Smiling under the dim light

They say rain in Melbourne, is what we call a baby drizzle back home here in Kuala Lumpur. After experiencing some 'rain' on a few occassions in Melbourne, I couldn't agree more =) But on my last night of my cut-short holiday, it was actually pouring, like back here in KL. The forecast for that day had been rainy, but it was actually quite a beautiful and windy day; until late evening, when it begun to pour. What a sendoff! An early 'Welcome Home to KL' huh?

And then it came...the day, 3 weeks in advance, that I was going home. Would home be the 'same' as when I left it? I was more than happy to answer God's calling to return, and anxious to meet the ones I love back home. But I'm human too, and of course there was also a little part of me that wished I could have stayed longer at a place that I really enjoyed being at, a holiday that I wanted to stay on longer, and me wishing that MY holiday could be the way I wanted. However, God called; and He also reminded me that there were far greater reasons to be home, and I trusted that He had His reasons and plans. So MY wants didn't matter, compared to what He had in store for me. I knew that I was needed at home too, and I really wanted to be here to fulfill whatever needs were required of me. I'd have it no other way.

I experienced, for the first time, a bit of difficulty re-adjusting back to the heat and humidity of being so near the equator. I must be getting old! I also expected the stress level from the hustle and bustle of KL life to gradually mount but by God's grace, I've been able to stay practically calm and laidback, as I was in Melbourne, since I came home. God really is great. If He can reel you into a position that He plans for you to be, you can rest assured that He will provide you with whatever you need to go through whatever He sets you up to do.



For 2 and a half weeks that I've been back, things have begun to fall into place even better than ever before. This holiday that I had, although shorter than expected; provided me with everything I had set out to get out from, before I left home. Since I've been home, I've felt God's presence very strongly in my life - around me, in my heart, in the changes I've been able to make, in the people that I meet, in the things that I do or do not do, and in the way I think too.

I'm not perfect. Heck, I'm not even close to being half-changed. But every day is a different experience and adventure for me. I'm trying to implement that aspect in my life as I experienced in Australia. A change of scenery, climate and life was good for the soul. Seeing different kinds of annoying people at a different hectic city was a nice for a change. Alright, Melbourne city isn't quite as hectic as KL of course. People in Australia are also way more laid back than Malaysians, but; the city isn't ghost town at nightfall (which occurs early in winter, 5pm onwards!) either. There were sirens all day - the cops, the firemen or the ambulance. That's city life for you. Anyway, back to me not being perfect... Yeah, you can't expect to change 20+ years of being the old me, overnight right? Change is constant. I believe I've at least begun a journey, and although there are times I could have faltered and I have struggled; I still am on this hike path.

All in all, God's been a constant. Sure, there are times when I am not at my faithful best. I make mistakes, I fail to resist temptations, I have things to change that some, more charasmatic Christians might crucify me for; but hey, it's not about being the 'perfect Christian' but being a Christian who realises he isn't there but will hunger for Christ. Of course, I don't use this as my lame excuse every time I do something not so holy, but in a nutshell, that's how it really is - admitting that we are broken only highlights that we humble ourselves enough to open our hearts to welcome our Maker.

I thank my Creator, I really do. Today, it really does feel that after my trip, I begin to see glimpses of how things can and should be. The best part is, with my change, and with me putting effort to do certain things differently and to be more selfless with every passing day; I begin to also influence some change in not just my life, but others as well. And to think that, for some bit parts, the human side of me was about to lament more than celebrate God's will. I can't help but sit here, under my dim table light, smiling gratefully. God sure has His plans for me. I've trusted for 3 years now, I see no reason to stop trusting now...

Fireset

This beautiful sunset was worth freezing my behind for; for over an hour at St. Kilda beach, at the end of an extremely beautiful day. As the sun set, the clouds began to form like flames to a fire. I took a tram (one of only 3 times during my 3 week stay in Melbourne) to Port Melbourne, which is just as beautiful; and walked for approx 5km or more to St. Kilda. I had a field day snapping photos all day long!

I think I'll try and put up the best pictures I took in Melbourne, up on the blog, one by one or in small batches. We'll see, according to what I'm writing about.

Selflessness

I've been back for almost 2 weeks now. My trip Down Under was truly a blessing, and although I cut my stay short by half, I still made the most of my time there in Melbourne and I had quite a blast. I've been asked for my thoughts, and photographs; but quite frankly, I've been too lazy to blog =)

I was asked if I hadn't been inspired during my holiday. Are you kidding me? Every day was a new adventure, every day was inspiration-filled. I walked almost everywhere I went, and I spent at least 10-12 hours out every day. So, by the time I'm home at night, I'm tired physically and also mentally.

I will eventually write about my trip. But I doubt I'll be able to oblige and put up the best pictures I took there. There are over a thousand to sift through I think, and too many to pick from and to edit before uploading them on the internet. Phew..the thought of that itself tires me out!

For now, I will say this, just as I've said it to every single person who has asked me - I'm back early because God called me home. During my time there, I heard God call me to learn and implement one thing new in my life; and it's the same thing that brought me home early, and that thing is - selflessness. Nothing out of this world or surreal about hearing my call.

God is real. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but God makes it easy and worthwhile. It's been good since I got home. I can sense and feel God's presence in everything that I do, everywhere that I am, everyone that I meet etc. God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good.

I am alive!

It’s been quite a while now hasn’t it? =) I can’t even remember the last time I blogged, unless I check the blog itself. The past month has been bittersweet. Bittersweet. I like that word, and in the past month, that word has further solidified its meaning in my life. Life is bittersweet. That’s because we’ll go through all sort of obstacles and challenges, all sorts of things that will hinder us from being happy, things that will trouble us BUT despite it all, we will persevere especially if it is regarding things we care about and at the end, when all is said and done; it will be well worth it. Now, that’s bittersweet.

This past month has been craaaaaaazzzzzyyyy. Well, it’s been busy, but all thanks to God, as He provided, but always guided and accompanied. Finished up 2 big jobs – a TV Commercial and a corporate training video (the first 2 of many more hopefully, projects that me and Eugene begin working on in our careers), tied up all the work related loose ends, settled whatever necessary payments, both work and non-work related and many other things leading up to my trip to Australia. I’ve planned this trip for over 2 months now. It’s seemed so long ago and there were many times since, that I might have contemplated not to do it already. However, this trip will do me much good. I mean, there were many things that were not going good in the past month, but God came through to cut in and say, “look, see things from a different perspective, and trust that I’ll make it ok”. You gotta love God and how He works, eh? =)

I sure as heck will miss Jo, my family, friends and home. I’m only going for 4-6 weeks, but in this time, many things will change I believe. Many things have to. This trip is so important to me because I need to take a break. This break will also help me focus on certain things and improve on them. This break will also help me to re-focus on certain things. My sights need broadening again too. The foreign environment will help, although I’ve been to Australia before. But I enjoy Australia a lot, and I have good memories of being there. It’s winter now, and I enjoy the cold.

God’s been good, as usual, all the time. I thank Him for provision, for blessing, for every single thing. I cannot see my life working without Him, and I sure realize that my purpose in this life is determined by Him, not me.

I’m also thankful for the wonderful BLC 5th anniversary celebrations tonight that made me realize how blessed I am to be part of a family of church friends that have taken me in 3 years ago and I’ve grown with them. It was a beautiful celebration with so many friends and guests. I felt thankful as a host tonight. I felt thankful that I’m only leaving after the celebration. I am thankful for my loved ones and friends who came. I am thankful for meeting good friends like Soo-Inn again; who thought something might have happened to me since I hadn’t blogged in a long while! It was good seeing him again. There is so much to learn from more experienced people and I believe God put them in my life for a reason. I may be going to Australia, but I know I have many things to look forward to when I do get back to Malaysia, and one of them is to catch up with people like Soo Inn.

I’ll be back soon enough; no one will even notice that I’m gone. I trust that this trip will be a fruitful one, and that I’ll come back the same as I did when I last visited Australia 3 years ago – that I’ll be hungrier, rejuvenated, more driven and ready to take on more of life.

Dark Knight

I'd been debating with my friend Anna for days since Revenge of the Sith was released, that Batman would be no match in a one on one battle with a Jedi. She's a huge Batman fan. I'm not a die hard Batman fan, though I like the dude. Although I didn't get into a mosh pit or elbow anyone in line to watch the movie, I was pretty psyched to go watch it with a bunch of guys today.

DB's been having a rough couple of weeks due to his back op, so Pastor Sivin wanted to take him to watch the movie, as he really wanted to. Since me and the boys wanted to as well, I thought "what the heck", let us all men and boys go watch it together! DB, Pastor Sivin, Eric, Bubba, Benny and myself enjoyed a great afternoon of movie fun, watching the origins of the Dark Knight himself. Good movie, very nicely done and Liam Neeson is such a good actor for mentor/teacher roles, whether good or evil. Excellent actor. Great on screen persona and charisma.

I don't write movie reviews here on my blog. But...I got myself a nice link with biblical references from Sivin right here :)

I still think a Jedi would take Batman down though ;)

Past Midlife

It's my birthday today, and I'm 26 officially. Hooray. Yeah. But I'm feeling a little sad and, I don't know, I'm just not all jumpy and excited, and it has nothing to do with being 26. But I also do not get shit feelings during birthdays that some people do. Oh well...

I sometimes wish I could stay 18 or 21. I never could believe I would be where I am today. But in saying that, I just want to embrace life to the fullest as it comes right at me. I'm 26, and although it feels old, I'm not going to sulk. Heck, I might be 36 before I know it if I waste time sulking.

I'm sure and I hope there'll be nicer things to put up about my birthday by tomorrow...



Earlier in the evening, on my way to church for dinner with Pastor Sivin and worship practice, a bus was on fire by the roadside along Old Klang Road. I believe the fire had just occurred shortly before I passed through the area. The traffic was beginning to pile up, as the smoke got thicker and higher, and as the fire became more fierce. The firefighters got to the scene within minutes as I approached. There was even a mild sound of explosion. I was just concerned if everyone got out of the bus safely before the fire consumed the bus. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. I just pray that everyone got out safely and I thank God for firefighters and the jobs they do.



Looking forward to today. I hope it's a nice day...

Lil Monsters

Adorable aren't they? The sight of children sleeping remains one of the more beautiful sights in the world. Well, till they get up that is!

These 2 beautiful children sure are adorable when they are fast asleep or when they are laughing and gurgling (love that sound =)), but they sure are hyper and disobedient.

I was down in Singapore for 3 days with James for the Broadcast Asia expo, as well as taking time off to look out for a few things and meet up with a couple of friends. We took a 3.30pm bus back on Thursday and I found myself seated on a single seater, next to the father and these 2 children; separated by the walking aisle on the bus.

The kids were super-hyper, especially the boy! The girl, 'meimei' was actually far better in her demeanour and personality but you could tell that her activeness was influenced strongly by her hyper-active little brother. They climbed on the seats non-stop, meddled with things constantly, would not stop yapping away, asking questions (mostly redundant and annoying ones), screaming, jumping and pestering.

The father, for some parts, must have been the most tolerant person in the world. For only SOME PARTS. He hit them most of the time, well...every 2 minutes at least! That's how naughty they were! He's smack them every time they stood up on the seat, every time they tugged at the curtain, every time they fought and every time they pestered. He didn't only smack them on the butt, or the thigh. I even saw him smack them in the face! Safe to say, the kids, although sometimes responsive to the beatings, were mostly immune to the punishments. That's only expected when a parent over-hits the children.

The boy was at times just too much to handle. He must have annoyed the rest of the bus with his barrage of questions. He had like a set of 10-15 questions, which he repeatedly asked in a random cycle!

Some parts of their conversations were just downright HILARIOUS, but some of the things that came out of their father's mouth is just totally wrong for a father to say to a child. I can understand the frustrations of handling 2 monsters without your wife, but the choice of language is still a key learning point that the children will pick up from their parents.

Let me try to share some of the conversations they had:

Son: Daddy, are we going to 'ku ma' (aunty)'s house?

Dad: Yes.

Son: Daddy, I want to go 'ku ma's house to sleep. Can I go to 'ku ma''s house to sleep? Can I? Can I?

Dad: Ok...sit down.

During this time, the son would proceed to pester more and start climbing up and down the seat. His sister, who takes after him, begins to fidget also. The father smacks the boy.

Dad: I said SIT DOWN!

Daughter: Daddy, I want to drink water.

Son: No! No you cannot drink! It's mine!

The kids then fight over the stupid mineral water bottle. Father smacks them both.

Dad: SIT DOWN!

Son: Daddy, are we going to 'ku ma''s house? Are we there yet?

The father is visibly annoyed with his gazillion questions.

Dad: Just shut up. Sit down and shut up. Aren't you sleepy yet?

Daughter: Daddy...(she asks a bunch of questions)

Son: Daddy...(he also asks a bunch of questions)

They both continue to pester and climb up and down.

Dad: Can you all SHUT UP?! I said SHUT THE HELL UP!

He smacks them really hard and they cry for...urm...20 seconds? =S They begin to ask questions and pester again soon after.

Dad: I told you to SHUT THE HELL UP! Why can't you listen to me??

We're at a petrol stop and the dad walks down for something.

Son: Daddy, where are you going?

Dad: (believe it or not) Hell.

Me and James refrain from laughing.

Son: Daddy, where are you going? Are we at 'ku ma''s house yet?


Well, that is a summary and a paraphrased version of the amount of torture the children put on their father. It was pretty much that way till we alighted from the bus at Pudu Bus Station. Safe to say, we were not short of entertainment on the 5 and a half hour journey home.

Wobbly

A long wait

I'm among 20 odd guys who grew up in Taman Desa playing basketball 'illegally' at the Taman Desa secondary school down the road, climbing the fence and breaking through bardwires and playing an average 8 hours of ball during school holidays.

Those were the days.

Today, after 26 years of the Taman Desa recreational park existing in front of my house, it FINALLY has a basketball court! None of us could ever understand why we never had a public basketball court in the neighbourhood. Well, we could easily have been mistaken for being biased, as we loved playing the game but any initial reaction towards us being biased would easily be brushed aside if the fact that Taman Desa, for a good 20 years, has been a dominantly Chinese neighbourhood, be taken into account.

We could never understand why our recreational park, beautiful as it is, convenient as it is, going through quite a few makeovers as it did; never had a basketball court. Instead, we had 3 tennis courts that also served as volleyball courts and occassionally netball courts, 3 badminton courts, a run down soccer field, a walking/jogging path and some other things. But tennis/volleyball courts?? I mean, ok fine, who really plays tennis in a Chinese area? No basketball court? You have got to be joking.

Whoever finally decided on there being a basketball court in the area is a genius! However, one sure isn't going to do the trick. Too many basketball enthusiasts but only one court, 2 halves. It's going to be really crowded!

Went down to the court this evening to check it out, and to see if there were anyone I knew from the old days and sure enough, there were a few old boys there. Most of the people on the court were new faces, young punks and one or two standouts who really seemed to have game. Got to shoot some hoops on the other half of the court from 7pm till nightfall. It's been a while...

Too bad I can't play competitive basketball anymore. Well, not at least till I permanently fix that niggling dislocated shoulder problem of mine =)

No more

The thought of having to accept and videograph an alcoholic or tobacco job rarely crossed my mind for the past 6 months. It's been many months since I videographed the last of 4 liquor parties I did last year. Up till before the recent Genting job, I had been contemplating not accepting anymore of these kinds of jobs. After the disgust at the shoot up at the highlands, I've decided to make a stand to never accept alcoholic or tobacco jobs anymore; a stand I intend to stick by, irregardless of how much the job pays. Money isn't everything, and I certainly do not intend to be bought out just to shoot drunk people make their lives a total misery. Alcohol and tobacco companies are very rich. I do not intend to help them become richer by shooting their events that will be made into promotional videos, that eventually will be used to help rake in even more money. It's alright 'losing' such jobs, because I know I gain a whole lot more and there is nothing more than I want to do than to please God and do right in His eyes.

Smashed

I was never one to enjoy clubbing or frequent night spots. Part of it is because of my inability to dance and also because clubs are packed with sleazy people, it's smokey (even though I used to smoke, I didn't like it) and this is one place where you'd definately see the worst of mankind show up.

Was up at Genting Highlands on a shoot for a tequila launch. For those who do not know what tequila is, it's some yucky kind of alcohol =) I never enjoyed videographing these sort of events. I remember having to shoot 4 of these last year, and James edited all of them. The whole agenda at these parties is to just enjoy the free flow of the particular brand of liquor and drink the night through till you're probably smashed and puking all over the place; be it on your gf's dress, on the floor or in someone's hand!

At this tequila launch, it was worse than I've seen from the previous liquor parties I've videographed. The venue looked much better; a convention hall as compared to some club, and people were seated at round tables like a hotel wedding dinner and there was a stage with 2 indie rock bands slated to perform. However, on each table were bottles of tequila. These bottles were at the disposal of the drinkers. How'd you think they handled that? People in general have this pathetic way of drinking. When it's made totally available, even when they pay for it for exorbitant prices at clubs, people just wanna have these ego trips and either force others or themselves, to drink up as quickly and as much as possible and before you know it, no one has a good time. Well, unless you are the sort who finds being really pissed drunk, not remembering anything from the night before, puking all over the place and having a massive hangover the next day, FUN =)

Needless to say, this crowd, consisting of people who SHOULD know better than to drink like a bunch of kiasu clowns (due to their profession but I won't say what), became rowdy. Unfortunately for Tempered Mental and Estranged, 2 fine indie bands; their shows were scrapped due to this. Tempered Mental were only into their 4th song when they were abruptly 'ordered' off stage. Not a very happy moment considering 2 of their members rushed up after work for this gig.



So I left the party a little over 2 hours before it was actually due to end as the crowd got too rowdy for me to videograph (they were tugging at the camera all the time and were forcing me to drink). I put away my disgust and was happy that I had the earlier opportunity to take a walk in the cool highlands air. I also had my tiny little hotel room to myself, as my 'room mate' didn't come back to sleep. Turns out his galpal was in the hotel as well, in another room.

The next day was for enjoyment. To my surprise, a few of the drunkards actually made it up for breakfast. They wanted to have something to eat and go back to sleep. Free (provided along with hotel room) food, why waste right? =P There was an all-access voucher to the theme park, so off I went, to enjoy another round of walking. I was never a fan of rides so needless to say, I just watched =) Besides, the queues were long at most of the rides and it's never fun being at a theme park alone.

One interesting thing did happen while I was at the theme park though. This old couple came up to me suddenly...and the following is the 'script':

Man: Excuse me, excuse me...can you put the film for me?

(I'm caught off guard and just look at them and then their primitive looking camera and a roll of Fujifilm.)

Woman: Mmm...please please help..

Me: Erm...alright, load the film for you. You don't know how to do it...

(So I take the camera from them as well as the film and before I can even finish trying, as I had to meddle here and there, it was an OLD camera; the man takes it from me as if he knew how to fix it. Yeah, why ask me then? Haha!)

Man: No, no...not like that. It's supposed to be here.

Me: (Politely) Emm..I don't think you're supposed to do that. (Tries showing him how I think it should be done.) You guys didn't ask the people at the camera shop to help?

Man & woman: They don't know. We asked already.

Me: How long have you had this camera? And how did you use it previously? (baffled)

Woman: 3 years. (My eyes rolled a little but not in their view. 3 years and you don't know how to load the film into your own camera??)

Me: You've had it for 3 years and you have yet to learn how to load the film? How did you use it previously?

Man: mmmffffmfmfmmfmf (struggling with loading the film. At this point I was just observing, and chatting with the woman.)

Woman: Normally my son does it for me. I never have to do it. Now I must learn how to use it. (I wonder why they didn't ask before they came to Malaysia.) It takes very good pictures. We have a digital camera but I want to use this camera to take good pictures also.

Me: I'm sure.

(At this point, the man had engaged another family to try to load the film, but their attempts are fruitless as well. I stand there like a pillar, just watching for a while, before smiling, nodding my head at them and excusing myself.)

I continued enjoying my walk, headed off for lunch where only quarter the drunks came for, excused myself, thanked the clients and made my way for the checkout and came back down to hot, humid and dirty Kuala Lumpur.

A subtle reminder?

Your Birthdate: June 24

Born on the 24th, you have a greater capacity for responsibility and helping others than your may have realized. You may also become the mediator and peacemaker in inharmonious situations. Devoted to family, you tend to manage and protect. This birth date adds to the emotional nature and perhaps to the sensitivities. Affections are important to you; both the giving and the receiving.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Interesting...heh heh heh...

=D

Back again

Yesterday's early worship practice was great! It's always going to be a fun and energetic affair when Pastor Sivin, James and myself are on deck. God blessed us with gifts to play music and I guess we always come together and just play well together. I also feel that we connect on a musical level, hence the band chemistry. All in all, we just want to serve God at 110%. Worship this Sunday is going to be fun and exciting!

As always, we have our prayer meeting after worship practice; where we sit and listen to each others' sharings, talk about what's happening in the world, as well as pray for anything, everything and for each other.

Yesterday, while in a prayerful mode, it suddenly hit me that I'm so thankful to God for bringing me back. This time, back to an environment that I've been very accustomed to - and that it's the Church environment. I do all I can on a daily basis, to ensure that God is the center of my life, the driving force behind everything that I say and do. Of course, I'm not perfect; but my heart is set for Him. Last week, we didn't have Life Group and last Sunday, I was out of town on a job so I didn't attend service. It's not long that I was away but I somehow felt a great miss, and it was simply wonderful to be back at the Life Group on Wednesday, and practice today. Being close to God means so much, and it really fills my heart.

I now look forward to Sunday, again...

=)

Nerd action

I'm a nerd. Heh..and proud of it. I bought the Revenge of the Sith PS2 game yesterday, and I finished it today! =) It's not bad...lots of lightsaber action. If you haven't watched the film, don't play the game! Speaking of the film, the preview opens later tonight! Thousands of excited Malaysians will throng the cinemas to catch Episode 3. May the Force be with you all...

Identity

Point me in the direction as You will it Lord. I will follow but also will strive diligently to align my efforts in finding the right way with what You want for me.



The path is not often this open and smooth.



Sometimes, we view the grass as greener on the outside, when it could actually mirror something else. I'll be careful to choose my path, but not be fearful of trying anything that comes my way. I'm optimistic now, very enthusiastic and excited. Now is the time to explore, to find something, or somethings, to build on. If the path leads to me being abroad, so be it. These are exciting times!



There is a burning desire again. Desire for what, that I won't say; but it's definately more than just one thing. I feel it so strongly, it's so exciting. I'm glad Jo and me share the same enthusiasm and optimistic outlook. We're planning for the future and we hope things work out =)



There is always hope. And hope is a wonderful thing to have. I'm thankful for new insights that ultimately will help me identify with what the future holds, and thankful for opportunities to experiment and try everything in the next 5-10 year plan. I can afford to do it at this age. I want to make the best of it.

Closure!

Wow...amazing is what I'll call the final chapter of the Star Wars saga. I won't say no more as most people won't be catching it till next week and I don't want to be the source of 'hatred spawning', there's enough of that in the movie itself! I'll write my thoughts about the movie after a few more weeks maybe.

For those who want to catch it, tickets began going for sale TODAY at GSC Midvalley. Go quickly and queue up to buy them! May the force be with you! =)

(Photograph is trademark & courtesy of 2005 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.)

Arise Lord Vader

I'm so excited...I've waited months for this. Thanks to a friend, I'll be watching a special sneak preview of 'Revenge of the Sith' tomorrow morning! I just can't wait...

(Photograph is trademark & courtesy of 2005 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.)

Ignite

A couple of weeks ago, I saw my life summed up in this phrase: 'Project: Australia, Fall, Ignition, Revival, Restoration, Inspire, Rejuvenate'. Before that week was out, and till today, it's summed up as, 'On my way: Ignited, Reviving, Restoring, Inspired, Rejuvenating'.



IGNITION, REVIVING, RESTORING, INSPIRED, REJUVENATING.

The going's been tough for me, beginning from a month ago. I've been through some crappy times before and this one is among the worst. However, things took a swing for the best, and work and the things I'm passionate about took me out of the funk. Only by God's grace I believe, did I manage to handle the bitterness and soreness I felt in my heart.

Yeah...so, I've been ignited again. On my way, all geared and ready to kick some a**. I'm beginning to feel and see things as I did in 2002, the year I feel is arguably one of the best I've had so far; and my work is a huge contributing factor to that. I'll be going to Australia most likely in July, and I'm pretty psyched about it. I need a break, finally! I'll write more about this trip another time. For now, I'm on my way...I'm ignited again, am reviving, restoring and rejuvenating gradually and am certainly inspired again!

I thought to myself, that although I am feeling better now, I still want to go away for a while. I wouldn't want to run into another brick wall, and regret not going. The purpose of this trip? Well, I know i'd love it there, I've needed to take a break (it didn't necessarily have to be overseas though) and I guess I want to just go, while still in my youth, meet with God, journal while I am on my travels and take as many photographs as I possibly can.

Here is the beginning of the post that I didn't get to finish a couple of weeks ago, and the continuation of it:



IN THE MOOD.

I'm in the mood for something... I really am. It's been a couple of weeks now. Still no sign of inspiration to blog or anything. To state the obvious, my life was getting mundane and troubled too. It's been tough to get going recently. (the part I managed to write and not finish from before.)

(con't) But I was in the mood for something. For recovery, to break out again, just like I did 3 years ago. I managed to do that. It's felt good to be drowned in work for a bit. I do enjoy the adrenaline from time to time, the quick pace in this line of work and in the city; but not ALL the time though.

I was also in the mood for...doing a short again. Well, I've said I'd dust 'Fall', a short film I planned to do 2 years ago, off the shelf. I've decided that if I don't get it done here in KL, I might take the project to Australia and shoot it there instead =) While I'm at Australia, I'll be lugging my video camera with me too, so I'd be expecting to shoot some stuff there.



END OF THE JOURNEY?

Kevin turned 22 a couple of weeks or so ago. I remember us throwing him a little birthday thing among us band members last year and he was almost in tears =) Well, this year, the band gathered actually to talk business about signing with this record label, and after our meeting, we actually surprised Kevin again with his 22nd birthday cake and song.

One of the things that's been most frustrating over the past year is the status of the band. Are we in, or are we out? Are we still together or are we going separate ways? In short, what the heck is going on?

It's tiring having to explain when friends ask. It's tiring to answer questions when you don't know what to tell in answer, or have nothing to say. The last I wrote on this matter, the band had come to the end of its journey. Now...the journey might have been revived. Watch this space for updates.





THUNDERCATS ON THE MOVE.

Growing up, Thundercats was arguably the favourite in the battle for 2nd place in my heart (behind Transformers of course!), in the favourite cartoons category. I had never bought anything online before but one day, out of sheer fun, I went on ebay and surfed for Thundercats merchandise and saw this really cool tshirt. I purchased it and a couple of weeks later, it arrived! As you can see, it's wicked cool! =)



TUGU NEGARA.

Then, one of Jo's American friends was in town for half a week. So, we took him out. One day, I had to take him out by myself and took him to see whatever was available in the Lake Gardens, National Mosque and National Monument vicinity =) It was a nice experience (I had a field day snapping photographs of course!). As Malaysians, and KL folk especially, we take for granted what we have right at our footsteps. I've been to see the Tugu Negara only once in my life, as my father told me when I was a little boy, "you have to at least see your National Monument once in your life as you're Malaysian". Yes dad...I agree. I went in to the National Mosque for the first time ever after that! We even visited the Museum, my first visit after MANY years! *grins* I appreciated the experience taking Travis around. He asked many questions, and it made me wonder about myself when I couldn't really answer half of them because I took things about my own country for granted. Food for thought really...







BAPTISM.

When Joey asked me one day before Sunday, to be his sponsor during his baptism, I was like, "huh? Are you sure?" No, I wasn't reluctant. I wanted him to be sure of his decision. I was excited to say the least, I was going to be someone's God-brother, proper. Me and Joey don't know each other that well yet, but I'd like to be a good example to him and help him through with his spiritual walk; and to be a good God-brother to him as James is with me. Our life group, 'Episode IV', YES, EPISODE IV, the Star Wars episode; welcomed 2 newly Baptised friends - Joey and Grace, as well as 3 newly affirmed friends - Carmen, Rachel and Elizabeth. Our group's really growing together and it's good to see us united as always =) Praise God!



ON MY WAY...

So after another turbulent few weeks, and non-activity in this space called my blog, there finally is life again, just like my life. I hope this hurdle is past. It's never easy I know...life just isn't, especially the life Jesus walks with me. But I know Jesus walks with me, and that's all good for me! I'm smiling a lot again, and seeing things very rapidly and sharp, as I'd like for myself to be...doing all I can to stay at my best as much as I can.

AMEN.