I was driving home and as usual tuned to evening drive with Terry on Red FM enjoying the songs while waiting for the 60k music takeaway cue to sms. And as usual, there were other on-going contests and invites that you can part take – so one was this shrimp off challenge. I smsed in and bleeps later, Terry called saying I’m one of the contestants. Few songs afterwards, my conversation with Terry was played over the radio. I must say, hearing your own voice is weird… lol… I sounded like a kid.

but i digress….

So, the day had come. Most of the contestants wanted to be in JD’s team thinking that being big means big eater too. Since I never underestimated being small, I sided Terry, along with few other underdogs.

Meg who initially was just accompanying me found herself dragged into Terry’s team too. Haha… And the challenge begins – first among contestants in groups of two.

JD’s Team

VS

Terry’s Team

After the rules explained, shouting and booing exchanged, the chow down started…

Each with a bucket of shrimp and the one who got the most weight difference in 60sec will be the winner.

Surprisingly, the girls did quite well too and on Terry’s side, I was the one with most weight difference. Since it was only a point difference between me and the other guy on JD’s side, we battled it out in another round – this time in 30sec. The one who wins will get a RM100 Bubba Gump voucher. That’s enough a motivation for me but unfortunately, I lost! nooooo! All the while, the advice shouted at my ears like I was deaf was “squeeze the butt!!!”. OMG…. sorry guys, I should have squeezed harder. lol

Next was Terry and JD’s turn to settle their score.

Terry!! Your turn to squeeze the butt!

Disgusting JD

Finally, who’s the shrimp king?

The retarded JD! He must have cheated. Nevertheless, thank you and Dilly for making me laugh every morning.. Hehe.

For the fun and good sport, we were all given goodie bag.

The best of the lot – the late night love songs compilation! Haven’t got the chance to play it though cause my PC has finally KO-ed after the occasional hiccups that worsened everytime I switched it on. The shirt is cute, but way too sexy for me. urgh! Last but not least, Bubba Gump voucher worth RM30! Yeehaa.. anyone wants to join me for seafood now?

“Young People and Sexuality”, being the theme celebrated by Malaysian youths this year was surely an interesting topic. Youth participation does not only involve the  planning, implementation,  monitoring and evaluation, but by integrating the concept of sustainability via the providence of youth-friendly reproductive health services so that access, availability and affordability in obtaining these services will no longer be the barriers in constructing a comprehensive framework in tune with the global theme – “Sustainability: Our Challenge. Our Future”

We cooperated with FRHAM to educate young people about their sexual and reproductive health rights and responsibilities and encourage youth participation through answering our survey questionnaires and giving their opinions to the issue.

We have also increased awareness related to sexual transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS.

We promoted FRHAM’s project on providing youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health related services which include contraceptives, pap smear screening, self-breast examination, self-testicular examination, HIV, abortion referral, clinical advices and counseling.

Loads of fun, heck I even get to see Xiao Yu in person as she was emceeing for an event after ours.

The performance:

Here’s the cast of glee gleeful IYD committee, volunteers and officers. We’ve done great, good job!

Oh yea.. look what we’ve got in the goodie bags…

With proper instructions, a little push and loads of movements to go with the upbeat musics, working out has never been this fun. I’ve set a new target for myself..aaah.. can’t wait for the journey to begin when it comes.

I wish to honour the Les Mills philosophy

Let’s reduce our carbon footprint together

Luckily, Dad came back with me but unluckily for him to be part of the labour. Cause’ he had to do this

Dad and I painstakingly scraped off the newspaper. Rubbing off with thinner doesn’t seemed to work. Water does make the removal easier though. After that, we applied two layers of wood protection just like previously. When it’s dry, assembly is commenced!

We used two types of ‘L’ Bracket – plastic and steel. We wanted to use all steel but out of stock so we bought plastic ones and they are cheaper anyway. We used plastic ones for the simple tables.

Applied carpentry glue between two pieces so that they hold more strongly..

After many many screwing (no pun intended), we’re done! 2 simple tables, 1 weirder looking table and 1 shelf.

and

Piles of newspapers to throw and clean up.

The total cost of the project is RM 156.50, and approximately 65 man-hours. Worth it? Yea to some extend it was satisfying but the process wasn’t exactly that enjoyable. We had bruised palm and backache due to much bending. urgh! But it was certainly a rich learning experience. Below are some of the things I would improve on / reduce the next time around (if any):

• Reduce wood protection coating. Perhaps only use them for the sides. That would dive the cost down by 40%, using only one tin and lower the man-hours by 50%. Using less chemical is also more environmental friendly.
• Would love to try paint instead. Black or white would be my top choice.
• Install then only paint the side to avoid newspaper sticking on the wood. This would reduce the man-hours by another 20%.
• An electric driller would certainly speed up things and reduce physical pain.
• Minimize throwing of newspaper and recycle them instead. Almost all are torn while separating them from wood.

Without a good assistant like Dad, this project will not be completed so wonderfully. Thanks!

]]> http://alexlee.youthchapter.com/2010/02/27/diy-woodwork-part-ii/feed/ 3 http://alexlee.youthchapter.com/2010/02/11/diy-woodwork-part-i/ http://alexlee.youthchapter.com/2010/02/11/diy-woodwork-part-i/#comments Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:10:46 +0000 teik http://alexlee.youthchapter.com/?p=239 More >]]> In support of green architecture, I have decided to make my own furniture by re-using pieces of wood that I managed to salvage. Apparently some people left it lying by the stairs and seeing that no one came to claim them, I loaded as many pieces as I can into my poor little car in the middle of the night when no one was watching and transported back to my apartment. The pieces, weigh more than 5kg a piece, are still in very good condition. There are still more  pieces of variety sizes and shapes by the stairs but that’s all I could carry though I have the desire to go back for more. Perhaps some other day. Each of the wood measure 1 inch thick but of different length and width. So this is what I did to them thus far:

1. Wiped them clean and stacked according to size
2. Took measurement with IKEA measuring tape
3. The GOAL: use up all the pieces and make as many furniture as possible. The designing work is actually the hardest process. It had me thinking for quite a while. Below are my engineering-ish drawing sketches:-
4. The preview of the end result. There will be three tables and one shelf. Each shape is tagged with alphabet corresponding to size. This is for easy identification and to avoid using the wrong piece during assembly.
5. Recently my wooden computer table was covered with mold – same type of wood, only thinner. So I’ve decided to apply wood protection to avoid having the same problem. Went to Ace Hardware to look around and here’s what I came back with:- 
6. Painting. This is when the actual labour begins. Each surface was coated twice. I had twenty two pieces and the recommended drying time before re-applying is 12 hours. But I waited only about 7 hours because I was impatient. I worked from morning till midnight.
7. The second coating made the wood even darker. The surfaces are now not so smooth as I thought they would be.

One litre of wood protection wasn’t enough so I went and bought another two more tins. If I had another chance to do another woodwork I would want to try coloured paint. Now I left the reverse side to coat but I face a problem. The newspapers are now glued to the wood. Anyway I’ll figure out how to solve it after the Chinese New Year break. I can’t wait to get them done. It’s my woodwork since ‘kemahiran hidup’ back in the secondary school days. As for now HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!!!

Well, one brave soul did – Chew Hoong Ling. To cut it short, she donated 60% of her liver to save a 13 year old girl, and today she’s the campaigner of organ donation. Basically her job is to inspire people /  convince people to pledge their organs, and she’s been successful. I’ll tell you why later because I have something to say now.

I have finally tasted Starbucks coffee! Lolx. I’m a guy who doesn’t think paying  more than RM13 for a coffee is worth it, so the only way I’m holding this cup was because it’s free.

There are many things I’ve learned from this session which I would like to share, so here it goes. How Hoong Ling came to donate part of her organ was pretty simple. She received a forwarded email (like most of us did), saying a 13 year old girl was in dire need of a liver transplant. The difference was this – she didn’t forward that forwarded email instead she responded by calling the hospital. Then one thing led to another. She went for a test to determine the suitability. In the course of her test, she found out she actually had only one kidney – all these while, she was born with only one kidney. Sometimes you discover stuff in an unusual circumstances, doesn’t it? Without saying she passed the test.

Now she faced many objections from different people till she doubted her decision until someone told her that it was her fate and karma to do this operation, and that once she’s decided, she is not to look back.

Before they proceeded with the operations, she had to undergo strict interview/process from the ethics committee. There are three parties involved – the doctor, donor and receiver.  This is to make sure that the doctor is not doing it for the money (alone); the donor fully aware of the consequences and under no circumstances being forced nor involved in selling of the organ, and the receiver is indeed in a life-threatening stage where organ transplant is the only solution.

Here are some interesting facts. Doctor told her that her chance of death was 1 to 1.5%. That’s why she had the confidence to go on with the operation. The liver is the only organ that can grow back. Now Hoong Ling’s liver has fully grown back, even bigger than before. She donate about 500gm of her liver. Have you wonder why major operations take so many hours to complete? Dressed very casually, Hoong Ling said that the doctors had to cut very carefully and tie up every artery they come across. That means cut a bit, tie, cut a bit, tie, cut a bit, tie. That’s why lo.

The sad part is that the 13 year old girl did not survive the ordeal but not because of the liver cancer case. Months after the operation, she had bone cancer (not spread from the liver cancer). Because of that, she had to undergo chemotherapy and as a result her immune system was very weak. She contracted lung disease and died.

Sad indeed but it wasn’t a wasted donation. In fact Hoong Ling’s act extended the girl’s life for 8 months. It may not seem all that long, but try imagine yourself in her situation, you would cherish every second of it.

At this point I shall recommend you to watch ‘7 Pounds’. Another solid performance by Will Smith with a great story. I say great story because I had no inkling what Will Smith was trying to do and it wasn’t predictable. Maybe I have low IQ but go ahead and watch it anyway, if you haven’t already.

Hoong Ling now goes everywhere with forms – lest anyone might want to pledge their organs. She’s been doing a great job even for someone who’s signed up. Back then I didn’t want to donate my skin and eyes upon death. I pictured myself dead, with only bones and no eyes! eeeewww. Looking at a dead person is spooky enough, but to actually look at one without his skin and eyeballs is like a halloween nightmare. However after explanation I have decided to donate it all! woohoo. As for skin, they’ll only graft the back part or perhaps your thigh. As for the eye, they don’t actually take the whole eyeball but the cornea. So yea, not so scary now.

Before

Now

This is me with the courageous Hoong Ling who’s also known as the mercedes girl no thanks to the operation scar. Is a whole 14 inch mercedes scar (yes we saw it – she showed to the crowd). This info – 14 inch – had won me a present from the quiz section! It’s a bag. Great, just what I needed as I’m actually running out of bags to carry. For some reason all my previous bags have torn on the part where you carry or sling over your shoulder, if you get what I mean.

I look forward to more great stories, free coffees, and gifts! In the mean time, go pledge your organ. It’s really a waste not to cause you are dead anyway. You won’t feel a thing, right? lolx.

]]> http://alexlee.youthchapter.com/2010/02/07/live-inspire-chew-hoong-ling/feed/ 5 http://alexlee.youthchapter.com/2010/01/31/live-inspire-billi-lim/ http://alexlee.youthchapter.com/2010/01/31/live-inspire-billi-lim/#comments Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:44:31 +0000 teik http://alexlee.youthchapter.com/?p=89 More >]]> I’ve managed to bring myself to attend last Thursday Live & Inspire series in Bangsar. This time features Billi Lim, also know as the failure guru.

Entitled ‘Dare to Fail’, Billi’s session was filled with insights, tips and lessons. Apart from learning some pointers about failure & success, watching Billi was a form of entertainment itself. His style and delivery was not only energetic but crude in a funny way.

Here are notes:

1. You feel so bitter and even think of committing suicide when you keep failing over and over again. However DO NOT give up or think that you have failed. Learn to transcend.
2. It is good to fail. It is part of success and life journey. The experience gained will help you in the future.
3. Failure & Success are one for without failure there is no success. Success & Failure is a journey.
4. Know what is your failure and success.Know what is your failure and success.
5. Money, cars and big houses are only symbols of success. Real success transcends all these.
6. Failure is not the opposite of success. Failure is when one do nothing in life.
7. Indication of success is when you are able to sleep well at night, become happier and having more friends each passing day, and have an open heart.
8. Let children make mistakes and fail. This will be the greatest education you would give them.
9. According to Billi, Bill Gates prefers to hire those who have failed before because he would rather his employees fail in other company than his own.
10. There is failure everywhere and everything that you do be it in relationship, business, studies and etc. Accept failure and treat every single journey as a positive experience and be grateful for the opportunities.
11. Be prepared to face failure. Be emotionally strong. Success is just around the corner when you are at your worst moment.
12. When things get bored, tough, or down, see it at a different angle. Again be thankful for what you have.
13. One fails on average 3.8 times attempting a single course. This means one can fail up to 4 times and will achieve success on the 5th time.
14. The best way to know whether you will succeed or fail in doing one thing is to DO IT. Only then you can know.
15. FOUR steps towards success: (1) DARE TO DREAM (2) DARE TO TRY (3) DARE TO FAIL (4) DARE TO ACHIEVE

Recently a friend once wrote: Money is not everything, but everything is money. This is true, almost anyway.  It’s so hard to find parking in KL, unless you are willing to pay and it’s not cheap either. Parking fine would cost you RM100 here whereas Ipoh only RM30. I find the cost of living in KL is 3x more. No wonder people here are always looking for more money and often in a rush. Jam some more.. Hmmm…

But there are more sights and sounds, to see, to explore, to learn. It’s a big place. It’s going to be interesting this year.

Till then, cheerio~~

It seems only yesterday when we were young and gay

Playing house games and fighting everyday

Since then you have grown into a pretty lady

Everynow so often driving guys go nuts and crazy

You look so beautiful on your wedding day

Like a princess from far far away

Today we rejoice your grandest day

Tomorrow you will be flying away

Starting a new life with a prince so lovely

Whom has won your heart to be your faithful lover

I am blessed to witness this auspicious matrimony

Hereby wishing you and hubby happiness forever and ever

p.s: this is a long overdue post, so I’m going to cheat a little by postdating it backwards to make it more relevant..hehehe

last but not least