Christmas Song

It’s Christmas,
and we walk alone,
Two strangers with no one to miss us,
On our own,
out in the cold.

Trudging onward,
braving the harsh winter storm,
you and I met passing by,
and now our spirits feel warm

I dont have anyone at home to talk to,
And you dont have anything to do,
So I’ll spend my Christmas with you,
I’ll spend my Christmas with you.

It’s Christmas and we are in love,
With the way that the soft snowflakes kiss us,
From far above,
The blustering breeze.

Trudging onwards

I believe
that Jesus is truly the only way,
and I celebrate
Christmas because it’s His birthday.

I don’t have anyone at home to talk to.,
And you don’t have anything to do,
So I’ll spend my Christmas with you,
I’ll spend my Christmas with you.

Owl City

Last Working Day of year 2009

Wee… da long break begins =)

I arrived at the clinic and punched in for the last time this year and noted that for this second half of December month… I am only working for 3 days. Lolz

Monday was KP Slim River Outpatient Day – 60 patients
Tuesday was KP Tanjung Malim Outpatient Day relief – 30 patients
Today Wednesday KP Slim River Outpatient Day – 50 patients

These 3 days, I have seen some 140 patients =.=

Today, one makcik was particularly interesting.

“Sejak bila ya, gigi ni, makcik?” I asked her.
“Sejak dulu, dara lagi.” she replied =.=

I said interesting because, she came to me requesting “Nak cabut gigi emas”.

Then not surprisingly she also said, “Gigi saya nak bawa balik rumah ya.”

Alright on a different note, I attended a Christmas celebration at St Paul Anglican Church, Slim River tonight =)

The church is made up of mostly middle-aged + older people and children. Oooh, the dinner was nice. I surprised myself with a lil mountain of servings.

On another different random note, the abrasion on the left pinky finger is healing well. No longer painful unless stretched =)

Not so sure about scarring tho =)

Awesome mood today, holiday is here. Christmas is here.
And man will live forevermore, because of Christmas day.

Musang

It happened like this. Lolz.

This morning, I went into my clinic and saw 3 staffs gathered around a fallen piece of (dunno wat it’s called) on the floor.
The senior staff told me to take picture, report damage and ask for repair work.

Sigh~ another task for the Y/M.

I looked up at the ceiling hole and took a picture too.

Poor material? Water seepage? Old and worn material??

Faizan and Ainon proceeded to clear the mess, while I continued my work. After coupla minutes, I went to check their progress and they were curiously whispering among themselves about a set of paw prints on the wall. Indeed evidence#1 !!

“Hm !! Must be a musang and it must be still in here!!” Faizan said, quite confidently (which reminds me of a friend who confidently proclaim that the frog is still in my house, which I never saw since).

Ainon checked the other room and signaled us in.
On top of the table, was evidence#2.
“Dr…. Ini….. tahi musang pandan” said Faizan, examining the rounded stuff on the table, which I might mistaken as some kinda Brazillian nuts. Oh gosh… not only they recognize the prints belong to a fox/wild cat, they can name the species too =.=

“No wonder I smell pandan fragrance” Ainon said. Evidence #3!
“It must be around…” Faizan, the zoologist.

“It IS here.” Nordin announced. He was on the floor, looking underneath the sofa. I personally am surprised, how cool !!
Nordin, the man, volunteered to called the Fire Department, while I snapped this picture.

I was like an excited child, such a beautiful creature.
I showed Nordin the picture when he came back from the phone call.

“Eh, fox for real? Not a cat eh, shame on us later.”

Within the efficiency of 10 minutes, the fire brigade arrived and began the operation Tangkap Musang.

It’s an adult fox. Fierce. Lost within the boundaries of concrete. Therefore, scared too. It peeked out from the sofa for a while.

Then, finally kudos to the fireman who managed to catch it.

Really a pretty thing =)

Okay okay, show time’s over. Back to work!

The plea of Justice

Story, based on true story.
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“Justice? Bah!”
I twisted the glass of Chardonnay in my hand, like I twisted the truth so many times in my life. I’m seated in the study of my mansion, pondering about my life and how lucky I had been all these while. But lately these papers on my mahogany table had been giving this 50 year old man a major headache.

The court proceeding continues tomorrow.

Stupid fellas, tried to sue me.
Every businessmen in town knew me, I am infamous. Then these novice appeared some 5 years ago. They had a piece of land selling for $180,000. Beautiful piece. My eyes won’t be wrong, and so far, my business tactics had not failed me. So I signed an agreement with them who knew nothing better.

I’m buying the land, but I am not paying for it.
This tactic worked to my favour. Otherwise, how do you think I can afford my red Ferrari parked in my 1000 square yards outdoor compound? Among my other toys. I am a shameless winner. To get me, one needs to get on my heels.

Now, 5 years later, they are suing me for bad faith. I just wanna laugh at their faces!

‘Hey, Jon, how about this, I pay you the full amount $180,000 in cash right now.’ I offered.
‘Mr Sloan… you must be kidding me. The worth of this land had multiplied over the years!’
‘What do you propose then, Jon?’ He’s no match for a veteran like me.

Jon’s wife answered this time.
‘I think it’s fair that we ask for an additional $100,000.’ Sometimes I wonder if this woman knows how to discuss issues with men. I heard that she’s a Christian. Whatever, honest people trying to make money out of me?

‘Jon and Lily, listen. $10,000. That’s all I offer. Take it or leave it.’
‘You will hear from my lawyer then, Mr Sloan.’ Lily answered.

Thus the papers on my desk now. Doctored photos too. I smiled to myself. What am I to worry when I have so many tricks up my sleeves. And the town’s most slippery skin snake lawyer, Han, fighting on my side.

I paid him big bucks to erase possible evidences, find and burn the agreement which we signed 5 years ago, and he’s worth it. He did his job. I don’t care how.

Jon is not a soft fighter tho. I am honestly surprised that a lawsuit really unfolds, not that I never had one. I just thought that these people would rather settle out of court than to carry the stress of litigation. They last refused my $80,000 out of court settlement. $80,000 is exactly what I think of their wisdom and maturity. Peanuts, being. Yes, I am a hard man. People hated me and how I accumulated my wealth.
Jon and Lily began to despise me, I think. Not that I care. So, for them the court case is not so much about money. They just want to get a piece of me.

The other day, I overheard Lily said to her kids ‘Please really pray for us. We really need Jesus’ help.’ This world is sly, and you gotta be slick to stay ahead. Jesus? If miracles do happen and God is real, I was thinking, o boy, you really need your Jesus’ help. Because you don’t even have solid evidences. The case is mine. Or so I thought that other day.

Jon’s lawyer searched very hard and managed to build up some evidences to fall me. Jon now wants total ownership of the land. I was furious for a moment, and that was 3 days ago. If I am to lose this case, I’ll make sure that I bring their sorry asses down with me. I’ll squeeze a sum out of their bank accounts anyway. Don’t forget that they are dealing with Mr Sloan…

I took another sip of the Chardonnay and look out of my window into the dark sky. At this very second, I have 2 excavators and 20 laborers working around the clock, on MY piece of land. After hearing that Jon will fight for ownership now with new evidences, and the scale is now tipping to their direction, I paid $5000 cash for the use of these excavators, $1000 cash for these cheap labors, bought $15,000 of raw material in cash! What am I up to, Sloan?

I ordered these men to work full force for 48 hours before court begins. I am running against time to build a factory! If the court comes to a verdict in their favour, I will slam an order of compensation for the factory costs, before these juniors can even catch a breath to celebrate. That would be $35,000 assuming I completed it couple of years ago. Slick mind of mine…

I’ll see you in court tomorrow, Jon and Lily. We’ll see what happens.
You wanna play hard ball, you’re gonna get it.
I want to wipe away that smile on your face when you sweetly said to your kids that ‘I know that Jesus is helping me.’
I took one more sip of the drink, unable to really finish what I poured out today. I leave the glass right on top of the Intent of Sue letter.

Rubbish.
The maid will clear it tomorrow.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord

When something terrible happens, human being’s innate responses would be Questions and Wonderings and a certain degree of pin-pointing, or even, finger pointing.

What exactly happened?
How did it happened?
How bad is the damage?
Can’t it be prevented?
and one question which is hard to answer would be…
Why did it happen?

What are the odds that yesterday, you heard a bad news of someone passed away and today… another life also didn’t make it? 2 deaths back to back. News like this can either break you or numb you…

This morning my clinic received a shocking news that the unborn child of one of my staff passed away, iu. 7 months’ fetus. With a beating heart, a face, fingers and toes…
Naturally people wanna know what happened. She just had a contraction yesterday, which prompted her to Hospital SR immediately. The baby was still alive yesterday.

Yesterday evening, an ambulance took them to Hospital Ipoh. This morning, the unexpected news. This afternoon, the extraction.

I am sad. For the parents who need to delay a while. For the unborn baby to these beautiful, young cheerful couple. For the life that was taken yesterday. Every life is special and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Slim River had a meeting this afternoon. Kepada bayi yang tidak berpeluang melihat dunia… the Muslim staff recited Al-Fatihah.

Life, priceless.

Yesterday was a history, tomorrow a mystery.
Today is a gift, that’s why it’s called Present.
(Author, i forgot)

Still my heart will say,
Lord blessed be Your Name.

Molded into Godly Character

devotional excerpt from Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional

Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)
Your character is essentially the sum of your habits; it is how you habitually act. The Bible says, “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 NIV).

God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God’s Word provides the truth we need to grow, God’s people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment to practice Christlikeness.

If you study and apply God’s Word, connect regularly with other believers, and learn to trust God in difficult circumstances, I guarantee you will become more like Jesus.

Many people assume all that is needed for spiritual growth is Bible study and prayer. But some issues in life will never be changed by Bible study or prayer alone. God uses people. He usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship. He wants us to grow together.

In many religions, the people considered to be the most spiritually mature and holy are those who isolate themselves from others in mountaintop monasteries, uninfected by contact with other people.

But this is a gross misunderstanding. Spiritual maturity is not a solitary, individual pursuit!

You cannot grow to Christlikeness in isolation. You must be around other people and interact with them. You need to be a part of a church and community.

Why? Because true spiritual maturity is all about learning to love like Jesus, and you can’t practice being like Jesus without being in relationship with other people.

Remember that during this Christmas season, when your family or friends challenge your ability to respond like Jesus!!

Remember, it’s all about love – loving God and loving others.
____________________________________________________________

Word, people and circumstances.
No wonder the heart is a bit cold lately.
Thank You for the reminder.

I saw a Calvary Charismatic Church Slim River van the other day, I probably should hunt it down~

note: didn’t realize this was kept in draft for so long =) I found the Calvary Charismatic church. It is an Indian fellowship~

A Holiday + A Dream + Back to Work

note : The following is a mixture of fiction and non-fiction.
______________________________________________________________

Eva gunned the car, grabbed her bag and quickly trotted out into the car park. O gosh… I must be crazy… and I am so so late!

She fumbled for the cell, and checked the time. 1 am.
Eva pressed the last quick dial and waited for the response. Here goes…

‘Mmm?’ a groggy sleepy voice answered.
‘Dee Dee… Happy Birthday~’ Although filled with excitement to the brimful, Eva spoke softly, trying not to make noise in the car park at such wee hours.

‘You’re late…’ Dee sleepily retorted.

Eva and Dee Dee are great friends, like David and Jonathan?
Eva is the cool, steady and vibrant one. Dee is like, well, the Dee Dee in Dexter’s Lab, bubbly, loud and energetic, emotional, and a bonus point, very mommy-ish! Eva would do many things for Dee, and this time it’s a 4 hours drive just to surprise her.

‘Sorry about that… hey, remember some time ago, I asked you what would you like for your birthday?’
‘Aha….’
‘Do you remember your answer?’
‘Huh ?’ Dee Dee stirred. Time to move in for the kill.

‘Look out your window.’ Eva said. All the madness boils down to this…
‘What’s there?’ Eva can hear that Dee Dee won’t even bother to move from her bed, though fully awake now.

‘The window… your birthday gift is here. I am here, right outside your apartment.’
‘Don’t be crazy!’ Suddenly the sweet friendly tone departed from Dee Dee’s voice. Maybe because she knows that Eva might not be joking.
Dee was just kidding the other day. No need to take jokes so seriously, Eva?

‘Really, I am in town. And I am coming up the elevator right now, bunking at your house.’
‘Go back to where you came from! You’re mad.’ Ouch.

Dee leaped up and went to the window, and saw the lone figure in the car park with a luggage and an idiotic smile.
‘You are really friggin’ here….. Get your ass up here right now, you mad woman!’
This wasn’t quite the welcome that Eva expected. Probably her sudden appearance is too much for Dee, or anyone for that matter, to accept or comprehend. Best friends or not. Or probably Eva’s appearance is an inconvenience, because there are other people in Dee’s house. It couldn’t be, Eva thought, the rest of the people are expecting me. Anyways, I don’t care. I am already here.

So Eva marched into the house, all smiles and greeted Dee’s housemates, who responded warmly. Obviously, Eva shook them all up from sleep mode. Dee Dee with arms folded, eyed Eva quietly in the middle of the room until she finished all her Hellos with everyone else. Finally when her dear friend looked at her, Dee wasn’t sure what to think.

‘Happy Birthday, darl.’ Eva smiled, this time face to face.
‘It was yesterday…’ Dee Dee managed a kind reply, behind that killer stare.

Eva can only guess what’s behind Dee’s face. Looks like she was fuming. Looks like she might strangle Eva any second soon. At the same time, she can’t bear to utter a single unpleasant word to a silly friend who drove 4 hours in the middle of the night just to…

‘Are you surprised?’ Eva chose her words and actions very carefully now.
‘What do you expect? That I break down in joy and hug you?’ Oh my, Dee’s upset.
‘Okie then, I’ll brush my teeth and let us all go to bed now~’ That was a feeble attempt to lighten the atmosphere. Lolz… What have I done? It is not this bad, is it? Nah, she is just probably temporarily shocked.

When Eva came out of the washroom, the house already simmered down and the lights went out for the second time. Dee Dee had prepared another mattress for her unannounced guest. Being a natural mom she would be, Dee made sure Eva got everything she needed. Water, recharging the phone, pillow and blanket, etc.

Eva learnt to be quiet for a while and tucked in between Dee and her roommate. Deep down, she found it surreal herself that she managed the mad long hours of drive and finally showed up before her dear buddy. As much as she can’t imagine the amusing craziness herself, surely Dee Dee might find it even harder to digest.

In the dark, Eva just turned her head towards Dee, and found the reflection of a pair of eyes boring deeply into her owns’. Either this is going to be a stone gazing game, or a pillow talk will unfold. It was the latter.

‘Why are you so stupid….’ Dee said softly. It was more of a statement rather than question.
Eva wasn’t quick to respond. There are some things that she doesn’t understand either. She smiled dryly, and said ‘You’re just dreaming. This is all just a dream.’

‘Do your folks know?’
Eva shook her head. Why ask?

‘How many lies you told to get here…?’ Again, Dee sounded more like making a statement rather asking than a question.
‘I did not!’ Eva quickly defended without much thought. ‘Or did I….? I did, didn’t I?’ It dawn on Eva that as righteous as she consciously wants to be, she had been quite manipulative of the truth. She might not tell a direct lie, but she twists an old truth, making a believable untimely truth a lie. Shit… I am a liar, am I not?
Repentance starts with realization.

Dee Dee wasn’t done yet. Normally she is the emotional one and Eva the mature one. Tonight Eva is the irrational one and Dee knocking senses into her head.

‘Have you… ever thought of the consequences?’ Dee asked, ever softly.
Her eyes gazing sharp and deep into Eva’s until Eva had to turn away.
What consequences? She silently thought.
Is a 4-hour long drive to surprise a close friend in the middle of the night so wrong? Is that even wrong? Oh God…

‘What consequences?’
‘What’s going to happen to me when you’re gone tomorrow…?’ Dee asked. Their roommate stirred.
Geez, this is hurting me. Eva knew. Eva knew that farewells are not an easy feat for Dee Dee. While many would think it is worth while to meet and say bye, Dee thinks it’s better not to meet at all. Eva immediately felt sorry with tinges of heartache. No, she wasn’t sorry that she came. She was just… sorry.
Still, positivism being a virtue, Eva decided Well, since I’m already here. Let’s make today counts.

Soon enough, Dee and Eva talked into the night, while their roommate was soundly asleep. They cried til they laughed. And they laughed til they cried.
And they suddenly made supper and finally fell asleep at 4.00am.

____________________________________________________________

I woke up at 730am, staring at the familiar ceiling, in a familiar bedroom. I am back in Slim River…

What an awesome long weekend.
Thursday I met Joyce, who became my financial consultant, and in a 2 hours’ long meeting, she coached me and taught me many financial pointers. And we agreed to meet again.
Then my phone went dead and I have no where to charge it. Not exactly no where, I ordered Java Chip Frappucino at Starbucks and connected my charger to the floor socket there before I made a drive towards Putrajaya. That was where the people of God are gathered, in that majestic and captivating PICC building.
When I pushed the plenary hall’s door ajar, the sounds of Praise and Worship and the presence of God gushed out and welcomed me inside. MNC was what was going on! And boy, am I glad to be there even for one session. Itu Kooky punya suggestion lor!

Friday to Sunday went to Macau with my dearest family. Ryan and Peter are so much fun. And they did bully me kaw kaw =.=
Monday back to KL shopping with mom.

Tuesday was surreal, like a dream.

Wednesday is… well, today. Back to work.
When I pushed my office door ajar, this was what greeted me