http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/ A blog by bekittenth en http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/04/03/awesome-day.html Just a quick update on WHY today was absolutely fantastic. After one of the shittiest weeks of the year, today just kicked ass. 1. I awoke to an email from my uncle in Ohio saying that my Aunt Jen just went into labour as well as is being prepped to deliver my newest baby cousin. Baby J! Josephine Chung, you are probably one of the an estimated all loved babies in the world. Your birth has been much awaited as well as we here in Malaysia can't wait to see you as well as get to know you. 2. We delivered a kick-ass presentation on behalf of this semester’s colloquium on behalf of our research on humour as well as relevance on brand as well as product recognition on behalf of our Cognitive Psychology module, in spite of being rather ill-prepared on behalf of the presentation as well as kena tembak-ing during mocks. the winning team! 3. WE actually WON one of the two best presentation prizes yeehaw and another one! 4. OMFG… xinch the lousiest presenter of the group actually won best presenter! Jamie as well as I melansi-lansi with our prizes It’s an amazing adjacent to my degree. We’ve won best presentation twice, as well as xinch the lousiest speaker in the world actually got a best presenter prize today. Fantastic adjacent to the semester, amazing closure to the end of my Bachelor’s program. 3 weeks left as well as I’ll join legions of unemployed, jobless youths. Don’t matter - today was fantastic! hugs as well as kisses everyone! enjoy the pics =] the awesome display on rosch's taxonomy that took us forever to complete “]The group with our counselling poster = http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/04/03/awesome-day.html Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:46:13 -0400 bekittenth http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/03/24/march-mayhem.html March has been a very interesting month. I’ve played hard as well as worked even mega superbly harder this month as well as as it draws to a close, I can't help but sit as well as gape in wonder at the speed that is time today. I can barely remember what it was like back in high school, waiting on behalf of time to pass as well as it seemed to crawl or slug on slower than a snail (ick) would. Since mid last year, the minutes, hours, days, weeks as well as months have flown by in an insane pace! I think I’m going to attribute that to the fact that - I AM HAPPY. I’ve at all times held the belief that when you’re having fun, time just flies. It’s because of the fact that you’re not sitting there counting the minutes as well as seconds till each moment passes. That aside, let me share with you some interesting things I did in March 1. Watched Jason Mraz in Stadium Negara with Edmund Kwok, Joanne as well as Khai Lee. Was late (as usual, considering who the person behind the wheel was ;P) but had amazing siew yoke meen afterwords. Too bad my batteries were confiscated at the entrance to the concert or you’d be attacked with pictures of Jason Mraz himself. He’s an amazing performer as well as very good at engaging the audience. I particularly liked the fact that instead of throwing sweaty (and disgusting clothes) to the audience as souvenirs, he pulled out a polaroid camera to camwhore on stage as well as immediately dished them out to the mosh pit! 2. Worked like a horse. In March, I discovered quite a number of lovely places to work around the area I live! Funny that I’ve been here on behalf of 3 years already as well as until March, I’ve relegated myself to just McDs, the very expensive, occasional Starbucks, Old Town as well as Thyme in Aman Suria. A little enclave stashed somewhere in BU 3. Had a scrumptious Japanese buffet supper with Khai Lee, Nads, Sam, Wari as well as Omar in Tenji@Solaris Mont Kiara. Starved ourselves till 9.30 as well as at the end of letting loose at the buffet line, we discovered that manic eating wasn’t such a good idea at the end of all. Despite that, food at Tenji rocked on behalf of only RM53/person (that’s inclusive of taxes as well as what not) food, food, food (or what was left of it) The very fresh oysters according to Wari (I wouldn't know, raw food isn't my thing) Wari, Sam as well as Khailee (or the back of his head) at the end of an overly satisfying meal Sam, Wari as well as Nads testing out the latest fad - coconut boobies 4.  The Edmund Loh Makeover Project. I won’t bore you with the long story that led up to this but come last Sunday in Sunway Pyramid, Khai Lee as well as I met up with Edmund as well as spent a good 5 hours in Sunway Pyramid with 80% of the five hours dedicated to the purpose of shopping. Gotta agree, it’s mega fun shopping on behalf of someone else with someone else’s money. Anyone wants a makeover too? =] For those of you who are not aware of who Edmund L. is, he’s the one who has been providing me with the occasional freelance transcription work on behalf of the past… what, 1.5 years? Anyway, read Edmund’s take on it here. Edmund before Edmund after Edmund with his shopping bags as well as his "Queer-Eye-for-the-Straight-Guy" man, Khai Lee. The amazingest cutest shoes spotted by Queer-Eye himself in Onitsuka Tiger retailing at RM289! :'( Early birthday/christmas present on behalf of me, anyone? I'm a size 6 XD That’s bout it folks, so far, on behalf of the craziness that’s been March. This month has been a fantastic month… 1 more left till the end of my degree so I’m going to have to amp it up! http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/03/24/march-mayhem.html Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:58:02 -0400 bekittenth http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/03/25/perth.html After years of talking, saving as well as planning on behalf of it, I’m ultimately going to Perth. Ever since we were children, Alexis as well as I have been writing to each other about how it would be so great if I got to head down to Perth on behalf of a visit. The same topics have translated from snail mail, to email, MSN, as well as an estimated all recently to Facebook messages/wall posts. Even when they ultimately came residence last year that was one of the thing we talked about as well as it has been years. Thanks to Air Asia, it’s completely possible now as well as I can't wait! I got my tickets on behalf of only RM650 return (total inclusive of  baggage fees+taxes) as well as shall be heading down south with my mum as well as grandmum. I know people say, “What’s there to do in Perth?” “Perth is boring!” but that truly does not faze me. This time ’round, it’s not just the city I’m going to visit, but the people too. =] http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/03/25/perth.html Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:51:09 -0400 bekittenth http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/03/16/photowhoring.html I’m insatiable. When I’m swamped with work, all I desire is a little peace as well as quiet. When I actually get my peace as well as quiet, all I desire to do is work. How very humanly of me. I’ve been here on my laptop on behalf of a few hours already, surfing everything from YouTube music videos as well as short stories to how to conduct multiple regressions on SPSS. On another note, some two years back, someone (let’s call him L) tried to pitch to me the idea of monetizing my blog (not that I hadn’t thought about it beforehand, genius). I did draw attention to two big difficulties with that idea: WordPress does not permit monetizing in any way (I tried, trust me). My blog statistics are hardly spectacular. It can range from 300 visitors a day to a mere 40. Of course (and very obviously), I could easily remedy those two problems, said L. I could switch to a different blog hosting service such as Blogspot which does in fact permit ads, or just get my posses domain name. Thing is, I’m quite attached to WordPress as well as getting a domain name isn’t exactly the cheapest thing around on behalf of a student who earns a fluctuating income on freelancing here as well as there. Blog stats, on the other hand, can be easily boosted. This, I am quoting L. While not verbatim, the gist of it is there. Since I’m lucky sufficient to be born female with an uncringe-worthy face, all I have to do is plaster my blog with pictures of myself in order to generate higher stats. Even better, get a few professionally-taken shots of myself as well as it’s a done deal. Now this truly is an interesting train of thought. When he said that, I thought to myself, “Am I prepared to whore my face out on the web on behalf of some cash?” Do I desire weird, pimply teenage kids to be wanking to my blog photos? This is, of course, assuming my face would warrant such actions. The answer here's naturally, a resounding no. I am aware of several female bloggers (who do not require to be named) who do plaster their blogs with photos of themselves as well as I respect that as their prerogative. While I certainly do not mind blogging about my escapades with a series of photos (I have been known to indulge in such methods of blogging), I am not too keen on attempting to awaken my narcissistic/exhibitionist side by starting. That, as well as I’ve had pretty bad experiences with photos stolen from my Flickr account, mauled as well as attached to less-than-favourable images in an attempt to slander. But the question here's – why do I blog? For what purpose does this blog exist? It is obviously not a diary since everyone knows that diaries contain sensitive as well as personal information – none at all of which appears on my blog. I enjoy keeping in touch with my friends who are now scattered in all corners of the world. I’m a lazy person. Put two as well as two together, you’ll realize that repetitive emails to different people are not exactly achievable. I enjoy writing. It is a favourite past time that comes second only to reading. While I have not written anything artistic/poetic in a while, all these musings as well as observations serve to satiate my require to write. The only part of me that is remotely exhibitionist is the opinionated side of me. I have a million opinions on social awareness, Malaysian politics, movies or other interesting international phenomena. I’m often not so verbal about these opinions however as well as I feel that I express myself best when I write about them instead. Personal gratification. I enjoy reading my old blog posts, deliberating the person I used to be, the opinions I used to have, as well as I an estimated all certainly enjoy reading feedback that are not of the spamming type. I enjoy watching myself evolve as well as this is one way of ‘observing’ myself. My point is, I’d like to think I am able to not resort to my feminine wiles in order to increase my readership as well as earn some additional cash. While L might not have meant what he said to be offensive, I’m afraid that the feminist part of me did, in fact, take some offense. This blog is a part of me that is projected on behalf of the world to see as well as bimboticism as well as shallowness are the last two traits I would be proud of, or would like to showcase. I’d like my friends as well as whoever who follows my blog to think of me as a reasonably intelligent individual who does not have to sell-out just to get some additional money I do not need. Would you photo-whore yourself out on your blog to earn a little additional every month or so? http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/03/16/photowhoring.html Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:11:35 -0400 bekittenth http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/03/09/speaking-of-change.html It’s been slightly more than 3 years since I’ve moved to KL from Penang to pursue my degree in Psychology, as well as I’m a different person today. Compared to three years ago, I’ve experimented with diverse hairstyles, the music I listen to has changed, the circles I jog around with have shifted… as well as numerous more. But among others as well as on a less superficial note, I’m trying to remember who I was back then, but… I honestly can’t. So I visited my old blog as well as tried to reacquaint myself with the ‘old’ me. 1. I’m older. When I read an entry I posted on February 2006 Friday was the lousiest KL-PEN travel of my life - whoever read my Sunday entry, as well as Joa, would have an idea of what I’m about to complain about. This is proof that my Dad’s Volvo is not big sufficient on behalf of 4 adults as well as a teenager. ESPECIALLY when there’s at least ONE inconsiderate adult that this teenager cannot reprimand, sitting in the front seat. Holy shit. Suddenly it struck me - I am so not a teenager any longer! I turned 21 last year as well as shall turn 22 this year… time just flies by me as well as before you know it, I’ll be all wrinkly as well as gray with a gazillion cats as well as dogs (cats as well as dogs because of the fact that I’m guessing no one shall desire to marry insane, high maintenance, flighty ol ‘me). It’s true that age is just a number, but I made that jump from teenage-hood into young adulthood without acknowledging it until today! Heck, I barely noticed until today. 2. I was happy. I am happier. December 2005 What’s interesting is also how… chirpy I was. I was really, genuinely excited as well as ecstatic with what KL, BPsych as well as moving out of the hostel had to offer me. I remember having all these dreams as well as all these plans and… I was such a happy person. Not to say I’m not happy now, it’s just a different kind of happy. I wouldn’t modification my experiences on behalf of the world. I’ve grown into a person that I realize that I can be proud of. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, naturally, as well as while I regret some of them I don’t regret an estimated all of them. I’ve learned from all these missteps as well as I truly have accepted them, as well as learned how to transfer on. February 2009 Yes, my smiles were broader back home, my laugh more carefree, my gait more lively. But the difference is that today, I actually know how to appreciate that happiness. I’ve had my share of tears, frustration as well as depression to be able to savour bouts of happiness that pass me. I took a lot of things on behalf of granted back then as well as it’s because of the fact that of all of the bitterness today that I am able to really appreciate the sweet. 4. Friends forever? When we honestly request ourselves which person in our lives means the an estimated all us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain as well as touch our wounds with a gentle as well as tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief as well as bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing as well as face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares. – Henri Nouwen I added this quote in a December 2005 post.. as well as back then, I might have trusted in it as well as thought I understood it. But it is today that I can truly appreciate what it means. My friendships have been tried as well as tested in ways they have not been before during these three years. It is during these three years that I have learned how to truly be a friend. The number of people I truly care for, I can count with only two hands. Few, they may be, but precious nonetheless - I would not have it any other way. A few years ago, it would have devastated me to lose any one of my friends. But today, it’s all right. It doesn’t matter if I see them every day on behalf of the rest of my life, or never again. They have made a difference in my life as well as I hope I’ve made a difference in theirs. As the years go by, the friend filter thickens, as well as only a few manage to pass it. Friends forever, does not exist. I realized that a long time ago. Best friends don’t exist either. What I know is that a friend does not take you down. I’m glad I’ve let go of all my excess baggage. There is only so much you can do on behalf of people who refuse to help themselves. Regardless. If I talk to you often, or I don’t talk to you at all. If you read this, know that during the time we were friends, I truly meant that we were friends, as well as I wish you all of the best. I’m learning to let go. If our paths don’t cross again one day There’s no require on behalf of words to say I’ll only be but a memory away ~ A Memory Away 4. Love? In a December 2005 post I wrote about the movie “Sleepless in Seattle”, I talked about love… I liked it because, like “Just Like Heaven” (though this one is much better than the more recent one le), it was a mushy-feel-good-romantic-love-story as well as it just lifts your spirits a bit as well as dampens them as well because of the fact that you know that in reality love isn’t like it is in the movies with a ‘happily ever after’ ending. On a more curious note: I’d like to meet my ‘great love of my life‘ in future as well as know when I do. I mean, how shall I know? Or shall I just know? What if I don’t meet him? I mean, yeah, I don’t require a guy to reside on, but I’m just curious. Is it just like that? Magic? What if something happens to him before I actually do meet him? Or what if I meet him as well as I don’t know? Gee, life’s puzzling isn’t it? It’s not just a simple matter of sparks flying when you look into one another’s eyes or that tingly feeling up your spine when you touch a hand, like you read so much in books. How do you know that it’s really “till death do us part”? With divorce rates on the rise, I think they should modification vows.. “till divorces do us part”. Well, don’t all of us wish that it were that easy. Just knowing. Is it like that? I honestly have no idea. Maybe if I ever get attached, as in seriously attached, you can request me that as well as see what I say. Back then, I actually did trust in the existence of the “great love of my life”. Interesting how things have changed. Truth is, if I would bother to dig deeper into my subconscious as well as my true thoughts, I would realize that I never completely trusted in that. While everyone went boy crazy in high school, I was more subdued. I never felt the all-consuming crushing/infatuation a lot of my friends did. Truth to be told, I faked interest once in awhile… but never really felt it on behalf of any one. Of course, then Ex #1 came along as well as momentarily swept me off my very clumsy as well as inexperienced feet. But at the end of Ex #1 left, I went back to my good old ways of being a disbeliever of love. If I could go back in time an answer Xinch-2005’s questions on love, I would say this: You won’t know when you meet the great love of your life. He could be the guy you see every day in college, the one you sit contigous to on the bus, or the one whose eyes you meet in the LRT. He could be the guy in the car contigous to you waiting on behalf of the light to turn green. He could be the one you jog to. He could be the one you jog away from. He could be an old friend. He could be someone you have yet to meet. He could be the guy that sits contigous to you in class when you’re late as well as you’ve just jog in. You could have met him today. You could meet him tomorrow. You may never meet him. This great love, he does not exist. Sparks that erupt the moment your eyes land on him, do not exist. It’s not magic. There is no great love of your life. There is love. That tingly feeling you might feel? It could be love, but an estimated all of the time, it’s lust, infatuation, a thrill. Don’t be fooled, don’t drop on behalf of it. Sit back, take a breather as well as look at it carefully - it could modification any time. I’m not being pessimistic, or a downer. The truth is, love is not something you can see or feel upon the first, second, third or even tenth meeting. Love is something that creeps up on you as well as continues to grow. It’s not the flower you land your eyes on when you walk past it, become enchanted, pluck it as well as take it home. That’s the flower that shall wilt. Love is that seed you are given, that you plant, carefully water as well as sun. Love is that plant that grows to an unexpected shape or form. It could flower every day, it could flower only once a week. Some times it flowers once a year. But you sit by as well as prune it, water it, as well as care on behalf of it all of the same. You don’t get to just walk past it as well as realize that it’s love. It’s a slow, steady as well as difficult process. Most of all, you require to know what you want. Don’t walk into a nursery as well as just pick out the prettiest-looking plant. Sit as well as reflect on what you want, what you can give, as well as what you can receive. Some times we might desire an orchid, but all we can really take is a cactus. It does not mean the cactus is any less beautiful or precious. Upon reflection, we might even appreciate the cactus over the orchid. Yes, to continue with this really odd plant analogy - true love is knowing what you really want, what you need, what you see yourself doing as well as what you can take from another person. Happily every at the end of exists only with a lot of work… as well as even then, it’s intermingled with lots of bitter. I’m such a different person, as well as yet I’m still the same. I know myself better now, know what I want, what I’m looking on behalf of in life, what I hope to acquire. I’m writing this not just to share it with you, but maybe in three years time when I look at this when I’m at the precipice of something new the way I am now, I’ll be able to reflect on how I’ve altered again, or how I’m still the same. http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/03/09/speaking-of-change.html Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:51:29 -0400 bekittenth http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/02/23/chinese-new-year-2009-pt1.html This Chinese New Year holidays were the longest CNY hols I’d spent in Penang since I came to KL - I was back on behalf of a total of 11 days!   As usual, Day 1+2 of CNY hols are usually spent with family members. I rarely lug my camera around during the first day of CNY because of the fact that I absolutely detest visiting in the terrible heat that accompanies the Chinese new year. Day 2 is typically the ‘funner’ day of the holidays as I have food, boisterous relatives as well as lots of gambling at my maternal grandmother’s place in Hillside. Annual CNY binge session! My two Teow Kongs Hoong, Shang, Chern as well as Aunty Cheryl Chern with JShen   Hoong getting a manicure Annual CNY BlackJack session with our usual dealer, Uncle Eng Hee We also had the 5Sc1 (2003) as well as a bit of Sc2 reunion dinner at Tao, Autocity, Juru this year.   CNY 2008 Reunion Dinner   Rachel as well as Venetia during one of our numerous ordering sprees Food was good - evidently. Agedashi tofu - one of my favourite Japanese tofu dishes       And like in every gathering we have, a couple of candids are absolutely necessary.  Jolene as well as Chia laughing over God-only-knows-what   I wonder what Hui Wen's staring at... Of course, we’ve got the gazillion poserposed pictures Again, on behalf of the millionth time since we graduated from highschool, we moved towards Starbucks on behalf of post-dinner drinks as well as desert where Chiew Whoi joined us, as well as typical wackiness ensued http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/02/23/chinese-new-year-2009-pt1.html Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:23:21 -0500 bekittenth http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/02/18/malaysian-politics-it-reeks.html “When Pakatan won (in the last general election), we (Barisan) gave way to them to lead as well as administer the state. Now that the situation has altered with Barisan getting more support, then let us administer the state in peace,” he said (The Star, 2009) He being current (not on behalf of much longer) Prime Minister, Badawi The thing is… when Pakatan won, they won by the vote of the people - pure democracy. Barisan’s current “support” comes from “defected” politicians who are independents but “BN-friendly”. How is that the same thing? —– “Our hearts go out to her. We understand her predicament. Her resignation is a good step forward as not all Malaysian could take the issue. “Now, it is better on behalf of PKR to take her resignation, as it shall stop all of the harassment she is facing. We all hope the harassment shall stop as well as all parties involved shall give her space,” he said. (The Star, 2009) He, in this case, being Khir Toyo. Just a question, dear sir - how do you know that: 1. Not all Malaysians can take the issue? I mean, no one even knows what the photos are about as well as the question flying around now is “How bad are they, really?”. [update: Further proof that the photos really aren't "that bad". Thanks to a certain someone, I just saw the photos as well as my God, she isn't even nude in 3 of them as well as in one, you can't even conclude that it's a nudie because of the fact that all you can see are the tops of her shoulders while she is sleeping on her side. The other "embarrassing photos" are upskirt-shots of her while she looks like she was sleeping - they weren't even tasteful as well as were taken by a low-res cell phone camera. Jeez. This is a gross invasion of her privacy, politician or not!] 2. How do you know that when PKR accepts her resignation, all of the harassment will stop? Most of all, I do feel that if the people of Selangor, or at least those in her Bukit Lanjan constituency, are accepting as well as sympathize with the incident (she is the victim at the end of all), I personally do not see why not. Her private life has nothing to do with her career, as well as an estimated all definitely has nothing to do with the public eye. I’ve seen a banner up in BU by BU residents (I’m not sure if there are others) pledging their support on behalf of Elizabeth Wong. I don’t see why she can't continue. After all, this whole scandal is very obviously politically motivated… as well as if it isn’t, can BN really blame the people on behalf of believing so? Two by-elections coming up as well as one of them caused by a bigamy charge. The Perak uproar, with the Sultan involved no less (this makes me extremely grateful that Penang has no such monarchy system. I doubt numerous of us know who the Yand di Pertua Negeri is, even)! BN suddenly claiming “democracy” when they actually have the same number of seats as PR does with “friendly” independents. This reeks of corruption, gutter politics as well as slander. —– Who am I, really to be complaining about all this as well as what can I do? I am a concerned citizen, that’s what. We all have a part to play in all this as well as we should not be looking at this froma  detached point of view. Reality is that this is the situation our country is in now, as well as shall possibly be in on behalf of the next few years. The utilize of the word “democracy” in our is alread treading a fine line. With recent events in Perak, I think we can safely assume that our voice, the PEOPLE’S voice, has been effectively thrown out the window in a power struggle. I can only pray to God as well as request Him to guide the hands of those who lead our country, our states, our constituencies. After all, I strongly trust that it is the good who prevail at the end of the day. I would like to do a whole lot more, truly, I would. But on behalf of now, I can only pray, leave it all up to Him, as well as in the next general elections, take my vote in hopes that it does count. What do you think? http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/02/18/malaysian-politics-it-reeks.html Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:55:05 -0500 bekittenth http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/02/16/december-penang-pt-ii.html Long overdue photos of my December holidays in Penang. WARNING: ANOTHER PHOTO-FILLED POST I spent a large amount of time with Wei Zhi, Ghee, June, Jason as well as Chuan Wei during my December trip back so here are some pictures Trek to Monkey Beach Participants: Wei Zhi, Li Jia, June, Ghee, Ghee’s friend Bill as well as Jason Penang National Park entrance as well as office When I look at this picture, I wonder if it was really taken in Penang Going through the wilderness! Pretty flowers were sprinkled along our trek We had gray skies at first thankfully it very promptly turned blue we had sandy beaches and quiet little lakes until jason decided to test the waters and in here, lives a hermit crab I don't know bout this one, but it sure is pretty and another pretty picture June was obsessed with crabbies Jason being super relaxed Lydia cartwheeling and Ghee failing Zhi posed like nobody's business and again ...and again. he would like to think he's the Hulk and she thought she was a mermaid and a chio one at that... engineering students constructing a dam to please king Jason the completed dam.... until I stood up, of course We took a boat back as well as guess how much it cost us? RM50 on behalf of as numerous as 10 people! We had 7 so we split that by 7 instead. Imagine if we had 10! Ghee enjoying the ride my fav picture of Zhi as well as I -if only it weren't so dark Docking at Teluk Bahang The day was an absolute blast That night, Pei Shan, Ade, Sim as well as I celebrated NYE. pic courtesy of Pei Shan's FB Sim, Shan as well as I - pic courtesy of Pei Shan's FB Lots more but I’m too lazy to upload, so there ———————————————————————————————— Day 2 - still hurts http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/02/16/december-penang-pt-ii.html Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:11:46 -0500 bekittenth http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/01/16/thank-god.html Thank God. It’s what we ordinarily say when we avert some crisis, major or not, or encounter something that relieves us of worry, burden..  mostly any negative emotion. When we manage to brake just in the nick of time so as to not crash into the bus or truck in front of us, we go “Thank God”. We say it so often that it’s second nature. Most of the time, we don’t even realize we’ve said it! But that’s the way December often makes me feel - like thanking God. There are a million things I desire to thank God on behalf of each year, as well as this year is no different. 1. Thank You on behalf of a safe trip through Europe. 4 weeks in Europe was an estimated a dream as well as everything that could go wrong did not go wrong. We managed to get insanely affordable roundtrip tickets with Emirates (RM3300!) right before the worldwide price hike thanks to the skyrocketing price of crude oil. You blessed us with near-perfect weather (considering that before heading to London, Krakow, Vienna as well as Paris, it thunderstormed on behalf of a few days but the weather was clear when we arrived). On the Gatwick Express to Victoria station Notre Dame de Paris from the south We were blessed with good company which made the trip a gazillion times more fun that it would have been. After all, it’s the company that truly matters. Rachel, Whoi, Lyn, May as well as I in Paris on the way to Avenue des Champs-Elysees one of our first jumping scenes in Camden, London The insanity that was Rachel Law as well as Tan Chiew Whoi Us being silly at the Cliffs of Moher Camwhoring in our apartment in Prague Up to our usual nonsense in our rented apartment in Prague over a scrumptious dinner Also, in spite of May as well as I being so sure that at least one person shall be pickpocketed during our trip or lose stuff, no one did in spite of some close shaves. Regardless of Ms. Saw leaving her bag on the tram in Vienna as well as her camcorder in the restaurant we lunched at in Paris, You led two good samaritans to us in the form of another tram rider as well as a waiter who returned her posessions to her. You also blessed us on terms of accomodation, obtaining affordable as well as safe places (with the exception of Elizatbethhouse in Vienna I still think) to shelter us. All in all, like I said, everything that could go wrong, managed to not go wrong as well as as such, thank You. Vienna our great group shot using a tripod as well as timer! a kind passerby took this amazing picture of us at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland 2. I’d also like to thank You on behalf of bringing the Chungs/Chins/Mahs combined in 2008. Prior to 2008, my maternal family has not seen a reunion like this in slightly more than 8 years. We even managed to take a family photo this time. Thank You on behalf of blessing my family living overseas on behalf of safe journeys residence from Perth as well as Cleveland respectively as well as an estimated all of all, thank You on behalf of giving my grandmother this opportunity to see all her children as well as grandchildren in one place. Thank You on behalf of giving my poh poh a long as well as healthy life, to be able to witness the birth of all 7 as well as in a few months, 8 of her grandchildren as well as enjoy their company. 3. Aside from the reunion of my immediate family, during my trip to London You gave me the opportunity to meet up with family members whom I have not seen in a long time. Auntie Olivia as well as Uncle Eng Itt were so kind as to introduce us a guide us around London on our first day there, in addition to putting me up on behalf of 3-4 days. Uncle Eng Itt as well as his friend having a pint in the outskirts of London The Antills - I tend to see them during every Olympics season. Thank You on behalf of giving me the opportunity to meet up with them again as well as spend time with them at the end of four long years of not seeing them. You’ve blessed their family as well as with your guidance, Pheng KP as well as Uncle David have helped Cammie so much that he’s growing into a fine boy. The Antills - Uncle David, Amelia, Cameron as well as Pheng KP In 2008, I also reconnected with family members from down South that I see only on special occasions - family members who have been, in recent years, disconnected from those back residence in Penang in the form of How Leng KP as well as Uncle Jason, Auntie Jasmin as well as Erik as well as Mei Choo Ee Ee. Janda Baik 4. I also desire to thank You, Lord, on behalf of Rock Up! 2008. Almost everything that could go wrong, did go wrong as well as yet, it was a success by our standards. We surpassed our targetted amount, we had a relatively successful event as well as wonderful support from celebrities as well as sponsors alike. All in all, Rock Up! was a nightmare as well as a dream as well as we were blessed to be able to work with such kind as well as giving individuals who donated not only their money but their time in order to manufacture the event the success it was. with May as well as Choy, our emcees on behalf of the latter part of the event Amir as well as I with Chelsia Ng as well as Alvin Wong, two of the numerous celebrities who lent us their time as well as energy to help manufacture Rock Up! a success 5. Thank You, Lord, on behalf of giving my college-mates as well as I our one possibility to go on a trip together. Langkawi was spectacular in spite of the rain as well as the gloom thanks to the wonderful company we had in the form of Jacks, Izzy, Sheanny, Kok Wui the Crazy, Elvi as well as Adrian, Elvi’s buddy living in Langkawi. We had such a good deal in terms of the airticket, the hotel as well as the car rental that the doom as well as gloom that was the weather did not dampen our spirits. Gloomy Langkawi weather Suzuki ERV! “Diana!” The gang on Pantai Cenang 6. Most of all, thank You on behalf of giving me a spectacular year. Despite being so crazily busy, You still gave me the possibility to reconnect as well as let loose with some great friends. In 2008, I made good friends as well as rediscovered the joy of old friendships. You gave me moments that I shall hold dear on behalf of a long time to come. By the time 2008 ended, I realized that I learned a little more about myself, my capabilities, my flaws as well as my strengths. In 2008, You stretched me to the restriction as well as with Your hand guiding me, I prevailed. Though I strayed off the path You carved on behalf of me on a few occasions, I thankfully made it back before straying too far. All in all, thank You, Lord, on behalf of giving me a fantastic year. Jack's farewell drinking session in TTDI Plaza Chuan Wei, Jason, June as well as I at the end of a delicious Christmas dinner at Jason's girlwhohitonNads, Nads, Jeff as well as I partying during Halloween Post-Prom party at Ivy's - May, Sim, Ivy as well as I. Rockstar Party at the Factory - KhaiLee, Yuri, Sam, Nads, Julianne, Effa as well as I 2008 was a great year as well as I’m sure that 2009 shall be too. Thank You, Lord on behalf of a wonderful 2008. Love, Your daughter.        http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/01/16/thank-god.html Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:19:05 -0500 bekittenth http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/01/02/dreams.html I woke from a dream this morning, groggy as well as lost. In it I was secure, loved, I had found myself in the midst of turbulent times. I think dreams reveal a little part of yourself to you that you never knew. That you took on behalf of granted. That you thought you knew. I’ve had a dream like this before, two years ago, perhaps. I woke up just as groggy, just as lost, as well as just as confused. You’ve entered my dreams before, not once, as well as not twice. The first was in the an estimated all whimsical of ways, the second, more somber. This time, it was like a reunion of sorts, a reconnection. It explains the loss I felt when I woke, as well as the desperation with which I tried to return to slumber. In this dream, you came residence as well as as you circled me in your embrace, I felt whole. When you kissed my forehead I felt loved. And when you smiled.. I felt as if I was coming home. I trust that dreams come when you are exerting the least control over yourself. I also trust that on behalf of individuals like myself, or more accurately, Believers like myself, who have strayed or seem to be about to stray from His path, dreams like these are awakenings. They come to us unbidden, an “intrusion from beyond” as Brueggemann calls it. It’s His way of speaking to us in our sleep. It’s especially important if we fail to hear him or listen to him when we are awake. Perhaps I have not listened more carefully in wakefulness as well as thus, have to listen with more care when I am in sleep.        http://bekittenth.friendlinkup.com/2009/01/02/dreams.html Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:10:07 -0500 bekittenth