My love for the beauty of nature

There are two ways to live, one is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. -Albert Einstein-

I crave for the beauty of nature. 'There is nothing special', one may say. But it is all about how one look at it and appreciate it. At least, I told myself, it takes one's sincerity to feel and to realise the beauty and importance of one's existence. Most importantly, one needs not seek for recognition from other people to second one's belief (the positive one, of course). But when there is such recognition received, it's definitely a bonus and a blessing ^_^ Stay positive, and have faith on one's belief. 

Another chapter

The event is finally over! And my energy bar went straight to -1% in a glimpse of light once that I have my very first lunch for the 2-day fast or I should say, detoxing? ^.^

Honestly, it was good to be involved in a preparation work but it was awful when one does not get to taste the sweet fruit of the outcome. And this happen to me. It's either one, to be involved, or to enjoy the sweet fruit. It hardly happen to me to be in both situations. Or maybe it did happened, but not that I can recall of any at this moment.

Somehow, I'm glad that my 'turbo' mode has once again been turned on, no doubt that it leaves me exhausted in the end. To overcome this, I just need something else to turn on my 'turbo' mode or to keep myself active all over again. And this is the aim for the moment. Or else, I'll be left in nowhere feeling lost, without direction, and that's definitely not a good feeling.

Of all the things, I'm so glad that I have a team of members with perfect combination, and ever ready to be in assistant throughout the entire event. In daily job, they have been a great team. I can see spotlights shining on them. It will be just a matter of time.

Another thing that I appreciate, are the new people that I met along the way and they have been very helpful regardless of all the last minute arrangement that took place. I can proudly say that I was brought to another new level of last minute solution provider now. With this group of people with many wisdom to share too, things that I do not get everyday, or much. Indescribable.

Last but not least, I met an old acquaintance in the event too. It has been about 5 years since we last met. Towards the end of the whole event, the only word that sticks to my mind, mature. A word that has not been used to describe me for a very long time, once again come back to me. It was in my teenage years when people used to say that I'm mature for that teenage age, but not in my twenties. I think this must be first. Looking at the bright side, it's a compliment ^.^

Source from: http://www.kartoen.be/wp/2008/09/23/holy-trinity/

A reflection

Looks like this year is the first year ever that I'm keeping my blog updated so often compared to the last couple of years. I believe that I'm back into the mood to write! I might be missing myself who used to be so quiet and write so much. Thus, the result of this. But I'm glad for it. At least, for years to come, there's a good reflection on myself when I was younger and 'now'. Always. At the moment, for this blog alone, I managed to reflect something about myself for the last few years and it's good to have such opportunity.

For the past 3.5 weeks, I've been rushing for so much of things for one special event. And it's only 2 days to go before the very day. Hoping that everything is going to be fun-tastic! *Fingers crossed*

Just two days ago, someone whom I respect for his leadership, told me about this. The last thing that a person would want to do is to kill his hope. I believe that this apply to faith too. I heard the sound of a finger snap in my mind at that very moment. "Wow, have I killed my hope?" I thought I did.

Therefore, for now, I must relive all that in my hope. It's one of the important pillars of life. So, good luck to myself once more for the event and, hope.

Source from: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15717943-hopeless

After a night of thunderstorm

After a week of chaotic situation on the haze, the sky is finally clearing. What more to ask for when there is this thunderstorm with heavy rain that took place last midnight to celebrate the end of the smoggy atmosphere in Kuantan air. The wonder of nature, and the great act of nature. Come to think about this, I can't help to think that I am hurting the mother earth from day-to-day life. At this very moment, we are talking about technology. The next, we can't survive without the printed record on hardcopy (paper made from tree pulp). The cause may goes all the way back to a few thousand years back when the first piece of paper was created. Not to forget, back then, China never impose such law as to restrict only one child per family. What is the population back then? What is the population today?

The source of nature is able to accommodate the needs of human beings back then. But look at today, we are digging more and more resources from the mother earth. To balance it, we should have return what we have taken, but wait... what did we return? The fancy packaging to attract consumers and ends up as a non-recyclable rubbish in the dump site? Tonnes of paper kept for at least 7 years before we can at least send it to recycle centre so that records are available when needs arise?

I can't stop thinking. My pair of hands are very dirty, this pair of hand can't even be compared to those pair of hands that are really covered with dirt for the sake of planting or protecting the mother earth. I dare not even to think, annually, how many tonnes of waste have I disposed? But at least, I'm proud to say that I have never waste my food.

I am sorry, mother earth. For I have ill-treated you and not doing much good for you. I feel worse when I come to think that our next generations are going to deal with the waste we have leave behind for them. Come to think about this, I believe that this is the beginning of the generation of greed for we tend to stop thinking for our future when we realise there is not much we have done to hand a good future for our children.

Why education when conscience does not exist? And my heart weeps till the day that I finally do my very best part to be the eco-buddy of the nature :"(

For the longest time

Indeed, this is a song title by Billy Joel. I love it especially when it's being sung in the form of a capella. My all time favourite. Regardless of the lyric, the rhythm itself is almost killing me.

Now back to the key point of 'for the longest time'.

1. What have I not been doing for the longest time?
2. What have I been liking for the longest time?
3. What have I wanted to do for the longest time?
4. What have I been forgetting for the longest time?
5. What have I kept for the longest time?
6. What have I been missing for the longest time?

And the list goes on and on. When I start questioning myself on all of this, I realise that I've forgotten many that I sometimes lead an auto pilot life. Just a couple of days ago, I was filing all my utilities bill and official documents. When I come to the World Vision file, I can't help but to remind myself there's something I've not forgotten, but avoided to do, yet, pretended that I'd forgotten. What was that? To write letters to our sponsored children. Why avoid? I sure believe I do have sufficient time to do that. But I seemed to have many excuses for not doing it. One minute, I got hooked up on the internet, the next minute, I got hooked up with gym, and the next hour with television (gosh, this sure is a 'killer'). Was it really that hard to get those letters written?

N.O. It isn't hard at all. The hardest part, which is also the easiest, is to do it with all my heart. In another word, with sincerity. Oh gosh! Have I lost my heart? Have I lost my sincerity? As I type and type, I realise, I've been lazying too much and relied heavily on the 'auto-pilot' mode for my life, that many things that I've done and went through meant nothing. Wow. How long has that been? I don't know. But I can't do much to change the past. All that I have is now. It's time to stop the auto-pilot mode and take charge of my journey. I guess the auto-pilot mode was my scapegoat in case if anything goes wrong. And that's totally wrong! Bad me, naughty me, thoughtless me! It probably went on and off for the past 3 years. Until now, that I'm ready for it. Nothing should stop me from turning into the manual mode. Bonne chance!

Source from: http://crunkyjuice.deviantart.com/art/Positive-wallpaper-159290224

The rusty brain

Whew... I must admit. My brain had went rusty! And this is no good. Why so? Mainly because I've been lazying for too long. To prevent myself from getting useless, I have to start being useful now. An hour ago, I'd tried to type out my recent thought and after about 300 words, I figure that it was a mess and dump it altogether. 

The first thing I should really do now is to update my journal. It has been some time since I last open it. Furthermore, there has been too many excuses that I've been making to give way for my laziness craving. Well, it's really good that now, I could spend some good time to judge myself instead of controlling myself from judging people. Perhaps, that applies to, in order to stop thinking about A, all that I have to do is to start thinking about B and automatically, A will be out of mind! So, why try to hard not to think about A?! Haha. Well, that's what I've got from one of my reading recently. To stay positive, start thinking positively as the mind can't think of both positive and negative stuff at one same time! One moment, I thought, wow! Really? The next moment, now, I realise, yes, it is indeed! It means what I've read have now come into practical. 

Over the next couple of months, I foresee that I'll be on an adventure and leaving some so called reality behind for a short while. Can't wait! It's going to be awesome!~ Who knows, the adventure turns out to be the reality! Reality or not, the one who's being in it deserves the right to judge it over the people who just sit and watch ^.^ 

Source from: http://funny-pics.co/tags/deep-thinking-funny-pics/

Pelindung Hill, finally, after almost a year...

Have been lazying for so many weekends that I'd failed to wake up early (not so early actually, it was 7.30am, not able to join Sharma's 5.00am club still).

It is of course, my precious weekend. And I've made full use of my weekend today. Managed to wake up 'early', got ready and head off to Pelindung Hill. After the fireflies sighting trip last night in Cherating, I'm very sure that I must get in touch with the nature even more. Thus, kept my promise to myself to wake up no matter how, and go for the walk uphill.

It was cloudy, it drizzled, and finally, it rained... But well, it was all good. For the beautiful sound of nature, the cry of the crickets, the chirping morning birds (this reminded me of the song by Cat Steven, 'Morning has broken'), and the precious sound of the rain in the rainforest.

I know, it isn't quite a rainforest, but it is remaining as original as it could be, I can't complain more, despite of the telecommunication towers that have been built for so many years up there. Still, I get to get in touch with the mother nature very closely and enjoyed the incredible chill in the morning! Love that - after so long...

As it started to rain when I was getting closer to the mid junction part, the rain started to pour in. And that was when I started to grab my phone and recorded the sound of nature, and some photos. Soothing, cooling. It could be incomparable, but it sure was as good as being in the bed and snuggling in the blanket!

Walking in the rain, with sweat all over the body, I can't really differentiate which part was the rain water and which was the sweat. Silly me, of course they blended. And it was this kind of feeling that keep me feeling alive! Sometimes, I must say, the best things are just around the corner. Just apply rule #1, learn to appreciate! Sure enough, it depends a lot on what is one craving for at that very moment. Anyhow, it was a fun-tastic Sunday morning walk uphill ^.^

A year of wonder, and a year to wonder and ponder

*Keep believing, that's
where the strength is

I didn't quite much realise that the last post I've made was exactly a year ago.. not that exact. To be exact, that will be 1 year and 4 days. Gee.. I've been lazying for so long. Probably I've been spending more time to.. what? Now I need to think carefully of what have I done for the past one year. Eventually, the very best remark of the year would be my birthday. Apparently, I did not make it for the climb this year. Too many plans in mind that had eventually caused no focus at all. But well, everyday is different. For the past one year, no doubt, I've met many wonderful people all around me. And at some point, I'd probably disguised myself as somebody else, did I? Well, I did. For instant, I would have chose to keep my mouth shut in most occasion. But for some reason, I turned out to be one of the annoying 'talk box' in certain occasion. Eew.. therefore, I know that I need more time for myself this year. Thinking about the past one year, it was the first time ever in my life that I'd stepped out of South East Asia, and I was in the south west of France, hosted by a wonderful friend who'd throw me a surprise by joining me in the Mt Kinabalu climb last year. 

*The sky was still bright at 10.00pm, minus the sun ^.^

For the very first time being in a foreign country, all alone, that's a new thing for me, perhaps I'm a lil' old for it, but hey, who cares. It's my very own experience that I'm enjoying ^.^ Although we have tropical climate for the entire year in Malaysia, but the summer I had was mesmerizing. With the summer festival all around the area, it was good. Having the chance to help out some people to shifting house in France, being taught dancing steps, playing musical instrument that I'd never tried before, enjoying beautiful music all around the village in the late evening, yet the sky was still relatively bright at 10pm, having the experience of being 'stung' by some kind of plants named 'oak-ti' (that's how it's being pronounced) and later being told that I'm a real French for having the experience of being 'stung' by that very plant (eew... it's painful =.=") and the list goes one forever. True, there may be culture differences, but still, all of us are human. I am a firm believer of the saying, "There's only one race in this world, and that is HUMAN-race". It is probably some negative belief system that could have contributed to so many nasty things that happen all around us. 

*The music festival over the
summer in St Macaire

Sometimes I think to myself, I am so small, as small as a micro-dust in this world (not to mention, the universe), yet, I am a significant being - to something, someone, in somewhere. Everyone has their own value, and that includes all living being in this world. Therefore, all of us deserve respect. It was so much that I'd experienced for the past 12 months that I'd somehow slowed down in my plan. Hence, have not done much up to now. But well, it wouldn't be long till I start being active again. This, I promise myself ^.^

Blessed

Prior to departing for Kota Kinabalu, I had some kind of weird feeling where things may go wrong. A few friends have told me to go with my instinct and overcome whatever that may come in my way and yes, things were back on track.

A few days before and after my birthday, I've got additional treasure ^.^ First, I went for a book fair for 3 consecutive days and spent about RM 400.00 for the pile of books I have in my bedroom now - it could have cost me about 10X of the figure stated for their original price. Wow! I love the books and they will surely keep me busy for quite some time! Next, a brand new tumbler to assist me in saving the environment as well as cost of drinking Starbucks. Later, a few free meals and drinks at Starbucks with a brand new card. Cool! Now, I'm so glad ^.^

On the very day, yes, I've started my first step to Mt Kinabalu. In exchange, a tag that recorded the special day - 1st April 2012. When I came back to West Malaysia, I saw a lil' girl carrying a backpack with a snowy white bear placed in it.. actually, the head of the teddy bear was on top of the bag's opening so that he could 'breathe' ^.^ I'd shared this with my childhood classmates and... surprise! I've got a teddy bear for my birthday this year! Yeah... my reaction was, "What!?" =.=" But no doubt, I love it. Thanks everyone ^.^

Making a statement for my 27th birthday

At most of the time, I'm telling people I don't really care for that age is just a matter of number. If I really want it to mean something, I simply say that it shows we've gain yet another year of wisdom and experiences where nobody could have had the same! And me, I've decided to make my second attempt to Mount Kinabalu on my birthday this year. Prior to the climb, everything just doesn't seem right.. things kept pouring in with various obstacles. From not obtaining the climb booking on the desired date, to flight tickets unavailability to almost missing the flight to Sabah! Wow! That was so close!

Anyway, good thing that all went smooth, just some obstacles.

It all begin with the journey to KL where I met with Jean again after seeing him off for almost a year! I have no better words to express my gratitude to have him around in this trip. Next, I am very thankful that my dear brother has offered his rooms for us to spend a night in KL. Knowing that we have so many people departing for Sabah, it's a blessing too that my sis agreed to lend her car for us to begin our journey with.

Beginning from 30th March, it's about waking up at 5am for shower, breakfast and heading to airport! For this, we almost missed the flight... thank to the GPS. Gosh... well, at least we made it to catch the flight ^.^

When we touched down in Kota Kinabalu, we spent the very first day exploring KK city centre on our own feet! It's a continuous walk for at least 5 hours, thanks to the car provider who couldn't keep his promise to deliver the car on time. Well, it was our fault too as we made a last minute request. I learn a lesson here, but it's still a good one. And this was the only night where we had all sort kind of seafood! One of the most rare thing we had, the stone fish! Looked spooky but taste great! What more, their bone turned green when it's exposed to air!

Here comes the second day where we woke up at 4.30am to catch the bus for water rafting session! All the way to Beaufort and down to the memory lane... a very special kind of train we sat in to get us to the Pangi station to begin with the water rafting. The weather was so good that I tanned my skin on that very day. I could have soaked myself in the river at all time if such choice was given @.@ Overall, there was good view.. and good compliment from the guide "You're a good paddler". Well, that made my day. Guess my past experiences have eventually made me a better paddler now ^.^ However, the whole water rafting was shorter compared to the one I had last year. Well, I guess I will be missing that whole lot now! It was at this time that I realised I needed a new backpack! So, without any delay, I went to the shopping centre nearby to hunt for one - although I have not made my decision whether to get a porter for carrying my backpack or to carry my own. So, I bought one. Actually, before I went to hunt for the backpack, I dropped by in a cake house to grab some snack and my colleague was there! He told me to keep quiet so that no one knows that I saw him there. I didn't suspect anything, but I told him that, "Don't worry, I'm here to grab some snacks and the ladies are in the room having their instant noodles!" My intention was to let him know that he doesn't have to worry of anyone knowing that he's getting extra food. And it seemed that it somehow led to another information leakage, he told me to keep the secret that I saw him buying a cake there!~ Crap... such coincident?! Well.. that's why I never really believe that I will have much surprises in my life ^.^

Towards the evening, we managed to find a new spot for dinner - right next to the seaside. Well.. while eating, all light went off.. you could have guessed it right now, it was the Earth Hour! Haha... poor us.. we have to eat in dark that evening. The mosquitoes have somehow showed their mercy on us where none bite us despite the good opportunity they had that evening.

Once when we reached hotel, I took my shower and the room seemed to be crowded. Everyone was in the room playing games and performing their own chores. When Jean mentioned that he needed to get something from room, I led him to the door. A while later, bell rang and "Special delivery"! Wow.. a cake and a bottle of red wine! What a night ^.^ Thanks, everyone!

Now, time to sleep and everyone is expected to be awake by 5am the next morning! It's the climb! The transfer turned up late. It's okay, at least we still make it to the Timpohon Gate, though it's an hour later. With my new backpack, I've carried a load that weighted about 6kg. Phew.. I was still undecided whether to get a porter service. But when we were sent to the Timpohon Gate, we realised it was too late to get any... That was how I ended up making another breakthrough to carry my backpack this round. The journey begin. Jean was obviously F.A.S.T where he was taking only about 2 to 2.5 hours to finish the 6km trail! And the rest of us, well.. I shouldn't elaborate more. But I guess I'm doing way better this time compared to last year as I kept moving consistently even though it's slow. But hey, I went passed quite a number of people as well! With the weight on my back, I'm quite satisfied with myself though ^.^ After several hours, it's 'Hello Again' to Pendant Hut! For this time, I didn't take my lunch nor snacks along the way. It's only plain water for the entire journey and yet, it's refreshing.

After an exhaustive morning, went through the via-ferrata briefing and took a shower. Dinner before 6pm and off to bed by 7pm! This time, I couldn't really sleep well and woke up every 2 hours or so until I decided to wake up at 1am and not trying to sleep anymore. Getting ready for the final round of climb and begin at 2.15am ^.^ My new headlamp was working perfectly and I love it! At least not as troublesome as the torchlight I brought last year. Along the way, saw a wonderful starry sky... and that reminded me of 'Vincent' - "..for they could not love you, but still your love was true. And when no hope was left in sight on that starry starry night, you took your life as lovers often do. But I've could told you Vincent, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you..." Wow.. mesmerizing! Exactly the same like last year, as I climbed, I took off my layer of jacket and kept it in my bag for I was beginning to feel hot as I move up ^.^ But I did not cover my face this time, which eventually caused my lips to crack right now and they're still bleeding until today. All the way up to the Low's Peak, I was back to the same spot once again, a day after my birthday, almost a year after my first climb! Everything doesn't feel the same anymore. From the water rafting to the climb.. it doesn't really feel the same. Perhaps it's hinting me that it's time that I look for a new kind of challenge now. But I'm glad that I did it once again, with better stamina this time.

At 6.30am, we rushed for our via-ferrata session! Yeay! Did it! Exhausting but fun! We had two strong men leading the team and therefore, the remaining two of us did our best to follow the pace! Tiring but great! This was definitely something different. And with the help of both Jean and Tom, I have an unforgettable bridges crossing! Thrilling! It's more than via-ferrata for that ^.^

When everything's over, it's back to Timpohon gate time again! Well, that was definitely torturing! Nothing changed for this part ^.^ And that's how I ended up with my muscle ache now, but I love it! As to the rest of the team members, everyone made it and added an interesting chapter to their life book. For Jean, I believe so it's not as challenging, but I'm glad that he's at least enjoying it ^.^ Thanks again for everything, guys! ^.^


Also with a short video made by Jean: http://youtu.be/FeMXmJkA3j8