Thursday, May 1, 2008
My scene of serenity....
The setting will be in a lake or a river. Sea is out of the question as waves crashes to the shore. Even though its very calming to listen to the waves, I prefer quietness. The lake itsef must be surrounded with forest. Preferably, there is place in the middle of the lake. Like a floating platform with shades. On that platfor there is a nice chair, table, source of music and somehow there must be warm tea. Mist would be a plus. Imagine sitting down on the chair, soaking up the atmosphere. Breathing the pure air, free of pollutants and noise. The music that should be playing is a Chinese Zheng. Its a stringed instrument that is played by plucking the string. Taking a sip of the tea and feeling the essence of peace down your throat. You watch the cloud go by. Once in a while, the wind blew its soft caresses to you. You breathe again and think, how wonderful is being alive.
Hopefully. One day. I get to do it.
Have a good one. This is Ivan signin off...
JBU
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Imagination and Knowledge
In my opinion, this is quite true. If you recalled a lot of successful people, used to have ideas that are considered wild. I know of 2 examples. Fred SmithFed Ex andColonel Sanders of KFC fame (yeah, that white bearded, cane wielding, white coat-ed grandpa).
The question comes back again to one very broad topic of debate. Nature or Nurture? Basically, the argument is whether a person is born with talents or are those talents learned.
Still I believe, when you strongly believe in your dreams and you badly want the dream to come true, knowledge will be of no stumbling blocks to you. What I mean is that you will do all you can do to achieve your dreams with ease because you are passionate about it. However, one must take care as thin line seperates passion from obsession. When you are obsessed with your dream, its bad. You will do practically anything, including bad things, just to achieve your dreams. For example, in pursuit of financial wealth, people becomes obsessed with work and money. They ignores everything else, like family, friends and social life. Whats the use of acheving your dreams but losing everything else? The question then becomes, is your sacrifice worth it?
Coming back to the topic, why imagination is important, is because they help us solve problems. Imagination encourages creativity. I dont know about others, but my dad and I usually gets solution to an answer when we were not seriously thinking at all, like when we are taking a shower or brushing our teeth. I think the reason is because, during this time, we are not thinking about the box, the constricting forces to our solution. We let our imagination run free. After some discussion with my dad, I realise that usually, at these times, we were thinking about solutions possible and not about the problem. Understanding the required solution stems from clearly understanding the problem, but usually, we just think about all possible solution. Once we know a solution we want, we start to think about the approach to that solution. Thats how usually we achieve a solution to problems.
Well, in closing, imagination and knowledge, hand in hand will enable you to acheve your dreams. whatever it is.
Have a good one.
Ivan
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Dilemma....
Remember my new year resolution? I said something about joining the evangelistic ministry. I did just that. That means I serve the church in 4 diffrent areas, that is, prepping the church for service (gempan), usher, translator for sunday service and the evangelistic ministry.
Recently, I went back to Indo and on my church, I got close to my friends in the breakdancing ministry. They inspired me to learn some kind of dance. After much deliberation, I finally decided on joining a hip hop class at The Studio at east Perth. I was thinking next next week, coz thats the only time I can make it and hopefully by next week, I will have a car.
Today, there was an announcement. It was regarding IFC Rocks. Its a new dance ministry. I have told two of my friend about my desire to dance. They both encouraged me to join the ministry. Which will make me arrive at the dillema. Should I join? Cause if I were to join, I have to make sacrifice. Otherwise, I might not be at my best. I might have to sacrifice the Gempan ministry. I like to usher and they are currently out of guys and translator are definetely a rare find. So, I really dont know. I have to ask my friends.
Oh, yeah you can see my friends strut their stuff here http://youtube.com/rocketkrew
Yesterday, I went for late night shopping with Dewi. We ate at Samurai and we went for walks. I was looking for a frame for Meng. I dont know what he is thinking, but he wanted to buy a frame for his graduate certificate from the reject shop. That piece of paper should be framed with a better frame. Anyway, we went to window shop for digital cameras. We talked a lot about the future, where we are heading, whats our plans. The evening went well. I sent her back to the Bullcreek train station cos thats where she parked the car (she wanted to try the train).
As a parting words, I would like to share two songs thats been playing in my head. One is an english song and the other one is a indo song. I do not endorse the content of the first song. The second song..... Is for the hopefuls but not desperate out there. My pastor sang it so many times and in so many sermon. Thanks to him, I remember the chorus. Tuhan kirimkanlah aku, kekasih yang baik hati, yang mencintai aku, apa adanya. Translation; God please send me, a lover with a good heart, who loves me for who I am.
Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
Closed off from love
I didn’t need the pain
Once or twice was enough
And it was all in vain
Time starts to pass
Before you know it you’re frozen
But something happened
For the very first time with you
My heart melts into the ground
Found something true
And everyone’s looking round
Thinking I’m going crazy
But I don’t care what they say
I’m in love with you
They try to pull me away
But they don’t know the truth
My heart’s crippled by the vein
That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open
Trying hard not to hear
But they talk so loud
Their piercing sounds fill my ears
Try to fill me with doubt
Yet I know that the goal
Is to keep me from falling
But nothing’s greater
Than the rush that comes with your embrace
And in this world of loneliness
I see your face
Yet everyone around me
Thinks that I’m going crazy, maybe, maybe
But I don’t care what they say
I’m in love with you
They try to pull me away
But they don’t know the truth
My heart’s crippled by the vein
That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I....
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open
And it’s draining all of me
Oh they find it hard to believe
I’ll be wearing these scars
For everyone to see
I don’t care what they say
I’m in love with you
They try to pull me away
But they don’t know the truth
My heart’s crippled by the vein
That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I....
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open and I....
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open and I
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
Munajat Cinta - The Rocks feat Ahmad Dhani
Malam ini, ku sendiri,
tak ada yang, menemani,
seperti malam-malam,
yang sudah, sudah
Hati ini, selalu sepi,
tak ada yang, menghiasi,
seperti cinta ini,
yang s’lalu, pupus
[Chorus:]
Tuhan kirimkanlah aku,
kekasih yang, baik hati,
yang mencintai aku,
apa adanya
Mawar ini, semakin layu,
tak ada yang, memiliki,
seperti, aku ini,
semakin, pupus
Ok folks, have a blessed night/day. This is Ivan signing off.
JBU.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's day
As for me, I treat Val day like any ordinary day. What I like about the day would be that the radio played more romantic songs than usual. Which is a plus because the dj didnt play those sad, gloomy, emo-type songs which is depressing. Also, everyone will be in the happy mood. Wouldnt you be happy if you see other people are happy? Well, I am.
I only had one val day that I spent with the person I card about. It was two years ago. We didnt do much. Exchanged gifts and went for dinner. Goodness.... That dinner sure put a dent on my wallet. I gave her a big heart plush and she gave me a pen and a box of ferrero rocher. In a heart box. I know, I know. Some of you might think, 'how cliched'. Well, that was my val day and needless to say, it was memorable. Well, those days are over...
I couldnt remember what I did last year. Im pretty sure I didnt do anything. However, yesterday is a memorable day. No, it wasnt a romantic dinner. There are 5 of us, Me, Hagun, Erlin, Pia and Inex. We were shopping for the decoration for our Carnivalentine. For details of that event, click http://carnivalentine.com/. The fun part was when we were collecting twigs and leaves for the decoration at Curtin. It was quite embarassing as there was a graduation ceremony on that day. I think people is staring at us wondering what we are doing collecting leaves and twigs on graduation day. If they ask, I will tell them, "I dont know what does those people do to get their degree (points at the graduates), but this is what I have to do". We went to the area near building 205. Then the sprinklers turned on. It was quite a challege to walk on the path without getting wet. After that, we went to the riverside to collect some sand.
Well, thats about all that I can say about val day. Thanks for reading :D
In closing, I will leave you with a lyrics of a jazz songs that should be fitting for the day.
My romance
My romance doesn't have to have a moon in the sky
My romance doesn't need a blue lagoon standing by
No month of May
No shining stars
No hideaway
No soft guitar
My romance doesn't need a castle rising in Spain
Nor a dance to a constantly surprising refrain
Wide awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true
'Cause my romance doesn't need a thing but you
Wide awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true
'Cause my romance doesn't need a thing but you
This is Ivan Singing off. Have a blessed day.
JBU
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
2008 Resolution
>) I WILL NOT miss my Daily Devotionals.
>)Take a part in evangelistic ministry.
>) Start ministering my friends. This has got to start real soon. Harvest is aplenty but the workers are few.
>) Have more friends than last year and knowing my old friends better. Have to try to help friends with their troubles.
>) Always doing something. Spend less time daydreaming.
>) Lose weight. Aiming for a 15 kg reduction. Strategies: Eat less, excersise more.
>) Do well in my studies. Since Im taking a new course this year, I have to work hard this year.
>) Spend less time on Internet. Have to reduce my time spent in front of the computer.
>) Spend more time on my assignments so that I will get good marks.
>) Get a Job. Since my uni contact time will be reduced, I have to find a job to fill my time. Have to be related to my degree.
>) Learn martial arts. This has been my dreams since childhood.
>) Be a better cook. This year, I have access to a kitchen. I WILL cook more so that my skills will improve.
>) Learn photography, photo editing and poster creating. I believe this is an important one as a marketer. Generally, learn more about advertising.
>) Update my blog often. Well, to inform you, my dear readers, of the progress of my resolutions. Suggestions are welcomed :)
This year, to me, its the year of A New Beginning. A New and better Ivan than last year. This yeas is going to be AWESOME, GREAT, MAGNIFICENT!
Gotta sleep now.
Farewell, my friends ;D
Saturday, December 15, 2007
A little bit of summary....
I was the driver for Han's wedding. He is my lanlord's son. The good part is I can learn the wedding custom in Aus. And not to mention the dinner is in Burswood. I am suppose to drive the Honda Oddesey (the old tall one). I must say, that car is pretty good, taking into account the beating I felt it received. Nonetheless, the event was a successful one, even though the supposedly outdoor party had to be moved indoors due to the uncompromising weather. The winds were too strong.
My Church decided to hold a Christmas dinner and celebration to thank its worker. I kinda felt that the event loses its true purpose, which is to thank the workers. The reason being the dinner
is open for everyone. It was originally planned to be a dinner to appreciate the worker. It was planned to be that way; invitation only, RSVP required. Then somehow, the event was announced publicly on sunday service. This generates guests that surpasses our initial estimation. In fact, it doubled. The event had to be replanned and we had to almost start from scratch. Luckily, we had a strong team and we pulled trough. God must like us a lot cause everything went smoothly. The kids danced to the vids that I made. They are funny. I wonder how they coordinated the kids. The dance team strut their moves(which is pretty slick if you ask me), The drama was hillarious and the sermon was awesome. I had to translate it though. This is the second time Im translating for that pastor. On the day, I even got a souvenir. The kind that I can choose to keep as long as I want. Anyway, everyone in the comitee is satisfied and all went home exhillarated and exhausted.
SG! The land of good food. Chicken rice, mee pok, popiah, cha kuey teow, hokkien mee, nasi lemak, sup kambing, yong tau foo, hot pot noodle, fish head bee hoon, ban mian, kway chap, cha shiew fan, loh mee, kuey teow goreng, chng thng (Im serious! Its a dessert), tow suan........ Goodness, if I continue the list, it might need another blog by itself. After all the sucky food I've been trough in Perth, everything taste so good. Even the ordinary teh peng tasted wonderful. The prices too, its soo cheap.... Got some gears at funan. Bought some Chinese traditinal clothes and some indian traditional clothes. Gonna wear them soon. Played Silent Hill the Arcade with a good friend of mine. We are suppose to meet up with another friend, but he cant make it due to the fact that he is waiting for his parcel from Perth to arrive. Anyway, I think I might be going to sg again soon.
After a tiring 4 days at Sg, its time to head back home. My home was still the same. Unchanged for some 5 years. Oh well, the next day, its time to work. Im helping my father on the factory. We produces two categories of stuff. Electrical motorcycle parts and building material. Our main brand is MAX for the motorcycle parts. For the bulding material, We do door and window equipments and our main brand is ELT which stands for East Lin Tiger. Im going to write about the the detail in another blog.
Anyway, Im tired now. See ya around. This is Ivan signing off.
JBU
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Marriage.....
Anyway, back to topic. Yeah, I mentioned this topic because about 20 or so of my friends are married. That could be intepreted as two things right? Either I should get married soon or my friends are older than me. Fortunately, its the latter. Some of them even have babies already!
This kinda rang a bell for me. What is marriage? Is it as simple as two people taking the next step? Or is there something else. Last time, I shared on a radio, a post about soulmate. Hah, you're right. Your friend here is a Radio Host on call. Basically, what I shared is that soulmate isnt miraculously conjured.
What is soul mate? A partner so incredibly wonderful, that you basically can’t live without. Loving, caring, understanding. Once a person says, “You can have many wives, but only one soul mate.” This guys words got me thinking, is the only way to have a soul mate is by 'trying out' women or men and see if he/she is our soul mate? What I mean by trying out is that getting in a relationship with the person and make a decision form there. In my opinion, whether or not your partner is a soul mate depends on us.
I can say this because people’s perception of love is twisted. Why I say twisted? It’s because they only think of themselves. They thought of what they wanted and not what they need, and what they want isn’t always going to make our commitment to our partner last a long time. Even if they did get what they wanted, they forgot to think about their partner. What I mean is that they forgot about the how to keep their partner happy as they think that as long as they have what they wanted, everything is smooth sailing. As a matter of fact, it isn’t. It took a lot of effort to make a marriage work. After all, it’s a union of two people from a totally different world.
Let me tell you the diffrence between want and need so that you get the big idea. Take me for example. What I want is a big house. However, being a student, taking care of a big house is a daunting task. You have to clean and sweep more that you should. Compare it to a dormitory. We would take turns cleaning the common area and the area I have to clean is comparably smaller so that I can concentrate on my study. This is what I need.
Soulmate is a process not a product in my opinion.
So yeah. It takes a lot of effort to make marriage work. Maybe you should ask yourself this question, 'Are you sure?' Not once or twice, but about a hundred times.
So long friends. Have a good one. JBU