Monday, December 29, 2008
A Greater Height

short-talk:

I have failed to achieve my goal, 5 kg by the end of 2008....

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Less than 60 hours and we will usher in the New Year, 2009. It is just so fast. Everything is just so fast. Just to compile my recap on the year 2008, i will pen down on another post regarding my achievement and some other interesting stories i have marked in 2008. Wait upon patiently yea!



It has always been a habit for me to actually sit down and ponder upon my new aims and visions for the coming new year. I just enjoy planning out what i want to achieve. Surely, not every point that i have written down for my 2008 resolution come to past. Some have actually come to past. Great. Some have yet.


But above all else, i know that with the proper and clear visions on paper, it will guide me in maximizing my time wisely in achieving the goals that i have.




A quote that reads "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail". Another quote that says, "A man plans at his heart but it is God that leads his path".


Indeed, how true is it.


I would like to bring upon this amazing story to you. I would appreciate much if you can spend 5 minutes to just read this short story and be blessed. May it encourages you in your planning.


Once upon a time, there was a bunch of tiny frogs... who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants.The race began.Honestly, no one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.

You heard statements such as:

"Oh, WAY too difficult!!" "They will NEVER make it to the top." or "Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!"

The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one....Except for those, who in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher....The crowd continued to yell, "It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!" More tiny frogs got tired and gave up....

But ONE continued higher and higher and higher....This one wouldn't give up! At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it? A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal?

It turned out....

That the winner was DEAF!!!!


Woo. Amazing story yea. The wisdom of this story is: Never listen to other people's tendencies to be negative or pessimistic, because they take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you -- the ones you have in your heart! Because everything you hear and read will affect your actions!

Therefore, above all else, Be DEAF when people tell YOU that you cannot fulfill your dreams!

Always think: God, I can do this!


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I am gonna plan well for my next year. So can you. Make 2009 a greater and better year than 2008. I have mine, and you have yours.


Keep leaping.


It is no doubt where everyone is climbing a new mountain in the coming year, but it is your choice to climb a higher mountain. Don't be satisfied of where you are now, challenge yourself for a greater height!!


Comments:

Haven't been here in a while, how have you been?

Anyway, people resolute to LOSE 5 kg, you resolute to GAIN 5!!!

By Blogger Xanthe Ang, at Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 1:25:00 PM GMT+8  

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Thursday, December 25, 2008
What do you think?

short-talk:

I'm hunting for a good furniture shop. Tell me where...where...

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First of all, blessed Christmas to all of my readers. Yes! This is the day, a significant happening where the whole wide world's Christians or even non-Christians will be celebrating this awesome feast as one.


Everyone loves this very day.


What makes this 25h December so special? Why do i actually call it the day?


For sure, many have known that it's Christmas day. But what makes it even more special is the birth of Jesus in the manger, what makes it more significant is the birth of our Lord, our Savior. My Lord, my savior, your Lord and your Savior.


Of course, 25th December is not the exact date of His birth. But this is just a date to signify His birth 2000 years ago.


However ...


Christmas, this word, is no longer been celebrated appropriately in such days. Not to doubt that, over the many years, Christmas has been actually linked to Santa Claus and so on. Whereby, people think that Christmas is just all about buying gifts, receiving gifts and giving gifts to all. No other meaning behind it. It has been brought to the perspective of giving out gifts.


What do you think?


On the other hand, in the contemporary world, the interpretation of Christmas day has become a commercial occurrence. A time that people treat Christmas as a relaxing day, no workloads to be stressful about. With more sales hoping to be seen in the malls.


No offense to this position. But is Christmas in all respects all about plug, commercial, promotion and so on? What do you think?


What do I think then?


Indeed, I think that we should not ignore the origin meaning and purpose of Christmas. To all Christians, believers of Jesus Christ, let's once again believe that this special indication -Christmas, is not going to be just another rest or public holiday for us, but a time where we can spend time, quiet down our mind and ponder upon the wonderful Savior. The birth of this Savior. He's the reason we live.


Not being churhie or holy here, hehe... but of course, if there's the origin meaning and truth behind the word -Christmas-, why not knowing the truth rather than paying no heed to it right?


Wow! This season, i happen to stumble upon this song entitled "We are the reason". Its lyrics go well and paint overall of the picture of Christmas, the reason of His coming. Click on it, load it and enjoy listening.


After all, there's no harm and lost of investing 5 minutes of your time to just listening to a song right? Hehe..





Hope this song blesses you.


Let's live Christmas with Christ, not X'mas without Christ. Cheers!


BLESSED CHRISTMAS 2008!


Comments:

Xmas is still Christmas, the X is the abbreviation of Christ in the Greek letter chi. It's not actually removing Christ from Chrrstmas. However since few know this fact I guess many people will use Xmas to exclude Christ from Christmas. (Xmas/Christmas)

Then again, let us consider something more, if we exclude Christ in Christmas then there won't be any reson to celebrate Christmas at all. Just my point of view. Hehe!

1.Xmas/Christmas. http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/xmas.html

By Blogger Ezekiel, at Friday, December 26, 2008 at 3:03:00 PM GMT+8  

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Monday, December 22, 2008
The Golden Job

short-talk:

I wish i'm in Singapore now....this season...Christmas season....

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Touring around at Bukit Bintang is always a delight for me. A tempting street where you will find heaps of sky-high shopping malls and humans flooding the lane. The combination of different lightings has definitely turned this street into a beautiful sight, especially when it comes to late evening.


It is just so vivid.

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Not only that, this is the street that is completely jam packed with throngs of vehicles and humans. Trust me, you will freak out to see how KL people actually "potong kereta". Salute eh.


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While i was strolling around at Bukit Bintang like a strayed fella on the third night, I stumbled upon this funny showman. Weird uncle.


Something that i have never imagined of.


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Posing.

Yes. Looks cool huh? A bald uncle who has completely painted himself in gold, entertained the public with his creative garb. Everyone rushed to him for snapshots.


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Everyone loves this golden uncle, including me of course.


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Don't laugh. I know this uncle can bend his knee much lower than me.

Posing and taking a snapshot with this uncle is never free of charge. He kept hinting the crowd to make some donation to him if we want to pose with him. As kind hearted as i am, I donated Rm 2 for him. Yea, there you go, my Rm 2 worth of posing.


One thing that i have been waiting for during the photo taking is to force wait for him to open his mouth and show me his teeth. I wonder whether did he also paint his teeth in gold. Hmm..


Perhaps next time after i have retired and laid off, i can consider doing such job. Standing at India Street, shave my head bald, paint myself in gold and start fooling around with the public.


Or possibly if i ever happen to declare myself bankrupt after becoming a golden showman, i can switch my work to this:


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Yea, you know what i mean right?




Comments:

Hey I snapped a picture of the golden unker dude and blogged about it a while back too ahahaha...

By Blogger Robin Wong, at Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 12:11:00 PM GMT+8  

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robin: lol...then i should have a check! =P

By Blogger Johnson, at Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 5:46:00 PM GMT+8  

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Friday, December 19, 2008
13th Vibrant Malaysian National Convention 2008

short-talk:

I am still trying hard to insert all of the Christmas lyrics into my stubborn mind. Errgghhh~~

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Here's the promised post.


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So here i am, standing and holding contently of my name tag. Surely, it took determination and commitment of Hope leaders, members and visitors to set aside their one weekend line-up to attend this year's Malaysian National Convention (MNC) with the theme, A Vibrant Community.


This year's MNC was held at the hub of Putrajaya, in one of the really HUGE and COOL buildings around, PICC (Putrajaya International Convention Centre). With the hosts of vehicles and congregations flocked to this venue on that particular weekend, this has certainly brighten up the town of Putrajaya.


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PICC

What makes this MNC even more unique compares to the previous fews is actually the venue. Yes, believe it or not, PICC is actually the heart of the political administrative capital of our country. This is where big shots, political leaders come and gather as one, and argue about our country political issue.


Majestic huh?


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Standing at the corridor of the upper building and survey through the entire surrounding of Putrajaya is just so unbelievable. The neighborhood is so wide. I saw tall buildings. I saw lots of government buildings. The best was that i managed to spot on our Prime Minister's structure! His office, of course!


Yet, what makes me more excited is the actual convention! As mentioned earlier on, the theme was A Vibrant Community. I personally were spiritually prepared and jotted down some thoughts in mind and geared up to get charge up in this convention.


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Tertiary group.


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*Smile la...*

Here am i! Standing proudly inside of the Plenary Hall. My jaw nearly dropped to the floor when i had my first step into this hall. I was completely stunned! The hall is so huge! Really huge! Extremely huge!


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The Plenary Hall is the largest hall in PICC which covered approximately 4,000 metres square and can be filled up to 2,800 people.


Every framework lies inside almost hits the mark of perfection. Really. The seat is perfectly made of leather. The floor is covered up with quality carpet. The wall is coated with thick matting. I believe with such detailed layout, it has surely given a fillip in its acoustics.


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Hmmm..... Now, I finally know where do our money actually fly to. Throw that aside, and come back to the actual theme.


This MNC was just so inspiring. Every programme struck to its excellence. People responded. Almost two thousands of Hope members all across joining, from the various Hope Centre in East and West Malaysia and some other international delegates joining us in this annual celebration.


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The teachings covered aspects on being a vibrant community, from recognizing the church community as a vibrant being, identifying and developing health issues that affect vibrancy, to maintain the health and vibrancy of a church as a community.


Many many many inspiring teaching. We were so blessed to have three key speakers -Hope Senior Pastor Simon, Pastor Jeff from Hope Singapore, plus Pastor Denis from Hope Kuching in sharing with us their hearts and thoughts on this year's theme.


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Pastor Denis.

One thing that has really captured my thought is the word Enthusiasm. The root word, En-thu means in God. And when we really dwell in Him, we will be visibly excited and vibrant in what the things we do. Yes, the great excitement that injects into your emotion. For it reads in Nehemiah 8:10, "For the joy of the Lord is my strength!".


"Happiness depends of happening, but joy depends on God!"


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Pastor Jeff

Super hilarious pastor. He mentioned HDB in one of his sharings. Not the Singapore's HDB flat arr...it's actually Height in worship, Depth in word and Breath in love.


"People might reject the gospel, but they can never reject your prayer".

"Excellent glorifies, excellent honors".


Apart from the teachings, the fun and fellowship among the different brothers and sisters are also well bonded. I met some few really cool friends during the Vibrant Age Network.


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There are just too many things to pen down in this post. Just let these snapshots speak the rest.


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Closing Ceremony.


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The dance team.

One more thing. I am so grateful to be given my first opportunity to serve as a drummer for Hope Kuching in this MNC. It was my first experience to play in such huge event. Surely new stepping stone that i have been looking forward to for 5 years.



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The team.

Okay okay, i know i look like a rotten papaya on drum, which is surely not supposed to be. I was joyfully grooving all the way when the you-know-who-you-are purposely take a shot of me whilst i was resting for just a split second. Gisshhh....=P


I must share this. There was a night of Theme Night and all of the congregations were required to prepare their own hand made percussion. Simple percussion such as, bottles filled with beams.


In between of the high praise songs, the Worship Leader asked the entire congregation to lift up their percussions and shake shake shake aloud, and sing....wow...the atmosphere was just greatly uplifting. It's totally something new for all of us.


Imagine, 1,600 people shaking the bottles consistently. Wooo.....bring it on, the Olympic spirit yea!


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Theme night's Worship Team.

Above all else, i am thoroughly renewed and revived by this inspiring happening. Words could not explain every vibrant occurrence i have experienced. Right now, i am so determined to build my youth group even more vibrant in every path.


It will gonna be interesting, for sure!

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Say hi to Mr. Muhammad Johnson.


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Other than that, i have also successfully planted my footprint on the tip of Putrajaya!


Have you? =P


Comments:

Hi Mr. Muhammad Johnson. How come no one's been dropping comments in ur blog nowadays? U were gone too long previously that no one realised ur blog is still alive? Haha...wow..thanks for the MNC updates..reminded me of the whole event once more....yes...we definitely have to be VIBRANT VIBRANT and VIBRANT for Jesus all the time...stay Excited guys...all the way for Jesus!!! Never realised it was your first time on MNC stage..wow..that was a great thing you have done for Jesus!! Keep it up bro!! By the way, also my first time leading on MNC stage!! Haha...Jia you bro!! GBU!

By Anonymous Anonymous, at Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 1:38:00 AM GMT+8  

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Dear Muhammad Johnson, please don't convert to Muslim before you bring me there!! =)

By Blogger Eric, at Monday, December 22, 2008 at 3:10:00 AM GMT+8  

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Mr. W: lol...thanks dude. Yeaps, it was actually my second time. The frist was last year, playing congga..this year i played drum. PTL. See you soon!

Eric: lol...Muhammad Eric, i will never forget you..lol..where i go, u must follow...lol..

By Blogger Johnson, at Monday, December 22, 2008 at 2:53:00 PM GMT+8  

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Monday, December 15, 2008
Kicap Mee

short-talk:

I'm given only less than 4 days to memorize lots of Christmas songs. I mean, a lot.

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Before I landed in KL last week, i have already told myself to set aside a meal and ordered KL's version of kolomee if i had this chance. And yes, i had.



Kicap Mee.


One thing that we, Kuchingites should be grateful for our Kuching Kolomee is not of our authentic color paste, taste and so on. But, the price!


Kolomee in KL costs Rm3.50 per bowl! Errggghhh....


Comments:



Friday, December 12, 2008
Life without limbs, live a life without limits

short-talk:

Doulos, the so called Titanic Library is in Kuching until 2nd January 2009. Gear up and let's go!


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Santa Claus is not coming to town, but Pastor Nick Vujicic is coming to Kuching on this Sunday.


Here's a man whom i admire a lot. I did mention him before somewhere in my blog. A man without limbs yet lives a life without limit in God. An ordinary man just like you and me, yet has a BIG heart for God and for the people around. Someone whom i am thoroughly inspired!



I will attend the third section which is 7.30pm at ACS building. Of course, i am not crazy about him. But i am encouraged of a life that is completely devoted to HIM. Probably an unfortunate guy that is born without limbs yet he is able to live out with the joy of the Lord. I admire.


One quote that he mentions many times, "A life without limbs, live a life without limits."


Don't miss his testimony! See you there!


Comments:

Powerful man of God!! Think I will be going to that session also. See ya there...probably... :) GBU bro!! Nice banner...luv it...

By Anonymous Anonymous, at Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 3:22:00 AM GMT+8  

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Thursday, December 11, 2008
Back and be right back

short-talk:

I always think that trying new food is my greatest joy, thus i boldly ordered "Tosai Telur" when i was in one of the Mamak stalls in KL.

After a few bite of "Tosai telur", it really tasted like Tosai. I'm serious.

Lesson learned in KL: Don't simply order any Indian food if you don't know what is it. Now i finally know how our poo-poo taste like. It's sour.


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I'm back!

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I just reached Kuching on yesterday afternoon. Physically slightly exhausted yet emotionally rejoiced in every day spent in KL.


I am blessed thoroughly throughout the entire of my Church Convention. Also, i almost declared myself bankrupt during my shopping. Tempting shopping malls. Every mall is flooded with huge sale after sale.


Grant me a day or two of sufficient rest and i will tune up all of the great events into various posts and blog them out. Meanwhile, let me share this.


If you are yet to know this, KL city is populated with nearly 2 millions of citizens. Out of this huge number, I am so so so so so unfortunate wow to stumble upon this guy, whom i believe is originated from Kuching, in Time Square.


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Yieng, Soon Eng, me


Mr. Chong Soon Eng. I never know that i have such a faithful spy coming all the way from Kuching to stalk me. LOL!




Comments:

How come the background of ur pics is slanted?

By Blogger Ezekiel, at Friday, December 12, 2008 at 11:33:00 PM GMT+8  

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its the building..not the camera...lol!!!

By Blogger Johnson, at Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 12:05:00 AM GMT+8  

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Tuesday, December 2, 2008
True Relief

short-talk:

I will be flying over to KL on this Wednesday, which is actually tomorrow. For my church convention and extra four more days lingering around in KL City. Woot!

Shopping? Oh yea!

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Behold once more, Johnson is back in rescuing and reviving his forsaken innocent blog. Close to a month of no blogging is so unaccustomed. For those who have been faithfully creeping up on my abandoned blog, this post is then your reward.


My exam is over! Stress freee.....eee......


I shall now declare freedom. Let us shout together as one voice: "Merdeka! Merdeka!". It is always a pressured and stressful month whenever it hits the last few weeks of the semester. Students will be suffocated by stacks of workloads. Merciless lecturers will utilize this opportunity to assassinate us, the victims with venomous lab reports, presentations and assignments. Some who can barely bear with the toxicant will be poisoned to death.


Of course, i am the survivor.


This semester is sightly tougher and laborious for all. More workloads. More sacrificial time is needed. Actually, prior to this semester, i have already presumed that my four subjects will be harder, workloads will be heavier than before. Thus, because of this, i have to abandon my blog for the entire month. Unfaithful me.



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Assignments await to be handed in.


Let me count. If i am not mistaken, a total of 6 lab reports, 5 assignments and 2 presentations were thrown to us at the last couple of weeks to be done. Many times, it is due to these massive workloads, we could hardly squeeze out sufficient quality time to revise for the final exam.


Suffering yea?


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Thank God, after the extra push to accomplish all of my assignments, i managed to get all things done on Friday. That is the fastest speed that i could go. Nonetheless, my final paper started on the following Monday.


Die. Choy. After Friday night, most of my peeps have decided to camp whole day in the classroom until the end of final exam. From morning until late midnight, we tried to brush up all of the uncovered chapters. It was tired though, when you knew the clock was ticking so fast and many syllabuses were yet to be read.


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Exhaustion.


For some hours, we need to stretch beyond our limits if we want to gain good grades. Noted that we have paid a few thousands for each semester. Two thousands for each subject. Mahal betul. Our physical body and mind were stretched to the utmost.


Candidly, i was at times too exhausted. My head was so in pain. Yet, when I see all these as a delight in studying before i officially work, everything was then turning into a pure JOY.


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Half dead.


It was just amusing to see how students who seldom appeared in class for the first half of the semester, started to pop out at the final hour in campus and joined the study group. Amazing huh?


Regardless of the drowsiness and uncomfortable hour that one needs to abide, many had put in extra sacrificial effort for these final papers. I can testify that.


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It's near midnight.


My last paper was on yesterday. Weee.....Holiday! I can now sniff a relief of alleviation. Stress free! The feeling for now is so great. No more assignments and exams to prey on my mind.


Reckoning back on last week and the week before, time is really moving in high speed. I have completed my second year in Civil Engineering. Third year is coming up. Some of my friends will be leaving to overseas next semester. You know who you are. For those who do help and guide me in my study too.


I appreciate it heaps. *wink*


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The joy of studying together.



Three months from now, Swinburne library and classroom will switch into a hushed place. No lectures, no tutorials and no baboons bising-ing around....


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Utter silence.


Year 2 Semester 2 is officially over. I am grateful to God for meeting a lot of great peeps in Swinburne. You know who you are. Thank you all for walking together with me for this entire year. You guys are great!


And for now, i will be flying over to KL tomorrow late evening. After that, i need to sit down, pen down, jot down and plan out my three months looooonnnnggggg holiday. Again, "Merdeka! Merdeka!"


Hehe. *grin*




Comments:

Hahaha...FINALLY...the long awaited blogger has come back ALIVE to HYPE UP the blog once again..haha...Great to hear that you have passed the misery time...can't believe you have finished your second year already...so fast...Johnson is growing older....(I repeat older) liaw...haha..time really flies. Well bro, have a blessed time at MNC and TQ in advance! :P Take care..GBU bro! :D

By Anonymous Anonymous, at Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 12:12:00 AM GMT+8  

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