Fun @ This Weekend

Anyone up for some wet fun at Lagoon? 'Cause I definitely am!

After much anticipation, the 1st KL Platoon A outing is finally a go! Boys from three squads of Platoon A will come together for some pure-fellowship times this weekend. Though I no longer consider myself a 'Boy,' I still share as much excitement as they do. I will also take this chance to fulfill my summer-beach-dream that have yet to be fulfilled this year, but close :)

Alright for now, back to reality.

This week marks the second last week of my internship at Ogilvy. It has been a fun period at team DBN and I think this experience will add to my future aspirations. Nevertheless, I still look forward to my last day as I feel I haven't really enjoyed my summer break here in Malaysia. Hence, going all out for the last two weeks of my break here is surely a Yes!

• Dim Sum
• Bak Ku Teh
• Redang/Genting
• Sales-sapu
• Swimming
• Bowling
• Outdoor Camp
• Run

For those who have yet to catch up, please pick one of the above items and we'll just do it. Think I should let you go now (or let myself cool down from all these excitement for the weekend) before I get insomnia from this.

Cheers, for a much-looked-forward weekend!

Demonstration? Education!

Source: The Nut Graph - Is the march really necessary?

Let me put it upfront -- I do not support open demonstrations.

Today marks a historical event where Malaysians everywhere decide to show their dissatisfaction towards the current obscured election procedures. Thousands of citizens went onto the streets of major towns and marched towards the Merdeka Stadium to demand for a "cleaner and fairer" election. More info at bersih.org.

It was indeed heartening to find that the citizens are now voicing out their hatred towards bias election processes that may have happened in the past. Yet, while we all know in our head that Malaysia is a country that doesn't validate the freedom of speech and of expression, these demonstrations are basically illegal when it comes to the face of law.

Suppose I am not siding any of the parties, movements, or organizations. I am speaking as a young Malaysian who decides to stay at home just so that he can see the incident from the third party point-of-view. My question is, how effective is this demonstration going to be?

Whether or not the Government is going to take into considerations the eight demands as stated by the steering committee of Bersih, the destruction and inconvenience this incident has cost to July 9, 2011's Malaysia is irreparable. The streets are blocked, the people are arrested, tear bombs were fired, and let's just cross fingers that no one get injured from this event. And it is only half past the afternoon of today.

If we call ourselves a developing country, we should act like one -- doing things in a civilized way.

I know many will criticize cowards like me who sits at home and watch the game, but let me tell you, I am not alone. There are millions of Malaysians who thinks today's march is totally unnecessary. At least people I know will ask me to stay home rather than going out to support such hazy demonstration.

At least 70,000 people supported the event today. If these 70,000 people can stay home and educate one of their younger ones how to be a person/leader of integrity in the future, then 140,000 people will make a better Malaysia...since the future does lay in the hands of the iGeneration -- Way more effective than marching on the road, eating tear bombs and getting into lock-ups.

I believe there isn't one great way to do certain things. And hence I believe that the demonstration today isn't the best way to demand for change.

All we can do now is to let God Himself judge the people involved. I pray for justice, peace and civilization.

Get live feeds on http://anilnetto.com/ or Twitter followers #Bersih

Listen.

We'll get a day off from BB this Saturday, all thanks to the BERSIH 2.0 rally -- which has planned for a street demonstration in central Kuala Lumpur that day. Though the papers said this morning that the rally was "called off" after some very wise words from the YDPA, I doubt many would really refrained from marching.

Best thing to do? Sit at home and enjoy a time of family bonding with my siblings and parents.

I was caught today a little off routine as I was assigned to send my mom for her orthopaedics consultation at KL Sports Medicine Center near my workplace this morning. So I called for a couple hours off from work and went to the center with my mom.

It was a pretty precious mom-and-son bonding time as we were waiting before and after the consultation. In fact, my mom talked to me non-stop from the moment we hopped on the car, all the way through the half hour journey to Damansara Heights.

I realize, that a lot of the times, parents like my mom only needs a listening audience. Us as children, we sometimes (many times) forget how important it is to simply listen to what our parents have to say. They may not be right all the time, yet, they speak of experiences and stories with great values. Even great than those cliche you'd get at the end of Kung Fu Panda or the Green Lantern.

Just listen, and you might be surprised by how much you can learn about them from their words. As an ambassador for effective communication, I always appreciate the opportunity to practice "real" communications. Not those LOLs and TTYLGTGG9s that many of us use today.

Yes, I admit those are tools assisting interpersonal communication; nonetheless, the best communication may sometimes just be the original talk, vis-a-vis.

Before that, just listen. To further encourage you, here's one of my fav. songs from Beyonce, coincidentally entitled: Listen.

Enjoy.

The White Coffee Effect

The insomniac-me is the result of two greedy gulps of white coffee just hours ago. So here's another sleepless soul joining the rest of the all-nighters in the mid-eastern side of Malaysia.

Of a sudden I'm reminded of the kind of restless nights I used to consume when I was in St. Cloud - not going to bed till it was like four in the morning, then struggling through the 9a.m. creative advertising class that I had with an ever-hyped professor.

Boy it's cliche to say, but time flies.

It's already two months since I came back to this homeland for a summer break, and here I am, fully occupied since then.

To be frank, I do miss the type of lifestyle that I've suited myself in St. Cloud; the fully self-managed routine that no one could probably interfere.

Having been back here with family and friends, and work. I found myself living others' timetable very more than often. I'm not complaining about not having enough time to myself, yet I kinda miss the freedom to live according to my own heartbeat.

You know, getting up early everyday to get to work; spending the evening in gym; then dinner with friends or family; finally, concluding the day with some soup operas with my parents.

It then repeats itself the next day.

How I wish to hang around doing nothing but fellowship with my friends from the International Students Association, attending Atwood After Dark with different groups of friends every month, or sneaking out for some Perkins a night or two.

No, I don't consider this a pathetic reverse culture shock like many might have assumed at this point -- these are just some rants you will hear from a trying-to-sleep-guy. Let's just blame it on the coffee. I'd generously name it, The White Coffee Effect.

Nevertheless, I truly miss the States. It's true they say many people love to always ask for what they don't have. I'm one of them, for now...

Good Lord, it's safe to say I'm way sleep-worthier now as compared to some moment ago.

Thank you for bearing my nonsense. If you need some ears, hit me up and I'll be your guest.

*yawn*

Hurray.

Goodnight!

Brag about Your Dad

This morning, I was going through my morning routine of checking emails (basically spams), and came across one of my weekly feeds from beliefnet that sent me an inspiration report entitled "Brag about Your Dad."

I knocked my head a little and blame my selfish self for not remembering Father's Day that is already approaching.

Well, this is not the first time. And I know my dad never minded how we used to "celebrate" Father's Day with him - a simple eat-out dinner. When was the last time we ate out...

Oh! Yesterday.

Before I go on bragging how disgraced I am, let's go back to "brag about your dad." My dad.

He hasn't finished primary school. And he wasn't really ashamed of it. When I was young, about 8 or 9 years old, he used to share with me his stories that begin with "those days..." Those days not everyone gets to attend school. Being the second youngest of the 15-children family, he almost didn't have the choice. Yet, he did not give up. Dad sometimes brags about his experience of attending night school (at age 7) when his boss - yea, he was working at that time - was paying for his school fees. And that lasted for like a year.

Soon, dad was messing around in the capital city of Malaysia. As a teenager he came to K.L. to look for better opportunity. At that time, mom was already following this young man, trusting that he'll bring a bright future. Maybe that was the highest hope that most lower classes people can get to.

Fast forwarding the picture, you now see a man with a wife, a house, a lorry, two cars, four dogs, and five boys.

That man, my friends, is my dad. Nothing big, nothing significant that this man has really brought to the world.

But this man gave me the world.

I used to think that dad is a superman without his cape (literally, I asked him when I was young), because he knew almost anything that I can name. And oh, sorry, my kindergarten teachers, my dad made those models.

A stack of styrofoams, color papers and some glue - you'll get a ferrari.
Some leftover plasters and wood sticks, plus some creativity - you'll get a robot.
A phone call - and you'll get to skip the LRT.
A frowny face - and you'll get a treat at KCF.

An empty wallet - and you'll get a cash-filled wallet.

This is my dad. Nothing more than ordinary, but he is the best man I have ever met. He has never failed me, nor anyone in the family. Even things that he cannot do, he strives his best to provide the alternatives. There isn't really big achievements that I can brag about my dad. Unlike those comments that I read from "brag about your dad" - my dad was not the A-15 pilot during WWII; he didn't hold any degree; he is no manager of any named company; and he cannot speak English; he is just my dad.

Yet, he loves us more than he loves himself.

If I must brag about my dad, he will be the most ordinary superman on Earth.

Thank you, dad. And I won't wish him "Happy Father's Day" here, since he can't even understand a word I wrote. But, I know he wouldn't mind. We will still end up having a simple eat-out dinner at McDonald's.

For those whom you share the same touch I had from a father, I pray you continue to love him as much as I do. To all the dads out there (who knew how to read English), have a blessed Father's Day.

happy fathers day, fathers day, my dad, daddy, brag about your dad, brag about my dad

Living Fruitfully

Life continues to bring more fun and excitement. Here is a snap of last week:

Last week was a total movie marathon, watching X-Men, Kung Fu Panda and Diary of a Wimpy Kid; hence the following reviews that I wrote for the Chronicle (to earn some summer bucks). Warning: more are coming! Please read them for your own interest, and, do support other writers and editors at universitychronicle.net by reading their articles there.

Gratified by the desired results, I am also motivated to hit the gym everyday, having paused for almost three weeks since coming home.

"You sure this is gonna help us sing better, sir?"

As for this week, 1st KL BB is having its cantata preparation camp. Boys will come to learn skills in singing and performance in order to prepare them for the church anniversity cantata that 1st KL has boldly took responsibility for. We hope that this will be a memorable time for all the Boys in their time of youth as they learn to glorify God through songs and performances.

Also happening this Saturday is Mr. Sim's big day, tying his knot with his beloved in the morning and then 4th KL's fundraising band concert in the evening. Gosh, plus the camp, I shall look forward to a running-all-around Saturday.

Sometimes I wonder if it wasn't for the summer, would I have been this busy with all these activities - many of which are voluntary. Yet, I guess God has everything planned, well-planned. I have never imagined today's life when I was the prefect boy running around school when I was 16 back then. Indeed, God does miracles; it just takes some attention to details to realize that.

Ask not what others can do for you, but what you can serve others with the talents God has given to you. You will find that life, in every aspect, is a whole lot more fruitful.

Cheers!

Nick Vujicic: No limbs, yet no limits

Nick Vujicic has been a motivational speaker many years back. Similar to Aron Ralston, Nick is a hero who has overcome life despites his disabilities.

Nick was born 1982, to an Australian couple, unwarningly without arms nor legs. Nick's father is a pastor and his mom a nurse. They soon became worried about their new-born child, little did they know Nick would turn out to be one happy preacher in this world.


So many times that we question God for whatever plans He has laid in our lives. I suppose Nick has come across this point of moment when I think he will be frustrated about God's design of him.

"God, why am I different than others?"

"God, why don't I have this talent?"

"God, why..."

Instead of spending time questioning God's creation, Nick used it to victor his shortcomings and challenges. Like many others, Nick went to school, completed his Bachelors degree in Accounting and Financial Planning from Griffith University, Australia. At the age of 19, Nick stepped up to share his story of knowing Jesus Christ with the world.

"If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He certainly use any willing heart!"

This man of God travelled around the world, enlightened millions of people from different walks of life, from students, teachers, to businessmen and congregations. Watch: I Loving Living Life. I Am Happy.



It is the love from God that has supported Nick thus far.

Now let's look at ourselves. Look at the luxurious life that each one of us are able to live. I admit that very often I will nag about having stressful time in the office, or the mountain of assignments from professors --- I missed counting the blessings God has granted to me and my family.

If you have things you are not satisfied with in your life, remember that God has everything in place for a reason. Keep in mind that we never measure God's will with our little minds.

The master knows his masterpiece best.

While many - especially school kids - are having school breaks now; why not take this time to give thanks for the many grace God has on you. Whichever part of the world you are reading this now, please share with it some one you think needs some motivation and encouragement.

Happy Thursday.

All photos and information are courtesy of lifewithoutlims.org and yuvafun.com. Read more about Nick Vujicic here.

Nick Vujicic, Nick, Vujicic, life, motivation, peace of mind, life, encouragement, I am Happy, life without limbs

Don't you get it?

I recently learned that it is really hard to get ideas across to people of different backgrounds and professions, especially when your ideas are idiosyncratic, or subjective.

Working in a team made up of students from different parts of the world challenged me to convey my message via various methods to various people. Because people grew up in different environment, it is really tough to come to consensus quickly if your ideas were not portrayed in a way that everyone could understood.

In other words, it is difficult to bring everyone to the same page.

Yet, I am glad I'm placed into this process, a learning process. It dares me to sharpen my interpersonal communication skills so I can more proficiently transmit a thought. This brings me to think about the importance of learning to deal with others on an international stage.

If this entire project is a play, we all are actors of messengers, each carry distinct ideologies, some supportive while others contradicting. And I believe we get better at communicating to one another in every scene past.

I pray that God continue to teach me the ways to exchange effectively with my friends and colleagues. One thing that I would like to take away from an undergrad degree is the ability to conduct mutual discourse in this diverse, globalized marketplace.

Ten days later

I'm swayed. Way too focused on the other aspects in life that I had almost forgotten about updating this site. Forgive me.

There's just too much going on that I do not know where to start off. Classes are going well for now since there's only one month left before the semester ends (woot!). Luckily, I do not have many final tests for this semester as most of my classes focus on assignments and quizzes. But I will still be working my butt off until the final week of school.

Good things first: I am grateful that I was selected as one of the recipients of the mass communications scholarship this year. Hard work are finally paid off, praise the Lord. Also, my submission for the Student Research Colloquium has been identified for semi-final qualification. This means I will compete with the rest of the presenters on April 19 for the $300 best paper & presentation award. Again, this shows that hard work bears fruit.

Greater things are installed for next semester: My position as the communication and design assistant with SCSU Learning Resources & Technology Services is secured, same goes to the CA job. The most exciting thing is that I will begin next semester serving as a Teaching Assistant at the Communication Studies department, teaching CMST 192 (intro to communications) and probably some 100 level classes. These three positions are the ones that I am looking forward most, not forgetting also the possible Editor position with the Chronicle. (Wow, I just realized there's quite a bit on the plate already. But who cares, you only go to college once right? Most people do.)

So, hopefully these are some good news for those who wants to know how I am doing, after missing in action for the entire week. I pray that God continues to sustain me so I can survive the rest of the semester and ends with a bam.

Please do continue to stay in touch and let me know how you guys are doing. Oh, I also want to take this chance to thank you readers for breaking MyLife | HisWay's stats record of 4,000 unique visitors in a month! The readership increased 200% after the publication of Aron Ralston's story. I appreciate that your support and attention.

Cheers!

aron ralston's story, spring, work, life, communication assistant, teaching assistant, fall, scholarship

Resume

It's a "go on" for the next seven to eight weeks of the remaining semester. Last week was a total paradise to my college life.

This break has been a blessing; Not only that I've restored the energy that was lost during the restless nights fighting against deadlines, but also strengthened the friendships with many international comrades.

Those nights spent tasting different homemade cuisines of different regions and laughters collected from watching in-house movies are truly memorable. Since many of the exchange students will leave after this spring, I wonder when we could be together and enjoy each other's company again. I guess pizza will never taste the same without you guys.

As I sit back and restrategize my directions for the rest of the semester, I am reminded of the importance to keep striving bring out the best in every area pursued. There should be no excuse to do an okay job while there's potential to achieve excellence. In addition, I hope I can be an example to many friends around me who may not have the right attitude in their course of learning.

Yet, one should never forget to take good care of personal well-being and relational life. Guess I will have to go back to the regular gym sessions and indulge in a healthier lifestyle.

British historian Arnold Toynbee said, "The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play." In fact, I think it is more appropriate to say that it is to blend the line, instead of blemishing them. A blend would be able to show a balance between the two.

So, I take this to be a headstart for the second half of the semester, and wish you many blessings for all undertakings as well.

Cheerios!

Keep on moving forward

The Student Research Colloquium has really gotten me crazy over the past weekends. I had less than eight hours of sleep from Friday to Sunday, and then the usual weekdays began immediately. Yet I am feeling good for having done my very first complete research. Look for an abstract of my study here. You may also find other competing studies on the project list.

I must thank the University for such an opportunity to conduct a primary research and my research method course professor, Dr. Niaz Ahmed, for his dedication and never-ending support he's given me throughout this period of research. I have never met a professor who is so supportive of a student's work, even when I was just an undergrad without any prior experience.

Many incidents happened last week proved the fact that hard work does pay off. A friend of mine constantly reminds me that success requires double the effort - especially for us as international students. I love how God placed wonderful people around me and kept me encouraged in times of need. Indeed, no pain, no gain. In this case, no pain pain, no gain.

I just want to take this chance to encourage overseas students who may be let down by some of the discouraging incidents happened during their terms of student. Many of us wouldn't see the fruit of the labor until much later. But, rest assure that the work invested will blossom one day - that is for sure.

Keep on moving forward.

Spring Break is upon us and let's take this chance to reward yourselves for those restless nights you have been over just to produce the best work from your assignments. Not to forget, take time to reflect on the positive influences people have made in your life and be thankful for them.

Woot! Two more days to go, let's rock it!

Keeping my head in the game

Clutching some of the minutes here before attending my first class of the day at 10 a.m.

It's only mid-week but it feels like the end of the month already. Too many tasks and responsibilities are put on my tiny plate and many times I just felt the urge to give up. Yet, God is speaking to me in a unique way:

Keep your head in the game; fix your eyes on the prize, and you'll be motivated.

I have heard this from different people crossing my paths, professors, pastor, and friends. I realize how easy it is to get distracted by the many discouraging incidents, all happened to take place at this time of the week.

Our God is faithful.

I can't tell describe much He loves us because our humane mind could never have understood His way. All I can say is that He is always there. I know, because I've experienced Him.

The journey to completing the research analysis is really tough. I have never imagined the time and energy required to just get things done. Nonetheless, I am loving this experience itself. And with the new position at the Miller Center, more weights are casted on my shoulders and I am foreseeing a transition in my life. The working environment - though I'm only a student worker - is really different after all. Yet I acknowledge that all effort will payoff one day - when I get into an ideal occupation.

Well, I want to thank you all who has bear with me in this though times. Your encouragement and support are my sole pillars. Please stay tuned for many more pieces of my life and hopefully I will be your source for sustenance, too.

Let's keep our heads in the game.

Note: To those who would love to read some of the happenings with the International Students Association at SCSU, please follow the link to the latest edition of our newsletter on this image:

Click on image or here for online PDF.

One-of-a-kind Weekend

There were so many "first times" that happened to take place this out-of-no-where weekend. I'm just gonna list them chronologically, and hopefully this will be one of the valuable lists that I would smile when I'm reading it at 55.

Friday
I got so fired up for the driver's test that I have been retaking since December - didn't even sleep well the night before. So, as much as I have expected, I passed! So there goes an awesome morning. Had a few front desk hours at the residence hall, then headed to conduct my final class survey with an introductory Psychology class. It went well, nothing much about that except to praise God for helping me throughout the entire data collection process (I have a sense that I will do exceptionally well for this research, ahem, we'll see).

After Cultural Cafe at two o' clock, the International Students Association met for regular business, then I headed back to my dorm to do some of the homework, it was almost 6 by then. At half past 8, Oliver, better known as the German, came to pick me up for the stadium cleanup. FYI, ISA volunteer for stadium cleanup in order to earn some funds.

So the fun part was the almost 2-hour cleaning session at our school's giant hockey stadium. Plus it was North Dakota vs. Men Hockey, the stadium was filled with people, and popcorn. It took 14 of us all the energy we had to swept away popcorns, chips, pop cans, bottles, ice-creams, and other junks. After the hard-labor, a few of us decided to just give ourselves a good treat and drove to the just-opened White Castle at downtown. Look at the photo and see how fun we've gotten. The night was worth all the hard work.

30 burger shots finished by three guys. Burrrrg! Thanks Bereket for the treat.

Saturday
There wasn't a lot of woo-haas for the day since I woke up only at 11 (it was considered very early for a Sat). So I completed most of my assignments in the afternoon, got a call from Saudi Arabian Magied and promptly decided to head up to Little Falls to meet Lois and Dick for their Winter Fun Day activities. Since our attendance weren't expected, we stopped only at the church for the Wild Game Feed. It was the first time I experienced such a man-only festive. The entire congregation was gentlemen, and some boys. And we ate man-food: turkey, beef, geese, elk, fish, and squirrels. I can't believe what I saw, it was so delicious and poor Anil, who is a vegetarian, had only mashed potatoes. I gained at least 5 pounds from the night feast, I guess!

Here are the men from St. Cloud, except Sue, the woman that all men need.

Sunday
Got up early for church as regular. The Minnesota Teen Challenge team presented themselves at the church service, and I was so touched by most of their experiences. Just as everyone was wiping their tears, nodding their heads in compassion, poof, the lights and sound went off. Then we realized, the entire Central MN are got a blackout. So we had the rest of the service in peach darkness, which was quite cool. After getting home from church, the elec. was still out and I've decided to sleep through it. I finally hear the noise from the heater again at 4:10 p.m. and that was my first blackout experience in the states. No lights, no heat, no internet, no flush in the bathroom. The residents were having some bonding time at the main lounge happily returned to their rooms when the electricity restored.

In sum, I love how much has taken place in three days. Sorry for the rant but I think it was worth the typing. Now all that I'm worried is that many facilities in the school were closed down at 3, and that I need to use a Mac and Adobe to layout ISA newsletter. Dang! There goes my plan to watch a class assigned film in the library tonight, too. Oh wait, the Student Union just re-opened! God sees our needs, Amen.

I love surprises. It is these kinds of little unexpected things that have made life beautiful. Cheerios!

Transition

Change, shift, reposition - are all synonyms of transition. Associated Banc-Corp. CEO Robert Gallagher says, "Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine." How valid.

Our generation grew up in an age of which the world realizes the power of change. And change requires both courage and intelligence. One strong example would be the "change" President Obama urged to the people of United States, and the world, during his inauguration two years back. But my points today are not about politics.

"If you can't control these changes, welcome and embrace them." - anonymous.

Recently, I have been exposed to many circumstances that are in a process of transition. For instance, new leadership at my current church, and a new director to the campus ministry that I am affiliated with. For next year, I will have a new Hall Director at my residence hall, plus an entirely new group of staff/colleagues. On top of that, the advisor for the International Students Association has also decided to move on in her profession, leaving us to look for another potential wing man (or woman).

While awaiting these transitions to take place, I am also dealing with my personal development, academically and professionally. I have just accepted a new on-campus position, and as I'm moving along my senior year, I am also looking around for internships and possible job opportunities after graduation.

As for personal growth, I began to slowly "co-support" my family financially and spiritually. I see myself having to fund the rest of my undergraduate studies and probably grad school as well. With maturity comes responsibility. As the eldest child of the house, I also learn to start taking care of my younger siblings' education progress.

I believe many peers of my age are also facing similar situations here. Stepping up in role is also a part of the transition.

Like mentioned, change requires us to be courageous and to be mentally strong. It takes a lot audacity to stay eager about the near future. However, I personally think that one would be able to grow stronger and more mature through the transitions he or she has to face in life.

It is like putting on a new coat of paint on an old wall.

It is not always easy to accept new things or different leadership. Yet, since we all grew up in a life that is always in flux, it is almost programmed in us to somehow accept changes without much objections; it is only a matter of time - some people take it easy, some find it hard to adapt to changes overnight.

It then dawns on me that college has become a perfect medium to learn about such adaptation. Students begin to take charge of their own lives while living away from homes. This situation allows them to face and resolve challenges on their own. Something that every college student must have experienced is being responsible of their daily schedules.

Without the nagging from the parents, one may find it formidable to handle their own routine and social life in general. Hence, college becomes the time when students get to decide what they want to do for themselves. In the process, students are self-trained to be flexible and capable of handling some unforeseen circumstances.

As a result, one who has been through the college experience may have greater permeability when it comes to dealing with transitions. Now it all makes sense to me.

Though it may require more effort and time to get used to a change, I suppose change is good. While we try to get the new leaders to fit into the old, worn shoes, don't forget to tighten or loosening the shoe laces accordingly. This may help the new figure to feel more comfortable taking over the role and perform at his or her best condition.

In this time of transition, let's just stay together and be strong.

Change, transition

In the Moment

People often say: The moment is now.

I couldn't agree more of how great it feels to be devoting myself fully to the tasks, assignments, and responsibilities that I am accounted for. This week was one of those that I would consider a killer-week, again. I guess no one could be busier than I was on Wednesday, when I had to literally mark down my itinerary of the day: 9:30am do this, 10:45am do that... up till 10pm that day. It was crazy.

Yet, I feel that life has to be "full" in order for us to see the interactions between people and between things. You begin to realize the need to prioritize your agendas and set aside items that may not require as much attention for the moment. And this moment, is life.

Life doesn't have to be fuzzy; it doesn't have to be a hip-hooray all the way. When you are really enjoying what you are doing in the moment, that is a good life. In fact, many people would agree with me that a great life is one that you wish tomorrows come quicker.

Remember those days as kids when we often tell our peers who we want to be when we grow up. "I want to be a policeman," "I want to own a BMW," "I want to live in a castle," etc. Those were the days we look forward to every new mornings, waiting to grow up (while not realizing that growth is extant).

Nonetheless, we are quickly beaten down by the brutal realities of the grown-ups world. We tend to forget the essential element of life, of which a child could have told it right - just go to bed and wake up right the next day!

The moment is now.

To much extent, I believe there is no other times better than now doing what is on your mind. Don't hesitate, don't procrastinate - you will lose that "omph" very soon if you give way to lethargy. A good saying that I learn at a young age goes: at the street of by-and-by, one will arrive at the house of never. No one can predict what exactly will happen tomorrow. So, why not now?

Adore the moment, take pleasure in it now. And let's look forward to a brighter tomorrow!

life, moment, today, tomorrow

Welcome Miss Feb

Happy Chinese New Year! I haven't really had the chance to celebrate this traditional Chinese festival for the second year in a row already. It's beginning to to feel detached from the Chinese root and living a totally different identity. However, I am glad that the Malaysians here are doing something to recognize this home-culture. So now I am writing from a pot-luck party at our very own hall.

Besides, I am also very thrilled that I can have some breathing space over this weekend. Things seem to get back on track and the train of life is travelling at the right speed back again. February is going to be a month full of assignments, work, and head-cracking time (I suppose).

The Ad Creative class that I am taking with Dr. Mark Eden is killing a billion of my brain cells but I am definitely grateful for him because he helped me to develop what most creatives called critical thinking skills. A good art director & copywriter think of ways that "hook" their audience, not simply gimmicks that last only within that 30s spot. I hope I can think more strategically after this course.

OK, back to mua food. Have a prosperous year ahead, folks!

It went nut...awesome weekend!

Back from the state of corn - Iowa! I consider myself fortunate enough to be chosen as one of the seven delegates representing St. Cloud State for the 21st University of Northern Iowa (UNI) RA Conference. It is a conference designated for resident/community advisors as well as professional staff. The conference ran from Friday to Sunday.

So, since I knew I will be away for the weekend, I planned to complete all my due-soon assignments before Thursday. Let me be frank, I went hair-wired! It was not easy at all trying to write 3 chronicle stories, 1 opinion-editorial, 1 scholarship essay, 1 research proposal, and several short essay homework all in 2 days. On top of that were the preparation for my web development position interview and the presentation slides for the case study competition in UNI conference.

I went from boom to BOOOM. Yet I really want to thank God for He made everything possible and things fall right into place for me. The persons that I am supposed to interview for the stories happened to set up information booth and the student union, and the film that I am supposed to watch for a class was available at the library. The idea for opinion came right when I was using the computer while eating at Garvey...things just happen at the right time and I had enough time to prepare myself for the conference.

It was the first time I am attending a large scale conference like this. UNI is a great place. The campus is larger than ours and the food - no, not Sodexo - was definitely whole lot better. This conference opened my eyes to other RA/CAs from the Midwest region of United States (Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, South and North Dakota). Through the workshops I have learned new skills and knowledge about leadership at residence hall that I can apply in the semester. I really enjoyed the sessions and fellowships with the delegates.

Besides, Anil, Cora, Mariana and myself participated at the Case Study Competition. The judges must have love international students. Anil and I emerged as the top 3 award winners for our presentation and I consider that a recognition for our problem solving skills! At least I had something to bring home and also upheld the school name amongst all 89 participants in the competition. Go Husky!

I daresay this was a good experience, and we had also fostered better bonds between the delegates from St. Cloud State. A trip like this helped us to understand one another better. If I am around next year, I will definitely sign up for this conference again.

And so this was the madly weekend I had. I really needed more rest for the coming week...but things don't seem to stop overwhelming me! I foresee another busy/killer week. See you folks at next entry!

Cheerios.

uni conference, university of northern iowa, conference, resident advisors, community advisors, jason tham, st.cloud state university

Legitimate Saturday

Woke up to a phone call today. This is the life of a resident advisor, you are kinda on-call 24/7. Well, not a bad start to a glorious afternoon tho' (yeaz, the call was at 1:09pm).

So this week was more than fun: Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday - had only three days for classes, CA re-application interview on Friday morning, then at night ISA organized World Dance Party at the first Atwood After Dark of the semester. Boom boom boom, there goes the third week of spring! What made it not cool was that the weather kept falling under negatives.

Feeling pretty accomplished today having spent my entire day (and evening) working on ONE assignment. It was a complete creative brief for CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion. I moved away from my cozy island and sat in the study lounge from 2pm to 9pm - a legitimate seven (holy heaven) hours. It's done.

Yet 'am feeling kinda weird because I have been very worried about this assignment since the day it was casted on us. Coming to think of it, it's as though an unleashed prisoner - you can still feel that metal ball tied to your legs.

Oh well, it is Sunday and it should be a sabbath day. Will take time to restore. However there are still works to be finished. I have to prepare myself for another loaded week, too. UNI conference is upon us, and a presentation needs to be discussed and prepared.

Time to get rollin'. Cheers!

First Week

*snap* *snap*

There goes one week of classes + introduced to new professors + meeting new classmates + given new assignments. I consider this the busiest first week I've ever experienced at school. Due to the advanced level of courses I am embarking on this semester, most professors begin their classes with expectations that students are all-ready to sprint.

And since I have no class on Fridays, tomorrow will be a great time to relax and catch up with all the social time I've lost during the massively loaded weekdays. Phew ~

*snap* *snap* *snap* (No, this is not just for Europeans, Chad.)

I had a good time bonding with residents in the hall just this evening. The 2nd and 3rd floor CAs organized open-door night and invited residents to meet with one another. I'm glad that most international students and settling well in the community. We have new exchange students from El Salvador, Philippines, Cambodia, China, Pakistan, etc. These guys and gals are making this hall very interesting for the semester, I'm proud to know them by names.

Would like to share so much of my excitement that arose just these two days; I'm decided to participate in the Student Research Colloquium organized annually by the university. I thought this would be a good chance to work on an actual research by myself, with a sponsoring faculty. I'm also hoping that this work will increase my academic competence in the field.

Besides, I will also be travelling to Northern Iowa for an RA/CA conference at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) by next two weekends. My fellow CA and I will be presenting some case studies during the course of the conference, too. So, this adds up to the excitements that I'm looking forward to in this month.

Guess that is a rough draft and pretty much wraps up the highs of January. I pray that more good things are installed for you and for me. Cheerios!

Happy New You

Don't you just love how much positivity proliferate in your veins this new day of the decade? Call me an overt optimist but I certainly do enjoy feeling hopeful this morning.

Each year we kinda look forward to many changes to things and people around us: better grades, higher paying jobs, sweeter girl/boyfriends, etc. We almost expect everything to magically happen when it comes a new start. Well, it is not wrong to indulge in a short moment of chimera. However, each one of us needs to make ourselves a solid plan that guides to these revolutions.

Fortunately, we can make legitimate new year resolutions.

Now while you're buttoning down your exhaustive list of "declarations" for the year, why not take a chance to see what are some changes that can be made from your own character, attitudes, habits and behaviors, instead of the usual external factors.

One of my favorite quote from "21" is: amazing things can happen from inside.

"Inside," you see, is what matters most that accounts for how we achieve the goals we've set in life. For instance, how possibly could an idle mind perform a task of great, energetic charge? We need a passionate stance to endure and actualize our dreams.

Hence, once we have altered our attitudes towards life, many other things will fall rightfully in place without much struggle.

While I used to bullet-point the top five things to accomplish in the year, I am doing it a little different this time.

Take a deep breath now. Breathe out the angry, disappointing, messed-up, negative you; and take in the fresh, active, enthusiastic - the positive you.

I pray that you have a good time making your resolutions this year, and be sure to let me know if they work out better with a change from within. Rather than welcoming a new decade, why not welcome a new you today.

Happy New You.

happy new you, new year, resolutions, change, 21, inside