I'm totally addicted to this song by Jason Mraz.. it gets me in a light happy mood whenever I hear it playing :) Love the lyrics.. sweeeeettttt!!
Anyway today's a drag getting to work after the "long" (well, relatively) weekend. Was a great time spent in good ol' Penang over the weekend :) ..which reminds me I have more pics to process ooopppss.. haven't even finished going through pics from my recent trip. Gosh.
Well good thing this was the first song I heard on radio getting to work this morning.. hehe! Also the last one I heard getting back from work.. Guess my Tuesday blues is cured ;)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A most rewarding experience.. my work published *grins*
There was an email from The Malaysia Page team which I overlooked.. it got "drowned" along with the other emails in my mailbox when I was away on recent trip to Sabah and Brunei. It suddenly caught my attention as I was slowly going through my inbox..
Well there was this photo I submitted for the publication of Malaysia 50 Years: The Commemorative Book some time last year. I got an email from them the same day asking for the location and a description of the photo, and how I came up with the title "A Stroll Down Memory Lane". I did reply, and that was the last I heard from them.. I thought.. oh well, probably it's not good enough for publication..
Ok fast forward to this present email from the Director of Quachee Enterprise - was asked to provide my h/p number as the courier service came by to deliver the book, but no one was in.. hmm I got a bit hopeful but dare not get my hopes too high :P
The book was finally delivered to my office last Friday. I flipped through the book and saw the photo I submitted there!! Though this humble shot of mine is nothing to shout about as compared to the rest of the brilliant captures by other contributors, it is very motivating and I definitely hope to improve my photography skills with time and experience :)
It is such a rewarding feeling, esp for a first-timer! :) :) :) I was totally thrilled by it.. it soooo made my day.. still does! *grins* What an honor to be part of this ;)
Hehe so excited I was that I even took a pic of it :)
The book: 50 +1 . malaysia - a showcase of places, food, people & love
The photo I submitted: A Stroll Down Memory Lane - pic taken within the vicinity of the famous Jonker Street, Malacca some time in May 2007.
The same is found in my picasa web album here: http://picasaweb.google.com/ashonova/Malacca
A kind acknowledgement from the Director of QuaChee Ent. :)
50 +1. malaysia is a comprehensive guide to everything a Malaysian needs to know; even more so a foreigner! Flipping through the colorful pages of the book reminds me of what a beautiful place Malaysia is with its unique characteristics that no other can replace. It also gave me more ideas as to where to go for photo-shooting.. hoping to explore all these places with friends and fellow photography enthusiasts.. not forgetting more food-hunting hehe!
A note of appreciation to the publisher for this fascinating book. Thank you for making us Malaysians proud of our country and our roots. It is a remarkable effort indeed!
For further info on the publisher, please go to: http://www.quachee.com/.
Well there was this photo I submitted for the publication of Malaysia 50 Years: The Commemorative Book some time last year. I got an email from them the same day asking for the location and a description of the photo, and how I came up with the title "A Stroll Down Memory Lane". I did reply, and that was the last I heard from them.. I thought.. oh well, probably it's not good enough for publication..
Ok fast forward to this present email from the Director of Quachee Enterprise - was asked to provide my h/p number as the courier service came by to deliver the book, but no one was in.. hmm I got a bit hopeful but dare not get my hopes too high :P
The book was finally delivered to my office last Friday. I flipped through the book and saw the photo I submitted there!! Though this humble shot of mine is nothing to shout about as compared to the rest of the brilliant captures by other contributors, it is very motivating and I definitely hope to improve my photography skills with time and experience :)
It is such a rewarding feeling, esp for a first-timer! :) :) :) I was totally thrilled by it.. it soooo made my day.. still does! *grins* What an honor to be part of this ;)
Hehe so excited I was that I even took a pic of it :)
The book: 50 +1 . malaysia - a showcase of places, food, people & love
The photo I submitted: A Stroll Down Memory Lane - pic taken within the vicinity of the famous Jonker Street, Malacca some time in May 2007.
The same is found in my picasa web album here: http://picasaweb.google.com/ashonova/Malacca
A kind acknowledgement from the Director of QuaChee Ent. :)
50 +1. malaysia is a comprehensive guide to everything a Malaysian needs to know; even more so a foreigner! Flipping through the colorful pages of the book reminds me of what a beautiful place Malaysia is with its unique characteristics that no other can replace. It also gave me more ideas as to where to go for photo-shooting.. hoping to explore all these places with friends and fellow photography enthusiasts.. not forgetting more food-hunting hehe!
A note of appreciation to the publisher for this fascinating book. Thank you for making us Malaysians proud of our country and our roots. It is a remarkable effort indeed!
For further info on the publisher, please go to: http://www.quachee.com/.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Malaysian International Fireworks Competition 2008
20 Aug 2008, Putrajaya - Team Canada
A year has passed since the last MIFC. It's time of the year again to watch fireworks.. yay :) I did not get to watch the fireworks by team Malaysia and China as I was still in Sabah and Brunei then.. so the earliest I could catch was by team Canada :)
Kuan Shern happens to be in KL for MAHA '08 exhibition in Serdang, which is not far from Putrajaya. We had a quick dinner at Alamanda before the fireworks.. but we were already late and the roads leading to Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) were closed to vehicles :( Called Daniel (from my usual photography bunch) who directed me to the road leading to Cyberjaya where we could get a good view across the lake. Thank goodness for the experts! ;)
My first attempt at fireworks.. all taken with my Olympus E-510 equipped with the 40-150mm ZD lens, mode set to "M" at 5 sec exposure time and aperture at F8.. ISO 100.
A quick shot of the bridge before packing up :)
Most of my shots were crappy :( but then enjoyed the fireworks and it was great catching up with Kuan Shern in KL.. usually we only catch up in Penang haha!
Well next is team Spain on Sunday, 24 Aug and the finale by last year's MIFC champion - team Australia on 29 Aug :)
A year has passed since the last MIFC. It's time of the year again to watch fireworks.. yay :) I did not get to watch the fireworks by team Malaysia and China as I was still in Sabah and Brunei then.. so the earliest I could catch was by team Canada :)
Kuan Shern happens to be in KL for MAHA '08 exhibition in Serdang, which is not far from Putrajaya. We had a quick dinner at Alamanda before the fireworks.. but we were already late and the roads leading to Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) were closed to vehicles :( Called Daniel (from my usual photography bunch) who directed me to the road leading to Cyberjaya where we could get a good view across the lake. Thank goodness for the experts! ;)
My first attempt at fireworks.. all taken with my Olympus E-510 equipped with the 40-150mm ZD lens, mode set to "M" at 5 sec exposure time and aperture at F8.. ISO 100.
A quick shot of the bridge before packing up :)
Most of my shots were crappy :( but then enjoyed the fireworks and it was great catching up with Kuan Shern in KL.. usually we only catch up in Penang haha!
Well next is team Spain on Sunday, 24 Aug and the finale by last year's MIFC champion - team Australia on 29 Aug :)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
a month since our last goodbye
This is for Nick - who is deeply missed by family and friends
It has been a month since our last goodbye.
I didn't use to like this song Bye Bye by Mariah Carey - I thought it's kinda sad. But the day after your passing away, the radio played this song when I was on the way to work. I thought of you. Since then I've always relate the song to you..
"I never knew I could hurt like this
And everyday life goes on like
"I wish I could talk to you for a while"
"I wish I could find a way try not to cry"
As time goes by
And soon as you reach a better place
Still I'll give the whole world to see your face
And I'm right here next to you
It feels like you gone too soon
The hardest thing to do is say bye bye"
At times in the midst of me doing something, I'd thought of you. It was very hard at first, but I kept telling myself you're in a better place now and happier - it makes it easier to get by. I really hope and pray that you are. God bless.
It has been a month since our last goodbye.
I didn't use to like this song Bye Bye by Mariah Carey - I thought it's kinda sad. But the day after your passing away, the radio played this song when I was on the way to work. I thought of you. Since then I've always relate the song to you..
"I never knew I could hurt like this
And everyday life goes on like
"I wish I could talk to you for a while"
"I wish I could find a way try not to cry"
As time goes by
And soon as you reach a better place
Still I'll give the whole world to see your face
And I'm right here next to you
It feels like you gone too soon
The hardest thing to do is say bye bye"
At times in the midst of me doing something, I'd thought of you. It was very hard at first, but I kept telling myself you're in a better place now and happier - it makes it easier to get by. I really hope and pray that you are. God bless.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
In Loving Memory of Nick
Goodbye for the last time, Nick.
For a long long time, I've buried memories of us together deep within somewhere in time. But upon hearing the news on Friday everything came flooding by. I began to remember very vividly a lot of things which I thought have been long forgotten. I also realized how ironic it was that exactly 7 years ago we got together - on 20 July 2001. I could never have imagined that today, 7 years later, I watched you go, saying goodbye to you for one last time. I used to send you off at the airport, wishing you a safe journey. Today, as I sent you off, I wished you a happy journey.
I'm sorry I chose to keep quiet when you asked me if we had good times together, a year after we broke up when you were back from Dublin. I'm sorry I was cold. I was bitter about it. Now I wish I could tell you - yes, our times together had been good. It's too late now to tell you that, I can only hope you somehow could hear what I have to say in my heart, from above.
All this while I did not want to forgive.. and I did not want to remember the times we had - so that it made it easier for me to forget. I regret now for not letting go of the resentment. Had I been able to do so, perhaps we could have still been friends and I could help you pull through, to be there in your darkest hours. The worst thing a person could feel is the regret you live with for not doing the things you could have done. Now I have learned to forgive, and to let go..
It was hard to believe the news, and even harder watching you go. It was painful hearing what your mum said to me, and reading the email you sent her on Mother's Day. I realized now, a little too late, how hard it was for you.. but you've bravely fought the battle. Last night, when your mum first saw me again, she hugged me tightly and asked, "Do you remember you told me once that there's a lot of potential in him?".. In between sobs I nodded and I told her I remembered. That is the truth. However there were hurdles along the way and I know the journey had been a struggle. I know you have been tough. It was just not easy. You have made your parents and family proud. Your friends are honored to have known you and to have walked the journey with you. Be assured of that.
When we broke up 7 years ago, I used to listen to this song over and over again. You liked this song too, by Skid Row - I Remember You. It feels like we've just broken up for the second time. So here it is.. in loving memory of you, Nick.
May you find peace at last, at a better place, bringing with you only happy memories. You will continue to live in my heart, just like how it will be for many others. God bless your soul..
For a long long time, I've buried memories of us together deep within somewhere in time. But upon hearing the news on Friday everything came flooding by. I began to remember very vividly a lot of things which I thought have been long forgotten. I also realized how ironic it was that exactly 7 years ago we got together - on 20 July 2001. I could never have imagined that today, 7 years later, I watched you go, saying goodbye to you for one last time. I used to send you off at the airport, wishing you a safe journey. Today, as I sent you off, I wished you a happy journey.
I'm sorry I chose to keep quiet when you asked me if we had good times together, a year after we broke up when you were back from Dublin. I'm sorry I was cold. I was bitter about it. Now I wish I could tell you - yes, our times together had been good. It's too late now to tell you that, I can only hope you somehow could hear what I have to say in my heart, from above.
All this while I did not want to forgive.. and I did not want to remember the times we had - so that it made it easier for me to forget. I regret now for not letting go of the resentment. Had I been able to do so, perhaps we could have still been friends and I could help you pull through, to be there in your darkest hours. The worst thing a person could feel is the regret you live with for not doing the things you could have done. Now I have learned to forgive, and to let go..
It was hard to believe the news, and even harder watching you go. It was painful hearing what your mum said to me, and reading the email you sent her on Mother's Day. I realized now, a little too late, how hard it was for you.. but you've bravely fought the battle. Last night, when your mum first saw me again, she hugged me tightly and asked, "Do you remember you told me once that there's a lot of potential in him?".. In between sobs I nodded and I told her I remembered. That is the truth. However there were hurdles along the way and I know the journey had been a struggle. I know you have been tough. It was just not easy. You have made your parents and family proud. Your friends are honored to have known you and to have walked the journey with you. Be assured of that.
When we broke up 7 years ago, I used to listen to this song over and over again. You liked this song too, by Skid Row - I Remember You. It feels like we've just broken up for the second time. So here it is.. in loving memory of you, Nick.
May you find peace at last, at a better place, bringing with you only happy memories. You will continue to live in my heart, just like how it will be for many others. God bless your soul..
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Congratulations to June & Kelvin - 7 June 2008
June & Kelvin have been together for a good 10 years, no wait - 11 years!! They've been together since forever that everyone's excited they're finally tying the knot :) When we had our lil' reunion during Chinese New Year early this year we were already talking about it - June is getting married in June!!
They're both staying in the States now but being true Penangites at heart their wedding reception was held in Penang so that family and friends were there to share their happiest moment together :)
I headed back to Penang on Friday afternoon. Early morning the next day Ho Ming picked me up to June's place. We got a bit lost getting there.. but good thing we spotted a bridal car passing by which we suspected to be the groom's. Then about 7 -8 cars tailed behind and stopped at the middle of the road.. saw Jordan getting out of one of the cars and even caught a glimpse of Kelvin - immediately we knew we were heading the right direction ;)
Ho Ming and I were practically racing with the groom and his heng-tais as they announced their arrival with the loud continuous honking upon reaching June's place. It was kinda hilarious come to think of it.
The ji-muis were all prepared with some lil' games for Kelvin and his heng-tais before fetching the bride. Nothing too difficult - all in the name of fun :P
Who says we're evil? Even the groom is having fun!!
Kelvin even got his lollipop!! :P :P
The gross part - passing the tiny piece of star-shaped card from mouth to mouth. Uh-oh don't do it!! Well Jordan couldn't resist :P :P
Strictly 18-SX rated!!
Public display of affection - NOT on your wedding day, Kelvin!!
...Me and Li Ling (Kelvin's sis) watching from inside - totally amused!
***Taken by Ke Wynn the wedding photographer, who did an excellent job for their wedding :)
Kelvin being a good sport as usual :) Mission (Part 1, that is :P) accomplished ;)
Finally made their way up..
The ji-muis.. "Gulp down to the last drop!!"
Awwww so sweet!
A pic with the ji-muis :)
JUST MARRIED! Taken at Khoo Kongsi for their outdoor wedding shots
I love this pic - though not very professionally captured.. sorry it's taken with my HP point-n-shoot.
From left - Jordan, Woei Lih and Tat Sin.. all of whom I've not met in ages!! They've not changed much over the past decade haha..
I love the bouquet!
Purely self-entertaining :P :P
Me and Jordan
From left: Ho Ming, me, Ween, June, Sharm, Suv
Chilling out after a hot day out.. this was taken in E & O (Eastern & Oriental) Hotel where the wedding dinner was held.. very classy hotel still with its classic interior intact.. love it!
At the reception
Nice one for the album :)
The SGGS table :)
With the Chung Ling bunch..
From left: Ivan + girlfriend, Tat Sin, Vincent, Ween, me, Wooi Lim, Suv, Jordan
Me & Woei Lih
To Kelvin & June.. cheers! :)
June with the Georgian babes :)
Final shot for the night...
We went over for drinks at The Garage just opposite E & O but did not stay long.. just a lil' chilling out session before heading home.
It was a LOT of fun throughout the day - really great seeing this happy couple tying the knot! Was a good reunion for us too.. glad seeing ol' high school friends again and also the scouts bunch from Chung Ling we knew from the JOTA (Jamboree On The Air) camp way back in 1997. I guess the guiding and scouting spirit live on hence the sporting nature in us.. it really has liven up the happy occasion right from the morning :) Happy to see so many familiar faces again :)
To June & Kelvin: Was great catching up while you guys were in KL. Here's to wishing the both of you a journey of everlasting love and happiness together!! Hope to see you guys soon :) *hugs*
They're both staying in the States now but being true Penangites at heart their wedding reception was held in Penang so that family and friends were there to share their happiest moment together :)
I headed back to Penang on Friday afternoon. Early morning the next day Ho Ming picked me up to June's place. We got a bit lost getting there.. but good thing we spotted a bridal car passing by which we suspected to be the groom's. Then about 7 -8 cars tailed behind and stopped at the middle of the road.. saw Jordan getting out of one of the cars and even caught a glimpse of Kelvin - immediately we knew we were heading the right direction ;)
Ho Ming and I were practically racing with the groom and his heng-tais as they announced their arrival with the loud continuous honking upon reaching June's place. It was kinda hilarious come to think of it.
The ji-muis were all prepared with some lil' games for Kelvin and his heng-tais before fetching the bride. Nothing too difficult - all in the name of fun :P
Who says we're evil? Even the groom is having fun!!
Kelvin even got his lollipop!! :P :P
The gross part - passing the tiny piece of star-shaped card from mouth to mouth. Uh-oh don't do it!! Well Jordan couldn't resist :P :P
Strictly 18-SX rated!!
Public display of affection - NOT on your wedding day, Kelvin!!
...Me and Li Ling (Kelvin's sis) watching from inside - totally amused!
***Taken by Ke Wynn the wedding photographer, who did an excellent job for their wedding :)
Kelvin being a good sport as usual :) Mission (Part 1, that is :P) accomplished ;)
Finally made their way up..
The ji-muis.. "Gulp down to the last drop!!"
Awwww so sweet!
A pic with the ji-muis :)
JUST MARRIED! Taken at Khoo Kongsi for their outdoor wedding shots
I love this pic - though not very professionally captured.. sorry it's taken with my HP point-n-shoot.
From left - Jordan, Woei Lih and Tat Sin.. all of whom I've not met in ages!! They've not changed much over the past decade haha..
I love the bouquet!
Purely self-entertaining :P :P
Me and Jordan
From left: Ho Ming, me, Ween, June, Sharm, Suv
Chilling out after a hot day out.. this was taken in E & O (Eastern & Oriental) Hotel where the wedding dinner was held.. very classy hotel still with its classic interior intact.. love it!
At the reception
Nice one for the album :)
The SGGS table :)
With the Chung Ling bunch..
From left: Ivan + girlfriend, Tat Sin, Vincent, Ween, me, Wooi Lim, Suv, Jordan
Me & Woei Lih
To Kelvin & June.. cheers! :)
June with the Georgian babes :)
Final shot for the night...
We went over for drinks at The Garage just opposite E & O but did not stay long.. just a lil' chilling out session before heading home.
It was a LOT of fun throughout the day - really great seeing this happy couple tying the knot! Was a good reunion for us too.. glad seeing ol' high school friends again and also the scouts bunch from Chung Ling we knew from the JOTA (Jamboree On The Air) camp way back in 1997. I guess the guiding and scouting spirit live on hence the sporting nature in us.. it really has liven up the happy occasion right from the morning :) Happy to see so many familiar faces again :)
To June & Kelvin: Was great catching up while you guys were in KL. Here's to wishing the both of you a journey of everlasting love and happiness together!! Hope to see you guys soon :) *hugs*
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
...somewhere over the rainbow...
How often is your mood spoilt by the heavy traffic jam? For me, it's TOO OFTEN. Getting stuck in the notorious KL jam is an absolute torture and can literally make me feel my blood boiling - esp when I'm already running late for work (coupled with the disturbing thought of the piles of files sitting on my desk), or when all I want to do is to get home after a long stressful day at work.
But somehow on rare occasions, something beautiful just comes along.. when you least expect that your mood can totally change for the better.
It's this pretty rainbow that caught my attention and I instantly found myself smiling. I don't know if others saw it too, but it was just too pretty not to notice. I fished out my phone from my handbag and snap a few shots with it.. and the entire journey home has just been made pleasant :)
It's amazing how these little things around you can change your day for the better. All you need to do is to take a lil' time off to notice, and to take pleasure in.
Guess that's what they mean by "the best things in life are free" :) :) :) And in this case, it certainly was!
But somehow on rare occasions, something beautiful just comes along.. when you least expect that your mood can totally change for the better.
It's this pretty rainbow that caught my attention and I instantly found myself smiling. I don't know if others saw it too, but it was just too pretty not to notice. I fished out my phone from my handbag and snap a few shots with it.. and the entire journey home has just been made pleasant :)
It's amazing how these little things around you can change your day for the better. All you need to do is to take a lil' time off to notice, and to take pleasure in.
Guess that's what they mean by "the best things in life are free" :) :) :) And in this case, it certainly was!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
