ABC? Nope MBC...

Being a Malaysia and growing up in a multi-ethnics country is a privilege. A Chinese descent, I would always tell people that I am Chinese Malaysian. I am proud of my heritage as a Malaysian. I learned to speak in three languages fluently, amidst Malaysian ‘slang’ and also few other dialects.

            However, while growing up in Malaysia, I have also been labeled as  ‘ABC’ (American born Chinese: not sure why, when MBC might be more appropriate since I am born in Malaysia!), banana (being yellow on the outside and white inside), OCBC (Orang Cina bukan Cina; translated as A Chinese who is not Chinese) and what’s not! I have learned to take all that in my stride but sometimes I don’t feel comfortable when people, CHINESE, gave me a ‘kind’ of look when I said I don’t read and write Chinese! They always said how you could forget your root! *You know who you are!

            Since moving to the States in July 2010, I am comfortable here because everyone speaks what I understand. United State being culture melting pot of many nations and peoples, English is the common uniting language. Being a Malaysian who speaks three languages and few more dialects, people are always amazed with our abilities to speak more than one language. However, I faced one stereotype here, since I speak English differently from how a Chinese (from countries whose native language is Mandarin) speaks, people (read Chinese) thinks that I don't speak or understand Mandarin at all!

          I can't count number of times people are surprise when I spoke in Mandarin and they will stop what they are doing and look at me strangely and amazed! Many times, I have used that to my advantage. Once, I uttered something in Mandarin to distract my opponents in badminton to distract them from the game and won that crucial point! Many times too I have keep quite and just observed the conversation they are having!

           Here is one situation during the course of my work. I wanted to collect some East Asian DNA and I asked from some people I work with in the department. After explaining what I am doing and what I am going to do, here is the conversation that took place.

Me: So, would you help me by spitting some saliva in this kit? It's painless took about 5 minutes!

Chinese 1 (turned to her another friend and started to speak in Mandarin):  I don't want give him this sample. Not sure what he is going to do.

Chinese 2 (relying in Mandarin): Yah, me too.

Chinese 1 (turning back to me and replying in English): Let me think of this and will give you the samples later!

Me: Ok (and at the same time in my mind thinking, no you don't! Don't you think I don't understand?)

            I felt like answering them in Mandarin and look at the smirk in their faces, surprised that I can understand all their conversation all these while! However the sense in me hold that back and just smile and said thank you!

That is not just the first time I participate in 'silent' conversation and smiling in my heart!

Updates

Since the last post, which was 4 months ago, we have done a lot and a lot changes too. I, in particular, finding harder to have the time to post anything and felt that nothing much is there to write about since I have fall into the routine of work, home and church. However, in that short period of 4 months, MANY things changed.

1.     Went back to Malaysia for 2 weeks. It was a work-related trip and didn’t get a chance to meet up with many friends and relatives. I was ‘jailed’ in the lab most of the time.

2.     Visited Washington D.C. for the first time. Also work-related!

3.     Being a part of new cellgroup startup for our local church and has been busy preparing all the training materials.

4.     Work is hectic. The pace picked up so much since we returned from Malaysia and a lot of ups and downs too. Not complaining though, at least it is moving.

5.     Wrote 2 posts that I never posted on my blog. One might be sensitive and another I never get the chance to complete what I started. Maybe one day, I will have the courage to post it!

6.     Had been following a lot of news (social, politic, business, sport, etc) about Malaysia and most time, it is with certain feelings about how things are turning out…though most time angry and sad!

7.     Found out that I was terminated from work since July started…but now re-appointed again. So, my status now shows ACTIVE. Well, it’s computer glitch and now all has been fixed! Never know computer do take summer vacation too!

8.     And YES! Got a piece of news that a stock is flying our way! Yes, I am going to be a DAD! I still have 6 more months before packing my ‘social life’ into the box. Nevertheless, OVERJOYED. Hopefully, later, I won’t be one of those who will flood my own FB page with all the baby pictures and updates! If I do, you can ‘unfriend’ me!

So, there you go! A nutshell of what I can think of happened in the last four months! I might update my blog more often or I might be AWOL even for a longer period since I need to prepare for the arrival of the stock! After all, it’s summer time too!

Cioa!

Things that I missed about Malaysia

Having been in Hershey, PA for the past 8 months, I started to miss Malaysia a lot, well, maybe things in and about Malaysia. Here are some of the stuff...

1. Thunderstorms, it comes nearly every evening,
2. Nasi Kandar,
3. Single season weather, that I don't need to have so many sets of clothes and changes according to the seasons,
4. Gas stove, things seems to heat up faster and food to have 'extra flavor',
5. Wok, stir fried vegetables or even deep frying fish,
6. Mamak - nasi lemak,  teh tarik and roti canai, nearly a staple food for most Malaysian,
7.  Hawker stalls, the variety of foods and the noises and all in between,
8.Warm and humid weather; I can't believe I say this, but yes, after the winter and shoveling snow,
9. Friends, though new good friends were found and friendship built, friends at home still dearly missed,
10. Families, the last two seems to be understatement!

Happy Thanksgiving

This is our first time that we are celebrating Thanksgiving in US. We are excited to experience the celebration here. We are invited by our church friend to celebrate with their family and we are looking forward to it!

This year, we are thankful for God’s provisions and blessings upon our life. He has led us into new phase of life and a journey that is nothing short of excitement! Ezra 3:11 says

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid

Anyway, we just want to wish you Happy Thanksgiving!

 

3 months @ Hershey

I have been missing from this blog for a month now. Well, life gets more hectic when we get more settled down everyday.

Today officially marked that we have been here for 3 months. It’s also fall/ autumn season now. Weather is definitely colder as compared to the time when we arrived here 3 months ago in the middle of summer. Then it was around 80F and now, its around 55F.

 

Nevertheless, everyday, we are enjoying the cold weather, for the time being. Maybe, comes January or February, I will be crying out for summer to come faster.

What we have learned so far? Well, one thing definitely, put on more layers of clothes.

Secondly, trees are now turning yellowish and red and soon, brown and then all will FALL. While it’s a sight to behold, having about 6 HUMONGOUS trees around the house compound is not fun!

Squirrels. Cute! Now, a pest! Definitely. They are digging holes around the garden and turning grass into patches while at the same time, covering the whole place with nuts and corns! I still love the rabbits and occasionally the birds.

Food. Oh yes, food. While Facebook is good to catch up with friends and see what people are doing back in food haven- Malaysia, it’s not nice to see pictures of food. Emm…let me correct myself, it’s TORTURING! Yes, we miss Malaysian food. The smell, the rowdiness of restaurant and mamak. The varieties of food of all cultures. And yes, the hawker centers too!

People. We miss you all the most. There, I have said it! We miss our families and friends. We make new friends here but the fond memories we have with families and friends back home simply are treasured.

Affordability. Well, maybe the greenback value is more than the RM, but then, you earn and you spend here. In fact, it’s more expensive! Utilities bill are expensive. You pay for your sewer, gas, electric, trash and water. Apart from these, there are internet and phone bill too. So, how much? Let’s put it this way; it costs as much as my groceries bill for a month. Bare in mind, we buy a lot of groceries because we cook everyday for every meal!

AirAsia. Well, that’s affordability too! Travelling around here is so expensive. A three hours train ride from here to NYC cost USD45 one way. I guess, AA can do it for half the price! Hotel is expensive too!

Anyway, I love it here too. I love the simple fact that I can walk for 30 minutes to work and I don’t sweat, or at least not as much as in Malaysia. I love it that when I forget to tie my chips, it does not turn soft the next hour. I love the evening walk everyday after dinner. I love the dry weather here.

 

 

There are lots more. Shall blog about it in the next post!

5 reasons why you should do Science

5. You can play with fire and not worry about being scolded

4. You can play with dangerous chemicals, mixed it together and makes some nice sound and ‘blast’!

3. You can play with glass and breaks it. No, you don’t have to pay for the glass that you break or smashed!

2. You can write grants and get hundred of thousands dollars, but as the saying goes, great power comes with great responsibilities. So, great monies comes with great difficulties too…

1. Occasionally, you do and create something wrong and dumb and you become rich because of it. That’s how Viagra was invented!

One month in Hershey

1.  Got a Pennsylvania ID but then, it has expired. Still waiting for new permanent ID to arrive.

2. Met an accident but unhurt. The car belong to our friend is a write-off. Not because the damage is bad but the cost of repairing it is higher than the value of the car itself.

3. Bought a car and enjoying it.

4. Found a church, the first church we attended, and has since decided to be there. Trying to look for avenue to serve now.

5. Drove around Hershey and to the next town or city nearby. Nothing to shout about but then, driving on the different side of the road as I am used to is a major achievement, especially the bigger truck is always on your rear view mirror!

6. Went apple picking, but then, now looking for ways to finish the apples.

7. Trimmed the trees, raked the leaves and threw away 16 bags of yard waste. I have 3 more now on my lawn.

8. No more lizards and cockroaches, but spiders and ants!

9. Back home, there are stray dogs and cats. But here, it’s rabbits and squirrels and …fireflies.

10. Finally, smelled the chocolate-filled air in town. But it’s more like cookies rather than chocolate. Now I can truly tell people, I live in Hershey!

Is it in your shopping list?

I saw this ad in the newspaper last week. Man, this is a good ad with interesting pictures too. 

 

I turned in and saw this wonderful camouflage suits which make you feel like you are living a good summer time. But I am sure, you will stand out when you walk down the New York Times Square!

There are also the boots which help you to have a better footing and protect your feet when you go for a hike and walk in the jungle or the woods.

And then, there are nice tents for you to use too. If you like the higher view, well, there are chairs which you can hang up on the tree too..:)

And if you like what you see, you can but a sling shot and better still a bow for $329 only. This will guarantee at least a meal for you while you are in the wild. A deer maybe…

And you can find the arrow head with fancy design too. It’s all metal and with different designs to make sure your catch don’t run away.

Don’t like it? Too heavy or too much of a hassle? You need something which you can get it quick and clean? Don’t worry. There are more…

 

Shortgun anyone? And it’s cheaper than a desktop. You can get one at $299.99. Want a fancier one? Well, you can get better shortgun. After all, it’s mostly below $1k.

No? Ok. I get it. More impact. More style!

Pump gun? How do you like that? From a rifle that costs $99.99, which is cheaper than my handphone, and to the more expensive model of $1399.99. You like some semi auto, you got it.

Man…Do you use all this while you go hunting?

And the best of all, the target loads, or bullets…It’s only $6.49 for a box of 25 and it’s on sale. 20% sale! Too expensive. Well, you can buy in bulks too.

And it’s only $16.99 for 525 rounds!

Man…now, remember, all these come in the Sunday newspaper advertisement, there is a toll-free number to call and the website to access to.

And I have to be credit checked and pay a $500 deposit just to get a handphone here?!

10 things I learned after I arrived!

10. All their units are in imperial unit,

9. Chili sauce are made from tomato puree,

8. Most of the food are salted and their Chinese food sweetened,

7. Every time you want to subscribe to a service, you will be ‘credit check’ for your credit history,

6. You need a phone number so that you can be reached to subscribed to a cell phone service although it’s a pre-paid service,

5. It’s all about tax and tips,

4. You have to listened hard to differentiate the pronunciation of can and can’t. I now says ‘I can’ or ‘I cannot’!,

3. People drive on the right side and even walk on the right side of the corridor,

2. Most of them think their summer is too humid and hot for them. Wait till they are in tropical countries and they will know what is hot and humid, and

1. All their toilet don’t have a hose or tap. Do remember to bring  wet tissueS if you want it really clean after your ‘business’!

Moving

Soon, we will be moving to US. Well, Hershey in particular. I don’t like to call it migrating, well, it is not. We hope to come back here in another few years. However, as the date draw nearer, more and more stuff is cropping up for us to settle. Anyway, I know we are having a mixed feeling about everything now.

For once, a lot seems to be a lot mores sentimental. I start to have the ‘this-will-be-the-last-and-don’t-know-when-will-be-back’ feeling now. The last time I am going to cut my hair in this barber shop, last time dining in the various restaurants, last time meeting up with our friends in Malaysia. A lot of last time, at least before our trip to US…

Packing. The number of bags seems to be increasing and the weight too. It doesn’t help especially when ‘this also I want, that also I want’ and keep asking question like, Do you think I can get that there? Let’s be safe!

Family members. It’s always the hardest to be away or part with them. Close friends too. Have been praying hard that we don’t cry on the day.

Trying to expect what to be expected. It’s an exciting but scary experience to go to a new place. It’s always very easy if it’s for a month or two, but when you know it’s for a long term and you don’t have your return ticket, it’s scary. How will be people be like? How will your colleague like? how is the working experience? How will be the weather? a lot of uncertainty and questions but I guess, that’s life and have to trust God. 

Nevertheless, it will be exciting to try to stay in a different country and culture. It will be new experience for us from the all-year-round summer country and to enjoy the new four seasons and having sun rises at 5am and set at 10pm during summer.

It will be exciting to learn new things and although the same language but might be a bit different of how we are going to use the word or even to pronounce it!

Let see how it goes and I do hope I can have time to continue to update this blog. If not, let’s hope my wife will get on the bandwagon of blogging!

Adios!

And everything in between – Malaysian Drivers

Some questions (and suggestions) I always have about (for)  Malaysian driver.

1. Don’t they know how to use the indicator light when they want to change lane or to stop at the side?

2. Green light GO, yellow light, ready to stop and red light STOP and NOT, I mean NOT Yellow light is still CAN GO and Red light, GO lah…colour blind ka?

3. Don’t you know how to use the ‘round-about’? I know some countries don’t have that but if you stay at the outer lane, you have to exit at the next exit. You don’t keep circling at the outer lane!. NO, indicator doesn’t apply here because we can’t see at that angle!

4. Hey! Yellow box is there for a reason. You don’t stop in it and turn your head away and ignoring the driver that you just stop in their way. And by the way, you are causing all the jam too!

5. Oh…road is for you to drive and not to park your car! If you want to park your car, there is something call CAR PARK!

6. Motorist, I know that you can go faster than a lot of cars and you can squeeze in between cars, but you don’t have to show your skills at the outer lane of the highway. I know you are good and skillful but, my car can be more POWERFUL. Safety first man.

7. Why you must turn on your radio so loud that I can also hear what you are listen too…actually, to think of it, do all of you play the same music? It always goes boom, boom, boom…Do you hear my music too? It goes honk, honk, honk…

8. I wonder how many of you actually know there are designated lanes to turn right, left or to go straight at the traffic light and junctions. Not all lanes can do everything you like. Right lane to turn right, left lane to turn left…oh…you don’t know which is left and right? Then, I would suggest that you…… STOP DRIVING!

9. Come on, driving can’t be that hard. You don’t need to tailgate someone else car to eliminate the wind drag to your car. And by the way, it doesn’t save you any petrol too. I know because I watch Mythbusters and they said so! Don’t believe me, next time watch that too! Oh…by the way, some times I do apply brake to my car to slow down because cars in front are slowing down too and they are STOPPING. Sorry, I can’t twitter to inform you earlier because you DON’T twit and drive!

10. Don’t talk on handphone while driving applies at ALL speed. No, you are NOT safer if you travel at 20kph and talk on the phone while you hog the road. And no, the polices still see you while you travel at that speed while talking on the phone, you don’t go invisible!Summon doesn’t come in speed categories (I hope so and yes, pun intended!) except when you over-speed! Oh, by the way, the same goes for those who want to smoke and drive, twit and drive, snap-a-pic and drive, tour-guide and drive and drink and drive too…maybe not drink and drive – you can’t even go straight what more to follow traffic rules!

Happy driving folks! And welcome to Driving in Malaysia 101: Do’s and Don’ts or is it vice-versa?

I wonder why

Some of my random thoughts of Chinese New Year.

1. Why do people gives ang pow (red packet with money inside) during Chinese New Year?

2. Why we must have so much of food during Chinese New Year reunion dinner and at the end, ended up eating the left over for days?

3. Why everything must be new?

4. Why do people put up red lantern?

5. Why more Malays are playing fire crackers during CNY then Chinese ? (at least at where I stay in Penang)

6. Why more houses are decorated in the Christmas mood rather the Chinese New Year atmosphere?

7. It’s reunion time. Can we have reunion elsewhere together, like in KL? It save a lot of trouble like traffic jams, packed sardines at every supermarket/ shops/ market, etc.

8. Which is the real, original Chinese New Year song?

9. Why do we celebrate Chinese New Year for 15 days? Isn’t New Year is just on the first day?

10. What is it about  new red under garments? WHO CARES!

 

I guess I am a Chinese but still have a lot to learn! And obviously I do have ONE last question…

Can we forget and ABOLISH the ang pow tradition? or can I don’t gives this year?

Have a great and blessed Chinese New Year everyone! Have a good reunion and fellowship with loved ones!

Remember, don’t drive too fast and keep to the speed limit!

Don’t go faster than the angels do!

A year in review

What a good way to end the year! I finally completed my manuscript. Well, at least I hand it for editing and review.

It’s good to take off the burden from the shoulder….

Anyway, looking back the whole year, I must thank God, how can I thank Him enough, for everything.

This year started with a bang for me. For first, I hand in my PhD thesis last December and in January, I am applying for job everywhere. However, God arrange is a special way. He brought someone into my life which I never know nor heard before. I was introduced to an ex-National Museum director, a professor from US (actually two, husband and wife) and another from Oxford University. We end up collaborating with them.

After the initial meeting, I was offered to do my post doctorate in Penn State University over in Hershey, PA, in February. We pray over it and I talk to various one of the offer, in particular my  grandfather.  My wife went over to Los Banos, Phillipines in February too and it is the longest time that we are apart since we got married in 2007. Towards the end of February, actually on the 27th, I was called for my viva to defend my PhD thesis. Added a title to my name and now offically a Dr.

March went by doing some minor editing for my thesis. I received the official offer letter to work in US too. Attended the CZone camp and have a blast there.

Attended the GLN conference in Singapore and have another wonderful time.

We have our biggest Easter March event in April and we march around Kajang town and proclaims that Jesus is Alive and He reign in the town. We also pray for the town safety and prosperity!

I hand in my final bind copy my thesis to the university in May and finally lifted all the burden I carry for the last 6 years. Finally… I was also hospitalized in May because of dengue but then, God’s hand is upon me!

In June, I have another first in my life. First time, I travel to the US. First time I actually gone that far and spending about 3 weeks there. Again, this is the longest time apart from my wife.

In July, we travelled to Beijing for conference and spend about 8 days there. Attended the conference and visited the Forbidden City, Bird Nest, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and other various places. Travelled in a bullet train for the first time too.

Come August, I attended my long awaited graduation ceremony. I finally can wear my ‘mushroom’ hunter’s hat and red robe. Felt like Harry Potter!

September, October and November went by smoothly without anything major. In October, CZone have a great worship concert and again, its awesome to be soaking in the presence of God.  All the time, I am working and travelling to various places in Malaysia to visit Orang Asli villages.

In November, we celebrated our 2 years of marriage anniversary. God is good and blessing us with a wonderful marriage.

December came by quickly and have a great Christmas and now anticipating another great New Year 2010.

Looking back, I never expected to leave the country or even working overseas. However, God always has His plan and throw surprises into our life.

What could I say, if you have tasted His wonderful blessing and goodness, you will wait and anticipate for more!

Look back and thank God,

Look forward and trust God,

Look around and serve God,

Look within and find God!

 

Oh…did I mention I have completed my manuscript?

 

Blessed New Year!

Charter for Compassion

I have heard of so much of random acts of kindness that rendered by people who we don't know are realise they are there. Yet when times of needs arises, they volunteered themselves to act. It can be just a simple act like holding an umbrella for us during the rainy days and when we don't have an extra hand or to donating to a person who is so much in need of the money although it is just RM5.

Such a story or act actually soften my heart and makes me realise that humanity and compassion still exist in this world which is so self-centred and 'kiasu'(afraid to loose).

Newspaper today bombard us with news that will just 'tear us' apart rather than positive news. As such, when I received an email from TED, I am so encouraged.

At least now there are people who documented an act of kindness or compassion done by people for people. By people like you and me and for people like you and me.

This Charter for Compassion have so much of random acts done by people. You can go there and read of the random acts and be lifted up or you can also signed up and support the charter.

Cheers and have a great day!

Am I overdoing it?

It never occur to me one day I will asked myself this question, am I overdoing it?

If you have been following my blog, you will realise by now that I love travelling and capturing every moments of it in pictures. However, lately, I have been travelling quite a lot. In fact, for the past 2 months, I have only stay at home for about a week.

I have been to New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Hershey over in US for about 3 weeks. From there, I flew back and travelled to Kuching and Sibu for week before travelling back to hometown for about 4 days to visit my parent and grandparent. Then, I have about 5 days at home to do some work and catch up with some errand and church work. Then, I travelled to Beijing, China for about 8 days.

 

However, I don't really enjoy the trip in Beijing as much as I would love too. When I am there, I longed to go back home. I have never had that feeling before that is so strong. Every time I longed to go back home is because I missed my wife too much to be away from her. But this time, she is with me in Beijing and I longed to go back home.

So, am I overdoing it?

But then again, this will not stop soon. It will continue till year end. I have 8 Orang Asli villages to visit in 2 months when I get back to Malaysia. Then, I am leaving for US again in October and to Dominica in November.

I guess this is working life!

On another note, I am not looking forward to the trip in October because that means I will be away from my wife for a long period. We have never been away from each for more than 3 weeks before and this time round will be for about 6 months!

I do hope I can stop the time! But then again, God always in control.

A walk with the Creator

I had a relaxing weekend today. I didn't do much but some laundry and take a walk in the park. I enjoy nature and when there are opportunity for me to go for a walk in the park, I will always go.

So, today, I spend some time walking and armed with my faithful camera, I took some pictures too. This time, I visited the Bullfrog Valley park. Well, actually my second time here.

I simply love this place. You can walk under the canopy and protected from the hot sun.

 

Isn't that beautiful? Actually the trail was created not too long ago and now it's extended through the town of Hershey. The story of the trail comes with a sad story.

Well, back in 1998, Jonathan Eshenhour was riding his bicycle and at that time, there was no bicycle trail nor walking path in Hershey. He was killed when he rammed into a wall. In remembrance of him, this parents decided to raise fund and built walking cum cycling trail. This fund raising was well received and until now, they are still building the trail and extending it for people.

Well, because of him and the work of his parents, now we have this nice beautiful trails that take us across the town of Hershey. However, I have not walk all of it. You simply can't. It's too long...

Anyway, back to the park...they have a nice little lake where you can fish too. Apparently, there are quite many people who comes here to fish. At the pond, there are also geese and ducks...

As I was taking the picture, a thought just came through my mind. I wonder, where will this ducks and geese be if it was back at home? Will it still be happily swimming here at the lake or it already end up in somebody dinner table?

I  just walked across the street from here and the whole scenery changes...I am simply in awe...

Well, this is a wheat field. It's summer soon so it's going to be harvested. I can just simply look to the horizon and all I can see are wheat fields and corn fields. The view is simply stunning.

I enjoyed the walk so much. It was a wonderful time to relax and be alone at the same time be with God. I am simply thankful for Him for everything that He has done and He is doing and for all that He has created. The verse Matt 9:37 just literally 'jumped' to me. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into his harvest field.

Anyway, here are more pictures I took in the evening with the Lord.