2010

You know, even as the year draws to a close, we always look back and think of what we have done in this past year and what we hope to accomplish in the next year. But how many times have we thought about what we have NOT done which we should have?

Looking back at the year 2010, its been difficult for me. There have been many changes and to be entirely truthful, disappointments. To me, 2010 was a year filled with disappointments more than happiness. Thats not to say that I didn't have wonderful times in the year, it is just to say that those disappointments are what has impacted me throughout this whole year. Sometimes, I wonder, what have I done in this year that defines who I am and what I am to become? I sometimes find myself asking, "Who is Jonathan?" Sometimes I feel like I have been doing too many things at one time that I have not properly examined who I really am.

As said earlier, 2010 was disappointing to me. I found myself wanting to just escape it all and just give it all up. (Am I going through depression? o.o) But, after spending the last few days in reflection and thought looking back through the year, I have seen something which truly encourages me. Every single time that I fall down, every single mistake, every disappointment, big or small, I now see that God is with me. I know some of you may ask, "How do you know? Does God really exist?" Well, say as you might, but to me, He is as real as can be. The God whom I believe in, Yahweh, is real. I have seen God's hand picking me up at times when I really felt down, when I felt there was no one there, yet God has always been there to me. It amazes me that I have been able to pick myself up time and time again. It once again serves to show me that God is always there for me, whether I realize it or not, and that He is watching over me each and every day of my life. This is not to say that I won't face anymore disappointments, no. Disappointments and discouragements will still come regardless of circumstance. But I know that I can always trust in God to pick me up and be by my side no matter how hard I fall. In Him I have found peace and encouragement.

As the Psalmist says "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" - Psalms 23:4
So to does Jeremiah, who says, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

There are many more verses that I could quote which have served to be my encouragement and hope in times when I feel down but I feel that you get a sense of what I am saying. You guys may have your opinions on whether God is real, yada yada. But to me, He is so real and truly, He is God everlasting. I end here with a final verse and a song:

"For God so loved that world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" - John 3:16

Your Grace Still Amazes Me - Phillip, Craig, and Dean

My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end
It overwhelms me, covers my sin
Each time I come into Your presence
I stand in wonder once again

CHORUS:
Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praise

Bridge:

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see

All Bible verses are taken from the New International Version (NIV).

Alviss Kong: True Lover or an Idiot?

Having just read about Alviss Kong and his suicide, I feel compelled to write this post. I wonder why.

First, he committed suicide because his girlfriend had broken up with him after being in a relationship for 4 months. He jumped off a building after posting on his Facebook that he was going to do it.

Well, what are my thoughts on this?

First, I think he is a douchebag. For the simple reason that he does not think before he acts and the reasoning behind his actions are superficial. I mean, come on, how many times have people broken up with each other yet moved on and found a life partner? Personally, I think he may be suffering from some kind of disorder or such but I would not be in the proper place to say this as I do not know him.

I doubt he ever considered his family and friends but instead made his decision over the fact that he was not in a relationship. So what? There are many people who are not in a relationship but are happy. By doing what he did, it just shows you that he is irresponsible, somewhat idiotic, and self centered. There is a post, i think it was on his blog that said he was rejected 5 times and still chased after her then finally getting her (at least that is what i gather from http://joshuaongys.com). He said there that he was afraid he would never fall in love and from that post I guess you could really see who he was as a person.

So in this regard, I say now, Suicide is NEVER the answer. This is a bad example to all those who are thinking of following suit. My condolences to the family as they are probably in shock now over what had happened. But I have no sympathy or respect for one who is so self centered such as him who commits suicide for such a selfish reason. So goodbye.




You may hate me but I am only stating what this person seems to be.

Updates

Hi guys/girls

Sorry haven't been updating my blog since who knows when, but been really busy with assignments and tests and so on. Probably won't update till sometime next week once I have the time =) Stay tuned, a major update coming soon ;)

What now?

I guess it’s true what they say about knowing a person. A person is identifiable through the actions that he or she does. Isn’t that so true that the things we do shape the very essence of our lives? If that’s the case, then life is something we should treasure greatly is it not? Then, the question is, what are we doing with our lives? Do we just sit around and wait for things to come to us? Or do we sit alone studying or working looking up the ladder but neglecting the people around us? Do we strive for everything which we cherish, be it big or small, that what we do is to achieve fulfillment in our lives?

Isn’t that what life is all about? Living it to the fullest and striving for the best that we can whilst looking forward to the future in anticipation of greater things to come. Each one of us, regardless of gender, race, or age, has only one chance to live. You cannot ask for a second chance to redo what was done. Some say that always keep an eye on your past and be wary. But what is that if you don’t look to the future? Are our lives such things that we only look back in hope of undoing the mistakes we have made? Or is it that we should look to the future and hope for greater things whilst giving it all we have? Should our lives be filled with greed, hatred, prejudice, and power? Or should life be filled with happiness, joy, friendship, love, and so many others? The things that we choose to do in and the way that we are, it is all by our choice. People may say that, “Oh, it was luck” or “They made me do it” but yet, at the center of it all, isn’t it governed by the decisions that we make? Do we take responsibility of our lives? Or are we letting others do it for us?

What is the purpose of me saying all this, you may ask. To me, it is the fact of life that is the purpose. Life is given to us and it can be taken from us at any moment. Therefore, it is precious to me and I do not intend to waste my life any longer dabbling in things which do not build me in stature and maturity. I may be young but better to realize this young before it is all too late where life will then be filled with regrets. Each and every one of us only has one shot at life. I have made my choice, what is YOURS? Do not waste this wonderful opportunity that has been given to you.

Nobody asks you to have a perfect life, just to give it all you've got with no regrets.

New Stuff :D

As the title states, I got me some new stuff! Wohoo xD
Hahaha. My dad just got back from the US and bought back some stuff for my family. My bro got some stuff that he asked for and so did I xD

Let the pictures do the talking:

Capo, Strings =)

Wallet!! xD

Clothes =D

Chocolates and Dried Fruits :D

Just a short post to keep my blog updated until after exams =x

Wants and Needs

        Ever had something you wanted so bad that you would be willing to sweat blood just for the sake of having it? That thing which dominated your thinking such that the decisions you make are based off that one thing? Well, I have or am experiencing something like that albeit much less dramatization and more inhibited. The item which I want most at this point in time is this:

Courtesy of Google Images and Yugatech.com

        The Nikon D3100 =) Actually, not really. What I really want is a DSLR camera. Any DSLR will do though I have one which I am specifically targeting. Well, you may ask, ''Why do you need a DSLR?'' The simple fact is, I don't. Which is why I said its a want. I have a prosumer camera which is the Canon G11. It is a good camera but I feel limited by it's flexibility which cannot compare to that of a DSLR. I mean, the G11 is great no doubt, but a DSLR is even better.

        However, with that being said, I always ask myself, '' Is it really necessary to have a DSLR?'' Sometimes, walking down the street, I see plenty of people holding DSLRs. But I ask myself, '' If the camera is what makes the picture, then why aren't many of us who own DSLRs professional?'' Understood that the camera has a bearing on the picture quality, but that is only a portion of what a great photo is about. I dare not even say that the equipment is 50% of what a great photo is about. Most of the time, a great photo, and in that respect a great photographer, is perspective. Nothing can be achieved without perspective for perspective is what you and I see the world through. The perspective of a photographer is what differentiates a good photographer from a great one. It is not all about equipment, more of the ability of the person using it.

        So back to the question, do I really need a DSLR for a camera? The answer is no. I would love to own one and I have not stopped saving for it. But I feel that photography is more to me about how I see the world and what story I would like to tell.

p/s. Anyone willing to sponsor me? :P (tongue in cheek) 

Neglect?

It's interesting to think that, up to a few months ago, I never thought I would blog. Well, I do now although not about many personal stuff but more about things that are happening/ have happened. =) Sorry to all those readers ( Only a few, i know :P) but I had been neglecting my blog for quite a while now. Why? As I said, I write about things that are happening or have happened and since my last post, nothing eventful has happened. =( Man.... I have no social life (For now at least =x). On another note, MID-TERMS and CLASS TESTS are so near that it scares me. Gotta get studying unless I want to fail of course xD

p/s. This is just a short post to keep my blog updated I guess xP

More to come soon. Byes

Mr Ng Guo Bao ( Sotong, Gopal, Sei ye)

This post is dedicated to one Mr. Ng Guo Bao who is leaving for the UK to continue his studies on the 22nd of September 2010, at 2am.

I met Bao in foundation during Calculus class. Through William I got to know Bao better especially since both of them had almost the same classes and I was spending quite alot of time with William ( I'm quite antisocial, i know) Over time, the friendship continued to grow and when MR SEI YE decided to take psychology, it made the friendship even stronger. Like in a previous post, there were 4 of us who were very close: Me, Bao, Sha, Wynn. And so, through up and down, thick and thin, the friendship between us has never wavered. I still remember Bao as being that fat dude (Rmember? xP) who became slim, but now a little bit fat again =x I'm still wondering how the sei ye name came about.. I remember the Gopal part though. xD

But regardless, Bao is and most likely always will be a good friend. A friend who will be there when you need him the most. Interesting that I have little to say. Oh well, it's been great to know you for the past 3 years, don't be a stranger, keep in touch xD And all the best in your studies in UK. (Btw, too many photos upload so I bo upload la. Go my facebook and see xP)

Fresh Meat

Today has been quite an enjoyable day for me although a little tiring. Was supposed to wake up by 11am in the morning to go out but guess what? I overslept .__. woke up instead at around 11.30am. Looked at my phone and I saw around 13 miss calls? 9 from Sotong and 4 from Whale. So I rushed to bathe and to get ready. Was supposed to meet them at Mid Valley at 12 but I was sure to be late. So out I went at around 11.40 and was nearby Mid Valley at around 12pm but was stuck behind a taxi that was driving at around 30km/h. I mean, seriously, who on earth drives at 30km/h on a main road much less a taxi?? On the plus side, saw an Audi R8 V10 coupe right infront of the taxi *drools*. Didn't manage to take a proper photo coz well, I was driving. Hahaha. Oh well, there's always next time :D

I reached the Garden's carpark at around 12.10 and made my way over to Mid Valley. [ For those who drive to MV, you should roughly know why I do this ;) ] Met both Sei ye's at Carl's Jr along with Kim (Whale's sister). So decided to eat Carl's Jr. and I don't know why. But I'm not complaining :P I decided to order a Large Set of Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger ( i think). Can't remember what the rest ate though. Hahaha =x

Fries :D

I forgot what this was.. Chilli cheese fries?

Mr Leo and Ms Kimberly

Sei ye Sotong =x

Lunch! :D

After lunch we went over to GSC to catch this:

PIRANHA!

Picture courtesy of Google Images

But we didn't watch it in 3D though. Wondering how it would be like. Haha. Anyways, the movie was okay. Action scenes were cool. There was plenty of blood, however, recommended for 18 and above though due to excessive skin shown. Looking back though, it was a nice movie in terms of action but not in terms of the plot. (Isn't that always the case?) But then, doesn't matter coz I prefer this to Rom-Coms and all that. Haha. So if you're planning to watch, this movie I would say is worth the time unless you're faint of heart ;)

After the movie ended, Mr Leo and sis went off so it was left with me and Bao. Since it was still early, we went to MPH to look at books and all that for awhile. On the way to the car, we spotted New Zealand Natural so decided to try it out. Haha. For me it was the 2nd time trying it I think. It was okay i guess but a little bit expensive for my taste though. Not going back there tooo often =x Hahaha

Sei ye's Mango Passion and Chocolate something i think. =x

Rum & Raisin + Cookies and Cream =)

11.90 for 2 scoops @.@

After New Zealand Natural, we left and I dropped Mr Bao off at Bangsar LRT station and made my way home to SLEEP! :P

Nikon Photo Contest International

Hey guys and girls!


It's that time again for all you photographers. Nikon has started accepting entries for it's international photo contest as of 1st September 201 up till the 30th of November 2010.


Entries for the 33rd contest will be invited into two categories, free subject (category A) and "Energy” (category B). The second category, “Energy,” invites applicants to submit images that capture the energy of sights and subjects that inspire, motivate or excite them or viewers. An exhibition of the winning photographs is planned after all winners are selected (details concerning the specific date and location will be announced in the future). - Information Courtesy of Nikon at Nikon Photo Contest International




Do note however that submissions are to be made only through the Internet at www.nikon-npci.com. Follow the instructions written and you will be on your way to possibly winning the grand prize of a Nikon Full-Frame Digital SLR D3s along with others as well. 


The prizes on offer are one not to be missed. With Nikon cameras such as the D3s, D300s, and many more up for grabs, what's there to lose? Oh and did I mention that entry into the contest is free? =) So what are you waiting for? I have submitted mine, have you?


Visit Nikon Photo Contest International for more information.




All rights and trademarks belong to Nikon. No copyright infringment intended. Courtesy of Nikon Corporation 

Ms Lau Ee Wynn

This post is especially dedicated to my friend, Lau Ee Wynn as she is leaving to the UK to continue her studies.

I met Ee Wynn during my foundation years. We weren't close, I was closer to Mr Bao and the gang ( meaning mostly the guys). Over time however, a friendship grew and there were four of us: Bao, Sha, Wynn, and Me. I don't really know what to say but I do know that I want to post this post to thank her for  being a very good friend over the years. The calm amidst the craziness of Sha, Bao, and occasionally, Me. Haha. But needless to say, she is a very nice person who is also a great friend. Although we initially didn't click till much later but thanks for being a friend. Keep in touch and let's meet up when you're back =) Includes Mr Bao and Ms Nana. =x Haha.

All the best to you in the UK that you will succeed in your life but not neglecting your social life ;)

And here are some pics looking back to the past: (Pics courtesy of Jian and Sha as well)

That's all for this post =)

p/s: Hope you enjoyed the gifts :D (Mr Bao urs is next =x )

We were Black.Burnt. and Quiet.( Yeah, right...)

At 6pm on the 4th of September, I was making my way to the back streets of Petaling Jaya searching for a particular house in Ara Damansara owned by one Lau family. In the car with me were my brother, Daniel Tan, and Ms.Nana Toh Li-Sha. After a few bumps here and there and almost getting lost twice (Well, at least i think it was twice), we finally found our way there. Why were we looking for that particular house you might ask? Well, on that day, Ee Wynn was hosting a farewell BBQ at her place so that was why we were going there. The next question you might ask (If you don't already know), is where is she going? And to answer that, I will say she's going to the UK to complete her studies along with Mr Sotong Gopal a/l Ng =x Different Uni though but still same country. Haha =)

So we finally reached Wynn's place at around 6.30. Was expecting to see Mr Bao there since he said he was gonna be there at 6.30 but he came at 7 instead. Oh well. While waiting, Sha and my bro sat in the living room playing Sha's Rubix I think while I went around snapping pics of whatever I found to be interesting.

The time finally came when everyone arrived, with the exception of Victoria (more on that later), and we could start eating!!!! Actually we could have eaten earlier but it's no fun eating alone is it? ;) 

We had plenty of food on our plates.. There was chicken wings, sausages, fried rice, fried vermicelli(Bihun), satay, chai kueh, and a few more that I can't remember. But the food was goood. =)

After a good time of talking and eating, it was time to cut the cake, or cakes, I should say. It was for Wynn and her bro, Carlson's birthday. Both of them were born in September (Not on the same date though). Who knew? Ok maybe people knew, but I didn't at least =x. Carlson's cake was made of green tea and red bean I think. I'm not really sure. Wynn's cake was a jelly cake in the shape of Winnie the Pooh! It's a running joke that since her name is so similar to the cartoon, we named her after it? Haha :D And so the cakes were cut and we had group pictures! Thank goodness I took my mini-tripod that day as it made it easier for me to take the group pic =) And after all that was over, Ms Victoria Yeong finally arrived. I don't exactly know why she was late, and to be frank, we sort of forgot about her =x

So in the end, after some more food and talk time, we started to head home. My brother and I reached home at around 12 midnight. By then I was feeling extremely tired so I went to bed and continued in my dream of chicken wings and food galore =)

That's all for this post. See you guys next time! p/s. There were too many photos to upload so I made a video instead. Hope you guys enjoy it. [I'm not very good at it so forgive me =( ] For more photos, do visit http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=573782453#!/album.php?aid=226124&id=573782453 (PM me if you are unable to view the pics yeah.) Also visit Ng Sue Ann's album at : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=573782453#!/album.php?aid=268726&id=646535254 as well as CX Tan's album at : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=573782453#!/album.php?aid=275878&id=765454096 for pictures taken by others =)

Video Link: http://www.facebook.com/video/?upload#!/video/video.php?v=434011792453

Also, I have something I need your opinion on. I was planning to try to get the Nikon D3000 in the future. Anyone with any opinions on why I should/should not get it? I don't need features like Live View and Video, I have the G11 for that =)

Of cats, dogs, and pork burgers?

Today was a tiring day to say the least. Not cause I had lectures or what not for one whole day, but it's coz of lectures plus going out for a lunch and movie at Tropicana City Mall. On the plus side, I am a happy chap coz was able to spend time with 2 friends who are leaving soon =(

Woke up this morning to find out that there was minimal jam on the roads. ( Due to puasa? My guess that is) Reached college in like 15mins? Quite fast considering i normally reach in like 30+mins in the jam. =D Had the first lecture of the day, PSY 210 ( Conflict theories and resolution). The sub was taught by Prof Datin Dr Quek. It was freakishly boring... Not to say that she's not a good lecturer, on the contrary, she's quite good albeit a little long winded may I say? So class ended and we had to rush to PSY206 (Biopsychology) class in Block E KPD. (We meaning Sean, Sha, and Me). The first class was quite okay. Just a breeze through what we learnt in PSY111 in year one. The same lecturer who taught us biopsych then is teaching us now, Dr.Hera Lukman. Class ended wayyy earlier than expected at around 12.30?

Then me and Li-Sha made our way to meet Mr, Ng Guo Bao and Ms. Lau Ee Wynn at Tropicana City Mall. Before that I paid my fees and yada yada.. When we reached Trop Mall, little did we know that they have not arrived yet! *Gasp* Haha. Well, maybe coz we were i think very early? Around 1.20pm I guess. So we bought the movie tix and walked around. Finally ended up in Borders while waiting for those two.

At 2pm, they arrived and all 4 of us went to a place called Ninja Joe's for lunch. Its a non-halal place which sells pork burgers. Ee Wynn, Li-Sha, and Mr Bao each ordered 2 pork burgers. I have no idea what got into me as I decided to order 6 pork burgers .__.
And here are the pics:

Ms Toh and Mr Ng Ordering for us

Waiting for the food (Sei ye hungry d =x )

Yes, Me <3 Ninja Joe's xD

Our FOOD!!

I kinow u hungry la =x

My Lunch, 1 of everything :D

Lunch time =)

After lunch ended (2.45 or so i think), we headed to the cinemas to watch....

Courtosy of the-numbers.com via Google Images

Cats and Dogs 2!
The movie was, at best, average or slightly above average. Maybe better to save the cash and watch at home?
But there were a few good lessons to be learnt i guess. =) I wont tell u here, you're gonna have to watch it yourself =P
Despite the movie not up to base, I had a wonderful time with my friends and an awesome lunch.

That's all for now, more later.

Cheers xD

Update

Hey guys/girls,

After much deliberation, I have decided that I wont be blogging about my trip to Aussie land. Sorry :( It would take too much time to blog about it all. So if you wanna know about it, do visit my facebook or ask me in person =)

To the Land of Pies, Steak, and Kangaroos

Hey readers,

Was suppose to upload this last week but due to some things that came up, I had to delay it till this week. But here it is finally  =)


Hi guys/gals,

On the 6th of August my family and I left Malaysia to venture into a land unknown known only as Australia. It was something that I personally was looking forward to after a very tiring year to date. However, there was just one more hurdle I had left to accomplish before I could go on this trip and that was to go through my grade 6 Guitar Exam. I was taking my exam after only around 6 months of having a new teacher, 3 months after learning my pieces, and 2 weeks after going through scales. As it was going to be the last guitar exam I was going to take, at least till I finish my studies, I was determined to give it my best. The morning of the 6th, I was feeling nervous as I did not know what to expect especially having not taken a music exam is the best part of  4 years.
Arriving at the place (It was at Holiday Villa Hotel), I waited for registration at 2.30. But because it was a Friday and the Muslims had their prayer time till around then, the person in charge of registration only arrived at around 2.45 or so. My music exam was supposed to be at 3 but due to this delay it got pushed back a bit. This only added to the nerves and stress of taking an exam. At 3.15 or so, my name was called and I entered the room. After around 30 minutes, I was done! Looking back in retrospect, I probably did not do all too well but it was the best I could do. =)

Once I reached home, it was all about getting ready for the trip. We left the house at around 6.30 as we had to check in at some time around 8-9? I cant really remember though. So yeah, once we reached there we had to wait in line. I tell you, the line for check in was freakishly long ( We used AirAsia). Unfortunately, we did not know about online check-in (More about that in another post) so we had to bear with it.

Halfway through the check-in line

After we checked-in our luggage, we went to McD to wait and so on so forth. Due to some delays, we only left LCCT around 12-ish I guess? I'm not gonna continue on about what is on the plane yada yada. All I can say is that I slept mostly but managed to take 1 shot which I really like.
And here it is:

This was nearby Aussie taken at 5.40am =) The sunrise was on the other side =(

To be continued...

Oh the Joy

Hi mates!

How have you all been yeah? Didn't post anything coz wasn't around the whole week. Well, if u don't know where i was, then too bad :P Just Kidding, I was having holidays in Australia with my family. I wont post the whole trip in this one post. Its suicide >.< But stay tuned and you will be able to read more about it ;)

Of Nasi Dagang and Keropok Lekor...

Hi guys/gals

Had a wonderful time last night with relatives, meaning uncles, aunties, and some wacky ( up to your discretion) cousins =) Uncle and Aunt came down from Terengganu and we had Nasi Dagang for dinner! Yay! (For those who don't know what it is, try using Google and find out =x) It's actually steamed rice with coconut milk and eaten with, on this occasion, fish+beef curry, acar, and pickled mangoes! Sounds so mouth watering right? Haha. We also had Keropok Lekor but not like the ones usually found here which have too much flour and too little fish. Heck no! The ones we had were authentic keropok lekor where there was more fish than flour (As it should be =D ) Sorry didn't take pictures of the food. Was too hungry =x

Other than that, had a wonderful time talking and joking around with my wacky cousins and brother. Here are some pics that I managed to take. 

Dinner! (Yes we eat with hands, most of us anyways) :)

Cousins! Oldies :P

Mum(L) and Aunt(R)

Hans! He's family too :P

Banana Cake anyone? :P

Cousins ( Psych vs Law)

Eldest Uncle (1st uncle) and the Mangos

That's all for now I guess. Sorry Su and Jo didnt manage to take your pics >.< 

Next time la kay? =D

Tata

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. I don't know what to post for the 1st post in this blog so here it is. Welcome! :D If u have a blog and want me to link it here please say so =)

My name is Jonathan Tan. Im currently a student studying in some University out there. I have interests in sports, games, and (quite recently) photography. Anything else, feel free to chat with me in person or otherwise.

See ya soon