Summary of 2014

I'm really excited to do this entry because I would be able to look back how 2014 has been to me. I'm gonna break it down into a few categories:-

Career
Most of you should know that I'm currently working in Democratic Republic of Congo as an accountant. Not a place for the faint hearted but by God's grace, He has sustained me throughout 2014.

I've learned many things from this job as I have a very good, helpful and knowledgeable COO.

I also learned how to apply Proverbs 15:1 ("A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger") at work as dealing with local Congolese and Indian expats can be a pain to the ass sometimes.

Family/Friends/Vacation
It's a little hard to separate these 3 together unless I'm backpacking which is something I really wanna do. Hopefully in 2016 as planned.

Democratic Republic of Congo - not a vacation of course. A country I'm working in.

Adelaide - was there for Sam's wedding and it was my first time being a best man. Thank you for the opportunity.

One of my greatest achievement in life is bringing my parents to Australia. It's a place where my mum talks when it comes to a choosing a country for a vacation.

Sydney - was there for Nic's wedding. Another beautiful wedding.

Bangkok - flight delayed for a day, so I managed to walk around for a day.

Johannesburg - had more than 14 hours in the airport, so I decided to get out and walk around. It was cold!

Perhentian Island - I just love beaches and crystal clear water!

Mount Kinabalu - this is something on my bucket list! Glad I did it with Jason.

Pulau Langkawi - was there for Reuben's bachelor party. One of the best planned party so far by Joshua. Keep it up!

Sports and health
I had the chance to run with an African. I was really inspired by the book 'Running with the Kenyan'.

I played football with the local Congolese here. But I only manage to touch the ball three times throughout the whole match. Bleh. Kena look down cause I'm Asian. Haha! Hello, I'm Asian David Beckham in high school ok.

I've been putting a lot of hour in my weight training. I think I've loaded at least 5kgs of muscle mass. Insanity cardio abs really helps define my abs but still a lot to work on. Have to consider a cleaner diet.

Others
Joining the Ultras
I think this is my first time watching a live football match. The memorable thing about this match is, it is the Suzuki cup finals between Malaysia and Thailand and we joined the ultras which was a crazy experience. The atmosphere in the stadium was ecstatic and full of energy.

Meteor Shower
It was my first time seeing meteor shower, the experience was priceless but I didn't get to share this moment with anyone special. The funny thing was, I received a flyer from a friend regarding this meteor showing sighting in USM. I only decide to go at 2am because I can't sleep but I'm glad I did it. In the span of one hour lying down in the middle of the field, I sighted 1 fire ball and 6 meteors. =)

Frequent Flyer
I've always wanted to be a pilot but I just don't have the grades to be one. But God has been pretty kind to me. For 2014 alone, I flew in 30 different flights. That's quite an insane figure for an accountant.

I also had the chance to fly in a private plane chartered by my company. I felt like a first officer.

City Hunter Treasure Hunt
It's a treasure hunt event organized by my church and I'm glad I joined it. I had a lot of fun partnering with Deriss and decoding those clues and questions. Winning this was a surprise! Wohoo...free starbucks!

Break the Code
First time playing this and I'm glad I did this with my close friends. Quite surprise that my brain comes in handy in times of need. Hehe!

Conclusion
2014 is one of the best and most challenging time in my life. It was great that I get to travel and share memorable moments with friends and family. Tough because I have to be away from them every 4 months. I wouldn't wanna be anyone else but me because 2014 has taught me to be wild at heart. The challenges I faced everyday has turn me into a better person, a more mature and patient guy who is ready to accept bigger and tougher challenges in 2015.

I really miss racing and competing in triathlons, marathons, floorball tournaments, etc. I hope to do more races when I'm back permanently in Penang and travel to more countries!

Skyp-ing with family

I've been here for only two weeks, but it feels like 2 months. Thank God for internet here, at least in keeps me connected to the people back home and Shadow. I really miss the company and the cheekiness of Shadow.

Mum said when I called his name, he would wag his tail. Hopefully he doesn't forget me when I come home this November or else I would cry! ...

I really miss hawker food in Penang. I've been eating Chapati and Dahl for breakfast and lunch every day. Yes, you read that right. Every day I'm Chapating. I wanted something different today. As I took out the 'Har Mee' instant noodle 'Har', my maids got excited, stopped their work and started following me. Mama Leki, Mama Rebecca, Evone and Sophie gave me an impression that they have never seen instant noodle in their life before. They got all curious and started talking among themselves. I asked them what is noodle called in Swahili, they said there is no such word in Swahili. I gave them half to try it out and they love it. They would said, Mezuri (means good). I'm glad I am able to share something with them.

Charcoal hokkien mee

So goooooooooooood!

2012 in 2013 words

I've been reading many summaries of a person's year 2012 through blogs and facebook wall, so I thought I should write one too. Let's see how did I fair in 2012. Overall, it was a good year for me with some changes. I'm gonna break it down here;

Job & Personal finance
I've left Crowe Horwarh in February and started working in a new old company at Butterworth. It's one of the last few remaining tin mining and smelting company in Malaysia. Getting this job wasn't in my career plan but God has His timing and purpose for granting me this job.

My last day at CW

Stock take at my new company

I started having CC debt since early 2011, don't really talk about it to others because it's really embarrassing to be in such a situation. It's not a big figure but it can never be zero-lized till 4th quarter of this year. With God's grace and discipline in my spending habits, I can now say, "It is finish". I understand the struggle one goes through when you're in debt. Crazy high interest rates and the temptation to spend what you don't have is really high. To make things worst, the bank sets high cap limit for a cc, that is the killer. I've learned to spend within my means and applied what my mum always tell me, "Wear a cap which suits the size of your head.".

I've achieved my personal target in my savings account. Don't ask how much. hehehe. P & C la. If I have not landed my  new job, it would be impossible to hit that amount. So it's really God's blessings upon my life.

God & Church
I've left youth for about 3 years now, I would be lying if I say I don't miss serving in Youth and mingling with the youth. I know I would enjoy being a mentor to this great young group of people. BUT...

I am still serving as a guitarist in Church, but now I play the bass and drums as and when needed. I feel the need to be a drummer. My bro really inspires. Young adult cell is picking up slowly and I consider myself a committed member la. hehe. I really hope we can have a regular meetings with committed bunch of young adults.

Walk with God and daily devotion is ... not good. Definitely the worst area in 2012. Have to pick up on this area. 

Family
Family is all good, grandmother is healthy, parents are in great shape, brother is happy, cousins are all over, one just got married and I have the privileged to emcee his wedding. Overall no death/birth in the family in 2012.

At Mansion 32

Parents went to Hong Kong which was good because they needed a vacation. They have been sacrifing for us all this while, so my bro and I co-sponsored their trip down. Then also went to Singapore early 2012. It would be great if I can sponsor them to Australia in 2013 then my "job" would be done since that is their dream vacation for now.

Relationship & Love
Did I make any new friends in 2012? Yes I did, most of them are through sports and I feel I can connect easily with them. Did I fall in love? hmmmm.

On a brighter note, Aaron started a group chat for the boys, Sam, Joshua Teh, Lin Ken, Rueben, Nicholes, Aaron and myself are in this chat. And I agree with Josh, this is one of the best thing ever, you will get an answer or a comment for anything you send in. The best thing about it is, it is FOC. One day, we talked about going to Singapore for a holiday, and it did turn to reality. Awesome buddies! We call ourselves, the 'bang bros' but now, we've changed it to, 'son of twelve'. Don't ask how we get that name.

Another group I am in, Awesome Three, is still doing well. We have A1, A2 and A3. Me being the youngest and greenest, is the A3 but this year I got a promotion. My rank is now A3**. They are my seniors with vast experience majoring in SYT and OL. Hanging out with them makes me realized a lot about parenting and how much it changes a person's life. Yet they can still have fun and be "young" when they are amongst friends. Really thank God for great friends and support group.

Awesome Three

Official promotion letter from A1

Others 
Most memorable moment for me was losing Orange and finding her back. On top of that, I have my own miniature Schnauzer which is not that miniature somehow. Being a "daddy" and spending most time at home with him really help me understand how parenting is like. I know this is just the tip of the iceberg of parenting but it helps. Sacrificing time, money and effort seems easier when  really love a person. Shadow brings out the love in me. ><

Missing Orange =(

Shadow and mum

Big boy now

I've finally subscribed to Astro after months of debating. I've been wanting to watch live matches of the BPL, Discovery channel, Animal planet, etc. Every time I'm back in my hotel room when I was auditing in Jakarta, there is definitely one interesting program (most of the time educational programs) screening and I would learn something from it. It kinda broaden my knowledge one way or another. I can now watch Tour de France!

watching Tour de France when I was in Jakarta

I shook our "beloved" deputy prime minister's hand and I almost got persecuted for posting this on my FB. This shows how "popular" he is among the rakyat. But how often a chance like this would come by? Just shake lo.

I read 3 books, completed 1. Damn it.

One and only completed book for the year ><

Sports & health
My knee is getting better. Don't feel that sharp pain as I use to feel. I can now do a full squat. I was surprise myself when I was able to do that. All thanks to Shadow. Because I have to keep cleaning his pee and poo, I got up and down till I forgot that I was 'cacat'. Besides that I have God to thank for His working miracles in my life. =)

Innebandy!Co made history with winning back to back titles and securing the champions title for both division. Something I would remember for the rest of my life because 2012 is a special year for many. We had one of the strongest team ever in Innebandy!Co and players were really committed.

Innebandy!Co Champions Div 1 & 2

We had our first every combined camp with Salibandy!Co, Gracebandy!Co and Tyttobandy!Co. Just before the year ended, Alvin introduced another new bandy!Co club, Tarcbandy!Co. It is really something when the vision you have is growing and progressing. A special thanks to all that made this possible!

Bandy!Co Combined Camp

I completed my first full marathon!

Standard Chartered 42k

I did my longest ride; 180km.

Ipoh Century ride 180k

Played paintball for the first time too. It was crazy! Heart rate was at the red zone all the way. Really good workout with lots of fun and excitement! Will do it again.

If I really think about it, I would never imagine doing all this after my knee surgery. Never in my mind. But all things are possible through God who strengthens me.

I did not upgrade my bike or anything. That is a great success. =)

Conclusion
Overall I would rate my 2012 at 8/10. Could be better but I have no regrets for the year. No major ones le, small wan sure have eh la. For this 2013, I hope to explore more new places, earn more PBs, cross out more things from my bucket list, be more advantageous, be more patient, learn something new, be a better son, brother, coach, friend, leader and bf.  If I can just be 50% of my dad, I would be a better man. 2013 bring it on!