An Overview

-->Protocal invited YokeHan and I for the briefing at Subang Jaya in May. That's about a week after my final examination in UTAR.

-->After the briefing, three of us discussed about it in a McDonald's nearby. I was just joining the briefing for fun and didn't really think that I would be able to realise the plan as I couldn't drive well and didn't believe that I shall be able to do that as the application process seemed to be complicated. It looked like a dream, which is hard to be reached.

-->After discussing and talking with Protocol million of times, both of us felt like we should give it a try. Our mother promised to sponsor the expenses and we felt like there might be a chance for us to achieve the dream.

-->Protocol and I made up our mind, to try our best. We went through the complicated application process like meeting doctors, having injection, asking and even begging other tutors', relatives' and friends' helps. After two weeks of the torturing process, we completed the forms, the interview with the agent and the CPI test.

-->After coming back home and decided to work in hometown temporary while waiting for the confirmation and matching process, Protocol told me that her daddy was stomping mad for her decision. He forbidded her from doing that. Both of us felt like it's a nightmare. Protocol promised that she would talk to her parents in a heart to heart way and used whatever means to convince them. I was worried.

-->I was offered the jobs: Teacher in one international school and Translator in KL. Besides, I was called for a lot of interviews but I rejected them all. I was waiting for the application to be confirmed and had made up my mind of what I am going to do for my future.

-->A traumatic period while waiting for the confirmation. Many people thought that I was crazy. Too many 'What If' in my minds. I waited for about one month, I got the confirmation letter. But, Protocol hadn't got it. I was worry as the families started to write me e-mails and making appointment to call. More and more worries hit me this time.

-->One of the families has three boys and the host parents sound nice. I received the host mum first call and I like the way she talked. She gave me one week to consider about it. At the moment, Protocol got the confirmation letter, finally. But, no lead of family contacting her. If I have to make up my mind that early, I would not be able to leave with Protocol. I gotta fly alone, to such a far-away-land.

-->I received a call from another family in another state. Well, the family doesn't sound right to me. I realised that I have to make a wise decision without worrying too much about unnecessary things. Since I have decided then I shall brace up and make my second step. I told Protocol about it, she didn't say much but wished me all the best.

--> Protocol received a call from one family in Ohio. She wasn't sure of whether that's a family that she wants. I don't think she's going for it. My mummy said, ' If you wanna go, make it fast. Don't drag 'till October or November only choose the family. You wouldn't feel like going then...' She's right. My strong will was shaken, abit as I lead a peaceful and nothing-to-worry about-life in hometown. I started to feel that it would be better to stay at home. Though, my superego halted me from thinking about it again. I knew that I have to make up my mind, firmly.

-->The host dad rang this morning. He is more concerning about my lifestyle, my job, my personality, my ability and the tasks I am going to handle. Obviously, he's more careful and we talked for about 2 hours. He's just trying to make sure that I have made the right choice and have a better understanding of how's the job going be like. I fathom his situation, they are his kids.

-->At last, I made up my mind. I told the family that I am going to join them. Well, I think they are happy about it, I think...

I don't know what lies ahead. I don't know if I made a stupid mistake or terrible decision, but I will try to overcome the difficulties. If I fail, at least, I have tried.

So00, California! See you there on 2nd October 2006!!!

Farewell

I burried corns, spinach and some of my piggy's favourite food under the tree. Not to be supertitious, but I just want to give him something, for the very last time...

This is a month of mourning. I am not going to upload anything in this July. Not a good month, I think...

Farewell, Piggy.

You will be in my heart.

Thank you.

This afternoon, when the time is reaching 4pm, I suddenly felt fitful and uncomfortable. I checked on the students’ homework with growing unease, talking and teaching them with my greatest impatience. I may not be a loving and devoted teacher but I never had that kind of feeling before. My psyche was messy. I felt like I was getting sick or going to kill somebody. Yes, without rhythm or reason. Maybe it’s a kind of ominous omen.

A moment ago, when my dad was driving me home. He told me a bad news. My Piggy had passed away. My parents found him died after coming back from work. It was about 4.30pm.

I knew this would happen. I actually prayed for it to happen yesterday night, with my tearful eyes and smashing heart. Thank you, Piggy. I know that you heard my prayer and answered to it. Thanks for fulfilling my very last request. My good boy, you are such a wonderful guinea pig, you don’t want to torture your mama that way, too, right? Clever boy. I am glad that you have escaped from the sufferings and illness, really, even though I hate you leaving me…

My parents buried my piggy under the fruit tree in front of my house. I wanted to do the job, I want to touch him and send him off, for the last time. Sadly, my parents curried him underground while I was working. They refused to wait, or they were just worrying that I am going to sob like a mother who is losing his precious son. Not sure, I guess I will. I cried for the entire night yesterday. My colleagues were concerning about my swollen eyes. They were wondering if I wasn’t feeling well. Yes, I was and I am. He had been with me for six years, that’s really a long time for a rodent and a human. I might neglected him sometimes but I truly enjoy the time I cut his fingernails, bathed him, talked to him and mocking at him for his silliness.

The touch and glances at 12pm, before leaving for work, today were the last few contacts I had with Piggy…I saw him laying lifelessly in the cage, with his paralysed body. His back legs crossed with each other in a weird and funny way, as they weren’t functioning anymore. He was tired, I could see it.

Nope, I am going to erase those awful pictures. I will store the fat and furry Piggy in my soul. To me, you are always the cutest one.

I felt that my heart is empty right now. Somebody dug a big hole on it. But I am really happy. Piggy, thanks for doing me such a wonderful favour. I love you. Remember, my boy, if you are going through a reincarnation, never become an animal again. If you were to be a pet again, I would only allow you to be mine. Please…

Rest in peace, my Piggy. I love you…now and forever.

Thanks for everything… MUAKS.

Piggy. I am sorry.

His fur are formed by three colours: White, brown and black. The utmost significant part is his left eye. A ‘dark circle’ surrounds it. This is the uniqueness of him, which differentiates him from the rest of the guinea pigs and it is the reason for my dad to purchase him from the pet shop, six years ago.

His name is 'Piggy'. I named him that way because the only thing he has been good at is asking for food. He is actually a substitute for my deceased white guinea pig when I was 15. I cried so badly for losing my little guinea pig so my dad bought ‘Piggy’ for me after that. He was so skinny and tiny that time. I still remember that. He was placed in the small box and was terrified to be brought to a new place. My dad fetched me back from my tuition centre. He passed me the box and asked me to open it. ‘Piggy’ was trembling in the box, with his worried and vacant eyes. But, his dark circle cheered me up. Since then, I know that I got to take care of him well.

Basically, guinea pig is a kind of domestic pet, which is very easy to be reared. They are not demanding and would only make some noise when they are hungry. It is funny as they would recognize and remember the sounds you made before preparing the meal for them. For example, normally I would open the fridge to take out some vegetables or corns for them from the plastic bags. Next, I would wash them under the tap. These little creatures would squeak when their ears capture the sounds of water running down from tap and people dragging the plastic bags. Besides, they would stand up and lean on the cage, squeaking non-stopping whenever they hear your footsteps.

I have a lot of experience with rodents like guinea pigs and hamsters. I had too many of them. ‘Piggy’ used to have one mate, but sadly, she died after giving birth at the second time. Yes, ‘Piggy’ was a dad before. He and his mate produced 6 little ones at the previous two births, taken place four or five years ago. Those little pigs were incredibly adorable. They were naughty and did a lot of funny things to make me laugh. I did not have a lot of space and my parents didn’t allow me to keep too many of them. They actually asked me to keep those little ones and sell the parent. However, I couldn’t bring myself to do that. As such, I chose to keep the parent, ‘Piggy’. The babies were sold after two months. I made the choice because I think that the babies were so lovely, it wouldn’t be hard for them to get a new owner. Though, for those adult guinea pigs, like ‘Piggy’, it might be a problem.

It has been a long time since the day I owned Piggy. More than six years ago. It’s truly amazing. The average life span for a guinea pig is about 3 to 4 years and many of my friends’ guinea pigs only lasted for few months. Anyway, mine is able to survive for more than six years, until today. But, he is really old and in a very bad condition.

There were tumours growing on his back. There is nothing I can do to help. The tumours started to grow since three years ago. But, his health has never really been affected at the passing years. He slept well, ate well and grew into a huge and plump furry ball. Out of the blue, Piggy became skinny months ago but he still ate well. I had that kind of feeling that his time is near. I understand that, as he is really old. I have been telling myself that I got to prepare for that.

This afternoon, my brother’s girlfriend discovered that his two back legs were stuck at the bars of the cage and couldn’t move. After she told me, only I realised about it. No wonder, he has been remaining in the same position for the whole day and he didn’t take the carrot I gave him. But, I only realised about it in the afternoon! Gosh! What kind of owner? I tried to pull his legs out, it’s hard and I got to do it in a harsh way. His legs were out but they were scalped and the wounds get swollen and bleed. My heart broke. The saddest thing was, I realised that both of his back legs couldn’t function anymore. I don’t know why. I don’t know how he got his legs in between the bars. This is an incident that has never taken place before. I still couldn’t figure out the reason of his handicap. A moment ago, I went and checked him through, I realised that the tumours that are growing on his back seem to be the factor for him to lost the ability to walk.

I gave him some vegetables to eat but he didn’t really take much. When he saw me approached, he tried to squeak but he couldn’t move forward again. He used his front legs to crawl and dragged his body along so that he could move the front and reached me… I heard the sounds of smashing. It came from my heart. My Piggy is not able to climb up and greet me anymore. Actually, he couldn’t do that since months ago. He couldn’t response to my call or caress, he couldn’t even eat much. He lied there quietly and I wish that he couldn’t just sleep and never wake up again… I don’t want him to suffer…never ever.

I am the one to be blamed. I didn’t even realised that his legs were stuck. What my brother said is correct. I neglected him after getting the new pair of hamsters. My Piggy must be feeling lonely for these years. I didn’t really talk to him that much after getting the hamsters… I neglected him… my Piggy. Everything is too late right now… there is nothing I can do. I am thinking of putting him to sleep. Saving him from the sufferings, but, I know I would never able to do that, how could I end your life that way?

My Piggy, I love you. I am sorry for everything, Please forgive your stupid and barbaric owner. You are an important companion in my life. What we had, I always remember…I am sorry… I am sorry…

Piggy, please… close your eyes quietly… I don’t want you to suffer anymore… rest well…. That’s my last request…

Phobia

(picture taken from-http://www.discoverchiropractichawaii.com/_layout/car-accident.jpg)

When I was browsing through some websites this afternoon, I accidentally caught the picture above in one particular site. Immediately, I saved it without hesitation. That's the picture, exactly the one, which has been preoccupying my mind, when I am driving on the road.

I got my license in year 2003 and I never drove since then. I have been trying to master the skill of driving these few weeks due to the requirement of the program. I drove my brother's and my friend's car whenever I have the chance to do so. But man, it's hard. It's really hard, it's not in my blood. I don't have a gene in driving.

In my whole life, I seldom really worry about things as I always believe that once I brace up myself to make the first step, I will be fine. But, that's bullshit. If you are having that kind of phobia in your heart, it's truly hard to get rid of it. I have the picture in head every time I am driving on the road. My heart would pound and sometimes I would be in the state of blank when I am driving.

God, I am really retarded in driving. I can memorize all the theories in text books, I am able to work on my assignments and thesis under pressure in great speed. I have overcomed the greatest challenge I ever had during my intership but I just couldn't chase away my fear in driving.

Well, I have to admit that there are some improvement after times of practising but there are so many uncivilized nerds who do not know the rules on road. They speed and they honked at you ruthlessly when they couldn't cut your way whilst the traffic is maximal. They blame you for driving at such a low speed. Come on, I am not a great driver who is able to cut here and there. In addition, the roads were narrow, and the traffic was bumper to bumper. Following the rules, please...If you are rushing your way to the hell, don't drag others along with you!

My brother asked me to bang others' cars and then die together with them as I was truly an idiot in driving at the very first time he guided me on the road. He was mean but I think he makes sense. I was such a hopeless moron for him. By the way, Yong also acting harsh on me whenever he guides me. He never yelled at me before that now, he has been doing that from time to time when he is sitting beside me in his Wira.

I am such a failure and I sobbed helplessly for my handicap. The phobia haunted me so deeply. How can I get rid of it? Help me please. I have to improve my skill, or else, I won't be able to fulfil my dream and realise my plan!

GOSH! I need some help!

The day we hugged each other.

A moment ago, I told Tasha that I will only update my blog after getting a real direction in my messy life. Anyhow, after having a short but nice chat with her in MSN, I just feel like leaving a short note here.

In fact, chatting with Tasha reminded me of the golden old days we had in UTAR. That's not really a long time but I feel like I have graduated for ages. Maybe it's like what Chloe has stated, " We are entering a new phase in life, so we feel like we have left the school for a long time..."

Well, I guess so. Within these two months, many things are changing. I heard that some of my friends have moved back to hometown, some of them have got their jobs while some of them are undecided. The saddest thing is, some of the friends actually have stopped contacting each other. OH My, we have just graduated for not more than two months...If things go on this way, I am sure that after another two months, we won't be able to remember each other's names. Not a good sign.

Remember the day we hugged each other? That's the last day in class. I could feel the warmth when my friends held me in such a warm and sweet embrace. That's the first ( and the last time?) I felt that we were so close with each other...

Anyway, Tasha, if you are reading this, may I have your attention please? I know that I am not in your shoe so it would be hard for me to fathom your situation entirely. But, I had that kind of similar experience before. The feeling was terrible and I thought that I wasn't going to survive but I made it, luckily. You are an awesome girl, no problem for anything. Yeah! Just go for it! you will succeed!

Just try your best. :-) you are NEVER alone. Take care of yourself, that's the main thing. Try your best ok? Nothing to lose anyway! :P Wish to hear good news from you soon! MUAKS!

Cheers!

Decision

I have been receiving calls for job interviews these few day...But, I cancelled ALL of them! Yes, you must be thinking, SzeChia must be completely out of her mind, she's crazy...Yes, I am insane. I have been thinking about it over and over again. I couldn't let this chance flip away...I couldn't afford to retrieve it again. I am not sure if I am doign the right thing, but, I guess that's what I have been longing to be.

I had one interesting conversation with one brilliant friend online.

He asked, " Well, you like kids?"

I replied," I love obedient kids."

He noted, " I love Santa Claus. Both of them are imaginary."

This friend of mine is a genius. He has been giving me a lot of useful and intellectual advices. He is a nice guy and I am grateful for his teaching.

Ohya, don't get me wrong, I am not going to have any babies! :p haha, it's just a big decision in life.. I need a lot of courage and strong will to carry on... Pray for me.

All the best for myself...

Like a stupid Hunter.

I will be leaving to KL one hour later. Yes, another walk-in-interview for me to attend tomorrow...

Gosh, I am tired. I dont want to be a hunter anymore! There are traps everywhere. As a hunter, I stepped into one of the traps of the employers. Ewww.I hate liars. Why should they lie? *sigh... Door to door selling, Grrr..

I am leaving... Wish me good luck!

Heaven, Redang Island (-end-)

The Sea and the Sky







The Sunrise and The Mountain











The Flour Sand and The Mountain








The Evening and The People




Goodbye, My Beloved Redang Islang... I will be back, I promise...

My dearest Friends, Protocol, Lampfly and YOkeHan, You all will be in my heart...Now and Forever..

Heaven, Redang Island (3)

Three of us visited one of the souveneir shops in Redang Island. hehe. A lot of unique things were available for sale but we didn't buy any. See, we were chatting happily and Lampfly held one of the cheappest post card in her hand. At last, she didn't purchase, too. :P The Shopkeeper was cursing us in her heart, I guess...

Three stunning girls and the lovely big blue sea. The sky was the wet pale blue of a water-colour sky just painted and not yet dried. It formed a direct connection to the light blue sea... Wow.. Let's turn into mermaids, let's move our home into the deep blue sea...It's fantastic!

Oppps.. Protocol pinched me on my chubby face! haha.. She was just jealous about my flawless face. Hehe..She wanted to make me look ugly but I was still lovely. :P yo!

Here's one of the beach boys in Redang Beach Resort. He wasn't the one who led us in snorkeling but I think that he is kinda cool. We had a beach party at the first night along the beach, the audiences weren't supportive and this guy, who was topless, danced crazily to attract the people to join. It was hard to get the party started, Protocol and I joined the small group in dancing after seeing his hardwork. Gosh, his well-bulit body was glittering with sweat. He was kinda sexy, that time. :P

Here's are some other beach boys.:) I caught them unaware. hehe.:p They may look plain but their enthusiasm toward their work is excellent! Ask, Lampfly, she would tell you about it! :P

Yeah. He is Khai! One of three Chinese beach boys at Redang Beach Resort. Protocol like him a lot. He is that type of typical beach boy, well-built body, olive-skinned, easy-going, hilarious, cute, fun-loving, helpfull, sweet, and striking. Yeah! I love this picture!

This is Yee.:) He is a very kind and sweet beach boy. He was the one who drove the speedboat and sent us back to the quay. Protocol and I had a long talk with him under the moonlight. He stated that,' I have been working here for 5 years. Everday I bring different tourists to explore the ocean, showing them corals, fishes, and other underwater creatures. I have been repeating the same work day after day, but I never get tired of it.I love my job and I would continue doing it and staying here, till the end of the day...' That's impressive... How about us? Fresh graduates?Thnking of simply getting an Admin job? Wow! You guys should see their passions...

Robert, the leader of the snorkeling group is the oldest beach boy at Redang Beach Resort. He is cute and lovely. :) He was having his head on Lampfly's shoulder. Yeah! Lampfly enjoyed it, I guess!

Here's a group photo of those beach boys. Too many of them were on duty so we were only managed to get some of them into the picture. Pay attention to the guy with the cap. He is Pan! Wow! He is truly good-looking and charming. I couldnt take my eyes off from him since the very first moment I saw him. He has many tattoos on different part of his body and they look great on him. Wow! It's a pity. I couldnt take a personal photo with him, Pan! You are cool! I like you...

....Yee and another beach boy were preparing to send us back to the quay with the speedboat. :( Yes, time to say GoodBye...I don't want that...

heaven-Redang Beach (2)

Here's a space that planted with green bamboos near our resort. Protocol loves the lanscape a lot so we had several pictures taken there. The two girls in black are Young and Sherry. They are our new friends in the trip. The verdure of the mother nature and sheer greenery is captivating, isn't it? But I think 6 of us had spoilt the beautiful scenery :P

Four of us were sheltered from the hot sun at Redang Beach. Wow! It was 1 o'clock in the afternoon, the weather was burning hot so Protocol and YokeHan wore their 'cool' sun glasses to prevent the ruthless sunlight from hurting their eyes! Nonetheless, at that moment, the surface of the sea was sparkling with the light colour of blue and it looked inviting!

Protocol, Lampfly and I risked our lives to climb up the rocks to get the best camera's angle. Look at the picture carefully, if anyone of us had one step behind, unconsciously, she will fall and her brain or backbone would crashed at the rocks. We might be dying or end up paralyzed! That's really dangerous! By the way, is that really a good camera angle? :-$

Wonderful beach. Three of us sat on the wooden long chair and smiled at the camera. I was thinking that, ' How nice would that be if we could spend months in that island? Leading the island life, like those beach boys...We wouldn't need to care about job-hunting and others stupid urban troubles...But, it's just impossible...

Here's the close up of the crystal clear ocean. Don't you feel like soaking yourself into the icy-cold water at once? Come on, take off your shirt and pants, change into a swimming suit and enjoy the embrace of nature! It's time to relax and have fun!


Protocol and I were walking along the beach. Stepping on the flour sand, we left our foot prints behind... Now referring back to the picture, I am wondering, when are we going to have chance to walk on each others' side while admiring the beauty of the island again? Our foorprints were blown away by the wind, but the laughters along the way were stored in my heart...

We were having the steamboat as dinner at the very first day we arrived. At first, Protocol and Lampfly were complaining that the materials provided by the restaurant weren't enough for the four of us. But, at last, You guys can see the expressions of Lampfly and YokeHan! Hehe. Both of them were fed up with the food. Obviously, we couldnt finish the food...:P

Yeah, Cheers! Cheers for our future, Cheers for our friendship, Cheers for Redang island, Cheers for UTAR, Cheers for graduation, Cheers for eveything. We all must live up our lives to the fullest and keep in touch, even though it is hard...

YokeHan and I had the photo taken under a huge coconut tree. She is such a sweet girl, isn't she? Such a beauty, no wonder the beach boy was crazy about her! Yeah! YokeHan, thanks for spending time with us, love you! Keep in touch! Muaks!

Heaven, Redang Island (1)

Four of us, Protocol, Lampfly, YokeHan and I had our graduation trip in one of the utmost amazing tourism hotspots in Kuala Terengganu, Redang Island from 8th to 10th May, 2006. We faced some technical problems before getting into the bus and we were upset about the fact that we have graduated and going to separate with one another. However, after having a 9 hours journey on the bus, we were brought to the incredibly wonderful island by boat. At the moment we had our hearts and soul near to the mother nature, no more troubles in our mind. Nothing is really a big deal! Yeah! We felt that we were part of the island!

The wind, the sea, the flour sand, the sea shells, the sun, the beach boys! Here we are! :p At the very first moment I stepped my feet into the haven, I know that I would love this place dearly, and wouldn't bear to leave this wonderland...
Now...let's start the trip.. hehe..join me! Yay! Redang!

Jobless, Useless

I had my last paper about two weeks ago. Ya, I have graduated. Fresh graduate who is in the status of jobless. Gosh, like Tasha and all of my classmates, I have been trying my best to get an ideal job as soon as possible. I hate the feeling having no purpose and doing nothing in life. As such, I am kinda desperate. Tasha laughed at me for simply attending the walk-in interview, which I wasn't even sure about the position I was applying for.Yes, it sounds funny, but I couldn't just sit here and wait for a job to fall from the sky. *sigh. It's a painful experience...

Yesterday, I purposely went to Singapore for one walk-in interview. As usual, the stupid walk-in interview took me hours of waiting. I hate that, but no choice. The worst of all was that the company actually only interested in those applicants, who had at least two years of working experience. The person-in-charged said in the briefing session,

"Frankly, speaking, we are here to employ candidates with at leat two years of wokring experience. If you are a fresh graduates, we are sorry to tell you that it is pretty hard for you to be employed..."

I was dissapointed after hearing his words. Anyway, the interviewer was a nice person and I was thankful for that. The stupiest thing was that I forgot to tell him more about my experience in working as a journalist last year. I should have told him more. He seemed to be interested. Gosh, mayeb I felt hopeless and that time and I was too calm and too cool. I chatted with him, casually about many things that are irrelevant, instead of me entering Dean list or gaining front-page bylines and got in touch with prominents. Silly me!

Anyhow, I guess it is impossible for me to get the job. The other interviewer didnt even utter a word after knowing that I am a fresh graduate without any real working experience.*sigh..

That's not fair, yes, I know that you all need employees with great experience, the problme here is that if all of you continuously rejecting fresh graduates, where are we going to learn things and gain pratical knnowledge? I am deeply stressed, I felt like I am really useless. What for studying hard? What for getting good grades? The result remains the same.

I couldn't see my future. It is blurred, hiding in fog. Mother said that I am picky so it will be hard for me to get a good job. Am I? Maybe, but I don't think that I am going to apply for the jobs that are totally out of my field. Besides, I wouldn't accept a job, which underpaid me, in an exaggerating way, too! Perhaps, I am choosy. :(

I have too many 'what if' in my mind right now. What if I am not going to get any jobs in the coming three months? what if I am still jobless in year 2007? what if ... What if...? Stressful. Pressured.

Is there any way for me to get rid of the difficulties I am having now? Can somedoy out there pull me out from this bed of thorns? God. Suddenly, I am thinking of hypnotism. Yeah. Can it be a way for me to get rid of my difficulties? Sometimes, somebody told me that it can be a method to help you to chase away your sadness, troubles and so on. But, in fact, at that moment. Maybe. After coming back to the reality , the truths would haunt you again..

Yes, hypnotism. Heard about that? According to the wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, Dave Elman defined hypnosis as "a state of mind in which the critical faculty of the human mind is bypassed, and selective thinking established."

Out of the blue, I am obsessed by the idea of hypnotism, wondering if it is really true. I heard and read some information days ago, some of the data stated that hypnotism actually is a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy, which means that when a person believe in a an idea strongly, he or she will try the best to make it come true.

So, this means that, the state of hypnosis is actually created by humans themselves? So, are they aware of what they were doing? Is the situation totally controlled by the hypnotist? So, this means that the subject actually has memories even in the state of hypnosis, but they just choose to forget about it or left them behind?

I guess I am crazy to think of these! Stressful, insane! *sigh!

Any job for me! HELP!

Michael Clarke Duncan

Birth name
Michael Clarke Duncan
Date of birth (location)
10 December 1957(Chicago, Illinois, USA)
Nickname
Hollywood Big Mike
Height
6' 5" (1.96 m)

Mini biography
Raising by his single mother on Chicago's South Side, Michael grew up resisting drugs and alcohol, instead concentrating on school. He wanted to play football in high school, but his mother wouldn't let him, fearing he would get hurt. He then turned to acting, dreaming of becoming a famous actor. After graduating from high school and attending community college, he worked digging ditches at Peoples Gas Company in Chicago.

When he quit his job and headed to Hollywood, he landed small roles while working as a bodyguard. Michael's role in the movie Armageddon(1998) led to his breakthrough performance in The Green Mile(1999), when his Armageddon co-star Bruce Willis called director Frank Darabont, suggesting Michael for the part of convict John Coffey. He landed the role, receiving critical acclaim for his performance.

(All information above taken from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003817/)

(photo taken from http://www.hollywood.com)

In fact, I don't really like to blog about celebrities as there are too many amazing actors or actresses in this planet. Majority of the Hollywood's superstars are glittering in the colourful world, radiating own subtle charm. It is pretty hard for me to have any particular preferrences. By the way, I don' believe that a 'showbiz outsider' like me is able to give out any impartial comments. Nonethelss, after watching the movie-'The Green Mile', I think I have to write something on the character of 'John Coffey', acted by the big guy as mentioned above.

(photo taken from http://www.triviana.com/film/ gfilm/greentwo.JPG)

Basically, the story is rooted at the friendship between John Coffey (Michael Duncan), who was accused of killing two little girls and Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), the head guard on Death Row. Edgecomb wasn't really convinced that Coffey would be the killer because besides his gigantic body, he was naive, kind, soft-spoken, timid and obedient. The utmost important thing was, his eyes exuded a kind of simplicity or artlessness, like a helpless kid. (Duncan is incredibly outstanding! I really don't know how he did it! Gosh!)

Later, Edgecomb and his colleuges realised about Coffey's gifted supernatural healing and predicting power. Coffey's warm and innocent heart led the guards into a deeper level of humanity's values. Though, at the same time, the ethical dilemma. He saved a lot of people and punished those deserved. By using his power, Coffey lent Edgecomb his eyes so that he could get the truth. But, there was a price he need to pay. He would live eternally, seeing all the beloved one leaving him one by one.

Edgecomb resigned to his lot as he felt that it's a kind of punishment he gained for sending a good guy to the death path and eliminating the God's will...

It is truly a master work as it doesn't only focuses at the two main characters above, there are a lot of stories that are not directly related to each other, but they were combined in a perfect manner by the director.

Hey, Chloe, this blog is all about spoilers! :P hehehe. I love the movie, I love it a lot. I love Michael Duncan. He is truly amazing, he is a genius. I can't forget his eyes, the way the tears rolled down from his big and penetrating eyes. It's like a kind of sadness or begging he had in his heart; it's like he was searching for a missing pieces when he looked into your eyes...It is an extreme contrast with his huge and strong body, but it works WELL!

This flim reflects too many about human nature. I was really touched and i felt like giving Coffey a warm embrace. I wouldn't let off so that his sorrow and pain, he had been gaining for the passing years, would be healed or eased.

I love the quotes:

Edgecomb: "Your name is John Coffey?"

Coffey: "Yes sir boss. Like the drink, only not spelled the same."

One day before sitting on the electric chair, Coffey told Edgecomb, "I'm tired, boss. Tired of bein' on the road, lonely as a sparrow in the rain. Tired of not ever having me a buddy to be with, or tell me where we's coming from or going to, or why. Mostly I'm tired of people being ugly to each other. I'm tired of all the pain I feel and hear in the world everyday. There's too much of it. It's like pieces of glass in my head all the time. Can you understand?"

Yes. Coffey. I undestand. You have the kindest soul in the world, Michael Duncan has shown us your spirit and soul...

Bravo!

Truth Hurts

Ahhh... Let me recapture the past. We were the closest sisters in our childhood. Everywhere you go, I would follow; anywhere you were, there would be my soul. We had so much fun together. We went to school together, we took meals together, we cried and laughed at the companionship of each other.

Sadly, due to some weird and unknown reasons, we were drifted away from each other. Maybe that's what we normally named as the price of growing up... We became strangers and didn't talk to each other for ages. Though, I thought that our relationship still has its value. Nevertheless, the experience I encountered and the truths I heard from her hurt me. I got burnt.

Hey, I never talked you down in front of anyone else in that kind of malicious manner. Even though, I may not agree with your attitude and the way you deal with things, sometimes, but I never attacked you, personally. Deep inside my heart, I still regard you as my sister, even if you don't!

Remember the time when you were really helpless? Who lend you her hand? Girl, I accompanied you to search for your college and lost our way at the same time. I was worried about you and called you for times to make sure that you reached the stupid PuduRaya safely and soundly. Where was your dearest rich cousin at that time? You rang her but she refused to help by giving a stupid reason like: 'not free'. At last, what did you do? You groupped up with her and bitching about me, attacked me personally?! What the HELL!

Where did I go wrong? I am not asking you to thank me for my 'kindness'. That means totally nothing to you, I am SURE. But, I never hurt you, not in anyways. Why would you do these to me?

'You sit behind a beauty, envy you...'

A great SMS, huh?! isn't it? Being sarcastic?! That's what you have been learning in your years of studying? Cynicalism...Wow, I love it. Thanks for your compliments ya, my dearest sister... Yes, I am a beauty, a great stunning, incredibly amazing bella! So? You are jealous of me or what?

Tell you, Bitch! You are going to get your retribution for your miserable bad mouthing skill! I think we can see it right now, you are having your own troubles, right? It's not that your dearest sister here wanna curse you, it's just that some people like you, will met your own ends...

Let's wait and see...bloody Bitch!

My brother's recipe: 'Hokkien Flour Cake'

--> This is my brother, Teck. He is four years older than I but he never really act like a big brother who will take care of her sister. He is a bit 'naive' in the way he behaves and communicates with people who are close with him. You WILL definitely be scared if you are staying in my home and being expose to his daily foolish and crazy actions. You will think that this guy is completely out of his mind and need some medication urgently to balance up his emotions. I think the picture at the left explains a lot, there isn't a need for me to further elaborate on his character.:P But, sometimes he is normal, really. Anyhow, I am going to share with you all about my brother's recipe, 'Hokkien Flour Cake', the only dish he is good at preparing.

According to him, to prepare a 'delicious' Flour Cake for the serving of two people, first we have to place 400g of flour into a bowl and then mix it slowly with plain water. Next, we have to use a spoon to stir it well. This stirring process will go on for half an hour and we must have patient to do it carefully so that the best 'Flour Cake' will be produced (This step is shown in picture 1, as posted above).

Later, you can add on any materials you like to enhance the flavour and taste. My brother added in some fish curry powder and yummy 'Ikan Bilis', and then, he stirred the liquid in the bowl with those material for another 5 minutes. At last, referring to step 2 and 3 in the picture obover, he pour the liquid flour into hot oil, gingerly and gently so that a nice and flat shape would be formed. After the surface have turned into the colour of dark golden, you have to turn it over. This step will cost you about 15 minutes.

Finally, *DengDen! A hot and freshly fried 'Hokkian Flour Cake' can be served for two! Yeah, my brother is a bit stupid but yet, he is able to produce this tasty dish. Hey, it's true, it tastes nice! Next time, maybe you all can come to my place, I will ask him to prepare it for you all to try! YAY!

Well, in fact, the steps as mentioned in the second paragraph is not really true. I made it up so that the recipe will sound more normal and expert! hehe. My brother didn't measure the grams and minutes at all, he just simply do it, agak agak punya. :p haha.. He is not that professional, forgive him. :) Anyway, sometimes, he is cute.

That night, we had the flour cake as supper while watching the utmost idiotic horror movie in the universe-'Hostel'. I wasn't able to finish wacthing it as it is truly disturbing, disgusting, irritating, shallow and nasty. Though, my superficial brother, who emphasizes heavyly in 'sensation challenging experience' ONLY enjoy watching this type of movie. Silly him!

Hey, since my not-so-clever brother also can prepare a wholesome dish like 'Hokkien Flour Cake', I am sure that each and everyone of you is able to do that either, or perhaps, a better chef! hehe! yeah!

My goofball brother's recipe, try it at home. :P

P/S: sorrya, I have to apolozise for the indencency projected in the very first picture of my brother, who was smiling lecherously with his bare chest. That's the way he is, I am sorry! Please dont get disturbed or offended. :)

My Journalism1

Today is the second day of our final examination session! Two more subjects to go before we can proudly declare to the world that we have graduated! Nonetheless, at the same time, it's the time for us to say goodbye to each other. Sometimes, it is really hard to leave one another after three years of studying in the same class. Yes, I may not be able to have fun with all of you all the while. But, frankly speaking, deep inside my heart, each and everyone of you are somewhat important. You all have coloured up my days in UTAR!

SiewLing:Do you know that you are a very kind and sweet girl? I love the way you talk and the way you work and the way you smile. :-) I wasn't able to get to know you deeply but I know that you are kind, sweet, diligent and considerate! Keep it up ya! You can have great achievement somedays!

Annie:Even though we had our internship under the same company for three months but it is still pretty hard to really get close to you. Anyway, you are talented and I am sure you can be somebody in the future. Gambateh!

LiYee:You are the 'Astro' girl in our class! Yeah! You can sing, you can dance, you are cute and you are pretty! When is it possible for me to see you on stage again? I enjoy the moment we had our small conversation in LRT! :P When can we have that kind of hours again?

ChunYet:Yo! What's up man? You are our classrep but I have never seen you really act like one! Anyway, all of us would be bored without you. I am really glad that I had the chance to get to know you better in times of industrial training.Thanks for your kindness and help. Sometimes, I am thinking, it is really nice to know you. Thanks, my pal!

Rachel: Gusty girl! :) I enjoy the moments we spent in cyberspace. We had fun in gossiping about others! Even though our conversation took place virtually but I think that those virtuality experiences allowed me to know you better! You are a good friend to talk to and I will miss you!

Tasha:You are definitely a sweet and lovely girl! I have never met anyone who is as friendly as you do in my entire life. That's a good thing. The thing that I know about you is that you may be not that hardworking but you are wise and you will always make sure that you have fulfiled your responsibilities under whatever circumtances! I love that! Thanks for your kindness and help ya!

ChauYen:I wouldn't use those conventional adjectives like 'helpful' or 'easy-going' to describe you. I will say that you are a 'Devoted' friend! You have dedicated your entire life to your friends and tend to take care of them carefully, especially 'The special One'. :p hehe.I just want to tell you that your charming characteristic is a gift from God, so does your gorgeous figure! Treasure them!

Laiyee:You are a very polite and softspoken girl. You has been giving others a kind of impression that you are very 'fragile' and the wind seem like can blow you away very easily. Girl, you are too skinny! Gain more weight by eating more! I like the way you are and I am sure that you will be part of my important memories, even after 30 or 40 years later. :)

Kenjo:You keep a very nice blog and I enjoy reading them. You are truly a writer and have your own style in writing. Even though your eyes are small and you are quiet but I find that you are an inquisitive girl who is never going to let the world passed by you. You are observant and appears like a lovely next-door-girl. I like you.

Nelly:Yeah! Girl, You have a great leadership and I really admire the way you talk and the way you look. You are always confident and tend to exude your charm in a very subtle manner. You make me feel that you are someone who can really lead a big organization! Yeah! Keep it up ya!

WanYing:Wow! You. There isn't much I am going to write to you here since I have dedicated a post to you! Just want to tell you that no matter how, you will be in my heart! Muaks!

SuJin:Your big friendly smile captivated my heart. I love the way you laugh and bring us joys. :) You are truly amazing as you can have a fun and interesting conversation with the people whom you barely know. We all have fun talking to you! My friend, stay happy ya!

Fayes: Here comes the superstar of our class. Yo! I like the way you sing. Yeah, guy, you can melt many girls' hearts very easily! You are good looking and gifted with a stunning talent in singing but yet stil able to act humble and showing a moderate estimation of your abilities. That's really a precious value! Jr1 really proud of you! We are waiting for your album ya!

HuiWen: This is the utmost stunning and lovely girl in our class. She is our 'class flower' or maybe the cutest girl in UTAR! She could 'kill' guys very easily with her sweet outlook, adding on her irresistible smiles, even a girl would feel like kissing her whenener she talks to you seriously. Besides, she has the kindest heart which I have ever seen in my life. That's why, HuiWen, nice to know you and thanks for eveything you have done for me! Love you!

KitFye: KitFye is kinda serious and she seldom mix with a large group of people, neither does she laugh hysterically nor does she talks rubbish with her friends. She is a girl who is havign her own principles and would try her very best to fulfil her duties! I have a good time workign to gether with her! Cheers, my dear friend!

KhaiShin: She is an awesome girl. :) She has a very sweet voice, which resembles to a sweet melody that will linger in your mind for hours after hearing her giving speech! She is that kind of sweet and happy angel in our class and I have been knowing her for four years! We were kinda close at first but then due to the mixing of other groups of friends, we have some distances in between. However, we are still friends. It's a kind of friendship, which we keeps in our heart, when we want to use it, you will pass it to me right? :P

YehFang: LengLui! This girl forces all the people around her to call her beauty as she feels that it is a universal fact that she is pretty. In reality, she is really beautiful.:) She is hardworking, and tend to give other pressure when working with her! Anyway, it is a good practice as the assignments would hand in on time! yeah! Leng, THanks for your help ya! You are truly an angel! :P Friend forever ya!

Kathy: Kathy is a very quiet and introverted girl in our class. She tends to isolated herself with others, living in her own little fantasy world! But, once you try to start a conversation with her, you would know that she is kind, helpfull and compassionate. She will show you a very sweet smiles when you are talking to her and I find beauty in it! Maybe we are not close, but you are still a sweet friend, whom I will remember for life!

Broken Vow

(photo taken from http://members.aol.com)

She told me that, 'He is neither a good husband nor a qualified father. If he is having someone else as his wife, she would ran away from him, twenty years ago...'

Ya, I know that you are a truly devoted mother and I love you dearly from the bottom of my heart. I am willing to sacrifice my life for you and do whatever I could to make you happy. But, please don't complaint to me about him again. My heart is bleeding when I see you working day and night to support the family. You are the greatest mother in this world and none of them would be able to sacrifice as much as you do for your beloved children. Nonetheless, he is still my dad.

I am reasonable enough to know the real situation, I know you need someone to lend you ears, I can be the one...But, please, I don't want to hear anything about him again. You have dedicated your life to us ENTIRELY and since you decided to not taking another approach, please don't say anyting like that again. In fact, I would be glad if you divorce him, twenty or thirthy years ago. I swear, I will never blame you for that, even if you dumped brother and I away. At least, things would be simpler and you can fight for your own will. The horrible marriage you have, has been haunting me so much...Sometimes, I feel so helpless and I couldn't even cry...

Mummy, I want you to be happy, please, for yourself, not anyone else.You deserve better. The fact is, he is my dad. He is a great failure but I am sure he loves me... Don't cut my heart with endless complaints and quarells. I beg you...

He told me that, ' You are capable, you are a superwoman, keep it up...' More of a sarcastic sentence rather than anything else...'

I wasn't able to talk to you as I was not in a cheerful mood and I was really having a lot to study and revise. I am not indicating something like you are inconsiderate or what as I myself are having tonnes of weak points that are disagreeable. However, your cynical implication made me sad, really really sad. Maybe I should say someting like 'Sorry' for everthing.

Nevertheless, when your special one is being sarcastic and ruthless...There should be an end, right?

Photoshop

Tasha is very proud of her 'professional' skill in 'Photoshop'.She tends to tell the whole world about it by forcing them to see her latest 'product' in her blog. hehehe. Actually, she is not the greatest 'Photoshop' expert, but she is really a good one! :p I have to give her my salutation. Wow, Tasha, you are really great and free. You got nothing better to do in your free time meh! :p hahah..She is willing to spend hours to master the software and sharpen up her skill.(*Myles is thinking of taking her hat off to Tasha for her hardwork, But then, she realises that she doesn't wear a hat on top! :P)

Seriously, the photoes constructed by Tasha via 'Photoshop' are truly amazing, that's the striking power of the software! Yeah! This reminds me of my own experience with the mentioned software and the 'unique' instructor who taught me to use it! hehe. He just got married, wow! Should we say something like 'congratulation'? :p hahah! He is a fantastic lecturer. I fell in love with 'Photoshop' due to his teaching.

At here I would like to show you all one of my the print advertisements that were completed by using the software for my 'multimedia tools for advertising' in Year 2. Of course, if compare to Tasha, mine is really stupid. But, that's the way of learning mah! We got to start at the very first step mah! WIhtout learning how to walk, it is impossible for us to fly, right? Tasha?! :P

My group decided to create our own 'Pet Hotel' advertising campaign that was name 'Chubby Tubby Mummy'. We browsed through thousands of pictures related to animals and then cut and paste them in a backgroud we created ourselves. Then, we got to mend the outlines, drew the shadows, adjusted the contrast colors, combined the small little creatures and many other silly jobs. For the assignments, we came out with 4 versions of the advertisements. Lampfly and I spent most of our hours that time in the 'Mac Lab'. We tried our best to master the basic tools and produced the best advertisements as these stupid little things carried great coursework marks in that semester. Finally, that's our outcome. If compare to Tasha's, ours are nothing. :) But, it is actually sweet to recollect the times Lampfly and I spent in the lab. :) Maybe it's time of separation, so I am a bit emotional. Each and every little thing I had with my friends is able to inspire me to write out something... They are my memories and memories are sweet, aren't they?

The saddest thing is, I am not able to produce the advertisement above right now. I forgot about the way of using those simple tools correctly...Nonetheless, the times I had with my friend would turn into an unforgettable piece of diamond that I will keep it eternally in my heart. :P

Hours of waiting!

I hate waiting for people. I wish I could leave now...the problem is, the one I am waiting for is not my friend. He is someone important, whom I have been counting on to pull up my 'performance' a bit, yes, just a bit...

I am sorry for accidentally offended him last night. I am here to say' Sorry'. Actually, it wasn't my fault totally, but I have to bear some responsibilities. Anyway, since he is angry with me I guess I have to apolozise for that... But, I have been waiting for hours, I should be staying home and study...Gosh! I am wasting my time here! What to do? That's the price I have to pay for offending someone Important accidentally! Anyhow, I am not the one who is to be blamed entirely!

The position he has is everything. I got to wait. I think he doesn't want to meet me. But, I will make sure I talk to him today, or else, my hours spending here would be wasted! Besides, I guess my effort spend in that stupid thing is the main. I don't want him to discredit me due to the misunderstanding we had yesterday!

God! Spare a little more time on me!