Tuesday, June 9, 2009

penang trip

Finally I’m back after my long absence in this virtual world. Been busy lately. ya that’s what everyone said when they didn’t update their blogs. So fake right? Well whatever. I’m now back in ipoh already. One week sem break. Last week was my midyear exams and hopefully I would get decent marks : p I’m crossing my fingers. I came back straight from kl on Friday evening. The very next morning, I took bus to Penang, the so called “food paradise” which is from my experience is true. The whole two days in penang was spent by EAT, EAT and MORE EAT. haha

Okay, so I started my journey at 8.30 a.m. slept along the way to penang and reached to Sg. Nibong bus station around 12 p.m. the journey was delayed. There was a heavy jam on the penang bridge. One thing I’ve noticed when the bus was crossing over the bridge was that the sea was not as blue as how I used to remember the last time I came. It’s been ages since I came to penang and the sea is brownish now. Time has changed a lot of things, don’t you agree? Song and his mum picked me up and we went to lunch together. After that we went to botanical garden and met up with eve and jenny there. Song’s cousins and aunt was there too. Did I tell you that song’s family is BIG? It was nice living with them for two days. I had a blast! Erm.. let me continue with the story, as I said we were all at Botanical garden because there is a floral festivals going on but it was extremely HOT!!!! I was sweating as if I was taking my bath. His aunt bought some flowers there. After that HOT experience, we went back to his house and rest for a while before going to kayaking. Ginger joined us too. Oh my, this was my first time going for kayak and it was FUN, FUN, and what I can say more, FUN. I want to go kayak again next time for sure. Then at night, I had dinner with song’s family. A lot of people ate together, and I love the feeling of eating with many people. The feeling was indescribable. After dinner we went to Gurney Mall and watched I Love You Man. Before the movie start we went to Gurney Hotel and took pictures. After the movie we went back home and sleep.

The next morning went for breakfast again with his cousins and aunties. His aunt paid for my meal and I was like very paiseh. Then we went to the beach to build sand castles. We were divided into two groups and my group do not built a castle, instead, we made a mermaid!. It was fun nevertheless. We were at the beach till noon. Had lunch at his house and then went to eat durians!!!! Haha Eve don’t like durians!!! We keep asking her to eat XP after that we went to his house again to rest. Everyone was tired. Haha his sister asked me to sing together with her. Looks like I got myself a fan already hehe. * in my dreams* then at night we went and eat chicken chop before song dropped me off at Sg. Nibong bus station. I boarded the bus at 9 p.m.

Thanks to woei song and his family, I had lots of fun there in penang. His family is funny and funny. Haha. And his twin brother really look, act and talk like him. So fun to watch them both :P anyway till her then. Will post up pictures later. On Wednesday I’ll be going to Langkawi with my family. Wait for my return ya!!!!!!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Euthanasia Should/ Shouldn’t Be Legalized In Australia

Pain has always been the main reason that terminally ill even think about an early death. A lot of people perceived that assisted suicide or mercy killing is beneficial and helpful to those who are suffering for a long period of time but how far is this true? How do we know that the doctors’ decisions are right? Can we decide who to live and who to die or when to live and when to die? All these doubts will prove that euthanasia should not be legalized in Australia because it violates basic human rights and there is a far better alternative to euthanasia.


Most of us would travel great lengths to obtain our rights and the protection of humans’ lives is one of the most vital rights that we, humans fought for many centuries. Murder and suicides are strictly prohibited not only by religions but also in many countries. No one could take away their own life and other’s as they like. In that case, euthanasia should be seen as a form of murder because it involves the doctors and physicians assistance in ending someone’s life. Under normal condition, anyone who assists in a murder is as equally guilty as to those who did the killing. It definitely violates the basic human rights to live and no one would want their right to live or die to be decided by the hands of others. Don’t you agree? Some might argue that patients choose euthanasia at their own will but that is considered as suicide which also violates the human rights. Proponents of euthanasia claimed that it is for the sufferers benefit and helps to reduce the pain. Then again, can we say that abortion is for the unborn benefits? Why do laws prohibit abortion? To protect unborn babies lives, that’s why. Thus, is there a reason why should euthanasia be legal when all it does defies the humans’ right to live?


Some terminally ill patients said that if they were an animal, it would be cruel and against the law to continue their life. It should be stressed that we, humans, are not like animals at all. If whatever that is done to animals can be done to humans then why we can’t we clone humans like how we clone animals? This is because there is an obvious boundary that separates us from animals and we should be treated better. No doubt, to the terminally ill, euthanasia would be the apparent choice at the peak of their sufferings because they couldn’t endure any longer. Some chose it because they feel that they are a burden to their families while some might just be because they are depressed due to loneliness and no visits from families. However, there is an alternative to euthanasia which is called palliative care where it is a form of medical care which concentrates on reducing the severity of symptoms which aim to prevent and relieve sufferings and improve quality of life. Palliative care ensures that patients will have full support psychologically, physically and spiritually without them considering killing themselves to get away from all the pains. Palliative care services are available in most countries and should be fully utilized. These supports are essential to make sure that these terminally ill patients do not recklessly try to choose euthanasia due to pain, outside pressures or because they feel that they have no choice but to do so. Palliative care gives them the right to enjoy every minute of their life compared to euthanasia and this is certainly a better option.


All in all, I hope I have convinced you that euthanasia should not be legalized in Australia because it violates the basic human rights and there is a better alternative to mercy killing. Do not be fooled that euthanasia helps. Remember: life is precious, everyone should cherish it to the very last breath and so do you. Let’s make this world a better place by saying no to euthanasia.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's day!

To my MOM:

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!!!!!!


i love you mom,

thanks for everything.




from,
your son

Friday, May 8, 2009

Summer camp in dusun eco resort, pahang

AND THE STORY BEGINS...

We started our journey a little bit later than expected. It was 3 p.m. Everyone rushed to put their luggage into the bus and then off we went. The one hour journey on the bus was spent on watching a bloody movie – Cabin Fever. And poof, the next thing I knew, we have already reached.

But we haven’t reached to the top yet. The place is on a hill and the bus was too large and heavy to ascend so a pickup truck was needed. It was a refreshing ride, with the winds blowing onto my face. After a 5 minutes ride up the hill, we finally reached.

A long and big cafeteria where those who went up earlier waited for us caught my attention. I joined in with the rest and tea was served. While we waited for those who were still down the hill, some of us played cards to kill time. Others were busy taking photographs.

When everyone at last reached to the top we were briefed on what to do and what not to do. After every meal we were required to wash our own plates. Some find this rule ridiculous but then again, who would want to wash almost 100 over plates? Hence, division of labor will help the cafeteria people out. We took our bed sheets and then divided into groups in the hall before moving into our designated rooms. We have free time till dinner.


After dinner, we played Blind Night. Everyone was blindfolded. Then, lining up in their groups, a committee member will lead each group around the area. It was drizzling but I assumed everyone had fun. But then, some got sick playing in the rain.

After Blind night we were free to do whatever we want. It was 10 p.m. so I hang out with woei song in a stall. We played card games till midnight. The laughter and shouting made the stall lively in the midst of the jungle.

The next day, everyone woke up early and got ready for morning exercise. Raj and Azreen were leading the whole group of 100 people in aerobics accompanied with music.


After warming up, we went for jungle trekking. The instructor said that it is not appropriate to call names in the jungle and so we were all given a number each. I was 44. What a nice number. Anyway, the 2 hour trekking was okay. It was energy draining and muddy I would say. Almost everyone’s shoes were wet and dirty. Some even got leeches on them. Surprisingly, there was no leech on my body.

After lunch, we had a session with a former jpa scholar who works for petronas as an engineer. After the session we were anticipating for flying fox but were told that it was postponed to the next day. So we just walked on the hanging bridge. At first, it was not that bloodcurdling. I thought I can do it easily but as I walked towards the center my heart beats faster and I don’t know why I felt that I would fall anytime. Maybe the reason was because I was tall and my centre of gravity was not balanced. The rope that I hold was getting shorter and shorter towards the end. I need to bend a little to balance myself or else I might fall. But I love getting my heart beat faster. I love the adrenaline.

Then, after the bloodcurdling experience, all of us jumped into the pool. I ended up playing water rugby. It was so fun trying to get the ball across. It’s similar to water polo basically but we have body contacts like rugby. Pulling each other away from the ball.

So fun. At night, we had barbecued food for dinner. I thought it will be a real barbecue with campfire around but I was disappointed. The foods were barbecued earlier and were served to us. However, the performances were a life saver. I performed first with woei song, ming chai and gary. we sang a mandarin song that were written by woei song, eve and jenny. I’m the melody maker. The song was supposed to be a duet but then we couldn’t find any girls to sing with us so it kind of sounds a bit gay if you can understand the lyrics. After all groups have performed, it was bed time. I was tired after all the energy draining activities in the morning. I dozed off straight after I got onto my bed.

The next morning, all the committee members set up the explorace booth before all of us went for flying fox. How I wished I could do it again for the second time but time would not permit so. 100 people equals to 4 hours.


After everyone has tasted the feeling of flying, explorace soon started. Everything was over around 2 something. We had lunch then everyone prepared to go home. Took the five minute journey down the hill, boarded the bus and reached college around 5.30 p.m. that concludes our summer camp. Although I have omitted a lot of the small small stuff that happened during the camp, I just want to stress that I did have fun.

I didn’t took any pictures. I didn’t bring my phone to everywhere i went. I kinda regret for not doing so now. Some pictures of me I grabbed from Imran, our camp photographer. And this is the picture I liked most. I edited it a little bit.



goodbye summer camp!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

an inconvinient truth

From a distance, I knew it was him albeit he was surrounded by a field of people who are in a hustle. His jet black, long hair was swaying in synchronicity with the rhythm of the strong, harsh November wind. I smiled. He was still the same person I knew from the start, from the way he dresses, as if he was on his wedding day has never failed to impress me. Professionalism. That’s what he told me when I questioned him on the way he dresses. In this modern age, first impression comes first. Whenever you meet someone new, the first thing they will do is to evaluate you from top to bottom, comprising of what shirt are you wearing, what pants are you wearing, or maybe assess the way you smile and also to some extent the color of your skin. It dawned on me that whatever he said was completely true, notwithstanding I have always abide by the phrase “do not judge a book by its cover” because I do not want others to perceive me by their first impression towards me and I would not do the same.

He noticed me after a while, waving towards me enthusiastically. His wide, dimply smile really showed that he was extremely excited to see me after a year we were being separated by distance and also time. He was carrying a large, grey bulgy luggage and a small bag with him. In a split second, the next thing I knew he hurriedly jogs over to me with eager and at the same time, I walked faster towards his direction. When we were only separated by a few steps away, he almost literally jumped on me. With his belongings dropped down on the floor, he opened his arms as wide as he could and I ended up in a tight warm embrace. I asked how is he and he replied with a big smile that he was fine and happy to meet me. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, I knew he was having the same problem when I glanced through his troublous, gloomy eyes.

Then, I suggested to him that why don’t we find a place to sit to have a chat and our lunch at the same time. He nodded in agreement. I brought him to a nice café across the station where it was famous for its scrumptious local delicacies. After the waiter left upon taking our orders, we started our conversation. He told me his experience working overseas, the culture, food and also the weather. At some point, he stopped for a while before continuing his story. I realized that he was trying hard to censor his words and story so that everything that came out from his mouth was a happy story. I knew him long enough to know that he is that kind of person who bottled up everything within for he do not want others to be sad or be burdened with his sadness and problems. The waiter came back with our orders a few minutes later and stood beside our small square table with no intention to leave. I was confused at that moment, staring at the face of the waiter. From his looks, he was waiting for something. Suddenly, Bryan took out a 5 dollar note and gave to the waiter who then walked away happily.

I was baffled. The last time I came here, none of the waiter waited for a tip. Bryan told me that it was normal in overseas. Maybe the time has changed. With the bad recession, it’s probably normal for them to ask for tips to support themselves. I sighed when I came to realize how bad the recession that’s flooding the country now was. Everything seemed overly priced now. No doubt, I felt the pinch too. Realizing that I was in my own world and he was looking at me, I apologized and we continued chatting about what had happened for the past year.

As we were chatting I can’t help but noticed that many eyes were staring at our table. I started to feel uncomfortable. Bryan was happily chatting away. He hasn’t noticed. Trying to conceal my uneasiness I faked a smile, something that I wasn’t born to do and he noticed it. What’s wrong? , he asked. Nothing, I replied but he doesn’t buy it. Soon, I was pouring out my agitation towards those people who kept glancing at our table to Bryan. He seemed relax and totally cool about it. I asked why was he so relaxed about it and then I found out the inconvenient truth. The truth that did not only bothers me but also to him.

Looking at my watch it was already 1 p.m. I need to rush back to work. I told him I will meet him again later for dinner and offered to fetch him to his home but he insisted that he wanted to go back by himself. Hence, I quickly put on my coat and walked out from the café with him and we shook our hands before parting ways. We both said goodbye.

***********************

As I walked to my car, I wondered can a deaf mute like Bryan get home safely. I told myself not to worry, for he has his ways and he was able to survive till today. I then drove off to my workplace anticipating tonight’s dinner.


***********************

another story of mine. this was not like how i wanted. i didn't manage to give an impact to the reader. i just can't tell the story but that's my best.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Inspiring video

i just want to share this video. very inspiring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

please watch it.

i can guarantee that you will definitely like it and thank me later :P

Sunday, March 29, 2009

hell is not like what you think

I was in daze. I’m in complete darkness. I can’t see a thing. How did I get here? Where am i? I stood up and started walking, hands reached out. I was disappointed, I can’t feel the wall. I’m confused. Then, I shouted for help and there was no reply. In fact, there was not even an echo of my shouting. I stopped and think. Why was there no echo and no walls? Where am i? I try to put things together. Where am I before I was here and what was I doing. But nothing came out of it. I just can’t remember.

I started to feel anxious. I was never afraid being alone in the dark, but this. This is different. There is something eerie about this place. No matter how far I walked, no matter how loud I shouted for help i knew I was alone. And that’s the scariest part. Where am i? the more I questioned ‘where am I’, the more frustrated I became. That feeling. Argh. That feeling. I don’t like it. I can’t describe it and I can’t take it anymore. Then , I started shouting and crying hysterically. My masculinity level dropped to zero. I was powerless.

My tantrum didn’t last long. Soon, I was sobbing and hugging my legs together. Waiting. I don’t know what I’m waiting for but I was waiting. Only god knows how long I waited. It seems forever but I dared not to close my eyes for even one second. I was afraid. But I don’t know what I was afraid of. There I was, hugging myself and eyes wide opened, like a prey looking out for predators, hoping to catch a glimpse of anyone. Anyone at all.

After a period of time, my eyes felt weak. I can’t hold on any longer. I was not only tired, I was hungry and thirsty too. Fasting was nothing compared to this. It’s as if I was about to die and at that very moment I was relieved. I thought maybe to die now is a good thing. I don’t have to suffer anymore. to die was the last thing I used to wish for but during that very moment, to die is like the route to heaven.

Suddenly, I heard whispering. I stood up quickly, alert, trying to find out where it came from. Then, I heard it again. I heard like a lot people were whispering but I cannot catch what they were saying. I called out for help but no one answered. I ran towards the sound but after running for a while the whispering stopped. I stopped too. Quiet. Everything was quiet again. What is this? Is this some kind of joke? The whisperings gave me hope. There must be people here. They should know where is this place and why am I here. I started walking. Slowly this time trying not to be heard.

Then I heard giggles. It soon burst into laughter. From the sound of it I knew it was a mean laugh. The laugh when we ridicule people or when we say serves you right. It won’t stop. I’m starting to feel irritated. Who are they? Why are they laughing at me like this? Are they the one responsible bringing me here? Argh! My ears! My mind! Their laughter just won’t stop. I closed my ears, as tight as I can but it’s in my head now. I can’t stop it. I’m going berserk.

STOP! JUST STOP! I shouted and everything went back to silence. I looked ahead but everything was as dark as a cave and as silence as a grave. Creepy. Something was wrong. I was confused. Where are they? How can they hide so fast? Are they playing hide- and- seek with me? I’m certainly not in the mood to play. I just want to go home.

Home. The word keep playing in my head. Where are my parents, how are they? I can hardly remember when was the last time I went HOME. It struck me then, maybe this is my punishment. Maybe god wants me to deserve this. Maybe I’m in hell. The silence, the darkness, the loneliness. this is definitely hell.

The next thing that happened was dazzling. Suddenly, burst of white light was all around me. My eyes were blinded and I close my eyes. While I was closing my eyes I heard the chirping of birds and the wind was blowing onto my face. I was curious so I lifted up my eyelids and to my surprise I was lying on the college field. I looked around and I saw a few kookaburras on the tree branches. The leaves were swaying and making a whispering like sound. I let go a sigh of relief. It was just a bad dream I told myself. I then walked back to my hostel in confusion. How I happen to be lying on the field is still a mystery until today.

*******************

Above is a story that I made up. It’s not real but I hoped you can feel the feeling I was trying to portray. I’m not good at writing but I really can’t find what to blog so I made up a story instead.

Did you guessed that the whispering sounds were made by the trees and the laughing were made by the kookaburras? Do you want to listen to a kookaburra laugh? Click on the video below.

video

what was the feeling you get? did you imagine the laughter was like this ? now can you feel what i feel when i explained the mean laughter ?


i used to write narrative essays during secondary. in exams i will only do narrative because by narrating i can decide how the story goes. this might also explain why i'm very bad at writing formal essays.
till here then.