Pastor Richard said the bottom line of a Christian is obedience.
How often do we disobey at will? We see the light turn red and think we will get away with it just this one time. We measured our weight last night and think we can just have one more McD meal.
Jesse borrowed some game CDs from his uncle Fatt. He could not get one game working on Kathleen's notebook. I tried to do it. Towards the end of the installation, I saw an old friend - the infamous BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). I have not seen it for a while.
I let it restart and decided to unistall a game component first. Hey, BSOD appeared and it restarted again. I tried again and again to no avail.
That was Sunday.
I brought it to the office on Monday hoping to be able to get a boot disc to repair it. No luck. We have no Vista Home Basic DVD in the office.
I had a wake service to go to on Tuesday so I didn't bring the notebook with me. But before I left home, I tried it again and found hope. I could get into a repair mode screen.
Due to the road blockage for the Merdaka Day parade rehearsal and heavy rain, the traffic was very packed. I requested Pastor Reynold to drop me in UMMC. I needed to use the toilet.
After the service, I noticed a celebrity who probably attended another service. It was Lai Ming of Empat Sekawan fame. (not to be confused with Leon Lai from Hong Kong.)
When I reached home last night after the wake service, I tried to repair the notebook again. I was appaled to find that I could not even do a System Restore.
Today, after a meeting, I did so a research and found that many suffered the same fate. I printed out some suggestions to try. The last resort is to format the notebook but Kathleen would lose all her work. She is now working on her assignments. I copied some files out. I will go through the notebook with her and make sure she has all she needs.
When I installed the game component, I got the usual warning that it is not compatible with Vista and that is might cause problem. As I had done many times before, I just ignored it and chose to continue. In the past I have been able to get away with it. But this time, 'it' caught on to me.
In case you are like the 99% of users out there who don't have an installation CD (most manufacturers only provide recovery discs, in my case, I had to burn my own recovery discs, which are misplaced,) you can download the recovery ISO here.
Lesson learned here: do not be disobedient. Stop at read light (that's what I normally do.) Listen and obey the Holy Spirit's guidance. And in things related to IT (where I may think I am very experienced and clever in), look out for warnings and heed them.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
His eyes are on the sparrows
When I was in high school (other people go to secondary school, I went to high school because I went to Catholic High School), I played squash. I was not a bad player either.
I had the privilege to learn both the zhuyinfuhao (bopomofo) AND the hanyupinyin. I had the blessing of learning both the traditional and simplified Chinese characters. I was in transition in both accounts.
The year I entered CHS (Catholic High School) was the year they converted from a boys school into a co-ed. It seems like everything was good for me but I digress.
I used to go to CHS even before I started studying there. I was staying in Kepong then. My father ran the canteen (there were two competing operators.) So, me and my siblings would go help at times. A nice 6-court squash building was build before I started going there.
Now, those were nice squash courts. I remember there was a sale in the school. I had my mind set on a squash racquet even thought I wasn't playing squash then. Dad said I need to ask my mon. Mom was working in SMDJ then. I called from a public phone. No answer. I 'presevered' until I got her on the line. She allowed me to buy the racquet. And that started my squash 'career.'
Ok, there were six courts. 4 a row and 2 in another row where the entrance was. Everybody's favourite court is court number 5 because that's the one right at the entrace. It's in the open and not hidden. We got to show off our skills and styles.
Once day, I was playing in court 5 as usual (only for VIPs like me who is a committee member of the Squash Club.) One of my hit was way too high and hit the netting that separates the top part of the courts. The ball hit a sparrow which for whatever reason was sticking its head through the net. The ball decapitated the bird. the head fell in my court while the body fell in the neighbouring court 4.
That was many years ago.
This morning, Kathleen and Jesse asked me to get up even thought it was not my time to get up yet. You see, they had to leave earlier since Jesse had to be in school early. They had to leave by 0700. My dad picks me up at around 0740. So, it was ok for me to sleep until 0730.
So, at 0553, they were asking me to get up. They also mentioned something about a bird. I later found out a bird was found inside the toilet bowl (Sparrows have a tendency to be in weird places, don't they?) and it was struggling to stay alive.
Jesse told me if I continued sleeping it would drown and it would be flushed away and it would be in my hands. Actually he didn't mention the last part. He just implied it. If there are two persons in the world who know how to get me moving, it would be my dear wife and my dear son. That woke me up. Grudgingly, I got up and put on my glasses. I went to the toilet and saw this small little bird floating in the toilet bowl. It was trying to keep it's head above the water.
I gently reached it and carried it out. I brought it downstairs. I asked for the dryer. Kathleen told Jesse where to get it. I then slowly blew it dry and kept it warm. When it could move, it fluttered its wings and 'glided' underneath the piano. I pulled it out gently by the tail and blew more warm air on it. I then placed it outside the house hoping it would fly away. It remained stationary. The air was crisp and cold. But I wanted to give it a chance to fly home I I left it outside.
I went back to sleep. When I came down later, I noticed it was no longer there. I know not if it has mustered enough strength to fly home or if a cat has gotten to it. I did pray for it.
So much for animals getting into my house. At least this is not slimy.
I had the privilege to learn both the zhuyinfuhao (bopomofo) AND the hanyupinyin. I had the blessing of learning both the traditional and simplified Chinese characters. I was in transition in both accounts.
The year I entered CHS (Catholic High School) was the year they converted from a boys school into a co-ed. It seems like everything was good for me but I digress.
I used to go to CHS even before I started studying there. I was staying in Kepong then. My father ran the canteen (there were two competing operators.) So, me and my siblings would go help at times. A nice 6-court squash building was build before I started going there.
Now, those were nice squash courts. I remember there was a sale in the school. I had my mind set on a squash racquet even thought I wasn't playing squash then. Dad said I need to ask my mon. Mom was working in SMDJ then. I called from a public phone. No answer. I 'presevered' until I got her on the line. She allowed me to buy the racquet. And that started my squash 'career.'
Ok, there were six courts. 4 a row and 2 in another row where the entrance was. Everybody's favourite court is court number 5 because that's the one right at the entrace. It's in the open and not hidden. We got to show off our skills and styles.
Once day, I was playing in court 5 as usual (only for VIPs like me who is a committee member of the Squash Club.) One of my hit was way too high and hit the netting that separates the top part of the courts. The ball hit a sparrow which for whatever reason was sticking its head through the net. The ball decapitated the bird. the head fell in my court while the body fell in the neighbouring court 4.
That was many years ago.
This morning, Kathleen and Jesse asked me to get up even thought it was not my time to get up yet. You see, they had to leave earlier since Jesse had to be in school early. They had to leave by 0700. My dad picks me up at around 0740. So, it was ok for me to sleep until 0730.
So, at 0553, they were asking me to get up. They also mentioned something about a bird. I later found out a bird was found inside the toilet bowl (Sparrows have a tendency to be in weird places, don't they?) and it was struggling to stay alive.
Jesse told me if I continued sleeping it would drown and it would be flushed away and it would be in my hands. Actually he didn't mention the last part. He just implied it. If there are two persons in the world who know how to get me moving, it would be my dear wife and my dear son. That woke me up. Grudgingly, I got up and put on my glasses. I went to the toilet and saw this small little bird floating in the toilet bowl. It was trying to keep it's head above the water.
I gently reached it and carried it out. I brought it downstairs. I asked for the dryer. Kathleen told Jesse where to get it. I then slowly blew it dry and kept it warm. When it could move, it fluttered its wings and 'glided' underneath the piano. I pulled it out gently by the tail and blew more warm air on it. I then placed it outside the house hoping it would fly away. It remained stationary. The air was crisp and cold. But I wanted to give it a chance to fly home I I left it outside.
I went back to sleep. When I came down later, I noticed it was no longer there. I know not if it has mustered enough strength to fly home or if a cat has gotten to it. I did pray for it.
So much for animals getting into my house. At least this is not slimy.
Saturdays
Let me count my blessings.
I have Saturdays off - from work, from church. I have Saturdays only for myself and my family (especially my little nephews and niece).
But recently, I had to give up the privileges of carrying my niece and nephews on Saturdays.
I helped with a sports carnival in Kota Damansara. Well, I got to spend time with Jesse.
Then last week, Kathleen arranged for Jesse and I to attend a special children program by a Taiwanese team in Kota Damansara (KD is just a co-incidence.) As my experiences tell me, listening to Kathleen is always good because they almost always bring positive and good resuilts.
I was glad I was there. The young people in the team were led by two teachers. They came from broken families. Some have both parents as drug addicts. Some have gone in and out of juvenile dentention centre and the centre gave up on them. Some are mentally challenged. But the teachers have this burden to work with the children together with a native (native as in orang asli) pastor. They worked together to entertain the children while helping the teachers to educate them. Their strategy is to let the children learn while having fun. Fun we had.
I later learned that they worked and saved for 1 year before they could make this trip. Now, tell me that's not love.
Despite tremendous challenge and obstables, they made it (here, to share the message of Jesus.) There were many children in attendance who didn't know Jesus. They sat through the whole time. That's no mean feat.
Well, truth be told, some of the answers to the IQ questions were wrong. But that's the fault of the teachers. :) As for the young people who were dressed in yellow t-shirt, they each did their part as a team and they engaged the children. I have great respect for them. They found a purpose in their lives. I can only pray they will continue to find fulfilment in serving Him.
How many of us who come from affluent families, have good education, are bright, are healthy, are strong and yet did so little or nothing? I am once again humbled but my fellow brethens.
On 07 Sep 2008, I will once again take the mic for a community event. Not only will I miss spending time with my family - actually all it not lost as I could still JIP (join in progress) the shopping and lunch and get a chance to talk to my little chubby niece - I also will miss two lecures by Ron.
I know, once I put my hands on the plough I should not look back. I should have counter the cost before I carry the Cross. I am not making excuses. I am weak. I have wants and needs. I want to rest (and play computer games). I need to be with my families. But I also crave to do what I can for God. This last sentence may sound boastful and reeks of pride. But to me, there is nothing to it. I make no secret that I like to do that (doing things for Him.) And I am very wary and cold towards any praise or credits given to me. (That has something to do with a past experience but I am not going to talk about it now.) Giving me an opportunity to serve Him together is already reward enough for me.
So, I work from Mondays to Fridays. Sometimes I work late. On Sundays, I go to church service in the mornings and the evenings. I am only slightly more relaxed on Saturdays. But that is also the day we hold events from time to time.
Before I know it, there are already plans for mid-autumn festival and Christmas.
So, what do I do? I shall stay in the furnace a while longer. I will remain there as long as I can.
I have Saturdays off - from work, from church. I have Saturdays only for myself and my family (especially my little nephews and niece).
But recently, I had to give up the privileges of carrying my niece and nephews on Saturdays.
I helped with a sports carnival in Kota Damansara. Well, I got to spend time with Jesse.
Then last week, Kathleen arranged for Jesse and I to attend a special children program by a Taiwanese team in Kota Damansara (KD is just a co-incidence.) As my experiences tell me, listening to Kathleen is always good because they almost always bring positive and good resuilts.
I was glad I was there. The young people in the team were led by two teachers. They came from broken families. Some have both parents as drug addicts. Some have gone in and out of juvenile dentention centre and the centre gave up on them. Some are mentally challenged. But the teachers have this burden to work with the children together with a native (native as in orang asli) pastor. They worked together to entertain the children while helping the teachers to educate them. Their strategy is to let the children learn while having fun. Fun we had.
I later learned that they worked and saved for 1 year before they could make this trip. Now, tell me that's not love.
Despite tremendous challenge and obstables, they made it (here, to share the message of Jesus.) There were many children in attendance who didn't know Jesus. They sat through the whole time. That's no mean feat.
Well, truth be told, some of the answers to the IQ questions were wrong. But that's the fault of the teachers. :) As for the young people who were dressed in yellow t-shirt, they each did their part as a team and they engaged the children. I have great respect for them. They found a purpose in their lives. I can only pray they will continue to find fulfilment in serving Him.
How many of us who come from affluent families, have good education, are bright, are healthy, are strong and yet did so little or nothing? I am once again humbled but my fellow brethens.
On 07 Sep 2008, I will once again take the mic for a community event. Not only will I miss spending time with my family - actually all it not lost as I could still JIP (join in progress) the shopping and lunch and get a chance to talk to my little chubby niece - I also will miss two lecures by Ron.
I know, once I put my hands on the plough I should not look back. I should have counter the cost before I carry the Cross. I am not making excuses. I am weak. I have wants and needs. I want to rest (and play computer games). I need to be with my families. But I also crave to do what I can for God. This last sentence may sound boastful and reeks of pride. But to me, there is nothing to it. I make no secret that I like to do that (doing things for Him.) And I am very wary and cold towards any praise or credits given to me. (That has something to do with a past experience but I am not going to talk about it now.) Giving me an opportunity to serve Him together is already reward enough for me.
So, I work from Mondays to Fridays. Sometimes I work late. On Sundays, I go to church service in the mornings and the evenings. I am only slightly more relaxed on Saturdays. But that is also the day we hold events from time to time.
Before I know it, there are already plans for mid-autumn festival and Christmas.
So, what do I do? I shall stay in the furnace a while longer. I will remain there as long as I can.
Friday, August 22, 2008
What kind of a candle are you?
I wonder if there is such a personality test. How many types of candles are there?
- New candle
- Lit candle
- Candle in the wind
- Candle burning on both ends
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Looking for God?
I got these two links from my dear sister Mandy's email.
English - Looking for God
Chinese - 认识神
If you have unbeliever friends who like to surf web, give them the links.
English - Looking for God
Chinese - 认识神
If you have unbeliever friends who like to surf web, give them the links.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Fun Saturday
Saturday (16/08/2008) was a fun day for Jesse and me.
Kathleen dropped Jesse and me to the SMK Seksyen 10 Kota Damansara at around 0645. She then went home to prepare to attend her class. Jesse and I checked out the place. The basketball court, the registration counters, etc.
We kick started it about 45 late due to a delay in registration. We had a demonstration of how the Brazil Soccer Centre (based in Subang) train players. If was fascinating to see how much can be done with a simple rope ladder lying on the floor, a rope, a soccer ball, a mini seesaw and a parachute! Perhaps next time we will provide translation into Malay.
I still could not find anything on tsuokball. But the demonstration was interesting. Jason who was in charge told Jesse and me they came from Malacca. The sports was invented by a doctor in Swiss (hey, that's where my dear sister Mandy stays) who treated sports injury. He wanted to create a sport with minimal physical contact and fair, i.e. no physical advantage for bigger or taller people.
Then the games began. Many watched soccer. Jesse preferred basketball. After the first two matches, he already predicted who would be champions and runners-up. And his prediction was right on the money. There were four teams from KD 4 all donnning uniforms. Unfortunately, their skills were lacking. This is obvious when one of the teams played Reapers (who would emerge champions later.) The Reapers gave so much space and opportunity to the KD 4 in green. People love the underdogs. So, whenever the green teams (KD 4) scored a basket, people clapped and cheered.
My stomach was acting up and I went to the toilet a few times. I was praying hard and got my prayer partners to pray for me. God helped me through the day.
Don Kawa belted three songs with his wonderful voice much to the delight of the paricipants.
I think MANY were surprised when the speaker for the closing speech started with Puji Tuhan! Wow. So much for all the enciks and puans.
After the closing, I called my mom and found out they were in Tesco. We didn't want to bother anyone so we started walking, hoping to catch a cab on the way. We paused and took a picture of the paya on the way. Jesse wanted it as his wallpaper. An Unser stopped by. Brother John who was driving brother David to get his car in the River of Christ church offered to give us a lift. However, they were not going to Tesco. So, we alighted near the church. There was no taxis. We walked 32 minutes to the juction to the school. And it took us almost equally long before we reached the place near KD CBC. All the while, we felt rain drops falling on our head. It didn't rain though. But we were travelling on foot with no shelter in sight. Heh.
(As I am writing this now, I could hear the rain outside. Pastor Christopher noted the clear weather on that day we had the sports carnival. Thank God!)
Either way, Jesse and I got a taxi and we were on our way. By that time, mom and my sister (and my dear little chubby niece with a smile to brighten my day and many facial expressions) had finished their shopping. We met them at Pizza Hut. (Note, the service here is a LOT better than those in Giant Kelana Jaya. Tsk, tsk, tsk.)
We got a ride home. Phew. Long day with a long walk.
Kathleen dropped Jesse and me to the SMK Seksyen 10 Kota Damansara at around 0645. She then went home to prepare to attend her class. Jesse and I checked out the place. The basketball court, the registration counters, etc.
We kick started it about 45 late due to a delay in registration. We had a demonstration of how the Brazil Soccer Centre (based in Subang) train players. If was fascinating to see how much can be done with a simple rope ladder lying on the floor, a rope, a soccer ball, a mini seesaw and a parachute! Perhaps next time we will provide translation into Malay.
I still could not find anything on tsuokball. But the demonstration was interesting. Jason who was in charge told Jesse and me they came from Malacca. The sports was invented by a doctor in Swiss (hey, that's where my dear sister Mandy stays) who treated sports injury. He wanted to create a sport with minimal physical contact and fair, i.e. no physical advantage for bigger or taller people.
Then the games began. Many watched soccer. Jesse preferred basketball. After the first two matches, he already predicted who would be champions and runners-up. And his prediction was right on the money. There were four teams from KD 4 all donnning uniforms. Unfortunately, their skills were lacking. This is obvious when one of the teams played Reapers (who would emerge champions later.) The Reapers gave so much space and opportunity to the KD 4 in green. People love the underdogs. So, whenever the green teams (KD 4) scored a basket, people clapped and cheered.
My stomach was acting up and I went to the toilet a few times. I was praying hard and got my prayer partners to pray for me. God helped me through the day.
Don Kawa belted three songs with his wonderful voice much to the delight of the paricipants.
I think MANY were surprised when the speaker for the closing speech started with Puji Tuhan! Wow. So much for all the enciks and puans.
After the closing, I called my mom and found out they were in Tesco. We didn't want to bother anyone so we started walking, hoping to catch a cab on the way. We paused and took a picture of the paya on the way. Jesse wanted it as his wallpaper. An Unser stopped by. Brother John who was driving brother David to get his car in the River of Christ church offered to give us a lift. However, they were not going to Tesco. So, we alighted near the church. There was no taxis. We walked 32 minutes to the juction to the school. And it took us almost equally long before we reached the place near KD CBC. All the while, we felt rain drops falling on our head. It didn't rain though. But we were travelling on foot with no shelter in sight. Heh.
(As I am writing this now, I could hear the rain outside. Pastor Christopher noted the clear weather on that day we had the sports carnival. Thank God!)
Either way, Jesse and I got a taxi and we were on our way. By that time, mom and my sister (and my dear little chubby niece with a smile to brighten my day and many facial expressions) had finished their shopping. We met them at Pizza Hut. (Note, the service here is a LOT better than those in Giant Kelana Jaya. Tsk, tsk, tsk.)
We got a ride home. Phew. Long day with a long walk.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Sunday, August 03, 2008
You gotta love Google
I kept my blog entry open and hibernated my notebook.
I then resumed it without checking if I had internet access in the departure hall.
When I finished and tried to post it, I realized I wasn't connected to the internet!
I then connected it and the blog was POSTED after I went to the previous page (before the KLIA welcome page.)
I was dreading to have to retype everything.
Google is good.
I then resumed it without checking if I had internet access in the departure hall.
When I finished and tried to post it, I realized I wasn't connected to the internet!
I then connected it and the blog was POSTED after I went to the previous page (before the KLIA welcome page.)
I was dreading to have to retype everything.
Google is good.
24
It's 1600 on 03 Aug 2008. I am at home waiting for the taxi to pick me up to send me to LCCT. It's a friend of my sister. Mr. Goh is coming to my house at 1630.
I am recounting the events of the previous day.
02 Aug 2008 (Fri). The day started on a relaxed note. We arrived at Sunway Pyramid around 1030. We (I) queued for tickets for 3D Journey to the Centre of the Earth. We got the tickets at around 1050. The show was to start at 1100. Before the show started, my boss sent me a text message telling me to watch out in Thailand and not to go anywhere unless necessary. I told her I would cut down on the demonstration. I didn't get any reply from her. We thoroughly enjoyed the 3D viewing experience. I wondered if we could get this in DVD.
1430. I went to my parents'. Dad had been suffering from diarrhoea and fever. He was recovering. I spent time with my little niece, Jia Yee.
1745. I was half asleep at home and I called James. I wanted to get back my set of the church keys from Ben who borrowed it on Thu but forgot to bring to church on Fri. I didn't have Ben's number. I told him I'd be there to get the keys at 1815.
1820. Jesse went down to take the keys while I sent Kathleen to pay fees to the caterer. Jesse could not wait and ran to us. He was grinning happily and said he was fortunate the few dogs didn't decide to race him.
1835. We were late to the church by 5 minutes. I went down to open the church. Ps Reynold realized I didn't make arrangement to pick up Yek's family and went to fetch them.
1840. We started to go through the songs.
1900. Yek's family came. He rested at home. We had a few round of practice and touch up on the standing positions.
1925. Fatt (my youngest brother, no. 8) called and told me I better go home. He said dad was not feeling well, I told him I would come as soon as I finished practice .
1927. Peng (my younger sister, no. 7) called and told me to go home. She was on the brink of crying.
All kinds of fear tried to crept into my mind. I asked the BMCS members to pray for me. Ps Reynold said a prayer before we left.
1945. We reached my parents'. Dad was not responding to us verbally. He'd look at us. We had never seen him like this. No wonder my siblings panicked. We feared stroke. Fatt said he could control his fingers so it wasn't. I hugged my dad and said a prayer for him.
2000. Cheong (my sister, no. 5) brought the doctor. He checked my dad and suspected dehydration and low sugar level. My dad is a diabetic. Low sugar level could do that to him. I remembered Ps Michael shared about this. The doctor recommended we gave him glucose. We gave Ribena. After taking 1 cup and a half. He was better.
The doctor recommended my dad to get IV glocose drips to stablise his blood glucose level. Cheong took him back to get a letter.
2020. We went to UMMC. I expected a long wait. It was.
2045. My dad got a BP check.
2100+ (I forgot the time.) A female Malay patient's family member entered the consutlation hall and came back with a blanket for her. Dad was shivering even with a sports coat on. Cheong went. She came back empty handed. The nurse said they don't have 'tuala' (towel.) We told her to try 'selimut' (blanket.) She tried again. She came back emtpy handed again. The nurse said there were no more blanket. Are you kidding me? A big hospital like the UMMC was out of blanket? I told my family we might have better luck if we ask the Tok Haji sitting at the corner to get the blanket for us. Either way, we didn't try.
2100+ (I forgot the time) A doctor checked my dad. He tried to insert an IV needle and had to try a few times.
(It's now 1727. I have checked in. I am at the departure hall. There's more than an hour to go before I board the plane. I have Xpress Check In. Ha. And I don't check in any bags. Talk about fast exit!)
The doctor said dad's vein was hard to detect. He had to tried another time. I hugged dad so that he didn't have to see the needle entering his vein. He wanted to look. But I didn't think it made him happy. I think it made him feel the pain.
2200. Dad was in the observation ward. He was getting his IV drip. He could not really sleep. Cheong, Peng, Fatt took Jesse back to my parents' place. Kathlen and I stayed.
2300+ (I forgot the time.) Dad wanted to go to toilet. I help him get off the bed and move the pole for him. He was not steady. Kathleen and I went to the cafetaria for some food.
0000+ (I forgot the time. 03 Aug 2008). Kathleen and I walked out because we were cold. I bought a pack of black current juice with aloe vera bits. K didn't want any. I finished it myself (not at one go.)
0100+. Dad asked when he could go home. He was not shivering that bad already. I looked for the doctor. He was attending to a patient. I waited and check with him when he was free. He said the blood test result was not out yet.
0130. I went back to the observation ward and the nurse told me the doctor came and ordered another pack (500 ml) of glucose because dad's blood glucose lever was still low. The doctor also took another blood sample and that meant at least another 2 hours for the results.
0145. The nurse bid me to go to her. I went. Oh. It was a Chinese auntie who could not speak English nor Malay. The doctor and the nurse wanted me to translate. I did it. The doctor found out more about the patient and explained what was the next step. All three thanked me. The doctor said my translation was excellent. (How did he know?) I briefly thought about how I could help in this area (translating in the hospital) but then I thought, they would be able to find a nurse or a doctor who spoke Chinese. BTW, the doctor who attended to my dad was a Chinese.
0200. Cheong, Peng and Fatt were on the day. I told them the doctor wanted to see my dad's diabetic pills. They turned back to get it.
0230. The doctor came again and told us dad could go home after the 2nd bottle was done. Dad wanted the dripping speed to be higher so he could go home earlier. I told him to let it be. We agreed that Kathleen and I would go home.
0245. I parked at level 2A because the autopay stations were in level 2B abd I could not drive there without a paid ticket. I also realize I had dad's wallet with me. I passed the wallet to Fatt and paid the ticket and drove Cheong's car to my parent's. My Rusa was there. That was the first time in my life I drove a car with automatic transmission.
0305. I passed Cheong's keys to mom (thereby waking her up from her slumber.) We picked Jesse home.
0315. Kathleen and Jesse almost immediately went to sleep. I did my packing for the Bangkok trip. I took a shower and slept around 0400. I was a bit worried if I slept, I would be late for the anniversary celebration. I took DOM.
0530 I woke up at around and went back to sleep.
0730. I woked up again worrying we were late. I was glad to find that we were not. I washed up and waited for my queen and price to take their time doing the same.
0805. We started the journey. I somehow loss ALL the maps I had. I picked up one from KD. I just went ahead.
0825. I stopped at a BHP station to ask for direction to Chee Wen or Zhi Wen. The cashier were not sure. But she told me if I were to pass Summit and turn left and just went ahead, I'd get a school. She was so friendly she told me when I got into a housing area, I didn't have to panic. As I was making the left turn after Summit, I saw the sign that said Chee Wen 2 km. God was in charged all the time.
0830. We reached Chee Wen. I walked about talking to people.
0845. Ps Richard ordered the Korean King's Kids performances to be moved to the beginning because we were not sure of their time. I informed the BMCS group of the change.
0905. Ps Richard ordered the Myanmar performance to be moved together with the collection of offering and his presentation. The BMCS performace became the sole performance after Ps Malcolm's installation. I informed the BMCS group of the change.
0930. Things are falling into places.
1010. We started the service. And if you were there, you know what happened.
1230. Ministry time.
1245. Walked about. Talked with people including Joe and Carol and their daughter Alison. Joe and Carol were from Gereja Dunamis where we went before. They went to DUMC before going to CBC Puchong. They attend Chris' cell group. Jesse and I checked out the basketball court. Jesse could touch the net. I could touch the rim. The old man still got some jumping in him.
1300. We left Chee Web and move to Thong Kee in Paramount for lunch.
1320. Had sumptuos lunch. Can you say full? :)
1400+ (I forgot the time.) We reached home. I lied on the bed for awhile before Kathleen sounded the alarm. I told her the cab was coming at 1630, not 1600. Either way, I did not have time to sleep. Took a shower, washed away the gel (which I have not used for the longest time) and dressed up and started this blog post.
1615. Cab came early. The post was interrupted.
1715. Reached LCCT. Checked in. Resumed this post.
1756. Finished this post.
The intention of relaying the events is not to boast of my ability or performance despite lack of sleep. I just want to confirm that an encounter with the Holy Spirit enables us. You better believe it!
I am recounting the events of the previous day.
02 Aug 2008 (Fri). The day started on a relaxed note. We arrived at Sunway Pyramid around 1030. We (I) queued for tickets for 3D Journey to the Centre of the Earth. We got the tickets at around 1050. The show was to start at 1100. Before the show started, my boss sent me a text message telling me to watch out in Thailand and not to go anywhere unless necessary. I told her I would cut down on the demonstration. I didn't get any reply from her. We thoroughly enjoyed the 3D viewing experience. I wondered if we could get this in DVD.
1430. I went to my parents'. Dad had been suffering from diarrhoea and fever. He was recovering. I spent time with my little niece, Jia Yee.
1745. I was half asleep at home and I called James. I wanted to get back my set of the church keys from Ben who borrowed it on Thu but forgot to bring to church on Fri. I didn't have Ben's number. I told him I'd be there to get the keys at 1815.
1820. Jesse went down to take the keys while I sent Kathleen to pay fees to the caterer. Jesse could not wait and ran to us. He was grinning happily and said he was fortunate the few dogs didn't decide to race him.
1835. We were late to the church by 5 minutes. I went down to open the church. Ps Reynold realized I didn't make arrangement to pick up Yek's family and went to fetch them.
1840. We started to go through the songs.
1900. Yek's family came. He rested at home. We had a few round of practice and touch up on the standing positions.
1925. Fatt (my youngest brother, no. 8) called and told me I better go home. He said dad was not feeling well, I told him I would come as soon as I finished practice .
1927. Peng (my younger sister, no. 7) called and told me to go home. She was on the brink of crying.
All kinds of fear tried to crept into my mind. I asked the BMCS members to pray for me. Ps Reynold said a prayer before we left.
1945. We reached my parents'. Dad was not responding to us verbally. He'd look at us. We had never seen him like this. No wonder my siblings panicked. We feared stroke. Fatt said he could control his fingers so it wasn't. I hugged my dad and said a prayer for him.
2000. Cheong (my sister, no. 5) brought the doctor. He checked my dad and suspected dehydration and low sugar level. My dad is a diabetic. Low sugar level could do that to him. I remembered Ps Michael shared about this. The doctor recommended we gave him glucose. We gave Ribena. After taking 1 cup and a half. He was better.
The doctor recommended my dad to get IV glocose drips to stablise his blood glucose level. Cheong took him back to get a letter.
2020. We went to UMMC. I expected a long wait. It was.
2045. My dad got a BP check.
2100+ (I forgot the time.) A female Malay patient's family member entered the consutlation hall and came back with a blanket for her. Dad was shivering even with a sports coat on. Cheong went. She came back empty handed. The nurse said they don't have 'tuala' (towel.) We told her to try 'selimut' (blanket.) She tried again. She came back emtpy handed again. The nurse said there were no more blanket. Are you kidding me? A big hospital like the UMMC was out of blanket? I told my family we might have better luck if we ask the Tok Haji sitting at the corner to get the blanket for us. Either way, we didn't try.
2100+ (I forgot the time) A doctor checked my dad. He tried to insert an IV needle and had to try a few times.
(It's now 1727. I have checked in. I am at the departure hall. There's more than an hour to go before I board the plane. I have Xpress Check In. Ha. And I don't check in any bags. Talk about fast exit!)
The doctor said dad's vein was hard to detect. He had to tried another time. I hugged dad so that he didn't have to see the needle entering his vein. He wanted to look. But I didn't think it made him happy. I think it made him feel the pain.
2200. Dad was in the observation ward. He was getting his IV drip. He could not really sleep. Cheong, Peng, Fatt took Jesse back to my parents' place. Kathlen and I stayed.
2300+ (I forgot the time.) Dad wanted to go to toilet. I help him get off the bed and move the pole for him. He was not steady. Kathleen and I went to the cafetaria for some food.
0000+ (I forgot the time. 03 Aug 2008). Kathleen and I walked out because we were cold. I bought a pack of black current juice with aloe vera bits. K didn't want any. I finished it myself (not at one go.)
0100+. Dad asked when he could go home. He was not shivering that bad already. I looked for the doctor. He was attending to a patient. I waited and check with him when he was free. He said the blood test result was not out yet.
0130. I went back to the observation ward and the nurse told me the doctor came and ordered another pack (500 ml) of glucose because dad's blood glucose lever was still low. The doctor also took another blood sample and that meant at least another 2 hours for the results.
0145. The nurse bid me to go to her. I went. Oh. It was a Chinese auntie who could not speak English nor Malay. The doctor and the nurse wanted me to translate. I did it. The doctor found out more about the patient and explained what was the next step. All three thanked me. The doctor said my translation was excellent. (How did he know?) I briefly thought about how I could help in this area (translating in the hospital) but then I thought, they would be able to find a nurse or a doctor who spoke Chinese. BTW, the doctor who attended to my dad was a Chinese.
0200. Cheong, Peng and Fatt were on the day. I told them the doctor wanted to see my dad's diabetic pills. They turned back to get it.
0230. The doctor came again and told us dad could go home after the 2nd bottle was done. Dad wanted the dripping speed to be higher so he could go home earlier. I told him to let it be. We agreed that Kathleen and I would go home.
0245. I parked at level 2A because the autopay stations were in level 2B abd I could not drive there without a paid ticket. I also realize I had dad's wallet with me. I passed the wallet to Fatt and paid the ticket and drove Cheong's car to my parent's. My Rusa was there. That was the first time in my life I drove a car with automatic transmission.
0305. I passed Cheong's keys to mom (thereby waking her up from her slumber.) We picked Jesse home.
0315. Kathleen and Jesse almost immediately went to sleep. I did my packing for the Bangkok trip. I took a shower and slept around 0400. I was a bit worried if I slept, I would be late for the anniversary celebration. I took DOM.
0530 I woke up at around and went back to sleep.
0730. I woked up again worrying we were late. I was glad to find that we were not. I washed up and waited for my queen and price to take their time doing the same.
0805. We started the journey. I somehow loss ALL the maps I had. I picked up one from KD. I just went ahead.
0825. I stopped at a BHP station to ask for direction to Chee Wen or Zhi Wen. The cashier were not sure. But she told me if I were to pass Summit and turn left and just went ahead, I'd get a school. She was so friendly she told me when I got into a housing area, I didn't have to panic. As I was making the left turn after Summit, I saw the sign that said Chee Wen 2 km. God was in charged all the time.
0830. We reached Chee Wen. I walked about talking to people.
0845. Ps Richard ordered the Korean King's Kids performances to be moved to the beginning because we were not sure of their time. I informed the BMCS group of the change.
0905. Ps Richard ordered the Myanmar performance to be moved together with the collection of offering and his presentation. The BMCS performace became the sole performance after Ps Malcolm's installation. I informed the BMCS group of the change.
0930. Things are falling into places.
1010. We started the service. And if you were there, you know what happened.
1230. Ministry time.
1245. Walked about. Talked with people including Joe and Carol and their daughter Alison. Joe and Carol were from Gereja Dunamis where we went before. They went to DUMC before going to CBC Puchong. They attend Chris' cell group. Jesse and I checked out the basketball court. Jesse could touch the net. I could touch the rim. The old man still got some jumping in him.
1300. We left Chee Web and move to Thong Kee in Paramount for lunch.
1320. Had sumptuos lunch. Can you say full? :)
1400+ (I forgot the time.) We reached home. I lied on the bed for awhile before Kathleen sounded the alarm. I told her the cab was coming at 1630, not 1600. Either way, I did not have time to sleep. Took a shower, washed away the gel (which I have not used for the longest time) and dressed up and started this blog post.
1615. Cab came early. The post was interrupted.
1715. Reached LCCT. Checked in. Resumed this post.
1756. Finished this post.
The intention of relaying the events is not to boast of my ability or performance despite lack of sleep. I just want to confirm that an encounter with the Holy Spirit enables us. You better believe it!
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