5 minutes more...

Hehe... don't believe the title.

Just before I 'chow' from my beloved table... I would like to share a joke which I read more than 10 years back in Reader's Digests' Laughter's The Best Medicine.

It goes something like this, though it may not be exactly the same but the meaning is there :-

A science teacher asked a student during a science experiment.

Teacher : What is the name of the chemical you are preparing now?

Student : Errr... errr...

Teacher : C'mon. What is it?

Student : Err.. err..

Teacher : Well? do you know or not?

Student : Err.. well sir, I do know it but.. err.. it's on the tip of my tongue..

Teacher : Well then.. if that is so, you better spit it out quickly because it Hydrochloric Acid!!!

LOL!!!


(This joke is dedicated to all educators out there and hmmm... Chegu Carol - she says she had a bright day today... good for you Chegu..)

Good day to all and have a great weekend...

Hombidai is giving out awards...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was presented with these two awards by my blogger friend - Nika & Rin-chan. So, Rambler will be giving out these two awards too...

(drum roll....)

ROLL OF HONOUR

I sincerely present these two awards to the following blog and bloggers:-

Journal of Lab Papa by Lab Papa

Initially called as the ‘Journal of An Enthusiastic Lab Papa’. I never asked him why he omitted the word ‘enthusiastic’ though. His blog is all about his the many things he adventure in his ‘second homecoming’ to Japan. He has had much experience there before, but this second time will be more exciting and challenging for him as he is accompanied by his wife and his son, was born there… all the best to you Lab Papa.

Pieces by Rin-chan

Korean-oriented blog by the Rin-chan. She is not a Korean though, she is very much a Sabahan but loves many things about Korea – movies and dramas especially. She is my source of information on what to see and what not. She introduced to me Chilwu, The Mighty and Hong Gil-dong, The Hero, of which genre of movie I like to watch… Jiayo Rin-chan!!

Random Thoughts by Aza

Here is really a random thoughts that comes out from the mind (and fingers) of Aza.. who works in the US.. if I am not mistaken, she is there for 7 years already (am I correct, Aza?). Read her everyday thoughts about her life as Sabahan in the US, workwise and many things US-mari… and she does sometimes (or many times, Aza?) blogs about her longing for our Land of Borneo…

Mixed Cultures Mama’s Blog by Kadus_mama

Kadus_mama is, IMHO, someone who loves and enjoyed her life very much and of course her family. You can feel it if you read her blog… all kinds of emotions are there – sad, happy, to name a few. But I believe she is a happy person (based on her blogs posting) except on Monday as she hated Monday (but I think she is trying to like Monday, though...) hahaha … good for you Kdmama..

A Recipe A Week by Poppet (the Baker)

Lab Papa have strong reason that Poppet is in the chocolate industry as most of her recipe’s are mostly chocolates.. hahaha. Poppet’s kitchen (as I may call her blog) is one of my fave hopping grounds. I tried to lose weight just by looking at her posting, but I failed… Not only you can salivate at all those recipe’s posted there, you can actually ‘ciplak’ it and do it yourself (or if you really lazy or pure-non-cooker, ask your wife or mother or girlfriend or sister or whoever to do it for you)…let’s go to Poppet’s kitchen (and wipe your own saliva yourselves.. otherwise you’ll ruin your keyboard…LOL)

MJ Diaries by MJ Diaries aka Black Kid (BK on the blog – as lab papa call her)

As the title suggest, this blog is a diary of MJ.. though, perhaps she is like me. I used to keep a diary long time ago (like I was really old, duh!!) but I seldom put anything in it. Scribble here, scribble there… at one time I have a blank diary at the end of the year. Ahhh, forgive my digression. But MJ is like me… she updates her diaries ‘once in a while’. Hey MJ.. you’re suppose to fill your diary everyday.. hahaha I’m only joking. MJ do have a weird job though – she works when we are at home enjoying some TV programs or sleeping. But there is a reason…. If you want to find out, you have to get her yourself (if you can...)

Rizwan & Hazeman The Space Explorer by Rizwan

This is a place where, IMHO, Rizwan spills out his mind and words… be sure to check out his blogs once in while and read what he has in mind for us…

In Blissful Wonderment by Linachu

I agree with Linachu that there is a lot of wonders in this world. We only need to find it. Most of the times people see wonders in big things, but some people also see wonders in small things. So, IMHO, Linachu’s posting are things that she cherishes the most – big or small... which is why Hombidai like to hop there. Bliss (noun) = perfect happiness, delight, ecstasy, euphoria, glee, felicity, happiness, joy, pleasure… you name it and you will find it in Linachu’s blog….

The Guru-guru Life by Chegu Carol

I consider myself new to Chegu Carol’s blog. I’ve read a few of her postings, and they are all truly very interesting. For me, IMHO, she radiates happiness and joys through her blogs… and I do believe too, IMHO again, she is a very happy and positive person… and if you make her happy, she will give you ‘markah kesian’ in next exam.. LOL.

Jipp’s blog

Jipp is a friend of mine. He blogs on many things and hoped that there are people out there – like me – will read and like what he posted…

Nicol David Online by Nicol David Online Team

A blog dedicated to our Queen Nicol David – Champion and World No. 1. Enough said. Great dedication by the Team to record and report on Nicol’s career. And we get them fast too…. That’s why I present these awards to Nicol David Online Team esp. wmsiew… great to have people like you.!!

Kounsikaan Id Koposion by Nika

This is a very fast growing furiously blog, believe me. She only ‘opened her house’ only recently and BOOM!!!! It’s growing without us noticing it and I was amazed… . But truly, her blogs are unique as she also posts in Dusun. She is blogging all the way from Land of the Rising Sun – so expect her post about her adventures there and of course her longing to home – Land of the Wind… ganbatte Nika…

Kupi ‘O kaw-kaw by Greg a.k.a teekay

I just hopped here accidently, like a few days ago, .. and I couldn’t help but come again. The Kupi is great, hilarious and wacky served by the towkay himself… I still need to visit this kupi shop often to really taste his Kupi and also get to know the towkay… hehehe.. who knows, perhaps I will get some discount on the Kupi… “kupi o ping kaw satu bos!!”

So there you go…. The Roll of Honor.

Sincerely,

Hombidai Boibud

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Pink Sisterhood tag

A tag I receive from Aza..

I love to tag all my fellow blogger friends - they may or may have not receive this tag though. But I am thinking of giving this tag to fellow male blogger - Lab Papa, Rizwan and Jipp.

Guys, if you haven't receive this tag yet.. well. please do the honor of spreading the tag around.. thanks

The rules to place this logo are pretty much simple. You must:
1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who shared it with you.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Add links to these blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

Nifty New feature for Bloggers...

Hey friend, have you found out about this?

Check out my blogs comment form. See any difference?

Yup. Now we can have our comment form below our posts like the one they have in wordpress...

just go to settings > comments > comment form placement - select 'embedded below post'... nifty eh?

Misinformed....

Met with Dr Ramesh yesterday afternoon... and I he told us it's Hepatitis B...

Hmm.. the officer of the company who handles the foreign workers medical check up misinformed me. He told me it was Hep. A... so I misinformed you all in my previous posting. Doctor confirmed it's Hepatitis B. So I don't have to worry about JJ or wifey, as it is not contagious. Dr Ramesh explained everything clearly to us.. so thanks very much to Dr Ramesh

But whatever it is, it's our Government regulations that any foreign worker with this kind of disease will not be permitted to work in our country. Full stop.

Now, I have to find solutions to my problem again.

Pity my wife. Pity my JJ...

Oh man!!! … not another one…. bummer!!!

I just got information from the clinic today that the maid I intend to employ have Hepatitis A!!!

Oh man..

I have thought that we finally find a solution to our dilemma after several ‘unsuccessful’ applicants. She was quite good and seems to have the desire to work.

But it is inevitable that I have to send her back tonight after an appointment with Dr Ramesh. He requested for this as probably he has something to say since this is quite a dangerous disease. I do know what Hepatitis A is and its consequences being with a person who has it.

Pity the maid-to-be and we are facing a dilemma yet again…

I pity my wife. I pity my son…if I am getting six figures salary monthly, long have I ask my wife to just take care of our little JJ at home. But I am not and I can’t do anything about that either. Hah!!

We have phobia to nurseries. We sent JJ to a nursery before this but he nearly gets pneumonia!!! So much for the cleanliness there and perhaps my JJ do not have strong antibodies to cope with the bacteria and viruses. Furthermore, we were advised not to forego the option of sending JJ to a nursery. So no more nurseries for us.

Hiring a maid is the only options there is for us. We know and heard too lots of stories about maids et al, but we have no choice…and there are good maids out there.

Bummer.. bummer.. bummer.. bummer.. bummer…!!!

Now we have to find somebody to take care of JJ tomorrow…

Now my wife will be truly worried again…. Oh man!!

Bummer!!

Bummer!!

Bummer!!

Bummer!!

Today is turning to be a great day for me... great!!!

Bummer!!

Bummer!!!! Bummer!!! Bummer!!!

Okay... I just read Chegu Carol's blog with the same title... i wanted a different title actually, but well... this one's reflect my kind of feeling after watching Liverpool's game this morning. BUMMER!!!!

Liverpool played like @#$% this morning against Club Atletico de Madrid. If I am not a fan or not a 'TRUE LIVERPOOL FAN', i will just close the TV at half time.. they suck!!! I would like to berate Benayoun, Arbeloa & Dossena. C'mon Rafa, you should have played Kuyt and Babel from the beginning... Aurelio should have played instead of Dossena too...

Benayoun did nothing to help the attack. everytime he gets the ball, he either lose it staraight away or pass to the rainbow...

Dossena should not even in the line-up.. where was the 'quality crosses' needed? Keano is dying to score but the services is not coming...

Arbeloa.. not consistent.. keeps doing mistake.. always leave his position... what is this man!!!!

Should have won the game at least with two goals!! they didn't take their chances well and the services for the attackers are poor...

Argghhhh... though it's 1-1 draw game, Liverpool should have topped the table... what is this my beloved Liverpool!!!

Bummer!!!!!! Bummer!!! Bummer!!!

Liverpool v Atletico Madrid...

Tomorrow morning at 2.45am (Malaysian time), Liverpool will face Atletico Madrid in Vicente Calderon - the home of Atletico, in Champions League Group D match.

As usual, I will be up against my no. 1 enemy - sleepy hombidai. But last season, I've never missed any early morning Liverpool matches like this one.. so, before I battle with my nerves watching my beloved team against another team who is favourite to advance to the next stage, I must battle my 'sleepiness' first.

I have never 'lost' the battle when the team playing is Liverpool. (The other day, tried to watch England match.. I ended up watching a different match, as I slept the whole England game.. hahaha)

So.. my hope and prediction - Liverpool to win (of course!) against Fernando Torres ex-club. Robbie Keane to score. C'mon Keano!!!

Too bad he is injured. It would be interesting to see his reaction if he scores against hi former team - where the fans still idolises him.

Read one comment in the net by a 'Rojiblancos' fan - "Fernando Torres is Atletico. He means very much to the club... forgetting him will be like Liverpool fans forgetting Ian Rush..."

Go Reds!!!!

Triple Joy....

Had triple joy during the weekend (though my heart still go to Lab Papa and Family..)

Joy #1 – Liverpool wins yet again…

Another dramatic Reds victory after Manchester City. This time coming back and winning the game after trailing during half time against Wigan. Dirk Kuyt provided the winner yet again. Though, many Liverpoolians including will not want this to repeat for the third time…

Besides the win, there’s another plus for me – Daniel Agger. He return to the team after almost a year on the sideline due to injury to replace Martin Skrtle who is also injured during the win at Man City. Although Agger made a mistake in the first half, which lead to Wigan’s opening goal, he made amend by making a fantastic run from his area to set up Dirk Kuyt’s (aka Kunyit as my wife’s calls him) goal to level at 1-1. That’s why I like Daniel Agger. He is what I call as a ‘ball-playing’ defender.

Yesireee!!!!! Next game will be a Champion’s League game against Fernando Torres club – Athletico Madrid..

Joy #2 – Nicole David’s captures World crown…

Yippeee… Nicol is Queen again. Captured the World Open crown in Manchester. Congrats Nicol. Read all about it in Nicol David Online

Joy #3 – Lloyd and Janice end bachelor life…

”For better or worse, in good health or sickness, till death do us part” they promise. Lloyd Sinsua and Janice Blasius got married on Saturday. Congratulations to both of them.

My wife and me was invited to attend the Groom’s reception at STAR. It was a joyous night. To the two wacky guys at table 49, thanks for making both of us feel welcome on Table 49 with your good humor… we didn’t know who you are but still you make us feel great that night. Thanks.

Congrats to Lloyd and Janice… have a great journey in your married life...

 

(Note : will reply all your comments soon my friends. I am posting this via Windows Live.. hahaha)

Visiting Lab Papa...

Last Saturday, Rizwan, me, my dear wifey and naughty JJ visited Lab Papa at his family house. We actually came unnoticed.. I wanted to contact Lab Papa first but somehow I didn’t. Rizwan asked me if Lab Papa know we are coming, I told him ‘we just barge in.. ’ (jokingly. haha). So, I apologize to Lab Papa for the inconveniences I have caused you…

If you noticed, I wasn’t ‘in’ my ramblings or hopping around the blogosphere for the past few days. I’m sorry for not replying you all also. There's a reason though...

We chatted with Lab Papa on many things… and one of the best parts is our chat on parenting. The three of us, who was in the same school together, has evolved to be a dad to a child. Rizwan has a 3-year old daughter; my JJ is 1 year 6 months while Lab Papa’s son is coming to 5-months. We had a good chat about our experiences on being a ‘daddy’.

Rizwan talked about how their shelves and tables are now empty – otherwise his daughter will ‘empty’ it for them hahaha. . Same case with my JJ, he is starting to ‘explore’ our tiny apartment day in and day out. Lab Papa – your time will come once your son is ‘ready’ to ‘help out’ around the house … hahaha

Lab Papa told us that his son is now like to grab his spectacles. (I have forgotten to tell Lab Papa that his son progress is very fast. My JJ only starts grabbing mine and wifey just before he turned one). Rizwan also told how his daughter have made his wife’s glasses ‘tekangkang’.. hahaha

Handphones is a necessity nowadays. I can’t imagine how’s Linachu handphone looks like now. Rizwan told us that she left her handphoe as it is after their daughter pluck off the key pads instead of repeatedly sending it for repair which costs about RM60!!! Rizwan did give us tips though – buy handphones which doesn’t have a sticking-out key pads – like his. It’s something like the Motorola Razr key-pads – just flat.

As you can see, Rizwan is more ‘experienced’ than me and Lab Papa, hence we enjoyed his stories shared. We had a good laugh that night. Thus, with our visit and the laughs and all can, at least, lighten Lab Papa’s ‘sad’ heart… I know he is. Who wouldn’t, isn’t it? I can see it at times, from his eyes and body language, that night. It is understandable. We are also very sad for his and his family loss.

Furthermore, I believe he is worried for his wife and son whom he is 'forced' to leave behind for a while in the Land of The Rising Sun. Thanks to technology, we are able to speak to his wife and son through the internet, real time. Since the computer is in the living room, it feels like they are with us all the time in the house.

Again, I hope that our visit has lightened the ‘burden’ inside Lab Papa’s heart... a little bit.

Poem for My Friend...

This poem is dedicated to my friend - Lab Papa...

Lab Papa - your dad will live in you forever...

I also do believe that he will be looking up from heaven and say

"My son, I'm very proud of you..."

 

Liven In My Heart

I thought there would always be time,

time to tell you just how much you mean to me,

 
time to tell you thank you for everything,

time to tell you that all you've taught me remains in my heart,

 
time to tell you no matter where I go your love is with me in my heart.

 
As time kept passing by I never stopped to realize that someday there would be no more time, no more time.

Even though someday took away the time I thought would always be,

 
I will always feel the warmth of your love,

always see your kind smile, always hear your laughter

 
cause you will always keep on liven in my heart.

 
In my heart you will always be.

 

This beautiful poem by Dacotah & originally posted here, which I have taken it from.

Takziah..

Just read in Lab Papa's blog a couple of minutes ago and found out that his father has passed away...

My heart saddened for his lost. More so when he is so far away from home..

Yes Lab Papa - as you said : "Allah loves him more..."

He will be released from suffering and pain.. and "semoga allayarham ditempatkan bersama-sama orang yang beriman"

I know he is deeply sad, losing a dear one. But I am also sure his late father is praying for Lab Papa and is proud of his son achievement..

I am lost for words now..

'Takziah' my friend - my hearts and prayers goes to you and family during this difficult times...

Nothing better than a good Monday… Cheer up!!

Its Monday again folks!! Cheer up and let us have a great day today, no matter what we are going through. Rain or shine, we can make Monday a good day if not great. C’mon!!

I am not making this up just to get attention or anything. I do like Monday. I know some people really do not like Mondays because of so many factors – loads of work, one of them. For ages, I’ve heard people say bad things about Mondays, including me at one point of my life – ‘Monday sucks’, ‘I hate Monday’ are two famous ones.

Come to think of it, Monday is actually just Monday. Yea, you heard me right. Monday it’s just a day of the week. The emotions behind it are made by us humans. Good or bad, great or sour Mondays are made by us. So, IMHO, if we made it happen e.g. bad monday, then we can undo the ‘bad’ make it ‘good’ too, right?

As I said before, I am not making this up. I, too, have despised Mondays before. Poor Monday, it do nothing but people call them ‘bad’, ‘sucks’, ’despicable’, ‘disgusting’, ‘loathing’ etc. There can be many factors people do not like Mondays. One of them is perhaps they hated their job or the people in their office. So, sometimes you have to drag yourself going to work. Well, honestly, this situation happened to me. I dreaded and loathed Mondays and rejoiced when it’s Friday.

I remember one of Datuk Dr. Fazilah Kamsah’s (favourite motivational guru) advice. It’s something like this - We must fill in our minds and thoughts with positive things, thoughts and words etc. Especially like we want to do something like going for a competition. If we say like ‘I won’t be able to do it’ or ‘the other competitor is great’, then we are filling our minds with negative things. We were already ‘lost’ before even starting the competition.

Similarly for a great day like Monday. If you fill your thoughts with words like ‘I hate…’, ‘it sucks..’, ‘bloody hell..’, etc, then you yourselves ‘made’ Monday bad, suck, bloody (LOL).

I understand, due to many factors, you may not say ‘I LOVE MONDAY!’ out loud just like that. But just try to say simple positive things on Mondays like ‘it’s a great day today’. ‘I will be okay today’, ‘things will be all right’ etc. whatever it is, it should be positive. I am very sure it will make a difference a little bit, if not much. Who knows, your Monday will turn out to be great, if not good. There’s no harm doing that, I believe.

I also have another view on why people hated Mondays – it’s been hyped up or ‘commercialised’. Hence, the famous sentence ‘IHM – I hate Monday!’. So, because of that, even if you actually do not have any issue about Mondays, you try to ‘make an issue about it or try to make Monday as bad as you can, without realising it perhaps, so as to be ‘in consistent with IHM-kinda thing’.

Why not try to make a difference in your Monday-life, ‘little by little, every Mondays’ by filling your thoughts and minds with positive things – starting today!

Cheer up, bozzzz!!!

Welcome to blogosphere...

I stumbled upon a new blog created by Nika @ Kounsikaan id koposion (Happiness in life... correct kah Nika?)... and I was happy for her.

Thus, it was fitting to give her a a big

WELCOME!!!!!

Hope you have a great fun and exciting 'journey' with your blogs....

Great to have you on board!!! Happy blogging....

David J. Pollay mentioned me in his blogs... yayyy!!!

Do you all remember about my posting on The Law of Garbage Truck?

Well, I was googling around and was very surprised to see my name on his blogs.. initially I though I am going to be sued or something bad...

But, no. You can read it here... (phew!!)

To enlighten you all, David J. Pollay is the author of "The Law of The Garbage Truck"...

On his blog header - "Enjoy everyday. Do what you love. Make a difference" - that's was a good message isn't it?

Anyway, happy weekends to you all my friends and remember the about the Garbage Truck Law...

As David J. Pollay say - "Let's make the world a beautiful place to live...."

Hong Gil-dong, The Hero

After Chilwu, The Mighty (Choi-kang Chilwu) ended two weeks back, I thought that was the last time I will watch any Korean TV shows on KBS World. Yes, they do have others but it’s mostly modern setting (correct me if I am wrong Rin-chan). I actually enjoy watching those old-setting kind of TV shows especially those with kung fu, sword fighting, fly here and there et al.

But on the night of 1^st Syawal, I received a text from Rin-chan telling me there’s a new show – Hong Gil-dong, The Hero – playing on Channel 303. so I quickly changed channel and watched it. Two weeks have passed and I have watched four episodes. I loved it already, well frankly, in the first episode also, I’ve already took a liking to Gil-dong. Rin-chan was right, she said that I may liked this new show. Indeed I am… hahaha. Thanks to Rin-chan

As I have said before, I wanted to find something different from my appetite for Chinese drama on TV. I still love them though but Korean drama with the genre like Chilwu and Gil-dong are something fresh for me. I can even afford not to watch The Seven Swordsman currently playing on TV2 at 7pm. Yes, Seven Swordsman is a good drama. The only thing is that Gil-dong is only shown on Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm, unlike Chinese drama which is shown everyday on weekdays.

Well, here’s a what I think about Hong Gil-dong, The Hero – based on what I have seen from the four episodes so far (Rin-chan, please correct me if I am wrong J).

Hong Gil-dong is the ‘illegitimate’ son of the Yipan Minister in Joseon. His mother was murdered by his mother-in-law. Gil-dong’s has a half brother (about the same age with him), who, IMHO, was a total spoiled brat!! But Gil-dong has many talents – one of them is in martial arts – after he was ‘taught’ by Monk Hamyeong who found him weeping at his mother’s grave (who laugh like a donkey, hmmm, but his laugh is surely weird though). Okay, Monk Hamyeong may think that he ‘taught’ Gil-dong all his skills but Gil-dong may think otherwise. But Gil-dong did admit to Yinol that he did ‘learn something’ from the Monk. His everyday activity is going round the city harassing all the ‘bad people’– thieves, bad merchants and vendors et al. Though, Gil-dong never admit to helping people and he openly admit he is lazy. This is interesting, why is he lazy? Gil-dong told Yinok that his teacher (Monk Hamyeong) that ‘even if you work hard, you won’t be achieve anything anyway’ – thus, he is being lazy.

The decription from Astro is “Hong Gildong is famous for his robbing the rich to feed the poor (much like the English folk hero Robin Hood)”.. though I haven’t seen him helping the poor or even robbing the rich so far.

And there’s Yinok. Yinok is a mobile vendor aka con-artist – together with her ‘Grandpa’. From selling medicines to playing ‘dancing snakes’. Unfortunately the snake was ‘killed’ by Gil-dong LOL. One funny thing about Yinok is that she eats a lot!! Always hungry… and something interesting is that she may turn to be the daughter of a noble…

Compared to Chilwu, this Gil-dong drama is much better laid out. No ridiculous scenes so far. But I do believe the people behind them are funny people because this show is very funny. All the four episodes I’ve watched tickled me and I can’t help laughing. Some modern things are incorporated into this drama – besides Gil-dong who sports a sunglasses a la Fong-Sai Yuk, there’s also modern dancing in the local night tavern (they’re also clubbing in those days… hahaha) and in episode 3, the King of Jaseon is playing golf!!! Albeit, the golf club looks like a sword’s hilt.

Rin-chan did mentioned something about the ending though, but let’s not think about the ending as yet, because it’s only beginning.

So, whoever wish to watch this Korean costume drama, make sure you are tuned to KBS World (Channekl 303) on Wednesdays and Thursdays… have fun ya!!

Hmmm... what if it happen to you?

Hmmm.... please read

Of course I don't want to politicise this. But, things do happen no matter what... okay, we may to look all factors concerned why it happened, but again.... hmmm...

Just think - what if the same situation happens to you or your family members, 'cos we never know when we will lose our Mykad..

Please spare a thought for this poor lady and what she has to say :

"...I got this blue MyKad in just three minutes and I have been waiting two years for it.

“I want to know why they put me through all this.”

Do we want to go through the same thing this poor lady faced?

'Nuff said...

Of being a Witness, a 'bidan terjun' Emcee and Prayer-guy for Makan...

CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRIS & EVONNY (hurrayy!!!)

Last Saturday, 4th September 2008, was THE day for my cousin Christopher William & my wife's cousin, Evonny Jintara... yupp, you got it right, it's their wedding day. Congratulations to both of you.. may both of you have a blessed and great life together, until the end of time...

I hope that both of you will 'live' the Vow that you has spoken before God, all throughout your life ahead. It's not just words, but it is about being true, of your undying love to each other and honoring one another..

"I, ___ take you, ___ for my wife/husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." 

Me and my wife were their witness, because of that, I had to take a one-day leave from work (lucky those who have 5-day working week ya...) to attend the Wedding Mass. But, for this big occasion of them, I am glad to do it, no problemo, though now, my leave balance for this year is only 1/2-day left.. hahaha. Can't go for holiday during Christmas, I suppose.. hmmm

The ceremony was solemnised at held St Michael's Church, Penampang then proceeded to the reception at KDCA.

Well, after the Mass, I thought that I have done my duty as witness after signing the dotted lines (though, in actual fact, the responsibilities as a witness does not stop here, it's only the beginning....) and this day will be just another ordinary day besides my cousin's wedding. Who would've thought that last Saturday and Sunday will be quite an eventful day for me.

At KDCA, while waiting for the arrivals of guests and the program to start, I was busy snapping pictures of JJ with my old faithful 3.1 megapixels camera (though this camera is already showing signs of wear and tear), I was approached by Chris. They needed help... Apparently, Chris friend who is supposed to be the Emcee had met with an accident. "Alalala..." I said. But they needed help and fast, not to go and 'rescue' the friend but to replace him instead!!

I am not an expert in emceeing functions, but I do have some little experience coupled with some knowledge gained through watching many master of ceremonies doing their job 'live' or on TV. The last one being my niece's wedding last year.. I did a quick thinking - "can I do it? with the few experience I have? I don't want to spoil the wedding with my inexperienced emceeing and certainly do not want to be a laughing stock!..".. Well, help they needed and help they get from me. So, I was the emcee of the day..hahaha. Anyway, I don't want to go into the details but the event turn out to be great - great couple, great crowd, great food, great "Diompong Old School Village" kulintangan and tagung team and great band with Martha Ginun on the mike. Everybody had a great day that day. Chris and Evonny wanted a great day, and a great day they get...

The reception at KDCA ended around 6pm. But, there will be another small reception for close friends and families at the Bride's house that night. So, we rushed off home to have a bath and dashed again to Evonny's parents house. A good 25km away from my place. But, this is their big day and we want it both of them to be happy, so I don't care too much about the distance. Luckily, JJ, my very naughty son, was so understanding today. He was not too naughty at all, according to his mom.

We arrived at the bride's house around 830pm. Everybody are sitting or chatting and the food's on the table are ready. I didn't realised that no one is eating. Dinner is served but no one is eating - a peculiar scene here. Well, I was getting hungry anyway. Then quite suddenly, someone asked me to do the prayer over the food. I rejected as IMHO I am not worthy.. someone more senior than me should do it, since this is a 'big' occasion. After a good 5 minutes, my wife persuaded me because according to her, nobody wants to do it.. a bit reluctantly, I did the prayer over the food (but again I did it in the spirit of joy and happines today for Chris and Evonny)... and you know lah what happened after that.... everyone is rushing to get their share of the food, it seems to me that they are waiting for this very moment for quite sometime. I was wondering, what if I came very very late.. or didn't come at all.... hmmm. Nobody wants to say a simple 'makan' prayer but everybody 'berebut-rebut for makan'.

But hey, I don't mind about it lah, at least I can do a little bit to make a great day for Chris & Evonny..

This ramblings is getting ridiculously long... very very long indeed... so I put a full stop here. Perhaps I will post some of the pictures I manage to take in a later post..

Congratulations again to Chris & Evonny... may you lead a great life ahead as a family. Cheers!!

Torres didn't want to rot at manure....

Last night match between Liverpool and Manchester City (the other half of Manure) was like The Miracle of Istanbul 2005 Revisited, almost.

To enlighten those of you who do not know what Istanbul 2005 was, it's the Final of Champions League 2005 between AC Milan and Liverpool. At half-time, Liverpool were three nil down. And majority of people, even Liverpool's own fans like myself think that it's all gone, Liverpool is going to lose that Final because AC Milan was the favourite to win the Cup.

But in the second half, there was a dramatic come back by Liverpool and after extra time, the game is tied at 3-3. Then Liverpool went on to win on penalties. Liverpool fans dubbed the game as the Miracle of Istanbul. Who would've thought any team can come back from 3 nil down and against a great team like AC Milan!! Read more here and another story.

On last night's game, Liverpool's play was good, got a few chances of scoring too but made a number of mistakes are done, which led to Man City leading 2 zero at half time.

In the second half, Liverpool's player showed character and managed to get two good goals from Torres. At the dying minute, Dirk Kuyt got the winner that breaks the home fans (Man City). Of course, some may say it was helped by the sending-off of one Man City player but again in my opinion, it was due to the great character and desire by Liverpool's player to carry on to win. This is what we Liverpool's fans want, winning when we are not playing well. Some may say also that this is what Champion's is made of.

As usual, my friend Henry will send me text messages during the game, either to taunt me or praise my team, but usually is the former. Last night's was the second time he send the same message - "Torres should play for Manure...". I know what Henry means - that Liverpool's No. 9, Fernando Torres, should play for a great team - Manure, as Henry consider Liverpool not that great.

The first time he send me the text, I answered - "all his life, Torres wanted to play for Liverpool.." and that Alex Ferguson didn't bat an eye for Torres when he was in Athletico Madrid in La Liga. My last night's reply was - "Torres didn't want to rot at Manure...". Hahaha.. that was my ultimate answer to Henry.

I do believe that LFC's No.9 wanted to play for Liverpool all his life due to many factors - Rafael Benitez is one of Spain's great managers, there are a lot of Spanish players at Liverpool, Liverpool's rich history, to play with Steven Gerrard, who is currently one of the best and great player around, etc. He was once spotted wearing an armband with "You'll Never Walk Alone" printed on it when he was playing his last games for Athletico Madrid.

Thus, one creative LFC fan penned the now famous Torres Song, where it starts like this :

His armband proved he was a Red, Torres, Torres,

"You'll never walk alone" it says Torres, Torres..etc

Though Fernando Torres will never really admit about the 'armband issue' (he was reported to say that it was given by a friend) and we will never know, it was not important. The important thing now is that he is now a Red and Liverpool's No. 9!!!

(Henry - siapa suruh Alex F tidak peduli sama Fernando Torres dulu.. sekarang menyesal pun tiada guna.. kah kah kah!!!)