Another First Timer

Having blogged over a long period of time, in very low frequency, I finally got something officially published. Yes, in the newspaper! Local newspaper that is, or more popularly known as The Largest English Daily In Borneo -- The Borneo Post. Yes, the tropical Isle of Borneo, my hometown.

The best part about this is, I get to contribute on something I find beneficial to my soul, that is to charitable causes.

I had the full page 18 of The Sunday Post, 14 November 2010 to myself.

This opportunity wouldn't have come to me if I wasn't given the chance by a fellow club member of a non-profit organisation I belong to. He is also my respectable mentor in the communications club. He is none other than the well-known writer and trainer in the local industry, Mr. Dunstan Chan. Dunstan himself has a column of his own in The Sunday Post called Reflection. Thank you mentor, (despite having butchered my write up into smaller portions to fit the space allocated). This wouldn't have happened if you didn't ask me to write. =]

Yes, written by......?

So, the whole page was about how the operations of NGOs will be affected by the amount of funds they can raise in order to sustain over time. Hence, promoting the importance of an effective fundraising strategy to raise money to enable NGOs to continue fighting for their causes.

How to do that? NGO volunteers must attend the subsidised Fundraising and Communication Workshop to be held in Kuching on 7, 8 & 9 December 2010. Not to be missed!

Well, I guess I've gotten myself into another self first-time-record. I shall be pleased to engrave this on my blog, lest I forget.

Before that, a charitable ponder:

It's not charity if you give away the last bit of rice in your plate and still have a bagful of bread to munch away while watching a Man. Utd. match later in the night. It's only when you share the last bit of rice in your plate with those in hunger and at the same time would having nothing left in the kitchen to eat and no TV to watch for a long period of time that it's deemed charity.

How many of us are willing?

A Brand New Age

Celebrated my Nth Birthday a few days ago. I have nothing much to say about it. It's been really a brand new age to me. I am sick and tired of talking about every single thing suddenly. Vocabulary should just be replaced with more actions. I am talking less as a person. I guess it's a sign of maturity, in a whole new level. Hehe.

I'd like to thank everyone who was a part of my celebration. I really did enjoy your company. Thanks for being there for me.

I'm old.

I couldn't take many pictures. My bloody camera wasn't working long despite I have charged the batteries the whole night before. Well, at least I managed to catch a glimpse of this,

Chilli Crabs, I seriously couldn't have a complete birthday without eating crabs. I just love 'em. So MuCh. Crabs just never let me down.

To The Old Times

It started with just a random drive out to buy some stuffs since I've not been out for quite a number of days - due to my personal time zone difference. I know, uncool.

I went to hit 7-Eleven for the latest issue of my favourite fashion magazine, but this month's issue is already snatched. So I walked to a nearby supermarket, my favourite supermarket, searching for some cereals which I suddenly have the urge to eat. Got the stuffs I wanted after scrutinizing almost evry single brand of cereals. I received a slow reply from "Mr. Proton" my old chat buddy whom I have chatted with for many years but have never met eyeball-to-eyeball. Mr. Proton is now residing in my hometown with his newly-wedded wife, congrats buddy... Somehow it's not really complete to not having met Mr. Proton despite the reachable distance after all this while. We decided to meet up for a cuppa drink to catch up since we are off work. It's funny, how my first experience meeting an online buddy turned up so normal. We talked like how we used to chat. Like I've known him for so many years (which in fact is the case... ). The offensive jokes we used to throw at our "nicknames" online were still valid offline. Reminiscing the other chatters whom we used to chat with was nostalgic in a way as I've never met them. Cool. This goes out to you, buddy.

Did I mention that Mr. Proton has got a really cool job? Not to mention that it's with one of the highest risks involved.

Something I may even consider doing.

All Souls' Day

Just not to keep my dear lonely blog stagnant.

Today's All Soul's Day. Went to the cemetary. Put a stalk of flower on each departed relative's tomb, including my late mom's. Funny, I realised I do resemble her a lot as I grow older as I watched her embedded photo on her gravestone. Rest in peace, Mama and all dearly departed ones.

I Love My Golden Ox.

I said goodbye to 2008, just 29 no, 30 days ago. I thought I didn't need resolutions anymore, thinking they're all too much crap, knowing resolutions aren't just for new year's day, but all days through the year; and I guess I was right not having had any resolutions made. I went very general, I had hopes. That were mild hopes. I was preparing for reinforcement of my hopes, at the right time. I did that on Chinese New Year's Day. The year of the Golden Ox.

I bought stuffs for the Lunar New Year. I went shopping, I decorated my home, I bought cakes, I bought tidbits, and I ended up eating almost all of them. Like I'm surprised. Heh.

I took some shots here; it's not easy to get such beautifully decorated stage for festive seasons back at the shopping malls here.

Then, I welcomed the Golden Ox Year hours after my family's reunion dinner. It was a mixture of peace, serenity, harmony, simplicity, 'amor' and acceptance. I felt it that way, and I liked it. When the clock struck midnight, the dark night was awaken by the explosions of burning crackers. I almost wished I could light up some bombs. Well, I must admit the little mischief still lingers, despite the years of growth, internally and externally.

So no, there were no bombs for me.

The Niu Year was greeted . . .

. . . and well wished.

I went back to kitchen, made some jellies, till approximately 3 a.m and there was supposed to be a family gathering at 10 a.m. Made the jellies, for fun and came up with 2 flavours. As usual, I am most inspirational to come up with things, after midnight. The jellies? There were nice. As a matter of fact, I still have a tray of fruit punch flavoured jelly in the fridge. Would you like some?

We met, wished and we ate. We had the moment we wanted.

And then I cooked a pot of Mee Suah in the afternoon, thinking I could serve any visitors. But it was sucked up to the end of the pot, and gone by the next morning. I had brandy in it. I guess, my 'niu' skill (cooking) isn't so bad afterall. Would you like some Mee Suah? ;)
Mmmm. So 5 days into the 2009 Lunar New Year and I guess celebration hasn't slowed down till the 15th night? I still have some beers and cakes and cookies and tidbits, even Gummi bears and marshmellows from Famous Amos in the containers. I guess I'm just going to eat all these up on my own. If you happen to be my friend and are around somewhere here, well, I won't fire a bomb at your pants. I'll be around till Sunday evening.
I have a 'niu' life going, on Monday. And I bet you do too.

My Sayang NiuNiu will be around till I get back. If you question what she (I guess she's better off as female) does, then it's time to ask yourself, may be you have the answers. May be you need to get yourself a new pet. Not a 'niu', may be something else. Why not try a bloody iguana. It's cold blooded.

P.s --> Oh, my golden Ox, NiuNiu says she's cool about stuffs and accepts everyone (as they are). So should me, and you? Till then, please keep an eye on my little NiuNiu. She can't be left idle. Trust me. On this.

~* Lovely Christmas *~

OoOHH, Christmas updayted! Had a Christmas Eve family collaboration dinner with 7th Aunt and family. We had Western food. The usual Christmas Turkey and roasted Lamb Leg is a must. Due to objection from 7th Aunt, am not allowed to publish the pictures of the dishes we had that night - She's always thinking what she (perfectionist) is serving isn't good enough; which fortunately is untrue -- mm, a trait I must somehow inherited from her too. We had a lovely dinner, and oh, red wine also.

But 7th Aunt didn't stop me from posting up her lovely Christmas tree -- Well, she doesn't know.

Right after dinner that night, we went to Blessed Sacrament Church for Christmas mass. Started at 12:00 am and ended almost at 2:00 am. I supposed the long hours wasn't caused by the long sermon but by many carols being sung. And I didn't bring my camera to church. :)

On Christmas Day, I had a few guests, though did not invite anyone other than a few friends as I would not consider what we had was an 'open house'. By evening, we had dinner at Youngest Uncle's residence where I bumped into a couple of schoolmates - pretty surprising, at a relative's house! I wanted to take picture for the night but I forgot to bring my camera... Sigh.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas a.k.a Boxing Day... We had another family dinner at my cousin's house to celebrate an aunt's 76th Birthday. Was a great dinner indeed, too. So many dishes, so little space in the tummy. Aaahh... And all the calories. But does it really matter? Even without the weight - I'd still look the same. Was really great to see all from overseas who came back, just to reunite with the family on the special occasions. Keeps me reminiscing of the years that flew past before my eyes as I see my nieces and nephews growing up and getting older. It made me realise how I have made it through the years, in one piece, thanks to family, God and trusted ones.

The beautiful Christmas tree that had my gift beneath it, at my cousin's house.

Reminds me of the "May The Light Shine Upon You" phrase.

Mixed - Vegetables. Hmm. I love veggies!

Fried Chicken Wings... I had them for free!

Chicken Satays... Lovely.

Potatoes!

Turkey! (I think)

Woo... You don't mess with Ze... *slurps* Hehe..


This is the Malaysian beans.. I love Chai Tow!


Noodle of Longevity


Spaghetties

With all these food and Drinks....

*GgRrrr*


Stout... PAIL.


Juices

A lovely Birthday Cake....

Cake courtesy of Alda's Cakes... My cousin baked this! Yes HE did!

AND a JoyFuL bunch...


Although it came and it went,




....... Do I have a reason to not feel Blessed ?