KaNa KaNa

Dunluce, Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral

2012-01-13T21:16:00.000+08:00

Giant's Causeway, North Ireland - January 2012

2012-01-13T21:08:00.003+08:00

I went to Giant's Causeway and it was amazing!! 40,000 basalt rocks and whatnot in hexagonal shapes due to some ancient volcanic activity whatnots.
Very very cool. and cold. because it's winter, dammit!

Carrick-a-Rede, North Ireland

2012-01-13T20:56:00.003+08:00

I visited Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in North Ireland with two friends in January 2012. Lovely lovely place. Very tiring walk, though; I got sore quads after that. But it was sooo worth it!

Dragons for CNY 2012

2012-01-13T20:52:00.002+08:00

Hello there
I drew some dragons for my friend Jiji and so I decided to post them up.
This is a Chinese dragon, or at least I think so; it's somewhat copied from an image somewhere on the net with my own friendly twist to it.

Sadly, I will not be at home for Chinese New Year 2012 but I will be celebrating in the cold of Dublin. Missing home.

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-30T05:27:00.002+08:00

Hi there! Long time no post.
First off, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas!
and it's almost a new year a.k.a 2012 so
I would first apologize to you
if you had the misfortune of clicking the player below to play my new song which I called
"Sam's Random New Year Song"
because it is very very random, poorly done, no instruments (not because I was feeling musically proficient but because I really have no instruments to play with *sob*), often out of key, weird in many places...
but since I'm so bored in my one month of holiday in Dublin...

enjoy! (not~)

Sam’s Random New Year Song

So many things have happened
So many things have gone
I started university as happy as a bone

So many things will happen
So many things to come
So much more to drink and party, hearty taste and rum

I’m counting down from one to ten
I’m counting on the long
I’m going down to town tonight and sing this happy song

Happy happy
Happy happy
(Happy new year)
Happy happy
Happy happy
(Happy new year)

Why isn’t it snowing?
Why isn’t it snowing?
In Dublin? And everywhere else?
Why isn’t snowing?
In Dublin?
And everywhere else?

It was Christmas and Boxing Day
It was supposed to snow today
But it ain’t gonna snow tonight
That’s right

I’m counting down from one to ten
I’m counting on the long
I’m going down to town tonight and sing this happy song

Netter's Flash Cards - Upper Limb

2011-10-31T09:40:00.004+08:00

http://www.4shared.com/document/tBQUj4k1/Netters_Flash_Cards_UPPER_LIMB.html

or

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bxm3GjymSkZXNTY3MWU1MWUtYWRjNC00MGE5LTlmODItODVhNTVjMWM3Zjcx
(click download and download anyway etc)

I spent a few hours scanning over 60 flash cards of the upper limb (including shoulder region, axilla, scapula, arm, forearm and hand) and merged them into a PDF. For first year Med students!

I'm not sure if the link above works though. Also, sorry Netter's publisher for plagiarizing your work!! O.o

I'm sure many doctors produced from this will help the world to be a better place...

I Dream of Ice Cream

2011-09-13T12:04:00.004+08:00

Another song I wrote, called "I Dream of Ice Cream", was a random thought while eating ice cream. I recorded this in two hours. I did one with Mark as well a week or so ago but I tweaked it here and there so here's the new one.

(note: if you can't play it immediately, wait a few minutes for the song to load. If still cannot then you probably don't have the latest Flash so either go update or ask me to email you the song. Cheers!)

I Dream of Ice Cream
By Samuel K Lis September 2011

Verse 1:

Fluffy puffy sugary sweet
Like a fluffy puffy ice cream
Melting like snowflakes on my teeth
Melting in my mouth, the calories

Verse 2:

Fluffy puffy sugary sweet
You’re like a fluffy ice cream
I’m melting when you’re with me
Melting in my heart, I’m happy

Chorus:

Honey I love you like I love ice cream
Cos you’re so sweet and refreshing
Honey I love you like I love sweet dreams
Cos you’re so sweet and magical to me

Verse 3:

I dream only of the best ice cream
I dream of it like you and me
I want you like I want ice cream
A lifetime’s stock of heavenly ice cream

Bridge 1:

But if I had to choose between you
And the best quality ice cream
I’m sorry, honey
I’m not sure which one I’d choose

End:

I dream of ice cream
I love you like I love ice cream

I’m sorry maybe I don’t love you
All that much after all

New song: Earthly Games and Glories

2011-09-05T16:23:00.004+08:00

I wrote a song inspired by a preaching at church a few weeks ago about loving God vs. loving the world. It's based on two verses and a quote:

1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

Matthew 6:19-20 ""Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

C.S. Lewis: "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither."

I recorded this song in a few hours, with a lousy earphone mike but I used a keyboard for extra sounds for the first time since a long long time. Enjoy!

Earthly Games and Glories
By Samuel K Lis, August/September 2011

Verse:

In this world of short-lived wonders
Earthly games and glories fade away
I will choose to thirst and hunger
For your kingdom and majesty today
I’ll say

I love you

Chorus:

What can the world offer
That could ever compare with you
How could the things of this world
Draw me away
From your unending love
And the joy that you give
There’s nothing greater

I love you

Bridge:

For if I run after earthly treasures
It will all go to waste
But if I run after Jesus
His love will still remain

Bridge 2:
For if I run after gold and silver
I lose sight of what is true
But if I run after Jesus
He gives me all that is good
For He is good

Last verse:

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in
Aim at earth and you get neither

(C.S. Lewis direct quote)

Amen.

OGDS Horrors

2011-08-04T20:11:00.004+08:00

This morning I went for an OGDS (oesophago-gastric-duodeno-scopy) to check out oft-recurring gastric complications. The horrors!

First was the long wait at SGH. But it was quite opportune for me because there were these three pretty Indian ladies stuyding in London who was in SGH for attachment. I chatted with them about the UK, Medicine, general stuff. It was very interesting and it sure helped boost my confidence with foreigners. Especially those with that fascinating English accent - oh so posh and cultured!

Then when it was my turn to go through the OGDS procedure, I didn't really know what to expect. My sister came in to say that it would be an uncomfortable experience. Understatement!!

First thing to note is that the scope is about as big as a water hose. Ohgod. *shudder* I was told to lie on my side, bite a mouth piece, and in went the tube! "Infinity and beyond," said the doctor who was no doubt trying to make me feel better but it probably didn't help. I immediately regretted ever complaining about any gastric problems whatsoever because the tube made me gag and gag and tear up. I could feel tears running down my cheeks and saliva flowing out of my mouth, and there was nothing I could do about it. I felt so helpless.

It was one of the worst feelings I had ever experienced. The doctor asked if I wanted to watch the proceedings deep inside. I couldn't be bothered; I just shut my eyes tight and willed myself to not go into convulsions. Every time the tube was pushed in, I gagged. It was HOR.RI.BLE. Torture. But thankfully I heeded instructions to not eat or drink anything so that nothing would be actually thrown up.

So when it all ended, I was so relieved. I couldn't eat for another 2 hours and I felt faint and weak, but I survived! I swear I would never ever do it again. Ever.

It turns out that there was inflammation and my stomach or somewhere, symptoms of antral gastritis, so I have to take some medication. To anyone who plans to do the OGDS, think twice! Although it was probably important health-wise, but it was the worst 5 minutes of my life. Except maybe JPAM...

Step Into His Healing River

2011-07-11T10:55:00.003+08:00

Yesterday Ryner Lai posted a status: "steps into His healing river". I was immediately inspired to write a song. The words just flowed out and in a few minutes I had the whole song. I recorded it today in about 2 hours. The quality's not so good because I don't have a good mike or MIDI keyboard since I'm just using my earphone mike to record everything but I hope I could carry the weight of the song.

When I first played the song, I almost cried because of the words that have been the strength that pushed us (me and many of my friends including Ryner) through the last two hard years. I hope the words speak to you as it has spoken to me even while I wrote it.

Step Into His Healing River
by Samuel K Lis, July 2011
inspired by Ryner Lai

Verse:

In this life of suffering
When there’s pain and wondering
Take His hand
As He leads you to His glory

There’s a place of wonders beyond
That’s prepared for us who believe
But while we’re here on earth
He has promised His glory

Chorus:

Just step into His healing river
Soak in His Presence
Where there is life
Just step into His promises
Drink from His water
Where there is joy
For I’ve seen the river
That flows eternally
Just drink from the fountain
Step into the river

Verse:

In this world of wandering
There is hope for those who need
For He gives endlessly
To those who’d ask Him

I have tasted of His goodness
I have tasted of His grace
So I say, come follow Jesus
You will never be the same
You will never be the same

Bridge:

Come, praise
For He is good
Come, praise
For He is Jesus
Come, drink from the fountain
Come, step into the river

[Note: This must be one of the longer songs I've recorded at around 8 minutes in length]

Genius Fish

2011-07-11T01:04:00.002+08:00

Quote from Albert Einstein: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."

Najihah Zalkapli: "It'll take millions and millions of years before that quote become irrelevant."

Now, is that funny, or what?

I don't believe in Evolution, for the sole reason that I believe I am special in God's eyes.

I Will Survive IB

2011-07-08T01:06:00.003+08:00

Now that IB is officially over and results are out, I can safely say that yeah, you can survive IB. But getting 45... maybe not so easy, hmm? I wrote this song sometime during first semester at KMB. I was planning to "release" it towards the end of IB but I forgot, so here goes... (loosely based on or inspired by I. Houghton's "Just Wanna Say")

So, to my juniors, especially my bros Everard and Cyril, you can do it!!! To my batch-mates, good luck wherever you go!! If you can survive IB (especially in KMB), you can survive anywhere!! Maybe the song should go "I have survived"... never mind.

“I Will Survive IB”
By Samuel Kana Anak Lis, recorded 21 September 09

Once upon a time when all was fine
I came here with my luggage I came in with a smile
I was happy I was lucky I was satisfied
But sooner or later all that changed in a while
I realized that it was not as simple as I thought
So many things to remember so many things to recall
But at the end of the day when the battle is fought
I’ll be grateful and thankful I won’t regret at all

Chorus:
I
I will survive (IB!)
I’ll win the race
Although it won’t get better (for now)
I will survive (IB!)
I won’t give up
Cos’ we’ll do it together

Time is precious it’s hard to get it back
Because work to do comes stack upon stack
Time to relax is so hard to come by
But one day when it’s over, I’ll be ready to fly
We won’t die, but I hope that we won’t crumble
Though I’m sure we might stumble and tumble
Because we’re strong, we are hardy we are tough
But how much is too much, when enough is enough?
Yet I’m thankful for this opportunity
Cos’ I know some people will kill to be me
If we weather the storm in this raging sea
I wonder, how hard could getting 45 be?

Refrain:
I will run I will battle I will fight to the end
I will turn every corner every twist and bend
Greatness is waiting if I work a little more
At the end of the tunnel who knows what’s in store?

Project Love Song 1: My Hands Tremble

2011-07-05T23:35:00.003+08:00

This is a song which I haven't properly title yet so it was titled "Project Love Song 1" when it was saved, but temporarily named "My Hands Tremble" for now. It was recorded by Anders Cheng and I, just now, for about 2 hours, using his super cool MIDI keyboard and condenser mike. It's just the first trial but I think it sounds pretty neat.

The lyrics are actually a poem I wrote way back in 2006 or 2007. I found it when clearing my room of junk. I think it was supposed to be for a certain someone but I'm not sure if I ever gave it to her. Here goes the lyrics/poem:

My hands tremble at the sight of your face
My heart races at the thought of your name
For how I fear to hold you in my embrace
Like you will never be mine to claim

Oh how I am afraid just to look at you
For you are like a fragile crystal rose
Becoming more and more amazing as you grew
From your beautiful hair to your toes

(chorus)
But no - you are not mine
And I don't expect you will ever be
Not at this moment of time
But one day well, we'll see

A crush? Well maybe
Infatuation? Quite plausible, actually
But could it be true love, could it be?
Would I ever risk my life for thee?

P.S. Thanks ANDERS CHENG!!!!

Inspire Me: The Lady Doing Her PhD

2011-06-30T00:08:00.003+08:00

My mom met this lady in KL when they were both finding their way to UM (Universiti Malaya). The lady, whose name will be changed to "Siti" for privacy reasons, was going to UM to see her supervisor for her PhD thesis, in the field of TESL (Teach English as Second Language). Siti was pregnant. Okay, so that made things a little more difficult. Also, she was due to deliver, so after the meeting with her supervisor, Siti was going to the hospital for an appointment and check-up. But get this: Siti was BLIND.

Siti was walking around in the rain with a walking stick, trying to get a cab. My mom went with Siti to UM. Apparently Siti has a horrible husband who cares nothing for her nor the baby.

But look at her situation!! Already unfortunate to be blind, but she did her Masters in Sabah and is now doing her PhD. Then she gets pregnant, gets married to the wrong guy, but yet she still perseveres and pushes onward and forward.

Now THAT's what I call determination. To the max!

Oh God

2011-06-29T23:43:00.004+08:00

Federer lost to Jo Wilfried Tsonga in Wimbledon in Quarterfinals.
I am SO DEPRESSED. And ANGRY.

(from www.wimbledon.org)

Creative Writing: Miracle of the Night

2011-06-20T11:09:00.003+08:00

This is a story I wrote in secondary school for English class. We had to use certain words or phrases in one single story: "out of sight, out of mind", "double cheese burger", "Spongesbob Squarepants", "Rise if possible", "prom night" and so on. I underlined the required words. Enjoy!

"Miracle of the Night"

"Go away, you ugly beast! I don't want to see you ever again!"

The words kept ringing in my ears, stinging me and hurting me. The memory of it all replayed in my head, like a non-programmable DVD player that never stops. It was just a few days ago that we were such close friends, Ywonne and I. She had confided in me about a certain issue in her life, but woe to me and my big mouth that let the little pieces of information slip out to another friend, Wance. The events that followed were so terrible, it hurts to recount it.

The saying goes, that out of sight, out of mind, but as I trudged through the park near my house, I kept thinking about the incident painfully. I was so afraid that the many years we had together would be utterly destroyed because of a slip of my wretched tongue.

Suddenly I remembered Shrek II, where a saying goes that "happiness is just a teardrop away". I sat on a rock under the evening sky and began to let my tears cascade into a waterfall of glistening sparkles. Suddenly, the sparkles began to swirl around me, and I felt like I was sitting on a rock in a completely different forest.

The first thing to cross my line of sight was a shimmering pink fairy dancing in the wind. My breath and sobs were put on hold as I stared in disbelief. Then another blue fairy popped out from the trees, and another green winged creature from beneath a toadstool. In the blink of an eye, the whole forest was bursting and bustling with magical life!

Hundreds of fairies began to dance and make merry around the forest. Tables and magical food began to materialise out of thin air. I found a long table topped with all kinds of delicacies one could imagine. I asked a fairy what was going on. She replied, "It is out fairy's prom night, darling! Come and have a bite to eat!"

At the table, I helped myself to the most amazing food of my life. They had delicious chocolate that burst into a warm, pulsating juice that filled my mouth whenever I bit into it. There was a magic marshmallow that exploded into small flakes of tangy snow when bitten into, and a fantastic double cheese burger that shivered in my mouth.

Then the guest of honours arrived - it was Spongebob Squarepants! Along with him came Shrek the ogre, his wife Fiona, Puss in Boots and the Donkey. Puss captured his audience's heart with his deep Spanish voice and a ballad to soothe their souls.

"Oh no, amigo!" he gasped, for suddenly a great darkness enveloped the skies, casting chaos upon the party. It was the Ugly Stepsisters and the Evil Witches of the Northwest who flew by on their broomsticks and dustpans, flinging evil spells all over the place and cackling like there was no tomorrow. A zap of dark light streaked past my eyes and was headed towards Patrick. Spongebob saw it; he ran and shouted but Patrick was oblivious to the immediate danger. A great scream of pain rang out through the forest.

The witches cackled with delight and their successful attack, and left as swiftly as they came. The fairies rushed to see who had fallen. It was Spongebob! He had threw himself over Patrick and took the blow in his friend's place. The colour disappeared from Spongebob's bright face. Puss in Boots took off his hat to pay his respects. All was solemn and gloomy.

Patrick cried and hugged Spongebob tightly. "No, don't go!"

Spongebob looked at his friend and smiled despite the pain. "I am proud to die in sacrifice for a friend." Then he closed his eyes. His body went limp.

It seemed like an eternity that everyone stopped moving or breathing. All hope seemed lost for the dear sea sponge that had been a great friend to everyone. Suddenly the Good Fairy came with a large cross-like wooden structure with the letters "R.I.P" engraved. She held it high in the air.

"No, he can't die yet!" cried Mr. Krabb.

The Good Fairy smiled with a twinkle in her eyes. "No, dear, R.I.P means Rise If Possible." She looked up into the sky. "If the stars see it fit that Spongebob should live on, then it shall be done."

As Patrick looked on, a tear dropped from his eyes and fell upon Spongebob's spongy body. The other fairies' tears also dropped one by one onto the ground, and from there the sponge soaked up all the tears. The sparkles of tears formed into a swirling light enveloping Spongebob's square body, and life was breathed back into his body.

"A miracle," whispered the fairies. As Spongebob's eyes opened, I felt myself floating up into the air. Swirls of magical light lifted me into the sky and I suddenly found myself back in a familiar park where I had bawled my eyes out not too long ago.

I had seen enough to know what I had to do. With a renewed determination and a piece of magical chocolate in my pocket, I ran all the way to Ywonne's house, knowing that I had to make things right with a friend I would be willing to die for.

A Child's Poem

2011-06-20T10:50:00.003+08:00

I was digging up old stuff and throwing stuff out of my room and I uncovered this really old poem that I wrote many years ago when I might have been in primary school. It was titled "Just For You" and was for my sister Hosanna...

"Just For You"

Dearest Hosanna...

Handphones may be costly,
Ornaments expensive,
Still you're so priceless to me;
Ants may work tirelessly,
Nothing can stop them,
No obstacle blocks them,
Yet you're more determined than these.

Shining is your personality,
It melts the hearts of many;
Sparkling is your innocence,
That softens the heart of our granny;
Encouraging are your smiles,
Reminds me always to be canny*.

Kindness is always in you,
Orbiting your soft heart;
Seeing me disturbing what you do,
And when in your room I fart;
Nevertheless, you forgive me,
Nothing stops you from laughing along,
And from your heart is where everything will start.

Somewhere there's a handsome teen,
In anxiety to attract your heart;
Still he waits ever so patiently,
Till there's the date of shopping together in a mart;
Entitled to be the most beautiful woman,
Realistic are my words that doesn't contain a single wart.

*canny - shrewd, wary or kind, term of approval

I laughed when I read this poem again, many many years later. I used to have a penchant for writing rhymes when I was a kid. I wonder where that went.

Romans 10:11

2011-06-19T22:32:00.001+08:00

"Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame."

Stand in the Gap

2011-06-18T23:05:00.003+08:00

"To stand in the gap between the living and the dead" (Making a Difference - City Harvest)

I took it literally...

Faithful

2011-06-17T23:05:00.002+08:00

You Are For Me - Kari Jobe

One of my favourite songs of all time. It's so powerful, because it's the truth.

The topic of faithfulness came up sometime this week. God is faithful, He is always faithful, He never leaves us nor forsake us, amen!

Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit. So as I was pondering on faithfulness and relationships, somehow I began to let bitterness set in, because I started to feel that many people around me are less than what I expected, or that people have abandoned me or ditched me for other new friends. This bitterness grew into resentment towards just about every friend who may have slighted me in the slightest bit the past few days.

But bitterness just eats you up inside while the object of your resentment feels nothing. The more bitter you get, the more you stay away from people, the more people stay away from you, and thus the more bitter you become. I know it, I've gone through it so many times in the past. But then when you realise that it's not that people abandon you (although some do like a certain bitch I know very well) but sometimes a misunderstanding here and there causes distress right. The best thing to do is to look up, look ahead, thank God for all the great people you have in your life, and move forward, and release all burdens and grudges.

Simple as that. But in practice, it's hard. Sometimes people wrong you in the wrongest sense, and sometimes it's hard to forgive let alone forget. But I know a really close friend who can help you with that. His name is Jesus.

I Heart Fairy Tail

2011-06-13T14:07:00.013+08:00

Fairy Tail is a super cool manga-turned-anime that I follow religiously and I probably have watched 70% of its episodes multiple times. Some of its episodes can be super funny (especially their facial expressions but that's standard for all manga/anime), exciting fighting scenes or sometimes emotionally moving, especially at the end of some story arcs. Fairy tail touches on many deep themes like dealing with issues in the past, loyalty, choosing your destiny, family ties, frienship, comradship and love.

The Fairy Tail insignia, from Makarov's magic circle

These are some of my favourite characters:

Natsu Dragneel
The main guy in the manga/anime. He's a super awesome Fire Dragon Slayer who often proves himself at his max power in the most crucial times. He is fiercely loyal, fiercely protects his friends and is sometimes reckless but gets the job done at the end.

Lucy Heartfilia
One of the main girl characters - she is a Celestial Wizard who can summon uber cool spirits to fight, but she is different from others because she sees her Celestial Spirits as friends whom she fights alongside with.

Gray Fullbuster
Very cool Ice-Make wizard who can create all kinds of ice things from nothing. A bit like Iceman in X-men hmm, only that Gray uses magic whereas Iceman uses his mutated genes... Gray had a dark past and his issues were dealt with in the Galuna Island arc where he fights against Lyon Bastia who was the elder student. His powers are my favourite because they're just too cool.

Erza Scarlet
Finally, Erza is probably my favourite of all the characters because of her uber cool Requip magic and the deep issues that she deals with all the time because of her past. She is also called Titania Erza, the Fairy Queen, because she is the most powerful female wizard in the Fairy Tail guild. She is fiercely loyal to the guild. Her Requip magic allows her to change weapons and armour quickly to have different abilities. Super awesome!

Haven't I said enough? Check it out! There are currently 83 episodes. Ice-Make... Finish!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the pictures above!

X-Men: First Class

2011-06-13T11:52:00.003+08:00

was literally first class. Super cool!!
Wolverine's cameo was super funny!! "Go *toot* yourself."

My favourite mutant in the movie was probably Banshee because he could fly with speed of sound!!

His Love Never Fails

2011-06-09T00:39:00.001+08:00

Peace

2011-06-09T00:30:00.003+08:00

I used to have trouble sleeping at night. My mind would be so active thinking about things today, yesteday, tomorrow; things people have said, cool stuff that happened on Fairy Tail (anime), and in the end I would be tired the next day.

Somewhere along the line, I developed a system of putting myself to sleep, so to speak. If I find myself being restless and unable to sleep, I would use the "Freeze Technique", where I force my body to freeze and so hopefully drift off the sleep. Sometimes I listen to music on my earphones. But no matter what I still had a restless mind. Until one day I met Peace, literally. He is also Grace. His name is Jesus.

Psalms 4:8 "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone O Lord make me dwell in safety."

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

I think that there was a sense of peace and rest and just being able to trust God when I started college. When I had no one to turn to, I just had to depend on God. At that point I feel that it was when I really started to leave everything to Him and let Him take control - and voila! - I could sleep quickly. Either that, or I was constantly tired after a whole day of assignments and doing IB that when I went to sleep at 1 or 2 am I dropped dead on the bed.

1 Peter 3:11 says to seek peace, and PURSUE it. Pursuit is an active, continuous thing. Ask, and you will receive it, because Jesus promised, (John 14:27) "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Amen.

The Standard Meal Prayer

2011-06-07T21:25:00.003+08:00

One of the most commonly memorizes short prayers to be said before meals... The Standard Meal Prayer!

Father God, thank You for this food
Bless this food into our body
(and bless the hands that prepared it)
in Jesus name I pray, Amen

Forgive the quality, I'm lazy to keep having to remove the noise... Maybe next time.

Chasing After You (Flying Shoes)

2010-12-08T23:12:00.008+08:00

Before you listen, please be aware of the background of all this. I wrote this during Sem III exam, Malay A1 (around 1st December 2010) because I had half an hour of nothing to do since I had finished my paper very quickly due to my not knowing what to write about the darned "Pasar Perasaan" puisi. So I wrote this because I was feeling emo and all.

BUT after that, stuff happened, and so I realised that I really was going to be chasing the wind because some stuff just wouldn't work out. BUT I'd already written the song and it would be such a WASTE to not record it, you know? So I recorded it on 8th December 2010 (today) and viola! I liked it.

Bottom line, if you're angry at me then please do realise that I (probably) don't mean what I'm singing at least not in the way I was feeling it before the stuff happened.

Chasing After You (Flying Shoes)
by Samuel K Lis 2010

I could spend a lifetime chasing after you
Do you think you’d be mine
Tell me what to do

I’ve done all I can to be a better man
Would you even consider
Giving me a nudge so I’d go on

I could run a lightyear chasing after you
So, run away my dear
Even to the moon

I think I’ll still be chasing
I’ll still be racing
Trying to catch you because it seems
That I’ll never be good enough for you

Would you like a pair of flying shoes
So you could fly away and never see me again
Well then I’d get a ship and sail the thousand seas
Cos I’ll still be chasing after you

I’ll tell you now
Just so you don’t forget
Until I crash and die of heartache
You know I won’t relent

Cool Biology

2010-09-15T16:07:00.003+08:00

Guess what this is:

This is a protein channel for a single potassium ion for action potential (nerve impulses)! Is Biology super funky or what?
XD

Wow

2010-08-04T18:50:00.001+08:00

Plagiarism

2010-08-04T17:53:00.002+08:00

Plagiarism has become almost like a swear word in college; a taboo subject that teachers speak of with such horror-filled voices, that each and every soul will vow never to even think about plagiarizing.

Plagiarism is "the use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work". (from Wikipedia)

Unfortunately, most of the 9-and-counting students who were accused of plagiarism probably didn't know (i.e. were not aware, did not think of it as such, did not intentionally do it) that what they did was so wrong that their diplomas could be stripped way in the snap of a finger.

It could be due to forgetting to cite a reference, or saying something on top of your head that you've read somewhere but forgotten where or thought it was your own idea, or incorrect format of citation, or forgetting to quote with " " , or whatever.

Scary, hmm?

A Hopeless Ambition

2010-06-04T13:28:00.001+08:00

Alrighto, a new song from me! Hehe.

A Hopeless Ambition
by Samuel K Lis
*written on 21st May 2010 during IB Sem II Biology Paper 1, and recorded 4th June 2010

I want to be a part of your life
I want you to think of me at night
And when you see my smile
Even just for a while
It’s like my eyes light a fire in your soul

But it’s a dream, a mission
A hopeless ambition
To get you to love me
Cos you won’t even look at me
A heart-breaking vision
For this hopeless ambition of mine

I would break my piggy bank for you
But not my bank account too
Just to hear you say “I love you”
If I’m just gonna be your number two

But it’s a dream, a mission
A hopeless ambition
To get you to love me
Cos you won’t even look at me
A heart-breaking vision
For this hopeless ambition of mine

Would you even hear me say
What I really want to say
Would you even let me hold you
Even just for a day
Would you be my shinning star
Though I’m near yet so far
Would you just take the chance
Just let me drive you in my car

But then one day you will regret your decision
For not giving me that one chance
To fill your life with burning passion
Because one day I’ll be famous
And I won’t even give you one glance

But it’s a dream, a mission
A hopeless ambition
To get you to love me
Cos you won’t even look at me
A heart-breaking vision
For this hopeless ambition of mine

I Feel Like This

2010-05-08T19:33:00.000+08:00

I Wish It Could Be The Same

2010-05-08T00:00:00.003+08:00

At long last, after many months, I have recorded a new song, but not just any song at the spur of the moment, but it was something that happened over the last two days that has deeply affected me. If you were involved you know what I am talking about; I hope this can tell you how much I hope that the future will hold so much better things.

I Wish It Could Be The Same

One day I was minding my own business
Doing things the way I used to do
Then suddenly a bolt fell down upon my table
And everything became so blue

Things change and we’re not the same
It’s not so fun like it used to be
It’s obvious that we’re so different now
No more laughing you and me

Chorus:
I wish it could all be the same again
But what is done cannot be erased
Yet there’s so much to learn and to gain
Don’t let this go to waste

Some people love some people and some people don’t get along
But we’re really no different at all
We’re kids trying to find our place among other people
Some are short and some are tall

I wonder if it makes you hate me
And I hope it doesn’t, nor make you cry
We’re all trying to learn and grow together
And together we will get by

Bridge:
It was all an honest mistake
I never meant to hurt you
But then again I know I was wrong
How can I make it up to you?

At the end of the long, long day
When it’s all been said and done
Could there possibly be a way
To bring back the shinning sun?

Chorus 2:
I want to make it sweet again
But I can only see the rain
Do you think that time can make it well?
That, only time can tell
That, only time can tell

How To Survive At JPAM Camp A Little Better Than I Did

2010-04-11T21:42:00.002+08:00

by Samuel K Lis

I was in the first batch of JPAM camp, which was arduous but interesting. If you’re spoilt you may want to steel your nerves and ready yourself for quite a good deal of discomfort, pain and tiredness. But for those adventurous kids out there, you’re in the right place! Here are some of the things you should bring, which I wished I did, to make your two-day stay at Kem Alim a little bit more comfortable.

1. More than one pair of shoes and socks. If it rains, your shoes will get wet, and walking around in wet shoes and socks is very not comfortable nor hygienic. Socks get smelly really fast, so bring more.

2. Lots and lots of shirts, shorts, etc. Unless you’re like Pa’an who pretty much wore the same shirt the whole camp, but shirts get wet and smelly really quick. Again, if it rains you suffer. The weather can be harshly cold and hot quickly, so be ready!

3. They weren’t kidding when they said bring raincoat and torchlight. You will definitely need it sooner than you think.

4. Portable fan – battery operated one. When it’s not raining, and you want to sleep in the tent, and it’s hot and stuffy, you may be thankful you brought a fan along.

5. Insect repellent and ointment is a must.

6. More than one towel, and a bed sheet if you are afraid of dirt. But discomfort is unavoidable, so bear with the hard ground to sleep on.

7. Don’t bother bringing electronics or money because you won’t and can’t use it. Phones will be confiscated.

8. Lot of water. Unless you trust the water cooler – I don’t.

9. Dry food like biscuits. Because if you get hungry at night they don’t give you anything.

10. A positive attitude. It gets tough to stay positive by the next “morning” but once you feel like to die, don’t worry, the worst is probably over.

I survived JPAM camp! So can you!

Dexter Green

2010-04-06T00:30:00.000+08:00

An Excerpt from the Diary of Dexter Green

14 December 1956, New York

Dear Diary

I once loved Judy Jones. I have just heard from a man I bitterly call a friend – Devlin, his name was. He gave me news that my dear Judy Jones has gone off and married some man named Lud Simms. I’ve heard of the marriage, no doubt, but his description of her, I could not believe. I thought maybe he was just another heart that was set to be broken all over again, but no – it appears as if she loves that Lud man.

Devlin told me that Judy Jones – the most beautiful creature I have ever set eyes upon whose slender lips, down-turning, dropping to mine engulfed me in such passionate moments back in those days, yes, the woman who caused me to break off my engagement with Irene Scheerer – has become a dull woman who sits at home while her husband drinks and parties all over town. How could that be? I had a wild impulse to take a train down to Detroit at once. Yet from Devlin’s description, I could not sense the burning fire and beauty of Judy Jones I once came to know and love. She’s faded, he said. She’s faded. Like many other women who fade just like that.

There was a sense of dullness that came upon me that moment. I had an urge to get myself very drunk to forget all the anguish and desperate emptiness roaring deep within. When Devlin left – thank goodness he performed that gratuitous yet kind act quickly – I looked out the window and saw the sun sink into the dull shades of pink and gold, like Judy setting into pale nothingness.

I thought that I had nothing else to lose, but now I’ve lost something more. It did not matter to me that I could not marry Judy. But what difference would it make, I wonder, if I had married her, and find that she would have just as much faded away before my very eyes? It was my dream, my winter dream that I had lost forever. My dream that I could have the best things in life, where Judy was one of those “things” I craved for, loved passionately, and found myself obsessed with. Judy Jones, whose passionate kisses and melancholic eyes set me afire and whose freshness was like dew in the morning. Yet I found, that they have gone away, like my winter dreams – vanished.

I cried bitterly. They were tears of despair that my winter dreams – dreams of illusion, of youth and of the grand richness of life were no more, all lost into a distant memory of Judy Jones whose beauty was never meant to last.

Samuel K Lis

Mr Bean in Avatar

2010-03-13T14:50:00.001+08:00

Chopsticks?

2010-03-06T22:21:00.001+08:00

1. Cup your hand, with your thumb apart from your fingers.
2. Place one chopstick in between your thumb and fingers, resting it against the base of your index finger and the tip of your ring finger.
3. Place the second chopstick parallel with the first, and hold it with your thumb and index and middle fingers, as you would a pencil.
4. Get the ends even by tapping them on the table. Now keeping the bottom chopstick stationary, move the top one by flexing your index and middle fingers up and down.
5. Practice until you can bring the tips of the sticks together easily.
6. Look across the table at the person whose residence you've invaded. Space the sticks about an inch or so apart.
7. In one quick, fluid motion, stab the heathen through both of his or her eyeballs. Screaming, "REPENT!" or "THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU!" at this time is also helpful.
8. Be sure to enjoy the tasty Chinese food they've thoughtfully prepared for you. Don't forget to leave literature!

-----

I had a friend who knew how to hold chopsticks but could never eat with them. They had never figured out that the bottom chopstick is never moved. Confused when I mentioned this, they had trouble trying to hold one chopstick still while moving the top one. Finally, I said something that turned the whole situation into a much more enlightening moment:

The thumb is the fulcrum.

Within moments, they could use the chopsticks.

I'm a bit embarrassed that I may have been using them incorrectly at the time. Eating at a Chinese restaurant not too long ago, I bothered to read the wrapper that my chopsticks came in. I had most of the steps correctly, but as the label points out, now you can pick up anything. So I tried to pick up the table. It didn't work. I'm not sure where I went wrong with the chopsticks, but someday I'll get it.

from http://everything2.com/title/How+to+use+chopsticks

I Love Maths

2010-02-16T17:22:00.001+08:00

“Philosophy is a game with objectives and no rules. Mathematics is a game with rules and no objectives.”

“Mathematics is like love; a simple idea, but it can get complicated.”

"If people do not believe that mathematics is simple, it is only because they do not realize how complicated life is."

"Mathematics is written for mathematicians." – Copernicus

"Small minds discuss persons. Average minds discuss events. Great minds discuss ideas. Really great minds discuss mathematics."

Lagak Wasangka: Konflik

2010-02-05T15:53:00.002+08:00

PS?

2010-02-05T15:43:00.002+08:00

PS? oohh!! PS stands for:

1. most obviously, Play Station! A dream I'm not all that interested in fulfilling...

But here in KMB, we have...
2. Photo System (group of pigments where chlorophyll is the reaction center, for photosynthesis. There is PSI and PSII in cyclic and non-cyclic light dependent reaction)
3. Personal Statement! (very important thing we need to write for our university interviews)

and others could mean:
4. Post Scriptum or PostScript as used in writing, P.s.
5. picosecond
6. Ps for Pastor
7. Power Steering
8. Plastic Surgery
and so on.

Hehhehehe

The Student's Prayer

2010-02-03T10:56:00.002+08:00

Awesomeness

2010-02-02T13:12:00.005+08:00

I love ambigrams. I have computerized 69 already wei!! Still got some not computerized yet. These are some of my favourites

Arlina, classmate

I wonder where these people are now?...

Arnoldweld, roommate.
XD

And NO, I don't take orders, heheh. No time anyway. XD

KMB...

2010-02-02T13:10:00.001+08:00

HP

2010-01-05T01:32:00.001+08:00

HP is for:
Hand Phone
Horse Power
Hewlett-Packard
Harry Potter
Hush Puppies

XD

Yawn

2009-12-27T01:18:00.003+08:00

Wow, it's like I've just woken up from a deeeeep sleep from blogging. Hmmph. What has happened over the past few months? Plenty. First semester of International Baccalaureate (IB) at Kolej Mara Banting has ended, what a relief! [I survived! Yayy] But 3 more to go... I'm ready and raring to go! [except that I have 3 Malay novels to read this holiday and I have only barely started one!]

I find that posting up my feelings or personal stuff or whatnot that I've been doing for 2 years is quite unproductive and anyway I'm an INFJ which means I'm a private-ish person so I don't want to share this kinda stuff yeah. Check out this really cool personality test called the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) by Carl Jung. Do the test HERE and then google your result and read up about it. It's quite an accurate description. It's the current me: I think I've changed quite a lot over this few months at KMB. I've become more confident, more caring, more sensitive. Especially through the d Encounter camp 09 which was awesome!!

I'm an INFJ: Introvert, iNtuition, Feeling, Judging. I'm the rarest kind: only 1% have it. I think the most important feature is being able to feel others and be compassionate. That's really me. I really want to be able to encourage others and make others feel special. Maybe because that's how I wish others would treat me. That's why I love giving presents, and so this Christmas I spent a lot of the money MARA gave me to buy presents... [what shall I eat next semester? gasp] but it's so worth the smile on people's faces!

So, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

MPP! omg omg omg

2009-10-30T20:37:00.002+08:00

Thank you all for your support. I am pleased to anounce that I have won a seat in the Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar of Kolej MARA Banting. I would like to thank my parents, my friends, my support group, my classmates, Pn. Badriyah (Pure Maths teacher) who gave me some wise counsel and of course, my Heavenly Father.

What My Teachers had to say

Comments from Biology Teacher:

"He (Samuel) has the potential to be a good candidate for the MPP post. He shows positive attitude in class and seems to be interested in the subject. He can work well in a group and he's not afraid to voice out his opinion. He would be a good person to represent the voice of the students." (by Cik Ashimah)

Comments from mentor:

"Samuel seorang pelajar yang aktif dan mudah disenangi ramai." (Pn. Roslindawati)
[OK so she didn't say much, but that's only because she's only met me two or three times so far, because she doesn't teach me]

Remember this:
I am here not merely to endure change, no even to profit from it, but to CAUSE it, BE it.

My motto:

"Life is either a daring adventure... or nothing."
The very fact that I RAN for MPP is in itself a daring adventure, because a year ago, I would never have dreamt of even trying to get the position, because I was never brave enough. But now is my time to shine where darkness prevails, to be a voice to speak out in the silence that roars. Now I'm being too poetic. Never mind.
So. Now the adventure begins...

My Manifesto

2009-10-30T20:27:00.001+08:00

My name is Samuel Kana Anak Lis. I am an Iban from Kuching, Sarawak. There are a lot of things that I am passionate about, among them are tennis, music, and arts.

Life without dreams is dead, and life without passion is meaningless.

I dream of becoming a doctor, and I am well on my way. But at this present moment, the most pressing dream in my mind and heart is being part of the elite group of students who will take up the challenge of creating change in this college, and now I am one step closer to realising this dream.

I’m sure that most of you are here, if not to give me support, then to hear what I have to say about why you should elect me. There are many things that I wish I can say that I could provide you with, but I can’t tell you that I can give you all the comforts that the world can offer, because truthfully it would all be empty promises. But you know, anything is possible if we set our minds to it. But not everything is beneficial, so do remember that you’re here not just to enjoy life but to study hard and be able to go overseas.

What I can do is to push for more nutritious food from the Dewan Selera, because we all know that food is essential for our survival and success in this college. In fact, I would want all of us to have a say by later choosing the type of food that we like and don’t like, so that we can suggest to the DS people what we would prefer.

Would you agree if I said that not all our scientific equipments in the labs are top-quality or up to standard? How many times are you lucky to enough to get a microscope that has all the lenses functioning? I will make sure the college administration know about this problem and solve it so that we can all benefit from the best scientific equipment.

I often wish that the library would open on weekends, such as today when I might have needed to look up some information about, say, the haemocytometer in the library, but it’s not open! Of course there’s the Internet, but it’s hard to trust the information that is available for free on the Internet. If there is any Internet available at all. Thus I am going to petition for the library to open on weekends as well. Hard to do, but not impossible.

With so much room for improvement everywhere, there are so many more things we as the MPP team would be able to accomplish, and that’s why I need your vote. Nothing will come easily, but where there’s a will there’s a way! Di mana ada kemahuan, di situ ada jalan.

What you are looking for is what I can bring to the MPP team if I were to be elected. I have creativity and an imagination that can be channelled to making this college a better place to stay and to study in. I am ready and able to work with other people I may not know, and with the college admin. I believe that I can be a dynamic addition to the MPP team with my fun spirit but serious attitude, and all these creative ideas that I am able to generate.

I believe that being a leader is having the confidence and intellectual security that you can listen to advice without having to prove that you’re the smartest person in the room. That’s humility. I believe I can make a difference with my commitment to improvement and excellence.

Saya mungkin tidak sama seperti kamu. Saya tidak bercakap seperti kebanyakan kamu, tetapi saya merupakan salah seorang daripada kamu. Saya mahu mewakili bukan sahaja pelajar bukan Melayu tetapi semua orang yang inginkan seorang wakil yang berwawasan dan bertanggungjawab.

If you would allow me to represent you, believe me, I will not keep silent. I am here not for the glory or glamour, nor am I here to have more things to say in my personal statement. I am here because I believe there is a need for me to amplify your voice with mine. How can I do this? I can listen to you and speak out for you when you need to be heard.

I realized that if you all elect me to be in the MPP, there will be a lot of work, a lot of time and energy put in. But I am fully prepared for that, because I know how to manage my time and get things done with optimum speed and efficiency, like I have done in the choirs and youth camps that I have led. I am committed to fight for YOU.

I am prepared to be responsible and to take the blame for mistakes. I will do my very best, and when I have nothing left in me, I will still continue to work for you, with all the strength and willpower that I have – but I need your support, because no one, not a single one of you is insignificant. Why would I do all this? Because I believe that it is worth it to serve you, and to do all I can for this awesome college.

I will close with my life principle, that is, life is either a daring adventure... or nothing. This, my friends, is a very daring adventure that I have begun and will bring to completion.

Thank you.

My throng of supporters

My political advisor and counsel

Running For MPP

2009-10-08T19:11:00.000+08:00

I'm running for MPP (Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar), can you believe it? Sometimes I think awhile I wonder at my sudden burst of courage and filial determination to help and to serve my college. Anyway, check out my campaign at Samuel K Lis For MPP!!

Maths Is Actually Quite Cool

2009-09-29T14:14:00.000+08:00

In a room with 30 people a gambler makes a wager: "I bet there are at least two people in this room with the same birthday -- day and month."
What is the gambler's chance of winning this bet? Surprisingly, it turns out to be better than 70%!

Check it out, at Numb3rs!

KMB ROCKS!!!

2009-09-28T22:10:00.006+08:00

OK let's not get carried away. No, Kolej MARA Banting is not the most comfortable place in the world. No, no, no. It's just that right now, I feel so very proud of my college for doing so well in the Merdeka celebration competitions that was held from 26th to 27th September, 2009. This morning the results were announced; KMB swept the choir, pidato, poster, multimedia competition for first prize, and the sketsa and deklamasi sajak for second place.
I joined the choir, and it was so fun! I would say that it would have sucked if we hadn't won, because it seems like all the other colleges (9 of them: all the Kolej MARA and Kolej Profesional MARA) didn't understand what the meaning of "Nyanyian Lagu Patriotik Berkumpulan" was: only 3 groups were actual choirs; the rest were singing karaoke and dancing and prancing about; it was so funny! In the end I think it was only 3 groups competing seriously; I am so happy that KMB came out tops!
More pictures on the amazing FaceBook... XD

Tomorrow, I return to the college: my home away from home. Really, I do feel like it's almost my third home, because I miss my friends, my comfortable routine, and tennis. XD

Time Travel Again? Nooooo

2009-09-17T23:57:00.002+08:00

Holidays, don't we all love holidays? This time I have more than two blessed weeks of holidays because of Hari Raya! A few days ago I watched "13 Going On 30", "17 Again", "Monsters Vs. Aliens" and "Monsters, Inc" on the computer, heheh.

"13 Going On 30" was very sweet because I learnt to not take friends for granted, and "17 Again" was funny and heart-warming because I learnt to not take your loved ones for granted. These two movies are similar, I supppose, but their methods of "time travelling" are opposite; one 13-year-old girl goes forward in time to see how her life would be at 30 years old, whereas the other is a 40-year-old man becoming his 17-year-old self, but still in the same time zone, which would make more sense because they don't change the past, per se, but the present and future. Time is such an abstract thing, like a whole dimension, that's why I find movies that go to the past to change something, do not follow the rules. Like "Back To The Future", or "Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban", or "Lost"... anyway, those were two sweet movies that you should watch. The other two monster movies were... funny and animated but nothing learnt there. XD (by the way, Zac Efron with the long curly hair looked like Rafael Nadal heheheh)

On the other hand, I watched "UP" last week. It was so beautifully done; I think it is one of my favourite movies because it has such deep themes despite its illogical sequence of events. Must watch!

Happy holidays to myself...!!

Singapore!! [And Pulau Pangkor]

2009-08-27T08:18:00.005+08:00

I just got back yesterday from holidaying in Singapore with my family for 4 days, and after that an overnight stay at Pulau Pangkor. I don't know whose absurd idea that was, to travel like that; I am so exhausted now, but yet I am swamped by assignments and lab reports and a whole drama "Trem Bernama Desire" to read and write about... but it was a much-needed break from my college life.

Singapore was so very organised, systematic and structured, and the people there are so well-mannered and respectful! On the other side of the [Singapore] coin, Pulau Pangkor was... well, Malaysian. I still can't get over how everything in Singapore was so orderly, from the trains and buses to the queuing up in front of the toilets! Public transport is, of course as rumoured, tried and tested by myself, so very efficient!

But beneath the pristine exterior, there is a culture of competition, stress, and as one may say, a "sterile life". I couldn't possibly live there, as one who loves to relax and take my time, could I? Furthermore, we must be thankful that medical health care in Malaysia is almost free, while in Singapore everything runs as a proft-gaining business. Nevertheless I think we should all learn from our neighbours and adopt the good qualities that they possess.

Oh and Vivo city was beautiful; and I went to Cornerstone on Sunday!! Of course, not forgetting the awesomeness of the Chilli Crab! [which I am allergic to, so I got itchy lips after that, but the taste was well worth the slight discomfort later...] The Singapore Zoo was fun because of the sea lion show at the Splash Ampitheathre... and the penguins were so cute!!

Finally, Pulau Pangkor was... normal. I like Kuching beaches [note the spelling, not the pronunciation] better. XD

"Hey Sam, where're you going?"
"I'm going to SIN!"

Lose My Senses

2009-08-20T20:53:00.002+08:00

If you had to lose any one of your five senses, which would you give up?
My answer to this question in Theory of Knowledge (a mind-twisting, confusing and utterly but oddly enlightening subject I have to take) did not take the twinkling of an eye, but after thinking it through, I realized that the decision was not as easy as it seemed.
Let me first order my senses on its importance to obtaining information about the world around me, enjoying life and serving others: Sight, Hearing, Touch, Taste, and finally Smell. That’s right, I would give up my sense of smell if I had no other choice. Why is that so? Because I don’t find any particular joy in smelling something aromatic; in fact, smells overpower me to an extent where I wish I couldn’t smell, for example some noveaux-riches who put on powerful perfumes that could potentially kill someone, or a certain person who smells horrible but doesn’t know it. I could live without smell, definitely. But then I remembered that the sense of taste relies on smell quite heavily. If I couldn’t smell, then I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the wonders of food. But really, I eat to live, not live to eat, so smell and taste are some things I could live without.
Sight? No way, don’t ever take my sight from me (please God, please). I cannot imagine how blind people can survive without some sort of picture of their surroundings. I would be so afraid, so scared. My hearing? My world crashed upon me when I lose my right ear hearing for a few months; I cannot live without it. Touch? I need touch to get around, but what if I was paralyzed?
I must thank God that I am healthy and abled, but I will never take for granted all that I have. And also to think of others who may be less fortunate. How about you? Which of your senses would you give up?

KMB Choir Performance

2009-08-20T20:48:00.018+08:00

On the 17th August 09 the choir of MARA College Banting performed for the graduation of the 07-09 batch of MCB students. We had put in many, many hours in practice (for CAS hours, mostly, like co-curriculum marks) and I had arranged the choir parts for 3 of the 4 songs we sang. It was a great experience of learning to work together with other people who may have different capabilities, experience and expectations than I might have, to tolerate and adapt to change at the tenth hour (which happened quite frequently in major proportions), to be punctual, and to manage my time well around the practice hours.

The graduation itself was inspiring. I was quite moved when we were singing “You Raise Me Up” as the graduating students presented their parents with flowers and there were hugs and tears all around. Maybe it was because the solo singer, Asyraf’s voice could melt the coldest hard, but I think the moment and emotions of it all just came rushing in like a blast of warm air that surrounded the grand hall of Dewan Sri Endon, Putrajaya. I was inspired to do my very best to achieve greatness, which I believe is well within the reach of every one of us – not only to go further in our studies but to make my parents proud.

Quite unpleasantly, though, was that I learnt the true meaning of opportunity cost when I had to forgo excellence in tennis for choir. I was dropped from the national competition selection squad because I could not play sports for almost a month due to choir practices which clashed with tennis; worse still when I returned after the graduation; I had completely lost my touch and shot-making abilities (which weren’t all that great before that, anyway) and I was no longer in good stead with the advisor and club president. This, along with the expended time and energy, was the cost of pursuing what I love – music, which will always be a part of me; even when I get too busy to sing, my heart will still have its song.

The Flu Has Finally Reached Me

2009-08-01T10:19:00.003+08:00

[written on Friday, 31 July]

These are uncertain times that I am in now. MARA College Banting has officially closed its doors for at least one week due to the recent H1N1 scare that I thought would never affect me, but here we are in such uncertain times. It was only the day before when I heard that there was one suspected case of H1N1. Then yesterday there were four suspected cases. It was such a commotion, as everything was heard from someone else, and no one was sure what was really happening; I heard rumours from the mak ciks at the co-op, hearsays from friends and finally a little more concrete information from teachers; but we were all still quite in the dark, until this afternoon.

At 3 in the afternoon, there was a briefing in the college about the H1N1 outbreak, which cleared the cloud of doubt surrounding the whole issue. An ENT specialist and his professor wife came to give a concise but complete talk about the flu, its causes, symptoms and ways to prevent it. Basically, you would have reason for alarm if you had a fever, runny nose, or sore throat, or a combination of these, or other related illnesses. The good news is, over 90% of those who contracted this disease can recover without antiviral treatment. You just need a lot of rest and fluids for the virus to go away within 7 days. The most important things to do to avoid the disease is social distancing, cough etiquette, not sharing anything, and washing hands regularly. And pray.

Anyway, there were some discrete statistics given to us; there are 1302 cases and 4 deaths in Malaysia so far. 30 students in the college apparently showed symptoms and so are under suspicion of disease; there has been one confirmed case in the college. During the talk, the director said that there was 80% chance that the college will shut down, but I have recently received information that the college is officially under quarantine until 9th August. That is terrific news, until we found out that the school days will be replaced during the December holidays, which means a shorter end-of-year semester break, which sucks. But this is definitely a welcome relief for a hectic past few weeks of lab reports, standardized tests and homework.

I welcome the extra sleep I can get. But I just have to be careful not to get sick. I must not get sick while I stay at my Banting home for the next 9 days with my dad and Evan Sun.

I Quote

2009-07-16T22:12:00.003+08:00

"Life is like a piano; the black keys represent the bad times, the white keys represent the good times, but don’t forget that black keys make music too."

"Money won't make you happy... but everybody wants to find out for themselves."
[Zig Ziglar]

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."
[Zig Ziglar]

"Don't frown because you never know who is falling in love with your smile."
[SinVyeSt Tan]

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind"

"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose."
[Bill Gates]

"Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often."
[Mark Twain]

"Only kings, presidents, editors, and people with tapeworms have the right to use the editorial 'we'."
[Mark Twain]

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it."
[Mark Twain]

"There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded."
[Mark Twain]

"What, sir, would the people of the earth be without woman? They would be scarce, sir, almighty scarce."
[Mark Twain]

"Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company."
[Mark Twain]

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell."
[C. S. Lewis]

"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither."
[C. S. Lewis]

"If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning."
[C. S. Lewis]

"Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see."
[C. S. Lewis]

"You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."
[C. S. Lewis]

Last but not least...

"Christians are supposed not merely to endure change, nor even to profit by it, but to cause it."
[Harry Emerson Fosdick]

It's a BLAST!

2009-06-30T21:19:00.016+08:00

It was a dark, dark Thursday night. The junior students of Kolej MARA Banting, still in their first week of their stay, in their formal attire, with no clue whatsoever of what was to happen, were gathered like sheep ready for slaughter, into two groups – one for the rams and one for the ewes. They were then told, by the senior sheep, to remove all valuable items and our bags – in the cold, dark night, under a tall building, with nothing but the faint moonlight to light our path. It was the 25th of June; I should have suspected something was wrong. Yet, we, the juniors, innocently followed ever command from the seniors’ lips. They tied up each group in nylon string, each senior with a gleam in their eyes; we were trapped.

The senior sheep then instructed us to sing Barney’s “I Love You”, with the guise of incalcating unity. He then instructed us to shout “It’s a blast!” to his calls of “IB!” So it went like this:

Senior sheep: “IB!”
Junior sheep: “It’s a blast!”
Senior sheep: “IB!”
Junior sheep: “It’s a BLAST!”

As we, the innocent and helpless juniors, declared those last words with astute confidence, suddenly a wave of cold water crashed down upon our heads. It was a wild chaotic scene of screams and flailing arms as the junior guys started running all over the place. Alas, it was a hoax; a scam; a prank! More water was being splashed upon us, and I was unfortunately directly under the building so I probably got the worst of it.

When the guys eventually plucked up the courage to return to the general vicinity, we realized that the girls were still huddled together in a tight circle due to the nylon bonds that held them. We, the guys, wondered in amazement at the girls’ bravery – that was, until the seniors splashed more water on them. The girls then started screaming and slowly trying to walk away: it was such a comical sight! We then concluded that the girls weren’t all that united; they just couldn’t break free!

“Welcome to KMB,” said the seniors, in a cold, mocking voice that will forever send chills down my spine for the next two years of my life. But it was all good fun; no one got hurt, and we got some junk food later to munch on. After that, all anger and grudges would disappear together with crunchy junk food that satisfied us hungry students who get nothing but a morsel or two of food each day.

Hello, From KMB

2009-06-29T21:03:00.000+08:00

I have FINALLY found an Internet connection, after one whole week of staying at Kolej MARA Banting. That’s one of the most annoying things about being here, but I’m quite sure I will find some way to obtain some form of regular connection to the real world.

[Can you believe it? I wouldn’t have known Michael Jackson died if a friend’s friend didn’t tell the friend who told a friend, and then only news travelled to my ears, but I have absolutely no connection to the outside world, how sad is that?]

I love my friends here! There are (as of now, before the 2nd intake students arrive) 37 non-Malay juniors, as compared to only 16 for the 2nd year students. 12 are from Sarawak, and 6 from Kuching. Awesome right? There are also quite a number of Malays who are also from the said city. Kuching rocks!! Sadly, none of them are in my class, but I can cope and make more friends, amen!

As of now, I have my own room to myself (most people have one roommate), and thank God, because the rooms are absolutely crammed and tiny. [I just want to take this opportunity to thank whoever was in room C226 for keeping the room cleaning for me. XD] So I have had the liberty of messing up my room for the sake of convenience. It turns out that this was the case because I was the last non-Malay taking Medicine to register. So, it’s not always bad to be late. XD However I have recently found out that my privacy will soon be invaded by the likes of another student who has been told to move to my room for certain undisclosed reasons. I was so irritated the whole day, but I have come to terms with this turn of events, provided I cannot assert myself to prevent this catastrophe from happening.

To conclude my short update on my college life, (my mind still has not grasped the idea that I am officially and permanently studying in KMB for 2 years) the first week has been an exciting journey, and I’m sure the rest of the two years will be more fun, more challenging, more exciting and a daring adventure in which I can put all my trust in God.

Rainbow Sun

2009-06-17T14:53:00.006+08:00

Did anyone see the sun today? I captured these pictures at around 1.30 to 2 pm today, 17th June 09. You see, I was playing tennis by myself, you know, hitting the ball on the wall as I have always done when I have nothing better to do and to lose a bit of weight. I wanted to practice my serve, so I threw the ball up, and as I was about to hit the ball with my trusty racquet, I noticed something peculiar about the sun. Then I saw the rainbow.

I wonder what this means. Is it a natural phenomenon that happens often? Or is it a sign of something to come? I heard my Filipino pastor in Banting say that in the Philippines, this was a sign of an incoming typhoon. But not in Malaysia, I hope not. Hmmm... Anyway I hope my eyes don't get damaged for staring at the sun for quite a substantial amount of time...

What The Lizard

2009-06-16T20:58:00.004+08:00

If you're wondering what in the world a lizard-like creature is doing anywhere near my camera, that's because my sister found it wandering around the house a few days ago, and scream she did! Eventually my dad caught it, put it in the container, and so there it lies, awaiting its fate, and wishing every moment that it had been so wise as to listen to its mother's wise advice, but alas, it was too late. My dad said that it's a monitor lizard, but aren't those really huge things? This one looks like a baby crocodile or something. In case you're wondering what happened to it, NO we are not keeping it; my dad threw it out into the "wild" (which translates to: a different part of the neighbourhood to frighten our neighbours), and that creature should learn its lesson by now, to never wander into foreign territory. You know, people in some places actually catch these lizards for food! They include, for example, the Ibans. But this time, the lizard was lucky not to have become our dinner.

A Walk To Remember [Gawai 09]

2009-06-08T18:29:00.017+08:00

Hari Gawai: Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai - I have no idea what that means. But anyway, ashamed as I am for not knowing much about my culture and language, who's up for some exotic food? Here are some sago worms for you!

We had quite a lot of visitors on the first day of Gawai when my family drove to Kampung Seruit. The ride from the main road up the hills and plains for a good 7 or 8 miles was terribly bumpy becaue of road contruction, so I doubt that any of the city dwellers who came to visit had much fun on the road. For example, my very pampered cousins from Kuching who never tasted the rough side of life.

On the other hand, my other cousins staying at the kampung know the area like the back of their hands, and I'm pretty sure even the youngest of them are a lot more hardy than all of YOU.

Some of them really had no clue where they were: They came for the ride, expecting jungles, rivers and insects; they are surprised to see technology far more advanced than their initial expectations of primitive sticks and stones; they then happily seat themselves down to watch TV. Below are the two said city kids.

Then, of course, there's my darling ~~[bitch]~~ Baby, who's growing all the fatter every year, but still loves my family so very much although we abandoned her, left her at the kampung, and only visit her twice a year. That, my friends, is called loyalty, that only a dog can give. "Dog look up to us, cats look down on us, and pigs treat us as equals." XD XD

On the second day of Gawai, my family went to other kampungs to visit people; somehow everyone around the area are related in some way, so my dad kind of knew most people there. There was this cute baby whom Esther (my sister) came to adore. Later my mom commented that the baby looked quite like how Esther herself did when she was that age. Especially the curly hair and cute chubby face. XD

Lastly, to reconcile the strange title and the content of this post, the following picture is a boy who has Down's Syndrome. He's actually my age. He was a part of my mom's research for her PhD, so I can't show his face nor his name due to ethics and confidentiality whatnot, but I must tell you that these special children are really, really friendly and cute. I hope the society can view them as human beings who just need extra care and attention, for they deserve a normal life like you and me.

French Open 2009

2009-06-08T10:29:00.008+08:00

Finally, after three years of heart-shattering defeat after defeat at the hands of Rafael Nadal in the previous French Open finals, Roger Federer stepped up to the plate of history by defeating Robin Soderling (who graciously bombed the said King of Clay Rafael Nadal to his first ever defeat on the red French clay) and claiming his first ever French Open title, tying Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slams, and becoming only the sixth man to have won at all four Grand Slams.

Yeah, I know, he lost the Australian Open this year and his Wimbledon crown last year to his nemesis Rafael Nadal, but that did not stop him from displaying his very best on clay, winning Roland Garros with a 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4 thrashing of Robin Soderling, who has powerful and fast ground strokes that beat superb players like Rafael Nadal, Nikolay Davydenko and Fernando Gonzalez, so that this time around Federer did not have to face Nadal, but a bigger opponent - that is, history.

And if any of you wish to say that Federer's prime has ended, think again! If it weren't for that bully Rafael Nadal, Federer could have won, what, five more Grand Slams. But that is the past - Federer must reclaim the Wimbledon crown he lost to Nadal!!

We Are One - 1Malaysia

2009-06-04T12:40:00.003+08:00

This is a song I wrote and recorded for the 1Malaysia songwriting competition. However after I finished it I found out that the song had to be in BM, and must be less than 2 minutes long. Writing a song in BM was hopeless, so I gave up. So, anyway, enjoy the song! [By the way if the verses sound like "To Make You Feel My Love"... then I was listening to too much Kris Allen. XD XD]

We Are One
by Samuel Kana Anak Lis 2009

Verse 1:
This is a land of flowing rivers
This is a land of vibrant trees
This is a land of diverse nature
All swaying to our tropical breeze

Verse 2:
This is a land of smiling faces
This is a land of unity
This is a land of many races
Yet all live in peace and harmony

Chorus:
This is Malaysia
We are one
This is our nation
We are free
Whether rain or shine
Through the stormy sea
We are one
We are one

Verse 3:
This is a land of hardworking hands
This is a land of determination
This is a land with dreams and visions
To be the best and serve our nation

Verse 4:
This is a land of moral values
This is a land of integrity
We’ll fight the fight and win the battle
This nation belongs to you and me

Bye Bye KMNS, Hello KMB

2009-06-03T14:35:00.002+08:00

My GOD. I just heard from the man himself, that Mr. Ryner Lai, the ever-speechful, religious faithful, musically very-much-inclined from my very own SMK Batu Lintang, has gotten the very same college that I did - Kolej MARA Banting (a.k.a MARA College Banting a.k.a MCB) - and thus will be with me for the next two years. God forbid, we might even end up in the same university in UK!! Amidst the shock, I am secretful thankful to God that I will have some company in MCB, and that there will be a good Christian friend to support me.

Anyway, I left Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan for good on Friday, hitching a ride from my Maths lecturer Mr. Wong who also lives in Banting. I was greeted by a great deal of insufferable heat, and with no air-conditioning in my Banting house, it was a lot of suffering for two days. Then I flew back to Kuching on Sunday night - what a relief!

My best friend in KMNS, Alexander Lee

My mentor, Pn. Juliah

My roommate, Ahmad "Kuchai" Qusyairie

Maths lecturer, Mr. Wong Yong Geng

Meanwhile, I cannot believe that Rafael Nadal lost on the clay courts of Rolang Garros (French Open) for the first time, in the fourth round, to the 23rd seed Robin Soderling of Sweden!! I was so very, very pleasantly shocked that the king of clay has finally lost, after winning four consecutive French Open titles. Now, make way for Roger Federer!!

Kris Allen Wins!

2009-05-21T11:42:00.005+08:00

Who does the American Idol Season 8's crown go to? It is the dark horse of the competition Kris Allen, the Christian worship leader from Conway, Arkansas, who also plays the piano and guitar - Kris Allen won!!

OK, fine, many people have commented that maybe Adam Lambert the drag queen guy deserved it more on merits of talent and performance, and maybe Kris Allen was straining so much in third and last song, but he probably won because many people in America don't like Adam Lambert's over-doing-it kind of style, and maybe the conservative Christians who used to be Danny Gokey fans now went all out for Kris Allen... but I'm not complaining!

By the way I only managed to watch the second half of the finale in the college's Kedai Serbaneka, I know, it's so pathetic, but what can a loyal fan do? XD

Anyway my gravest apologies if you were waiting for the results show to find out the winner. Xo My favourite song of the whole season: Falling Slowly!!

By the way, did anyone notice a trend for all the seasons of American Idol? I'm not sure about the first 3 seasons because I only started watching from Carrie Underwood onwards, but it seems like the winners were always the one to sing the last in the finale. I wonder if this was the producers' doing... again, you don't hear me complaining!

MARA Vs. KMNS

2009-05-18T11:56:00.002+08:00

[I am blogging from the college's cyber cafe. Hullo, this is a happy man!!]

The pot of gold versus the pot of dirt - which one should I choose? You would think that it was such an obvious, in-the-face question that any sane man would answer with no qualms whatsoever, but this decision took a lot of time, thinking, praying, and discussing with friends and family.

The Matriculation course is much easier, with only 3 exam subjects to study for, but with a more limited option of studying locally after that. On the other hand, if I go for MARA, the IB program is a hell lot tougher, with 6 subjects including BM (which I loathe), but it is more all-rounded and guarantees me a place in a university overseas, provided that I meet the exam requirements. After talking to my family and church members, I decided to take the challenge of the harder and more narrow path.

I know, I'll miss my new friends here, but it's not like I would have been able to see them that often here anyway, since we'll all be going to our separate classes and lecture rooms. But anyway, I'll be staying around at Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan for another two weeks, until I return to Kuching for Gawai, then I'll restart my college journey at MARA College Banting at the end of June. You ask, why I don't go home straight away? Well I want to hang out with my friends a bit, exploit the facilities more, and also maybe I can learn something new from the first few classes of Maths, Biology and Chemistry. No harm getting a head start, right?

Isn't it just so weird, that all three of the Lis children are sponsored by MARA, all doing Medicine, and all probably going to Ireland? Well, what can I say? It's really God's blessing.

MARA

2009-05-16T23:50:00.003+08:00

MARA is being kind to me but someone's not appreciating it, and that's right, it's me.

I know, I should be so very happy and dancing in Cloud 9. I know I should be so very thankful for this wonderful opportunity to do this extremely difficult Pre-U program, and spend two long, hard years to prepare to go overseas. But I don't know, maybe I was expecting it already, and maybe I'm so reluctant to go because my sister makes it sound so very tough and challenging.

But I think the main reason is because I'm enjoying myself so much at Matriculations, I've made more friends that I had expected, and the Matrics course just sounds so much faster and easier. I'd be such a fool to reject MARA. But I don't know. A friend of mine, Gary Buja, who is now completing his IB Program at Kolej MARA Banting, did comment that he liked it better in Matrics because there were more people to make friends with, but in the MARA College people are more kia-su and less humble. It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, you know.

Then there's the question of whether or not I really want to go to UK or Ireland, where people are snobbish and proud, and the white people intimidate me so. Is the prestige worth the cold weather and the godlessness of the West?

But for the sake of my future, my dreams, my ambitions... I'm going stay around in Matrics for two more weeks, and see how it goes. *sigh* Why am I complaining that God is blessing me so much? This would seem, to any other person, such an easy choice to make. But, it's not for me.

But I thank God for the opportunity to choose. Some people don't get to choose. Some people didn't even get Matrics, so I will stop complaining now.

Matrics: My Sentiments

2009-05-16T17:05:00.004+08:00

This is quite a momentous ocassion for me, to have survived the orientation week of Matriculations. I am officially a college student, starting a new phase of higher education. I am no longer a child!

What the last week has taught me was about time and money management. The lack of free time because of the hectic schedule has taught me to be more time conscious. Time and tide waits for no man, and once it's gone, it will never come back. That was the topic of one of the mentor-mentee discussions, in which I went on a abstract description that time is a dimension and some absurd thing like that, while others said time was like a river that runs, or like a biscuit that finishes. As for money, I think I'm wasting money on food, because I tend to take too much food but cannot finish it.

I have also learnt to be more sociable, and make friends faster, because I realize that to survive in an environment like this, you really need to make friends and allies fast. A lot of my social contacts here depeneded heavily on who I sat with during the Dewan Kuliah, or in the surau, or during the general assembly. So far I have been blessed with good friends, and I hope this continues wherever I go.

This experience also taught me about leadership, and to take the intiative when you need to. Just so you know, there are nine Christians in the whole group of non-Malays. I decided to take the initiative of asking the Hal Ehwal Pelajar on what the procedure of going to church on Sundays is, because we are not allowed to go out on Sundays. Then I made an announcement to get all the Christians' names and phone contact. Unfortunately I won't be able to continue as the leader, and do you wonder why?

Just some interesting statistics:
Almost all the non-Malay girls are from Penang, and almost all the non-Malays from Penang are girls. Almost all the non-Malay guys are from Selangor, and almost all the non-Malays from Selangor are guys. Get it? There are possible three times more girls than guys. There are just a handful of students who are in Sains Hayat (Life Science), but almost all of those in Sains Fizik (Physical Science) wants to change to Hayat. I doubt that many of them will get what they want.
There are 1953 students in KMNS, and 602 or them are guys. That's kind of sad, isn't it?

KMNS

2009-05-16T15:13:00.004+08:00

I'm back for the weekend!! Before last Monday, I would never have thought I would be saying this, but honest to goodness, with every fibre and being of my poor soul, I actually enjoyed being in Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan, I really do! I don't regret going at all. [the reluctance and prejudice was mainly because of my sister Hosanna's accounts of her misery in Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan, which probably sucks a lot, wahahaaaa]

The first day of Matrics, 11 May 2009, was quite a mess and a horror, though. First of all was the journey to Kuala Pilah. The trip took about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and we had to pass a streth of road that twisted and turned like mad, really "seperti ular kena palu". That was awesomely scary! When we arrived (my parents sent me, at 2 in the afternoon) I was wearing a striped white shirt. I was told to change to a plain bright shirt, because that was the dress code. But I confidently went in, although a Facilitator (Faci for short) stopped me. Then I met a lecturer, Pn. Nancy Tan, who was like, "Oh, you're Lis' son! I know Lis! He's my friend! We taught together before! I'm from Kuching too!" and I was like, "Wow, seriously? Small world."

It was raining at about 5 p.m. when the non-Malays went to the Dewan Kuliah [DK] while the Malays did their prayer. I was using a pink umbrella; when I closed it, I cut my index finger, and it was bleeding badly; I was so frantic looking for a plsater, and when I found one in my wallet, I was so very thankful that I was smart enough to bring these necesseties with me all the time. Another traumatic experience was waiting to leave the surau, because some stupid Faci was enjoying the power to torture us who were tired and haven't even eaten dinner by 11.30 p.m. but I made a friend at the surau, his name is Cheah Peng Han from Subang, Selangor.

The non-Malays listening to a lecturer giving some boring speech at the DK

That night, I was very tired, very warm [did you know that Kuala Pilah is the hottest and driest area in Malaysia?] and I was regretting coming to Matrics. But it got better in the following days. The only things I hated was waking up at 4.30 a.m. and having to get out of the block by 5, so the whole day everyone was damn tired. Then there's the stupid, stupid tiny red ants that get into all my food if I don't close it up in air-tight packages. Stupid, stupid ants. Surprisingly there are no mosquitoes at all, probably because of the extreme weather. Then there's this phrase that applies to sports attire:

"Baju dalam seluar, [that's perfectly understandable]
Seluar dalam stoking, [that's damnfully shitful]
Stoking dalam kasut." [and that's like, duh]

Cheah and I in the green alien costume

Alex(ander) the greenman from Klang

I forgot this guy's name lah

Wow, look at all the paus!

The blue people

Well we were all very tired...

But aside from that, I quite enjoyed the sessions with the funny female Facis who made us do funny actions and played games. Then there were the cheers, and the war, like "Reload, Aim, Fire!" and "Hidung Tinggi". I also made many good friends, like Alex (Indian guy), Alex (Chinese guy from Klang), Cheah, Lam and Han. The Malay guys I got to know were also really fun, like my roommate Qusyairie (I only have one roommate, thank God), my classmates Yaya, Azar and Najeh, and three random guys from block B4 (my block), called Haikal, Akmal and Safuan. To top it all, my life became bright when I found out that there was a washing machine downstairs that I can use to wash my clothes for RM3, maximum load of 10kg. Alhamdulilah!! [hehehe] I even met a ex-classmate from SMK Batu Lintang, Kuching, whose name is Nur Atikah, as well as a pair of Indian twins from SMK Telok Panglima Garang, which is the school my father teaches in.

My classmates (praktikum)

One of the hotter and prettier Malay female Facis (only the pink one)

Lam and Han

Some silly Facis

Me and some Chinese guys

Akmal [do you think he looks like Obama?], Safuan and Haikal

My roommate; call him Kuchai

Krishna, Nagen and the darker Alex

Jason on the left, and the rest I've forgotten their names hehe

I think I will enjoy the academic program, because it is fast-paced, non-spoon-feeding and self-relying. I was elated when I found out that the exams only had 3 subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Maths! [for Sains Hayat / Life Science] I was so happy that I didn't have to study BM!! The sports facilities here are also really good, with tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, squash and takraw courts to use. But with 1953 students, I don't know how I'd get the chance to play...

Sorry for the lameness. XD

The Faci that I hated so much on the first day, but I came to appreciate his efforts to make us more time-conscious... NOT!! May all the thousand bees sting his ass and the thousand armies of ants march up his *censored*...

But I had a feeling that I may have to leave all this, because MARA scholarship results were coming out soon, and I didn't know if I would have to leave KMNS, which I was enjoying thoroughly, and the many good friends I have made.

Right. Wow. Such insightful thoughts.

I use my finger to dig my various orifices

And your lameness overwhelms me

In and out? Aiyoh, go in one ear, go out one ear. Tsk tsk tsk

SOB

2009-05-09T22:02:00.003+08:00

You know what the saddest part about leaving to Matrics is? Not that I'll be leaving the house for more than three days, or that I don't get my 24-hour Internet access, or that I won't be having my laptop at all, or that I can't watch TV... But the fact that I'm not even planning to stay there for long, and that I'LL HAVE TO MISS THE LAST TWO EPISODES OF AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 8. ~~I hate you.~~

Kris Allen Rocks

2009-05-08T13:07:00.013+08:00

Kris Allen and Danny Gokey are Christians, did you know that? Did you know that? Did you know that? Well now I am a huger fan of Kris Allen. I wished Allison Iraheta would stay longer, but it's three mighty men, and Danny Gokey's getting annoying, and I feel that people are voting for him because they pity him, awwwww, and also (Pastor Vic said) because the Christians are voting for him. Ah well.

My ideal competition: Kris Allen, Allison Iraheta and Megan Joy Corkrey in the final three, and then Kris Allen battles it out against Allison Iraheta, and Kris Allen wins!! But, unfortunately, like I said, it's three men and no girl-power to cheer for. Ah, how I wish Adam Lambert wasn't so talented, then he would be booted out, cos I don't like his screechy songs, and he's so GAY.

A Strange Dream

2009-05-08T12:21:00.002+08:00

I had the strangest dream last night/this morning. In the dream, I was back in school, in Form 5, apparently. I don't know why but I was in the same class with Daniel Choon (Banting guy), Jeremy Lim and Ryner Lai (Kuching people) and three ang-moh girls. Daniel Choon was just telling me, what a very exciting year this will be, referring to the ang-moh girls.

Then I remember, the class started singing a Christian song, I can't remember what it was, then Pn Nasiwah (my Chemistry teacher in Banting) came in and started scolding us, and we all had to stand up, and all those who were not Sarawakians was allowed to sit down. I was thinking to myself, damn those West Malaysians... then Cikgu Ridos came in (my BM teacher in Kuching, whom I remember disliking very much) and started scolding us like mad, and then he told everyone to take out a safety pin, open it and prick your finger until it bled. At that point I was so scared, like oh shit what is happening? When I saw the blood coming out, then I woke up, and realized it was a dream, and was so thankful. But it got me thinking, like, it was a small taste of what it was like to be persecuted. I mean, this may happen, say, if revival came to Kuching, and the Christians may be persecuted for our faith.

Anyway, I went back to sleep, and then I was being chased by Cikgu Ridos, and I reached the ISCF, and I dived into the class head-on, and then I was safe. Then, there was Maths class, and Pn. Chan (my Maths teacher in Kuching) was teaching some graph, and I was asking Jeremy, what was her name, and he was telling me not to ask him anything while teacher was teaching, and I was sulking, and Ryner was sitting beside me, and asked me for a piece of paper, and then I woke up.

Sorry for boring you with a bizarre dream of mine.

Matrics Here I Come

2009-05-08T10:31:00.004+08:00

Well, on Monday I will be off to Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, to start a new phase of my life, which I hope is only temporary because I do not intend to stay there for long, and I shall be praying hard for MARA to PLEASE be gracious to me. My mom says that it's too dangerous to bring my laptop, so I will be without any form of fun, stimulation or entertainment for a week, two weeks maybe?

But anyway, this marks the end of my long holiday since the end of Novemeber, that was just a little over five months, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but could have used a little better if it wasn't for FACEBOOK and WATCHING TENNIS ON TV which stole a lot of time from me, but ah well it was my holiday after all. I managed to accomplish some things, at least; I served God by serving the church, by playing for church in Kuching and Banting, almost every week, as well as by helping my pastor in GFS Banting. I managed to re-record quite a few of my songs, which I have meant to do since last year. I managed to start writing a story, which is probably three quarters to completion, which I can continue anytime. I learnt driving, and managed to keep accident-free, thank God. I helped my mother transcribe her interviews, albeit reluctantly and slowly. I made cards, lots of cards. I watched lots of movies, I followed American Idol faithfully (OH NO I MIGHT HAVE TO MISS THE FINALE COS OF MATRICS!!!) and lots of other things.

I don't think this was a waste of my holiday. It was a well-deserved rest after a tiring long year of Form 5, and with a well-deserved result to complement it. Besides I can't turn back the clock; like Master Uguay said in Kungfu Panda: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift! That's why it's called present!"

My Friends: The Mushrooms, Leprechauns and Bear

2009-05-05T19:26:00.003+08:00

[If you should bother to waste some amount of time reading this, this is a story I wrote for fun in Form 2. Have fun!]

Part I – Crickets and Mushrooms and What Not

Once upon a night, I heard a dim, tinkling music outside my bedroom window. It was a faint jingling, a tingling rhythm, a tinkly tinkly tink to my ears. I strained my ears to listen, and what a soft but sure melody it was! I longed to see what it was that made that beautiful song.
I made such minimal sounds and such great care to open my window. The sound waves were much less dimmed as I stepped out into night. A warm breeze blew from the direction of the moon, stirring the leaves of the trees ever so slightly.
The music was coming from somewhere behind my house. I tip-toed silently, following the direction of the sound, towards a cluster of tall trees. I stopped behind a large apple tree just a distance away from where I imagined the sound was coming from. From where I stood, there was a circle of mushrooms in the middle of the clearing at the center of the ring of large trees.
I climbed up the apple tree to a height where the mushrooms were clearly visible. It was then that my eyes caught sight of several tiny green insects, probably crickets from what I know. To my surprise, they were each playing a fiddle, making a harmonious sound. They were singing, too, and their song was something like this:

The night is blue,
What might we do?
The moon is pretty,
So let us party!

I almost clapped my hands in joy! Oh what a nice dream this was going to be! But I remained silent and my eyes kept watching intently.
As soon as the tiny little musicians had ended their song, sparks of light began to appear from within the undergrowth. To my astonishment, from among the grass and trees flew in a great number of shimmering and glimmering winged creatures, singing and dancing with the magical tune. They could not have been fireflies – believe me, they were fairies, gnomes and elves! They sang a song, too:

Yes we’ll party! We’ll party!
We’ll party the night away!
We’ll eat and be merry!
So come and join the fray!

I was mesmerized – I was stunned! My eyebrows twitched and I was in fits from containing my laughter. One fairy had wings like a moth’s that kept radiating silver dusts. One small and seemingly young one was playing with his friends and they were joined by a band of impish creatures dancing the night away. This was just like the fairy tales that I heard and read about! Surely this was not real!
I thought, this has to be a dream! I shook my head. Nope, those were hallucinations, probably from reading too much of the Chronicles of Narnia. Only science is real and God is real. But surely not these things! “No, there is no such thing,” I muttered. “This is all nonsense…”
To my horror, the fairies heard me!
A silence so deep, so scary followed. My own eyes saw the magical beings abruptly turned towards me with eyes of anger. They were swirling in mad streaks of light. A new song came forth with vengeance!

We heard a sound – a wicked noise!
Of evil perils that destroy!
We will screech; we raise our voice!
To seek and devastate this horrid ploy!

I had chills all over my back. What are they going to do to me? I thought in fear. It just seemed too real to be a dream. Oh, shiver me timbers!!
An elderly fairy flew up to my level, with glaring eyes and wings that were constantly shedding shining and fiery flakes. She pointed a crooked finger at me, and began to chant an unnerving song.

Gone with you, evil beast!
Thou shan’t stop our joyful feast!
Now thou shall flare and no more grease
You shall be the very least!

In an instant I was engulfed in flames, an experience I had never felt before. I felt a thousand eyes glaring and flaring upon me. Thank goodness my senses had not yet registered any feeling or pain when I was thrown into darkness… oh fear!!

Part II – Leprechauns

I woke up the next morning feeling dizzy and shaken. There was a song stuck in my head. I wondered if it was a dream. A tinkly tinkly...
After brushing and washing and doing my morning duties of which you would not want to know in full details, I went out of the house for my daily jog around the neighbourhood. However, I was curious to see if the back of my house fit the dream, supposing it was a dream.
I reached the cluster of trees that looked all too familiar. To my relief, there was only a patch of grass with no mushrooms, no fairies, only the trees and the greens. I attempted to climb the apple tree like I had done in my dream, but strangely, it was quite a bit more difficult than it was before.
The birds in the air were chirping gaily, and the sky was clear and sunny, so I decided to lean against the trunk of the tree and enjoy the morning air. The tune from the fairies’ party came back into my head, so I whistled the song.
Suddenly, as if responding to the magical tune, the tree began to rustle and shake. I heard voice above me, below me, all around me! In an instant, the leaves began to move independently. I gasped in fright, for there were little green men all over the tree!
One small green-man head no larger than a tennis ball popped out right in front of my face, upside down, probably hanging from a twig.
“Hey! Where did you hear that song? It’s a MagicWood song and a MagicWood only song, you know!”
Caught by shock and alarm, I fell off the tree and landed flat on the ground, cushioned by a couple more green men underneath me. I quickly got up and took a fleeting look around. A hundred or so small pairs of eyes stared down at me, another hundred or so from below.
“Who the heck are you people?!” I cried in distress.
“Relax, dude,” said one green man, sitting on a tree branch. “We’re leprechauns! We are the ancient creatures that grant your wishes!”
I looked at him suspiciously. “Why do you speak to me?”
The leprechaun grinned. “Well, we heard you singing the magical dancing song of MagicWood, so we decided to investigate. We all turn into leaves when normal people are looking, you see.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Really,” I said.
“Oh yes, so the next time you decide to pluck a leaf off, remember me,” replied the green man.
I frowned. Right, like I would believe that this was not just a ploy of the government to encourage environmental friendliness. “Prove it. I wish for a pot of gold!”
The leprechaun laughed. “Oh, a bag of gold you shall have!” he cried in glee.
The next instant, a clay pot appeared out of nowhere beside me, filled to the brim with shinning gold coins. The coins looked like they were pulsating and radiating heat. I looked at them in distrust but my mind was reeling. Surely this was not a dream! Or was it those looping dreams, when I wake up from a dream in yet another dream…?
“I wish… to grow taller!” Now, you see, I am on the short side, so you would not blame me for wishing that, would you?
“Hmm… I could make you taller than the Twin Towers or the Taipei 101… come on, man, be specific!” The leprechaun was now hanging from the branch. The other green men had left the scene and were working on a machine called the Transpirchaun, a device for absorbing water into the tree for easy access to water.
“Err… as tall and as well-built as Mr. Matthew Chin!”
The leprechaun cocked his head. “Who?”
I gasped. “How could you not know him?!”
The green man suddenly looked very much upset. Several sparks of dark purple magic dusts were zigzagging out of his ears, and then he began to shaking in anger. “I… must... oh I cannot do this…”
I blinked. Hello, is my dream going for an exciting twist? What, is it taboo to wish for something impossible?
“Aaargghh!! You wished for the impossible!!!”
Oops…
The other green men were now gathering around the angry little leprechaun, staring at me with evil eyes. I gulped, I shivered, like the night before… I mean, like in the dream. They were chanting…

Away with you! You childish imp!
Away for making the silly wish!
Run away you childish wimp!
Run before we steam you like a fish!

I took a step or two back, and then many steps back. I would rather not try my fate and get engulfed in flames or whatnot. After a last glance, I fled the tree and their green inhabitants.

Part III – Stars and Bears

I huffed, and I puffed, and I was nearly blown away by the rushing wind of the East. Alas, my energy had long gone, and with my growling stomach and aching bones, I trod the grass and weeds to collapse under a short but wide tree.
When I came to my senses again, I was in an unfamiliar place. Perhaps this was MagicWood? For the air seemed magical and the grass was so sweet-smelling. Butterflies, or perhaps fairies in disguise, were flying about and dancing in such a beautiful sway.
Oh, nope, this was just the Friendship Park – haha!
But my stomach was still hungry, so I scouted the area for any kind passerby to offer me some food. Damn, the small restaurant by the lake was closed. In fact, there was nobody there. Strange, would you not think?
Then I heard a growl, a sound of animal pleasure, if you would call it like that. I peeped over the hedge, and there was a bear, a cub I presumed, rolling around in the grass, enjoying the grassy massage thoroughly. It was pulling out the flowers and munching them, not even noticing me. I was thinking how good it was that the bear did not see me when my eyes thought they were dreaming… a jar of honey just a stone’s throw away from the cub’s playing ground. Not far away, too, was a bee hive fresh from destruction. Ah, that explains the rolling around of the bear that possibly got seriously stung by the bees.
I crept up to the jar of honey. Oh the smell was so delicious; I could taste it in my mouth already! My stomach was screaming in desperation but I had to be wary, for I heard that bears are capable of smacking people to death.
The temptation was too strong, so I dipped my hand into the jar of honey, scooped up a little and licked, then I scooped up a little more and licked the sweet, sweet honey off my palms – oh it was sheer heaven!
Unfortunately, I was savouring every drop of honey with plenty of oohs and ahhs in such great extent that the cub was aware of my crossing the threshold of his home. What an angry cub it suddenly was! When I saw the blistering anger in its eyes, I dropped the jar of honey, breaking it into many pieces. The honey was spilling all over the ground. Now the bear was really, really mad!
I tried to run, but there was no beating an angry bear in running! The cub was now at full height, stomping its way towards me, and it was not a very cute sight! In a flash, the cub had caught hold of me, and with a big whack, he smacked my brains out of my head!
Now, you must realize that the human brains (the left, right, front and back brains – most smarter-than-average people possess these brains) are not completely connected to the head, and a human being is capable of surviving without his or her brain for 24 hours, for a human being does not need to think in order to survive, you see.
So, the bear had smacked the brains out of me, and I saw my brain fly up, up, up into the sky, into the stars above. You can imagine how upset I was! I scurried out of the bear’s grip and ran off towards the woods.
I ran, and I ran, and I ran, not even thinking of where I was going, because without my brain, I could not think! My legs carried me up onto the hills, over the rivers and lakes, across plains and valleys, until I came upon the highest peak of the highest mountain. There, I pleaded with the stars to return me my brain, for life without thinking was life without meaning, indeed!
Thankfully, the stars were very kind today, for the moon had given them a holiday recently. My brain, a lump of cells slightly larger than my fist, came down on a cloud of shimmering dust. I grabbed it and stuffed it into my head. I could think again! I would never again take for granted my ability to think!
Thus, with my restored brain and a mind frizzled by the string of events, I took a flight at a nearby airport – I think it was the Himal-Ayarport, where tourists from all over the world come to see the highest mountain in the world. Once home, I went straight for my bed, dived under the covers and slept the whole day.

Part IV – My Friends

One day, I stepped unto someone’s shoe, I brushed my friend’s shoulder the wrong way and I bumped into a young lady with a full chest once. For that, I was condemned and slammed for months!
Surely, I said a few too many wrong things, I hurt a few too many people, until one day, my friend, Damien Chong, denounced me as his friend. I was so sad and depressed, for it was really the drip of hair-dye that destroyed Britney Spear’s hair. But as I was walking home and I caught sight of the cluster of trees, I remembered the string of events starting from that strange night at that mysterious place…

The story goes that elves and fairies
Meet at night to dance and be merry
Among the mushrooms and toadstools
Where science is taboo and doctors are fools
Indeed the day of misfortune came
When I heard the tale of this magical game
And I, a mouth of unbeknown blame
Gave the fairies an ugly name
Oh the misfortune, when one took aim
And gone I was in a bright flame:
Oh what ugliness, oh what shame!

One had told of small green things
I met one day in a wood so green
Oh how they laugh and how they sing!
They granted wishes like I had never seen!
But oh the misfortune and the pain
When I wished the impossible wish
Had I not run I would have been slain
So run I did before I became a cannibal’s dish

Then I came upon a cub
Rolling around destroying flowers
I saw a jar of honey, so I joined the club
But oh what misfortune when it came back in an hour!
And smack it did upon my face
I heard a click and then a crack
Thus sent my brains spinning into space
But thank the stars – they sent it back!

How painful it all was! But in the end
On a sunny day so clear and fair
I walked the streets and saw a friend
But realized, I, that like apple and pear
Some fruits just do not blend
Like me, like mushrooms, leprechauns and bear…
There ain’t no difference I can mend!

I Dreamed A Dream

2009-04-19T22:59:00.005+08:00

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent was amazing, check it out! She sang "I Dreamed A Dream" by Les Miserables, which is beautiful. It sent shivers running up and down my spine. While she looked weird and odd but when she sang everyone was amazed. But enough about her and Britain's Got Talent.

Dreams. What are dreams? Pastor Victor Gonzalez preached about it two weeks ago and also this week. Oxford Dictionary says that Dreams are "A series of images, events and feelings that happen in your mind while you are asleep", or "A wish to have or be something, especiallty one that seems difficult to acheive", and "A beautiful or wonderful person or thing".

[Now I begin an essay that I wrote two years ago in Form 4 for an English exam; I kept the paper! Editted some parts...]

In the light of Science, dreams are the phenomena that occur during sleep. When one's mind moves into a stage of sleep called Rapid Eye Movements (REM), the mind starts to replay or generate images from the memory to form a usually illogical series of events.

However, dreams are much more than just the trick of the mind, but it represents the deepest desires of a person. The dreams I speak of are ambitions; goals that seem too big to acheive; destinations that seem impossible to reach.

In the norm of our society, dreaming seems to hold a negative connotation. A "dreamer" depicts one who loafs around doing nothing, like Thomas Wilson in "The Lotus Eater". [Nothing wrong with inserting some Literature we learn, eh?] However, while it is important to stay in reality, dreams are just as important because life without dreams is a life not worth living.

One famous dreamer is Bill Gates, who dreamed of putting a computer in every home in America, and now he is one of, if not the, richest man in the world! Dreams shape out world to what it is today. Without a dream, there would be no light bulb, no Internet [Damn!] or washing machine. Without a dream, you can just get a mediocre job, marry a mediocre spouse, and live a mediocre and dull life, and at the end die a mediocre death. But why do that when you can do something with your life and strive for a higher purpose and design?

[As for myself, I dream many big things. I dream of an illustrous career in arts, writing, and music. I doubt that they will be fulfilled as a main career but I will never stop dreaming of become a best-selling author, or a famous musician in a band that shouts God's name. I even dreamt of becoming an English teacher! But, alas, I got good results for SPM. The world is vast and the options are endless! Last but not least, I dream of becoming a missionary doctor and help people around the world for Christ, but I wouldn't say that in a school exam...]

As Rudyard Kipling puts it, "If you can dream and not make dreams your master", [again, Literature is awesome...] a person who knows how to dream but still have his feet planted on the ground, will have "the Earth and everything that's in it" at his bidding! Dare to dream - [and dream God-sized dreams] - because if you stop dreaming, you stop living.

[Pn. Anita's comments: "Good. Well said." I got a 47/50 for it. Most awesome English teacher EVER!!!]

Dreams are free: Dream BIG.

However, as Pastor Vic puts it, dreams must be God-glorifying, people-helping, require character and competence; It needs counsel, evaluation and adjustments; Dreams bring others closer to God, and requires me to start with what I already have.

Never fear failure, learn to rebuild, DEFY THE ODDS.

[Oh and I dream of going to England and living there for a few years because I adore the way they speak, such a beautiful accent! I fell in love with the British English when I watched Narnia last time, and then when I watched Britain's Got Talent... I resolved to go there, and also to watch Wimbledon for once in my life. XD]

What?

2009-04-17T15:21:00.006+08:00

[Tennis] One uncharacteristic loss after another: Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters - Roger Federer lost to Stanislas Wawrinka with whom he won the Beijing Olympics gold. I only managed to watch the first half last night/this morning. OK, fine, he got married to his girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec, but probably only because she got pregnant. Maybe he was distracted. Or maybe he's just getting old and tired, and his prime is over. Whatever. Why do I still support him? Maybe I don't anymore. Now I'm hoping Andy Murray wins more titles.

[American Idol Season 8] The top 7 sang songs from movies! I liked Allison Iraheta's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing". I was expecting more from Lil' Rounds because I love the song "The Rose", but she sucks. Danny Gokey's "Endless Love" was so emotional and reminds everyone of his sob story, good for him. But my favourite performance and song and studio recorded song was Kris Allen's "Falling Slowly". There was so much feeling in his voice, like the emotion was going to burst and spill over if you just poke it with a needle. I wasn't much of a fan of Kris Allen, but now I am! Meanwhile, Matt Giraud was saved by the judges but I don't see him being able to do much to contend with others like Danny, Adam, Allison and Kris. I still think Danny Gokey is overrated. XD
You can download their studio recordings here.

[Choir] Oh and I'm so bummed that the SMK Batu Lintang choir lost in the division level AGAIN. Last year was bad enough, but this year... they lost to St. Teresa!! Even with a four/five/six-part choir!! I didn't hear them so I have nothing to say, but I'm just so bummed. *sob*

[Matrics] Oh and I got the Matrics offer to Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan. I have to report to the college on 11th May. I don't really want to go because I'm hoping for my MARA scholarship, but just in case I don't...[cross fingers] and it'll be a good experience and exposure for me to live on my own. XD

"MARA terus mara"

2009-04-14T22:31:00.003+08:00

My heart was beating rapidly as I entered the large MARA headquarters in KL. My hands were cold and clammy, and my mouth had run dry. I was also unbearably hungry, because I hadn't eaten breakfast.

It was this morning, at 11 a.m. when I went up to the 16th floor of the MARA building and sat outside the interrogation room, and waited to be interrogated. All the while I was so, so nervous. I don't know why I was so nervous. I wasn't even this nervous during SPM. In fact, I was so anxious since last week. I think it was because I realized that in an interview, I can't mess up like in a written exam. I can't erase what I just said with liquid paper. I can't say "Oops I forgot the answer, can I skip this question and come back later?" and I definitely can't sleep for a while to get inspiration. I wasn't even this worried during debate, because I couldn't care less about debate (I think I kicked ass as third speaker, but we lost, *sob*), but this interview was do or die. Speak up or say goodbye to doing Medicine in UK.

To make things worse, I had to wait for TWO SOLID HOURS. But at least there were a few others in the same place predicament to chat with and share information while waiting.

But at the end, the interview was rather simple and straightforward, nothing technical. They didn't even ask why I wanted to be a doctor! (I was dreading that) They asked what and why I wanted to specialize in (Ear Nose Throat: past illnesses including deaf ear and allergic nose), why I chose UK/Ireland and what are the universities there, what I did in school, what I would do if they would to send me to a local uni, what advantages do I have above the other interviewees, whether I have any sicknesses, (I replied, "Nope, healthy as a horse; fit as a fiddle! [not entirely true]" which was greeted with laughter from the interviewers) and simple things like that. All my anxiety and research about MARA and Medicine and the Health Ministry and whatnots were all not needed.

So, I think I did pretty well. I did my best, I think. So now all I can do is sing Planetshakers' "I Surrender".

All that I am is Yours
All that I have is Yours
I give You my heart and soul
Lord I’m Yours

Lord every day is Yours
Lord every breath is Yours
Giving my life to You
Lord I’m Yours

You alone are worthy of all praise
You alone are worthy of all praise

I surrender all to You
I surrender all to You
I am nothing without You
Jesus Christ take my life
It’s all for You

Card Art

2009-04-13T18:01:00.005+08:00

These were done for my mother as a gift for her to bring to UK when she leaves in a few days' time. I don't really like the first card, though. Anyway I hope the verses encourage you today, and mothers are awesome!

Romans 8

2009-04-10T11:45:00.004+08:00

Romans 8

Life Through the Spirit

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

More Than Conquerors

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

O The Wonderful Cross

2009-03-27T11:22:00.003+08:00

I drew this a few years ago...

Layak Dipanggil Temuduga

2009-03-27T10:15:00.005+08:00

I thought they might send me to Kuching for the interview so maybe I'd have an excuse to go back, but NoooOOOooOOooooo the interview is in Kuala Lumpur. MARA's being so kind to me. Nevertheless, praise God that I'm shortlisted. I hope I will do well in the interview and not mumble and not have flu. There's also this "Ujian Psikologi secara online" that I'll have to take. What the heck?

Oh and Happy Birthday Pastor Vic!!

Pantuns

2009-03-25T11:45:00.003+08:00

Does anyone remember the agony that pantuns brought me in the beginning of last year? Well I found some old pantuns that I wrote in Form 2 for BM class. Enjoy!

“Pantun Nasihat Kejayaan”

Ayam jantan suaranya lantang,
Adanya sayap tak dapat terbang;
Berimpian tinggi, berharap panjang,
Berazam untuk mejadi cemerlang.

Hendak berjuang mesti berdaya,
Tidak kira kritik dan kutukan;
Setiap perkara ada masanya,
Sabarlah untuk doa dimakbulkan.

Hidup bosan seorang nelayan,
Selalu diisi penuh harapan;
Memandang jauh menurut impian,
Selalu merancang untuk masa depan.

Bijih timah banyak dilombong,
Diusahakan oleh tokoh-tokoh;
Sudah berjaya janganlah sombong,
Berbesar hati janganlah angkuh.

“Pantun Nasihat Hati”

Di bilik saya ada almari,
Di dalamnya ada seekor musang;
Kita harus selalu berdikari,
Jangan selalu harapkan orang.

Tiada pisau gunalah gunting,
Tiada gunting gunalah kunci;
Kebersihan diri adalah penting,
Tapi mustahak ialah hati suci.

Di dalam hutan banyak rotan,
Di dalam lombong banyak galian;
Kejujuran jambatan persahabatan,
Hati ikhlas mengerat pertalian.

Pegawai keselamatan ronda di rantau,
Di rantau sangat senyap dan sunyi;
Bercakap benar janganlah terlampau,
Jangan sampai tersinggung hati.

“Pantun Nasihat Masa”

Banyak ular tidak berbisa,
Bukan semua orang makan cili;
Janganlah membuang masa,
Masa itu emas tak dapat dibeli.

Seekor katak menangkap lalat,
Pada hati itu ialah Jumaat;
Masa berlalu sangat cepat,
Jadi hargailah setiap saat.

31 Ogos ialah Hari Merdeka,
Itulah yang guru saya mengajar;
Jangan selalu malas bekerja,
Masa terlepas sukar dikejar.

Pergi ke Johor mengambil angin,
Pergi ke Pulau mengambil Pinang;
Bahagilah masa sebaik mungkin,
Hidup sistematik paling senang.

Di pinggir pantai pokok nipah,
Di dalam laut ikan tuna;
Jangan selalu berlengah-lengah,
Nanti terlewat insaf tak guna.

“Pantun Nasihat Kesihatan”

Pembohong dihukum potong lidah,
Masih balik rumah cari bini;
Jauhi rokok dan dadah;
Jauhilah najis pembunuh ini.

Rumah baru dibina dicat,
Dengarlah baik-baik nasihat;
Makanlah makanan yang berzat,
Untuk mendapat badan yang sihat.

Di ladang ayam menyara ayam,
Di hutan rimba mencari telaga;
Setiap hari mesti bersenam,
Badan kuat dan bertenaga.

Kakak suka menonton drama siri,
Tidak buat kerja rumahnya;
Jaga kesihatan dan kebersihan diri,
Bersih dan kemas tunjukkan hati mulia.

Samuel Kana Lis, 2005

American Idol 8

2009-03-23T13:31:00.009+08:00

It is so annoying that I have to watch American Idol on 8TV on Thursday and Friday until midnight because I don't have Star World on ASTRO. But anyway, here's my take on American Idol Season 8.

My personal favourite, at the moment, is, surprisingly, Megan Joy. Megan Joy Corkrey. Whatever her name is.

I loved her rendition of "I Go Walking After Midnight". I think all the other contestants are trying to be the best singer or vocalist but Megan Joy just has her own style that's not necessarily powerful but quirky. It's so fun to hear her overpronounce some words and shake her body in a funny way! I also liked her "Black Horse and The Cherry Tree" which makes me remember Katharine McPhee, losing finalist of season 5.

What's more, she had flu, but she still managed to pull off a quirky but beautifully jazzy performance which I like very much.
[Why is it that there are so few girls left? Now it's like, 3 girls against 7 guys...]

Secondly is Matt Giraud, who sang Carrie Underwood's "So Small". And he plays piano really awesomely too!

Danny Cokey's "Jesus Take The Wheel" is also to be applauded because it was brave to sing a contemporary Christian song but I just think he's too overrated. Other than these three, I don't really care about everyone else. Adam Lambert and his song "Ring of Fire" were both disturbing but in a strangely cool and inspiring way. My sister thinks that Kris Allen looks like David Archuleta but I disagree.

Nevertheless, my preferences will probably change in a while. Until then, Megan Joy Corkrey rocks!

[4 April 09: Megan's out, boohoo, but after 'I Go Walking After Midnight' she didn't sing any good songs, and I didn't like her attitude at the end, so now I'm supporting Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Matt Giraud. I still think Danny Gokey's overrated. XD]

Kana Kana The P.A.A.

2009-03-17T10:28:00.004+08:00

Today I begin my short-term working stint as a Pastoral Administrative Assistant for Reverend Victor Gonzalez. The purpose of this position, which is viewed as a ministry, is to support pastoral staff at GFS.

Reports to: Lead Pastor / Church Administrator
Position Status: Volunteer

There will be plenty of tasks and duties for me to do here, mostly organising things, typing stuff, designing and administrative. But while this is voluntary, I shall get free food, and free WiFi of which I am utilizing right now! I believe that I will gain plenty of work experience, and I get to serve God and help the church!!

Pivot Le 2008

2009-03-16T14:41:00.001+08:00

I think that one of the pivotal moments in my arduous journey of Form 5 was watching Roger Federer lose his Wimbledon crown to Rafael Nadal in 2008. For the record, I just recently lost interest in Federer when I heard that his girlfriend is pregnant. I was disgusted; I was heartbroken.

But the bigger heartbreak was during that dark night when Federer and Nadal battled until the sun had set. It was so painful to see Federer lose to Nadal, after losing the French Open, then just this year losing the Australian Open as well.

However, something in me lit up when I witnessed how Rafael Nadal held the Wimbledon trophy in all its glory. Although I never was and probably never will be a Nadal fan because he beats my favourite players and pulls his tight underpants all the time, I was inspired by his win. It shows how hard work will definitely pay off, and that determination is the key to success. I took that as a motivation to work hard for SPM. I wanted to know the feeling of success; the intense joy of claiming what is rightfully yours.

But strangely, I didn’t feel anything much on Thursday. *sigh*

Tips #1: Making Notes

2009-03-16T14:40:00.002+08:00

As my parents would probably tell you, my style of studying is not the best because I studied at my own pace. That suited me better because I couldn’t achieve much when I couldn’t concentrate. Bear in mind that everyone’s brain functions differently, and everyone’s capacity is different.

But one thing I firmly believe in, that has brought me success, is making notes. I personally feel that reference books should not be relied on all the time. Last year, I made my own notes for the whole Form 4 and Form 5 Sejarah textbooks. I regretted not doing the Form 4 one in 2007 because I had to work faster and harder in Form 5 to complete both years’ Sejarah content, but I knew I had to. I believe that making your own notes helps you to remember. This is because making your own notes requires you to process the information, filter out what is not important, and understand your material. Furthermore, I don’t trust reference books to give accurate information. And, making notes saves time when doing last-minute revising, which is something I am guilty of but I don’t regret doing. Last-minute revising is important, but revising consistently is even more vital. There is no shortcut to success. Many thanks to Pn. Umadevi of MES for stressing the importance of making notes and making sure we did our notes consistently.

Biology is also another subject in which I relied heavily on my own notes. For this subject, I used the SUCCESS Biology reference book as my “textbook”. I made my notes out of the book, especially of the important processes, diagrams and such things that need full understanding of the matter. One good example is photosynthesis. If you memorize the process of photosynthesis word-for-word, you may not remember it correctly in exam. However, I drew a diagram of chlorophyll, H2O, CO2 and the arrows linking everything together. That way, I remember the diagram in exam and explain it in my own words. Saves effort, saves time, gets you good marks. Other things to take note of is blood osmotic pressure, the heart, blood clotting process, transpiration, the skeletal structure, respiration, etc.

Studies have shown that mind maps help your memory. I am a firm believer of mind maps. Sejarah requires lots of mind maps. For example, when I study about the Renaissance and Reformation, I draw arrows to the Factors, the Effect, the People Involved, etc. (all in Bahasa Melayu, of course) During exam, I usually remember the locations where I jotted down the points. Again, I stress that everyone’s brain works differently, but you might want to give it a try.

Before making notes, gather your resources, make a general overview of your study materials, make a list of what you need to know. While making notes, write down keywords and phrases that are important. Underline, bold, highlight, flash cards, read out loud what you write!

Lastly, use lots of colours. Studies show that colours jog your memory. So, unless you’re colour blind, use plenty of colours in your notes. I used the Stabilo point 88 coloured pens to decorate my notes. It not only makes your notes look nicer, more creative, but it is proven to help you remember! One of the quirky things I did last year was sticking random pieces of paper on the wall and scribbling important things to remember on them. For example while studying Chemistry I keep forgetting the colours of phenolphthalein, so I wrote down that it is purple when alkali and colourless when acid. (did I get that right?) And other important things as well. =)

How to remember everything? Review, review and review until you feel over-learnt! Test yourself, teach somebody, use acronyms! For example, I used a rhythmic poem to memorize this: Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species. Cleanse, Rinse, Repeat.

More tips from last year.

Tips #2: Time And Place

2009-03-16T14:39:00.000+08:00

I always wondered last year, when should I study, how long? Now, everyone is different; some people work better in the morning, some people hit it off at noon, but some others are night owls. If you are like me, whose mornings are a burden yet the night beckons me to sleep, then choose the evening to study. Yet again, that’s just ME. You have your own special time when your brain is most alert.

Try to have a regular study schedule. I set a time for myself to study after dinner at 7 pm and the earliest I stop is 11.30 pm. However, I often get the timing all wrong, but as the saying goes, “It’s not how many hours you put in; it’s how much you put into those hours that count.” Try to study at the same place, preferably in a well-lit room far away from distractions.

I find that studying too long for extended periods of time does no good because your brain needs rest after awhile. I usually do four 30-minute sessions every night, with 10-minute or so intervals in between. Or rather, that was the original plan but my breaks usually lasted too long, oh well. Have everything you need ready when you study. If your mind is wandering, go to the next task. Usually when I find that my brain is not working, I just use the time to make notes. I spent many, many months just making Sejarah notes, but it paid off!

Always make a schedule, or a plan of some sort. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Oh and get the book “Study Smarter Not Harder” by Kevin Paul.

Tips #3: In Class

2009-03-16T14:37:00.003+08:00

Pay. Attention.

There is no higher rule. Pay attention in class. If your teacher is boring, too bad. Get some sour Mentos to chew on (don’t let anyone find out though!) to keep awake. Avoid talking in class when the teacher is teaching something important. Unfortunately, I don’t practice what I preach, but it’s better if you pay attention in Sejarah, Add Maths, and the Science subjects.
I always have pieces of paper in front of me when teacher is teaching. I would scribble down important things that teacher said, or diagrams the teacher drew. Write down keywords and points in an organized but flexible way. Write in your own words in a writing that you can decipher. Leave blank spaces.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I know you’re shy and you might be labeled incompetent or kia-su, but actually asking questions gives you the answers you need. If need be, go and see your teacher in the office. Or you can ask your smart-ass friends who should know the answers, and why? Because they asked the teacher.

Before class, read up what the teacher would probably touch on. After class, keep your notes properly and add to your own notes when you’re at home. Review what was taught! Review, review, review.

Tips #4: In Exam

2009-03-16T14:35:00.001+08:00

Everyone tackles the exams differently. Some do it slow and steady, some rush through everything and sleep the rest of the time, so do it in parts in a systematic order. I am guilty of doing the exam too fast so much so that I always have to tell myself to slow down to avoid careless mistakes. However, it is good to keep track of your time so that you have enough to time to finish the paper and check your answers.

My method may not be the best, but it is good for me. When I get any paper like English, Sejarah, Biology or Moral that has an essay, I will start the exam by turning to the back to see what are the essay questions. Then, I immediately start thinking of the points to add. Then I scribble down anything at all that comes to my mind at the side. Once I run out of ideas, then I start the front section of short answers, hoping that more ideas would come to mind. This is because essays usually carry the most marks. Watch the time so that you don’t waste time on short questions. Make sure you have enough time to finish the essay. If you feel that you’re running behind time, start the essay question, after that resume the short questions.

Always, always make an outline of your essay. Plan your introduction, order of your points and how you elaborate them. Scribble down phrases, keywords and idioms that you may need to use. For example, if the BM essay is about unity, quickly scribble down idioms like “Bersatu teguh, bercerai roboh” and “Muafakat membawa berkat” and others, so that you have them to use at your disposal.

When writing essays, get to the point. Explain connections, address questions well. My father always said, make every sentence a quality sentence. Avoid using bombastic words, but don’t be afraid to show off your language skills, but only if you have any.

Try to stay for the whole exam. However, if you’ve really done your best and there’s not much that can be done, just stay on! There was a special case last year. There was a Sejarah paper after the English paper. Most people finished the English paper quickly, almost everyone left early. Why? To study for Sejarah, of course! But it depends on the individual.

Most importantly, don’t panic if you don’t know how to do. Stay calm, do another question and then you come back to the one you don’t know. It will come to you soon. If not, then you panic. Don’t forget to bring everything you need, like you pens, pencil, eraser, ruler, calculator, log book, lipstick, water bottle, eye-liner, stapler and liquid paper. And your lucky charms, for good measure.

Tips #5: Music, Sleep, And Other Stories

2009-03-16T14:20:00.009+08:00

According to scientific research, music may help your brain! This is supposedly because our brain functions in waves, and music with the right rhythm may stimulate your brain. However, this is true only for Baroque music that has a steady and moving rhythm. Try to listen to pieces like The Four Seasons, Canon in D, Minuet in G minor, Swan Lake, etc.

Get enough sleep. There’s no use studying with a groggy brain. Studies show that sleep helps you to remember what you’ve just learnt better. Exercise is also good for you. It stimulates your brain, makes you feel better, and prevents you from gaining too much weight like I did last year. I gained almost 10 kilos from the beginning of Form 5 until after SPM!

Always finish your homework on time, or at least as fast as possible. Oh wait. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Laziness does you no good. If you don't practice, you don't learn. But from experience, there is never enough time to finish all my homework. Because of this, I had to learn to prioritize which homework I do. Never put off Science and Add Maths homework, because they tend to pile up. Modern Maths is excusable. It's a good feeling when all your homework is done.

Group study is good as well. Although I didn't do much of it last year because no one wanted to do with me, the sessions I had with friends were fun. When we discussed, say, an issue about Sejarah, it kind of sticks to me for a while. Also, my heated arguments and discussions with my mom and sister about Chemistry and Biology gave me lots of insight and hindsight about the subject.

Having the right mental attitude is imperative. Read this amazing poem, “The Winner”. That should be all from me. Good luck and God bless! Listen to my song, "SPM" for some entertainment and realization that you're not alone in your battle for success.

Application

2009-03-13T22:05:00.009+08:00

Go to http://www.jpa.gov.my/2009/03/1030/lang/en/ to apply for JPA/MARA scholarship. You may also want to check out malaysia-scholarship.net for Malaysian scholarships.

As for myself, I'm only applying for MARA scholarship, because MARA rocks! I applied for Medicine. I must admit I hesitated before clicking that choice. Good luck to all of you!

[Editted: Application has closed as of now, you can check or print your confirmation slip here.]

SPM: 1,676

2009-03-13T09:05:00.005+08:00

There were 1,676 students in Malaysia (SPM 08) who got similar results with me, or better. Big deal. When I got my results, I didn’t feel any burst of joy or anything. One of the reasons was probably because a friend told me my results before I got it, so I was like, “Damn I wanted to find out myself!”. I did pretty well in SPM. So what? I’m still a rock star. I got my rock moves. And I don’t need you… Eh, eh, wrong song.

Either my soul and mind is still lagging and not yet realizing the magnitude of my small achievement, or I didn’t care about my SPM results, because somehow I don’t feel anything. Maybe that’s because I think that SPM results aren’t really an indication of how successfully you are or you will become. In fact, the most successful people in the world have meager or average academic results. What counts is passion and motivation, and lots of hard work. Talent or smartness or ability to solve an Add Maths equation is just an inconsequential small part of life, really.

Nevertheless, I must say there are plenty of thanks to go around. First of all, I want to thank my Mother whose positive criticism, nagging, unspoken praise and high expectations made me strive to do better and better. I want to thank my Dad for his advice on how to write essays, as well as his motivation and support, especially in financial incentives. I want to thank people like Daniel Chong, Anders and my darling sisters Hosanna and Esther who had encouraged me and given me tips to face exams, whether or not they were used or useful. Thanks to Esther for the additional pressure to do well and make the family proud.

I want to thank my teachers, especially Mr. Chia, who made Chemistry and Biology so easy to understand. I want to thank Mr. Pala (Moral tuition) for giving me tips and advice. Without him, my Pendidikan Moral would have failed because my school teacher sucked real bad. No offence. Thanks also to Mr. Tay (Physics tuition) for making Physics so interesting and entertaining. Thanks to Mr. Rama for Add Maths. Actually, I didn’t really benefit that much from Mr. Rama because he feeds too much. His spoon-feeding style of teaching actually forced me to go deeper into Additional Maths and figure stuff out on my own. Thanks to my class form teacher Pn. Jemaayah who is very warm and friendly but unfortunately not too good a Modern Maths teacher. Many, many, many thanks to Pn. Umadevi who taught Sejarah and inspired me to make the best notes and work hard for Sejarah. I think she’s one of, if not the best teachers I had in Form 5. Thanks to Cik Zainon, my BM tuition teacher, who together with Nathanael, Mahendran, Tejhpal and Isaac made BM tuition so, so entertaining. Oh and she actually taught very well too. However, no thanks to the not-so-efficient teachers, we know who they are but I hope you’ll improve, for the sake of the future generations who will suffer under your care.

For some reason I have a feeling that none of the above mentioned teachers will ever read this, but what the heck.

Thanks to Nathanael Long. I don’t know how, but I just feel that he made me do better, although we hardly even spoke to each other. Maybe it’s because I always wanted to beat him. No, not in the physical sense. It's like I was trying to make up for what I lack in size... Thanks to Tejhpal for bringing the book “Study Smarter Not Harder” which was very helpful to me, and for being a weird, funny and sometimes annoying friend who sat beside me the whole of last year. Not forgetting my good friends Matthew Lee, Lik Pin, Erica Lee, Sonia Chay, Boon Fang and Hong Shen who made school life less boring and more bearable. Also, thanks to all my smart-ass peers like Jeremy Lim, Ryner, William Tan, Ernest, Shiau Shuang, Kai Yuan and Kim Soon, who made me try hard to be as good or better than them. Congratulations as well for the excellent results. Thanks to my many Indians friends like Maha, Mine, Mena and Suga for being... interesting people to talk to. By the way, I had a classmate, Naeresh, who I thought looks like the main actor in Slumdog Millionaire. Just a little bit. No thanks to the people in my class and the next class who constantly intentionally aggravated and annoyed me. We meet people like these all the time in our lives. Thanks to my classmates who voted me as class monitor. That gave me lots of confidence and involvement in class.

Thanks to all the examiners in Malaysia who gave me good marks!! Whee!! I was actually quite worried about Moral and EST because the questions were so weird. And, I wrote like 5 or more pages in EST essay! I thought, sure die one, but somehow the examiners were either very kind, very experienced, they appreciated good quality and quantity English, or they were blown away by my unassailable levels of English in Science and Technology. Yeah, right. God’s grace, really! Not to be proud or anything, but I wasn’t expecting the other subjects to get anything less. XD

Thanks to the SPM invigilators who were quite funny to watch during examination. Thanks to my good health for not deserting me throughout the SPM exam. Thanks especially to Lik Pin and Sze Teng and everyone else for studying with me in the last minutes before exam, especially Sejarah. Thanks to all my classmates who keep telling me how “geng” I am, which bloated my ego and made me more confident. Compliments are cheap, but they go a long way. (Ever watched the video called “Validation”?)

Thanks to the GFS church members who prayed for me. If any one of you actually did. Thanks to EBC church members whom I miss at the moment, for… I don’t know. I just wanted to mention you guys here. XD If anyone even reads these lengthy things. Thanks to Auntie Lizzie for the stern “encouragement” in the guise of a lecture ON MY FIRST DAY OF CHURCH which really scared and scarred me for life… but it was worth it.

Oh no, did I forget to thank God? You see, I believe in this amazing God who loves each and every one of us. Without Him, I would be lost. He made me to be who I am. All glory be to God!

For you secondary school students, stay tuned for my very own tips to success in SPM! Meanwhile, my SPM song is still available for listening. XD

Some statistics to ponder upon:
- There were 442,936 students who sat for SPM in 2008.
- 6,277 students scored all A's.
- 1,676 students scored all A1's.
- Three students scored 16A1's. Damn! Xo
- There were 111 subjects offered in SPM last year. Strange number...

Sematan Trip

2009-03-09T21:40:00.009+08:00

Yesterday, on the 8th of March 09, I joined an entourage of young adults to Sematan. I think the beach is called Sematan. I'm not sure about the waterfall and the other random places we visited. But it was a fun trip although there was some sadness in it because it would be my last time spending time with friends.

I am and always will be mystified, how a handstand turned into my new airline, "AirSam", by MitTangkaps at Facebook.

This was at a Bidayuh longhouse at some random place near the beach, I think. I wonder, is this how the longhouse kids learn their ABC and 123?

Does this in any way remind you of Slumdog Millionaire?

Finally

2009-03-06T09:41:00.002+08:00

It is confirmed! It is written! SPM and STAM (whatever that is) results will be out on the 12th of March 2009!!
You can read the news at The Star Online and The New Straits Times Online.

12th March is a Thursday. It's not a school holiday, as far as I know. That's strange, since SPM results had always been out on holidays to avoid student traffic jams in the school. But that suits me just fine. I can meet my friends and teachers, say my last goodbyes... in a crowded throng of bodies in a state of exhiliration. Or depression. Depending on what we get for SPM.

I wonder what took them so long to announce the date. 6 more days!!! I can feel shivers up my spine, my legs are twitching, my ears are perking to know my results. Yet, I am torn between two places, my heart strings are pulled taut accross the sea.

SPM results here I come!

Opera Fights Crime!

2009-03-05T20:47:00.003+08:00

Read this article about a New Zealand opera star, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, who is credited for keeping vandals away from the area.

You know what I think? I can do that too... Have any of you heard me singing opera? My ex-classmates would know. Watch out, ye vandals!

God Of This City

2009-03-02T21:32:00.004+08:00

Do you believe it?

When?

2009-03-02T14:51:00.003+08:00

I'm getting very annoyed. SPM results are coming out in less than 2 weeks' time, and there is still no official news about when it comes out. Speculation had been rife that results would come out in February, but it's now March and I'm still waiting.

National Service trainees will finish on the 11th March, so I expect that our dearest leaders in higher places will be kind enough to let the suffering children see their results first-hand. That said, the second batch starts on the 19th, so that leaves a time frame of between 12th to 18th March for the results to come out.

Having said that, the kind ministers have allowed the March school holidays to start on the 13th March, which is a Friday, bless their souls. Therefore, I predict the results to come out on the 13th. That's what my dad said anyway. Therefore, I have changed my flight to the 11th of March.

Did you hear that? I'm going to fly to Banting in the afternoon of Wednesday. That leaves me about 8 days in Kuching, really. But if the results come out before that, God forbid, I'll be in unbending resentment towards our blessed education system for the rest of my simple and endearing life.

God bless Malaysia.

Love In The Sea

2009-02-26T11:27:00.005+08:00

This is a light song about love; lyrics written by Leti Joy and her friends. Music written, played and sung by yours truly. [I changed some of the lyrics from the original poem by the aforementioned girls]

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
Can I find a fish of my delight?
In the dark blue sea far from sight
For I seek the one that I choose
Then tomorrow I will not lose

Verse 2:
The eight tentacles leave a broken heart
As each comes by but tear you apart
The clownfish gives you a stomachache
Laugh and laugh till you’re out of breath

Chorus 1:
But still and still
They’re all such a bother
They’re all so much better
But still and still
Off I go to another sea
To find another one for me

Verse 3:
A fighting fish gives only bruises
A jelly fish sting ain’t a bed of roses
But the dolphin that you see
I daresay it’s everything that you need

Bridge:
I’ll dive deeper into the ocean
Feeling the waves and the cool sensation
I’ll hear the deep blue melody
And finally find my love in the sea
I’ll dive deeper into the ocean
Feeling the waves and the swirling motion
I’ll hear the deep blue melody
And finally find my love in the sea

Chorus 2:
But still and still
They’re all such a bother
They’re all so much better
But still and still
It’s all too much water
I’ll just find another
But still and still
Off I go to another sea to find a better one
But still and still
Off I go to another sea
But still and still
Off I go to another sea
To find a better one for me

Wheels Of Life

2009-02-25T17:49:00.003+08:00

Four Liquid Stages Of Life

2009-02-25T12:28:00.003+08:00

Singing Away Your Trouble

2009-02-24T21:18:00.003+08:00

I got this from the Reader's Digest (December 2008 edition). Did you know that singing in a group improves your mood and quality of life? Singing releases oxytocin, a hormone that indicates and sense of bonding and security. Oxytocin is also released during... other activities.

So... join a choir! It will do you a lot of good. No wonder I always feel such orgasmic joy when I sing in my ex-school's choir. Or maybe it's just that the Batu Lintang choir was (and I daresay, is still) so fantastic and harmonious...!!

Or maybe not. It's the oxytocin.