Turning Mid-Late 20s

Went for a jazz session at Alexis with the old DU Leo’s – Jeng & Kai Lyn, Chiang, Annette and Mei Peng on Saturday. Was fun. Think I haven’t been out this late for a long time. Have to admit I got pretty sleepy by 11pm. Think it’s the age. But was just good to hang out.

Yesterday, Debbie help gathered a group of friends from Sangati and Crew to celebrate my birthday. It is also sort of a thanks giving dinner for the fact that I live to celebrate it. We had steam-boat and messed up Kelvin and Steph’s home. Thank you so much all! I feel very loved. ;-p

I’ve been very blessed to have my family and so many friends around me to support and pray for me for the past month. Can’t imagine going through all these without you all. Today, Nicole took me for a Korean dinner. Had a good chat about jobs and careers. Since she is currently working for a pharmaceutical company, she blessed me with some scar-removing-patches, whatever you call that! ;-D

Whose Dream?

August Rally production is our yearly event where there will be a stage presentation done on the 1st weekend of August. This year it was 1st-3rd August 2008. Whose Dream is a drama, simple but relevant to many. It is unbelievable that there are still people alive today who thinks that the only good occupations out there are doctor, lawyer and accountant. I thought the drama could at least put a little light bulb on such.

After going through so many rehearsals, as the crew, we can pretty much repeat the actor’s line. It was weird when people laugh during the production as we were kind of immune to the jokes.

I thank God that I am well enough to be part of this.

The Pantai Experience

1st July 2008

When I was wheeled into the operating theatre, there was just peace in my heart. I thought that was pretty amazing, I mean I have never been operated on before and the fact that I don't know what on earth they are going to remove, so... it was weird that I was just so calm. Surely that was the peace of God. ;-D

I didn't feel a thing during the procedure. It was just like only a minute ago they pengsan me with the "oxygen" before I woke up...no dreams or nightmare.

The doctor and my mum (who went for a similar surgery 15 years ago) did inform me that I will experience sore throat and pain when drinking and eating. But thank God, I didn't experience any of that. Hehe. Because God is watching over me!

I’m so blessed to have so many many people prayed for me. Really appreciate all your prayers, gifts, flowers, balloons, and wishes.

Praise God that the growth is benign. The surgeon only removed half of the thyroid.
Therefore I do not need to be on pills at all... I’m recovering really fast too!

God healed me.
;-D

Am I ready?

My surgeon did say that I can be admitted today before the surgery tomorrow. But I thought I better go work and complete whatever is pending and hand over everything else in hand. It’s all so sudden. Don’t want others to pick up my mess.

Some cell members and crew drop by to visit me and pray for me. Got a Patrick from Samantha…hehe, thanks for coming all the way from your house! ;-p

Sunflower

Debbie helped gather a few friends from sangati to pray for me and Connor. We had communion at Kelvin’s. Claimed God's promises, healing and trust that He will see us through.

A reminder from the Lord

The surgeon

It is interesting that I'm back to the hospital that I was borned. Quite sure it was pretty different then.

Aren't doctors and surgeons supposed to be really busy with tight schedule everyday for the next month or something? Dr. Lee didn't say much but he scheduled me for surgery next Tuesday! I panicked a bit because the nurse was asking me to do all the hospital admission stuff. Shouldn't I think more. I thought I'll just do what they say and if I change my mind, I'll just don't appear on Tuesday!

Test results

I have previously seen a doctor from another hospital regarding my enlarged thyroid. He said to go for surgery. Well, as a very normal person, I think it is important to get a second opinion.

I had Debbie accompany me since Mum was still in China. Dato’ Dr. Khalid (Janet’s colleague from Sunway previously) is a very caring doctor. I’m not sure how many doctors are willing to give away their mobile number. ;-D He had a very very concerned face and he was silent pretty long before he spoke. Maybe he can't remember my case.. Haha, it has been 2 weeks. He probably thought I was going to cry. Yup, the test (from the last visit where he suddenly decided to poke a needle through my neck) showed that there is a suspicion of “bad” cells. He told me that if money was an issue, he could recommend me to a gov hospital. Only problem is it is going to take very long before I could get it done. If I was his sister, he would advice me to get it done ASAP. He explained what needs to be done. He gave me the contact of a surgeon.

I couldn’t go back to work…need to think. I was still calm, but maybe my mind was wondering stuff…wondering…wondering…went to watch Kung Fu Panda.

Appointment with surgeon the next day.

Livewire’s Charge Up! Conference 2008

24th-27th April 2008

This year, the conference is kinda different for me. I was a helper instead of a delegate like previous years. The conference was held at Life College. What is different compared to last year was, the church that used to meet at the college has moved…therefore, so did the instrument and sound system!!! My responsibility was to arrange for the sound system for the conference… how do you actually do such thing…? Favour from God lah. Thank God we had EC. He managed to secure the system and practically put the whole thing together. We did have some extra hands. Honestly if we didn’t get the unit from EC, I don’t know where on earth to find someone willing to loan us their equipment for a few days. Thank God also that we managed to get Alvin and Evie to loan their drums and keyboard. *whew*

Paul & Emily

2nd March 2008

This couple’s wedding is different and most definitely cool. Emily was dressed in a beautiful exotic Indian dress and accessories. Her sister and mum also came in sarees! The bride and groom, together with their bridesmaid and bestman lead their friends and family in worship at their wedding ceremony! Hehe. I get to do sound for their wedding too! ;-p

See how happy dew crew are!
They had their wedding dinner at the Sunway Club…poolside party with a live band. It rained like cats and dogs but nothing dampens their spirit. They were as joyful as ever. Amazing couple! The rain did stop after a while and we had clear sky and the opportunity to also watch Paul play bass with his band.

Dew Crew Appreciation 2007

30th December 2008...almost the last day of the year!

Suddenly dew crew is huge…?! We finally have the 1st get-together with the AV crew from Children church and Chinese church. It was a fun nite…theme was 80’s, it was pretty interesting what some of the crew could come up with. We booked the whole place - Isthmus, North Point to ourselves….how fun. Yup, as usual, we were loud, noisy and had great laugh together. I especially like Cindy mimicking Karen during the charades.…You da girl!

This is Karen

Charmaine & Irwin

Double celebration. KK 14th Dec 2007 & KL 21st Dec 2007

Bridesmaid. 1st time.

I have never walked down the aisle of a church that slow in my entire life. I am just a fast walker. A whole lot of us flew to KK just for wedding. Jee Ing and I went 2 days earlier. Charmaine put us, her youth and YA cell members all at the Colonnade Apartments. I had my 1st manicure. A few of us went with Charmaine when she did hers. Haha…

Shangri-La, KK

Charmaine's dresses were all tailored made. Cool huh? I had a hard time finding dinner dresses since I was attending both dinners. Thank God I found SA creation. They have my kind of taste there. Go check it out in Sungai Wang!

Holiday Villa, Subang

Charmaine’s bridal shower/bachelorette night

Charmaine was reminding me about her bridal shower/bachelorette night 3 months before her wedding. Since I am her bridesmaid, she reminded me that it was my duty to organize for her. Tsk tsk tsk… asking for it. Since she was so anticipating it, I had to surprise her.

How to catch her off guard? Today, Joanne had to con-vince her to church. The girls gathered and officially hi-jack her at Dream Café. We blind folded her and brought her to my house. We blessed her with gifts and prayer and we had some games. We dressed her up, put a veil and some “make up” on and make her wear a custom designed t-shirt. After that, we blind folded her again and brought her to TGIF, Curve. Haha, she freaked out when she got off the car and suspect she was somewhere public. We made her complete a list of task…from singing to a stranger, asking for phone numbers and getting someone to buy her a drink, more specifically, milk (she got that easy…she found someone she knew!!! Cheating!).

It was an unforgettable evening!

Dew & MWM Go-Kart

The crew had a great time go-karting at retreat. We mentioned me must do it again before the year is over. So, today we invited MWM as well... okay, only Anson came but he will represent the whole lot. Even though there wasn’t that many of us, but it was fun. At Shah Alam, the karts are in better condition than the ones in PD. Had some professional practicing at the track as well….haha, we got lapped by kids! Oh, and we had to wear shower caps again.

It was a great way to relax after the whole hectic month of serving in Dream Centre. We have to do this again!

DSP to DC & Philips

It is DUMC’s great move. So what better to do than help out there since I’m so unemployed (pre-employed). I guess God made lots of things very timely…well, I sort of plan a bit lah, but He made it happen.

After all the thinking and rethinking and finally having my mum’s approval and peace from God, this is it. Spent many weeks running around with Fui Ping – who happened to be on a break from work. It was a good way of just seeing and understanding how things are done…which is an eye-opener. Of course I was also job hunting a the same time…

The call came… they want an interview… it’s Philips. And it is located on the 9th floor of my ex-company….how weird…

I got the job! Starts 1st October. Exactly when $$$ is running out. God is really good to me. He answered many of my prayer…

1. a job near church or near home
2. NOT doing accounts
3. do not pay me lower than my current salary (well, they paid the same, but that means no increment for the next year)
4. 5 days week
5. do not work on PUBLIC HOLIDAYS!!!!!
6. no crazy boss

This is really from God. Many were kind of worried for me when I first throw in my resignation before getting a new job. Well, I didn’t have much leave left to go for interview, considering most employers only wanna interview during working hours AND most importantly….I had the peace of GOD. YES!

My Last Day with DHL

I quit my job…..this is an achievement! Today is my last day!
Well, let’s just say that I have been longing for this day for wayyyyyy too long. After having farewell for so many many of your colleagues, it is a relieved that my turn finally came. After working there for more than 2 years, I wonder if I’ll miss my cubicle. Guess not.

APSSC Team Building 17th-19th Aug 2008

Right before my last week with DHL, I get to go with them on a team building trip. It’s the last time I’m going with this gang anyway. We went to Allson Kelana, Seremban. It was a weekend thing. Kinda short but great coz we get to do abseiling, climb high ropes on trees. It was great team work we had. It was all part of a team thing. My partner was Korean colleague Ashley. She’s very cool. Think the trip gave her great opportunity to know a lot more people in office. The dinner theme on Saturday night was Retro 70's. Some were really sporting, they actually went to rent wigs and costumes. Going to miss some of these fellas…especially my buddy!

Lasik Surgery – 12th June 2007

I discovered quite a number of people has done this surgery! Imagine, specs and contacts free!!! That would be so great…only a person who wears specs understands this. I normally wear my contact to swim. I just can’t imagine walking around not being able to see. First, I found out Connor and Janet did it a number of years ago, then I found out dear Siew Kim also did many years ago….no negative side effects so far.

I did some research and went to the specialist with the longest track record in the country, Optimax. There is actually quite a number of different type of Lasik…and not everyone is suitable for all. My eyes were actually suitable for 2. After much thinking, I went with the more expensive but more advanced and safer procedure…hey, it’s my eyes you know, not worth taking the risk.

Actually on the actual surgery day, it’s kinda scary. They tell you all the possibility of the surgery and made me sign that I understood. Well, too late to look back.

I was lead into a room with another 3 patient. The 3 of them were from Brunei… can’t believe they flew all the way here because the outlet here in TTDI is the most advanced in the region. Our doctor, Dr. Chuah Kay Leong examined each of our eyes and explained to us the procedure. And he commented that I may experience some pain because I looked like I have small eyes. But he did comment that normally ladies are better in a way because we don’t move much (I think ladies are braver la). Right before my turn, I heard the him raising his voice telling the guy not to move numerous times. Yikes.

I prayed throughout the surgery. It was a successful one. Dr. Chuah said that my eyes are not that small after all…Haha. It was blurry right after it. Went straight home to sleep before the numbness wears off. After just sleeping for a few hours I was good. Still a little hazy… but I actually went out. ;-p

The amazing thing I discover from this is that God really made our body…dunno what is the best word but great. The cut they made on the eye does not require stitches. It just heals back on its own. Cool huh.

Wycliffe Camp 7th-10th June 2007

As part of MCPP 2 programme we had to attend a non-DUMC mission camp. Thanks to Siew Mei, Wycliffe has organized this specially for our group at Cameron Highlands. It was an interesting camp; we learn some Nepali and understand further what it takes to do a translation of the bible. Since there were a number of us from crew, we couldn’t resist stopping to take some photos!

Dew Crew Retreat 30th Apr-2nd May 2007

We had a retreat at Casa Rachado, Port Dickson. One of the highlights was the go-kart ride. They only had 3 kart… and we kinda destroyed one. Took turns on it and had a good laugh at each other. Only terrible thing was the yucky wet helmet. They got us to wear the shower cap…but yah, a good hair wash was needed. Casa Rachado is pretty cool. We rented a number of apartment units. It was facing the beach, so it was pretty nice. We had a volleyball game on the beach as well.

Nepal 12th-23rd Apr 2007

So, looks like this time they aren’t so many people wanting to go to Nepal…many factors but this time it is open to the Sangati gang…Yup, we were going to the same place as before plus exploring a few additional places. This time I have Janet, Connor, Evelyn, Audrey and my favourite leader…Kelvin ;-p

It was a challenge to begin with. My passport expired and I had to renew it. Went to Subang…very early to queue but was told “Sistem down la”. Was super frus man, I took leave for this. And I don’t have much with the trip and wanting to attend interviews! Waited a while before I finally decide to try Damansara. Thank God – there was no queue at all…how weird.

As per the previous year…Leave was not easy. I was told I took a week of last year for Cambodia…huh?!! WHATEVER…

Our flight tickets were not confirmed till the very last minute…and this time we were experimenting with new airline….Nepal Air! We were upgraded to the “business class”. But this is not MAS… no TV etc… btw, other than the stewardess; we were the only ladies on board. Many of the Nepalese are taking the flight back home after many years of working in Malaysia. Compared with Thai, this is better in a way it was a direct flight…AND contrary to popular believe that the airline always delays…we were right on time and maybe slightly earlier than schedule. Same thing when we came back.

It was nice to see familiar faces after 2 years. See how much some of the children have grown… some of the youth got married and had babies! Was great to stay with the Palans & Aunty Jutta again. We met up with Maan who was attending Sangati when he was in Malaysia and Lee who visited Malaysia a little while ago.

On the way back, the taxi carrying me, Connor and Janet hit a divider really hard. It was amazing that none of us got hurt. It was pretty late and dark and raining. But the taxi managed to start even after the crash. Another amazing thing was when we got down from the taxi at the airport; I went to the front to check out the damaged. There was only some scratches and a small dent on the number plate. God was really there to protect us.

Fortunately/unfortunately we did not manage to secure a flight back on Sunday. So we were officially the longest mission trip overseas….12 days! Flying back, we even got upgraded right before we board the plane. This time, we were upgraded to 1st class. Still no TV but nice lah.

Barely a day or 2 after we arrived back, it was reported that all 2 of Nepal Air’s plane has been grounded due to engine or mechanical defect. *Whew* God really brought us home safely…we could have crashed or stuck in Nepal longer.