Simplicity is always Best

I’m going to divert a little today although my thoughs are still on my allowances.. hehe.. (can’t help but think about the day i will get to receive it..)

        In conjuction with Mother’s Day, (yesterday) I dedicate this post to all mothers and mothers to be.. (Especially mine back home.. I miss you mummy..)

Mummy,

          I remember when I was younger you were the most beautiful person in the world. Today, you are even more beautiful than when I was younger..

Mom,

          Although you have aged through the years, I have learnt to cherish every nook and cranny on your face.. Every wrinkle that has appeared and every white hair that has grown on you.. Each one of these little things has shown me how much you worry about me, how much you care for me and how much you want the best for me.. Thank you..

Ma,

          These few years with daddy’s condition, you have shown me directly or indirectly how strong a women can be although we are weak and how rich we can be although we are in need through your perseverence.. And your constant reminder of how faithful and great God has been despite how undeserving we are has also taught me to be a little more grateful for what I have..

Mother,

          I salute you this day (and every other day) for who you are.

          I’m proud of what you have achieve

          I cherish the love that I have received

          I value the friendship that I have built

But mostly,

           I thank you for showing me what I can and want to be…

I love you Mummy..

Take care, God Bless,

Love,

-your daughter-

p/s: To all mothers and mothers-to-be have a Blessed Mother’s Day..

Hey all..

        Yeah.. I have been taking a sabatical from blogging just to have some time to myself.. Anyway, exams are over and am now starting my second semester in Kedah.. (How time flies!! Good! I want to go home!)

        After my exams, I went back for a week (some of you might have noticed me here and there…) and  really enjoyed myself.. I came back to kedah on the 29th of April (one day late) and on the 1st of May (just two days after arriving!!) I went to Langkawi with all my coursemates to attend a 5 day 4 night Bina Insan Guru Camp which is a requirement to be a teacher…

         Overall, it was an interesting trip with vigurous activities throughout the camp where I found myself pushing my physique (which is not much really) to the limit.. But with God’s grace, I was able to pull through and at the same time enjoy myself..

        In Langkawi I did manage to buy some (CHEAP!!! CHEAP!!!) Chocolates.. Yay!!But not much though because I did not bring that much money and my allowance from the Government has not come in yet.. Which brings me to my next topic in mind..

        Here’s the situation that the Diploma of Education students are facing at the moment. Money from the government has actually already reached the university (UUM) and information of all the students bank accounts have already been given to the university treasury weeks ago..

Question: What is taking them so long?

        Then just a few days back, a few of my coursemates received some information from another batch of education students whom are receiveng scholarships from the government (PKPG group). My coursemates were told that part of their scholarship money had been secretly kept by the university without the their knowledge until one day a few members from the that group calculated their scholarship money according to the contract and realised that what they had received was short of a few hundred ringgit each.. (That is actually a lot) They fought for their money and finally after a gruelling "fight" they won and received their money..

        Now what my coursemates and I are worried about is that they will do the same thing to us.. By right, we should be receiveing our allowances by now.. All the other Diploma Education students in other universities has already received their allowances and yet ours is yet to be in sight! Can you imagine four months waiting yet their promise is yet to be kept. I come from quite a stable background with both parents earning and yet I’m already feeling the pinch (I try my best not to ask for money from mom). Can you imagine the problems that all the other students are facing??

        Some of my coursemates come from really poor backgrounds, some have families to support.. I know of one who has to help support 8 other siblings through school as well. I really salute that coursemate..

        And the other day, My roomate and I checked our universitiy account online and found that every student owes the university over RM2000.. (EACH!!!) Insane!

        Now according to the contract that we all signed with the Kementerian, Each of us will be receiving monthly allowances from the government and on top of that, the university will be given RM5000 per head from the government to pay for our fees, accomodation and everything else that needs to be settled. What we are worried about that is going to happen is that the university will cut that RM2000++ from our allowance when in the first place it is supposed to be cut from the RM5000 that the government gives to university…

        Well, I guess all I can do know is pray that God will stop such nonsence.. To me its not really about the money but more on principle of trust that I so much believe in.. As a university that boasts of International standards, I hope that UUM  would live up to its claims.. *Sigh*

        I guess that is enough of ramblings from me..

Chao.

p/s: To all the other UUM DPLI students, lets help one another when in need, and lets fight for our rights together when the time comes.. To all the other DPLI student in Malaysia, all the best in your future undertakings!

Heya people..

        Two weeks ago, I actually fell down a flight of stairs near my hostel (yes I know.. clumsy me).. And me being me, I ignored the fall and went on with life..

        Now two weeks after the fall and with many jogging outings and tennis sessions, my leg decides to give me a lesson. It went numb! Mah poor leg!! (Fine.. it’s actually just my small toe on the right leg.. hee).

        Anyway, since these few days I am in Penang, I thought I had better get some help or proper treatment. So my friend’s mother brought me to the place where they have some herbal paste for injuries. I gave it a try but I don’t know how effective the medicine is… Can only update you the progress in a few days time.

        *Sigh*

        Here’s how it looks

    Funny huh? It looks like a "pau".. Don’t be alarmed, the brownish colour is not blood.. It’s just the herbal paste.. Honestly, this is the first time my leg (sorry, i meant feet) has been bandaged up like that.. This in itself is an experience for me.. hehe..

Okaylah, I guess I had better make a move.

That’s all from me today.. Will be waiting for tomorrow morning to unwrap the bandage (Yay!!)

Take care,

Chao.

p/s: Here’s to all who has been injured, are injured and will be injured… greetings

As of this year, I will be turning 23 officially.. Not NOW but one day down the road this year

And as most people my age would understand, it is at about this time when the evermore famous question will start to come out…

“So ah, any boyfriend yet?”

*Sigh*

Is that all that can come across the mind of generally almost everyone when I mention that I’m 22 going on 23? Is it? Where is the hope of mankind? (okay… that sounded a little bit toooo drastic.. hehe)

And then to make matters worse, the question doesn’t just end there. It continues with a string of other “investigative” questions…

“So.. ah, any boyfriend yet? Who arh? When together? Settling down? Tell me everything ah!”

Right.

Why so pumped up about this question? Well, the other night ( I won’t mention when) I had a conversation with some people ( I won’t mention who) and they asked me the exact same question.. Of course not same words but the meaning is the same mah…

So I answered them…

“I don’t have a boyfriend and I NEVER did have one.”

They all (and there were quite a few of them) couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of my mouth..

Yes people… I am single.. And I have always been single.. From the day I was born until now. (Sheish.. I sound like a desperate advertisement). What is sooooo hard to believe about that? Many people go through the same situation that I do.. Some of the people I talk to still believe that I am pulling their legs..

Well, here is what I feel about singlehood at the moment…

First, I’m not tied down with commitment which means that I’m able to move around quite flexibly without worrying about slowing people down or people slowing me down. Next, I’m still young and by being single a little longer, I’m able to make more friends and thus able myself to widen my “choices”.. Hehe

Thirdly, with my situation back home in Kuching, being single now is the best thing because I can put my full attention towards helping my mom look after my dad. Lastly, this is the time where I can also focus on myself and get to know who I am and what I can be. To discover my potential on my own (of course have aid from above lar…).

I’m not saying that it is bad to be in a relationship. If you are in a relationship, good for you.. I’m also happy for you.. Is just that, I don’t understand why is it sooo difficult for people to believe that I have never had a boyfriend.. Its not that I don’t want… I do.. but just not now.

Okay, enough said.

Chao.

p/s: Here’s to all single people (whether by choice or not), enjoy it while you can. Here’s also to those who are in a relationship, cherish every moment that you have. Take care.

Sing along to this song if you know it…

The Joy of the Lord is my strength

The Joy of the Lord is my strength

The Joy of the Lord is my strength

The Joy of the Lord is my strength

If you want joy you must ________ for it

If you want joy you must ________ for it

If you want joy you must ________ for it

The joy of the Lord is my Strength

     This song has been in my music archive ever since I was able to sing.. But although a childhood memory, it has never been so real to me as it is to me now..

     The blank line that I placed in the song is usually changed according to the actions.. The usual words that fill it are: -

i) shout

ii) laugh

iii) clap

iv) jump

Many more words can be used to fill it..

Why out of the blue this song? I don’t know.. Seriously..

What word would I use to fill in the blank? PRAY

    Prayer has always been my weakness in my spiritual life.. I admit it now. Openly to all of you.. I’ve at times slack so much in my prayer life that it makes me feel ashamed of myself.. I hold so much responsibilities in church, youth, school, at home and everywhere else but when it comes to the simple responsibility of praying, I fail.. All this while, I’ve been living such a lie.. Most of the time I pray for the sake of praying but without much participation in the prayer, making them just mere, useless words only.

     My current 10 month detour to Kedah has taught me such importance of prayer.. Without prayer we are useless because the basic interaction between us and our Heavenly Father is stagnant.. When studying psychology and sociology we all know that interaction and conversation is the basic necessity in every relationship. There is no difference when it comes to our relationship with God. He wants us to worship and commune with Him..

Boy, have I been ignorant about this all this while..

     Looking back on the sermon given by Un. Thomas Chung a few days ago in Alor Setar really struck home as well.. He kept pounding on the verse Romans 8:26.

Romans 8:26

     “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express,"

My dear friends,

     How true the word of God is.. There are nights here in Kedah that I do feel down and probably as bad as depressed. When hopelessness comes upon me, I would crawl onto my bed and curl up and just cry out Jesus’s name. Tears and sounds come out but not a word.. Yet, I feel comforted.. I feel God’s presence.. I feel God holding me and cuddling me.. I feel PEACE..

      In such agony, the Holy  Spirit prays for us. When we just do not know what to say, he says it for us.. He prays for us..

Dearest everyone,

      I feel a burden to share this with everyone. Let prayer become a habit in our life. Someone once mentioned:

“Martin Luther prays for three hours.. I will never pray longer than half an hour but I will never go for more than half an hour without prayer.”

Wonderful words that we should keep at heart.

Take care all,

God Bless,

Chao.

p/s: Here’s to all who needs a little encouragement; God Bless. May the Joy of the Lord be our Strength.

A Gigantic smile is all I can offer to all when it comes to th topic of blogging… Why? Well because the last time I actually blog (be it in this blog or my blogspot account) was…. er…. When was it?

I myself did not remember when I last blog… That is how sad my blogging frequency is… hehe.. *sheepish laugh*

Yes, I owe it to at least those who do ask constantly about me to at the very least update them on where I am, what I’m doing and how I’m doing…

Well, just to inform once again (there are many people whom until know still do not know) that I am now studying in Kedah.. Where? Universiti Utara Malaysia, UUM, Sintok Kedah.

I’m expecting some shock faces from this announcement (I got a few of them before through the e-mail I sent out quite sometime ago). So yes, I’m reconfirming it again that I AM DEFINITELY in KEDAH right now…

Moving along? How are things? Well….. I’m still missing home although this is going into my 9th week studying in UUM.. I’ve gotten used to the time-table and the many subjects (8 of them) and even manage to squeeze in some very much needed exercise… But when I receive a call from mom or Brian (brother) I get a little homesick and would cry on my bed before going to sleep…

I dearly miss home… Dearly…

Next question to answer… What am I doing in Kedah…

Hehe… Interesting question to answer… Well, I’m currently doing this course called Diploma Pendidikan Lepasan Ijazah.. DPLI, which basically means Diploma in Education for Graduates. I received the offer letter on the 12th January 2007 (my daddy’s birthday) and left for Alor Setar of the 20th of January 2007.

Upon making the decision to go, I received many reactions.. Some of my extended family members discouraged me.. Some were very enthusiastic.. Some couldn’t believe that after just graduating, I am so willing to go back to study (My extended family from my dad’s side).. Then church members were very supportive although were a little bit shocked.. Cell group members and some friends were also very supportive and understanding. They were also very generous in offering help.. (THANK YOU LOTS!!!) and then there were tears as well when I had to say "see you again soon," to my family…

Anyway, whatever the reaction, I really am very grateful that I’m able to experience what I’m going through right now. I’m meeting friends from the past, and making new friends as well.. Learning new things and remembering things that has been learnt.. It’s basically now a part of my life that I do not want to lose… It has become a milestone (as Mac would say) that I have to go through..

Okay, I guess I will leave it at that… When I do get the time again to write (which I’m uncertain of) I will update y’all..

Right, take care all,

Chao.

-sarah-

p/s: To all in friends and aquaintences in Kuching, I miss you all.. To all my friends in Kedah, I enjoy every moment here.. To my loved ones at home.. Dad, Mom, Brian, I love you…

I guess I can make it official… finally I have taken the step….

      Nah.. nothing serious.. Just wanted to say that I’ve started a blog on blogspot… just check it out. The address is: -

www.sarahlasung.blogspot.com

You guys will still see me posting stuff in this blog while I’m trying to make myself at home in the other… Should the time come for me to rid of one, Sad to say, it would be this blog. But don’t worry, further notices will come As for now, I’m still "hangin" around.

p/s: Here’s to all my readers out there, thanks for spending time to read my silly ramblings. Take care all and God Bless.

As I promised, here is my second blog on pictures that I still owe people.. Enjoy!! I hope they turn out nicer this time…

(L-R) Jonaes, Jonaes’s bro, Alexis, Christine, me, Suyin at the tennisclub promo for our Co-curriculum day

Personally, I would prever Milo myself.. But Vico suits me fine.. It was the only drink available then anyway..

(L-R) Wayne, me, Cheryl at Carry the Call 05′. More coming your way in 2006!!!

The Praise and Worship team for Carry the Call 05′

Mac and Su’s baby.. Ryan!!! So cute!!!

The Mini reunion at UNIMAS.. (Standing L-R: Imelda and Crystal) Sitting L-R: me, Belinda, Sheila, Wen Ji

The four musketeers of my Aquatic Class. (L-R) Su Yin, Audrey, Felicia, me

The Aquatic Class of 2006, UNIMAS

Jemima sharing during the memorial for her father. Jemi is one of my many role models. Such a beautiful and wonderful woman.

And again, I would have to stop here due to my lagging dial-up connection. I hope this is enough for the moment. Should the time come when I’m free, I will upload more pictures for all to see. Enjoy everyone!!

p/s: Here’s to all who has appeared in my pictures. A memory of you will always be with me. Take care all, and God Bless.

        This is just a short post regarding my previous post… Apparently.. The pictures did not come out the was they were supposed to be arranged… *sigh*.. Anyway, I hope you guys are able to understand what I’m writing and which captions are meant for which pictures. Should there be any confusion, do leave a comment and I will clear things up. Heheh…. Thousand Apologies…