2011

Yeah, it's already two weeks into the new year 2011. Pretty late to say, "Hey guys happy new year!"

But....no harm trying

Hoping for new start......from what was not finished last year, resume those that positive and starts what have not commence

Well that's it!

Before I totally get forgotten or too lazy to pick up blogging again....here is my 'Gong Hei Fatt Choi' in this Chap Goh Mei. At least I still make it ;P

Well that's it. Lets get back to work

Hey what to post?

Man, it has been a month I didn't blog. Such a long absence is already taking a toll on my blogger mind. What to post hah?

I guess I loss my momentum. Gotto build it up again.

It was a very busy period last 3 weeks ago. Then last week fall sick.....terrible 3 days.

For now I will try to find back my form.

Just amazing

That says it all, I believe.

Just amazing how God so swiftly works His wonders and grace. In less then one month after Soo Pei resigned and quit her current job to become stay-at-home mom, doors were opened for her to be able to do freelance works at home. She already managed to complete two projects. One of the project already able to compensate her last working salary. Praise God. Again I said it is just amazing. This is what she always wanted to do.........first able to put on the full time mother role and then simultaneously able to make an income. Anyway not easy though. But worth doing it.

It was really not an easy decision to make earlier quiting her job. For one our family finance will be affected. Multiple commitments is on our shoulders.....house, car, kids etc. But the prompting of her heart is enough to convince her to go for it. I must confess her faith is much bigger than mine. I am always too calculative in my move. Think this and that. Hmmmm....

After seeing His wonderful provision, we are looking forward to see more opening from God. At the same time not forgetting to give back to His kingdom as well.

Re-positioning

Today my family starts a new chapter in our life as Pei re-position herself.

As of now her role will change from a working mom to stay-at-home mom (I don't quite like the term of housewife...... sound so mundane and less impact). Housewife gives me the feeling of the wife is taking care the house.....full stop and nothing else. There are much more that meets the eyes. A very powerful position to be as mother who choose to stay-at-home taking care of the childrens (first and foremost) next the career, business and thereafter the house. Not forgetting the husband also la.

She resigned from her current circular office job and worked her last day until 29th May 2009. She has been looking forward for this day for sometime already. She is definitely excited about it. It is role she feels fulfilling about.....especially when you are a mother.

This changes came as we feels we need to do more for our childrens wellbeing. Ivan is already 3 years plus together with Reanne who is growing fast passing her 1st year toddler age. Both are in a critical growing path. A period where sowing, cultivating and grooming need to be set as strong foundation stage for their future success. Not that we want to make them billionaire but more so becoming a successful person with good values and principles in their life.

Well like what they say, mother know best for their children. Frankly I agreed.

Lord, lead us here onwards. Grand Pei the wisdom, the know how and understanding to take this new role as she re-position herself today. Blessed her with joy and strength for the sacrifice she made and reward her with fulfillments as mother would.

Forgot my hanky

Is that true it is a no, no for guys (men) to carry hanky nowadays? The feed back that I got sound that way....seen as old fashioned la.

I think many prefer the convenient tissue paper. But I still prefer handkerchief (what a mouthful word). Unfortunately I forgot to bring mine today. Making me feeling a bit uneasy without it as though something is missing. I used it partly because I sneeze a lot particularly in the morning. Another reason is an old habit caltivated long during my childhood time. During my school day, I always carried a hanky. Unconciously might have become a 'comforter' normally described in children cases. Maybe, just maybe all of us somehow have or owned a 'comforter' in all sort of forms. Do you? I bet you have one or even two!

1st anniversary

It was one year ago that this blog was born in the 'fast and furous' blogsphere. To be exact, it was last 19th April 2008 when the first blog was posted.

Happy anniversary!

Doing my due

Yesterday took leave to settle my Income Tax submission at IRB PGRM, Cheras office. I have already pre-enter and save in my file and Pei's file in the e-filing system. I went to clarify certain issues before I officially send in my e-filing.

There were many PCs made available for people like me to do e-filing there and then. The crowds are building up for a last minutes submission. I finally settle my job there within one hour. This is my 2nd e-filing since last year. Pretty convenient but bear in mind to keep all hard copies of supporting documentations for at least 7 years just in case IRB would ask for clarification

My New Workstation

Two days ago, I got a brand new laptop purchased by the company as my workstation. This HP 6530s is to replace the old IBM Thinkpad which I have been using since Dec 2008.

I have not been using PC since then. One of the reason my superior arranged the laptop for me due to the fact I am involving more to outstation project such as the Cambodia's development.

I have always personally wanted to own a laptop. Well God has a better plan. Thank you Lord.

Unexpected Gifts

Many times, I pray aloud the word 'unexpected gifts' along with our church pastor as he lead the rest of congregation proclaiming the blessing of God during the giving of tithes and offering. At times I wonder how and what is 'unexpected gifts'. Frankly I have not have any for quite some times. I always believe if I wanted something I will work for it.

I guess God wanted to refresh and demonstrate to me His terminology of it.

My family and I am blessed and have the privileged to enjoy a vacation trip to a place that wasn't in our capacity list yet. Few weeks ago just before Chinese New Year period, Pei's boss and also church brother i.e. Philip Ng organized a company trip (3D/2N) at Pangkor Laut Resort and included spouse and children of employee for it. Many thanks to Philip Ng for his generousity to bless his staffs and family.

Really unexpected! The trip is just totally not being thought of or crossed over our mind if we ever decided to go for a vacation. The resort is one of the world well known international resort in Malaysia. It has won many international prestegious awards. So, you would understand now how I able to grasp the new meaning of 'unexpected gifts'.

Thank you Lord for this unexpected gift You have so much blessed my family and I in the beginning of 2009. You totally surprised me. When I less expected You choose to come and drop in Your reminder. I didn't expect it Lord. Hence, I would learn from this reminder......always come expecting great and wonderful things from You. My Jehovah Jireh!

Lefty!

Hey, I only realised Mr. Obama is a lefty too. Wow!!!

I rest my case. Full stop.

History maker

When US newly elected President Barack Obama take the oath of office, I missed the much awaited inauguration ceremony which available live on TV. Too tired after driving 6 hours all the ways from Lumut back to Kajang (traffic was very bad that day in KL)

It is indeed a new chapter of history written not only in US nation but also undoubtedly a history that impacting the rest of the world. Millions of soul around the world watch the process beside the citizen of US.

Indeed change has come! I felt the momentum will be picking up from now on from what Mr. Obama have started.

From the impossible to possible. God has trully demonstrated that nothing is impossible if we preservere. Surely we should not loose hope for our beloved country Malaysia for the wave of change to come.

Leave of absence

Some of you must have been thinking where and why on earth such a long absence. No worry my family and I are very much fine. There were so much going on for the last one week since my last post.

First I went to Cambodia from 14 - 16 Jan for work trip. Then my family and I when to Pangkor Laut Resort from 18 - 20 Jan being Soo Pei's office company trip. Afterwhich very much busy with works at the office to prepare for the long Chinese New Year festival break.

It is sure a lot of travelling for that one week. And being at places from one end to another. Am sure glad to be back blogging. Next few days will be busy again celebrating the incoming Lunar Ox year. That's remind me, I have already reached my 3rd circle of Ox year. You see when I was born 36 years ago, it was Ox year. The Chinese Zodiac repeat every 12 years. Mooooo..........

Full of fun

Today and tomorrow, the Head of Departments and directors from my office is attending a 2 days course on Mind Mapping at IOI Merriott Hotel, Putrajaya.

From the beginning I know the course would be an interesting one since it cover the subject I am interesting in. In fact I have bought a book last year on Mind Mapping by Tony Buzan.....unfortunately have not finish it yet. So, a bonus to me to have a crashed course on the subject matter and reading about it. The course turns out more than what I expected. It's fun!!!

First the instructor/couch (Mr. KC Liew), is a great guy......both funny and easy going. Second, guess what he made all of us learn to juggle. Yes, I mean like the circus clown juggling with 3 balls. He literally gave each of us 3 small balls to do it. Every one is on it even our directors, MD and top managements. And every one is having fun!!!

Nevertheless we did learn a great deal about our brain. And how to train our mind to think, work and function better. I am looking forward for tomorrow on what will install for us.

Is planning costly?

It was already the second day of 2009. Something very important is missing in my fresh start of the new year. I still haven't got a diary planner. Few years back, it was an abundance. You don't need to really ask for it. Your bankers, insurance agents, suppliers, contractors would be sending it to you. Well, things have changed.

Like last year, I bought my own diary. In fact from the same place; Jusco. Costing me RM19 (with discount - after new year ma). I have gotten used to Jusco's diary format. So my first act of planning for this year have just cost me a tiny whinny of monetary value. But it would be more costly if I don't. There were a popular saying that mention, 'If you don't plan, you plan to fail'. Well, consider the first act was an investment for a greater course.

January itself already a busy month itself. Chinese New Year festival which is just 3 weeks to go and will be the main theme of the month. I got my 3rd Cambodia work trip already in the queue. The rest of the priority is yet to be laid down accordingly for example Family, Children, Finance and etc.

So, is planning costly? Think carefully.

Memorable last month

December is always a significant month to all of us particularly since it is the very last month of the year. People have the tendency to reflect, review, reassess...however you name it, to see how that particular whole year was spent/invested/used.

For me this month means a lot more if not marks another significant milestone in my personal life as well as my family. I just recently passed my 35th year old mark and celebrated 6th year anniversary with my wonderful wife Soo Pei. So I guest there are more to reflect upon.

Well what can I say about 2008. Unavoidable there were some ups and downs. Overall things can be better (most of the time it is so) but yet not too bad either. One prominent fact is that my family have grown biologically with the addition of our little angle, Reanne. That will be our added priceless treasure we cherish this year from God besides our big little boy Ivan.

Got few new exposure and experience, not forgetting setback too. Yet, thanks to God for His gracious hands upon our life throughout this 2008.

Lord, we thank you for Your unfailing love, provision and protection for our family this entire year be it spiritually, financially and in health. We thank you for the new things You have started in our life and the old things You are pruning away. Lord, please continue to guide and lead us as we lean on You in this new and challenging year ahead of us. We declare for breakthroughs and victories as we move forth. In Jesus' name. Amen

Christmas?

Honestly this year Christmas was less 'festival' and celebrating to me. Things was pretty hectic along the week not to mention need to travel thousand of miles just few day before Christmas. Not forgetting having been rushing the Cambodia project matters to be ready before flying there for meeting. By the time I was back home on 23rd Dec (after 2 hours of flight delay) it was already quite late about 11pm. The next morning back to office for work again.

I was still being bug by diarrhea on that morning in as such have no mood to work. I decided to take MC but until I finished my Cambodia report. Well, I finally went home that Christmas eve at about 4.30pm just one hour before office hour for my so called half day MC.

That evening, Christmas eve celebration was being held at our church and I was on duty for the video crew. Things didn't turn out that well......not to the satisfactory level. First I was late and cause the other crew members to temporary struggle. Second, I was still rusty when handling one of the video camera. I did not really enjoy that night Christmas celebration. Frustrated again, tired, not satisfied and just wanting to go home and crash on the bed!

Many have blessed us and our children with lovely gifts that night. Unfortunately we did not return any.....since we did not managed to purchase any to share with. We feel quite bad about it. On the other hand, most of all I feel I have not really honor the true meaning of Christmas that night....Jesus, the Gift from God. Lord, I am sorry to have distracted on my so called 'duty' and 'responsibility' that I did not honor Your son Jesus for His birth that which gives me hope and joy to celebrate with daily. Blessed belated Christmas!!!

Double security

My office today have implemented finger imprint security access system for staffs to check-in and access the office main entrance. Previously was only using access card. But today will be both. Finger print for the main entrance while check-in and access card for internal entry to respective departments.

I guess it was a coincidence that The Star reported a latest Unisys Security Index survey found that 63% of respondents would opt for the fingerprint as their choice of identification, and 34% the use of PIN. All this possible due to the heighten effects from the Mumbai's attack. Just one more step to go is the introduction of CCTV surveillance system. Wow, that would by real deterrence.

I was jokingly told my colleague that the office seemingly looks like a lock-up centre.

Rear seat belt dilemma

As reported in The Star, parents with four children are confused as to how they are to seat all their children into the back of the car without being caught for overloading. “We cannot leave a child behind in the house when going out, neither can we afford to buy another vehicle to adjust to the new requirement on rear seat belts,” lamented trader Nordin Ahmad from Bandar Perdana Jasmin. Nordin, 44, drives an Iswara Aeroback and is worried how he, his wife and four children would fit into their car without running the risk of being stopped by a policeman.

Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh has warned that motorists with more than three rear seat passengers could be fined for overloading.

There you go again. Creating new rules with more new problems unsolved. Worst still hanging like the dilemma faced by Nordin's family. To abide the law yet in the other hand broke another. Is there any better solution and/or suggestion rather than just give 'warning'. People just want to have a clear direction on how to go about their daily life. In there a clear and define written procedure together with guideline for people to follow? Don't say something yesterday and another today or who know what tomorrow. That's why Malaysian law maker is just too shortsighted. Hei.........so who will be in the unnecessary stress? Rakyat la :P

Christmas tree...oh christmas tree

If you have not realize by now Christmas Day is just less than a month to go. Right around the corner. Those eager ones must have already set up their family Christmas tress in the living room. Just waiting and counting for the big day to come. And at the same time, gifts will start accumulating around it.

Unfortunately........we have to skip the tree this year, in our house at least. Why? Because of the little kids lo. Imagine this.......two crawling toddles (and can even stand by holding), curious and adventurous. I don't know what would happen to our old faithful Christmas tree then. Definitely would be terrorized by them. Ivan on the other hand have already grown out of it a bit last year. So for safety reason, the Christmas tree will be keep safe and sound from the toddles for now. Maybe next year would be a better time to have it around. Hhhhaaaaaiiiiii......miss the tree.