Question answered.

One of the frequently asked questions I got from curious people, newbies is what do one must have to play paintball (i.e body size, height, weight, gender)?

Well, if you ask me....my answer will be:  No specifications on your physical appearance and age.  All you need is courage, discipline, willingly to play as a team, enjoys the adrenaline rush and yes, you still can walk, talk and breathe. 

See what I mean?

In the paintball field, nothing else matters.  Just try not to get hit, that's all.

Pandan Layer Cake

Yesterday my sister, Kirstin trying to bake Pandan Layer Cake.  Not bad for a first try though. 

..and I kept on trying to persuade her to bake honeydew cake for me!  =p

Anyway, apart from me....there's another been eyeing on the cake too:

Juno: hrm....I want to have some too!!!!

Ngap! Nyum....nyum...nyum.....my crazy boss took my photo...but I don't care....

Note:  If the cats love it, then it must be good! =p

A Talent Like No Other - Francis Goh

This is a belated post.

As most of you readers knew that last April, I flew to KL then on a road trip to Melaka for a paintball tournament (My-NPL Round 2) held in Dataran Pahlawan, Melaka.

In case you wanted to know what My-NPL stands for.  We currently have 2 major leagues in the country - My-NPL and MPOC (Malaysia Paintball Official Circuit).  Also with other smaller leagues in their own respective states.

One of the 3 fields in Dataran Pahlawan.  So basically, while people are shopping beneath the field or having their meals we spent the weekend running on the field and people shooting around! =)

Anyway, back to the main topic....after the tournament is over, I moved out from our shared apartments with my fellow referees to one of the homestays in Batu Berendam with Badman and his teammates (Kak Fi, the kids and the others) before we went back to KL the next day. 

As usual, we pusing-pusing Melaka lah...went to visit the Christ Church, up to the hill at St. Paul's...clicking here and there and then as I stepped down the stair of the hill, a friendly voice greeted me. "You from Sabah?"  I looked towards the person who spoke to me.  "I saw the flag on your shirt." He said, smiling.  I nodded, "Yes."

"Come here take a look." He welcomed me, pointing at his rows of paintings he had done.  Then, he took out one of his paintings, "I love ants." He said, showing his artwork.  Then showing few others of his work.  I am amazed, really.  Then, he said, "Feel free to take photos.  No worries."  As if sensing me being a little hesitant to take out my camera.  Actually, not so long before I met him, I was scolded by one of the painters at the other side of the old church for taking a photo of him (he should have hang a sign on his neck that reads, NO PHOTO!).  But this elderly man with his laughter and smile really makes my day.

"How long you'll going to stay here?"  he asked in his fluent English.  Told him that me and Badman will be going back to KL that very same day in the evening.  "Why going back so early?" He asked again.  (At that time, I really wish that I could have stay a day more!)  We explained to him that we had been in Melaka for the past few days, that we are coming for a paintball tournament.  "Never mind, next time you come again.  Make sure you bring some water ah, and drive safely!"  Then we realised that everyone who came up to the hill bring at least a bottle of water with them, and we having none at all, and it's a really sunny day!  (Thank you for the kind concern ya...)

Some of the newspaper articles that he kept and placed on the wire fence.  By then I knew, this friendly elderly man is more than just a street artist.  He speaks good English, and seem to be very knowledgeable. 

He's showing another painting that he just finished.  =)

"If you look in youtube, you can search for me.  My name is Francis Goh."

For those who is really familiar with Melaka, you might know him.  The moment I returned to KL, I did some searching and this is what I found (just click on the Youtube links ya):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKEjJ7t3qv8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P228IDdpyao&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKWyBSFZrbI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZYfH08BAL8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXQa2uBJflk&feature=related

Mr. Goh is a street artist.  He has a website where you can view or purchase his paintings here (take note that all his paintings are one of a kind, he will never produce any of his works twice) :  http://malacca-street-artist.com

The few minutes of conversation with Mr. Goh, makes me really wish I can see him again the next time I visited Melaka.  Yes, one of his paintings is now in my safe keeping:

"A Blue Rock On Black Hill"...the exact one that he just finished the same day.

"This is an original work." don't play-play owh..... ^_^V

The next time I'm in Melaka, I really wish can meet him up again.  I am sure he will have lots of interesting to talk about, especially how Melaka is back then.  To Mr. Francis Goh, you are surely one of a kind.  You really are one of Melaka's treasure.  =)

Yours truly with Mr. Goh.  Photo by Badman.

"I paint not just for the passion of it, but to express my feelings about life;  Art is my window to life." - Francis Goh

Happy Teacher's Day!

This song is for all the teachers in the world, especially those that I knew...every teacher that I remember....and if any of you reading this, and still remember me....this song says everything that I wanted to say:



Thank you so much.  

For everything.  Happy Teacher's Day!

Blooming Roses...

Part of my favorite past time nowadays is observing the roses my aunt planted in front of the house.  Almost everyday, every pot gives a new surprises that I can't resist but to take out my camera and snap away.  Off course, the neighbors might be wondering what's the crazy lady up to, sitting on stool with a wide straw hat and talking to herself and the plants in front of her, clicking away, observed by her cats looking at curiosity what their crazy owner is up to again.

Here's some of the outcome, taken on different dates and different time of the day:

Hope there's more to bloom! =)

SMSes, Missed (and Unanswered) Calls.

To be honest, I am a little 'paranoid' of answering my phone or replying any SMS.  I sighed with relief whenever I heard the other person at the other line is someone who is not listed as below:

1 - Someone whom I never heard of claiming "I got your number from your 'friend'.  So I would like to introduce you this new insurance policy of my company..." (No offense ya, if you really doing this for a living)...but it started to get annoying when I replied, "I'm sorry, but I already have an insurance.  If I needed to add more I will sure to contact you ya..."  and you thought they will leave you alone...WRONG.  They will say the same old script "No, this is different policy and more benefit for you...bla bla bla..." (and they rant on and on about the 'what if's' thingy on you and makes you started knock your knuckles on the table and keep on saying 'touch wood...touch wood...'). 

..and....AND....if you manage to get rid of them for the day, trust me...a day or two they'll start calling you back and asked, "So, when can we meet and we can discuss this over coffee?" or, "It's okay you can't go out, maybe you can give me your home or office address so I can see you?" or, "Have you made your decision yet?" (in which, you remembered the last time you talked to him/her is that you tell them you're not interested and cut the conversation short.)

Being the nice AngeLBeaR (ahem...), I did try to be polite though these kind of people trying to force you buy their policy, pretending they don't understand the word 'I am not interested' (and cracking my brain thinking which culprit that so ignorant to give my phone number without my consent).  The last time someone from this line called and been chasing me endlessly for a whole week without fail, calling 3-5 times a day and left lots of messages that's more like to curse me with her 'what ifs' from sunrise to sunset. The 8th day, I just lost it.  She never called me ever since.

2 - Long lost 'friend'/ex-classmates (which you already deleted them from your handphone list or don't bother to add them in your phonebook list when you changed phone because they never replied to your messages and you wonder if they are still alive) suddenly called you and asked you out for yam cha.  Being as the nice person who thinks it's nice to meet up with old friends to 'catch up with the old days', you agreed.  They came sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend/relative or whoever they introduced you to and before you start having your first sip of your teh tarik they took out a pen and paper and some brochures.  Next thing you know they started to ramble on how to make 10k within 3 months with just 1k investment with all the pyramid like charts (and they said, "this is not pyramid scheme..." <-- if it's not pyramid then it was a rectangle is it?), the 'magical' products that supposed to make one pretty, slim, beautiful, healthy (900 types of vegetable & fruits woh!!).  Sorry, since you said it's not pyramid and I said it is, we both had different opinion...cannot be 'business partners' lor....I learnt my lesson.  Never accept any yam cha offer from long lost 'friends' unless it's a wedding invitation.

3 - The 'Guess who I am?' type.  In case you don't know, I didn't save your number, that's why I asked "Who is this?" when you called or sent me an SMS.  I can't see who is the idiot that talks at the other side wanted me to guess who you are since I can't see you, nor that I got the time to play that kind of game with you.  When I politely asked to introduce who the heck are these people sent me messages or called me, please give me a more specific answer rather than 'It's me lah.  You don't remember?' or 'Aiyah, sombong already.  Don't remember me already lah.' or 'Guess who lah?' =.=  and when I choose not to answer, kena maki balik pula, calling me names.  Haiyo...who's the idiot one?

4 - The 'Who is this?' type.  Excuse me, you the one who called my number, and you asked me to introduce myself?  Nowadays, my usual answer will be, "This is the funeral parlor worker.  Anyone wants to book grave plot or coffin ah?  I got special discount starting from RM444." last time I choose not to reply with the 'who's this?' question.  In the end, the idiot kept on missed call and sent SMS wanted to know who am I.  Too many free time... =/

5 - The Silent Caller.  Maybe I got sexy voice that the caller prefer to hear my voice 'hello? hello?' there.  Don't do that lah.  If you want to hear more sexy voices, listen to radio better.  AngeLBeaR sometimes 'hello....You!!! Face Mask On!!!...hello? hello?" is so not sexy.

6 - The 'Missed Call' type.  I don't know...miss call several times per day, not tired ah?  Sometimes I am being so kind to call back but no answer!  As if doing that can bar any calls from coming in my phone.  Sorry, I had the call waiting function on. 

Did you have any problem with these kind of people sometimes?  

Bullies!

I read the news that recently a video caused an uproar among Facebook users and netizens.  No, we are not talking about 'that' video.  It was said that a student uploaded a video taken in his/her school that shows a female student was bullied. 

I went to search for the said video in Youtube just to see if it's as simple as the news reported.  And what I saw is way beyond my imagination.  The victim was crying and the people around her were laughing and strangled her with a neck tie, even cut her hair!  She was humiliated, laughed at. =(

Few questions came in my mind after I watched it.

1 - What has she done to deserve this?

2 - Are these bullies are taught to bully others?  If any of you bully answer me this:  Did your parents taught you to disrespect others, to humiliate them as you please?

3 - Where are the other classmates?  Were they present at the time the incident happened, if they did, were they just looking helplessly or join in the taunting party?

4 - The person who recorded the incident...please put yourself in her shoes - you were bullied, humiliated and she's the one who recorded it.

5 - What happened to teens nowadays?  

Bullies are people who feel superior taking on the people who are weaker than themselves.  In other word, COWARDS. If you love bully the weak so much, why don't you 'level up' yourself and try bully someone with your own size or bigger???  

Just watching at the video really makes me angry.  To the authorities, I read that a police report has been made by this girl's father.  I read that the students had 'apologized' too.  'Sorry' only after you been exposed is not enough.  Because if no one highlights this, you will roam in the streets happily and bullying others the same.  I hope you all get what you deserved for bullying her, and it's a warning to yourself in future and all the bullies out there, that bullying also a crime.  If you feel happy by destroying someone's life and strip them off their dignity, try imagine if you been treated the same.

The next time you wanted to raise your hand, or open your mouth to get at someone, think of the consequences.  Because sometimes, 'sorry' might be just too late.


Updated on 10/05/2011:
- The bullies have since been suspended from school for 2 weeks and counselling.  Fair?  No...I personally think suspension won't do any good.  They should been given much more stern disciplinary action.

Who Are Worthy For God's Grace?

Few days ago and till now, the news spread across the world, the chase for one the most wanted man on earth, Osama Bin Laden has finally ended after so long.  His residents that keeps him and his family, also some of his members were ambushed.  He was reportedly killed in the attack.  Hence, most part of the world, especially US, which was greatly affected most lives since the 9-11 incident now celebrating for 'victory'.  The family, friends and love ones left behind by the innocent victims to the incident assured that justice has been done. 

But there are some people being skeptical about the report.  They were are asking, if the guy is dead, show them the photos!  There are people who already know where this guy's soul heads to.  Some say he is not worth it to be prayed and disgusted when others pray for his soul.  

Sad, isn't?

What AngeLBeaR?  You feel sad?  That man has killed so many people!  He is evil!  The whole world calls him a terrorist and you feel sad for him??

If anyone thinks that way, then you are totally wrong.  I don't feel sad for him.  I feel sad for you.

I feel sad because the world is demanding to see the face of the dead man to satisfy their curiosity and started to curse him "You deserve it."  and to mock him even as he was sent to his grave.  For me, let the man lay to rest in the smallest dignity left behind.

No, I don't support what he's been doing.  I don't approve his teachings, and I am sure no one with a sane mind do.  He might be fanatic, misguided, call it what you want, but most of us forgot something - that he is a human too, made of flesh and blood just like you and me.  We never knew what he was thinking during the last minutes before his death.  Did it occurs to you that he might had wholeheartedly asking God for forgiveness before he died, acknowledge his mistakes?

Do you think God has grace only for people who never sinned?  If He does, there is no place for anyone of us in Heaven! 

 

He doesn't need a memorial or a big statue erected on memory of him.  It's true, he is a no hero.  But even so, he deserve at least...someone to pray for his soul that God may have mercy on him.  You never know what God has in mind and what happened, now it will be between him and the Creator now.  We, the living should be worried about our fate.

I'm sure, that we would want someone to pray for our souls when we passed on too.  What makes him any different?

But if you find yourselves unable to pray for him, or you think your prayers are only for the 'deserved ones', then just do one favor, shut up and let others do it as they wish.

I had friends who asked me the same questions when the news just came out.  "AngeLBeaR, do you really think he was killed?"

And if you still ask me now, I would still answer the same like I did to others, "If he is not dead now, he'll dead too, someday.  No one lives forever."

Who are really worthy of God's grace?  Think about it.

"...he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone..." (John 8:7) (KJV)

Missing the Blue Sky....

Feeling a little blue nowadays...maybe it's the rainy weather that makes me feel so down.  Call it hormon problem...or anything like it...Today i really feel like wanted to sit at one corner and cry...and i don't even know what makes me cry!!!!  Boohoohoo.... =(

To distract my attention from this 'sad' feeling in me, I went through my photos that I had taken, but not yet do anything to it...not a single stuff done...and don't feel like doing it either.  I know if I force myself to do it, I would ended up ruining the whole photo!  

It's been raining the whole evening today.  I miss the sun, the blue sky.  

 

Photo taken during my trip to Melaka last month. 

I'll be fine.  No worries.