Running Waters

Moving on...

2010-12-03T12:05:00.001+08:00

This blog represents one part of me but I don't seem to be able to cough up new entries in it. So I've decided to start anew in http://swirlingchaos.wordpress.com/. See you there!

Black and White

2010-06-04T09:01:00.004+08:00

Extracted from my facebook: June 04, 2010

When we meet alone with God in the dark of night
Things can become clear as black and white
But then we return to the bright fold of day
And things are again bleached a shade of grey

You Own Nothing

2010-06-04T08:56:00.004+08:00

Extracted from my facebook status message: Thursday June 03, 2010

In the beginning
We came with nothing
And when we are leaving
We can't take anything
So why are we rushing
And busy amassing
Things that count for nothing
At the ending

Reflections of an Angry Soul

2010-06-04T08:54:00.004+08:00

Extracted from my facebook status message: Wednesday June 4, 2010

The gloomy skies seek for sunshine
The stormy sea yearns to be still
The raging soul says, "Mine!"
But the longing heart says, "Thy will"

Pride of a Loner

2010-05-18T22:45:00.002+08:00

I used to be a very comfortable loner, sheltered in my little world of books and music, fueled by my imagination.

Then I made the mistake of questioning my principles and started liking people.

Attachment and detachment. Making friends and breaking up. Liking then hating. Trust followed by betrayal.

I really need to get back to the good old days.

Hello, it's been a while...

2010-05-06T09:59:00.005+08:00

Haiz, seems like I've abandoned my little blog. That's the nature of man, always changing, mostly unfaithful, ha ha (OK, it's a blog, not a wife)

I've reached the milestone year I've set for myself years ago where I'm supposed to have achieved a certain goal but looks like it didn't happen. Not the way I wanted.

Sometimes I wonder why I've lived as long as I've had. I don't really know how to appreciate this life that I have and twice I've wished to cast it away like one throwing a rock into a rushing river. Looking at others who have passed on but way younger than me, not by their own wishes, one can't help but think, "Life's not fair". Sigh, where there's life, there's hope, there are new things to see, new horizons to explore.

I'm sure if you're the reflective type, you'd look back and analyze how different you are today than maybe, two decades ago. I guess I've become more sociable but at the same time, I've become more cynical, critical, sarcastic and less trusting. What an irony huh!

On certain days, I wish I could still be comfortable as that loner years ago, who could spend the entire day, snuggled in bed with books or bending over the glow of a monitor, killing virtual monsters and levelling in some role playing game, or just strumming the hours away on my beloved guitar. But no... these days, I crave for the pleasure of another person's company, to share thoughts, exchange experiences or just to hang out. Yeah, I can imagine the crowds out there thinking the same mundane stereotype thoughts "Get a girlfriend, get married". Sorry, but I think that's hardly a solution because I think if it was one person, I'd get bored in a jiffy, sort of like eating wan tan mee everyday for a month. *Puke*

Oh well, this was just a sharing of thoughts for my friends who are wondering if I'm still here on the same plane of existence as them. Yeah, I'm still here and am the father of two min pins you see in the banner. Cute little rascals and costing me hours of sleep daily, and robbing me of travel time until I find a good puppy-sitter.

Anyway, til the next blog post... Adios, my friends.

My Two Daughters

2010-03-09T15:42:00.001+08:00

Before Christmas last year, two 'daughters' joined my family.

I doubt they'll become good watchdogs anytime soon but they're still real cute and fun.

Meaningless

2010-03-05T13:02:00.002+08:00

The five year old concluded life was meaningless because everybody was trying to do what someone else was already doing. In church, the teen found that even a wise and powerful king could write something like Ecclesiastes. 3 decades later, I have yet to find contradicting evidence.

Guess life is not meant to be reasoned just lived.

Forgiveness and Bees

2010-02-22T08:21:00.003+08:00

Forgiveness is like removing the sting of a bee. You're removed the source of the pain but there's still a swelling and you won't let the bee come so close the next time

Early every morning, I notice there'll be a few stray honey bees, some regular sized and some extra large that will be drawn towards our house lights. I was just worried that they'd sting my puppies so I turn off the light.

Anyway, I got inspired to write the above lame phrase today.

Hello 2010, Goodbye 2009

2010-01-03T21:18:00.002+08:00

Well 2009 has come and gone, and I've not been blogging enough. Soon.. soon.

I Miss The Days

2009-12-07T08:49:00.007+08:00

Thought of the Day: I truly despise those people who freely used my photos and never gave me any credit or compensation. Damn opportunists!

I miss the days
I looked forward to each new day
When everything was fresh and beautiful
Even the ugly things

I miss the days
I could trust people without reservation
When there was hope for everyone
Even the hypocrites

I miss the days
Of cherished friendships gone
Of childhood friends, old classmates, coursemates and uni-mates
Not so much the missing person but the lost friendship

I miss the days
I didn't judge or criticise so much
But too many excuses and turning a blind eye
Was poisoning my soul

I miss the days
Simple things used to be beautiful
When happiness was not purchased with money
Even clean air is not free now

I miss the days
When all songs were pure and beautiful
Not coated with propaganda, genres and jingles
Can hardly find a decent tune to hum to these days

Guess those days are gone
No point to mourn
Time to leave my heart on the shelf
And put on my dark future self

In A Daze

2009-11-13T16:49:00.003+08:00

Been away,
Feeling lost
Life's kinda crazy
When you're not the boss...

Sigh...

A Cool Guide To Photography Ad

2009-10-19T14:27:00.002+08:00

If you like photography, you mustn't miss this funny and creative Samsung ad.

Drifting

2009-10-05T08:48:00.003+08:00

Thought of the Day: Some people live, some people drift, I guess I just drift.

Do you ever wonder what goes on inside another person's mind? What are those inner mechanisms or gears that make them tick?

Perhaps if we can spend a day in the minds of those we look up to, maybe we might gain some insights in that quest to become that better person we yearn to be.

I've been busy lately. Not as in "I have a lot of plans and goals" busy, but more like 'headless chicken running around' busy. My days are no longer mine to squander as I fancy.

Maybe I've become too much of a doormat, catering to other people's demands. Maybe I've always been a doormat. But even doormats become worn out with use.

Life is so tiring for people like me.

Sigh.

Many Updates, Many Firsts and Many Civet Cats

2009-09-16T15:06:00.003+08:00

Too many things have happened and too little time to blog them.

September 11
Saw my first live civet cat. Later saw two of the babies 'hanging around' and making noises during vocal lesson. But they were too high up to be rescued.

September 12
Got an sms from boss saying the babi civet cats have been apprehended. Did my first wedding dinner photoshoot today. The bride is a friend I've known many years online but this wedding marks our first meeting in person. Enjoyed the photoshoot thoroughly.

September 13
Church as usual. Watched "Gamer" movie starring Gerard Butler. Great idea, lousy movie.

September 14
Made my first call to Jabatan Perhilitan which is the department responsible for wildlife protection. Oh, did I forget to mention that two baby civets were caught? Anyway, the wildlife people took them to safer grounds.
Watched a Japanese movie called 'Okuribito' or 'Departures'. Revolves around an ex-celloist who became an encoffiner. Sounds morbid but an excellent story. It garnered 13 awards in Japan.

September 15
Another baby civet captured. Had to call the wildlife protection folk again. Babysitted the little fellow until lunch. Quite fierce initially but mellowed down after Jonzz stuffed it with some bananas and some water.

September 16
Another civet cat caught. OMG! This is getting boring. Decided to do our own release in nearby jungle.

Kinda lazy to put pics yet. Will probably do them later. (Hopefully)

The Elusive Civet Cat: Part 2

2009-09-11T09:55:00.005+08:00

Thoughts of the Day: Sometimes, people's attitudes towards animals really sicken me. Okay, I'm not going to be a hypocrite and say I'm a 100% pure vegetarian. I eat chicken and cow just like the next guy, just that I don't cage and torture them for my own entertainment. Some people just kill them NOT out of self defence but for sport. Disgusting! I mean, God created this planet not just for people alone but also for other creatures but look at what it's becoming...

Firstly, you should know, the civet cat is a protected species in Malaysia so for those of you who've been munching 'ko chee lei' in some exotic restaurants, you've been having an endangered animal for lunch.

Anyway, that's not what this post is about. This civet cat at my workplace has been occupying the higher places in our hall. Of course, this would not have been any issue if the little fellow had not been leaving maggot producing carcasses there as well.

Imagine, you are in the hall, listening to the speaker and suddenly *plop* *plop* *plop*, you are hit by a shower of disgusting stinky maggots from above. Trust me, if you smelled those maggots, you'd have thrown up.

So they finally baited and trapped it with bananas. No, they aren't gonna kill it. They are just going to release it in the jungle on the outskirts of Seremban where it will be safe from humans (and us humans will safe from it and the rain of maggots, he he he)

Anyway, below is a pic of the adult civet cat before it was released.

Cute, eh? Well, don't entertain any illusions about keeping one as a pet. They are fierce fellows and still wild animals, so they might take off your finger if you're not careful.

The Elusive Civet Cat

2009-09-10T10:40:00.004+08:00

From my past posts, some people must assume I work at a jungle or some zoo.

Well, I hate to disappoint you but there are no tigers, elephants or wild boars here. Probably just the common snakes, monkeys, crazy birds and the elusive civet cat.

Last Sunday, I took a photo of my first baby civet cat. Yesterday I finally caught sight of the elusive adult civet cat. First I heard some screechy noise from above. When I looked up, I saw this long, graceful and slim animal which looked like half cat half fox. It was carrying a baby in its mouth as it gracefully made its way across the beams of the hall.

Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared to capture any pictures so I can only show your a sketch from memory.

A Most Eventful Birthday Weekend (and many deaths...)

2009-09-08T08:43:00.005+08:00

Thoughts for the day: There is a time for plowing and a time for harvesting. (FarmTowners and Farmvillers learn that every day) There is a time for life and a time for death. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Praise His Name!

Well, I just celebrated my birthday last Saturday. I've grown one year younger again. (Ha ha, I'm so thick skinned... I also discovered a blogger has the same birthday as I do)

It has really been an eventful past few days.

The sky was clear and a majestic blue that day. Thank you, God. Actually, I didn't party or paint the town red. Old Jonzzy just had Hakka mee and cendol for lunch with some of his good buddies, and then a chinese dinner at a new place. (5 dishes for 4 people.. well, gluttony was in the air.

Then I had a birthday cake from a good friend CK and his gang. My first precut birthday cake, ha ha ha... so convenient. And one candle too... see I'm growing younger everyday. OK, enough boring crap about my birthday.

On Sunday after church, I spotted my first musang (civet cat). It's a baby and seriously cute. But be thankful, you're only looking at this and not smelling it. Trust me, it stinks. My friend can attest to that. Ever since he touched it, several rounds of washing with soap couldn't remove the scent from his hand.

At this month of many birthday celebrations for Jonzz and his friends, there were a few deaths too. On Friday, somebody's grandmother passed on. On Sunday, it was a church member's wife. Then yesterday, it was a colleague's mum. Sigh!

Well, that's it for now. Belated birthday wishes are still accepted! (AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!)

To Blog or Not To Blog (Unedited version)

2009-08-31T11:20:00.004+08:00

I'm still here, and still very much alive, as can be attested to by my blogging Facebook buddies. (Hmm, should I coin the term BFB, nahhh.... too many acronyms)

I still love blogging and to be able to dump all my thoughts here. I mean one day I would like to read through it again and soak in all the memories of the good and bad old days, and share it with others.

I guess I've been kind of holding back.

Personally, I believe your private and precious sharings should be reserved for people who you care about and have a genuine concern for you; not THOSE STALKERS AND LURKERS who think to read it to gain an insight and use the advantage over you. Well, to that type of people, it works both ways, you are playing with a double edged sword.

I realize how much over the past my style has changed:

Initially, I just created this little blog to rant and rave to my heart's content, and dwelling in my own foolish fantasies of anonymity while doing it.
Then I discovered the other aspect to blogging: Commentators. Aiks! Poor Jonzz has discovered life out there. You know la, Jonzz is very shy... HE HE... not!
Then it became fun. Suddenly blogging became a hit gaining activity. Let's play with numbers and links! Woo hoo... I think a lot of people went through this same phase at the same time. Then it died out. Many of my familiar bloggers links ceased blogging altogether due to whatever reason.
Oh, and I remember the time I switched my blog look to black to reflect my dark, brooding and melancholic personality. Dang, we all do silly things at some time. Anyway, it stuck. White on black is easier on the eyes, I think.
Which just about brings it to the present. I've been trying to keep things light. Posting my silly photos and light-hearted stories, bla bla bla. Boring huh. Well, you gotta know, melancholic temperament people have their highs and lows. It's seasonal and even annual.

I have to admit, at times, I use my blog for bashing. I'm not that dumb. I know those people who know who I am. Well, try as we might, sometimes people just don't listen to reason and the only way to get them to hear you out, is to make them read a full post of no-holds barred scathing remarks without interruption. Don't worry, I don't make personal posts like that all the time. It makes me feel disgusted with myself too having to do it.

Anyway, I'm still here. I think I'm moving on to another blogging phase. To all my dear blogging buddies out there, here's hoping we'll be blogging and exchanging comments for another 50 years and enjoying it.

Birds and Windows

2009-07-16T09:13:00.004+08:00

James 1: 23-25 (NIV Bible) - Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what is says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like

From my office cubicle, I have observed and come to the conclusion that one of man's creations that is most harmful to birds are windows. Tinted windows, dirty windows, shiny windows, clean windows, reflective windows, somehow they just throw a bird's senses out of whack.

Ever since I started work here, I have observed two birds crashing into the window. One died of a broken neck but the other survived, albeit a bit stunned for a full ten minutes.

Another almost daily affair is a pair of bulbuls who attack and taunt their reflection, fully unaware of that person on the other side, busy snapping their antics with his handphone.

My latest daily visitor for the past three days has been the oriole (I think) in the above picture who has come to make squawks at me during different times of the day. Of course , it's not squawking at me.. it's attracted to its reflection. When it happens, one colleague loves to repeat this statement "Your lovebird has come again". I have no idea why people love to repeat the same lame remark day after day. It might be perceived as cute but repetitions just make the speaker look lame and annoying. Extremely annoying.

Anyway, as usual, Jonzz will draw some parallels, then try to say something clever and philosophical about this.

In life, we will observe many things happening around us. I think most people are born with that busybody gene in their bodies. They just like to interfere in things that have absolutely nothing to do with them. Of course, this may sometimes go badly with them since nobody likes a busybody. They end up like the birds that just go crashing through the window. Me? After much broken glass, I'd rather stay on my side of the window.

At other times, we are like the other bird who interacts with its reflection in the window. We judge others and argue with others, not realizing that, we are judging ourselves because we behave the same way. But then, it would take a very humble and reflective person to realize that.

OK, enough philosophical crap. I'm stopping here before I turn into a complete bird brain.

After the Rain

2009-07-14T02:26:00.004+08:00

Thought of the Day: It did rain after that evening after that last post. Quite abundantly, I may add. Praise God! The haze did clear up substantially. Not my mental haze though.

This colorful bug likes to reside on the pod plant in my garden. The droplets of rain doesn't seem to bug this bug at all. In fact it seemed to be soaking its feet in a large droplet while sucking sap or whatever from the pod.

Such a contented creature.

I wish I could be the same but I have yet to find my peace and rest. When will I find my answers?

Sunset (July 9, 2009)

2009-07-10T09:42:00.007+08:00

Thought of the Day: I love sunsets. The thing about sunsets is they are so fleeting. If you're not having your camera, you will most likely fail to capture that moment. I guess the same goes for most of the other important moments in life.

It's always easier to tell other people to do the right thing. But not so with yourself. I've been so lethargic lately. My mind is as hazy as the one enveloping Seremban right now.

Where oh where, is the rain that will come and wash away this shroud of laziness?
Yawn.

Nature's Packages

2009-07-07T09:45:00.004+08:00

Lessons from Life: Never just stick to one way of doing things. If you do, you'll never find out if there's a better way.

Bananas must be one of nature's best fruits. So convenient. So tasty. And comes with its own packaging. Well, I only just discovered that the dragon fruit can be peeled too. (*Blush)

Are you a Learner or a Whiner?

2009-07-06T00:09:00.009+08:00

Thoughts for today: I'm very, very happy in church on Sunday. I'm trying to teach guitar to this huge group of people in church. Although we have communication difficulties due to language barriers but a majority of them have improved by leaps and bounds due to their enthusiasm plus their willingness to listen and learn. It's such a joy to teach them. Which brings me to today's post:

Honestly, I don't think I'm such a great teacher.

Although I'm not particularly fond of teaching but when I have decided to do it, I will give my all BUT I expect equal effort in return. Hence, I have little patience with whiners.

Who are whiners, you may ask?

They don't listen but they try to dictate how you should teach them
They don't practice but they come well prepared to feed you with a list of excuses
They hardly focusing on learning, improving and working around their weaknesses. Instead they focus on the pain, the hardship and their self imposed weakness like age, lack of talent, bla bla bla. (You name it!)
They always take correction the wrong way: defensively and as a personal attack. How do you grow like that?

Usually in my experience, people who are well to do and blessed with plenty are good whiners.

Basically, whiners whine and learners learn.

Passion for Passion Fruit

2009-07-02T00:01:00.002+08:00

Thoughts to Ponder: Children will take after their parents whether they are or aren't aware of it.

I never did think that I would be a person to take an interest in anything remotely related to gardening. In fact I once nearly let the whole garden dry up. Laziness... I know...

But sometime last year, I decided to discipline myself to at least water the garden regularly. Why the change of heart? Does it have anything to do with old age? I hope not.

Strangely in the course of this mundane and mosquito-feeding exercise, I find myself excited when plants bloom and bear fruit. I began to take an interest in specific plants in the garden: chili, mint, dragon fruits and the focus of this post: the passion fruit.

Originally, there were two young stunted plants in the garden. My friend gave me a seedling from Cameron Highlands as well, but that plant didn't last long. After months of staring at this ridiculous plant which didn't show any sign of progress, I actually got fed up.

Then as if to say, "Don't give up on me yet", the smaller plant bloomed one flower. It was the most interesting flower I have ever seen.

That rekindled my interest in caring for this plant. Today the two plants have flourished and taken over the entire clothesline.

It has become the envy of one of my neighbors, who chopped down his tree when it didn't bear fruit. But I have to restrain myself from getting too proud.

After all, I only gave it H20.

Aftermath: Accident

2009-07-01T00:46:00.009+08:00

Thoughts to Ponder: Found this dead bird in my garden today. Such a morbid picture yet I find myself relating to it. I mean, no matter how high you fly or how low you stand, you might just die a lonely and meaningless death. On another note, I find myself worrying about avian flu.

It's been 2 days since I had that stupid accident.

Actually I've been having a pretty hectic schedule lately. Church stuff. Work stuff. Planning for travel. Planning for meetings with friends. Worrying about this and that. Running around. I think my 'RAM' is almost full.

I guess this is what they call pushing your limits. Guess it made me tired and careless. But I'm thankful though. I mean, it could have been worse. I could have hit something or someone. *Shudder*

But I've been feeling kinda empty and dispirited since then. My damaged car still sits unrepaired. Still runs though. I have little mood to drive other than for work and to eat.

Suddenly, I feel very detached from this world and nothing seems to make sense anymore. For the first time, my mind resonates with my heart, "Life is meaningless". I've been trying quite hard to prep myself up. At times, it seems I'm demanding for attention but then I'm not so sure.

I hope I snap out of this stupor soon.

Car Accident Again

2009-06-28T17:39:00.009+08:00

My car had an accident again
Maybe it was tiredness
Definitely it was carelessness
But what I know is the next minute I was in the drain again

I'm tempted to think a lot of silly things
Of how the day started on a high note
And then this happens
So embarrassing.
Tempted to think of buying a new car
Tempted to think of how an accident marked beginnings and endings of friendships
Tempted to think how unlucky I can be
Of how unfair things can be
But then these are just my brooding thoughts

After all to escape unscathed
And to have the concern of friends
To just have property and wallet damages
Is a blessing in itself

I wish time would come to a standstill
For my thoughts and feelings to collect themselves
To be whole again
For now I am like my car
In need of repairs
My pride dented like the body of the car
With fear and disgust from a repeat of carelessness

Sigh.

Round 2!!!! BURP!

2009-06-24T09:45:00.007+08:00

OK! OK! I promise there won't be a durian post immediately after this one (Heh heh).

Anyway, the day after the previous durian feast (sigh), I went to the store again and procured bigger and more expensive versions of the Udang Merah (Red Prawn) durians. Well, if you must know they were RM5 per kilo. (Ya, sue me for being such a glutton)

On that same night, while I was eating and packing my durians, my Chinese Class teacher texted me on the phone, "I have durians tonight" in hanyipinyin (Chinese phonetics) of course. I texted her back "I am already having durians for dinner" in hanyipinyin. She replied "Don't eat so much, eat here". Well, never one to disobey a teacher, I ate durians at Chinese class (Ha ha!)

But that was not the end of it. After class, I went to see a friend and guess what? He had durians for me too. This friend is a self professed durian connoisseur and scoffed at my choice of durians. He showed me his Mau San Wong durian (translates literally to King of Cat Mountain) which retails for RM 20 per kg. Well, who was I to resist free expensive durians?

Three rounds of durians in a night. Any rational human being should have stopped but no....

Doing some work into the wee hours of the night, Jonzz became hungry but there was no food in the fridge but my packed durians. Drool... Oops, I ate it again!

But you know what, I'm not sick of it yet. I bought more the next day. HA HA HA HA HA HA...

OK enough talk, here's some pics.

Bua ha ha!!! My lovely purchase!!!

Peekaboo!

Shelled Durians!

Durianized Again!

2009-06-18T12:54:00.004+08:00

It was a boring Wednesday night.... so when Jonzz got this sms from a passionate Durian Lover pal (and part time pastor, ha ha) to get some Udang Merah durians, well, who could resist?

Certainly not Jonzz...

Well, Jonzz was thinking, what's one or two durians?

So we arrived at the stall which had a number of customers queued there.

When it reach Jonzzy's turn to pick the salesman took the words out of Jonzz's mouth, "How about I sell you 5 kg for RM20?"

SOLD!

Mua ha ha ha ha... that night, Jonzz sampled some of his newly procured goods and packed the rest away in a tupperware to be eaten over the next few days.

And promptly finished the lot for breakfast the next morning.

Sigh... the durian glut has turned Jonzz into a durian glutton.

Anybody for Round 2?

The Week Gone By...

2009-06-14T22:41:00.004+08:00

Just got back from church camp... glad to be able to spend time with a buddy before he goes back to Deutschland... pros: excellent food, meaningful talks, plenty of swimming, fun card sessions and learned the 'Saboteur' card game... cons: lots of church buddies not around, smelly air from surrounding oil palm plantation, the very hazy air compared to Seremban, some lame group games and having to bump into one or two people I don't want to see.

Oh, mustn't forget the lovely durians I got from a fellow blogger in Seremban. At least I got to share them with buddy at camp. Thanks!

Came back earlier at midnight and decided to help out with the 'leftover church' in Seremban. Sad to hear that someone got robbed of her handphone by a group of ten people. This world is full of shitty people.

Sunday turned out to be quite a DIY day (Do-It-Yourself) day. Another church buddy returned my guitar but the electric battery pack clip was broken (Argh!!!!!). Did a McGyver with some package foam wrapping and it worked for now. Will spend that lame replacement money later.

Was planning to go shoe shopping with the surfer who wars. Unfortunately, pipe burst after my watering session and had help from relatives to fix it. You know what they say. When things go wrong, you can always depend on family. Thanks!

Oh well... one more hour and Monday will hit us in the face again... sigh...

Call Me Lucky

2009-06-08T14:07:00.002+08:00

Today I went to renew my AAM and ...

Discovered there are two other people with the same birthday as me ...

And was told my membership number was sooo.... very lucky...

And then I went for lunch.... bumped into a student (not literally) and got soup spilled on my shoes and pants....

Lucky? What crap.

What the? Literal Version of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'?

2009-06-05T00:07:00.002+08:00

LOL, I wonder if you're familiar with the song 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' by Bonnie Tyler. If you are, I think you'll be able to appreciate this parody of that MTV.

ROFLMAO!

Bengbeng Thought I Copied My Post From Somewhere

2009-06-01T22:18:00.008+08:00

I was chatting with Bengbeng on MSN and I asked him whether he read my previous post and he said "I didnt read. At first i thought u copy n paste from elsewhere i jus skip it"

Ouch.... all my effort and he thinks I've plagiarized it from somewhere.... Why? Why? Why?

On the other hand, it's actually kind of flattering. Oooh... now I feel like one of those authors whose writings get spammed all over everyone else's email. Thanks, Bengbeng!

Jonzz is a bit siao sometimes. Did I just say 'a bit'?

A Busy Sunday With The Sick

2009-06-01T08:49:00.006+08:00

It's strange how other people's lives get intertwined with our lives. As kids, I bet you never would have imagined that you would know the people that you know today.

On this unusual Sunday, I spent it with a few special friends who unfortunately fell sick. The first chap had a bad toothache which got infected. He even got a bit delirious and was shivering while waiting for the dentist. Since he was in so much pain, the dentist gave him some medication to bring down the infection before he is able to proceed with the extraction.

In the evening, another chap asked me to give him a lift to visit a friend in the hospital. The poor lady just went through an operation for a ruptured appendix and had to be placed in intensive care.

Going through this incident, many thoughts rushed through my head:

I guess you cannot take the people around you for granted. Cold as it seems, after many different experiences, I have mentally prepped myself to accept the consequences of people I come to care about dropping in and out of my life. Maybe it makes things easier for this sentimental fool.
I don't know why but suddenly I imagined myself to be in the role of a parent or caregiver. Just reflected upon the difficulty of taking care of a sick person. Especially when they are close to you. Will I be up to the task or will I end up depending on others to do the dirty job?
I also realize that being detached and apathetic, to a certain degree, enables you to be a more dependable person in a crisis. I mean, would you rather have a weeping wailing mess or Mr Cool rushing you to a hospital? Take your pick.

Indeed it was a very somber Sunday.

Chains

2009-05-30T08:03:00.015+08:00

Is anyone truly free?
The World pounds these Rules into your head
What you should eat and how much you should eat
What looks good and what you should wear
What you can see and why you should understand
What you can hear and what you can never question
What you should say and when you should say it
How you should act and where it is appropriate
Who should be your friends and who you should not associate with
What you should achieve and what you should not become
Who you can love and what you cannot give your heart to
We are just like caged birds
Within these bars of Dos and Don'ts

Break the rules
And you will be judged and punished
An Outcast
Banished by those
You foolishly thought
You could Trust
Hah! You silly Man!

In the end you will realize
Those who told you the Rules
Almost always
Conveniently
Never apply the same Rules
To
Themselves

Freedom
What a Ridiculous notion
The only place
Where it truly exists
Is within the four corners of your Mind

Welcome to the Land of Hypocrites

- Jonzz in the dark -

Lost Patience, Simmering Anger and A Broken Handbrake

2009-05-28T23:53:00.008+08:00

Update: Car back left brake cable worn out and snapped. Damages RM80, phew. (My mechanic is the best person in the whole wide world, ROFL!)

Today I did something absolutely fantastic. I snapped my car handbrake.

Was my car old?
Yup.
Did I expect the handbrake to snap?
Never in this lifetime.

This person asked me to pick her up at a particular time. Before I left to pick her, I sent her an sms informing her I was going. So there I was, on time and waiting... and waiting... and waiting. And the person never shows up.

So I do the next logical thing. I call the person. After another eternity, that person picks up in a half sleepy voice and say she's coming. WTF!!!

After what seems to be another eternity, that person plod nonchalantly into sight. And drops two lame excuses like, "Oh I wore my shirt backwards so I went back to the house" and "Then I forgot to bring something so I went back". And adds more lame excuses to the already infuriating set, 'Oh I didn't hear your sms'. And has the gall the smile and not apologize.

Old Jonzz was so not in the mood and said, "Next time call if you going to do something like that". Some people just don't deserve handphones.

As you can guess, Jonzz is simmering now. So off we went, Jonzz sullen and quiet. When we arrived, Jonzz pulls the handbrake and *Crack*

WTF again!

~~Second~~ person just casually walks off. Jonzz feels like he just expended a ton of energy. Checking the handbrake, it feels like a flimsy joystick and can be pulled up and down almost 90 degrees without effort.

WTF... Jonzz calls the mechanic, decides to skip class and just head off home.

This is so sickening. Damn!

Webs of Deceit

2009-05-25T09:02:00.006+08:00

Jonzz got scammed. By some cheap flicker gift code thing promo thing on photokaki forum. Then Flickr emailed me to say you can't buy flickr gift codes from third parties. Oh no! My account has become normal again!

Argh!!!!!!

Cruel world!!!!!

Sigh... a fool and his RM50 are soon parted.

Ah well at least I had 3 months of pro-ness.

You Raise Me Up

2009-05-19T14:04:00.002+08:00

To tell the truth, I am not really a fan of the song 'You Raise Me Up'. But I enjoy this version by my newfound favourite singer, Sissel. HA HA HA!

Passion Fruit Flower

2009-05-18T14:55:00.002+08:00

This is currently Jonzz' favourite flower - the passion fruit

Flares

2009-05-18T14:27:00.003+08:00

I love this photo I took at Genting. The sun formed a lovely pointed star.

Of course I get worried that the sun might damage my sensors, ha ha.

Captivated by Sissel

2009-05-06T15:36:00.002+08:00

Last night, more bored than usual, I was doing a Youtube search using the 'Celine Dion Josh Groban' keyword. It was then I found this:

Oooo, who is Sissel? Where Celine Dion has a rougher and hard hitting style, this woman's voice was pure, soothing and warm.

Jonzz is sold. Anyone who's seen her CD in KL, let me know.

. . .

2009-04-19T00:07:00.000+08:00

Meaningless... meaningless... life is meaningless...

B.O.R.I.N.G.

2009-04-14T12:37:00.004+08:00

Jonzz likes acronyms. Jonzz is always bored.

So today on MSN, Jonzz wrote this:

B - is for Bullshit we get all day
O - is for Office where we count the minutes away
R - is for Regression which is what your brain cells do
I - is for Idiots who work meaninglessly like me and you
N - is for Nutty when you can stand no more
G - is for GO, throw the letter, there's the door

La la la la la... B-O-R-E-D-O-M, truly the source of inspiration for creative bullshit.

The Storm Clouds of Easter Part 1

2009-04-09T09:31:00.011+08:00

Thoughts of the Day:

Did Jesus forgive Judas? Or do people who betray us deserve to have their bloody guts spilled out in some field somewhere?
Patronizing people who tell you not to take things personally are shitty human beings who look in the mirror and forgot about the one in the reflection.

It's once again that time of the year which Christians have given the monicker 'Holy Week' where some 'Christians' will insist that you must go to church to 'celebrate' Good Friday and Easter Sunday while conveniently neglecting the other 51 weeks of the year.

Come Easter, and everyone slips into the mundane pattern of Easter celebrations and re-watching alternate versions of the Crucifixion, while delighting in gory remakes of the scenes leading up to Golgotha to let the 'true meaning' of Good Friday and Easter sink in.

And they wonder why some people call us hypocrites.

Languages

2009-04-06T02:00:00.001+08:00

Did worship leading in English and Vietnamese. Craziest thing I've ever decide to do this week.

Sorry

2009-03-27T23:36:00.006+08:00

Tonight I found out I made someone cry because I did nothing. Confusing, isn't it?

Truth is I was having an internal struggle about being alone when friends and family are no longer available. I mean eventually it can quite likely happen to any of us. So I kept to myself all week, refraining from calling anyone out.

And in the course of this, unwittingly missed out on the chance to say farewell to a new friend I made this year. Jonzz doesn't like farewells. But Jonzz hates the idea of making a friend sad even more.

You may not believe it but circumstantially the only way I can tell this person anything is through my blog.

If God is willing, we will meet again soon.

Until then, I'm sorry.

My Brother's Laptop Exploded!

2009-03-22T23:15:00.006+08:00

Usually when we read the news, we generally read it with a detached mind, rarely expecting those dramatic stuff to leap out of the pages into our mundane existences.

For example, exploding laptop battery cells.

Come to think of it, do they still like to use the term 'laptop' these days.?

I have no absolutely no clue. I don't own a laptop.

Anyway, last week, my brother's laptop blew up.

It left three shotgun sized holes between the LCD and the keyboard. (Yes, you can put a finger through it)

Bits of cable and remnants of batteries were blasted a distance away.

Oh, and the explosion took a printer as a sacrifice.

I suppose you would be curious to know which brand it was but I'm not going to tell you. Needless to say, we all would know from the news which brands had a history with these batteries.

And I don't think it has anything to do with the laptop manufacturer but more with the battery producer.

Anyway, I wrote this because I want to tell you two things:

Never put a laptop or notebook on your lap unless you want to lose your God-given jewels and be sent to the land of the eunuchs. Either way, the radiation or the explosion will do it. Long term or short term, you decide.
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the house. Honestly I never realized the need until this incident occurred.

Well, that's all. This is Jonzz's community message for today.

Dedication to the Smart Ass who Speaks without Deliberation

2009-03-19T08:36:00.007+08:00

Some people just don't use their brains

They think they're so d**m smart
And when they speak, it's awfully plain
Their words just reeks of fart

To every situation, they must have their say
To keep quiet would be asking them to die
The world revolves around their shades of gray
And the shit from their 'humble pie'

Recycling the same opinions over and over
Stepping on the same sore toes
Never realizing that lower and lower
Each day, their reputation goes

But then it's easy for these loud creatures
Always excusing themselves with 'Amen'
When offending people comes second nature
Self-forgiveness overrides any commandment

So excuse me if I don't pander to such foolishness
My illusions of ideals have long moved on
Common sense and consideration to me, is a rose
Empty words and hypocrisy the thorn

*A pissed-off Jonzz writes pissy poetry*

Day 3: Messing with the Monkeys

2009-03-18T00:43:00.020+08:00

It was our third day in Kuching but frankly, it felt like six days the way we've been running around doing this and that. Today was Saturday and we had planned to visit the Sunday market at Satok( I know, Sunday Market on Saturday?! Where's the logic? )

Anyway, to kill time, we discovered another place to visit: the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre which also does rehabilitation for orang utans which have been mistreated or displaced by humans. Chris also joined us as he hadn't any plans.

As usual, we had our faithful shuttle bus service to bring us there. Only rm20 back and forth. On our transport, we met a couple from Kwangtung. Wow, original Cantonese sounds even more different from Hong Kong Cantonese.

Anyway the trip only took about half an hour, I think. We had to reach early at 9.00am to catch the orangutans at their feeding time at 9.30am. Since we arrived early, there was nothing to do except wait around and take artsy fartsy photos.

Artsy Fartsy Orchids

The orangutan doll to collect donations (Entrance was free!)

At 9.30am, we gathered at the entrance to the feeding area where the guy below gave us a briefing about how not to excite the monkeys, don't use flash, how wild the orangutans were and their brute strength.

There was quite a crowd as it was a weekend. We were a bit worried about not being able to see the orangutans since according to the briefing guy, they came and fed well yesterday. You have to remember these orangutans were being rehabilitated so they can adapt to living in the wild again. For the centre, an orangutan that stops coming to the feeding area to feed equals a successful rehabilitation.

Anyway we waited impatiently. These two guys on a faraway feeding platform kept calling the orangutans names but nothing seemed to happen. I secretly gave up on seeing any orangutans until someone noticed movements and sounds in the distant trees.

One by one, the various orangutans appeared like Tarzan swinging through trees, climbing the ropes, bending on bamboos. It was quite exciting and unnerving since these creatures' behaviour can be rather unpredictable. The first orangutan to reach the platfrom was this mother and her baby. I suppose that's because mothering is such a hungry job. Cute pair, aren't they?

From a distance, I could spot this huge guy observing us. (I had to switch to my 70-300mm lens since there was no way I was gonna get any decent pictures using a 50mm portrait lens, duh)

One by one, and sometimes in pairs, they came, each exhibiting their individual unique characteristics and trademark behavior. I have to admit, this was better than seeing them in the zoo.

Later, I realized the big brute observing us was the centre's superstar, Ritchie. He was a really huge guy and the dominant male in the centre. Another male had to be shipped off to another reserve since he and Ritchie were at odds with one another.

Ritchie hearts you!

Most of my pics turned out pretty blur. Dang, gonna steal TZ's VR lens one of these days, ha ha ha. But anyway, I was quite please to have captured the shot of this greedy guy swinging off.

Well, that's all for tonight. Goodnight!

The Sandwich Scapegoat

2009-03-16T10:03:00.003+08:00

I suppose if you are childish enough to blame Enid Blyton for 'brainwashing' millions of kids with delicious images of western food like pies, truffles, scone and candies, I can sure blame Dagwood from Blondie, for making me a sandwich stacker.

How to lose weight like this? Sigh...

Day 2 Part 2: New Friends and Seafood

2009-03-15T00:40:00.010+08:00

It was after 6pm when we arrived back at the hotel from the Sarawak Cultural Village.

It had been quite a satisfying day, feeding my photography and cultural pangs, but not my Kuching food cravings. It's already Friday (day 2 is nearly at an end) and the food we have tried thus far has been below my expectations. And I haven't even sampled kolok mee!!!!

Today, we met a more helpful and more senior staff at our hotel, Uncle Lawrence. He asked us what places we have went and what we wanted to try. Since it was dinner time, I told him we wanted to try some of Kuching's great seafood. (The previous night, we actually hunted around and found a very touristy seafood centre in terms of pricing, even Mr TZ of KL was intimidated, he he)

Uncle Lawrence immediately recommended a place at the top floor of a car park within walking distance and gave us the card which will give us some nice discounts. I was quite touched by the gesture. I mean you can say people do it for business sake but still I think some people do go the extra mile for others.

No sooner had we found out about this place, a French couple showed up and enquired about seafood. Uncle Lawrence asked them to follow us but I think they wanted their own personal time and politely declined. Out of the blue, another chap asked us if he could follow us for seafood, and we said we didn't mind.

At 7.00pm, off we went in search of this Top Spot Seafood Centre. Frankly, we were doubting if there was really any seafood place above a car park. But then we found it. And true enough, it was a huge centre on the 6th floor of a car park and there were at least 6 seafood shops packed into that area. Wow!

For that night, I decided to swap my Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lens with my first love, my Nikon 50mm f1.4. Unfortunately my photos kinda sucked with that. (Argh I've forgotten my first love and gotten rusty... so my photos turned out soft.

We picked shop No 25 as recommended. (Of course, our card will entitle us to a 5% discount, kiasu a bit laaaa)

The first dish that arrived was a plate of midin, a kind of local fern which I really enjoyed. It was crunchy and tasty. (And it's real cheap outside too, we've seen big bunches of midin sold for rm1.00 each) Why can't I find midin in West Malaysia!

The second dish we tried was my coveted 'or jien' or oyster omelette. But we realized they do it differently in Kuching. For one, the batter was crispy like crackers, and more flour based than egg based. And the oysters are really big. Yummy!

Interestingly, the 'or jien' took the shape of the frying pan or wok. Here's Chris, our newfound friend demonstrating the size of the 'or jien'. Big, huh...

Verdict. It's really nice but I still prefer the 'or jien' from West Malaysia. The next dish we hd was sweet and sour plaice( a kind of flat fish with both eyes on one side). It's meaty on the top side but not so meaty on the floor side, he he.

Our last dish was black pepper crab. Quite tasty I guess.

In the end, our meal bill was rm70++ which totally below our high expectations. Each of us guessed the food must have exceeded rm100 but turns out it all came to rm70.

All in all, I think the seafood was great, and the vegetable, midin was excellent.

Anyway, that's all for now. Nighto!

Day 2: Village of Culture

2009-03-14T00:56:00.033+08:00

On our second day in Kuching, we went to my main targetted destination - The Sarawak Cultural Village, also the site of the Rainforest Music Festival. It was pretty convenient as we could take a shuttle bus directly from the doorstep of our hotel and back. It also goes to Damai Beach. Only RM20 for 2 ways.

The trip to the village took about one hour. The entrance fee for the village was RM60. I didn't think it was that expensive since it goes towards the maintainence of the various houses and the staff.

One thing we never figured out here was why they gave us a gold cover passport while they gave everyone else a green cover passport.

The first house we went to was a typical wooden Chinese house. Can you spot TZ in the picture? It reminded me of my grandparents' place. Inside there were knot crafting and various devices used by the Chinese in olden days.

Look at that wall with the wide variety of hats, saws and scythes.

After we left the Chinese house, we arrived at the Malay house where we had to remove our shoes before entering. We took a few crazy photos here, including posing in front of the congkak board.

There was a lady here making kuih bahulu using traditional charcoal fire. It takes only five minutes to prepare a set of kuih bahulu. The kuih is covered with two charcoal 'stoves', one above and one below.

The next picture is of course the mould for making kuih kapit.

One thing that caught my attention was this kayu tas being sold at the Malay house. It emitted a fragrant scent not unlike a pleasant perfume. The seller claims it can ward off wild animals and evil spirits. RM10 per set of three sticks, anyone? Later in our trip, we would come across many versions of these wood; some called it 'kayu hujan emas' and some said it was 'kayu gaharu'. Gosh, have mercy on our wood-illiterate minds...

Next up was the huge and tall Rumah Melanau.

It would be the start of my encounters with these hewn log stairs(picture below). I didn't risk using it because of my big clumsy feet and used the conventional staircase instead.

This Melanau House is very defensive in nature. The log stairs could be pulled up during an invasion. The floorboard below had holes for them to use their blowpipes against enemies. What we mistook to be water pots could actually contain oil and used against their enemies.

It was eleven-ish by now and so we proceeded to watch the cultural show. It was quite interesting and the performers were regularly recycled for the different dances and there was a blowpipe performance. Quite cool! If you missed the 11am show, there is another after 4pm.

After this, we headed to the restaurant for my targetted Sarawak Ethnic and Exotic Set Lunch for RM15 (No tax!) Included with the lunch was sweet free flowing Cordial drinks.

Next picture is supposed to be the steamed rice in banana leaf. I know, I know, where's the banana leaf?

The next dish was name 'Green Vegetables on season'. ~~Looks~~ Just ordinary stuff.

The next dish is quite a challenge for unadventurous people. It's called 'Umai Umai Sarawak' and it's a raw fish fillet salad. It was quite tasty but I didn't want to risk ~~food poisoning~~ upsetting my stomach so I ate only half of it.

The next picture is just... soup. I forgot to take a picture of the Ikan Assam Pedas.

The next dish is another local specialty called 'Chicken cooked in bamboo' but I didn't find anything special about it.

Sigh, the exoticness and the ethnicity of the set lunch didn't quite tantalize my taste buds as I had hoped. Anyway, the next building we encountered was a Sword Making House. No idea, which tribe it belonged to.

Next house up was Rumah Orang Ulu.

Well, the name 'ulu' might have negative connotations with some of us, but they seems to be quite gifted in the musical arts. First we saw this HUGE wooden xylophone made of wood pieces of varying lengths, sizes and weight. Carving off slices of wood helped to tune this instrument.

The next instrument is a stringed instrument called the Sape. It had a pleasant sound and frets. Being a classical guitar player, I was naturally intrigued to try it out. Turns out there is much difference between this instrument and the modern guitar. Firstly all the frets are spread out unevenly. Secondly, you press ON the frets instead of in between them. Quite a complex instrument, in my opinion.

Next is the small houses belonging to the famous Penan tribe. Here they had a section for you to shoot blowpipes at targets for a price of course.

The last house in my picture collection is the Iban longhouse below.

In this longhouse, this lady was frying rice cakes. I bought a wooden bracelet for her for RM5 and TZ followed suit. Later we realized how conned we were pricewise and secondly we found out most of these bracelets were imported from Indonesia and China (argh!).

The second item that caught my attention at this house was the Kain Pua weaving. It never occurred to me how difficult it was to weave this piece of cloth using the traditional method. In a day, the weaver probably can manage only about an inch's length of this cloth. As the tour guide in that building said, women who could weave demonstrated their skill and patience and became potential brides, while women who couldn't weave didn't have nice clothes to wear, ha ha!

Well, that's about it for the Cultural Village. This post is too lengthy for me. (Yawn!) The last building here is a pagoda near the entrance.

Well, that's it for now. Cheers and goodnight!

Day 1 Part 2: Walking the Waterfront

2009-03-12T22:54:00.019+08:00

After lunch, we didn't have any real programmes planned so we decided to walk around since we seem to be quite strategically located and the map was not in such a big scale after all, so walking was a very feasible venture.

Nearby we could see the Chinese History Museum which displays the history of the various Chinese groups according to their dialects. The building is a little small but interesting. It's free so nobody's complaining.

Behind our hotel was another temple. Can you spot TZ in the picture below? He has such a passion for old historical buildings.

This colorful building is a carpark with a cinema with an excellent view from the top. I watched 'Watchmen' there on our last night in Kuching.

The next picture is the new state administrative building which we have nicknamed 'The Ugly Building' because it is so jarring on the landscape with its location and garrishness. It's still under construction.

The picture below is the Textile Museum which is at the end of India Street. It's really cool seeing the various costumes, cloth and textiles in one building. (And yes, it's free)

The next is some monument located near the Courthouse. I fail to note what it's dedicated to. (Blush!)

Of course, when you're in Kuching, you have to at least take one picture of a cat. We spotted this pretty feline near the Courthouse. As with all cats, it only gave us a snobbish glance for disturbing its nap.

The most picturesque part was the Waterfront with the various sampans ferrying people across the river. At 30 cents per trip, it's a steal. I've gotta admit, the murky waters scare me, and it stinks. Kuching is clean, but the river stinks. A Kuching blogger told me this stretch of the river acts as a sewage tank. (Ugh, I don't know how true that is)

Below is a picture of some abandoned buildings at the waterfront. Picturesque but uninhabited. Sad, really.

There was this wall next to the waterfront which contains a huge illustration of the famous folk tale, 'The Mousedeer and The Crocodile'. (No, I'm not going to type the story here)

Anyway, it was soon sunset. And the city turned into a myriad of beautiful shades and colours.

It ended with a sucky dinner at Tun Jugah. Some Mushroom Chicken Rice which was too salty and sticky. You can read about it at TZ's blog.

And with that, I conclude Day 1 in Kuching.

Day 1: Left My Heart In Kuching

2009-03-12T00:28:00.001+08:00

I miss Kuching.

It is so strange. I've been back for a day yet I feel like I'm not 100% here in Seremban.

Selecting and editing these photos for my Kuching blog posts is going to bring back many fond and sad memories since well, I'm no longer there to savour the experience.

So back to the first day. This is the second time I'm flying. And my first time flying Air Asia. Seriously the plane feels like a cramped school bus.

I got a nice window seat. Had to evacuate a lady and her baby to get the seat but hey, these are fixed seats and this photographer needs a window. If you must know, I didn't really make a scene. I just told her I wanted to take photos, if she doesn't mind. At the beginning and the end of the journey, there were only two people occupying our row of three seats. What a godsend!

Anyway, shooting out of a window of a plane brings a new dimension to cloudography. I just love these shots with the plane's red colour engine framing the side. I know you guys have probably been on planes umpteen times so I will try not to bore you with too many photos.

We actually took the 11.45am flight and I skipped breakfast to avoid having a rebellious stomach but couldn't tahan and ended up buying this RM3 snack on board the plane.

I know, not much of a snack for Jonzz but it'll do while I keep my stomach empty for the awaited goodies of Kuching. I love seeing the clouds that appear above any land mass. There was cute little island in the middle of the sea with a cloud on the top but it's too small to be seen in my shrinked photos.

Another thing that struck me were the river patterns from the air. Somehow they reminded me of the certain patterns, making me wonder if rivers were a the source of inspiration for Sarawak handicraft patterns and tattoos.

Our flight took barely an hour and thirty minutes and we took a cab to the hotel.

Kuching was spacious. And another thing that struck me were they had traffic lights for U turns. Can you believe that? LOL, anyway I forgot to take pictures of that.

We arrived at our hotel to discover Kuching's oldest temple in front of the hotel, much to TZ's delight. What was the name again, Tow Pek Kong or 'Big Uncle' temple? Don't get pissed with me if I'm wrong. I'm Cantonese, not Hokkien.

Anyway, after depositing our luggage at the Singgahsana hotel, we looked for some food, or to be exact, kolok mee. Unfortunately the nearby kolok mee stall had closed so I had to make do with tomato mee. I read from some famous Kuching blogger's blog that tomato mee was also a specialty but it was nothing special for me. It was a bit on the sour side. TZ had fried kuey teow which looked yucky.

Anyway, that's all for now. I'm taking it slow so I don't get bored and not be able finish this Kuching blog series.

The First Three Days in Kuching

2009-03-08T00:56:00.005+08:00

Sorry, no pictures to put up yet because the line here is terribly slow.

Anyway, here are some notes to remind myself of the first three days in Kuching when I can get home to a proper computer and line, and start blogging. HA HA!

On the first day, we arrived and explored the Waterfront area, hunting for seafood. (wasn't very successful). On the second day, we went to the famous Cultural Village and had some ethnic food. At night, we made some new friends, a delightful French couple from UK, Pauline and Philip and a friendly, Canadian Chinese guy, Chris whom we later went for some fabulous seafood with. On the third day, which is today, we went to Semenggok which has a sort of wildlife sanctuary. Then we rushed to the Sunday market at Satok (ok, I know it's a Saturday, =P) I ran out of shirts today and had to buy some new ones. In the evening, we met two Sarawak bloggers(pals of TZ) who graciously drove us around.

Yawn... time to call it a night....

500th Post: First Day in Cat City

2009-03-05T22:56:00.003+08:00

I'm sitting at the counter of this little backpacker hostel, typing this entry in the amber glow of lights contained in bubus (a type of bamboo fishing device) which casts an interesting shadow.

Finally I'm in Kuching. After one year of trying to coax my travel kakis to go to East Malaysia but failing miserably (Quote: Malaysia is boring-lah!), now I'm finally in the Land of the Hornbills, woot!

Now how do I fill up the next few days. I've practically covered a portion of Kuching today... on foot!

Ouch... complains my blistered feet!

The Fighter

2009-03-03T09:17:00.009+08:00

Look at the picture below and tell me if you can notice anything unusual about it.

Just another purple flower from Jonzz's collection?

No?

Nothing at all?

OK, look again at the next picture.

These purple flowers were blooming in full glory from a weed-like plant I decapitated more than two days ago.

While the plant was still in one piece, it never bloomed like that. It started only after I chopped it down because this squatter plant was taking over the flower pot it had occupied and was growing to alarming tree-like proportions.

Crazy plant. But you gotta admire it's tenacity to survive. Even at the point of dying, it blooms its flowers. Maybe it's hoping to sprout some seeds before it meets its demise.

Sometimes you wonder, the plants and animals around us make such great efforts to survive in the face of the overwhelming human invasion of their world.

Life is precious. Why do some of us throw away our lives so easily?

On another note, my sitemeter has reached 20k after 2 years +++. How very .... lame....

The Lunch With The Puppy

2009-03-03T00:07:00.003+08:00

Update: The answers to A New Obsession's Gardening Quiz are out! (Yay!)

The weather is really going crazy. Ask any Malaysian. Intense heat alternating with heavy thunderstorms.

Anyway, I went for lunch. The heat was really unbearable. As I parked next to the Blossom Food Court, I noticed this cute puppy (probably a Rottweiler mix) running under my car, to take cover from the blazing sun. I looked at it and thought casually, 'Hopefully it will have left after lunch'.

Of course, it didn't or you wouldn't be reading this blog entry. I finished my lunch and as predicted, the puppy was still resting under my car, leaning against the tyres.

Oh great! It's at times like this I wish I didn't have a soft spot for animals. I tried luring it out and succeeded. What I didn't count on was keeping it away from my car. So it crawled back in.

Dang! Okay, time to use the food option. I went back to the food court and bought a 'sang yoke' pau. I pulled out a small piece and tried to lure it. Unfortunately food was not the problem and it stayed under the car. Oh well, more inches for my waist.

Like it or not, I had to get back to work. I just had to be cautious not to make fresh roadkill out of Mr Puppy here. Just as I was making my way out, this stupid Mercedes parks close in front of me. Looking into the side mirror, I noticed the puppy has scampered under the car behind me. Yay! Hallelujah!

Finally, making my way out, I just made another pass and saw the puppy rolling on the ground. Apparently the other car had left. Oh no! Has it been run over? Hmm.. no whining or yelping and it's wagging it's tail. Must be alright.

Sigh... sometimes it would be nice to be able to take care of these helpless creatures but you and I know that's next to impossible since we hardly have the resources.

I think to myself, at least I gave one creature one more day right. And where there's life, there's hope. Maybe some other generous soul will adopt it.

Passion and Bitterness

2009-03-02T09:12:00.007+08:00

From my last entry, you'll be forgive for thinking I'm talking about myself. Sure I've got quite a bit of passion for certain things and yes, I harbour quite a bit of bitterness but that's not what I'm referring to here.

What I'm really talking about is ...

The passion fruit seedling I got from Cameron Highland bore fruit, surprise! surprise!

The twin bitter gourds that unfortunately turned yellow too fast because I was too greedy for size, sigh!

He he he!

The Missionary

2009-03-01T23:08:00.003+08:00

Actually I have had tons of things to blog lately but I've been holding back because they were either too aggressive (people bashing), too moody (self bashing) or too boring (life bashing).

Well, screw that. (I can visualize a certain group of holier-than-thou-readers gasping their jaws beyond their physical limitations) Repeat, screw that!

I'm sure that you know how the lame movie missionary stereotype is portrayed. You can visualize that foreign chap garbed in his priestly outfit and armed with his Bible, preaching hellfire and doom to the heathen group of unbelievers, forcing his self-perceived superior judgement over them and their deviant ways.

Sadly, this has not changed much. There's still plenty of these 'missionaries' around and it's not in the movies.

A New Obsession (Updated with Answers)

2009-02-20T10:17:00.009+08:00

When I was younger, I didn't think I'd become like my parents.

Anyway, things don't always turn out the way you want them and inevitably, I realize I have inherited many of their traits and interests.

My recently discovered common interest is gardening (I can picture LM smirking in the background)

Actually, I have been delegated the humble task of watering the garden, and I have been quite disciplined in doing it. An hour a day, actually.

Then I realized I actually liked seeing the plants grow and bear fruit. I find myself, wanting to learn more and more about them. Shucks! I better stop before I start sounding like a full fledged gardener. A few bushes and trees does not a gardener make.

OK, instead of gushing further, I'll just share with you some pictures of the plants I spray daily (HA HA HA, sounds like a dog). Actually I'm amazed at how some of them are growing now. My friend says if it's because I care about them now. I'm toying with the idea that if you take care of them, they take care of you. Do you know, I don't get bitten by mosquitoes even though at the 5pm to 7.30pm stretch? OK, I have yet to confirm the elusive identity of the mosquito repellent plant(s). Hmmm.. food for thought, eh.

Anyway, back to the photos. Just for kicks, I'll let you guess some their names.

Marigold

Desert Rose

No idea

If you don't know what the above two are, I think it's time to get off that computer chair.
It's bouganvillae

Chilis, what else

Mint

Another type of mint

Basil

Dragonfruit flower about to open

Passion fruit flower

Another Creepy Night

2009-02-15T23:58:00.004+08:00

Some people tell me Christians shouldn't be superstitious. However, off and on, I find my principles getting challenged.

I just got back from a late night at a friend's place. Scooby was at the front gate as usual, excitedly barking.

The street was unusually deserted and cold , and all the dogs in the neighborhood were barking and howling, even Scooby. Usually, a retort was all it takes to quieten my dog down.

I felt chills running up my spine. I don't know about you but I find it extremely creepy when your little dog is barking and howling at something behind you when there is nothing there. Needless to say, I quickly parked my car and got into the house.

Dang!

Roadkill, Anyone?

2009-02-15T02:10:00.003+08:00

I think somebody must be thinking of serving me roadkill for the past two days.

First, a motorcyclist loses control and turns over in front of my car

Then today, a man practically strolls across the road dreaming and starts running when he finally notices me.

What the *#$*@? Is this a sick version of the hunting season?

Two Hit Combo

2009-02-13T08:47:00.003+08:00

Wow, both the second Fridays of this month and March are Friday the 13ths.
Superstitious people are gonna have it rough.

Didn't See That Coming...

2009-02-13T01:16:00.001+08:00

Tonight I taught a Vietnamese how to blog using Malay. Never saw that coming in this lifetime...

Sometimes...

2009-02-12T01:22:00.003+08:00

Sometimes you have so much time getting bored witless, and nothing to blog . . . At other times you have tons to blog and not enough time and motivation . . .

I wish I had a blogging secretary. . . ha ha ha

Crappus Maximus!!!

2009-02-06T00:14:00.005+08:00

Gloomy world economy and the Perak political drama!

Friends and acquaintances down with dengue and chikunkunya!

Unable to help those whom I care about!

2009, you are beginning to wear me down... Sigh!

Perhaps, this feeling of powerlessness is a way for God to lead us to rely on Him and not to stand proud in our ill-perceived strengths and abilities.

The Blues Snuck Up On Me...

2009-02-02T09:27:00.004+08:00

After a long Chinese New Year break followed by a busy weekend preparing for church service, Jonzz's energy reserves have hit below point zero.

Argh! Nothing more to look forward to except work!

Oh no! The Blues are back.

Suddenly Monday seems to be to big to handle. Sigh!

Finally, a Niece for Jonzz

2009-02-01T01:08:00.002+08:00

Today. Jonzz received two sets of baby news; one from a church member and another from a sibling. Talk about coincidences...

Finally, Jonzz has a niece... : )

To Trust or Not to Trust...

2009-01-29T22:57:00.016+08:00

Finally, after one week in Penang, Jonzz is back in good old Seremban. Goodbye, Queensbay Mall! Home sweet home!

Strangely, it seems I've brought the rain back with me as well. My friend told me it only started raining today at 11am which I recall was the time I started my journey back to Seremban.

Poor old Scooby had missed me and was moping so much to the extent that my neighbor nearly phoned me to call me home earlier. Awwwww..... okay so I pampered the living daylights out of him and now he's back in high spirits.

At this point, you must be wondering what all this has to do with the above title. Sorry, I digressed...

It happened at the bus station in Penang today. I arrived half an hour before the bus departure and went to the counter to confirm my bus. As I was going downstairs, I bumped into this woman in a white shirt again. I had run into her earlier at the ticketing counters but dismissed her as one of the ticket sellers who was clamoring for attention.

Apparently, she had an extra Snoozer bus ticket because her travelling companion backed out the last minute. She was offering to swap it with any passenger who was going back to Seremban. I had no idea what a Snoozer bus ticket was, but assumed it must be a high class bus. True enough it was as I found out later.

Due to shortage of time and doubts about her sincerity, I declined her offer although I was a little tempted. I mean, better late than never, right? After she left, that encounter kept nagging at the back of my mind.

It's really sad how difficult it is to trust people these days, especially strangers. With the current economy and state of the world, we have to be on our guard all the time. For the sake of money, families have cheated families, friends betray friends. Only a fool accepts religion as a guarantee for another's credibility.

Ironically even though I think like this, I find that I still want to be able to trust people. And one group of people who have earned my trust are bloggers whom I have established friendships with.

Maybe, maybe deep down inside, I don't want to give up on humanity yet. Sigh.

Post Holiday Blahs

2009-01-28T22:54:00.008+08:00

Someone stole my holidays!

Suddenly I have to be back at work

The week was hardly seven days

I feel like such a jerk

No more sunshine to wake me

Back to the lousy alarm clock

No more being Mr Lazy

I feel like such a dork

I've not had my fill of good food

Cookies? Just a few

Seemed only yesterday was reunion dinner

And now it's turned to poo

Where are all the fireworks

The gambling and the fun

Late nights with non stop chatting

Looks like now they're done

I face Friday with trepidation

Sunday leading with alarm

With insufficient preparation

Oh no, I've bought the farm

-Jonzz the Poetic Ranter-

New Year... New Year...

2009-01-28T00:03:00.010+08:00

Sigh, my holidays are drawing to an end. I can't believe how fast six days have just flown by like that.

I don't know about you but this time round, Chinese New Year felt more like the start of a new year instead.

Within the past few days, I've been thinking a lot about change but decide not to blog about it yet, in case I get too hangat-hangat tahi ayam and incite the taunts and teasings of my dear kakis. (They know who they are, lol!)

I think if we were to focus on the world economy and financial matters, the coming year would appear quite glum and bleak. Call me an escapist, I prefer to think about other things to do instead of dwelling on things I have little control over.

The start of this year has see a rekindling of my blogging life. Making new blogger friends and meeting them has given me a good cheer and a huge boost. Thanks!

Heck, forget what I said earlier, I think it's good to write resolutions down to remind myself:

Exercise to lose weight

Learn more stuff

Persevere in my personal church activites

More photo and travel, wheeeeeeee.....

Hmm... that should be enough, I think. Sigh...

The e'S'sence of Chinese New Year

2009-01-26T21:54:00.007+08:00

Too much steamboat...

Too much seafood...

Too much spaghetti...

Too much shopping...

Too much surfing...

Too much sleeping...

Too many storybooks...

Too little shooting...

Too few sunrises...

Can't wait to get back to reality... *gasp* I can't believe I said that ...

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-01-25T14:51:00.009+08:00

I've just finished reading "Slumdog Millionaire". Second book. One more to go. I'm feeling so proud of myself.

I still remember this scenario at the Borders bookshop. This chap was raving and gesticulating as he promoted this book to his group of female companions. "Wah, this book is damnnnn goood!", "I tell you, you won't regret buying this book!", "Did you watch the movie? You should read the book".

Since Jonzz is damnnnn kiasu, I bought the book.

I nearly made the mistake of watching the movie before reading the book. Fortunately, we abandoned the movie halfway for the sake of my younger nephews since there were many graphic scenes that would give the average person nightmares.

Anyway, I was sold and finished reading this book this morning. And it was good. I won't spoil the story by telling you the details. To quote Warsurfer, google it yourself. (ha ha ha)

And as usual I found that movie adaptations rarely do the original story justice. The stories are twisted in a glamorous way as a feast to our senses, and you rarely get to capture and appreciate the finer points of the story. Sometimes I don't even remember the name of the characters. (*Blush!*)

The worst movie adaptation for me has to be Eragon. I can never forget the lame compliment the hero paid to the heroine in the movie, "You look... fit for battle!" HA HA HA HA HA!

Well, one more book to go.

Sigh, this is gonna be one long Chinese New Year.

Rekindling The Fire

2009-01-24T14:47:00.004+08:00

Being on a long break and having lots of free time enable ones to relax, reflect, explore new interests or rekindle old ones.

Well, it's either that or getting bored to death. So old Jonzzy here has decided to rekindle an old habit: Reading.

OK, don't get bored to death. I just bought three books from Borders and yes, they were on offer, 3 for the price of two:

Yes, I do realize each of them are made into movies but hey, the books are on offer, okay. Anyway, I've managed to finish reading 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' in one day (Hurrah!). I used to be able to do three in one day (Getting old... sigh)

Let it be known that Jonzz rarely reads a book or watch a movie more than once, so if you're interested in borrowing them, gimme a buzz.

Anyway, finishing one book has made me quite pleased with myself but I haven't worked up the motivation to get started on book No 2. Well there's still time (That's old Procrastination speaking).

Dang, I hope they don't lie there gathering dust through 2009.

Same Olde Problem

2009-01-23T11:10:00.018+08:00

Many years ago, I worked in the bank.

Back then, the recession was also in full force, and I actually switched employers thrice without even budging from my comfortable office chair. Of course, not getting your bonus was part of the package.

Back then people were telling me, 'Banks had the most secure job'. Well, bullshit... the only things certain in this world is life and death.

I got demotivated, depressed, lethargic and gained quite a few pounds too. (Alright, it was more than a few pounds, nitpicker!) My heels actually started aching and the dear old doctor gave me the diagnosis, "YOU'RE OVERWEIGHT!"

I also started feeling sleepy during work hours which I felt was a more serious problem. So to cut a long story short, my colleague introduced me to this book called 'Fit for Life' which I followed almost to the letter for six months, lost 15 kg, never felt more better in my life and lived happily ever after...

Except happily-ever-afters only happen in fairy tales.

In real life, what you get are botched resolutions and broken promises.

So years down the road, I find myself again in the same boat. Except that today, my present job is more of a one leg kick, almost zero human interaction and computer brainwork from 8am to 5pm. Around 3 to 4 o'clock inevitably, my head becomes like a bobbing head doll. DANG!

Nothing puts a dent on your ego and motivation then facing the same problem you dealt with so marvellously before. You know what the joke is, I used to think working alone would be the best thing in the world with no one to nag you but that was my old lone-ranger rationale.

Coffee doesn't cut for me. Maybe I should just pick up smoking (HA HA, kidding, not on your life)

Well anyway, I guess dealing with personal problems are what spices up life. Nothing like overcoming your problems to make you a better person.

I'm open for ideas though. Do you have a brain-wracking and zero decent human interaction kind of job? Some say, why not jump ship. But for me, that's not solving the problem but running away.

So how do you handle it when monotony sets in?

The Foolish Things We Do

2009-01-20T01:55:00.004+08:00

Do you remember this old movie Twister starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton as two scientists (or something) who chased twisters for research or something?

One wonders why people would do something so silly and time consuming.

One word would explain it I guess... Passion.

Well, today I did something quite silly and not even half as cool. I drove around the neighborhood for about 10 minutes just to get this.

Photography, my new passion. I didn't use to be THIS crazy before I bought a DSLR.

Now I find myself driving through the neighborhood to find an area clear of distracting electrical and phone cables so I can get one decent photo of the glorious evening sky and risk blinding myself if the sun should come through the clouds.

Sigh, the foolish things we do....

Mental Block

2009-01-17T11:56:00.001+08:00

I stare at the screen. Nothing blogworthy comes to mind. Sheesh...

Food Review of a Thai Food Eatery In Blossom

2009-01-13T00:33:00.007+08:00

I like Thai food. Well, maybe I just get a kick out of eating their sour, spicy and sweet stuff.

When I worked in KL, we were spoilt for choices when it comes to Thai restaurants but now that I'm in Seremban, there are hardly any decent ones around. Those Tom Yam restaurants just don't cut it.

Anyway, recently, a tiny little shop has opened near my place but we were reluctant to try it.

Tonight out of sheer boredom, me and Duzhai decided to give this place a chance. I think the name is 'On Sweet Thai food' or something. These were the items we ordered:

This is a desert called Thai sago (RM 1.50). I think it contains corn, coconut milk and sago(duh!) For a desert that was sweet, it had a salty side to it (I don't think it was spoiled). Strangely enough, after I had my spicy Thai Chicken Fried Rice, it nullified the salty taste of this desert. Maybe that's the trick.

This was my Thai Chicken Fried Rice(RM4.00). Spicy and full of chicken and lemon grass and Thai herbs. It was quite good. Made me sweat like a pig, as good Tom Yam does, ha ha (as if I'm an expert)

This dish was name Yum Squids(RM5.00). Silly name, in my opinion. Very sour for a squid dish. I think I'll give it a pass next time.

Duzhai ordered this Thai Style Kuey Teow(RM4.00) or 'ladna' according to the owner. It's not a spicy dish but was quite delicious. It was loaded with lots of vegetables - cabbage, broccoli, caultiflower, sawi and etc. It also had prawns and squid. Only problem was Duzhai hates vegetables. You should see the amount of vegetables remaining at the bottom.

For drinks, we ordered this Chrysanthemum with Ginseng Tea(RM1.00). Personally I think they are trying to offset their reasonable food prices with costly drinks. Can you imagine 50 cents for a glass of chinese tea, and 40cents for plain water?!

After we ate everything, the owner came to 'seduce' us with Thai satay(50 cents per steak). They had pork and chicken satay which tasted quite different from our normal satay but delicious. (Embarassing to say, I couldn't tell the difference between the chicken and the pork) They came with short sticks which made them look smaller than they are worth.

All in all, it was a pretty satisfactory dinner. Well something different from our normal foods. We chatted with the owner and turns out she is half Thai, the father is Chinese.

Well, hopefully their quality and selection improves and the price stays the same. He he he!

Back To The Zoo

2009-01-12T10:51:00.015+08:00

It's been almost three decades since I last set foot into our National Zoo.

There used to be a KFC there. And if you're old enough, you'll remember that KFC jingle, "Let's go to the zoo, there's lots of things to do, and the food is finger licking good.. " OK, enough of that, I'm not gonna promote Colonel Sander's chickens right now.

So anyway, last Saturday, my pal, Duzhai and me took the train down to Sentral to meet TZ for our zoo photography trip. First, we stopped for some dim sum in Jalan Ipoh, courtesy of TZ. He said the dim sum was highly recommended by some Penang fellows.

This was one of the exciting looking dim sum we sampled.

And the verdict: It sucked. Big time.

Moral of story: Even if some fellows from Penang recommend it, doesn't mean that it's good. "Belum cuba, belum tahu" If you haven't tried it, there's no guarantees. Anyway, off we went to the zoo and met up with Julee, another blogger whom we know.

The zoo had a really modern looking entrance. I couldn't pull out any memories of the zoo other than image scraps of certain animal exhibits like the aquarium and some penquins. Anyway, be warned, there's tons of animal photos coming up. I'll spare you the 200+ pictures and just show you the few which I chosen:

The sight of this baby monkey chewing on the plank of wood made me wonder, Do they feed the monkeys enough? Or is it just teething? Hmmm...

This little fellow looks like he wants to go out. Anybody has the keys?

This horse or pony has such affectionate, sad looking eyes. This guy here was probably an ex-race horse or pony ride. Who knows?

Since it was almost 11am, there was an animal show going on. You'll never guess what this cockatoo was doing. That guy was holding up a ten ringgit bill and the cockatoo will fly from the trainer's hand and extract the ten ringgit bill. This is one cool donation trick if there ever was one. I was joking with TZ whether the cockatoo can be diverted by higher currencies like a 50 ringgit bill. The trainers did mention that the cockatoo does not recognize foreign currency, but ten ringgit bills. Looks like it's not that smart, he he.

This sea lion is a master of the basketball and it's really heartwarming to see the way he claps. However, they had to teach him a "Test of Obedience" trick which involves the sea lion holding still and not eating the fish laid out in front of him, until given a command by the owner. I don't like this trick taught to dogs, let alone a sea lion. But I suppose it has its uses.

Hippos sweat some bloodlike liquid. That's what I learnt from the signs. Interesting, huh!

For me, deers are the one of the most beautiful and graceful creatures on earth. This baby fawn reminds me of Bambi, Walt Disney's reknowned deer character. We were give a chance to buy packets of carrot and tapioca pieces(RM3 each) to feed the deer. Deer are very rough when getting food from visitors. The smaller doe and fawn stayed a distance when there were feeding by the visitors. I resisted doing a 'scattershot' with the food.

Of course, there's always flamingos at the zoo. I especially like these bright red-coloured ones.

These large flying creatures are not the ones that gave Batman his namesake but the local fruit eating version, our flying fox. They were locked in a sealed exhibit which had two doors. The inner door was easily jammed and hard to open. One can understand how these creatures can send the average ignorant female (and guy) screaming. Blame Dracula!

The local sun bear was the most active of the bears. They were trying to extract honey from these 'honeyless' looking logs. The other bigger bears chose to stay in their cage enclosures. Dang, I want my money back!

When we were at the reptile exhibit section, we couldn't resist capturing some frog pictures for fellow blogger, froggy's collection, but it was too dark and our pictures mostly turned out blur. I took this local toad picture instead but I doubt froggy wants a kodok for his avatar.

We thought this palm civet cat was dead. But apparently he just likes to play dead since he gave himself away by scratching himself. He probably fooled the ants. He he!

This is just some bored looking wild cow. And the area stinks of cow poo!

This is the Savannah section where there were no fencing just large trenches separating the visitors from the animals. It's really difficult capturing the skinny ostrich's head from afar.

This rhino has really big, sad eyes.

You will never guess what this orangutan was doing. TZ has a better picture. Take a guess?

No, she (not a he) was not doing yoga.

No, she did not fell off the top on her head.

Give up? He he, this funny primate was doing a headstand and peeing into it's own mouth. I wonder why...

"Mind your own business, Jonzz!"

This is of course, the famous tiger. This fellow is very obliging and went around the cage doing various poses like swimming, in an almost routine manner. Did you know there are no tigers in Africa? I don't know. Ask TZ, Master of Uganda.

OK, I'm getting bored so let's rush through the rest.

Sad looking elephant. I bought him a sugarcane.

Cute herd of giraffes

There were huge flocks of these 'bomber' egrets( I think they are egrets). See the green tags on their legs.

Conclusion, the National Zoo is small. Some claim the Melaka Zoo is bigger.

Well, time for a Melaka Zoo photo session. Anyone interested?

Survival at S2 City Park

2009-01-10T01:28:00.007+08:00

Human beings get all the perks. We choose where to eat, how we want it cooked, when to eat and even how much we DON'T want to eat.

Not so our brethren in the animal kingdom. Forced to survive alongside us, they depend on our handouts and our leftovers.

Last Sunday, photography buddies, Unca Jon, Warsurfer and myself went to S2 City Park, hoping to get some interesting shoots and kill some boredom. Sigh, Seremban is so boring.

Anyway, here were some scenes which caught my attention :

Look at those koi, catfish and other fish fighting for bread handouts

Even the loathsome rat can be seen gathering leftovers floating near the water's edge

Poor Master Oo Gwai always misses out on first bite due to his speed

Vacuum

2009-01-09T20:19:00.004+08:00

After all the hectic travelling and photography trips at the end of 2009, I seem to have run out of juice and excitement for anything.

It is like lighting a fire inside a bottle. When all the air in the bottle has been consumed, a vacuum is left behind, craving for more air.

Where, oh where, has my flame gone? Of course, it's only been a week after that. But why are my batteries charging so slowly. Sigh!

Another Boring Introspective on Life

2009-01-08T16:34:00.004+08:00

They say the only time you stop changing is when you're six feet underground.

Looking back, I realize I've changed in many ways.

Sometimes I wish I've made these changes a long time ago. But then learning to change requires going through bad experiences, heartbreaks and standing back up again.

Probably what we can do is to pass on these experiences we have had to someone else, and ease their learning curve. Hell, I wish I had someone to advise me when I was going through those rough patches.

But regret is lame. You should be thankful to God for your lot. If you think you have it bad, there are millions of people who have it worst than you. If you think you're so great, be careful you don't get stepped on by someone more powerful than you are.

That's life for you. I think God is fair. We think God isn't fair because he doesn't pander to all our whims and fancies. But then, wouldn't that make Him our slave instead of God?

The Car That Wouldn't Start

2009-01-06T21:03:00.006+08:00

I left the office at five sharp today
No time to stop and chat
Stuffed my key into the ignition
And realized the stupid battery's flat

OMG, what could have happened?
I bought the battery just a month ago
Then I discovered I left the highlights on
On a bright hot afternoon, so soh-lou!

Thankfully, much help was available
Colleagues and students came to assist
We rolled my vehicle downhill
Stupid engine didn't give a piss

Argh! Forced to stop before the main road
But I did not swear or give a damn
There's always that last great resort
To call our mighty AAM

*As with all fairy tales and nursery rhymes, this story had a happy ending. Jonzz recharged his car home and arrived home in time for dinner. The end *

Bloggers Trio Go To Melaka

2009-01-06T00:29:00.006+08:00

Captain's Log : 23 December 2008 - Jonzz, Bengbeng and TZ make their way to Melaka after a failed attempt at procuring Seremban beef noodles.

The moral of this story is Seremban's famous market beef noodles are closed on Tuesday.

And so it was, we travelled merrilly to Melaka for some photography and delicious chicken rice balls. The following uncensored pictures details some of our exploits -

This is the Church of St Francis Xavier (duh!)

The statues of Kajiro Angero and St. Francis Xavier in the church compound (*shiver* The years of corrosion makes them look a little creepy)

The Church of St Francis Xavier is filled with beautiful stained glass
each depicting a significant scene from the Bible (Cool!)

TZ showed me how to capture this artsy picture containing a reflection of the ceiling's designs in the pool of holy water (I think)

A fountain in the middle of the area where the red houses and Christchurch is located

Christchurch (duh!). I have a friend here. They don't let you take photos inside because they sell them. (Double duh!)

TZ the patriotic photographer

TZ labelled this as Porta de Santiago (where A Famosa is). I'll just take his word for it (ha ha, lazy lar okay). The sky was an awesome blue that day, perfect for photos

This is what happens when you take Bengbeng to see cannons (Haha kidding!)

My favourite photo: Big Tree, Little Man

Some wall ornament with a hose spurting water from it

A temple (duh!)

A bird ornament on the wall of some temple (and crematorium I think)

A stone lion statue (never seen one with this design before)

A not-so-delicious pineapple tart I bought which proves bigger is not always better

TZ's close encounter with the paranormal

OK, that last pic was only Bengbeng and his red cap running past. Sheesh, some people have no sense of humour, ha ha. OK, that's all.

BengBeng comes to Seremban

2009-01-05T20:38:00.007+08:00

On 22 December 2008, a famous Sibu blogger, Bengbeng came to Seremban.

Unfortunately, due to my legendary procrastination skills, you can only read about it in my blog now.

Actually, the whole meet was arranged a week in advance. Bengbeng was originally planning to pass by Seremban with another previously unknown blogger, TZ to watch a solo by Sbanboy in a Christmas presentation at Terminal One, then proceed to Melaka for a photoshoot.

Anyway, excited old me told them to stay in Seremban for the night and hang out while doing some photography and we would go to Melaka the next day for more photoshooting.

It was quite a fun meet and you can read more details in TZ's and Bengbeng's blog. TZ is quite a cool and sociable person who likes to take artistic photographs. Bengbeng is very knowledgeable about plenty of world stuff, but can be quite straight at times because he seemed to have this ingrained idea that I'm always pulling people's leg. Sigh... as if I would do such a thing =P

Sbanboy's vocal rendition of "You Raise Me Up" was impressive. Not the same style as my singing idol, Josh Groban but still impressive, nonetheless. I got to meet another blogger for the first time that night, froggy (Personally I think bloggers should refrain from calling each other by their blog names once they've met in person. We have to detach ourselves from our virtual personalities at some point, you know. Ha ha!)

I took them for a meal in a popular restaurant in Taman AST opposite Era Walk. It was another first time for me too, because this restaurant was usually packed. I introduced them to the local version of the pork knuckle. Bengbeng seized this opportunity to consume as much pork as much as possible. (I forgot the reason why. Was there a pork shortage in Sibu? My memory fails me, ha ha)

We did some nightography there and here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

The interesting 'canopy' of Era Walk

The fountain where I showed Bengbeng how to shoot moving water

TZ sure has the news photographer look

Bengbeng leaving his mark in Seremban

Resolutions... Resolutions...

2009-01-05T00:37:00.005+08:00

I think about the future
I think about the past
I think about those resolutions
How they never seem to last

I think about procrastination
I think about the blues
I think about time that seem wasted
All those things I wanted to do

I'm tempted to regret things
I'm tempted to weep and moan
I'm tempted to wonder what could have been
Of that alternate future now unknown

It's all just wishful thinking
This self pity and regret
Forget all the what-could-have-beens
Make the choices for the future you set

2009

2009-01-04T23:19:00.005+08:00

2008 has gone. 2009 has come.

In the transition period I took a roadtrip up north and back -

30th December 2008 - Slim River
31st December 2008 - Sungai Petani
1st January 2009 - Penang
2nd January 2009 - Back to Seremban

Actually I have had quite a busy two weeks for the end of the year. First I met bengbeng and TZ in Seremban then we went for a photography shoot in Melaka. Then I went up to Cameron Highlands with Warsurfer and another bunch of friends.

Frankly, didn't feel much different. But right now, it does feel kinda new.

Imagine another whole new year. With a new set of hopes, problems, blessings and disappointments.

Ahh, big deal. Frankly, I couldn't really care less about resolutions right now.

Well, maybe not totally, one thing I decided to do is to blog again for myself.

Anyway, Happy New Year to all those who are reading, may you have a blessed New Year ahead!

Online or Offline

2008-12-24T23:16:00.004+08:00

For the past two days, I have had the pleasure of meeting 3 bloggers; bengbeng whom I have known for a while and two bloggers whom I've not met previously - TZ and froggy. Details and photos will be put up later.

Hey, it's Christmas and I'm in a lazy mood now.

The meeting has started my neurons reflecting about relationships and their first impressions, established both online and offline.

Have you noticed for our normal relationships (not established online), more often than not, we gauge the other person mainly by their appearances, physique and how they carry themselves. People who are more lengjai or lenglui usually pass our 'entry interview' with flying colours. But in the end, usually we discover our first impressions about that person are usually off the mark, because the human being is like an iceberg, 95% is hidden beneath the surface.

On the contrary, when u get to know a person online via blog comments or chat, you get to interact with the inner person immediately. You can quickly find out the touchy and sensitive porcupines, the hypocrites and the pretenders. Of course it depends on your interpersonal skills. Some people can be totally blur as you can see from those cases in the newspapers.

I guess I've been fortunate. The people I've met online have been sincere, decent and friendly people. If I had known them in person first, my personal biases would probably have nipped that relationship in the bud.

Anyway, just rambling... Merry Christmas all and a great New Year to you!

Catalyst

2008-12-18T00:15:00.002+08:00

It's funny how different things can inspire us to make drastic changes to our lives and our characters - tragedy, trauma, sickness, etc...

I had the grandmother of all diarrhoea bouts last Sunday. Blame in on the super shiny mee goreng I had at Temiang mamak, glistening in fresh cooked oil. Ugh! BAN! BAN! BAN!

What was worst was I had to songlead and play guitar on that same morning! Trust me, 8 rounds of peeing through your ass before a busy Sunday morning can sap your energy faster than well... you imagine.

Never had the experience of losing my breath while singing before. Had to use all the tricks in the book, dragging the prayer session, asking different groups to lead (mostly ladies, HA HA) ... sigh

In that same day, suffered spells of headache.

Dang, BAN. BAN mamak food. BAN nasi lemak. BAN all fried and oily stuff!

Come to think of it, this is a good opportunity to start losing weight again. OK, hope I can keep up the momentum, he he

Double Standards

2008-12-11T08:51:00.002+08:00

Ever so often, we are reminded of the ugly side of human nature.

Just the other night, a pastor was sharing with me about his experience with a panel clinic here. First he received a call from some ill Vietnamese workers, asking for his help to bring them to their panel clinic. They arrived there at 7pm BUT get this, they were made to wait until 9.30pm AFTER all the paying customers were served. My friend was totally flabbergasted.

Sickening, isn't it?

God is Smiling

2008-12-01T21:53:00.003+08:00

1st December 2008, 8.41pm, I received this unusual SMS from Jet saying "Guys, grab ur camera n capture the beautiful sky. God is smiling :)"

Then my mum told me to go outside to look at the moon.

Well, I'll be. Two stars above a crescent moon. "God" was indeed smiling tonight.

I Am A Banana??!!

2008-11-22T20:46:00.002+08:00

Just did this quiz I discovered from Jimbo's blog. It seems I am a banana. How strangely inappropriate and appropriate! To be called a banana from the Chinese perspective, means you don't know your mother tongue and culture well, I think. Well getting there. Heh.

You Are a Banana

You are mellow, easy going, and a total softie on the inside.

People find it really easy to get along with you. You suit most tastes.

And while you're very sweet, you're not boring or ordinary.

You have an attraction to the exotic, and you could show up anywhere... doing almost anything!

You are spirited, energetic, and a total kick to be around.

You're also quite funny. Your sense of humor is on the goofy side, and it fits you well.

What Type of Fruit Are You?

Rainy Days Are Here Again

2008-11-21T09:22:00.002+08:00

It's been raining, raining, raining in the morning, evening and night. Free car wash and great sleep all round. Bad news is it's wet, wet, wet. And the occasional flood.

Our Great Divide

2008-11-18T06:02:00.012+08:00

When you first came into this 'simple' world

The doctor merely proclaimed you, boy or girl

Then in school people started fights
Cos' your skin painted you black or white

Then as you 'progressed' even more
Your pockets will grade you rich or poor

Classes will split your friends into smart and stupid
Seriously, you wonder who's the ones who's rigid

Tall or short, skinny or fat,
Your body became unpleasant stats

Politics and religions, addictions and sex
Each decision you made paid a heavy tax

But at the end of the day
Irregardless by what truths you were bound
Your last grading will leave you in a box
Six feet underground

- Jonzz the Philosophical -

I'm sure in the course of your blogging and blog-hopping, you would have encountered and maybe made friends with people with different sexual preferences.

If you're unlucky enough, you'll even discover some people whom you call friends, will even condemn you by who you chat with online, or whose blog you visit.

As I reflect on this, two Bible verses come to mind,

John 8: 7 "If any one of you is without sin,
let him be the first to throw the stone . . ."

Matthew 7: 1-2 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged,
And with the measure you use, it will be measured to you"

About Low Yat and Buses

2008-11-17T11:13:00.003+08:00

I've been going down to Low Yat Plaza a lot lately.

You know, to check out computer and camera gadgets, those big boys' toys. Anyway, we've mostly been taking the train services. But we have to change trains thrice - first, we take the commuter train from Seremban to Bandar Tasik Selatan (literally translates to South Lake City), then we change to the LRT(Light Rail Transit) and go to the Hang Tuah station. Lastly we take the monorail from the Hang Tuah station to the Imbi station. The last change is unnecessary because it was within walking distance but heck, we're lazy.

Anyway, for a change last Saturday, we decided to take the bus to KL instead and look where it got us.

Yup, the bus broke down and the compartment was practically dripping black oil.

Halfway during that trip, the air cond became really smelly like burnt plastic then we realized the inevitable.

Fortunately, we got on a second bus within 15 minutes (a double decker which is a first for us) and continued merrily to our destination.

New blog?

2008-11-14T09:33:00.003+08:00

Lately, I find that I have no rapport with my blog.

I mean when I was emo or moody, I love the dark dark layout of this blog but lately, I don't feel connected to it. Weird, huh.

The solution I think is to have another blog for lighter seasons, but I'm not throwing away this old one, just in case I get all emo-ish and moody-ish again.

Hmmm.... two blogs for two state of minds. Weird, huh?

To those who are still reading, what do you think?

The Crane Accident

2008-11-03T09:19:00.003+08:00

Many, many moons back, I was out with a friend, then I discovered this accident had occurred on the main road in my area. A truck carrying a crane had overturned and blocked the road for several hours.

Being the shameless blogger and paparazzi that I am, I snapped some pictures hoping to send it to The Star hoping to win RM50 for getting my picture published. Needless to say, the procrastinator bone in me didn't send it.

But see what a greedy and money minded dude your friend here is.

The Rainbow

2008-10-24T08:53:00.003+08:00

Saw this rainbow in the sky outside Seremban Jaya Jusco after the rain.

Melancholy

2008-10-06T00:38:00.001+08:00

Took this picture of my friend's Shih Tzu which happens to have had a haircut. The miserable expression is due to her being punished using isolation by high chair. She has a hard time controlling her biting habits.