MayDay - Like Smoke
This song has been a staple in my playlist ever since I found it a couple of years ago. The arrangements and the mysterious nature of my own feeble interpretation of the lyrics (yes it is marginally weak my command of said language) that really intrigued much and prompted to search high and low for the translations. I suppose things might get lost in translation as I thought then when I successfully find it; but mayhap so, the lyrics bounced back and it hit home that this is by far my most favorite Mayday song.
I've been keeping a mental note to post it here since then, but seemingly May itself has been a great joyride for me and I certainly woke up this morning and remembered about it.
Thursday, 1 June 2017
Tuesday, 30 May 2017
Year Two | A Clue To Nowhere & Everywhere | (I'm) Not Alone
And so, it has been 2 years, dear Sis.
Ma had been thinking about what you told her years ago about your vision to preach the Word to tens of thousands, and she likens the idea that you'd probably be having a ball of a time in doing so right now up there somehow.
We are doing good, by the blessing and grace of God, but I suppose you know that somehow.
We went and visit and tidy up the niche yesterday (sorry, too exhausted come night time when we reached home) and we got you 2 roses too for the shriveled up plant.
And I left a piece of treasure hunt clue for you, I reckon it should probably be gone by my next visit, but I am glad I did that treasure hunt in my memory of you, as I believe somehow there must be a reason for me to remember fondly of your love for Pirates of The Caribbean which coincidentally the 5th in the series opened last week; and your knack of organizing games and treasure hunts.
It certainly was a challenge as I've traced that I'd never made a treasure hunt before, but with His strength and 2 friends to help me out over the 5-6 days and I suppose I did a brilliant game, combining elements of Pirates (gold coin hunting n' bartering, clues , complete with language that you were curious on how I could read my facebook with years ago) and Biblical references (and fellowship) and also incorporating technology (+ mystery) into physical games such as this; and at the end of it, I really wished you'd get a slice of the action from your baby brother, somehow.
This year is going to be a treadmill of emotions, with our many shared favorites coming to remind me so much of your absence. We always talked about how unmake-able and ridiculous a Dark Tower movie/series would be; but this year it is getting its release; and the first trailer (with the stellar cast) really gets my hopes up to watch it in your memory. IT is coming too, dear Sis.
And of course Season 7 of GoT is this year, as is the many parallel tie-ins they'd be making for the years to come... although probably Mr. Martin wouldn't be bothered to actually sit down and write the books still.
I miss you, dear Sis. We all do.
I somehow believe in your demise had certainly shaped things to happen for all of us. All part of the grand set of things. If only you are still here, many things wouldn't have happened; Mum & Dad probably wouldn't be able to finally visit China (albeit the wrong province) for their mission trip, Ma probably wouldn't be writing her blog (yes, it is still recipes, she hasn't start on her many testimonials, and your memoir) and other writings, Harry would probably not been saved yet, and I for one wouldn't probably be back here to find my (sort-of) calling. And I know I would still be just another constant backslider, and never finding peace.
But I believe in His plans for all of us, and at times I'd wish it didn't turn out with you being the chosen one to be called home as early as this, but if then I'd never get around to doing His works from this year, and for the many years to come.
I shall take my solace in Him and in ranting out here once in a while, dear Sis.
Saturday, 20 May 2017
May Part One
It certainly has been a great ride through most of this month of May.
What with a busy month indeed in my walk with Jesus, I suppose it didn't reach the heights of April in matter of remarkable-ness I suppose, but May has been very good and very busy too as things starts to click and fall in place; well, most of it anyway, and some are pretty much a starting point, and I am so waiting for the months to roll by for the fruits to bear.
No doubt, I've yet to do anything in my sandwich/or pasta-in-a-box distribution small-time business; and I've yet to produce a single sample edit of the intended label (though the idea for it has 'solidify' in a way as I built ideas upon ideas on how it should look like - in my head) somehow, there was a teeny bit that reflected back that maybe I wasn't meant to do it (the design) as the only 2 times I sat down in shape to start it with streams of ideas and words swirling; the internet broke. Kinda, you know, downtime. TWICE. not yet , Snake (cue Liquid Snake's voice at the back of my mind)
But then again, there were ideas to divert off making sandwiches for a living too , as apparent as I was playing with the idea to add Pastas-in-a-Box, and even colored | flavored spreads, to even something remotely (to me) as those Breakfast-in-a-Jar thingie. hmm, Baby Oats? Bah!
On the other front, I got my second 'order' for church refreshments the week before, and this round I managed to make a teeny tiny tidy profit, and with not much of a sore to carry for days, Hallelujah!
The most important part from that day would probably be me accepting the numerous thanks from everyone, I mean, previously I was being shy about it (whenever someone thanked me for the blessing) and tried to let them know that it wasn't a blessing per se; since I do get paid for the effort, etc, it's not like I paid for everything. But I came to realize that , hey, Thanks be to God, for He has enabled and strengthened me to do this the night before for hours (minimum 5 hours + hours of planning and driving about town) and no doubt, I practically earn around RM20 that covers my gas money for the week, (ok, last week I made about RM30 or so on top of my gas money) and yes, it is way lower than what I'd somehow technically earn if I so wish to be employed for? Also, with RM150 I suppose the church saved a bit of moolah instead of buying other refreshments. right?
Should've kept it to heart of what Ps. Bernard said last month something along the lines of "..blessing of 5 Star sandwich on a 1 Star price.." right?
I've also started participating to help with the church's Young People team; in preparation for their year-end youth concert. It really dawned on me to not being choosy (of wanting to help, but only the next edition which coincides with the 20th Anniversary of first ever youth concert that I co-emceed way back in '98) and immerse and offer what little I can in the meanwhile to learn the ropes and familiarize with. Today will be my third meet with them, and I really gotta go. Pack up the laptop for a bit of design work later after YP before tonight's YA meet, (not conducive to come back and go again at night I suppose)
What with a busy month indeed in my walk with Jesus, I suppose it didn't reach the heights of April in matter of remarkable-ness I suppose, but May has been very good and very busy too as things starts to click and fall in place; well, most of it anyway, and some are pretty much a starting point, and I am so waiting for the months to roll by for the fruits to bear.
No doubt, I've yet to do anything in my sandwich/or pasta-in-a-box distribution small-time business; and I've yet to produce a single sample edit of the intended label (though the idea for it has 'solidify' in a way as I built ideas upon ideas on how it should look like - in my head) somehow, there was a teeny bit that reflected back that maybe I wasn't meant to do it (the design) as the only 2 times I sat down in shape to start it with streams of ideas and words swirling; the internet broke. Kinda, you know, downtime. TWICE. not yet , Snake (cue Liquid Snake's voice at the back of my mind)
But then again, there were ideas to divert off making sandwiches for a living too , as apparent as I was playing with the idea to add Pastas-in-a-Box, and even colored | flavored spreads, to even something remotely (to me) as those Breakfast-in-a-Jar thingie. hmm, Baby Oats? Bah!
On the other front, I got my second 'order' for church refreshments the week before, and this round I managed to make a teeny tiny tidy profit, and with not much of a sore to carry for days, Hallelujah!
The most important part from that day would probably be me accepting the numerous thanks from everyone, I mean, previously I was being shy about it (whenever someone thanked me for the blessing) and tried to let them know that it wasn't a blessing per se; since I do get paid for the effort, etc, it's not like I paid for everything. But I came to realize that , hey, Thanks be to God, for He has enabled and strengthened me to do this the night before for hours (minimum 5 hours + hours of planning and driving about town) and no doubt, I practically earn around RM20 that covers my gas money for the week, (ok, last week I made about RM30 or so on top of my gas money) and yes, it is way lower than what I'd somehow technically earn if I so wish to be employed for? Also, with RM150 I suppose the church saved a bit of moolah instead of buying other refreshments. right?
Should've kept it to heart of what Ps. Bernard said last month something along the lines of "..blessing of 5 Star sandwich on a 1 Star price.." right?
I've also started participating to help with the church's Young People team; in preparation for their year-end youth concert. It really dawned on me to not being choosy (of wanting to help, but only the next edition which coincides with the 20th Anniversary of first ever youth concert that I co-emceed way back in '98) and immerse and offer what little I can in the meanwhile to learn the ropes and familiarize with. Today will be my third meet with them, and I really gotta go. Pack up the laptop for a bit of design work later after YP before tonight's YA meet, (not conducive to come back and go again at night I suppose)
Wednesday, 3 May 2017
That Birthday Last Week
As I keep postponing the darn post; it seems inevitably heading towards The Abyss of Nearly-Written & Half-Misses, thus lo and behold, it has already been 1 week since my birthday. Part of the reason was I subconsciously was pushing the actual deed of (waving the white flag and) shaving off all manner of facial hair silky smooth down the southern hemisphere of my face as I was going for a Before & After pic, then. But alas I've kept myself overtly busy the past week or so, and as evidenced with my dismal return on this weblog (sporadically declined as much as I'd wanted to keep my entries fresh and varied) I've been away from re-activating these tabs (yes I keep both tabs from both accounts running suspended via The Great Suspender)
And as I've recently deduced, I have actually grown less 'addicted' to the things I like to do. I mean I still like doing it, but not so much these days, as I realized (and adamantly insisted) I am never addicted to these things, it is something I like to do, (of course, I'd rate The Hoarding bit as more of a bondage, compared to my actual interests heh!) and somehow these days are practically Strange Magic to me as I am happier to not indulge so much in my favorite past-times. Brainwashed, you might say? No! Not at all. It just doesn't fulfill me that much, really. Sure, at times I'd be so into it, but as it wore on, I hardly recollect much of it in my thoughts. I mean, I still do it because I am used to it / like it (and probably rave about it) , but it doesn't occupy much of time there after (unless those hoarded items..)
Case in point is Guardians of The Galaxy, Volume 2. Sure, I love the heck of the movie and the Awesome Mix #2, and I even went and watch it on the first day. Would I watch it again? (perhaps, but not really because of my current state) I still talk about it, however I need a moment longer to process how was it (thank God I have a good memory of how'd the movie go) and that's it.
Now on to the myriad of TV Series that I follow, I kinda like keep 'em around (as I told a friend, it seems as if I am stashing 'em for rainy days) and as I recalled from my earlier post/list, I am pretty sure most of it has dropped down the level of importance/must-watch-ness. Sure, the eagerly awaited American Gods is the exception (but hey, it was the pilot last week, so give it time before I drop it a peg or two) and it is brilliant btw.
So what exactly has happened to me?
Something good indeed.
I am sure.
There's a reason He called me back to Taiping, and as time goes, pieces of His plans are comprehensible to me.
Well, I've to keep this re-write short I suppose.
Until then, happy belated birthday to me,
And as I've recently deduced, I have actually grown less 'addicted' to the things I like to do. I mean I still like doing it, but not so much these days, as I realized (and adamantly insisted) I am never addicted to these things, it is something I like to do, (of course, I'd rate The Hoarding bit as more of a bondage, compared to my actual interests heh!) and somehow these days are practically Strange Magic to me as I am happier to not indulge so much in my favorite past-times. Brainwashed, you might say? No! Not at all. It just doesn't fulfill me that much, really. Sure, at times I'd be so into it, but as it wore on, I hardly recollect much of it in my thoughts. I mean, I still do it because I am used to it / like it (and probably rave about it) , but it doesn't occupy much of time there after (unless those hoarded items..)
Case in point is Guardians of The Galaxy, Volume 2. Sure, I love the heck of the movie and the Awesome Mix #2, and I even went and watch it on the first day. Would I watch it again? (perhaps, but not really because of my current state) I still talk about it, however I need a moment longer to process how was it (thank God I have a good memory of how'd the movie go) and that's it.
Now on to the myriad of TV Series that I follow, I kinda like keep 'em around (as I told a friend, it seems as if I am stashing 'em for rainy days) and as I recalled from my earlier post/list, I am pretty sure most of it has dropped down the level of importance/must-watch-ness. Sure, the eagerly awaited American Gods is the exception (but hey, it was the pilot last week, so give it time before I drop it a peg or two) and it is brilliant btw.
So what exactly has happened to me?
Something good indeed.
I am sure.
There's a reason He called me back to Taiping, and as time goes, pieces of His plans are comprehensible to me.
Well, I've to keep this re-write short I suppose.
Until then, happy belated birthday to me,
 |
| 30+ years in Taiping and I never knew of this shop. Awesome halal signature side-dish. Man! |
 |
| Week of blessings continued. Made a 2nd batch of Pasta with Sausages (as I warmed to the idea it is ok to copout and do Pasta with Sausages) and bless'd a brother before his journey. I fed him good !! |
 |
| Gay doesn't it? Caught up with a dear old BFF for a good 3 hours over 2 lattes. |
Sunday, 16 April 2017
Guitar Zero
Played 4 venues this week ~ The Guitar Zero
Hah!
Was looking forward to put the above statement when I was mid-way through. It certainly could've been a rockstar's noteworthy tweet, ain't it?
So how did I, a.k.a Mr Guitar Zero found myself playing so many times this week, (in fact it was 5 occasions in a space of 6 days, starting from last Sunday) I suppose I have to count my blessings.
First round was 2 nights in a row for a wake service. Well, Dad got roped in to help with a wake service and it certainly was a first for me to play at a wake service; and Chinese hymns too! The Lord certainly guided through and through on the melody and I suppose I did alright.
Second round was the usual Old Folks' visit; however it was completely different to warrant a bit of worry as well. It so happened that Pastor Andrew, my new guitar-hero (grandmaster sensei! hii-yah!) was not available as he was in Penang; thus so it fell to us 3 to lead the worship; and somehow Mom & Dad decided to choose all 4 'new' songs that we've never played to them before. Oh well, that went alright considering I had ample time (since I had a day off playing on Tuesday to look the songs for Wednesday and Thursday) and with God guiding the rhythm it went through like a cool swig of coconut water (Amen!)
Third round on Thursday was a biggie. Out of the blue, on I think on Tuesday noon, Dad called up and told me I am to assist in playing the guitar for their Pastors Fellowship meet and Pastor Andrew will text me the playlist later on. I was like, WHAT? oh, ok....maaaaybe alright?
Playing for their worship? Where everyone is a Reverend, mostly? I'd have to admit, I was a bit worried, but with His strength I see reason why should I be afraid? This is a good opportunity , and of course I've been getting a lot of practice in (although different songs and languages) and with God being with me, let's do dis!!!!
It somehow prompted me to record a test version for Pastor Andrew to check if I got the songs right, in which I sent it via whatsapp for him to sample.
Very bad recording as I just recorded it as is and without proper gears too, (I should ask around or Google how do people do it nowadays eh?) and since it was originally so soft, I mixed it all together and rendered it with higher decibels on Audacity.
Of course it was funny, the versions I found were slightly hip, and yeah I somehow played it pretty upbeat; and they were singing it like the traditional hymnals as it were, which good thing enough I could be of the alertness to notice and switch my strumming way way slower. It was brilliant too as the gang of pastors of numerous denominations were gathered to worship and pray; and certainly gave me the notion to assist them in any way that I could.
By mid-day of Thursday, I thought that must be it, I've had an awesome eye-opening week thus far, and when I was asked if I could play for Friday's Cell Group meeting, I was like doing a Thor's YES from the trailer of Thor:Ragnarok. Oh well, it turned out to be a short worship as I was given just 1 song to play, (and I think I like my acoustic take on the song, as I somewhat added a bass line on some parts of the song) given that we have a movie screening this week.
I survived!
What a week this is. As I re-collect my thoughts as I shared twice ever since, I've been blessed to have the chance to play so often this week, it certainly is a fun process in my journey. I managed to ball up and tell my schoolmates when I hung out with them on last night (after Cell Meeting) and today when I was brainstorming designs for Young Adults; which I'm doing.
Thank you Abba Father.
Hmm, I've been weblogging consecutively too, eh?
Hah!
Was looking forward to put the above statement when I was mid-way through. It certainly could've been a rockstar's noteworthy tweet, ain't it?
So how did I, a.k.a Mr Guitar Zero found myself playing so many times this week, (in fact it was 5 occasions in a space of 6 days, starting from last Sunday) I suppose I have to count my blessings.
First round was 2 nights in a row for a wake service. Well, Dad got roped in to help with a wake service and it certainly was a first for me to play at a wake service; and Chinese hymns too! The Lord certainly guided through and through on the melody and I suppose I did alright.
Second round was the usual Old Folks' visit; however it was completely different to warrant a bit of worry as well. It so happened that Pastor Andrew, my new guitar-hero (grandmaster sensei! hii-yah!) was not available as he was in Penang; thus so it fell to us 3 to lead the worship; and somehow Mom & Dad decided to choose all 4 'new' songs that we've never played to them before. Oh well, that went alright considering I had ample time (since I had a day off playing on Tuesday to look the songs for Wednesday and Thursday) and with God guiding the rhythm it went through like a cool swig of coconut water (Amen!)
Third round on Thursday was a biggie. Out of the blue, on I think on Tuesday noon, Dad called up and told me I am to assist in playing the guitar for their Pastors Fellowship meet and Pastor Andrew will text me the playlist later on. I was like, WHAT? oh, ok....maaaaybe alright?
Playing for their worship? Where everyone is a Reverend, mostly? I'd have to admit, I was a bit worried, but with His strength I see reason why should I be afraid? This is a good opportunity , and of course I've been getting a lot of practice in (although different songs and languages) and with God being with me, let's do dis!!!!
It somehow prompted me to record a test version for Pastor Andrew to check if I got the songs right, in which I sent it via whatsapp for him to sample.
Very bad recording as I just recorded it as is and without proper gears too, (I should ask around or Google how do people do it nowadays eh?) and since it was originally so soft, I mixed it all together and rendered it with higher decibels on Audacity.
Of course it was funny, the versions I found were slightly hip, and yeah I somehow played it pretty upbeat; and they were singing it like the traditional hymnals as it were, which good thing enough I could be of the alertness to notice and switch my strumming way way slower. It was brilliant too as the gang of pastors of numerous denominations were gathered to worship and pray; and certainly gave me the notion to assist them in any way that I could.
By mid-day of Thursday, I thought that must be it, I've had an awesome eye-opening week thus far, and when I was asked if I could play for Friday's Cell Group meeting, I was like doing a Thor's YES from the trailer of Thor:Ragnarok. Oh well, it turned out to be a short worship as I was given just 1 song to play, (and I think I like my acoustic take on the song, as I somewhat added a bass line on some parts of the song) given that we have a movie screening this week.
I survived!
What a week this is. As I re-collect my thoughts as I shared twice ever since, I've been blessed to have the chance to play so often this week, it certainly is a fun process in my journey. I managed to ball up and tell my schoolmates when I hung out with them on last night (after Cell Meeting) and today when I was brainstorming designs for Young Adults; which I'm doing.
Thank you Abba Father.
Hmm, I've been weblogging consecutively too, eh?
Friday, 14 April 2017
The Hunt (of a substitute...smartphone)
And so, March was also the month the trusty ol' 'primary' phone started its real reminder that it must not go on for any longer.
I mean yeah, it still works.... whenever it feels like it. Ha! It kinda makes me drawing the similarities of it to those staffers that practically thought they owned a stake in the establishment; y'know those types that basically goes AWOL and un-guiltily waltz in whenever convenient? Yep.
Anyway, the whole malaise with it is that it has deteriorated to a level it no longer charges properly as it should be. Being a pretty handy google-r, it boils down to the charging port is faulty (which could be cleaned, if lucky or worse) and it's just a matter of luck after numerous pulling out the battery and plugging it back on in anticipating of the red flash or green charging animation.
I did ask a shop guy deemed friendly enough (certified honest by mois; since he is the guy Mom got her tablet from months back) and he told me since there are minute cracks of the screen; such operation would bear a risk of fubar-ing the said screen inevitably bringing up the repair costs and the cheapskate in me was considering options and, yeah the major seems to be to kiss it goodbye and (hopefully) upgrade! Yes. how wrong I was.
I've been away from actually giving an actual toss of the latest gadgets, really. I mean, to a level where I still know which is (which) and is a coming soon model , by name I suppose, of the biggest few (sorry, low memory dictates I can't recall what else aside from the impending Iphone 8's and Galaxy 8's; and er, well, possible maximum RAMs of recent high-end devices I suppose, too) and those upcoming-brands-with-awesome-specs-on-paper-yet-you-are-too-scared-to-check-out's.
I've been on occasion read about these other brands too; and I would like to think that I am sort of 'techie' enough to know tech specs (ehem) but just you know, when one has virtually no intent on owning them, these information are just for, say, probable conversation piece? Looks-wise, I am running a realization that my comprehension of some smartphone's designs (come on, there's just too many, amiright?) are as bad as how I'd differentiate cars. (which I am pretty terrible at, since cars are never a thing that I like, y'know sometimes men aren't car junkies/enthusiasts mmkay?)
It was inevitable that I'd be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of smartphones available; and add to the fact that I have only maybe slightly over half the intent to get a new one (in which I am still struggling to decide between a pre-loved or refurbished or a definitely low-end new unit) and the rather pointless diversions checking out those premium models' specs for research purposes.
I suppose whenever I have the spare little time this month I was basically researching and comparing my probable next phone.
To make it so goshdarnit hard is that there are simply too many options and questions; and the suitability of course. I am pretty much a decently heavy user per se; the usual works; browser, social medias, music & video player, electronic reading materials of dubious origins, amateur photography (okay, not exactly on point, but yeah. NO SELFIE and certainly not an avid photog guy too) some games whenever, and whichever productivity applications.
But I guess the main reason to get it working is basically getting the bloody phone to work so I could get the instant messaging up, since I am being drawn into the many church chat groups these days, other than that, I had most of substituted (back) to the laptop anyhow; yes I use Whatsapp Web for convenience at home (and no autocorrects, except maybe the cat's butt-typing) but taking pictures isn't conducive to lug around Ma's tablet eh?
In justifying the need of favoring a change rather than taking the gamble to repair said phone; it isn't in the best of shape for some time; it looks ruggedly worn with dents and cracks and even the protective er, protector hasn't seen better days with its lengthwise cracks.
It lost its WIFI for about a year now; same goes with the Hotspot, Bluetooth and other connectivity, except the last one standing - Mobile Data. Camera is functional, so that's what I've been snapping with and manually transferring to the computer for edits.
Besides these flaws, it has served me pretty well the most of the years; and even being maimed off its WIFI I still manage to get a decent amount of things done.
I'm somewhat in favor of gambling for a decent mid-range pre-loved over a new low-end, as I don't see myself going overboard for a new mid-range. A top range is something I'll aim for when I start to roll in cash HAHAH! obviously.
There are a few good top-range pre-loved of yester-years too (and these are somehow within my maximum amount of funds, in which I am in no favor of using up the bulk of it and resorting to save again for the little business) , and that's what gets me being thrown in the deeper end.
Decisions decisions.
I mean, come on. I could probably do some groundwork and check the couple of phone shops nearby for ideas, but in this age you should be doing your homework and search yourself and compare prices. Besides, I don't wanna be adick of a customer with my ideal specifications under XX amount right?
RAM + Expandable Storage (of 64GB or more) = main criteria
Chip + Earpiece (don't know why, but not cables though lol) = secondary criteria
WIFI & Bluetooth = given criteria, I mean, of course.
Camera pixels + how strong the damn glass should be + how strong the battery should be (ahaks!) + Color (or even in Pink?) + carrier set/size of sim = other negligibles
I am also considering about moving back to an Iphone too, since I think I found some good deals of Iphone 5s'es and because this whole affair of getting a working whatsapp-able phone to work; it is definitely something that I could consider too. Oh well.
I should start a spreadsheet of the 'probable' devices arrayed with it's maximum External Storage (I will need to find a new home for the memory card, right?) and RAM's of above 2GB.
Yes, a simple spreadsheet, will somehow gets to comparatively easier to spot the differences.
And then I shall take my own sweet time(hopefully) and hunt!
I mean yeah, it still works.... whenever it feels like it. Ha! It kinda makes me drawing the similarities of it to those staffers that practically thought they owned a stake in the establishment; y'know those types that basically goes AWOL and un-guiltily waltz in whenever convenient? Yep.
Anyway, the whole malaise with it is that it has deteriorated to a level it no longer charges properly as it should be. Being a pretty handy google-r, it boils down to the charging port is faulty (which could be cleaned, if lucky or worse) and it's just a matter of luck after numerous pulling out the battery and plugging it back on in anticipating of the red flash or green charging animation.
I did ask a shop guy deemed friendly enough (certified honest by mois; since he is the guy Mom got her tablet from months back) and he told me since there are minute cracks of the screen; such operation would bear a risk of fubar-ing the said screen inevitably bringing up the repair costs and the cheapskate in me was considering options and, yeah the major seems to be to kiss it goodbye and (hopefully) upgrade! Yes. how wrong I was.
I've been away from actually giving an actual toss of the latest gadgets, really. I mean, to a level where I still know which is (which) and is a coming soon model , by name I suppose, of the biggest few (sorry, low memory dictates I can't recall what else aside from the impending Iphone 8's and Galaxy 8's; and er, well, possible maximum RAMs of recent high-end devices I suppose, too) and those upcoming-brands-with-awesome-specs-on-paper-yet-you-are-too-scared-to-check-out's.
I've been on occasion read about these other brands too; and I would like to think that I am sort of 'techie' enough to know tech specs (ehem) but just you know, when one has virtually no intent on owning them, these information are just for, say, probable conversation piece? Looks-wise, I am running a realization that my comprehension of some smartphone's designs (come on, there's just too many, amiright?) are as bad as how I'd differentiate cars. (which I am pretty terrible at, since cars are never a thing that I like, y'know sometimes men aren't car junkies/enthusiasts mmkay?)
It was inevitable that I'd be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of smartphones available; and add to the fact that I have only maybe slightly over half the intent to get a new one (in which I am still struggling to decide between a pre-loved or refurbished or a definitely low-end new unit) and the rather pointless diversions checking out those premium models' specs for research purposes.
I suppose whenever I have the spare little time this month I was basically researching and comparing my probable next phone.
To make it so goshdarnit hard is that there are simply too many options and questions; and the suitability of course. I am pretty much a decently heavy user per se; the usual works; browser, social medias, music & video player, electronic reading materials of dubious origins, amateur photography (okay, not exactly on point, but yeah. NO SELFIE and certainly not an avid photog guy too) some games whenever, and whichever productivity applications.
But I guess the main reason to get it working is basically getting the bloody phone to work so I could get the instant messaging up, since I am being drawn into the many church chat groups these days, other than that, I had most of substituted (back) to the laptop anyhow; yes I use Whatsapp Web for convenience at home (and no autocorrects, except maybe the cat's butt-typing) but taking pictures isn't conducive to lug around Ma's tablet eh?
In justifying the need of favoring a change rather than taking the gamble to repair said phone; it isn't in the best of shape for some time; it looks ruggedly worn with dents and cracks and even the protective er, protector hasn't seen better days with its lengthwise cracks.
It lost its WIFI for about a year now; same goes with the Hotspot, Bluetooth and other connectivity, except the last one standing - Mobile Data. Camera is functional, so that's what I've been snapping with and manually transferring to the computer for edits.
Besides these flaws, it has served me pretty well the most of the years; and even being maimed off its WIFI I still manage to get a decent amount of things done.
I'm somewhat in favor of gambling for a decent mid-range pre-loved over a new low-end, as I don't see myself going overboard for a new mid-range. A top range is something I'll aim for when I start to roll in cash HAHAH! obviously.
There are a few good top-range pre-loved of yester-years too (and these are somehow within my maximum amount of funds, in which I am in no favor of using up the bulk of it and resorting to save again for the little business) , and that's what gets me being thrown in the deeper end.
Decisions decisions.
I mean, come on. I could probably do some groundwork and check the couple of phone shops nearby for ideas, but in this age you should be doing your homework and search yourself and compare prices. Besides, I don't wanna be a
RAM + Expandable Storage (of 64GB or more) = main criteria
Chip + Earpiece (don't know why, but not cables though lol) = secondary criteria
WIFI & Bluetooth = given criteria, I mean, of course.
Camera pixels + how strong the damn glass should be + how strong the battery should be (ahaks!) + Color (or even in Pink?) + carrier set/size of sim = other negligibles
I am also considering about moving back to an Iphone too, since I think I found some good deals of Iphone 5s'es and because this whole affair of getting a working whatsapp-able phone to work; it is definitely something that I could consider too. Oh well.
I should start a spreadsheet of the 'probable' devices arrayed with it's maximum External Storage (I will need to find a new home for the memory card, right?) and RAM's of above 2GB.
Yes, a simple spreadsheet, will somehow gets to comparatively easier to spot the differences.
And then I shall take my own sweet time(hopefully) and hunt!
 |
| line too slow to edit or meme it. but yeah, hunting .... |
A Chance Meeting
 |
| yep. 1998, dang! |
Where do I begin with? It certainly is a mix bag of emotions and I'd really say this has been one of the most connected I am with my/this adopted town of Taiping.
These series of events started on one of the Sunday Service, (too lazy to get the exact dates, I mean, come on) it was a pretty cold and frosty morning I suppose as I pulled on a sweater and drove towards the gray skied path towards the hill. Hmm, wrong, that wasn't the day, I am confusing it up.
Anyhow, ah, yeah, I dug out one of my favorite shirts (which I haven't worn since back here) the night before and actually pressed it ; yes, that floral black shirt (circa 2003 i think) gets ridiculously crinkle-fries whenever whatever, and I'd just sewn back a missing button (circa 2010-ish I suppose from the numerous skullduggery nights that year, ah!) and basically raring to go with this new old favorite shirt that morning.
As it happened, I would go on and encounter an extremely rare traffic as I neared the church vicinity, which in itself is pretty much in the same ballpark of Stranger Things (yes the series, but not anything remote to what happened 'happened' to me,..) as :
1) it's a Sunday morning.
2) it wasn't raining, and of any accidents
So that is weird, (that it happened that morning, not the why) as all those mornings to church I've never met with a traffic jam. In TAIPING, yo! (I mean, there are 'traffic jams' per se, nowadays, I suppose during rush hour since majority of roadworks here are predominately 2-lanes; nothing compares to KL, I suppose its much more akin to a mini jam in, say, internal part of Damansara Jaya type of jam?...I somehow miss proper city traffic jams though somehow,..)
Nevertheless, that morning somehow made me late (though I think I did alright, I was in a jovial mode happily praising and stuff, really!) as I made me way to see there ain't a single seat available in my usual mid-section and even the back; somehow I got ushered to sit at the 1st front way in front (which I never did; I'm always a 2nd or 3rd row person, in general) and since I was sitting in the front with 1 of the usher-er that somehow I would move to the middle aisle when it was the usual-greet-each-other-session....and that's when I said hello to a familiar-yet-a-face-that-you-know-you-don't-see-often-YET-you-know-you-should-know.
She must've got that same vibe as well, though it only ensnared her for a split second, as immediately I said something along the lines of 'Hi/Hello, God Bless You, I think I am suppose to know you?' I reckon she recognize my voice (?) and shrieked my name, which produced no reply but rather an exaggerated heeeeeeeyyy, OMG...hi, we talk later ok? Saved by the bell really. Sort of. She already said her name, phew! Lucky me.
So, it brings us a full circle to Jess. (of course I could not for the life of me remember her full name)
Being a pseudo-amnesiac (I don't suppose this term exists, but I really should define it as an involuntary selected memory loss?) I actually thought I knew her damn well ages ago.
But as the days went by and after a few nights out just hanging and absolutely catching up on each other's tales and fears and future and that blurry memory; it was certainly a chance meeting that we could've missed out either way; found out she was up til 5am (if I'm not mistaken) and could've just skipped church as easily as I could've just reached earlier and got a seat in my usual middle (4th row) seats and get smothered with more people surrounding me to meet & greet and don't get the opportunity to move to the other section. God had certainly made that meeting happened.
 |
| the only pic we took this time around, and with selfie noob looking anywhere but the cam, or maybe I was just sleepy? |
I suppose The Lord has a plan (of course!) and indeed I'd like to think all that happened is His way of showing me the signs.
I've had a vision in January when I was praying for the kids and youths of Taiping and with this revival of sorts in me(more on this some post later) I now have a plan to get myself ready and spark a proper 20th Anniversary (or some other name..) Reunion for those of us involved then to reach newer bloods and youths in this town.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
~ROMANS 8 : 31
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)