Windfall.

As mentioned earlier, here I am again. The catalyst to my urge to write another post was a special remark made by my friend. We all love positive reinforcements, don't we? :)

Just a random thought. What would you do if you had a windfall of say, 1 million dollars? Well what is 1 millon dollars these days, so many people are millionaires. With inflation, rise of living costs, increase in life expectancy - circumstances changed. The value of a million has diminished since.

Well, let's step it up to $10,000,000. What would you do if you had a windfall of $10m?

The answer may constructed by many factors - way of life, status, vision and dream. For example - Ser Siang, I know he is passionate about combating hunger. If he had abundance of health to dispose (wait, he already has!), he would probably donate food to feed the needy or even set up a research institute that generates crops at faster rate? Another friend of mine, Ker Lee shared a similar point of view, she ultimately would use her wealth to fight against diseases and hunger, aiding those in need.

We've lead a comfortable life, sometimes it's good to realize the not-so-perfect side of life. It's terrific to help the less fortunate when you can afford to.

On the other hand, some would say, they dream to increase the literacy level in Malaysia, set up more libraries and affordable learning institutions.

Besides all these selfless thoughts, there are who are simpler and have other intentions. I've heard that one would stop working and live on with comfort because $10m is good to feed one person till he/she reaches their deathbed. How about dreams, legacy, the world is offspring is going to be born into?

I shall share my thoughts on what I would do if I had such a windfall. Because I came from a middle-class family, my aspirations may differ a little.

Firstly, I would delegate a portion of the wealth for investment - be it properties, stocks, land, start a F and B chain or anything that enables capital appreciation and generate returns (what to do, we humans have insatiable desire for wealth).

Next, I would like to share with you I have a dream, my dream is to nurture. I want to nurture, teach, guide and develop people. Be it helping a school kid achieve his gold medal in sports, helping an overweight person to be fit, or even simply inspire one to be a better member of the society.

Recently, the London Olympics was held. Even more recent was the Paralympics. Heck, when I saw a photo of the trainer leading blind sprinters in a 100m event, I had goosebumps. I thought to myself, the paralympic athletes are amazing beings, their determination is out of the world! But the patience and dedication of their trainers are not short of the description of amazing either. I've even seen a blind Kenyan marathon runner. Hats off to these people who give us more to ponder on humanity.

Respect.

Because of my enthusiasm in sports, I wish to set up an academy that would train, nurture young talents. There's so much that sports can offer besides shaping you to be fit, it cultivates discipline. My passion to nurture and develop someone may be related to my urge to start a family and have kids. Imagining the little ones develop into fine beings (no matter how tough it is), ah that would make me smile - a smile that I would proudly bring to my grave.

Next, I would pamper those who are dear to me - my family, extended family, wife (if I'm ever blessed with one), close friends. Seeing people around me happy makes me happy. Note the title of my blog; "It's you that matters". It has never changed since 2005 when I started this blog. When I said it's you that matters, it doesn't refer to a specific girl, mind you. It actually refers to everyone close to me, each and everyone of you matters to me, in whatever extend of proximity.

Lastly, I would love to travel everywhere else! I used to be a school boy Geography-nerd, I love looking at atlas, maps and identifying flags. Among the places that I would like to visit are New York, Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Venice, Capri, Rome, The Alps, Seoul, New Zealand, Maldives, Beijing, Yangtze River, Hong Kong, South Africa & so much more! So far I've only crossed Malaysian borders to Thailand, Singapore, London and Melbourne - but not forgetting my trip to Tokyo by end of this year! I would love to see every other part of the world :).

I may have came to the end of my thoughts for today. Need to keep some brain juice flowing for work tomorrow. Back to reality! But yeah - those are my thoughts and wish that I would like to realize them some day.

Morphed.

Greetings to all exisiting/non-existing readers of this forsaken blog.

I am guessing if you are reading this blog, it is either you care about me, missed me, wondering if I'm still alive, you're a stalker, or you're just really bored. I choose to think you care and missed me, thank you - for being here, means a lot to me.

I would to shed some light on why I've been missing from the blogging community and what I've been up to. Heck, as I log in to Blogspot it's like a completely different avenue.

Firstly, I've lost the enthusiasm - the drive to write long posts or update what I've been up to. I used to blog about what I eat, where I go, or even who I am out with - not anymore. Yes, the attention from readers is welcoming and warm but I guess I learned that we can't be contented in every sense.

Secondly, I've out-grown the past-Meng Leong. The relatively more carefree, younger me is a little less carefree now. Stepping into the corporate world and thinking in businesses point of view shape you that way. I work in a bank, and frankly speaking it is not as 'fun' and probably a little dry. What was I thinking, putting 'fun' and bank in the same sentence just doesn't intermingle, does it? But I'm very thankful of the lovely working environment I'm in, lovely colleagues and boss - never short of light hearted moments without compromising productivity. In addition, I love the work life balance at OCBC, it is superbly pleasant as I move up my learning curve. My brain juice has been sapped for as long as a sun rises till it sets 5 days a week, I just didn't have the mood to blog.

Next, the lack of things to talk about. I dare say Banker-Meng-Leong is a lot less happening than Student-Meng-Leong. Haha it doesn't mean life is as dull as shit now, my life's good - pardon me, probably just tad bit lazy and giving excuses.

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A little history session now, bear with me. It's been a long, long time since I first started this blog in 2005 - & much has changed. Secondary school, sports, games, falling head over heels for her, tertiary education, marathon, so much more & now. I've morphed - so have the people around me.

How different did ML morphed? Banker-Meng-Leong now ENJOYS reading newspaper from end to end (yes, 'enjoys' needs to be in capital letter because I find reading newspaper delightful!). I am very mindful of how to allocate and use my resources now, like every prudent, responsible adult should be. I've grown to force myself think for the long run, before you label me as Mr. Boring (or UNCLE BORING), I am just a little less of the in-the-moment-kinda-guy, you get the drift. Don't get me wrong I still enjoy the fine (and not so fine) things in life, just with a clearer conscience. On the other hand, I dare say I'm fitter now :). My stamina has improved tremendously from my consistency in training and all, and you must agree with me that being physically well is just bliss, isn't it?

No matter how we change, crucially we should have clear goals and move forward instead of regressing. I've shared with you a little of which part of me changed, now I tell you what remained the same.

My determination. If I've set my mind to get something done, nothing or very few things can stop me. Stubborn, maybe - but a good kind of stubbornness. It's sometimes a struggle to not over-do something that might implicate overwhelming consequences. In short, I sometimes need a reminder on when to stop, because I sometimes may run out of clue on whether I've crossed the line. I might not keep in touch with all my friends or even you - but you must know you are always held close to heart. 

If you've read from top to here, you would have a little insight on what have been going through my noodle :).

In case you forgotten how I looked like,

Here is a shameless reminder ;)

Writing here is refreshing. I absolutely hope the existence of this dear blog has not been completely forgotten. That's it for now!

Cheers, to a better tomorrow.

Love endures all things.

:)

Go the extra mile for the ones you love. Don't give up.

Empty.

Lately, things have been different. Really different. :\
I'm not some who's fond of such situations, sadly.

Really wish to express my thoughts and spill it all out here like I used to, but I dare not. So much at stake, so much emotions involved.

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To sum up what I've been up lately,

At Kampar, savouring the moments. As you can see Choon Lim and Ooi enjoying the scenery by the campus lake ahha.


Worked at Proton's Badminton Malaysia Open 2010, which was memorable in a way that I didn't want it to be. Koo Kien Keat's Hokkien by the way. Congrats on your title!


Recently celebrated my cousin, Irene's 21st birthday :).

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Just came back from Ethan's farewell dinner. Feels surreal thinking Ethan's gonna leave. It's gonna be really different without you around Ethan. You are a responsible fella and a very dependable friend.

Watch out girls, this tanned hunk is coming to New Zealand to make you sway.

2005 at Penang. Haha remember those times Ethan, Siang, Dina, Jane? :)

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1 day left to Kuala Lumpur Masters' City Day Relay. Unfortunately I had a bad fall during Ethan's farewell-handball and injured my hips. Limping now, but I'm positive I will run this race with every ounce of energy I have although it means bearing tremendous pain.

Take my words Yong Meng and Kevin, I will not let the team down :).

Bring it on.

Visitor :O

Lately it has been raining very often, we all prefer to stay at home - no one actually would like to linger out of their house.

But at my Kampar house, I've got a visitor who lingered out of his 'house'.
Probably running away from home cause screwed up his exam grades?
Seeking warmth and shelter?
Or probably running away from his abusive wife?
Hmmm.

Guess who came to visit?

A Mini Python :O

Flies these days.

Flies these days are so happening - Baby maggots in the making :\.
(taken at UTAR Sports Complex)

Since when #3 is unlucky ? :(

I apologize for not updating properly, it seems as like I've lost my blogging mojo. Gone were the days I use to blog at least twice a week.

Hmm I have to say it here, going through FMLs is heck of an entertaining pass time if you're online and have no idea of what to do.

A random FML pick;

(click to enlarge)

Had a few happenings lately, a number of unpleasant ones.

What is happening at Kampar lately? There had been a series of unfortunate events here relating the number 3. 3 fatalities from the bridge-collapsed-Sg.-Kampar incident, 3 fatalities from a car accident, and 3 fatalities - UTAR students at waterfall. Since when #3 is unlucky :(?

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Let's move on from those unpleasant news. Innocent, adorable, young children/babies. They are such a joy to have around. You little ones make me smile :).

Chin feeling cold in the morning.

Her 1 month old brother.

Her cutie 2 year old sister.

Her fat cousin(Foong Foong) driving Camry.

These cuties arh :).

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For your information, on the date the UTAR-student-waterfall-drown incident, a bunch of us went to waterfall as well.

Thank God there weren't anything bad happened during that trip.

Wait, there is - we forgotten to feast on the cendol pulut that we planned earlier>=(.

Check this out.

Check this out if you're missing Wei Kit who's at UK now.
Check this out if you think Dillion is tall and he's good in cooking.
Check this out if you think Yong Meng has the coolest eye brows ever.
Check this out if you STILL think Ethan is the best, undisputed, most expressive P*star ever.
Check this out if you miss Weng Fai aka Bobo and think he's cute.
Check this out if you think Seng Tuck looks like a mouse.

6 guys, 1 blog.

Ser Siang made Malaysians proud at Macau.

Jac told me she saw Ser Siang on sweatlee.com, I was revising, but then decided to take a short break and blog-hop, reading sweatlee.com and I stumble upon this.

(click to enlarge)
Hope you wouldn't mind me featuring you here 'dolly' :b.

& Ser Siang will be back at Malaysia for 3 days this week. :)

I despise you, Mr. Weather.

Is it me, or is the weather recently becoming unbearably hot?

The air is still - Oh dear wind where are you?
There are not much clouds subsiding the blazing sun beams.
It has not rained for weeks already I suppose.

Is it only at Kampar or other places as well?

What can we do? I don't have air-conditioner in my room.


... Sleep naked. - That's what I've been doing.
It helps a little :).

Recently

Recently, I encountered, a SHARK!

Does a Shark bag count?
Cool bag though, I couldn't resist taking a shot of his bag.

--

Recently, I had.. scrumptious burgers!

This stall is located at the same row as A-station, in front of a shop that looks like 7 Eleven :p.

There are quite a number of burger stalls around the area, hmm 5?
But this particular stall is the most convincing choice as the burgers are selling like hot cakes!
Having late night burger cravings? This is the stall you're looking for! But it closes at 1am though.

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Recently, I went over to East Lake a lot.
There, you can find the culprits of the cow dungs all over the place.

FAT one!
I bet his faeces is as fat!


I found one thin one too!
On the road divider lol.
So thin, he reminds me of that animal Lord of Avernus is riding(Dota players would know what I'm talking about:p)
Alright excuse me, I should cut down on the time spent playing Dota.

I've been traveling a lot on motorbike, mucho thanks to Shih Yeong who has been ferrying me around when I'm not cycling.

Haha, what, I wanna know how I look like in helmet other than softball helmets :p.

Sun setting - UTAR's East Gate.

**

I'm very pleased with Shih Yeong and his other housemates with the hospitality they provide me, they treated me as if I'm one of them living in their house. Thank you :).

I sleptover and had dinner there several time - dinner prepared by Shih Yeong, Jason, and others.

Why are the dudes in the kitchen and the ladies were actually at the living room watching movies -_-?

Tom Yam Fried Rice, Duck Egg Fried Rice and Grass Jelly drink. I love it!

**

Last Monday, we celebrated the Thein twins' birthday.

The girls preparing for the steamboat dinner. A great sight :D!

Awww loving brothers. Happy Birthday Chong Hou and Chong Kiat!

---

Lastly.
Recently, I saw..

Not this dude with that bag again?
I like the fact he chose to be different and use such funky bag though.
Ooo and can you see a stork flying at the top right hand corner of this picture :D?

Stimulating.

Nike Free 3.0.

A trip to Maldives.

Nike Lunar Racer/Trainer.

Nike First Touch Indoor.

Nike Mercurial Vapour Indoor.

Nike Super Ligera.

& Jac :).

Happy Valentines to all lovebirds!

I hit a Jac-pot :)

So far, I can say I'm making good use of my time around. I've been up to a lot of stuffs including catching up with my buddies.

My Asus laptop is all up and ready :).

I'm aware I'm turning into a dull blogger. Never blogging about stuffs that interest any of you. But well, I'm sorry for that. I think I've lost my blogging-mojo :(.

At the moment, I would like to share my current personal thoughts, of the things and people I'm gonna miss when I study at Kampar.

Firstly, of course my family. My loving old man, the ever-nagging mother, studious brother, Fahrenheit-freak younger sister, and I-know-everything-in-the-house youngest sister.

Secondly, my friends. Yes, you. I'm sorry I've never acted like I appreciate you guys, but deep down in me, I truly appreciate every single one of you, my friends. Even you lucky people who are currently studying abroad, pursuing your respective future prospects. From U.S., to U.K., to Australia.

& how can I not miss her, Jacqueline Chan Choi Quin. Early this year, I never thought 2008 would be year someone come into my life. She rose up to the task, the task of filling up my empty glass of longing-ness for a special someone. & heck babe, you're amazing. You're understanding, truthful, affectionate and I can go on listing the whole day. I can't believe you can stand my rants cause even my mother can't. Yes we both have bumpy roads along the way, but which couple never felt any bumps? The bump I meant was obstacles and not the bum, one's behind :).

We're so use to seeing each other often, I think I'll find it awfully tough not to have you around for half a year. Along the time frame, I'll try to come back as often as I could. I'll miss playing with ur hair, and ur bouncy belly :D. I know you'll miss getting your hands on my brawny pair of assets (the assets were refering to my legs, mind you) and what else, 'move it move it'? LOL.

I've come up with this collage of us, merely cutting and pasting. Not gonna be the most brilliant you've ever seen but I like it. Do you ? :)

Babe, thank you for the wonderful blissful time, and I'm sure we'll have to welcome more in the future :).

I love you, Jac, you gorgeous little thing you.
I'm here blogging in the wee hours in the morning, and you're probably sleeping. Without replying my message. (I like to make her feel bad :D) Haha joking.




& so it continues.
It's not like I'm leaving for somewhere really far away, but wtf don't spoil the moment.

If anyone wishes to drop by at Perak, don't forget to ring me and I shall entertain you :D.

I've just read Wei Kit's blog a while ago, and man Wei Kit, your post is so inspiring I banyak suka. Tomorrow morning I'm determined to wake up early to do interval runs! :) It's about time I consider working hard to stay as fit as I could.

Oh no, now it's already 3am+ tomorrow can wake up early anot ? :\

She likes to move it move it ;)

I'm finally done with my Foundation!
2008 passed by so, so quickly.

It felt as if Thian Hong barely left us and now he's back again. 2008 has been nonetheless, a truly memorable one, chiefly due to the fact I met my special one ;).

This December is the month that I made a few larger-than-normal spending prior to moving to Kampar cum this January.

Firstly I bought a new handphone,

Sony Ericsson K770i.
Indeed it's true Sony Ericsson phones have great features and functions, but I miss flipping my phone with the old V3i :(.
Bought this phone at Digital Mall with Thian Hong to assist me in both choosing and bargaining :D.

and for helping me with my purchase decision, Thian Hong's never too shy to say;

"TAKE MY PICTUREE LEONG!"

haha :D.

Besides that I went to PC fair with Ser Siang, and got myself a brand new Asus Laptop.

--

Guys, if there's a record on Who-Can-Stay-at-McDonalds-the-Longest (exception for those who's working, I think a possible candidate would be my girlfriend, Jacqueline Chan Choi Quin, and her assignment groupmates.

Believe it or not, on Saturday she stayed at Seksyen 14's Mc Donalds from 7.30am to 11pm. That is a freaking 15 hours and 30 mins! Even the workers has only a shift of 8hours and maximum 12hours. Nutcase. She and her groupmates were all working towards completing 6 assignments for 6 different subjects. Even I myself, who's not involve in the assignment, was there for 11hours. I was there to study and in the meantime give moral support :b.

Mei Chern and Jac at around 10pm. Still steady ahh.

I'm here to share something not very pleasant to the eye with you. Look,

You must be thinking, "Cheh quite oily la, but biasa la ni"

"Woah this oil what brand arh?"

"GG That's triple eww mannn" - 3 of the sheets were wiped at the same period of time from the same source :b.

---

One day wasn't enough, Jac and her groupmates went there again on Sunday. I forgotten how long was it but I recall it was morning till night again =_=.

That day, marked the 2nd month of us being together :).

My gift for her - folded roses using serviette & a stressed up student :p.
The 'sifu' of the art of folding these rose is none other than Thian Hong himself. Thanks dude ;).

Guess what, the following day was a public holiday and she went to Mc D again. LOL la.

---

One of the weekend, went to 1u with Thian Hong, Khy Li and Sarah Ooi after sleeping over at Khy Li's.

Thian Hong and Khy Li.
Haha can't resist taking with my new 3.2megapixel Cybershot phone ah. If you're a regular shopper you would recognise this is 1u's carpark haha.

--

Later on the week was just intense studying for both Finance and Cost Accounting. Felt kind of bad for cancelling a few plans.

This was taken at Tropicana's library playing with Jac's HTC Touch. which is more expensive than the laptop I just bought. >=(

--

I've got around 2 weeks + to catch up with my friends and family here before moving to Kampar.
A big part of my time will be used as I'll be working during the weekends at Tesco. Since I spend so much lately, it's good to earn back a sum of money. Besides that, yeah.

Meng Leong make good use of your time!

Grown

Boo.
I sincerely apologize for the lack of updates. If you're an avid reader of my blog, you can look to point fingers at the following reasons. The regular dota sessions and of course entertaining my big baby. No, I'm not a daddy yet though I know how to change diapers, the big baby would be my girlfriend, if you would like to know.

The previous week was my last week studying at UTAR's PJ campus. Dude, 3 semesters, 1 year passed by so fast, comparable to how fast Ser Siang and his mum can communicate.

No more classes, and that would mean I'm having my study break, gearing up for my FINALS. It sucks when others are having fun, getting wasted, shopping, having slumber parties and pillow talks when you're sulking at home in front of your self-made notes trying to absorb facts like a sponge.

--

So don't you realise we are getting a number of imigrants(refering to friends from Aussies, no offense :D) coming to Malaysia? Yeaa WELCOME BACK guys :). Especially Thian Hong :D.

Upon Zac-Vin's return, we played handball with the gay batch of 2007 and current form3s. I left class early to play with them, only with my boxers on since I didn't have my sports attire.

Then on the 27th, it was Thian Hong's turn to arrive back to Malaysia.
Hongster gave his close friends each a really thoughtful gift, a tag, with our name on and his initials. Thanks bro.

On that very night itself, Khy Li and Edwin brought a group of us all the way to Klang to have dinner.

Dang they have the best-est "lai yau lai lui ha" (butter mantis shrimp) man.
On top of that, I'm suspecting that dish was the cause of sudden pimples popping out.

& OMG you know what's turning on? I was by the door of Yi Ching's room and she was dota-ing. DAMN. Khy Li played the role of a brother well:D(taught his sister how to dota haha)!

--

The following day, I joined Siang to play futsal with supposedly his classmates. No biggie.

*yawn.

At 7pm it was futsal again with the regulars at Footy. Man, Footy shucks :(.

Anyway that night itself, Thian Hong and myself slept over at Siang's.

There's no other people I spend more time on the bed sleeping with other than Thian Hong and Ser Siang. Don't worry Jac, you will beat them in that soon :b.
Ser Siang who was initially tired, rejuvenated after watching Astro On Demand and can be seen playing some racing game.

This is Thian Hong sleeping like a Teddy Bear like how Fardina would address him.

I myself did play a few rounds of Dota myself on Siang'scomp.

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The next morning, we, which means Thian Hong, Ser Siang and I meet up with the Ongs, Khy Li and his family to have our brunch which I was looking forward to :D.

Without a doubt we have a great time chatting and eating with the Ongs :).

After that, Khy and I had 1 on 1 Dota :D.
We shall have our decisider match soon :).

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Now, I'm gonna Dota with my girlfriend's brother before Thian Hong ask to go out for supper. Ciao.