~The HOLY ALLIANCE~

Freebies for Preggy

2011-11-05T10:51:00.005+08:00

Now I realize that pregnant women in Taiwan are entitle to lots of freebies if you are diligent enough to run here and there. Blame it to the low birth rate and the competitive market in this industry. Having said that, I am of course benefited a little bit from this phenomena. I was given free Mamypoko diapers ( 5 pieces), Pampers diapers ( 13 pieces), free body shampoo and lotions, baby gauze handkerchiefs and other little things from Internet and supermarkets.

Besides that, I am enjoying free cakes from famous bakeries for the past week and the coming weeks too. As it's the tradition of Taiwanese to give cakes instead of our tradition yellow glutinous rice during full moon celebration almost all of the bakeries here are providing free baby shower/full-moon cakes tasting for pregnant women after 36 weeks till the baby is born. So far we have tried one which I personally think is delicious and more free cakes will keep on coming for the coming weeks =)

Free Tiramisu Swiss roll and layer cake

As for the confinement meal packages, as we are planning to order 2 days per week, I am again given the privilege to taste the food for free from various providers too. However, as the time is near and I am not that particular in this I have just tried from one of the recommended providers last Monday. One thing that I dont like about it is the services. Not that it's not good, but as the market is too competitive, every provider tends to give their very best services to their potential customers. As for my case, I have decided to order from this provider and I was assigned to a particular nutritionist. This nutritionist has made appointment with me this coming Monday to our place to brief me on things that I have to take precaution and adjust the meals according to my special needs. Besides that, she will be 24hours on call if I need any advise during the confinement period, she will be my personal tutor so to speak. Where else can you find such an outstanding customer service? Maybe I should learn to appreciate their hard work.

The free tasting package

36 Weeks Now

2011-10-20T21:29:00.008+08:00

It has been a long 36 weeks so far.

Baby weight: 2290g

Baby's presentation: Head down since week 32

My weight increment: 8kg

Blood pressure: Normal

Urine test: Normal

Had my routine check this morning with ultrasound and group B streptococcus test. It was not a pleasant check up this morning especially the ultrasound. It made me super uncomfortable to lie down on my back for the check up. Though I got to see my baby again this morning but I started to feel dizzy and breathless half way through the ultrasound. I had to call it off and rest for about 5 minutes before proceed to the routine check up with the doctor.

From the previous two ultrasounds on week 32 and week 36 our boy seems to be a week behind his due date. Thus, doctor has delay the due date a week later to 23rd Nov instead of 16th Nov though I still hope he will have the same birth date as mine on 16th! And I had been advised by my obstetrician not to start exercising yet at least for another week before meeting her again next Thursday. Guess maybe the baby is still too small to be independent and she scared that I would have preterm labor?!

On symptoms wise I thank God that I am just suffering from minor third trimester symptoms for the moment. There is no backaches, no swelling or leg cramps, no stretch marks or itchy skin (don't appear pls!!!) for the moment but the most severe symptom would probably be shortness of breath. Otherwise, I would just need to take an extra trip to the toilet every night and take longer time to do the household chores.

Some say pregnant woman is more emotional and I reckon it's quite true. Recently I would get mad by the hard kicks by our baby. It feels extremely uncomfortable and sometimes very painful to be kicked and punched in the tummy. And needless to say it's very frequent!!! He must be a very active boy who has started to practice his soccer skill inside the womb.

On the other note, last Sunday we have the opportunity to visit the labor, delivery and recovery rooms in Adventist Hospital. We were advised on the procedures and step-by-step on where to go and what to do during the actual day. We think it's good to familiarize the environment before the actual labor so that we would not be "kelam-kabut" on that day. Basically we are satisfied with the facilities and settings in this hospital.

@ 32 weeks

@ 33 weeks

@ 35 weeks

@ 36 weeks

26 Weeks and 2 Days

2011-08-13T12:07:00.004+08:00

Just had the 26 weeks check-up two days ago and all has been well so far. In this check-up, I was asked to do the oral glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes and the hepatitis B test. The glucose test involves drinking a sweetened liquid which contains 50g of glucose and a blood test after an hour later. I initially like the liquid quite well as it actually taste good but after taking the whole 50g of glucose I started to get headache and dizzy for the whole day and ended up with bed rest for the day. I have no idea why it happened to me. The hospital will call me up in two weeks time if there is something wrong with me, otherwise I will get my report a month later.

Next about the baby. Oh... if you havent already know, we are expecting a baby boy! And the father named him Christopher Chee. We havent seen our baby since the last ultrasound at 18 weeks but according to the doctor our boy is growing well and in fact a little bigger than 26 weeks gestation. Baby has been very active especially during the morning when I wake up and night time when we go to bed. He will normally starts by kicking and followed by somersaults which hurt me sometimes. However, I guess he is soothed and comforted by his father's warm hand coz he will stop whenever he feels his father's hand. Otherwise, he has been a good boy.

About me, I have only gained 4kg so far and people around has been saying that my tummy looks SMALL. I myself also feel that it is not big. However, it is not the case with my doctor. She has been asking me to control a little bit as I have gained 1.8kg for the last month. She hopes that I will only gain 1.5kg per month. On symptoms wise, I have not have much symptoms since the 2nd trimester other than occasional dizziness & headache and also pain on the tailbone when I sit down.

On the other news we are planning to move house next week from a studio room to a 3-bedrooms apartment. Moh Herng has been very busy recently as he is just finishing his Latin I & II courses this week and have been told in the last minute to in charge of the church English camp which has been excused initially. This camp started on Wednesday and last for a week till next Tuesday. And it has caused us to rearrange our plan since we initially thought that he will have a few days to slowly pack up our stuffs before moving but now we are really busy with the tight schedule. Furthermore, we will be off to the church retreat next weekend! I hope that we'll have a relaxing time there at the nice and luxurious beach resort but guess it wouldnt be the case anyway since he is in charge of the activities for the two days retreat. Anyway, we will see how things go.

Isaiah40:28-31

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint of grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles;

They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Morning Sickness - GONE!!!

2011-06-18T14:02:00.006+08:00

Yay! Morning sickness has finally came to an end. After suffering horrible morning sickness for 4 months, I can say it has gone for good! Life has been getting better without feeling lethargy and vomiting all the time. I feel more energetic this two weeks and can do much housework without relying on the hubs.

What I can say is... morning sickness has made life miserable! It made me too sluggish to do anything but napping and sleeping most of the time. I couldn't even do the routine house chores like tidying up the room or cooking a proper meal. I couldn't even hang up the washed clothes or have a pleasant shower due to the super sensitive nose that made me sick whenever I smell on the detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, or any strong odor.

I lost about 3-4kg during the first 3 months of pregnancy though it was not the right time to slim down in this manner. However, now that I am entering in the second trimester I thank God that I am gaining back the weight but just a bit too aggressively. Gaining 1.5kg in two weeks time is a lot!! Luckily I am not seeing my OB until two weeks later else I guess she would nag me on the excessive weight gain.

During the 4 months, I think I have missed out on quite a lot of stuffs but I am glad I am still in one piece and the Lil' Bun is doing fine. After all, all these things are worthwhile just because of this little person in me.

Taken at about wk 8

Taken at about wk 12

Awful night

2011-05-20T01:34:00.001+08:00

I hate this awful feeling...

The night started great with a casual dining at Lacuz Thai restaurant in Taipei Main Station. It has been at least a year since the last time we had delicious Thai cuisine. We ordered our all time favorite red curry set meal and another fried beef set meal which comes with rice, side dishes, soup and drinks. We also ordered a Thai bubur cha-cha dessert which is quite refreshing. Too bad there isnt any photo taken.

However, the night did not end up well. I came home, had shower and finally all the delicious food that I had for the dinner had all been awfully thrown up into the toilet bowl. It was an awful night! And that's why I am still awake in this hour writing up this post.

I will need to take in some light food before I go to sleep...

Be reminded on this song- God Is Good All The Time

2010-11-05T14:06:00.003+08:00

God is good all the time
He put a song of praise in this heart of mine
God is good all the time
Through the darkest night, His light will shine
God is good, God is good all the time

If you're walking through the valley
And there are shadows all around
Do not fear, He will guide you
He will keep you safe and sound
'Cause He's promised to never leave you
Nor forsake you and His Word is true

We were sinners - so unworthy
Still for us He chose to die
Filled us with His Holy Spirit
Now we can stand and testify
That His love is everlasting
And His mercies - they will never end

Lord I may not understand
All the plans He left for me
My life is in your hands
And through the eyes of Him I can clearly see

God is good, God is good, all the time

What a "feverish" month

2010-10-23T13:45:00.004+08:00

Who would get fever twice in a month without having found out what's really happening?

It was one fine afternoon three weeks ago that my temperature elevated so high just within hours that I started to feel cold and shivering uncontrollably and ended up being sent to the ER of a hospital nearby. I was given a jab and put on drip for a few hours and taken many other tests before being discharged without a root cause..

Then just the day before, I had the same condition as the previous fever experience. It all started with the uncomfortable feeling for the whole body and fast enough when I tested the temperature it was already 38.5degree and keep going up. I started to shiver as well so I got myself the previous leftover medicine and rested for a while. This pill is kind of magic. It took just about 10minutes to bring my temperature down. However, as my temperature was still 38.2degree, we decided to visit the physician for a check. It was the same procedure that has been taken, rapid flu test and blood test. After an hour of waiting, the outcome of the report was all FINE.

Sigh! Another without reasoning fever.

Camp, contest and activities...

2010-07-24T22:45:00.010+08:00

Two days, and we will be back to Penang. I have a very complicated feeling this time as we'll be back for a month and it means we are no longer stay as if we were there for a short few days vacation but really adapt to the life in Penang once again.

We had an interesting July here in Taipei. Initially we thought that we would have a free and easy month but ended up been busier than normal studying period. Early of the month we were invited to a 4days 3nights youths summer camp as small group leaders. About a hundred of youths from different churches joined the camp. Lots of activities, lots of games, lots of different kind of testimonies but lack of the gospel-centered messages been delivered. We were assigned to the upper secondary school youths group which gave us less headache compared to others. However, they were more quiet and unwilling to share much of their thoughts throughout the camp.

After the camp, we were burning a little bit of midnight oil to do the report for our summer history course. It was supposed to be a 30pages report but we ended up with 40 pages including 2 pages of personal reflections each and some other diagrams. That was when we struggled with those weird names in the previous post.

Next, we organised a cooking contest in the church fellowship. Secondary and College groups had a combined fellowship whereby they were divided and each group was requested to cook three dishes and one dessert within 1.5hours. They had great fun in cooking and making their dessert. I even heard that it was the first time cooking experience for some of the youths. Nevertheless, the result was satisfying.

And last Tuesday we went to Wulai for 溯溪。Unfortunately we did not bring along our camera to the stream, thus, no adventurous photos been captured. Instead, this is the only photo that I snapped after our adventurous walk in the stream. We had the chance to jump into the stream from a different height and a few of them tried high jump from about 7-8 meters high into the stream. We have not enough courage to do that so we tried the 2meters jump, not bad though! But after all, we came back with sunburn and whole body ache. Oh... and MH's spectacles was swept away by current during the activity.

Names and weird names...

2010-07-15T20:32:00.004+08:00

Do you know who are Knox, Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Edward VI, Elisabeth, Bloody Mary? I guess some of you might know all of them. Alright! Now, anyone of you know who are Bucer, Farel, Johann Von Staupitz, Philip Melanchthon, Johann Oecolampadius, Grebel, Felix Manz, Nicholas Cop, Thomas Cranmer, Thomas Cartwright, John Whitgift and Ignatius Loyola?

Those are the people that occupied most of our time last month. We think of them day and night, talked about them, memorized their names and wrote about them. They gave us hard time in dealing with their names and their problems...

And this month, we are dealing with more people whom we don't even know how to spell their names properly. Anyone of you know Irenaeus, Origen, Tertullian, Clement, Arius, Pelagius, Montanus, Alogi, Artemas, Noetus, Praxeas or Athanasius? They are giving me great headache. Now you know how busy we are in dealing with all those people mentioned above.

Anyway, we will be done with them soon, very soon. At least we won't be bringing them back to Penang in the following week. Those are the people once appeared in this world and those are the people contributed in one way or another in the Christian history.

OK, enough rambling, will need to go back to spend time with them =)

Untitled

2010-06-18T09:26:00.003+08:00

Time flies. It's almost two months since I last updated the blog. We had our tests and final reports done in the month of May + MH's mom visitation for three weeks here. It was basically how we went through the month of May.

We are currently having semester break until September but planning to go back to Penang by end of July. However, the date is not fixed as we haven't bought our flight tickets. See how time flies, we have been here for almost one year now. Nevertheless, we still love Penang much more than Taiwan.

We are going to Tai-chung today anyway for a wedding. And friends from Penang are visiting us this weekend. Will update the blog again...

Busy and Crazy Month of April

2010-04-29T11:51:00.028+08:00

Beware of long post with lots of photos here...

It was such a long April. Lots of events and activities to be attended. And finally, it comes to an end. It was such a busy month that we hardly have time to sit down and relax. Anyway, it was a memorable April as well although we were so struggle between the activities and our homeworks & houseworks.

After the Easter Day celebration at the beginning of April, I went to Kaohsiung on 8-9th April to help out our school bookstore. It was just a one night trip there but I still managed to walk around Kaohsiung for a few hours. The pace in Kaohsiung is much slower than Taipei city. The MRT is less convenient so there are less people walking around Kaohsiung town. Oh ya, that was the first time I took the high speed rail. I guess the speed was around 250km/hr but it was quite stable. It only takes 2 hours from Taipei to Kaohsiung.

The History Museum

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's Statue

I Love Kaohsiung

Artistic walkway to the underground MRT

Main MRT station

Besides going to Kaohsiung, I went to another overnight stay at Wulai with schoolmates. It was compulsory adventurous trip that we need to attend. We went to White Squall Adventurous School in Wulai for training. It was a fun and adventurous trip with lots of activities like rock climbing and walking upstream. It was initially planned to let us have solo camp outdoor but was cancelled due to our tiredness.

More photos coming up later.

Besides the overnight activities, we also attended two seminars this month. One organised by STEMI on the topic of marriage and family by Pastor Stephen Tong and another two-days-course by Dr. Bryan Chapell on the topic of Christ-centered preaching. Both seminars were great and very helpful.

Remember our previous post on the one day trip to GreenWorld? Yea, it was held on 24th April. About 100 church members joined us in this one day trip there. Since MH was the organizer it was a busy and tiring day for him to arrange and make sure everything run smoothly. We thank God that everyone was so cooperative and helpful that the trip was a success. Below are a few photos taken.

Besides the church one day trip, we also have inter-churches sport's day this month. This event was attended by various churches to have good fellowship with each other and of course involved ourselves in various sports and competitions. The competitions on that day includes relay race, elders walking race, basketball & volleyball competitions and some other family type of competitions. It was of great fun for everybody to involve themselves in various competitions. And guess what, our church got third place in the Sport's Day. I personally think it was a good result considering that there were Aboriginals among us. More photos below.

Marking the attendance

Getting ready for the relay race

Three-in-a-team competition

And what happened to those faces?

Finally, the last special event is Michael and AiLee's visitation to Taipei. We managed to meet them for a day in Taipei when they came over for a holiday trip. We went to 陽明山, had lunch at a Japanese Restaurant and went to Gongguan at night for nice local food.

Phew! That was our April 2010. Exciting, busy, fun, happy and memorable moments...

Oppss.. almost forgot to thank my hubby for being so attentive to me even during this crazy month. He really surprised me by bringing along with him a bouquet of beautiful flowers while returning home from school. It was then arranged by me into two smaller bouquet of flowers. So paiseh that we do not have any kind of beautiful vase for those flowers! Thanks to him again and again.

Making colourful Easter eggs

2010-04-03T22:49:00.008+08:00

Happy Easter people!

If you havent already know, tomorrow is Easter Sunday. It's the day we Christians celebrate the risen of Christ from dead two days after Good Friday.

So, why the Easter eggs?

The oldest tradition is to use dyed or painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jelly beans. For Christians, the Easter egg is a declaration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Traditionally, Easter eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Christ, shed on the Cross, and the hard shell of the egg symbolized the sealed Tomb of Christ—the cracking of which symbolized his resurrection from the dead.

Why Easter bunny then?

The Easter Bunny is a character depicted as rabbit bringing Easter eggs. In legend, the creature brings baskets filled with colored eggs, candy and sometimes also toys to the homes of children on the night before Easter. The Easter Bunny will either put the baskets in a designated place or hide them somewhere in the house or garden for the children to find when they wake up in the morning. The Easter Bunny is not an Easter symbol. Bringing Easter eggs seems to have its origins in Alsace and the Upper Rhineland, both then in the Holy Roman Empire, and southwestern Germany, where the practice was first recorded in a German publication in the early 1600s.

After so much of theory, just wanted to share that today we went to church earlier to make the Easter eggs below. It was fun and it was definitely the first time we made such nice Easter eggs. So happy to get such pretty eggs for Easter even though I would be happier if I got chocolate egg instead of the real chicken egg :)

And tomorrow is a busy day... choir + Lord's Supper + Baptism + choir practice for next week + Elders' meeting (for MH only).

Pure chicken eggs

The magician showing his skill

And finally here are the pretty decorated eggs

A day trip to Greenworld

2010-03-26T10:38:00.019+08:00

It has been busy days, or should I say weeks, for us...Apart from our usual workloads on assignments, church serving and stuffs, we are planning for a one-day-trip for our church. It will be on 24th April and heard that it will be more than 80 persons joining this trip. And on the next day, I will be going for a 2 days 1 night trip to Whitewater adventure camp in Wulai . It is a compulsory trip for my youth counseling subject. I am looking forward to it but you guess I will be tired like a dead fish after the camp.

As part of the preparation an planning for the church trip, we went to the Greenworld once last Friday to familiarize the park and make some detailed discussion with the management. It was in Hsinchu, about 1.5hours drive from Taipei. I personally think that it is a good place for a day trip with the old and young people. And below are previews of this place.

And this is EXTREMELY scenic toilet!!!! …^o^

After exploring the Greenworld, we went to the nearby old streets there and managed to meet a very kaypo hawker who recommended us a lot of his ideas on how to arrange our day trip there.

And his food stall called " 一個很雞婆的路邊攤" ( A meddlesome roadside stall). *sweat*

First Ever Malaysian Gathering

2010-03-19T23:10:00.000+08:00

As Malaysians are getting more and more here in our college, MH thought it would be great to gather us together once a month to just care for each others' needs and getting updated news from Malaysia in this 'foreign land'. And of course we wouldn't call it a night without tasting our delicious Malaysian cuisine. So, last night we had our first ever Malaysian gathering at our house.

It was surely a busy day for me from buying ingredients from market and supermarket till cooking them and also mopping the floor and bring some of them to our house from nearby station, phew! We have the deal that the host will in charge of dinner of the day as well. So, last night I cooked my expert Bah Kut Teh, vege with meat floss, and also ROJAK (fruits mixed with some kind of sauce)! Unfortunately didnt manage to get a photo of the food... But here are the people... All of us are Malaysians except two guys who are half-Malaysians coz they are having girlfriends from Malaysia.

You can see our group is growing oh!

A Taste of Singapore Laksa

2010-03-15T21:07:00.006+08:00

During our trip back to Penang last Chinese New Year, my sister-in-law from Singapore bought us a pre-packed singapore laksa paste to try out after realizing how much we miss Asian food. Oh... If you havent already know about this, we brought with us more than 15 packets of Bak Kut Teh sachets, about 8 packets of A1 curry paste, 5 packets of Tom Yam paste, herbs for herbal chicken soup and etc. That's how much we miss the food and hopefully those stuffs can last us until July before we head back to Malaysia again... OK, back to the topic, so I just tried the Singapore laksa yesterday and it was easy peasy. First, get the noodles and meat or vege ready. Then throw all the paste and premix into a pot filled with water and boiled it. Count for 5 minutes and you'll get a hot and delicious bowl of Singapore Laksa ready to be enjoyed. We've tried it last night and I personally think it is so delicious and even tastes better than the Singapore laksa/curry mee that we used to eat at coffee shops.

This is how the sauce kit looks like

Now you see...

Now you dont...

Quote of the Day

2010-03-12T19:25:00.007+08:00

Am reading "From Fear To Freedom" today which talked about spiritual orphanage. It is written by Rose Marie Miller (the wife of Jack Miller who had written Come Back, Barbara). Have a thought on the statement below and maybe you'll be enlightened.

人的思維就像一個固執的盲人。我們依靠所有的事物，就是不依靠上帝。所以上帝關上我們經常逃避的出口，直到只剩下一條路，好預備我們的心來接受恩典.

A person's mind is like a stubborn blind man. We rely on everything but God. Thus, God leaves us with only one road by locking up all our usual escaping paths, so that our hearts will be prepared to receive the grace from Him.

Taipei Lantern Festival

2010-03-08T22:24:00.001+08:00

Just finished the Heidelberg Catechism report writing which need to be submitted tomorrow morning. Thought that I can post up some of the photos which had been taken at the Lantern Festival at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

The Lantern festival is a bit disappointing though especially the every-half-an-hour light and water show which lights up the big lantern below accompanied by music and of course the water and light show. It is not up to par compared to the water and light show in Genting Highland or even the one at Sentosa Island in Singapore.

However, it's an experience to see so many lanterns at one go.

It's creative! Lanterns made up of discs

Many people rack their brains for the 猜燈謎

Sports now...

2010-03-04T22:30:00.007+08:00

IT has been a while since our last entry. Things have start rolling as the second semester started just right after we came back here. There seems to be not much interesting events happening around us other than getting ourselves back to the piles of homeworks and facing the due dates. In this semester, we have three more Malaysians coming to join us which makes the Malaysian group getting bigger now.

On the other note, we had a one day trip with our church university students group. We went for bowling last Saturday. It was interesting that the bowling centre that we went had a competition for all the lanes. Anyone who got a strike get a mystery gift, and our guy got a strike and were then given a mystery gift, a jar of red tea. Not bad...

And on the next day, MH introduced to them the sport that we used to play in Penang, Captain Ball. We played at the courtyard beside our church after church service and we definitely enjoyed it since we had not been playing for so many months. So when ya you guys going to get started with the routine Captain Ball session in Penang again?

I always think that I should enroll myself to a swimming club or at least getting myself to the gym to get more exercise but am still procrastinating! Meanwhile, MH is very keen in asking people for basketball since no one is playing his favorite soccer here.

Penang food that we've taken

2010-02-19T13:14:00.014+08:00

We were back here yesterday afternoon after a 10 days trip to Penang. It was an awesome trip surrounded with all our family members, friends and loads of our favorite food. This post is about some of the food that we've taken for the past 10 days. For those of you who are not familiar with Penang food, here is the list of food that we've enjoyed. Now you can imagine how much weight we've gain in one week's time.

The list of food:

1. Hokkien Mee (top of the list, taken for about 4 times)

2. Laksa

3. Hainan Chicken Rice

4. Char Koay Teow

5. Tim Sum

6. Char Hor Fan

7. Tambun Biscuits

8. Nutmeg

9 Bah Kut Teh

10. Char Mee Hoon

11. Koay Teow T'ng

12. Wanton Mee

13. Roti Bakar

14. KFC

15. Mc Donald's Prosperity Burger

16. Crispy noodles

17. Yee Sang

18. Steamboat

19. Roasted Chicken and Duck

20. Pan Mee

21. Ramly Burger

22. Mee Goreng

23. Chendol and Ice Kacang

24. 豆花 and 豆水

25. Teh Tarik

26. Ambula+plum

27. Coconut Jelly

We've won NT200

2010-01-27T19:52:00.002+08:00

How much is NT200? It's only RM20!

Taiwan has this uniform-invoice numbers for all the things that we bought. I personally don't really understand how it works but heard from others that the government makes all the invoices into uniformed numbers in order to avoid anyone from skipping his income tax. And the government will give a small amount of money back to the consumers in the form like lottery. In short, everyone would keep all the invoices from purchases and check them like how you check the lottery. And we got 3 numbers correct from one of our many invoices from the purchase in Nov-Dec, hehe... Though it's only NT200 but it's better than nothing.

Hol, hol, holidays!!!

2010-01-15T21:40:00.037+08:00

Holidays started from 17th Dec till now and will be carried on until after Chinese New Year. Oh... for those of you who are in Penang, we will be going back to Penang for 10 days from 8th-18th Feb. Start counting down for the day and have already started to have people 'booking' us and we also have started to think through all the nice Penang food to bring back to Taipei.

Guess we have been lost in action for more than 2 weeks already. The actual holidays started beginning of this year as we ought to finish up all our homeworks by end of December. For the past two weeks we have been relaxing and wondering around Taipei. We have spent quite a bit amount of time being couch potatoes, some time in reading books with some soft background music and a cup of hot coffee in the winter! ( you get the feel? That's what MH likes the most!) Other than that, we have our schoolmates and our church's university fellowship students coming over to our house for dinner and fun. And we definitely spent some time to a few new places in Taiwan that we've never been before. Just two days ago we went to Hualien for a night. This trip was tremendously tired and crazy!

We took train to Hualien and did not have any mode of transportation there. The hostel boss was kind of kind to lent us their bicycles. For the first day there, we have been cycling for 8 hours. We went out at around 2.30pm and only reached our hostel 10.20pm at night. My body was like going to collapse at the end of the day. For the second day, we hired taxi to bring us for a day trip to Taroko National Park for 8 hours before dropping us to Hualien Train station to catch a night train back to Taipei.

Below are the series of photos taken from Hualien!

Plum flowers(梅花) at the background

Nice view along the way to Hualien (from train)

Our cheap but clean 民宿

bicycle from the hostel

七星壇 facing the pacific ocean

the 棺材板 is delicious!

Our way to Taroko National Park

The entrance

Shakadang Trails

Can you see the snow-covered mountain peak??

It's sakura! Although only one tree ;)

This is another 梅花樹

Another shot on 七星壇

A biscuit? It's a stone!!!

Below are the photos taken in Danshui which we visited last week.

Danshui old streets. On the left was the famous 鐵蛋

紅樓

I personally like this photo the most

taking a boat trip to 漁人碼頭

You cant see it but the wind was so strong and it was so cold when we took this photo.

A post on the last few days of 2009

2010-01-15T21:20:00.000+08:00

This was the last day of 2009 when we were all ready to go to watch the fireworks nearby to Taipei 101 after dinner at church. Our church pastor/boss is the American with the red beanie and on his left is his nice and sweet Taiwanese wife.

Christmas here wasn't as busy as when we were in Penang. We did not have much plan except a night of street caroling nearby our church area and another Christmas celebration night on the 26th. Thus, we have much time to ourselves. What we did then? We had a wonderful dinner cooked by me on the 24th Dec. We then had a night decorating our home and video-conferencing with MH's family.

On the 25th Dec, we visited Taipei Water Park as the government was organizing an open-air orchestra concert there. Took lots of photos there as the place was quite beautiful and was given free Christmas hat!

Happily married for one year

2009-12-27T02:00:00.000+08:00

It has been one year of our marriage. To many of you out there, it may not sound too long as it's only one year compared to those who have been married for 10 years or even 20 or 30 years. However, 27th December 2008 was still vivid in our memory and it was especially meaningful when we accidentally heard the Canon in D, our wedding processional song, being played by a band group in the church Christmas celebration last night. What I would like to say is that although it has been only one year, but it was a great and wonderful year with full of blessings, joy, laughters, fun, challenges, and we thoroughly enjoy the marriage with our own little family.

Lastly, Happy 1st Anniversary to us from us.

A year after our marriage

2009-12-27T01:45:00.002+08:00

Copied and edited from our previous post- 2 months before our marriage

After a year of marriage, I am honored in...

inviting my sweet heart to stay in my new home

enjoying someone's cooking without complain.

enjoying the benefit of having a queen to myself.

sharing my wardrobe with someone else.

having someone attached to me whom people call her Mrs. Chee (Sounds weird).

needing to consider another person when I do decision.

being called uncle.

sharing everything with the other person and other person also will share my midnight snore for the rest of her life.

being someone's husband...

After one year of marriage, I am honored in...

leaving my sweet home and staying in new home.

start cooking and do the household chores.

no longer enjoying the benefit of having a queen bed to myself.

sharing my wardrobe with someone else.

no longer being called Ms. Teh.

people calling me aunty.

sharing everything with the other person.

being someone's wife...

Cold, earthquake, and our fun time.

2009-12-21T16:55:00.012+08:00

The weather was crazy this few days. It was 20C on one day and the other day dropped to 10C. It's freezing cold! And now the night temperature would be around 9C and afternoon around 10-12C. It's sometimes a bit unbearable especially when we were under-dressed and no heater available.

On the other hand, there was a huge earthquake last Saturday night in Taiwan. That was the first earthquake we experienced. We were in the church for fellowship while suddenly the building just started to shake and we could hear the shaking sound of everything in the room. It shook for about a few seconds before everything came back to normal. According to report, it was at the magnitude of 6.8 in Hualien while Taipei was in about 4.0. When we were back to our apartment, we realised that the lift was out of service due to the quake. Thus, we were forced to climb up to the 7th floor of our apartment. And only when we reached there, alas, the staircase door was locked. Grrhhh... we then came down to the lobby to get help from the guard. Who knows after waiting him for about 10 minutes (he was patrolling when we came down), he told us that he did not have the keys for the emergency door. And we ended up getting help from the same floor neighbor to unlocked the door from the inside. And back we climbed up the staircase again to our unit.

Last night, we went out for dinner at the very famous restaurant for 小籠包 in Taipei, 鼎泰豐. We went there with six other friends for dinner. After that, we went to watch Avatar. It was great movie, very satisfying and worth watching!! It was our first time to the cineplex in Taipei as well as the movie ticket here was extremely expensive. We watched the 3D Avatar and it cost about RM35 each. Thanks to our friend who treated us for the dinner and movie tickets. After the movie, both of us decided to walk back instead of taking a cab. I am not sure whether it was a good idea to walk back as the movie ended at about 11pm and we only reached home at about 12 midnight. The only motivation for us to continue walking is... we just knew we would reached home if we just walked straight, however, we did not know how far we need to walk.

Our home sweet home

Waiting for the bus

Shandaoshi MRT station

Christmas deco outside a church

nearby our home

nicely-decorated trees and fence

Palace National Museum with Daniel

2009-12-19T15:51:00.011+08:00

Another overdue post. This post was supposed to be posted in November when Daniel came to visit. However, it had been delayed due to our endless school works and reports. First of all, our school term has ended!!! Though saying so, we still have a few reports to be submitted with these two weeks before the year end. Passed few days and even weeks were crazy. Everything squeezed into our schedule till we could hardly breathe. However, today is the official school end. Good.

Alrite, back to the Daniel's visitation. He came overnight at our place for a night and we had great time catching up with him here. We went to night market (again!) with him and went to National Palace Museum (故宮) with him the next day. It was our first time there too. Thus, we did enjoy ourselves there although I don't really know the China and Taiwan history let alone talking about appreciating those historical stuffs inside. I have no idea on the different dynasties, so don't even try to tell me about 雍正 and other kings in the past. However, I like the magnificent buildings.

Mohherng & me, Daniel & his white pillar

Dr. Sun

The Main Building

Eating fried oysters and lots of other food

MH wearing green hat (戴綠帽!!!）

星光的引導－2009聖誕巡迴佈道會

2009-12-04T15:14:00.012+08:00

Venue : Penang Dewan Masyarakat Penyayang

Date : 21st December 2009

Time : 8.00pm sharp

唐崇榮博士主講

希律王執政的時候，耶穌生在猶太的伯利恆。那時，有幾個博士從東方來到耶路撒冷…他們在東方看見的那顆星，忽然在他們前頭，領他們到那小孩所在的地方，就在上頭停住了。他們看見那顆星，歡喜極了；進了房子，看見小孩和他母親馬利亞，就俯伏拜他，並且打開寶盒，把黃金、乳香、沒藥作禮物獻給他。

天使說：不要怕！看哪！我報給你們大喜的信息，是關於萬民的：今天在大衛的城裡，為你們生了救主，就是主基督。

真心邀請您－以一晚時間，思想一生的生命真諦

YouTube 精彩短片回顧
http://www.youtube.com/STEMITaiwan

Great driver makes a great day

2009-11-27T10:28:00.003+08:00

It's a great morning today. Although we have to wake up early as class started at 8.40am and have test this morning, but we experienced great journey to school.

As usual we dragged ourselves to the bus stop waiting for a bus to school. As the bus came, we got up to the public bus and expected to get a quick nap. However, this time the bus driver made our journey a whole lot of different. The bus driver today is so polite and nice that I have to tell you about it. He greeted everyone came up to the bus and throughout our journey to school, he sounds like a bus deejay. Can you imagine that? He welcomed everyone on board and greeted us a great morning before asking everyone to enjoy their journey and the day. Then, he started to sing an old mandarin song which I have no idea what song was that, but doubtless to say his voice wasn't bad. After that, he informed the passengers on the location of next few stops and advised everyone to take this free moment in the bus to reflect upon the things that they need to do for the day. At every stop he would says, "謝謝你，帥哥上班要加油咯！” or “年輕人要精神一點，繼續努力！”or “好好工作，我們等你回家哦！” and etc.

What a great driver he is, he is worthy to get 'the best bus driver' prize. so hope that we would meet this bus driver everyday.

You too have a great day!

Thanksgiving Day!

2009-11-25T23:44:00.007+08:00

We just finished writing up seven pages of assignment which is to be submitted tomorrow early morning a few hours ago. Hooray!! But not to be happy too early as we have one test tomorrow and another one on Friday morning and another book summary to be submitted on next Monday. What a long and busy week it will be.

We had a break from studies just now as we need to prepare food for tomorrow. Oh ya, before I forgot, I cooked Bah Kut Teh today and it was so delicious! slurp... And then we prepared food for tomorrow coz we are going to have Thanksgiving lunch in school. It's potluck style so everyone including the professors will need to bring one dish each to the school tomorrow. And we prepared the easiest stuffs, sandwiches and salad.

Oh, thanksgiving, I think we never celebrate thanksgiving in Malaysia but it would be great time to reflect upon our lives and be thankful to the people around us especially our parents and family.

Happy Anniversary!

2009-11-18T11:32:00.010+08:00

I am not too sure whether it's counted as our anniversary or not. We registered our marriage on 17th Nov last year but only had our wedding on 27th Dec. Anyway, we managed to get some relaxing time last night celebrating our little 1st technical anniversary a day after my birthday. If you take a close look on the previous post, you'll notice I didn't have a slice of birthday cake even for my birthday. Worry not! It's in this post and it's actually a belated birthday+ anniversary cake. As MH caught a cold on my birthday he was too sick and tired to get me a cake. So, I just spent the night chatting with my parents and did my homework while MH off to bed quite early that night.

However, last night we went out for dinner at Taipei Main Station and got ourselves three slices of cakes. Why three slices? I don't know. Maybe two for our anniversary and one for my birthday?! We spent some time singing in the karaoke room at our house before coming up to enjoy our cakes...

On a side note, I was quite happy yesterday as I got A in my first report returned to me!! At least it's a good start even though I am doubting if other reports submitted were that satisfactory as well. =P

p/s: MH hasn't got back his report yet as I wrote in English and was marked by our Prof. and he wrote in Mandarin and will be marked by other people.

And yea, Daniel Wong is coming to town and we met him a while on last Sunday before he headed off to Yilan. We will be meeting him tomorrow night again!! The main point is, we got bah kut teh, and tao sah piah from him... and the tao sah piah is finished by two of us within 3 days.

My Birthday Celebration!

2009-11-18T10:44:00.010+08:00

My first birthday in Taipei was kind of busy as we have quite a few assignments due within this week and next week. However, we still celebrated my birthday on last Sunday.

We visited the shopping complex at Taipei 101 and took our dinner there. This complex is gorgeous and both of us like the ambiance and structure of the building. They even have a kind of hanging garden with cafe, tea house and fine restaurants at the 4th floor of the building. We had Japanese food for dinner thanks to Moh Herng's accommodation as he hates Japanese food. hah! But I personally think the Jap food here is nicer than what we had in Sake or Sushi King back then.

What a beautiful night we spent in Taipei 101 many thanks to MH!

Sunday Rest

2009-11-09T19:39:00.013+08:00

Sundays have become our rest day since last week. We tried to take a rest every Sunday and at the same time getting to know more about Taipei, meaning visit different places and getting more familiar with the roads and places. For the last Sunday, we went to Ximending as mentioned in the previous post. It was enjoying to see the roadside artists along the road demonstrating their skills. One uncle was drawing a very beautiful scenery picture while the other young man creating pictures with only color sprays and cardboard. A lot of people bought those color spray drawings as it's only RM10 each. However, we just watched without buying anything.

Last night, we went off to Rao-He night market for a walk. We went there at about 6pm and only came back at around 11pm. The night market is not really huge but with a variety of food, clothes, shoes, home appliances, etc. We ate quite a lot of food last night and bought a lot of stuffs too. MH got to buy two pairs of shoes while I bought a pair of shoes. Besides that, we also bought a few shirts and two cups for our own used.

For me personally, I think this night market is nicer than Shilin night market which is the most famous night market in Taipei. This night market has more variety of things and the price is reasonable.

Baked potato with ham, corn and cheese

a kind of wraps with a type of candy and ice-cream

Forgot what it's called but it's Japanese food

臭豆腐

Our home-cooked meals

2009-11-02T23:06:00.015+08:00

After posting up the slimmer-MH photo in previous post, we got quite a lot of questioning from friends and relatives especially our parents whether we are eating right here. I guess it's quite scary as well to slim down 5kg and 3kg respectively within one and a half months of stay here. However, I would say that we were eating too much back in Penang and we are eating right here. Back then, we usually take breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper but note that our supper was normally quite heavy supper, which I think was not healthy at all. Thus, since we came here, we hardly take any supper other than a glass of Milo occasionally unless our dinner was too little and we need stay up too late for homework. So, what make us losing weights? I guess is lots of walking - supper + stress in studies!

Below are some of the usual home-cooked meals that we took at home. Just to clarify that not all of the below are my cooking. Some were cooked by MH as well when I was busy.

tuna croissants and Mun-tou with white coffee

Fried veggies, fried eggs and tofu with mince pork

curry chicken, fried zucchini and dumplings

chicken burger, beans and corn soup

fried fish, fried veggies, chicken nuggets in tomato sauce and steam chicken

On a side note, today we finally managed to get some relaxation by visiting Ximending for dinner after class. We visited a shop which has been greatly vandalized! Not sure it's the creation of the owner or the customers. Show you the photos and you'll know. But one thing sure is... the shredded ice is delicious!

Nudge This blog is still alive!

2009-11-02T22:33:00.010+08:00

We were indeed quite busy for the past weeks. A lot of assignments and quizzes crammed up our time. Most of the time was spent heating up the couch with our laptops on the lap and books all over the places. However, we are getting more organised this week as it's getting less hectic. Things will need to get rolling again next week as there are more homeworks to be submitted mid of Nov.

I don't really have much idea on what to blog as my brain is quite empty now... So, will just upload photos that we have taken a month ago when one of our friends from Johor came to visit Taipei.

L-O-V-E in front of Taipei 101

A cafe near 101

After enjoying buffet style Ma-la Steamboat

In front of the restaurant in Gongguan

We are moving house again!

2009-10-16T22:46:00.007+08:00

This is the third house we are staying since we came here 5 weeks ago. First was in Sindian which was the temporary accommodation where we stayed there for 8 days. Next, we moved over here to ZhongSan district in Taipei City. And last night, we moved house again. But no big deal, this time we were just moving from downstairs to upstairs. Initially we were staying at 6th floor and due to some reasons, we were asked to move up to 7th floor. It was a quite fast though as we only took 3 hours to clean the new unit, packed all our belongings, shifted up to 7th floor and rearranged everything back into places. Take it as an exercise session for us and we would be happier. The reward from the move was a very sweet dream last night.

On the other note, we were rushing for homework, assignments and tests for the last two weeks or more as everything was due at the same period of time. In fact, we have another two reports to be submitted and two tests next week. Thus, life was without any entertainment or leisure time. Anyway, as one of the assignment due date has been delayed to the following week and we have finished the other assignment, we managed to spare a little bit of time for the house moving last night and also visiting a new place in Taipei today. We went to 五分埔 for a walk. It is a very famous and big commercial place which has more than 1000 shops mostly selling clothes. We took our dinner there and spent some time shopping around for winter clothes. Haha... as ordinary as I am, I bought five tops, one skirt and one sweater there. And... ahem... I just spent NT1130(RM120) for all these. And the most expensive is the sweater, not sure if it's hand knitting, it costs NT480 (RM50). As the place was quite crowded and we had no free hands (me choosing clothes and MH holding two cups of pearl milk tea, and vise versa) we didnt take any photo of the place.

But disappoint not, I'll leave you with a slimmer MH at our newest house... photo taken today.

Our Fellowship in Hong-En Church

2009-10-10T10:12:00.009+08:00

The previous weekend, we had a small farewell party with Ming He during our University Students Fellowship(USF) in church. She is one of our USF members who is going to further her studies in Germany. We had dinner at pastor's house with lots of pizzas, burgers and drinks. After our normal meeting time discussing on Romans 2, we had our youths coming to our fellowship to have farewell with her as well. She shared her vision and her feeling at that particular moment and also some of the people did share about their thoughts too. The night went well with lots of food including cake, mooncakes, and more tidbits.

Group photo of USF and Youth

And last Saturday, we celebrated mooncake festival in church. It's actually a norm in Taiwan to have BBQ during mooncake festival. Thus, our church had a church-wide BBQ at the badminton/netball court beside the main hall. Again lots of food were served for the night and it's truly delicious. The aunties in church did put their efforts to cook and prepare their favorite dishes for us. Though everyone was kind of concern whether typhoon would be hitting Taiwan at that moment but eventually it was a successful night with just occasional drizzling. The party went on with games conducted by Young Adults and everyone went home full and satisfied.

And today it's actually Taiwan National Day. Thus, Youth fellowship and USF decided to have a combined outing to Fu-Long beach which located about 1.30 hours from Taipei by taking train. And guess what, this is my first time taking train!!! And it was our first time going outside of Taipei city too since we came here last month. We started our journey about about 1pm and had a great time there until around 6pm before heading back to Taipei again. As it's raining again today, we didnt really had much fun in the sea but we introduced to them "Kali-tuei" and they all thought it was fun. If you are M'sian you'll know what game is that. Below are photos taken today.

Fu-Long Beach

The waves were high but not really shown in this photo

Some of the members

MH explaining on how to play "Kali-Tuei"

Two very talented dancers

And it's finally on our way back to Taipei after having a wet and great day.

It's rainy and windy day!!

2009-10-05T19:48:00.002+08:00

View from our house

If you are following latest news you would notice that Taiwan is affecting by the Typhoon Parma which has slammed into Philippine two days ago. Though it doesn't hit us directly it does affect us badly, especially in Taipei suburbs and Eastern side of Taiwan. There are a few places which has already suffered from flash flood due to the excessive rainfall. The government authority has been very cautious on this phenomena as lesson had been learned from the previous '88 floods'.

In our place here, Taipei city, it started drizzling yesterday and soon the rain came pouring down since last night until now. It is accompanying with sudden moderate winds. As the situation is not life threatening, there is no closure of schools and works.

This morning, we were out to the immigration before heading to school as we need to collect our multiple entries card from the immigration centre. As we finished application and just stepped out from the immigration building a sudden wind blown over us and guess what... one of our umbrellas got blown by the wind until it was bending upward. Hence, we rushed back to the main building quickly to check on the condition of our umbrella. And... this is the result!!!

I thought it was so hilarious that I cant stop laughing at it.

As we thought that the wind was too strong for us to walk back to MRT station, given that one of the umbrellas has spoilt, we ended up calling one of our friends who owned a car to pick us up from there.

In Struggling

2009-09-30T12:43:00.003+08:00

Though the semester has just started and in fact, this is the first week of study, we got stressed up with the workload. We are currently struggling hard on one of the reports which need to be submitted beginning of October. This report requires us to finish reading a selective book about 250-300 pages and summarize the main points. Beside that, we have to do a page of our own application from this book. Mind you, this is only one of the subjects! And this is only the first report and we need to do this kind of report once in a fortnight.

*screaming for help!*

Photos of the day

2009-09-22T00:16:00.013+08:00

Just thought of to upload the photos that we took today... Celebrating MH's birthday here.

Started our journey...

Very excited when the steamboat was served.

Getting to eat the siam-mah-iok-hun taste steamboat and also the very nice chicken...

On the way to have our dinner, great lights & wonderful night view.

And this one also... Manage to see Taipei 101

Grilled cod fish and pork

Moh Herng's favourite... rib-eyes steak

Scrolling along the road after the fine dining.

Model for the night

Very high-class shopping complex, Bellavista (guess only) which has stores like Hermes and BVLGARI

The birthday cakes from Crown Bakery.

Birthday Celebration in Taipei

2009-09-21T16:23:00.013+08:00

Today is 21st Sep 2009, first ever, I celebrate my birthday outside of Malaysia region. I am turning XX this year.

First of all, I thank God who is keeping me in His hand for XX years, that in these days, I have grown in both physically and mentally. In these XX years, I came to know Him little by little each day, encounter with Him and experience His grace and mercy.

Secondly, I thank my parents whom through them God gave me life. Thanks especially to my mum as since the very first day I was born she has been taking care of me so much and teach me to be fearful to God.

Last but not least, I thank my wife who is willing to spend her own life with me, love me and support me. We spent a lot of moments together; we have somehow blended our lives together through the grace of God in us.

"Having in my mind about this post for my birthday" My third birthday.

How I celebrate my birthday today in Taipei?

In the morning, we woke up quite late and we went to apply for our ARC. We waited for a long queue there but thank God, it was done smoothly. After that, it was about noon time, so we went to 西门町 to have our lunch. We ordered two individual steamboat sets. Mine was 印度咖喱鸡肉火锅 and Phaik Sim ordered 鸡肉八宝清汤火锅. The reason why I ordered the Indian Curry Steamboat is because it has been long time I didn’t taste the smell of curry. However, it turned out to be quite bad. Guys and girls out there, you know what, it smell like 泰国药粉（Siam Mah Iok Hun）in Hokkien, a kind of medicine for stomach-ache. LOL!!

(Just in case you do not know what is it)

Oh yar, we also ordered a side dish called kuku-Chicken (咕咕雞香雞排)，very tasty. (photos will be upload later).

After lunch, we actually planned to watch an opera show at 臺北國家戲劇廳( Taipei National Theatre)，So, we went over there to get ourselves the tickets. However, there is no show for tonight other than an orchestra concert. So, we came back home and change our plan to go to Taipei 101 tonight. I will continue in another post about tonight's event.

Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Internet is back

2009-09-21T10:24:00.003+08:00

We have actually got our Internet access at home last Friday. After all the trial and error, we finally gave up trying and contacted the company which set up the connection. The person in charge came over for a look and guess what? It's just because the user name is not complete with @... So 'paiseh' with the technical personnel.

Apart from that, the weekend had been great. We spent our weekend searching for a place like Tesco to buy stuffs. ANd we even look up the Internet for such place. *I always stress on that we can find anything in the Internet, but MH doesnt seem to agree on that*. Alright, we finally got the way to the nearest Ai-Mart, they called it 愛買, and came home full-loaded with two pillows and lots of food.

The weather in Taipei is getting colder a little bit comparing with when we first reached here, the weather was extremely hot and humid, even worse than in M'sia. However, our room is still very warm even with a fan. Maybe it's due to the limited air-circulation in the room that the room is always warmer than the temperature outside. How we wish the autumn will come fast!

Alrite, we are going off to the bank and government office for our visa stuffs...

Out of Coverage

2009-09-17T08:50:00.003+08:00

We are moving to our new place this afternoon. Most of the things we brought have been transferred to the new place. However, we still need more time to unpack and arrange in proper places. A few more household appliances to be bought within this few days so that we can settle down soonest possible.

We will be out of Internet coverage in our new place for the moment as we hasn't got the password to access Internet. We are not sure when we'll get it but should be within a few days.

Will be back when we have the access. Till then...

up next: overdue farewells post in M'sia

From temp unit to perm unit

2009-09-15T20:23:00.014+08:00

As stated in the previous post, I will upload the photos for our current accommodation. But before posting up the photos there is a good news that I'm going to announce. We have got our new long-term accommodation in the Taipei city. With the help of seminary and also good Samaritan from the other church, we got a brand-new, cosy and comfortable place in town. It's actually in the city centre with many shops within walking distance. The most important thing is it's quite near to our school. Imagine we have to take one hour of MRT and buses to school from the current temporary place that we live but now we would only take a 10 minutes bus to the school. What a blessing!

OK, back to the current temporary place that we are staying... Photos time

Today, we have also partially brought our luggage to our new place. Due to the huge amount of stuffs we brought from M'sia taxi was needed. As the place is all brand-new and fully furnished, what we need to do was just to clean up a bit and open the doors to clear off the 'new furniture' smell. Many many thanks to Ern Hui auntie. With our budget, we are definitely not affordable to move into this unit. What we could look for would be an old, small unit far far away from Taipei city. But she is willing to provide this place with a very low rental ( given the super expensive properties in Taipei) hoping that we have a comfortable place to study. Of course, for our part, we will definitely play our role as a responsible student.

The elevator and corridor to our unit

Kitchen + washing machine

The whole studio from living place to bed to kitchen

A snap on the door

The bathroom

We have also bought a lot of daily products and necessities. We most probably will be moving in from this Thursday and get settled in the place within this week. It's because we will be off to attend a retreat for two days next week and school is starting next Friday. Not much time left for us to procrastinate...

Camera out of batt

2009-09-13T22:37:00.010+08:00

I have no idea why I couldn't get my rechargeable batteries charged. The batteries used in our camera is flat but after trying for so many times with so many different sockets in the room, I still couldn't manage to recharge the batteries. May it due to spoilt charger or some problems to the power supply here I do not know. But one thing for sure is... we are not able to snap any photos.

We went to the church university students fellowship last night. It was great opportunity to meet them and get to know them a little bit. In fact, this fellowship was actually combined with youth fellowship previously. They has just formed this fellowship early this month to mainly focus on university students. We are encouraged by their passion on God's word.

Oh ya, as the fellowship was assigned to present a hymn in the sunday service this morning and we were in as well. It was quite last minute for us to practise the hymn last night and getting to church earlier today to practise again. It feels a bit weird for us though to get up to sing while it was our first time attending their sunday service but eventually everything went well.

Just a photo of the church

Tonight we had a fine western dining with Zhi Fen and her friend, Yi Juin. I couldn't remember the shop's name but the food is mouth-watering. And most importantly it is not expensive with big portion of rib eye steak, pork ribs and such. And yes, I got energizer batteries from 7-eleven before we went for dinner... so, phhhoooottttoooooossss time

NZ Rib-eye steak

Pork Ribs

This soup is deliccioouuss

Many people were asking us about the condition of our current temporary accommodation. So, stay tuned for that. But for the moment, I am dozing off...

Some Famous Places

2009-09-12T14:28:00.015+08:00

We came back quite late last night, only reached home at around 12 mid. What were we doing yesterday?

It all started off with breakfast at one of the famous dumpling shop nearby. Then we headed off to The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中山纪念馆)where the monument located. It is a huge place together with a National Theatre and National Concert Hall. As picture says a thousand words, I'll better off showing you some photos here.

The Monument

Chiang Kai-shek bronze statue

The National Concert Hall

The National Theatre Hall

There are 89 steps to the monument, the age Chiang Kai-shek when he died

View from the monument

After that, we took the MRT to Gongguan where the Taipei University located. If you are old enough, you might know the Palm Tree Boulevard (椰林大道) song by 黄舒骏. And yea, we went to the Palm Tree Boulevard that he described in his song. As we were not that keen on Taipei University, no photos were taken there. We strolled around the area, visited a few churches in that area, bookstores, shops, and definitely not to forget to get a cup of pearl milk, we went home for a rest.

At night, we hopped on to the MRT again to get ourselves to Shilin night market, the biggest night market in town. It was an eye-opening experience to us personally. The night market is all packed with people, mostly youngsters. The clothes here is extremely cheap compared to those that we seen in M'sia. I got myself a shirt with only NT$100 ( approximately RM11) and mother-in-law got a dress for only NT$88 ( approximately RM9 something). Noted that no bargaining involved!

We also tried out a lot of local food like 臭豆腐，香鸡排，剉冰，面线，台湾香肠，青蛙下蛋( some sort of pearl milk tea) and so on. The 臭豆腐 really smells like the smell coming from a drain.

臭豆腐 and 面线

Taiwan sausage with glutinous rice

Here we are... Taipei

2009-09-10T21:42:00.001+08:00

It wasn't an exciting day for us yesterday as we first reached Taipei. It was because we had to leave KL town at about 6.45am to catch the 10am flight to Taoyuan Airport. And the flight took us more than 5 hours to reach Taoyuan Airport due to some delay. After that, the driver here took another 1 hour plus drive to our place. After such a long day we were all tired and exhausted. Thus, nothing much to be done for the day except having dinner and rest very very early.

Today is a bit exciting as we managed to visit our school and get ourselves registered for the courses. It took us about an hour plus to reach our school after transferring to different MRT lines for three times and a bus trip, definitely quite far away from where we are staying now. We toured around the limited compound of our school and church that we will serve next door too. We were kind of excited to meet the pastors and students here. We had delicious beef noodles with pastor Andrew for our lunch too. And not to forget the pearl milk tea here... *slurp*

After everything is done we visited XiMenDing which has more twenty theatres and six thousands vendors. We walked around the place but did not purchase anything back except manage to get our local mobile sim card from 台湾大哥大. The name is so funny!! We also tried out 阿宗麵線 (Ay-Chung flour-rice noodle). It was something that we couldn't find in M'sia but not something that can get us addicted. In fact, we do not know about this famous shop until we notice a whole lot of people just standing or squatting on the walkway with a green bowl. The interesting thing is there isnt any place for customers to dine in. The seller would just scoop the noodle in your bowl with a spoon and customers have to get the sauces themselves. Everyone will then stand/ squad/ sit on the floor for the delicious bowl of noodle.

We actually planned to visit Gongguan as well. However, after Ximending, we were quite tired already so we need to postpone it to tomorrow.

Below are some photos taken today.

Library

Church Kiddo Place

Ximending

Xi Men Hong Guan

Streets in Ximending

Ay-Chung flour-rice noodles

Mix Feeling

2009-09-03T23:21:00.005+08:00

Moh Herng has finally stop working from today onwards. He has been quite busy for the past few days or maybe a week to clear off his 'rubbish' in the office, tying up loose ends to be passed to other people and calculating all the coursework marks for students. As for me, I was quite busy as well clearing off 'rubbish' in our room, diligently monitoring the current exchange rate, packing lots of stuffs, shopping for necessary stuffs to be brought with us and scheduling our farewell meals with family and friends.

At the same time, we are quite busy meeting up people for meals. Even as I am typing this, I can feel that my stomach is still overloaded with food. We are really grateful for your hospitality and your generosity. One particular person that I would like to specifically mention here is one of our best friends from KL. He came to stay with us and bid us farewell about two weeks ago. We had wonderful time together sharing and chatting our way till dawn. Beside that, he has also bought his air ticket to Taipei in the coming November to meet us there. And I guess he really miss us that he will be coming to Penang again on this Saturday to stay with us till Monday. It's such a blessing to have a friend like him, Daniel.

As for the church here, we are quite touched by the love shown to us too especially the encouragement and words given by different people during our farewell dinner last Sunday. Though we did not really spent much time with those aunties and uncles in church but still they treated us like their own children. Their heart-felt wishes will be remembered by us always.

Apart from farewells and stuffs we have some challenges in front of us too. Other than kind of exposing ourselves to a different culture and lifestyle, we will need to get ourselves settled by getting our long-term accommodation, running around to government department, banks and not forgetting to shop for household appliances. We will be really having our own den with tons of laundry during the weekends as both of us are studying, cooking our own meals, loads of cleaning to be shared... Wow, I am getting excited on this. Though it might seem to be tedious and routine works but for me it will only be considered as having a proper place of our own.

Alrite, it's time to sleep.

Music: Music Box Dancer

Hair cut for free

2009-08-27T23:06:00.007+08:00

I had, for the first time, helped MH to cut his hair. And I enjoyed it!

As we were finding ways to cut down our expenses, one of the ideas that came out was to self-cut our hairs. For me it's simple as I can always trim the fringe and keep my hair for a year or two but for MH it's totally different story. He used to go for his hair-cut once a month or longest two months. It also means that we need to spare at least RM120 per year just for his hair-cut. So, I decided to help him cut his hair.

It was my first time to help someone cut their hair and I'm truly glad that MH was confident on me. It was a bit challenging for me as we don't have a hair clipper. All I owned were a paper-cutting scissor and a comb. Although it took me ages to finally finished the job for the first time, the result was not as bad as I predicted. Though it was a bit lopsided at the back, the side and front look great. At the very least, no one was complaining on the unprofessional hair-cut. What else shall I say... practise will definitely makes perfect.

On whether there will be a second time for me to help him cut his hair and save RM120/year I cannot guarantee. It will all depend on whether I have potential to be a half-trained hair stylist.

Dinner for four

2009-08-21T14:22:00.007+08:00

We had a great dinner with RenYee and Louise the other day. It was meant to be our farewell dinner with both of them. We had our meal at Paddington House of Pancakes. And due to the irresistible pancakes that they served I ended up taking photos on those food and forget to take photos on us. Sigh!

It was a great night with them in Queensbay. We talked about lots of things and got encouraged by their sharing and visions too.

Before we leave and say goodbye, though most probably we will be seeing again b4 we leave, they sang us two very beautiful songs. Unfortunately, my bad, I have forgotten the title and couldn't get the lyrics printed for you.

Thanks to RenYee and Louise we have a great night with good food and your company is greatly appreciated.

Soon we will be off...

2009-08-19T16:23:00.007+08:00

Twenty more days before we leave Malaysia. MH had finally tendered his resignation letter yesterday. His last day of work will be on 2nd Sept, one day before their semester exam starts. Back to student life makes me feel so excited. Regardless of what we will be learning, we will definitely be grabbing our school bags with another pile of files/books at hand, rushing for buses or MRT, dashing into the classroom. My long-kept pencil case from uni time would be back in use again(typical Malaysian student). Am really looking forward to being a nerd in library all day long with a cup of hot mocha during exam periods though not really keen in burning the midnight 'lightbulb'... The only setback that I have to be back to full-time student would be the language. Cant believe that we are going to study in traditional mandarin while my standard of written mandarin may be worse than any secondary school student...

MH-cooked Nasi Lemak

2009-08-17T12:30:00.013+08:00

Our Young Adult Fellowship was organising an Evangelistic Nite last Saturday. It was an event where we invited our friends to come join us in discussing if religion is important to us and whether the God that we believe in is the real, true God.

We were in charge of food for the night. And hubz was so excited to try out his home-cooked nasi lemak. He experimented that weeks ago at home and it looked so appetising and taste nicer than Old-town nasi lemak, lol.

Trial Version

And on Saturday afternoon, he locked himself in the kitchen for few hours and finally came out with the actual products.

Some commented that we can open a nasi lemak stall if we lack of money in Taiwan. Who knows it might be a good idea...

Beside the food, we had great time with new comers as well.

Cili-Cili ~ Learning how to wash clothes =P

And some discussion moment

Friend's visitation (Overdue)

2009-08-15T12:28:00.005+08:00

One of my good friends came to visit us in Penang for the weekend. It was great to be able to catch up and encourage each other during his trip to Penang. Thus, for that weekend we were kinda busy bringing him to some tourist spots in Penang (though not many) and have been eating heaps and heaps of local food. Of course, he likes Penang a lot and been greatly attracted to Penang food.

On Friday night itself, he has already ate one plate of char koay teow, one plate of fried oyster with eggs, one bowl of curry mee and apom manis for dinner. For supper, we brought him to seafood stall where we enjoyed different types of seashells.

Saturday started off with local breakfast and met up with another friend for lunch in Gurney Plaza. We had lunch in Sake Sushi and followed with gelato at Gelatisimo. After some shopping, we headed back home for a rest. At night, we headed off to Queensbay for dinner and not to forget the hawker stalls in Gurney Drive for supper.

And on Sunday, after church service, we went to New World Park for lunch. After trying quite a lot of local food in New World Park, we went to have a refreshing coconut jelly/drink on Dato Keramat Road. Not to forget to have some exercise after so much food, we went off to Youth park for some exercise. The guys went for soccer match and after that went for hiking for about 1 hour. At the end of the day, we had a great dinner at one of the chinese restaurants near Bukit Jambul before dropping him off to the airport.

A few exciting news!!

2009-08-10T19:54:00.006+08:00

A few updates for the past week.

I have been sick again last week, not exciting. Down with fever and coughing, I know what you are thinking about, I have been self quarantine for a few days and am fully recovered now. So, no worries on me being spreading to other people.

We have also been contacted by our seminary that Taiwan government had finally approved our visa application, yay!! An approval letter had been sent to us last Wednesday which we would have to bring it down to KL Taiwan embassy to apply the visa here. Anyway, we drove down to KL last Friday early morning to the related government departments. As usual, we had to go through some extra steps in order to get our application submitted, many thanks to the front desk personnel who doesnt give clear instructions.

On the other note, we have confirmed with a church to be their interns when we are in Taiwan. it is different church from the one that I have written in this post. We will mainly involve in college ministry which I think is good since Hubz and myself would love to be in this area of work and undeniable he should know college students very well since he is a college lecturer.

We also have a good time in KL for the last weekend. Call it a work cum friends visiting trip if you like. We went down on Friday and settled our visa application in the morning. Afternoon were just spent in hotel resting before heading out to Time Square for dinner and a movie. For the rest of Saturday and Sunday we had all our time to get lost in KL... lol. We went to KLCC, meeting a few good friends from my Uni days in Sydney, visited the happenings at The Curve, went to two churches for Sunday services, meeting our Penang friends whom have been working in KL, meeting hubz friends from College days in KL...

My old Uni friends

What an irony

Beside that, hubz got me a new laptop and new mobile last week. Ahem... I am actually using my new green Inspiron now, kekeke... Are you wondering why he is so kind to me or thinking why we are getting all these luxuries? The truth is... The previous mobile that I hold belongs to my younger brother. It's his free phone from his company subscribed celcom plan. Now, since we are going off soon, it's better to return him the phone instead. So, this new nokia phone is actually our FIRST self-bought phone. And the second truth is... The laptop that I used actually belongs to my dad. He is so kind to lend me his laptop since I moved out last December. Thus, it's also time to return the laptop to him. So, hubz decided to buy me new laptop hoping that I will score well during our studies...muahahaha..

Lastly, since we have one more month in Penang before we leave, people has started to invite us for farewell meals.*sob*sob* Anyway, it's good to catch up and have fellowship with friends, especially those long lost friends. On the other hand, we have also started to ponder very carefully what are the much needed things to bring and what to leave in order not to over load our 45kg check-in baggage.

Classical Music, YES??

2009-07-31T10:00:00.005+08:00

Heyooo...

Do you enjoy music? How about classical? If your answer is YES, take this special opportunity to come to the following concert. If your answer is NO, come join us too, and who knows you might get hooked on classical ;)

And the good thing is it's FREE! You heard it right, it's FREE!!!!

Four pretty girls from Indonesia are coming to town!!! And you can meet them personally tomorrow... 1st August!

For more details please refer here.

Am I Organized? ~A philosophical thought about organizing life

2009-07-30T14:29:00.012+08:00

I took lunch with my colleagues just now. One of them said I am a very organized person. I plan my life step by step very well including my studies, my work, my marriage, my further studies.... All of these seem like going smoothly one after another in my life.

Upon her compliment, my simple reply to her was "So far so good."

To be honest, I am NOT. Completely Not. I used to have myself an organizer every year since I was secondary. I tried to make my life organized, set some goals to be achieved, have some missions and visions with some concrete, accountable form of evaluations. I tried every year, but I failed every year.

What I have to say is that my life seems very organized and smooth (Not really), is all by the grace of God on me, He is bringing me in every footstep.

So, am I a failure in planning my own life?

No, I am not. Who am I to be wise enough to know what is really good for my life right now? Who am I to live in the history long enough to define what a good life means? Who am I who appear in existing able to go beyond myself even to the next second to know what is good for me? When I look back yesterday, I failed to give life a measurement. When I look at now, I failed to give life a meaning. When I look at tomorow, I am not too sure whether I have tomorrow.

So, why don't we give this decision to our God who was, and is , and will remain unchanged to rule over our lives?

If there is one thing I can proud of myself, it is my failure to organize my life. Because the moment I realised that I failed in organizing my life, my life started to be organized.

A Challenge to Christian

2009-07-30T13:47:00.011+08:00

Upon my previous post about "My Third Birthday", I have one question pondered in my mind and probably in you as well.

Dear Christian ,
"Do you really hope to go back home to be with your Father deep inside your heart?"

A simple question may trigger a thoughful thoughts.

The prodigal son ~ Luke 15 : 11 - 32

My Third Birthday

2009-07-30T12:56:00.005+08:00

How many birthday do we ever have? I mean how many REAL birthday do we ever have? May be we celebrate our birthday every year but precisely, we were just doing our birthday anniversary.

I did a sharing in our regular church prayer meeting and my topic was "My Third Birthday". This title is actually quoted from a book named "Growing in Christ" authored by J.I.Packer.

When is my first birthday? It is when the moment I came out from my mum's worm to meet,to feel and probably to "shout" on this world for my existance. How it happen on that day? Nothing I do for my first birthday. I never choose the date and time,I never help in doing any preparation. I never decide the place to be born.... It is all by grace and by love My Heavenly Father give birth to me through my parent.

When is my second birthday? It is the moment when I met Christ in certain point of my life. It is when I give up my sin and my own life to the one who gave me life, surrender under His sovereignty. How it happen on that day? Nothing I do for my second birthday.I never choose the place, I never choose the best time for myself, I never plan for a way for it as well. What I know to do is to cry so badly for my sinfulness life and stupidity in past that I thought I am capable to rule over my own life without surrender to a higher authority God and I accepted Jesus Christ as my life savior and willingly to obey Him for the rest of my life.... It is all by grace through faith that My Heavenly Father give birth to me through His beloved son Jesus.

When is my third birthday? Probably my third birthday is the day of my death. I don't know when will it happen, whether I am alert or not, I don't know how will it happen, whether in peaceful way or in horrible way, I don't know where will it happen, in my comfortable bed or roadside, But what I know is that I am going back home.... I will enter eternity and be with my Heavenly Father forever and ever. How it happen on that day? Nothing I do for my third birthday. Though it is yet to happen, but through the word of God, I have the idea. I will die with Jesus, buried with Jesus, and resurrected with Jesus, and I will enter to my ultimate home which Jesus had prepared for me.... It is all by grace through Jesus that My Heavenly Father give a perfect birth to me and call me back home....

Each time I celebrate birthday from today onwards, I will always remember how God gave me such a wonderful birthdays in past. In the same time, I will always hope and remember the promise of God to give me my third birthday.!

Is Truth Merely a Matter of Preference?

2009-07-30T12:48:00.001+08:00

Penang Coconut Jelly

2009-07-27T22:43:00.008+08:00

Have you tried the coconut jelly in Penang? I have heard from friend about this delicious coconut jelly on Dato Keramat Road but never got a chance to taste it. It was until yesterday that we decided to check it out. This shop that sells coconut jelly is a small shop along Dato Keramat Road, a few meters before our main Police headquarter. We were greeted by a few indian men as we reached the shop. The coconut jelly were stored in a fridge just right in front of the shop. Thus, without much consideration, we bought three of them and tried it out in the small shop. It is true enough that the coconut jelly is one of a kind... it's simply delicious and irresistible!!! It is very much like fresh coconut water as you taste it, very natural tasting and is simply cooling. According to the boss, the coconut will firstly be trimmed nicely before roasted in oven for a period of time. After that, jelly powder will be added in before storing it in a big chiller for the jelly to be formed. The boss, Joe, further explained that they have tried out different types of coconuts but the pandan coconut produces the best result.

Believe it or not they even export those coconut jelly to China and other parts of the world. Though we are Penangites but didn't even know about this mouth-watering jelly while the business has already expanded to overseas. But after chatting with the boss for a while we got to know that this product actually has just out to the market last December. Phew... we are not that outdated yet. But tell you, it's really irresistible (saliva dripping), must try!

Got to snap a few photos in the shop as well... We told the boss we are going to post about this coconut jelly in our blog as well, so this is it... but no commission given.. =)

The proprietor, Joe, and us

The scrumptious coconut jelly

Under Attack

2009-07-20T10:22:00.001+08:00

Ever since we got married in Dec last year, I have been sick for six times. If you did maths, it's obvious that I am visiting the doctors once a month in average. Gosh!! I cant believe that I am so weak and guess something is very wrong with my antibody. I was under attacked by different kind of viruses throughout this six months.

To top the list is of course the influenza virus, mind you not the A flu (it's sensitive matter now =)). I got attacked by influenza for three times within the six months period. And I am just recovering from the last flu and sore throat. The sequence of the sickness is all similar, starting with sore throat, followed by coughing and headache.

Beginning of the year, I was also suffering from eye infection. This has caused me to have a bump on my left eye. After consulting the general practitioner I was informed that it caused by dust or bacteria... No choice, but took some eye drops and antibiotics that soothes the irritated eye.

Beside that, there was a period of time in the first half of the year that I suffered from ear problem. After visiting ENT for a few times and gone through some checking and scoping, finally found out that the problem was actually from the nose. I was suffering from chronic rhinitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the nose) and post-nasal drip.

And lastly, just recently, I noticed that the scalp behind my head suddenly swelled as big as half of ping-pong ball. I got very concerned on that. I even scared myself that it might be some serious medical conditions. Hubz thought that I am hypochondriac and I personally think I may be one of the mild ones as I am actually quite concern on any little abnormality in me. Anyhow, after consulting doctor, the doctor said it may or may not caused by scalp infection. I was prescribed with antibiotics and asked to return again if it didnt go off within one week. But just after two days of sleepless nights due to the pain on the swelling part, I got very worried and decided to visit the clinic again just to get more information on my condition. And hurray!! the swelling size reduced after about four days of antibiotics and eventually gone off after a week or so.

I am hoping that I would get healthier in the second half of the year. Looking forward to build up my antibody to attack the intruders that come uninvited.

A small news that cheer us up a lot

2009-07-14T11:08:00.008+08:00

As we are in the midst of asking God for wisdom and guidance in dealing with more accusations and out of sense requests from Mr. X which I have posted here before (but now requesting for more), we thank God that in his own perfect timing, He surprised us with a good news from Taiwan! This news really cheer us up a lot especially during this period of time when we are quite frustrated with this guy and when I am dealing with some minor sickness that scared me to death...

It was yesterday morning that we received the news from Taiwan seminary that a pastor mentioned to her that he would like to hire us to his church as intern. It was a surprising news to us!! Though we do not know how many people around have been helping us greatly in this, God knows, we are really thankful to those who has helped us along the way thus far.

For the moment, we still have no detailed information on this intern stuffs yet. It was just initial information to us that the pastor mentioned that he wanted to hire us and we maybe given a place to stay as well. I guess we would need to wait for our interviews with him personally before things can be confirmed.

On the other note, our visa application is still in the process... Hoping for the best to come =)

King of History

2009-07-09T13:30:00.015+08:00

We look back upon history, and what do we see?

Empires rising and falling. Revolutions and Counterrevolutions.Wealth accumulated and wealth disbursed. Shakespeare has written of the rise and fall of great ones, that ebb and flow with the moon.I look back upon my own fellow countrymen, once upon a time dominating a quarter of the world, most of them convinced, in the words of what is still a popular song, that the God who made them mighty, shall make them mightier yet. I've heard a crazed, cracked Austrian announce to the world the establishment of a Reich that would last a thousand years. I have seen an Italian clown say he was going to stop and restart the calendar with his own ascension to power.

I've heard a murderous Georgian brigand in the Kremlin, acclaimed by the intellectual elite of the world as wiser than Solomon, more humane than Marcus Aurelius, more enlightened than Ashoka. I have seen America, wealthier and in terms of military weaponry, more powerful than the rest of the world put together, so that had the American people so desired, they could have outdone a Caesar, or an Alexander in the range and scale of their conquests.

All in one lifetime, all in one lifetime, all gone. Gone with the wind.

England part of a tiny island off the coast of Europe, threatened with dismemberment and even bankruptcy. Hitler and Mussolini dead, remembered only in infamy. Stalin a forbidden name in the regime he helped found and dominate for some three decades. America haunted by fears of running our of those precious fluids that keeps their motorways roaring, and the smog settling, with troubled memories of a disastrous campaign in Vietnam, and the victories of the Don Quixotes of the media as they charged the windmills of Watergate.

All in one lifetime, all in one lifetime, all gone. Gone with the wind.

Behind the debris of these solemn supermen, and self-styled imperial diplomatists, there stands the gigantic figure of one, because of whom, by whom, in whom and through whom alone, mankind may still have peace: The person of Jesus Christ. I present him as the way, the truth, and the life.

–Malcolm Muggeridge, journalist, 1903-2002

SOMETIME WE’LL UNDERSTAND

2009-07-09T13:04:00.010+08:00

Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in the better land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, some time, we’ll understand.

We’ll catch the broken thread again,
And finish what we here began;
Heav’n will the mysteries explain,
And then, ah then, we’ll understand.

We’ll know why clouds instead of sun
Were over many a cherished plan;
Why song has ceased when scarce begun;
’Tis there, some time, we’ll understand.

God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring hand;
Some time with tearless eyes we’ll see;
Yes, there, up there, we’ll understand.

CHORUS

Then trust in God through all the days;
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;

Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,

Some time, some time we’ll understand.

Words: Maxwell N. Cornelius, 1891

Music: James McGranahan

Mr. Cornelius was brought up on a farm in Pennsylvania. He left farming when he came of age, and learned the trade of a brick-mason. Later he became a contractor in Pittsburg. In erecting a house in that city his leg was broken. The physicians decided that it would have to be amputated…He stood the operation well and came out safely, but was maimed for life. He now decided to go to college and get an education. After passing through college with honor he concluded to become a minister of the gospel. His first charge was at Altoona, Pennsylvania, but on account of his wife’s health he soon removed to California, locating at Pasadena, where he built the largest Presbyterian church in that place. Many who had subscribed to help to pay for the building failed in business, and he was left to meet the obligations as best he could. But in a few years he had the church cleared from all debt. Shortly afterward his wife died. He preached the funeral sermon himself. At the conclusion he quoted the words of this hymn, which he had composed shortly before.

Both the words of the hymn and the sermon were printed in a Western newspaper, where Major Whittle found them. Impressed by their beauty, he cut them out and carried them in his Bible for three months before he wrote the chorus…Soon after he handed the words to his friend, James McGranahan, who composed the tune to which the hymn is now sung.

Upcoming Right Path Seminar on Romans Chapter 1 - 8

2009-07-06T23:11:00.003+08:00

Be Thou My Vision

2009-07-02T14:49:00.006+08:00

It has been quite long where both Phaik Sim and I keep "silent" in our blog. However, silent doesn't mean we don't think and learn.

To cut the crap, here are the lessons that we learn through out this period of time.

(1) We learn to be silent.

May be we have been talking too much in our life until we forget that God should be the one who do the talking in our life. May be we have been questioning too much in our life until we forget that to know and to put faith in God is far beyond more important than to get the answers of thousands of questions. May be we have been talking too much in our life until we forget that every talking counts a record in God. May be we have been talking too much in our life until we forget that each talking follow by a good deed (Action speak louder than words).

(2)We learn to commit ourselve to God.

There comes a moment in our life where we started to realise that we are losing control of our own destiny and have no choice to put ourself infront of God who is in control. It has been years where we thought we are in control on ourself, our wealth, our health, other people and even our future... But, who are we speaking as an authority person in our life? Probably there is only one way to learn how to surrender under God, it is when we are losing control.

(3)We learn to keep holy infront of God and people.

It has become very frequent in our life where we trying to find excuses for mistakes. When we are wrong, family try to find excuses for us, friends try to find excuses for us, wife try to find excuses for us and even we ourselve also try to find tons and tons of excuses for ourselve. However... we are waiting for so long, surprisingly we found out that our lovely God never help to find us any excuse for our mistake. Instead, He find us a savior, the ultimate solution of sins and agony......

God is Good, All the Time!!!!

2009-07-02T14:26:00.007+08:00

Yes, God is Good, All the Time.

When we are struggling in our visa application.

When we are facing financial needs for our further studies.

When we are innocent in facing some injustice treatments.

When I am struggling to get my job done in college.

When we overheard some misleading comments about us from whom we care.

When we failed to plan for our future due to too many uncertainties.

When we are in sickness and sorrows.

When the moment we heard that we had been accepted to study in CRTS.

When we heard that some people sent us money for our studies.

When we heard that someone is helping us to look for accomodation.

When we know that someone is praying for us.

When we know that a lot of people trusting on our personality and supporting us.

When we witness how amazing the God that we serve leading our path step by step all these days.

With this, I came to a conclusion that , God is Good, All the time.

(Note: This is not a poem or a song. It is neither a meaningless lyrics nor a wind talking. Each statement is a true experience encountering with God in the past few weeks that happen in us.)

Lesson of taming the tongue from an accident

2009-06-29T15:10:00.007+08:00

It's during the weekly routine sports in youth park yesterday that this accident happened on hubby and Mr.X.

We used to have this weekly sports in youth park every Sunday. Many weeks and months ago I used to join in this sports but due to this Mr. X's unstoppable mouth I stopped joining in the games whenever I saw Mr.X there. He used to pinpoint on people's tiny mistake like miss the goal and stuffs. This had make me quite stressed up whenever we played together. Thus, I stopped.

And during the game yesterday, hubby accidentally hit his nose while he jumped to tap the ball not realising that Mr. X was standing (or running) very closely behind him. This cause his nose to bleed. They then stop the game a while to concern about him if his nose was alright. And at this time hubby went over to him to apologise as he didnt know that he was behind him. But this Mr. X, maybe due to his pain, reacted very rudely asking hubby to leave him alone. Then, he even claimed to hubby that 'I will elbowing the next time I play'. Even though he was in pain that time, but he has to be responsible on the words coming out from his mouth. At that point of time, as not to affect the rest of the players, hubby went off and soon they continue the game without Mr. X.

After the game, this Mr.X confronted hubby asking him to pay for his medical bill as he wanted to have an X-ray on his nose. He claimed that hubby purposely hit his nose and his nose is broken. As not to affect the relationship of both churches and other players, MH noted though it was purely accident. It was nothing related to MH as to why he was standing so closely behind him. And it was a game. Where is his sportsmanship? It was perfectly true that one of our friends jokingly said that we should let all players sign an agreement starting from next week stating "play at your own risk". I think it was well understood by everyone who is playing team games except this Mr. X. I would sincerely suggest this Mr. X to consider other sport which has no interaction with other players such as cooking or swimming so as not to accuse others for purposely hitting him. It is also for the benefit of others for not being his next victim if any accident happens again in the future.

This fella called us at night to update us on his condition after X-ray and apologise on his anger during the match. As not to have more unresolved matter with this person, we suggested to pay him 100 bucks for whatever medical stuffs that he wanted to do and have nothing to do with him anymore. And he agreed with the deal. Though it's RM100, but we came to see this person's characters and personalities.

Through this incident, we learnt some good lessons as well. For me, I was once again reminded on the importance of taming our tongue as in the book of James. The words come out from a mouth would reflects a person's inner personalities. Every time you open your mouth you let men look into your mind. It might bring someone to calamity if a wrong word coming out from the mouth. What if someone accidentally hit by Mr. X the next time they play the games? From his word 'I will elbowing the next time I play', we can always refer to him as purposely doing so to take revenge...

So, take care players the next time you play with him...

No Injection Certificate = Injection Again to get the Certificate???

2009-06-20T23:01:00.006+08:00

What is the consequences if patient get smarter than the doctor?

Here is the story of us encountering with lousy doctor's assistant and doctor today.

It is for the visa application that we have to do medical check up today. Initially we contacted Tanjung Medical Centre for the medical check, but they referred us to the so called Penang X-Ray Specialist Clinic which claimed to be their subsidiary.

And as appointed, we visited the clinic for the check up. As we stepped into the clinic, the two receptionists asked for our purpose and all in a rude way. It's ok, we didnt take it personally but passed her the medical form and waited patiently for the procedure. Then, one of the receptionist pointing at the Chief Physician signature column in the form and asked the other receptionist what to do. Then they started their conversation saying why there are so many requirements and things to be tested, even the stool test. At this point of time, I started to have some doubts on their professionalism. So I went up to her and ask if they are able to conduct this procedures. I told her that it should have hospital logo but I am doubting whether they are able to get the hospital stamp instead of the clinic stamp. Then, very funny, the receptionist asked me back "huh? You want the hospital logo ah?"
"It is stated on top of the form that hospital logo is needed, it's TMC that referred us here," I replied.
Then the girl asked in a curious way " So, you want the TMC logo huh? OK, OK."

That's the part one of the story. Alright, we went back to our seat and continue waiting.

A moment later, the doctor's assistant/ nurse (not sure) asked MH to go into the room and asked him if both of us are immune to Measles and Rubella. He came out and asked me but both of us not really sure if we had those injections before. Thus, we replied the nurse that we were not sure on that. Then this heating conversation begins...

NURSE : You sure have the certificates if you had those injections.
US: We are not sure coz it would be baby time even if we had those injections. Can you check for us if we are immune? Is there a way to check(1st time asking)?
NURSE: (raised her voice a bit) NO, if you have those shots then you sure have the certs.
US: We know... but it was so long ago, we need to go back and check if we had those shots and if the certs are still there.
NURSE: Doctor said if you dont have the certs then you have to take the injections here and we will issue you the certs.
US: hmm... what if we already immune and take it again? Any side effects? Some more, if we already immune, why inject? (considering that it would be TWO injections just for the certs).
NURSE: (frustrated) I asked doctor and see.
(And off she went in and came back again)
NURSE: No side effect. So, take the injections and we issue you the certs?
US: Is there anyway to check whether we are immune first (2nd time)?
NURSE: (more frustrated) If you all want to consider, you do other tests first then leave this part blank and after you consider then only come back and do. If you want to prove that you are immune, you need to have certs. If you dont have certs then you take the shots and we will issue you the certs. For example, if you know your blood type is O but you lost the card, then the doctor will ask you to do the test again to confirm. It's the same. If you have no cert then you take the injections again...
US: We are in rushed to submit to the authority. Arent there any test to check first like blood test( 3rd time)? Noting that I asked again and again because I got information from articles and friends that the blood test should know whether we are immune.
NURSE: 这样深的东西我不知道 (I do not know about this blood test. It is too difficult for my understanding). If you dont want to do, then we will cross this part in the form and you go and explain to your institution saying you are not sure whether you are immune or not.
PS: (Annoyed)How can you do that? It's impossible that we are going to do that. (It's ridiculous of her to say such things to her customer. I think she has over her limit).
MH: (Rejecting in a polite way) Erm... I think we will not take tests first. Let us go back and check first before we proceed.
NURSE: (Out of control and rambling) You say you are in rush to submit this form and you dont want to do it now. You do other tests first then go back and think of the vaccinations part whether you want to do or not. You have no time already and we are going to close the clinic soon. You know there are a lot of things to do, blood test and stool examination somemore. Can you poop right now? You go and try. Try to get one piece.
US: ???
PS: (Keeping my composure though I am boiling hot inside) I think we are not going to do the check up. We do not want to do it anymore. Return me our forms and passports.

NURSE: (Still holding tide on our forms) Haiz... ( and start lowering her tones to persuade us to do those tests)

PS: We are not going to do it here anymore. Return all our things.

NURSE: Then you pay us RM10 for the phone calls that we made to check on the price on those tests.

US: WHAT??? OK, nvm, we pay you but you give us receipt on that.

At this moment, MH suddenly noticed the form stated "proof of positive measles and rubella antibody titers by antibody test OR measles and rubella vaccination certificates". So, he immediately showed the lady that it stated ANTIBODY TEST, meaning we can take the test to check if we have those injections before.

PS: There is a test to check first and you tell us there isnt any test to check? No certs then have to inject?

NURSE: speechless... (went into the doctor's room again and came up front)

NURSE: Doctor said charge you RM3 each and here is the your medical card stated 'paid RM3'. If you come back to do those tests then we will deduct off the RM3.

She didnt write the telephone charges RM3 there. But anyway, we did not want to continue the conversation with her so just thanking her and off we went.

This incident had made both of us full of rage. But the Old Town white milk tea after that has cheer us up a bit... After all, it's quite an amusing incident too... especially the way this nurse talking to us...

"Can you poop right now? You go and try. Try to get one piece..."

Phew! We've gone thru the test

2009-06-03T09:43:00.002+08:00

It was a terrifying moment for both of us... but it's now all done!

If you know that we are moving to Taipei this coming Sep then u will know what test it was. We're taking our entry test to the seminary for previous two days. It was considered quite challenging for us as we did not really know what we should be expecting in the entry test. You can see how stressed we were through the Exam is near and stress, stress, stress posts. First, we had to take a personality test with about 550 T/F questions in one and a half hours. Next, on Monday, came the written test which includes fill in the blanks, translating mandarin to english and short essays for one and a half hours. And yesterday was the tele-interviewing for around 40 minutes each.

I personally was quite fretful during the interview and I know MH was as well... The total silent in the other end of line did really make us tremble a bit. It might be due to our lack of experience in dealing with tele-conferencing. However, the questions threw to us were quite manageable. At the end of MH's interview, he was offered a place to study there. Hooray!! We were quite happy about that. And then came the butterflies in my stomach coz it would be my turn in ten minutes time after MH's. Finally, the phone rang again and I talked and talked and talked. And me too... was granted with a place... Phew!!! We're so relieved by then.

Up next, we will have to go through all the foreign entry requirements in order to get our visas. What is bothering us would be the medical check-ups. Hopefully we will go through the tests and successfully 'sail' to Taiwan.

恋爱症候群

2009-05-28T14:56:00.004+08:00

We were searching the internet for a suitable song to sing during a wedding reception last nite. It was done because MH might be singing a song during my brother's wedding this coming Sunday. Thus, both of us were looking up in youtube for suitable songs. As we were searching, we came across this song which I think is quite hilarious but quite true in describing the conditions of most of the couples.

The lyric is a bit long but worth reading...

恋爱症候群 by 黄舒骏

关于恋爱症候群的发生原因　至今仍然是最大一个谜
不管性别年龄职业体重学历长相和血型　没有一个人可以免疫
有些专家学者研究后相信　恋爱是内分泌失调所引起
却有别人认为恋爱属于滤过性病毒　像感冒无药可救但会自动痊愈
不管你同不同意　自古到今许多例子证明
恋爱不但是一种病态　它还可能是一种变态

一般发病后的初期反应会开始改变一些生活习性
洗澡洗得特别干净　刷牙刷得特别用力　半夜突然爬起来弹钢琴
有人每天站在阳台对路人傻笑　有人突然疯疯癫癫　突然很安静
有人一脸痴呆　对着镜子咬着指甲打喷嚏　有人对着小狗骂三字经
女人突然改变发型　男人开始每天练着哑铃
食欲不振歇斯底里四肢萎缩神经过敏发抖抽筋都出现在这时期

随着病情越来越变本加厉　人会变得格外敏感勇敢和恶心
写的说的唱的都像天才诗人一般才华洋溢　愈肉麻愈觉得有趣
有人恋爱之后每天躲在厕所哭泣　有人开记者会宣布恋爱的消息
有人总是喜欢两个人躲在黑漆漆的地方　像做了不可告人的事情
每天忙着找人算命　挖空心思改变自己　配合对方的习性
把每天都当作纪念日　把自己当作纪念品

每天漫无目的的腻在一起　言不及意也觉得好有趣
走着坐着躺着趴着都形影不离　像是两人三脚又像连体婴
心里想的只有爱你爱你爱你爱你　也不管家里米缸有没有米
也不管路上有人示威抗议　只管爱你
心里想的只有爱你爱你爱你爱你　也不管海峡两岸统一问题
也不管衣索匹亚多少难民　只管爱你

经过一段轰轰烈烈热恋时期　不久就会开始渐渐痊愈
两人开始互相厌倦　互相攻击对方缺点　所有甜蜜都随风而去
然后开始从错觉和误解中清醒　惊讶自己为何如此不聪明
为了爱情不管一切　不顾父母朋友姐妹兄弟　开始感到后悔不已
然后开始感到疲惫沉闷气喘心悸牙痛头痛梦呓
然后是精神不济瞳孔放大脾气暴燥四肢麻痹　终于受不了要分离
虽然结果颇令人伤心　了解之后也没什么了不起
爱情终究是握不住的云　只是我想要告诉你
哦......

在我落寞的岁月里　你的温柔解脱我的孤寂
带给我深深的狂喜　如此颤动着我的心灵
轻轻诉说爱你爱你爱你爱你　不管是黑夜或是黎明
不管是梦中或是清醒　深深爱你
我要对你说爱你爱你爱你爱你　不管是黑夜或是黎明
不管是梦中或是清醒　深深爱你

And you can always visit here to listen to this song.

Is it true to you? You judge it!

A Short Trip to Cameron

2009-05-21T15:06:00.018+08:00

It was not until last Sunday afternoon that we decided to visit Cameron Highland the next day. And we only managed to get accommodation for Monday on Sunday nite. It was a last minute short trip. Uncle Long Aun, Auntie MeiLian and mom-in-law followed us as well for this short trip.

We started our journey on the next afternoon to Cameron and only managed to reach there at around 4pm. We can't do much when we reached there as the rain was pouring down. Thus, we checked into our bunk and took a rest before heading out for a delicious charcoal steamboat. As there isn't much things to do at night in Cameron, we ended up our day with some shopping and chit-chatting.

We woke up very early the next morning for a jog and enjoying the sun rise. After our breakfast and washed up, we checked out and heading off to various places before driving back to Penang. We managed to visit a strawberry farm and a plantation before Kea Farm where all of us were bargaining and paying for cheap and fresh veges, fruits and flowers. We bought so much so that the car boot was overloaded with the greens. We even have to inform them to stop buying as there isn't any more space to load the goods.

What I would like to highlight about this trip is the accommodation that we stayed for the night. It is one of the significant places for both of us and it gave us lots of memories when we were there. It was the place where we had the Christian Fellowship Camp during Diploma. It was the place where I accepted Christ during that camp. And lastly and most importantly, it was the place where The Girl's Hand Met The Boy's Hand and The Boy's Hand Met The Girl's Hand. And after 7 years, we revisited this place as husband and wife.

Below are some other photos that we took during this trip to Cameron.

You Thought Man Cannot Do This?

2009-05-19T21:14:00.027+08:00

You are wrong.

It was until hubz went out to the living room with a scissor and glass vase on his hands that I am touched by what he wanted to do for me. This morning while we were in the market, he insisted on to buy me flowers while I thought it would be good to buy for the coming sunday service.

Me: These flowers are so nice and cheap. We can buy back for this coming sunday service.

Hubby: Come pick the flowers that you like. Do you like this? Or that color is nicer?

Me: Why not ask them ( mom-in-law and auntie) if we want to buy back for this weekend since the sales person said can last for 3 weeks.

Hubby: Do you like this color? And that one? And that one?

Me: That's too much. Don't need to buy so many.

Hubby: Dar, I want to buy for you... Pick whatever flowers that you like and I'll pay.

Me: Aww... A touch of sweetness in my heart.

Then when we reached home, I was expecting myself to arrange the flowers albeit I am not good in it. I thought I would surely arrange a better one compared to him. However, I asked him how he wants the flowers to be. He then took out a scissor and a glass vase that we bought for our wedding and start his work in the living room.

Working Seriously

And after some times, come out the end result that surprise me!!

First Attempt

Second Attempt

Another Bouquet

So you say man cannot arrange nice flowers?

I am saluting my husband! A lovely gesture from him.

Proudly introducing the Cook for

2009-05-11T22:22:00.003+08:00

the Mother's Day dinner at home.

We had our dinner at home last night with invited guests, Uncle Long Aun and Aunty MeiLian. Initially we thought of to go out for dinner on this particular night as a celebration. However, due to the fact that most restaurants would definitely fully packed regardless of whether it's hawker stalls, moderate restaurants up to classy restaurants. Being a person who doesnt like crowded and long-waiting place, I suggested to hubz to cook ourselves at home. It was partly because it would be more fun and enjoyable to cook together as well as memorable to them since we may not be in Malaysia for the next few Mother's Days.

Preparations started after lunch which was about 2pm. We took about one hour plus to buy all the ingredients from Tesco before heading back. After taking a quick rest, we started off marinating the rib eyes and cooking agar-agar. Next, we start baking spareribs and chopping all the needed ingredients followed by making the sauce and frying of the main dish. After about two hours of locking ourselves in the kitchen, we then proudly presenting our efforts on the table.. Tadaa...

MHNPS's drooling BBQ spareribs

Black Pepper Steak in white mushroom sauce with small potato salads & fried baby carrots and asparagus

Teriyaki steak with the side dishes

All in actions... not only forks and knives... but even the scissor too!!

Imagine what would happen if the steaks didnt turn out right? In fact, the steak were a bit too raw for most of us... thanks to our cook, MH, who then fry again to the doneness that we acquired, hehe...

After the dinner and cleaning, it comes the dessert time. Dessert for the day was ice cream pancake with raisin and banana/strawberries/ lychee. Imagine preparing ten plates of pancakes at once? I suddenly feel like I have become a real pancake seller...kekeke. The good thing is it doesnt required a lot of time to make so everyone can enjoy the HOT pancake with ice-cream. Alex and Siew Kean joined us too for the desserts as they came over for the Man-U soccer match.

After the long day of shopping, cooking, eating, cleaning, and of course whole lots of chatting and laughing, we ended up with a very good night's sleep.

Chefs in action

<<奉献>>

2009-05-11T21:09:00.000+08:00

Church was celebrating parents' day yesterday. And as young adult fellowship, we presented a song to the parents in church. This song was originated from 苏芮 but we have altered the lyrics a little bit to suit the occasion and our appreciations to our parents.
Here is the altered lyrics.

长路奉献给远方玫瑰奉献给爱情
我拿什么奉献给你我的父母
白云奉献给草场江河奉献给海洋
我拿什么奉献给你我的爹娘

我拿什么奉献给你
我不停的问
我不停的找
不停的想...

白鸽奉献给蓝天星光奉献给长夜
我以一颗感恩的心奉献给你
雨季奉献给大地岁月奉献给季节
我永远珍惜着你我的爹娘

This song had touched a lot of parents in our church once it was sang yesterday. And I would like to dedicate this song to my own parents and mom-in-law as well for raising both of us up till these days and still loving us and caring us wholeheartedly.

Outdated Post on our Honeymoon (2)

2009-04-28T12:21:00.031+08:00

The second day in Bali was very relaxing. We started off our day by exploring the Kuta beach. I was of course high in spirit waiting for a good swim there. Alas! who knows the waves were so rough that it is only suitable for surfing. What a disappointment! Wasting all my effort in drenching myself in SPF 30 with aloe vera+ vitamin E. As we were strolling along the beach, a few aunties approached us to do us favour. One selling necklaces and bracelets, the other one offer hair braiding while another offer medicure& pedicure. There is another man offer to make tattoo as well. And finally I was caught in the photo below.

For the rest of the day we stayed in our hotel taking photos and also enjoying the complimentary aromatherapy spa and dinner.

Beside all this, we also took a one day trip to a few places in Bali. First, we were leaded by our personal chauffeur to watch the traditional Barong dance.

Then, we continued our journey to a silver company, wood craving factory and painting house. We bought two nice countryside paintings after a great bargain with the sales girl. We actually got about 70-80% off from the price she offered after a very long negotiation. Beside that, we also managed to visit the Bali coffee farm along the way. There were free tasting of different kind of coffee as well. However, due to the not-so-good english pronunciation from our tour guide, we ended up tasting a very tiny cup of dunno what special kind of coffee with RM30!!!

One of the highlights of the one day trip would be the magnificent panorama of Kintamani active volcano and Batur Lake. It was a fantastic experience to have lunch in a full view of the volcano. We are really thankful that we reached at the right timing that we manage to have a clear view of the volcano and lake. It is because upon finishing our lunch, the mist had already covered the whole view and start drizzling.

You can see that the view had totally disappeared

New Route by AirAsia

2009-04-23T11:34:00.003+08:00

Got a very exciting news this morning that AirAsia is going to fly to Taipei soon. Though it's only operating from KL to Taipei but it means so much to us as well. It would definitely benefit us in term of cost saving.

The options that we currently have are as follow:

MAS - cheapest is around RM2040 for round trip.

Jetstar - Around RM 1300 for round trip.

SIA - Around RM 2074 for round trip.

China Airlines- Scared of stability and safety of the flight.

I believe AirAsia would give an attractive fare to Taipei especially when it first started their new route to Taipei. So looking forward to it!

Will wait and see if it is a great deal!

Unstoppable Chats

2009-04-22T13:17:00.005+08:00

Went out with three of MH's good friends for the past two days. It was kind of weird that the three of them inviting us out almost at the same time. Anyway, it was great to catch up with them about their recent lives.

On monday morning, we met up with Renyee and Louise at BBQ Chicken for early lunch at around 11.30am. Oh... if you have not already know, you are entitled to a free 12oz drink from Starbucks if you spent RM40 and above in any of the restaurant in New World Park. No commission given, just thought it is worth to let u know. And if you dont feel like getting a drink from Starbucks, you can always drop it to us...kekeke. Thanks to BBQ's nice staffs that we were given 2 free drinsk in Starbucks. And amazingly 'the guys' were soooo deeply into the discussion topics that we continue the talk in Starbucks until 5pm. It's shocking me that we have so much to talk about.

And yesterday afternoon, we met Ah Soon for lunch since we havent seen him since CNY. Guess it was a bad day for us. As soon as we parked our car in front of his company, a van came cross and scratched the side of our car while escaping from the other car. It was so immoral of him to hit and run away. However, we managed to have a clear view on his number plate. We thought that nothing we can do since he already went off. Thus, we continue our drive after fetching him. Who knows it was so coincident that we came front to front with the van again on our way. And this time, we took the chance to stop him down for an explanation of his action. He came down from the van pertending he did not know anything about the minor accident occured. We showed him the scratches on the car and finally he admitted and compensate us some money. Guess how much compensation he gave us? RM 10!!! Not even enough to buy a polisher.

Last night, we went out with Michael and WanEr for supper. It was them to fetch us to Gurney so no driving for us but just comfortably occupied the back seats. No extraordinary things happening but we were there until an auntie came by to invite us to leave as it's time for her to close the stall. Haha...it has become our culture to wait for the last to leave.

That's the meet up for us with them.

Outdated post on our Honeymoon (1)

2009-04-17T23:29:00.008+08:00

Flight to Singapore was on 9th Feb. Our first stop was in Singapore so that we can visit MH's brother and family. Nothing much for the day, just lazing around, playing with the kids and had BBQ buffet dinner with the family.

On the next morning, we were all packed and prepared to go cross the causeway for our flight to Bali. It took us around two and a half hours journey to Bali. We landed down in the afternoon and were greeted by the hotel chauffeur who then drove us to the hotel. We stayed in Kuta area noting that's the most famous place in Bali. Upon arrival in the hotel, we were welcomed by all the friendly staffs. We were greatly pampered with warm towels, welcoming drinks, and free baggage transferred to our room. As we were taking the honeymoon package, we were given a complimentary candlelight dinner at the pool side, a complimentary one hour aromatherapy spa in the hotel, free fruits basket, rose petals shower, two stalks of roses on our bed together with a complimentary gift which turned out to be a set of bathrobes.

Our lovely room

During dinner time, we were out to taste some local food. However, it took us quite a while to get to a local restaurant. By that time, we were all hungry and tired. We ordered nasi goreng with satay and nasi campur with gado-gado for our dinner which turned out to be quite delicious. After dinner, we strolled down the streets exploring the local shops along the way. It was a good exercise as I think we have walked for a few hours before heading back for a good night sleep. Goods sold were nice to see but worthless to buy. It was not something that we would use but mostly were selling surfing boards, wood craving and things like that.

Oh... we unexpectedly found the monument for those who had sacrificed during the 2002 Bali bombing as well. Their names were listed as shown in the photo below. Majority were Aussies as 88 out of about 200 who lost their lives were Aussies.

Christ Is Risen

2009-04-12T15:05:00.002+08:00

In the tomb so cold they laid Him
Death its victim claimed
Powers of hell, they could not hold Him
Back to life He came!

Christ is risen! (Christ is risen!)
Death has been conquered. (Death has been conquered.)
Christ is risen! (Christ is risen!)
He shall reign for ever

Hell had spent its fury on Him
Left Him crucified
Yet, by blood, He boldly conquered
Sin and death defied

Now the fear of death is broken
Love has won the crown
Prisoners of the darkness listen
Walls are tumbling down

Raised from death to heaven ascending
Love's exalted King
Let His song of joy, unending
Through the nations ring!

~1986 Kingsway~

It's Good...

2009-04-10T16:53:00.006+08:00

...FRIDAY!

What is Good Friday?

On Good Friday, Christians remember the day when Jesus was being mocked and crucified on the cross.

When is Good Friday?

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday (The day Christians celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ after Jesus was being crucified). Good Friday varies every year as it is based on the lunar calendar. Easter always falls on the first Sunday following the full moon after 21 March. If the Full Moon falls on a Sunday then Easter is the next Sunday.

What Happened on Good Friday?

Jesus was arrested, mocked and was handed over to the Roman soldiers to be beaten and flogged with whips. A crown of long, sharp thorns was thrust upon his head.

He was then forced to carry his own cross to Skull Hill where He would be crucified. Though Jesus was sinless but He was nailed to the cross together with two other criminals on either side of Him.

The time and Happenings on Good Friday.

The third hour of the day(9.00 am) - Jesus was nailed to the cross

The sixth hour of the day ( 12.00 noon) - Darkness covered the land

The ninth hour of the day ( 3.00 pm) - The darkness left and the Lord died on the cross

What happens on Good Friday today?

Today, Christians remember the sacrificial love of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. He was sinless but because of His love, He was nailed on the cross as an atonement for our sins. Through his crucifixion that we can now be reconciled with God once again.

But... this is not the end of a sad story of Him being crucified for us. Christians are looking forward to the Easter Sunday when Jesus was raised again to life and seated at the right hand of God. He will come again to judge the righteous and the unrighteous when the time is right.

Some Christians fast (go without food) on Good Friday. This helps them remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the day of crucifixion.

Many churches hold a special service that night in remembrance of Jesus' death. Some churches hold evangelistic events to bring more people in knowing Jesus who has sacrificed himself for us on this very day.

A day without you...

2009-04-04T12:16:00.003+08:00

Today is 4/4/2009 (Saturday) , this day is a special one after our marriage because this is the first time where we are seperated in two different location. Why? It is because Phaik Sim joined her family to Genting Highland.

A question ponder in my head, "How am I going to spend my days alone"? Well, guess this is what I planned to do. Firstly, write few blogs to share my recent thoughts and also to response to some of the questions that I collected recently. Secondly, it is a great chance to spend more time with my mum and my brother. Thirdly, continue my reading activity and forthly, plan for next semester CF's activities.

Without Phaik Sim with me, I feel a bit unease, like lack of someone in my day....oh ya, one thing I wish to do which I din't do for long d, which is to give her a long phone call tonight.... hehe...

"Enjoy your trip there and do spend precious moment with your family, darling.....!"

Power of Words

2009-03-30T21:55:00.009+08:00

A careless word may kindle strife

A cruel word may wreck a life

A bitter word may hate instill

A brutal word may smite and kill

A gracious word may smooth the way

A joyous word may light the way

A timely word may lessen stress

A loving word may heal and bless

Happy Birthday to Mum

2009-03-25T23:02:00.004+08:00

Today is my mum's birthday. Earlier this week, we have planned to have dinner at Starview Restaurant for her birthday. Thus, tonight all of our family members gathered in Starview for her birthday. It was a 8-course meals plus 'birthday noodles'. The food there was not too bad but not very delicious too. In fact, I've been to wedding dinner last Sunday and last night respectively. Guess my cholesterol level would surely shoot up and undoubtedly gaining some unnecessary calories.

The Happy Family

Youth Apologetics Camp

2009-03-24T10:18:00.006+08:00

MH was quite busy for the past few weeks preparing for the youth camp on 20th and 21st March. It was actually an apologetics camp where over 50 youths from various churches gathered together to prepare themselves to make a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is in them. MH attended the two days camp while I just went for the second day. I was deeply encouraged by the youths' eagerness to understand God's word. What I am particularly impressed were the questions that they asked. Here I would like to list a few questions that they have asked in the camp that I think some of us might not even think of those questions even though we claimed to be more matured than the youngsters.

1. Why do you believe what Bible say is surely correct?
2. Why do you say Jesus is our savior?
3. Why does God want to love human?
4. Why did God create man if He knows that we would sin against Him?
5. How does Jesus save the world if He cant even change Judah?
6. What is so good in believing the Lord?

Guess these are the questions that every Christian should be able to answer. Do review ourselves if we know the answers for the above questions and how we are going to answer with gentleness and respect.

The journey to Muka Head Lighthouse

2009-03-23T12:34:00.007+08:00

Have you been to Monkey beach in Penang? I haven't been to Monkey beach or Muka Head albeit being Penangite for so many years. What a shame on me.

However, I have decided to go for a look last Saturday with MH's colleagues. We started the journey from Teluk Bahang fishing village. Didn't even realise that area has been declared as Penang National Park. Though it's the world smallest park but who cares? At least we have one here...kekeke... I was quite impressed to note that part of the trek has been repaired to make the trekking easier.

After some climbing we came to this USM research centre.Established in 1996, it offered researchers the opportunity to carry out tropical marine and coastal studies. We continued the jungle trekking to Monkey beach. I'm not really sure how long we took but guess at least 1 hour to reach Monkey beach. Monkey beach can be considered as one of the tourist spots. However, it was not well developed. It was not convenient to tourist as you can either climb all the way to this beach or take the alternative way to get a boat that cost you RM60 for a boat which is ridiculously expensive. To make thing worse, there is no basic amenities like public loo at all. Guess where you can settle yourself less the wide ocean?

The journey from Monkey beach to Muka Head lighthouse is not easy at all. It definitely takes a lot of calories and sweat from amateur like me to reach the destination. Finally after an exhausting climb, we were greeted by the lighthouse caretaker who allowed us to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding northwest tip of Penang.

This trip was worthwhile as to explore the unspoilt creation of God in Penang and of course to have some exercise. Thus, we are planning to return again with our Church youth most probably in April or May.

Muka Head Lighthouse

Token of Appreciation

2009-03-18T14:54:00.003+08:00

It is nearly three months since our marriage. Life has been so exciting so far. A lot of people asked me about my life after marriage. Well, marriage life is good for me so far. Nothing much so different other than it appears to have another person walking the same footsteps together with me every day.

I thank God as Phaik Sim is a lovely and supportive lady. She really takes care of my life well from top to toe. In these few months, there are moments I feel "sweet" especially when Phaik Sim cooked for me. Friends out there, Phaik Sim's cooking skill is marvellous. I like the layer cake that she bakes and also the spaghetti and mash potatoes home made by her. What a blessing I have to have such a wife.

Frankly speaking, before we stay together, I was so worried that there will be a lot of arguments and quarrels among us and also with the family members of mine. However, I thank God that it isn't that bad. Thanks darling for your patient and consideration in these days.

The journey of our marriage is just begun and by God grace, we are still walking through this journey holding hand together. No matter how far we can go together, I am glad to have her in every footsteps of my life.

Thank you my darling, you are great!

`

A New Found Hobby

2009-03-16T21:38:00.008+08:00

I have developed a new hobby recently ever since we got keyboard at home. Where does the keyboard come from? It was actually seated in MH's old house and had been recently shifted to the new house. Thus, the keyboard is in great use now, hehe... and it has been one of my great entertainments.

Oops... am I misleading you to wonder if I start playing keyboard? Absolutely not! I am sorry to say that I am a music idiot. I have no talent in singing let alone playing musical instruments. What I meant is I enjoy seeing hubz playing keyboard. In fact, he is quite talented in playing musical instruments. As for piano, he can just play the songs that he had listened before without referring to the music scores. While he has developed the hobby to play piano/ keyboard I have developed the hobby to listen to the soothing songs that he played. Whenever he plays the keyboard at home, I would just lay on my back and do nothing at all. It's just too relaxing to listen to his songs. What a strange thing is that I only enjoy the music that he played but not others. It might be because he knows which part of the songs needs to be stressed on to make a beautiful piece of music. So, it has become my new found hobby- listening to him playing piano/ keyboard.

For your information, hubz has only mastered the songs in C cord. Even so, he can play those songs very very well. Bravo dar!

Decisions, decisions...

2009-03-14T22:11:00.003+08:00

I've been contemplating on whether to integrate the three blogs that we owned into one. In fact, we seldom update our personal blogs and it would help us to be more concentrating in updating only one blog. On the other hand, it would be good to have our own little space for thoughts and expressions.

Decisions, decisions.

On the other note, we've been contemplating for a long time on our next few years plan as well. Different advices have been provided by people around which has made us pretty much indecisive on where we should head to. Changes have been made over and over again as we pondered and discussed the plan for the benefit of our family and of course the gospel. But thank God the picture has become clearer to us as to where we shall go and what we should be doing. It's only by faith that we shall walk step by step towards the mission.

A new look for our blog

2009-03-13T00:05:00.004+08:00

We actually wanted to give our blog a new look since months ago but unfortunately didnt manage to get any suitable one. Finally, I have made up my mind to change to this new look. It's not that RED compared to the old template which was meant to match our wedding theme color, maroon.
Pity MH for bearing with the girlish maroon, red and pink blog for the past months. To be fair to him, now he gets to enjoy a more manly blog for the next few months...hehe..

Wedding Part III ~ Home and Dinner

2009-03-10T18:47:00.002+08:00

Here is the final part of our wedding photos. Finally finished compiling after 2+ months... Sorry for the wait. Guess I have been truely enjoying this period of time that work has been slowed down tremendously.
Hope you enjoy the photos...

Happy Engagement Anniversary

2009-02-28T13:09:00.004+08:00

Today we are celebrating our 1st engagement anniversary. In reality, today is not the day as our engagement day supposed to be on 29th Feb which we can only celebrate once in four years. The years we have Olympics are the years we are celebrating our engagement day. However, we just take today as an excuse to treat ourselves a fine dinner together while enjoying some quality moments with each other which i think is a great gesture to acknowledge the love for each other, kekeke...

Have a happy day!

XOXO, PS

2009-02-20T12:43:00.001+08:00

We are stuck in KK airport!! Sigh! We are supposed to be on the way to KL by now but due to our flight being cancelled and the next flight delayed for about 2 hours, we are forced to be here until 2pm before heading to KL and transit flight to Penang. Tsk, tsk, tsk...no good. However, what is good about MAS is that we are not charged for the change in the KL-Penang flight. And we have been treated with lunch in MacD due to the cancellation and delay in our flight.

From the various flights experience, I realised that in fact Airasia has better aircraft than MAS. Airasia aircraft is more stable during take-off and landing plus less turbulence throughout the journey compared to MAS. Guess maybe Airasia is using new aircraft while MAS is still using the old Boeing 737.

5 hours in the airport has no fun other than browsing net. Thanks to McD and Starbucks for their free wifi that we can enjoy the internet.

Yea, we finally are coming back to our home sweet home in few hours time.

First Valentine's Day after our marriage

2009-02-16T22:46:00.010+08:00

Not really a special day for us as we were still on our honeymoon trip on the valentine's day. We travelled from Bali to Johor Bharu on the 14th. The day started with breakfast in the hotel. After the breakfast, we head off to the famous Kuta beach to have a walk before heading to Discovery mall to continue shopping for souvenirs.

Lunch was at the Bali Colada restaurant in Discovery mall. It was a nice restaurant with great ambiance. The restaurant is overlooking the Kuta beach thus it was a relaxing place to have lunch there. Mohherng took giant sausage with Bali Colada mocktail while I took seafood curry with rice and watermelon juice. We both agreed that was the most delicious food we tried in Bali.

Flight was in the evening and many thanks to Wee Ann who is nice enough to fetch us from Senai Airport. The Valentine's night was spent with Wee Ann. We took dinner at a Thai restaurant in Skudai. The food was really nice but unfortunately I couldn't remember the name of that restaurant now. Three of us spent the night together at Station 1 cafe chatting and catching up with each other while listening to the live singer singing whole night long. That was how we spent our valentine's day.

On a side note, congratulations to Zi who is getting married on this very day as well.

Honeymoon Hiatus

2009-02-15T11:40:00.002+08:00

Yep! We are now in Senai Airport coffee bean enjoying a cup of cappuccino while waiting for the flight to Kuching. It's in the mid of our honeymoon trip. So far, we have went to Singapore and Bali and now in Johor Bahru. We will be going to Kuching next and following by Kota Kinabalu. The trip thus far was great, just a little disappointed with the Bali stay. Maybe we were expecting too much from Bali.

We will be back to Penang on 20th February. Will only post up our honeymoon photos and posts on our honeymoon trip when we are back to Penang.

That's all for now!

Wedding Part II ~ The Church

2009-02-05T18:30:00.003+08:00

Finally after one month of dragging, I have compiled the wedding part II for your viewing. Enjoy the selected photos for our church ceremony. It was the most important moment for us as we come together as husband and wife in front of God and witnessed by family and friends.