Down memory lane

Wow... time flies. In less than a day's time, 2009 is coming to an end. And another brand new year is about to unfold. I just can't wait for 2010 to begin cos who knows it might be a great year for me.

Reflecting on this whole year itself, there's lots of things to be happy abt & also things that let me down.

Three trimesters breezed past this year. And I really enjoy studying together with my fellow coursemates. Some of them left our batch though during Y2S1 around May. But one came back during the short trimester. Speaking abt my results, my CGPA improved (not sure abt Dec 2009 trimester cos results not out yet). As for the coming trimester, more challenges await me. Just receive the timetable recently thru Intranet, 5 subjects. And one of them is Language Teaching. This should be the toughest challenge for me but I can overcome my stage fright and nervousness and excel in everything I do.

As for the whole year, I've been attending CF meetings without fail. It is really fun having fellowship with other members. Lots of interesting & exciting events took place. Pot luck, leadership workshop, members' night blah blah... there's even early Christmas celebration both in CF & Campus Connect as most of the students won't be around during Christmas. Majority were having short trimesters while some is enduring long ones. I was involved in 2 plays throughout the year, both at CC. One during Easter while the other being The Greatest Gift Christmas play. Simple but meaningful.

Well there's lots of things I need to make changes though. Made a lot of mistakes & errors in life that I didn't want to. Some mistakes that I've made might be small but I need to improve my character. There's also bad habits that I need to discard off. My parents esp my dad always pinpoint what I've done wrong so that I won't repeat the same mistakes over and over again.

Today there's countdown cum watch night service at Emmanuel AOG Ipoh (my home church). I'm excited to attend the service and having fellowship with those who will be attending, welcoming the blissful new year. Also there's F3 Gathering @ Island Red Cafe Ipoh this Sat (2 Jan 2010). I'll be going to have fellowship with my 6th Form friends before they return to their respective universities to resume their studies.

People are celebrating their birthdays every day around the world. As for today, I'd like to wish Ms Joethi (one of my lecturers who taught me Journalism 1 during Jan 2009 trimester) a blessed birthday and a blissful 2010. Thanks for teaching me, Ms Joethi, in the area of your expertise. I am able to understand the world of journalism thru your lectures as well as Ms Tan JJ's. Have a great day Ms Joethi!

I Don't Know About Tomorrow

I don't know about tomorrow

I just live from day to day

I don't borrow from its sunshine

For its skies may turn to gray

I don't worry o'er the future

For I know what Jesus said

And today I'll walk beside Him

For He knows what is ahead

Chorus

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand

Every step is getting brighter

As the golden stairs I climb

Every burden's getting lighter

Every cloud is silver lined

There the sun is always shining

There no tear will dim the eye

At the ending of the rainbow

Where the mountains touch the sky

I don't know about tomorrow

It may bring me poverty

But the one who feeds the sparrow

Is the one who stands by me

And the path that is my portion

May be through the flame or flood

But His presence goes before me

And I'm covered in His blood

The lyrics of this song is very meaningful indeed as we ourselves do not know what's gonna happen in the future. Only God knows cos He has well-crafted plans for each and every one of us. Not to say abt what will be happening tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, a fatal express bus crash on the North-South Expressway just happened at dawn of Boxing Day. The accident involved a double-decker bus which was heading from Klang to Kangar and 10 lives were claimed in the accident caused by the dozing driver. Nobody would expect such a tragic accident could take place. I feel saddened by the accident as I realise that there are several families around the country have just lost their loved ones due to human mistake.

Yesterday also marked the 5th anniversary of tsunami which happened in 2004. Millions of lives were washed away by this unpredicted natural disaster that struck several countries around the Indian Ocean. And many who have survived lost their homes and belongings. But what amazed me was that a baby girl miraculously survived. Tsunami girl S Thulaasi were swept away on a mattress 5 years ago but managed to return to the arms of her parents. Thank God that she is able to enjoy her life now.

As the year is going to end in a few days time, it's time for me to reflect on what has happened throughout the whole year. Then I should change myself to become a better person. As the road ahead is tough and unknown, I should brace myself up to face challenges and obstacles I encounter. And I believe I can do it cos God is always there as my strong pillar to support me in everything I do. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem

How still we see Thee lie

Above Thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by

Yet in the dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all years

Are met in Thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary

And gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wondering love

O morning stars together

Proclaim the holy birth

And praises sing to God the King

And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is given

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of His heaven

No ear may hear His coming

But in this world of sin

Where meek souls will receive Him still

The dear Christ enters in

Where children pure and happy

Pray to the blessed Child

Where misery cries to Thee

Son of the mother mild

Where charity stands watching

And faith holds wide the door

The dark night wakes, the glory breaks

And Christmas comes once more

O holy child of Bethlehem

Descend to us we pray

Cast out our sin and enter in

Be born in us today

We hear the Christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell

O come to us, abide with us

Our Lord Emmanuel!

Meaningful Christmas celebration

Whoa... what a meaningful Christmas celebration! Just now my family of 4 and Fei See, my cousin who has just obtained her PMR results, went to attend a Christmas celebration at Ipoh Christian Chapel (ICC). It was a little extraordinary than usual ones b'cos this time instead of singing Christmas carols and having plays or skits, the members presented a series of songs with meaningful words. One of the songs was Amazing Grace with Chris Tomlin's chorus. And the theme used was the 4 seasons--spring, summer, autumn & winter. Those attended were amazed by their presentation. And there wasn't any sermons at all this time. At the end of the celebration, those brothers and sisters sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas before everyone was dismissed.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year

Good tidings we bring

To you and your kin

Good tidings for Christmas

And a Happy New Year

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad

Prospero ano felicidad

(repeat)

We wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

We wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

We wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

From the bottom of my heart

Merry Christmas....

... and a Happy New Year to all my readers!

Christmas is here again and I'm back in my hometown to celebrate the festive season with my family & friends. To add more joy, my brother is back from Penang this morning. Haha... I had 2 Christmas celebration earlier before I came back from Kampar 4 days ago. One during CF on 1 Dec 2009 and another just last week at Campus Connect on 17 Dec 2009. Wow... great time I had with other fellow Christians.

Read more:

CF Christmas celebration

Campus Connect ~The Greatest Gift~ Christmas celebration

As for today, I'm gonna post 2 Christmas carols instead of 1 cos today is a special day for all Christians around the world as this is the day where Christ was born 2000 years ago. Glorious celebration can be witnessed around the globe. The 2 songs that I'm posting today is familiar to everyone--Feliz Navidad and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin Mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night

Shepherd quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia

Christ the Saviour is born

Christ the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus Lord at Thy birth

Jesus Lord at Thy birth

Angels we have heard on high

Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o'er te plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains

Glo................ria, in Excelsis Deo
Glo................ria, in Excelsis Deo

Shepherd why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heavenly song?

Glo...............ria, in Excelsis Deo
Glo...............ria, in Excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing
Come adored on bended knee
Chrsit the Lord the newborn King

Glo...............ria, in Excelsis Deo
Glo...............ria, in Excelsis Deo

See Him in a manger laid
Whom the choirs of angels praise
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid
While in our hearts in love we raise

Glo...............ria, in Excelsis Deo
Glo...............ria, in Excelsis Deo

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled

Joyful all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic hosts proclaim

Christ is born in Bethlehem

Hark the herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Christ by highest heaven adored

Christ the everlasting Lord

Late in time behold Him comes

Offspring of a virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Peace as man with man to dwell

Jesus our Emmanuel

Hark the herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace

Hail the Son of Righteousness

Light and life to all He brings

Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark the herald angels sing

Glory to the newborn King

Jingle Bells (Back in Ipoh)

This afternoon, my parents come pick me up from my Kampar house. Then we have lunch and do some shopping at Tesco before heading back to Ipoh. Reach Ipoh around 2pm. Wow... another 1 month holiday... next trimester begin 18 Jan 2010. I'm in the festive mood now cos Christmas is just few days away. So for the next few days, I'll be posting one Christmas carol per day until Boxing Day. And I would like to express my birthday wishes to the following people: Konnee (Dec 19), Tan Kel Vin (Dec 20), Douglas Ooi (Dec 21), Nisha Devi (Dec 22), Hao Keat (Dec 25), Ms Tan JJ (Dec 26), Tong Khon (Dec 27), shuTY (Dec 28), Ezreena & Chi Hong (Dec 29), Mun Chun & Wendy Lee (Dec 30) & Ms Joethi (Dec 31). Happy blessed birthday to u all.. may u all end this year with joy & laughter and start a brand new year with a bang. Happy New Year 2010 to everyone & Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it.

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride
in a one horse open sleigh
(repeat)

Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtalls ring
Making spirit bright
What fun it is to laugh and sing
A sleighing song tonight

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride
On a one horse open sleigh
(repeat)

A day or two ago
I'd thought I take a ride
And Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side
The horse was lean and lank
Misfortune seemed his lot
He got into a drifted bank
And we, we got up sot

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way!
What fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
(repeat)

A day or two ago
the story I must tell
I went out on the snow
And on my back I fell
A gent was riding by
In a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there
I sprawling lie
But quickly drove away

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
(repeat)

Now the ground is white
Go it while you're young
Take the girls tonight
And sing this sleighing song
Just get a bob-tailed bay
two-forty as his speed
Hitch him to an open sleigh
And crack! you'll take the lead

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way!
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
(repeat)

Thank you Lord....

....for another valuable lesson! I'll be more alert & aware of my personal belongings! I almost lost my wallet just now. But thank God I managed to find it in the end.

Around 8pm the previous nite, I went for dinner at Loong Foong Kook with a few friends. Then afterwards, we went A Station around 9.30pm. Eric, Syanon, Kyle & Shu was there as well. We all do our own stuff la... I played some strategic games after losing in a WarCraft game. The 4 of them played L4D while I'm Facebooking. Until around 11.30pm, I felt thirsty. So I decided to get myself a drink. But then I had a shock: my wallet's missing! Oh crap! When did I lose it? Maybe it's b'cos I'm too absorbed into what I'm doing that I wasn't aware when my wallet gone missing. Worriedly, I searched around the place and even asked the staff there to help me look for it. I even retraced back where I've been before.

I even riduculously went into the streets to seek for my wallet. After searching and searching, I returned to where I had my dinner. While on the way, I prayed to God that I am able to find my wallet ASAP cos lots of important documents inside (IC, drving licence, ATM cards etc). When I reached LFK, the shop wasn't closed completely. There's 1 auntie standing outside the shop. So I walked towards her and asked whether she has seen a black wallet. Thank goodness, my wallet was found there and that auntie asked me why I only come to redeem it after a few hours. I thanked her and went back to CC to tell my friends & the staff there that I've found my wallet. All praises be unto the Lord!

Hee... will heading back to Ipoh to celebrate with my family & friends... have a break first then get ready for a brand new trimester next year

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns!
Let men their songs employs
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy

No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as, far as the curse is found

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, and wonders of His love

Chipmunk Song - Alvin and the Chipmunks

Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheers
We've been good but we can't last
Early Christmas, early blast
Want a plane that loops the loop
Me I want a hula-hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas don't be late (hey hey)

Dave: Guys, that was excellent. Simon, great work!
Simon: Naturally.
Dave: Theodore, good job.
Theodore: *laughs*
Dave: Alvin, you're a little flat. Watch it!
Alvin? ALVIN!!
Alvin: 1.. 2.. 3... 4

Christmas, Christmas time is near
Time for toys and time for cheers
We've been good but we can't last
Early Christmas, early blast
Want a plane that loops the loop
I just want a hula-hoop
We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas don't be late

We can hardly stand the wait
Please Christmas don't be late
Don't be late, don't be late
Don't be late, don't be late~~
Christmas don't be late

Full version

(all right you Chipmunks!

Ready to sing your song?

-I'll say we are!

-Yeah!

-Let's sing it now!

Okay, Simon?

-Okay!

Okay, Theodore?

-Okay!

Okay, Alvin? Alvin? ALVIN!

-OKAY!!!)

Christmas, Christmas time is near

Time for toys and time for cheer

We've been good, but we can't last

Hurry Christmas, hurry fast

Want a plane that loops the loop

Me, I want a hula hoop

We can hardly stand the wait

Please Christmas, don't be late.

(Okay fellas get ready.

That was very good, Simon.

-Naturally.

Very good Theodore.

-Ahhh.Ah,

Alvin, you were a little flat, watch it.

Ah, Alvin. Alvin. ALVIN!

-OKAY.)

Want a plane that loops the loop

I still want a hula hoop

We can hardly stand the wait

Please Christmas, don't be late.

We can hardly stand the wait

Please Christmas, don't be late.

(Very good, boys

-Lets sing it again!

-Yeah, let's sing it again!

No, That's enough, let's not overdo it

-What do you mean overdo it?

-We want to sing it again!

Now wait a minute, boys

-Why can't we sing it again?

-[chipmunk chatter]

Alvin, cut that out..

Theodore, just a minute.

Simon will you cut that out? Boys...)

You Are Not Alone - X Factor 2009

Joe McElderry: Another day has gone, I'm stiil all alone
How could this be? You're not here with me
Olly Murs: You never say goodbye, someone tell me why
Did you have to go and leave my world so cold?

Lucie Jones: Every day I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says

Danyl Johnson: That you are not alone, for I am here with you
Though you're far away, I am here to stay
Lloyd Daniels & Rachel Adedeji:
But you are not alone, for I am here with you
Though we're far apart, you're always in my heart
Jedward (John & Edward Grimes): But you are not alone

Shaniese Davis: Just the other night
Shar Alexandra: I thought I heard you cry
Grazziella Affinita: Asking me to come
Miss F.R.A.N.K (Shar, Shaniese and Grazziella):
And hold you in my arms
Jamie Archer & Stacey Soloman:
I can hear your prayers, your burdens I will bear
Jamie: But first I need your hand, then forever we can begin

Stacey: Every day I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Azi Jegbefume (of Kandy Rain):
Something whispers in my ear and says

Rachel, Rikki Loney & Lucie:
That you are not alone, for I am here with you
Though you're far away, I am here to stay
Joe, Stacey & Olly:
But you are not alone, for I am here with you
Though we're far apart, you're always in my heart
But you are not alone

Rikki: Oh whisper three words and I'll keep running
Danyl: And girl you know that I'll be there
Danyl & Lucie: I'll be there~~

All: You are not alone, for I am here with you
Though you're far away, I am here to stay
But you are not alone, for I am here with you
Though we're far apart, you're always in my heart

All: You are not alone (lone, lone, lone)
Danyl: You are not alone
Olly: Lone
All: You are not alone
Joe: Not alone

The finalists (clockwise from top centre): Lucie, Miss F.R.A.N.K (Shar, Shaniese, Grazziella), Jamie, Kandy Rain (Azi, Khaterah, Coco, Chemmane), Lloyd, Rachel, Olly, Rikki, Stacey, Danyl, Joe & Jedward (John & Edward)

Note
# X Factor is a singing competition in England, the names listed are the 12 finalists for the 2009 season.
# Judges for this competition include Cheryl Cole (wife of England footballer Ashley Cole), Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell.
# Kandy Rain is a band of 4 girls: Azi, Coco Lloyd, Chemmane Applewhite and Khaterah Dovani.
# Joe emerged as winner for this season with Olly came in 2nd and Stacey 3rd. Danyl finished 4th, Lloyd 5th, Jedward 6th, Jamie 7th, Lucie 8th, Rachel 9th, Miss F.R.A.N.K 10th, Rikki 11th and Kandy Rain 12th.
# The song was originally sung by the late Michael Jackson. It is used as a single for the X Factor 2009 finalists.

Graceful Christmas celebration

It was indeed a great nite to celebrate Christmas @ Campus Connect! Abt 50 ppl came to join in the celebration. Among them, 20 of them were invited. But sad to say, none of my friends whom I've invited turned up.

The night began with praise & worship as usual. Pei Lee led the worship with Eugene, Daniel & Robert as musicians; Sally, Sin Yee & Jessie as back-up singers and Mun Yee handling the LCD. Pei Lee started off with a few Christmas carols as Christmas is drawing near. Among the songs were Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night Holy Night, In Christ Alone & He Knows My Name. Then PC welcomed the newcomers and made some announcements before the stage was handed over for the play entitled ~The Greatest Gift~.

A few ppl were involved in the play. Here is the cast: Pei Lee - director, Eugene - narrator, Shu Yi - poor girl (main character), Yushia - beautiful girl, Robert - rich boy, Isaac - intelligent boy, Patty - musical box doll, Alvis - Optimus Prime (robot) & me - Mr ToyMaker.
Plot
Once upon a time, there lives a ToyMaker who makes the finest gift in the land. He opens his ToyLand every December for children to come find their toys here. Out of his generosity, thousands of children have moved in. Mr ToyMaker has always wanted to find an heir for his toy kingdom. So he plans to find this special child by inserting an inheritance note into his only favourite toy. The toy has been his source of joy, comfort & inspiration that he wants to share the toy with someone else.
The story begins with four friends stepping into the scene with their bags. *Merry Christmas music played* On the way, 3 friends drop their bags for another friend to carry. When they're on ToyLand, the rich boy, the beautiful girl and the intelligent boy share what kind of toy they want to find. And they even tease the poor girl, saying that maybe there isn't a single toy that suits her. But the poor girl fights back, insisting that she will find hers and she will not exchange fhe toy for anything.
They begin searching for the toy they want. *Amazing Race music played during their search* At last, all four of them manage to find their toy. The rich boy finds a luxurious car which suits his wealthy status. Then it's the beautiful girl's turn to show off her toy. Hers is a musical box and *a nice melody played* an elegant doll dances her way to the beautiful girl.
"Hold on guys, look at my personal robot." says the intelligent boy. "Optimus Prime mobilize now!" *Star Wars music played (with some sound effects from the narrator)* The robot walks his way to his new owner and responds to his master's commands. Among the things the intelligent boy asks the robot to do is dance *Black or White (Michael Jackson) music heard* and solve maths questions. *Who Wants to be a Millionaire music played when a million dollar question is asked* "What is 1+1*0?" the intelligent boy asks the rich boy. "U have 2 choices: A=0 or B=1." The rich boy answers A. The intelligent boy asks his robot to show him the correct answer. *The sound of R2D2 heard* The robot figures out and displays the answer which is B.
Then the poor shows her friends the rag doll that she finds. But the 3 friends dislike the doll she picks and start criticising her doll, saying how terrible the doll looks. The beautiful girl even tries to grab the doll away from the poor girl. As they're fighting, a small note falls from the doll. The poor girl opens the note and reads it. When she reads the note, her friends are surprised what's written in the note. The note reads, "Whosoever finds and believes that this toy is the only and most precious gift from the ToyMaker shall inherit all and be the heir of the whole ToyCreation and His Kingdom."
Then suddenly the ToyMaker appears and dresses her with a royal robe. He also proclaims her as his beloved daughter and the heir to his ToyLand. ~THE END~

After the play, Pastor Chan shared his message that Christmas is a time for celebration. He also mentions the greatest gift in life is Jesus Christ. This greatest gift brings us freedom, hope and comfort in our lives. Then he prayed for everyone.

Next, gift redemption time. Before the play takes place, all who are present draws a number from a bag. This number determines the gift that we're gonna receive. I draw one number but not sure whether it's 66 or 99. Anyway, Pei Lee & PC call out the number tagged on the present and whomever has that number steps forward to get the gift. As they are doing this, Sin Yee led the worship to sing Feliz Navidad. Back to the gift redemption. Number by number is called. And the number 99 is called before 66. So I take the gift numbered 99 and I get a nice small notepad. After everyone has taken their gifts, there are still a lot of presents left. Actually, CGBC has prepared 50 gifts placed under the Christmas tree, just in case some ppl didn't bring any. But there are abt 50 gifts brought by those attending the celebration. And the mini electric fan that I bought goes unclaimed..

Later refreshment time. During this time, everyone gets to know and talk to one another. Then there's a brief birthday celebration for Isaac (the intelligent boy) as his birthday falls on today. After that, several members go new Ghany yum cha.

Public holiday (Awal Muharram) today, so exam off for one day... all the best to those who have papers... and apart from Isaac, I'd like to wish Chia Huey & Kai Fei happy birthday! Have a wonderful day to the 3 of u!

Bye bye exams, hello holidays

Woohoo!! Aaaahhhh!! Feel relieved now that exam's over for me. Just finished my 2nd (& last) paper today. Speaking abt the exam, one word to describe the exam questions: TOUGH!! It's far beyond my expectation.. all the questions are testing my knowledge and understanding abt literary texts. I made life difficult for myself cos I wasn't fully prepared for the exam. I didn't take down enough notes during lectures plus I was blank abt what type of questions are coming out in the exam, despite Mr Lim has narrowed down all that we've studied during the 7 weeks to only 6 short stories, 8 poems, 1 novel & 2 dramas. Anyway, I did the best I can by writing down watever that come across my mind. I wrote a lot in the short stories & drama sections but my mind went blank while dealing with the other 2 sections--poetry & novel. Probably it's due to insufficient revision. But nvm, it's already over for me now.

This morning, before I enter the exam hall, I went to check out my coursework marks. 37 over 40. Wow.. that's the highest marks I get so far until now for those subjects where the coursework is 40%. To pass the subject, I just need 3 marks. And I'm aiming for at least a B for this subject to improve my CGPA. Dunno whether I can achieve this based on my performance in the final exam. Hopefully I can get it.

Now that exam over, it's holiday again! And with Christmas just around the corner, I can enjoy celebrating with my family & friends. Speaking abt the celebration, CGBC Campus Connect is having a celebration on Thursday (17 Dec). The theme is The Greatest Gift and there's gonna be a play during the celebration. So dear readers, come join us if u still happen to be around Kampar on that day. Thanks!! Oh and I would like to express my warmest birthday greetings to Ngee Derk (my EL junior). Happy to know u and all the best in your last paper (A.Writing). Take care & may God bless u always!

宫心计(Beyond the Realm of Conscience)

I love watching HK TVB series and recently I have just finished watching the one above. It was indeed nice!! The main cast of this series are Charmaine Sheh (佘诗曼), Tavia Yeung (杨怡), Moses Chan (陈豪), Kevin Cheng (郑嘉颖), Susanna Kwan (关菊英) & Michelle Yim (米雪).

Well u should be wondering why I'm watching this when I'm supposed to do revision for final exam right. Well I don't study all the time. If I just keep on spending time doing a lot of revsion, it would help me a lot. But life would be boring if I just keep べんきょうします all the time. As there is an idiom that goes like this "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.", there should be at least some entertainment to make one's life balanced. So I decided to watch this new series.

The picture above shows some of the characters in the series (from left to right):

1st row: Lau Sam-ho (played by Charmaine Sheh 佘诗曼), Yiu Kam-ling (Tavia Yeung 杨怡), Lee Yi (Moses Chan 陈豪), Ko Hin-yeung (Kevin Cheng 郑嘉颖), Yun Chui-wan (Susanna Kwan 关菊英)

2nd row: Chung suet-ha (Michelle Yim 米雪, 原名嚴惠玲), Ma Yuen-zi (Lee Kok Lun 李国麟), Empress Dowager Kwok (Susan Tse 谢雪心,原名孔令馥), Empress Dowager Cheng (Mary Hon 韩马利), Man Po-yin (Selena Li 李詩韻)

3rd row: Tam Yim-suen (Kara Hui 惠英紅), Wu So-yan (Rosanne Lui 吕珊), Choi Jong-ping (Ching Hor Wai 程可為,原名楊蓮桂), Ho Choi-lui a.k.a. Concubine Wai (Mandy Cho 曹敏莉), Hau Zong

4th row: Imperial Concubine Wong (Tracy Ip 叶翠翠), Chin Fei-yin (Yoyo Chen 陳自瑤), Man Gim-fung (Cheung Kwok Keung 张国强), Bo Siu-shun (Vin Choi 蔡淇俊), Bo Gut-cheong (Ram Chiang 蒋志光)

三好(Sam-ho, Charmaine Sheh's character) literally means three goodness which is 说好话，做好事，存好心 (speak good words, do good deeds, show good will)

1 down, 1 more to go

Yippie!! I'm done with my Japanese paper.. and I did it within an hour's time.. quick eh? To me, the questions are quite easy.. and thanks to some tips, I leave the exam hall (H007) by 10am. This is the 2nd time I leave the exam hall earlier before time's up, the 1st being the Morphology paper in Block G last trimester where I left half an hour earlier. Wow.. there's a lot of students of different courses taking this subject as well. When I look at the exam paper, there are 20 courses altogether listed on the front page.

Up next: MLE (15 Dec, 9am)... lots of stuffs to study weh... but Mr Lim has narrowed down the scope to 6 short stories, 8 poems (from Ee Tiang Hong, Hilary Tham & Shirley Lim), 1 novel (Flowers in the Sky by Lee Kok Liang) and 2 plays--We Could **** You, Mr Birch by Kee Thuan Chye & K S Maniam's The Cord. All these literary material were studied during the 7 weeks.

Ok, gotta start preparing for my 2nd (and last) paper now... catch ya next time & さようなら (sayonara)！

たんじょうびおめてどう、とんがりくんとクワさん！！(tanjobi ometedo, tongari kun to kwah san!!~Happy birthday, Jingle & Victor Kwah!)

Another 1st time

There's a lot of 1st times in life... and just now it's my 1st time attending the working adults CG of Campus Connect. Cool eh?

Since the usual Monday students cell was over last week, we were allowed to join in this session cos there's a missionary working in Thailand visiting us. New Zealander Alan Collingwood was supposed to preach last Thursday but he didn't make it due to unforeseen circumstances. Anyway, Bro Alan was here with us just now.

After ice-breaker & worship by Patty & Robert respectively, the time was handed over to Bro Alan. He gave a brief introduction abt himself and his lovely family then he began his sermon. I didn't catch what he's saying cos I felt a little tired and didn't pay attention. Probably I didn't get enough cos busy revising for the upcoming final exam. Then Bro Alan prayed for some members and then talked to some members. Later we went mamaking at Premas Curry House.

Bro Alan will be heading north to continue his missionary woeks. Bon voyage, Bro Alan. May the Lord bless u in your ministry in Thailand!

A short essay in Japanese

わたしのまいにち (私の毎日)

わたしはまいあさ８(はち) じにおきます。あさごはんはいつもパンときゅうにゅうです。バイクでだいがくへいきます。だいがくは９(く) じから５(ご) じまでです。ひるしょくどうで１２(じゅうに) じはんにひるごはんをたべます。６(ろく) じにうちへかえります。７(しち) じにばんごはんをたべます。しょくだいおします。えいごのしんぶんをよみます。よる１２(じゅうに) じにねます。
どようびとにちようびはべんきょうしません。どようびはあさとしょうかんへいきます。ごごともだちとバドミントをします。にちようびはあさきょうかいへいきます。それから、どこもいきません。やすみます。

Translation
I wake up at 8 o'clock every morning. I have bread and milk for breakfast. I go to university by motorcycle. I'm in the university from 9am to 5pm. I have lunch at 12.30pm at the canteen. I go home at 6pm. I eat my dinner at 7pm. Then I do my homework. I read English newspapers, I go to sleep at 12am.
I do not study on Saturdays and Sundays. On Saturday mornings, I go to the library. In the evening, I play badminton with my friends. I go to church every Sunday morning. After that, I don't go anywhere.

~This is the essay I wrote when Mr Chong asked us to do last week. The essay may not reflect my daily life but it revolves about the activities I do almost everyday.

End of short trimester

This trimester has finally over with today the last day of class. Wow.... lots of things happened throughout these 7 weeks... assignments, presentations, quizzes, exciting CF Gatherings blah blah blah.

As for the last week itself, the usual things happen la... lecturers doing revisions & photo-taking session with our せんせい (sensei). Wow... in this trimester, I have seen lots of birthday cakes appearing much more frequently than the the rest of the trimesters.

The number of students who attend classes in せんしゅうとこんしゅう (senshu-last week & konshu-this week) become lesser. Why? The bar list was out last week. So knowing that they're eligible to sit for the final exam, some students decide not to attend the remaining classes.

3 assignments done this trimester... 2 was handed in udring Week 5 while another just yesterday... as for the Japanese quizzes & midterm test... I didn't do so well cos not able to rmb & recognise the Hiragana & Katakana characters. But as time goes by, I manage to cope up with them. Also I failed to do 2 MLE presentations cos not feeling well on both occasions. But I redeem the chance this week when Mr Lim gave Monica & I another opportunity to do so.

CF meetings or CGBC students' cell also came to an end. CF this trimester indeed is filled with excitement & fun. There's leadership workshop, team building, members' night & pot luck. Great time fellowshipping with one another. As for Campus Connect CG, discipleship training took place where students receive Disciple's Cross & complete it within this 7 weeks. Also during one of the sessions, 5 girls working on the ship Doulos came visit us and share abt their working life on the ship.

Exam's drawing near and so do Christmas & New Year 2010. CF had an early Christmas celebration on Tues where gift exchange took place while CC plans to have its celebration on 17 Dec.

Here are some of the photos (しゃしん-shashin) taken during this trimester:

EL のがくせいとせんせいリンさん(EL students and lecturer Mr Lim)

Back row: (L-R) Eugene, me, Mr Lim & Ivy

Centre row: (L-R) Samantha, Shao-Chin, Renjie, Ann, Jan, Kwan Yi, Wai Fong, Manmeet, Pei Ching, Mei Yun, Rajina & Subatra

Front row: (L-R) Grace, Joey, Helena, Pui Chee, Betty, Chia Huey, Bee Ling & Seoh Chen

Squatting: JL (left) & Nisha

わたしたちとチョンさん (Mr Chong & us)

Back row: (L-R) Renjie, Ann, Jan, Pui Chee, JL, me, Pei Ching, Chia Huey, Winna & Betty

Front row: (L-R) Arthur, Jia Wei, Joyce & Mr Chong

Mr Lim & I

Mr Chong & me

Me with Ms Chong

CF leadership workshop run by Bro Michael William (seated, right) of FES (not Faculty of Engineering and Science of Utar)

Joint birthday celebration of Shirley (2nd left) & Renjie (2nd right)

Yippie!

MLE 2nd assignment handed in just now before 5pm. Very happy! Tmr last day of this trimester, then final exam coming! Afterwards, go back Ipoh celebrate Christmas. Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Another awesome night

Wow... the CF finale (pot luck) is indeed a success... enjoy every single moment of it.

Tonite is the last meeting of this short trimester. CF decide to do something special.. having food fellowship. Last week all CGs discussed the food and drinks items they're preparing.

I leave my house around 7 sumthing in the evening & buy a small gift from a gift shop then head to WMC to help out. It's raining at that moment. But that doesn't stop me from going for CF.

Soon everyone arrives. CF begins with worship session led by John Sung (Shu Ern's CG). A few Christmas songs is included as the festive season is just aournd the corner. Then CG leaders step forward to explain wat kind of food they've prepared for the night. After giving thanks, CF members proceed to the ground floor to enjoy the delicious food available.

Around 10pm, we CF members return to the meeting room. Gift exchange session. Everyone has brought along a gift as required. However, some forgot but not to worry, back-up presents are prepared. We're exchanging gift using the musical chair style. In other words, we form a circle and start passing the presents around when the music begins. When the music stops, we'll get what's in our hands. This is repeated 3 times before we get our presents.

Then, a mass birthday celebration takes place in which we celebrate those whose birthdays fall in the month of Nov & Dec. Among the ppl are Fiona, Shirley, Renjie, Carlie, Ah Derk etc. Later time to open our presents. Varieties of gifts can be seen... photo frames, keychains, mugs & other accessories. I myself receive a photo frame while the handphone accessory I bought falls into Jeung Yuan's hands.

Clean-up time. A few CF members stay back to clean up the church compound. I leave for home early cos I have things to do.
(Sorry no photos to show for this event.)

Got it done....

.... finally! Yippie! I've done it! I was given another chance by Mr Lim to do my MLE presentation just now (after failing to do 2 presentations cos not feeling well). And Monica & I had a short preparation before we presented on K S Maniam's The Cord Act 1. Feel so happy now. Assignment due this Fri. And later in the evening, CF having pot luck. Fellowship time for the members. Weeeeeee!

December

Wow... time flies! Now is the last month of yr 2009. Very soon we have to say goodbye to 2009 and welcome 2010. Lots of things happened throughout the yr and more are coming this month. This trimester gonna end soon since it's Week 7. Final exam just around the corner and so do Christmas & New Year 2010!

Birthday greetings to December babies: Kirk (Edmund's housemate), Melvin Chow, Chen Shir-ley, Vishnu, Vinuraj (EL senior in PJ), Kie Zen, Carlie Yong, Raymond Lam 林峰, Jessie Liew, Jia-Ee, Victor Kwah, Kit Cheong, Weng Kent, Yip Wing, Bosco Wong 黄宗泽, Huai Bao, Joo Ztat, Ngee Derk, Kok Hoe, Wei Heng, JL, Chia Huey, Samantha, Isaac Chay, Kai Fei, Konnee, Douglas Ooi, Tan Kel Vin, Nisha Devi, Hao Keat, Ms Tan JJ, Mushroom Teh, tyshu, Ezreena, Chi Hong, Mun Chun, Wendy Lee & last but not least Ms Joethi.