From the 3rd Floor

The Heart Song

2011-05-15T23:48:00.003+08:00

My heart feels unnaturally light,
despite the surrounding troubles,
though my body has forgotten what it is like
to have a day
without pain
and my soul has forgotten, what it is like
to be loved
My heart remembers this peace
that surpasses all understanding.

My Blog Has a follower?

2011-02-11T15:57:00.002+08:00

Uhm..there goes my privacy..haha,and I thought nobody comes here.

I've been wondering to myself if I will repeat old mistakes again this week, and blaming myself for falling too easily in love.
I am wondering if there is a method to go through life but not getting hurt.
I am wondering if distancing myself and letting emotions pass and not forming any lasting connections is the way to do it.
I am wondering why I always feel things so much stronger than other people.
I am wondering why I cannot stay in one place too long.
I am wondering.

Comic Fiesta 2010-It's-Over-9000

2010-12-24T15:05:00.013+08:00

There's a storm outside my window right now..and my feelings are pretty much the same.
Yes, another event is over and I have to deal with the withdrawal symptoms, but this is no ordinary event, it's Comic Fiesta. Most of us wait a whole year for it, with so much of anticipation and expectation, and suddenly before you know it, it's over.

Virgilia' wand..completed the day before CF..from cardboard and hot glue.

I know most of my friends are dealing with the after effects of CF as well, and it comes out in really strange ways..like out of character emo-ness on Facebook.

But when all's been said and done, I really had a blast.

It's shiro kuro socks on resting mode, day 1.

This year it was held in Berjaya Times Square Hotel's Manhattan Ballroom from Dec 18-19. Really crowded, like no oxygen I'm in the old Puduraya on Hari Raya eve kind of crowded.

Okay, I know, the picture doesn't depict it. That's because this was taken really early on the first day, when everyone was still lining up for tickets.
( I pre-booked mine..yay!).

Right..let's skip the boring parts..and on to the Top ten CF 2010 moments, in no particular order.

-Hugging Domo-kun along random corridor on day 2(Pic Courtesy of Elizebeth Mah)

-Berth and Flo stopped by, even though they weren't into this kind of thing, but they made an effort at the end of day 1 to come say hi and take pictures *hugs*. It was Bert's first time being exposed to cosplay and she found it interesting to the max. ( I really enjoyed sitting on the toilet floor and talking to you both)

(pic courtesy of KaoruRanRan)
-Hanging out with Nekos and Bunnies on day 2, having lunch and shooting random videos.

-Being followed by Enma Ai (woots Sin-Lin) on day 1

-and again on day 2 (woots Kumiko), somehow, Wonder if I have an invisible "please stick with me, Jigouko Shoujo" sign on me back.

-Having Sin Lin, Tim and Jeremy stay over and getting my first christmas gift from them
Sankyu sankyu.
-Male crossplayers...what can i say..I *hearts* them... I can't help it. I actually wish there were more for me to fangirl. Above is guest18 as azu-nyaaan, winner of the 2010 saimoe award.

-watching performances and the final cosplay solo competition on day 2..while Sitting Down..that's such a miracle..to get to seeet down. Fav perf was Shiomaru..but I was so blown away by her voice i didn't take any pics, and of course The Version

-Finally, receiving and getting to wear the Bunny Squad T-shirt, then taking emo poses with Shiki.
The-end..now I shall go into a corner and continue in my depressed state.

Blessed Christmas everyoneee..

Cutlery

2010-12-15T02:08:00.004+08:00

My life seems be from one controlling b**tard to another. I wish it was legal to gauge someones eye out with a fork.

When it Rains

2010-12-12T01:13:00.002+08:00

God,
Isn't it unfair,
that those who ruined my life,
get off scott-free?

Teach Me

2010-11-05T19:58:00.003+08:00

Dad, I'm really sorry.
I think I've focused too much on what i don't have,til I've forgotten to see what I do have. You are good, and I will never forget it. Teach me to never forget it.
I'm thankful for this thing called cosplay. Whatever others may say about it, I know somehow, you meant for me to be here.
What is salt, if it stays only in the shaker?
So,
what is Michelle, of she stays only in one place, with 90% of the people in her phone list being all one type?
Whatever others may perceive, this is my worship to You,
to bring encouragement, kindness and hope wherever needed.
To be a friend.

Thank you for showing me the answer to my question,
when I said, how could I possibly be in the ACG community? It's like entering blindfolded into the wilderness, not knowing if I'll be safe, or hurt, or even if my current friends will abandon me.
I thank you, because only hours after I asked this question,
there they are...
Vocaloids..
having lunch at Papa Rich..before a photoshoot.

Papa no Tegami

2010-09-22T02:13:00.003+08:00

Yes, this is me,
I'm angry,
yes
at You.

I've followed all your rules,
and yet,
I am unhappy.

I can't give you the painter's brush
not yet..
I still love You..but
yes,
I'm angry.
and yes,
at You.

Mushrooms and Costumes

2010-09-02T21:40:00.001+08:00

I'm wondering to myself, how long i can keep doing this..I mean, live in two worlds.
I wonder if the rest of them feel like that too?

Every time we meet and I leave and I suffer post event blues..because my daily life starts becoming a mundane set of places and people obsessed with sticking to the rules and norm,
then I start feeling trapped and I want to meet them again..

One day, something bad is gonna happen.

But until then, right,
I just don't care.
It's not like I'm doing something wrong.

This is called , being happy-chan.

Shake my Heart- Shake my World Version

2010-08-25T21:55:00.005+08:00

I am officially in awe of the people over at Yui-Lovers:

Recently, 25 of them came together and recorded a cover of YUI's song "Shake My Heart".
What's so great? you ask..
well, they're all from 14 different countries..

Listen:

Amazing talent, especially Kikino and Tsunvun86(mixing). Just imagine, where technology has gotten us now..there really are no boundaries, when it can bring 25 strangers together from around the world.

Full credits:

Vocal:lamevil (Singapore),E.guitar:tsunvun86 (Australia),A.guitar:natchi(Singapore)
Bass.asuna(Singapore), Shaker:Kikino (Chile)
Mixing:tsunvun86 & Kikino

~World chorus~
Aaron (Singapore) – Alicia (Indonesia) – Anji (Philippines) – asuna (Singapore) – azmi (Indonesia) -Badii (France) – Diana (México) – dso (Spain) – G.C. (United Kingdom) – Gotchi (Canada) – Gunsolex – (Singapore) ids (Netherlands) – kiki (Chile) – Mikaelly (Brasil) – MrSean (USA) – moonchild (Singapore) – Sakura (France) sakuraich (USA) – Suri (Spain) – tsunvun86 (Australia) – unguanime (Indonesia) – Vinsu (USA) – waratte (USA) – weirdmedol (Philippines)

and click here to read how it all happened..

p/s- If you're wondering about Malaysia, don't worry, we're represented as well...on one of the other covers..Thanks to Elrinz.

pp/s- YUI-san played this world cover version on the latest YUI-locks ( one of her radio programmes) Listen here.

Home

2010-08-23T00:10:00.008+08:00

The feeling of missing the sea, is difficult to understand.
I guess..
only if one has grown up beside it for twenty odd years, and then left the nest,
to seek a future in a forest of concrete,
does one start to miss it,
deeply.

So, to ease the pain, only photographs, taken on a trip home, to search myself.

A a child, I would take my papa's hand in one ,and a stalk of weed (with that whitish top thingee) in the other hand, and go for evening walks,
here, at the seafront at Portuguese Settlement. My favourite part, the wooden jetty..now gone,
now replaced.
And so, because all is unrecognizable, I am reminded,
so am I.
Remnants of the carefree child, now gone, now replaced.
But stronger,
somehow,
determined to survive, to live,
to build my own happiness.

P/s-now listening to:

La chanteuse Bretagne, Cecile Corbel, whom I discovered because she's composing the OST for the New Ghibli Project

Incidently, En la mar is about a woman in a tower,
by the sea..

In and Around Life

2010-07-06T23:35:00.007+08:00

Hokay..enough emo-ness.
Some updates, updates, updates...

Recent sightings:

yes, apologize before anything happens....

The Tay twins arrived early last month. Maximum the adorable...
Neko-chan is lounging, in front of the office..

while the rest of the department staff is overworked

Ada bilik pass kah?

Recently, while writing a paper and repeatedly retrieving and replacing files,

Somehow, they ended up in a jenga formation?
And later that night..

Eh............Pyramid?

Maximum the adorable twin's Mummy and Daddy let me have this Bear lamp from G.D.O. designs...and now I'm officially a fan.
Interestingly, no switch was detected, until maximum the adorable twins punya Daddy discovered that we switch it on by touching the metal base..
otsukare-sama..

And on the YUI front,

New album.
She's so beautiful, I could die..

but I'm pretty sure I'm straight...ne?

Things to look forward to: Bon Odori is next week...suteki!!

Yoru no Namida

2010-07-06T23:08:00.002+08:00

Who sees these tears, shed alone, in the middle of the night?
Who sees this heart, always an open wound, sensitive with pain?
I am now a living shell.
The part of me that mattered, died with you,
the only one who has ever loved me.

Take me with you.
I can bear no more.

Sympathy for Michal

2010-06-22T23:09:00.002+08:00

Left,
out of your heart,
my love,
for seven years.

Now,
you desire,
me back,
from Palti's arms.

There,
you dance as if,
never,
did hurt mine heart.

Once,
bitter words are spent,
therefore,
no turning back.

I spend them,
nevertheless......

Songs for Sunday Nights

2010-06-06T21:39:00.002+08:00

I am wondering, did I bring this upon myself?
this abject pain.
It is becoming unbearable.
Unbearable...
and yet I have to continue living.
Why are You putting me through this?
rejection I can take,
but this is anguish in the uttermost.

I am trying to see the light of all this, as I try in every situation.
This time, i see it
not at all.

Utau

2010-05-26T23:18:00.003+08:00

In this place called unknowing, I find myself.
For one who thrives on finding knowledge, unknowing is the worst place to be.
But in this darkness, i hear Your voice, telling me it will be okay, and I believe it, God.
As long as I hear your voice, the unknowing, is tolerable.
I-nearness to You-is good for me.

Atashi wa, koko de, utau hajimeru.

Sore wa sore, kore wa kore..

2010-05-21T01:08:00.007+08:00

The great MINES lake, as seen from Serdang Perdana Condo:

Rainy season, me likey
...and I'll hang up more teru teru bozu so that the weather will be like this
more often.

Everytime I'm sad, or down, I'll tell myself that if I live righteously,
and try my best to make others happy, one day, I'll find some rest or release...

Like this little fella, who was caught nibbling on our plants in greenhouse 4A (Baited him with pisang goreng from my favourite snack stand)

After that released him in the Urban animal reserve behind UPM mosque...
kawaii!!
These are agar-agar kristal (crystalized agar) from Akmal's wedding. Tasted great. Wanted more. Have to watch calories...uhu.
Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. never knew such things existed...

Ee?
akai mafura (red muffler), just like in YUI's B-side to the single [Gloria], [Muffler]

Her next single [to Mother] is coming out soon...waiting, waiting.
What can one make of a girl who dresses like a kindergarten teacher, but sings songs like this:

Tonight-SONY Music preview

It's probably like a friend who is talkative one week and avoids you the next, then gets talkative again...hen na , ne?

....but you let them get away with it, because you love them.

Sore dewa, bye-en!

Not Particularly Lightheaded

2010-04-22T16:23:00.002+08:00

I'm just taking time out today to think aloud.

Just for you who have not heard, FSCC as it is , will not exist in a few more months. Daniel has decided to go independant, as ICC(Ignite Community Centre). That is his decision.

This is my decision,

to go as well.

I've said this to myself, and will say it again. It is not a rebellion.

Merely an agreement to disagree regarding focus and emphasis. We have tried our best to submit to authority these past one year, and now it is an amicable parting.

Sometimes, it is okay to disagree with your parents. It is made alright by the fact that your parents release you with their love and blessings.

Thank you,

to all the elders and pastors in FGA KL, for being so understanding and releasing Daniel. Thank you for understanding each of us as well, as we make our individual decisions whether or not to stay or go.

Thank you for the freedom to make decisions.

For me, parental blessing means a lot, and I regard many of you as spiritual parents.

One year ago, I set my heart on leaving the nest because I wanted to be more effective to the community. That has not changed.

That is why, with your permission, and God's wings, I want to fly.

Almost Famous

2010-04-14T22:11:00.005+08:00

Stumbled across this today, the absolute BEST cosplay documentary made so far,
by Channel News Asia:

(Go to youtube for parts 2 to 5)
I could really relate to what was portrayed because it was so honest.

The closing statements really struck me:

"..If you think in rational terms,
it's difficult to comprehend the motivations of Japan's growing contingent of cosplayers.
To get into costume, and in so doing allow their lives to revolve around what remains to be
an ostracized subculture,
they're not motivated by financial reward, of which there is little.
perhaps not by fame,
because that is limited as well.
Cosplayers are prepared to endure sacrifices of time and money,
and even respect from their society,
to be part of something they consider larger than themselves..
A community that shares in their passions,
and a movement,
that brings colour to the cultural landscape."

Well, isn't that true for all of us gaijin cosplayers as well?

In Transit

2010-04-11T22:52:00.006+08:00

When I was travelling to Nepal couple of years back, I remember I had to transit between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu, at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport.

Today, I am reminded of that four hours. It has struck me. My life right now, is like that.
What can one do, when in transit?
Nothing much.
While I was in Suvarnabhumi, I sat

facing this scenery, for most of the time.
Which was quiet a long time.
Mostly watching people.
And I saw so many.
Asians, Caucasians, from many nations, all gabbering in tongues I couldn't tell, wheeling their luggage as if their life depended on it, and none of them staying very long. Many were scurrying off.
I was bored out of my wits at that moment, trying to find a worthy distraction, but there were none to be had.
And so I waited, and watched ( and took pictures, toilet breaks and short window shopping excursions), but mostly, just sat and watched.

Today I have decided, it seems life has come to a transit period. So I must wait, be patient , observe and learn, until my flight comes in.
But then that's the difference isn't it?
This time, i don't have a clue when I'm supposed to leave, and have no idea where I'm going.
Surprisingly, it doesn't bother me.
Not in the least.

Holy Week

2010-04-05T22:39:00.001+08:00

Thank You for the cross, my Friend.

Coverslips

2010-03-31T22:52:00.005+08:00

Imogen Heap's Hide and Seek original,

The effect is achieved with an electronic harmonizer.
Some should know this song,
samples of it have been in a recently overplayed hip-hop thing.

Now then, the acoustic guitar cover:

*overwhelmed with Josh Fredette's talent*
Is it strange to say, I like the cover better than the original?

Tanoshikata-desu

2010-03-30T23:21:00.002+08:00

I'm probably thinking too much, ne?
If I continue like this,
I will end up in pieces again.
And i don't want that..

GACC 2010 : Melancholia

2010-03-26T13:49:00.020+08:00

You will forgive me for being brief, and rather sombre. This was, after all, the last GACC organized by MMU Melaka's EMiNa club.
For me, I'm suffering post ACG event blues and feeling moody this past few days...

Click on the sleeping neko-chan for pics.
The saving grace of the whole event was the old friends, and the new ones.
I was so glad to meet my otaku gang of Sin-Lin, Timmy, Jeremy and Michael(this time we had the chance to makan together, unlike last year),
but meeting new friends like Evyn,Celestia, Zac, plus Ash and his brother Iki... that really made the event sparkle.

The first day i spent mostly outdoors, since the *extremely efficient* MMU varsity admin decided to shift GACC to some stuffy, tiny lab area a week before the event, effectively depriving us of the exam hall that is normally used. Apparently they wanted to have their open day there. Hmm....

*They have no idea how major this event is in the ACG community.Ahaks*
*To them this is just some tiny club event that involves 50 people*
*Wrong*

However, personal opinion was that, perhaps the whole shifting-to-the-sardine-can was a blessing in disguise.
For one, a lot of impressionable, fresh looking youngsters and their equally shocked parents wandered from the exam hall to where we were.(Poor signage? haha)
Whatever they thought about us wasn't important. At least a couple dozen people were inadvertantly exposed to the whole ACG culture that day.
Including some MMU staff...
who were overheard saying "Eh...Johnny Depp dekat luar la.. JOHNNY DEPP!" then proceeding to pose with the aforementioned cosplayer. (It's Captain Jack Sparrow, you landlubbers!)
Whom I respect a great deal. He gets my vote for best cosplay for the entire event.

(Hetalia:Axis Powers)

Secondly, sardine can meant that we took a lot of outdoor shots..where the natural lighting was good, and the occasional breeze gave a really earthy feel to the pictures.

Toradora! (and their schoolbags)

Beatrice from Umineko no Naku Koro Ni/When the Seagulls Cry

The Master Chief from Halo. Such detail..amazing.
Seeing the standard of other cosers really challenges me to work harder and pay attention to the fine details.

Anyway, by day 2 we were back in the exam hall (Air-con, puji Tuhan).
DJs got his helmet on..

Left over signs meant that varsity admin was selling figurines..

And the crossplayers were very embellished, as always..
(*goes into screamy fangirl mode*)
Someone enlighten me please, what character this is?
Gosh, I'd kill for legs like that..

Ciel Phantomhive from Kuroshitsuji
with chibi Yuffie from FF VII: Advent Children

All-in-all, too brief, too soon.
I had to leave halfway to attend FSCC's 1st anniversary celebrations, so I missed the ending.

Thanks for all the memories.
I know you have to move on, that's the way we are as humans.
Gambarimasu!

Note:
Now listening to..

Reality: Mine?

2010-03-15T23:48:00.002+08:00

Today, something from my favourite poet:

Emily Dickinson (1830–86). Complete Poems. 1924.

Part One: Life

VI

IF I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

Wasted Perceptive Efforts or Whatever Works for You

2010-02-28T23:23:00.003+08:00

Random post on a random anime I picked up this afternoon...

ICE- The Last Generation/ Yesterday, Today and No Future (OVA).

Japanese are the weirdest people...
they're the only ones who are capable of combining yuri and environmentally conscious themes in one anime (and quiet effectively too).
Set in a post apocalyptic world, a major bioterrorism tragedy has caused the death of all men and a large portion of women on earth. That's right. No men. Kinda like my life now.
A major part deals with how the surviving women struggle to find a way to continue the human race while living in a 'city at the edge of time'.

Anyway, the retro style of drawing was good. The voice acting was atrocious (because they insisted on getting some girl band to do it instead of professional voice actors).
If you ignore the mild Yuri moments, the plot has potential (i would have kept it). However, all in all, because yuri makes me uncomfortable and because it's against my personal principals, I'm throwing this DVD away and keeping only the theme song, which was really the only good point of the entire ordeal.

Translation

Even in the future, the palms of these hands will be familiar
One day, because I know what to hold on to,
Even if all freedom is lost,
Such things as joy and sadness won’t be controlled

To be loved
People can’t go on living all alone
To be loved
Somebody stay by me

Even if the palms of these hands are empty,
With the back of my hands I wipe away my tears
Even if the sun in the sky is forgotten,
The days when I saw the rays of sunlight won’t disappear from my memories

Just being loved
Somehow everyone becomes so kind to me
Just being loved
A peaceful tomorrow comes

To be loved
People can’t go on living all alone
To be loved
Somebody stay by me

Just being loved
Somehow everyone becomes so kind to me
Just being loved
A peaceful tomorrow comes

(Credit:AnimeThemes)

Recently, have been hooked on Korean dance videos:

Shallow stuff to lighten the burdened mind at the end of a stressful day are these.

Being a Thinking Christian

2010-02-27T21:48:00.005+08:00

Yesterday night was supposed to be a free CG, and us Young Adults were meeting in Benny and Sara's place. I was thinking...hmmm..Sara's place. It can only mean one thing...Board Games galore !! (and she offered us a 'Mind Your Language' marathon too)
However, as me and Yune were sitting at the dining table munching leftover CNY cookies, Aaron walked in and declared that we were going to have discussions..
at first I was O_o,
but then again,
I never regretted it. It was so important that I wanted to make an entry here so that I never forget.
Plus I'm really passionate about destroying the traditional 'Dependent Christianity' concept where we just absorb whatever we're told and don't question and come up with solid answers.

Living with a Black and White Mindset in a Grey World
Christians can be the meanest people, especially to each other.
Why?
because we label everything and everyone either Black(unacceptable) or White(acceptable).
For me, growing up in church, many things were labelled as such.
I remember I was barred from watching Michael Jackson MVs because he was considered 'demonic'.
Now, i tend to look back upon those things and have a good laugh about it with my Mum (who shares some of my opinions)
Did you know, even those cute little smurfs were considered 'demonic'.

(what!?)
In reality, the world is not dualistic.
As believers, if we continue to have this black/white concept in a greyscale world, we become disconnected,irrelevant and therefore no longer effective. As Aaron put it, it's as though we're living in a parallel reality.
In fact, the only thing it does make us judgmental, unpleasant people who hurt those close to us.

For example:
A few months ago, Subang Jaya ADUN Hannah Yeoh,came to FSCC to talk about standing as one of the few Christian politicians in Malaysia today. And she really said something that hits me to this day..
We Christians spend a lot of our time praying for God to raise good, clean, God-fearing leaders for our country who can really make a difference by standing up for what is right. However, when He really does answer our prayers, and one of our own brothers or sisters want to go into politics, we say negative stuff like " Are you sure? You can fall really easily you know. Better stay away. Politics is just bad news" or something along those lines.

You see what we're doing?

How on earth can we complain that the government is full of @#*% when we label politics as "black" and don't let any God-fearing people in.
I'd say, we asked for it.

Example 2:
The Bible is full of grey situations. Jesus himself in John 7:53 onwards saves a woman who was about to be stoned for adultery. If He had a black and white mindset, He would have allowed the law to take it's course. Instead, He drew a line and asked those who never screwed up in life before to throw the first stone( sorry, this is Michelle paraphrasing the Bible, hehe).
Idea credited to:SaraKhoo

Conclusion:
Of course, some things remain obviously black. And some things obviously white. That's why God gave us a brain. We are to use it to discern and to put God's laws into the various context. Because that's what the world actually is, a greyscale ball of context.

Note: Coming Soon..
How not to believe everything you hear on the pulpit.

Shourai

2010-02-25T00:43:00.002+08:00

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

(Paul's letter to the) Romans 8:28

It's a Sunday, Why am I Working?

2010-02-07T19:36:00.003+08:00

Hello minna-san. Everybody has been asking...

"You were in the hospital?"
"yes.."
"and you had a surgery?"
"Yeah..that too."
"What happened"
"Err..nothing..much, I had a bit of this and quite a lot of this , so they performed this on me."
"Oooh..so now you're ok-lah?"
"97 % download complete."

Random liner note:
Some of you were wondering what character I cosplayed,
it was Kaja Bergmann, from the anime version of Natsu no Arashi.

Amusing Musings

2010-02-07T19:29:00.004+08:00

I sometimes wonder,
if I had been born prettier, with a smaller nose, smoother skin,with shapely legs and had an easier time losing weight, would life be any easier?
Would I get hurt less?
Would I have gotten what I wanted?
Would my heart be less tired?
Waiting and waiting and waiting
trying to forget.

Comic Fiesta 2009 or " How I managed to ruin a wig"

2010-02-01T23:00:00.009+08:00

Everyone can do a review. In fact, if you google Comic fiesta 2009, you'd get a million and one reviews. So, I'm not going to do a it-was-great-i'm-looking-forward-to-next-year type of thing (although it was).
These are reflections:

I'm turning 27. Society has expectations. Job, boyfriend,kids, car, housing loan.
I have none of these.
There is a place I can be anyone I want to be. Free to express myself without judgement. Accepted in a simple manner, with like-minded people.
It happens only once a year, and I treasure the two days like air.
Sin-Lin, I'm so thankful you're around to share and understand.
And Flo, I know you don't really get it..but you accept me anyway. I'm thankful for friends like you.

I'm so glad I got to meet a bunch of spontaneous, friendly and creative people.
They were so warm, funny and original. I could chat with strangers really easily. They were like a kotatsu in the peak of winter..

Nobody turned down a request for pictures.
There were a lot of "please" and "thank you"s and "arigatou"s,
plus a lot of bowing.

Somehow, race, religion and gender became non-issues. Everyone was just in awe of the fact that there were people who shared their hobbies and interest.
"Finally...I can relax..they're all like me" was on many people's minds.

I learnt that being different alone is really difficult, but meeting other ACG community members gives strength and encouragement.

I learn't the value of team support.
I learnt to be strong. No matter what society says about us, we must learn not to be sucked into it.If we claim to be alive, it is time to LIVE.

후렴

2010-01-28T18:20:00.002+08:00

어떻게........
내 마음을,
보고 싶어요 ,
정말 아프다.

어찌면
난 사랑에 빠졌어?

Akemashita Omedetou Gonzaimasu!*

2010-01-03T20:52:00.007+08:00

*Happy New Year

Minna san,
So the new year has started. I've not been very well so it's been difficult to update, but I promise there'll be more coming soon.

I'm just going to share YUI's new song [GLORIA] with everyone because it fits the season.

GLORIA(translated by Fujii_Itsuki @YL)

That fascinating gateway, even the vision of the future
Becomes unstable
Does Life change during our youth?
Wanting to fall in love
Yet backing away timidly
There are loads of problems

To arrive at the answer
I can’t let go of this feeling
All my love

This isn’t a dream
The GLORIA that is almost within reach
That I lose sight of occasionally
Cry
Searching for a shortcut is useless
I’ll probably lose my way again?

The loud voices of the successful people
Speaking about an episode
As if it didn’t concern them
And now
In my small room
I am pondering over
That imaginary future…

Tried asking myself but
Bad feeling
Can’t imagine it
All my love

I have not lost
The GLORIA at that brilliantly shimmering end
I should be getting closer to it
Cry
Won’t push the blame to others anymore
I’ll take it all with me
It’ll all be a lie if I can’t become absorbed in it

Wo~ When the sakura blooms, surely
Wo~ I’ll be able to meet my new self

This isn’t a dream
I believe that it will be worthwhile
Though the truth is that I’m afraid

Cry
Because I’m feeling frustrated
Get glory day

I have not lost
The GLORIA at that brilliantly shimmering end
I should be getting closer to it
Cry
During sleepless nights
Even if I’m left alone hugging my knees
Baby there is no time to be crying

Even though she wrote this especially for students sitting for exams, I think it fits anyone trying to accomplish a difficult task in life. So everyone, let's not stop striving to do our best in life, whether it's work, studies, ministry or family.

It's very easy to make new year resolutions, but keeping it requires discipline and commitment.

Sore dewa...gambarimasu!

Note:
The single [GLORIA] will be in stores on Jan 20th 2010.
I'm still waiting for her to write a song that bores me...hasn't happened yet.

*sigh*Isn't she beautiful? I almost fell off my chair when she smiled in the video.

Fighting to Breathe

2009-12-09T12:38:00.003+08:00

Nothing works anymore.

The burdens pile up
but not the escape doors.
What I would give,
for a place of rest.

Je ne comprend pas, Dieu.
Ce que je fait mal?

Welcome to The Real World

2009-11-14T18:15:00.002+08:00

I am in pain. It's the kind that makes you wish for death. It starts in the back, moves up the spine, spreads through the shoulders like wildfire and then plunges down into the abdomen like a serpent from hell. Stops there for a while and creeps up to my heart where it has stayed for the past I-don't know-how-long, scrunching and pulling. Refusing to leave no matter how much I struggle. If it doesn't go away, I'm thinking of taking a knife and cutting it out myself.
Yes, you are part of the cause.
You've destroyed us and now you're paying the price. You judgemental bastard!. The island you've found yourself in is of your own creation.
Even now I have to live with the labels you forced upon me. People think I'm a timid, nerdy, incapable of public speech or confrontation. All of it changes now. NOW.
You've done worse to others. You've destroyed their reputation and their trust in their fellow believers. You've left nothing but a legacy of merciless judgementalism, narrow-mindedness and outright resistance to the work of the Holy Spirit. Which your disciples still follow to this day. They still carry your blood sentiments.
Well, I'm leaving them. Call it what you want. The 'great divorce'.
You deserve every drop of loneliness. I have no more tender feelings in my heart. They are gone. Long gone.

Bad news, Good news, Indifferent news.

2009-10-26T16:27:00.005+08:00

Bad news:My favourite Korean restaurant closed down a month ago*sob*sniffle*sniffle*. No more 10 ringgit set lunches at Dae Jang Geum...no more toppokgi....worst of all,
Yours truly has been reduced to surviving on canned kimchi. [God], this is so unfair......

Indifferent News:

There's this discounted book fair being held by MPH at Sri Petaling's IMU campus, so I went yesterday with Jie Min. (Hmm..nowadays, I seem to pick up all my books at book fairs). Anyway, one of the spoils is shown above....

Book is not read yet, any way the point is...the acknowledgements page (soorry for the bad picture), if you can make out the first line, it says , I quote:
" My sincerest thanks to Angela Aki, dear friend and first to read this book...."

Whoa.. Angela Aki?
You mean this Angela Aki...

The Famous half Italian/American Japanese singer songwriter Angela Aki?
Actually that's not impossible, since the author ( according to the brief cover overleaf biography) "..has worked as a teacher in Japan, where he has lived on and off..."

Good news:
We have discovered ( or re-discovered) Clazziquai, house/blues/hip-hop band from South Korea. I first heard them on the series 'My name is Kim Sam Soon'. Their latest album Mucho Punk is the only album (excluding YUI) that I can listen from start to finish and not feel bored.

One male vocalist, one female,
and one extremely talented sound engineer/composer dude.

Nobody Comes Here

2009-10-09T01:22:00.006+08:00

Dear okyaku-sama(guest),
We are fine. Genki-desu.
Thank you,thank you.

We recently found an interesting Japanese proverb....

悪女の深情け

Hiragana : あくじょのふかなさけ

Romaji: Akujyo no fuka nasake

Translated: An ugly woman is more passionate.

Eh...?
Iii..Yaiyaiyaiyaiyaiyai...yah!!
(Note: this is not Japanese, just a random sound)

What's been happening?

A lot of sadness, but much encouragement.
Yes, Ma.
Keeping quiet is a form of dignity. I'm slowly understanding this.
Silence is not the manifestation of fear....but choosing something more important,
peace.

On the other hand,
we are kept busy with research and numerous hobbies(guitar/jamming with worship team/reading inconsequential romances from Barbara Cartland/anime/cosplay costume/etc.).
As we're typing this.. Go!Go!7188 is playing in one window,while Departures on another.

Kata omoi= unrequited love.
Funny.In a totally weird way.
stuff to look out for :

00:12 = Criminal (30)
01:58= criminal's mother (32)
00:57= ouch!
01:38= cumulative dragon ball?
bracket = age
random instruments appearing and disappearing.

sore dewa, mata ne.

Zee Avi 's Kantoi

2009-09-28T00:03:00.004+08:00

is my current favvy....

I love the manglish,it's so original. Never been done before I think..
manglish+ukelele= lurve.

I'm proud to call her Malaysian. Anyway, her namesake album is out and she's signed to Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records.
Malaysia Boleh!!
People like her are why I wanna go to a live house so badly...

Never Say Die- YUI

2009-09-16T11:56:00.002+08:00

Finally, the video of Never Say Die is here:
(Credit: Jarekmasta @YL)
This is the other half of It's All too much/ Never Say Die double 'A' side single due for release on October 7th 2009. Both songs are featured in the upcoming movie 'Kaiji'.

The PV features over 200 extras, all girls. They were split into 2 scenes; football field and live house. Anyway there was a lot of screaming when YUI showed up at the field filming session to thank the extras, even though she wasn't involved.(This is from the 'making of..' vid)

We loves the all female concept. Maybe because I played footie as a teen, so I can relate to the whole 'girl power' mode she's on right now. If you noticed, her band for It's all too much vid and this vid are women too. Her drummer mai mai-san is actually 34 years young...rock on!

Anyway, SONY records seem to be slashing everyone who puts up her PVs on video sharing sites. *sad**sad*

Never Say Die Lyrics

Romaji (by yupeh/Rob)

YAN nacchau keredo
ii koto ga anno mo jinsei sou yatte tsudzukenda
Baby Never mind Never say die

damashiau koto sore mo aru desho
kagami no naka no kimi datte wakatteru hazu
ue wo mitetara uchuu made tonda
hatenai aozora ashita docchi da?

yan na kya nannai koto
yattatte umaku yukanakute
ochikonjau toki mo
Baby Never mind Never say die

zurui yatsura to ohitoyoshi ja
kanau wakenai demo kawarenai
kamisama ni sugaritakunatte
KOIN nagekonda It's alright

YAN nacchau keredo
ii koto ga anno mo jinsei sou yatte tsudzukenda
Baby Never mind Never say die

chikaratsukite nemuru toki ki ha makireru keredo

yan na kya nannai koto
mata tokidoki mienakunatte
tachidomatte kangaenda
demo Baby Never mind Never say

YAN nacchau keredo
ii koto ga anno mo jinsei sou yatte tsudzukenda
Baby Never mind Never say die

Translation(by Uchihamel)

At times we get sick and tired of everything
But good things are part of life too
That’s how we continue living on
Baby Never mind Never say die

Deception occurs sometimes
Even your reflection in the mirror probably knows that
Looking up, we’re flying right into outer space
Where will the boundless blue skies of tomorrow be?

Things which you just got to do
Be it accomplishing them or when it's not going smoothly
Even when you’re feeling down
Baby Never mind Never say die

Overly-kind people are just no match for sneaky ones
But nothing can be changed
I feel like relying on God
Tossing in a coin It’s alright

At times we get sick and tired of everything
But good things are part of life too
That’s how we continue living on
Baby Never mind Never say die

Though exhausting all energy and falling asleep
Is a way to take my mind off thoughts for a while

Things which you just got to do
And at times you can’t see clearly
Stopping in my tracks and thinking
But Baby Never mind Never say

At times we get sick and tired of everything
But good things are part of life too
That’s how we continue living on
Baby Never mind Never say die

-End-

This line... "kamisama ni sugaritakunatte" or "..I'm relying on God" makes me wonder if she's a believer.Although, she does constantly refers to God in her songs (Think 'HELP'). Hmm..

Anyway, just for fun...

Tips when Identifying Yui as YUI:

There are like 10 or more Yui-s in Japanese entertainment. How to know which Yui is YUI

1) All other Yuis use their surname.

2) If the girl in the pix/vid is smiling (with teeth), it's probably not YUI (hehe, internal fan joke).

3) If there's a cute, pink frilly dress involved, it's definitely NOT her.

4) If there's dancing in the video, confirm-firm it's not her.

This is Horie Yui by the way. I (very occasionally) listen to her songs.

5) YUI never reveals shoulders or kneecaps above. (There's only 2 photos very early in her career where she bares her shoulders). So...

Sleeveless tops *not her*

Tank top *not her*

short skirt* not her*

hot pants *not her*

fancy hairstyle *not her*. Talk about tutup aurat.

6) Usually a guitar is somewhere near.

7)If the person's striking a kawaii(cute) or sexy pose, you don't even have to ask.(Nope, not her)

8) If the person has vaguely blank or dreamy faraway expression, Yes, it's her.

9) If it's a love song with cheesy lyrics like " your eyes are beautiful, stay with me, let's not break up,etc', chances are it's NOT her.

10) If her head is tilted to the right, there's a 50% possibility.

11) If she wiggles her way out of personal questions like "How does it feel like to kiss Takashi Tsukamoto?" with a nondescript answer like"because I was immersing myself in the character....she was trying her best to live in her limited time" , it's definitely YUI.

12) YUI has a tendency to agree with herself when giving interview answers. ('etcblahblah'..then 'uum' with a nod)

sore dewa, jaa ne.

Random Midmorning Post

2009-09-16T11:38:00.001+08:00

This guy is freakin' awesome,
and he's really funny too....

It's Because Life Is Not Simple...

2009-09-03T13:52:00.002+08:00

that I can go on living
-LIFE by YUI

So reality is like this.
Rejection, dissappointments,
hurt, cheated of my inheritance.

I always believed that if I work hard and do my best in life, all of this won't bother me. But some days,

somedays they do.

Nevertheless, even if I don't talk about it..
I will work hard at living, and do my best.
I will continue to believe.
I will continue to improve myself.

ne, so deshou?

YUI's New single- It's All Too Much/Never Say Die

2009-08-29T22:36:00.009+08:00

New haircut, new song....

(SOrNY-san leave this vid alone onegaishimasu*bows*, you've already taken all her other PVs off the tube, ne...ne?)
40 sec preview:

It's All Too Much
Romaji Lyrics and Eng Translation- by uchihamel@YL

Kobaruto iro ni kawaru yoru sa
Tsumetaku hikaru hoshizora
Kotoba nara mou iranai kara
Namida ni kakureta shinjitsu wo
Tokiakasou to suru yori
Konkyo mo nai unarai no hou ga mashi

Akari no naku natta benchi de
Miagetara
Risou bakari ukabu
Nagareboshi deshita

Nee! Oshiete yo
Arugamama ikite yukeru nara
Ginga ni hirogaru kiseki atsumete
Nori koete mitai yo

Datte karadan naka
Meguru kanjou ni
Shihai sareten da

Kon nan ja dame sa
Nee sou desho?

Saikoro furu mitai ni kimete
Koukai nante dekinai hodo
Tsugi no basho he to susundeitai

Aimai ni tsukurareta ruuru bukku
Okubyou na bun dake deokurete
Raibaru no senaka mitsuzuketen da
Sonna no mo
Tsuki akari sekirara
Suppadaka no kokoro kara hagureta
Nagareboshi deshita

Nee! Oshiete yo
Arugamama ikite yukeru hodo
Junjou nanka ja nai
Arasou koto mo sakerarenai no

Kitto karamawari
Kurikaesu kyoukun ni
Shihai sareten da

Dou sureba ii no
Nee uso desho?

Kuusou bakari kaite
Susumenai
Aisou yoku mo narenai
Naze darou?

… It’s all too much

Nee! Oshiete yo
Arugamama ikite yuku tame ni
Semaru nandai sae mo
Yuumoa ni kaete
Waraitobashitai

Datte kaiketsu dekinai
Nichijou ni uzumoreru

Dakara shinjite itai yo
Kiseki tte aru desho?
Nee sou desho?

It’s all too much translation

The night is turning into a shade of cobalt
The chilly star studded sky is glimmering
There’s no need for words of any sort

Rather than trying to uncover the truth concealed behind tears
I’m better off with baseless predictions
Sitting on the bench where the lights have already gone out
And gazing up
It was a shooting star with only idealities surfacing

Nee! Would someone enlighten me
If I were to live life as it is simply
I would gather all the miracles dispersed throughout the universe
And try overcoming them
All because these emotions which are pulsing throughout my body
Are dictating me
This wouldn’t do
Am I right?

Being as decisive as cast dice
And not ever having regrets
I hope to move onward to the next destination
The rule book which was created uncertainly
Only timidity appeared later
I continue watching the backs of my rivals
That,
As naked as the moonlight
Was a shooting star which strayed from a pure heart

Nee! Would someone enlighten me
To live life as it is simply
Innocence does not suffice
You can’t escape from conflicts too
Those lessons which I have learnt time after time
Are definitely dictating me
What should I do
It’s a lie isn’t it?

Simply daydreaming
Will not get me anywhere
It also can’t make me more pleasant
I wonder why?

… It’s all too much

Nee! Would someone enlighten me
In order to live life as it is simply
I want to change even the toughest obstacles facing me into something humorous
And then laugh it off
Because there is no way to resolve it
It is buried within everyday life

That is why I wish to believe
Miracles do exist don’t they?
Isn't that so?

The tune is still growing on me..I'm not as hot about this melody as I was when I heard [again], but the riff is catchy. The PV is awesome though.
It really catches the mood and gist of the song.*short hair,yay!**whazzup with d hoodie again**digging the white outfit**fell in love with the shooting stars*

As usual, her lyrics are deep and multi-layered. I especially like the double meaning behind 'nee, so deshou?' which can mean 'is it not so?' or 'is it really?'that she tags at every chorus end. It's like we believe in miracles yet there's a little part of our brain that doubts.

I'm looking forward to this double A side single . The other song is called Never Say Die.

Trivia-smrivia: Both song titles are related to the Beatles (John Lennon,Ringo Starr, etc.), and Yui-san has been known to name her albums after famous Beatles' songs.

The Beatle's psychedelic version of It's all too much:

Try not to get high from all those sub-surreal artwork......from the yellow submarine.

Anyway, back to YUI's song..It's the theme for the new movie 'Kaiji" starring Tatsuya Fujiwara and Kenichi Matsuyama (both from the Death Note movies) :

'Kaiji' is about a down and out average Japanese guy who is forced to board a gambling ship where he has battle his shipmates for survival in various games. Lose a single game, and it's bye bye world.
This double A side single will be released on October 14th.

GACC 2009 @ MMU Melaka Day 2

2009-08-19T19:25:00.010+08:00

Minna-minna,
Konnichi-hua-hua,
here is the continuation of GACC 2009 report, which I was sooooo happy I attended. Day 2 of GACC 09' was filled with more cosplayers than the previous day. This time I came with Sam, my younger brother, whose main aim was to buy more Soul Eater bookmarks ( I bought Maka & Soul on day 1, he wanted to complete the set with the other weapons and Meisters)We arrived just in time for the Grand freeze;

Video credit: CammandoChaos
There was a bit of mix up and some cosplayers mistook the 5-minutes-before signal for the actual freeze signal, so we got to see the freeze twice.
Fav moment at 3:45 when the cross-player maid gets "molested"hahahahhahahha.
(by the way, those are my friends laughing and taking pictures)
My bro and i are somewhere in the middle of this video too.

Talking about the crossplayers...
At first when I saw from afar I thought..oh okay..more maids, then I got closer and found..

Ehh..? Bishonen in maid costumes...kawaii, kawaii. They're actually characters from Princess Princess.
They were really obliging and friendly..
While waiting for the duo and solo cosplay event to start...it was time to *snap*snap* away.
Mana cosplayer, which I mentioned before in this post.
This time, she's in full make-up and I'm happy for her.
Dragon ball-Naruto cross-over? Only at GACC 2009.

Uhu..A Shinigami from bleach, check out his sandals, sugoi.
Sam with Naruto the another one..
with Lloyd Asplund of Code Geass, whom we mistook for a Bleach Arrancar...oops!.

Now this is the real Arrancar, Nnoitra Jiruga, Espada no.5

Go to DMC!Go to DMC! with Johannes Krauser II, minus his wig!?
This guy was also one of the event MCs.
Once the duo and solo cosplay finals started, I was too busy laughing my head off to take any pictures. The MCs had great chemistry and all the participants were spontaneous and sporting.

In the solo cosplay finals, the best skits were inspired by Who's line..where participants acted and the MCs provided sound ...

(Video's from vampiremamoru @ youtube)
All spontaneous and unrehearsed...sugoi sugoi.

I had to leave after the last cosplay skit...and I missed the dance event, where the whole hall became a dance floor ..thankfully there's Youtube

What is love-GACC version
Parody of the famous Jim Carey SNL head shaking skit..OMG at 00:50
(Vid by ejump@youtube)

GACC 2009 @ MMU Day 1

2009-08-19T12:23:00.020+08:00

Kon-Cosplay-ni-chiwa,
Minna-minna-san ogenki desu ka? Kawaii desu ka?
I just got back from the awesome-nest Cosplay event ever- GACC 2009 organised by MMU Melaka's EMINA club.
Taking place over 2 days from 15th to 16th August , GACC 2009 is one of the largest Cosplay, Anime, Games and Manga events in Malaysia.
I'm still high from the excitement...it was fun,fun,fun all the way.
Being a native Malaccan really helped because I didn't have to make travel or lodging plans, plus my brother is an MMU student.
I'm covering only day 1 in this post because I took a whole lotsa pictures, and I had to sort through them when I came back to KL.

I arrived rather late, and I missed the Grand Freeze event where all the cosplayers froze for exactly 3 minutes at 3pm sharp.
vid credit: vampiremamoru @ youtube

I actually came to watch the group cosplay event and had some free time before that, so I visited the Doujin booths and bought some Soul Eater bookmarks and K-on badges as well as anime DVDs...

Gundam DIY competition in progress.

More importantly, snapping cosplayers. These are vocaloids

Unexpectedly, I met my good friend and ex-classmate Sin-Lin there. She's an ex-EMINA member and comes for GACC annually. It was really a bonus to have met her.(Apparently she makes figurines too)

Cho kawaii meido-san

Naruto..his wig is so kakkoi.

Bleach cosplayers...
Shinigami-san...nan de posu wa?

Then it was time for group cosplay competition to start..there were four teams:
The Code Geass group

Devil May Cry
Air Gear

and my favourite..Haruhi Suzumiya no Yuutsu's SOS brigade.

While waiting for the Chibi matsuri to start at 6pm, the comittee entertained us with dances.

I was dancing to Caramelldansen too... uh uh uhwa uhwa

vid credit: vampiremamoru @ youtube
Full frontal.ahaiks.

Can somebody please tell me where these two are from?

Hetalia : Axis powers.

..which I haven't watched but want to..Maids maids everywhere, where do they come from?, I don't care..as long as I get Pictures..mwahaha.

There were many events going on at once..PSP and online games, as well as non-virtual gaming.

So many moe figurines...as well as a manga reading room.

Chocobanana anyone?
The chibi matsuri was really chibi. Micro-mini chibi..there were only 5 stalls.
Guppy fishing, Doko ni goldfishes imasu ka?
Ohh..the pudding was really great.

So there's that. My only regret is I couldn't really catch up with Sin-lin since I was rushing to go home. Gomen-ne?

Coming soon: Day 2 report..motto cosplayers..motto fun..motto everything.

FSCC : The Growing

2009-07-30T14:00:00.005+08:00

Koni-ni-nin-ni-nichiwa,

Today Flo Toh sms-ed me to say that her friend wanted a picture of FSCC from this blog, which got me thinking, since our website is not up yet, there are no pictures of us in the public domain, only on Facebook, where we share amongst ourselves.

Anyway, I took these shots last Sunday:

Sally D was preaching. This week the chairs were arranged in cinema style.

After service we usually have hospitality time, where we talk over snacks and coffee.

Attack of the hungry-and-penniless .

Last Sunday's hospitality table was a war zone. If you're wondering, the food was prepared by Yune- carrot cake and Chili con Carne.

The Young adults CG, while waiting for the students to finish a survey, was busy planning a picnic to a waterfall in Pahang.

FSCC is also becoming increasingly International, since we have people from about 10 countries (and counting) coming regularly. These include Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Fiji, India, England,China, Iran, Caribbean Islands and of course,us.

And still..some people harbour hopes of going to Shaolin...

Finally, a shot of the dol-seot bibimbap that I had with Flo Lee last Saturday at Dae Jang Geum, Sri Petaling,before M.A.E.Day, which I didn't get any photos 'cause too busy talking to people.

Sore dewa, Kimchi!

Requiem

2009-07-28T13:00:00.002+08:00

"You are obsessed with your differences,"
so says the foreigner,
who wants to write a book about us
when he goes to Europe.
And I said
"Go ahead, tell the truth"

You say, go home,
but this is my home.

Now that you are gone, White Sheep,
who will speak the truth?

Cowards!
Do not accuse me of hard work!
My only sin is sacrifice,
and all my years of anguish and fight.

There is no one to defend me,
I am a stranger in this house
the one in which I was born.

Listen you who are Blind!,
now the White Sheep is dead
you should be happy
for you drove her to her grave.

Natsu wa, sugoi, ne?

2009-07-23T15:57:00.015+08:00

Ah-chooo! Uhm..Uhu hu..Excuse me..

The weather has been unpredictable lately,

and therefore,
yours truly is having a cold.

With the H1N1 flu still rampant, do take care of yourselves by drinking lots of water and maintaining good hygeine.
Contrary to belief, the flu is not fatal and the reported fatalities are usually tied in with other health complications like heart problems and a compromised immune systems.
Normal people usually recover within 2 weeks of contracting the virus.

On a happier note,
The Bon Odori festival was held last Saturday and as expected, the crowd was more than last year.
In last year's post, I vowed to eat more..which I did. Unagai kabayaki don, korokke, ice cream,salmon onigiri.
Next year I want to try kodomo beer or kodomo no nomimono (read more)which was being sold. This year however, Amane-san bought us Suntory's new green tea drink (domo, domo), which I found very bitter, but suitable to drink with oily foods like unagi.

Proof that race and religion is no barrier to enjoying yourself and learning new cultures.

I was really glad to be able to wear a yukata this year.

Since my waist is larger(hahaaha) than the average person, I took to sewing my own obi, which was quite easy and fun. Usually I'd sew it while sitting in front of my computer, with a anime or drama playing, in the wee hours when everyone was asleep.

When my eyes get tired, I'll rest them by looking up at the wall, with all these posters ( if you're wondering, no I didn't go to all these plays, only some of them)

This year at the Obon festival, I got to meet my fellow YUI-lovers again. Amane-san and Muzamil-san were also wearing Yukatas.

This year's uchiwa were blue in colour and they looked really beautiful when the dancers waved them in the air simultaneously.

The guest performance that night was by students from various Japanese language schools and Universities. They performed the Soran Bushi.

I also had a chance this year to walk around the stadium taking pictures of other people's beautiful Yukata before the Odori sessions started.

Happy obon. Summer is just beginning. I still have MMU GACC's Chibi Matsuri to go for, so I'm looking forward for that

Lastly, YUI lovers 3rd collaboration, and there are many Malaysians taking part this year, including the coordinator (atheon), ccddss, kippei and natsumi. Mine is track No. 3.

The YL collab. is an annual project where we send our covers to YUI herself, and this is the first time I'm participating. The incredible artwork of the booklet is done by Elkikino! the artist of Yupi-Locks who is from Chile.

We loves the weird friends. Wuvs wuvs wuvs wuvs wuvs wuvs *fading to background* wuvs wuvs wuvs.

Cosplayers: Weirdos or Harmless Pastimers?

2009-06-15T14:40:00.011+08:00

Minna minna, genki des ka?
As it is the Japanese season of summer festivals, here's a continuation of the Japanese-related editorials thread.

Cosplay
Although the term itself is of Japanese origin, the culture of dressing up as a favourite character was actually popularized by westerners, especially Star Trek fans ( popularly called Trekkies) and Star Wars fans who dressed in costumes during annual gatherings or conventions during the late 70s and 80s.
With the rise in popularity of Japanese animation in the 1980s, Anime fans began to have gatherings of their own, both in Japan and in America, where they dressed in costumes of anime or manga characters.
Now, however, the term "Cosplay" ( Costumed+Players) has grown to include dressing up as movie characters, favourite artiste/band members, game characters (Mario brothers anyone?), maids and Gothic Lolita looks. Contrary to belief, cosplay is not limited to Japanese based characters.

Popular live action cosplay sources include Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and The Matrix.
Girls, do we remember this? It's Jem and the Holograms.

Hogwarts, hogwarts, hoggy-warty Hogwarts, Teach us something new...

Our friend Amy will love this, Disney Princesses. All pictures taken at San Diego Comic Con.
(Pic source: Mandy's Cosplay)

I was priviledged to witness some live cosplaying when I went for the Japanese Fair in conjuction with Haha no Hi (Mother's day) in 1 Utama on 3rd May. EMiNA ( the Japanese visual art society) of MMU cyberjaya was there to promote their annual festival called DaiCon.
I managed to take some pictures...

This guy was really friendly. Actually they all were. He's cosplaying...

Chouji Akimichi from Naruto.

This young lady is playing Mana of Malice Mizer, dressing in Gothic Lolita style. This girl mentioned to me rather sadly that her costume was incomplete because the mall was a public place and management doesn't allow make-up that they considered over-over. I really felt bad for her.

Here's a pix of the real Mana. He's (it's not a typo, he really is a He) the pioneer of the GothLoli subculture.

(Pics courtesy of Jasmine Ng)

Here are all the cosplayers. I don't know who the extreme left is, but the middle two are cosplaying Riku from Kingdom Hearts.

Jasmine and Yee Min were there too. Jasmine is shocked...ahaha.

But she was busy snapping away on her LOMO camera anyway.

Cute bleach dolls.
I grabbed some Japanese snacks in between waiting for cosplayers to get ready.

There were other girls in lolita costumes too.
So that's that.In my opinion, cosplaying allows young ppl a creative outlet, and I'm wary of judgmental ppl who label them weirdos.
If you observe the details and effort they put into their costumes and props, you've really got to respect them.
What do you think?

Before we end, a bunch of Kawaii stuff:
Kurita-kun. He's actually an Anpan from Baker's Cottage. Had him for dinner..mwahahaha.

Few days ago I caught this Neko-chan napping outside my bedroom window.

Let's all be happy-chan (copyright:YUPI locks byElkikino)

Until the next post.

What's in my mp3 player Now:

The Kimono Post (part 2)

2009-05-19T18:05:00.012+08:00

Minna-san, konnichiwa. This post is a continuation of the previous one.

If you're wondering why there's a sudden influx of Japanese culture-related editorials, it's because this is the season of Japanese festivals, and this is my (sort of) tribute to the festivities

Kimono, The Straight Line

The ultimate goal of kimono-wearing is to achieve the tube look, meaning, to hide all the womanly curves by padding the waist area. Elegance is a key value in Kimono wearing, as it actually limits the length of steps you take (trust me, it's very difficult to run in a kimono).

There are many types of women's kimono, as mentioned previously. They include:

1. Furisode

2.Tomesode

3.Homongi

4. Tsukesaga

5.Komon & Edo Komon

6.Iromuji

(Note: These are the average women's wear, I'm not going into the more elaborate kimono worn by performers, brides and geisha).

The fabric by which kimono are made usually is heavy, thick and lined. The materials can be satin ,silk, cotton, etc. It's usually very expensive. One set can cost up to RM 40, 000 complete with obi (belt) and accesories (which I will cover in Part 3).

Let's begin with :

1. The Furisode

The furisode is worn by young unmarried women, usually during the traditional Japanese coming of age ceremony (when they turn 20) as well as to weddings. YUI san once wore a red furisode to the Japan Academy Awards ceremony in 2007.

Furisode is characterized by its long , swinging sleeves. In olden times, the long swishing sleeves were worn to attract potential husbands ( how things have changed.....). The colours of the Furisode are usually very loud and garish, like bright yellow, red , orange and turqoise. The sleeves of a furisode range from 70cm to 150cm long, and are categorized into 3 groups based on sleeve length (but I won't go there).

2 .Tomesode

One a young woman gets married, she trades in her furisode for a more mature look, and wears a tomesode for formal functions like state events, weddings, company dinners and the like.

There are 2 types of tomesode, firstly the Kurotomesode (pic above), kuro meaning black. They are the most formal kimono in Japanese culture and are worn for state occasions and by a bride or groom's mother during a wedding.
Tomesode are crested kimono, and have 5 family crest embroidered into it. Two are found below the shoulders and 3 at the back, also at the same level. They are visible here as small white dots near the sleeve tops.The family crest or mon is specific for each family. So if you would like to wear a tomesode, be sure to get an un-crested one, or else you would be wearing someone else's name on your shoulders.

Another distinctive feature of a tomesode is that all the designs are confined below the waist. Also, the sleeves are short and the sleeve opening conservatively smaller.

The second type of tomesode is the irotomesode (iro=colour), which is similar to kurotomesode but is made of sobre-coloured fabric instead of black. The designs below the waist is less elaborate and don't contain gold or silver threads.

Irotomesode are considered less formal than Kurotomesode. During a wedding, extended relatives of the bride or groom will wear this type of kimono.

3. Homongi

Homongi literally means visiting wear, and are worn by both married and unmarried women. This kimono is less formal than the Tomesode, and is worn by friends of the bride/groom during a wedding or for formal parties.

The distinctive feature of homongi are that the designs are not limited below the waist are found all the way up to the shoulders and sleeves. As mentioned earlier, fabric designs are seasonal. Cherry blossoms ( sakura) and brightly coloured flowers are usually related to spring, summer designs include water patterns. For autumn, Chrysanthemums and maple leaf designs are common while winter designs include pine, bamboo and crane.

4. Tsukesage

This kimono is similar to the homongi, but has less elaborate designs which are more contained.

(Source: Livedoor blog)

5.Komon

Komon are characterized by the small running designs which are repeated throughout the garment. They are considered casual wear and may be worn while running errands, everyday use and the like. Some women wear these to restaurants, the theater(not the cinema), tea ceremonies and to the temple when paired with formal obi.

6.Iromuji

Iromuji are single coloured kimono, usually worn for tea ceremonies.

Finally,
here are some pics Yune took when we went for Ennichi last November.
These women were involved in carrying out the tea ceremony.

Notice that they are wearing both Iromuji as well as Komon.

This was a Furisode on display at the recent UCSI bunkasai, which I briefly visited.

Last of all, here is my Yukata, which arrived last Saturday from the only Malaysian online wholesaler ohjapan.
Black background with hanabi (fireworks) and leaf design.
I've just finished sewing the obi today, blue with green stripes. Now must practice tying....

The Kimono Post (Part 1)

2009-05-18T15:04:00.026+08:00

It would seem that the extremely hot and dry weather we've had is finally settling down due to spots of rain. I think it's great. It was very hard to survive that weather in a house with no air-conditioning. Thankfully, I had a one week break and went back to my hometown, where my room has an air-con. After that, it was back to sauna conditions and reality.

I have decided to make my blog more informative. Therefore, from now onwards, there will be editorials on interesting subjects (a.k.a. subjects that Michelle likes).

Here we go...

Kimono, The Misconseptions Cleared(part 1 )

The months of June to August is summertime in Japan, and also the season of various celebrations like the many Matsuris, Ennichi and Bon Odori (Obon dances). Usually, these festivals are marked by street side stalls selling foods like candied apples, takoyaki ( sotong-in-batter balls), etc. as well as games like goldfish scooping and fireworks display.

In Malaysia, the Japan club organizes a Bon Odori in Shah Alam every year around 15th July, and this year will mark the 33rd time the Bon Odori will be held.

Bon Odori, Shah Alam, 2006. (Credit: Kurogane Anime Blogger)

For summer festivals, the Japanese usually wear a yukata. Confused? I'll explain..

Kimono is a general term in Japanese meaning 'clothing'. There are many types and they are worn for different occasions.

In this part, I'll talk only on the yukata, the summer kimono.

Yukata are usually made of thin cotton material, and is unlined (just means that it doesn't have an extra layer of cloth sewn underneath),unlike normal kimono like the furisode, tomesode and homongi which are made of heavier fabric and is lined with satin or cotton.

A furisode kimono.

Cotton yukata with hanhaba obi.

The obi or belt is called a hanhaba(half-width) obi because it is usually about 18cm in width, unlike normal obi which is about 35cm in width. Hanhaba obi are usually found in one colour without elaborate designs.

Hanhaba obi ( Credits: Shimazakura.com)

A normal width maru obi, which is folded half before wearing.

The most common way to tie the hanhaba obi when wearing a yukata is the bunko bow style.

Here's another variation, called the aoi style

In these modern times, there are also pre-tied (instant?)obis, known as Tsukuri obi:

Yukata worn by younger unmarried women and young children are brightly coloured with large flower prints, whilst older married women like to wear subdued colours and designs, like dark blue with white prints etc. Examples of subdued designs favoured by the older generation.

Examples of designs for younger women.

Men's yukata and obi are simpler, and are usually dark earth colours like navy blue,white, black and beige (regardless of wearer's age):

Men and boys sometimes wear a jinbei (or hippari) to summer festivals. It consists of a knee-length shorts and coat.

Although the jinbei is meant for men and young boys, it is sometimes worn by kids of both sexes as well as young women, who wear them in bright floral designs. Girls in floral jinbei (Source: Daviding.com)

The summer yukata ensemble is incomplete without its accesories which include :

The Geta (Wooden sandals),

Kinchaku (drawstring handbag) and

uchiwa (non-foldable fan).

Currently listening to: [Sea] by YUI , b-side to [AGAIN]

Insert Random Happy Thought

2009-04-30T12:20:00.014+08:00

Michelle's short term wish list includes a Fender Candy-Cola Tele/Strat, with Marshall amp.

~Nyan~Nyan~

Just finished two major academic mountains..my comprehensive exam and Progress Report Seminar presentation, which at first I thought,but things turned out fine in the end...

Although I feel a little worn out.
(Don't you just love the Onion emoticons?)

That's why I'm taking the day off.

We loves what bin goin on this last sem...

FGA Serdang Community Centre has started. My facebook page has more pics.
FSCC is a satellite church of Full Gospel Assembly, KL.
So it's like a branch outlet,
only it's not a branch outlet,
because we have our own goals and emphasis and personality.

My friend and undergrad coursemate Asilah got married in early April ( to my Dept. senior Hamim). This is the first time I've been able to be involved in malay wedding fully.
From the akad nikah ( saya si pembawa dulang hantaran branded perfume) to the bersanding ceremony.That's Asi at the dresser.

hanging out with Caroline and Hidayah in the bridal room.

The living room, where the ceremony will be held.
Door gifts. Did I mention Dayah is due in August?

I carried the toiletries (upper right) during the hantaran exchange ceremony.

Asi's mum fed us chocolate cake, that's why we are happiee.

*sniffle*Asi,I'm so glad I was there for your big day.

Ring exchange. I went upstairs to take shots because the crowd was really crowding around the couple.
The next day was the Bersanding,

The hall was really elegant. I loved it.

So was the dais.

I got to meet all my coursemates. It was like a reunion.

And Prof. Kathy as well. Really miss her as a lecturer.

Our friend Hunny Bunny was the bridesmaid.

Actually, we are missing our days as undergrads. All of us.
I like to think that our memories keep us going.
So, whatever our chosen path in life, keep on fighting.
Banzai!

I'm having lotsa fun lately.
Maybe more than i should have. (eh?)
You know, sometimes I tell ppl I'm a grad student and they straightaway think:
Booooring, boookish...know it all...not worth my time.
I love love love breaking that stereotype.

Currently listening to: Ikimono Gakari

YUI-san, Okaeri*

2009-04-23T13:54:00.004+08:00

*welcome back.

My favourite girl is back,
after a 6-month break from the industry and the limelight.

When I first listened to this song, it was *sugoi*sugoi*all the way
I'm so proud of her.
She has really outdone herself.

Note: If the video has been removed, you can hear the song in the sidebar player.
Blame Sony.They've been vigorously removing all her online vids.

The single [#again]
will be released June 2009
and is the opening theme for Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
currently on Animax Asia, Fridays 7.oopm (if you're a Malaysian, it's on Astro ch715)

I love it.
I'm so happy.
She has gone back to rocker chick mode after 1 year of writing poppy feel good stuff.
This song I *adore*

It's edgy, slightly angsty, really from her heart .(Plus there's rap/hip-hop inside )
The lyrics are really hard to understand, even with great translations by our friend depyon and UchihaMel at YL.
Basically, my two cents is that it's about moving on from people who have changed.
Rumour has it, YUI took the break because fame changed the way ppl treated her(source:atheon), and she found her friends kinda different, and this made drained her emotionally.
So this is her reply, I guess.
"I'm moving on no matter what" kinda attitude.

[again] Lyrics by Uchihamel

夢の続き　追いかけていたはずなのに
曲がりくねった　細い道人に躓く
I was supposed to pursue my dreams
Yet I’m stumbling into people along this narrow winding path

あの頃にみたいにって　戻りたいわけじゃないの　
なくしてきた空を探してる
It’s not that I wish to return to that time
I’m searching for that sky which was lost

分かってくれます様に　犠牲になった様な　悲しい顔は
やめてよ
Don’t give me that sorrowful face as if you were ‘made a victim’ just to gain sympathy

罪の最後は涙じゃないよ　
ずっと苦しく背負ってくんだ
What lies at the end of a sin won’t be tears
I’ve been painfully shouldering it all along

出口見えない感情迷路に
誰を待ってるの
Who am I waiting for
In this emotional maze where the exit cannot be seen

白いノートに綴った様に　
もっと素直に吐き出したいよ
Like penning it down on a white notepad
I want to pour everything out more honestly

何から逃れたいんだ
現実ってやつ
What am I escaping from
Something called ‘reality’?

叶える為に生きてるんだって
忘れちゃいそうな夜の真ん中
In the middle of nights where I almost seem to forget that I am living to realize my dreams

無難になんてやってらんないから
帰る場所もないの
I can’t always stay on the safe side
There’s nowhere to return to either

この想いを消してしまうにはまだ人生長いでしょ　
懐かしくなる
Life is still long to rid all these thoughts
I’m feeling nostalgic

こんな痛みも歓迎じゃん
Even this agony is most welcomed

謝らなくちゃいけないよね　
ああごめんね
うまく言えなくて　心配かけたままだったね
I have to apologise don’t I?
Ah I’m sorry
I couldn’t express myself clearly and made you worry

あの日抱えた全部　明日抱える全部
順番つけたりはしないから
Everything I held close to me that day
Everything I hold close to me tomorrow
I won’t be assigning any preference to them

分かってくれます様に　そっと目を閉じたんだ
見たくないものまで見えんだもん
Hoping that you’ll understand, as I slowly shut my eyes
Because I still see the things which I don’t wish to see

いらない噂にちょっと　初めて聞く発言どっち
向かい合ったら友達だって
嘘はやめてね
Hearing these pointless rumors, my first response was to say ‘whatever’
‘If we face each other then we’re friends’
Don’t give me such lies

深いハートが苛立つ様に　体ん中燃えているんだ
本当は期待してんの
現実ってやつ
As irritation grows within my heart, a burning sensation sears through my body
Am I really anticipating it?
That thing called ‘reality’

叶える為に生きてるんだって
叫びたくなるよ聞こえていますか
I want to scream out loud ‘I am living to realize my dreams’
Can you hear me?

無難になんてやってられないから
帰る場所もないの
I can’t always stay on the safe side
There’s nowhere to return to either

優しさにはいつも感謝してる
だから強くなりたい　進む為に
I’m always grateful for the kindness
That is why I want to become stronger
In order to advance forward

敵も味方も歓迎じゃん
Both foes and allies are most welcomed

どうやって次のドア開けるんだっけ　考えてる
もう引き返せない物語始まってるんだ
‘How was I supposed to open the next door again?’
I’m figuring it out
The irreversible story has begin to unfold

目を覚ませ　目を覚ませ
wake up wake up (lit: open your eyes)

この想いを消してしまうには
まだ人生長いでしょ
Life is still long to rid all these thoughts

やり残してることやり直してみたいから
もう一度行こうか
I want to reset everything so that I can do the things which had been left undone
Let’s set off once again

叶える為に生きてるんだって
叫びたくなるよ聞こえていますか
I want to scream out loud ‘I am living to realize my dreams’
Can you hear me?

無難になんてやってらんないから
帰る場所もないの
I can’t always stay on the safe side
There’s nowhere to return to either

優しさにはいつも感謝してる
だから強くなりたい　懐かしくなる
I’m always grateful for the kindness
That is why I want to become stronger

こんな痛みも歓迎じゃん
Even this agony is most welcomed

Random Midnight Post

2009-02-22T01:05:00.006+08:00

Once in a while, we should all do this.
New stuffs in my life include:-This second hand classical Valencia guitar, RM80.00 ( like tell me 'bout it ).
Bringing the total to....

Yes, we can count.(Err..it's three)

Plus this hideous ceramic mushroom thingee I got at the Biotech faculty nite lucky draw.
It'll look great in the lab, where we research on fungus.

Ahh..the lab,

It has this great hang out corner,
Just next to the....

Fungal and bacterial incubation chambers..

and laminar flows ( that's just a sterile place we do subcultures, or whatever suits you).

Life is exciting when people call your department 'Seksi'..

and your seniors have Maggi mee in their drawers next to the PCR enzymes.

Once in a while, there are sights worthy of low-grade horor movies.

This is a particle bombardment chamber for transient gene transformation protocols. Sorry if you didn't get any of that.(Credit: Agrobiotech lab)

During Chinese New Year, It's great to hang out with the younger brother at:
Jonker walk.

where there are great antique shops selling...

Ancient Peranakan style embossed tiles ( for an arm and a leg=RM 160).

To round it up:YUI's third tour T-shirt, straight from Tokyo, courtesy of atheon-san.
Lastly, ticket to the concert of the year.

Thought of the day:Who needs drugs to get high when you have great friends?

Currently listening to: We sing, We dance, We steal things by Jason Mraz.

Nepal Report part 2

2009-01-01T22:13:00.008+08:00

Great....this is like sooo long overdue.
Dudes, forgive me please?This time, It's just pictures, and very brief.

We(Me and Flo Lee) were supposed to leave for Pokhara, another town 180km east of Kathmandu, but our bus got cancelled due to the Bandh.

Apparently, some members of the ruling Maoist party murdered two opposition student members.
On the way back from the bus company, we managed to see loads of armed forces and law enforcement officers, like the riot police above. Our Taxi driver was also speeding nervously.
Looking back, maybe it was a good thing, because it gave me the chance to hang out with the kids at the children's home next door.
You see, schools are closed during Bandhs too, and no shops are suppose to open either. There was only one TV station operating that day, and we caught some news from there.

We spent the day playing variations of UNO. Did I mention that I was down with bad travellers' diarrhea about this time?

The next day, our bus to Pokhara was up and running. The road was hilly and winding, but the view was magnificent.

Once we reached Pokhara and the guest house by the lake, we went for dinner:

Mint tea. To quell the tummy demons,and dancing to quell the curiosity( I know, it's a sucky pix, blame my inability to get closer)
Flo's the best. She suggested we go the next morning to watch the sunrise at Sarang Kot, a hilltop point where we can see the Annapurna range.
So, Sarang Kot it was.

Behold the sunrise.

It was actually freezing cold, cold, cold.....
All of those peaks in the back have names, one of which is called fishtail.
After sunrise watching at Sarang Kot, It was time to get down to business, which was our visit to Pokhara University. The Chancellor lent us his car, I'm so mortified. I'm just a nobody grad student leh. Oh, above is the fishtail peak, as seen from Pokhara town while driving to the Uni.
We visited the School of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical sciences. Although this isn't my field, I learnt quite a bit. Those are the undergrads who just finished their final year project presentation and all passed with Grade A. Was fortunate enough to sit in on their presentation.That's why they're smiling like there's no tomorrow.

I'd love to work in a lab with this type of view..

Undergrads waiting to enter the exam hall. Mwahahaha..thank God we're passed that.
After the Uni visit, Flo wanted to rest, so I took off to see the lakeside on my own, and managed to witness this wedding party. The women in red are relatives of the bride, and they're dancing(on the streets). Also some free roaming cows.
Anyway, this was a rare opportunity to get tourist-ee, so I bought souvenirs and got some second-hand books for cheap.The entire lakeside is this long row of tourist shops, with everything a foreigner might need.
Next day, time to return to Kathmandu.

Where there was still some protests going on (see the middle of the picture).
We stayed at Apex Inn, near Jawalakhel , on the topmost floor, which had a huge balcony
and this whole kitchen to ourselves. Notice the Milo on the table. Malaysians cannot live without the stuff.Nepalese cannot live without this: Dahl-bhat ( rice-dahl-vege curry), their traditional dish.
On my final day, we visited Wai Ling's home for the HIV+ and had a worship session with them.The blonde on the extreme right is german missionary Heike Priebe ( Hai-Kay Pree-bay), whom is a pleasant person to be with.

When it was time to fly home,
I travelled with Vemy, an Indonesian missionary flying back to Jakarta. we both had to transit..at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport, which was stormed by anti-government protestors an hour after I took the above picture.
I still don't know Vemy's fate until today, since she was supposed to fly 7 hours after me.
I assume she's fine, after the forced extended stay in Bangkok.

Anyhow: Wai Ling and Heike are currently in Malaysia. Wai Ling to rest and study, while Heike is in UCSI doing a degree in Biotechnology.

Nepal Report

2008-12-30T14:05:00.017+08:00

Dear family of friends, this is long overdue, do forgive me. But here it is, finally:
Me and Flo Lee left KLIA on 15th November, Saturday morning, and flew by Thai Air. We had to transit at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok for four hours.
Their toilets had these huge mirrors, so we clowned around for a bit.

I spent most of my time at this bench...

watching people of different nationalities, all in a hurry, all scurrying somewhere.

Our flight to Kathmandu.
Once we reached Tribhuvan Airport, my camera ran out of battery, so for the first day, no pictures.
We are met at the airport by our host, Sarji(from India), who with his wife Hannah(a Filipino) are missionnaries staying near Jawalakhel.They have three beautiful daughters, Karuna, Keziah and Katarin.

It's the end of autumn, and everything is dry, cold and dusty. Night temperatures dip to 6 degrees or so. Daytime is survivable provided we stand under the sun.
There are no addresses in Nepal. Only area names. Even those are confusing because sometimes we never know where one ends or begins.

Khanteepat, in the city centre, adjacent to Thamel, the famous tourist area in Kathmandu. Flo and I were there to collect our bus tickets to Pokhara, a town about 180km west of Kathmandu. We were supposed to travel on Thursday, 20th Nov.
Traffic is really something.
The main mode of transport are microbuses, white 12 seater vans usually packed to the max, visible at the left side of the picture. There are also tuks-tuks similar to the Thai ones.

Most Nepalis walk. Walking is a national pastime.
.

After collecting our bus tickets, Flo and I returned to..

Jawalakhel , in Patan area of Kathmandu, where Flo and I did our shopping, had dinner with various people and shopped for groceries.
Flowers at Hannah's house. Nepal experiences electricity cuts about 12 hours a week. Every area takes turns to have a blackout. We were in the dark about 3 out of the 5 nights we stayed at Hannah's place. Candlelight and torches helped.

Hannah and Sarji house.

With Karuna and Keziah.

Our 3rd and 4th day was spent in HEC doing a worship/music workshop.

This was in an area called Sanepa, where we could look out on a part of the valley.

Nepalis build their own individual houses on their own land. There's no such thing as housing projects and semi-Ds. Usually the house has about 2-4 storeys. The owner lives on one of the floors and rents the other floors out.
Tea break:Traditional Nepali food are few, and these are just mouth-wateringly great. They're called Momo, and resemble chinese dumplings or Japanese gyoza.Basically it's a flour based skin with meat and vegetable filling flavoured with Coriander, cumin and a little ginger. Usually dipped in achar.

Nepali drink a milk tea which has a strong dairy taste, in their tongue it's called dudh chia.

John 3:16, local Christian band based in Patan church. All of them except one are self taught musicians.
Melons in the church compound.

The Himalayan Annapurna Range, as seen on that clear evening from Hannah and Sarji's rooftop.

The next day, Flo and I walked to Sadobato to take a microbus to Godawari village resort, about 20 km away to meet some missionaries belonging to INF (International Nepal Fellowship).

Market at the Sadobato ring road, where we boarded the microbus.Not kidding when I said they pack us in like sardines in a red can.

Ne?

The road to Godawari.

Godawari resort, Kathmandu. The view was amazing.

End of part one.Next up: The Bandh and the (delayed) trip to Pokhara.

I'm sorry if this post sounds dry. I have a lot of personal emotions about Nepal, but they're in my head and heart and written on my travel journal. It was a very heavy trip in terms of personal feelings, so I've decided to keep them to myself.

Happy New Year.

Currently listening to: Dido's latest album Safe Trip Home

Favourite track:

This post is just for fun

2008-10-29T02:05:00.006+08:00

I'm too free. It's 2 am in the morning, I'm on an adrenaline high and coming up with randomness.

YUI's new music video for "I'll be". . I hope they let this one stay a little longer.

Earlier I mentioned that YUI liked to do spontaneous street lives, so here's one caught on tape, recorded last year before her 20th birthday at her hometown of Fukuoka, when she went to celebrate by visiting places in her past.

YUI - Free Bird (Live Acoustic)
Uploaded by Sakurina

Note: No microphones, no wires, so amazing.

The girl has a habit of posing with her head slanting to the right. Here are a few examples:

Told you it was a random post.

Raison D'etre

2008-10-29T01:09:00.013+08:00

There is such an amazing freedom, in knowing why you are.

Things are hectic, as is expected of a post-grad student. Just finished an exam and a progress report presentation last week.

Plus I'm preparing for Nepal.

The weather has gotten all hot and dry all of a sudden.

I'm looking for a winter coat.

What happened in September:

Charis Selvyna Raj turned One.
Here, we can only see Jo's teeth.

Pizza for TSF. Kenny likes them in stacks.

Amy and Leng turned 2* and 2* respectively.

We celebrated them at....

Mr and Mrs Marky Tay celebrated by staring intently at the menu.
*Focus*focus*

I agree completely.

What happened in October:
UPM 32nd convocation. A whole lotta people donned the mortar and robe. Including:
Yune
Yune again
Still Yune.
(Sorry lar dearie, you're too cute already. I tried to resist putting the pics but couldn't)

The vets, Lay Hoon and Zhi Hui ( Dr. and Dr.)

Aminah
Wei Xin
Cindy Hiew

Wan Ling and Cindy Yap

Congratulations to all.
Minna-san Gambatte kudasai, ne!

Leaves are green, all year round

2008-10-10T12:42:00.006+08:00

A few updates.
I'm going to Nepal with Flo Lee in mid-Nov, for a mission trip.

I will not be sitting for Comprehensive exam this semester, because Dr. R, one of my supervisors, has had a stroke and is in the hospital.He's stable but needs bedrest. The face to face oral exam cannot be done without him. I'm not relieved. I was prepared to sit for it this week or next, get it over with. Things happen. Dr R is already in his 60s, so I wish him speedy recovery.

I visited the new ICC building with the other leaders

First impression: Small
For the uninformed, Ps. D is starting Ignite Christian Centre (ICC), a community/ youth centre and varsity student focused church in Serdang, some of the TSF leaders will follow him there to plant this ministry. UPM, UNITEN and UKM Bangi cell groups will follow here as well. We are not splitting from TSF of FGA, but multiplying from it.
The visit has prompted me to reflect on why I'm going.
At first it was because UPM cg will be relocated, but over the 2 years since this vision was proposed by Ps D, the Lord has been revealing stuff that I myself need to do here, in this new place.
I'm excited.
I have a clear direction. Touch lives, change lives, love people.ICC has provided the platform for it. here are the resources. Here is a structure. Here is a dream materializing. Here is wings to fly.
It has ceased to become Ps D's dream. Now it's mine as well, it's ours, all of us who have decided to go.

The only downside is that I'll miss all the people who are staying behind to continue the work in TSF; Amelia, Adrian, Esther Ooi, Flo Toh, Wendy, etc. There will be no more pictures like this:

So, until next time.
p/s Here's fanmade trailer I found. The editing is really good.

Most of the footage is take from
~Taiyou no Uta( A song to the sun) -YUI, Tsukamoto Takahashi
~Niji no Megami (Rainbow Song)- Ueno Juri, Hayato Ichihara (whose back we get to see)

If ever they made an actual movie with both YUI and Ueno Juri, I'll be rolling around the floor with glee. However, YUI will probably never act again, herself admitting that it's not her forte and that she's uncomfortable with it.

I'll be and My Short Stories

2008-10-10T11:42:00.003+08:00

It's finally out!!
YUI's new single "I'll be" was aired for the first time yesterday on Japanese Radio.
Thanks to lamevil for recording it.

It's such an encouraging song... addictive as well.
Here are the lyrics, Credit to Uchihamel at YLforum , but I did some editing of the English translation

I’ll be [romaji]

I’ll be kimi no koto
Omoi dashite itanda
Tabidachi wo kimetanda ne
Together itsu datte ouen shiteru yo

Moshi kujikesou ni nattara nee
Heya ni komotteru dake ja dame sa

Machi wo aruite
Kyou no you na
Kimochi torimodoshite Oh Baby Try

Nando datte “Play You”
Yaru shika nain dakara

I’ll be kimi iro ni
Nuri kaete yukeba ii
Mayou koto mo sorya aru kedo sa
Together itsu datte ouen shiteru yo

Moshi kodoku ni makesou nara nee
Suki na uta wo kiite mite hoshii

Hito gomi ni
Magiretatte
Mitsuke daseru kara Oh Baby Try

Egao tte “Play You”
Chikara ni narun dakara

I’ll be kimi no koto
Omoi dashite itanda
Tabidachi wo kimetanda ne
Together itsu datte ouen shiteru yo

Itsuka dareka wo sotto
Aishite yuku toki
Mamoreru yuuki wo
Kimi no naka ni sodatete yukun da

I’ll be sasai na shitsubou wo
Kurikaesu tabi ni kitto
Yasashisa ni fureaeru
Jinsei wa suteta mon ja nai rashii

I’ll be kimi iro ni
Nuri kaete yukeba ii
Mayou koto mo sorya aru kedo sa
Together itsu datte ouen shiteru yo

I’ll be [translation]

[I’ll be] I’ve been recalling
About you
You’ve decided on your journey right
[Together] I’ll believe in you no matter what

If there ever comes a time when you feel like giving up
Don’t just be cooped up in your room

Walk on the streets
Rediscover the feeling
Which you felt on this day [Oh Baby Try]

Over and over again “Play You”
because there is no other way to be.

[I’ll be] You just have to
Paint it into your own colours
Though there will definitely be uncertainties
[Together] ] I’ll always believe in you

If there ever comes a time when you feel like you’re losing to loneliness
Listen to the songs that you love

Even if you are
Lost in the crowd
You’ll be able to find it [Oh Baby Try]

A smile is like “Play You”
and it’ll become your strength

[I’ll be] I’ve been recalling
About you
You’ve decided on your journey right
[Together] I’ll always believe in you

The time when you find yourself slowly
Beginning to love someone
The courage to protect that someone
Will grow in you

[I’ll be] Each time you look back
On those little disappointments definitely
You’ll be able to feel tenderness
It seems life is not something to be thrown away

[I’ll be] You just have to
Paint it into your own colours
Though there will definitely be uncertainties
[Together] I’ll always believe in you

This song is a part of Sony's new walkman campaign "Play You", aimed at empowering young people through music. She's their main spokesperson.
I've had it on loop for half a day now. Still not sick of it. This is why I adore her music, and why I've stopped listening to local English radio where every other song is either emo, angsty, downright depressing, or dirty (think 'my hump').
YUI is such a breath of fresh air because she consistently writes optimistic lyrics and has the rare gift of composing a tune that fits the mood of the song, so that even if you don't understand the words, you get the general 'feel'.

'I'll be' is included on her next release, a compilation album called My Short Stories, which contain all her B-side songs from when she first debuted.

Regular edition:
CD only. Tracklist:
01 - I'll be
02 - HELP
03 - Last Train
04 - Winter Hot Music
05 - Jam
06 - Skyline
07 - Free Bird
08 - I wanna be...
09 - Oh My God
10 - Cloudy
11 - Driving today
12 - Understand
13 - crossroad
14 - It's happy line
15 - Why me

Limited edition:
CD+DVD containing:

＜Music Video＞

『I'll be』
『Understand』
『Jam』

＜YUI 3rd Tour“oui”～I LOVED YESTERDAY～　Premium Edition＞

No way
Daydreamer

Street live at Sapporo
（＊ツアー中に札幌で本人が行ったストリートライブの映像）
Namidairo
Am I wrong?

Street live at Sendai
（＊ツアー中に仙台で本人が行ったストリートライブの映像）
Love is all
Tomorrow's way

Street live at Hiroshima
（＊ツアー中に広島で本人が行ったストリートライブの映像）
Good-bye days

I'm particularly looking forward to the secret street live footages, recorded during her tour middle this year.YUI apparently has a habit of sneaking out with her guitar between concerts and randomly sitting down at some sidewalk to perform. Sugoi, ne?

Now, Everything Changes

2008-09-23T00:35:00.010+08:00

Autumn is beginning everywhere else in the world but here.
Here, we alternate between extreme heat and cold rainy nights and try our best not to get sick by drinking lots of water, teh tarik, cendol, sugarcane, liang cha,whatnot.

YUI will be releasing her next single by early October, called " I'll be". Her staff and crew love to torture us by releasing bits and pieces of info, little by little. Today, I found these:

That new Fender Jaguar is so smoking hot sexy. It would seem that she's using it as her signature guitar this autumn, like she used her red Telecaster during the Rolling star season. The YUI movie show site is updated with what seems to be her filming the PV for I'll be. Rooftop scene, with acoustic guitar.

I spent last weekend with Sue Ern, Yune, Yu Shen, Su Lin and a (still) jobless Jie Min.
We went to KLPAC for this production:

Took a train from KL Central to Sentul for the 3.00pm show. Loved it, but not all of it. There were some songs I thought were a bit draggy. Basically, they sang well known tunes with comical lyrics that reflected the typical Malaysian lifestyle; food, slangs, price hike, etc. Overall, it was well worth my RM 20 student price ticket (one of the perks of being in grad school, people still think of you as penniless and rightly so).
We hung out a bit after the show, because KLPAC the adjoining Sentul Park were really beautiful, and the weather was superb.

We went to Bukit Bintang's Pavillion next, had dinner (Korean/Thai) ,tried Japanese Gelato (green tea flavoured) and I bought a Chocolate cream puff from Beard Papa, also a Japanese product. We were supposed to go for the flea market at Menara Hap Seng in Jalan P. Ramlee, but it was kinda over when we arrived, due to some mis-info on our part.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to going for more theater productions in the future.

Just finished: Juno (awesome movie, 5 thumbs up for all the dry wit and humour, all fingers up because they featured a Les Paul as Juno's favourite gear, all toes up for moral behind story).

A Good year

2008-09-17T12:53:00.008+08:00

I was just having a friendly chat with Kenny Ng a couple of weeks backin TSF, and found out he stopped by this blog. Haha...people actually stop by this blog.

Anyway, he was saying he never knew that i liked anime and all that stuff. Good, i finally found an anime kaki in TSf apart from amelia and Dr. Zhi Hui ( who incidently has Naruto and Shonen Onmyoji posters stuck all over her room).

Loads of things have been happening. Let's see if I can remember all,
1) Passion Conference in Sunway Convention Centre
-was a volunteer because over-aged so couldn't get a ticket(at 25? come on)
-It was good.
2) Grandma's passing ( Last of my grandparents to go)
3) 7th ICPPT Seminar at Nikko Hotel, Ampang
- Presented a poster on Resistance-related responses detected in oil palm roots exposed to Ganoderma boninense extract (What??)
-The poster was actually facing one of those huge decorative hotel mirrors, so Ivy and I joked that the bad luck will bounce back and forth to cause bad feng shui. Haha..I don't actually believe in luck or Feng Shui. My confidence is in my Father, always has been.
-Particularly enjoyed the session on barn owls as biocontrol for rats in oil palm plantations, and Dr. Paterson's video on Ganoderma fruiting body releasing its spores.

4)Elina got married . The first amongst us Microbe students since we graduated.
-Attended her bersanding ceremony in USJ with some other friends.
5) TSF/ YC College camp in Peacehaven

Note to self:remember,
-In missions, the most basic thing is to meet needs.
-Ps. Malcolm's Sandwich theory.

6) Holy Spirit weekend for Alpha course
-This one...it's not easy to describe. In my mind there has always been this concept that the Holy Spirit will come when we're worshiping, or the speaker preaches something big and flamboyant, or we all have to wait on God, the music has to be playing, etc.etc.
It happened like this, Ps. Daniel went up to the microphone and prayed a simple prayer "Holy Spirit, we welcome you and invite You into this place". No music, no worship, no emo-ness.Silence. Before that session we were watching a DVD of Nicky Gumble talking on being filled with the Holy Spirit. Before that Group discussion and before that more DVDs of Nicky Gumble talking.
After that simple prayer,it started. People were trembling, shaking, I was trembling, as though a strong gust of wind has blown into the hall. Trembling because there was such a strong, awesome presence in the room. People began to weep, fall to their knees. People were laughing, falling, breaking out in tongues. In my belly, I could feel something welling up, as though there was a fountain waiting to burst.
Yes, some of our visiting friends were shocked and freaked-out, but many more were blessed.And for me, it just broke all my concepts. It really is nothing that we do that will make Him come down. It is all God's perogative. We can't create any "atmosphere". We're fools if we think we can 'make' God visit us.It is His grace, His grace alone.
Frankly, non of us expected this. I was actually thinking that maybe one or two people will be prayed for and we'll end it. Never expected such a strong visitation.

So, that's it.

Oh, before we end:
Isn't she a beauty?,(goes into fangirl mode with starry eyes and clasped hands) She's a Fender Jaguar Special HH. One day, just you wait, one day.....
Anyway, here's something new on YUI, she'll be releasing her new single next month, called "I'll be". Here she is at the recent rock in Japan Music Fest2008, sound of Forest stage, singing 'No Way':

I love how she does the vibrato in the intro, by tremoring her guitar, then one harmonics, then the tremolo arm/whammy bar pull. Yee..Kawaii..

You know you're a Microbiologist when.....

2008-08-11T00:33:00.005+08:00

--The phrase ‘fermentation seminar’ is slang for having a kegger.

--If you avoid salad bars on campus because you know specifically what the coliform count is for that week.

--If family and friends avoid asking how work/school was today during dinner.

--If you yell at the doctor for prescribing antibiotics to you after diagnosing you with a cold.

--If friends come into the lab retch from the stench, but you don’t notice it.

--If talk about Koch’s postulates and wonder why people giggle.

--If you’ve seriously considered a biohazard tattoo.
OR
--If you have a biohazard tattoo.

--If you’ve wondered what LB broth tastes like.

--If you’ve actually drank LB broth, because you were curious.

--If you follow disease outbreaks with more enthusiasm than your favorite sport.

--If you bet on said disease outbreaks.

--If, when you look into your storage fridge, you find beer right next to plates of salmonella.

--If you think that the inventor of parafilm was more of a genius than Einstein.

--If you’ve ever streaked a plate of Strep with your initials

--If you remember Latin species names easier than your friends’ names.

--If when flaming your loop you’ve thought that you are committing mass genocide—and giggled!

--If you have a personalized lab coat.(Note:Ooo, ooo, I have one of those)

--If you get pissed when someone else uses your lab coat.

--If you can roughly guess the bacteria by the colony morphology.

--If you know what ‘colony morphology means.

--If can self-diagnose food poisoning due to the amount of time between eating and symptoms.

**When you open ordinary bottles using your little finger

**If you catch yourself using sterile technique in the kitchen

**if you start calling the colonies you've plated: "My babies!

( Note: But, they're my babies ,what.! They really are)

**When you start wondering what chocolate agar tastes like…(OMG, this is soooo true for me)

** …And when you’ve tasted chocolate agar (Note: eeeewww!)

(Note:Chocolate agar doesn't actually contain any chocolate. For recipe click here, you'd be surprised what's actually in it)

** When you talk to the TV telling the actors in CSI when they've done something incorrectly

** If you’ve thought about writing a murder mystery involving botulism, an autoclave, and possibly an in-house incinerator.

(Credit to Elizabeth Mah for this)

Malaysian YUI lovers Bon Odori outing

2008-07-16T12:56:00.014+08:00

Here's a pictorial report. I had a great time meeting up with other Malaysian Yui fans,
we're a very rare breed of people.

They gave out these fans free at the entrance. Bon Odori is a summer festival, so fans are a must. Usually, the japanese will stick these fans in the obi of their yukata when coming for summer festivals.

There was about 12 of us there, some came later. This was before the festival started. We couldn't really jam much because of the crowds and the noise, but I managed to try atheon's (borrowed) Yamaha acoustic, and play Rolling Star. I brought my Ibanez along as well.
Sitting l-r: atheon, yours truly, amane kouru, bo_thug
standing: Jive, Neitsu Mizuha and Kippei.
Yes, I'm using their online nicknames to protect their privacy.

I reached at about 4.oopm, and the crowds were still not so thick yet. Above is the central stage, which we will dance around later.

Me and PeaceViolet (actually this was taken at the LRT station while waiting for ShiroNeko), whom I fetched to Shah Alam.

Priceless picture with the famous but camera-shy atheon, internationally renowned YUI fan, thanks to her blog.

Jeff and Neitsu, posing for the camera before entering. (Note: Pics are not in timeline order)l-r: Yen&Yui, Neitsu and ShiroNeko. If you look at the pics really hard you can see the foodstalls in the background. I couldn't take any pictures at the foodstalls because it was crazy madness, but did manage to buy dinner, which was Pocari sweat and Onigiri.
Was recovering from food poisoning so couldn't eat much, that's my only regret. Next year, I'll try more food. There was Japanese curry rice, all the different don, ice cream,kyoto bread, croquettes. Aargh! must eat more next year. Crowds start to pour in as the evening progressed.Before the dances started..
There were three rounds of dancing, about 5 dances repeated at each round, so if you can't catch it the first time, you can always go again and again and again...basically we make large circles around the central stage and follow the girls dancing there. I went for round 1 and 3.
The evening started out with a drum performance. I spotted this bunch of girls dressed in Pajamas!? Eh? Maybe they were cosplaying. Usually extreme cosplayers aren't allowed in, but the mild ones are ok.
There were lots of people in Goth and Lolita clothings too. Well, all these are part of Japanese culture. Lady in a Yukata. wish I had one too. They're really cooling.Kawaii-ness to the extreme!A father and daughter in their Yukata.

Yui-lovers, from l-r: bo_thug, Shiro, Kippei, Chiyo(hidden behind), amane, me, Jive, Yen&Yui and PeaceViolet.
Even this security guard was into the whole mood of things.
The evening was almost ending, so all of us went down to the field for the final round of dancing, then it was goodbye.
I really enjoyed meeting all of them, and everyone really made an effort to be warm, even though we're all practically strangers and I've never met any of them in real life before. Thanks people. Let's do this again next year, ne?

Here's some videos I took. Sorry for the poor quality. the first one (top) is the second dance session, and the other one (bottom) I actually shot while dancing the first round.

There was like a humongous crowd. Just to give a picture:

Haha..i'm somewhere down there dancing. This is the final dance session that night, I remember 'cos the crowd was very 'bersemangat'( genkii) and everyone shouted "oii" in unison at every chance.
Credits: soifung atYoutube
Ha, there' surprisingly a large amount of videos at Youtube. If you're interested, just go there and watch to get a feel of the electric atmosphere.

Currnetly struggling with: Willow by Andrew York and Classical Gas by Mason Williams

New Semester

2008-07-07T11:54:00.003+08:00

Today is the first day of a new semester here in Lala-land (er..sorry,UPM). I'm taking my comprehensive exam this semester, and scared s*** about it.
New freshies.. all who look lost, poor things. Brings back so much memories. I was lost too, but I remember the excitement of FINALLY being able to leave home. My first year was PURE FREEDOM, and looking back, one of the happiest times in my life, despite all the bullying by seniors.Gyaaa......

To everyone starting a new semester, all the best. Gambatte kudasai!

Struggling with: The hammer-on in YUI's Summer Song riff.
Just finished: Toward the Terra (highly recommend it, but be warned, the subject matter is kinda heavy, there are a lot of deaths, and nothing ends ideally)

Random liner note: This Martin HD-28V costs USD 3899, that's about RM 13, 646. *Faints*
Thanks to atheon for the info

Yet Another Random liner note:

Who knew, Gyoza can be eaten in so many ways....I particularly wonder how the one with Smarties taste like. (Pix from Swing girls, 2004)

Guitarist Comedians

2008-06-25T14:13:00.002+08:00

What a big week. Today I feel apprehensive, I'm jumping into things I've never tried before. It's scary, but exciting.
I'm very probably following Flo Lee to Nepal for a mission trip at the end of this year, part of it is to conduct a music workshop. Guitar!
I'm so happy.
Happy.
Happy.

Secondly, meeting new people. I'm going for the annual Bon Odori festival in Shah Alam this year, (ponteng evening service) and meeting up with fellow YL-ers, whom I've never seen in person.
Although in Japan , this festival is a buddhist celebration commemorating the dead, in Malaysia it's more a cultural festival with dances, performances, food and exhibitions.
Here's a video of last year's Bon Odori. Apparently it has been going on for 30+ years already. Wooh!

Thirdly, Lake and Mel have agreed to slot me in for one or two singspiration sessions for the upcoming Alpha course.
Yay!

Oh, by the way, I chanced upon this really great guitarist comedian, Roy Paravonian.
Here he live at Penn State University:

Poor Pachelbel!
Note: 1)Pachelbel's full name really is Johann Pachelbel
2) Yes, the cello part really is just 8 notes played over and over again. These 8 note/chord
progression (I /V /VI/ III/ IV/ I/ IV/ V) is known as a canon, and can be played in any
key. Pachelbel made it in D major. The other modern musicians simply followed the
canon chord progression, that's why it fit.

(My fav part is " Punk music is a joke, it's really just Baroque, Haha!)

Currently listening to: Make Her Mine,Sing Sing Sing and Mexican Flyer as performed by the Swing Girls

Yes, that's the amazing Ueno Juri. This film is from 2004. Loved it. All that jazz. The story's a bit like sister Act.All the actors/actresses performed their own music. This style of jazz is called big band.
It's really hard to catch the jazz beat if the ears are so used to conventional music.

Struggling with: It's only love by Hikki

Free to Fall in Love

2008-06-07T14:11:00.002+08:00

Hah..I know what you're thinking..no, it's nothing like that.( Time out, here's where the post really starts)..

Hello all friends, Romans and Countrymen suffering from the sudden fuel price hike. It's summer everywhere else in the world, but here , it's the rainy season. Must buy an umbrella.Soon.
I love the current weather. Unpredictable and yet, soothing.

All of us, we've messed up and regretted our actions before. This week itself, happens several times:

1) When Wei Xin came by our place to get some stuff from Yune (Welcome to Jalan Perlak 6,Yune), thought I'd ask some guitar question(how do you do pull-offs and hammering? Ans: He doesn't know). I let my ugly side rear its head when he corrected me and snapped "Hey, I'm a trained classical pianist, you know, I'm not that stupid".
Mistake.
Because he was right. My 2 guitars were out of tune.With each other and with the real pitch.(Ehh..!? I just tuned it 3 weeks ago)
*Embarassingly runs up to computer's virtual tuner to tune both Ibanez and Furu*

Confirmation that my ears aren't good at all. Plus I need to eat more humble pie.Or else, how to learn?
*Practice ,practice*
Anyway, I really enjoyed the(very) short guitar jamming session, bro.

2) Was at dinner with the family yesterday(Nyonya food, yea I'm in Melaka typing this), and mum said " You took Dad's guitar, and never inform us also. Your brother had to check and tell me"
Mistake.*Must inform*
I just realized that Ibanez is a victim of kidnapping. Only that I didn't ask for ransom money.
Maybe I should've, given that petrol prices are up.

3) There's this internet troll on YUI's new summer song on Youtube, and I informed the other members at YL, wanting to get rid of him.
Mistake*Don't feed the troll*
My post really unleashed a lot of anger.*guilty*But,Finally, everyone calmed down and agreed that we should just ignore him.Good.Well met.
Attention sucker.Still can't believe that there are these type of ppl in the world.

All of the things in life we regret, big, small, insignificant to others, we must continue to stand up, and get on with life.
*In lower 6 Beta, I was last in class, for final exam, and was pushed to 6 Gamma*
Continue to believe,
*Some friends think that anime promotes immorality and is crap*
Be free to fall in love with the things you love.(Cambodia, Fungi, the smell of detergent on freshly laundered clothes)
Have courage to be yourself
*You and your Yui again, hmh(cynical smirk)*
What is life, if you're not unique?

Currently listening to: "Passion" by Hikki
Currently struggling with: "Snowflight" by Andrew York

Summer Song

2008-06-02T14:11:00.008+08:00

This is crazy...She just released her album in April, And now she's releasing another single. One word: Workaholic !
YUI's new single,Summer song, is set to be released in early July. Here's a high quality preview (I'm hoping Youtube leaves it on for some time)

Lovely covers. I was initially uncomfortable at her wearing heels.Now I'm okay with it.It's slowly sinking in. YUI in heels. OMG..!

In recent months I've been rediscovering my musical roots, ( Was a classically trained pianist for about 13 years, reached Grade 5)However, this time it's guitar.
I tend to stay away from keyboards nowadays, brings back a lot of painful memories.When I was 4 or 5, my first piano teacher used to sit beside me with a wooden ruler, and if one mistake is made-WHAM! on the knuckles.
Ever since then, piano lessons were heart wrenching pain, endured for 12 years because of threats of punishment from both parents, not because I loved it.
Now it's a whole different story. I learn at my own pace, playing songs that I'm into. Learning to appreciate the guitars themselves, (all guitars sound different from one another, even if they're the same model)acoustic, electric, pick-ups, vibrato, sliding.This is so exciting....
So lets meets the guitars.......
Firstly, the Ibanez V300, locally assembled. It used to belong to my Dad, who got it from one of his church friends back in the 1980's. The original owner was posted to east Malaysia, so my Dad sorta 'inherited' this guitar. Fortunate fella my Dad. It has a really rich sound that resonates through the room when played.Everything a guitar player dreams of when holding an acoustic. When I first played this guitar I was 16, and didn't know how to appreciate the sound.If you look closer,the body has countless scratches and dents, showing how heavily used it was. But then,last March I sent this Ibanez for restoration at Daniel's in Melaka, and Uncle Daniel lowered the string suspension, changed the nut and re-patched a hole at side of the body(together with a whole lot of other stuff)Now It's better than ever. It has a sharper sound than my other guitar, and louder too, but altogether older, more mature, more experienced, braver. Like a bearded old sage sitting by the beach at sunset. That's the image that comes to mind when I play it.

This Morrison 2000D is my own, bought early this year. It has a more mellow sound, softer, more timid and colder than the Ibanez, but I love both of them, for different reasons and depending on my mood. She has a name, Furu no Musume (Winter's daughter) because it just sounds like a shy girl walking through a snow-covered landscape when playing her.
Some guys jokingly refer to their guitars as their wives/girfriends/mistresses, my feelings towards both my guitars are like maternal. They are my children. Ya..it's just a feeling-lah.

Currently listening to: Beautiful world,Prisoner of Love and Take 5 by Utada Hikaru (no I'm not a Hikki fan. I just think the songs are nice. Irish new-age influenced techno sounds.Reminds me of Moire Brennan)

Currently Struggling with: F/Fsharp position. Always the buzzing sound.

I loved Yesterday

2008-04-11T12:59:00.003+08:00

YUI's third album was released last Wednesday. Oh Yeah! I've pre-ordered my limited edition CD+DVD from Yee Hai in MP, but I foresee it's not gonna arrive for another couple of weeks or so. No worries. The songs are posted all over the net. It's amazing how popular she actually is internationally. It's even more amazing that local Malaysian dealers don't stock her products.

Tracklist:

01 Laugh away

02 My Generation

03 Find me

04 No way

05 Namidairo

06 Daydreamer

07 Love is all

08 I will love you

09 We will go

10 OH YEAH

11 My friend

12 LOVE & TRUTH

13 Am I wrong?

DVD Tracklist:

01 Good-bye days

02 I remember you

03 Rolling star

04 CHE.R.RY

05 Budokan live clips (2007.11.19)

Personal review:

Once again, YUI has managed to churn out fresh-sounds. Unlike many western artist, this girls' a workaholic.Since her debut 3 years ago, she's released 3 albums and 13 singles(that about 60 songs), done 2 tours, had a major concert at Nippon Budokan and had countless TV and magazine appearances. Not bad for a street singer who dropped out of school at 16. She's 21 now, and my only complaint about this album is that she has evolved so far, i sometimes miss the acoustic guitar-playing YUI that sang It's happy line. But her evolution is good in many ways and I support it. The songs on this album are much more technologically 'canggih' compared to when she first started. She's using a lot of effects, like distortion and layering. The fast songs on this album are encouraging and upbeat,with heavy punk rock influences. (Yes, she's definitely going in that direction)The lyrics are solid and uplifting. Tracks like laugh away, Oh Yeah, Daydreamer and my favourite We will go are a must when one is feeling down or sluggish or depressed. Just to give you a taste of her lyrics, here's a snippet of We will go , Translated(Courtesy of Uchihamel of Yui-Lover Forums):

Enough with the ‘there’s no other way out’ kind of expression

Who’s the victim? Who’s the perpetrator?

Even when we're soaking wet let's continue smiling!

Because I’ll always be right at your side

There’s no such thing as changing goals

I believe . Don’t forget, alright?

With you

Enough with the ‘there’s no other way out’ kind of expression

Who’s the victim? Who’s the perpetrator?

Even when we're soaking wet let's continue smiling!

Because I’ll always be right at your side

Isn’t this what you have been aiming for all this while?

Haven’t you been striving hard all this while?

Been watching such a you all along

Don’t escape/run away

We will go!!

The rock songs are even-ed out by string-infused ballads like Namidairo and Love and Truth ( both were singles released in 2007 and Feb 2008). Love and truth has to be the most dramatic thing she's released, the strings compliment her electric guitar smoothly.This song I feel really shows her versatility as a songwriter, switching effortlessly between punk and pop. Apart from that, the easy listening tunes "My friend" and "Am I wrong" makes the album less noisy and adds a contemplative character to it.One of YUI's gifts apart from being able to constantly come up with fresh sounds is her maturity in lyrics writing, her talent in capturing emotion into words. It's on par with some of my favourite english poets (e.g.Dickinson) Makes me want to listen over and over again. Worth all my money.(The limited edition costs 3 digits)

Last I checked, the album was number 1 on the Japan Oricon charts.

Kudos Yui. Gambatte Kudasai!

Wedding Report and More

2008-04-11T11:19:00.019+08:00

Oh Yeah! Back from Jon and Jen's wedding and no time to post a report, until now. This is more of a photojournalism kinda thing. Enjoy:)

We left for Langkawi on friday afternoon on March 7th from the old subang airport(terminal 3), to take MAS Firefly. The guys were fascinated by helicopters, observe Eu-jynn.
The girls were mostly not bothered(Haha, that's an exaggeration), actually we were all trying to kill time before the flight. These pix were taken after we checked in already.
Got a chance to take a picture with my housemates...

We're ..Leaving on the jet plane, the extremely tiny jet plane. Above pix shows Gloria and Esther and Jeremy (a.k.a. the wedding planners), holding the cupcakes that got into some trouble with customs.Check out Soon Yen's pose in the bottom pix lar!(i just had to put this picture). We wedding guests filled up half the plane.

Arriving at Langkawi airport. Ellen seems to have something to say...Hmm?

Managed to capture this really sweet moment while walking behind Xiao and Judah(a.k.a. Mr.and Mrs Cheah, who are celebrated their anniversary in january)
That night all the girls gathered to give Jen a Hen's party (what's that? Ans:It's like a bachelorette night) The guys were in the next room with Jon.

Yes, laugh now, you never know what will happen next....Like having to see your future husband in ..ok..let's not say it.

Yea..that's right, chained together for life.The next morning (eh..wedding day already) a bunch of us went island hopping.The package included 3 islands, and a really wet boatride.First stop: Pulau Dayang Bunting

There was a fresh water lake there and we took some time out to go splashing and walking on this wooden walkway surrounding the lake.

As the pictures prove, Ellen has major phobia of wooden walkways, so we had to perform 'refugee rescue' when getting her off it. In her head, they're as scary as hanging bridges. Don't ask..just accept. Sometimes God gives us weird friends to make our lives more colourful, ne?Haha. We love u Ellen.

Amy was busy taking pictures..of trees. (Bottom pix courtesy of LamyLong)

The boatman took us afterwards to see the pregnant lady that gave the island its name. In my opinion, she's not pregnant lar..just maybe have some weight issues,that's all.(so bad)

2nd stop was Pulau Singa to feed the eagles, but couldn't get any good pix. The birds were too fast. 3rd stop was Pulau Bras Basah. The beach was super beautiful, water crystal clear, sand was white and clean.Couldn't resist it, so I went swimming in my T-shirt and shorts, and let myself dry out in the sun before heading back.

To prepare for the wedding....

Beautiful. They had it in Frangipani Beach Resort, 4 star place. Obviously not where we stayed. Couldn't afford to stay in places like these.Managed to catch the nervous groom offguard before the ceremony. All of us had to be on duty either as usherers or etc. I was doing doorgifts.Do you so and so, take so and so...Check out the natural sunset backdrop.This is one wedding I almost cried. I said almost.You may now kiss the bride..Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr and Mrs Jonathan Yap.*applause*
Even Charis was having a good time. Thank you Lord it didn't rain until the ceremony was over. They shifted us indoors for the wedding reception. The staff were very efficient, they ta-paued all the chairs, tables, whatnot in a flash to the indoor hall.We actually wanted to capture Pastor. D drinking booze, but too late, he put the glass down already.

Jasmine sick of her job.Wants to murder collegue. Poor thing wasn't even given a break when her boss gets married*sigh*You know you're a workaholic right, Jas?

Anyway, we went back to our hotel right after the reception in order to follow the latest results on the election. Stayed up until about 2am to learn that my hometown constituency is back to DAP after 5 years.Leaving Langkawi on Sunday afternoon.Jacky wishes he was flying business class. So do the rest of us.Managed to get this pix of Penang island as we flew over it. Penang had just fallen to DAP at this time.

So that's it . A weekend in pictures.

Life's Never Boring

2008-02-27T14:22:00.008+08:00

Heya, We're back from CNY break and I still feel sluggish and unproductive. The 12th Malaysian General Elections are coming up and my name is on the electoral roll, meaning I can vote for the 1st time. However, amy got this on her car which we(my housemates and I) car-pooled to church last Sat.
Eh,Saman...? Upon closer inspection....

Ya..............the date is 8th March.........oh No.

Actually, we already knew about the wedding since September last year, so when Pak Lah announced the polling date,...what a disappointment.*sigh*.

I've decided to go to the wedding, even though I really really am wanting to vote. For these reasons

1) Jon and Jen only get married to each other once. I can still vote in the next General Elections.

2) Already bought our flight ticket to Langkawi on March 7th. MAS does not give refunds.

3) Hotels have been booked, transport in Langkawi has been booked..you get the picture.

Here's the back of the wedding invite, which is a sunset beach affair by the way:

Life will never be boring when you have housemates who take afternoon naps like this: (She's not posing, she's really sleeping)

And a god daughter who's a cutie:Plus YUI songs to drive home to:

YUI has done some marvelous duets. She's here with Tokunaga Hideaki (Song:Sogsugyo Shashin live on Our Music Sept, 2007)

And another one with Sugo Shikao in 2006 ( Yozora no Mukou or Beyond the midnight sky.

That's it for now. I suppose I'll write again after Langkawi. By the way Yune,

the retreat pictures CD is empty. Error in burning perhaps?

Bullied and Bludgeoned

2008-01-30T18:32:00.000+08:00

These few days have been difficult. Some things have been happening that dragged my spirit down, and made me ask why this world is so unfair...
but then, I know the answer..
In our weakness He is made known.In our sorrow, The Truth will shine brighter.
That the answer. So simple. Should have known it at once.

Yaa..2 weeks ago UPM CG from Tertiary Students Fellowship went to Golden Sands PD for a retreat. I hope to post pictures soon (Yune is hording all of them). We also took some crazy videos on Sat night. They're being edited by Jasmine at the moment.

Also right now I'm plodding through the book "Why I am A Christian: Leading Thinkers Explain Why They Believe" edited by Norman Geisler.deals with difficult questions in our lives(e.g. is there a God? Why do Christians claim to have the ONLY truth? What about evolution, isn't it proof that there's no GOD?)It's very profound, deep and makes me think all the more harder.Basically, its a collection of testimonies, but like I've never seen before. The contributers are academicians, and therefore there is Philosophy strewn all over the place. I've never been a humanities student, so the terms they use makes reading really hard. My only comfort is that the rest of the TSF leaders are also plodding through the book with me. CG for the coming 3 months will be based on this book.Already there has been many theoretical,difficult questions coming up among the students last Sat when we did our sneak peek CG session.

Currently reading:
Chapter4-Why I'm not an atheist.(the most difficult chapter. What are plausibility gambits?)
Chapter 5- Why I believe God exists.

I'm personally glad that TSF has adopted the vision of going deeper into the word, and not stick to all the superficial stuff. Here is something really solid. I'm really into the idea of not practicing dependant religion (where we only listen to the Pastor preach and accept everything he says). We must begin to educate ourselves and start to think.

Fighting! Gambate! Lets complete this!

Something interesting:
My favourite ~YUI is sometimes a real punk rocker chick. Check her out having fun on stage (At her tour concert last year)

She's getting more comfortable and better at live shows.Her voice used to shake and go out of pitch all the time. This is Highway chance( Isn't she cute when she screams?) Haha.

However, most of the time she sounds more like this:( She only goes into the punk thingee once in while, when the inspiration hits her.)

Listen: Can you hear her say "I want to fry whale?"
Hahaha
Its actually "I want to fly well". It's a YUI habit to scatter english phrases all over her songs. But the thing I like about asian artists, and why I like her particularly is because her lyrics are so encouraging. It's always " I wanna move forward" " I won't give up" " From here on its a straight road" " I can change my life".
You hardly ever find that in western artists today. I find a lot of them very self-absorbed and pessimistic.
One of the most emotionally honest things Yui has sung is "TOKYO" ,written when she had to leave her hometown of Fukuoka for the big city after she signed a deal with SONY Japan.(ps-She grew up in a single parent home like me. Maybe dat's why I can relate. She had to drop out of High school due to finances and signed herself up for guitar and song-writing classes before she auditioned for Sony)

Favourites

2008-01-07T17:53:00.000+08:00

Helloo.. Here is Michelle's picks for favourite songs over the past year(in no particular order)

1) Songs by YUI (~Life is my no1, but here's another nice one as well)

YUIs' rather versatile.The following one is an instrumental she wrote.

2) Songs by Uverworld(not all, but D'Technolife and Colors of the heart particularly)

3) From the Inside out (Hillsongs, Australia)

4) Lingkupiku (Indon version of Hide me now)

As for the best stuff I've seen this past year:

- Nodame Cantabile

-Coffee Prince

- Bleach

Ha.. Yes, that's THE list of best pastime killers.

What 'bout you?

True beauty.

2008-01-04T14:56:00.000+08:00

Its a new year, time to leave the past behind.Stand up, brush away the dust and get on with life. Yes, Father, I know its not going to be easy.Your love keeps me going. I thank you because you've kept me even though I've dissappointed You time and again.
Who am I, that you take time to invest in my life? But You do it anyway. You are God. You could easily do anything for yourself.You can raise up rocks to sing your praises if you like. You don't need me at all. Nothing I can do for you is of any value, and nothing I can give you, you cannot create by yourself.

Yet You choose to keep me. You're awesome.

On a lighter note:
I'm currently listening to Han Hong, a chinese tibetan singer. She's not your typical slim, pretty little thing. But her voice is like drops of gold. The first time I heard this, my eyes were wet.

In celebration of the truly beautiful, this woman is an original.

The TSF leadership's getting bigger becuse of all the little additions last year.
Top: l-R, Soon yen holding Joshua Rohan Zhu-tian, Mel holding Charis, Ellen holding Tiffany and Q(arlene)

Bottom: my god-daughter Charis Selvyna Raj

Pinecones for my rainy days

2007-11-15T14:37:00.000+08:00

The end of another semester is here, and Christmas is coming. I'm moving to Sri Petaling next month. There are many changes. My friends help me pass them and push through another season. Thank you fellow singing pinecones for helping to ease the tension that comes with the end of the year, where there are so many datelines and expectations. I will never say I cannot or I don't have any abilities,or I'm tone deaf, or not musically inclined. I will continue to believe that I have what it takes to go through. We will be ok, we'll work harder and remember our parts. Christmas is the time....may the Lord use us to His glory, to bring the real message of the season.

Currently listening to: Life~ a single by YUI

as well as Rolling Star, best heard live

Both of these singles were the closing and opening of Bleach, respectively. I like her because she's fresh and she's all about the music, not the gimmicks,not the image, not the sex.

God, You are my God

2007-11-09T17:19:00.000+08:00

Yes, I realize I left the Cambodia post a little hanging.Here are some pictures(courtesy of Joaann Foo)

below: The team in LCCT waiting for our flight to Phnom Penh

Concert night at FGA cambodia child care centre

Games on the last day.
Mealtimes were such a joy because there was pork everywhere.It's the cheapest meat. Rice is the staple diet. Rice for breakfast, rice 4 lunch and rice 4 dinner. Hidup beras!

Molly is soooo happy because she doesn't have to chow down veggies.

A shaky, almost falling apart bridge near the Kampong Speu killing field.

Teaching English class to the high schoolers.

The Kampong Speu market where everybody shops. There are no malls or shopping centres in the provinces(Kampong=daerah in Khmer language), only in the capital Phnom Penh.

Peace! this is Pert again.

The most important thing that came out of this trip was the structure God gave to the vision He put in my head at the start of the year, when I began to have a deep desire to use my life to do something for underpriviledged children. Now I know what I want to do with my life. All I need is the courage to break with tradition and fly off.

So far I've shared my plans with Flo Lee, and the rest of the TSF leadership.

I'm going back next year, and we'll see how much of this project plan can be done.

Emptying a desire, by default

2007-09-14T15:34:00.000+08:00

A Charm Invests A Face
by Emily Dickinson

A charm invests a face
Imperfectly beheld.
The lady dare not lift her veil
For fear it be dispelled.But peers beyond her mesh,
And wishes, and denies,
Lest interview annul a want
That image satisfies.

Just something from my favourite poet.

Cambodia: A first look

2007-09-03T15:10:00.000+08:00

I'm back from a week long mission trip to FGA child care Centre in Cambodia. Here are some pictures.

At this point, I don't feel much like writing everything down because I miss the kids there and am suffering from post-mission trip depression. It's difficult to get back to normal life once you've seen everything I've seen in Cambodia, the poverty, the brokenness, the loss. Once I've recovered, I promise to write more. Right now I'm in the process of compiling a scrapbook of this experience, so that I don't forget all the important things I've learnt there. This trip was a real life-changing experience.

This first picture is of the missions team, Marcus, Jeremy,Joaann, me, Molly, Lydia and Ah Cha(Mrs Marcus). Yes...Marcus is trying to be a genie...but I don't think he'll be able to fit into a bottle or a lamp anytime soon.

Top: Dawn at FGA Cambodia child care centre

Bottom: Sniffy-nose, one of the piglets that the kids at the Centre raise.

Some of the children in the Centre. The little girl is Pic (pronounced 'perc'), she's the youngest and cutest member there and just entered the centre a few months before we came.

Have problems, go nutty..

2007-08-02T17:30:00.000+08:00

I've been having some problems logging onto blogger, for some reason or another these past few months, hence explaining the silence. However, to all the faithful reader-friends, I'm still very much alive and kicking-butt.Lotsa stuff going on in life.

Firstly, studies..

My experiments have only just begun about 2 weeks ago. I have to contend with a lot of inter-personal relationship problems because I have to conduct part of my research in this new lab where the people are not too welcoming or friendly. very cold. Basically now, my research is done simultaneously in two labs. Both are on the 2nd floor of adjacent buildings. So, I am like running between 2 mountains *pant* *puff**wheeze*. I'm also attending more lectures this semester, Tissue Culture techniques and Protein purification techniques. Both of which will help with conducting experiments later. Owing to the fact that my biochemistry as an undergrad was sorta minimal, this classes really help. There's this PhD student from Nepal in protein class, called Mr. Ram, and he has written several Nepali textbooks on chemistry(he's quite senior in age, not old, dun wanna call him old). Sooooo amazing..sooooo genius...you know he can just scribble any compound on the board during presentation. Including long chain fatty acids and their complexes, amino acid derivatives, you name it. The rest of us feel sooo inadequate. I personally am this lazy human being who can't recall any chemistry drawings after a course. Just give them back to the lecturer.

Now, ministry and church,

Since my last post, Dr. Koh Eng Kiat, co-founder and elder of FGA has gone home to be with the Lord. I was priviledged to attend one of the memorial services as well as his funeral at Nilai Memorial Park. His passing coincided with UPM CG's project day 1 , so that weekend was completely hectic. FYI, Project day 1 is where some of us seniors go in on the first day of registration to help the lost first years.

Actually, ever since the juniors came in, things have been hectic.

There was TSF UPM CG's welcoming night at my apartment building, ,near the pool ( not in the apartment unit) where 80 freshies turned up.
The week that just passed was TSF annual camp at PeaceHaven Genting Highlands. This year's theme: Plug-In. Don't really have the energy to give a full account of evrything that happened there. Suffice to say it was great. Refreshing.
And I came home with a bad fever from getting soaked in the rain preparing one game station on Saturday afternoon. Misty, cold, hungry. ke-lian.
Anyway i just wanna thank my team-mates from Steamy Iron (Wand Teng, Patricia, Anna, Columbus, Alison and Kassie)who shared the 2nd prize that they won ( i say they because I didn't participate in games with them) with me, which means I got a free movie ticket coupon from GSC, which I'm using to go watch transformers with appa, amma, amy and curly this Friday.

Did I mention, I'm going to Cambodia for a mission trip end of this month? Err... I guess I just did.

Labour Day

2007-05-03T15:21:00.000+08:00

My first semester as a grad student in UPM has come to an end. It is now time to move on. Sooooo much has happened in this semester alone, that I cannot possibly remember and record them all. It seems like in this one sem, I've had more activities than my entire life put together. I thank God for more friends than I can visit,which is a luxury.

Anyway, my scholarship money finally, finallycame in on 20th April, and I can eat like a normal person once again. It came in just when my bank account was drying up to zero, and so now my debt to my family is also cleared.

I have promised my brother and mum to go back to Melaka before Mother's day next week, and I plan to make a sushi cake.

Things in the lab are going slowly, with my chemicals and specimens ordered but not arrived. Today , sadly, most of the TSF juniors are already home or are going home tomorrow.
So tonight, I am alone, because Amy is back in Taiping and Jasmine is working late.
I am alone for the first time in days. Actually, what a relief. I just need the rest after whats been going on this whole week.

On Monday, it was the outing to Hoi Toing steamboat and barbeque with the UPMers,who are leaving soon, where we discovered that Guna can eat ice cream like MPSJ truck can swallow rubbish.Also, UPMers are crazy cooks who try to to fry Or-chean on a tiny space of hot stone and some other stuff I won't mention. Next morning, a lot of us had hang-over from consuming too much butter.The next day was labour day.

Labour day for me was literally that, labour day. Because some 30+ of us from TSF were volunteering for FGA family sports carnival in Shah Alam. There was a million and one things going on. I was mainly manning the storeroom counter(which doubled as TSF volunteers hang-out place/information counter/discount voucher hand-out booth/makan table/place to look for volunteers to do hard labour)During my break time, I managed to eat something from the African Fellowship's foodstall, called 'moi-moi' which is crushed and steamed beans with meat/fish. Tasted something like 'otak-otak'. Also manages to play some game-stalls, pay a visit to the Youth Church(YC) body art booth(where I got an orchid painted onto my arm for RM2),
buy some readers' digest for real cheap(3 for RM1) and some glassware for the house. Also managed to try some Durian flavoured jelly and homemade peach yogurt. All the 90+ home fellowships in FGA each set up food stalls, game stalls or jumble sale stalls. Really loads of stuff going on. Once i managed to poke my head(actually my whole self) into the foyer to watch the African fellowship live worship-lead and they all danced at the same time, all 50+ of them. We Malaysians mostly stood at the side and clapped, but there were a few sporting ones who joined in the dancing. Guess its not in our culture. Nevertheless, it was a culturally enriching experience. I also manged to squeeze into the indoor stadium to watch the semi-finals and finals of the inter-HF futsal games. Violent and testosterone pumped, man. Everyone seemed to be sweeping everyone off their feet, literally. I think at one point fighting almost broke out.
Anyway, at the end of the day, everyone made-up and all worshipped together at the final prize giving. I am in regret because I missed the swimming event, and tennis. There were many other games as well, can't remember all. Oh... and I missed the dunking pool sessions where they were dunking the pastoral staff one by one. Anyway, when going back, somehow the TSF volunteers managed to get a whole 44 seater bus to ourselves. "Ourselves" here refers to 12 of us including elder Chan, who was the only guy. So what do 12 TSFers do when they get a 44 seater air-cond bus with microphone for a 1/2 hour trip back to church? they sing karaoke of course! Even the bus driver uncle was very gung-ho and kept on requesting more. haha.All in all, we volunteers spent 14 hours at the carnival site.

Yesterday was movie marathon day at Cheng Eu-Jynn's house, but before that we(me,Eu-jynn, Adrian Chan, Wendy n Amelia) stopped by TIMES bookstore warehouse sale in PJ near the Colgate -palmolive factory . Managed to buy 2 book for RM23. And at the same floor was a Guardian's stock clearance sale. !Cheap!Cheap!Cheap! Finally only managed to watch 2 and a half movies. For dinner, went to Tesco Damansara to grab Pita bread, roast chicken, sardines and 10 other things, sat down on floor and eat as though we were in "lord of the Rings"(as Eu-Jynn put it). so, that was yesterday. Really take my hats off to Wendy for having a nose for bargains.

Thats it. I type this already I feel tired out.Plus I never mention the stuff that happened before Monday.
Ciao.

Currently watching: Nothin. Too busy running around with friends.