Pain, paint, paint~!

I think I kena paintball overdose syndrome.  

May, June and last weekend, July is my almost non-stop paintball activities almost every weekends.  Every person that I met also remarked that they seen me in few different places in short span of time based on my updated activities in Facebook.  

Ramadhan came and it's a relief to me.  Really relieved because at least I can rest from traveling for events or running the local events for a while.  

So, in case you were wondering,  I was in KK last month for the Sabah Paintball League, then a week or so later, I touched down Kuching for the Kuching Cup 3 vs 3.

Us....Splatz1 Katz

Borneo ladies rock the field!

With another all ladies team, the SuperGrass - which gathers up players from Sarawak and Brunei

Carole from Kuching (center, white top with pink headband), Lulu from Brunei (right, black top with colorful headband), Nia from Kuching (left, red shirt), Daff from Kuching (back left, blue top), Yours truly with purple headwrap, Arry from Sabah (next to me, red headwrap) and Joanne (behind Lulu).

Can you spot me in the video? Hehehehe~

Anyway, after Kuching, a week after that I sail off to Labuan as the head referee for Labuan Pusatko Open 2013.  

 Though tiring, but our accomodation was arranged at Papaya's Beach Lodge...

All the tiredness just fades away with the peace and quiet environment here...

Who says only grown ups plays paintball?  This 3 siblings are no more than 15 years of age, they stole the attention away from the Open division players and guess what, their team won GOLD for Rookie category!

Happy winners....Team United Paintballers (a team consists of players from Sandakan, KK and KL) with Team Crazie Darkside (Sarawak, KL & Brunei) all smiles with their winning trophy.  2 days of hardwork finally paid off!

one for the album with Labuan referees and Team Crazie Darkside...

you guys are bullies! LOL~

Barely a day I arrived from Labuan, an unexpected job came in.  A referee friend of mine, Vicky asked me if I can help out for the Sandakan 3 vs 3 Challenge that very same weekend.  So, 4 days after that...yours truly flew to Sandakan...

 Oh yeah...travelling in style! =p

I salute this uncle for enduring the sun and rain to be in the field with us.

He is also a paintball player but this time around, he asked if he can get inside to be a paintball ref.

Honestly, I am a little concerned since I never worked with referees whom are 20 years older than me, and kept reminding him that if he can't go on, I would understand, but he finished the tournament anyway and still in good spirits!

If this is not putting the younger players in shame, I don't know what will.  

 A gift from Vicky, all the way from Japan!

Thank you!!!!!! 

 Me and Vicky, with the Sandakan Referees

Teams that came all the way from Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Sandakan respectively.

Well...last weekend's Sandakan trip is to end the half year of paintball season for me in 2013.  Now that Ramadhan is here, I can take this opportunity to rest, and yes, will be travelling again in a week or so...but this time, it's nothing about paintball (well, almost) hehehehehe~  

I can't wait to meet up with some friends.

Till then, see you in next post!

More Paint, Bruises Coming...

Seems like there will be an almost back to back tournaments I am going to get involved with.  Seriously...I didn't realise it until I was checking on the calendar to mark the tournament days to realised that.

So...what do I had in my schedule for weeks to come?

CAP3 Event this saturday...(25/05/2013)

 

Sabah Paintball League Cup (Round 2) next week... (01/06/2013 - 02/06/2013)

Not long after that...Kuching Cup 3 vs 3 (15/06/2013 - 16/06/2013)

and...soon after...

PusatKo Paintball Open 2013 Labuan (29/06/2013 - 30/06/2013)

So...there will be more paint, more bruises, more sunburns...hopefully, losing more weight!  

hahahaha...!!!

The Bear with the Trigger

One of the things that can be found in Taiwan are airsoft guns.  Well, just for the sake of looking at it lah.  Can't even dream of bringing it back for legal reasons, plus...I am not into airsoft (no pun intended)...just a look will be enough.

So, cannot bawa balik..pegang pun jadi.  Hehehehe...

 The owner allowed us to touch, feel and see the guns...even took photo with it. (maybe because we're foreigners I think) =p

My brother's mean look....LOL!

Yours truly...mean-looking bear? hehehehee~ 

Note:  Just like paintball markers, airsoft guns are not toys.  It can inflict serious injury and in some cases in overseas, death.  Kindly consult the authorities before thinking of getting them.  Bringing airsoft guns/paintball markers out in the public are serious offense.

Between the 2 Jerseys.

So it's done. 
After waiting, training for months, jitters, butterflies in my tummy no longer. 

It was one fine evening in 2012 when my brother, Miguel blurted out about bringing the team to play for a paintball tournament in Taiwan in 2013.  As a 'dormant' team member for Splatz1, I coyly told my brother that I don't mind tagging along, perhaps if I could assist at the Dye booth or do something to make myself useful, or if I got lucky, I might get a spot to become a field ref, as what I always been doing in tournaments.

"Why don't you play with the team this time?" he asked.  I was like, "Seriously?"
"Well, if you wish to play, you gotta start training."

The following weekend, there I was in the field, for the first time since became a paintball marshal for 4,5 years (?), I trained as a player.

It wasn't easy, and I am determined not to be treated any different from other players.  Since most of the team members are not in town due to other commitments, I trained with other players from other teams.  Paintball friends who knew that I had started training gave lots of tips and advice. 

 I admit that along the years, though I do play paintball on certain occasions (but never on the competitive speedball game), I am somewhat a spoil bear.  Why I said so?  I always have someone to do things for me.  Whenever I am going to play, for our annual Nexus wargame for example, I had the boys prepared marker for me.  Harness with pods, all filled and ready.  After each round, I had someone to refill the gas for yours truly.  No batteries, I get someone to replaced it for me.  It's all changed the day I started my training - I got to do things myself and to be responsible with my own equipments.  What kind of shooting mode I wanna use for that particular day? My brother showed the manual book and asked me to follow the instruction step by step.  So yeah, no more anyone to do things for me unless I can't fix it.

Days, weeks, months goes by.  So there I was, finally packed and ready to Taiwan.  A week before the tournament date, I was all jitters and butterflies.  I kept telling myself: "What if I failed the team?  What if I screwed up during the game?  What if...what if...what if..."  I kept on wondering why I even agree to play?  Why I wanted to step out from my comfort zone, just doing that I already knew and not to bother doing something else?  I wanted to pull out.  Lots of other things just make me feel wanted to just quit.  I was on the edge of breaking down.  Nothing seems right.  I want out.  It wasn't until a paintball friend told me this, "If you play because other people ask you so, QUIT.  If you play for any reasons other than playing because you wanted to play, QUIT.  You'll be only wasting the time of the people who spend time to train you."

Now..that feels like someone slapping my face for a wake up call.  And it works.

I did went with the team anyway.  Didn't to play as much as I am concentrating helping out the team in the paddock most of the time (there's just 7 of us in the line up), side coached for our players at the dorito side, collecting pods, cleaning them up and checking on game schedule before going for the next rounds. 

Viewing myself as the player, now that's a different vision altogether.  There are bound to have bad calls as such, and now I truly understand how it feels.  There are moments you just wish that the paint check could have been done earlier, frustration and all...set aside the marshal identity, I am a player. 

When it came my turn to play, mind is blank altogether.  All that I heard is voices around the field, paintballs flying around and there I was behind the bunker, doing my best to take down my opponent...I got hit anyway, put my hand on head and humbly walked out.  Got myself cleaned, everything refilled and get on for the 2nd round... and the cycle goes until the end of the game. Then the tournament ended, and it's all over.

As we spent few more days in Taiwan after the tournament, I spent my time reflecting the tournament, it's impact on me and how it has given me a brand new experience in my paintball life.  I used to be that someone outside the bunker, watching where the paintballs hit and pull the players out if they were eliminated.  This time around, I was the person behind the bunkers. It's fun, great and awesome!

So returning back to KK, am going to become a player now and leave marshaling for good?  I don't think so.  It truly helped me see from both sides' views - and it motivates me to become a better marshal in the future. Will this be my first and last speedball tournament as a player?  Nope.  I choose to continue my training and looking forward to learn more from more players.

My great thanks to everyone who has been motivating me, helping me with all those tips and tricks in the field, those who patiently trained me, my team mates - Splatz1 especially my brother Miguel Ronne for giving me the chance to experience all these; from marshaling till playing...I wouldn't be who am I today without him. =)

I know that I still have a long way to go to be on the same par with the team members.  I might be slow, but I am a work in progress. =)

Between these 2 jerseys:  I will wear whichever that is required for me for that particular tournament.  Either way, you will still see me:  either I made the call, or being called out. 

See you in the field!

Sneak Peek: Taiwan Trip

Still sorting out photos for the blog!  

Anyway, here's a little sneak peek during my trip in Taiwan:

Proudly bringing our state and country flags with us.  A photo before we fly from KKIA Terminal 2.

Arrived in Taipei!

 Waited for almost 20 minutes in the cold for our bus outside the airport.

It's 14 degrees out there...the wind and all.  We're Malaysians and not used to the cold...

 Behind me is the tournament field in Taitung.

New experiences, new friends. =)

 Photo with the team in Taitung during the player's party.

 In one of the night markets in Taipei.

Street performer acting as a cat~ =p

This beautiful white dog caught my attention.

Was speaking to the owner asking for her permission to touch her dog.

ps:  That dog is 8 years old.

Saw a man with some beautiful dogs including this Collie.

She is one of the strays which was rescued and then trained as theraphy dogs

for the elderly and sick children.

Till the next post! =)

#prayforSabah from Taiwan!

Been in hiatus from my blog for quite sometime now.  *cleaning up spiderwebs*

Anyway, for those who been following me in my Facebook, you'll know that I just came back from Taiwan.  Partly, because of paintball and the rest of the days is filled with lots of interesting stuff and my new adventure there!  Now still sorting out photos to share so bear with me ok.  

For now...here's one photo I shared with you all...

From all of us - Team Splatzone Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia) and Team Ku (Japan) from Taiwan with love!

If you aware in the news, our army is still fighting against the intruders in Sabah.  We hope and pray that it will over, and restore peace in our country, in Sabah once again.  Pray for us ya...

Dying Rose...

Most of the time I took photos and then just let it 'fermented' in my hard disk, only to randomly open it one fine day and realised 'Oh, I actually took this...' kind of thing.

So yesterday, out of boredom I randomly browsed through my folders and found this photo...and did little editing a bit here and there....

a dying white rose I spotted in a corner of the war memorial garden.

It might not be the prettiest sight, but still...it gives me inspiration for something better in my life.  

Thank You!

There's nothing pleasing than receiving gifts when you least expected it.  

I love it so much (I guess you can guess why) and so here's another additional trinket into my little jewelry box.  

Thank you for the kind thoughts! =)

There is Time For Everything

Dating!

Do you still remember the days where you dating with your loved ones? It could be going to movies, dinner, walk at the park, to the concert...whatever that you can think of. But sometimes, it can be very tiring to think of where to go...or what to do together.

One of the reason I think that sometimes we just scared that it can be too common, too boring or it just doesn't suit to the other person's interests.

Anyway, if you ask me, I do love to go to a place where it's just neutral, you can talk and know each other, plus, if it's a blind date, you can simply make an exit without thinking twice - not that I encouraged this but hey...sometimes you just never know, right?

By the way, I found some great ideas from below...maybe it helps a bit:

Fun Dates to Go On

Planning a fun date can put a lot of pressure on a person. New couples stress over impressing their partner, while established couples worry about keeping the flame alive. Either way, it's a lot of pressure to handle for something that should be fun and exciting. Despite what many may think, amazing dates don’t necessarily require a lot of foresight or money. Rather, all it takes is a little spontaneity. Here is a list of 10 fun dates that are far from monotonous:

• Go to a Children’s Museum – Learning together and playing interactive games is sure to make you and your partner feel like kids again. Museums usually have one free night, making this date a lot easier on your wallet.
• Pamper Each Other – Whether it’s at a spa or at home, set aside one day when you can get massages, take a long bath and relax. Then, sweeten the experience with dessert. It sounds cliche, but who cares!
• Cook Together – Check around your area for cooking classes to take with your loved one. Learning how to prepare a meal together encourages teamwork in a fun way. Plus, it will give you both something to do together in the future.
• Do the Unexpected – Dress up and go to an open house, even if you’re not in the market for one. The point is to try something new. You can create characters and act out a fictional scene, where you debate how to furnish your new home. If this doesn’t excite your partner, try going to a local car dealership and test driving the best car on the lot.
• Get Outdoors – Put on your sneakers and take a hike or go rock climbing at a local gym. The activity will help you work together while raising your endorphins. 
• See a Movie – Don’t just go to the local theater or pop in a DVD; spice it up and go to a drive-in theater. If it’s a nice night, sit outside and enjoy the stars. If you don’t have a drive-in near you, try going to watch a midnight showing of a cult movie like the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Dress up and take part of the full experience.
• Take a Short Trip Together – Check a travel or tourism website for places around your area that would be fun to visit. Stay at a bed and breakfast or camp by the sea. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just as long as it’s fun and spontaneous.
• Make Something Together – Take a pottery class and re-enact the classic scene from “Ghost.” Your misshaped pottery will make you both laugh and give you an artifact to go along with the memories. Another fun project could be to build an item of furniture for your house.
• Go Garage Sale Hopping – Check your local paper or neighborhood for signs of a garage sale. If there aren’t any in your area, try a flea market. Find things to add to your home or simply make jokes at all the wacky things that are sold.
• Get Cultured – Head to a small art gallery and drink for free. Not into art? People watch. For those who live in wine regions, go wine-and-cheese tasting. If all else fails, take a nearby factory tour. 

Sources

“Marie Claire” (2012)
“Reader’s Digest” (2012)
“Redbook”  (2012)

Interesting isn't? So, tell me what's your story then? Mind to share with me? *winks*

Black Beauty...

I love simple accessories, where you can wear it anytime, anywhere.  Recently, I met my friend, Farah who came from KL to KK for the first time.  So, I bring her to the Filipino market, famous for the local souvenirs and yes, Borneo pearls.  I happen to know one nice, friendly lady who gives good price for it and Farah with her friend from Germany, Nadia had a hard time choosing which one to bring back home for friends, family and themselves!  

I spotted a pair of black pearl earrings...and as I wanted to pay for it, the nice lady packed it and gave it to me, as a gift!  Oh boy, I can't believe my luck!  

 

I really love it!

( I should have pointed at the necklace too...hahahahahaha...just kidding!)

Anyway, I will get a black pearl necklace and bracelet to match someday...*birthday wish list*   =)

Online Shopping: a-fashion-story.com

Online shopping has became a trend nowadays.  True, there are certain things that I would prefer to go and see, touch, try and feel myself but sometimes, I just don't have the time to go around to look for some stuff that I needed.  So one day, out of random, I found out about this website called A-Fashion-Story.com.  

Well I am a little bit worried at first when I heard so many people complaining the down side of going online shopping (I myself not really a fan though) - items received are not in good condition, items not received, items arrived late and so many more.  I took my chances, due to the testimonials posted on the website's wall...there are quite a number of satisfied customers...why don't I give it a try, I thought and placed an order.  

It arrived within 2 days!  Check out my post here.

So, what did I ordered this time?  I made my order last Wednesday (2 days ago - 07/03/2012).  Guess what, it arrives today (09/03/2012) via Pos Laju couple minutes ago!  

When I opened the pos laju parcel, I found my items were neatly packed inside a container.

I am very impressed!  ^_^V

The revealing of the items I got from them this time....

Tadaaaaa!!!!  =)

I know the ones on the left is not my usual butterfly pattern that I loved (how I wish it was butterflies!)

But somehow the design captured me, and I can't resist it.

In the middle, again, a butterfly necklace and the ones on the right is butterfly hook earrings.

If you are a fan of accessories like me, check out their website and take your pick.  All prices are reasonable, fast delivery, neat packaging and if you noticed, all items are nicely categorized for easy surfing with detailed description.  If you are going to purchase the items as a gift for a friend, family member or love ones, just fill in the receiver's address and they will do the rest for you, as long as payment has been cleared.  They even got discounts for purchase RM60 and above in single receipt.  And yeah, RM8 coupon for every photo you taken wearing their items...which reminds me...I should take photo with these ya?  =) 

Happy shopping!  ^_^V

Give With All Your Heart.

Recently, Cleffairy shared me a link to her post to help this poor child in monetary donations, and most importantly, blood type O needed for him, urgently.  As I am typing this, the poor child is fighting for his life (he is only 6 years old) and I can imagine the pain he went through because of his illness, and the family that is keeping virgil beside him, wishing and hoping that once bubbly little child will get well soon.  (Story about him is here and here).

As I am in Sabah, and was across the South China Sea away, I did what I think it's right and all I could by sharing it with my friends and posted in walls of the groups I am in, hoping and wishing that even if I can get 1 person out of 100 out there who read and reach out to do something, anything - even giving a drop of blood to this poor child...I am more than happy.  I knew I had done my part to help in the way I knew best.

Sad to say, there are some people are being skeptical, cynical about this.  And it really hurts me.  Look, it doesn't matter if you don't wish to help.  It's okay if you decide not to help even by spreading the news (which cost nothing to you anyway).  It's fine with me.  But it's NOT OKAY when you started to question it as if I am a scam, especially YOU DON'T KNOW WHO I REALLY AM.  So for those who has doubts and if you think you can scare me by wanted to 'go investigate' to find the 'truth'...go ahead, make my day.  But I do wanted to tell you this - I hope what you find makes you happy.  Happy to see how that child suffers, how his family suffers.  Hope that makes your day, NOT!  


So...okay if you read in the link I given is that monetary donation is also appreciated that you think it might be a scam.  But WHO WANT TO SCAM YOUR BLOOD????  To those who wanted to 'investigate' this you may check with anyone you knew at Subang Jaya Medical Centre.  


Remember, there is a father desperately waiting, hoping for his son to get better.  A mother who non stop praying, hoping for a miracle.  That could be you.  The boy could be your son, brother, nephew.  

Isn't it just sad when some people think 'if I give this money...where does it go?' or 'I don't think they will use it for that purpose lah...must be got other motives one.'  look...if you wish to put a coin or two in the donation box - drop it and let it off from your mind.  If you don't wish to do so, just politely go and let it off from your mind.  DO YOU HAVE TO JUDGE?

I am not going to say much more further as Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season, which also means I do need to self reflect on myself, one of it is my excessive use of 'colorful words' lately.  But I hope if any of you reading this, do question yourself - whenever you giving alms, help to those in need, do you actually giving it or asking it in return? (Matthew 6:4-18 - Jesus is emphasizing the need for sincerity in the good things we supposed to do to others.  Or is it just for show?)

So...before dropping the coin into the box do think again - if you wanted to give it half heartedly, might as well keep it to yourself.  I might not a devoted Christian to teach you what is right or wrong in our beliefs - but as a human with compassionate heart towards those in need, I do believe in sincerity when giving to others - give and let it off from your mind.  No questions asked, just give it and let it comes from your heart.

Have a blessed Ash Wednesday and Blessed Lent to all.

Thoughts of the Day....

Stop being ungrateful. 

No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life.  Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs.  Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

Summing Up 2011.

Finally...the last day of 2011.  Everyone's been recapping what they had done for the past months of 2011.  Overall, I can describe 2011 is the year filled of loses and gains.  Both the happiest and yet, the saddest part of my life engraved for 2011 tombstone, and guess what...looking back, it wasn't as bad as I thought.  

I travelled...visiting places I had been and never been....saw interesting things...and discover new people...

Meeting and spending time with friends, building new friendships as I go along....

Of course...Paintball....

Food.....(this is a must!)..just to list down a few...hehhee...

How much my life has changed from the beginning of the year till now?

I would say...a lot.  =)

All the experiences, travel to places gives a new experiences each time, thru my eyes, captured thru my little camera...friendships I gained...each morsel of food I tasted...it is always something new and unforgettable.

I am thankful for things that I lost, for it remind me that nothing is permanent and constant in this world.  

I am thankful for all things that hurt me, for I discover that I still able to forgive and move on, that's a sign of strength.  

I am thankful that I still had the opportunity to go places where some people can only dream and wished they could.

I am thankful for trials come my way, for it was a journey of self discovery, to discover my strength and my weaknesses, and not to let it happen again.

I am thankful for the friendships strengthened, for I knew that they are worth to keep.

I am thankful for the friendships I had all along, for I knew that till now, they still with me, for who I am.


I am thankful for the new friendships I made, for it made my life more colorful.

I am thankful for my family...for they worth more than gold.

I am thankful for things I still have, while the rest has scattered into pieces, it doesn't matter.  I learn to appreciate what I had in my hands now.

Thank you for everything 2011.  For the tears, laughter and hopes.  For shaping me into who I am today.   

For everyone...for everything.  Thank you so much.  Much love.

Here's to say, Farewell 2011...and Hello 2012!!!! <3

AngeLBeaR 
31.12.2011