Merry Christmas 2010

Christmas ins't Christmas until you have it radiates in your heart. Open up your heart to our Lord Jesus, let it born into your spirit and radiates to the rest of the world. Have your heart beat as one with Him till the last beat and that is when we will all be together with Him rejoicing with the full legion of angels and people of God.

Merry Christmas, may all your dreams come true through the grace and mercy of baby Jesus today.

Celebration of Life

This year's birthday was again lived away from home as I need to attend the Blue Ocean Strategic Thinking Seminar at Flamingo Hotel by the lake, Ampang, It was quiet and only one of my KL colleagues quietly wishes me and another overheard, also join to shake hands.

My kids and wife had celebrated my birthday 4 days earlier on 10-10-10. We had a great steamboat dinner. My kids specially made the birthday cards using my laptop. Their mum help them to perfect it. Hmm, it is great effort from them.

My office colleagues also gave me a surprise birthday wishing, 15 minutes before I rush for my flight to KL on 13th. It was a great thought of theirs which I appreciate very much.

Frankly, I want to be "special" especially when it comes to birthday as it is something that is bigger than any other celebration. I believe everyone will also feel the same. This is the day, we are born into the world, living among with others and a journey of life till the end.

Nowsaday, you have a social network like FB having the function to publish your birthdate making it easy for your friends to remember your big day and wishing for you. It is a great effort and good. Nevertheless for my preference, I would treasure a more personal approach rather been reminded as it shows that you are special and appreciated and closer. To all that I care more, I would give them sms wishes rather than FB. I would pray for them. As those I care most, I would meet them and sing birthday song and cut cakes.

A celebration of life - this year, I will be embarking a totally new approach before the big 40 comes in another 12 months. This is to prepare myself for bigger dream that I wish to accomplish. The spotlight would be on my family, my kids and my health. A transformation not only easy to write or comprehend but most importantly easier to implement.

So, do pray for my success. Cheers!!

River Disaster 2010

Tonnes of logs and wood debris has conquered the mighty Rajang as what considered as environmental catastrophe which has never happen or experience. This is a sign of tired mother nature of the unscrupluous acts of our leaders and business people. Uncontrolled logging activities and greed has been named as the main reason for this situation. Authorities seems clueless of what is the real cause but keep vowing to find the truth and nail the culprit.

When this happen, I wonder why there is no action to try to prevent these debris from floating out to the open sea ? May be, we could mobilise team of savagers to clean up. If the local authority does not have the power, the state government would have, if not, then Federal Government could have done more concrete action. The debris will cause more damage to the ecology system further down the riverine and open seas beside posting danger to vessels and river operators.

It is very disturbing and indeed sad to experience such situation. However, I believe there is still hope if we could make those in authorities take full responsibilities and be open on the real action to preserve our Mother Nature.

Yes, we need development and no doubt logging of the timber is one of the steady sources of income for the government and people. If the danger limit has been breached, the activity should stop and prevent further deterioration. We had enough opportunities through timber logging and it has contributed much revenues to our state. Different controlled approach can be used if it is save.

Critically, we need to ensure proper plans to support in other sort of activities for income earning for rakyat. NKEAs & SCORE should come strongly to take over from timber logging activities as major income producer for the state.

It is NOW or NEVER !

I Took A Rest from FB

The final countdown ended the night before which was 11.59pm, 30.9.2010 after I have put up in my FB. I was looking forward to the last lap, the final quarter of 2010 and how I could push myself to achieve another milestone in my 3rd quarter. The verdict ?

It is good. I am satisfied on how I performed under such cirscumtances though I did not meet my budget figure. The process was important for me as I was reflecting each day and make my thinking to reality. I was asking myself how can I be difference ? Yes, different in presenting myself and delivering my achievement. How could I help more people to be close to their dreams ? How could I protect their wills and dreams and at the same time carrying my own dreams. I must say, the process is still on going (taking a sip of La Rose Doree').

Oh yes, I took a rest a rest from FB since yesterday....just to have my thinking solely on how can I finish my 2010 the best that I could. You may say that it is a reflection time...on my life.

The greatest failure that I have this year so far...guess what ? is my plan of fitness (hihihihi...laughing myself)...may be consolation is that I still weight the same since 1/1/2010...at least not too bad. I had my 'scare' two months back and I know I am reaching to my dragon year soon...and in reality I need total transformation....(Yes, I will !!...thinking if not Mt KK will be in next life...shoooosh...nope, it will be in 2011, yes. I will..)

Yes, today I had a 1 km brisk walking and it took me 15 minutes. I will do it everyday (I promised!) Let's see, how I fare in 10 days time...20 days, 1 month and 3 months...(taking another gulp...bottom up on La Rose Doree')

See me at the top !!!

Mid Autumm Festival

Yesterday, was the height of the celebration. I had a gathering with my brother and the family. A simple dinner but with great meaning. This is one of the many celebrations which gather family members after few months working hard in our own pursuits in life.

I have half piece of moon cake, my first taste of the pandan yoke moon cake. The taste is so-so and I still prefer the red bean with yolk.

After dinner, my kids have a wonderful time with their cousins playing the lantern and walking around the house for which I do not do that during my younger times. I guess those days, it was not a practice. We had lantern but we do not paraded it around our house. Nowadays, you have modern lantern with battery powered bulbs and music. These lanterns are quite pricey.

I was quite tired last night and was just sitting lazying myself on the sofa watching "ninja turtles cartoon series" whilst waiting for my kids to complete enjoying themself. I guess the heat of the day also caused me to be lazy after been working the whole day. It was indeed a hot day and I was sweating a lot and have not had my bath as I was rushing for the gathering at 7pm. We finally reached home at 9.15pm...

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Wondering sms greeting also very much less...I have only received 1 sms ! Few through FBs and emails. Why le hor ?

Life Transformation

People said, life at 40 is a cross road. A big decision to be made. I am now coming to 39 and yet to reach 40 but I have been feeling the need to transform to another level or another mode. Am I the only person feeling at such ?

I was having lunch with a buddy this afternoon and we talked about life and how we could live a more satisfied life and towards the future. Is not that we are not having a great time at life now but we are looking at how we could be even better or securing the future. We sense that if we stop our work now...everything would just slow down and we will not be secured. I brought up few examples of other friends or acquantaince who I know are doing very solid future building expecially in their financial independence.

I have invested in few areas like properties, lands, stocks and unit trusts. I have tried to make my rested money to work extra for me. The return is steady but not very much. It is a long term accumulation but I am looking as faster return whilst I am still strong physically and mentally.

It is always refreshing to know that we could do more and there is a lot of opportunities to try on. I like ideas but have too much concern to try :-(

Someone asked me very recently, how do you like it when you can earn RM50,000 a month ? (my CEO may just only earn half of it and the worry or responsibilities that he had is triple) Why would you still want to work for your employer ? full of stress and spend the whole time for others and not your family or loved ones...

Pondering back of six years ago, John shared with me his dream and I join into his dream by signing up the challenge. Now after 6 years, the dream that we had, I knew he has achieved a milestone but I have not had a yard...(although I grew in size and also my stature in my corporate life. My corporate responsibility tie me deeper and deeper into the ring, making me more difficult to release myself without hurting both sides). The conclusion is I have not make my final decision !!!

I need to transform and I need this new life to secure the future of my family..

....

World Cup 2010 Fever Vs Fixing

Now the final is between Holland & Spain. Who could dream this to happen ? I am not a football lover but I have only watched world cup football as they seems to be more interesting. I believe it is because of the way it was video, the emotion etc. But now all my favourite teams already gone....should I watch it ?

I was told by a friend yesterday that 50% of the games are fixed. I said how could that be ? Will the players or official just could not care anymore about integrity, dignity and solidarity to their country ? (when I think about certain people in my circle, I think nothing is not possible especially when the person is devilish). This friend affirmed that he was saved 3 times by a close bookie friend of advising him just seconds before the booking closed. He further explained that if the bookie receive more betting on certain team, then they will arrange and entice a good return to the supposedly strong team.

Then, I recalled the few matches; England-Germany, Brazil-Holland....could it be ?

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I believe integrity and professionalism is success. We may have shortcoming in short run as others may be better. We must keep resilience with sincerity, we will reach and achieve our dream. God bless.

Mt Kinabalu 2010

Bearing the scare of the first trip in 2009 using Mesilau trail where it took me 9.5 hours to reach Pendant Hut, this time round, we are more prepared by starting the climb early at 8.30a.m. It took me 7 hours and 50 minutes and I had expected to be even shorter time if not because of rains started when we reach KM4 @ 12noon. It was an exciting climb together with my buddies. True display of friendship happens between KM4 to KM6 especially when three of us climbing through the rains and when Andrew cramped both legs, it was agony to see his through the final 2KM to Laban Rata. It was very wet and cold. Lucky thing is the wind is not blowing as strong as the last round. Slowly we climb and climb, and with the spirit of togetherness, we managed to reach Laban Rata and it was such a good feeling achieving it together.

This round, Heroes is smarter and definitely looks fitter as he climbed with no problems. He could have finish the climb much earlier but he had preferred to stay together with the two biggest climbers of the day. I was behind and the last of all among 10 in the team. I nearly gave up in the first 2km when everone was fast furious up the trail. I was gasping for air and my mind was wondering whether I should quit and wait for them at the park but somehow...my legs continue to climb me up and slowly I past through KM2, then KM3. I think the first part of climb is the most difficult for our body to adjust the rythm but once the engine is smooth....we will be able to carry through and of course always need to climb at your phase. I slow down and kept reminding myself to walk at my own phase...sometime zig zag like the way how the ranger/packer did as I watched them make their stead ymoves. They just did it slowly and steadily but will full consistency.

In fact reaching Laban Rata is a great deal of achievement and I am satisfied. I was totally flat and overcame with emotion as I reflected on why doing such a feat with my condition. I think most people with my condition would not want to risk themselves for such agony challenges and anytime will face with the worst outcome. Then, again, it is the satisfaction of pushing to the limit that console me.

On the ascend to the peak, I have witnessed many pairs of friends, couples of young and old encouraging each other when climbing up. They surely conquer the mountain the right way whereas it may seem that our group was doing not the same as we were splitted away. I strongly believe if we have a strong few buddies doing every step together that morning, it is very chance that we all are going to conquer it. However, one also must have strong determination too and for me, I was not feeling well...feeling the stress at the neck probably my BP was pressing me downward that time.....then it started to poision my mind of stopping there not risk further and ... so, I decided to stop at 200 metres away after climbing.

This trip, I am proud that 7 of my group members reached the top. They are real good climber and I admire their focus and determination. Bravo !!!
1) Captain Jimmy (this king kong memang kuat, carried 12 kg up and no problem...if I can have his 50% turbo power, haiz)
2) Captain Sii How Hui (this guy is damm strong..first to reach the top among the 7)
3) Paul Ting (small chilly but strong heart and determination...to stamp his determination, he is actually having heavy flu during the climb)
4) Dr. Martin Wong (dun play play with this guy...he is unbelievable though looks is indeed deceiving)
5) Michael U Guan (slightly smaller size than me, but hey....very strong determination, I admire...may be the old scout spirit helps)
6) Kelvin Kong Shon Shu (hmmm...never train but climb like monkey...)
7) Louis Wong (most modern climber..have all the climbing kits...strong athletic body...)

Heroes was only just by few hundreds metres to the top of the mountain. This is a contrast achievement !!! I am sure next year, he will conquer the mountain!

When coming down the mountain, the logical senses just keep returning to me and I could not believe that the trail is so difficult and how on earth, I have climbed the first part the day before. However, this does not kill my determination to try the 3rd attempt. I hope when I am up there on the top of the mountain, standing by myself are all my true friends as I believe I will not be able to make this happen all alone but only together as a team. See you at the top !!

Another Mountain Challenge in 16 days

The heart is pounding quickier as D-day draws near. On 27th April, I will be with 8 others starting our journey to the foot of mount Kinabalu. Exciting as ever, I really need to prepare well for this second time ascend. This time, I will be staying overnight at the foot of the mountain preparing my thought well before early morning rise up to the mountain @ 6.30am. I have aimed to reach there by 1.30pm latest, which 2.5 hours quickier than last year (smile on my face).

I will have nice resting time till the next morning where we will start from Laban Rata at 2a.m. The trail to summit, I do not know how long I will take as the last round, I stop few tens meter after the first rope climbing when the rains starts pouring down. I guess, I will take 5 hours to reach the summit.

One of the important factors is not to have rain ! Please....tiredness and suffering, I will strive to endure not matter what...but facing the nature's waters, it is just too much for me to take with strong wind blowing and the wet dangerous path to climb through...

Well, I will leave this to the Almighty whilst I care for my mental and physical.

See me at the TOP ! ok!

You Are My Best Friend

You Are My Best Friend© Francia Diego

You are my best friend through thick and thin. When You reach for my hand you touch my heart. You are The bestest friend that I can have.

You are there for me when I need you the most. You Cheer me up when I am down. If I am about to cry u Make me smile. You are my best friend and I can Not lie.

You listen to me and give me advice, advice that comes Straight from the bottom of your precious heart. You are My best friend in the whole wide world and I couldn't ask God for a little bit more.

We are going to grow older, and things will change but our Friendship will forever still remain. I'll make new friends but That won't change because you will always be my best friend.
I'd like to mean as much to you as you mean to me. I'd like to Be some help to you as you have been to me. I'd like to know That as we grow old our lives will change but that our
Friendship will still remain.

Me and you will never be apart maybe in distance but never in Heart for our friendship is way to strong to let it go off just like That.

All I can say is that you are my best friend and I swear to God That I don't want it to change. I may move to a different state but That doesn't mean that our friendship will end, because you will Always be my best friend. No matter what life has destined for us I know that our friendship will never die.

Another 629 days to go...

I have set this target two years back and time really does not care about whether you are doing it, focus or just do not care about it, it continues to tickle away...

So what is the status of my progress ? To say there is no progress is bluffing but to affirm that I am on the right phase is also not convincing. Whatever it is, by penning this into my blog today suffices to remind myself of the commitment that I have made 2 years back.

I will review my strategies and my focus point to ensure I will have the right momentum and progress that I aim when the days is down to zero !

A lot of patience is needed, a lot of sacrifices is needed and a lot of initiatives must be provided...not a lot, it is crazy lot...

I must cast out temptations, I must rub off distractions either things or even people or negative friends....but most of my other self...

The greatest challenger to my success is "myself". Therefore, I need to sacrifice myself to achieve my self victory. One for sure, I must keep peace with my soul, live the life of prayer as without the blessing of the Lord, what I attain is of devil's influence.

Just DO IT

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The past one week has been very tiring for me emotionally coupled with the passing my only "ah chek". Today is his 7th day (according to Chinese custom) although English calculation is on tomorrow. Life is beautiful and God has given us everyday 24 hours the same to everyone, not a second more or less...it is how we are going to spend this 24 hours. My uncle has spent his life meaningful, humble and always helpful to one who is in need. He is not rich of property but he is rich in spirit. A teacher by profession and also a basketball coach.

Every year, I would be able to share my new year joy with him ("poon ni" in Hokkien) but now no longer...I remember his wide smile, the happiness in him when I delivered my goodies and he will immediately return in exchange. Although some may say it is waste of time as "sang lai sang ghima si siang" (giving to each other, the net effect of item is the same), but the real meaning of giving is not in the item itself, it is in the spirit of togetherness, the love and kindred relatipnship that we shared and valued.

Appreciate what we have...we will never know when it will last...

Eternal rest grant upon my uncle Andrew, O Lord. May Perpetual Light shines upon him. May he rest in peace...

88-90 SHS Class Reunion 2010

When is it ? I have no clue....traditionally...it is on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year which will be 15th Feb 2010 (Monday).

But I have received a call from a friend...just checking whether someone could contact the organising chairman "Wong Kieng Thai" to do it?

However, I am not going back this CNY as my parents will be celebrating in Kuching but I told him, I will try to contact him (feeling funny).

There a few going back...Anthony, Mr. Tee, Thadeus, Stephen Chung...I guess if concerted effort is put in, there will still be a roaring reunion although it is quite a late move...

I will check with the OC soon to check it out...

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

"May all the visitors of my blog who read this message received triple blessings for this new year. Always appreciate what you have now and you have indeed able to read the message on this page, you are truly blessed. Many others do not have such opportunities.

May your days always be blessed with the joy of life and colours of rainbow.

And may you always stay in healthy and blessed living ways sharing the love of Our Creator with the less fortunate or needy beside our Loved Ones"