Skylines

Aren't these awesome?!

I like where I am sitting now in office.... not wanting to move... Why?

Because:
1. The air-cond is nice. Now, I said, cold... :)
2. The view is awesome, everytime I lifted my head and look out the window. Awesome skylines and I couldn't resist and take up my camera.... :) Almost everytime, I will tell whoever sitting around me, look outside, look at the sun, look at the sky, etc....
3. Just being where i am....

Typical Friday's Traffic

A typical Friday's traffic is jam all the way from Nilai to Seremban for no reason. Normally will be part of the jam if I leave office after 4pm. Don't know what happened...

Today's horrible, it's 10.47pm on my clock and the jam is horrible... Why so? Bcos it's FRIDAY + school holiday starting on Sat + 1st day of Puasa on Sat. So, it's triple jam....

Mom said, I had too much kaya, time to have some jam on every Friday... aiks... pengsan.. I don't need this kind of jam ler... (did you get the joke?)

Trip to Ho Chi Minh City a.k.a Saigon

Managed to get pretty good deal with MAS in Feb for a trip to HCMC (that's even before my trip to Perth and the mission trip). Actually have been wanted to go to Vietnam, more of Hanoi than HCMC. Well, since I missed the offer to Hanoi, thought HCMC shouldn't be that bad.

Started to read and research about the city ever since. It's quite exciting and scary just that thought of it as English is not a main speaking language country. (My experienced of mission trip helped a lot as I learnt to use sign/ body language to communicate.)

Then, the day came. Departed with quite anxious heart as not knowing what to expect apart from the knowledge from books, internet.

Well, it wasn't so bad upon arrival. My 1st impression: Vietnamese don't really talk (make me wonder if there's something wrong with my pronunciation or did I say something wrong... later found out from local friends that locals tend not to response, the culture.... which was wow... )

Next: really a lot of motorbikes on the roads, drivers here tend to use honk quite a lot (sometimes with no reasons), traffic can be coming from all directions (maybe not as bad as China though I have not been), crossing the road was a great challenge and need a lot of courage.

Checked-in to a budget hotel in District 1 at De Tham Street. The location is really good, thanks to all the review and helpful tips from TripAdvisor. It is just by the corner of the streets, lotsa food here, local trips agencies are plentiful and the bus depart and stopped right infront of my hotel which is really superb. The hotel provide free in-room wifi and there have 3 computers with internet downstairs which was really cool... :) Sweet-as...

Signed up a half-day trip to Cu Chi Tunnel. Was told not to have too high expectations. Well, I reckon the trip was alright aside it was super humid and hot. I tried going through the tunnel for about 15m, the entire sample tunnel was 200m long. In fact, it was the real tunnel but, only open 200m for public/ visitors). It was pitch dark in there and one really needa bend and walk... We were advised to have our backpack in front of us when we were in the tunnel. The experience makes me appreciate the peaceful life I have now.

Had demonstration on how one get in and out of the small hole. Well, if one is oversize, I am sorry... I reckon there's no cute and chubby fella then as getting food was already a problem.. We were also shown different types of traps which all are to kill the enemies, no mercy...



Back to the city at about 2++pm that instead of going back to hotel, we decided to go to War Rements Museum which we didn't spend much time. And walked to look for food. On the way, we walked pass Opera House, Intercontinental Hotel, Sheraton, etc.

And thereafter decided to walk back to hotel. We stopped by at Fanny Ice Cream place on the way back where we had sorbet instead which was really yummy. Read about this place from a book. :) And walked pass Ben Thanh Market and the big roundabout at night. It was really nice, but, the traffic wasn't that nice. It was challenging to cross the road.

Next day, Mekong Delta 1 day trip. We had to travel to another place, My Tho, where we will board on the boat. Mekong River was yellowish. A lot of sand digging activity were on-going where the sand was transported to HCMC for development.


Visited coconut sweets making process, had some honey drinks and tropicanal fruits. Handling the snake was horrible. It's heavy and..... Though no longer poison, well, still, I don't wanna be kissed by the snake. And this fella was just kept looking at me. Aiks....

As I have had make friend with local ppl, we decided to meet up for dinner at Halal @ Saigon. The prwan spring roll with rice noodle was really yummy. We were so excited that we met, finally, after so many communications via email.

Following days were more of shopping days. Sellers in Ben Thanh market are generally very aggressive, they will literally pull and blocked you until you really look at their items and they kinda 'force' you to buy. It's scary. Ben Thanh market close at 6pm where the night open air market right outside will start. I don't quite like the place though, well, it's an experience. Whereas, those in Saigon Center (with air-cond) are quite opposite, they will just sit there, hard to bargain, some of them really are 'take it or leave it' type of attitude. :( Both also scary (esp for someone who doesn't shop and know the price range (at all), like me....)

I used to ask those ppl who have been to HCMC and BKK on the shopping experience. They can't really tell me and now I know why. Bcos it's different, can't really compare. One gotta experience the two.

Gosh... I have never shopped so much, from morning till evening and walked so much.... The rat race effect was still not over and here walking non-stop under the super humid and hot weather....

At the custom before leaving home, I was asked by the officer not once, but, 3 times if I were Vietnamese. After telling him 2 times, he asked if I can speak. I said, no, well, I can say sinh-loi = excuse me/ sorry and com-on = thank you. He said, oh... very well. And he asked again, are you sure you not Vietnamese? aiyoo... I am holding Malaysia passport ler... pengsan.... Btw, the Japanese working in the tour agency thought I were Japanese instead. haha.... I have an international features, ppl also thought I am a Thai, Korean, American before. :)

Will I visit HCMC again? Maybe... :)

Technology Team Building

Was asked to go Team Building at the very last minute. And they managed to confirm and arranged everything by 3pm on Tuesday. Wow... and so, i went home to pack since I have nothing here at USJ.

So, I went home after work on Tuesday (nice drive) and pack again (thought just back from mission trip) to Team Building @ Lumut (so far away).

After 4 hours bus ride, we arrived. Had lunch and started activities. I was late for the exercise thingy (phew) as apparently there were some Capex thingy that I needa settle. And was told to have a meeting at 2pm the next day. Uh?! pengsan... I am supposed to have team building ler....

I think 75 of us altogether and only 14 females. Technology wor...


Anyway, Pirate of the Carribean, went around to do some treasure hunt + activities, didn't take pictures as we were against time and wanted to have fun. oh... boy!!! The co-ordinator told us that men get really excited to dress like female. I didn't really believe that, until when they get the bra. I can see their faces glowing.... gee... what's happening.... They were to dress like Hot Mama.... and the rest of us just do face painting and stickers. hahaha..

Then, rest and relax. For me, it meant back to work lar... Dinner at 7.30pm was a tortured as I was already hungry at 6pm.vNight activity was fun too.... Had some guessing game and dancing thingy.... really pengsan....

Then, next day was quite relax too where we as a whole big team was to carry a basket ball with strings from one point to another. We did it in 2.52 minutes which was really impressived. :)

Departed back to KL after lunch and I had my meeting in the bus, laptop on lap and Karim was with me too....

Overall, I have no complaint (maybe also just back from mission trip, very appreciative on what I have now).

Good!!

Short Term Mission Trip - Sangkhlaburi, Thailand

It's gonna be a loooonnnggggg blog as I have decided not to split by days will do the entire event though.

Have been wanted to go for a mission trip for so long. It's been in me for so long that I just know that I have to do it. But, how? So, I checked out web, contacted a few and some replied and some didn't. And most of it doesn't really suit. And as I was talking to a friend over MSN, she told me to check out OM. What's OM? OM = Operation Mobilization. Still don't know? Know Dulos or Logos ship? ya... the floating book store and those belong to OM. Check out the web and wow... I found short term mission trip for 2 weeks. Yes... suit me as I am not sure if I can take it too long. Well, 2 weeks off from work, not sure about my boss especially I just gone back from Perth (2 weeks off also)... Well, pray lar. If God's will, then, everything will work out.

So, I contacted OM and they were good in responding and directing and providing me with info. Then, I received a lot of info, wow... so many countries that I can choose from, wow, Japan, so tempting... OK. OK. I told myself to cool down and pray. Prayed and prayed and prayed and continue praying, no answer ler...

Finally, going to Sangkhlaburi, but, was told full. Inside me was happy as I could tell God, see, I wanna go, but, full. I was planning to cancel my leave, etc. Then, after 1 week plus, I received email from Annie that I am in. aiks....

On 11th July morning, it was kinda rush as I need to go to the conference in the afternoon and I have some work and things need to be settled. As I drove out to get some stuffs, I met an accident, a big one. So, the whole morning was to the workshop, police station, etc. Discouraged me to go for the mission even more. Still, I went, choose to obey. Dad fetched me to Golden Sand Baptist Church - conference site.

Checked-in and settled, got to know my roomates. We were sleeping in bunk. The schedule for the conference was quite tight. We have to wake up at 6am to do personal devotion, and the programs ends at 10pm every day. Lights out at about 10.30pm. But, we normally talked in the room awhile till 11++pm. haha.... Well, our break normally lasted for 1 - 2 hours which was pretty short considering we wanna take shower, washed clothes, etc. So, time past really fast.

Also, I was thinking to fast and pray a meal a day during the conference and thinking that I would lost weight. ha... In fact, I (most of the members) got so hungry even before the next meal and I ate so much more than normal.

I learnt a lot during the conference. The topics on Eph 6: 10- 18 basically assured us that God loves us and also preparing us to go to the field. Aside the lesson, we had workshops to equip us for the field. I learnt rope tricks, balloning, drama/ mime which were all very cool. :)

During the conference, mom text me saying that she was so sick and about to die, I really felt like coming home and not continue the work. I shared with the leader and we prayed. I was crying and so afraid. Also, knowing that the evil one is testing and trying to stop me. Next day, mom text me again that she was alright. PTL!!!! I knew that God has already won the battle.

Altogeher 117 people attended the conference from 23 countries. And 83 of us went to the fields - 10 places, 8 countries.

The conference lasted for 5 days and it went past so quickly. Then, we were commissioned and sent out to the field. Our team woke up at 3am as the bus would pick us up at 4am to LCCT. For me, the battle started.

There were 8 of us who went to Sangkhlaburi, Thailand. (Jeong Suk, Eun Hye, Nan Hee, Se Young, Se Jung, Elphia, Caitlin and myself consist of 5 Koreans, 1 S'porean, 1 Canadian and 1 Msian). As soon as we arrived at BKK, we took 2 cabs to Mao Chit Bus Terminal (also known as Northern Bus Terminal). We bought the bus ticket and went for lunch. Later, we were told we had to upgrade our bus ticket to 1st class as there will be no other bus. Well, it meant more money.

Our 1st class bus provided us a bread and a sachet of coffee with no hot water, wonder how to make coffee. Then, we were told (in the conference by Paul - who has been there) that the bus will stop for food. Here, the communication started to breakdown. I asked the bus conductor, food? He couldn't understand me. I used sign language, still cannot. He took me to a fridge, opened the fridge, showed me 1. A lady with very little understand English said, take 1 only. Wow.... the drink range from Vitagen to green tea (small bottle to big) and only take one regardless. So, we took our drinks. I saw other passengers eating and I asked again, still cannot understand. Gave up. oh... our 1st class bus was so hot as the air-cond wasn't functioning and we were so hot and humid in the bus. Then, it started to rain. The bus ride was 7 hours. We reached Sangkhlaburi at about 7.30pm. Nelson and Andy (MTI team) were waiting for us. We checked-into Pguesthouse and ordered our food and rest.

We went to Japanese Well (didn't know that actually need to cross border to Myanmar) the next day. There, we just visited the clinics, school, children home. This was where we will be spending most of our time serving the people and God. Really really poor, worst than the Orang Asli settlement that I have been to. Our transport? A modified 4x4 pick-up truck where we squeezed more ppl at the back.

There, we took pictures of the students and we were to make poster for them. We spent time and did that on Saturday before Andy took us to visit Mon Village. At Mon Village, we bought something like roti canai, pandan flavour with condensed milk and sugar, to try. It was yummy.... really nice. :)


On Saturday, we were all busy preparing for Sunday Service. We had drama, songs with actions presentation, testimony and of course we shared a message as well.


On Monday, we went to school, teaching English, playing games and have cultural exchange. Our Korean team had their 'han-pok' and shared about the greetings in Korean.

On Tuesday, we went to Safehouse at Huay-Malai, another place to look at the old folk house, orphanage and also the home for mentally not fit people. Here, my feet got so pain due to blisters as the weather was wet all the time and the smell at the places are both testing me. It's really not easy to take both at a time. Local does weaving to self help to generate income.

At night, we were all break-up to go to homestay. The 3 of us (Nan Hee, Caitlin and myself) went to stay at a village named Song-Klian with about 250 household. Here we had great challenge. People here don't speak Thai, so, the very basic Thai we learnt, cannot be use. They speak Burmist. alamak.... Thank God, an uncle who knows a bit of English spent some time with us and I jotted down all the important things, like toilet, eat, sleep, thank you, no, yes, etc.

Still.... The aunty who host us was Nor-la-ski while her sister, Sir-e-poh, cooked for us. There were all Karen tribe. We walked through muddy field to the house and the house... hmm... Really a village house. We brushed our teeth at the balcony. It was funny. We used a lot of body language and they were just looking at us. No sleep or only managed to had very little sleep that night. First, we had all the insects singing out there. Then, at 3am, the roaster (leader being the one at our house) started the morning call, and followed by all the entire village, one after another. Then, 4am, 5am, 6am. In the morning, Nan Hee felt something soft at her feet and the cat was sleeping on top of a blanket inside the mosquito net. Gee..... I woke up right away and screamed.... How could the cat came inside... Cat = tha-mi-o (Karen) is bad.... oh.. ya... we use mineral water (such luxury life) to brush teeth. We are on mission and cannot afford to fall sick...

Our breakfast, we had really strong coffee, some banana with sticky rice thingy and 'you-char-guai'. B/fast was good. In fact, dinner was too. We tried some Burmist food.

We told God to sanctify the food everytime we had food and that our tummies are able to take those food.

Then, Andy took us to school. Here Caitlin left us to go back as she has earlier booked her air ticket.

We did some painting at the Children's Home at Huay-Malai (SafeHouse). It looked much better after we have painted. Then, we attended a local cell group in the evening. It was in this cell group that I saw their pure hearts towards God. Their hearts to God really encouraged me. They do not have electricity and yet, use candle to read the Bible, they trusted the Lord, and their childlike hearts, the trust they have greatly encouraged me. Also, it was here where I saw God's miracle. There were some papers issues for border crossing and God's intervention that everything went on smoothly. All these things for us coming from developing/ developed countries looks small. But, all these became such great deal when one is at a place with political issues and poverty and God's hand is reaching down.

My tears couldn't stop but ran down my cheek the whole time. A small boy stood up during the sharing session and read out John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son to die on the cross that whoever believes will not perish but have eternal life.
We had a debriefing session at the end of the evening and that's the end of my mission trip. 11 July - 23 July 2009. We travelled back to BKK on 24th July, another 7 hours on the bus. It's hard for me as this is a real separation. Do I want to do mission again? I think I will, but, I am not sure if I am ready for longer term. People out there are hunger for God's word.

Mission trip: I learnt to accept, to tolerate, to listen, to give thanks, most important to obey. It rained from the beginning till the day we left.

I checked in to a hotel once reached BKK which was really a luxury for me. For some, it was just a very basic hotel. For me, it was much more that I have had.

I met up with the team for dinner - Japanese with kimchi. yummy.... And went to Suan Lum night bazaar after that.

Next day, we met again at Chatucak market. There, we bit our farewell. *sob*sob*

On Sunday, Karim's friend, Sukri, took us to Ancient City. It was nice of him to spent the whole morning showing us around. :)

Sherine's Farewell

It's always hard to say good-bye especially to someone whom you are close to. Sherine and I were quite close as we used to sit next to each other, so, we talked, we laughed, we cried, we complaint, we grumbled, we understand each other, we encouraged, we care for each other, etc....

And now, she is leaving for India. It must be a hard decision for her. She will be back, just that we gonna miss one another....

Then, we wanted to had a dinner with her since all were closed with her. We went to lobsterman. I must say that it's a good time for all of us. They headed for durian after that where I hid myself in my friend's shop and had manggo instead. hahaha.... So, all have fruits still.

Take care Sherine.... :)

Malacca + Muar Trip

Initially planned to go Cameron this weekend... Well, too bad that I have Missionettes closing Hi-tea and girls graduating. So, instead of Cameron, we go to Malacca.

They came to fetch me at about 9.30am and we got to Malacca at about 10++am... It's already quite heavy traffic there....

We wanted to go to St. John place but, too many ppl and not able to find parking. Then, we went to St. Paul's hill instead. So hot, so humid... so pengsan....

Then, we went for food, hmm.... it's very much for tourists, we reckon. We didn't shop much too cos the weather was just too hot and humid for us. It's just so unlike Perth, where I was exposed under the sun and yet was alright, though hot too, at least not so humid.

Then, someone suggested to go to Muar and so we went Muar instead. There on, not much photo taking, probably tired already. The food here was not too bad... The fish cooked in pedas masam, the rojak, the mee rebus.... Actually, i just ate whatever they ordered. We shared the food so we could try more varieties. hahah... that's the way..... :)

Reached back home at about 6pm as the traffic on highway was quite heavy as all heading back to KL. Well, they enjoyed the mini orchad at home cos we have rambutan and these city ppl like green. Everything is new for them. hahaha.... =D

It's Who were we? We = Sherine, Boon Hwa, Karim + me. :) Well, I hope all had a good time.

Shake it, move it @ DiGi

All were told to block 26 June as it's gonna be a great party on that day.

Later, we received quite a number of teasers in the mail and we were guessing that we need to change floor/ seating areas... hmm..... (I still don't know where am I going to sit, gotta find out tomorrow morning from the LCD TV)... And we also heard that it's gonna be new branding, new value, etc..... We were also told to pack our lockers, pack our things, and the most interesting thing was to Work @ on Friday morning. All to only go back to office at 2pm.

Work @ simply means you can work at any where you like, just be contactable on office matter.

By about 2pm, we were not allow to go into the office, those who were in there earlier were asked to come out. Then, we went to look for our group. The event started with all to go through tunnels, where we will get changed into XL t-shirt (like pajamas for me... ) and make commitment to stay as a group to complete the event.

Each team was given a 'passport' where we need to go to all the floors, had some games, get passwords, etc. Games were fun and challenging... most important, it's not about competition against each group (yet some still treated as it was), the most important thing (for me, at least), is to stay as a team to work as a team, and we could also help other teams too.

The new values: Be respecful, Be inspiring, Make it easy, Keep promises

And new value proposition: Made for me, Best deal, Make it easy

At the end, we all got rewarded by ice cream and gathered at Townhall for some short slides presentation on the value proposition by DMT and proceed to have food at open car park. Then, followed by some entertainments.

It's tiring........ I actually fall asleep a few times (with my eyes open) while driving back home...

Poor innocent car got hit by some xxxxx

Well, after Roller Coaster, next is the Board Strategy meeting and Board meeting.... Gosh, the sleepless nights continue.

Audrey rang me on Monday evening for dinner and I reckon I should go since I didn't see her for quite some time and well, my stomach needs food. So, we went to nearby mamak restaurant.

Collected my car from the company's open space (right in front of office) car park and parked my car at the restaurant. I noticed something not so right with the left front of my car. I went to check, low and behold, someone BANG my car and that fella must be in the same office... And the worst thing is that fella just went off without even leaving a sorry note with me. At least a note.

I got really upset. Very upset. Parked the car in office and got accident for nothing... Was so angry for the rest of the night and till the next day. Then, the left front passenger door cannot be opened and I needa spent $$...

My sister and a few friends asked me to go around office and match the car paint... I should do that.....

Gee..... what's happening. I really wish that ppl will have at least leave a sorry note rather than just ran away. Also, it gave me an impression, if the ppl working in the same office can be so irresponsible over personal things, how would the person handle company/ roles given? Maybe you will think I am a bit too pessimistic, but, that's the truth. A person's character reflect from the daily life.

Ya... my heart is still aching.... sob... sob.... I really need donation.....

Belated + Early Birthday Celebration

There were so much to be done, so many sleepless night. Well, I did sleep, like 2 - 3 hours and woke-up in the middle of the night and continue to work.... Earlier I suggested to have a birthday celebration after our Roller Coaster. All agreed. But, after all the sleepless nights, they were concern of my condition. Well, I still need to fill the stomach.

So, we went to TGIF, nearest, for a simple Birthday celebration. We shared most of our food. Ordered some food with cheese, and salad and etc.... The Shanghai salad was nice. I like it, personally. =)

Then, the real birthday celebration. I really salute those ppl who celebrated their birthday at TGIF, need a lot of courage. I, definitely not one of those and I don't like to be one of those as well. Out of comfort zone. I reckon, Asian are basically shy ppl. ;)

And we had cakes. hmm.... Too rich and we didn't finish.

Afterall, it's a good time that we had... It's the company that counts, right? For me, though tired, it's worth it with you guys.... :)

Dinner at Zuan Yuan, One World Hotel

It was difficult to decide a descent place to eat sometimes, and yes, I am referring to Malaysia. Because of too many choices. hahaa...

So, we ended up at Zuan Yuan at One World Hotel at One Utama. The atmosphere and ambiance was superb. The entrance was so nice that we couldn't resist and started to take pictures. haha...

We had quite some nice food as well, Peking duck, tiger prawn, tofu, stir friend vege, and onion ginger duck (from the Peking duck...).... All so yummy.

At the end, we ordered dessert. Actually, we ordered 4 avocado cream thingy, and 1 some honeydew with sago. But, the waitress served 5 honeydew thingy, we dared not touch as we ordered something else, then, we realised that the captain actually served us more just for us to taste. Wow... It's so nice of him... :)

Oh... What's the dinner about? Well, our dear friend is leaving for good and so, we thought just to have a proper meal as we were not sure when will be the next time to meet again. It's quite heavy hearted towards the end. Yes, everything will come to an end, we are human, ok..... She actually changed her flight ticket just because wanting to have a proper 'see you again' session.

I guess I am not very good in expressing my emotion as well (perhaps Matthew pick that up from me...)... But, surely we miss her so much... :)

Take care my friend and till we meet again....