Odysseys of George

Sultan Abdul Hamid Collegians can stand proud again as this prestigious school once again stand above all to celebrate its 100years.

The celebration activities actually started in Jun last year with a fund raising dinner held at PWTC organised by SAHOCA on the 3rd of November 2007.

Tomorrow, there would be a THE 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY HUNT.

The SAHOCA Treasure Hunt 2008 with the theme “ Jom Sambut 100 Tahun Kolej” was initiated by SAHOCA Selangor/ Kuala Lumpur to motivate ex-collegians in the Klang Valley to make a journey to Alor Setar and partake in the festivities organized in conjunction with the 100 years Kolej celebration and events.

The starting point is the Car Park B, One Utama Shopping Kompleks, Petaling Jaya and he finishing pint is the Kolej School Hall, in Alor Setar.

The flag off will be at 7.45am on the 24th July 2008 and the closing time of arrival is at 5.00pm at Kolej Hall, Alor Setar.

PROGRAM FOR TREASURE HUNT 2008 - ( 24th July 2008. )

7.00 am
Gathering at Car Park B, One Utama, PJ
7.15 am
Final Briefing by Hunt Club, Organiser
7.45am
Flag- Off by VIP Hunt will traverse North South Highway and into Kedah - Entry into Alor Setar is the North Toll PlazaTreasure Hunting around Alor Setar with relevance points of interest to Kedahan and ex Collegians

5.00pm
Hunt Closes at Kolej Hall, Alor SetarAfternoon Tea at Kolej Hall
6.30 pm
LCD Answer presentation and Prize Award
7.00pm
Event Ends

On the 26th of July, would be the Centenary Celebration Day.

For a walk down the memory lane, check out Down Memory Lane

As for me, I would have to miss it. I am on call tomorrow and would have to work on Saturday too.
However, I have a facebook group that I have created which have managed to bring together many of us. Hopefully the group can do more that just be online.

I read a passage, and this part captured my attention which was relevant to present situation.

In June 1966, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a celebrated boxer, along with an acquaintance were convicted of murder in a highly publicized and racially charged trial. The boxer maintained his innocence and became his own jailhouse lawyer. After serving 19 years, Carter was released when the verdict was overturned. As a free man, he reflected: “Wouldn’t anyone under those circumstances have a right to be bitter? . . . I’ve learned that bitterness only consumes the vessel that contains it. And for me to permit bitterness to control or infect my life in any way whatsoever would be to allow those who imprisoned me to take even more than . . . they’ve already taken.”

When we hold on to disappointment, a poisonous root of bitterness begins to grow.

When angry feelings go unchecked,
They’ll mushroom into hate;
So don’t let time feed bitterness—
Forgiveness must not wait. —Sper

Bitterness is a root that ruins the garden of peace.

ref: RBC ministries

Wow! I can’t believe it! It has been almost 3 months and about 6 months since writing my blog became slightly erratic - hmmm…. an understatement actually almost lifeless. It was during these times that I was reflecting on my life and despite many loyal readers who have asked as to why I stopped blogging - it was purely — i lost the beat and momentum to write. There were days when I had many things to write but the words were missing. There were days when I wonder how much I can write as I find there are some who rather spend their time analyzing ways to get back at me. My life has been alike the highs and lows of a manic - depressive person but I have somehow manage to keep myself sane. Problems seem to be hurdling into me in every direction and consume me. Then recently, after having gone through the lowest ever moment in my life, the great depression in my life, I found a spark to lift my spirits high and soar through the skies. I hope this is not another manic phase though it has all the criteria for one actually.

So I promise to start again - those medical articles, the personal ones , travel blogs and above all my diving articles.

It all started on facebook. The need to gather my long lost friends made me decide to start a group for my batch specifically and my school generally. It was the group called College Sultan Abdul Hamid. Though wrongly coined as it is supposed to be Sultan Abdul Hamid College, I decided to continue the group. It was slow but thanks to photos uploaded by Alex and Ujin, the group took off well. Old memories rekindled and the need to know was just insatiable.

Then we decided to meet up - just to get the ball rolling. It was a little jittery at first but somehow we made it.

Meeting point - Bangsar Shopping Centre

Dining at Dome

Attendance: Allan, Alex, Christopher and his fiance, Wen Shioung and his wife and kid, Vernon and I

It could have been more but such impromptu meet is difficult to entertain sometimes.

Time: 7pm

I remember feeling excited about the whole thing. Early in the morning, Alex smsed me to confirm that he was going. Then it was all quiet till Vernon smsed me too saying he and Shioung was coming and both were trying to get the rest to come. As I was getting ready, Vernon called again sounding worried that there was nobody that were coming. I reassured myself and him. Allan then smsed me to say he had just noted the meet and I invited him immediately.

Allan was there first then I. The rest arrived shortly and we headed to the Dome after a brief introduction. We were surprised and pleased to meet all. It has been a long time. I have not met Alex for 14 years and Allan and Chris for 12 years. Vernon, I met him last was 3 years ago and Wen Shiung was last year.

From left to right: Allan , Alex , Christopher, Chris es’ GF, Wen Shioungs’ Wife , Kid and Wen Shioung and lastly Vernon Seaton.

Allan looks the same and so did Alex. Chris have the same features but has put on some weight. Vernon and Wen Shiong look the same too. I wonder how much I have changed?

We spoke and chatted till we were tired. We left Dome at 10pm saying our goodbyes and with hope to have another meet soon - this time with a larger group and more variety to the palate. He He!

I have been restless,
I was in foul mood,
I was temperamental,
Because I was anticipating this day.

But as the day approach,
I was dawned with sadness,
I was filled with tears,
Because I could not see you.

The day has come,
I feel like embracing you,
I want to kiss you,
I am sombre,
Because I am without you.

I called but to no avail,
But you would not know,
I wanted to let you know,
Nothing more but to how much I miss you,
And that I love you,
And ………,

In all that I wished,
I could have you in my arms,
Kiss you and look into those eyes of my own,
Smile from the depths within,
To see my mirror image, you, smiling back at me,
My very own,
My love, my life,

But the day passes,
My wishes vanishes in thin air,
I sit still wondering the future,
If I could still have my wish come true,
To embrace you my dearest child.

Happy Birthday Ruban.

i want to fly,
i want to see the skies,
reach above the clouds,
stay close to the stars.

i want to dive,
into the depths of the sea,
reach the unknown and then in that instance, cherish the moment in silence,
where breathing and heart beat dance in symphony.

then even when i fall from the skies,
or drown in the depths,
there is no regrets and no remorse,
there is no sadness but gladness,
for i have achieved what the heart desires.

but …..somehow,
i feel a drag,
the heaviness bearing my legs down,
feeling the volume within me like shackles tied to my heels,
burdened, slaved, to the rules of mankind.

George