Monday, November 26, 2007

Food Galore at Bing's~

Halo semua, it's been quite some time I've updated my blog due to the heavy load in work recently that caused me much anxiety.Took me 2 weeks to recover from my insomnia effect, went to see the doctor for more than 4 times in 2 weeks, dependent upon sleeping pills to sleep, recovery from my eczema outbreak due to insufficient rest and overhaul of work stress and much more.Thank God for His abundant grace that I finally managed to recover and now much alive and kicking!

Been wanted to blog about this quite some time but didn't get myself to do so due to the fact of me being lazy to upload these photos into my computer.Heh.Plegmatic person mar..what to do..A lazy reluctant person I am.


Well regardless of how lazy I am, I still managed to get things done~ hehe..Anyway, on the 8th of November, there was a small makan gathering among my church members, thanks to Suleen who willingly suggested that she'll cook for us all.


(The Al-Mighty Chef, Su-leen)

At first, I thought she was just messing around with me but she seems to be serious about it and starts planning for the menu.The best part was that she was delighted in doing it.So I thought it's gonna be fun so I join in by allowing her to use my place to cook and gather.Now when I thought back, man thank God I said yes to the plan or else I wouldn't be able to enjoy all her hebat delicacies.My mum was excited about it as well and even went to buy an oven just for the sake of catering to Suleen's needs.See how contagious she can be.Can even influence my mum to buy such thing.Haha.Well its good to have an oven now and I figure that it's easier to cook using an oven than using a wok.


So most of the girls (Sarah,Sin Yee,May Hsin) came together and went shopping with me for the ingredients as Suleen leads the team while I do the driving,paying..(well, after eating what's been cooked by her,I felt that it's worth paying it..hehe) and carrying.After that, we headed back home and started preparing for the dinner (well, to be honest, I was playing DoTA when the girls are preparing..hehehe..Yea, typical guy..dunno how to cook) from 2pm onwards until 8pm non-stop..All of them was heeding Suleen's instructions(Chef 'Remy') to do this and do that, and me watching them from afar..hahaha


(Yes..more mustard...MORE!!)

The food prepared was :


1) Mushroom Soup
(as good as Mizi's)

2) Salted Chicken (Yim Kuk Kai)..I think..


(my latest addiction)

3) Cheezy Sweet Potato..totally no idea how to call it..

(from the photo, it looks so scary..)

4) Bread Strata..this one confirm betul since it's been approved by the chef
(This is heavenly~)

5) Salad


(meat are for me,vege for girls...)

6) Ai Gaik..Hokkien term..dunno how to call it in English


(can sell beside the road already..taste exactly the same with Chulia Street's one)

Alas, after so much enjoyment for the stomach, I sat down and felt so blessed.Not because of the food only, but because of the fellowship that we had during that whole eventful day.I never open my house before for such a huge gathering due to many excuses I gave myself for not doing it.This was my first time having such a huge gathering in my home and definitely will not be the last.I felt so joyful to know that I have so many friends around me that cares for me and will be there for me when I need them.It really touches my heart to finally understands what it feels like to open my own home for gatherings such as this.I never learn how to be hospitable or am I hospitable by nature.I believe I have to learn be like one because in the end, best things are always shared among the people you love.

One thought came to my mind as I watched all my friends laugh and joke around the dinner table and eating at the same time which is this: I will spend eternity with all of them in heaven in that Day.I smiled to myself and said to myself, 'Now, that's paradise.'

Below are all the photos taken during the food galore.


(*Oh look at me, I have the thickest lips of them all* Sin Yee happily amuse herself)


(This is my best try!! *Nick tries to open his eyes for his kodak moment*)


(Justin teaches Kah Wai how to make salad popiah)


(95..96..97..98..still going strong..)



(Aww..always looking away from the camera..main star have no clear photo..where can!)


(Ah..got perfect photo d..sorry ar..have to curi from friendster :P)


Wednesday, November 14, 2007

2 Things that are certain in life

There are 2 things that are certain in life. One, Death. Two, Taxes.I got this story from a colleague of mine and I find it very true so I'll share it here with you guys.

A good point to ponder.

"For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible."


From the University of Georgia :
Bar Stool Economics

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all
ten comes to $100.
If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go
something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with
the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. "Since
you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the
cost of your daily beer by $20."
Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so
the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.
But what about the other six men; i.e. the paying customers? How
could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get
his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33.
But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth
man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.

So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each
man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out
the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four
continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the
men began to compare their savings.

"I only got a dollar out of the $20,"declared the sixth man. He
pointed to the tenth man," but he got $10!"
"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a
dollar, too. It's unfair
that he got ten times more than I!"
"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back
when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get
anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine
sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the
bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough
money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors,
is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes
get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack
them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In
fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is
somewhat friendlier.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So in order to be free from taxes, make sure your annual salary does not go above RM30,000.Otherwise you would be entitled to pay taxes to Badawi, else you can still enjoy your tax-less freedom.

"Therefore render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and render to God what is God's."
Luke 20:25

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Being Alone

Recently I had the opportunity..well I wouldn't call it an opportunity but maybe an occasion that I was left by myself, since most of my friends weren't around me for that weekend. Despite of being alone at home and going places alone all by myself, I realised that it was kinda pathetic and it's as if you've got no friend or not worthy to have one."You eat alot of meals alone...trust me,you don't wanna to be that guy" quoted by John Mclane (Die Hard 4)

Hence I thought to myself, it was good having a bunch of friends around you to talk to and hang around.It then sank to me in my heart that it felt terrible to be like that forever!Maybe I should get a companion (mum would be happy) and then my friends can stop calling me 'gay' for that childish reason.Heh.

As I sat back munching on the food on the table in Chopper Board at Queensbay Mall, I began to look around myself and started thinking.My first thought went start into biblical persona's that have faced such loneliness in their lives.I didn't think long when the sudden gush of name ideas came into my mind.There was Joseph, Moses, David, John and Jesus.(I believe there's more but I would stop right there for now)

In each occasions when these characters are alone, God spoke to them.For example, when Moses was alone keeping his flocks, God called him in a burning bush, when John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos, the Son Of Man appeared to him and gave him the book of Revelations, and when Jesus was alone praying in the garden, God spoke to his 3 disciples confirming to them that this is His well beloved Son.

Come to think of it, God really speaks when we are alone because it is then we are most vulnerable.Why do I say vulnerable?Simply because God can speak to you similarly can the Devil speak to you.It is said that 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop' and I find it very true especially if we do not focus our thoughts on God.I usually fall into temptations when I'm alone and no one's able to see what I'm capable of.

However, I'm not talking about sin and temptations but rather how God really speaks to us when we are alone.In moments like this, my mind focused on two characters that really spoke to me, Jesus and John.Jesus always did set apart a time for him to be alone with God and He did this not to alienate himself from his disciples or spend some napping time from his ministry, but He did so to spend quality time with God the Father.He practically enjoyed doing so because He did this quite a number of times throughout the gospels! Sometimes I asked myself, do I really long for God's presence and spend such quality times with Him, just being there with Him.I can say Yes and No, but most of the time, No..sad but true..I chose to do other things than choosing to be with Him.I wonder what if Jesus comes back again at this time, will I enjoy Him eternally?Will I be able to say to myself ,'All I need is You'? And nothing else matters..
Do I echo the words of David in Psalm 23 by saying that the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want?

Secondly, my mind focuses on the apostle John that was exiled to the Isle of Patmos by the Roman Empire.Imagine, being alienated and thrown out from your assembly into an outcast land under the government authority, how would John felt at that moment of time.However, John was still faithful to God even in the absence of his fellow men.He continued to remember the Lord at the Lord's Day (Sunday).He had no intention to skip the Lord's Supper in remembrance of his master and Savior.And lo and behold, who did he met there?The Son of Man himself! The Lord Jesus in His full glory appeared to him and gave him the final revelation for the Church and the world in the isolated island.

At that moment,I stepped back and imagined myself in John's shoes.Would I be able to keep my thoughts on Him when I'm away from my brethren?Is my faith genuine to Him or am I just showing off to my fellow brethren all this while?Would I be glad or afraid if I met Him there?Would I be ashamed of what I'm doing at that moment of time?At most of our times being alone, most likely we would give in to our flesh and lusts.What if we are caught in the air in that moment when we are sinning?I would dig a hole on the ground and bury myself there.

After all these thoughts, I suddenly realized that I should always be on guard of my mind and actions regardless of whether I being alone or not.Let's hope that all of us are good boys and girls not only in front of our family and friends but also alone with ourselves. =)

Monday, November 05, 2007

Remember,Remember the 5th Of November...






"...the gun powder treason on 1605...", quoted by V (V For Vendetta) reminds me of the precious lesson which I've learnt from watching this movie, V For Vendetta last year.Before I watched this film, I thought that it would be a boring talk show that integrates a sort of 'super hero' in it to make it marketable since most of the people don't favor talk shows..most people enjoys mindless action packed movies where the hero/heroine never dies or some mindless comedy that anyone would laugh their lungs out no matter how lame their jokes can be..Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy these kind of movies as well for a no-brainer like myself..haha

However, there are times, I would go for a serious movie where it requires some analytical skills of interpretation of speech and some hidden plots that would make you stand in awe once you discover the meaning of that mystery.You know what I mean.Movies like Matrix, Minority Report, The Bone Collector, The Island, V for Vendetta and others which are able to fuel the mind to wander in admiration of the concept and plots written for such movies.











Ok, back to 5th of November, Ahh..Many significant lessons I've learnt from this movie (V for Vendetta) but the most important lesson I've learnt was standing up for what is right even though you might be standing against all odds. Many people believe in the truth but never stands for the truth.Familiar?When we see something is wrong or injustice seems to prevails in a certain situation, most of the time there won't be anyone standing against it.Everyone just keep quiet and just let it happen even though they know deep down inside their heart that such things shouldn't happen and that justice should prevail.But no one would put their finger to amend such situation or even to voice out any disagreements against such plot.They think that by doing so, it would get themselves into trouble or unnecessary 'mess'.

We tend to think that one day justice will serve its rigthful purpose upon the offender that pollutes it and we think that the law will judge them eventually one fine day.Even though I believe in God and God will eventually punish every law offender in the End Times but I firmly believe that the law which God have entrusted to us, we have to safeguard and uphold it if we firmly believes in it.Let's put ourselves in the victim's shoes, wouldn't you feel that what is right is to be done and everyone around you should concur to support what which is right?Let's face it, taking a stand for something you firmly believes takes guts and truly requires courage to do that.I believe we are lack of 'guts' (I like guts better than courage because it reminds me of chicken guts..food..even though I don't eat them..) and that's why there's so many ah kua's around these days...nah, just kidding..

To solve a problem, we must always look for the root cause of that problem or else we might never solve the problem where it started.In my opinion, I felt that the root cause of this problem might be unnecessary attention drawn towards you.People would care less of whether or not justice is preserved and would only care what happens within his/her sphere of life.These are thought as excess baggages that might even effect their quiet little lives just by lifting their fingers or mouth to help the victim.Let's face it, we have been so self centered until we've become cowards that would stand up for the truth.Another fact would be too concious of what other's might think of us.We think that by standing up for the truth might hurt some other individuals around us thus we chose to stand with the majority.


I've got a forwarded mail from a friend that tells a true story in New York.There's this gentlemen walking to work while he was robbed and stabbed in an open day light in the streets of New York! While this gentlemen gloat and begged for help to sidewalkers, no one seemed to care and everyone was so engrossed with themselves than to realized his neighbour is in trouble.Kids filling their ears with iPods while adults looked elsewhere with their bluetooth cellphone talking away their business of the day.Finally, a street sweeper realized and asked for help to help that poor gentlemen to the hospital.What's wrong with these people?What are they thinking about?It's a man's life we're talking about here and no one seems to cared.

Well, let me speculate what's in their mind: "If I help this man, I might be labeled as his accomplice in his business and I'm afraid that the stabber would hunt after me if I helped him", "I've no time to help this man.I have a meeting in 10 minutes time.", "Let someone else help him but not me,I can't look at blood.","Maybe he deserved it.Maybe he's an adulterer or spy.Who knows?"..You would think that I've exaggerating abit but the essence is there.What I'm trying to convey is that people are not having the courage to stand up for the truth.If everyone were to stand up for what's right, I believe this would be totally another different scenario.You'll be seeing 2 or 3 young people running after that robber, 2 or 3 aiding the victim, and 1 calling 911.That would make the place a more secure place to walk in wouldn't it if everyone took the courage to be involved.


Unfortunately, our old values are clouded and darkened despite of growth of our civilization. Let this day remind all of us to stand up for what is right and true, and even though V is a fictional character in a comic but its lessons are valuable for us all to learn.Bring out the V in us and remember that V is not just a character but an idea.And 'ideas are...bulletproof'. They never dies.