All Set For Christmas

Season greetings everyone! Are you ready for the "imminent" arrival of Christmas? Whether you are celebrating for the birth of Christ, or merely celebrate just for the fun of it, Christmas is definitely the most fun-filled and exciting season throughout the whole year. Everyone loves Christmas, I mean, who doesn't? Family members exchange gift, children receive gift, and lovers expect gift. Not only it's a season of excitement, it's also a season of "love". Well, those who date, be prepared to be overwhelmed by a strong wave of love and warmth. Love is in the air, right?

The only setback in this exciting season is the absence of snow in our beloved country. If you don't know how to appreciate "snow" in xmas season, allow me to paint you a picture. Imagine the sky was gloomy, you were in your winter attire, you put on beanie and glove and you're outside your house playing with the snow, though the entire surrounding was freezing. You threw the snowball around and you slip because you couldn't walk well in the slippery ground filled with snow. You went inside your house to get some warmth, the xmas tree was placed in your living room, with some wrapped gifts lying under the tree, and you sat down in front of the fireplace sipping your hot coffee.

After few months of "constraining" my "itchiness" in shopping, it's time to undo this shackle and get loose. I've decided to stretch my wallet a bit, I've decided not to pay attention to the price tag, though it's bleeding severely. After all, I deserve to be pampered this way, given all the hard work and effort I had put in my career. So I went to do some shopping, and I was overjoyed because the harvest was great. Then I realised I need a complete "makeover" on my hairstyle, nothing wrong with my previous hairstyle, I know, but it's kinda instantaneous and all of sudden I wanted to cut my hair so badly. So I went to saloon after I've done shopping. I told the stylist I want something "new", but at the same time not too "new", considering my profession. So I had my hair done. The result? I kinda like it, satisfactory overall.

I don't expect many gifts this year, but I am more than happy to give people presents, especially those who I love. I'd also prepared a lot of expensive gifts for my siblings, for the first time in my life. It's more blessed to give than to receive, right? So guys, I'm all set for xmas, how about you?

A Bad 'Hair Day

The clock was ticking, the alarm didn't trigger, and I was dead to the earth. Then a sudden inner rush woke me up and as I open my eye I was shocked to learn that I overslept. Quick as cat, I rushed to the airport and I was around 15 minutes late. As expected, my phone rang just before I reach the airport and I told them I was about to reach. They then told me the captain was waiting for me. There wasn't much time for us, pilot and cabin crew, to linger around, and we all were rushing to ensure that we weren't late. The boarding process (passenger board the aircraft) ran unusually smooth, and we managed to depart on time, despite the fact that I was late.

The flight took off at 6.45am, heading towards the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, on a brand new day and brand new morning. Everything and everyone seemed alive in this lively morning especially for those holiday-makers who were travelling abroad. The crew, however, was the exact opposite of those holiday-makers, as this brand new day was kicked off with unexpected and unforeseen circumstances due to the fact that I, the second person in command of this aircraft after captain, was late for flight. Knowing that the company will take disciplinary action against me, I was terrified, and yet felt so helpless because it wasn't my intention to be late. Unaware, when the flight settled down at its cruising altitude, the first index finger was about to point on me. The phone inside the cockpit rang, it was the purser (chief cabin crew) on the line, she said she wanted to come in and talk to us.

"I just wanna know what's happening just now, what was the cause of the late arrival of both of you (me and captain) to the aircraft," said the purser in a challenging voice tone. "We weren't late! The schedule departure was 6.30am and we arrived the aircraft at 6.10am! I thought it's pretty usual to arrive at this time, that's what I do everyday. Moreover, we departed on time, so what's the big deal?" said the captain. For me, the captain was right because we normally reach aircraft 20-30 minutes before schedule departure time, probably slight 5 minutes late today, but it seemed ok, no big deal. The purser then added, "yeah, I know the flight departed on time, but didn't you know that before you reach the refuelling process (putting fuel to aircraft) was running and without either one of you in the aircraft, I couldn't initiate the boarding!" In an slight angry tone, the captain then reply "so you are blaming us for coming in late? I just don't understand, as far as I'm concerned, we departed on time and so it doesn't matter what time we come in to aircraft". The atmosphere started to get tensed and uptight! "Captain! I know the flight departed on time, but the thing is, I could have started the boarding earlier, and according to the regulation, boarding must be started at least 25 minutes before departure, which in this case, is 6.05am. Yes, I could start the boarding without your permission, but the problem is the aircraft was having refuelling earlier on which according to regulation, one of you (me or captain) must be present in the aircraft. And yet you people show up at 6.10am and so the boarding started late, although we managed to complete and depart on time. And now I'm hold responsible for my department, they'll enquire me as to why the boarding started late, despite we were on time. In my report, I need to jot down the timing and reason for the delay of boarding. Can you give me a strong reason why you were late?" The captain replied, "ok, you write whatever you want in your report, and I'd write what I want in mine". "Fine!" she replied.

The captain still couldn't understand what the purser want and stubbornly he told her that as long as the flight departed on time, everything is fine. Knowing that I was the troublemaker, I quickly admitted it was my fault that caused the late arrival. Surprisingly, the captain didn't see it as an issue. The captain then went to toilet and the purser was standing behind me, she asked" Why your captain like that one? Why he want to provoke me???" I answered, "Maybe he is new and he didn't know what you're asking for. But I know that I was at fault!". She kept quiet.

The remaining for the three hours flight was tensed and stressed out for every party involved. There were zero communication between cabin crew and pilot. Apparently, the purser was provoked, so as the captain. We landed at Hanoi safely, and as I stepped out from the cockpit to submit the document to the airport authority, the purser said to me "actually, what I want is just a valid reason as to why you guys were late, it could be any reason, and in the past, I have captain who showed up late also, and we discussed and we made up a story, to cover each other and to back each other up, instead of accusing each other." I soon realised her good intention and was pretty amazed. But she could have persuaded the captain, if she could be more gentle.

After the failure of first round discussion, the matter didn't just leave untouched, as we eventually are hold responsible for our respective department. The flight departed from cold and misty Hanoi in early winter morning, resembling each of our heart's feeling. Before long, the second round of discussion took place. The purser seemed to be more polite this time. "Captain, if I've done anything wrong, being rude or straightforward, I apologize, and I still respect you as the commander of this flight. We're working as a team, and we try our best to cover each other. I know Wong (me) was late, I could have just blamed him if I want to. But it will harm his future, and I just want you to give me any reason to cover up this matter". Captained then added, "I don't want to blame Wong either". What an impressive remark! She then took out her report and explained everything to him. In the end, we all agreed to put the blame on immigration clearance at KL due to the fact that it's congested and only one personnel jaga the counter.

I knew we all were lying, but neither party wanted to be blamed, and I did admit my mistake. But they were helpful enough to save my ass, to cover me up, in order not to ruin my impression and future. Kudos to the captain and purser! Even though the purser has got some attitude problem, at least she has a heart of flesh. She could have just stabbed me at the back, like what she said.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God...(Roman 8:28). Recently, I came across this shoutout from my friend, which says "never a failure, always a lesson". I know that God wanted me to learn few lessons in today's event.

SELF DISCIPLINE: I've always had the bad habit of showing up late, in every occasion. Today I learnt a painful lesson of punctuality.

TEAM WORK: After all, it isn't about who is more superior, it's about the safety of the flight, the atmosphere of working environment, and the spirit of helping one another, to cover and back each other up. Mutual understanding is also important.

NORMALITY IS MIRACLE: Have you ever asked yourself why your life seem boring and uneventful? You admire your friend who has a lot of things to do and handle, so many activities, and they have lots friend, while you're sitting at the corner doing nothing, living a normal life, no friend, no event, and feeling pity for yourself. You feel like everyday is the same, going to work or school, not much changes and you want something interesting. In fact, if you have this sort of thinking, you may be wrong. There are a lot of people longing for a normal life, but they just cannot, you know what I mean. People used to tell me that everyday, as long as you are breathing, it's a miracle from God. I wasn't convinced. But now I know why everyday is a miracle, the moment you go to bed you are expecting a better tomorrow, but you will never know what will happen the next minute. You may be sicked the next morning, overslept, or you'll never get up forever. I couldn't believe I overslept, and yet, it happened.

Friends, I hope that you have learnt something today. Give thanks in all circumstances, because every breath you breathe, every step you take, and every minute you spend isn't an accident, it's God who enables you, and watching over you.

Unexpected Winter

Partial view of Gui Lin

Partial view of Gui Lin

The earth revolves around the sun and causes the change of four seasons. One full complete revolution takes 365.25 days. In fact, the earth rotates every day, every minute and every second. The only evidence of its rotation is the changing of day and night. Just as the earth revolves, we human being, too, are revolving. Our life revolves round the surrounding, busy schedule or let say a task too difficult to accomplish. Knowingly or unknowingly, we are revolving, either in a slow pace or fast pace.

Looking back the year 2009, there are some achievements as well as some incomplete tasks. It's been a hectic year in my life, and of course there are many ups and downs but I'm always grateful because God has been faithful and delivered me in each and every life's challenges. Before we realize, we have entered the month of December, a month of celebration and holiday for many, unaware that the end is near. Some people expect greater thing to happen in new year, but they never actually work hard for their life, and how can you receive your reward if you have this kind of thinking? Time flies! You have been taught in school, "time and tide wait for no man" . As much as we want to stop time from running, we just cannot!

In my childhood days, I'd always dreamt of living in a place where there is snow in winter. I'd always admired my aunts for they were studying in USA back then in eigthies. One of them has married to a local and reside in L.A. now. Sadly, I never had the chance to go oversea because my family's financial condition disallowed. Since then, going oversea has become the wildest dream in my life. I knew I'd see it happens one day, and I'm still waiting for that day. I know this dream is within reach now because I can get cheap ticket to London at rock bottom price(AirAsia's staff only).

The third day of December marks a historical moment in my life. For years I've heard people saying about China, and this time, I felt privileged to be given the opportunity to operate my company's aircraft with 160 passengers on board heading towards my fourth destination, Gui Lin（桂林） in China, after Macau, Hong Kong and Shen Zhen. I heard people saying about how beautiful this city is and I really wanted to witness its beauty with my own naked eye. Unknowing it's December already, I felt colder and colder as the aircraft continue flying up northernly. And then, Christmas flashed through my mind, then snow, then...."Oh my God, it's WINTER in northern hemisphere, it's winter in China as well". I was thinking, "would there be any snow upon arrival?". Seconds later I thought "nah, it ain't north enough", means it is still below latitude 30 degree, the city lies in 25 degree latitude north. In most places, snow will appear above 30 degree latitude north or south.

As we were approaching the airport, the surface wind on ground was getting stronger and stronger, and it almost blew the aircraft to one side just before touching down. Then we landed, on the soil of mainland China. After the disembarkation of passenger, we were required to declare at the immigration counter inside the terminal. So I went out from the aircraft and I felt so cold, then I put my hands into my pocket. I could see everyone was in their winter attire already, guy wear thick jacket and lady wear boot. We, the pilot and the cabin crew were the only human came there unprepared, hahaha..... Then I went outside to enjoy the cold winter air, it's freezing out there I could sense, with the ground temparature of only 9 degree celcius. My eyes started to fill with moisture as the wind continue to blow. I couldn't take it anymore and eventually went back in the aircraft where I could get some warmth.

Then we took off again, back to KL and as we continue to fly down south, it's getting warmer and warmer and at last we touched down at this land which lies in the heart of equator, sien!! It's so damn hot here in Malaysia, though it's rainy season nowadays. I have also planned for holiday next year, and I want a "white" xmas next year, no more tropical xmas for me please. London, here I come..........................

Pride and Joy

If there was one thing in my life which I consider my pride and joy, it will definitely be my flying career. A childhood dream came true, the hardwork and effort as well as the fighting spirit throughout these years did not go in vain. Little did I know that my job is highly "sought after" until I noticed the eye full of admiration staring at me every time I walk in and out the aircraft and airport. Some people glance, some stare, and some fix their eye on me with a smile. Of course, I give them back a quick look with a smile as well. There was one time the aircraft forward lavatory was not working properly and I had no choice but to use the rear lavatory. As I walked down the aisle, all eye was on me and that kind of feeling was like, WOW! On few occasions, after the aircraft had come to complete stop and all passengers disembarked, few would remain in the cabin and asked permission to enter the cockpit just to take a quick look. When they did so, they were overwhelmed with excitement and curiosity. Some managed to snap few pics before leaving, subject to captain's approval. Some shook my hand to express their gratitude for a safe flight and smooth journey. A small little gesture it seems, but the end result could be so much different as it helps to light up one's day and thus ease some pressures.

But life is always tough my friend. What you see today is not the whole picture. People only notice the glorious and successful part of my life, but very few will take note on the bad experience and failure I had in the past. For me, everyday is a challenge, every flight is a challenge, because I need to ensure that I perform to the required level, any lack in performance is unacceptable. From time to time, I need to remain vigilant, even if it's just a short flight. At times, when shit hit the fence and you were really having a "bad hair day", you just counldn't help making a lot of mistakes in flight. You couldn't imagine what you did, you felt like, "oh crap, what was I doing, what's happening, what's wrong with me today." Then you started to feel stupid and to lesser extent, giving up. Every time when such thought crossed my mind, I felt like defeated and shattered. But then I could never forget the conversation between the father and the son in a Japanese series movie. The father, an old fisherman, told his son who is a pilot and had a car crash and thus broke his leg that "I sailed in the sea for years and I encountered countless storm. But I never give up no matter how violent the storm is, I fight with the storm and I come back home safe and sound every time. How much more are you, a bird which soars in the sky, shouldn't you be tough and courageous as well? Why are you giving up so easily when it's just a small storm of life attacking you"? Eventually, the son stood up, once again, forsaking his past and threw his clutches away. Before long, his flying career restored and he moved on.

I have so much to tell you about the hardship of becoming a pilot. But that's not what I intended to talk right now, and I believe every career field has its own hardship as well. Putting hardship aside, there were also moments which I cherish in flying. From the time you walked in to the airport terminal, some lost passengers asked for direction as they were late, some asked about how to get a taxi, all sort of people. When you're doing a long flight, 3-4 hours across the ocean and above the clouds, you feel like you are so close to mother earth, you touch the sky, you soak in rain and cloud, or mist at times. The blue sky, seems to have soothing effect, and the deep blue ocean, they seem to calm my troubled soul down. Sometimes, when you're going eastward, you're running ahead of the sun, and it shines on you and almost blind your eye. At dawn, you can see the dark earth slowly being lit up by light. Sometimes, when you're going westward, at dusk especially, you're chasing the sun, but you can never overtake her, she moves swiftly and soon you will see lots of afterglow and the sky turns orange, with some blues also visible, kinda like two colours exist in one time. And then, the night engulfs, and at once the whole earth is in total darkness.

For many, flying was regarded as luxurious and glamorous in those days. But things have certainly changed a lot in the last decade. With the introduction of low cost carrier, flying is no longer a dream too far to achieve. But still, a lot of people still haven't been on airplane before. Some of us only travel once in a year, it's like a rare opportunity, something that will only happen when the moon is blue. Quite the contrary to many people, I fly almost everyday, and for this sake, I'm thankful for what God has placed in my life, and yes, I will persevere on, no matter how steep is the road ahead!

渐渐反感

我不晓得为设么我对你有种莫名的反感，路遥知马力，日久见人心，一点也没错，相识越久就发现越多的缺点。起初还以为可以包容一切，以为那些只不过是小事而已。但事情并不是想象中那么简单，日子久了就不知不觉中产生了反感，因为一路所累积的不满已经不能储存了，我再也无法忍耐下去了。告诉你，我好像在扮演一个不是自己的角色，有时我发现我在演独角戏，觉得自己不是真实的自己，我好累阿，真得够了。。。。。。。。。。。。我不想在这样下去了，只不过是浪费时间浪费青春而已。。。。。。。。。。。

倦鸟归巢

我是真的累了，我再也没有力气走下去了。一个人的生活原来是那末寂寞，那末疲倦。我以为自己很坚强而不必靠别人，但后来才发现我真的很渺小，我真正需要的是一颗关怀我的心，一双能为我分担责任与压力的手，而最重要是能够陪我一起走过人生的喜怒哀乐。在外头流浪奔波的日子已经够了，我想我这只倦鸟是时候回巢了。

一个偶然的机会把我带回家乡，起初还很担心会不习惯，可是短短的几天，虽然是平凡的日子，但却叫人流连忘返，回味无穷。母亲的细心照顾让我从此不想再踏出家门，每一个细节都为我打理得井井有条，可说是照顾周到。以前和父亲的关系并不好，但现在的他似乎变了，即使是那区区百分之一的改变也算是一个突破。小弟们的天真无邪，他们的欢笑声至今还在我耳边荡漾。



其实，在我的生命当中母亲是我最敬佩的人。她总是默默的关心，无时无刻，不管心情好或不好，不管是刮风还是下雨。在我人生的低潮期，是母亲的鼓励与支持才让我走出生命的阴霾。我一直都很渴望能够报答父母的恩惠，但是，很多时候我都没有这个能力，钱财方面或是其他方面都好。悄悄告诉你，其实阿，我觉得自己很没用因为到了这个年纪还要他们照顾。但我相信在不久的将来我一定能够为他们做些东西。



还记得在机场的那一幕，我的心情是多么沉重。眼睛虽然没泪水，我想内心是在哭泣，百感交集。我们都清楚知道会有离别的一天，自不过这一去不知何时才返回，或许几个月后，或是半年后。家里面也肯定少了吵杂声，一切又回到原先的平静。来时匆匆，去也匆匆。



我问我自己几时才可以回去长居。我想在短期内是不会有答案，前途茫茫，不知何去何从，只能够说一句，无可奈何！前方还有漫漫长路，我希望我可以早日回家，因为我真的累了！

藕断丝连？？！！

是突然想你又还是我真放不下？

见到你的那一刻我真得很开心，

时间虽然短暂但是却印象深刻，

离别时候还真的有点依依不舍，

你告诉我说一定要好好对待她，

当你的倩影离去时我几乎哭了，

我怎么啦难道这就是藕断丝连？

A Narrow Escape

It was truly a narrow escape. I was on the verge of death. I was "this close" to death. I couldn't believe that I made it, I still cannot believe it, and I'm still feeling depressed. It was an emotional moment, to stand in the gap between the living and the dead. I thought I had fallen, yes, I did fall, but before I hit the ground hardly, God's wings extended and they were so powerful that I was carried away and was lifted to the sky. I've survived the storm, of what could have been a disaster for me had God not intervene.

It was like sailing in the middle of a violent sea with my small boat, though I was tossed, the boat did not sink, nor did it break no matter how strong the wind and wave were. I blamed God for putting me through this, I questioned Him why, why must He allow this to happen. God said, "be still, and sit still, unfurl your sail, and sail on, do not look back, do not be distracted, and do not be terrified." In the end, I reached the port, a place of refuge where the water was calm and seagulls were all over the place. The storm and wave subsided gradually, and soon, they were no longer a threat to me, for God had calmed them down.

I stepped down to the shore, my body was weak and my mind was tired. And there, I met some friends on the shore who welcomed me with open arms and broad smile. They said, "Congratulation! You did it." I told them, "no", "I don't believe what has happened". They said, "my friend, forget the past and move on, do not look back, you have already succeeded, no matter how bad your past experience was". I nodded my head, and still remain in "disbelief", for it was too good to be true. But it was a fact, and it was a MIRACLE. Praise the Lord.

Everything Has Its Time

There is a time for everything........

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

(Ecclesiastes 3)

Yes, everything has its own time and season. The day must gives way to the night, and likewise autumn has to give way to winter. Leaves wither in the autumn, indicating the arrival of winter. The long and cold winter takes the life of many plants away. Leaves die and as the strong and freezing breeze in the dark and lonely winter night blows, it causes them to fall to ground. As a result, the tree has no leaves, and its life is threatened. It seems as though the snow and rain have buried it into deep ground.

As spring approaches, the sun starts to shine, the snow melts slowly and everything is livened up again. The "bald" tree was thought to be dead. To the surprise of many, it did not. Instead, it regenerates and newborn leaves emerge as the sunlight continue to shine on it. No, this seemingly dead tree wasn't dead, and it has become stronger than ever, its roots were forced to deepened into the soil thanks to the strong wind during the winter months and it'll not be shaken easily. As months pass by, summer quickly approaching and the tree becomes even greener than ever.

Many times in our life, we fail to see the purpose behind each of our sufferings. We focus on our problem, and as a result our problem grows from a tiny obstacles to a big mountain in front of us, unknowing that by faith we can move the mountain, and by believing in God deliverance will come, in His time. We become frustrated because deliverance does not come immediately right after we pray, and we are so impatient to wait even a minute. We all are too "short-sighted", we don't know that God is trying to strengthen our character through challenges. You'll never learn the lesson unless you are being put to test and succeed. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job23:10).

I remember a sister once said, "I will choose to live in bad times if I were given a choice between living in good or bad times, because I know that in bad times, I can experience God even more." Her statement left me in awe. I don't understand why she would make such a foolish decision. I don't think anyone of us want to live in bad times. I hate problems, I seriously do. I wish my life was smooth sailing all the way. But God never allows such thought. I realize in recent years that at any point of time when life is happy-go-lucky, something must have been gone wrong, something is not right. Sure enough, problem knocked my door recently. I was very upset by what has happened and there's nothing much I can do to fix it. The very first thought that came to my mind was "all things work for the good of those who love God." Hard to accept the fact and even harder to console myself with those words, I was nearly defeated by the problem. But then again, those words kept on repeating and I became better after that. I started to reflect on all the things that I did in my life, and sadly many things I had done were not pleasing God. Sin came in and broke every good thing in life. I realise that my faith was weakened, and eventually I decided to fast and pray to gain back some strength. Suddenly, Holy spirit reminded me once again about what the sister had said, that she'd rather live in bad times. I realise that she was right, that in every challenges, God shows Himself even more and His presence is stronger. Ultimately, you'll conquer your enemy and win the battle and that's when you will appreciate God even more, because you get to witness His faithfulness.

Now I can see the beauty behind every problem, trial or hardship. I've learn to wait patiently, because deliverance will only come in His time. I've learnt to humble myself, knowing that I have limited strength to fight the battle. I've learnt to trust, believing that He'll rescue me in due time. I've learnt to repent also after Holy spirit reminded me about my sin and those things which displease God. Last but not least, I've learnt to give thanks to Him for God has drawn me closer to Him through life's challenges. And if you ask me the same question as what others had asked that sister which I mentioned earlier, I will tell you that I would choose to live in bad times, because I can see His hands working in the dark hour.

A life which is a bed of roses is meaningless.............

Always On My Mind

Don't forget the things I had told you my dear. No matter where life may take us to, in good times or bad times, do remember that you have the strength to carry on, because I'm always there for you, to care and to pray for you. You're so special in my eye, and you are always on my mind. Take care dear.

Happy Birthday to Myself

Me and Joleen's main course, shrimp n chick pasta.

Appetizer, boneless wings.

John's main course, steak burger.

Charlotte's main course, Fish n Chips.

For some people, birthday is the most important day throughout the year. But there are also a minority of people who think otherwise. And yes, I belong the to latter category. As for me it's just another ordinary day in my life. You may be asking why, why would I have such thought? Well, I would say it's due to my family background. My parents rarely celebrate my birthday. For them, it's a "secondary" thing to do in their priority list. My mum told me that there's no need to throw a party on my birthday. She said it's simply a waste of time and money. Instead, she would rather me focus and do well in my studies and reward me with something else. That's why, I never receive any gift on my birthday. I didn't really understand why me and my brothers were trained and raised in such way. But in recent years, after my graduation, I started to understand the reason behind it. The reason is simple, it's the "priority" in life. I learnt that mum was trying to tell us "studies" and "career" are the most important thing throughout our life. She once said, once you have the ability to earn big bucks, you can do whatever you want and buy whatever you want, wouldn't that be sweet, as if everyday's your birthday? I know some of us may not agree with her way of teaching because it's kinda "unreasonable" and "old-fashioned". But it doesn't matter, because she has succeeded and her children did capture her good intention, though our childhood was a bit miserable as compare to other people.

Few days ago, it was my 24th birthday. I wasn't expecting any sort of surprise and as usual, I wasn't particularly excited about it. Instead of waiting for other people to surprise me with gifts and cakes, I was actually thinking, "how about throwing a party and invite all my friends to join and have fun"? But the plan failed in the end due to last minute call up by my company to fly for another two days, which one of the two flying days happened to be my birthday. So I was left with no choice and I spent my birthday in the air flying the aircraft. I didn't tell the cabin crew about it, nor did I tell my captain it's my birthday, or else, they'd have sung a birthday song to me. I let my birthday pass unrecognized, and I was telling myself even though there's no official party or wishes from others, it's indeed an amazing and extraordinary birthday. Why? Because sitting in the cockpit flying the aircraft has been my dream since I was young. And no one, including myself, could have imagined that after 24 years, that little Jameson who once had a big dream in his childhood days, is flying the real aircraft bringing passenger from all walks of life to their destination. Wouldn't this the biggest gift in my life, having to see the dream has finally come true, and amazingly, it happened exactly on my birthday! Of course, for some people, it's a pity that I need to work on my birthday. I was having the exact same thought initially. But hey, think carefully, it's indeed a birthday present from God who has enabled my dream of flying to come true and it also bears testament to my mum's hardwork and teaching

Tonight, the 29th of September, after three days from my birthday, was a night of celebration for my 24th birthday. It was a simple celebration, no cake, but then I was happy because it's a night worth remembering because I was accompanied by the people who care for me. Special thanks to Charlotte for celebrating with me even though you weren't feeling well. And not to forget Joleen and John, our special guest for the night and their presence was truly the icing on the cake. It was my pleasure to have you all attended the dinner. Thanks guys, cheers.............

What Goes Up Must Come Down

Little did I know that things have started to fall apart. Everything seemed ok at first with no major issue and I thought I was doing the right thing.

How wrong was I!

Everything is not ok, and now only I realise the seriousness of the matter. But it's far too late to rectify the problem, it should have been detected earlier and carry out necessary adjustment. I thought the ride would be smoother and less bumpy this time given the fact that I've been through the same process some years ago. It was like going uphill and soaring high at first and the result was great. Then all of sudden, lightning came and struck me down and I was like from "highest high to lowest low". The feeling of sadness and discouragement overwhelmed me and I was completely demoralized. Oh dear God, I would rather you put me through this in the beginning of it, not towards the end of it where things become more complicated and out of hand.

When will I learn the lesson? How many times does it need to be repeated, "not to make the same mistake again"? Why am I such a failure? James oh James, come on, do it right this time and avoid getting there again, will you? Go and don't let me fail, expand your inner potential and get things back on track.....................................................................................................................

千言萬語

我有說不完的話要對你訴說，見到你的那一刻我突然覺得感觸良多。我有千言萬語要告訴你，可惜我們沒有太多的時間。

我曾經是海上漂流的船只，經歷了不少的驚濤駭浪，眼前的風浪擋著了前方的道路。經過漫漫長夜，多少個失眠的夜晚，對于自己的前途我感到心灰意冷。旁人的熱笑冷諷讓我感到一股很大的挫敗感。有些人你以為可以靠得住，但很可惜他給不到你要的，到頭來他反而傷害了你。我還以為他會陪我走過這一段坎坷的日子，但是沒想到他竟然中途放棄，于是我只好孤軍奮戰。這樣的遭遇讓我從此不再信任他了，因為它讓我徹底的失望。

我走過人生的起起落落，我走過高山底谷，甚至是在曠野的日子確實叫人無可奈何。2008年是我人生中的低潮。我感到生活沒有意義，我過著自憐自艾的日子。我很盼望有人會了解我的遭遇， 但即使他是你最信賴最要好的朋友也不會了解你。我眺望著遙遠的天際，那一片曾經屬于自己的天空。我感到遺憾因為我或許沒這個機會在空中翱翔了。

就在一些不愉快的事情發生之后，守護天使來了！她并沒有責怪我，反而鼓勵我前進。她告訴我千萬不可放棄一定要堅持到底。瞬息間我感動得說不出話來，因為這些日子以來沒有人對我說過這樣的一番話。她挑戰我踏出信心的第一步勇敢地面對前面的波折。

今天我們相約在咖啡廳會面，相隔了幾乎一年，從沒有到有，她與我都見證了神的信實。對于我的成就她感到無比的驕傲與高興。我不會忘記她告訴我的每一樣東西，她的勸勉與教誨我會一輩子牢牢記住。會話的當兒我幾乎忍不住淚水，我看見她的眼里也泛了一些喜悅的淚光。我感謝神的安排，雖然我似乎浪費了很多歲月，但是神告訴我說在他的計劃中沒有什么是太遲的，因為他掌管大局。我很高興因為我又再次展翅高飛了，而且這一次我要飛得更高更遠。雖然有亂流也有風雨的阻礙，但卻不能阻止我前進，因為在天空飛翔的鳥兒是不會退縮的！

誰也沒想到一年后會我們會坐在一起敍述大家的經歷，一點一滴，一切又一切的發生都那么扣人心弦，仿佛是神美好的安排。

千言萬語，只想告訴你我對你感激萬分。。。。。。。。

Sitting On The Fence

It was an unusually cold sunday morning thanks to the shower of blessing from heaven the night before. The gloomy sky and the chillness around had taken away the liveliness of an usual sunday morning where flowers bloom and the grass was green and the splendour of sun-kissed beauty radiated through the whole earth. Without any anticipation in my heart, it seemed that this was gonna be just another sunday service in my life. Years after years I've been attending service and I must admit that at one point of time in my life, I felt so sicked of it because it's become a "routine" and everything seemed "monotonous". The journey to the church seemed long and endless, I rubbed my tiring eyes and my vision became vague, reflecting my spiritual life that is dull and weary. My heart has grown cold because I was deeply hurt by some church people. God asked me to move on and pay no attention to them. But I failed to do that, I just cannot live a life where every time when I see those people who have hurt me in the past, I was wondering if he would do the same thing to me again and I can't pretend as if I have never seen them while we're all under the same roof!

All along the journey, the memories of people mistreating me resurfaced. I could see the darkness behind those people, they use their laughter to cover up their inner ugliness, they thought they can fool me, but I can see them clearly. Do you know what's one of the real disappointment in one's life? It happens when your beloved one doesn't appreciate the things you do. Often time people fail to see the things that we've done for them, the prayer of blessing that has been made in our quiet room when they're facing challenges or the effort that has been put for the sake of their life. Again and again, we're taken for granted by some people.

Nevertheless, God still knows our situation better than anyone else. I know that many camps were being held in many different places in the past few days. But I took no interest in any of them and eventually decided to join the service in Hope KL. I would like to think that it was not an accident that I ended up in that church though the initial decision was made arbitrarily. In another words, God had convinced me to go to that church in the very beginning without my knowledge. Everything seemed normal in the beginning of the service. It wasn't until pastor preached on the stage that it started to capture all my heart and soul and full attention in this extraordinary sunday, yet in an unextraordinary place.

The topic seemed common at first. Thanks to the anointed pastor Simon, he turned a common topic into an interesting and heart-capturing topic. He talked about the lukewarmness in christians' life from Rev 3: 14-22. I felt condemned because I am a lukewarm christian as well. I am neither hot nor cold. The Bible says it's either one or the other, means either I choose to be hot or cold, there's no such thing as in between, which is exactly what's happening in my life now, sitting on the fence. Pastor also said that those who sit on fence will eventually drop to either side of the fence.

I remember in those days, I was very active in God's house and in serving back in my old church in my hometown. I made a vow to God, I told God that I would never miss a service and I will join the youth club every week when I was 17 years old. I kept my promise and I did receive tremendous blessing from God, unknowing that it's my decision to follow Him that had brought all the changes in my life. When I think back I could really see how God had helped me and how He worked in my life. Just like the sister who shared her testimony today, God, in the same way, had blessed me greatly in my studies and I ranked the first place in my class during the last year of my secondary school, even though I was quite a slow learner. I was once the committee in youth club and involved actively in church activities. I felt like there're some many serving opportunities for me and I was really excited for Jesus.

Unfortunately, things had changed, my heart had changed in recent years. I'm no longer excited for Jesus because fire in my heart has been put out, mainly by church people. Sometimes, I wish I could go back to my old church because the sense of belonging is there, whereas in my current church, i don't feel comfortable most of the time because there are many unfriendly and hypocrite around, sorry to put it in this way. I'm limited by people and bound by many so-called "rules", though leaders deny that those "rules" are rules.

Tears rolled down my cheek when I thought of my past and the difference between past and present in my ministry. I appreciate the preaching and such a lovely pastor like Simon, but I felt sad because the people around me have become my stumbling block in my ministry. I don't know since when the ministry in church has become a competition, a platform for people to gain fame and people are feeling jealous of each other of their position. I hate this church when it comes to this part, seriously. Even the person closest to you is competing with you, for no reason.

My heart has hardened after suffering a series of attacks from all these people. I know they will never admit their mistake and try to reason things out. But it doesn't matter anymore, once my heart is hardened then it's hardened. But I feel sad bacause I cannot serve God effectively, I wish I could, but situation doesn't allow me to do so. That doesn't mean I'm preparing to backslide, I love God, yes I do, but I can't stand His people. Oh dear God, please show me your will and let your will be done, not mine.

I long to serve God greatly once again, just like what I did many years ago, and yes, I'm thinking of making a huge "comeback" in my ministry, and if this is not the place to stay anymore, I pray that God will bring me to a more suitable church. Nothing is more important than doing His will, and I will fulfill my destiny by doing His will !!!

Not so bad, after all

The infamous RYANAIR

Retractable staircase directly connected to aircraft. There's no need to
wait for stair truck and hence reduce the chances of delay in case d
stair truck arrive late and passenger get stuck inside aircraft

for no reason. Good for time saving and depart on time for next flight.

Interestingly, the aircraft's stair is operated simply by pressing a

specific switch inside the aircraft !!!

LOVE it or HATE it. Good for budget traveller.

I know the title is somewhat misleading when you first notice those pictures in the beginning of this post. The first impression you receive may differs from what I'm going to talk about today. It's not about my life or others' life, rather, I would like to do a comparison between these two major low-cost carrier airlines, namely RYANAIR and AIRASIA, which by far is the largest low-cost airlines in Europe (main base in Dublin, Ireland) and Asia (main base in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) respectively and trust me, after reading all the differences between the operational and business model implemented by these two airlines which I'm going to show you in the next few paragraph, you will be and you should be thankful for being a Malaysian and our home-grown budget airline AirAsia, has indeed done an exceptional job for offering the best for its customer and made numerous dreams of travelling abroad come true.

Sadly, many people don't realise how lucky they are and some even have forgotten in those days which MAS was the only airline in our country and fully monopolized the airline's industry market. There were no option but to buy expensive ticket if you wish to travel to overseas and those underprivileged had NO CHANCE at all to travel thanks to pricy air fare. Travelling and flying were once the wildest dream for many. Flying was regarded as "luxurious" in those days.

I also understand that many people don't really know about the operation of airlines. Many think that to run an airline is a no big deal and fail to see the recipe behind their success. In fact, the success of an airline didn't happened overnight. It takes many efforts, time and energy to sustain the business, let alone making profit. In order to be remained competitive and survive amidst the tense competition, an airline has to constantly improve itself to suit customer's needs and be creative to atrract more sales. That's why, from time to time, a sales campaign is launched. Another way to increase sales is through publicity, and that explains why AirAsia would willing to sponsor Manchester United in hope that it may gain a foot of ground in UK, and to a lesser extent, the world !

The following will be the differences between these two airlines, have fun reading.

1.Ryanair: Charges fees, these can be related to alternate services like using airport check-in facilities instead of the online service fee and using non-prefered methods of payment. (non-prefered may refer to payment made other than using credit card)

AirAsia: Not applicable

2. Ryanair: have also replaced the free online check-in with a €5 online check-in fee which is charged per person, per flight.

AirAsia: Not applicable

3. Ryanair: All passengers are required to check-in online and print their own boarding pass. Passengers arriving at the airport without a pre-printed online check-in will have to pay €40 for their boarding pass to be re-issued. (You’d better bring it)

AirAsia: Not applicable

4.Ryanair: "a deserved reputation for nastiness" and that the airline "has become a byword for appalling customer service ... and jeering rudeness towards anyone or anything that gets in its way". (Dangerous)

AirAsia: Not applicable

5. Ryanair:In 2002, the High Court in Dublin awarded Jane O'Keefe €67,500 damages and her costs after Ryanair reneged on a free travel prize she was awarded for being the airline's 1 millionth passenger. (Didn’t carry out their promise)

AirAsia: Not applicable

6. Ryanair: It refused to provide wheelchairs for disabled passengers. A court ruling in 2004 judged that the responsibility should be shared by the airline and the airport owners; Ryanair responded by adding a surcharge of £0.50 to all its flight prices. (Nothing is F.O.C)

AirAsia: Not applicable

7. Ryanair: does not offer customers the possibility of contacting them by email or webform, only through a premium rate phone line, by fax or by post. (Eventually was forced to give their email address by the court)

AirAsia: Not applicable

8. Ryanair: Another deliberately provocative ad campaign headlined "Expensive Bastards!" compared Ryanair with British Airways. However, in this case the High Court sided with Ryanair and threw BA's case out ordering BA to make a payment towards Ryanair's court costs. The judge ruled "The complaint amounts to this: that Ryanair exaggerated in suggesting BA is five times more expensive because BA is only three times more expensive. Accordingly, in my view, the use was honest comparative advertising. I suspect the real reason that BA do not like it is precisely because it is true." (Ryanair carries 20% more passenger than British Airways, hard to believe)

AirAsia: Not applicable

9. Ryanair: Proposed measures to reduce frills further have included eliminating two toilets in the aircraft to add six more seats (No toilet in aircraft)

AirAsia: Not applicable

10. Ryanair: Proposed measures to reduce frills further have included charging for the use of the toilet. (Crazy)

AirAsia: Not applicable

11. Ryanair: Proposed measures to reduce frills further have included redesigning the aircraft to allow standing passengers. (Bus meh? KTM meh?)

AirAsia: Not applicable

12. Ryanair: Proposed measures to reduce frills further have included charging extra for overweight passengers (Be careful those fat people)

AirAsia: Not applicable

13. Ryanair: Proposed measures to reduce frills further have included asking passengers to carry their checked-in luggage to the plane. (If you have heavy luggage, you carry that luggage to put to the cargo compartment under the aircraft. Normally this job is done by ground personnel of airport, but if you can do that job, the airline need not to hire ground personnel and achieve cost cutting)

AirAsia: Not applicable

14: Ryanair: Proposed measures to reduce frills further have included asking passengers to carry their checked-in luggage to the seats if they can get clearance "to allow passengers to stand on its flights". (Like the train in INDIA?)

AirAsia: Not applicable

I Don't FREAKING Care

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you’re not happy with me because everytime when I see your face you look unfriendly towards me and you even show long face at times. What is that supposed to mean? It’s not like I had killed your whole family or whatever. Come on, for God’s sake, don’t be so emotional ok. You may greet me “Hi”, “Have Fun”, “Good Luck”, or “Bye”, but it doesn’t make any difference because I KNOW that you’re doing it JUST FOR THE SAKE OF IT, OUT OF SHEER COURTESY. I have tried to the best of my ability to fix this friendship and in case you feel like want to end it, please do not hesitate to tell and mind you I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO END IT EITHER!!!!

I’ve had enough with all these nuisance things and it caused me emotionally unstable as well sometimes, so what’s the point? We might as well “face-off”. And I don’t freaking care anymore, because with or without you, my life will still carry on as usual, nothing to be feeling sad about. But on the other hand, I FEEL SO SORRY FOR YOU BECAUSE OUT OF JEALOUSY, YOU HATED ME. Fine, go ahead with those jealousies and keep drowning yourself in the SEA of jealousy. Don’t tell me you’re not jealous, I know YOU ARE INDEED since the very first day I knew you. You had SNUBBED ME for goodness knows how many times like nobody business. Do you want to know what your problem is? You’re so loser, you CAN’T STAND WATCHING PEOPLE SUCCEED. I don’t know why you would have this kind of mindset.

When you meet someone more superior than you, you dislike him/her. When you meet someone more inferior than you, you make friend with them? WTF? Is this how you socialize? No, you’d learn from those who are doing better than you in your life and continue to endeavor so that you excel in your life as well. I don’t know la, it’s up to you, as I mentioned earlier, I don’t freaking care anymore because I know that you’re HARDENED already, just CANNOT BE CHANGED ANYMORE. So, take care my friend and trust me, you won’t go far with this kind of attitude and mentality.

A Day Of Indulgence-Food & Shopping

Expensive yet delicious

Recent favourite, green tea ice-cream

3 biji Ferrero for RM1.90 only at Isetan, expire 2010 I bought half a dozen

Overlooking dunno where, but nice view, taken at KLCC

Half price sushi at Isetan everyday from 7.30pm onwards

Nice little encouragement for myself

RM2.00 each, normal price RM2.60, expire 2010 Nice park outside IKEA overlookin One U, pic taken at IKEACatch of the day, Canon printer/scanner plus two cartridges for RM220 only, save up to RM150!! Zanmai Sushi Love the chicken and Japanese-style Salad

Main course, ramen soup.

D24 at half price!!!!!

The sense of satisfaction couldn’t be any greater especially when you have achieved something in your life, whether your career, studies or let say a revenge taken against your biggest enemy. Of course, the latter, to a lesser extent, is “indecent and nasty”. But it’s no doubt a kind of achievement in our life as well, agree?

After so many struggles and countless defeat through the violent and relentless thunderstorm, troubles after troubles, obstacles after obstacles, how many sleepless nights and how many times Jamie had lost his direction and being tossed everywhere just like ship without rudder in this dark, lonely and stormy ocean and how many times he was on the verge of drowning, they all seemed to have him swallowed and yet, he was able to overcome all the hardship and difficulties that have been placed in his life by the Saviour. And yes, Jesus was his guiding star in darkness and sailor when he lost all his direction. There are just too many stories and testimonies to tell but he just want you reader to know that it would all be IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT GOD.

The bottom line is Jamie had passed his simulator test recently and he was rewarded with 10 days holiday. He planned to make full use of his free time to indulge himself in nice spa and massage but after taking a look at his bank account, that plan was immediately called off even though he thought that he deserved a nice spa. So a change of plan happened in the last minute and a second thought crossed his mind and he decided to pamper himself with other things. So he went around KL and he ended up shopping in KLCC, a place which he will visit every now and then. He went to few boutiques and he found some nice clothes but surprisingly, he decided not to buy them because for one thing his financial status disallowed and another thing is he has learnt to be a wiser shopper in recent years and buy necessary stuff ONLY. So he went to ISETAN and he got some good deals there as shown in those pictures above. He then decided to go back home but just before he exit the mall he saw Haagen-Dazs and he was tempted but a voice told him to walk away and as he did that he was pulled back moments later and he glanced at the ice-cream bar once again and unknowingly he headed straight towards it and that’s how he ended up paying huge price for it. Damn it!!!

The next day he felt bored again and suddenly he realized that he needed a printer/scanner and after telling his mum over his need for a printer, his mum agreed to sponsor him one, yay. He got some good deal for the printer as well thanks to his friend Michell, who works in Harvey Norman. One Canon printer/scanner costs RM220 after discount and free two Canon cartridges ink worth RM 150. He only paid RM220 in total!!! Normal customer won’t get this kinda deal. He then went to have dinner with Michell at Zanmai Sushi and after that went Jusco to buy some groceries. Before leaving the shop, he was tempted by the durian at half price and after much consideration, he decided to share those durians with Michell, each person gets half. Thanks to his extraordinarily big appetite, he then went to eat porridge with one “yao za guai” and a glass of soya milk at YoYo Porridge.

Even though he failed to get a real pamper from nice spa (which he believes he will one day), he was happy with the good deals he got and he couldn’t be any happier when it comes to food and shopping. His little hope is that he can enjoy as much as he can because another wave of trouble is going to hit him soon as he embarks into a new chapter in his flying career………………………………………