Too Sexy

Shortly after graduating in early 2003, I got to know Sarah through (I don't remember where and how!), and we corresponded via email about producing indie short films together. We never got down to doing that, so we never met.

Sarah @ Saer Ze, is an indie elektro-pop singer/artiste (Read more about her on her website) who sends out a monthly newsletter to everyone on her mailing list about her music and other stuff. I've been receiving this newsletter since 2003. *Listen to her music here*

Forward to a month ago, I had received yet another newsletter from her. Added her on myspace.com and just popped her a message to ask her what's up etc. and before we knew it, we were talking on MSN about doing a music video for her first single, 'Too Sexy'.



I didn't mind helping on a pro-bono shoot like this, coz we had an interesting singer to shoot, with an interesting story etc. Sounded like a whole ton of fun (it eventually really was!) and I didn't mind helping a hardworking indie artiste. We only really begun work on the video just 2 weeks before the shoot day (last Saturday), and kudos goes to everyone who volunteered to help as art department (Tersh, Jody), as production multitaskers (Diana, Leng, Yasmeen), as talents (everyone inclusive of my Jo and her sister Jocelyn), Sarah herself and even last minute help from people like Aaron and Michelle.



Really thankful for all the help from friends like Jon and Yu Ming, for helping out with equipment and post-production. Just got the footage all digitized 2 days ago and begun cutting an offline yesterday. I must say that I'm as excited as everyone in seeing the final outcome!! It's only begun and it already looks promising and funny! I look forward to the final product with great anticipation and minimal (hopefully) expectations ;) Check this space for more updates, and if I do not update here, feel free to ask me about it hehehe.

The Return

Yesterday evening (after I hounded the Canon website on Sunday night, and the operators at the service centre in the morning), I finally received a phone call from the Canon technician, asking me to collect my camera today. I am just ecstatic at finally having my camera back! =) I missed it so much and at certain moments in the past 2 weeks, it was certainly agonising not having it. Good thing I was kept quite busy =P But still.. *grumbles* Cost me RM125 to replace the LCD that was faulty. Apparently no service charge, only paid for the new part. Yeah right, sure..

Not having the camera for 2 weeks made me think a little in certain perspectives. I just remembered how as a Christ follower, I am blessed with something called GRACE. I certainly appreciate my camera even more now (not that I didn't before =P), holding it, taking photos with it, having it in my pouch again, and looking through a working LCD again; all has a fresh new view and meaning to it. When we are deprived of something for a while, when finally we are gifted that something again, that feeling...

I also want to quickly put up some of my favourite scenery type photos from my trip to Australia a few months back, just as I promised but never got down to doing it =) They're not fantastic photos, unlike some I've seen people putting up online; but I hope everyone enjoys them!

Camera-less

=(

For the first time since I got my Canon Powershot G5 in 2003, I'm going to be without it; for 2 weeks at least! And fittingly, for the first time (in a long while) since I learnt how to post blog entries with the usage of photographs; I'm going to post without any photograph.

Last Friday night, to my disappointment; I discovered that the LCD on my camera was not functioning. I don't know what's wrong with it but the camera has served me very well up till now, without many hitches. I hope it's alright ='(

Sent it to the Canon service centre in Saujana, Subang/Shah Alam; and met an old man who was sending his Canon Powershot G3 in with the same problem. A technical fault Canon should look into perhaps?

I hope it will not cost me a lot to get my camera fixed, and more importantly, I hope I get my camera back soon!

Children of Christ

Yes we are...

United with purpose

We may have lots of friends, but as the cliche goes; good friends are hard to come by, let alone true friends. In the time I've been blessed on this earth, God has put me among many many friends throughout. I've met and made many good friends in my time, but as time passes, sometimes things change. People change, our surroundings change, the things we want, need and desire change...

I have a few sets of really good friends today, friends I see and hang out with often, friends I consider myself close to and try my best to see as often as I can, and even Jo's friends are my friends today. God really has blessed me in this regard and I am thankful for all the friends I know.


Recently, I found myself befriending Aaron, Kevin and Jess. It's been such a priviledge to be friends with people who share the same faith and have a united drive and purpose in life. I'm happy that we can share our lives with each other, affirm and encourage each other. The best part is, my best friends happen to be friends with them too =) What a small world indeed...

Kevin's currently in Croatia for a month on a training stint, and Jess is in Banda Aceh representing World Vision Malaysia for 3 months on a working trip. I pray that they'll be safe and our good Lord keeps them and protects them always...

Adoration

Some time earlier in the year, when I wrote an entry about Sivin being the doting father with Gareth; they were expecting baby Elysia anytime then.


Forward many months ahead, and little Elysia has been part of our lives for some time already. She's absolutely adorable and I somehow have a soft spot for the little one. Sometimes, we think it's because I went to see her at the hospital when she was born; but we also think it's 'cause she's probably a baby girl. Sivin once said somewhere that baby girls are special. I gotta agree with that, although girls will say that baby boys are special. I guess we are all special =)

Surface highlights

I know the pictures aren't great, and they do look bland because I didn't treat them on photoshop but I've uploaded them to point out just how beautiful photographs look especially in the sunny mornings, and especially when there is natural sunlight.

On my last Thursday or Friday in Melbourne, I took a morning walk in the chilly climate, to Brunswick Street from the city. Brunswick Street is on the fringe of the city and I had to walk through Carlton Gardens, my favourite gardens in the city. It was such a 'lousy', cloud and gloomy morning; and none of the photographs I took could look nice. There's nothing better than a photograph with blue skies and nice morning sunlight hitting right on the object you're pointing that camera at =) So I had to settle for the first photo of that tree on my way to Brunswick Street.

After a few hours at Brunswick Street, I headed back to the city on foot and passed by the garden again with the bright afternoon sunshine above my head and fairly clear blue skies. I thought I'd have a go with the photo of the tree again and true enough, I had a much better picture than the first one I took =)

The Good News

Something really powerful happened last night. In the wake of yet another natural disaster, my other half felt a strong call by our Maker, to wake up from a slumber. I say 'a slumber' as a referral to a phase. She was quick to share it with me, as with everything else. Although our little discussion didn't go quite as we'd have liked, it however did rub off on me and I spent my time from then till now; still in prayer, reflection and thought.

After getting her permission, I decided I would share with you, what I feel is a very simple YET powerful email, by her to her closest friends:

I just realised that if I knew of a free gift, or a discount or a sale, I'd share it with you guys. When I found love, I yelled to tell you guys...and it's the same for all of you. But when it comes to God and religion, we all don't say much. We never did; to save our friendships.

At the rate natural disasters are happening all over the world, it wouldn't be extreme to say that maybe we're closer than ever to the end.

This email isn't to debate or to start an argument, but I just want to share with you how God has worked in my life, how He has answered every prayer, and how He has guided my entire life. I am the person I am because of His blessings, my entire family is. From the time my sister was born as a miracle, to the times I had no money in Perth and just like that He sent money through friends, and gave me not one job but countless opportunities, how He protected me from being hurt in the car accident.

There are countless testimonies to share with all of you, but for fear of embarassing myself or losing your friendship, I kept quiet.

I find peace in Him, and I found myself in Him, and the whole world is put into perspective because of His greatness. God is really real, but too often we allow science and technology to cloud us.

I'm afraid of what you may think of me for sending this out, but I'm more afraid of not saying anything when I have the chance to.

At the 'Prayer Breakfast' this morning at church, I felt a very strong urge to open up and pray.

"Lord, I call out to you Father, as I feel a strong sense to remember and pray for, all who have suffered the natural disasters that have befallen our world this year. From the Tsunami, to the Hurricanes, the typhoon and now, the earthquake again. Father, we ask for your presence and protection be upon all victims of these disasters O'Lord. Lord, your hand of healing be upon the broken and suffering. Father, we pray that provisions in the form of medicine, food and shelter are flowing in to the ones in need and we also pray for those who are there, although not affected as victims, but are there to help; that Father, you provide them with the strength and equip them with what they need, to be of help there.

Father, they say that the end times are near. End times or not Father, I just feel this strong feeling in me to pray for everyone of us to remember just what we've been put here for. I pray we remember why we were saved by You in the first place, why You have chosen us in the first place; even before we chose You. Father, thank You for challenging me, for challenging all of us; to remember our roles as Christ followers in this world. Lord, often we get caught up in our own little worlds, that we even forget to be walking testimonies to our closest friends. Lord, forgive us. Father, we just want to pray that you will fill us with Your Spirit and drive us toward being worthy testimonies to the lives we are put among every single day. Let us not wait till end times to make a difference. Help us Father, to make a difference every single day. Lord Jesus, as Your Father has sent You, You have sent us... Thank You Father, we pray You continue to be with us. Lord, help us as we cannot do this without you...

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

Friends, and to whoever who reads this blog; this is not a 'preachy' blog entry. It's just the truth, and how my life has changed from before till today. And I want so much to share this truth with anyone. I ain't perfect as I've stated before many times, but I am trying to make my life fit the one that God has paved for me; and NOT make God accomodate me. And even IF I was being preachy, well, it's my blog and I can do whatever I want! Hehe..just kidding.

I know there will be many eyes rolling, or people might shy away and walk away from these things or people such as myself now that I'm a Christ follower; or some might say that "all religions lead to one God", or some might say that they don't believe in God, or don't know how to believe in God, or some might need some sort of scientific proof or might need something tangibly miraculous to happen before they can grasp that God is real...

There are just so many theories, so many questions, so many assumptions, so many views, debates, arguments and choices. That's just life isn't it?

I've been a Christian for almost 3 and half years now, and countless friends, from all over, have said to me just how much I've changed from before. Yes friends, I truly have. I'm still me in many regards, but also an improved version I would like to think. I'm not the finished article though. I don't think I ever will be till I die, but I'd like to be close to that. That finished article would be as Christ-like as possible. I'd like to think of myself as a Modified: Type-God version of my old self. Why not?

Many times I've slipped it in conversations, in the things I do, or talk about, or the way I behave. I try not to be too up-front for the fear of being treated by my friends the same way I treated certain Christians in the past, before my salvation. But the Good News of God, the Gospel; is too good to not be shared to others.

With this entry, I'm not going to be able to put everything into it. But, what I can do is make a start and make a stand; to share how God has saved my life, how He's blessed me, guided me, moulded me; and how He can do the same for you. I too am afraid of offending, or losing anyone because of what I'm sharing; BUT, I fear more what might happen if I do NOT do anything with what our Maker has blessed me with and share it with you, whether the end time comes or not.

I have lots of stories and testimonies to share, as I had cartoon stories, ghost stories or stupid stories, growing up. But these are stories of my life and lives that have touched me and helped me connect with God better, that I wish to share. I never thought of my life being a powerful tool, catalyst and testimony to other lives; even though it's clearly stated in the Bible and there are so many reminders ranging from books to preachers. But today, today I've realised through another person, just how powerful my testimony is and can be.

God IS real and He is good, all the time. I had all sorts of logical theories before too. I was just like many people who are not Christ followers. So on a lighter note, you could say that I was from the dark side, and now that I'm on the light side, I've seen both worlds. My experiences are from both ends, and I chose to place my trust and faith in a God I haven't tangibly met in person, or have I? ;) God is real. And I must say to my friends, as I've heard more than one speaker say, "I promise you that when you come to Church (God's people coming together, not the building called Church ok!), there will be something for you. That's a sure promise. What is that something, or some things, that's up to God to decide. But that is by no means an empty promise. I assure you my friends, if you come to the place where we meet God, you WILL find something for you."

So my friends...whoever you are, wherever you are, however you are...I hope by saying something today, it gives us more to say and share, the next time we do meet; whether in cyberspace, on the telephone, or in person. Don't worry, we don't have to go to my church, or meet my pastor (who's a terrific guy and friend btw!) or listen to whatever Gospel music. It's not different from talking to me or meeting me as we've always met. I come as I am, no strings attached.

God bless you and keep you =) Shalom.

Unparalelled

For a couple of months or so now, I've procrastinated in putting this entry up. Before their wedding, and before she came over to Malaysia to be with him, I used to send Takeshi to the Central Market bus stop or to Bangsar LRT station after church on Sundays; so that he could take his bus back to Seremban, where he studies at STM.

Today, I had the privilege of sending them both again after lunch. One thing that I've noticed about both of them from the start, is just how polite they are. Talk about discipline and manners; they are at it's ideal. I've never seen anyone bow as much as Takeshi! He must bow at least 5 times just saying hello to a person =)

Oh, back to sending them off.. I notice their gratitude whenever I send them to the station. I felt awkward a couple of times, because the way they thank a person, makes you feel unworthy of such gratitude! I get goose bumps just having my heart warmed by the fact that they actually stand waving at the sidewalk, from the time you drop them, all the way till you are out of sight! It gives me a very warm feeling everytime I drive away, looking at my rear view mirror and waving back at them. You can rest assured they'd be standing there waving goodbye. They wouldn't just walk away right after being dropped off. How often do you see that with close friends even sometimes?

It's probably not a big deal to many, but it's a nice thing to experience and to see. Here's to a sweet, polite, soft-spoken yet fun-loving couple, Takeshi and his Korean wife Vicky! Oh btw, she's Korean and he's Japanese and yet they have made their loving marriage a reality, definately a testament of their personalities to have made it work, against odds.

Smiling under the dim light

They say rain in Melbourne, is what we call a baby drizzle back home here in Kuala Lumpur. After experiencing some 'rain' on a few occassions in Melbourne, I couldn't agree more =) But on my last night of my cut-short holiday, it was actually pouring, like back here in KL. The forecast for that day had been rainy, but it was actually quite a beautiful and windy day; until late evening, when it begun to pour. What a sendoff! An early 'Welcome Home to KL' huh?

And then it came...the day, 3 weeks in advance, that I was going home. Would home be the 'same' as when I left it? I was more than happy to answer God's calling to return, and anxious to meet the ones I love back home. But I'm human too, and of course there was also a little part of me that wished I could have stayed longer at a place that I really enjoyed being at, a holiday that I wanted to stay on longer, and me wishing that MY holiday could be the way I wanted. However, God called; and He also reminded me that there were far greater reasons to be home, and I trusted that He had His reasons and plans. So MY wants didn't matter, compared to what He had in store for me. I knew that I was needed at home too, and I really wanted to be here to fulfill whatever needs were required of me. I'd have it no other way.

I experienced, for the first time, a bit of difficulty re-adjusting back to the heat and humidity of being so near the equator. I must be getting old! I also expected the stress level from the hustle and bustle of KL life to gradually mount but by God's grace, I've been able to stay practically calm and laidback, as I was in Melbourne, since I came home. God really is great. If He can reel you into a position that He plans for you to be, you can rest assured that He will provide you with whatever you need to go through whatever He sets you up to do.



For 2 and a half weeks that I've been back, things have begun to fall into place even better than ever before. This holiday that I had, although shorter than expected; provided me with everything I had set out to get out from, before I left home. Since I've been home, I've felt God's presence very strongly in my life - around me, in my heart, in the changes I've been able to make, in the people that I meet, in the things that I do or do not do, and in the way I think too.

I'm not perfect. Heck, I'm not even close to being half-changed. But every day is a different experience and adventure for me. I'm trying to implement that aspect in my life as I experienced in Australia. A change of scenery, climate and life was good for the soul. Seeing different kinds of annoying people at a different hectic city was a nice for a change. Alright, Melbourne city isn't quite as hectic as KL of course. People in Australia are also way more laid back than Malaysians, but; the city isn't ghost town at nightfall (which occurs early in winter, 5pm onwards!) either. There were sirens all day - the cops, the firemen or the ambulance. That's city life for you. Anyway, back to me not being perfect... Yeah, you can't expect to change 20+ years of being the old me, overnight right? Change is constant. I believe I've at least begun a journey, and although there are times I could have faltered and I have struggled; I still am on this hike path.

All in all, God's been a constant. Sure, there are times when I am not at my faithful best. I make mistakes, I fail to resist temptations, I have things to change that some, more charasmatic Christians might crucify me for; but hey, it's not about being the 'perfect Christian' but being a Christian who realises he isn't there but will hunger for Christ. Of course, I don't use this as my lame excuse every time I do something not so holy, but in a nutshell, that's how it really is - admitting that we are broken only highlights that we humble ourselves enough to open our hearts to welcome our Maker.

I thank my Creator, I really do. Today, it really does feel that after my trip, I begin to see glimpses of how things can and should be. The best part is, with my change, and with me putting effort to do certain things differently and to be more selfless with every passing day; I begin to also influence some change in not just my life, but others as well. And to think that, for some bit parts, the human side of me was about to lament more than celebrate God's will. I can't help but sit here, under my dim table light, smiling gratefully. God sure has His plans for me. I've trusted for 3 years now, I see no reason to stop trusting now...

Fireset

This beautiful sunset was worth freezing my behind for; for over an hour at St. Kilda beach, at the end of an extremely beautiful day. As the sun set, the clouds began to form like flames to a fire. I took a tram (one of only 3 times during my 3 week stay in Melbourne) to Port Melbourne, which is just as beautiful; and walked for approx 5km or more to St. Kilda. I had a field day snapping photos all day long!

I think I'll try and put up the best pictures I took in Melbourne, up on the blog, one by one or in small batches. We'll see, according to what I'm writing about.

Selflessness

I've been back for almost 2 weeks now. My trip Down Under was truly a blessing, and although I cut my stay short by half, I still made the most of my time there in Melbourne and I had quite a blast. I've been asked for my thoughts, and photographs; but quite frankly, I've been too lazy to blog =)

I was asked if I hadn't been inspired during my holiday. Are you kidding me? Every day was a new adventure, every day was inspiration-filled. I walked almost everywhere I went, and I spent at least 10-12 hours out every day. So, by the time I'm home at night, I'm tired physically and also mentally.

I will eventually write about my trip. But I doubt I'll be able to oblige and put up the best pictures I took there. There are over a thousand to sift through I think, and too many to pick from and to edit before uploading them on the internet. Phew..the thought of that itself tires me out!

For now, I will say this, just as I've said it to every single person who has asked me - I'm back early because God called me home. During my time there, I heard God call me to learn and implement one thing new in my life; and it's the same thing that brought me home early, and that thing is - selflessness. Nothing out of this world or surreal about hearing my call.

God is real. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but God makes it easy and worthwhile. It's been good since I got home. I can sense and feel God's presence in everything that I do, everywhere that I am, everyone that I meet etc. God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good.

I am alive!

It’s been quite a while now hasn’t it? =) I can’t even remember the last time I blogged, unless I check the blog itself. The past month has been bittersweet. Bittersweet. I like that word, and in the past month, that word has further solidified its meaning in my life. Life is bittersweet. That’s because we’ll go through all sort of obstacles and challenges, all sorts of things that will hinder us from being happy, things that will trouble us BUT despite it all, we will persevere especially if it is regarding things we care about and at the end, when all is said and done; it will be well worth it. Now, that’s bittersweet.

This past month has been craaaaaaazzzzzyyyy. Well, it’s been busy, but all thanks to God, as He provided, but always guided and accompanied. Finished up 2 big jobs – a TV Commercial and a corporate training video (the first 2 of many more hopefully, projects that me and Eugene begin working on in our careers), tied up all the work related loose ends, settled whatever necessary payments, both work and non-work related and many other things leading up to my trip to Australia. I’ve planned this trip for over 2 months now. It’s seemed so long ago and there were many times since, that I might have contemplated not to do it already. However, this trip will do me much good. I mean, there were many things that were not going good in the past month, but God came through to cut in and say, “look, see things from a different perspective, and trust that I’ll make it ok”. You gotta love God and how He works, eh? =)

I sure as heck will miss Jo, my family, friends and home. I’m only going for 4-6 weeks, but in this time, many things will change I believe. Many things have to. This trip is so important to me because I need to take a break. This break will also help me focus on certain things and improve on them. This break will also help me to re-focus on certain things. My sights need broadening again too. The foreign environment will help, although I’ve been to Australia before. But I enjoy Australia a lot, and I have good memories of being there. It’s winter now, and I enjoy the cold.

God’s been good, as usual, all the time. I thank Him for provision, for blessing, for every single thing. I cannot see my life working without Him, and I sure realize that my purpose in this life is determined by Him, not me.

I’m also thankful for the wonderful BLC 5th anniversary celebrations tonight that made me realize how blessed I am to be part of a family of church friends that have taken me in 3 years ago and I’ve grown with them. It was a beautiful celebration with so many friends and guests. I felt thankful as a host tonight. I felt thankful that I’m only leaving after the celebration. I am thankful for my loved ones and friends who came. I am thankful for meeting good friends like Soo-Inn again; who thought something might have happened to me since I hadn’t blogged in a long while! It was good seeing him again. There is so much to learn from more experienced people and I believe God put them in my life for a reason. I may be going to Australia, but I know I have many things to look forward to when I do get back to Malaysia, and one of them is to catch up with people like Soo Inn.

I’ll be back soon enough; no one will even notice that I’m gone. I trust that this trip will be a fruitful one, and that I’ll come back the same as I did when I last visited Australia 3 years ago – that I’ll be hungrier, rejuvenated, more driven and ready to take on more of life.

Dark Knight

I'd been debating with my friend Anna for days since Revenge of the Sith was released, that Batman would be no match in a one on one battle with a Jedi. She's a huge Batman fan. I'm not a die hard Batman fan, though I like the dude. Although I didn't get into a mosh pit or elbow anyone in line to watch the movie, I was pretty psyched to go watch it with a bunch of guys today.

DB's been having a rough couple of weeks due to his back op, so Pastor Sivin wanted to take him to watch the movie, as he really wanted to. Since me and the boys wanted to as well, I thought "what the heck", let us all men and boys go watch it together! DB, Pastor Sivin, Eric, Bubba, Benny and myself enjoyed a great afternoon of movie fun, watching the origins of the Dark Knight himself. Good movie, very nicely done and Liam Neeson is such a good actor for mentor/teacher roles, whether good or evil. Excellent actor. Great on screen persona and charisma.

I don't write movie reviews here on my blog. But...I got myself a nice link with biblical references from Sivin right here :)

I still think a Jedi would take Batman down though ;)

Past Midlife

It's my birthday today, and I'm 26 officially. Hooray. Yeah. But I'm feeling a little sad and, I don't know, I'm just not all jumpy and excited, and it has nothing to do with being 26. But I also do not get shit feelings during birthdays that some people do. Oh well...

I sometimes wish I could stay 18 or 21. I never could believe I would be where I am today. But in saying that, I just want to embrace life to the fullest as it comes right at me. I'm 26, and although it feels old, I'm not going to sulk. Heck, I might be 36 before I know it if I waste time sulking.

I'm sure and I hope there'll be nicer things to put up about my birthday by tomorrow...



Earlier in the evening, on my way to church for dinner with Pastor Sivin and worship practice, a bus was on fire by the roadside along Old Klang Road. I believe the fire had just occurred shortly before I passed through the area. The traffic was beginning to pile up, as the smoke got thicker and higher, and as the fire became more fierce. The firefighters got to the scene within minutes as I approached. There was even a mild sound of explosion. I was just concerned if everyone got out of the bus safely before the fire consumed the bus. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. I just pray that everyone got out safely and I thank God for firefighters and the jobs they do.



Looking forward to today. I hope it's a nice day...

Lil Monsters

Adorable aren't they? The sight of children sleeping remains one of the more beautiful sights in the world. Well, till they get up that is!

These 2 beautiful children sure are adorable when they are fast asleep or when they are laughing and gurgling (love that sound =)), but they sure are hyper and disobedient.

I was down in Singapore for 3 days with James for the Broadcast Asia expo, as well as taking time off to look out for a few things and meet up with a couple of friends. We took a 3.30pm bus back on Thursday and I found myself seated on a single seater, next to the father and these 2 children; separated by the walking aisle on the bus.

The kids were super-hyper, especially the boy! The girl, 'meimei' was actually far better in her demeanour and personality but you could tell that her activeness was influenced strongly by her hyper-active little brother. They climbed on the seats non-stop, meddled with things constantly, would not stop yapping away, asking questions (mostly redundant and annoying ones), screaming, jumping and pestering.

The father, for some parts, must have been the most tolerant person in the world. For only SOME PARTS. He hit them most of the time, well...every 2 minutes at least! That's how naughty they were! He's smack them every time they stood up on the seat, every time they tugged at the curtain, every time they fought and every time they pestered. He didn't only smack them on the butt, or the thigh. I even saw him smack them in the face! Safe to say, the kids, although sometimes responsive to the beatings, were mostly immune to the punishments. That's only expected when a parent over-hits the children.

The boy was at times just too much to handle. He must have annoyed the rest of the bus with his barrage of questions. He had like a set of 10-15 questions, which he repeatedly asked in a random cycle!

Some parts of their conversations were just downright HILARIOUS, but some of the things that came out of their father's mouth is just totally wrong for a father to say to a child. I can understand the frustrations of handling 2 monsters without your wife, but the choice of language is still a key learning point that the children will pick up from their parents.

Let me try to share some of the conversations they had:

Son: Daddy, are we going to 'ku ma' (aunty)'s house?

Dad: Yes.

Son: Daddy, I want to go 'ku ma's house to sleep. Can I go to 'ku ma''s house to sleep? Can I? Can I?

Dad: Ok...sit down.

During this time, the son would proceed to pester more and start climbing up and down the seat. His sister, who takes after him, begins to fidget also. The father smacks the boy.

Dad: I said SIT DOWN!

Daughter: Daddy, I want to drink water.

Son: No! No you cannot drink! It's mine!

The kids then fight over the stupid mineral water bottle. Father smacks them both.

Dad: SIT DOWN!

Son: Daddy, are we going to 'ku ma''s house? Are we there yet?

The father is visibly annoyed with his gazillion questions.

Dad: Just shut up. Sit down and shut up. Aren't you sleepy yet?

Daughter: Daddy...(she asks a bunch of questions)

Son: Daddy...(he also asks a bunch of questions)

They both continue to pester and climb up and down.

Dad: Can you all SHUT UP?! I said SHUT THE HELL UP!

He smacks them really hard and they cry for...urm...20 seconds? =S They begin to ask questions and pester again soon after.

Dad: I told you to SHUT THE HELL UP! Why can't you listen to me??

We're at a petrol stop and the dad walks down for something.

Son: Daddy, where are you going?

Dad: (believe it or not) Hell.

Me and James refrain from laughing.

Son: Daddy, where are you going? Are we at 'ku ma''s house yet?


Well, that is a summary and a paraphrased version of the amount of torture the children put on their father. It was pretty much that way till we alighted from the bus at Pudu Bus Station. Safe to say, we were not short of entertainment on the 5 and a half hour journey home.

Wobbly