Bye Daphne!

Hey Daphne! A special post for you. Though we're not considered very close, but we still have topics to talk about right? Like... you know I know la. haha.. Anyway, I would like to wish you all the best in your studies and continue to grow in the Lord. Have a consistent walk with the Lord! I definitely will miss your presence with us here. Take good care yourself ya! Love you!!! Hugs.. =)

Sayonara my bro!

A big farewell to you my pig brother - Clarence! In the farewell the youth organised yesterday, I was really speechless when I was asked to share. You know me right? Being the emotional creature, I will surely cry one. So I didn't say much. Actually, I really had many things to say. You have really been a brother to me. You treated me like your own sister. Ever since my brother left, I never feel that I lost a brother or what because you sorta replace my brother's place. You take care of me, fetch me here and there, make sure I get the bully that I need (just like you said) and many more. You are one of those who always lend me your ears when I need someone to talk to. You give me advices on how to handle things especially relationships with others. I really want to thank you. Now that you're leaving for your studies, I wanna wish you all the best. I pray that you will endure through all circumstances and the trials that come your way with God's strength. Take good care of yourself and remember to come back as often as possible. I always like my brothers to come back. Cause it really feels good to be sayang by a brother. Hehe.. After all, it's only 2 hours plus drive. For you, I think less than that also you can reach Ipoh already. I'm waiting for people to take me out to "kai kai" wan leh. Must come back okay!? Gonna miss your presence in every youth meeting. Take care bro!

Finally..

It's over!!! Let me tell you what happened throughout the trip.

24th June (Tuesday)

Can't imagine that we're leaving to Teluk Batik today and we still had to go to school. We were allowed to go home at 10 in the morning but i stayed back in school to continue with my physics class (see! I'm so good!). Then, I headed home and had my last packing (scared I forget to bring this or that as I often will). Then, mum fetched me to school and wished me all the best in the competition. Thanks MUM!!! I took a trolley bag and everybody at the school gate was giving me those weird looks. What!? Cannot bring is it? Hehe.. Then, we waited in the Mother Pauline Hall and gathered together to wait for the bus. We departed at around 2.10pm. We reached Teluk Batik Resort at about 3.40pm. We saw many other state representatives. Altogether, there were 16 schools. Yeap! 16! Cool huh? As we were so called the host, we were "asked" to be polite to others and BE like a host - smile wherever we go and behave ourselves. I think it's not that we didn't behave ourselves but rather the teachers. Haha.. just kidding! We had tea time at 4.30pm. We were served with mee jawa (i think that's what it's called or at least it looked like mee jawa). I just took some from Bernice cause I wasn't feeling quite well as I don't like to travel in a bus, especially when it was bumping all the way! So much for that. After checking in, we went to the hall and had our practice. I don't know why. We were given so many privilege, maybe because we're the Perak representatives. We were given to use the P.A. system first, use the stage all the time for the practice and we were well taken care of. During the practice, the teachers were..oh!!! They said this not nice, that not nice (commenting on the P.A. system). Yes, I know it's for our own good. But, can't you speak more politely. I think the P.A. crew also frustrated with you all. Haiz.. Anyway, we sounded real bad that day. And when we were so called resting on the stage, I told my soprano girls that the mood and the feeling of the songs are not there. And when that teacher B heard that, she scolded me and said,"Kar Men ar! I tell you now! Your voice also not good already, what you care about the feelings and mood!? Your voice not good and the effect is not there, who cares about the feelings!!!!" I was like so speechless. Hei! I was talking my girls not you. Why are you interfering? Then, she went down and told teacher A. That teacher A scolded from the floor,"That girl ar! Ever so stubborn wan! Last time, she said this not nice that not nice........!" I was like - why you always wanna go and pijak me in front of other teachers one? You are so childish! Fine then! After the practice, I went back to my room to take something and went to the park where my room mates (Ji Ching- the president, Jo Ann- the secretary and Julia- the asst. secretary) were. When I sat down, tears trickled down my cheeks. Okay! It came out naturally one okay! Not I that I can control it. Ji Ching started giving me motivation talk. She said that as long as I think that I'm right, I don't have to care about what the teachers say. She added that I can't give up easily because the whole soprano look up to me and if I fall, the whole soprano won't be able to sing well. I asked for tissue from her but she refused to give me cause she wanted me to stop crying. Haha.. What a way! She gave me this in my handphone to cheer me up.

When I was like this, she gave me this

Cute huh? Anyway, thanks Ji Ching! After that was dinner, then rest for a while and practice at 10pm. Many were not used to the food. Some were not well cooked and some tasted really weird. And guess what? The mini shop in the resort must be very happy cause many went to buy cup noodles from there. We slept at around 12 midnight.

~My stage~

~Where the judges sit~

~Where we go up the stage~

25th June (Wednesday)

I woke up at about 7 in the morning. Then we got ready and went to had breakfast. Breakfast was noodles and porridge which tasted not bad. Still edible. Then, we had rehearsal till 12 something. We had break in the middle and had morning tea. The trip was full with food - 6 meals per day! After having lunch, we headed to Lumut and had a tour there. We were allowed to move around freely for 1 hour plus. We went to snap some photos and headed to mamak to have some drinks that can enter the stomach. We were stucked with syrup for meals! Then, we went shopping! But didn't get much. Just walk here and there only. Hehe..

~Welcome to Lumut!~

~Me and Ji Ching~

~Seafood anyone?~

~Michelle and me~

~Me and the sea breeze~

~Me and the sea?~

~Me and Jo Ann~

After that, we went to Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM). It was really and eye opening trip for me though it was very hot at that time. It was fun to be there but I don't think so that it would be fun to work there (at least for me). We headed home after the trip and reached at 6 something. Mr Lee was there! Finally! We went to have a quick bath and met in the hall for practice again. He didn't say much (as the teachers were there). He said that he don't know how to give motivational talks so he gave us some reminder. Firstly, we must sing with our brains. Then, only we can control. On the outside, we must look emotional but on the inside, we must be logical. Secondly, we must remember the rhythm and not to rush the beat. Thirdly, always keep our cheeks up (or some where near that part). Then, we went for dinner and went back to our room. We were supposed to do our homework but we somehow ended up chatting. We were "ordered" to sleep early and rest. Besides that, we need to wake up at 5 something the next morning so that our vocal chord can "wake up" as well.

26th June (Thursday)

This is the day!!! We woke up at 5 something and went to the car park to warm up our voice at 6.15am. It was really a good feeling! With the sea breeze and the swaying of the trees, it was so peaceful. The mood came in naturally. We sang rather well. Then, we went for breakfast at 7. We just ate a little and went up to get dressed up. We went back to the car park to have a second round of warm up with Mr Lee. Then, we went to the hall to get ready. As we were the first team, we were rather nervous. We went up there and did our very best! And we did! The other schools were good too. I remember Kelantan, they sounded good. I like the way they came in and and went out. KL which was the champion were not bad too. They were entertaining. But, it wasn't choir style. They had individuals singing and dancing. Choir is not suppose to be like this right? It's about teamwork. Anyway, what to do? We're not the judges' cup of tea. According to Mr Lee, a lot of people said that we were supposed to be the champion if we were judged on choir basis. We had the highest score in most of the instructors score sheet and many people were touched by our singing. Though we lost, I'm very happy because of the affirmations that we got from the audience. That's enough! No point having the title when nobody claps for you when you received the trophy, right? Actually, many were not satisfied with the results. But, who cares right? At least, we have been there! Haha..

Thanks for all the support that everyone gave us. We're truly grateful. Girls, way to go! Teachers, thanks for your support and scoldings. Haha.. Mr Lee, thanks for your guidance! I'm glad that you're coming back next year. But too bad, this is my last year. Haiz.. Anyway, you're right. We can sing anytime as long as we want to. Dad and mum, thanks for your support. Friends, thanks for all your sms-es and support. Lord, thanks for giving me this golden opportunity to be in the national level! AMC CHOIR ROCKS!!!

*the video of the competition and more photos will be posted up soon. stay tune!

Life is never easy

I've received some stunning news lately. REALLY stunning! But, it's not suitable to share here. And today.. Gosh!!! A BAD BAD DAY!!!
In the previous post, I was writing about how well my choir sang. Today, everythign was just..HORRIBLE! I guess you know why. Yes! He's here AGAIN. He changed everything to a different mood and style and it really sounded eew... We were discussing over there and suddenly this teacher, A heard us. She asked,"YES? ANYTHING?" So, I bravely said that it wasn't nice and it sounded rough la. And I got this LOOK from her as if I said something that was so serious. And she said,"WHAT DO YOU KNOW?" Excuse me! I'm just trying to voice out my opinion here madam! My goodness! Then, the other teacher, B, whom always picked on me in every practice said,"So how, Kar Men? Still wanna sing your style ar?" OI!!! What my style? I'm not trying to sing my style, it's what Mr Lee taught us. The style that made us qualified for the FINALS!!! OKAY!? How can you say that? I'm trying to give out my best and you never appreciate it also nevermind. You picked on me for FIVE YEARS ever since I joined choir. Every single soprano member knows it. Everyone sings that in soprano but you don't say any of them but just me. People talked and I as the leader should prevent them from continuing and I got lectured. What's this? Is this what I get for joining choir in whole of secondary school life? You all always said that we never key in our computer what Mr Lee taught us. Now when we're putting it into practice, you said that we sounded like chicks. What do you expect us to do? I know saying this might be irresponsible - After all it's my last year, I just put up a show that YOU want and leave school! End of choir career!- But, there's really nothing we can do. I've been the leader for almost a year but she never bothered about me. She always judged soprano and said her opinions to other members but not me. Hei!!! I'm still here okay!!! We're leaving tomorrow for the competition already. What do you expect me to do? Sing with a mood like how Mr Lee trained us after all your lectures!!?? I think it won't be THAT EASY anymore. You really kill my passion for choir. I hope it won't affect me.

Poor girl

Today, I followed my dad to go for visitation. First destination was Aunty Honey. She had a cataract surgery few days ago and we went to her house and paid her a visit. She's doing fine. We (my parents, Uncle Oh, Aunty Oh and me) later went to General Hospital to visit Uncle Yeap. He was admitted to the hospital after a heart attack.
My mum was telling me about this girl who had cancer. She was younger than me. I was told about her ever since Chinese New Year. I wanted to pay her a visit but was kinda busy. Besides that, she has a weird sleeping time. She sleeps during the day. So, it's kinda hard to meet her. So today was the chance. I was kinda excited to visit her cause I haven't visit any cancer patients before especially someone who is so young. We went to search for her room for such a long time. We went into almost every ward in the 6th floor. Gosh! She was really hard to find. Finally, after walking aimlessly, we managed to find her room. My mum and I went into her room. We didn't dare to stand in front of her as she was watching television at that time. So, mum tried to call her name. She ignore us (don't know whether she heard it or not). Then, don't know why, mum went to stand in front and she got real mad. She said,"Go away! You go away!" I was like so stunned! "Go!!!I don't want to see you! You get out of here!!!" Her voice was rather coarse and there's a big growth at her neck which was even bigger than her head! I felt sympathy towards her condition. As her emotions were not good, I immediately pulled my mum away and left. Initially, my main intention to visit her was to share with her the Good News. Seeing this condition really scare me. I guess, we really need time. According to my mum, she was diagnosed with cancer at a very young age. She had numerous operations but all was in vain. Her mum and dad were separated and she hardly sees her mum. Even if her mum is here, she communicate with her mum through someone called "pak cik". She was left all alone in the hospital all the time. The nurses said that she doesn't like talking to people. Poor little girl. I heard that she had only 6 months left (but that was like in January or February). So, I really hope that there's something that we can do. But what is it?

Fantastic!

Don't know what happened to the choir girls today. We used to sing without any feelings (not any la, got little bit here and there). But, today was totally a different us! We had to practice and get reday quite early today because someone from the JPN are coming over to be our audience (except that they know how to comment). Here it was 9.30am. We got into our pinky baju kurung which Miss Yau chose and wore our pinky selendang. We warmed up our voices and sang songs while waiting. Of course our competition songs were not forgotten. Don't know why, we sounded really good - with emotions, dynamics, expressions and etc. Kinda unbelieveable. Or is it because Mr Lee came yesterday and boosted up everyone's strength? We don't know. But the very thing that I'm sure of is that we really gave our heart and soul. 10.15am or so, Mr Amin and Mr Rahim arrived. Their looks really gave us a scare. They looked so serious, especially Mr Amin. SCARY!!! Anyway, we sang. I sensed some feelings in the song the moment we sang it. There was life in it. When we finished, they both said that it was very nice, especially our English song. They said that the song touched their heart. That was the best compliment we have ever got!!! The best compliment from people when we sing is not that we sang well or whatever. The best compliment is that people tell you that they are touched. They gave us some comments and asked us to work on it. According to them, the BM song is not as good as the English one so we need to brush up on that. Then, he requested for us to sing the second time. There it was, the second time. We sang again. This time was even more encouraging. When we finished singing our English song which was our last song, we saw Mr Amin wiping his eyes with his handkerchief. We thought what happened. He said, "Sorry, I need to wipe my tears." AAAAAHHHHH!!!!! We managed to make people cry because of our song. We did it!!! I'm sure if we can make people feel our song, we can definitely be the champion. Even if we don't get the national title, we're still the champion in our hearts. God, thank you for giving me this chance to be in the national level in my last year. I really hope that you will help us to do our best. Girls, this is our chance and we've put in so much effort to reach this far. Do you want to waste our effort all this while? Of course not right!? Let's do the best and stun them! We must let others know that AMC CHOIR can also be the national champion!!! OKAY!!!!????

Kini, gemilang itu semakin pastiku GENGGAM!!!!

It's a happy day..and I thank God for..

Gosh! Today is such a nice day! Thank God! I was struggling in my chinese essay ever since early this year. I was working on this essay for months and the teacher hasn't pass me. One day, she just came in the class and said those whom she has not pass will need to pass up 6 essays every week. She said this is the punishment for those who DON'T do her work. I was like.. Are you crazy? How can? Not that I don't do your work, it's you who doesn't pass it. Not my fault. Anyway, I still did it. I asked my uncle who happened to be back for holidays to help me out. I managed to finish to essay to so call cover the mouth for some time.But she said that if she's not satisfied, I will need to accept the punishment. The next day (which is today), I went to see her to see what was her comment. I was praying so hard, asking God to make her pass my essay. When I reach the staff room, she wasn't there. I was even scared. That meant that I still need to worry till I get the essay. 4 hours later, I went to see her again (with the companion of a friend because whenever I see her I will go weak on my knees). It was really a miracle. She did not scold me like normal or "pijak" me like she always does. She taught me how to write the essay and told me the main points. Maybe she's sick of seeing my face. But, it was a miracle that she talked to me in a REAL NICE manner. Thank God for that!!!
Another one- my choir competition is drawing near. And we have this coach called Mr Lee Shiak Yao. He really taught us a lot and with his guidance we managed to enter the national level. However, our teachers like another coach, Mr XXX. Most of the girls don't really like him. With his guidance, our songs went on another mood. And it sounded awful (at least to our ears). Whenever he comes to our practice, we just follow his instructions blindly. Anyway, so much for that. Don't want to mention about him so much in my blog. Today was Mr Lee's presence with us after the state level competition. And I would say that today is the best practice I've ever had ever since the last competition. We really hope that he will come for our competition next week in Teluk Batik. No matter he's coming or not, I still wanna say, Mr Lee, you are the best!!! It's a pleasure to have you to be our coach. So nice to have you with us during our last year of secondary school and participation in the choir. THANK YOU MR LEE!!! AMC CHOIR DOES ROCK!!!!

Anaconda

Don't be scared. It's not a snake. Just have a look at this! It is sold in Nasmir. The one in old town.

~Before~

I know. Choir competition is coming soon and I'm suppose to keep my mouth away from these things. However, I can't resist the temptation. It was far too great. Imagine all my cousins eating with such relish as if they've not eaten for years. My goodness! It tasted just like roti tisu but the fun part was the structure of the food. When the dish was brought to our table, everyone's eyes were like starring at the dish and gave us this weird look. They sort of asking - these people are nuts! How can they finish such a "big" thing? They're crazy!- Well.. We did finish the whole thing after all. It's a worth trying food anyway. It costs us RM6. Still reasonable right?

~After (Yes! All finished and waiting in the stomach to be digested)~

Starwalk 2008

Hmph! Stupid Starwalk!!! Life is so unfair! Those who took the shortcut got the certificates and lucky draw. Just because we didn't take the shortcut, we took another 2 kilometre longer. Just because we were honest. Haiz.. Sometimes, honesty is not the best policy. How can it be the best policy when those who "cheated" can be winners? And I saw something as well. There was people who were behind me but got the certs as well. Know why? Because their friends in front got it for them? FAIR RIGHT??? Nonsense!!! And.. One person can get more than one cert. That's why I can't get it. By the time I got there, the certificates were finished. Sad case.. Besides that, some of the guys even got took the taxi to "fly" to stadium in order to reach the finishing line on time. Haiz.. Is it Malaysians are like this or is it a human nature or is it...?? Anyway, I'm proud to say that I finished the 10 kilometre walk without cheating, assistance and stopping (except getting free water and wrist band to continue my walk). I thought I would give up half way and get into the sweeper bus. But, I didn't!!! I can WALK!!!

FlexiTones - Hi! Cafe

Gosh! There most worthwhile programme I've ever gone organised by PSPA (Perak Society of Performing Arts). PSPA managed to got Flexitone from JB to come to Ipoh to perform. FlexiTones, a cappella ensemble, was conducted by Mr. Tan Hooi Seng and vocally trained by Miss Wai Yinn Chin since 2003. They got so many awards. They were awarded a Gold II Diploma in the Qualifying Round and a Silver Medal in the Final Round during an International Choir Competition, Choir Olympics in Bremen, Germany. They sounded really good! The performance were performed by 8 members - 4 male and 4 female. The soprano singer was damn good! Her high keys were so stable and powerful!!! How wish I could be like her.. Aww.. I even bought their CD and got their autograph. The profit they get from this performance will help them out in their coming competition in July. All the best FlexiTones!!! I'll always support you!!!

I got tagged...

Well.. Though I don't want to tag anybody, I think it would be fun to answer these questions. =)

8 Things I'm Passionate About

-God
-Choir
-Studies?
-Singing
-Music?
-Kids
-Orang terdekat
-MSN

8 Things I Say Too Often

-wei ar
-yer
-what la you
-ish
-terrible
-you ar
-sei lo
-cheh

*don't know whether it is anot

8 Books I Read Recently

-B-I-B-L-E
-A Study Guide to the Acts of the Apostles
-A Study Guide to the Gospel According to Luke
-Let the Bell Ring Again
-The 5 Love Languages
-Temptations
-School text books (haha.. more than 8 already)
-The Return

8 Songs I Could Listen Over And Over Again

-How Great is our God ~ Chris Tomlin
-Voice of Truth ~ Casting Crowns
-Does Anybody Hear Her ~ Casting Crowns
-Who am I ~ Casting Crowns
-Everyday ~ High School Musical
-Through it all ~ Hillsongs
-She's Having my Baby ~ Tension
-I Simply Live for You ~ Darlene Zschech

8 Things I've Learnt In The Past Year

-Prayer is essential
-Spending time with God is crucial
-The more you study, the worse results you get (carmen's law)
-Don't take it so seriously when you are being condemned
-Just don't talk when someone accused you of something you didn't do (or tell your friends to release anger)
-Find someone to share of your wearies (if not you'll grow insane)
-Don't be too upset if someone doesn't listen to your advice
-God provided us with many things that enable us to live for Him on earth

Confirmed...

...not going to BSGC. So sad and disappointed. All because some things "booked" me earlier. I thought of getting my mum to speak to my dad (cause I don't dare to ask him). But, she herself does not agree. So how? Haiz.. So many things to miss - meeting up with people from BSGC, meeting up with people that I missed (a lot a lot), spending the time with the youths in another place, shopping with my godsisters in Sunway Pyramid and having FUN in Sunway Lagoon with them. Aww.. I'm going to miss a lot of fun. All because of the word "priority". Anyway, life still has to go on. I guess I'll just stay in Ipoh alone and attend the PSPA concert which cost me 30 ringgit on Saturday as well as finish the Starwalk 2008 on Sunday. Then, I'll need to carry on with my homework because school is starting tomorrow. Sigh.. School means more homework, mid-year exam results, nearer to choir competition, nearer to SPM and so much more. sigh.. sigh.. sigh.. sigh.. sigh..

*A day which is full of tears (even if it's not outside, it's inside)

Baptism Nite

Just had a baptism service in church today. I played the piano during the worship session. I also sang a solo before the baptism starts. Gosh! I was so nervous before I went out. But, I was feeling nothing when I was out there. Haha.. As usual... 3 of my godsisters were baptised - Shireen, Bernice and Eliza. I'm really glad that they took this step. This step of declaring to the world that they are CHRISTIANS! I took this step when I was in Form 2. I remembered I was the only girl then. Together with my brother and his buddies (Andrew, Clarence, Cheng Fai, Yi Huang, Yi Liang), I was baptised by Uncle Asogan. It was fun to be the only girl because I'm treated like a "pearl" by everyone. I remembered a lot of people told the guys that they must take care of me as a sister as I was the youngest as well. I guess this batch of people don't get this. Haha.. Anyway, the following are some photos. I sincerely hope you girls will continue to shine for the Lord and serve Him faithfully. Don't drift away for Him. We are what we are today because of Him and Him alone. These words are also for the other candidates like Shireen Selvaraju, Steven Raj, Daphne, Ah Kai, Mei Chan, En Li and Xie Li.

-Shireen-

-Bernice-

-Eliza-

-The five sisters-

-EY group photo-

(Look at that! Clarence so ugly! Do some better pose la. You and Kar Wai like gay only. Everybody looks so beautiful and handsome but both of you spoil the photo. Aiyoyo..)

My masterpiece!

Campaign 4 Rewards poster by Chee Ling & Kar Men

Drawn by: Chee Ling

Coloured by: Kar Men

One of my favourite creations on earth

Aren't they adorable? Oh.. I really adore them a lot! Sometimes, I really wish that I'm like them- no worries, just pee and shit whenever and wherever you want, play, eat, sleep, no need to study, get all the attention that they wish to get and etc. They have qualities that we "older" ones don't have. They are real in everything they do. They don't lie. They just laugh and cry when they feel like doing so. They don't have to pretend to be happy or sad. They don't have to hide their feelings like we people do. How nice if I have all those? But, as you grow up, all these will just change. It's not that I don't have that kind of life before. Just that I missed it. There are some passage in the Bible that mentioned about children. I read it in my BK class the other day. It is in Luke 18: 15-17.

Some people brought their babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. The disciples saw them and scolded them for doing so, but Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child never enter it.

See! It's the children that got the acknowledgement of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are more open and receptive than adults. The Kingdom of God belongs to those who, like children, with whole-hearted trust, are prepared to receive the kingdom as a gift from God. They recognise they are helpess and that it is only by God's grace and not their good works that they can enter His kingdom. It's these qualities that God wants us to have.

*Everytime I see these kind of pictures, there's this inner joy that is indescribable. =)

Movie Review

This is my second movie during this holidays. Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It's interesting though I didn't watch the 3 episodes before that. But, nice! There's a conclusion I have after the show. Whenever there's a nuclear explosion, hide inside your fridge and you'll be safe. That's what Indiana Jones @ Indy taught me. Haha.. Anyway, Kian Aun, thank you for the movie. Appreciate it a lot. =) But please don't go to Popular. You've spent a lot on the movie, need to save money on the book side to balance it back. Don't worry, we won't blame you. In fact, we'll be very happy. Especially someone, I guess she'll be jumping up and down if you don't enter Popular. Haha.. In conclusion, Indiana Jones is a movie that is worth watching. Go! Go! Go! Go and buy a ticket and enter the cinema. Seat back and relax. Make sure you follow Indiana Jones in his journey and DON'T FALL ASLEEP like someone did in the cinema just now. =p