Building a Ship

Oh Finally! Yes, I know that it has not been updated for long, but since the first day of CNY, I thought I should write the next post on the 15th day of CNY. I mean, why not? =p

So how was my Chinese New Year 2010?

As for many, either you headed back to your respective hometowns, or you ended up like me, staying on in Petaling Jaya/KL. So the first day, as tradition and annual customs would suggest, my family and I did the usual visiting to our relative's houses. From our first granduncle all the way down to the 7th granduncle. But before all the visiting started, because that day was a Sunday, my family went to church first. After a great sermon, the "roundings" started.

Nothing much to say, because every year is always the same. Having a lot of tidbits in the first house and by the 3rd house, every year we have pizzas, and because every year the weather is generally very hot, my dad would be sleeping on the couch. (Yes, even sleeping in that particular grandaunt's house is annual, seriously) Even the pizzas are annual, never fail. This year also my uncle from Singapore came up, so bigger crowd and more cousins, more fun. Not to mention, playing DoTA with them (since its the easiest LAN game) until about 3am on Monday morning. Also another annual and a MUST to be played is Pictionary! At night, we will always end up at my 7th granduncle's house for dinner and their specialty food. There, with another younger group of cousins we will always play Pictionary, to a point that I don't even know how it all started, but yea, VERY FUN!

Yes, the first day always filled with annual stuff, but still, it never fails to be enjoyed.

Throughout that whole week of CNY, many were away, people on msn also so much less, and those away were having a good time I'm sure. Sadly, I got stuck at home, so with nothing much to do, I had to finish all my homework lo! Plus peek at some reference books a bit. But that was how sad my Chinese New Year was. During this time, I also finally managed to reformat my mum's com, which I am currently using, because I gave away my previous one for a GREATER CAUSE. Even as school started, my CNY mood was still kicking in, woke up terribly late on Monday, and for the very first time in my whole schooling life, even since kindergarten, I WAS LATE! It was more of a joy than grieve, cool le?

And yes, everyone who was busy having fun and maybe those lazy, perhaps, all were rushing this and that homework, starting to worry about exams and all, such wonderful sight, when I know I personally and safe from all these (except exams).

THIS ONE I SPECIALLY WANT TO MENTION. My late birthday gift was also given during the 15 days! It was a sneaker, Adidas Superstar 2, and its SO FREAKING SPECIAL, that I when I google image it, there isn't any that I can find! So that is how special it is, and THANK YOU to all who put in your part, I really appreciate it, its wonderful! I really cannot hope for more, this is already an addition to another great birthday I had this year.

So as the Chinese New Year festival starts to come to a close, and many taking the long weekend as the great opportunity to study, I on the other hand, ended up watching Book of Eli, and later on, today night, I'm watching Little Big Soldier. I must say, Book of Eli started of pretty blur, rather unsure of where the show is going to go, but I tell you, right at the end, it just simply BLOWS your mind away, gives the WOW factor that I'm still having even as I think of it. Its a very powerful show, I encourage especially all Christians to watch it. I'll do a review on it soon enough.

So that's about how my 15 days of Chinese New Year went about. Started off with all the annual stuff yet still so fun. Followed by nothing-better-to-do, ended up studying, my birthday gift and movies. This year, just seemed a bit more smoother, relax and more calming. I just hope every year gets better!

My 15 days,
Wai Leem

Like

Unlike

Share on Facebook

Yes, I'm back in business.

Before I continue with all the tons of work that needs to be done desperately, I also need to write this as a reminder to everyone, so I'll keep it short and simple.

And particular, I hope that there is this certain group that will read it.

Lesson26#:
Openness

During the recent event, Merentas Desa 2010, which I wrote about in my previous post, there have been a lot of complains especially from those who were disqualified.

But the interesting part was this, news came to my ears that some who openly cursed them either upfront or even sarcastically, were called to have a little chit chat, and they were asked to apologize otherwise discipline action will be taken. And yes, news came to me that they were pissed ALL THE MORE.

So what's my point here? Now I'm not saying that cursing a group of people for their failed action is a good thing or it should have been done, I also do think that it is in fact not that good, but I want to shift to the attention of those receiving the criticism.

Openness, is something I've learn to develop over time. Its something hard to birth but yet it can be so very useful in life.

Basically, as insults and criticism is thrown at us, it is always not about reacting, but responding. Reacting would mean upon receiving an insult, an action is immediately produce to counter it, most of the time, it doesn't go through thinking, rather mainly emotional reaction. Whereas responding would require one to actually sit down and think before taking an action.

Perhaps those who insulted them should have apologized also, but to FORCE someone to apologize and to act as if being insulted is a BIG THING, something seems so wrong about it. Take for example the prefects, we practically get insulted from the time we start officially being a prefect, to the time we finish our term. Only those who stand out as a people person would be safe from harm, otherwise, trust me, no student actually likes the prefects.

So my point here is, be open about it, don't react and cause small things to become a big issue, to a point as if the world will fall. When I heard about the news, I was all the more sadden because when people know about this, it just speaks to the world that that group is just unable to handle criticism. I do acknowledge the hard work and effort put into all these, but since matters are bad, spend time fixing it than to make matters worse.

Please, be open.

Concerned runner,
Wai Leem

6 people like this post.

Unlike

Share on Facebook

Indeed like what Nicholas said awhile back, this year, there will be and have been a lot of "last" stuff. During that time, it was my last Gerko Day, today, was another one. My LAST Merentas Desa in Catholic High School.

After the announcement of results, and hearing people cursing and some crying because they were disqualified, I went to the CF. Throughout the time in the CF room, eating lunch and walking back home, I was just wondering how I could have done so much more, how meaningful this year's merentas desa really is to me, and how I will never be able to run as a purple house member in a cross-country race anymore (Unless I end up in Form 6).

Today was indeed an experience to remember.

Before today, there was a big hype of people just training and training after school. It was like some kind of health craze or something like that, but a group of us concluded it as peer pressure, seeing our friends running, we all also want to run.

To be honest, I was one of them. I've always liked running long distance, whether or not its time consuming or what, but its something I like to do. The odd part is, despite my liking to run, I have this weird dislike, that is I don't like getting tired, because most of the time, there is just so much work to do, getting tired is not a very good circumstance, energy is greatly needed. So that always held me back from running. But because of the recent hype, I was also excited, because now I know that "if he/she runs and gets tired, surely he/she also can't finish his/her work, die, then die together lo!" So I started training too.

Whether it was at school, the real track or even at my housing area, I've always had someone to accompany me, and it will always be part of the 2010 Merentas Desa experience. You know who you guys and gals are, Thank You.

So this year, as the whistle blew and we started running, I only had one thing in my mind, "GET THAT FREAKING POINT" So I ran without stopping, a pace way bigger than I've ever ran before. At first, I started getting tired, and the person I was pacing was slowly getting further and further, so I tried to pick up my pace and stride, but my legs were still getting me very tired. And as I pondered about something, can't remember what, tiredness left, I managed to gain control over my mind and the psychological aspect, I managed to press on and get ahead.

Because of that, I have achieved my own personal goal. I've always wanted to be in the top 60, and I FINALLY DID IT! Form 2 I got a point, but was way back, far from 60th placing, Form 3 I failed, Form 4, I got a point, but didn't get any number, but was suspected to have gotten about 60 or 70 something, around that area. So this year, with clear determination, but honestly, a bit of uncertainty and low confidence, God was ultimately there to bring me through, and help me 58th placing. Perhaps not THAT GOOD compared to the 57 placings in front of me, but God has given me enough to remember what an awesome Merentas Desa it has been for me.

So congratulations to every house and every runner, you all did your best, I HOPE. And to every person on duty, I would prefer that you ran, but its okay, someone needs to be on duty, and you filled in that gap, and a special thanks to the PBSM for rescuing some of the runners and taking care of all runners medical needs, WELL DONE.

But it ain't over yet people, this is just the beginning, and more is yet to come.

Purple House runner,
Wai Leem

2 people like this post.

Unlike

Share on Facebook

Well, I don't know how many people will also have the same title, but no doubt, it was really true. Today did start with a "bang", literally.

It was the typical morning assembly where students gathered, but today was different. Today is the last day for the form 5s and upper 6 students. Today was their graduation day. So besides the form 5 and 6, there were hardly any other students present, except for all those who had to perform or did the line of honour. So after a couple of announcements, the students were asked to go back to class when suddenly....

....BANG!!

It was loud, really loud, so loud that it caught some people jumping off their feet. So that's where the excitement starts. I saw Pn Joyce elegantly walking towards the origin of the sound and as she passed us, she quickly told us to locate the culprite.

But the thing was we could not locate that fella, so everything went into danger mode. Head of spotchecks were immediately called to assemble prefects and spotcheck. I don't know how many classes we spotchecked, but accordingly, we didn't manage to do all the classes. The cool part was, all these turned into a threat as we said that if whoever did it does not reveal him/herself, then the whole form 5 would sufer greatly because illegal items especially handphones will be consfiscated. Even after the teacher's threat, Timothy Goh also made another public threat. So yea, that is how the form 5s start their last day in school.

Throughout this whole time, the spotchecks were fun, but what was more fun-er was that we came up with some theories behind this happening. (It's all joke, so to certain people who read this, this is all JUST FOR FUN, adding essence into our daily life)

1st. We have a Osama apprentice trying out with fire crackers first, and his alias is Osama Tan. (and because he didn't try the real thing, next year will be our turn to do the REAL STUFF.)

but that isn't as cool. This one is better.

2nd. Mr Lean secretly lighted one and dropped it there. Why? So that all these spotchecks can go on and we can consfiscate all the handphones. Then today when all the students have gone back home, they will be rejoicing in the discipline room with all the handphones. Then the next day, don't be surprised if you see a store at digital mall with a overhead banner saying "Lembaga Disiplin" and they are selling handphones.

This is what happens when something drastic occurs, theories make up so much fun. It spreaded to a point that even the form 6s were also checked.

My day also ended with a bang. Both literally and figuratively.

The CF with conjoined effort with the computer club were doing the line of honour and  before we got ready, someone suggested to do the can can! So we quickly thought of how we could do it and then practised. But that isn't all. We first pulled Kelab Kebudayaan in and they happily joined, followed by Kumpulan Harmonica and Guitar. PMO was about to, but Hong Ken wouldn't allow, taekwando almost but also didn't in the end. But I tell you, no matter who joined, whoever did had a whole lot of fun and laughing, not just doing it but also the process of it. I personally laughed until my jaws hurt.

So that was the figurative bang.

Sadly for many, who joined in the first literal BANG, didn't get to experience the last one. While I was in the CF room, it went off again, I personally didn't see who, but some CF members saw. But because this time it was even closer to me, the BANG was even louder.

So in the end, my day started with a BANG, ended with a BANG. It couldn't have gotten any better. WHAT A DAY!

Thank you Lord, for a BANG-FUL day.

Wai Leem

Like

Unlike

Share on Facebook

Today, there was a meeting prefect meeting going on, and since its been awhile and also to respect them, I went anyhow. But the thing was, I couldn't concentrate as much, as I reminiscent the past memory of drama.

It all started as the meeting was held in U6F. I went there and stepped in, suddenly everything just seemed so familiar, then I knew, the very very FIRST practice was held in U6F. And guess what 8 months later, I step into the class room for a meeting, realizing that I will not have any more practices, no more fun with the drummers, no more stories from Mr William, no more gossips and jokes from the girls, no more weird and prolonged laughter from Yee Teng, no more weird comments from Ti Lun and Benjamin, no more screams from Re Gin or Hui Xin, no more....

I remember the day I came for the first practice, not knowing that drama would take us this far, but just join because I have always liked acting. Then came some girls, said 'hi' but never really knew them. Then some junior prefects like Hui Xin, June, Wei Xuan and Re Gin came and also my fellow batch, Ray Aun. Then came Rayelene, whom I knew was a actor, but never knew that I would really get to know as a friend, or as a sister. There I also met Shiau Ling, Brian and Joel. Slowly we got to know each other.

Besides, I never really had good encounters with Mr William. But as time grew, he critisized my a lot also, especially when I took the role of Dr. Faustus. Yes, at first it was hard to accept but I got used to it, and learn from the experience, though he also apologised, I felt that it was unnecessary because he taught me so much, all I hope for now is that I can remember it. After 8 months, my experience have changed my life so much, that he is indeed a great teacher will vast knowledge and a great man. My perspective of him have changed ever since, and now I meet him everyday in school more or less like a friend, a close teacher.

This journey as Benjamin puts it, is like a voyage, a voyage of 8 months. We went through ups and downs, happy times, sad times, irritating times, frustrating times, but had bonding, fun, enjoyment and joyfulness. Tough times were especially when we had to change cast and crew and deal with different characters and break people like me to pass my boundary and act in a way i have never acted before. This part was after the state level, heading towards nationals. Also, this time was when Mr William left, and we had to perform for the school's anniversary, these were the toughest of times, but in the end, we managed to get pass it, especially if the return of Mr William, the hype was back, the energy, the enthusiasm, the strength was back.

While we were on the bus, left only about an hour away, Rayelene came and said to me, "Wai Leem, its all over, the end. After 8 months, now, no more practices, no more........." Indeed, and Benjamin went on with, "Sorry for my trespasses and hurtful things I have said or done" to almost everyone I think. But that moment was a very sentimental moment indeed.

For me personally, God answered my prayer. When I was a young little boy, I used to see big trophies beautifully placed in my friend's houses. How I always wanted to win something, but that day just seemed impossible. Until now, as I held my trophy, I realized that after so many years, God gave me what I have always wanted, and if I got best actor, that would just be more grace and I believe he didn't want me to get it because he fulfilled my dream and there was no need to give me more, and also to teach me to be patient and grateful for what I already have. But now I have that big trophy and i'm happy with it, do I need anymore? No I don't, because it will turn into greed, but if God gives, then praise God.

The journey of 8 months also brought me to realize how God placed form 3s, form 4s and form 5s together and is able to use differences and personalities to form a winning team. Its like using dust from the ground to form a sculpture. Though at times it could get irritating and frustrating, but we were united as one team, and that's all that matters.

Also, as I was acting as sloth, it gave me great opportunity to watch Joel act as Dr. Faustus, and how much I really wanted to try that role. I never realized that it could become a reality for me, as Joel left the team, I was just filling in his place and teacher just switched me like that. At first it was "oh wow!" but then it got "shoot how?" because at times I just did not know how to act well in that role with plentiful mistakes and I would really wonder how, as I also had to endure the stress and pressure from teacher especially. But nevertheless, how often does anyone get a lead role? And I thank God that He gave me that wonderful chance to perform as the lead role in Nationals and win it, that is simply wonderful, and if it is not by the grace of God, who else?

There is just so much more I want to say, but I'm writing this with a heavy heart because this team is truly an unforgettable team, and I really don't want it to end here, but I know it must. But partly because there are too many, I forgot some already. (I will add on as I remember).

Love,
Wai Leem
sloth (district and state)
dr. faustus (national)

Like

Unlike

Share on Facebook

Yes, I suppose many expected this post to come up sooner or later.

Previously in my earlier post, The Tragic History of Dr. Faustus 2, I mentioned about the journey of the state level competition, and yes, by the grace of God, we won! Then led us to the nationals, the last and final stage.

From Monday till Thursday (19-22 October), the drama team of 2009 from Catholic High School set out to Kepala Batas, Seberang Prai, to participate in the national drama competition. 15 cast and crew plus 2 teachers, all excited and of course, in search and in anticipation of a victory.

Monday morning, we got ready all our props and stuff and loaded everything onto the bus. Just loading everything already made many guys sweaty and tired, it was that bad. By 8 am, we departed Catholic High School with wishes from our principal, Madam Lee. Our journey towards Penang main island straight away started with a movie marathon in the bus. Some watched, some talked, some slept, some read books. In the bus, everyone was filled with much joy and gladness as this would be the first time CHS has sent a team to nationals for a english competition. Anticipation filled the air. As we passed by somewhere in Perak, we stopped by the side of the road to fetch Rayelene after her Deepavali holidays with her family. Upon reaching Hotel Seri Malaysia, a government hotel in Kepala Batas, there were already a couple of teams registering and getting their room keys. As eyes glanced across each other's, we knew that everyone had come to achieve a goal, but the cool part was that everyone was friendly, smiles were ignited from everyone and despite "competition" it was also basically 240 teenage students getting together, slowly knowing each other without strife or rivalry. We got our rooms keys and went straight into our rooms and placed our luggage. Then we got out and went to find a restaurant to eat lunch. There Puvendran came and joined us, now, our team of 15 cast and crew are together, like pieces of puzzle being fitted together, turning to a full picture. We took the opportunity of the extra time that we had to view the hall unofficially and then went back to the hotel to rest and waited for dinner. Nothing much happen that night, likewise, movies went on, some played computer games, and the rest talked and talked.

Day 2, Tuesday. I personally was surprised as this was a drama competition, food should be a cautious thing because it could affect our voice. The cool thing is, every meal that we had, there was curry, and everyone ate it! Keropok too! and some other fried stuff also! With cold drinks! The food would also be replenished after like 30 minutes, and I was also surprised about this until someone said to me, 240 TEENAGE students, What Do You Expect? Then I realized. So that is basically about the food. Tuesday was the day that teams took turns to rehearse on the stage. My team was the last, so we had to wait until late evening for our turn. So there wasn't much going on though we had one small practice  in the hall but not the stage and also watched some of the other teams rehearse and had some tea break food. Tuesday night was more of a "preparing-heart-and-mind" time, though some were still fooling around. I personally, was trying to focus on the next day, the day of competition. The people in my room was about to sleep until some crazy KL guy called and irritated us at 1 am. There was a girl talking to us and since they did that to us, we also added some of our tasty words until they got irritated and finally after nearly 30 minutes or less, the call ended.

Wednesday, the day we worked hard for. Yes, Wednesday is THE DAY. Woke up early and had breakfast, and without hesitation, we started putting on our make up. Practically the whole morning and afternoon was make up time and I really have to compliment the girls, Yee Teng, Rayelene, Re Gin, Hui Xin, Shiau Ling, for not just doing the make up but using their own make up without claim, wonderful indeed. Ray Aun, Jia Jie and I had to walk out though because Jia Jie was a vegetarian and there was no vegetarian food prepared, so we walked finding a vegetarian stall, which was surprisingly famous and known to the community nearby, which helped us A LOT. After lunch, both of my teachers came back and was just sharing how things went for the first 8 teams. Mr William mentioned some were good, so at that point in time, we were a bit worried and shaken, but still tried to stand strong. Not to long later, Madam Lee, Pn Chee and Ms Leela came from school to Seberang Prai to see our performance and to support us. We were really glad to see them and likewise for them. 4 pm came, yes, it is time to get ready to go there, and at that time, my eldest brother was also already there to watch me! So we went to the hall, checked our props to make sure everything is in tack and I went to meet my brother. Soon, it was time, but without forgetting, prayer was the essence of it all, and so like the previous times, we held hands and in one accord, I lead in the prayer and we all agreed, then we started getting into our characters. The time for our play came and then some complications happened, but we were not fazed by it, but continue to keep our stature. But I have to honestly say that my acting had a lot of mistakes, and expecting a scold from my teacher, he came and the first thing he said was, "We NAILED it!" I was like "huh? with that many mistakes, how is it possible?" he replied, "Yes, you did many mistakes in my eyes, but in the eyes of everyone, we did very well" (There were many stories from many people about our play, but its too many to tell, but one thing was, during our play, the audience was the most quiet and captivated, not to praise ourselves but to praise God for His Kindness and to describe to you what happened) Sadly, there were complaints about certain things about our play, but we still continued to pray after our turn. We went back to the hotel and got ready because the result announcement and closing ceremony was that night itself. Took bath and ate dinner, where everyone really didn't really care what we ate, because its all over. That night itself, had speeches and performances finally the announcement of results. There was also a public speaking prize giving ceremony going on, but i'll skip to the drama part. Slowly the announced the consolations prizes and was finally down to three teams, Sarawak, Sabah and us, Selangor. Yes indeed, the 3 s' (Ass-es). Sarawak got third which is just down to us and Sabah. Just like the other times, we held hands so tightly that there was no tighter way we could have held each other. All heads were tilted down just wanting to hear the word Selangor came from the MC's mouth. "Johan, untuk drama bahasa Inggeris tahun 2009, ialah dari................................. Negeri............................(about 10 seconds, which is rather long but a good amount of anticipation)................. SELANGOR" I couldn't scream, because it was just simply speechless, just speechless. We did, we won. I'll fast forward, we walked up the stage, took our prizes and took pictures and to fast forward again, Ray Aun has been announced the BEST ACTOR! Amazing, simply amazing. Congragulations came from everywhere and I have never felt this kind of joy and happiness of victory, or in other words, never had the title, Malaysia's No 1 for year 2009. Its just simply spectacular. After about an hour, we left the hall at about 11.30 pm. That night, the nearby CC and KFC, was packed to the brim, surely a splendid business. That night was a dream come true, it was a moment never to be forgotten.

Thursday, bye bye day. Throughout my time there, we all made new friends, and today we all had to say our byes and wishes of luck to everyone in their life. Exchange email address and such. But our time to leave also came and we packed our bags and headed to Penang Island to buy some biscuits for family and ate lunch there. Soon after, we left and headed straight back to school. Before we reached Selangor, we had dinner at Tanjung Malim, Perak. That night itself, was a very very sentimental night, this is the end of the journey, a 8 month journey, I felt like crying but I just would not. Neither could I sleep because I just wanted to spend my time with my friends and more or less, a small, little and new family. Upon reaching CHS, Mr William said a very moving speech. We quickly cleared everything from the bus and everyone left to their respective cars and went back  home.

After 8 months, It Is Finished.

In the end, All Glory and Praise and Honour goes back to our Father in heaven. He brought us this far and it is truly by the grace of God and no one else. Mr William also spent his time, talent and money and supported in practically every area, he is indeed not just a teacher, but a great teacher.

Along the journey, there was a change in cast, so here is the new one.

Narrator - Wei Xuan
Dr Faustus- Wai leem
Mephistopheles - Ray Aun
Angel - Rayelene
Gluttony - Shiau Ling
Sloth - Puvendran
Lust - Yee Teng
Greed - Hui Xin
Envy - June
Wrath - Benjamin
Pride - Re Gin
Lucifer - Ti Lun
Drummers - Jia Jie & Zhi Wei
Technical Manager - Abhilash

I don't know what will happen next year, but my prayer is that God will continue to be there will prosper the section of CHS for the years to come.

Love,
Wai Leem

Like

Unlike

Share on Facebook