Thank goodness, it's Friday! But hey, it's not Friday yet. One more day to go and a few hours to be precise to reach the final working day of the week. Want to know why? Because I had dinner there just now.
What a minute? Dinner at Friday's? Yes, it's TGI Friday!
Thank goodness, even if it is not Friday, I get to enjoy my time with my family over there.
I didn't know it beforehand that my dad was going for grocery shopping. And the nearest shopping complex is Queen's Bay, which is only 5 minutes drive away from my house. When we were figuring out where to have dinner, TGI Friday was just along the way, so my dad requested to dine in there since both my parents haven't tried this high class "junk food" before.
The settings of the restaurant is just the same as the one back in Leeds. Since it is an American restaurant, I guess they are trying to make their customers feel like America. If not we wouldn't be having the same settings and interior design identical in both countries.
Three of us, we ordered 2 set dinner and a large mushroom soup as whole. These 2 set dinner came with two sets of appetizers: Fried Breadcrumb Macaroni Cheese Bites and Fried Squid Rings and both came with Salsa Sauce! Quite a good combination of taste. It's hard to believe that Macaroni Cheese can be fried in cubes and can be eaten with Salsa Sauce. I was so hungry that I have forgotten to take some pictures of the food. But with a good imagination, I am sure you know how good the food are.
Main course White Fish is served with lemon sauce and long beans, while the other one is Chicken Fillet served with Mozzarella Cheese and special sauce (don't know what sauce that is). How do I find the main courses? I was too busy cutting and munching that time, so forgot to slow down my pace and enjoy the food longer. But of course, with that kind of price I pay, you'll know the standard of the food and the service there.
To complete the course, we had Chocolate Malt Cake and Caramel Ice-Cream. A while since I had my last dessert before returning to Malaysia. It's never a habit of me having dessert after my meal. But after I reached the UK, the ladies started to request for desserts after every meal, which made me want to follow the culture there. You know, there is a saying: "when you are in Rome, do as the Romans do." And that was what I did, indulged myself so much on dessert and sometimes I could be craving for dessert so much, that I finished a whole 750g of ice-cream on my own within 2 days! People will be curious to find my body size unchanged. Thanks to my body for having high metabolic rate.
That's right, TGI Friday is a place to be. I wish that I could turn back the clock because the enjoyable moments are just too short and very often the moment stays. This makes me think of my next visit to TGI Friday.
Friends! Mind having dinner with me at...
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Lauren Wood - Fallen
Another song intro. Suddenly thought of this song and I have decided to blog about it.
This is the soundtrack from Pretty Woman. I can remember how the story goes but it really is the song to be played when you are driving back home from work. The reason I like this song, none other but its relaxing tone. A pretty song for a pretty woman and yes it is also recommended for the lover birds. Guys you can't court without this song, you know! Haha...anyway enjoy the song.
Lauren Wood - Fallen
This is the soundtrack from Pretty Woman. I can remember how the story goes but it really is the song to be played when you are driving back home from work. The reason I like this song, none other but its relaxing tone. A pretty song for a pretty woman and yes it is also recommended for the lover birds. Guys you can't court without this song, you know! Haha...anyway enjoy the song.
Lauren Wood - Fallen
An email from uncle
An email was written to my uncle from Singapore 2 days ago to update him about my interview which was held the day before.
It's the most fabulous email I have ever received from him. As he went telling me to think about what I am to God and how God can offer help to me in my life, I suddenly felt the joy from God.
I am not delighted because the email replied is encouraging to me. But the content of the email has completely changed my view of my great uncle. I wonder when did he start entrusting his life to Christ.
The word SURRENDER, would be seen as TOTAL FAILURE or SHAMEFULNESS, in this modern world. A Total Surrenderedness requires more than boldness and courage. It is self-denial. It tells of the act of a man who gives up his possessions (eg. treasure, dignity, power etc.)and takes up the Cross to follow Christ.
This form of discipline is now protrayed on my uncle and I am grateful that after so many problems have hit him, he chooses to stand by the side of God. There is no shamefulness but pleasent in God's eyes to have us home with Him.
I think I should share this email out and I hope it will help to bring the joy from God in you.
" Hi Way:
Thank you for updating me, and being so opened with me.
From your description, I would rate that as a very 'fruitful' and 'God-sent' interview. God never promised us sunny day everyday. There will always be sunny days, rainy days, or even stormy days. There would also be earthquakes, and typhoons as well. God has a plan for all of us. In His Grand Master Plan, He has left distinctions for us to acquire along the journey. The distinctions from the journey are the gifts from God, not a job offer. I would not have wanted God to help secure me a job, considering His Greatness. Instead, I would pray for God to open my eyes in acquiring distinctions in life in every step I take, when I live everyday. For example, Distinction in being peaceful and faithful in facing all kinds of circumstances, be they good or bad, happy or sad, success or failure.
God has shown you in your interview, areas that are missing in your education, and your life. Though that has been an uncomfortable (as you have made it to be, not God) session, ask ourselves, are there any great things in life or in this world that was built on no hard work, and on comfort alone? You have discover some missing elements in your training, and experience, continue to pursue knowledge and or put in effort to cover areas that you do not know and need to know, and in the mean time, never stop to ask yourself, who you are being? Are you game in putting attention away from yourself, your wants and needs, and start thinking about what others need?
Start from these:
Being a son - how have you been being a son to your parents?
Being a brother - how have you been being a brother to your sister?
Being a peer - how have you been being a friend to your classmates, your fellow Church friends?
Being a member of a community - .......
Being a citizen - .................
Being a man in humanity - ......................
Go on and on
I acknowledge you for being generous in sharing with me the most intimate part of yourself, your life and your career, and your openness. Do not be too taken or shaken by that interview.
Try on this in your next interview. Be authentic. How?
When we are truthful to ourselves, and be 'authentic' (this has no grey areas, only black and white, either yes or no) with what we are, what we know, we can be totally comfortable with what we are not, and what we do not know. You can be totally comfortable (with no loss of confident or composure) in acknowledging what you do not know to your interviewers. You can state that as a fact, with no attachment of guilt, shame or apology. We are made in God's image, what is there to be ashamed of?
Find every opportunity, you can see the windows opened in the conversation if you are attentive and listen with no preconceived ideas, and speak about what you know, what you can contribute. Again, state that as a fact, and with no attachment.
I have interviewed countless numbers of architects in my whole career, and I do not look for a person who knows everything, I can find more reliable answers from encyclopedia, or Wikepedia. I look for persons with honesty, integrity and confidence. A person who is confident is at ease and has no conflict with himself/herself. He is one who does not look down on himself, nor is he apologetic about not knowing anything. A person with integrity has no qualms about who he is and who he is not.
All the best to your next interview.
Cheer up,
Tuaku "
It's the most fabulous email I have ever received from him. As he went telling me to think about what I am to God and how God can offer help to me in my life, I suddenly felt the joy from God.
I am not delighted because the email replied is encouraging to me. But the content of the email has completely changed my view of my great uncle. I wonder when did he start entrusting his life to Christ.
The word SURRENDER, would be seen as TOTAL FAILURE or SHAMEFULNESS, in this modern world. A Total Surrenderedness requires more than boldness and courage. It is self-denial. It tells of the act of a man who gives up his possessions (eg. treasure, dignity, power etc.)and takes up the Cross to follow Christ.
This form of discipline is now protrayed on my uncle and I am grateful that after so many problems have hit him, he chooses to stand by the side of God. There is no shamefulness but pleasent in God's eyes to have us home with Him.
I think I should share this email out and I hope it will help to bring the joy from God in you.
" Hi Way:
Thank you for updating me, and being so opened with me.
From your description, I would rate that as a very 'fruitful' and 'God-sent' interview. God never promised us sunny day everyday. There will always be sunny days, rainy days, or even stormy days. There would also be earthquakes, and typhoons as well. God has a plan for all of us. In His Grand Master Plan, He has left distinctions for us to acquire along the journey. The distinctions from the journey are the gifts from God, not a job offer. I would not have wanted God to help secure me a job, considering His Greatness. Instead, I would pray for God to open my eyes in acquiring distinctions in life in every step I take, when I live everyday. For example, Distinction in being peaceful and faithful in facing all kinds of circumstances, be they good or bad, happy or sad, success or failure.
God has shown you in your interview, areas that are missing in your education, and your life. Though that has been an uncomfortable (as you have made it to be, not God) session, ask ourselves, are there any great things in life or in this world that was built on no hard work, and on comfort alone? You have discover some missing elements in your training, and experience, continue to pursue knowledge and or put in effort to cover areas that you do not know and need to know, and in the mean time, never stop to ask yourself, who you are being? Are you game in putting attention away from yourself, your wants and needs, and start thinking about what others need?
Start from these:
Being a son - how have you been being a son to your parents?
Being a brother - how have you been being a brother to your sister?
Being a peer - how have you been being a friend to your classmates, your fellow Church friends?
Being a member of a community - .......
Being a citizen - .................
Being a man in humanity - ......................
Go on and on
I acknowledge you for being generous in sharing with me the most intimate part of yourself, your life and your career, and your openness. Do not be too taken or shaken by that interview.
Try on this in your next interview. Be authentic. How?
When we are truthful to ourselves, and be 'authentic' (this has no grey areas, only black and white, either yes or no) with what we are, what we know, we can be totally comfortable with what we are not, and what we do not know. You can be totally comfortable (with no loss of confident or composure) in acknowledging what you do not know to your interviewers. You can state that as a fact, with no attachment of guilt, shame or apology. We are made in God's image, what is there to be ashamed of?
Find every opportunity, you can see the windows opened in the conversation if you are attentive and listen with no preconceived ideas, and speak about what you know, what you can contribute. Again, state that as a fact, and with no attachment.
I have interviewed countless numbers of architects in my whole career, and I do not look for a person who knows everything, I can find more reliable answers from encyclopedia, or Wikepedia. I look for persons with honesty, integrity and confidence. A person who is confident is at ease and has no conflict with himself/herself. He is one who does not look down on himself, nor is he apologetic about not knowing anything. A person with integrity has no qualms about who he is and who he is not.
All the best to your next interview.
Cheer up,
Tuaku "
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Predictable...Not!
Out of 10 career counsellors, 9 would tell you that you should have some expectation on your upcoming interview. One key point for this suggestion is that, they want you to be fully prepared for the questions the interviewers are about to ask. To a certain extent, this can be accomplished but more often the topic of discussion could be unpredictable.
Just like yesterday, I thought it will be an easy one for me but I never thought I would end up like a mouse being scared by a ferocious cat. I was totally stunned when the technical questions bombarded at me. Hardly, I could explain to the interviewers properly about the problems that were given to me to solve on spot.
Although in the stage of uncertainty during my presentation, I received a few nods along the way. But still I doubt I have answered the problems correctly, noticing that the interviewers were only nodding for consolation, just to bring down my tense for the wrong answer presented to them. I feel thankful to the interviewers for keeping whole the dignity and the self-esteem of an interviewee.
Despite the failure and brokenness, I can feel that God is upholding me, yet once again. The scenario today has taught me a great lesson. It is unpredicatable for an event to just sweep you like a water current without early warnings or acknowledgement. But I am very sure that God has His best prepared for me in the coming days. Not that God is predictable but He is approachable because He loves you. You can be sure of Him and His promises for the salvation of mankind. I always think this way to fight myself off the heartache of losing something valuable in this world, a promising job for example. After all, the love from God can far beat any possession in this world.
Just like yesterday, I thought it will be an easy one for me but I never thought I would end up like a mouse being scared by a ferocious cat. I was totally stunned when the technical questions bombarded at me. Hardly, I could explain to the interviewers properly about the problems that were given to me to solve on spot.
Although in the stage of uncertainty during my presentation, I received a few nods along the way. But still I doubt I have answered the problems correctly, noticing that the interviewers were only nodding for consolation, just to bring down my tense for the wrong answer presented to them. I feel thankful to the interviewers for keeping whole the dignity and the self-esteem of an interviewee.
Despite the failure and brokenness, I can feel that God is upholding me, yet once again. The scenario today has taught me a great lesson. It is unpredicatable for an event to just sweep you like a water current without early warnings or acknowledgement. But I am very sure that God has His best prepared for me in the coming days. Not that God is predictable but He is approachable because He loves you. You can be sure of Him and His promises for the salvation of mankind. I always think this way to fight myself off the heartache of losing something valuable in this world, a promising job for example. After all, the love from God can far beat any possession in this world.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Revising...
Today seems to be an easy day for me. Apart from waking up late and having the best meal of the day, the day is spent on preparing my upcoming interviews for this coming Monday.
Frankly speaking, I can't study when I am forced to. But treating the revision like leisure reading is just the opposite. It's a pure satisfaction as I have acquired knowledge related to motherboard architecture.
Remember the first time when I was asked to map up a normal PC motherboard, the only action I could do was staring at the blank paper that was provided to me. A sense of regret filled me and I never stopped blaming myself for not taking this subject seriously. My ignorance towards this subject is because of the intricacy for the entire cumulative design and architecture in the past 40 years. Further to this, it made me gain even deeper respect to those who have such great insight to devise and to pioneer the novel invention.
Often I question myself whether to move on to be an engineer. The superficial knowledge that I had on the subject put me in low self-esteem. It could only be a figment of imagination that with the academic qualification that I have, I will definitely secure a promising job.
Knowledge that is not constantly used or practiced in mind will soon fade away. The result, another failed interview. Paper qualification no longer gives its holder an unconditional pass for a promising job. The interviewee will, instead, be verified by his interviewer of his qualification. Here comes the nightmare of facing some "inhumane" treatment and plenty of bombardment of extremely difficult technical questions. Experiencing this as a "victim" myself, I regarded it as unlucky for not studying the right topic for the interview.
Later have I discovered that my attitude towards studying is just merely to pass exam/job interview. And if no further effort to fully comprehend the concept of how the science works and apply the knowledge in daily usage, the knowledge will soon fade. It requires Wisdom to acquire Knowledge. Now that I have seen things differently, it's easier for me to study. At least now, I find that I enjoy reading and studying like never before.
Remember, Knowledge is priceless! You can have as much as you want and nobody can "steal" them from you. Whereas, being the richest person in the world can never secure one's possession and for once, he can be an easy victim of robbery, theft or other crimes.
Frankly speaking, I can't study when I am forced to. But treating the revision like leisure reading is just the opposite. It's a pure satisfaction as I have acquired knowledge related to motherboard architecture.
Remember the first time when I was asked to map up a normal PC motherboard, the only action I could do was staring at the blank paper that was provided to me. A sense of regret filled me and I never stopped blaming myself for not taking this subject seriously. My ignorance towards this subject is because of the intricacy for the entire cumulative design and architecture in the past 40 years. Further to this, it made me gain even deeper respect to those who have such great insight to devise and to pioneer the novel invention.
Often I question myself whether to move on to be an engineer. The superficial knowledge that I had on the subject put me in low self-esteem. It could only be a figment of imagination that with the academic qualification that I have, I will definitely secure a promising job.
Knowledge that is not constantly used or practiced in mind will soon fade away. The result, another failed interview. Paper qualification no longer gives its holder an unconditional pass for a promising job. The interviewee will, instead, be verified by his interviewer of his qualification. Here comes the nightmare of facing some "inhumane" treatment and plenty of bombardment of extremely difficult technical questions. Experiencing this as a "victim" myself, I regarded it as unlucky for not studying the right topic for the interview.
Later have I discovered that my attitude towards studying is just merely to pass exam/job interview. And if no further effort to fully comprehend the concept of how the science works and apply the knowledge in daily usage, the knowledge will soon fade. It requires Wisdom to acquire Knowledge. Now that I have seen things differently, it's easier for me to study. At least now, I find that I enjoy reading and studying like never before.
Remember, Knowledge is priceless! You can have as much as you want and nobody can "steal" them from you. Whereas, being the richest person in the world can never secure one's possession and for once, he can be an easy victim of robbery, theft or other crimes.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Crisis
Press reported a statement from the Russian President accusing US for the world economic woes.
What has been called the Aggressive Financial Policies drawn by the Bush Administration has caused quakes to the world economic stabilisation. Following the issues of the economists failing to bring the balance to the country’s major impediment toward gradual economic growth, more problems occurred leading to repercussion of other continents.
When a country encounters problems, more often the people will suffer along. I don’t want to put all the blames onto the crisis we are facing now because of my failure in securing a job in Malaysia.
Returning from the UK gives me a brand new hope in my career path. On the contrary, the reality is not like this. Things seem to be far-fetched and I am not even a step closer to it.
Half way through my distressing thoughts, a flash of incidents suddenly took over. There are enough calamities happened around the world, and how come people often think about themselves first before offering their help to those who are desperately struggle to stay alive.
For once I thought it might be the end of the world since there were so many disasters happened in less than 2 weeks. It might be the sign of warning from God. Hopefully, God will continue to show his mercy to the living.
I am really hoping to see love after these incidents. Let the human race come to realise God’s love as the primary love he had for human when the ancestors of human race were created.
What has been called the Aggressive Financial Policies drawn by the Bush Administration has caused quakes to the world economic stabilisation. Following the issues of the economists failing to bring the balance to the country’s major impediment toward gradual economic growth, more problems occurred leading to repercussion of other continents.
When a country encounters problems, more often the people will suffer along. I don’t want to put all the blames onto the crisis we are facing now because of my failure in securing a job in Malaysia.
Returning from the UK gives me a brand new hope in my career path. On the contrary, the reality is not like this. Things seem to be far-fetched and I am not even a step closer to it.
Half way through my distressing thoughts, a flash of incidents suddenly took over. There are enough calamities happened around the world, and how come people often think about themselves first before offering their help to those who are desperately struggle to stay alive.
For once I thought it might be the end of the world since there were so many disasters happened in less than 2 weeks. It might be the sign of warning from God. Hopefully, God will continue to show his mercy to the living.
I am really hoping to see love after these incidents. Let the human race come to realise God’s love as the primary love he had for human when the ancestors of human race were created.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Testimony
How can I stop praising God for His Faithfulness?
It's 3 days ago when the hospital authority sent my grandfather into ICU for closer medical observation. The mistake made by the medical personnel caused the air to enter my grandfather body leading to his swollen face.
I am grateful to have a group of people who have been praying constantly for my grandfather. Most importantly, God's healing hands upon my grandfahter. And today, he is once again moved back to a normal ward after the doctor claimed that his condition is improving.
From the day my grandfather was admitted, there is a strong conviction in my telling me to pray and ask for God's help. I was sceptical about God to heal my grandfather because
1) he is not Christian
2) the doctor told us that he was in critical condition and might lose his life anytime.
But something deep down inside me has told me to believe that God will heal once we ask Him to.
On my first visit, he couldn't even speak and he found difficulty breathing as his ribs have made damages to his lungs during the collision. I prayed by his side without letting him know. After I am sure that he was asleep then only I headed home with my dad.
Upon reaching home, I started to send emails to people who i find accountable to share this problem with and ask them for prayer. Many people in Leeds responded and so do the people in Singapore (who were informed by Andrew). We started this prayer until today when I finally received good news from the doctor to move my grandfather to a normal ward.
Christians may have come across testimonies about Miracles performed in the churches or even those mentioned in the Bible. Never have I really believed until I personally encounter this Grace myself.
It's truly remarkable for God to save a non-believer, because He first love him. What's in God mind is our salvation. It doesn't matter how we look like, how intelligent we are, or how wealthy we may be. God is please with only a type of people, that's the man of integrity, who obeys not the rule of this world, but God the Father.
Heavenly Father, thank you for breaking my disbelief on the issue of Miracle. I pray that you will help the rest who have witnessed your Grace to abide to you more. May the confidence given to them be used for a greater task of yours. Amen.
It's 3 days ago when the hospital authority sent my grandfather into ICU for closer medical observation. The mistake made by the medical personnel caused the air to enter my grandfather body leading to his swollen face.
I am grateful to have a group of people who have been praying constantly for my grandfather. Most importantly, God's healing hands upon my grandfahter. And today, he is once again moved back to a normal ward after the doctor claimed that his condition is improving.
From the day my grandfather was admitted, there is a strong conviction in my telling me to pray and ask for God's help. I was sceptical about God to heal my grandfather because
1) he is not Christian
2) the doctor told us that he was in critical condition and might lose his life anytime.
But something deep down inside me has told me to believe that God will heal once we ask Him to.
On my first visit, he couldn't even speak and he found difficulty breathing as his ribs have made damages to his lungs during the collision. I prayed by his side without letting him know. After I am sure that he was asleep then only I headed home with my dad.
Upon reaching home, I started to send emails to people who i find accountable to share this problem with and ask them for prayer. Many people in Leeds responded and so do the people in Singapore (who were informed by Andrew). We started this prayer until today when I finally received good news from the doctor to move my grandfather to a normal ward.
Christians may have come across testimonies about Miracles performed in the churches or even those mentioned in the Bible. Never have I really believed until I personally encounter this Grace myself.
It's truly remarkable for God to save a non-believer, because He first love him. What's in God mind is our salvation. It doesn't matter how we look like, how intelligent we are, or how wealthy we may be. God is please with only a type of people, that's the man of integrity, who obeys not the rule of this world, but God the Father.
Heavenly Father, thank you for breaking my disbelief on the issue of Miracle. I pray that you will help the rest who have witnessed your Grace to abide to you more. May the confidence given to them be used for a greater task of yours. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)