Awesome

Made coffee in school.
Colleagues asked to go to kopitiam for breakfast.
Well, okay.

Cup on hand, jumped into car, balanced the cup like a ballerina, arrived at destination, walked like a boss, sit down, ordered food, took a sip.

Finished food, took the cup, ciao.

Learning

Making good choices. I'm like a moral police; I always tell students to make better choices and act properly. In return, myself is being observed by them. Children learn from adults. They would tell me I have made poor choices when I shouted at them or when I didn't do the right things I preach to them. They observe every single bit of adults' behaviours and learn from it.

Ola Bola. Not so much. It was Malaysia vs Macau. Macau is almost an amateur team, ranked lowly. Nevertheless, Malaysia couldn't put in a goal against the opponent. The fans were cheerful and eager to see Malaysia win. Alas, Harimau Malaysia lacking prowess. In the end, encouraging chants turned into blaming shouts...people threw in bottles to protest...fans shouting "FAM bangsat" to show disappointment...and in the end, the only saving grace for the whole night was all supporters stood up to sing Negaraku passionately. Within us, there's still silver lining in team Malaysia.

Play. Play is essential. After so many years trying to find an answer to what children need: it's play. Yet, parents want them to be all academic and academic and academic. If I can, I will let them play all the times. They will create marvels. 

The last hit

Got hit again.

First, a car reversed and hit front bumper.

Second, a car exiting parking lot squeezed my right rear bumper.

Fixed. Sprayed.

Then, another car squeezed my right rear bumper, again.

Now, while I emergency brake to avoid front collision with a ruthless driver who cut into the right lane coming out from a junction, hit by a car from behind. Worst one so far. Made police report to claim for repair.

Seems okay from outside, but some pieces fell off from inside, and the bottom metal frame has been compressed in.
















Strong impact.

With the power of Zam Zam Ala Kazam, there will be no more bad accident in the future.

A Trip to East Coast

Finally I have visited all thirteen states in Malaysia!

It started at Sunday night. Took a 9.30pm bus from Melaka to Kuala Terengganu. It was in the early 5am when I arrived.

So I pulled out my phone, turn on the map, looking for places I could go for the day. Then light bulb moment!I should totally head to the beach for sunrise. After an hour walk, reached Batu Buruk Beach. Even as early as 6am there are some youngsters gathering and chitchatting at the square. Not sure if they didn't sleep or woke up that early...

Feeding the ant with leftover apple bits.

Having the whole beach for oneself can be eerie but once there's sunrise it's all bright.
However, one fatal thing was the public toilet would not opened until 8am so I had to walk all the way back to town to use the toilet.

With the problem solved, I walked around the town with no aim and suddenly stumbled upon this market. Seen it from TV program so when you see it for yourself it's ethereal. Pasar Besar Kedai Payang.

 

I believe once it was much more glamorous. Now the abandoned mannequin just waiting there to be consumed by the passing of time. 

Had simple mee sup and coffee in the market.

Afterward walked out and discovered Chinatown. 

It's a small and quiet place. A main street with a few lanes in between.

 

And upon Juin's recommendation, went for this "Pink Lady", ice blended coconut + dragon fruit. Not bad. Still can't beat pure coconut shake.

And before that, I was amazed how quickly the beautiful fence turn into utter crap, just after a few years. It's not only here, many Malaysian's public or tourist infrastructures suffer similar ill fate...and this one definitely can be blamed on poor construction. The metal bar is too close to the surface and lead to corrosion and rusting...and balls fell off as well...

And later I was walking all the way to look for keropok lekor.

When you see "Keropok Lekor" on the road sign it means it's definitely something big.
Imagine seeing Sate Celup or Chicken Rice or Coconut Shake or Cendol in Melaka's road sign.
After more than 45 mins walk I've come to this small little village in Losong with a few stalls selling keropok lekor. Being a novice did't really bother what kind of keropok I'm buying, I bought the steamed version. And it wasn't easy to chew down without putting much sauce to go with it...regret. Should've chosen the typical fried keropok lekor....

And then another 45 mins walk back to city centre. No chance catching this bus which was only scheduled for 5 trips throughout the day...never seen it in action, other than idling at bus station...


I was considering staying a night in Kuala Terengganu but by 1 PM I have explored most part of the town. Decided to head to Kota Bharu instead. But just to make sure I didn't miss anything I went to the tourist centre and got a map. Truth is, there's nothing much left in Kuala Terengganu.

Went up to Bukit Puteri to have a one last view of the city before taking 4 PM bus to Kota Bharu.

Here's the estimation of routes I have taken. Much more in the town not plotted in this map. Definitely walked more than 25KM from 5AM to 4PM.


With that. Departing to Kota Bharu with SP Bumi bus.
With no accommodation booked and no visual image of Kota Bharu, it must be exciting to land in a totally strange land!

And the traffic is quite heavy due to school holiday and Hari Raya Haji. It usually takes about 3 hours to arrive but this trip took more than 4 hours! I was lucky to meet Mr Lee, a salesperson, in the bus and he was going to stay in a hostel in Kota Bharu. It's an "unofficial" backpacker style guest house catered for their acquaintances, nothing fishy. Accommodation was settled. RM30 per night. Right in the middle of town!

What's for dinner? Thai + Chinese fusion dishes at Golden Flower Restaurant with Mr Lee and his friends. Then went to KB Mall.

The next day, woke up before the town has awaken. Had an apple, then off to explore the streets.

One destination in mind was Pasar Siti Khadijah. It was just a 10 minutes walk away.

I was going to walk in expecting to see this colorful market...

























But instead, this appeared...under renovation





















Then walked to Jalan Kebun Sultan for breakfast. Walked up and down hoping to find something unique but all I could see was same offerings like those in other places, wantan mee, porridge, chicken rice...So just settled with claypot yee mee.

One little surprise when the noodle was served. It has brinjal yong tau fu in it! It made my day :)

Then visited a few museums pretending to be interested in Kelantan royal families and heritage.
And met a retired teacher teaching arts in Handicraft Village and Craft Museum.

For a while, suddenly feel I am such a 文艺青年, very got 内涵.

Then went to Nasi Ulam Cikgu for a scrumptious meal.

Yummy!

Walked back under hot sun to hostel, had a nice shower, checked out. Then went through nothing-to-see-the-river-is-murky riverside walk and back to town for second helping of lunch, Nasi Kukus Zaeman. The rice was okay, but maybe it was over-hyped? Its chicken was just so-so.

Took a public bus to Wakaf Bharu to catch a 4 pm train. The train never come, the bus came...

So my first supposedly train ride in US was a bus (a.k.a. coach), now my first KTM train was also a bus...

Went through a 5 hours long bus journey to Gua Musang to take the connecting train to Gemas. The amazing thing was nobody in the bus, 40 of the passengers, including children, asked the bus driver to stop for toilet break. 5 hours, nobody wanted to stop for toilet. Amazing,

Boarded the train after having nasi kerabu for dinner.

I thought Amtrak train ride was not comfortable but KTM was even worse. Booked superior seating all I got was normal seating. Amtrak dimmed the light for night travel but KTM just kept the light on as bright as possible throughout the midnight journey...From 10.00 pm to 6.00 am all light on...I couldn't sleep well...

In Gemas, warmly greeted by Pn Tan and she brought me to her favorite noodle place again for breakfast.

9 am, took Southern Bus to Tampin, then Panorama Melaka back to Melaka town. Final stretch of journey was riding my motorcycle under haze...At this point, I could feel my body is already aching and giving me warning after a few days of crazy adventure. First thing to do back home was to have a shower then off to a good nap...zzz.

This was my little dream accomplished! Nothing was planned except to book the departing bus and returning train, and to meet with Pn Tan. A great journey.

追梦

向往的是与世无争，没有尔虞我诈的世界。

我懒得追求人生梦想，
只想活在当下，
随遇而安，
善待生命。

Innocent child

A 6 year old girl, with sad pity face said, "Teacher, they are talking too loudly, I can't hear my own voice..."

While I pitied her a bit but I just wanted to laugh inside.

Running

So no doubt I like hiking, been to few more hikes like Gunung Datuk, and the one climbed by all people in KL, Broga. The most recent one was to Endau Rompin's Takah Tinggi. All these prove that my hobby is still hiking.

But behold! Running has slowly replacing hiking as the favorite hobby!

People ask why I love to run. One simple reason, syok sendiri.

Other than that it's the process of pushing yourself to wake up early in the morning to train for the run. Slacked once and you will feel the pain.

It's also about achieving your target. The medals are what I'm for.

It's also about improving oneself. It's devastating if you didn't beat you personal best or achieve the pace desired.

It's also about overtaking other people. It's real exciting to speed through and say bye (not literally) to them. It's also about reminding yourself there's always someone better and faster out there...so it's still ok to be overtaken but as long as you are clear on your goal. No point chasing others' shadow.

It's also about exploring the roads with your own feet.

And of course, the free foods (not free, technically paid) after the run.

And 100 Plus tastes 100% better during the run.

Adidas King of The Road  16.8KM 20/10/2013 01:51:21
Good first run, it ignited the fire.

Penang International Marathon Half Marathon 17/11/2013 02:31:58
Struggled at last 5KM, but an enjoyable half marathon. Crazy that I drove all the way up and back.

Melaka River International Marathon Half Marathon 08/06/2014 03:07:36
Was a last minute sign up. Lack of training. Disaster. Physically unfit after KM12..
and poor organising to make the run a bleh...

FIT Malaysia Fun Run 5KM 14/09/2014 00:32:35
just a fun run

Mahkota Charity Run 12KM 21/09/2014 01:12:35
Good running ambiance, smooth run throughout.

Pacesetters 3030 Run 30KM 02/11/2014  04:15:25
Missed the KL half marathon so it's actually a replacement. Just nice distance to prepare for full marathon. A lot of bananas provided! Didn't get hungry along the run.

One year of running and it will end with full marathon at Penang on 16/11/2014!

Magic

It's when Manchester United just lost to Leicester City 3-5 and little known MK Dons FC 0-4 despite boasting billion dollars worth of players.I didn't watch. But I think millions fans were fascinated by the shows. Sure as amazing as watching David Copperfield making the Statue of Liberty disappeared.

Those magics are great. But not as great as when people pulled through difficult situations and make the best for the rest. It was inspiring to learn and relearn stories of many magicians in real life. 

So I have decided to be a magician. It will be in classroom, or in a school, or in the community, or the whole Malaysia. Something impressive. But it will start with little things, small practices that I shall start doing tomorrow. 

等 一个人 咖啡

难以想象竟然会去阅读这一本爱情小说

也没刻意买

也不是因为九把刀 《那些年》也没看

也不晓得已拍成电影

小说没扣人心弦，不过至少写得让人要把它读完

电影改编却精彩连连，超值得一看。

最近去跑步几乎每次都会遇见同一个人

儿时玩伴

超巧合的

某个星期六 遇见

某个星期日 遇见

某个星期三 遇见

期间就有那么一次没遇见

就这么巧合

我也不是常常跑，问了他，也难得来跑的

不可思议

在这之前更诡异

早上去学校问东西刚巧问了这位任教师的朋友，就是同一位

毕竟十多年没见

一时认不得

只觉得面熟

就这样道谢离去

当天晚上和家人看电影

在戏院遇上了他！

终于认得。

等一个人 

好像特别容易。

等那一个她的出现

好像好难。

偶尔看看《非诚勿扰》

就记得这歌词

往前一步是幸福~~

退后一步是孤独~~

往前走吧，要积极才行啊！

辞了一份安安分分的铁饭碗

迎来了装满五色菜肴的拼盘

多了挑战

多了疑惑

多了压力。

却没有勇气去找个对象倾诉

结果就一个人去看电影

一个人

一张票 （骗人的，现在用手机扫描就行啦，没票）

一盒爆米花

一杯可乐饮

最近看电影都一定买，以前好像超抗拒的，可能有了一些多余钱吧

结果一个人看《银河护卫队》

还不错

看戏就是看戏，也不能谈天说地。

就这样

寻找那股遗失的热诚。

等

是很被动的

不如去找一找。

一个人

偶尔很潇洒

但多个人多些人更好。

咖啡

每天喝

但林宇中（他最近好像不见了？）说咖啡麻醉不了孤单。

搁笔。

Wedding & Marriage

So many weddings, more coming!

It's the time. Prime time for people of my age to engage in long term commitment and live happily ever after, I hope.

So it's kind of nudging me a bit. Eh, hello.

Well, fret not, let me announce I'm already married! Well, actually, I'm in my second marriage!

Sorry I didn't really announce to the world like other people...

I must confess that I had to abandon my first marriage, with 200 children, now adopted by some better parents.

Now in my second marriage I have about 30 children already...I know family planning is important but I wish to have many children in the future.

Hiking

Since when I love to hike?

It wasn't listed as my official hobby. In fact, I had hard time to write about my hobby. At one point it was badminton, still a bit. Maybe karaoke, but maybe not suitable as my voice is worse than you. Stamp collecting? Who still send snail mails? Blogging? Not really considered a hobby by World Hobby Organization. Bowling? I like but if it's not played often it's not hobby. Sleeping? nope, I hate sleeping. Eating? Yeah, it's a universal compulsory thing to do so it can't be hobby. 

So hiking is the new hobby. And running is definitely the second hobby.

The first (as far as I can remember) hike or climb was straight to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia in 2009.

It was a breeze.

Silly young boy at the age of 21.

Then plenty of hiking during Summer 2010 while taking classes in university. 

Hiking with little T Rex in Michigan

Then have been dormant for long. Until last year. During a trip to Taipei, at Yang Ming Shan.   

Magnificent view

And then Bukit Tabur.

Climbing through rocks is actually scary

Then Bukit FRIM with students.

Then this year after joining Malaysian Nature Society had many more opportunities to go places like Telapa Buruk, Tanjung Tuan etc.

Eerie atmosphere at Telapa Buruk WW2 plane crash site

Beetles taking cover under fungus

Each hike provides different perspective. And recharge your energy with natural power! 

Looking forward the next one!

Words and the world

Some people have big dreams.
I see lots of injustice, I see too many changes needed to change this world to be a better place for all living beings.
That's impossible for me to do all I want to change the world.
What shall I do? I am contended to be myself, be a little guy who inspires a few, then a few more people, to do good. And I won't care how people think who and how I am.
Be humble, connected to people, smile, it's me. I like loving people in simple way, don't make it complicated.
I am a teacher, I am a learner.
I accept harsh words from critics, but I am improving.

#insomnia #hope for better day #work

Ride a bus

Tired of driving, decided to take a bus ride up to KL.
Been missing those days without car and had to take a bus to KL and many other places.

Taking bus seems like a luxury now. An affordable luxury.

It was fulfilling.

Grateful for friend who drive me around, and glad to meet friends in a short Sunday getaway.

等车

人生如等车；错过了上班车，还有下班车。

可能心有不甘，誓要追赶已错过的那班车。用尽力气、 精疲力尽，白费。

为何错过？

可能心不在焉，车到了却没察觉。白白错失。

抑或天时。

时机错过就消逝。

可能那班车来得早。明明就准时抵达，但车已去。

来得早，未必等到。有人比你早。

来得对，未必上到。有人比你狠。

抑或人为。

不去等车，当然错过。

姗姗来迟，肯定无望。

有车不上，无可理解。

无论如何，既然都要搭车，就靠下班吧。

除非错过的是尾班车。

Holiday!

Nope, can't have holiday now...just trying to make the day holy. How? If you think the day is holy then it's holy. Imagination.

This morning, while driving, resenting I can't have the off days that I desire before starting new role in education, then I suddenly realized I had visited many places actually.

During school holiday last year before hectic TFM training and beginning of 2013 school year, went to Miri.
The caves are amazing breathtaking. Breathtaken for a while la, else die lo.

Then from Miri drove to Brunei day trip just for the sushi.

Then fully busy in school and every TFM event.

Until June holiday. Went to Phuket with family.

Then come school semester break. Went to Kuching.

Then until year end. Went to Bali.

Then while having convo in UUM, walked into Dannok, Thailand, mainly for the food and snacks. No surprise bombing.

Actually not bad at all.

Next one on list is to Universal Studios Singapore.
Why? Primarily to shout while riding roller coasters. I want roller coasting so much life could be much better.
Then it would be good to visit all neighboring countries using current passport. A great feat to be achieved.

[Update!]
How can I forgot I went to Taiwan in June holiday also...
STML short term memory loss...

For some people, journey is more important than destination. For some people, destination is more important.
For me, both are important, but money is more important! Also, a ritual I do while traveling is to try all kind of weird special bottled drinks not found in Malaysia. That's simply enjoyable.

Not so much Ouch this time

Honk Honk Honk
Boop
Aiyah
Oh well
Hmm
Okay

This is going to be my second home.

This place is going to be different. Stay tuned.

Forrest Gump

Finally I watched Forrest Gump and his run of life is definitely inspiring. But that's not why I signed up for half marathon.

15 Nov is last day of school. The end is abrupt. Bye Gemas.
Last day, had some photos with students, farewell for principal, then had lunch with YY, CF and Pn Tan who always gave us so much food. Then packed. I had more stuffs than I thought. Took quite a while.
Evening went to Bahau to dine with SC & WJ. Been a long time. Always good to meet them.

Head back Melaka.

16 Nov is Saturday. Went to KL and have breakfast with HT @That Latte Place.
Just love the place and the egg ben. Visiting friends attending class in UUM KL.
Then so lucky got summon for parking illegally. Tahniah. How I wish I could win more lucky draw prizes.

Lunch with D, SW and TJ and had some sharing on jobs. Then the rain poured. So heavy.

Straight up to Penang. Too bad can't meet JJ on the way up.

Somehow driving alone on long stretch of highway wasn't that bad.

Night. This is the time the sun hides itself.
Texted and called the hostel earlier to inform my check in. No response. Never mind.
Arrived at 23 Jalan Datuk Keramat. The door was half opened, but no light. Hmm...suspicious. Knock, no answer, call, no answer. What happen?

Not sure if I was in luck or not...an old man then pushing his bicycle, stopped right in front. Then I asked. He told that operator already cheated away the money from the premise and run away! what? what?

Oh well, he suggested a hotel around the corner and that's all I could do. Lucky that's just a RM20+ booking but then paid RM90 for a night in Old Penang Hotel.

Update: Agoda has promptly refunded the payment.
Non sponsored advertisement: I am 100% recommending Agoda.com for your accommodation booking.

So this photo shows how the hostel looks like...
Next time don't go in when you see it, it's a trap.

Komtar at night is so pathetic. So run down. Penang Times Square is like nothing yet. Then head to Sup Hameed for lamb soup and roti. Not bad for a rainy night.

17 Nov is the day for Penang Bridge International Marathon. 3.30am gun off.
The first 5km is the most relaxing.
The next 10km is the surviving phase.
The next 5km you keep wondering where's the isotonic and water.
The final 1 km is like zombie run. slow.
But the last 100m is like someone suddenly throw you some spinach and you eat it and become like a Popeye.

Time 2:31:57.75
Rank 1731/8325 
Not bad for a first timer! 

Met some TFM 2013 fellows as well :)
Then back to hotel for a shower and short power nap. Else I wouldn't survive the long day.


Wanted toast and coffee at Toh Soon coffee stall but closed on Sunday, so walked toward Transfer Road for the roti canai.

Lamb again. Lamb curry and coffee.

Penang is so beautiful in the morning.

Then did two good deeds. Donated RM20 to Tzu Chi Haiyan Relief Fund. RM20 because I got only RM1 x 1 and RM20 x 1 and RM50 x many (because I wanted to pay my credit card due but hor the machines in Melaka were out of service so keeping the money). Then saw an old uncle on wheelchair crossing the street kind of kesian so went to him to ask where he's heading. Pushed his wheel chair across streets. Kind of good feeling. #randomactofkindness hashtag is important. Hash brown also.

Wanted to take ferry since bridge closed but queue was crazy long so drove around randomly.

Strolling in Lebuh Pantai, saw Ambank! Wanted to pay la then but walked in to discover system down for upgrading also...Melaka cannot pay, Penang cannot pay. Oh well.

Then driving 140 KM/H all the way to KL for TFM alumni induction.

The induction was so calm actually. Quite sad to leave the fellowship but I will cherish all the moments we had throughout the two years. Have learned too much that if I put them here it would be the longest blog ever, so, maybe not.

Then the evening back to Melaka.

So much driving and running yet I am an Iron Man! No problem.

Packed and
18 Nov 5 am ready for Bali!
Green Camp Bali! till 22 Nov.
Made pizza, had too much.
Ever tried chocolate strawberry pineapple pizza? It's special but kinda weird...


Burritos! Guacamole! Favorite stuff!
 

Having fun aside, kids these days need more discipline. Need to respect nature, and also respect self and others. So this is how we teach discipline?
 

23 Nov. Quickly packed and went KL for Google Apps for Education Summit. Till 24 Nov.

 

Almost all private schools have utilized technology like Google Apps Suites for learning. FrogVLE for public schools was supposed to be launched with free Chromebooks for all students but until now see nothing. Next year maybe? or next next year?

Overnight at Sasaran, Selangor, relative place, having fun with little kids. Guess I am very good with children.

25 Nov. Rest for a day.

26 Nov - 1 Dec. Heading north!

First stop. Shah Alam. Parked at SS's house then carpool.

Kampar. small town indeed. Picked up HT.

Ipoh. Had this mee.


Picked up JY. Car fully loaded!.

Alor Setar. Detoured for petrol and randomly Googled for nice Kedah Laksa then stopped by Zakaria's.

Finally Sintok.

Checked in. Rest. Feel like college days back in INTEC. Nostalgic.

UUM: secluded, but has all the facilities inside, including international standard go-kart circuit!

Attending classes with Dr Barnes. Then helping here and there.
Chillax days in UUM.
Every night had tom yum...I guess I won't have anymore tom yum for next few years...
And impromptu blood donation.

And there's this Happy Burger place in Changlun...
Apparently famous here. Not bad for a small place.

Also went to Dannok, Thailand just for McD pork burger and 7-11 for foods hunting.

And finally the convocation. With grand robe, grand stage, and Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The journey of fellowship has not ended with a bang but might be with some pew pew pew.

So now with a teaching certificate I can go around and nag around.

30 Nov. To Penang.
No idea why, but watching Hunger Game midnight show in Gurney Plaza.
Few years back with YL SYY and WF also watched midnight movie in Gurney Plaza...Deja vu-ing.

Morning waking up, enjoying view, drinking coffee, reading newspaper, like an old uncle.

Then tak boleh tahan the beach, went down, got wet, had fun.

And finally back in Melaka 1 Dec, night. The run has not ended. In fact, it's just the beginning.

That's my training field. SMK Gemas. I might not run there anymore, but I will find another field. Run faster, run further, run happier. Life.