The debut band performance

Ahhhh! My first picture of the band - The Toyols! Ok we seriously have to change the band name. To say, Cereal Box. Haha, cute isn't it? And I'm the one at the far right, all covered by the podium (oh no!). I was playing the bass in case you are wondering. And the song? Best I ever had =)

**********15 minutes later***********

I made pancakes! With mom's olive oil. A lil eccentric but it doesn't taste that odd. The flavour of the oil actually gives a richer taste to the pancakes. The disappointment is the absence of mapel syrup. I tried this pancake plainly with mapel syrup in Trader's yesterday and it tasted so phenomenal; I guess it's cos I haven't actually tasted mapel syrup since my dad brought those home from Canada when I was 8 or was it 9?

Yay, another supper day.

Since I have been in ICSJ for about 7 months now, I was wondering which Inti friend's picture do I have, and I am surprised, I do have quite a handful; thanks to the camera I lug around.

A blur shot taken by a fellow friend during suicide chess tournament. Out of focus, but looks cool, lol.




And here is Mr. Khoo Lik Pang, my dear Editorial Board associate and the Design Director of all things Ed Board related.











Chan May Chong! Congratulations on being elected as the 33rd INTIMA President. Future aeronautical engineer graduate from Embry-Riddle







Choo Zeeman. Cool name eh? Too bad he transfered to KBU for the JPA scholarship program. Definitely a cute and nice chap.

















Haha, random shot, but captured the essence of their smiles. (L-R) Joel, Jonathan and Han Sen. Great classmates in Eco 151. Han Sen! Pinjam textbook!



Jean, a freshie but more importantly, she is the reigning Ms. Inti, until some other freshie replaces her next May. Down to earth and fun, she sure is pretty good at suicide chess.









Qisti! Unusual name but a great guy. Fellow editorial assistant with the Ed Board. Write highly sarcastic pieces but nevertheless entertaining, especially to the Student Affairs Office faculty members. See that Japanese banner? Yeah, that's just Qisti being Qisti.








Nicknamed the Mr.USA by his Physics classmates because of his constant jabbering about America - he's back from Oklahoma for his summer. I give you Chris Ee.






(L-R) Aaron, Tuan Tin, JC. It was a shock on the first day of this semester running into JC - he was formerly my coursemate in USCI - and now both of us ended up here. He has more hair then, he kind of shaved his head weeks ago to sport a neater look. Also, JC's the lead guitarist in our band, last minute named 'The Toyols' to fit into the English Day theme of "HELL".














Mr. Perasan - Kennard Lai. Lol, I was the one who told him to pose lah. A medal winning swimmer in his school days and a water polo player. Spot the tanned skin?
(Maybe not, sorry, my flash was too bright)

And let us now sing the Inti song. Joking!

My smacking adik perempuan

So, she finally turned 17 on July 20th. I had some of the best times of my life when I was 17. Leaving secondary school was a huge matter, though it does seem a tiny bit menial now. I hope my sis finds that mystical moment of being 17 - I wish I'm 17 again, but then again I feel good being 19 (not 20 yet!).

Here in My Home

This is the one of those songs that are always at the back of my head, one of those songs I tell myself I must get my hands on. And I found it today; while channel surfing on Astro. I did try looking for it about 2 months ago when I first heard it on radio, but I never did find it because I didn't know the title! I tried searching for 'One Love' - my guess for the title, and none that came up that was relevant. It is, erm, I can call it a movement, against racism in Malaysia initiated by Pete Teo. You can download the video and the song here.

The second issue of INTIInsider was finally printed yesterday and the Editorial Board managed to distribute all 100 of it. Alright, I know 100 copies isn't much, especially considering all the hard work put into it, but we can't photocopy it (poor image quality) and we don't have enough funds to print more than 100 copies. I tried pretty hard in figuring out how to convert the files in Publisher form to something simple to upload it here, but turns out I'm a software dummy, still.

Ms. Khor (some director for AUP I guess) skimmed through a copy yesterday was encouraged by the works of Ed Board and she gave us lead to upcoming events to be published. Nifty! She spoke to a few of my friends and I about studying in the States and how what we're doing will help in our applications to top schools - especially Missouri-Columbia. Once again, I am reminded of how I can't go to Missouri Columbia because of their high prices because Ms. Khor said this specifically, "I can't think of any other J-school that is better than Missouri-Columbia". Truly, they are a class of their own. I counted on their website, they have a total of 5 publications, an advertising agency, a website for their journalism alumni from all around the world. A whopping total of 8 publications/web pages to handle; all by their journalism students. A huge difference from usual J-schools I would say since a regular one will have 1 print newspaper and an online news site and that's about it.

I looked up on Youtube about the sermon pastor mentioned and it was truly an eye opener. Yes, I do know how insignificant my size is compared to the whole earth, what more the universe. And that is what Louis Giglio was talking about specifically. It's called How Great is Our God. But more importantly, he drew focus to a protein molecule called laminin, which is the glue in our body. The stuff that holds our entire body together. And you'll never have guess how laminin looks like. Pastor kind of spoiled the suspense of the video since he told me earlier. Nevertheless, it is still amazing beyond anything else. Here it is:

I give you Laminin!

View from the electron microscope.

Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV)

15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

In Louis' sermon, attention was drawn to this verse especially the phrase hold together. I use the NKJV version and instead of hold together it says "...and in Him all things consist" Not very clear, but it does seem similar.


So laminin holds us together,
laminin = cross,
cross = Jesus.


Cool stuff. And I learned a new word today; a science term some more. (Feeling smart, lol)

Alright, bed time. I'll have to conserve my sweet and charming voice for tomorrow's event. Besides, tomorrow is a big fishing day! Harvest is plentiful! Nah, I'm just fooling around. The whole college group will be heading to SIBKL tomorrow night for a combined youth meeting (4 youth groups actually) instead of our usual meeting. So pastor was talking about it being a good time to fish around and we might find someone for a date, group dating that is. I hope the 3 sessions of 10 Ways to Find a Life Partner would have adequately equipped my fellow brothers and sisters.


Come, fishy fishy........


zzzZZzzzzzzZzzzzzzzzZ............

I came home from college quite late today, at 9.20 pm. It is one of those rare occasions where I had to be around to finish work or projects by clubs. The last round of sleepless nights and stress was during Orientation Night, which is about 4 weeks ago. I am so glad I was out of that and back to my usual student life but came along the music class performance for English Day, which created a lot of difficult situations in which I didn't know how to handle. Fortunately, that, was also done and over with.

Today, it is to rush the second issue of the Editorial Board newsletter: INTIInsider; which to my greatest delight, is also done and over with. Newsletters however does not stop at one issue but is a continuous job. One thing that I realized though, is that the job of publishing a newsletter may be tough, but I didn't find it to be such a drag as compared to other things in the past.

Yesterday, when I was having dinner with family for sis' birthday (pictures on the way), Eephie called me up and asked if I can be the emcee for the coming INTIMA Installation of new Exco. And I said yes. Deep down, I was feeling foolish since I still have my assignments far from completion but I thought also, how many times can I get to experience emcee-ing? (apart from that one time for last sem's English Day) And so, that is how it is like, studying in Inti. Ms. Lim's words are still vivid in my mind, "The years in school is like your laboratory. Never be afraid to make mistakes" - she didn't worded it this way, but yeah, it's somewhere along the lines.

I need to sleep and get one of those night cream for dark eye shadow.

Tjia Wen, a big sister of mine, whom I am a big 'kipas' of, has finally graduated. I just came home from her graduation party and I could still remember the last time I was at her place - precisely 8 years ago. I could still remember the times when we were kids swimming in the pool and she would be so caring and the three Cheong angels once mentioned last year how close we were, which I didn't realize because I just knew I like following her around (I was 6?), and latching on to her. She was a lot like a role model. Auntie Vivian was just commenting about how I used to be way shorter than her, but now I'm slightly taller than she is; she's pretty tall herself. She will be flying back to Melbourne this Sunday to settle down and find a job and see how things go. Sigh, I hope I could visit her some day. I have so many things to do before going to US, this is making me soo feel like taking a whole semester off, right before leaving to visit everyone and go to places, namely Cambodia.

As usual a gathering involving the Cheongs and the Chews makes it hard to say goodbye. It's not like we see each other every week, more like whenever there are special occasions, such as this. We sang off keyed karaoke (yes, with my coarse voice), danced and just had a good laugh of ourselves and each other. Oh my oh my. And Kathleen was so engrossed in looking for Cayman Islands on Uncle Chews globe.

The good side of it is that I took a picture with her! At least there is something to remember about =) Oh and someone spent me Subway's today - well not exactly a treat since I feel bad that a friend paid for it. Nope, not that I don't feel grateful, believe me, I was more than thankful and grateful but I don't feel like I deserve a treat from someone for no apparent reason. Herm, I soo need to treat him back. Yes, we shall have another Subway Friday - and I want my sandwich to be mayo free and heaped with olives!

Wishing Tjia Wen a safe journey back and my heartiest wishes goes to her future undertakings.

I am a Superwoman. Yes I am.

I accompanied a friend to buy movie tickets for The Dark Night in Sunway Pyramid yesterday. He shouted "Yes, yes" upon getting the tickets in his hands which startled another ticket buyer who went "What the hell?" Oh well, it's very typical of JC, plus he's been waiting for 6 months for this movie, so I guess that kind of justifies it. While walking to the cinema he mentioned about a theory he read that humans came about through creation instead of evolution which he talked about with Aaron, who is a Christian. Makes perfect sense doesn't it? So I agreed with his stand and further elaborated; not just created but created by God. Divine appointment that was. Oh and I finally spotted DC Heroes where I can find my Superman t-shirts. Browsed through a few shirts and found a really nice white one with a white logo. Plain, but I like it! But expensive eh, 79 ringgit for a t-shirt; definitely not worth the price tag.

Ok, my neighbour is playing the Chopin Fantasie Impromptu right now; the same piece I heard in Music class today. My music class is on the Romantic Period chapter where composers like Chopin, Schumann, Schubert and Liszt were famous. Personally, I find Mozart to be seriously overrated now that I have heard the romantic period pieces.

I spent 2 hours after class hanging around AUP office; which was quite a waste of time since I have so much work to hand in tomorrow. But I had a good time talking to my fellow coursemates on our prospective universities. I might have someone leaving together to the same university, because I realized that there were more journalism majors than I thought there were in Inti (cos I get engineering students most of the time). Good news it was, and we might end up being housemates too, if we choose not to stay on-campus that is.

A little update on runs. My next one will be Adidas King of the Road on August 10. Must train hard for this one. Qualifying time is 1 hour, which is something I have not achieved in any 10km runs so far. Yeah I'm pretty lousy at this; due to severe lack of training. Then it will be the Shape run on August 24.

p.s. Currently hooked to Alicia Key's new song on radio, Superwoman.

p.p.s. I got 24 1/2 out of 25 for the speech. I am super because I have a super God.

I am surprised by how little people know about To know your name by Hillsong (I myself was found clueless about it when Daniel was learning it months ago) Even the Youtube view count for it is only a mere 34 thousand; not a lot for a Hillsong piece. I was reminded of this song as I was searching for songs to play to Master Lim as an assessment for me to join the worship team. This song is definitely on my list!



Another good news is that the Passion Conference will be coming to Malaysia. They are the people behind Passion Worship Band, OneDay gatherings and sixstepsrecords. Chris Tomlin is traveling with them on this tour, so I'll be able to see him and experience the live worship. I would love to volunteer for this event actually, but because they want all college and university students to be able to experience the conference, only those who are 25 years or older are permitted to volunteer. The whole campus revival movement (Passion Conference) started in a university in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor Noah was indeed on fire when he was speaking about the conference, because he knows, it is God's hands moving.

And the CEFC bunch are going! Just the college group actually, but it's good.

Now I am busy trying to write the best speech for Essentials of Public Speaking. How to make it super duper geng leh?

I googled for the universities in Atlanta - maybe I could study at that campus and be part of the Passion team! - and guessed it has to be Georgia State Uni; cannot be Emory la. Anyhow, then I realised how expensive Georgia State is, plus they don't offer journalism I think. Speaking of universities, I have gone back to the university hunt the past few days after taking a 2 month break from it. Because I'll need to look at the subjects to take for next semester very soon and I need to decide based on a university's study plan. I know, very mafan.

So my choices went back to that few I listed down. This time, I am convinced Uni of Nebraska Lincoln is the only good choice under my current circumstance. If only I have 3.75 CGPA, then everything will be fine. Then I looked at Missouri Columbia, it doesn't seem that expensive this time, but nevertheless still a bit over budget. I have already set my eyes and heart, ready for St. Cloud State, but after telling dad about it, especially it being a 3rd tier uni, dad told me to look for another one. Plus, Minnesota is freezing cold. So after this few days, I am looking at the direction of UNL, but seriously I just love Missouri Columbia - can't get it off my head.

Ok, back to my speech...

Finally

It is pretty strange to hear such sweet and melodious song from Fergie. Maybe I have been accustomed to her hip strutting fast tracks. It does sound very Disney-ish and fairy tale like.

3 more weeks to go

Oh yeah! Another semester coming to an end. I can feel the end of it already. 3 more weeks, a lil bit of cramming, a lil rush on assignments, 4 papers for finals and I'm done!

A little update on my throat problem, it has gone through a down-the valley-up-the-mountain recovery route. The first few days felt just like any other sore throats, but as days went by, it got worse till the extent I couldn't speak at all. Fortunately it was just on the Fri and Sat and that whispering does not hurt the throat; or else I can't speak at all. And today came along, moi voice is back! Still very Macy Gray-ish like how a friend noted, but I can at least speak and am loud enough to be heard.

Thinking about what to do during a break always excites me. I have all these crazy ideas(I just read an article on sky diving in Perak) but sadly, I would be stuck at home for the 2 weeks at most times. Sigh. SIGH! Qi Yuan will be back this August, I wonder if he is still interested in Cambodia. Oh, and Victor too. Maybe I will do something this break. Woots!

I have a speech for Public Speaking class this Wed. Let's see how my voice would be on that fine day. Oh and the topic is 'The differences between love and infatuation.' I hope the speech as short as it is(5 minutes), will not just be a speech for marks but something that makes an impact.

Okay, maybe feeling sick isn't that good. I feel as if my knees will fail me anytime and I'll faint on the sidewalks. And the very plain dinner by my maid isn't helping with my appetite. Ughh.

I bid goodbye to Binit. Adieu!

The Siemens 10km Dream Run was satisfying because I achieved my personal best time for 10 kilometres. 1 hour (yes, still more than 1 hour), 1 minute and 28 seconds. It is a huge leap from my first 10 km run which was about 1 hour 25 minutes. So I am very contented at this moment. I learnt this time, that without pushing myself, I will never achieve the result that I want.

And not to mention, another satisfying aspect was because I finally earned my first ROUND medal. I came in 84th place out of the 100 medals they gave out. Ok lar, not exeptionally outstanding, nevertheless, I am contented! Oh yeah, it makes me happy that it is round and not triangle or the shape of a shoe. *Leaps*



Today, I woke up at 8.28 when I have an economics test at 8. Realizing the seriousness of the matter, and how it seem pointless to rush to college since the test will be over once I am there (Cheras to Subang is faaar!), I gave up trying at one point. But something spurred me on, telling me there is still hope; maybe I was too tired being a quitter and someone who doesn't show up in class.

I reached college at 9.23am and was grateful to spot my fellow classmates still doing the paper because I thought the test was only for 1 hour. And so I walked in feeling a little embarrassed (one's got to do what needs to be done) and asked sir if I can take the test with the remaining 40 minutes left. To my surprise he said yes; I was expecting more questions like why was I late and because I have already formed answers in my head while driving there. Happily I sat for the test, and although I found out there were mistakes here and there later on, I thank God for giving me that one undeserving chance.

Backtracking to Monday, I was in my usual moody state, heading from one class to another, not having the faintest feeling of joy in me. I felt like withdrawing from everything around me and just go home and curl up under my blanket. While walking along the corridors and when in lifts I bumped into a few friends and forced a smile on my face. Then, after my last class at 4pm, I lecturer whom I barely knew - I assume she is from School of Language and Liberal Arts, said to me "Well done....." with a good nod. She was at the English Day last Friday and I suppose she was commenting on my band performance. Immediately, I felt better and started singing my usual self-composed-after-class-song as any other day.

" What a wonderful day
And I'm singing this song,
Because I know,
Today's a better day "

Which is song my classmates would cringe at whenever I start singing. Oh well, I just love singing it, makes the feeling that classes are done for the day even more complete. Ah, what a wonderful day.

I don't know why, I felt more like a student today. Not because everything went smoothly but more like I suddenly realized I am studying for a greater reason beyond the obvious. I have forgotten the covenant with my Lord that I study to give Him glory. From that, I have evolved into a constantly struggling student because I have forgotten why I go to college in the first place. Because I was reminded of the things I can contribute to His kingdom through my profession, through my knowledge and skills.

Lydia Lim packed her bags and went on a jet plane today. Back to Adelaide doing something she loves. May the Lord strengthen her in difficult times, when the road ahead seems impossible to walk.

p.s. I'm feeling sick. But loving every minute of my vulnerability. I don't even feel like getting better.

Take care, Chung Wah and Shan Shan.

My heartiest wishes go to Chung Wah and Shan Shan who are now in Johor and Sabah.

2 months ago was Joyce, now, it is the both of them. Truly, one will never miss a person until the person is no longer around. No longer will I see them every Sunday or for mamaking sessions or for movies. But, somehow, the things they did live vividly in my mind. I will always remember the times Shan Shan told me to memorize bible verses and do my devotion. Then there is the image of Chung Wah talking enthusiastically about Jesus and mission trips. " Hey, Wai Kuan, let's go for the mission trip to Cameron Highlands", which I said no to.

But last Sunday, when I saw the announcement for the coming mission trips, immediately I thought about Chung Wah, and thought to myself "How nice if Chung Wah is still around." How wonderful indeed. But I will go for the mission trips this time, because I know there is something life changing waiting for me. I've always thought about mission trips but had never taken the initiative to participate. And Shan Shan, I will remember what you said on your last text message before you left.

Then I realized I do not have that many pictures of them after knowing them for so long. What a friend eh?



Then I thought about Benit. She will be leaving in 10 days; back to Adelaide for her graduate studies. Oh my, how I will miss being with her. Quoting her Kocik's words, "Lydiaaa, don't goooo!" Haha, that wacky Kocik.



This song goes to all of them. Vertical Horizan - Best I ever had.


It's raining. Best time to sleep.