Christmas Is Near!!!

It's been eon years since I posted anything on the blog. My apologies for those who had been checking it. Please don't give up on me! I'm just going through some quieter times of my life online. Probably offline there were dramas. As usual. My life without dramas won't be Cindy's life, frankly speaking.

I'm currently back in my hometown, leisurely hanging around doing nothing. I've been back from UK for almost 7 weeks now... So another 6 weeks and I shall be back to embark into a new chapter in Cambridge. Exciting and worrying at times. I guess all is set, now it's time to start wondering what to do with myself :)

First step, physical clearance. I sent back boxes of stuffs from my room in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, some two years ago before I left to Europe to start my masters. Now I'm done with my masters, and shall start my PhD soon, the boxes of stuffs (and junks) are still sealed. Obviously, the junks too.. Let's see what magic I can whip out through this weekend.

Currently I'm writing from a nice independent cafe with a cheesy name, Cheese U, in Kluang, Johor. A sneak peak of Si Putih and my cuppa macchiato in the cafe.

Blessed first week of Advent! May the Hope of God be with you always!

The Eve of Submission

Hahaha...

Yeah, that's exactly how I feel right now. I'm sure some of you would have been my tear and sweat-bearers, comforting me, supporting me when I went all crazy and stressed out with my writing up, which is, by the way, not done yet. I have around 12 hours to getting ready to meet my supervisor to go through it before I get it printed. My bad, I should have been more focused. Like what I shared with someone, I was disillusioned. Everything became blurry and I didn't know what I was doing. I'm glad to have encountered this person, and eventually, by the grace of God, found my way back. Though I spent many days in confusion, heart palpitation and disillusion (I know it doesn't make sense, but they rhymed, ok!), I think the ever-thriving-in-stressful-situations me is officially back for the next 12 to 15 hours.

Two years of moving around Europe for my Erasmus Mundus Masters Course, and it's all coming to an end when I click "Upload" and "Submit" tomorrow. What have I been doing?? At the back of my mind, one word popped up: TRAVELLING.

I shall leave the tale open-ended for another day.

Back to my Blood.Sweat.Tears and... (NOT) Coffee.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Just a short post before sleep. I went for a vacation with some Malaysians to Reykjavik, Iceland. Freezing indeed but a beautiful country nevertheless. Breathtaking sceneries of wintry wild I'd say. The centerpiece of the city is the Lutheran church. The chamber choir was absolutely fantastic. One of the best I've heard. Angelic music. The Golden Circle is a must to visit, and I was there with Edgar. My brain was frozen to the max! But it was really good. Saw the serenity of winter, spurting geyser, cracks of moving tectonic plates of Europe and America, the amazing Gullföss, aurora borealis, Icelandic horses.. that was an experience of a lifetime! We walked on water literally when we were standing on the frozen pond in front of the city hall. We even ate at the hot dog stall where Bill Clinton ate!. Thank God for everything that happened, wonderful experience and sweet memories created.

Mr. Polar and me... :P

The group whom I traveled with. (L-R: Chong Chong, Timmy, Jing, Erik, Edgar and myself)

Europe Countdown: Day 52 (Part 02)

Just now I attended daily mass in St. Francis Xavier church in PJ. The priest preached with fervor and charisma, I'd say. He said that it's only in moments of weakness that we would come to recognize that God is in control. In fact, God is always in control. So, we need to have a new way of seeing things, and to recognize that we truly need God in moments of weakness, because God is essential to our lives.

Yeah, I have to admit I need Jesus so much right now. Like I said, it's also very hard for me to walk the talk of being Christ-like. My family relationship isn't so great after all. The patience wears thinner than with new people or at work place. It's harder to love when rejections are norm; judgmental and critical statements are usual. It's even more painful to accept that my family members were the only one who don't congratulate me or even know what I will be doing within these coming six months when I have obtained something which will cause a person to "Wow! It's so good to know that. Congratulations!!" Yet, Jesus said, love one another as I have loved you. And forgive, and you shall be forgiven. Only Him can help me now. Indeed, I am in such a need for Him to help me now!

One of my favorite verses was in the gospel reading for today... What is the treasure which you keep inside your heart? What is the direction which you refer to when you make important decisions in life?

Today's bible verse for reflection:
"For wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be too." (Matthew 6:21)

Europe Countdown: Day 52 (Part 01)

I'm home alone in my friend's place now. I've decided against going to PTPTN today because I am not ready and my documents are left in KK. It'd be better if I get things done the next time I return to KL, which probably be a few weeks from now. I can only hope and pray that the flights wouldn't be exorbitant price like this trip.

Today is Friday after Pentecost. Five days after the Church celebrated Pentecost, are we still filled with the Holy Spirit? Personally, I know I have not been courageous in walking the talk about being the follower of Christ. I will try harder from today onward, I pray. And I hope that you guys too will be courageous in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

I'll be going out with Kiwi and friends later to snap pictures. Haha. I am using a dummy compact camera while they will be out with gadgets. Oh well, when I have money I shall invest on a DSLR myself. Sigh! Kiwi said his friends are late too, so I'm unsure what time I'll be going out. What a day. I'm sleepy again. I better go grab a nap.

Today's bible verse for reflection:

"And he said to them, ' Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation." (Mark 16:15)

Europe Countdown: Day 53

Wow. Another day had passed. I started the day by eating two delicious-looking half-boiled eggs with toasted wholemeal bread, and cocoa drink. The eggs were prepared by Jennifer (thanks, Jen!). After breakfast, she sent me to Kelana Jaya LRT station, and from there I took LRT to Ampang Point. It was rather amusing that I finally know that my GPS in the phone actually works perfectly when I used it when I came out from Ampang Point LRT station. I walked for about 5 minutes to reach the Embassy of Spain. Rather interesting because this is the 2nd time I went to an embassy (my first time was the Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul). It took me about 15-20 minutes in the embassy to fill in some forms, and I was so relieved (thank God!!!) when Mr. Julian said that it takes about two weeks to get the visa. However, my cert of good conduct and also cert of good health are pending. And also the cert by Ministry of Higher Education too.

After that, my friend, Kiwi picked me up from Kelana Jaya LRT station and went for lunch in this Indian restaurant. Haha. I had a plate of Briyani Bukhara Mutton! Yummy, yummy!!! The best Indian food still has to be sought in West Malaysia... I'm still missing ABC on my list. Had a good laugh in the afternoon when Kiwi brought me along to meet his workmate-friends for a drink. The thought of Bollywood-style pre-wedding videography caused me to erupt into a bout of unstoppable laughs. And it's kinda weird to know that my friend of 8,9 years never heard me laugh out loud like this when we spent time together back then when I used to travel to KL and "passed by their house for a visit". I guess we must have forgotten much of our past, or I change quite a bit within our seven years of not keeping frequent contact.

Oh yeah, I had dinner with my senior Rose and her friend in the Gardens, and I bought a nice 15 European languages phrase book. Essential ones, of course, published by LonelyPlanet. I also purchased Periplus Spanish phrase book. Really felt blessed by so many people these few days. Thank you, dear Lord Jesus!!

I'm pretty tired now. Time to sleep.

Today's bible verse for reflection:

"In your prayers do not babble as the gentiles do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:7-8)

Europe Countdown: Day 54

Finally, Putrajaya part was completed just now. Everywhere seemed so far away in Putrajaya. Thank God for friendly taxi driver who waited for me while I got my things done in the various locations. I'll describe more soon!

It's always so comforting to meet long-time friends. Apart from staying with Jennifer Lau whom I had not seen for two years, I met up with Kiwi for a long long chat. For the past 7 years, we did not really meet or talk to each other. After so long, he's still such a comfortable person to pour my heart to. A friend in need is a friend indeed! Shared a lot on our pasts, presents and future plans. More to chat about... I haven't really spent time to chat with Jenn though...

I'm so sleepy now, but really thank and praise God that He becomes the reason of my direction. No longer I'm so lost whenever unhappy and depressing things happen in my life.

Bible verse of the day:

"When you pray, go to your private room, shut yourself in, and so pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you." (Mark 6:6)

Europe Countdown: Day 55

Another day has passed. I am in KL now. There shouldn't be jet lag traveling from East Malaysia to West Malaysia. I should sleep soon, so that I can wake up early later. Well, the plan is this: I am going to Putrajaya using public transport, and there are two places for me to cover in order to settle the three things I'm supposed to do in KL.

As I looked back into the past weeks, I noticed I've been living like a nomad. Why so? Ever since I moved out from the house which I had stayed for 6 years since university days, I had been staying in various places - first I stayed 2 weeks in Irene's house, then three days in the room in Kingfisher, next was 9 days in Kuching at my friend, Vicky's house. Back to the room in KF for 4 days, and here I am in KL for 5 days. I hope I can stay in KK and rest my body a bit. I feel exhausted with all these mental and physical changes all the time. Yet I know, this is unavoidable if I want to get things done.

But God also sent His chosen people into the desert for 40 years before they entered into the Promised Land. Well, come to think of it... It's not that bad to be nomadic. At least I have warm water shower every day since I moved back to KF, even while I'm traveling. Thank and praise God.

There must be a plan... And I believe the plan God has in mind for me is the best.

Today's bible verse for reflection:

"You are well aware of the generosity which our Lord Jesus Christ had, that, although he was rich, he became poor for your sake, so that you should become rich through his poverty." (2 Cor 8:9)

Europe Countdown: Day 56

It's actually 46 minutes passed the intended day. A fine but packed day today. I really appreciated the efficiency shown by UMS staff, Greg, in assisting me with my transcripts and verification letter. It was all done within a day.

After that, I had a long chat with an inspiring lecturer of mine, Dr. Zaleha Abdul Aziz. She really knows her students, and cares so much for us that it sometimes brings her heartaches. She's like this typical motherly lecturer who is both strict and loving. Love you lots, Dr. Z!!!

Then there was choir practice for the choir performance next Saturday. I really would miss the Sacred Heart English Choir when I'm not around... Gosh... Maybe I should join them for Christmas choir? Haha. But Fred, our choir master, suggested that I should spend Christmas in Europe, listening to their wonderful church choirs during Christmases. Yeah, sounds like a wonderful idea too...

I shall be flying to KL tomorrow after work for some emergency matters. It's pretty hard to explain here without inviting speculations. Sometimes, I ought to be cautious of what I publish for public reading, oughtn't I? Hopefully I get to write my countdown encounters while I travel. Many complicated matters which arise that require me to be there in person to settle. I pray God will be with me throughout this journey...

I can't write much now. I'm super sleepy.

Today's bible verse for reflection:

"... in pain yet always full of joy; poor and yet making many people rich; having nothing, and yet owning everything." (2 Cor 6:10)

Europe Countdown: Day 57

I am leaving on 8th August 2011. Today is 12th June 2011. There are 57 days left, including today. I shall try to blog as much as I could, counting down the everyday I have in Malaysia. I never thought I'd leave my homeland, but I have always yearned to know how it is like to live in another foreign country.

Indeed, God is good and He answers to our prayers. It is a prayer answered, though I have no inkling of what challenges are waiting for me after 8th August 2011. In fact, I don't have an idea what lies beyond today, or beyond this very minute. It sounds a bit depressing, but I know beneath the depression I'm experiencing right now, there is bubbling excitement. I am spending a lot of time alone this year, the loneliness is beyond comprehension at times. But it is also a time for me to wonder the reason of me being placed in such a condition. Did I choose to be alone and isolated? Or my mind has chosen to reduce the pain of leaving this place?

Gosh. Nine years ain't a short time. My youth I spent wandering in the desert of hope and love. Yet, I know I have been strengthened, even when I thought I did not change a single bit. Last night I met up with some friends whom I did not see for years. We moved on in our arena of lives, and we seem to live well without one another. Then, we were all linked together in a vicious cycle for three years or more, by one single person who wanted to conquer the best of both worlds. Yet, this person collapsed in the end and lives now in an automated world of making money as the sole purpose of life while being married to a lady who loves him like maniac. The other one is in his own imaginary world in a foreign land, while the two of us found Jesus respectively as we journey along the path of healing. We changed, for better or for worse. Definitely we no longer belong to the same vicious cycle. Thank God for the catching up, knowing that this friendship remains, but lives go on.

In less than 24 hours, school reopens and I have to ask for 3 days off from work because of my future plans. I can't really tell out loud, because it is not yet the time. Yet, those whom I am close to in real life I hope I have informed properly of the good news which also brings heartaches. Both side of the same coin, I kept reminding myself...

Happy Pentecost!

Today's bible verse for reflection:

"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Just Another 30 Days to 2011

It's been a LONG time again since my last post, and thousands of apologies to those who look forward to reading my rambles. Life's been UP and DOWN, as usual, though not as "dramatized" as it used to be. Thank God!

I have some plans for next year, but it is not the right time to disclose what exact plans are they, but it is definitely a step, or maybe steps, forward. I really hope my plans are according to His great plan for me. Now I'm taking things step-by-step, hoping that all will fall into the right places at the right time.

It is the 2nd week of my school holidays, as a teacher, but I'm still craving for a time of rest. It had been a whirlwind even before the school year ended two weeks ago. There were school graduation night, meetings for Protem Committee of Learning Center, minutes of meetings, various odds and ends to tie up before the school year ends (and I still have stuffs to do tomorrow at school!!!), planning for Youth Alpha "crash" sessions (to fit the schedule, due to bad planning!! :( my bad!), executing my steps to the life-changing plan in 2011, etc. In between I had movie outings, dinner outings... Umm... The whole October, I was outstation practically every weekend (I realized that I love my lazy weekends!!) for spiritual retreats. Come to think of it now, I wouldn't be able to go through all these without Him supporting me all the way. My God is awesome!

I've been missing daily masses (apologetically...) and I wish I can spend more time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, at least when I attend daily mass. With the holiday season, and all the activities, it is definitely a challenge for me to drive to church for mass every evening. I have to make my list of priorities!!!

Well, food and movies have been a constant companion to me, as usual, and I have a new group of friends to eat with. Thank God for the companionship He provides me with. Sometimes I do miss hanging out alone. Crazy, but true. I guess I'm heading towards singlehood with a better perspective these days. Thank and praise God!! And yeah, I'm still learning to balance between quality time spent alone and quality time spent with friends... I am still swinging from one extreme to the other, like a pendulum. Haha.

One good thing that is going to happen is a paid vacation to Northern Vietnam with my mom this coming mid-December. I heard about the winter (without snow!), and the need for warm clothings. I had been hardworking in researching the weather and all... Hopefully the trip will be fun, fun and more fun!!

I'm excited to let the whole world know that the Youth Alpha in BM that we are running in Youth Prep Centre Alamesra just passed the Holy Spirit sessions (a benchmark that we are finishing this first round) today. It went on great. Though there are only 7 youth joining the YA in BM sessions this school holiday, we're very happy for them that they received the Holy Spirit during prayer ministry. Praise God for His good works. We do hope to run more rounds of YA in BM in YPC Alamesra in future to come!

Photos will follow after my trip when I have time to edit them. Oh yeah, I got myself a Casio Exilim Z90 recently. Pretty decent compact digital camera!

Time for a clay mask and beauty sleep.

May the love of Christ be with you always. Amen.

Doraemon and the Time Machine

I'm doing some reading online when I suddenly remember Doraemon and time machine, as in the real Doraemon story. I never really knew the origin of the cartoon which has accompanied me for years during childhood and adolescent years. I guess it's never too late to find out about him...

Idiomatic translation to English:

(From right to left)

Nobita: Whoa!

Doraemon: It's me…did I surprise you?

Nobita: Wh…wh…who are you? Where did you come from? Why did you…? H…h…how did you…?

Doraemon: Don't ask so many questions at once! But that's all right. I've come to save you from a horrible fate.

All the information is courtesy of Wikipedia - Doraemon First Appearance.

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I guess I'd prefer not to mention my friend as Doraemon again after knowing more of the ending of Doraemon. Hahaha! ^_______^

A Walk to Remember

I had a lot on my mind this morning and I needed to work out all of those mind-bogging stuffs. The concentration was high by the time I was done with lunch. I needed a dosage of salty wind and skin-burning sunlight to make right with myself... So, instead of going home for my regular walk on Fit n Fold Strider I wanted to drive all the way down to Karambunai. Looking into my mobile for time, I realized I only had about an hour to spare before getting ready for Novena in SHC...

By default, my factory system enabled my mind to work subconsciously that there is a nice, serene beach that I can go, only about 5-7 minutes drive from where I stay. I remember visiting the beach in 2007 before I decided to discontinue my MSc. attempt and start working. It was a place where I could think...

I parked my car at the jetty area and walked about 500 m to the beach. As I walked on the gravel road down the beach, I saw the blue sky and the bluer sea... I was so amazed with God of the universe, my Father God. How wonderful it is to be a part of His creations, and how great He is, to paint this world with so many colours... Different shades of blue in the sky and on the sea; different shades of green on the leaves; different colours of the seashells... I was awestruck, and amazed at God's creation. It is indeed a walk to remember...

A walk where I had time to sort out my mind with God, a walk where I spent time with God. What amazed me was, I didn't have the time to think about those mind-bogging stuffs. Instead, I recognised the tiny me as a speck of sand in the vast ocean. And yet, God still recognises my everything!

When I checked out the seashells and started collecting them, all I knew was His greatness can overpower and has overcome all mind-bogging stuffs! He's just so wonderful! And how blessed I am to know this God who loves me to the very end!

Sandakan Trip 01-03 Aug 2009

Despite the fever which started on Friday morning and lasted until early morning of Sunday, I took a short vacation and sneaked to Sandakan to visit my ex-housemates for a weekend...

I first was brought to Sim Sim, a village built on water...

Had nice "kon lau springy noodle" with seafood soup... Yummy!

Only to find the side of the village on water... RUBBISH!!!

A visit to the oldest stone building in Sabah - St. Michael & All Angels Church.

The Altar; Apparently I was blessed according to my friends as many times they brought their friends to visit the church but never once they managed to enter to see the inside of the church. Amen to the God who loves us so much!!!

The stone wall in the church...

Time capsule - I found it standing outside the church... To be opened on 2038 and 2088~

Next destination was Agnes Keith House

I didn't go in, so it is the nearest I could go...

The grand entrance of Puu Jih Shih, a chinese temple in Sandakan

The rich chinese culture~

Great view of Sandakan from the temple

Black pepper pork with rice, delicious!

Braised yi mien with passion green tea, nice~

Freshly baked egg tarts, thin and crispy crust

St. Mary's Cathedral, after Sunset Mass celebrated by Bishop of Sandakan
The next day... A visit to Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

Human Skull vs. Orang Utan Skull

Monkey on food trail

"Heya! Wait up!!"

Orang Utan feeding time

Orang utans feeding... Note: A tiny monkey stealing food at the side~

Sunset on Sunday

Steamboat buffet in Ocean Steamboat Restaurant, Sandakan

Yummy~~

My favourite prawns!!!

Contented look!

Checking-in in Sandakan Airport, Air Asia counter

Interesting rooftop of the airport - Super hot morning!

Waiting area of departure hall

Time to say Good bye~~~

Lovely visit, more than words can explain. I'm thankful to Fui Man for hosting me during this trip... And her wonderful friends as companions. Despite the fever and cough, I had fun. Thank God for journey mercy, and for Lidz and Jocelyn for sending and fetching me from airport, respectively.

Perhentian Rendezvous

I'm back on my blog, I hope. With so much to do after two weeks of vacation, I'll try to blog as often as I can, if my brain is working well enough. Hehe! I'm still missing my short getaway in Perhentian. Arghh~~~ Maybe I'm addicted to the compressed air??? LOL! Anyway, photos speak louder than words on blog yeah?

My Perhentian Rendezvous wouldn't have happened if not because these two lovely friends of mine decided to tie the knot in the middle of school holidays... Hence my visit to Kota Bahru, Kelantan & Jerteh, Terengganu. On the way to the husband's house, I noticed a road sign written "Jeti ke Pulau Perhentian 10 km" and realized I was just a footstep away from one of the loveliest dive spots in Malaysia!!! So when "situation" occured and I didn't have a ticket to go back to Kluang, Johor... My mind spinned the idea of hiding there for a night to reflect upon life and all... And where should I go next?

The jetty in Kuala Besut, Terengganu, the "door" for my exit from mainland to island getaway! My adventure indeed!

There comes the boat! I was sooo worried it would be a tiny speed boat. Thank God it is a tuna! Nope, not a fish... Just TUNA Express!

Excited until cannot see my eyes! Haha! I felt a strong emotion as I looked at the deep blue sea... My passion in life. Oh my~~~

The Sweden siblings I met prior to the ride... The girl's name is Geraldine. Lovely gal, isn't she? I forgot the brother's name, I think he's Damien or Danion or Daniel. He has beautiful greyish eyes... *smiles* Shall email her tonight I guess...

Abang polis marin checking on us to ensure the boat only had 10 passengers. Strict rules apparently. My guess is to prevent IIs (Illegal Immigrants).

Geraldine has this cute hippo. Maybe I should get a hawksbill turtle doll and bring it around the next time I go travelling...

Lovely weather in Perhentian... I'm always on HIGH mode when I see the ocean... especially the DEEP BLUE one with the light blue clear sky...

That's where I stayed~~~ The room upstairs...

Nice eh?

Lovely sea...

The trail I found...

is the trail I followed...

Made me want to sing... "I'm so amazed by You, Lord!!!"

Getting nervous for refresher SCUBA. Totally OUT of knowledge when it comes to that... Hehe!

Nice! Outside Panorama Cafe~

Long Beach and its umbrellas....

Fizzy and I... Somehow the chord strikes at the right position when we first met... We sort of have similar thinkings somehow~

Strange fruits on the tree above where we sat!

The Divers at Turtle Bay

Sophia and me... Lovely gal~

Beach ppl, sea lover!

Me n me n me alone~

My dimpled-cheek instructor of the day - Jono.

I wonder what were those guys doing??? -_- Never mind, I'll sit and wait...

Nice sky eh...

My escorts.

Imagine I actually tracked the hill? (Only the shadowy part, mind you...)

From that part with some buildings...

Time of reflection after the sun sets in Perhentian... With fruits and 100 plus. Realize life is not just about one thing. It is about living it to the fullest possibilities. And thank You Lord for all.

Contented look after seeing Tripod, the three-legged turtle when diving at the Pinnacle (Tokong Laut) in the morning... And lots of fishes... but definitely the turtle made me day brighter~~

Ahh... My dive buddy that morning - David.

Divemaster cum darlie toothpaste upcoming model - Yaakub!

Ok, I'm impressed.

Sophia again... Lovely gal~

Hmm... I wished I actually got to know him... But yeah, anybody help me to identify his name pls?!

There are sharks, beware! I saw one in the Pinnacle too! *winks*

Another shot with Yaakub before I left...

Me after Tom Yam soup and rice. Recharged.

Lord God, thank You so much for such a wonderful trip to Perhentian Island, and the diving and the underwater world and the people I met there. Many are becoming friends. People who love the sea can't be bad people. I pray You'll continue guiding me to discover deeper Your calling for me and to bring more joy to the people around me. Lord God, You know I have my imperfections and weaknesses, may these be used to magnify more of You and less of me. I finally know that my anchor of happiness is You. No matter how much fears I have in me, You can dispel all. No matter how much loneliness I feel at times, the knowledge that You love me is enough to keep me through. Boredom can set it easily, but I know You are never boring. Thank You for showering me with friends when I traveled alone. All the way from the jetty to the island to the dive centre back to the chalet and to Kuala Besut when I missed my last bus. Thank You for giving me good people who cared genuinely and sincerely without ulterior motives. Lord Jesus, please bless the lives of those who have touched my life in Your loving and gentle ways. And may they come to know You again one day and their lives be filled with genuine happiness. Thank You for the safe journey, especially the part when I was in the middle of a secondary jungle getting lost... and all that happened because everything happens for a reason and I thank You for making things possible for me. And all these I pray through Jesus who loves us more than anything. Amen!!!

P/S: Sorry, Joanne, lambat upload... met with Justine, another friend I met in Perhentian, and ended up chatting for a while.