cont'd from Living in 2007

Social
After finally leaving the barren land of Cyberjaya, a place where I’ve called home over the past 5 years, its good to be living amongst real people, real communities and having various access to what I would like to call…”Real Food”. Oh yes, my glorious Pork. How I’ve missed your sweet aroma and essence when I partake thee on my tongue and *slurps*. Oh excuse my profess love for that sacred meat. Kinda bias but think I’m gonna say that God’s fav pet would surely be the pig. Anyways, yes. Living in PJ (Kota D’sara to be exact) is sure good. Where issit exactly? About 1 km away from IKEA, The Curve and Tesco@Mutiara D’sara. So, it’s pretty much convenient and well accessed from anywhere. Everyone seems to like our place and it’s a blessing with theplace where we’re residing now. No complains; except for the fact that I wouldn’t mind my rent to be slightly cheaper but heck, like where I am now. Bet you guys will to.
Anyways again, I’m finally expanding my social circle. More friends now (thank Goodness), more people to meet. More clients to entertain. It’s a new experience everyday. Meeting people from all walks of life. Be it form church, sports, work or even just window shopping. For instance, today myself and G Shin, somehow or rather met up with the owner of Designer Music (only the old timers would know where and what is it J ). Nice lad. All part of networking lar I guess. Studying the behaviour of consumers also interests me. The things and gimmicks they’re attracted to. And how I myself sometimes fall for the prey of marketers. Guess learning is a life long process then huh? Interesting yet intriguing. So, everyday is a new day. It’s a matter on how you look at it only.

Church
Church life has been good. Maybe a little too good. But hey, no complains. I remember in June 2005, I asked God for a change in my life. A new radical change for God to use me mightily. I was both desperate and crying out to God for a chance for Him to use me fully and I was so so desperate for his touch. And sometimes, funnily enough, desperation do get you somewhere.
God has been using me both in small and big ways. Having serve in ministry almost all my life, and coming to KL and staying silent during my tertiary days; that felt almost foreign to me. So, after having plucked up much courage, I did wat I had to do and here I am where I am.
In August 2005, I was approached almost simultaneously by both DUMC’s campus band (or better known as Flare) and MWM (Music Worship Ministry) whether I would be interested in being a drummer for them. Without any hesitation, I agreed to both on the spot. Little did I finally realized that, “heck Mike, you’ve not been playing regularly or touched a drum set in ages”. That’s when doubt started to creep in. But praise to God, I actively serving both. Tiring it may and taxing it is to both my social and physical state, I’m glad I doing what I’m doing. Guess it all boils down to the word Passion. What are you most passionate for. One cannot be just passionate at what he is only good at. But at something that he believes he can actually make a difference, have an impact on someone but mostly something that he does that He himself knows will bring a big smile to His Father in Heaven; and lived knowing he gave his all and everything he had. And I gladly say that I’m living that dream. So, mike proudly says that Yes, I’m there. Almost there. Another checklist box ticked. Another step closer to living the ultimate life for God. Thank You Jesus.
The Dream Centre is almost done. Man. So fast so soon. A Dream becoming a reality. Some of you may not share the same passion and vision I see in it. Its okay. Different people have different priorities and dreams. This one’s mine. And I’l llive to see it, be a part of it and play in it. Just cant wait.

4.15 am: Okay. My eyes are like half shut now. Still gotta entertain Andrea and gf tomorrow. Willupdate more when the opportunity arrives. As for now. I’m happy, I’m glad God’s using me. I pray that there will be more dreams to be realized and more good works to happen for all of us. So, I bid you readers a farewell and a wonderful year ahead.

Take care Guys,

Mikey.
Isa 54:2
Year of Transition
I’m living one.

Life in 2007

Yes. I know wat you guys are thinking, wat on the ‘blinkin’ earth am I still doing awake at this unearthly hour? Thanks to the discovery of coffee beans and its everlasting caffeine effect and the well positioned and marketed brand of Starbucks, I now find myself somewhat eyes wide open in front of my PC. I expect this effect to wear off in another 3-4 hours; basically saying I’ll prolly catch my fourty winks right after the sun sets and the cock starts to crow. All in all, am gonna feel real stone first thing to the start of my day.

So, I presume the big question that most of you will pose after not having read anything on my blog would be something like....

“Eh Mike, how have you been lar?”

“Ooi, wat have you been up to man?

“You still unemployed?

“Any fatter?” *smirks* (Mike doesn’t reply friendly).

“You married?” (Huh??)

“How’s life man?”

“What’s your new year resolution?”

“You going back for CNY? Can tumpang ar?”)

“Dude, we good frens rite? Can pinjam 500 bucks ar? Friendship acc la?” OMG!!!


And the list goes on……


Anyways, here’s a summary of wat has been going on with me over the past few months.

Studies
I officially completed my post grad studies in the month of August. Just got word that my final draft of my dissertation has been finally reviewed and is all set for the actual assessment. 3 panels to mark it. One locally (that is by my own supervisor). Second by a Malaysian corporate figure (a not so high prolific one. The really good ones are caught up with making more money) and a final assessment by a foreign counterpart; either Australian, Japanese or……sigh..an Indian university. So all Glory to God,,it’s finito. Pray that I get a decent assessment and score good enough to impress the rest J.
So Mike, anything more form here on? A doctorate maybe? The answer…..maybe but.. but naw. What is more realistically to happen is that I’ll further with something I have am most passionate for. *MUSIC* Yes, music as in theoretical, band arrangement, physics and acoustics to it. Why am I so passionate for it? Frankly speaking, no idea:P but guess music still runs in my blood. It is probably the next thing I would like to excel at. Having said that, if I weren’t living in a third world ASEAN country, I would have realistically seen myself drummin full time. Eat sleep and play drums. Organizing events , small gigs and concerts and finally moving on to album production. A Christian album mind me saying. And after achieving all of those, opening a music school would be any musician’s final dream. A school catered to producing not only individuals who would be useful to the country but also raise a mighty group of musicians who would dedicate their talents to the expansion of God’s kingdom. Or at least realistically(I notice I’ve been using this word a lot), create an awareness amongst those in the music industry that yes as Christians we can stand out form the rest and testify God’s good work in our lives. But sadly in reality, our local music scene is lacking such figures. I thank God for people like Patrick Leong and Juwita ( and also not forgetting Altered Frequency {me no big fan of them btw} ) that they’ve passionately do wat they’ve most long for and using it as a mean to spread the good news around. So you guys, keep it going. Hopefully, you’ll see me withthem side by side *winks*

Okay, kinda getting out of topic here d. So..next aspect of my life.

Physical
Mike’s doing fine. Gained a lil bit of weight, but trying real hard to shed it off. Actually joined a gym. So far, been trying to make it a point to head there a bout 3 times a week, for about 1 ½ hours. Effects have not been all that noticeable. Don’t really have the luxury of time to totally commit. However, trying to keep to my commitment and consistency in the visits.

True Meaning of Worship

Worship as defined by Oswald Chambers.....

Worship = "Giving God the best He has given You"

Finally...

Finally,

Managed to find some time to update this long forgotten blog of mine. Anyhows, quick update on what has been happening with me over the past 6 months.

1) Left Cyberjaya to reside in Palm Springs@Kota Damansara. Not too bad of a place, but a lil pricey.
2) Finished off with my MBA thesis; still awaiting for the final draft to be marked by my supervisor (been waiting for like the past 4months..sigh:( )
3) Just realized i'm quater of a century old (25 y.o..OMG!!!)
4) Have put on some weight; where actually i was expecting to shred some off after living in PJ. Sad to say,but that's not the case.
5) Am part of the 'rat race' already..for most people who usually term it as..WORK. Basically, i'm not living off my parents anymore There goes my lavish lifestyle on pampering myself with good food and........yea good food again. *grins*
6) I'm a banker now. Gosh, never expected myself to land with such a serious job.
7) Getting older by the days....sigh..reckon i can stop ageing? any suggestions anyone?
8) Slightly more active in church now.
9) And........thats pretty much it lar.Laughs, if uthink this is a short post..i'm sorry to dissapoint you my dear readers. These are basically topics for my following entries for the next few weeks. So stay tuned and expect more to come.

cheerio's

What's With Grace?

Exactly.......my question is ..... "Whats with Grace?"..."What's so amazing about Grace?".

Tell me your thoughts on it.

Till the next BLog.....

Mike.

Thank You.....

A very big Thank You to those who weathered off their stomach's cry of hunger for an hour and a half.

Thank You to all who willingly and unselfishly splurged themselves on an expensive meal.

Thank You to those who wrote those sweet messages, even at the very last hour.

Thank You to those who really wanted to come, but couldn't due to unforseen events.

A very special and BIG Thanks to the G man and Andrea who played their part; even though they were hiccups and unexpected changes along the way.

Lastly, THANK YOU for making that day a special one for us. We couldnt have asked for anything more...*smiles*....

*The series of pictures below depicts what we were thankful for on the 22nd of April 2006.......

Thank You.....

A very big Thank You to those who weathered off their stomach's cry of hunger for an hour and a half.

Thank You to all who willingly and unselfishly splurged themselves on an expensive meal.

Thank You to those who wrote those sweet messages, even at the very last hour.

Thank You to those who really wanted to come, but couldn't due to unforseen events.

A very special and BIG Thanks to the G man and Andrea who played their part; even though they were hiccups and unexpected changes along the way.

Lastly, THANK YOU for making that day a special one for us. We couldnt have asked for anything more...*smiles*....

*The series of pictures below depicts what we were thankful for on the 22nd of April 2006.......

Yes, twas another 'spur of the moment' photo take.Just 'so of us' to do it!!! Guess we kinda freaked the waitress who was taking this shot. Sorry miss :)  

Guess who's birthday issit? 

Birthday Gal's 21st Bday Cake: Choco Banana Cake from Secret Recipe 

Dishing out her 21st Bday cake. 

As always, being true to our calling, we decided to add some spice to the evening. We dug out the oldest trick from the Official Bday Prank Textbook which is....To get the bday gal to bite out the candle from the bday cake. And boy did she fall for it! Buta-Buta tak sangka, this amoi tucked inher hair, bent down towards the cake and.....(us all) *giggling* 

And...(Watch out for the hand on the left!!) *SMACKS*  

All smiles for the cam.....L-R: Andrea, G-Man, Joanna and Auds
 

'The Ladies'....L-R: Sujin, Jo and Audrey 

Smiles Peepz!!! 

Me not looking too pleased when i had to stop for a photo shoot while i was half way tucking the sashimi into my mouth...*grumps* But heck, the rest were all smiles for the cam. 

Another group photo... 

Those who made it for the..erm...almost successful surprise birthday party. L-R: (TOP): G-man, Audrey, Andrea, Suk Mun, Suk Mun's BF..ahem..freni meant. (BELOW): Su-ann, Myself, Jo, Su-jin, Tubby and Tubby's Gal. 

Hmm... i wonder wats behind that bamboo skirt..?