break. I've got incomplete posts in there worth weeks and months old it's probably not relevant anymore. I might bring 'em back anyways. Who knows?

I'm sleepy, my ass hurts and I've got work to do.


Time for bed.


~ Selamat Hari Merdeka ke-46, kepada orang Sabah dan Sarawak! ~

Laughing Cookies

Who needs oreo when you can have






















and if you didn't find that funny,

have some cookies!

Laughing. Cookies.




























~ when emotions get the better of you ~

I'm Not In Love

After being homeless for 40 hours, I'm home.

Last weekend I spent 40 hours away for home. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but I guess having an emergency shelter and a friend for company make things much easier. It was cold and tiring. Nevertheless, an interesting experience. One I wouldn't mind doing again. Next time on the streets. Maybe.

Thanks to those of you who've sponsored me and for those of who haven't (lee, yu and chua) you've got till the end of September! woo~hoo

Yesterday, chris, ann, greg, devon, sarah and myself when to watch Anberlin.





















Notice how the ticket says under 18's only? But we still managed to sneaked in. Must have been my good looks heheh =P

Opening for Anberlin were Aussie band, Wherewolves






















and The Academy Is...






















And finally, the main event.





















Anberlin's presence on stage were pretty good. They were energetic, swinging their guitars around and moving much quicker than my camera's shutter speed. Didn't managed to get any better shots but that's ok.






















One thing I noticed about all three bands was that all their drummers were smashing the drums like nobody's business. Power mann but not good for the ears.

The highlight of the night was probably when The Academy Is performed "About A Girl" cause that was the only song I was familiar with. It was good that they did cause I was just about to doze off. I found their other songs boring. Anberlin's music was new to me but I enjoyed it and overall, it was a good concert.

And the award for "Best Picture of the Night" goes to

greg's dinner.


~ Relient K is gonna be mmhmm ~

Burn My Dread

What the heck have I gotten myself into. This weekend is definitely gonna be a real eye-popping, gut-wrenching, hair-pulling, toe-nail-biting experience.

But life is a journey and it's better doing it together. Right?

It's alright. I'm doing this for the kids. We're doing this for the kids!






















To those of you who've turned me down, it's not too late to donate!

https://famine.worldvision.com.au/famine.cgi?a=SPONSOR_&pn=29193035-2
My 40 Hour Famine Number is: 29193035-2

Don't be such a cheapskate dammit!

Oh btw, I'm joining Chris in his 'home' fast.

Pray for us.

If this doesn't kill me, mum will.


~ I have no regrets ~

Ah Chai's Chicken Rice.

Ingredients:

• 3 and 1/2 cups of rice (feeds 4-5)
• Whole chicken (chopped into pieces)
• cucumber
• garlic
• ginger
• spring onion
• salt & pepper
• soy sauce
• sesame oil
• butter

Preparation:

Chicken
1) Boil chicken together with salt and pepper for an hour.
2) Soak chicken in cold water after boiling.

Rice
1) Add garlic and ginger to the rice.
2) Use butter to give the rice it's yellow, glossy look.

3) Cook the rice in the chicken soup (excess soup can be served as a side).

Serving:

Chicken
1) Dry chicken with paper towel before plating up.
2) Arrange cucumber slices around the plate for a cool touch.
3) Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil.
4) Top with spring onions before serving.






















Rice
1) Mold rice into desired shape using hands or you could use a bowl.

Ta-da!

And you are ready to eat!




























~ asian boys just wanna eat rice, yeaaaa ~

Many Merry Days

Ahhh it's been a while since I've done a reflective post. To just sit down and reflect upon the past few days and months even. There's always this warm fuzzy feeling I get when I meet up with friends whom I haven't seen or heard from for a long time. Yesterday I had the opportunity to catch up with a friend from Perth.

Charles came over to Melbourne for a work conference and extended his stay over the weekend for a mini-vacation. Exchanging stories and pleasantries over sushi, ramen and sashimi at J Cafe, it was great to see that he's doing fine. Hearing stories about old friends is always good fun. It's also fun(and shocking) to find out who's dating who now. Heard that another friend is getting married by the end of the year too. Seem like Zion's doing fine but I feel kinda bad ditching them for Melbourne. Hope you're not getting too stressed out Jim! It's good that you're faithfully serving but they should seriously cut you some slack. Did you guys seriously do "No Reason To Hide"? That's cra-zy!!

Oh, Perth. I wouldn't mind paying you visit next year. We'll see =)

My 7th month in Melbourne and I'm enjoying every minute of it or at least I'm trying too. It's great how almost everything's within walking distance and that the public transport is more efficient than back home and Perth. Having friends who stays in the same building and down the street make things merrier too. It's as though we're living out "FRIENDS", only that we're uni students, in Melbourne and asians.

Sem2 is looking good so far. Staying on top of uni work and still finding time to squeeze in busking, coffee runs and what other silly adventures with my girl friends. "Having ice-cream in the sun. That's what life should be."

Oh, Spring. I welcome you with open arms.

Expect a much warmer week ahead with a few showers. Everyday's a new day. Everyweek's a new week. It's a fresh new start! Embrace it like freshly printed lecture notes. Warm and fuzzy with the slight scent of printer ink.

Nerd out.























~ dinner for 2, ice-chocolate, a stroll down the street. I think I just went on my 1st date ~